February 16, 1947
Sunday afternoon
Dear Dad,
“But God chose the foolish things of the world, that He might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that He might put to shame the things that are strong; and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, ye and the things that are not, that He might bring to nought the things that are: that no flesh should glory before God.”
1 Corinthians 1: 27-29
You know, when God chose me to love and serve Him, He didn’t pick me because I had the brains and wisdom of the world about me and knew the score on all things! In fact, it was more the opposite in my case! He didn’t take me because I was some big bolting, husky guy who could wrestle with grizzly bears and win. No! definitely not so, because I probably would turn tail at the first signs! Nope! It isn’t the best that God chooses and it is usually the opposite in most of His choices. Saint Paul makes that very clear as He talks to the Corinthians. God takes a broken and contrite spirit, and that is the only kind! Even I, who has not yet really learned the true humility that He would have me to have and the willingness to help others out in their daily trials and tasks, could never be received into the gracious Father’s Kingdom until I realized how little I actually was! God wants little men so He can make them big men-----He wants us like little Babes, as Jesus says in Matthew 18:3, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdome of Heaven.”
That verse was written right to my heart because I remember how little children are before they get the idea they are something and how simple and attentive they are to the things going on around them. All in all though, I have no regret; I thank God I was weak and and foolish---I thank God Jesus showed me the way of life. Not just this present life but that which is to come. I am promised Salvation from Hell, I don’t want to go there—I don’t want to know what it is like either because I have read what it says in God’s Word about it, and that Everyone that does not believe, and as it says in Revelation 20:15, “And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.” That’s enough for me and the sermons I hear on Hell, Fire, and Brimstone just send shivers up and down my spine. Sometimes we say preachers should preach more on love of God---you know God had a lot of Love for us if He sent His own Son down to Hell in our place that if we believed on Him, we would never have to go! All I can say, is Praise God for His unspeakable Gift and His patience that He kept me on this earth long enough to be saved before I died and was sent to judgement. I could have died at His whim on the instant---now I’m ready should He call, not worthy to stand before Christ on the throne, but saved from His wrath that He tryed so hard for me not to have. Yes, Jesus is real to me! Amen! (Loud too, just like some old brother in the back of the church!) Amen!
It was surely good to hear my folks over the phone last Tuesday night, it was really worth anything it ever took to call you! I think I’ll pull the same thing more often! Incidentally, the cold snap is over now, but, as soon as it was over on Wednesday morning it started to rain and it really rained for about two days straight! Today is a wonderful day and are the type of days that make Florida what it really is! How is it up home? Did it snow after the cold snap? ‘Time’ Magazine says that $50,000,000 worth of fruit produce was lost due to the weather!
I’ve sure been going to a swell little church in the South section of Jacksonville. It is an interdenominational gathering called the Glendale Community Church. The men and women are hard working not only on temporal things by which they might profit by in this old world but put the Lord’s work first and really serve; most of them are country folks and I tell you it’s really a blessing to go out there! Norm is more or less the assistant pastor out there. That’s how I got started going out there.
I just had chow with Joe Manuel. Joe’s my Papagos Indian pal and he is really a testimony for the Lord here on the base. He is from a a tribe near Tuscon, Arizona and he’s the only Christian in his whole tribe, in fact, his mother and father tossed him out when he went to school for the Lord. I guess his folks can’t even speak English. Here on the base it seems that the Lord is really opening the chance to get Bible classes on the go, and Joe and I the Lord willing are going to at last really get on the Ball!
I am supposed to talk to the kids out at this small Methodist church I have been going to for about three months now. I’ve been compiling things all week and have to get them together now.
I do hope you keep up that idea of writing soon because Dad, a letter from you would cheer this old no-good and hardly worth-it hearth of mine to real joy. How’s the horses making out? Did it get cold enough to damage any of the livestock out at the ranch? What was the lowest temperature? Have you seen or heard anything about Jason? Well, I’d better get on the ball and do some research and study---I’ve pulled too many other unprepared speeches before!
