tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52789504701307247192012-01-27T19:15:19.947-05:00Articles, opinions, and observations from a Baptist pastor in West VirginiaC.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.comBlogger5911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-14436603727698549082012-01-26T10:15:00.002-05:002012-01-26T10:22:59.139-05:00

By the end of this week I will have conducted my 103rd and 104th funeral services in the nine years I have been pastor here at Westmoreland Baptist Church. These serve as another couple of reminders to what the Bible reminds us about death. It’s certain. We may not know when. We may not know where. We may not know how, but it’s coming for each of us. It is important for us to remember that this

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-36023945142990731242012-01-25T09:24:00.006-05:002012-01-25T11:43:26.389-05:00

Years ago, my friend, Carl Taylor, would quote this poem from memory around Christmas time.I have looked for it for years, and fortunately, this morning I have finally found it. We boys who grew up in the 50’s (and probably those from the 40’s too) can really relate to this poem. It’s a month late for Christmas, but I think it’s appropriate anytime.Hope it brings a chuckle to you today.Jest 'Fore

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-34765989928948781752011-12-30T05:58:00.004-05:002011-12-30T06:34:57.244-05:00

Martin Luther is a towering giant in the history of the Church, and an iconic figure in the Protestant Reformation. Born in Germany 498 years ago, he became a Roman Catholic Priest, scholar and professor. His study of God's word led him to rebel against the teachings of the church which allowed for sin to be forgiven by monetary purchase. His "Ninety-Five Theses", presented in 1517 brought him

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2011 is winding down to its last few days, and Christmas is only two days away.Linda and I want to take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our friends, at home, and around the world!Christmas is a busy time. Decorations are out. Shopping is being done. Get togethers are underway for church, business, and families. For a few short days, we take a break

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-39077317987536114392011-12-09T22:33:00.004-05:002011-12-09T22:42:13.416-05:00

It’s that time again, and we are constantly reading and hearing news reports about “The War on Christmas”. As followers of Christ, we know what Christmas is all about. We all know and regularly use the current religious clichés, ie. “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”, “Christmas begins with CHRIST”, and “Don’t take Christ out of Christmas!”Many of us go out of our way to find Christmas cards

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-8204857778055449022011-11-30T23:35:00.005-05:002011-12-01T00:01:54.493-05:00

Larry Gunnoe is a friend whom I met in January 1970 at Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tennessee. Larry was another West Virginia native (from Raleigh County) and we became great friends. He, Doug Goolsby, and I were an early version of "The Three Amigos" there on West End Avenue. We worked at the same laundry, laughed together, prayed together, and made many a pizza run when the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-34847472035617179362011-11-28T23:18:00.005-05:002011-11-29T06:32:21.152-05:00

This handsome guy is grandson number 3, namely, Canon Josiah Adkins. (that's right another C.J. Adkins!)Canon, who is seen here in his favorite hat, celebrates his seventh birthday tomorrow, with his brother and their parents in New Orleans. Seven years ago, he was born at Oschner Medical Center in the Big Easy, and it's one birthday I suppose I will never forget.You see, Canon is not only my

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-44740596506202959082011-11-27T15:43:00.005-05:002011-11-27T17:00:32.788-05:00

The whole family came in for Thanksgiving this year. It was totally unexpected, as Jay had told us there was no way they could come from New Orleans for the holiday. I believed him. Both boys are in school, Michelle is teaching at John Curtis Christian School this year, and Jay is on the downhill side of his Ph.D. work at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Then there is also the little

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-47558080994880472002011-11-22T16:15:00.006-05:002011-11-22T18:20:55.252-05:00

Mr. Belcher leaned back in his swivel chair until the back of the chair rested firmly on the chalk tray of the new green chalkboard. It seemed to be his favorite position during fourth period American History class at Beverly Hills Jr. High School. When lecturing the class of eighth graders, he normally sat on the front edge of the big wooden teacher's desk, but when the students sat quietly

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-5650262896467340902011-11-15T06:28:00.000-05:002011-11-15T06:30:30.483-05:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-30592797823186326082011-11-09T21:36:00.007-05:002011-11-10T09:05:39.299-05:00

It must have been late August of 1959 and I was ready to enter my fifth grade year at Gallaher Elementary School as soon as the Labor Day holiday was over.One of the kids in the neighborhood had done something that hurt me badly. For the life of me, I can't recall now what it was, but I can tell you it hurt at the time. I felt the need to get even. I wanted revenge in the worst way.My mother

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-48186576037244892822011-11-03T23:24:00.004-04:002011-11-03T23:44:00.476-04:00

We left Huntington before daylight this morning, for the five hour trip to Martinsburg, WV, for the Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists.I traveled with three of my fellow pastors and one of my deacons. The company was excellent, the conversation was lively, and the drive was beautiful!Martinsburg is about as far away from Huntington as you can get in West Virginia.

