Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Carpenter
THE CARPENTER
(“IS THIS THE CARPENTER?”) JESUS
MARK 6:3
I WONDER IF THE CARPENTER WAS BROUGHT SOME WORK TO DO…
THE KIND YOU KNOW – THAT NO ONES ELSE
WOULD EVER WANT TO DO.
I MEAN THE BROKEN AND OUT CAST PIECE
TO FAR GONE, NO WAY TO RENEW!
BUT BROUGHT TO THE CARPENTER….
WHO WITH A GENTLE SMILE
WITH OUT STRETCHED HAND WOULD SAY
HERE SET IT NOW AT MY FEET,
OF COURSE MY FRIEND I’LL TRY!
SO THE CARPENTER- HEAD BOWED AND HEART SET TO RESTORE…
A PIECE OF WOOD – SOME NAILS, SWEAT, BLOOD AND TEARS.
SET TO REDEEM –THE CAST OFF
AND THE BROKEN TO MAKE NEW AGAIN!
I ASKED HIS PRICE WHAT DO I OWE? (IT COST HIM MUCH!)
HIS KIND RELY “IT’S FREE”
NOW I ACCEPT…I AM RESTORED, SET FREE…
JESUS HELP ME NOW “TO LIVE
RESTORED- NO OUTCAST BE.
NOW A NEW CREATION
WHOLE! HAPPY! FREE!
-JAMES L. PHENICIE
(“IS THIS THE CARPENTER?”) JESUS
MARK 6:3
I WONDER IF THE CARPENTER WAS BROUGHT SOME WORK TO DO…
THE KIND YOU KNOW – THAT NO ONES ELSE
WOULD EVER WANT TO DO.
I MEAN THE BROKEN AND OUT CAST PIECE
TO FAR GONE, NO WAY TO RENEW!
BUT BROUGHT TO THE CARPENTER….
WHO WITH A GENTLE SMILE
WITH OUT STRETCHED HAND WOULD SAY
HERE SET IT NOW AT MY FEET,
OF COURSE MY FRIEND I’LL TRY!
SO THE CARPENTER- HEAD BOWED AND HEART SET TO RESTORE…
A PIECE OF WOOD – SOME NAILS, SWEAT, BLOOD AND TEARS.
SET TO REDEEM –THE CAST OFF
AND THE BROKEN TO MAKE NEW AGAIN!
I ASKED HIS PRICE WHAT DO I OWE? (IT COST HIM MUCH!)
HIS KIND RELY “IT’S FREE”
NOW I ACCEPT…I AM RESTORED, SET FREE…
JESUS HELP ME NOW “TO LIVE
RESTORED- NO OUTCAST BE.
NOW A NEW CREATION
WHOLE! HAPPY! FREE!
-JAMES L. PHENICIE
"Mark's here"
My Dad,
There are a few things in life that I've often have pondered and the mystery of it all is more than the human mind can fully comprehend. One of these mysteries is the death of a loved one.
May 31st 2007 this mystery unraveled unexpectedly as it came knocking on my door when we were told in the hospital waiting room that my Dad of 82 , who had been in surgery for 11 hours for heart surgery was having difficulties breathing on his own. We were told that the oxygen wasn't getting through to his blood even though the heart surgery was more or less successful. Furthermore we were told that we should prepare ourselves for the worst. My heart sank but then I reached out to God who I knew held the keys to life and death. As I prayed I asked for His will to be done in my Dads life I knew that it would be best if I left it in his hands. My Mom lowered her head into her hands as she sat in her wheel chair and quietly sobbed as we prayed with her and reassured her that he wasn't gone yet and not to give up. The minister prayed with her as well and tried to be of comfort. Who ever had cell phones placed calls to various individuals and support groups as we waited. The moments quickly progressed and then we were told by the doctor that we should go see him for the last time while he was still alive.
I gathered all of my kids together and started down the hallway and up the elevator with my Mom and brothers and sister with all of there family members that had arrived.
As we entered the room my Dad laid motionless with tubes in his mouth and arms all connected to various supporting electronic apparatus at his bed side, the doctor talked to those who had questions. The nurse told us that it was ok to talk to him. Each one of us went up and touched him on the arms and forehead as we looked for a sign of hope.
Naturally these were moments of anticipation and concern for his health. Then the nurse told us that they needed to make some adjustments and that we should leave the room and wait until they were done. In the waiting room someone began to pray as each of us reached out to God for his guidance and healing mercy.
