18 February 1947
Tuesday morning
Dear Mom,
“Now, God is able to make all grace abound toward you. That ye, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound in every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8
Under the Navigators’ memorization outline that is the Resource of Grace to the Christian. It was my 66th verse on memory and I began to go over it last night. I don’t know why I was in such a dejected mood; I think it was mainly because I’d let old Satan get one jump ahead of me most of the day and I felt as if I had rejected the Lord’s calling too many times. I had a good opportunity to witness to some boys I had painting in my room and I get off on a tangent and left Jesus out. Nevertheless, I came over to the Chapel to write my daily letter and study, a kind of ‘sad sack!’ About half way over I remembered I had forgotten my new habit just acquired last week! Usually when I walk along I’m busy thinking and day dreaming. Most of the thoughts and dreams aren’t even tributes to the Lord if fact, they are more of a stumbling block than anything else! The Lord has spoken and shown me concerning it more than once and so I asked myself, if I was going to literally talk to myself as I walked along, I might as well walk along doing something to further His Kingdom! So, this past week and the future ones as I walk about the base wherever I go, I pull out my verses which are on handy little pocket sized cards in a convenient folder, and start babbling away on them! I may present a startling sight to some----Peculiar? Titus 2:14 I began 2 Cor: 9:8 in that overcast mood and it spoke right to my heart that there was no sense in this mood of dejection and that was what Satan wanted himself. God is able it said to make all grace abound in me and I may do all His works with a victorious effort! It sure pepped me up and I did finish a letter to the Baptist young folks at home and write a thank you card to Uncle Charley Strandberg.
I felt good enough in spirit, but the ‘flesh was weak’ to write you last night. I got kind of a late start and would have had to stay up later than was good for me because although I never ran out of energy for the day, when night came around my eyes because to play tricks on me. Saturday night I only got around six hours of sleep and last Sunday night only five so I was kind of dopey when I got around to your letter. I folded up and went back to the barracks read about a Chapter in Acts and went to sleep no sooner than I laid my head down! I didn’t used to be able to sleep with the radio going but lately when I lay down I just think on how wonderful the Lord is and His peace and blessings coos me to sleep in no time!
These past two weeks have really been blessings of the Lord! Last week when they gave us fifteen hours of Trig, they also gave us another instructor but it still gave us all two much to do to have one section in each room so we put two sections in one room and it only takes two instructors each period instead of the usual four! At any rate the schedule worked out so that I had all afternoon off last week and this week by a minor shift I got all morning off! It is really something because the Lord has allowed me to get all my owed letters caught up on and even a few of the promised! Last week it was all letters but this week it is divided between letters and Bible Study. I just praise the Lord because I was so very far behind! It has been wonderful to start the day off and know that you will have a good lot of time!
At first I couldn’t find a place to study, and then I remembered the offices over here in the Chapel. It s quite a ways from our building and NATTC part of the base but up here there is quietness and good places to study and along with typewriters I could hardly ask for anything better! I study up here at night too. It looks prospective that I might soon get down to History and few other things along that line!
It surely was a filling experience to talk to you and Dad the other night. I marveled that it was so clear! I hope I spoke as distinctly as you did but to me it couldn’t have been better if you were right next door! I do hope that my call didn’t interrupt anyone’s plans whatsoever because I did want you to enjoy your birth day to the full extent. I was so tickled in hearing your voices I never remembered to ask you if you had had other plans. To me it was like my own birthday instead of yours! I want to thank you for the Valentine, I really felt I was somebody with all that went on last week!
I was wondering if you could do a big job for me? First, I’ll tell you that one sad night I was returning to the base with all my gear and while traveling on the bus as there were no seats empty I sat down on the deck by the door. One step a fellow hopped out of the bus and in so doing kicked quite accidentally all the gear off my lap onto the ground whizzing it right out of the door! I went out while the driver waited and I thought I picked up everything but I guess I missed my address book. That hurt when I realized the next morning I had lost it--it seemed like the world had lost its bottom. It so happened that in that book was all the birthdays that I had ever known and I don’t have them or alot of addressed anymore. So, I wish to really make a complete list and I imagine that most likely you are up on most of them, of all the birthdays of every body in our family. Could you send them to me? Especially Dad’s and Aunt Esther’s? Also I wish you might send me Dick Wright’s address(His dad’s street address if okay)as I promised I would write him about a year ago, and Pop Rowe’s street address to please? I want to get completely squared away on this letter situation completely and so it will not be a stumbling block in any way to my testimony for our Lord. Don’t break a leg in your rush, but I would surely appreciate these things fairly soon.? Please don’t forget Harpers address in Montana?
I’m glad the Lord blessed you so temporaly and spiritually on your birthday. I’m glad you got a book like the ‘Apostle’ because even though some folks say it isn’t what it should be, those that are sincere that I have asked really said it was a treasure. Tell me about it some? I’m relieved to hear that the pen reached you okay. I was going on time elements so much that I sent it Air Mail on the assurance of the post man, whereas I might have lost it as I couldn’t insure it in that type of mail. I should have realized that those things are in the Lord’s hands any how!
