Sunday, October 07, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
What should I write about this month? This was my dilemma. I have already written about our trip to Israel, having our grandchildren this summer and our 41st church anniversary.
So, I decided to write about a man some of you may or may not know. He is a man with strong moral and Christian character and whose goal in this life is to serve and honor the Lord. This man is my Pastor, my best friend and my husband.
When he was a teenager he felt called by the Lord, into full time Christian service, to be a preacher of the Gospel. Answering the call to this occupation means you have to be a person who can take rejection and lots of disappointments. However, he is human and it is always sad when he has to go through these times. He has pastored the Riverside Baptist Church for 41 years. He would tell you there have been many difficult times when people didn't understand what was needed in the church or thought they knew more about God's will than their Pastor. What folks don't understand is that the pastor prays daily, sometimes hourly, for Gods' wisdom and guidance. I think you will agree that most church members don't pray that often for their Pastor or their church. We need to trust our pastors' leadership. He only wants what the Lord wants for our church. He never wants to hurt it in anyway.
Pastor Dean gives 100% of his heart and life to the service of the Lord. I know many preachers and I know how one should live. There is not one that I respect more than I do my husband. You will find him to be living the same Monday through Saturday as he preaches to you on Sunday. He is not a hypocrite.
Come visit our church and you'll be blessed as you hear the Bible taught by a man of God who preaches the whole Word of God. It is not a big church because the emphasis is on the Bible and not "Rock Music" or entertainment. But the folks will love you and so will the Pastor and his wife.
His life verse in the Bible is Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. However as I watch him I see him living Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.
I am extremely proud to be Pastor Dean's "first" and "only" lady.
Marylou Dean,
Pastor's Wife
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
Looking back over the past 41 years, many things flash through my mind.
Most memories are pleasant ones. But there have been times you wish you
could go back and do things differently or not go through them at all.
Perhaps do a better job at the task that were yours or deal with
someone's situation with a bit more maturity.And through the years, God was there, and He still is. When and where it
was needed, God showed me His wisdom, guidance and grace. I know what I
am doing is in His will, because this is what God has called me to do.
I love the people of our church and am closer to them than some of my own
relatives. Because of Christ, the hand of love is stronger. God is so
good to us. He has sent numerous blessings over the years and used many
of you precious ones of Riverside to be those blessings.
The most precious blessing is my husband. He is caring, supportive, and
giving. And through the ups and downs of our lives and my illness, one
thing I can say about him that I admire the most, is his consistency. My
husband practices what he preaches.
He always gets back up when Satan has attacked him. When there have been
church problems, when people have hated him, he showed that he truly was
a pastor who loves the Lord and cares for his people. Two of my favorite
Bible versus are Lamentations 3:22-23 and Psalm 27:1.
Here is a poem a former church member wrote about Riverside Baptist
Church.
Happy 41st Anniversary Riverside Baptist Church
Happy Anniversary Riverside to you
41 years serving the Lord
Continuing His work to do.
From the humble heart in a store front
Beginning as a mission,
For over a quarter of the century
Obeying the great commission.
"Yo-Yo Baptist Church"
It has been called upon occasion,
But part of that is simply due
To Riverside's location.
The membership goes up and down
As people come and go
Especially those brought by Uncle Sam
Who when they join, serve, learn and grow.
There've even been a select few
Who've made the decision to stay
And continue to serve the Lord faithfully
Using their talents in various ways.
We thank the Lord for the faithfulness
Of his servants over the years
Through good times and prosperity,
Through trials, even tears.
It hasn't always been easy
But God doesn't promise us that.
He merely ask for faithfulness
And provides the weapons for combat.
We're thankful for the strength God gives
In the trials and tribulation
Your steadfast stand for 41 years
Is cause for celebration!
The people who have grown here
And have through this work believed
As well as those whom they influenced,
Are quantities that can't be perceived.
The numbers have been many who've
Passed through these friendly doors
We'll not know how extensive
Till we meet on Heaven's shores.
The teaching and the preaching
That are grounded in God's Word
Are LIFE to those of us who through
This ministry have heard.
The message that's been heard here
Tells of Jesus sacrifice.
His blood was shed on Calvary
So that sinners might possess NEW LIFE!
Your tender heart for missions
And the generous, joyful giving
Are evidence of your love the Lord
And your purpose for him to be living.
We thank God for a faithful man
And his dedication,
41 years of preaching God's Word
Seeking his will in each situation.
As the shepard of the flock
It's been a joy for him to see
His people make decisions for the Lord
And to Him faithful be.