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-6679137501805369362011-11-02T05:07:00.003-04:002011-11-02T05:49:54.760-04:00

I have received several public responses and a large number of private responses to the "Open Letter To West Virginia Southern Baptists" that was posted here last week. A hard copy was also mailed to every Southern Baptist Church in West Virginia. The blog shows that there have been 513 visits to the letter and that is obvious from the number of responses I have received.Those responses were

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-67154326792502907562011-10-28T08:03:00.007-04:002011-10-28T15:32:13.089-04:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,I am writing today after much prayer and soul searching. I hope you will take time to read this letter through, and give prayerful consideration to what I am trying to communicate.Next week many of us will gather at the Westview Baptist Church in Martinsburg for the Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists. I look forward with great

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-59258109687423375972011-10-27T22:02:00.007-04:002011-10-27T22:59:54.620-04:00

I was one of three Caucasian faces in the crowd at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Ashland, KY tonight. I felt right at home as I attended night four of their Fall Revival Meeting. Several long time friends greeted me at the door, and the old memories came flooding back from years gone by. Man! Do I feel like I've been to church!(This photo was not taken at New Hope tonight, but I can tell

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-53743516433373993892011-10-27T06:27:00.000-04:002011-10-27T06:29:15.246-04:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-38357226261803732032011-10-26T09:00:00.003-04:002011-10-28T15:24:55.182-04:00

Nine years ago (come November 10th) Westmoreland Baptist Church called me to serve as pastor. I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed, and how many changes have come about in those nine years.The first two years here, I spent working hard to minister to a congregation that was hurting. The next two years, you ministered to me and Linda as we faced the diagnosis of Stage Four Colon Cancer

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-58967777958406232292011-10-10T17:04:00.005-04:002011-10-10T21:48:26.306-04:00

Anyone who has flown commercially more than a few times can probably recite the pre flight safety announcements from memory. You know the ones I am talking about, seat belts, oxygen masks, disabling smoke detectors in the lavatory, etc. Today on Delta Airlines flight DL1059 from Detroit to New Orleans, we were blessed to have a chief flight attendant - a red haired girl named Angie - who added

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-63586697766406939062011-09-23T06:36:00.004-04:002011-09-23T07:29:53.497-04:00

Summer is over. Wow! Where did it go so quickly?I seem to have spent the season immersed in all the usual activities, as well as some new ones. Linda and I built a small deck at the house. Weeks of work went into finishing off the remodeling project on the house on the corner as Benji, his father in law, several other kind volunteers, and I got the place ready for Ben's family to move into just

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-621287637276843332011-09-05T09:19:00.005-04:002011-09-05T11:16:43.696-04:00

Hopefully Linda and I will be departing today on Carnival Cruise Lines' ship, "Triumph" out of the Port of New Orleans. At least we're scheduled to leave today. Whether or not we leave on time today is up to Tropical Storm Lee and its aftermath. Most of the storm has now passed through New Orleans and its remnant is now on its way up through the southeastern U.S. to be enjoyed by our neighbors

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-1263077381075911392011-08-24T21:21:00.002-04:002011-08-24T21:30:22.117-04:00

In what is probably the most familiar rendering of the Great Commission, Jesus said to His disciples (and to us), "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-62716620742596492972011-08-23T12:47:00.004-04:002011-08-23T16:54:48.512-04:00

Watching Dr. Chuck Kelley today live, online form Leavell Chapel at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary brought back vivid memories from nine years ago. As he spoke from Hebrews 11 today in the opening Chapel service of the 2011-2012 school year, my mind raced back nearly a decade ago. Back in August, 2002, my oldest son, Jay, had been in pastoral ministry for five years. He had been

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-89424229753159897592011-08-18T16:31:00.000-04:002011-08-18T16:33:03.982-04:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-35336451657922491272011-08-12T07:39:00.005-04:002011-08-12T08:09:31.657-04:00

The first week of August has been quite a time of transition for our son, Benji, and his family. Last Friday morning he and Leigh Anne welcomed their third son, Nathaniel Ray Adkins, into the world. Little Nathan checked in just before 8:00 AM at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY. (That's the third of our five grandsons who was delivered at KDMC. Grandson number two discovered America

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-26423336742461808602011-08-10T14:39:00.005-04:002011-08-10T17:04:58.633-04:00

Our family has been privileged to vacation several times at a getaway mountain retreat, long owned by my daughter in law's family. The property, which includes a big two story house, is at a place called Cloverlick. It sits beside the Greenbrier River in the beautiful mountains of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Our grandchildren love to swim and play in the shallow waters of the river.

