Our house is truly a home. You can sit, lie, stretch out on the couch or loll on the floor and rest. There is never a lack of food for anyone who enters. It may be a sandwich, leftovers, or full course meal but food is bountiful and available. It is always served with worm conversations, laughter, coffee and sense of “don’t hurry off”, as most often we move to the living room from the table. Our house is a home.
There are family pictures everywhere, especially of grandchildren. Books on shelves in and throughout the home show a diversified knowledge and an eagerness to learn. Unique crafts and curious reveal various travels around the world that are brought back to the Sparks’ home. Bibles are found in each room along with other Christian books. This indicates not only an identity as a home but a Christian home.
Changes, up-dates, redecorating is an on-going process at 7 Turkey Knob. The reward of a new picture, painted wall, new piece of furniture or a Garage Sale find always excites the spirits of the Sparks. Evolving, changing and maturing in a positive way. That’s a home.
The landscaped yard that lay dormant at winter now produces grass, green trees, flowers, blooming shrubs and a need to trim and mow. The wonderful labor of a day in the yard is a reward of its own. Duty gloves, stained shirt, aching back and a Better Homes and Garden look which makes you want to sit and soak up the outer homes beauty. Yes, a home.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
THE LAST VINTAGE OF A PAST ERA
There it sits on the busy corner of Hardesty and Gordon Cooper Drive, an aging building surrounded by the green fields and casinos. Hardesty Grocery, the family owned and operated business for generations. When Murl retired, brother-in-law, Frank Oliver and wife, Yvonne, kept the old time grocery and market going.
Indeed, this is a place where people know you and stop to talk and talk. Some of the familiar faces that stood vigil at the counter continue to work in this piece of history. These are common folk who with a natural friendliness, pump gas, check out groceries, weigh pecans and sell fresh meat over the old fashioned white counter. Ah, the people in white aprons who wrap your order in white paper are like Jewelers who show the product you’ve drooled over in the slanted glass display case. They then cut it to your design while you patiently stand there imagining it roasted, baked or lying between slices of fresh bread. There is an art to this ancient meat market and a pleasant appreciation for the wonderful product.
In this age of modern Super Stores that have parking lots as big as wheat fields and people in soldier-like uniforms that take your money or you can ever check yourself out; it is wonderful to have the last vintage of a past era to serve you. They may pull in driving a tractor or farm truck, an SUV or a Cadillac but they keep coming to enjoy the meet, vegetables, fruit and friendliness of the old country on his hands on his apron, ready to share a story about family or church; a man whose entire life has been serving others. Ed Barnes is still there, hoisting sacks of pecans that out-weigh him, onto a huge scale. Yvonne, who seems ageless, is s steady presence at the cash register, always smiling.
Then those are the faithful customers who traffic in and out daily like family entering the kitchen. The latest, the political, the gossip, the grapevine, the complaints and the humor all are common sounds around the v-shaped counter. No, this is not an advertisement or criticism of other types of markets but it is an expression of appreciation for the little guy with the big heart who keeps going.
There, on the corner of a country road and a stretched out city street is a vintage of a past era, Hardesty Grocery. Wherever they move, many of us will follow because service, quality and warmth are never out of style.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Indeed, this is a place where people know you and stop to talk and talk. Some of the familiar faces that stood vigil at the counter continue to work in this piece of history. These are common folk who with a natural friendliness, pump gas, check out groceries, weigh pecans and sell fresh meat over the old fashioned white counter. Ah, the people in white aprons who wrap your order in white paper are like Jewelers who show the product you’ve drooled over in the slanted glass display case. They then cut it to your design while you patiently stand there imagining it roasted, baked or lying between slices of fresh bread. There is an art to this ancient meat market and a pleasant appreciation for the wonderful product.
In this age of modern Super Stores that have parking lots as big as wheat fields and people in soldier-like uniforms that take your money or you can ever check yourself out; it is wonderful to have the last vintage of a past era to serve you. They may pull in driving a tractor or farm truck, an SUV or a Cadillac but they keep coming to enjoy the meet, vegetables, fruit and friendliness of the old country on his hands on his apron, ready to share a story about family or church; a man whose entire life has been serving others. Ed Barnes is still there, hoisting sacks of pecans that out-weigh him, onto a huge scale. Yvonne, who seems ageless, is s steady presence at the cash register, always smiling.
