COFFEE PLUMBERS AND TORT LAWYERS
At Local Cafe, this morning, I had 3 cups of high test, and an interesting conversation with a plumber about drain cleaners and his memory of receiving the second blessing as evidenced by speaking in tongues.
He was very amazed when I told him that even though he was a very good plumber my denomination would never let him repair plumbing on the foreign field but would most certainly allow him to repair our stopped up facilities state side as long as he gave us a proper ministers' discount. I also informed him that if he was already trying to do plumbing on the foreign field that no plumber that worked for our IMB could help him with his work no matter how great the need or how much better it would be if they could work together.
A young tort lawyer overheard our conversation. He wanted to know why the plumber could fix our old toilets at the IMB in Richmond but could not install new ones in a foreign country, especially due to the fact that many places so desperately need good plumbing.
He questioned the plumber on his qualifications. The plumber told him he was state board certified and had finished head of his class at plumbing and pipe fitting school. He said, very proudly, that he even had an international certification to do new work in countries that did not have established facilities.
I told the tort lawyer that the problem had nothing to do with the plumber's capabilities nor did it have to do with the evident need for new facilities in foreign countries. What is the problem then? the lawyer demanded. I told him that the problem is in the fact that the plumber has openly stated that he has had the second blessing. It has nothing to do with his vast experience, his training, his certification, or his great desire to establish new water works facilities in a foreign land.
The tort lawyer jumped up, left a 10 spot on the table along with today's NEW YORK POST, told us the coffee was on him, and ran out the door yelling back that if he could verify my story he may become more famous than JOHN GRISHAM. I told him to call Art Rogers and Marty Duren. They could verify the story.
The plumber looked at me puzzled. Who is John Grisham, Villa? I think he's a Presbyterian, I answered. What does he have to do with plumbing? Nothing: I answered. OK. Who are these Art and Marty guys? One is an Owl and the other is an Eagle: I answered. Villa!! You are a crazy old Dude, Man. Thanks: I said. I have not heard that in a long time.
Let's have another cup of coffee and read the Post. It is on the lawyer, you know. My plumber friend thought that was a good idea.
Moral of the story: It is amazing how clear things become drinking high test coffee at Local Cafe talking to plumbers and tort lawyers.
Let me add this about coffee. I read the blog of Sister Dorcas earlier in the evening. It seems that someone wants to label her as a hypocrite due to the fact that she spends money on Starbucks coffee and has the audacity to challenge excessive spending in SBC institutions. The Bottom line on that is: Sister Dorcas is a Southern Baptist in a cooperating Southern Baptist church which gives her the perfect right to challenge anything she wants to bring into question.
Anyway, that is how it was intended to be back before the days of thrones, kingdoms, kings, queens, dukes, earls, knights, and knightâs pages.
So in conclusion let me repeat a quote from that famous theologian of an earlier time in American history that would relate well to the one who called Sister Dorcas a hypocrite.
SHE WORKS HARD FOR HER MONEY, SO YOU BETTER TREAT HER RIGHT.
-----------------Donna Sommer-------------------------
Hang in there Sister Dorcas. Those that know, know you are right. Those that do not will soon learn if they so desire.
Villa Rica:
He was very amazed when I told him that even though he was a very good plumber my denomination would never let him repair plumbing on the foreign field but would most certainly allow him to repair our stopped up facilities state side as long as he gave us a proper ministers' discount. I also informed him that if he was already trying to do plumbing on the foreign field that no plumber that worked for our IMB could help him with his work no matter how great the need or how much better it would be if they could work together.
A young tort lawyer overheard our conversation. He wanted to know why the plumber could fix our old toilets at the IMB in Richmond but could not install new ones in a foreign country, especially due to the fact that many places so desperately need good plumbing.
He questioned the plumber on his qualifications. The plumber told him he was state board certified and had finished head of his class at plumbing and pipe fitting school. He said, very proudly, that he even had an international certification to do new work in countries that did not have established facilities.
I told the tort lawyer that the problem had nothing to do with the plumber's capabilities nor did it have to do with the evident need for new facilities in foreign countries. What is the problem then? the lawyer demanded. I told him that the problem is in the fact that the plumber has openly stated that he has had the second blessing. It has nothing to do with his vast experience, his training, his certification, or his great desire to establish new water works facilities in a foreign land.
The tort lawyer jumped up, left a 10 spot on the table along with today's NEW YORK POST, told us the coffee was on him, and ran out the door yelling back that if he could verify my story he may become more famous than JOHN GRISHAM. I told him to call Art Rogers and Marty Duren. They could verify the story.
The plumber looked at me puzzled. Who is John Grisham, Villa? I think he's a Presbyterian, I answered. What does he have to do with plumbing? Nothing: I answered. OK. Who are these Art and Marty guys? One is an Owl and the other is an Eagle: I answered. Villa!! You are a crazy old Dude, Man. Thanks: I said. I have not heard that in a long time.
