One Positive Thing

[Roy Richardson]

Let's use this thread to say one positive thing about one other specific individual here on Naznet. No backhanded compliments either There has been enough name calling and kibitzing for a while


Dave McClung - your thoughts on my proposed covenant were eye-opening and I appreciate and value the opinion of someone so thoughtful and seasoned in business and the church. Thank you for sharing your insight.

[Peggy Gray]

An example came to mind immediately when I read this (though there are many). I started to write my post when I suddenly realized that the person I was going to use for my "one positive thing" is.....the original poster. I was actually thinking about this yesterday, and I'm going with my first thought: On Thursday, Roy Richardson started a thread asking for input about leadership covenants. His request was obviously sincere and not designed to provoke a debate, and although some disagreed strongly and were forthright about it, Roy received and responded to all advice and opinion with thoughtfulness and grace. That's a positive thing.

[Wes Smith]

Well, first, a compliment to the NazNet family for putting up with me!!!

My compliment for one person? That is difficult. Lots of people come to mind.

Jim Franklin is a good South Dakota boy. He is exactly and precisely Jim Franklin. Devoted to his fellow believers and to the One in whom they believe!

Hope you read this Jim. I was going through some pictures my mother gave to me from our South Dakota past. In the middle of them, believe it, was a picture of your beautiful mother! It is a professional pic and evidently given to the Smith family by your mother. On the back it says, "Sincerely, Sister Franklin." Adults were all "sister" and "brother" back in those days.

Jim, you are a good man who has had challenges in life that few know about or experience. God bless you for keeping the faith!

Friend,

Wes

[Roy Richardson]

Well, first, a compliment to the NazNet family for putting up with me!!!

My compliment for one person? That is difficult. Lots of people come to mind.

Jim Franklin is a good South Dakota boy. He is exactly and precisely Jim Franklin. Devoted to his fellow believers and to the One in whom they believe!

Hope you read this Jim. I was going through some pictures my mother gave to me from our South Dakota past. In the middle of them, believe it, was a picture of your beautiful mother! It is a professional pic and evidently given to the Smith family by your mother. On the back it says, "Sincerely, Sister Franklin." Adults were all "sister" and "brother" back in those days.

Jim, you are a good man who has had challenges in life that few know about or experience. God bless you for keeping the faith!

Friend,

Wes

Where in SD were you? My first post-college job was in Pierre from 1991-1995. I love that place

[Wes Smith]

Roy,

My main memories center around White River, about 90 miles south of Pierre. My dad was a pastor during those pioneer days. I suppose the distance between towns and churches made for extra deep friendships.

No kids had better childhoods than those of that ilk and era! We enjoyed the outdoors and the freedom of safety, chased prairrie dogs, stalked rattlesnakes, fished for catfish in the White River and in farm dams, ice skated in bitter cold winters, scoured the town dump to see if there were better things there than we had, harvested wild grapes, plums, chokecherries and ground cherries, floated paper and wooden boats in the gutters at spring thaw, rode horses in real western roundups and roped and branded calves and neutered (sounds better than the real word), rodeo'd with the calves and steered clear of the bulls, milked cows, and picked around ant hills to find Indian beads. Those were the days, my friend!

Friend,

Wes

[Roy Richardson]

Roy,

My main memories center around White River, about 90 miles south of Pierre. My dad was a pastor during those pioneer days. I suppose the distance between towns and churches made for extra deep friendships.

No kids had better childhoods than those of that ilk and era! We enjoyed the outdoors and the freedom of safety, chased prairrie dogs, stalked rattlesnakes, fished for catfish in the White River and in farm dams, ice skated in bitter cold winters, scoured the town dump to see if there were better things there than we had, harvested wild grapes, plums, chokecherries and ground cherries, floated paper and wooden boats in the gutters at spring thaw, road horses in real western roundups and roped and branded calves and neutered (sounds better than the real word), rodeo'd with the calves and steered clear of the bulls, milked cows, and picked around ant hills to find Indian beads. Those were the days, my friend!