Then those are the faithful customers who traffic in and out daily like family entering the kitchen. The latest, the political, the gossip, the grapevine, the complaints and the humor all are common sounds around the v-shaped counter. No, this is not an advertisement or criticism of other types of markets but it is an expression of appreciation for the little guy with the big heart who keeps going.
There, on the corner of a country road and a stretched out city street is a vintage of a past era, Hardesty Grocery. Wherever they move, many of us will follow because service, quality and warmth are never out of style.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
For I am God
A Dose of the Word
September 25, 2008
I saw a tee-shirt on a youth at the Shawnee Mall. It read: “I believe in God and you are not Him.” I chuckled, but then I thought many people do behave with an idea the universe revolves around them. When the Old Testament prophet Hosea wrote this verse, “For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you.” Hosea 11:9, four things emerged as divine truth.
There is a difference – “For I am God”. There is only one God. He is creator and sustainer of all life. He is above and says My ways are not your ways or my thoughts are not like yours. The great I AM is a statement of His supremacy, only He is God.
There is a depiction – “and not man”. There could be nearly seven billion of us on this planet now! There were not a billion until 1930 on the earth at one time. Perhaps as many as 42 billion have lived since time and creation. But only one God. He made us, “It is He who made us, and we are His…” Psalm 100:3. We see man depicted as made in the image of God, but not portrayed as God.
There is a divinity – “the Holy One”. God is different not only in power, but in character He is holy. God is pure in love, grace, and all His attributes. Through Jesus Christ, He has revealed Himself totally. We sing “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” because He is distinct in Holiness.
There is a dispersion – “among you”. Not off up there, but right down here among us. On the road, hallway, home, job, where ever we are, He is there with us. God has dispersed His Spirit to walk with us. He is not a spectator, but a participant.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
September 25, 2008
I saw a tee-shirt on a youth at the Shawnee Mall. It read: “I believe in God and you are not Him.” I chuckled, but then I thought many people do behave with an idea the universe revolves around them. When the Old Testament prophet Hosea wrote this verse, “For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you.” Hosea 11:9, four things emerged as divine truth.
There is a difference – “For I am God”. There is only one God. He is creator and sustainer of all life. He is above and says My ways are not your ways or my thoughts are not like yours. The great I AM is a statement of His supremacy, only He is God.
There is a depiction – “and not man”. There could be nearly seven billion of us on this planet now! There were not a billion until 1930 on the earth at one time. Perhaps as many as 42 billion have lived since time and creation. But only one God. He made us, “It is He who made us, and we are His…” Psalm 100:3. We see man depicted as made in the image of God, but not portrayed as God.
There is a divinity – “the Holy One”. God is different not only in power, but in character He is holy. God is pure in love, grace, and all His attributes. Through Jesus Christ, He has revealed Himself totally. We sing “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” because He is distinct in Holiness.
There is a dispersion – “among you”. Not off up there, but right down here among us. On the road, hallway, home, job, where ever we are, He is there with us. God has dispersed His Spirit to walk with us. He is not a spectator, but a participant.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
For Black History Month 2009
A Dose of the Word
While Look and Life were top selling magazines, a new and different magazine appeared which captured more than a quarter of the Blacks in America as readers. John Johnson, publisher and founder began Ebony in 1945 specifically for World War II veterans. Johnson felt these men who were returning to rebuild their lives needed a wider view of the world and more applied knowledge; besides, people needed to hear stories of successful Blacks.
Believer it or not, Johnson’s first publication was called Negro Digest. Many other business moguls were impressed with his ideas and supplied the capital to progress the work. He asked Eleanor Roosevelt to write a guest article, which made the publication triple in size.
Ebony magazine highlighted famous, yet obscure Black Americans who did great things but were overlooked by White magazines. The big break came when Matthew Henson, a Black explorer, journeyed to the North Pole with Admiral Perry. Zenith began to advertise in Ebony and Negro Digest and the newest magazine Jet. Things really took off and soon there were over 12 million in readership.