I pray the Lord will show unto you His great peace and joy through His precious but sacrificed Son and shower you with His wondrous blessings,
In Him,
Your son,
Stephen
“He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck
Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Proverbs 29:1
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
3 February 1947
3 February 1947
Monday morning
Dear Dad,
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? My help cometh from Jehovah, who made heaven and earth…….Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and forever more.” Psalms 121: 1,2,8
You know Dad, I don’t have any mountains to look up to, just flat old sand dunes but I do have the mountains of clouds to look up into and feel my soul climb up to the majesty of God and find great peace. From the realistic surrounding of mountains at home where you can look upon the Lord’s handiwork all the day long is really something, but I take pride in the fact that God gave me an imagination to feature Him and the wonderful things He has in store for me. I used to worry what I was going to do for a career in the old world. I had great big ambitions but no gumption. I’d get the idea all cooked up and then begin to doubt it when the going would get a bit rough. Now, I’m busy all the time and some day I hope I can say I have spent one whole day for the glorification of my Lord but fellows will ask me during the day if I’m going to be a minister and all I can say is that I’m set aside for the Lord’s work but that’s a pretty wide field and I can’t say….the Lord will tell me in a definite way as long as I stay close to Him in my living. If I draw away then, all thanks to Him, He’ll burden me until I do give in all the way.
I run into fellows every day that use language that isn’t fit for animals and the way they act reminds me of some natural scene that you’d only expect out in the instincts and surroundings that nature gave to animals. Even after lights are out the fellows have to lay in their bunks and tell of their great sensations. I’m not the only one in the world though that has to see all this go on and even so if it stops me I like to remind myself how it must hurt the Father who loved us so much so long ago that He sent His only son down on the earth to die and teach men of His love. After all man couldn’t replace man upon this earth. Earth is made in a perfect balance, so that someone who was perfect Himself in every way did the construction work.
That’s why when I look around me, and surely others are conscious of it too, and see nature in its best, God Himself living and speaking in every hill, animal, lighting, and darkening, how can we refuse Him acknowledgement. I can’t say why! I did refuse Him the right to call me His own for so long and even now when my eyes are open I give myself and the means visible to man’s greatness the credit, for instance, who made the atom perfect in every respect and so efficient? Man couldn’t but he gives himself the credit! Who put it there for man to find and use? God, and man takes it and forgets the maker. That’s why in the Bible the Lord says He takes the simple to expose the wise and their universal understandings. Thank God I’m simple!
I’m kind of one jump behind today and yester-day. I’m still buried in a pile of back mail but the Lord willing I’ll get the time to catch up. I’ve got the duty tonight and have to teach night school so I should be able to catch up on my writing! Speaking of writing, I heard from Al Watenpaugh. From what I get from his letter he got a nice easy desk job but I wouldn’t make a definite statement. He is in Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington.
About once a week I get word that I’m going to be shipped out to school. Each time I go over to the office I get a silly smile from the officer in charge and he tells me not to worry. They have to ship 140 Seamen out of NATTC by the first of March. I haven’t heard anything of the NACP deal and the results I don’t expect to be too good. If I do get in as I’ve said before it will be strictly the Lord’s will and it is up to me and you and Mom just to beleive that the Lord is able!
Today was kind of a replenishing on the material side of the Navy life----payday. That’s the reason I have this moment now. It isn’t bad at all having a little bit of extra time time. I should make a lot of teaching aids but there’s not much use if I won’t be here to use them. I think one of these days I’ll do a paint job on my rooom, especially because the Admiral’s supposed to make a visit in a few weeks. We had a workday last Saturday which is very unusual and in this case very disappointing to many poor sailors who had big liberty plans. It rained all morning Saturday so they didn’t feel so very bad in the end.
Winter hasn’t begun down here yet. It is sure a contrast from last year because then a fellow couldn’t even walk outside without a overcoat on or he’d freeze to death. It has started to rain a little bit though. Saturday it looked like about ten new rivers had sprung up out of nowhere and they really carry the sand right down the street!
The Lord surely has given me a challenge to read more word. So far I now begin to realize I have making the Bible a sideline where it should be a sideline along the whole day. You might call it then Main Course of the meal….a fellow just has to eat. I don’t believe I have gone to it yet (The Bible) when the Lord wouldn’t lead me to an answer right on the nose!! I don’t mean to tell you what to do Dad, and I definitely don’t believe in forcing, but I know you would never regret what spare moments each day you could put in on the Bible. It is really wonderful to read of all the promises and guidances the Lord has provided for us while we are here on this earth.
