Lessons from John Calvin Dancer

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I’ve had the blessing of having two great Dads in my life. My own father, William Batty, Sr. has been an undeniable and indelible influence on me. So also my father-in-law, John Calvin Dancer. Yesterday, around 1:15 in the afternoon, he breathed his last and went to the presence of God through Christ Jesus his Lord. As much as I would like to praise God for him at his memorial service, I don’t think I’ve got the spiritual strength to get through it. And so I thought I’d write a series of blog posts about how he touched my life.

My father-in-law was not an ordained minister. Though he spent all of his adult life as a pastor, and 32 years in one church even, he wasn’t ordained. One day, we were alone together, driving somewhere, and I asked him why he wasn’t ordained. He told me a story of how he was in Bible college, towards the end of his education there, and how he overheard two guys talking about graduating college and becoming ordained. One of them was excited for his ordination because that meant he could get a discount at a local clothing store. There was something about that, something about the idea that the exciting part of starting out life as a minister was a discount on clothing, that saddened my father-in-law. He then told me this. “I always felt my ordination was like Jeremiah’s. And if God ordained me, what difference was there if I was ordained by man?” Now, we could have a discussion about ordination, what it means, and whether it’s important or not and why, but you’ve got to give it to John Calvin Dancer: he had his reasons, he was determined that scripture backed him up, and he stuck with that decision his whole life. He believed he was doing the right thing by his Lord. That lesson has stuck with me.

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

 

30 Days of Thanks, 2017

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1A: “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

1B. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” 

2. For my mom and dad, and Susan and her mom and dad, and Julia and Nathaniel and Matthew. “…A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife…” I was part of a family. She was part of a family. We got together and now have our own family. I’m blessed, she’s blessed, the kids are blessed, the grandparents are blessed. There’s a lot to be thankful for in how that all worked.

3. the last of the back to school edition. I’m thankful for the benefactor* who is paying for the salaries of New England Bible College that is allowing all students free tuition. Because of you, I’m going back to school.

4. I’m thankful for Laurie and her hat making skills, and her willingness to come through for me in a pinch. The hat was well received at Kiwanis tonight, and you were remembered warmly.

5. There will be more today, but I thought I’d share this one. Apparently 9 years ago today I joined Facebook. You CAN be thankful for Facebook. Yes, it can be a time sink. Yes, you’ll see religion and politics, and it won’t all be your way. But it’ll allow you to keep track of Heather Garcia, who you haven’t seen since graduation day. Your old neighbors Pat and Jerry Rittersdorf who now live out west with Jon Ferrall and others. You can chat with Rutta Frank, the African guy Julia met on her mission trip. As Sumner Kinney mentioned to me last night, you can get advice on turtle owning from 30 friends you had no idea kept turtles. All because of Facebook. Thanks FB.

6. I’m thankful for getting chores done, a nice family reunion at Gretchen’s, and a successful first time driving a parade float.

7. I’m thankful for a safe trip back and forth to Bangor. For a new gluten free bakery. For a purple gingham pocket square on the markdown rack. New shoes for the boys. A great waiter at lunch. For the guy with jumper cables when the battery went dead. (He was in the space right next to us, and when I said “Well amen, how about that?” to Susan the guy said “Well praise God.”) For a Chick-FIl-A sammich and a gift card from a friend. It was a great day with my family.

8. I had a lot I wanna to say, but I’m going to stay simple. I’m thankful I got to hear John C. Dancer say grace today.

9. I’m thankful for a warm day to walk with Deuteronomy. I’m thankful for a good GWI tech who listened and was efficient. I’m thankful for Wendy who waited for hug-a-drummer day.

10. Part 3 of the “back to school” series. I’m thankful for “good authority.” When I signed up for classes, I started looking around for used books. Someone came to me and said “I have it on ‘good authority’ that your books are going to be coming in on Friday. Don’t order any.” On Friday, brand new textbooks showed up at my house. A little later, this same friend said “‘Good authority’ told me more books are coming.” By the time ‘good authority’ was done, I had ALL my text books, all brand new. The Greek/Hebrew Bible I needed even came with the genuine leather cover? That Bible alone was near $100! Thank you Good Authority, you have blessed me incredibly.

11. Thanks to all you knitters/crocheters who volunteered to help me today, and especially thanks Laurie. Who knew you knitting crocheters were all looking for work! 🙂 Thank you all for being willing.

12. I’m thankful for a generous church family. I’m thankful for a family supper. I’m thankful another year of Peter and and the Amazing Tauntauns. And yellow paisley neckties on the markdown rack.