Friend,

Wes

- listen to this while you read

Last summer I took 13 teens and 5 adults to White River on a mission trip. We met up with the Backus, MN church there and hosted a fabulous VBS. The folks in White River were extremely gracious to us "city folks" and the VBS was a big hit. Our kids were able to go to the Rosebud Reservation and see real poverty, and it broke their hearts. God moved in their lives, and real change happened for adults and kids.

I have extremely fond memories of White River - just down US 83 from Pierre.

It really is a small world.

[Gina Stevenson]

Didn't dare listen unless I wanted that song in my head all day!

(yes, it was a very cute place when there long ago).

[Roy Richardson]

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. we rejoin "Saying one positive thing about another Naznetter" already in progress.

[Marsha Lynn]

Let's use this thread to say one positive thing about one other specific individual here on Naznet. No backhanded compliments either There has been enough name calling and kibitzing for a while.

.
When I think of NazNet, I see a bunch of terrific people having wonderful discussions that are like a breath of fresh air to me. I can't pick out one among the many to highlight. There are a bunch of top-notch people around here.

Anyone reading this can safely assume that you are the NazNetter I would single out for a positive statement. You're the one who has been around forever and has been such a blessing to me over the years. Or maybe you're one of the newbies who are keeping our fellowship alive with new insights. Maybe I don't really know you yet but I'm glad you're here.

(Is a positive statement all right without naming names, Roy?)

[Roy Richardson]

.
When I think of NazNet, I see a bunch of terrific people having wonderful discussions that are like a breath of fresh air to me. I can't pick out one among the many to highlight. There are a bunch of top-notch people around here.

Anyone reading this can safely assume that you are the NazNetter I would single out for a positive statement. You're the one who has been around forever and has been such a blessing to me over the years. Or maybe you're one of the newbies who are keeping our fellowship alive with new insights. Maybe I don't really know you yet but I'm glad you're here.

(Is a positive statement all right without naming names, Roy?)

I'm not a legalist

[Roy Richardson]

we had hundreds of posts in the locked thread on the CCC, many of them attacking each other. Yet we struggle to say kind things, or so it would seem by the volume of posts.

[Paul DeBaufer]

Let's see for some it is an easy task. Ben was a great traveling companion when we went to The Bible Tells Me So conference at NNU last year.

Tom Oord and Bob Hunter were friends when others had fled. Ryan Scott started a prayer thread for me at that time, before he and I ever interacted.

Hans and Dennis Bratcher and Shea have all taught me and caused me to think. Stew has been a comfort when my Hep C returned. Susan has been a friend. I know I am leaving people out, for that I apologise.

It is easy to say nice things about those with whom we share opinions. It is another thing to say nice things, positive things about those with whom we have had vehement disagreements and even traded ad hominems with. With that in mind I must say that when all is said and done, when we have both have had time to cool down Jim Chabot and I are able to remain friends and brothers. He has accepted many apologies and extended grace when I have been a jerk in my disagreement with his views. I think that ability to step back and show grace is a positive.

[Mike Schutz]

I would like to thank all those who laugh at my jokes - as my wife keeps telling folks around here: "Don't laugh, it just encourages him."

[Susan Unger]

I really appreciate Jim Chabot's comments on worship. All his comments on Naznet about worship have resonnated with my own thoughts, reminding me that I am not totally alone in how I believe an authentic worship service should be.

Sarah Smith has been helpful for me in the area of worship as well, helping me sort out issues.

I appreciate Jon's and Dana's helpfulness with my photography.

David Graham's writings always come across as having come from a person with a sweet spirit.

Mike Shutz has been very helpful for me in the area of theology and spiritual growth and healing.

I appreciate Kim Merrill, Marian Carney and Gene Tatsch calling me, and Paul DeBaufer emailing me when I was in times of crisis.

Greg Farra's jokes and crazy Lark News links which always get me on Face Book.

Dan Henderson is a good reminder to me that those we "label" are humans, too.

I am always in awe of Marsha Lynn's ability to make even the mundane things sound fascinating.