My brothers and I had gone off with our Mom to another area to talk with her. Soon we were told to come back in the room because Dads condition was slipping at a rapid rate. As we entered the room we were informed that he wouldn't make it and that he had moments to live. We all said our good byes and sang a song from church. Soon the alarms began to sound off at 7:35 and the attending nurse said I'm so sorry, he's gone. They turned off the electronic support systems and a hush of sadness gripped each of our hearts. So sad to say the least as our eyes filled with tears and no one could hold back their emotions as we cried together.
I have every reason to believe that My Dad slipped away into the arms and presents of his heavenly father where he was given a new body and the pain of the earth was gone forever. What a good classic movie with a abrupt ending that I wish could have lasted longer.
I loved my Dad, He meant a lot to me as he was always there when I need him. He was also there in prayer every day as he would pray for me and each of my family members. Each of them are saved and have Christ as their hope for eternity. My dad will be missed by all of us so much so that when I went to visit my Mom the next day to make funeral arrangements, my ears were programmed in anticipation to hear the sound of my Dad say, "Mark's here" as I stepped up to the back door of my parents home I reached up and opened the back door of my Moms kitchen as I so often did .I soon realized that those sounds were now called memories and that it would never be herd again.
Someday when I die I want my Dad to greet me at the gates of heaven and say, "Marks here", as he raises up his hands in a gentle wave and then the familiar hug and embrace.
There are a few things in life that I've often have pondered and the mystery of it all is more than the human mind can fully comprehend. One of these mysteries is the death of a loved one.
May 31st 2007 this mystery unraveled unexpectedly as it came knocking on my door when we were told in the hospital waiting room that my Dad of 82 , who had been in surgery for 11 hours for heart surgery was having difficulties breathing on his own. We were told that the oxygen wasn't getting through to his blood even though the heart surgery was more or less successful. Furthermore we were told that we should prepare ourselves for the worst. My heart sank but then I reached out to God who I knew held the keys to life and death. As I prayed I asked for His will to be done in my Dads life I knew that it would be best if I left it in his hands. My Mom lowered her head into her hands as she sat in her wheel chair and quietly sobbed as we prayed with her and reassured her that he wasn't gone yet and not to give up. The minister prayed with her as well and tried to be of comfort. Who ever had cell phones placed calls to various individuals and support groups as we waited. The moments quickly progressed and then we were told by the doctor that we should go see him for the last time while he was still alive.
I gathered all of my kids together and started down the hallway and up the elevator with my Mom and brothers and sister with all of there family members that had arrived.
As we entered the room my Dad laid motionless with tubes in his mouth and arms all connected to various supporting electronic apparatus at his bed side, the doctor talked to those who had questions. The nurse told us that it was ok to talk to him. Each one of us went up and touched him on the arms and forehead as we looked for a sign of hope.
Naturally these were moments of anticipation and concern for his health. Then the nurse told us that they needed to make some adjustments and that we should leave the room and wait until they were done. In the waiting room someone began to pray as each of us reached out to God for his guidance and healing mercy.
My brothers and I had gone off with our Mom to another area to talk with her. Soon we were told to come back in the room because Dads condition was slipping at a rapid rate. As we entered the room we were informed that he wouldn't make it and that he had moments to live. We all said our good byes and sang a song from church. Soon the alarms began to sound off at 7:35 and the attending nurse said I'm so sorry, he's gone. They turned off the electronic support systems and a hush of sadness gripped each of our hearts. So sad to say the least as our eyes filled with tears and no one could hold back their emotions as we cried together.
I have every reason to believe that My Dad slipped away into the arms and presents of his heavenly father where he was given a new body and the pain of the earth was gone forever. What a good classic movie with a abrupt ending that I wish could have lasted longer.
I loved my Dad, He meant a lot to me as he was always there when I need him. He was also there in prayer every day as he would pray for me and each of my family members. Each of them are saved and have Christ as their hope for eternity. My dad will be missed by all of us so much so that when I went to visit my Mom the next day to make funeral arrangements, my ears were programmed in anticipation to hear the sound of my Dad say, "Mark's here" as I stepped up to the back door of my parents home I reached up and opened the back door of my Moms kitchen as I so often did .I soon realized that those sounds were now called memories and that it would never be herd again.
Someday when I die I want my Dad to greet me at the gates of heaven and say, "Marks here", as he raises up his hands in a gentle wave and then the familiar hug and embrace.
Dads funeral
James L. Phenicie, 82, Huntington went to be with his Heavenly Father Thursday, May 31, 2007.