Do you know when the next Youth for Christ rally is? Did you hear any more about the revival the Baptists were having? Maybe the fervor for which Jesus and our Lord’s teaching and reviving is the same at home as they are in alot of places in this country of ours. People are blind to the true light and real life. Did you hear the speaker at any time? I can never praise the Lord enough for the revival s that we have been enjoying the fruits of out at the Glendale Church. I thank God there still are in this world those who would proclaim the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to all. I went again last Sunday night after Epworth League at Hendricks with the same group with two more additions and it was really another outpouring of the Spirit. Sinners, backsliders, and unvictorious Christians came forth and really gave their whole self to the Lord with a real spirit. Last Sunday night the testimonies were even freer and I do believe as Dr. French said that that is one revival that will never close down! I’m almost tempted to go out to that church regularly! The kids out there and grown ups too are really sincere about their walking for the Lord in true faith! The Lord provided the opportunity for me to speak at League last Sunday night. It was surely filling to get up there and tell what I knew about our wonderfull Saviour but it surely revealed to me in another way how little I knew! The counciler has asked me to go with Him to the Father and Son banquet which the Methodists are giving soon! I still haven’t had a good chance to know the “old preacher;” he doesn’t hang around the young folks much at all. The Lord has given countless opportunity to talk to the kids there though, and I pray some of it will bring fruit in glorigying Him. Annabell, that’s Gene’s girl (Gene’s about the most one the ball guy there) was saying the other night that she souldn’t imagine me not being a Christian! I’d never thought of it that way and tell the truth to think back it made me shudder and thank the Lord that much more for Jesus!
I had a strange experience this last week and it has made me think alot. One night I saw Joe Manuel on the high run and he told me that I had a letter in his barracks(6). He also said that it was from Washington D.C. and that it was in printed handwriting. Well, that sounded like Jackie’s writing and her locality, and I set back to wait as Joe said his Mail clerk had readdressed it to 7 and sent it back through the base mail. That was last week about Tuesday and it should only take about a day or two days at the most for a letter to get around to coming from one barracks to another. Maybe it was a letter that I wasn’t supposed to get. It usually takes Jackie quite a while to write and she was unusually quick this time:---if that was her; it might have been the Man in the Moon. Satan surely uses her to flash up desire in my heart. The Lord has had no definite calling to me about her and then yet, every time he (Satan) catches me weak he’ll start me thinking, ‘If she was only saved—I’d have a girl.’ Personally the Lord has given me definite instructions about girls. I see so many Christians especially High School, and it certainly is natural, worry about what girl or boy they are going to have for their own friend and it really is a stumbling block to the Lord and in their work for Him. I’ve had some very precious fellowship and Satan uses opportunity wherever he can by saying, ‘If!’ I thank the Lord I can throw him out any old time because I’m wasting His time by even allowing my thoughts to res there for a moment. The Lord will lead in that respect if it is His will at all! I do so pray that I can help plant seed of Salvation in those old girl friends of mine and meet them all in heaven when the Lord is rallying us all. Their souls are precious to me because I have known their hearts and minds and weaknesses.
How would you like some ‘B’ Rations Mom, to memorize? I have some on hand and from my own experience I’m sure that you would never regret spending ashort bit of time on them each day. I feel that they have surely enriched my life in living for our King and it doen’t take any set apart time. When I literally would be wasting time musing on temporal things than I get my verses out. When I ride on the bus, waiting for the bus, walking, or working with my hands, that’s when I do all the work! It makes you sure that you’ve accomplished something too! Not that you don’t accomplish anything, but that’s in my case. Some of this Navigator gear could give you the lift that it has me! I’ve got the whole book now on Christian helps and it surely has been a booster. Just give me the word.
How’s everything in school coming and how’s the ranch? Is it reall winter yet? Down here it is back to the usual ebb of sunshine and nippy climate but it is alot better than the extreme cold and then the wet atmosphere!
Heard anything thing about the hound and how he is doing?
Do you see Uncle David much---did I tell you that all that Voice of prophecy gear that he gets is strictly Seventh Day Adventist? Read some of it over. It kind of worries me, no fooling. I met a fellow here at the Home last Saturday night through Youth for Christ who was almost what I’d call born again! After going to YFC and several churches Sunday with us (He even ate beef, Norm said so he’s not ‘died in the wool.’) when talking to Joe, he wondered if he really was saved!
Well, I have to shift offices and get to other studyes. I’m using the Christian Scientist’s office and this is the day for him to come out to the base. It gives me the heeby geegies sometimes when all I see is Mary Baker Eddy plastered every where but it is about the best office! Jesus can overcome it all anyhow! Have you seen any Royal typewriter yet?
I’ve kind of rattled on here, I hope I’ve said something of value to you--- I had alot to say when I sat down! The Lord can bless it! Incidentally, the 15th was the first day when they were going to begin the notification of the acceptees for NACP—pray for the Lord’s will, mom.