And finally, for now, I love Shea's ability to make complex things simple - he can even discuss the corn industry better than those who work in the corn industry [a facebook conversation].

There are others but these are the top which come to mind.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

I appreciate GR Cundiff - he always treats me with kindness and respect, he does things for me that no one else would ever do and I think he has a weird but great sense of humor.

[Gina Stevenson]

I would like to thank all those who laugh at my jokes - as my wife keeps telling folks around here: "Don't laugh, it just encourages him."

This time the "laugh" button meant, "This post made me smile." Actually, it often does mean that, tho' there is frequently much on NN that gives one a good LOL, too.

I appreciate GR Cundiff - he always treats me with kindness and respect, he does things for me that no one else would ever do and I think he has a weird but great sense of humor.

And this one is OK, too ... if we are to love/appreciate others as/in the same manner as ourselves, we have to know what that is like, too, no? As for weird sense of humor, we could maybe have a club in addition to the IHS Club ... "The FarSide of NazNet," perhaps?

[Diane Likens]

It's really difficult to come up with just one name -- just one positive. I don't think there's be even one Naznetter who hasn't taught me something.

To Dave McClung I say "thank you" for your insightful and well thought out comments. Your intelligence and insight are gifts you so readily and graciously share and I have learned much from you over the years.

And to Judy Hamilton -- what more can I say but this: your constant love and concern for others around you even while you struggle with your own health problems is a fine example of true Christianity for us all.

And Shea Zellwegger, the way you express your thoughts amazes me sometimes. What a wonderful combination of grace and knowledge. I can read your heart between the lines.

I only wish I could let Brad Mercer know how much his posts have affected the way I look at things. And how the example he was during his illness was proof positive to me of a loving God. I'll tell him those things and so much more when I see him at Home.

[Jim Chabot]

Can't think of one person or one thing that would stand out, there are so many.

First ones that come to mind are Jim Franklin and Nelson Bradford. You guys are just plain regular Nazarenes! There's hopefully one of each of you in each of our churches, your kind is the best. Nelson, you somehow manage to post something every day that brightens my day, I don't thank you enough. Jim, I love your honesty! In a church culture where we guard our thoughts and what we say, it's refreshing to hear somebody just say what they think. Your a good guy! Almost forgot my buddies John, Jason, Ryan and Trevor, I've never seen a Nazarene church without somebody like one of you guys in it, and good thing too!

My second select group in no particular order are Scott Cundiff and Wes Smith. Sure would be glad to have either of you guys as my pastor. Not that I'm looking to trade mine in mind you. Both of you guys have a way of saying things that makes one think and sometimes even change course. And rarely are these wise sayings directed at someone. Seems you fellows have learned what they call wisdom, I appreciate you both. And I look forward to your next wise sayings, so make em good.

Then theres a group of heroes, Roy Richardson, Pete Vecchi, Marian Carneyand David Lyons. You guys are out there every day, working hard to make your not so easy churches better. You guys seem to care more about your people than you do your career and compensation. I pray for you guys most every time I see your name here, I appreciate what you guys do for little credit. I should probably throw Shea in here too. One needs to admire a young man fresh out of college, and a yankee, willing to head down to Alabama to take a church with 6 or 7 people. I don't care how smart you are Shea, and you are smart, your going to Millry impressed me! I need to add Mike Flowers and Cam Pence in here too, if you guys struggle, you don't show it, you do exhibit grace though and that's a good thing.

Then there are the folks who actually practice what naznet is all about. There's Gina, Marge, Glenda, Susan, Tinker and Scott, just hanging out and talking about the little things that most folks could care less about. Great bunch of friends over there! Although Susan seems to be away on leave and we haven't seen Scott and Tinker with their camping stories lately. Sure are a good bunch of people to just hang with. Oh and we have a new guy named Steve, seems like a pretty good guy, even though he is a self admitted midwesterner.