I have to give a test this next period and I wish I had time to say something that was worth your time reading (not that the Lord and His Son aren’t but it’s the way I put things that kills it ); I surely would appreciate a short note from your pen hand—some snowy afternoon perhaps?
May the Grace and Peace of God be with you always,
Your Son,
Stephen
Monday morning
Dear Dad,
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? My help cometh from Jehovah, who made heaven and earth…….Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and forever more.” Psalms 121: 1,2,8
You know Dad, I don’t have any mountains to look up to, just flat old sand dunes but I do have the mountains of clouds to look up into and feel my soul climb up to the majesty of God and find great peace. From the realistic surrounding of mountains at home where you can look upon the Lord’s handiwork all the day long is really something, but I take pride in the fact that God gave me an imagination to feature Him and the wonderful things He has in store for me. I used to worry what I was going to do for a career in the old world. I had great big ambitions but no gumption. I’d get the idea all cooked up and then begin to doubt it when the going would get a bit rough. Now, I’m busy all the time and some day I hope I can say I have spent one whole day for the glorification of my Lord but fellows will ask me during the day if I’m going to be a minister and all I can say is that I’m set aside for the Lord’s work but that’s a pretty wide field and I can’t say….the Lord will tell me in a definite way as long as I stay close to Him in my living. If I draw away then, all thanks to Him, He’ll burden me until I do give in all the way.
I run into fellows every day that use language that isn’t fit for animals and the way they act reminds me of some natural scene that you’d only expect out in the instincts and surroundings that nature gave to animals. Even after lights are out the fellows have to lay in their bunks and tell of their great sensations. I’m not the only one in the world though that has to see all this go on and even so if it stops me I like to remind myself how it must hurt the Father who loved us so much so long ago that He sent His only son down on the earth to die and teach men of His love. After all man couldn’t replace man upon this earth. Earth is made in a perfect balance, so that someone who was perfect Himself in every way did the construction work.
That’s why when I look around me, and surely others are conscious of it too, and see nature in its best, God Himself living and speaking in every hill, animal, lighting, and darkening, how can we refuse Him acknowledgement. I can’t say why! I did refuse Him the right to call me His own for so long and even now when my eyes are open I give myself and the means visible to man’s greatness the credit, for instance, who made the atom perfect in every respect and so efficient? Man couldn’t but he gives himself the credit! Who put it there for man to find and use? God, and man takes it and forgets the maker. That’s why in the Bible the Lord says He takes the simple to expose the wise and their universal understandings. Thank God I’m simple!
I’m kind of one jump behind today and yester-day. I’m still buried in a pile of back mail but the Lord willing I’ll get the time to catch up. I’ve got the duty tonight and have to teach night school so I should be able to catch up on my writing! Speaking of writing, I heard from Al Watenpaugh. From what I get from his letter he got a nice easy desk job but I wouldn’t make a definite statement. He is in Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington.
About once a week I get word that I’m going to be shipped out to school. Each time I go over to the office I get a silly smile from the officer in charge and he tells me not to worry. They have to ship 140 Seamen out of NATTC by the first of March. I haven’t heard anything of the NACP deal and the results I don’t expect to be too good. If I do get in as I’ve said before it will be strictly the Lord’s will and it is up to me and you and Mom just to beleive that the Lord is able!
Today was kind of a replenishing on the material side of the Navy life----payday. That’s the reason I have this moment now. It isn’t bad at all having a little bit of extra time time. I should make a lot of teaching aids but there’s not much use if I won’t be here to use them. I think one of these days I’ll do a paint job on my rooom, especially because the Admiral’s supposed to make a visit in a few weeks. We had a workday last Saturday which is very unusual and in this case very disappointing to many poor sailors who had big liberty plans. It rained all morning Saturday so they didn’t feel so very bad in the end.
Winter hasn’t begun down here yet. It is sure a contrast from last year because then a fellow couldn’t even walk outside without a overcoat on or he’d freeze to death. It has started to rain a little bit though. Saturday it looked like about ten new rivers had sprung up out of nowhere and they really carry the sand right down the street!