May the love, faith, joy, victory, and patience and humility
Which is in Christ Jesus be in you and may His precious blood
bring true Christian happiness forever,
In Him, your son, Stephen (Steve)- (habit forming)
P.S. I thought my typing was getting better- now, I wonder?
Hi Dad!
Psalm 139
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
11 February 1947
11 February 1947
Tuesday morning
1000 Hrs.
Dearest Mother,
I make the supposition that now you’re just preparing to leave for school- the same old eight o’clock stampede?
Oh Mom! It is my prayer this morning that you have arisen in clearer light on the nearer road to our Lord Jesus. May angels in heaven rejoice, may our “Mom” up there rejoice because we two or her children see the wonderful light of Jesus, on this fortieth year of your life. Oh, I pray it might be a stepping stone in that life sanctified for Christ and that His choice of your burden, His direction of your paths in these coming years will be accepting truths and a privelege of bearing to your mind and life.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5 “In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Prov. 3:6
“ ‘Tis a wonderful Name, ‘Tis Jesus”- ‘Tis a wonderful Book of truth! Praise God! God is our Master! Praise God! Christ is King. I do make supplication for you that God will draw nearer. Truly Paul expresses, “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
I probably won’t be able to make this a long letter. I did want to write some so I would get back on my Monday night or Tuesday morning routine. The Lord has been so wonderfully kind this week and this birthday of yours has mean’t more to me as a son, this year, this moment, than ever before. I thank God I am regenerated (2 Cor. 5:17) but I thank God for a wonderful Christian mother who cared for me in Godly sincerity. Truly Christ can give joy and peace added upon, again and again.
I make supplication for your affliction and pray God will reveal to you it’s purpose. The more I study the Bible, the surer I am God ahs every moment and incidet planned to bring us closer to Him. I still write Bob Davis often, he’s a Christian, not as devout as Christ would want mainly because of world separation but his experiences have been a blessing to me. A year ago, his brother died, shortly after his mother had a heart attack and it paralyzed her whole body, in speech too, and even though she gets stronger she’s absolutely helpless. Last month his father died. I just pray that through a closer friendship we can both become more devout disciples of our King. I just finished another chapter of “In His presence,” and it was about our acceptation and complainings of trials when all was to make us purer vessels of Jesus’ “glad tidings.” Oh Mom! No matter what happens to us or about us in our life, let us strive for His Glory and bless the Lord with our souls for that trial.
The Lord has blessed me with such a miraculous outpouring of His Holy Spirit this weekend and last night! I guard against and watch for emotionalism but I’ve seen now the distinct difference. Did you ever see a revival begin without a sermon but by a few songs of willingness and praise, some humble testimonies and people by that fling themselves upon the altar and cry real tears for Christ. I really came to meet a man of God this week. He’s leading (in the Spirit’s guidance) this revival. He’s a Dr. French, who began the missionary movement in France. He’s a wonderful witness for Christ.
It’s so difficult to see why we can’t crucify flesh, but praise God, He planned this weekend and last night (I went to Glendale Community Church and didn’t get to write then as I’d intended!) so that I might have real victory and personal, sincere friendship with my Savior. Oh mother! Pray for me- half isn’t satisfying- it has to be “all to Jesus, I surrender- I surrender all!”
“And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.” Acts 20:32
“Happy Birthday,” Mom! And may the coming years in His grace be through Jesus Christ our Lord. I’ll hear you over the wires tonight, the Lord willing.
May His peace and joy envelope you,
In His Service,
Your son, Stephen
Tuesday morning
1000 Hrs.
Dearest Mother,
I make the supposition that now you’re just preparing to leave for school- the same old eight o’clock stampede?
Oh Mom! It is my prayer this morning that you have arisen in clearer light on the nearer road to our Lord Jesus. May angels in heaven rejoice, may our “Mom” up there rejoice because we two or her children see the wonderful light of Jesus, on this fortieth year of your life. Oh, I pray it might be a stepping stone in that life sanctified for Christ and that His choice of your burden, His direction of your paths in these coming years will be accepting truths and a privelege of bearing to your mind and life.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5 “In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Prov. 3:6
“ ‘Tis a wonderful Name, ‘Tis Jesus”- ‘Tis a wonderful Book of truth! Praise God! God is our Master! Praise God! Christ is King. I do make supplication for you that God will draw nearer. Truly Paul expresses, “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
I probably won’t be able to make this a long letter. I did want to write some so I would get back on my Monday night or Tuesday morning routine. The Lord has been so wonderfully kind this week and this birthday of yours has mean’t more to me as a son, this year, this moment, than ever before. I thank God I am regenerated (2 Cor. 5:17) but I thank God for a wonderful Christian mother who cared for me in Godly sincerity. Truly Christ can give joy and peace added upon, again and again.