Hey Paul Debaufer, did you think I was going to forget you? What do you mean we don't hardly ever agree? I wouldn't have noticed if you didn't point it out. Agreement is overrated! You my friend have a big giant sensitive heart, ya you have made some mistakes in life, and you for sure have been burned more than your share. Your in my prayers quite often, I really appreciate your heart buddy. I'm real glad that you are the forgiving type, thank you for that. You really can take a punch though, sorry for throwing a few at you.

Where's Henderson? Shouldn't he come here and make a pronouncement of some kind? Thanks for being here Dan, your a breath of fresh air. Love your open and honest, who gives a rip attitude, it's like an open window on a nice day!

And I forgot a whole bunch of people, I just know it.

Thanks for this exercise Roy, it's good to remember people who make a positive difference.

Which means that I need to add David Parker! The other half of the two wisest and most patient men on naznet. The Current Events Moderators! Wow talk about the worlds toughest non paying job, it's gotta be up there. We are incredibly fortunate to have them both. Should anything happen anywhere in the world, just wait till either Scott or Dave chime in. Then you'll know what's actually going on. Who need the news!

[Bill Morrison]

I compliment Ben, who even though frequently posting views different from mine, has a masterful way of expressing them in a calm and enlightening way. I predict a great future for him as a teacher.
I'm also happy that when Trevor was my student, he never got me near as riled up as sometimes happens with some on Naznet as he steadfastly argues for his cherished beliefs (beliefs which may be held dear by more Naznetters than those who regularly post). He really is a polite, enthusiastic, dedicated extremely well-read young man. I predict a great future for him as a lawyer.

I don't come to Naznet just to be patted on the head by those who are smart enough to already see things just as I do

BILL

[Roy Richardson]

Can't think of one person or one thing that would stand out, there are so many.

First ones that come to mind are Jim Franklin and Nelson Bradford. You guys are just plain regular Nazarenes! There's hopefully one of each of you in each of our churches, your kind is the best. Nelson, you somehow manage to post something every day that brightens my day, I don't thank you enough. Jim, I love your honesty! In a church culture where we guard our thoughts and what we say, it's refreshing to hear somebody just say what they think. Your a good guy! Almost forgot my buddies John, Jason, Ryan and Trevor, I've never seen a Nazarene church without somebody like one of you guys in it, and good thing too!

My second select group in no particular order are Scott Cundiff and Wes Smith. Sure would be glad to have either of you guys as my pastor. Not that I'm looking to trade mine in mind you. Both of you guys have a way of saying things that makes one think and sometimes even change course. And rarely are these wise sayings directed at someone. Seems you fellows have learned what they call wisdom, I appreciate you both. And I look forward to your next wise sayings, so make em good.

Then theres a group of heroes, Roy Richardson, Pete Vecchi, Marian Carneyand David Lyons. You guys are out there every day, working hard to make your not so easy churches better. You guys seem to care more about your people than you do your career and compensation. I pray for you guys most every time I see your name here, I appreciate what you guys do for little credit. I should probably throw Shea in here too. One needs to admire a young man fresh out of college, and a yankee, willing to head down to Alabama to take a church with 6 or 7 people. I don't care how smart you are Shea, and you are smart, your going to Millry impressed me! I need to add Mike Flowers and Cam Pence in here too, if you guys struggle, you don't show it, you do exhibit grace though and that's a good thing.

Then there are the folks who actually practice what naznet is all about. There's Gina, Marge, Glenda, Susan, Tinker and Scott, just hanging out and talking about the little things that most folks could care less about. Great bunch of friends over there! Although Susan seems to be away on leave and we haven't seen Scott and Tinker with their camping stories lately. Sure are a good bunch of people to just hang with. Oh and we have a new guy named Steve, seems like a pretty good guy, even though he is a self admitted midwesterner.

Hey Paul Debaufer, did you think I was going to forget you? What do you mean we don't hardly ever agree? I wouldn't have noticed if you didn't point it out. Agreement is overrated! You my friend have a big giant sensitive heart, ya you have made some mistakes in life, and you for sure have been burned more than your share. Your in my prayers quite often, I really appreciate your heart buddy. I'm real glad that you are the forgiving type, thank you for that. You really can take a punch though, sorry for throwing a few at you.