Let's have another cup of coffee and read the Post. It is on the lawyer, you know. My plumber friend thought that was a good idea.
Moral of the story: It is amazing how clear things become drinking high test coffee at Local Cafe talking to plumbers and tort lawyers.
Let me add this about coffee. I read the blog of Sister Dorcas earlier in the evening. It seems that someone wants to label her as a hypocrite due to the fact that she spends money on Starbucks coffee and has the audacity to challenge excessive spending in SBC institutions. The Bottom line on that is: Sister Dorcas is a Southern Baptist in a cooperating Southern Baptist church which gives her the perfect right to challenge anything she wants to bring into question.
Anyway, that is how it was intended to be back before the days of thrones, kingdoms, kings, queens, dukes, earls, knights, and knightâs pages.
So in conclusion let me repeat a quote from that famous theologian of an earlier time in American history that would relate well to the one who called Sister Dorcas a hypocrite.
SHE WORKS HARD FOR HER MONEY, SO YOU BETTER TREAT HER RIGHT.
-----------------Donna Sommer-------------------------
Hang in there Sister Dorcas. Those that know, know you are right. Those that do not will soon learn if they so desire.
Villa Rica:
posted by Villa Rica at 7:45 PM
16 Comments:
I guess the plumber would only sprinkle and not dunk!
You are cracking me up, VR.
Which one is the owl and which is the eagle?
Of course, and I might speak for Marty here as well, but I am nothing but a missionary, and grateful for the privilege.
[that is missionary in the sense that we are all missionaries, not in the sense the IMB commissioned me - and I think we all know that wouldn't be happening right now, and not because of any second blessings, either.]
Brother Art,
You are as wise as an Owl to see the reality of missions being the call of God upon all of His children.
Keep up the work, Brother.
Brother Kevin B,
I believe this plumber would only dunk donuts.
Villa Rica
Brother SBC,
You have such an ability for picking up on the smallest things and following them to a stark reality flushing with truth.
Villa Rica
Hey Dude, I'd love to hear you preach, either live or via Memorex!
Villa,
Good, thought provoking story.
Sidenote: John Grisham at last I heard was attending University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. And I think you know the theological position (or lack thereof) of that church. I know that has nothing to do with the discussion, just a piece of interesting info.
Grace,
Travis
Grisham is/was attending FBC of Oxford, MS, if I'm not mistaken. I know that pastor was conservative.
Villa-
I appreciate your extensive knowledge of pop culture as evidenced by your references to songs from Art's childhood.
Kevin-
If the pipe ruptured, you might get sprinkled, poured and immersed in one sitting.
Brother X Law,
I hope we can do just that. I am glad to say I have long retired from my old ways so you will not need the cuffs from your former days either.----just funnin----
I do hope to see you and many other residents of Blog Town.
Even in the middle of problems such as we are having in our Convention the joy of fellowship is still a blessing from the Lord.
See you in Greensboro.
Villa Rica
Brothers Travis and Marty,
Surely we can get J. Grisham to write a book about this since he has a history in a conservative and a moderate church. I noticed he no longer wears a tie. He may even come to the Young Leaders Conference if contacted early enough.
Villa Rica
Sister Andrea,
Not really wise--just old
Thank you, nonetheless.
Villa Rica
Marty- The reason I mentioned it was because I was in Charlottesville just a few weeks ago and stayed in the home of a Baptist pastor who told me Grisham had donated a large sum of money to a little league baseball park in a community just on the edge of Charlottesville not far from where he lives. I don't think I misunderstood him. Also, another minister who attended my church until he passed away a few momths back told me his granddaughter attended University Baptist and that Grisham would sit unconspicuosly in the back and leave quickly after the service ended. Maybe he has two homes? BTW, I didn't intend to soil Grisham's reputation, its just an observation.
Villa,
Good idea...I think:)
Brother Travis,
J.G. does have two homes. The first was and still is in Mississippi. He bought a large farm in Virginia after his third book made him rich as chocolate cake.(he started out as a Presbyterian)
He does contribute much money to many causes. I wonder if he is making chapel donations in Texas?----just funnin-------
Villa Rica
I will send Sister Dorcas the money for her Starbucks coffee. Then she can truthfully say that only non-CP money was used for her Starbucks. It will hurt me, I'll just reduce my church contribution by the amount I donate to Sister Dorcas' Starbucks fund. How much should I send. Here it is tall $1.59, grande $1.74, venti $1.89
Old guys do not type too well, I meant to say "It will NOT hurt me . . .
I recall seeing that someone wrote that all the emails sent to the IMBTrustees address did not represent SB members because most did not have email or use the internet. Does anyone else think it would be interesting to survey SB members on their use of modern technology, including the internet, blogs, cell phones, etc? I would think that an online survey could be used. Let me know. TheMdude
Mdude,
How many blogs are you going to post this question on? It is not even on threads that relate to the question.
Marty,
From MY childhood?
VR,
How long, how long must we sing this song? - a real song from my childhood - asking when will we get the next post from VR!
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