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-92217529294291180192011-07-27T08:19:00.002-04:002011-07-27T08:25:24.842-04:00

Vacation Bible School happened again this year at Westmoreland Baptist Church, and God showed up!VBS is always a fun time for kids, and an exhausting week for the workers, and this year’s school was no different. It requires months of planning, ordering literature and craft supplies, lots of moving things around, disrupting the status quo and the regular church schedule, decorating classrooms,

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-63427201949581199692011-07-25T20:07:00.003-04:002011-07-25T21:56:40.015-04:00

He pulled his Chevrolet Impala up into the driveway of the house where they had lived since 1952."How long are you going to be in there?" she asked in a slightly agitated tone."We LIVE here." came the tired reply."We do? Since when? I don't live here! I'm not going in. I don't know those people. I'll just wait here in the car."Whether it's the morning trip for breakfast at McDonalds (she stopped

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-61029842279147634652011-07-07T22:50:00.003-04:002011-07-07T23:12:14.156-04:00

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32I have removed the previous post from this blog. It had been written in the heat of anger and frustration. I know better than doing that, but I confess I let my temper get the better of me. There is no excuse for that kind of lapse in Christian behavior. I used poor judgement in my

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-70163506172122303812011-06-20T15:53:00.010-04:002011-06-21T07:10:23.850-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has been four complete decades since that photo was taken on June 19, 1971 at the Thomas Memorial Free Will Baptist Church in Huntington, WV. That was the day I promised to bestow all my worldly goods upon Linda Bowling, of Pike County, KY. (all my worldly goods at that time consisted of a small 1966 Opel Kadett four speed station wagon, some bedroom furniture, a

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-31962759800035611192011-06-20T14:34:00.004-04:002011-06-20T15:05:43.820-04:00

148 years ago today, during the dark days of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation, designating West Virginia as the 35th state in the United States of America. The Mountain State owns the distinction of being the only state that came into being through a Presidential Proclamation.The 55 counties that make up our beautiful state are as varied as the peoples who

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-9035427213538378062011-06-15T01:26:00.004-04:002011-06-15T03:02:23.719-04:00

You're never gonna believe this one!I spent nearly an hour typing a post that recounted my experience today counting ballots as a substitute Teller at the Southern Baptist Convention.It was a most interesting experience, and a really great, in depth post. Unfortunately, Blogger's autosave feature apparently didn't work, and I LOST THE WHOLE THING!!!You would think that after all these years I

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-56459909450947710862011-06-13T11:51:00.005-04:002011-06-13T18:19:21.476-04:00

I am in the beautiful city of Phoenix, Arizona for the 2011 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. This is the second time I have been to Phoenix. The convention was held here seven years ago. My son, Jay, and I stayed together here at the historic Hotel San Carlos when we were in town for that convention. We liked it so much, that when we learned that this year’s convention would be

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-80622005901519558892011-06-07T08:52:00.005-04:002011-06-07T09:55:32.779-04:00

The headlines read, “Five American Service Men Killed In Iraq”.When will this end?How long is this going to contine?Many of America’s finest young men and women face physical danger and possible death every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of flag draped caskets bring their remains home to grieving families. Thousands of these young men and women pass through hospitals and physical therapy

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-43530203536577082782011-06-03T06:48:00.004-04:002011-06-03T08:26:03.370-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I was reminded again what a blessing it is to serve as a pastor. Visiting sick folks and shut ins is far from the most exciting and visible thing a pastor does. In all honesty, it is one of the more difficult tasks we face. It's a time consuming activity, driving from place to place to various, houses, hospitals and nursing homes. Naturally, the conversation usually revolves

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-47266391764645375922011-05-30T06:29:00.006-04:002011-05-30T12:49:21.453-04:00

Billy Ray Cyrus had the hit song that told of a veteran who reminded the songwriter about the importance of the service to this nation of the men and women who serve in our armed forces. The chorus goes like this:"All gave some and some gave all. And some stood through for the red, white and blue, and some had to fall. If you ever think of me, Think of all your liberties and recall Some gave all

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-3817204173036284262011-05-27T02:53:00.003-04:002011-05-27T03:34:26.889-04:00

On June 20, 2007 I opened a weblog entitled, “For What It’s Worth” with a post about memories of my Dad, entitled “The Giant”. The purpose of my blog was more or less an online journal which gave me opportunity to share my thoughts – not on paper, but on the net.I had been following some other blogs at the time. Some involved the goings on of the Southern Baptist Convention, and were quite

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-32393336852510304032011-05-26T10:06:00.002-04:002011-05-26T15:45:56.096-04:00

The man sat in my office with tears welling up in his eyes.He was a member of the church. At least nominally so. His name had been on the membership roll since long before I came to that church and so had the name of his wife. They were a couple who had grown up in the community and had also grown up in the church. Yet to say that they were detached from the fellowship would be a huge

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-27206701886461037082011-05-25T05:47:00.007-04:002011-05-25T06:11:07.998-04:00

Please allow me a moment of personal indulgence as I say a word about my oldest grandson, Caudle Jerry Adkins, V (or "Quint" as he is known to family and friends).All grandparents are ga ga over their grandkids. My personal friends and other readers of this blog know that I am especially proud of my four grandsons (as well as the expected fifth one whom I am looking forward to meeting in about 6

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-32083181870072715722011-05-24T01:06:00.011-04:002011-05-24T16:26:09.235-04:00