The Lord surely has given me a challenge to read more word. So far I now begin to realize I have making the Bible a sideline where it should be a sideline along the whole day. You might call it then Main Course of the meal….a fellow just has to eat. I don’t believe I have gone to it yet (The Bible) when the Lord wouldn’t lead me to an answer right on the nose!! I don’t mean to tell you what to do Dad, and I definitely don’t believe in forcing, but I know you would never regret what spare moments each day you could put in on the Bible. It is really wonderful to read of all the promises and guidances the Lord has provided for us while we are here on this earth.
I have to give a test this next period and I wish I had time to say something that was worth your time reading (not that the Lord and His Son aren’t but it’s the way I put things that kills it ); I surely would appreciate a short note from your pen hand—some snowy afternoon perhaps?
May the Grace and Peace of God be with you always,
Your Son,
Stephen
January 29, 1947
January 29, 1947
Wednesday evening
“Of who do the kings of the
earth take custom or tribute?
Of their own children, or of
strangers? Peter saith unto Him,
of strangers. Jesus saith unto
Him, Then the children are free.”
Dear Mom,
In a way, I’m very ashamed of myself for the rate I’ve gone through Matthew and then I’m glad I did meditate but the above from Matthew 17:25,26 sure came into my heart when I was waiting for chow this noon. Maybe I’ve taken it wrong but the dent it made made joy overwhelming because it told me further the strangers to Christ are going to pay a price when they enter into His lad but His children enter in, free! I certainly pray my God that my hunger for His Word might increase because there are surely alot of unbeared treasures awaiting my discoveries. I’d know how to overcome things too- how to pray and really be victorious in Christ. I forgive myself too many times.
This book, “In His Presence” is surely an inspiration for sincere prayer and a good “check-off” list too! I’m just beginning to see how so many of my prayers have fallen short, not because of my hearer, but of my own faith and frankness which was mightily lacking. I still am thankful for Christ who makes intercession for my prayers that I might be understood.
Day by day, amidst my weakness and shortcomings God is blessing me continually. First, it was an eye opener to Joe and I to hear of the future disposal of Navigators here and how we’d started absorbing all the blessing and had passed none of it on. Believe me, it popped our pride out and we crawled to the Lord. I’m still not humble and lowly enough but God willing I’ll come to Him contritely for I have cast Him aside. If Norm goes, Joe is going to try and buy the house (He’s to be discharged in July.) and keep organized through Daws in L.A. The Lord will work that part out. Our task is to get boy’s into the Home again. Why! There used to be twenty or thirty here and now we’re happy with five!
So campaign begins, and, first off comes another wonderful Youth for Christ program and we get about three or four new mates. At least we had a crowded house that night! I’d dropped almost completely Chaplain Andrew’s Bible Class and so at last I’m on the road to making signs and telling everyone I can about it. Joe’s starting one up at Mainside and we’re both going to go over to the Hospitale where Chaplain Menges (I hear he’s really on fire!) is considering starting one up! Boy, someone’s going to hear of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Lord willing through whom and how, men, and women, are going to be saved! Then, comes the invitation, “Come to Navigators!” Oh Mom! Praise the Lord and pray for us. Satan’s busy trying to cool the flames down but this time Jesus is going to be the victor! I’m holding fast to Christ and looking up and leaning on His power to guide and strengthen me. Jesus lives and God grant it this Base swerves to the Lord.
Just to show you prayer goes not long unanswered both Chaplains Andrews and Stevenson gave Gospel’s sermons. Just a little bit more prayer, and a little bit more Gospel and there’ll be Salvation preached. People, of the world like my friends back home, if they knew my real thoughts, I’d be a fool to them! It’s fun to be a fool for Christ- did you ever read 1 Corinthians, first chapter! Do it!