Where's Henderson? Shouldn't he come here and make a pronouncement of some kind? Thanks for being here Dan, your a breath of fresh air. Love your open and honest, who gives a rip attitude, it's like an open window on a nice day!

And I forgot a whole bunch of people, I just know it.

Thanks for this exercise Roy, it's good to remember people who make a positive difference.

Which means that I need to add David Parker! The other half of the two wisest and most patient men on naznet. The Current Events Moderators! Wow talk about the worlds toughest non paying job, it's gotta be up there. We are incredibly fortunate to have them both. Should anything happen anywhere in the world, just wait till either Scott or Dave chime in. Then you'll know what's actually going on. Who need the news!

Thanks Jim. I thought we all needed a little positive reinforcement after several days of intense exchanges on the CCC.

[Bob Hunter]

Let's see for some it is an easy task. Ben was a great traveling companion when we went to The Bible Tells Me So conference at NNU last year.

Tom Oord and Bob Hunter were friends when others had fled. Ryan Scott started a prayer thread for me at that time, before he and I ever interacted.

Hans and Dennis Bratcher and Shea have all taught me and caused me to think. Stew has been a comfort when my Hep C returned. Susan has been a friend. I know I am leaving people out, for that I apologise.

It is easy to say nice things about those with whom we share opinions. It is another thing to say nice things, positive things about those with whom we have had vehement disagreements and even traded ad hominems with. With that in mind I must say that when all is said and done, when we have both have had time to cool down Jim Chabot and I are able to remain friends and brothers. He has accepted many apologies and extended grace when I have been a jerk in my disagreement with his views. I think that ability to step back and show grace is a positive.

Paul,

I'm glad we got to spend some time together. Appreciate all you do. Keep pressing on even when things seem to fall apart.

-Bob

[Bob Hunter]

I just want to commend Wes Smith for participating in NN threads. I really admire his wisdom. His leadership style is probably closest to mine, but he is much more effective. Wes is the type of guy that let's no grass grow under his feet. He has shown time and again that he can make tough decisions and not lose his cool. So maybe he was not always popular with folks that wanted to stagnate in the pews, but his heart for reaching the community was evident to all. We need more pastors like Wes.

[Benjamin Burch]

Stew Martinez - Your character, both on NN and in person is as gracious and kind as anyone I've met. Your determination and perserverance are of a superhuman kind, and I admire your ability to simply deal with your health issues. To, on top of that, continue to be a wonderful husband, father, and pastor, in a ministry position which was not an easy one no less, is simply the "stuff of legends", for lack of a better phrase. God is truly at work in your life, and I truly admire you.

Shea Zellweger - You're awesome, and are better at everything I wish I was good at.

Jim Chabot - I may disagree with you on everything down to the color of the sky, but I have and will always appreciate the way in which you speak about and model Christian ethics in the workplace as an employer who genuinely cares about his employees and their well-being, including your willingness to not exploit those workers who are regularly exploited by others. And, while this may very well apply to a great many other NazNetters also, I am always encouraged by Godly men who love their wives and continue to celebrate year after year after year of love and commitment to one another, as true witnesses to Christ's love for the Church. Thank you for those things, and for keeping me on my toes.

I'll come back with more after groceries and the gym!

[Hans Deventer]

Rich Schmidt - for being an amazing example of Christ-like love. I sometimes almost wonder if you are real but then I gratefully remember that you are.

Ben Burch - For always pushing my thinking and bringing me closer to the meaning of the sacraments.

The NazNet hosts - for being indispensible for NazNet, and for preventing me from jumping out of a window in sheer despair.

Dennis Bratcher - For always bringing solid scholarship to the discussion.

Thomas Jay Oord - For taking seriously that God actually is love, without have to add "holy", and taking it to the limits and beyond. While I may not follow all the way, you sure made clear that this is indeed the basic notion about God.