The 32nd chapter of the Old Testament Book of Numbers reveals an interesting study of Human nature. We see two tribes of Israel, (the people of Reuben and Gad) who longed to settle down in a comfortable land, before the job was complete. We see the stern counsel of their leader, and the challenge he placed before them. And we see that they eventually did the right thing.The descendants of the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-37298776725122585672011-05-22T07:36:00.003-04:002011-05-22T07:46:37.056-04:00

Should you ever happen to see four police cruisers on a public highway, lights flashing, with a single vehicle pulled over, and you happen to have your camera with you, and you think this would make an interesting picture, you might want to think again. I’ve learned the hard way that some of our public servants frown on us citizens making photos of them, while doing their public duty to serve and

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-60337643473406463222011-05-20T06:49:00.005-04:002011-05-20T08:21:00.623-04:00

Don Gorske, a retired prison guard from Fon du Lac, Wisconsin recently consumed his 25,000th Big Mac. It has taken Mr. Gorske only 39 years to accomplish this feat. Can you imagine that?In one of the greatest understatements, ever, Gorske said, "I just like Big Mac's". Ya think?He was featured in the 2004 documentary, "Super Size Me", which looked into the impact of the fast food industry upon

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-87629861182102171892011-05-13T12:44:00.001-04:002011-05-13T12:45:32.404-04:00

My son and daughter in law are expecting their third child (another boy) in early August, and he already has a name - Nathaniel Ray. Now, there is really nothing unusual about picking out a name for baby in advance. Linda and I had boys and girls names picked out for both of our kids well in advance of their births. In those "pre ultrasound" days, one had to chose both masculine and feminine

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-81142114913394603302011-05-07T03:15:00.003-04:002011-05-07T04:21:02.721-04:00

Hot and thirsty, I ran through the back door into the kitchen of the little four room house on Gallaher Street to get a drink of cold water. (This was before the kitchen was remodeled, and years before the addition had been built on the back of the house which doubled its size).The kitchen was where Mom was usually found in those days. She may have been cooking, washing dishes, mopping the floor

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-42493833641460621102011-05-05T09:06:00.005-04:002011-05-05T09:23:02.309-04:00

I was privileged to be in this chapel service and to have lunch that day with the folks from Angola and LCFW. My heart was touched and the tears flowed down my cheeks to see and hear these wonderful examples of the redemptive power of our God.I am so proud of NOBS and the pioneering work they have done in providing theological education for those who are considered "throw away people" by

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-34813529067970950462011-05-03T22:39:00.005-04:002011-05-03T23:55:37.403-04:00

It's hard to say what made the most lasting impression on me. Could be the dazed look still on the faces of many New Yorkers. Perhaps it was the overpowering presence of police officers who were everywhere. Then there was the dust. It still lay heavily on windowsills, ledges, and tops of wall surrounding the grounds of the City Hall. I can still see the long tandem trucks that rolled incessantly

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-26000186426993416822011-05-03T02:18:00.001-04:002011-05-03T02:19:49.910-04:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-56873801369882317912011-05-02T05:52:00.001-04:002011-05-02T05:54:54.853-04:00

May is a month that is special for our family. We will celebrate three birthdays and a wedding anniversary. The end of the month brings the Memorial Day holiday, and the unofficial beginning of Summer. May is also special to most all of us, because that is the month in which we observe Mother’s Day. There is no name on earth that is more dear to most of us than, “Mother”. Much of what we learn in

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-2327914949941992802011-05-01T21:07:00.006-04:002011-05-01T22:06:32.850-04:00

At the time of this writing, the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was 63 hours ago. Yet here on Sunday evening, after two and a half days, two of the three 24 hour news channels I receive are showing their entire wedding coverage from this past Friday - for the umpteenth time!It was a lovely affair, and, I suppose, a storybook tale about the beautiful girl whose "commoner"

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-47468898962640942302011-04-28T03:37:00.006-04:002011-04-28T09:48:23.392-04:00

Well, I am wide awake at 2:45 AM.That is what happens when a 60 year old guy falls asleep in his recliner around 8:00 PM. Linda awakened me at 11:00 with the familiar, "Are you coming to bed, or sleeping down here all night?" Many times the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (and the recliner is comfortable) and I just grunt some sort of reply - never budging from my position. However,

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-72914964177479281302011-04-26T06:10:00.002-04:002011-04-26T06:16:13.218-04:00

My preaching can have this effect on some people. Check out this photo from 1976, pay special attention to my son, Jay, on the front row.