We thank the Lord for a pastors wife
Who's spirit and strength have been great.
Her cheerfulness and encouragement
Are qualities we appreciate.
She's been a fine example
And a precious testimony
Through all her suffering and pain
Her smile is bright and sunny.
What a better accolade or praise
Could a ministry proclaim?
Standing true to Christ and
Glorifying His Holy Name!
We pray the Lord Will bless you
As for Him you "run the race"
Giving Growth and Wisdom
Until you meet Him face to face.
And may this work continue
To remain true to God's Word
Preaching and teaching salvation
And uplifting the Name of the Lord.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
I'm going to leave our tour of Israel for now and tell you a little about July and August at our house and our grandchildren.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Jesus also said in Matthew 19:14 Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Being a parent or a grandparent brings with it a lot of responsibility. I always wanted to be a mother and a grandmother. I want to be a godly one and a good one. I knew mothers were a strong influence on their children, but I don't think I realized just how much of an influence a grandparent could have on the grandchildren. I know now!
Well, I want to be obedient to the Lord, so I suffered the little children to come for a visit this summer. One of my granddaughters, Abbie, age 12, came from North Carolina for two and a half weeks. Since she was here in Florida, two of our grandsons, who live in Ocala, wanted to see their cousin. So I invited them to come for a week. Now, when I take Abbie home, her sister, Allie, age nine, will return with me for a week. This will be her first time away from home without her mom.
Having two twelve year olds and a fourteen year old around the house, around the clock again, needless to say, was interesting. They are cousins who don't see each other often. Still they have this need to show off to each other, pick at one another, and at times, just be disagreeable with one another.
Oh, another thing Pastor and I had forgotten was just how much pre-teen and teenagers can eat. I have spent most of the time grocery shopping and cooking..........but they just don't seem to "fill up"!!! We notice that they seem to eat SOMETHING about every 30 to 40 minutes. Popcorn is a cheap and great snack! Just in case you need help.
Because of all the company, yes, I am tired. However, I realize the ungodly schools they attend will be starting soon and they will return home. I'll not be able to see them for awhile. I would like to have a spiritual influence on them while they are here.
They love to sit around and look at old photo albums and have you tell them stories about their mom or dad or both. So, we turn off the tv, computer, and other games and spend time talking. They seem to love this, so I take advantage of their attention to also talk about the Lord, the church, their lives in general, what they should be thinking about, and how they should be preparing themselves as they go back to home and school.
Grandparents, God will give you the wisdom you need just when you need it if you will take the time to do the same thing with your grandchildren. Turn off the tv and other electrical toys. Sit around with them and just talk and let them talk. Don't do all the talking yourselves, let them talk and express their feelings. You will find them receptive to you, to the Lord, and the word of God. Remember, you are their grandparents. They love you as no one else. They will have confidence in what you say. Be careful that you don't lecture. Be tactful and have a good attitude, even if they don't respond just as you think they should. Remember they are the child and you are the adult. Oh, what an awesome and wonderful responsibility we have. You may be just the one that changes their outlook on something this summer, so much that when they go back home and to school things will be better and different for them.
Life is different for them and Satan is throwing temptations at them that you and I, from different generations, didn't have to contend with in our lives. Pray daily for your children and grandchildren. Make a difference in their lives through your testimony. Be longsuffering and understanding. Isn't the Lord that way with you and I?
God bless your summer,
Marylou Dean,
Pastor's wife
Friday, July 06, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
We left the Kibbutz last month and now go on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
The guide and brochures tell us we are going to take a relaxing boat ride today on the Sea of Galilee, where we will be able to look to the shore where so many miracles occurred. OK...........Well, first of all the water was so rough that all of us had to have assistance stepping onto the boat. We had someone on each side of us helping and they were hanging onto the side rails themselves. Then they wanted us to sit in these white plastic chairs that you would buy at Wal-Mart for your back porch........not anchored to the floor!!!
Did I say the boat was rocking back and forth and the water was very rough and wavy? Do you get the picture? Some of us are frail, old, or just don't have real good balance! Well, this was definitely a balancing act. Oh yes, the size of this boat for 25 people was only 40' to 45' long and only about 18' across. We aren't talking about a large ship!
Secondly, It was a rainy, foggy day........we were all wearing rain slickers to keep dry. Once we got out into the sea, you certainly couldn't see the shore at all! I felt like Jonah at Sea! Yesterday when it was beautiful, the sea looked calm and peaceful........but today it was almost a mighty tempest as in the book of Jonah.