I make supplication for your affliction and pray God will reveal to you it’s purpose. The more I study the Bible, the surer I am God ahs every moment and incidet planned to bring us closer to Him. I still write Bob Davis often, he’s a Christian, not as devout as Christ would want mainly because of world separation but his experiences have been a blessing to me. A year ago, his brother died, shortly after his mother had a heart attack and it paralyzed her whole body, in speech too, and even though she gets stronger she’s absolutely helpless. Last month his father died. I just pray that through a closer friendship we can both become more devout disciples of our King. I just finished another chapter of “In His presence,” and it was about our acceptation and complainings of trials when all was to make us purer vessels of Jesus’ “glad tidings.” Oh Mom! No matter what happens to us or about us in our life, let us strive for His Glory and bless the Lord with our souls for that trial.
The Lord has blessed me with such a miraculous outpouring of His Holy Spirit this weekend and last night! I guard against and watch for emotionalism but I’ve seen now the distinct difference. Did you ever see a revival begin without a sermon but by a few songs of willingness and praise, some humble testimonies and people by that fling themselves upon the altar and cry real tears for Christ. I really came to meet a man of God this week. He’s leading (in the Spirit’s guidance) this revival. He’s a Dr. French, who began the missionary movement in France. He’s a wonderful witness for Christ.
It’s so difficult to see why we can’t crucify flesh, but praise God, He planned this weekend and last night (I went to Glendale Community Church and didn’t get to write then as I’d intended!) so that I might have real victory and personal, sincere friendship with my Savior. Oh mother! Pray for me- half isn’t satisfying- it has to be “all to Jesus, I surrender- I surrender all!”
“And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.” Acts 20:32
“Happy Birthday,” Mom! And may the coming years in His grace be through Jesus Christ our Lord. I’ll hear you over the wires tonight, the Lord willing.
May His peace and joy envelope you,
In His Service,
Your son, Stephen
7 February 1947
Friday morning
7 February 1947
Dear Mom,
“But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath:”
James 1:19
Of anything, I’m slow to speak, and I doubt whether the Lord would admire my swiftness or commend my spirit for writing to you this week! My policy has been to wait for you letter and then write but it seems I never received your letter until last nite and as a result you probably won’t get this until Monday. One thing I do promise though and that is to revise again unto my Monday night habit of writing you, even if I don’t hear from you that evening. I realize your Saturdays are alot fuller than they used to be, but perhaps if you get my letter earlier in the week you may find time to write before Saturday. I always have alot to write about after my weekend. The blessings of the past week added to wonderful services and rallys and fellowship over the weekend.
I truly thank God for that first Youth for Christ Rally at Home. It’s an answer to prayer, but I wish I had been alot more faithful at it. Matthew 18:19 is our faith! You know Mom when any of us have prayer request about persons or other things, we should mention them to one another, because even though the Lord attends all sincere prayer, a united prayer sends up more force. Right? I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate YC but I realize too that duly important is the “follow up” of that yielded life. I truly wish more ministers would give it a real chance, not a “one rally judgement” and weigh it for its value to the Kingdom. I truly wish Chaplain Andrews would do that. He totally is Lutheran and appears to be separated from all other faiths. I pray a little closer, and with patience and tolerance alike, inspection will reveal the real Chaplain, and not a hasty opinion’s result.
We (Joe Manuel and I) had a good Bible Class with the Chaplain Wednesday night. He truly knows his word from a solid study and it appears to be for the Kingdom too. I let what I feel a man’s faults to be, condemn him, which I have no right to do that, but Paul says, let no man do that which would cause a brother to stumble, and many surely have fallen to Satan because of drink and smoking, dances and movies! I’ve talked to alot of fellows who excused their smoking through Chaplains on this Base! Well, it is an issue which God will square away ‘cause the Word doesn’t say “don’t drink, or smoke.” I do know it harms the body and wastes money. Why! The Army Air Corps advises their night fliers against smoking before flights because as few as two cigarettes impairs and slows down night vision for a number of hours.
I’m sorry about forgetting when your birthday was. I’m writing it down in my noggin and on paper too this year! Last year I made a guess! I do hope I didn’t embarrass you- I wanted it secure because I forgot at t what date I’d guessed. I’ve been so busy all week I haven’t had a chance to look around much, and besides I wanted to get something you could use. As a result tomorrow, Saturday, I’ve decided as “look day!” I hope you will pardon my tardiness- I keep hoping to do better next time but I’ve still alot to learn about punctuality- I was just searching into my thought chain- I hope you’re home Tuesday night or let me know where you will be?- near a phone?
I was thinking about dad’s pen t’other day. Ask a jeweler in town about it but best yet the pen’s guaranteed and nothing accidentally has happened to it so just send it in. After all, it can be used then, not laying idle if repaired by the Company.
Did I tell you Mrs. Kibben told me Jim was going to marry Alice Huber- I mean’t to but I guess it slipped away! At least I could have eased the surprise or did someone else inform you prior to the date?
Thanks for Carol’s and Ellen’s letters- what is their address in case I should want to, or better yet find opportunity to write them? They seem to be quite the kids! I might want to greet Mr. + Mrs. Sometime too?
I asked Norm about the world’s time or age and he had studied that the first evidences of man were either four or six thousand years ago and that earth origin is not stated set. He felt Dr. Talbot was speaking in reference to man’s first appearing. Did it seem that way to you? Incidentally, Chaplain Andrew’s heard Talbot once, “very unscriptural.”