Marsha Lynn - For pretty much always writing suff that is worth reading.

Billy Cox - For your honesty.

Jim Franklin - There may be many issues we disagree on, but your faithfulness and hanging on to God in a very tough situation are a great testimony.

Todd Erickson - For being open and vulnerable. People may not always be comfortable with it, but I believe the church is getting nowhere without. Thank you.

Cynthia Prentice - For often bringing very well researched contributions to a conversation, and for living out what the church should be like.

Dennis Scott - For faithfully working in situations where no glory in a human sense can be found.

And basically for all who give me hope for the future of the Kingdom of God, and hope for the idea that the CotN may, at least in some form, be part of that, for I love this church. You know who you are.

[Steven Martinez]

I am thankful for my long time partner in moderator crime David Parker. Many do not know that his beard is only legal in 7 states and is officially registered as a deadly weapon in the state of California.

[Jim Franklin]

Thank you, Roy for initiating this thread. You beat me to it. Before I ever met Wes and the LaVerne Smith family my dad pastored the "Garyton" Church of the Nazarene on Monnier Rd. closer to Hobart than White River, SD and the Smiths were to Norris which was my dad's last pastorate before he retired and we moved West. So I know your area of service as a very needy area for the proclaimers of the Gospel. Thank you, Roy.

Wes, through Private Messages I have confided in you as I would a pastor and your counsel and prayers have been appreciated. Of my 75 years I have spent only 7 in South Dakota but I cherish my fond memories of the Smiths and the experiences most of which you described I enjoyed in Norris.

I miss Joel, both Barbs, Teri, Sharon Isley, Brad, Paul Whitaker and others who have either discontinued posting or have become glorified NazNetters. Would that someday there will be a NazNetter reunion on the otherside.

I rarely miss thanking Nelson for his songs and the stories of their writers.

Bill Morrison as a former Nazarene college faculty member I appreciate our exchanges.

I enjoyed meeting Hans and Kevin Rector with Bob Manley at the Boise airport and all of the NazNetter that joined together at the Mexican restaurant that time in February 2007 during the Wesley Conference at NNU.

Dave, a special thanks for being our benefactor for this union of Nazarenes and their special friends.

I appreciate all NazNetters for putting up with a really old and lonely geezer. Thanks to all and I do pray for all of you in a blanket prayer every Friday and for the Prayer Requests and rejoice with the praises.

[Roy Richardson]

Thank you, Roy for initiating this thread. You beat me to it. Before I ever met Wes and the LaVerne Smith family my dad pastored the "Garyton" Church of the Nazarene on Monnier Rd. closer to Hobart than White River, SD and the Smiths were to Norris which was my dad's last pastorate before he retired and we moved West. So I know your area of service as a very needy area for the proclaimers of the Gospel. Thank you, Roy.

Wes, through Private Messages I have confided in you as I would a pastor and your counsel and prayers have been appreciated. Of my 75 years I have spent only 7 in South Dakota but I cherish my fond memories of the Smiths and the experiences most of which you described I enjoyed in Norris.

I miss Joel, both Barbs, Teri, Sharon Isley, Brad, Paul Whitaker and others who have either discontinued posting or have become glorified NazNetters. Would that someday there will be a NazNetter reunion on the otherside.

I rarely miss thanking Nelson for his songs and the stories of their writers.

Bill Morrison as a former Nazarene college faculty member I appreciate our exchanges.

I enjoyed meeting Hans and Kevin Rector with Bob Manley at the Boise airport and all of the NazNetter that joined together at the Mexican restaurant that time in February 2007 during the Wesley Conference at NNU.

Dave, a special thanks for being our benefactor for this union of Nazarenes and their special friends.

I appreciate all NazNetters for putting up with a really old and lonely geezer. Thanks to all and I do pray for all of you in a blanket prayer every Friday and for the Prayer Requests and rejoice with the praises.

You are welcome, fellow Geographer.

[Jim Franklin]

Roy, what Geographical training and interests do you have in the field? Among my graduate work and colleagues I found that Geographers are generally more conservative than History of Political Science students.