Thank God for John Johnson who had faith and courage to do what no one else would do as a Black publisher. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Black America. But remember, in Heaven there’ll be no Whites, Blacks or Hispanic or Asians or Native Americans, just the family of God; “…every tribe, language and people and nation.” Amen!
Chaplain Larry Sparks
While Look and Life were top selling magazines, a new and different magazine appeared which captured more than a quarter of the Blacks in America as readers. John Johnson, publisher and founder began Ebony in 1945 specifically for World War II veterans. Johnson felt these men who were returning to rebuild their lives needed a wider view of the world and more applied knowledge; besides, people needed to hear stories of successful Blacks.
Believer it or not, Johnson’s first publication was called Negro Digest. Many other business moguls were impressed with his ideas and supplied the capital to progress the work. He asked Eleanor Roosevelt to write a guest article, which made the publication triple in size.
Ebony magazine highlighted famous, yet obscure Black Americans who did great things but were overlooked by White magazines. The big break came when Matthew Henson, a Black explorer, journeyed to the North Pole with Admiral Perry. Zenith began to advertise in Ebony and Negro Digest and the newest magazine Jet. Things really took off and soon there were over 12 million in readership.
Thank God for John Johnson who had faith and courage to do what no one else would do as a Black publisher. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Black America. But remember, in Heaven there’ll be no Whites, Blacks or Hispanic or Asians or Native Americans, just the family of God; “…every tribe, language and people and nation.” Amen!
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
SPIRITUALITY AND POLITICS NOT RELIGION
SPIRITUALITY AND POLITICS
NOT RELIGION
We are not all on the same page with our belief systems, politics, issues, religion and our ethics. I think there is little doubt there are major disagreements in what is important to us and what we understand as basic moral values. Why do you believe what you believe? That’s a loaded and interesting question that actually calls us to make our choices on nearly all matters of life on those tenets of faith we profess. Which then causes us to ask; Do I know what I believe? How important is it to any decision making process? The answer is it is extremely relevant and those choices we make now affect not only us but also our children and generations to follow.
Looking at the polls won’t help much due to the fact they change daily. Our morals and values cannot be determined by popular trends, the loudest voice, slickest delivery and even what’s best for the economy. You see as Christians, believers, people who believe the teachings of the Bible and embrace the truth of God’s character, our opinion is already settled. God’s already taken His poll and we should be on His side even if it is the smaller percentile. Someone said, we vote on issues not personalities that line up with our God given belief system. Our dear old grandparents were not wrong, nor foolish or uneducated farmers that were void of today’s technologies so unable to respond to the problems of their day. Why? To most of them it was already settled and the rest fell to prayer for leaders who had been elected.
I’m writing in the Religion section of the newspaper of Shawnee, Oklahoma, the belt-buckle we say of the Bible Belt. I don’t recall seeing the Hindu, Jewish, Moslem or Buddhist perspective offered. Why? They came from elsewhere and were I in the genesis of their countries, you would not find Christian doctrine expressed there. I am well aware this is dangerous ground I stand on but honestly, with all our freedoms, history and protections, aren’t we still sealed by a higher moral authority?
It is what God says, not Gallup, that dictates my choice. It is the Word of God (already settled forever in Heaven) that inspires me, not political parties. Sure, I’ll have to open my Bible and read, study and pray to arrive but true doctrine will not divide, it will unite us on those matters of morality. This is a spiritual world we live in, always has been. I am faced with the same dilemma that a crowd of doubters and religious folk encountered on a mountain called Carmel. The question put forth was plain, frank and penetrating, “If God be God follow Him?” I Kings 18:21. “How long will you waver between two opinions?” My opinion is not needed but my vote is. My opinion is already stated on the real issues… in the Word of God. So if it sounds fanatical, out-dated, unpopular, fundamental, right wing, etc., so be it. I believe in the teachings of that ancient old book…The Bible. He does not need me to approve His message; He needs me to believe it.
Pastor Larry Sparks
NOT RELIGION
We are not all on the same page with our belief systems, politics, issues, religion and our ethics. I think there is little doubt there are major disagreements in what is important to us and what we understand as basic moral values. Why do you believe what you believe? That’s a loaded and interesting question that actually calls us to make our choices on nearly all matters of life on those tenets of faith we profess. Which then causes us to ask; Do I know what I believe? How important is it to any decision making process? The answer is it is extremely relevant and those choices we make now affect not only us but also our children and generations to follow.