A pastor from out at the Baptist Temple a Dr. Harris (an author) is preaching or I should say teaching on the book of Romans. Say! Isn’t that a treasure chest? That fellow out there can sure make the division line clear between a sinner and a Christian! For example! He has two chairs- the first, the seat God put man in after Adam had sinned and because we had all sinned, death passed on us too (Romans 5:12) That man was subject to law and love but it was a case where only a Lamb’s blood sacrificed could forgive. He had no control over sin and fleshly desires and what he shouldn’t do, he did. God saw the wretched state (Romans 7) man was in. He gave His only son to die in pain and misery, to shed His blood as the Lamb for the forgiveness of those who believed honestly that this was done for them. (Romans 8) Now, God has taken that blood and in our accepting His love our sin is covered so God can’t see it and won’t he hindered from working further wonders in our life.
Today, stand two chairs, the same wondrous gift is offered to both, one accepted, one refused. One is “saved” for eternal life, the other is destined for Hell and it’s utmost depths and everlasting misery. I could never explain it as He did but the distinction was so marvelous.
I went over to Witty’s church (pastor of the church this speaker’s at) Sunday after Capworth League at Hendrick’s Memorial Church (Methodist) and their evening service which was “No Greater Power,” a film on Luke 19: 1-10. It was good except for some unrealistic parts. They always get out rather early so Annabelle (one of my buddies girls) and I went over and heard this Harris. The Lord touched another Marine Student of mine. The Lord’s sure wonderful, isn’t He?
There are thirty Wheaton girls holding services at a local Baptist Church tonight that I’d sure like to see, but my duty is Bible Class tonight and some down to earth and up from God Bible study which I nearly forgot in my anticipation. I hope I get to hear this teacher once more. I could have last night only I started writing to Jordan. Well, the Lord will provide if He sees fit! That’s for sure.
You ask why I send so much money home and recall please you sent me by telegram $15 and $25 and when I left home, $25 again. Also, when contemplating my trip home I told you I’d paid so little of the two hundred from last summer, if any, I couldn’t allow you to buy my whole ticket home so gradually I intend to keep sending bit by bit one hundred to ease my concience mainly. Now, don’t you two pull any shennanigans! I owe it to you and it is yours! in your bank account. After we hit that mark, then “recuperate” mine. Please?!
How do you like to write letters in the morning? I enjoy it! Excuse my delay in writing, it’s cause I was waiting for your letter.
I’m glad you enjoy C.L. +T. I surely do, what little I can catch! I’ll ask Norm what you mentioned about Talbot’s sermon.
Tell Edna I’ll write soon. I’m behind mine letters! I’m glad Jason’s squared away. If it wasn’t the Lord’s will; it’ll be shown.
Hi Dad!
Class is soon and I have to shower and eat.
May our Lord’s love shine bright in you each day,
Your son,
Stephen
Rom. 3:24
Wednesday evening
“Of who do the kings of the
earth take custom or tribute?
Of their own children, or of
strangers? Peter saith unto Him,
of strangers. Jesus saith unto
Him, Then the children are free.”
Dear Mom,
In a way, I’m very ashamed of myself for the rate I’ve gone through Matthew and then I’m glad I did meditate but the above from Matthew 17:25,26 sure came into my heart when I was waiting for chow this noon. Maybe I’ve taken it wrong but the dent it made made joy overwhelming because it told me further the strangers to Christ are going to pay a price when they enter into His lad but His children enter in, free! I certainly pray my God that my hunger for His Word might increase because there are surely alot of unbeared treasures awaiting my discoveries. I’d know how to overcome things too- how to pray and really be victorious in Christ. I forgive myself too many times.
This book, “In His Presence” is surely an inspiration for sincere prayer and a good “check-off” list too! I’m just beginning to see how so many of my prayers have fallen short, not because of my hearer, but of my own faith and frankness which was mightily lacking. I still am thankful for Christ who makes intercession for my prayers that I might be understood.
Day by day, amidst my weakness and shortcomings God is blessing me continually. First, it was an eye opener to Joe and I to hear of the future disposal of Navigators here and how we’d started absorbing all the blessing and had passed none of it on. Believe me, it popped our pride out and we crawled to the Lord. I’m still not humble and lowly enough but God willing I’ll come to Him contritely for I have cast Him aside. If Norm goes, Joe is going to try and buy the house (He’s to be discharged in July.) and keep organized through Daws in L.A. The Lord will work that part out. Our task is to get boy’s into the Home again. Why! There used to be twenty or thirty here and now we’re happy with five!