Which reminds me that I had in mind but failed to include my out of North America friends, Ian, Roland and David who are on my prayer list. Forgive an old geezer.

[Roy Richardson]

Roy, what Geographical training and interests do you have in the field? Among my graduate work and colleagues I found that Geographers are generally more conservative than History of Political Science students.

B.A. and M.A in Physical Geography with an emphasis on environmental issues. I have spent many years working with surface and ground water quality programs, wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment. I taught Meteorology in graduate school as well.

FYI - my minor is in History, and I have been accused by a former employer of being "to the right of Attila the Hun" in my political views. But she was a 1960s radical feminist, and I still love her.

[Billy Cox]

Let's use this thread to say one positive thing about one other specific individual here on Naznet. No backhanded compliments either There has been enough name calling and kibitzing for a while

Since others have flouted the law and listed more than one positive thing about more than one specific individual (!!!), I'll help out the legalists and get back to basics. I also searched the thread to see who hasn't gotten any props yet...

Craig Laughlin - thanks for not being afraid of my (sometimes) scorched-earth personality

[Roy Richardson]

Since others have flouted the law and listed more than one positive thing about more than one specific individual (!!!), I'll help out the legalists and get back to basics. I also searched the thread to see who hasn't gotten any props yet...

Craig Laughlin - thanks for not being afraid of my (sometimes) scorched-earth personality

As the thread creator, I reserve unto myself the ability to declare that no law has been broken, because the only law is a law of love.

It is good to be king.

[Cynthia Prentice]

I can't limit the positive to just one person. I am so grateful for all my Naznet friends...the fellowship...the discussions...the prayer support...and even the disagreements. Right now we have a young man staying with us who is an atheist. Because of our discussions on Naznet I have a greater understanding of his generation's world view.

I especially want to thank Hans and Gene (Tatsch) for their encouraging words and prayer for us and our church...Susan, Gina and Marsha for their friendship...and Dave McClung for his wisdom and advise when we were in the midst of a difficult situation. There are too many on Naznet to name you all. I so appreciate each person on Naznet...all the pastors and laypeople who dare to grapple with the text on such a public forum.

In the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Lois Tverberg talks about the Jewish tradition of studying the Scriptures and Jewish commentaries as haverim. "Pairs or small groups grapple together aloud over a text, earnest in their desire to dig deeper. This tradition is ancient – a rabbinic comment was made before Jesus’ time that you should “get yourself a haver." When someone studies with their havar, "they stand face to face with their books in hands and argue back and forth, discussing the text together. Everything is very animated – people are davening (swaying) and waving their hands, and very passionate about everything they do."

You all are my havar...Naznet is my haverim.

Cynthia

edited to add: And thank you Roy for starting this thread. I still miss the lightheartedness that our departed brother, Mike Woolridge brought to Naznet. Mike would have loved this thread.

[Alisa Stoll]

My pastors would like to thank Scott C. for his insightful proposal for Sabbaticals which I so long ago pilfered and put into effect at our church. Although they do not get on, they love the insights that I have brought to them.

Alisa

[Susan Unger]

I can't limit the positive to just one person. I am so grateful for all my Naznet friends...the fellowship...the discussions...the prayer support...and even the disagreements. Right now we have a young man staying with us who is an atheist. Because of our discussions on Naznet I have a greater understanding of his generation's world view.

I especially want to thank Hans and Gene (Tatsch) for their encouraging words and prayer for us and our church...Susan, Gina and Marsha for their friendship...and Dave McClung for his wisdom and advise when we were in the midst of a difficult situation. There are too many on Naznet to name you all. I so appreciate each person on Naznet...all the pastors and laypeople who dare to grapple with the text on such a public forum.

In the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Lois Tverberg talks about the Jewish tradition of studying the Scriptures and Jewish commentaries as haverim. "Pairs or small groups grapple together aloud over a text, earnest in their desire to dig deeper. This tradition is ancient – a rabbinic comment was made before Jesus’ time that you should “get yourself a haver." When someone studies with their havar, "they stand face to face with their books in hands and argue back and forth, discussing the text together. Everything is very animated – people are davening (swaying) and waving their hands, and very passionate about everything they do."