13. Much to be thankful for today. For Mr Tire and the crew who treat me like family. For two nice walks with Deuteronomy, one with some off leash time. For Susan joining the pit band for supper and a show. A nap. Chocolate chip cookies. It was a super nice day all around.

14.  I’m thankful for my son Matthew who decided to hang out with me in the pit at Peter Pan.

15. Thanks to all of my friends who help me with my stamp collection.

16. I’m thankful for all the “little” things—which end up being big things—Susan does for me. Washing the dishes when I get behind. Walking Deuteronomy so I can get ready for tomorrow. Chocolate chip cookies 🍪 just because. All of those things.

17. The second of the “back to school” entries. I’m thankful for Jason Philbrook, my boss who has allowed me to leave “early” every Tuesday so I can take my classes. (I’m essentially out all day, as I leave at 9:30am.) AND, he’s already agreed to let me take time off every Tuesday next semester, too.

18. An early one. You may even get TWO entries today. But I’m already thankful for a bunch of things. I’m happy I’m caught up with Greek homework, and I could afford to skip my usual study time this morning and get some more sleep. I’m thankful for the book of Philemon; a short book, but so personal and applicable*. And I’m thankful for antacid tablets and moisturizing cream. (TMI?)

19. I’m thankful Julia went to town to pick up milk for the family. She’s been extra helpful since she got her license. (Keep her in mind if you know of a decent but cheap car.)

20. Thank you vets, and especially to Wm. Batty Sr. (Coastie), his brother Thornton Batty, Jr. (Coastie), their father Thornton Batty Sr. (Coastie), his father Fred C. Batty (US Lighthouse Service), and his father-in-law Samuel John Cavanor (US Lighthouse Service). Technically, the Lighthouse Service was under the Dept. of Commerce at the time, not Defense, but it later was folded into the Coast Guard. Still, those two generations served their country on the sea.

21. I’m glad Susan is feeling better, I’m glad Julia went to the play with me, and thankful for some drum practice time today.

22. For Peter Stuart and his Amazing Tauntauns. And for their patience with a rock/funk/blues drummer who is trying to play concert bells. I played my first ever bells gig tonight. I got maybe 1/2 the notes right, but they’re going easy on me.

23. Today I am thankful for Harmony Bible Church deacon Mark Kunz, a big guy with big ideas and a big heart.

24. On Tuesdays this month I’ll focus on the blessings of going back to school. I’m thankful for the 1:40 minute ride one way to school. It gives me great opportunity to pray, listen to podcasts, send encouraging texts, and do some planning and list making. Phone use all done safely and hands free with voice recognition of course.

25. This is how much she loves me. This is how she spent her evening. (Attached was a photo of a strainer full of clean dishes.)

26.  I’m thankful to have a family lunch at my mom’s house today. We won’t be able to have another one until December. And, it was nice to meet my nephew’s girlfriend Ruby.

27. For a gig that gets done “early” (11pm is early for a musician), an extra hour of sleep, and a venue that still gives the musicians a comped meal (thank you Newcastle Publick House).

28. For Cafe Miranda Rockland, Shaw’s Supermarket, Match Game ‘75, and a fun night with my best girl Susan.

29.  After two+ weeks away house/dog sitting, Julia V. is back home tonight! (And that’s where the van has been; Susan and I haven’t been having marital issues.)

30. I’m thankful for the friendship of Kiwanis members, Aktion Club, and Key Club. The Aktion club meeting tonight was a hoot.

John says “Come.”

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My Bible reading plan is pretty straight forward. Pick up the Bible. Start at the first page. Read about five chapters in the morning. Keep going until you get to the last page. Find a different Bible. Start at the first page. Read five chapters in the morning. When you get to the end, find a new Bible. Repeat.

Today, I started the gospel according to John in the “American Patriot’s Bible,” New King James edition. In chapter 1, you get these verses:

vs. 38+39 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). (Emphasis added)

vs. 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (Emphasis added)

It struck me that the words “Come and see” were recorded by John. It reminded me of another writing of John, the Revelation given to him we find as the last book in the New Testament. There we read:

Rev. 6:1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.”

Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Rev. 22:20  He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

I’m thinking a word study on John’s use of the word “come” and “come and see” may be in my future. Possible sermon idea? I wonder if the phrase is used much in the three epistles we have John wrote. More digging to follow.

30 Days of Thanks 2016

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30. I’m thankful for leftovers. Not only did I have enough to eat for one day, but leftovers mean I get lunch the following day. My lunch today was leftovers from last week. My supper tonight was left over from last night. My before bed treat was leftover Halloween candy. It may not be as nice as eating lunch out every day, but I can be thankful for them nontheless.