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-59054242238223961942011-04-26T05:30:00.007-04:002011-04-26T07:19:19.513-04:00

Is there anything on earth that grows faster than dandelions?*****Last week the price of gas here was $3.99. Sunday evening it had gone down a dime. Monday afternoon it had jumped to $4.09. How does the price jump 20 cents in (just hours) on gas that is already in the gas station's underground tanks?*****Why are we continuing to spend billions of dollars per day in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-79315967720878565052011-04-25T05:18:00.000-04:002011-04-25T05:20:08.564-04:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-20850145137776313342011-04-24T05:43:00.003-04:002011-04-24T17:09:27.179-04:00

The Book of Job, probably one of the oldest in the Bible, recounts the suffering, faith, and victory of a man whose total reliance was upon God. The enemy had come against Job on a full frontal assault that took away his family, his wealth, and even his physical health. He found no encouragement from his wife, nor his closest friends. But the enemy could not take his faith!Job knew that physical

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-71606509586809510632011-04-23T09:06:00.007-04:002011-04-23T09:53:44.897-04:00

As Mark Twain once wrote, "The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated."Looking back at my posting history, some of my friends may have actually thought I had gone to that big blogosphere in the sky.I was somewhat shocked when I realized that the last regular post was made February 13th during our mission trip to the Philippines. Oh, I know, I posted a couple of things from "Sacred

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-32534668974793453492011-04-23T00:36:00.005-04:002011-04-23T01:18:58.323-04:00

Nobody likes a whiner.I sure don't.But that is exactly what I feel like as I write this post. I almost feel like a stranger on my own site, since it has been more than a month since I have posted here.Have you ever felt beaten down? Mentally - physically - emotionally - and spiritually drained? We all get there from time to time. A friend of mine sometimes speaks about having "the blobs". (I

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-70323303878969760222011-03-20T05:18:00.002-04:002011-03-20T05:24:41.394-04:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-3311781367232389342011-03-08T05:00:00.000-05:002011-03-08T05:01:58.782-05:00

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-9218675352764753992011-02-13T10:43:00.008-05:002011-02-13T11:52:09.747-05:00

Today I had the privilege of preaching to a group of believers who know what it is to face adversity on several fronts. Yet in the midst of abject poverty, persecution, and disappointment they remain faithful in their devotion and service to the Lord. These are the members of the faith family known as the Mayapusi Christian Fellowship who met this morning for worship at the humble home of a

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-67799146985305919232011-02-11T03:30:00.005-05:002011-02-11T04:09:19.674-05:00

Yesterday morning's mission activities started off with a terrible event that could have become a full fledged tragedy for our team and for one of our partner churches. Thankfully, the Lord has preserved the lives of two of our friends! The days activities were scheduled to begin with me speaking at a local warehouse and shipping point in a Bible Study that is hosted by Pastor Arnel Agaban,

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-25931487424461583892011-02-10T01:43:00.006-05:002011-02-10T02:43:22.171-05:00

On Wednesday, God reminded me again of a lesson He has been teaching me for some time now. I am not indispensable. Not even close.As leader of this mission team, there are some responsibilities that fall to me. After all, someone has to organize. Someone has to purchase tickets, make reservations, and serve as a liaison between our team and the native pastors with whom we work. Someone has to

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-6764608358698369602011-02-07T10:43:00.003-05:002011-02-07T11:23:12.357-05:00

The trip took nearly three hours today as our team went to a place called Lamdas. I had been there once before, about four years ago. To say it is a remote spot would be a tremendous understatement. In fact, when Jesus said to take the Gospel to the "uttermost part of the earth", I suspect that Lamdas might have been the place He had in mind! It certainly qualifies.Lamdas is in the remote inland

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-8735339174472319792011-02-06T11:53:00.004-05:002011-02-06T12:26:52.329-05:00

Monday, February 7Dumaguete City, Negros OrientalRepublic of Philippines12:50 AMOur first Sunday in the Philippines is now over, and we are thrilled to report that 159 people have made professions of faith in Jesus Christ, since the opening service at Bacong Christian Fellowship on Thursday evening.Although we have had a couple of minor health issues, our team is well, and our members have been

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-42447997834596686652011-02-03T03:17:00.004-05:002011-02-03T03:42:01.076-05:00

Earlier computer problems have been diagnosed and corrected! Mostly operator error (if you can imagine such a thing!)At any rate, our "Official" mission trip activities got under way this morning with a 30 minute drive up the coast where we met together with our host and partner Filipino Pastors and church planters and their wives for the "orientation" session. Pictured here are (front row, l to

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-64348420230854075792011-01-30T22:12:00.003-05:002011-01-30T22:39:44.977-05:00

Mabuhay!At 5:50 on Monday morning, a team of five men and one woman will be departing for a two week short term mission trip to the Philippines. Three of us have made multiple mission visits to Negros Oriental in the past, and three of us will be going there for the first time.We will be working with Filipino pastors and church planters from the Negros Oriental Southern Baptist Association in the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-19356422254877506702011-01-25T06:58:00.002-05:002011-01-25T07:17:25.389-05:00

This is the guy who made us grandparents for the first time on January 25, 2000.Officially, he is Caudle Jerry Adkins, V, but to family and friends, he is simply Quint. As the fifth in a line of Caudle Adkinses, he has already come to expect people to misspell and mispronounce his given name. Claude, Candle, and Claudell are names that we have all been called, over the years. Heck, when I was in

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-54382638417326637112011-01-24T04:57:00.007-05:002011-01-24T13:33:40.845-05:00