Looking at the polls won’t help much due to the fact they change daily. Our morals and values cannot be determined by popular trends, the loudest voice, slickest delivery and even what’s best for the economy. You see as Christians, believers, people who believe the teachings of the Bible and embrace the truth of God’s character, our opinion is already settled. God’s already taken His poll and we should be on His side even if it is the smaller percentile. Someone said, we vote on issues not personalities that line up with our God given belief system. Our dear old grandparents were not wrong, nor foolish or uneducated farmers that were void of today’s technologies so unable to respond to the problems of their day. Why? To most of them it was already settled and the rest fell to prayer for leaders who had been elected.
I’m writing in the Religion section of the newspaper of Shawnee, Oklahoma, the belt-buckle we say of the Bible Belt. I don’t recall seeing the Hindu, Jewish, Moslem or Buddhist perspective offered. Why? They came from elsewhere and were I in the genesis of their countries, you would not find Christian doctrine expressed there. I am well aware this is dangerous ground I stand on but honestly, with all our freedoms, history and protections, aren’t we still sealed by a higher moral authority?
It is what God says, not Gallup, that dictates my choice. It is the Word of God (already settled forever in Heaven) that inspires me, not political parties. Sure, I’ll have to open my Bible and read, study and pray to arrive but true doctrine will not divide, it will unite us on those matters of morality. This is a spiritual world we live in, always has been. I am faced with the same dilemma that a crowd of doubters and religious folk encountered on a mountain called Carmel. The question put forth was plain, frank and penetrating, “If God be God follow Him?” I Kings 18:21. “How long will you waver between two opinions?” My opinion is not needed but my vote is. My opinion is already stated on the real issues… in the Word of God. So if it sounds fanatical, out-dated, unpopular, fundamental, right wing, etc., so be it. I believe in the teachings of that ancient old book…The Bible. He does not need me to approve His message; He needs me to believe it.
Pastor Larry Sparks
Ministers Corner
Ministers Corner
Have you ever been really hungry? I don’t mean that after school hunger or when the preacher goes over time on Sunday morning. But actually denied food for an extend period of time. With most of us struggling to keep weight off and dieting, it’s difficult to imagine that hungry people live in our small city. But they do exist and their population is growing. Every race, culture and age is affected by lack of food and poor nutrition.
There are over 700 references in the Bible that speak to feeding the hungry or helping the poor. Over three fourths of our world’s population of nearly seven billion will go to bed hungry tonight. Lack of food is caused by a number of factors globally and locally. Drought or too much rain ruins crops, corrupt governments, breakdown in family, drugs, economic collapse, unemployment and other valid reasons create lack of finances and food. Three main areas form relief for these hungry hurting people. Government agencies, Social services set up to meet such needs and churches.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:42 “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat…” That is a serious indictment, especially for our churches which claim the name of Jesus. We should be at the front ministering food to people. Everyone needs prayer, some need counsel, cooking classes, job search support, a plan to move up, aid to health issues and help with children’s issues. Many of these are available through entities like Salvation Army, Mission Shawnee, Feed the Children, area churches and community support financially through United Way. Volunteers are always welcome and needed.
It seems we have inflation, recession and depression all at the same time. Desperate times cause people to pray, evaluate self and re-adjust priorities. We drop some of the frivolous toys and get down to basics of human needs. People may drive less, buy less, budget more, spend time together, make Christmas gifts and find themselves not only surviving but conquering hard times.
God is still on His Throne. He cares for our needs but He desires we know Him, trust Him and do things His way. If you are a Believer in the Word and the Lord, I challenge you to show up in church somewhere with your family this Sunday. What would happen if everyone in Shawnee went to church this week? There was prayers, worship and fellowship. Some great things can happen again.
Have you ever been really hungry? I don’t mean that after school hunger or when the preacher goes over time on Sunday morning. But actually denied food for an extend period of time. With most of us struggling to keep weight off and dieting, it’s difficult to imagine that hungry people live in our small city. But they do exist and their population is growing. Every race, culture and age is affected by lack of food and poor nutrition.