Tomorrow, I think I’ll go out and look for a reasonable priced portable typewriter- Royal if possible. I’m discovering I can really use it to an advantage not only on letters but also school work here. It will be a good investment especially if I get NACP and even if I don’t. I could use one of the building’s some but when I really need it, so does someone else! We’re starting to teach Trig Monday and our course is ten weeks, eight hours aday. It seems (?) we’re going to stay here and me stay Seaman first, but I really don’t care! What do you think about a “typerite?”
Hi Dad!
I have class in a few minutes but I do pray that, our gracious Lord Jesus, and our heirship to the Trinity (Romans 8: 16, 18) will bless you throughout the week and guide you always.
In Him,
your son Stephen
P.S. “Happy Birthday!”- through Christ.
7 February 1947
Dear Mom,
“But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath:”
James 1:19
Of anything, I’m slow to speak, and I doubt whether the Lord would admire my swiftness or commend my spirit for writing to you this week! My policy has been to wait for you letter and then write but it seems I never received your letter until last nite and as a result you probably won’t get this until Monday. One thing I do promise though and that is to revise again unto my Monday night habit of writing you, even if I don’t hear from you that evening. I realize your Saturdays are alot fuller than they used to be, but perhaps if you get my letter earlier in the week you may find time to write before Saturday. I always have alot to write about after my weekend. The blessings of the past week added to wonderful services and rallys and fellowship over the weekend.
I truly thank God for that first Youth for Christ Rally at Home. It’s an answer to prayer, but I wish I had been alot more faithful at it. Matthew 18:19 is our faith! You know Mom when any of us have prayer request about persons or other things, we should mention them to one another, because even though the Lord attends all sincere prayer, a united prayer sends up more force. Right? I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate YC but I realize too that duly important is the “follow up” of that yielded life. I truly wish more ministers would give it a real chance, not a “one rally judgement” and weigh it for its value to the Kingdom. I truly wish Chaplain Andrews would do that. He totally is Lutheran and appears to be separated from all other faiths. I pray a little closer, and with patience and tolerance alike, inspection will reveal the real Chaplain, and not a hasty opinion’s result.
We (Joe Manuel and I) had a good Bible Class with the Chaplain Wednesday night. He truly knows his word from a solid study and it appears to be for the Kingdom too. I let what I feel a man’s faults to be, condemn him, which I have no right to do that, but Paul says, let no man do that which would cause a brother to stumble, and many surely have fallen to Satan because of drink and smoking, dances and movies! I’ve talked to alot of fellows who excused their smoking through Chaplains on this Base! Well, it is an issue which God will square away ‘cause the Word doesn’t say “don’t drink, or smoke.” I do know it harms the body and wastes money. Why! The Army Air Corps advises their night fliers against smoking before flights because as few as two cigarettes impairs and slows down night vision for a number of hours.
I’m sorry about forgetting when your birthday was. I’m writing it down in my noggin and on paper too this year! Last year I made a guess! I do hope I didn’t embarrass you- I wanted it secure because I forgot at t what date I’d guessed. I’ve been so busy all week I haven’t had a chance to look around much, and besides I wanted to get something you could use. As a result tomorrow, Saturday, I’ve decided as “look day!” I hope you will pardon my tardiness- I keep hoping to do better next time but I’ve still alot to learn about punctuality- I was just searching into my thought chain- I hope you’re home Tuesday night or let me know where you will be?- near a phone?
I was thinking about dad’s pen t’other day. Ask a jeweler in town about it but best yet the pen’s guaranteed and nothing accidentally has happened to it so just send it in. After all, it can be used then, not laying idle if repaired by the Company.
Did I tell you Mrs. Kibben told me Jim was going to marry Alice Huber- I mean’t to but I guess it slipped away! At least I could have eased the surprise or did someone else inform you prior to the date?
Thanks for Carol’s and Ellen’s letters- what is their address in case I should want to, or better yet find opportunity to write them? They seem to be quite the kids! I might want to greet Mr. + Mrs. Sometime too?
I asked Norm about the world’s time or age and he had studied that the first evidences of man were either four or six thousand years ago and that earth origin is not stated set. He felt Dr. Talbot was speaking in reference to man’s first appearing. Did it seem that way to you? Incidentally, Chaplain Andrew’s heard Talbot once, “very unscriptural.”
Tomorrow, I think I’ll go out and look for a reasonable priced portable typewriter- Royal if possible. I’m discovering I can really use it to an advantage not only on letters but also school work here. It will be a good investment especially if I get NACP and even if I don’t. I could use one of the building’s some but when I really need it, so does someone else! We’re starting to teach Trig Monday and our course is ten weeks, eight hours aday. It seems (?) we’re going to stay here and me stay Seaman first, but I really don’t care! What do you think about a “typerite?”
Hi Dad!
I have class in a few minutes but I do pray that, our gracious Lord Jesus, and our heirship to the Trinity (Romans 8: 16, 18) will bless you throughout the week and guide you always.