29. For supper around the table with your family.

28. For the sound of the rain. #30daysofthanks  

27. I’m thankful for a weekend full of gigs; a gig every day, Thursday – Sunday. It’s a second job, one that I love, and helps the budget. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work.

26. For a $25 meal voucher from the P/R director.

25. For ice cream, my sons who picked the flavor, and the wife who thought we should have some in the freezer.

24. For all you volunteers who sit on budget committees. Thank you for your work.

23. I’m thankful for my right to vote, and I’m thankful I don’t have to deal with Tracfone on a regular basis. Shoot, I think I’d take another Clinton if they could just make this phone work!

22. I’m thankful for the lady at Tracfone who took the time to read my trouble ticket. In it, she saw exactly what the problem was, and fixed in 15 minutes what 1/2 dozen other techs couldn’t figure out in over two weeks.

21.  For snuggletime.

20. So much today. Thank you vets for serving, especially Coasties Thornton Batty, Sr., Thornton Batty, Jr., and William Batty, Sr. Thank you Josh Scholz for the care given to Susan at the ER. (#rocklandkiwanis5). Thank you to the Midcoast Community Band for letting me sit in with you, and honoring vets with the concert today. And thanks MCCB for all the kind words regarding my playing.

19. I accepted a gig to play Cinderella at Medomak. Then I got an opportunity to play a really choice gig in in Ellsworth. I’m thankful director Peter Stuart let me skip out of the last show, and thankful Tyler Lee covered for me in the pit.

18. For what is perhaps the greatest verse ever written in a hymn. “My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord oh my soul.”

17. Thank you Clifford Blastow for making scones for Kiwanis. Thank you Jane Filos Merrill for buying my breakfast tomorrow. #rocklandkiwanis5

16. For coffee and a donut. For a cookie and coffee. For pastries on the markdown rack. For a Facebook cover photo with me in it. For my favorite beef and noodles. And most importantly for the friends and family who show me they love me through these gestures.

15. For a daughter who banged out a 100 on her John exam, and a 95 on the theology exam. Boom! That’s MY daughter right there.

14. In about an hour, I leave to go to my ear doctor specialist down in Portland. I’m thankful for my employer, Jason Philbrook. Not only is he the entrepreneur who has employed me for almost 20 years, but in that time his businesses have provided me with health insurance, not only to me, but to my whole family. That’s no small expense on top of my pay. AND, he give me sick time which he allows me to use for doctor and dentist visits, so he’s paying my regular pay today to visit the doctor which he’s paying for through my insurance. Thank you JP.

13. I’m thankful for the technology that lets me get free drum lessons on Youtube, lets me keep up with friends and family via Facebook, let’s me find yummy oatmeal recipes on Pinterest, lets Susan check our bank balances daily, and all the other great uses of the integrated circuit.

12. For that thick cut bacon that was on sale two weeks ago at Shaws. Bagel sammiches for supper tonight–yum.

11. From Luke 15: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him.

10. My son Matthew is loving, kind, and tender. He cares more about others than himself. When his brother gets hurt, Matthew ends up crying because he hates to see his brother that way. He still hugs his dad. He’s a good boy.

9. Nathaniel is my oldest boy, the holder of the birthright (by 7 minutes), “son of my right hand.” He’s my “book learning” son. He taught me that Napolean wasn’t really short. He taught me the plural of platypus is platypodes. He’s teaching himself piano by watching videos on Youtube. You could describe him as impish. He’s got the makings of leadership–Matthew would follow him anywhere. I see a lot of me in him.

8. Julia is home!

7. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Thanks for the inspiration Jason Pauley.

6. Thanks to all the musicians and bandleaders who call me when they need a drummer. It’s very much appreciated.

5. For all the Rockland Kiwanians who helped unload Christmas trees today, and especially for Christmas tree chairs Ev Spear III and Dan Saucier. #rocklandkiwanis5

4. For a successful trip to Canada, a chance to sleep in my bed without the dog (oh the leg room!), a mother-in-law watching the boys and bed hogging dog, for opportunity to sleep late tomorrow, and the day off. Wow, that’s a lot right there!

3. Having lots of legroom last night was grand, and not getting up at 5am for walkies was nice too, but I’m tDeuteronomy is home tonight.

2. SUSAN!

1. God has a sense of humor. “Give thanks in all things.” I’m thankful we have a full staff at the shop today. I’m thankful the sump pump is now working. I’m thankful for two wet dry shop vacs. I’m thankful all the really expensive drums were off the floor.