You all are my havar...Naznet is my haverim.

Cynthia

edited to add: And thank you Roy for starting this thread. I still miss the lightheartedness that our departed brother, Mike Woolridge brought to Naznet. Mike would have loved this thread.

And I have loved and benefitted from every post you write, as well as your spirit as you write them.

[Roy Richardson]

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I can't limit the positive to just one person. I am so grateful for all my Naznet friends...the fellowship...the discussions...the prayer support...and even the disagreements. Right now we have a young man staying with us who is an atheist. Because of our discussions on Naznet I have a greater understanding of his generation's world view.

I especially want to thank Hans and Gene (Tatsch) for their encouraging words and prayer for us and our church...Susan, Gina and Marsha for their friendship...and Dave McClung for his wisdom and advise when we were in the midst of a difficult situation. There are too many on Naznet to name you all. I so appreciate each person on Naznet...all the pastors and laypeople who dare to grapple with the text on such a public forum.

In the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Lois Tverberg talks about the Jewish tradition of studying the Scriptures and Jewish commentaries as haverim. "Pairs or small groups grapple together aloud over a text, earnest in their desire to dig deeper. This tradition is ancient – a rabbinic comment was made before Jesus’ time that you should “get yourself a haver." When someone studies with their havar, "they stand face to face with their books in hands and argue back and forth, discussing the text together. Everything is very animated – people are davening (swaying) and waving their hands, and very passionate about everything they do."

You all are my havar...Naznet is my haverim.

Cynthia

edited to add: And thank you Roy for starting this thread. I still miss the lightheartedness that our departed brother, Mike Woolridge brought to Naznet. Mike would have loved this thread.

You are welcome. I didn't know Mike very long but I agree with your assessment. We have need to encourage each other more

[Gina Stevenson]

And I have loved and benefitted from every post you write, as well as your spirit as you write them.

Have to "Amen!" Susan's comment on Cynthia's contributions.

[Jim Franklin]

Some of you think I am frank in stating my opinions and yes that is a trait of Franklins. My dad taught me that to live up to our name we should be frank and honest and often said at the time that he wished that Truman would try to live up to his name.

[Hans Deventer]

Some of you think I am frank in stating my opinions and yes that is a trait of Franklins. My dad taught me that to live up to our name we should be frank and honest and often said at the time that he wished that Truman would try to live up to his name.

Well, if you ever get the chance to see The Truman Show (it's a movie), you'll find that the main character, Truman Burbank, is indeed the only true person in the entire setting.

[Brian Hammons]

Jim Franklin- A self-proclaimed "old geezer" and staunch in his "old fashioned ways of thinking." He wears these labels as medals of honor to his life experiences, AND as a reminder to me about the same people who cared about this little bus kid, provided bible school w/out regard to expense or socio-economic status, prayed me through the teen years, college years at a Naz school, grad school at NTS...you get the idea. Although I'm not much of a Nazarene anymore in practice or theology, I am and will always be grateful for the LOVE shown to me by Grant, Carl, Hershel, Carrie, Irene, Helen, Ramey, and many others. Jim, you help keep memories of them alive in my heart and mind.

Nelson, you too help those memories stay real and fresh.

Mike, Scott, and Dennis... for your rare blend of humor, humanity, and wisdom. Better stop there.

[Jim Franklin]

Thanks, Brian, as to being a self proclaimed "old geezer" I have a certificate of being a Golden Grad from NNC having taken part in the 50th Anniversary of my graduating class and yesterday and today celebrated my 50th Wedding Anniversary and am recovering from cataract surgery. so I guess that makes me an "old geezer" at least 3 times over. We Nazarenes used to those of longevity as those who "stayed by the stuff mentioned in the first book of Samuel meaning those who did not waver from the holiness doctrine which was preached and taught. Would be pleased to welcome you back.r