In Him,
your son Stephen
P.S. “Happy Birthday!”- through Christ.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
February 16, 1947
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
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
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
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
21 January 1947
21 January 1947
Tuesday afternoon
“I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him;
the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me, ye can do nothing.”
John 15:5
“Christ in the Life”
Dear Mom,
“As ye have, therefore, received Jesus Christ the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Colossians 2:6
I truly praise God for your letter and Daw’s talk last night, and for the verses that give real victory which I started on yesterday (Second setter now, I am- praise Him!). It all tied together so wonderfully to make a more victorious life evident in the future! In face last week in the midst of my studies I became so belated about my weaknesses I was of hindrance in that respect in way of my studying. I did learn many things of dynamic future spiritual value last week though! I think it did me a lot of good to have to “dig in” even if it was so scattered.
So many things have taken place since I last wrote I ponder on beginning but the most important was meeting Dawson Trottman and hearing him speak! If you read over the Log you recall that he is the organizer of the Navigator group. It was he that worked with the different members of the five first men who began this work. He is connected with the Wycliff translation group too now, and could he ever “go to town” on it. He has been down in Mexico where the first step was taken. Wycliff groups are in Peru and Venesuvela (?) and their next hop and prayer is Siberia! The idea of a “closed door” is their main objective. Mexico was closed but there have been nearly all of the Indian tongues understood so as it could be written in Scripture; incidentally, they began with the Aztec Indians there! I couldn’t begin to tell you al that he said- it was the quickest two hours I’d ever seen or heard of. He could talk about the field too for missions! He said, “Someone as me why I’m here and not over there!” Someone did, and he said he surely wanted to be a missionary and would have gone except his boy’s work wouldn’t let him loose. He says, more and more, his task is evident! He’s one of God’s appointed “go-getters” for missionaries! The Navigators out of Biola will turn out nearly five hundred men for foreign fields in around fifteen years, “should the Lord tarry!” He’s some kind of official of the American Missionary board and he says it really does his heart good to see them go. By the way, did you know there are more women and girl missionaries abroad than men? “Timid souls for soft pastor jobs at home!” He said it gently, of course, but he said in L.A. at one time recently there were 300 Presbyterian’s (ministers) jobless and the field was crying!
Old Daw’s is sure a “regular” guy too. Boy, if there was ever a more rustic, vivacious, husky, guy in the world, I don’t know of him! Oh yes, about him and Biola! Norm says he was never kicked out, he just had too many things on his hands and had to drop it! Wes must have gotten a bum steer, because Norm surely wouldn’t hand me one.
I got some mighty good pointers from Daws about personal work. Here I’d felt so miserable in not doing personal work like I should, and seeing other Christians hard at it humbled me that much more. Even though, if the Holy Spirit should call upon me when talking to someone, I should obey but otherwise, I’m yet so young in my new life, I wonder and watch and study, but am hardly expected to go out and win souls right here and now! Daws gave a good illustration- a soul winner’s method; He walked up to me, thumped me on the chest and said, “Are you a Christian?,” “Why aren’t you?,” “You know if you aren’t you’re going to do, don’t you?” That’s a common method! Even when a person’s saved, his inspiration is to go out immediately and win others which if the Spirit commands is fine but God hardly expects the individual to do that for he’s a mere babe and many of the promises of Salvation are yet unknown until he begins studying the Word and memorizing it. It surely made me alot more assured with victory and gave me a zeal to get going on my study. My excuse as being a babe can’t go on much longer, and isn’t a blind but a seclusion that in time my fruit in glorifying Him might increase. At the present it is all in living and letting the light of miraculous wonder of Christ Jesus shine out in me.
Wednesday morning
I’m miserably slow, please pardon me. I got up early this morning but it was so cold, my fingers were too numb to even hold and manipulate the pen! Jake Bass and his wife are down from the Navigator Home up there in Norfolk. The came down Monday morning to see Daws and then decided to stay over until Thursday. I don’t believe they are any kin to Sheridan’s Basse’s but Jake was a baker in the Navy and his wife and he knew Milton Cunningham quite well. They met him in Narragut when boot camp was up there, and still have correspondence with him. If you see him, tell him I saw them. Jake had been up in the Aleutians where Joe Stephens had been and knew many of the same fellows but at different times, and as Joe took Marge, Norm, Paul, and Jake and his wife to the Chicken Stuffer (for $1.50 you get all the chicken you can eat, with trimmings) they had quite a time together.
With one family out, Webers decided to play with their youngun and just about the time I could sit down and start to work they created music and played “horsey” with Johanna riding one, the other holding her on and there wasn’t much quiet! I didn’t especially care though because sleep hadn’t been very plentiful Saturday, Sunday (Daws came then but has gone to Chicago now.), or Monday nights, so, I got in my eight hours.
Winter never has really come yet. We have cold streaks and hot ones. Today seems like the cold waves have come again! Last year this time we needed three heavy wave blankets; Sunday night a sheet was too heavy, this morning I can sit on top of the radiator and still feel a numbness, if any sensation whatsoever! The sun’s shining too and not a cloud in the sky. That’s the main reason it’s cold. It’s damp and cloudy for a few days, maybe a few light rains, and bingo! It clears off and we freeze!