There are over 700 references in the Bible that speak to feeding the hungry or helping the poor. Over three fourths of our world’s population of nearly seven billion will go to bed hungry tonight. Lack of food is caused by a number of factors globally and locally. Drought or too much rain ruins crops, corrupt governments, breakdown in family, drugs, economic collapse, unemployment and other valid reasons create lack of finances and food. Three main areas form relief for these hungry hurting people. Government agencies, Social services set up to meet such needs and churches.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:42 “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat…” That is a serious indictment, especially for our churches which claim the name of Jesus. We should be at the front ministering food to people. Everyone needs prayer, some need counsel, cooking classes, job search support, a plan to move up, aid to health issues and help with children’s issues. Many of these are available through entities like Salvation Army, Mission Shawnee, Feed the Children, area churches and community support financially through United Way. Volunteers are always welcome and needed.
It seems we have inflation, recession and depression all at the same time. Desperate times cause people to pray, evaluate self and re-adjust priorities. We drop some of the frivolous toys and get down to basics of human needs. People may drive less, buy less, budget more, spend time together, make Christmas gifts and find themselves not only surviving but conquering hard times.
God is still on His Throne. He cares for our needs but He desires we know Him, trust Him and do things His way. If you are a Believer in the Word and the Lord, I challenge you to show up in church somewhere with your family this Sunday. What would happen if everyone in Shawnee went to church this week? There was prayers, worship and fellowship. Some great things can happen again.
It’s Alright to Believe and Disagree
It’s Alright to Believe and Disagree
My father would say, “Never discuss politics or religion or you’ll offend someone.” Boy was he ever correct, for people are easily offended if you’re not like-minded. If you state your case in either area, someone sharpens his pencil to defend. Well, it makes our paper interesting and often controversial. We should never be ugly, harsh, or mean-spirited with those we disagree. However, we should not be intimidated to alter our convictions because of others offensive responses or defensive words.
We must not suppose that our silence is a contribution to any just cause. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his second letter, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” A quote from Psalm 116:10 but then he goes onto say…”with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of God’s word, we preach, teach and witness. Sometimes people will accuse you of being narrow-minded because you are not like-minded but that’s alright.
The words persuaded, convinced and believed are mentioned frequently in scripture. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have trusted to Him for that day.” (II Tim. 1:2). There is peace, comfort and genuine encouragement trusting in the authority of God’s word. I remember a precious Bible teacher of children in Chandler when I was a child who shared her faith with many. She was neither shallow nor uneducated or did she blindly adopt her belief system. She knew with conviction where her faith was placed in the Savior.
Many times people aren’t asking to believe something as much as quit believing something. A very radical, controversial person once made a claim…”I am the way the truth and the life…” “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” For those words they were offended, they killed Him but He arose from the dead. That pronounced claim offends even more today.
It’s alright to disagree but its okay also to believe and have convictions. I believe, thus I have spoken.
My father would say, “Never discuss politics or religion or you’ll offend someone.” Boy was he ever correct, for people are easily offended if you’re not like-minded. If you state your case in either area, someone sharpens his pencil to defend. Well, it makes our paper interesting and often controversial. We should never be ugly, harsh, or mean-spirited with those we disagree. However, we should not be intimidated to alter our convictions because of others offensive responses or defensive words.
We must not suppose that our silence is a contribution to any just cause. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his second letter, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” A quote from Psalm 116:10 but then he goes onto say…”with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of God’s word, we preach, teach and witness. Sometimes people will accuse you of being narrow-minded because you are not like-minded but that’s alright.
The words persuaded, convinced and believed are mentioned frequently in scripture. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have trusted to Him for that day.” (II Tim. 1:2). There is peace, comfort and genuine encouragement trusting in the authority of God’s word. I remember a precious Bible teacher of children in Chandler when I was a child who shared her faith with many. She was neither shallow nor uneducated or did she blindly adopt her belief system. She knew with conviction where her faith was placed in the Savior.
Many times people aren’t asking to believe something as much as quit believing something. A very radical, controversial person once made a claim…”I am the way the truth and the life…” “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” For those words they were offended, they killed Him but He arose from the dead. That pronounced claim offends even more today.
It’s alright to disagree but its okay also to believe and have convictions. I believe, thus I have spoken.
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