Mr. Phenicie was born October 5, 1924 in Bement, IL. His parents were Frank and Ida Phenicie. They preceded him in death.
He married Jean Orr June 21, 1947. She survives and lives in Huntington. Mr. Phenicie attended Moody Bible Institute of Chicago and was a retired minister. He had worked at the First National Bank, Huntington, also worked for the Huntington County Community Schools till he retired. Jim was an accomplished artist and woodworker.
Mr. Phenicie was a WW11 Navy Veteran and served aboard the USS Wake Island. He attended the Charity Baptist Church.
Additional survivors include: 5 Sons: Daniel (Susan) Phenicie, Tipton, IN, James (Rebecca) Phenicie, San Diego, CA, John (Patricia) Phenicie, Ft. Wayne, IN, Mark (Gale) Phenicie, Ft. Wayne, Nathan Phenicie, Union Grove, WI; 1 Daughter: Beth (Zis) Phenicie Milentis, Ft. Wayne, IN; 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Calling will be Monday, June 4, 2007 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.
Additional calling will be Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 10:00 AM at First Nazarene Church, 1555 Flaxmill, Huntington. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the First Nazarene Church with Pastor Wallace Morris officiating.
Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Servia, IN.
In lieu of flowers gifts to Shepherds Ministries, Union Grove, WI in honor of Nathan.
McElhaney - Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.
McElhaney-Hart is in charge of arrangements.
On line condolences to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com
Mr. Phenicie was born October 5, 1924 in Bement, IL. His parents were Frank and Ida Phenicie. They preceded him in death.
He married Jean Orr June 21, 1947. She survives and lives in Huntington. Mr. Phenicie attended Moody Bible Institute of Chicago and was a retired minister. He had worked at the First National Bank, Huntington, also worked for the Huntington County Community Schools till he retired. Jim was an accomplished artist and woodworker.
Mr. Phenicie was a WW11 Navy Veteran and served aboard the USS Wake Island. He attended the Charity Baptist Church.
Additional survivors include: 5 Sons: Daniel (Susan) Phenicie, Tipton, IN, James (Rebecca) Phenicie, San Diego, CA, John (Patricia) Phenicie, Ft. Wayne, IN, Mark (Gale) Phenicie, Ft. Wayne, Nathan Phenicie, Union Grove, WI; 1 Daughter: Beth (Zis) Phenicie Milentis, Ft. Wayne, IN; 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Calling will be Monday, June 4, 2007 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.
Additional calling will be Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 10:00 AM at First Nazarene Church, 1555 Flaxmill, Huntington. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the First Nazarene Church with Pastor Wallace Morris officiating.
Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Servia, IN.
In lieu of flowers gifts to Shepherds Ministries, Union Grove, WI in honor of Nathan.
McElhaney - Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.
McElhaney-Hart is in charge of arrangements.
On line condolences to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com
Last Night, I talked to my Dad
Last night i talked to my dad!!! As i saw him standing there he looked content in his heavenly body, and even though it was brief he and I began to talk.
I said to him, "so Dad, what is heaven like"?
He replied,"it is good, very good".
Are you "ok"?
"yes i am, I'm doing well".
So I said, "what does it look like in heaven ,are there flowers and normal things there"?
Then he said, "well i can't really describe it to you but.......
then right in front of me were two men on a bench (i assumed here on earth) and one of them began to say to me,
"if you knew someone that didn't have long to live, what would you tell them"?
I said, "well, i would say, "Read the scripture and memorize as much of it as you can, and then tell as many as possible about the love of Jesus"........
Then, just like that, I woke up!!!
wow !!!!, The dream was so real!! His face, his voice, and mannerisms were all him and the dream was so real that I couldn't get it out of my mind all day. I savored those moments that I had visioned him. I don't even know what it was all about, except that it was as though in my dream he knew that I needed to hear my own answer as a reminder.
Before my Dad died, he had a brief moment with each one of the grand children and told each one of them individually to study the scripture and serve the Lord.
So many times we are often too busy with our own schedules that we don't take the time to sit down and read the scripture and to memorize it. I loved my Dad, and as it gets closer to the end of May when he went home to be with the Lord...i can't help but think of the good times i had with him here on earth.
I'm sure my Dad is doing fine in heaven and it was just a dream on my behalf however it was quite realistic and I'm sure it would be too difficult to explain to those of us here on earth what heaven is really like. However, Gods word is with us and the comforter is with those of us who have believed.