I tried my utmost to hit all the highspots last week of a normal education. I made a poor attempt and the more I studied, the less I knew because I began to realize what a maze of work I’d forgotten. Section four on the sample test mentioned abstract material; when I opened that test and began work, it was all abstract material. At any rate, it surely missed me. I have never seen vocabulary like that since the Pepsi Cola test. In fact, I think one was drafted from the other! Reading wasn’t bad, Physics was practical but so invalued I was stumped on memory. Math wasn’t hard but it took time, for me anyhow. The craziest thing I saw was the section four! It gave you pictures of lines slanting this and that way, mixed in a few circles and curves and in the answers gave two samples both from one or one form each and said, “what is the similarity?” That’s what I said, “Is there?” It all looked more like a telephone booth’s “doodle” pad!
What you said about studying really went home. I really have to study and not scatter it all over many subjects but concentrate on my Bible, how God speaks to me in it and then a side subject (now to finish my American History!) and a constant review on all the math I’ve had. You might say though that my major is on the Bible. It has to be. With that and prayer growth and Scripture memorization (on my forty second verse today, Praise the Lord!) I can live a more victorious life in Him. And the Lord leading, I’ll be able to win soul’s for Him. It surely is something to pray for and my experiences won’t depend upon so many other’s convictions even though at times they do help. The Lord will provide surely. You know, in these past two weeks when I felt so defeated, I was eager for a more diciple-like life but I thought about my faults so much I actually became self centered or a bit egotistical minded! I’ve been reading “In His Presence” lately and it surely makes prayer more enjoyable and personal.
All this NACP puzzles me. Nor the first two years I’d be just like a civilian in college, even taking some subjects of my own choice. Then would come Navy routine in flight school. It’s such an opportunity to witness and it doesn’t seem possible it might be for me. I will admit my previous ambitions have influenced me. I still intend to learn to fly the Lord willing, V-5 or not. The test was so hard, and the competition so high that if I do make it there will be no doubt in my mind as to whether it is for me or not. I’ll know it is. I know that it is in God’s hands and I’m thankful for it. A life in V-5 does seem strange but I think it is so strange anywhere you go- there’s always corruption and man’s lust.
Incidentally, the word is that the Jacksonville “Home” will be sold and Norfolk used as nearly headquarters within a few months. It’s hard to take but we’ll see if it’s the Lord’s will.
Class starts shortly so I’d best get busy. I pray the Lord’s wisdom and strength will be upon you always,
In Him, your son, Stephen
Tuesday afternoon
“I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him;
the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me, ye can do nothing.”
John 15:5
“Christ in the Life”
Dear Mom,
“As ye have, therefore, received Jesus Christ the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Colossians 2:6
I truly praise God for your letter and Daw’s talk last night, and for the verses that give real victory which I started on yesterday (Second setter now, I am- praise Him!). It all tied together so wonderfully to make a more victorious life evident in the future! In face last week in the midst of my studies I became so belated about my weaknesses I was of hindrance in that respect in way of my studying. I did learn many things of dynamic future spiritual value last week though! I think it did me a lot of good to have to “dig in” even if it was so scattered.
So many things have taken place since I last wrote I ponder on beginning but the most important was meeting Dawson Trottman and hearing him speak! If you read over the Log you recall that he is the organizer of the Navigator group. It was he that worked with the different members of the five first men who began this work. He is connected with the Wycliff translation group too now, and could he ever “go to town” on it. He has been down in Mexico where the first step was taken. Wycliff groups are in Peru and Venesuvela (?) and their next hop and prayer is Siberia! The idea of a “closed door” is their main objective. Mexico was closed but there have been nearly all of the Indian tongues understood so as it could be written in Scripture; incidentally, they began with the Aztec Indians there! I couldn’t begin to tell you al that he said- it was the quickest two hours I’d ever seen or heard of. He could talk about the field too for missions! He said, “Someone as me why I’m here and not over there!” Someone did, and he said he surely wanted to be a missionary and would have gone except his boy’s work wouldn’t let him loose. He says, more and more, his task is evident! He’s one of God’s appointed “go-getters” for missionaries! The Navigators out of Biola will turn out nearly five hundred men for foreign fields in around fifteen years, “should the Lord tarry!” He’s some kind of official of the American Missionary board and he says it really does his heart good to see them go. By the way, did you know there are more women and girl missionaries abroad than men? “Timid souls for soft pastor jobs at home!” He said it gently, of course, but he said in L.A. at one time recently there were 300 Presbyterian’s (ministers) jobless and the field was crying!
Old Daw’s is sure a “regular” guy too. Boy, if there was ever a more rustic, vivacious, husky, guy in the world, I don’t know of him! Oh yes, about him and Biola! Norm says he was never kicked out, he just had too many things on his hands and had to drop it! Wes must have gotten a bum steer, because Norm surely wouldn’t hand me one.