This is what life is like. One day things may be going well and then all of a sudden life take a turn.............someone you love gets sick, dies, or you may lose your job. Many things can happen, am I right? Just like the sea. One day calm the next terribly rough.
I have said to my husband so many times, "What do folks do without the Lord to go to when trials come their way?" Read Isa. 43:2, Psalm 121:1, 2, and Psalm 138:7 This will help.
Well, we all survived the boat ride and had a good time in spite of the weather. We sang choruses and Pastor calmed us with reading the Scriptures. We got our minds off ourselves and on the Lord. This is what we should do everyday. There are souls dying without the Saviour. We need to tell them about Him and how they can go to Heaven..........NOW!!
God bless you and I'll talk to you again next month as we continue our tour of Israel.
Marylou Dean,
Pastor's wife
Friday, June 01, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
Pastor and I had the privilege of going to the Holy Land in January.
For the last few months I have been telling you about that trip. Now, we continue.
Located 10km from Tiberias (6 miles) on the shores of the Sea of Galilee is the Nof Ginosar 4 star hotel. This hotel is a Kibbutz. Remember I said I would tell you what a Kibbutz was?
A Kibbutz is a commune where people live and work together. They share responsibilities. They share in the ownership of the commune. In the 70's the Jewish people bragged that the men and women could live together, sleep together in the commune and there was no immorality. I didn't ask if it was still the same here in 2007. No one receives a salary. The Bible tells us "The Laborer Is Worthy of His Hire." Most of us enjoy getting a paycheck. So, to me, this is a little unusual. It is similar to a large farm. The people grow their own fruits and vegetables. They raise their own cattle and other animals. This is a country with mostly rock, so it is quite a surprise to come upon this valley by the Sea of Galilee with everything so green with grass and flowers. This was a very rare and beautiful site. What a wonderful place for us to visit. The Kibbutz can be religious or otherwise. This hotel..............Kibbutz was also home for the people that live and work the Kibbutz.
A commune or Kibbutz is a normal place in Israel. It certainly does seem unusual to us but, maybe some of our ways seem unusual to people in other countries also. One thing does not change and that is the Bible. It applies to all----Jews and Gentiles alike. All need to be saved. Romans 3:23. "For All Have Sinned And Come Short Of The Glory Of God." Hebrews 2:3 "How Shall We Escape, If We neglect So Great Salvation......"
The guide told us the people in the Kibbutz come and go often. Naturally, this way of life is not for everyone. We stayed two nights in this area. Their buffet of food each night was very nice and everyone was nice and cordial. There were many tour groups besides ours. The people certainly stay busy cleaning hotel rooms and preparing food for all the guests each morning and evening. And, I am sure there is much more work they do that we don't even see. On the surface everyone seemed to like what they are doing.
We appreciated the opportunity to visit the Kibbutz and see a different way of life.
Pastor and I do now and will continue to pray for the salvation of all those we met. We gave each one a tract praying that they will read it and believe what it says.
God bless all of you. See you next month.
Marylou Dean,
Pastor's wife
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
I want to keep our trip to Israel in the correct order that we toured. Therefore, I won't talk about the Kibbutz and Sea of Galilee until next month.
To a point, I am a people pleaser or fun person that can be persuaded---sometimes to do the ridiculous. I'll give you an example.
Jericho is in P.L.O. territory---you know? Bad guys? Our Jewish guide couldn't even ride into Jericho with us. We had to pay one of their guides to take us in. So, first of all you say to yourself, "why am I here?" These people hate Americans. They only want our money. But, everyone else is going so my husband says we are going also. Well, naturally, I am an obedient wife---don't laugh, so here I was! The man at the check point at Jericho (plo) welcomes us to Palestine--not Israel---but Palestine. We eat lunch, since it's noon, at a nice restaurant. We have some soup and bread, mainly because we don't know what the other food is. The soup was very good. Well, now we leave the restaurant and are headed back to our tour bus. Well, outside is a man with a camel all decorated and he is selling rides on this camel for $2.00. Most of our group starts lining up and paying for a ride. Pastor and I just stand aside and watch, laughing. Then they all start on us! Well, Pastor had already ridden a camel on one of his past trips to Israel. Now, I don't ride camels, horses or such at home so WHY RIDE ONE HERE? And why in front of lots of people who are going to laugh at you? They say camels are mean! And he didn't look real friendly. I have had four back surgeries! Why? Why? Why do this ridiculous thing? Guess what? I rode that camel and even paid the $2.00. The camel and I had an understanding. If you don't bite me, I won't bite you. If you want to see my picture-----send MONEY marked gift offer #1, camel picture. Isn't the Lord wonderful? He watches over us even when we do dumb things!