Most of us are familiar with the events recorded in Exodus, chapters 3 and 4, where an octogenarian comes to a personal encounter with Almighty God.For forty years this man had known the privilege of being raised in the halls of power. Born into a family of slaves, this adopted Prince of Egypt, had been known as "The Son of Pharaoh's Daughter". Then, after seeing an Egyptian task master brutally

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-78924687939809719182011-01-20T23:54:00.007-05:002011-01-21T08:19:13.249-05:00

It was 50 years ago today, January 20, 1961. It was a more simple era - although we all thought we were pretty advanced at the time. It was a time when crew cuts and flat tops were still popular with sports stars like Johnny Unitas, and Roger Maris, and with the men and boys who wanted to be like them. Most men still wore hats in public. Fedoras in the cool weather, and straw hats between

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-28900348842660600912011-01-17T06:09:00.003-05:002011-01-17T07:28:18.071-05:00

I am somewhat taken aback by the recent glut of "talking heads" on the cable news channels, decrying the "harsh tone of today's political discourse". While civility is truly in short supply in the arena of partisan politics, these pundits are acting as though this is something new in American politics. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A cursory review of American history will reveal the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-33947014923512787482011-01-01T21:40:00.003-05:002011-01-01T23:12:01.443-05:00

The Christmas lights and decorations are now packed safely away in the basement here at 317 -49th Street. The rush of activity between Thanksgiving and Christmas has wound down, and the old year has quietly passed away.After attending a basketball game this morning, I have spent most of New Year's Day finishing up the messages for tomorrow's services, and working with Benji in the house next door

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-74893870865847512672010-12-31T05:28:00.002-05:002010-12-31T06:14:03.051-05:00

Growing up in the last half of the 20th Century I can vividly remember many of the 60 New Years Eves I have celebrated. They have ranged from quiet family get togethers, to parties (some family friendly - some not so much!) We have set off firecrackers as kids back in the 50's, attended concerts, and some Watch Night Church Services, youth lock ins in several churches. We have celebrated alone

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-77341389789195412622010-12-26T06:38:00.009-05:002010-12-26T07:22:55.199-05:00

In the British Commonwealth, today is Boxing Day. It is a secular holiday that follows Christmas Day. No one seems to know the exact origin of the title (according to this article) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_day but it generally seems to serve as a day of goodwill and alms giving. Not a bad idea, but those virtues really should be practiced 365 days per year. *******The Christmas rush

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-2706184085529024132010-12-25T05:48:00.006-05:002010-12-25T07:31:16.968-05:00

Sure is quiet around the house here in Ashland this morning.Linda is sound asleep (as she should be). As usual, she has made our Christmas holiday a beautiful thing, and she is getting some well deserved rest.A new blanket of snow has fallen overnight - and more is on the way. I'm sure all of the children waking up in our area this morning will be delighted. It brings back memories to me of

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-33706985367212641232010-12-07T20:15:00.002-05:002010-12-07T20:23:06.231-05:00

December 6, 2011Dear Asher,This past Sunday was one of the most special days of all my 60 years on the planet. It was my joy to have the privilege to baptize you, my youngest grandson.Many people wonder if it is appropriate for a young boy like you to be baptized. After all, you are still very young. You don’t know all the doctrinal jargon that we Christians throw around so easily. You are

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-23453198622219772572010-12-01T13:39:00.003-05:002010-12-01T14:24:43.012-05:00

The calendar says December 1st. Thanksgiving is a week old memory, and the first snow has fallen here in the Tri-State area. We are now fully immersed in the annual Christmas rush, and the accompanying "Silly Season" is in high gear.Never mind the overnight lines at the shopping malls preparing for pre dawn Black Friday hand to hand combat. Forget the frustration of endlessly circling the lanes

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-22327791607056450332010-11-29T08:54:00.003-05:002010-11-29T09:30:18.613-05:00

Today is my grandson, Canon's, sixth birthday. Those of you who regularly read my blog know who Canon is, and you know how bravely he has faced the physical problems and numerous surgeries he has had over the past four years. He is a special little guy, and truly one of my heroes.He and his family and friends in New Orleans had a big birthday party yesterday at Chuckie Cheese. We were blessed to

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-13084864879503100482010-11-24T04:21:00.006-05:002010-11-24T05:32:13.827-05:00

The believers in and around first century Jerusalem are an interesting lot. Dr. Luke gives us a most fascinating series of scriptural snapshots in the early chapters of the Book of Acts. The narrative gives us some wonderful insight into the actions of these average folks, through whom God accomplished miraculous results. We see the rag tag group of Christ followers increase from 120 somewhat

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-11280308600375406442010-11-22T11:12:00.004-05:002010-11-22T13:22:29.007-05:00

It was fourth period, Mr. Belcher's American History Class at Beverly Hills Jr. High School. The 30 something crew cut teacher had his work cut out for him, trying to get 25 eighth graders to pay attention to some policy called "Manifest Destiny", while the students were still keyed up from the time spent socializing during the earlier lunch period. The class hour was nearly over when the voice