I said to him, "so Dad, what is heaven like"?
He replied,"it is good, very good".
Are you "ok"?
"yes i am, I'm doing well".
So I said, "what does it look like in heaven ,are there flowers and normal things there"?
Then he said, "well i can't really describe it to you but.......
then right in front of me were two men on a bench (i assumed here on earth) and one of them began to say to me,
"if you knew someone that didn't have long to live, what would you tell them"?
I said, "well, i would say, "Read the scripture and memorize as much of it as you can, and then tell as many as possible about the love of Jesus"........
Then, just like that, I woke up!!!
wow !!!!, The dream was so real!! His face, his voice, and mannerisms were all him and the dream was so real that I couldn't get it out of my mind all day. I savored those moments that I had visioned him. I don't even know what it was all about, except that it was as though in my dream he knew that I needed to hear my own answer as a reminder.
Before my Dad died, he had a brief moment with each one of the grand children and told each one of them individually to study the scripture and serve the Lord.
So many times we are often too busy with our own schedules that we don't take the time to sit down and read the scripture and to memorize it. I loved my Dad, and as it gets closer to the end of May when he went home to be with the Lord...i can't help but think of the good times i had with him here on earth.
I'm sure my Dad is doing fine in heaven and it was just a dream on my behalf however it was quite realistic and I'm sure it would be too difficult to explain to those of us here on earth what heaven is really like. However, Gods word is with us and the comforter is with those of us who have believed.
Fathers Day
As I awoke this morning I made my way to the kitchen table. It’s “Fathers day” I thought. There were banners on the walls and notes from my children all expressing their love for me as their dad.
My youngest daughter of eleven (Grace) wrote: “Dad, without you our family wouldn’t know what to do(because we love you so much) You are the perfect Dad anyone could ever have! When ever I need something fixed, you’re the one I’d ask because you know how to fix anything! Whenever I need a hug I know where to go! Your hugs are like a warm teddy bear. But most of all I love you daddy! Happy Fathers Day.
P.S. “Boom –Daddy-Boom Daddy -Boom!!
Then there was a list of “things to do” that my wife had left there on the table from the night before. One of the items on her list was to call her Dad. As I looked at the note, I thought oh yea, “call Dad” and then …. I thought “ooooh I can’t do that any more” . It’s another one of those things I use to do that I‘ve added to the list of my memories of my Father who went to be with the Lord on May 31st this year.
I’m finding that thoughts of my Father tug on my heart and cause a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye at the most unexpected moments. Jesus understood this when he said “I will never leave you nor forsake you, even unto the ends of the world”.
Our minds have a unique way of reviewing our past and the things that have left life time impressions on us. With this hope of Jesus our tears are wiped away and our hearts are comforted when we are reassured that, we who have accepted Christ as our savior will be re-united with the saints who have gone on before.
If you have never experienced this comfort in your loss of a loved one I challenge you to take a moment and ask God to bring peace and comfort into your life through Jesus.
I loved my Dad and someday I too will be with him again even though I miss him now and have wonderful and fond memories of him.
My youngest daughter of eleven (Grace) wrote: “Dad, without you our family wouldn’t know what to do(because we love you so much) You are the perfect Dad anyone could ever have! When ever I need something fixed, you’re the one I’d ask because you know how to fix anything! Whenever I need a hug I know where to go! Your hugs are like a warm teddy bear. But most of all I love you daddy! Happy Fathers Day.
P.S. “Boom –Daddy-Boom Daddy -Boom!!
Then there was a list of “things to do” that my wife had left there on the table from the night before. One of the items on her list was to call her Dad. As I looked at the note, I thought oh yea, “call Dad” and then …. I thought “ooooh I can’t do that any more” . It’s another one of those things I use to do that I‘ve added to the list of my memories of my Father who went to be with the Lord on May 31st this year.
I’m finding that thoughts of my Father tug on my heart and cause a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye at the most unexpected moments. Jesus understood this when he said “I will never leave you nor forsake you, even unto the ends of the world”.
Our minds have a unique way of reviewing our past and the things that have left life time impressions on us. With this hope of Jesus our tears are wiped away and our hearts are comforted when we are reassured that, we who have accepted Christ as our savior will be re-united with the saints who have gone on before.
If you have never experienced this comfort in your loss of a loved one I challenge you to take a moment and ask God to bring peace and comfort into your life through Jesus.
I loved my Dad and someday I too will be with him again even though I miss him now and have wonderful and fond memories of him.
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