I got some mighty good pointers from Daws about personal work. Here I’d felt so miserable in not doing personal work like I should, and seeing other Christians hard at it humbled me that much more. Even though, if the Holy Spirit should call upon me when talking to someone, I should obey but otherwise, I’m yet so young in my new life, I wonder and watch and study, but am hardly expected to go out and win souls right here and now! Daws gave a good illustration- a soul winner’s method; He walked up to me, thumped me on the chest and said, “Are you a Christian?,” “Why aren’t you?,” “You know if you aren’t you’re going to do, don’t you?” That’s a common method! Even when a person’s saved, his inspiration is to go out immediately and win others which if the Spirit commands is fine but God hardly expects the individual to do that for he’s a mere babe and many of the promises of Salvation are yet unknown until he begins studying the Word and memorizing it. It surely made me alot more assured with victory and gave me a zeal to get going on my study. My excuse as being a babe can’t go on much longer, and isn’t a blind but a seclusion that in time my fruit in glorifying Him might increase. At the present it is all in living and letting the light of miraculous wonder of Christ Jesus shine out in me.
Wednesday morning
I’m miserably slow, please pardon me. I got up early this morning but it was so cold, my fingers were too numb to even hold and manipulate the pen! Jake Bass and his wife are down from the Navigator Home up there in Norfolk. The came down Monday morning to see Daws and then decided to stay over until Thursday. I don’t believe they are any kin to Sheridan’s Basse’s but Jake was a baker in the Navy and his wife and he knew Milton Cunningham quite well. They met him in Narragut when boot camp was up there, and still have correspondence with him. If you see him, tell him I saw them. Jake had been up in the Aleutians where Joe Stephens had been and knew many of the same fellows but at different times, and as Joe took Marge, Norm, Paul, and Jake and his wife to the Chicken Stuffer (for $1.50 you get all the chicken you can eat, with trimmings) they had quite a time together.
With one family out, Webers decided to play with their youngun and just about the time I could sit down and start to work they created music and played “horsey” with Johanna riding one, the other holding her on and there wasn’t much quiet! I didn’t especially care though because sleep hadn’t been very plentiful Saturday, Sunday (Daws came then but has gone to Chicago now.), or Monday nights, so, I got in my eight hours.
Winter never has really come yet. We have cold streaks and hot ones. Today seems like the cold waves have come again! Last year this time we needed three heavy wave blankets; Sunday night a sheet was too heavy, this morning I can sit on top of the radiator and still feel a numbness, if any sensation whatsoever! The sun’s shining too and not a cloud in the sky. That’s the main reason it’s cold. It’s damp and cloudy for a few days, maybe a few light rains, and bingo! It clears off and we freeze!
I tried my utmost to hit all the highspots last week of a normal education. I made a poor attempt and the more I studied, the less I knew because I began to realize what a maze of work I’d forgotten. Section four on the sample test mentioned abstract material; when I opened that test and began work, it was all abstract material. At any rate, it surely missed me. I have never seen vocabulary like that since the Pepsi Cola test. In fact, I think one was drafted from the other! Reading wasn’t bad, Physics was practical but so invalued I was stumped on memory. Math wasn’t hard but it took time, for me anyhow. The craziest thing I saw was the section four! It gave you pictures of lines slanting this and that way, mixed in a few circles and curves and in the answers gave two samples both from one or one form each and said, “what is the similarity?” That’s what I said, “Is there?” It all looked more like a telephone booth’s “doodle” pad!
What you said about studying really went home. I really have to study and not scatter it all over many subjects but concentrate on my Bible, how God speaks to me in it and then a side subject (now to finish my American History!) and a constant review on all the math I’ve had. You might say though that my major is on the Bible. It has to be. With that and prayer growth and Scripture memorization (on my forty second verse today, Praise the Lord!) I can live a more victorious life in Him. And the Lord leading, I’ll be able to win soul’s for Him. It surely is something to pray for and my experiences won’t depend upon so many other’s convictions even though at times they do help. The Lord will provide surely. You know, in these past two weeks when I felt so defeated, I was eager for a more diciple-like life but I thought about my faults so much I actually became self centered or a bit egotistical minded! I’ve been reading “In His Presence” lately and it surely makes prayer more enjoyable and personal.
All this NACP puzzles me. Nor the first two years I’d be just like a civilian in college, even taking some subjects of my own choice. Then would come Navy routine in flight school. It’s such an opportunity to witness and it doesn’t seem possible it might be for me. I will admit my previous ambitions have influenced me. I still intend to learn to fly the Lord willing, V-5 or not. The test was so hard, and the competition so high that if I do make it there will be no doubt in my mind as to whether it is for me or not. I’ll know it is. I know that it is in God’s hands and I’m thankful for it. A life in V-5 does seem strange but I think it is so strange anywhere you go- there’s always corruption and man’s lust.
Incidentally, the word is that the Jacksonville “Home” will be sold and Norfolk used as nearly headquarters within a few months. It’s hard to take but we’ll see if it’s the Lord’s will.
Class starts shortly so I’d best get busy. I pray the Lord’s wisdom and strength will be upon you always,
In Him, your son, Stephen
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