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-49652971556425891622010-11-21T23:12:00.003-05:002010-11-22T00:21:29.865-05:00

Most newer 8 and 10 foot step ladders have a warning notice about three steps from the top that says, "Danger! Do not stand at or above this level. YOU CAN LOSE YOUR BALANCE". I always thought it kind of silly that the ladders carry that warning, yet have two more steps (as well as the step on the top of the ladder) above the warning. If it is that dangerous, why wouldn't they just construct the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-30844761177158623902010-11-20T18:25:00.002-05:002010-11-20T19:31:21.852-05:00

For the past couple of years, the custom at our house has been hosting two of our grandsons for an overnighter on Friday evenings. The arrangement accomplishes two worthy goals. It gives us some quality time each week with the local grandsons, and it also gives their parents a nice quiet evening together. Benji and Leigh Anne seem to enjoy the break, and Linda and I have come to cherish the

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-13359579414434088402010-11-18T20:42:00.000-05:002010-11-19T07:00:29.495-05:00

My friend, David Clark sent me the following story via email. I don't know the original source of the message, nor the name of the author, but its truth is so profound, I felt obliged to pass it along to my friends.Enjoy, and take the message to heart.GOD LIVES UNDER THE BEDI envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-8647616926442135372010-11-01T13:18:00.005-04:002010-11-01T14:07:58.653-04:00

I was at the Cabell Huntington Health Department today to check up on my immunizations for the upcoming mission trip to the Philippines. The good news is that all of my shots are up to date and I don't need any boosters (the Typhoid is good until spring). Since I won't see my primary care doctor until early December, I decided to go ahead and get the flu shot the Health Department was offering

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-92085835620954481192010-10-30T08:14:00.004-04:002010-10-30T10:54:31.194-04:00

The last two months have been an absolute flurry of activity and ministry opportunities for our church and for me personally. It has been a period of great blessing and near exhaustion, and one in which I am so thankful for how God has used our congregation.The preview to September came on the last Sunday evening in August when we held an Ice Cream Social in the church gym, and a question and

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-71824257220624559942010-10-26T07:28:00.002-04:002010-10-26T07:30:51.300-04:00

On the last Sunday evening in October, Westmoreland Baptist Church is going to do something a little different than the routine regular Sunday evening service. We are asking our members to put their Faith in Action.James 1: 22 says “…But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” and that is the idea. We will be cancelling the REGULAR Sunday evening service routine, and will gather for prayer

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-57248376848303741862010-10-20T04:15:00.005-04:002010-10-20T05:02:21.691-04:00

Today is a birthday that I never thought I would see. Not only is it the 60th milestone, but the fact is that it is "bonus birthday" number four by my count.Most of you know the story, and I won't burden you with all the details again, but for those who may be new readers - or just surfing by - allow me to recount the main points.Just after my 54th Birthday, (six years ago) they dropped the bomb

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-41907728034744387682010-10-13T06:22:00.005-04:002010-10-13T07:44:00.450-04:00

It is a common thing here in south Louisiana for alligators to be spotted in the swamps or bayou. It's something entirely different when a 5'7" gator is taken from the waters of the upper Mud River, just south of Hamlin, West Virginia! Lincoln County, West Virginia is a rugged rural area, tucked between the counties of Cabell, Wayne, Boone, Kanawha, and Logan. There are several things found in

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-77429139519806644762010-10-11T10:49:00.003-04:002010-10-11T11:49:36.879-04:00

The poet/warrior/shepherd/ and great King of Israel - David - the son of Jesse - is called a man after God's own heart. He was a man who could hear God speak. In the 19th Psalm, David tells us how God speaks (not in an audible voice - but much louder than that!)This Psalm tells us that God speaks through Creation, through His Word, and through us.See how He speaks through His creation in verses 1

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-10930602506461352282010-10-10T21:31:00.004-04:002010-10-10T21:39:32.822-04:00

My plane just arrived at gate 13A at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We are due to leave at 10:30 pm. Should arrive in New Orleans at 11:30 Central time (half past midnight to my Eastern Time Zone body).You always find yourself hoping there will be an empty seat beside you, since coach is like riding in a cattle car.I asked the lady at the gate if there were any exit rows or bulkhead

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-82669712653676646672010-10-05T10:45:00.004-04:002010-10-05T11:02:11.068-04:00

This article is not original with me. I got it from Joe McKeever, whom I am proud to call my friend. I assume it is original with Joe. At any rate, I have a copy of this article framed and on my office wall. I also have a framed copy on the wall in the "crossroads" section of the building with connects the worship center with the educational and office wing of the church. I do not know how many

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-76400124216859114602010-10-03T06:56:00.006-04:002010-10-03T08:06:33.203-04:00

