James Russell Blankenship

Karen’s dad just stepped into eternity this morning (4/15/10). I should say he stepped into the awesome presence of the living Christ. Having lost two key men in my life, my dad six years ago(12/30/03) and now my father in law reminds me of the transient nature of life and how important a place we each play in life. Each of these men had much in common and yet were distinctly different. They were each men of God, whose first love was Jesus Christ. Both knew the importance of prayer and the power of God’s Word. They were patient, kind, generous and gracious. They were leaders, each in their own arena of life, and yet were humble servants. They lived for eternity and walked with a consciousness of the living Christ each day. They were aware of and thankful for the grace of God. They loved to laugh, and each had a smile that was unlike anyone else. Their eyes were of different color, but there was a sparkle in their eyes even when the days were dark. They both were born into a world filled with difficulty and few luxuries. One was a preacher, the other a small town businessman. Both ran the race till the end and were good and faithful servants of the Lord. Neither one had any significant title, but both left a testimony and a legacy of faith and faithfulness. They were devoted, consistent, credible, authentic, real men. They were respected by their peers, cherished by their family, and appreciated by a multitude of others influenced through their service and love. Their final word to us would be the same, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the seat of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of living water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” For living life well and showing us the way, with deep gratitude and respect I say, THANK YOU to Joseph Lee Donnerberg and James Russell Blankenship.

The Way of The Cross

Last night we joined with several other churches in the city and began a three night series of services for holy week. In reality each week, each day is holy-it is the Lord's. A precious gift from Him to all of creation. The challenge of each day is to make it count for Him, to live for eternal glory, to lay up treasures in heaven. Jerry Thomas in his message last night referenced the hymn, 'The Way of The Cross Leads Home.' I'm all about the new music, but I also love some of the great hymns of our faith. This one communicates a great message for us to remember during this special week leading to Easter. "I must needs go home by the way of the cross, there's no other way but this. I shall neer get sight of the gates of light if the way of the cross I miss. I must needs go on in the blood sprinkled way, the path that the Savior trod, if I ever climb to the heights sublime where the soul is at home with God. Then I bid farewell to the way of the world, to walk in it nevermore, for my Lord says, come, and I seek my home where he waits at the open door. The way of the cross leads home. It is sweet to know as I onward go, the way of the cross leads home.