Jericho is the World's oldest city. It is also dirty, dusty and dangerous. Men sit around with machine guns watching every move you make. Remember, this is PLO Territory. We went to the "tel" atop the ruins of ancient Jericho. Here you can view the lush green Jordan Valley, Elisha's spring and Quarantal, the Mount of Temptation. Jericho is not a large city. You want to see all the places you can that are in the Bible. We have read about them, listened to our Pastor preach about all these places and events. So, even though the PLO have destroyed so much here in Jericho and have twisted things, we want to visit here and see it for ourselves and even hear what they say about the place. Also, in these areas we had to use "pay toilets." Just thought I would throw that in extra. We were fortunate in that we had my husband, Pastor Dean, to tell us the truth from the Bible about Jericho which, sometimes, differed from the guides because they aren't born again Christians.
It may be under PLO control now But it was Holy ground to me because of the Lord and His Word. Someday it won't matter whether the PLO, Israel, Tony Blair, or President Bush are in leadership of Countries. Soon and very soon the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is going to reign forever and ever. If you know the Lord as your Saviour you won't need to fear terrorists, plagues, disease, or death. We will live with Him forever in the new Heaven and new Jerusalem. Someday I'll return to Jerusalem but this time the Lord will be there also. Oh what a wonderful time we have to look forward to with the Lord. I pray today, as you read this, that you can also rejoice with me. God Bless you, is my prayer.
Marylou Dean,
Pastor's wife
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
Dear friends,
Did you do your homework? Did you look up the verses in the Bible with the word "rock"? There are a number of them which should help encourage you and I as to how much Jesus really is our "Rock Of Ages"!
As we continue our tour of Israel, we continue up the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. We proceed to Caesarea, capital of the Roman Procurators of Judea. Here we also visit the Roman Port where ships continually brought goods and supplies into the country. This was a difficult port as I told you last month. The Mediterranean Sea was extremely turbulent for the ships. Many ships were destroyed and many people lost their lives. Here was also the Roman Theater and aqueduct. What a place! This was a mammoth place with steep seating in front of the platform area or stage area. I guess I should say around the stage area as it was a semi-circle. It is amazing to me how well the sound carried from the stage as the people performed and spoke. The sound could be heard clear up to the top of the theater. All of this was heard without all the electronic sound equipment we use now days. They didn't have all this kind of equipment. Amazing huh? The Roman Theater seated hundreds of people. I didn't really like the concrete seats--- kinda hard after awhile.... and all that height. Wow. It would be ok if you had a low front row seat though. I am spoiled and like the padded pews and being able to sit at ground level. I don't especially like heights! So, this theater was very interesting. We could be at the top of the theater and hear Pastor speak on the stage. The acoustics were tremendous.
Now, we turn away from the sea coast and go across country to the plain of Jezreel, where we visited Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. Just a simple little town with poor surroundings. Most all of these towns also have Arabs living among the Jewish people. So, naturally the minarets are everywhere. A mineret is tower from which the priest calls the people to prayer five times a day. All the muslims have to stop whatever they are doing, fall on their faces and pray. I knew when it was 5:00 a.m. every morning because we could hear the call to prayer from our hotel room. These people are sincere with their beliefs, prayer schedules, dress etc. But, my heart is saddened for them because it is just a "form of worship." They don't know the Lord as their personal Saviour or Heavenly Father. They dress out of fear. They pray out of fear. They go to the temple or wall out of fear. But they DO IT! I want to say, however, I was convicted to pray and read my Bible more after the trip. Everywhere we went in Jerusalem, the stores, the buses, and the streets, they were reading their religious materials or praying. They take their religion serious.
We spent two nights in Tiberias at a Kibbutz. The dinners were buffet style with lots of vegetables that are all grown in Tiberias. I'll describe a Kibbutz more next month. They are unusual. This area is very different than other parts of Israel. It is green and truly an agricultural area. Very beautiful.
God is so good. He used all these things to teach me so much. I appreciate that I was born in America. I'm so thankful I am saved and can serve the Lord with freedom. I love the Lord and I just want to be found faithful. Friend, if you are reading this article, I pray you know the Lord as your Saviour and are serving Him faithfully in your local church. I invite you to the Riverside Baptist Church.
God Bless You!
Marylou