I spent five hours yesterday with two of the most impressive evangelists I have ever met. Kathy Bertram and Mitch Hodge are members of "Team Intense", an evangelistic strength team that will be ministering every evening, Sunday through Wednesday, this week at Westmoreland Baptist Church. Their "intensity" is obvious as they perform feats of strength that will amaze every person in their audience,

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-19562686906928845182010-10-01T06:57:00.002-04:002010-10-01T07:04:20.868-04:00

The calendar indicates that today is the first day of October. I like October. It is my favorite month of the year. It was the 8th month of the old Julian calendar and is now the 10th month of the Gregorian calendar. October is one of seven months that contains 31 days. Where I live, October is synonymous with cool crisp autumn days, breathtaking clear blue skies, and colorful falling leaves. In

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-7675338678450992872010-09-29T05:52:00.004-04:002010-09-29T07:21:52.082-04:00

Two weeks ago I took my father in law and his lady friend to a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park. At the age of 89 it was his second time to attend a big league game. For his friend, it was the first Reds game she had seen in person after being a life long fan. Both were excited about going, and my father in law called me two hours before

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-598457502855701542010-09-28T05:27:00.003-04:002010-09-28T06:50:44.623-04:00

This post is not about what kind of clothing we wear. It is, however, about how serious a matter it is when we think about following Jesus.Way back when I was in Bible College, Professor Leroy Forlines spoke often about the danger of "Cheap, Easy, Believe-ism" in the church. Frankly, I sometimes passed it off as the ranting of an angry guy who wasn't happy with the fact that "The times, they were

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-88308751555138033762010-09-23T07:59:00.003-04:002010-09-23T08:58:12.303-04:00

Most everyone with any biblical background knows about Job. The narrative is arguably one of the most ancient of all the books of the Old Testament. Job was a great man, in his time, and we are all acquainted with the tremendous suffering he endured which pushed his physical and spiritual health to its very limits.Much of the book (chapters 3 -31) contain dialog and debate between Job and three

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-92030888171468840462010-09-04T06:53:00.005-04:002010-09-04T07:48:58.599-04:00

I had a pleasant encounter with a group of "Pirates" last evening - Belfry High School Pirates, that is. The 1969, 1970, and 1971 graduating classes of the Pike County, Kentucky High School (now located near South Williamson, KY) held a joint reunion. The get together was held in the former high school building - which now houses Belfry Middle School. Although I only personally knew a handful of

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-18295616481172679442010-09-02T04:51:00.002-04:002010-09-02T06:26:06.434-04:00

A friend on Facebook posted the other evening, "Be sure to watch the news tonight at 11:00 to see what happened at Westmoreland Foodland". Well, that certainly caught my attention. The Foodland store is just a couple of blocks from the church I serve as pastor. I often run by at lunch time to pick up something from their deli, or stop on the way home for items Linda asks me to pick up. (I don't

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-11362834889559523062010-08-09T21:29:00.005-04:002010-08-09T22:02:48.895-04:00

Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the passing of my maternal grandfather, Jerry E. Stidham. Papaw Stidham was 59 years old when a major heart attack took his life. It is hard to believe he would be 101 years old if he were still with us today.He was a wonderful father, husband and grandfather, a great role model, and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known.Born in "Bloody" Breathitt

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-65409867544145838402010-08-04T06:23:00.005-04:002010-08-04T07:14:20.009-04:00

I haven't posted anything to the blog for a little while, due to a pretty heavy ministry schedule. The past week has been quite busy with the usual sermon prep, hospital visits, one funeral, counseling sessions, grass mowing, and even a couple of evenings helping out by taking a grandson to football practice. The book project has had to go on the back burner for the past couple of weeks, and

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-85162933668745471772010-07-27T14:16:00.013-04:002010-07-27T14:40:47.695-04:00

Saddle Ridge Ranch" Vacation Bible School is underway this week at Westmoreland Baptist Church. We are off to a great start on the first two nights. Here are some random photos taken by Jeff Blake. Jeff's pix give an indication of the great time the kids are having, "Rounding up Questions" and "Driving Home Answers".

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-32792130111705110022010-07-23T05:53:00.004-04:002010-07-23T06:52:58.337-04:00

It's been a hot summer here in the Ohio River Valley. The Kentucky-West Virginia-Ohio tri -state area has been much like the rest of the sweltering country this season, with soaring temperatures and brutal humidity. Spring was quite pleasant, but brief. Seemed as though we almost went directly from late winter into summer, with very little transition. When the first heat wave hit our area, I made

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278950470130724719.post-22260522430000838062010-07-22T09:42:00.005-04:002010-07-22T12:41:34.670-04:00

Do you have an X and a Y chromosome? Do you enjoy the company of other guys? Do you like sports? Enjoy hunting and fishing? Do your cable TV preferences lean to ESPN or Spike TV rather than Lifetime? Do you prefer Cornhole and Tailgating to dinner parties? Do you find Clint Eastwood and Steven Segall movies superior to those with Leonardo DiCaprio? Did you ever sprain an ankle in a pick up

C.J. Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395054641895235568noreply@blogger.com0