So campaign begins, and, first off comes another wonderful Youth for Christ program and we get about three or four new mates. At least we had a crowded house that night! I’d dropped almost completely Chaplain Andrew’s Bible Class and so at last I’m on the road to making signs and telling everyone I can about it. Joe’s starting one up at Mainside and we’re both going to go over to the Hospitale where Chaplain Menges (I hear he’s really on fire!) is considering starting one up! Boy, someone’s going to hear of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Lord willing through whom and how, men, and women, are going to be saved! Then, comes the invitation, “Come to Navigators!” Oh Mom! Praise the Lord and pray for us. Satan’s busy trying to cool the flames down but this time Jesus is going to be the victor! I’m holding fast to Christ and looking up and leaning on His power to guide and strengthen me. Jesus lives and God grant it this Base swerves to the Lord.
Just to show you prayer goes not long unanswered both Chaplains Andrews and Stevenson gave Gospel’s sermons. Just a little bit more prayer, and a little bit more Gospel and there’ll be Salvation preached. People, of the world like my friends back home, if they knew my real thoughts, I’d be a fool to them! It’s fun to be a fool for Christ- did you ever read 1 Corinthians, first chapter! Do it!
A pastor from out at the Baptist Temple a Dr. Harris (an author) is preaching or I should say teaching on the book of Romans. Say! Isn’t that a treasure chest? That fellow out there can sure make the division line clear between a sinner and a Christian! For example! He has two chairs- the first, the seat God put man in after Adam had sinned and because we had all sinned, death passed on us too (Romans 5:12) That man was subject to law and love but it was a case where only a Lamb’s blood sacrificed could forgive. He had no control over sin and fleshly desires and what he shouldn’t do, he did. God saw the wretched state (Romans 7) man was in. He gave His only son to die in pain and misery, to shed His blood as the Lamb for the forgiveness of those who believed honestly that this was done for them. (Romans 8) Now, God has taken that blood and in our accepting His love our sin is covered so God can’t see it and won’t he hindered from working further wonders in our life.
Today, stand two chairs, the same wondrous gift is offered to both, one accepted, one refused. One is “saved” for eternal life, the other is destined for Hell and it’s utmost depths and everlasting misery. I could never explain it as He did but the distinction was so marvelous.
I went over to Witty’s church (pastor of the church this speaker’s at) Sunday after Capworth League at Hendrick’s Memorial Church (Methodist) and their evening service which was “No Greater Power,” a film on Luke 19: 1-10. It was good except for some unrealistic parts. They always get out rather early so Annabelle (one of my buddies girls) and I went over and heard this Harris. The Lord touched another Marine Student of mine. The Lord’s sure wonderful, isn’t He?
There are thirty Wheaton girls holding services at a local Baptist Church tonight that I’d sure like to see, but my duty is Bible Class tonight and some down to earth and up from God Bible study which I nearly forgot in my anticipation. I hope I get to hear this teacher once more. I could have last night only I started writing to Jordan. Well, the Lord will provide if He sees fit! That’s for sure.
You ask why I send so much money home and recall please you sent me by telegram $15 and $25 and when I left home, $25 again. Also, when contemplating my trip home I told you I’d paid so little of the two hundred from last summer, if any, I couldn’t allow you to buy my whole ticket home so gradually I intend to keep sending bit by bit one hundred to ease my concience mainly. Now, don’t you two pull any shennanigans! I owe it to you and it is yours! in your bank account. After we hit that mark, then “recuperate” mine. Please?!
How do you like to write letters in the morning? I enjoy it! Excuse my delay in writing, it’s cause I was waiting for your letter.
I’m glad you enjoy C.L. +T. I surely do, what little I can catch! I’ll ask Norm what you mentioned about Talbot’s sermon.
Tell Edna I’ll write soon. I’m behind mine letters! I’m glad Jason’s squared away. If it wasn’t the Lord’s will; it’ll be shown.
Hi Dad!
Class is soon and I have to shower and eat.
May our Lord’s love shine bright in you each day,
Your son,
Stephen
Rom. 3:24
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