My
Links to Web sites and Blogs
These are my
Special Links
T H O R O U G H Y
A L I V E
(formerly Itinerant Idealist)
"In search of a soul awake" A personal blog by Sarah Clarkson (my niece),
Sarah says
this about herself:
Penny Kendall
Photography
Penny Kendall and son, Jared, are our favorite
professional photographers. Penny has a rare talent for being able to
photograph children in a way most photographers tend to think "I wish I could do
that". That God given skill really shows in her portraits of children.
It is a
field of photography that I did not have very much patience for when I was a
professional photographer. She has recently opened her own studio in Granbury,
TX. Her
family attends the Granbury Church of Christ where her husband is a valued
member of the ministry staff. I first met Penny
and her family several years before she decided to begin a career in professional photography.
Her husband, Brandi, was hired by our church to fill a missionary position
overseas that had become vacant in Tartu, Estonia While she was over seas, she began
posting some of her photography to their blog on their ministry. It was
very apparent from the beginning of her posts that she possessed a real God
given talent in her photography! Following the death of
their son, Dusty, in Iraq while serving his country, they returned to Granbury
where she began pursuing her career as a photographer and we developed a
friendship that includes our love of recording images of life in digital format.
Her portrait style is very relaxed, warm and personal, especially when
photographing children. The Kendalls are a special family and Penny is a
special photographer. If you live in Hood,
Erath, Somervell, or south Parker Counties and need a photographer, I highly recommend
Penny and Jared!
Al and Shelly Maxey: Reflections, biblical studies done by Al Maxey
Reflections is a continuing series of weekly
articles sent out at no cost to a private email list. At present there are
several thousand readers worldwide. These Reflections are not
for everybody, however. They are designed for those disciples who have a Berean spirit --- who are willing to examine afresh their convictions
and practices in light of God's inspired Word. Al is minister
of the Cuba Avenue Church of Christ in Alamogordo, New Mexico where
he also serves as an elder.
Granbury
Church of Christ in Granbury, Texas. Pulpit Minister:
John Knox
This is the "local" congregation (if 35 miles is
really considered local) where Linda, and I worship. I don't
believe you can find a friendlier church anywhere. If you live in or
around Hood County or you are planning to visit the Granbury or Glen Rose
area, we would love to have you visit with us in the worship and Bible
classes and experience what Linda and I have found to be a warm and spirit
fill congregation of the Lord's family. If you would like to sit with
someone you have at least exchanged emails with, please feel free to email
me. We would love to share in the worship with you. We attend
the 08:15 am early worship and Bible class that follows the worship.
Kingwood Church of Christ in Kingwood, Texas. Pulpit
Minister: open
This is the congregation where our oldest
daughter, Shannon, is the Children's Minister. It is one of the
friendliest congregations I think I have ever had the pleasure to worship
with. We are able to worship with them every seven weeks, Lord
willing, when we visit Shannon, David, and River.
Southern Hills
Church of Christ in Abilene, TX. Pulpit Minister:
Phil War
When Linda and I camp at Abilene State Park, or
spend the night with Kristie, this is where you will find us on Sunday
Morning.
Whole Heart
Ministries based in Monument, Colorado
This is a ministry of my brother, Clay Clarkson,
that is dedicated to helping parents home school their children win a
Christian atmosphere. They have published numerous books on this
subject, and are in demand at home school conferences, seminars, and
retreats. Their methods work!
Followers of
Chirst in Brantford Ontario Pulpit Minister: Rick
Gamble
An independent, nondenominational church
which has a long-term lease in a municipally-owned Community Centre in one of
the city's most under serviced areas. A very informal,
come-as-you-are group of Christians who want to operate, not like an
institution, but like a family, in which each member shares privileges and
responsibilities in a way that encourages individuality, spirituality, and a
sense of belonging. The weekly newsletter is
Cross Currents.
The
Grace Centered Forum
This is a discussion
forum on the
Grace
Centered Magazine
web site.
This is my favorite discussion board. The Grace
Centered Discussion Forum is a growing, friendly, and caring board where
subjects relating to the Restoration Movement churches (mainly churches of
Christ but also includes Disciples of Christ, and Independent Christian
Churches/churches of Christ) are discussed in a grace-centered and loving
environment. You don't have to be a registered member to post but we
love it when we get new registered members. I am one of the original
moderators of this forum.
Hallal
Music
a music ministry under the direction of Key Young.
“Hallal”
is a derivative of “halal” one of several Hebrew words used for
praise. It means to shine, flash forth light, to praise, to boast and glory. It is a
word that defines praise to God with full abandon,
loud voice, and great excitement. That pretty well describes the heart of
what Hallal Music
has been about since its beginning. Their "Day of Praise" is a worship experience
and spiritual renewal that will lead you into the
presence of the Father.
Some Blogs I Enjoy
Reading
Thoene's Blog Authors Brock and Bodie Thoene (my favorite historical
fiction writers0
Stoned-Campbell Disciple Bobby Valentine (an internet
friend and excellent Bible teacher)
Team Tartu
Brandi, Penny, and Kayli Kendall (friends from
our church)
Preacher Mike
Mike Cope (minister at Highland CoC)
MatthewandKatherine
Katie Riggs (Contributor to my web site)
Brooklyn
and Beyond Joe Hayes
GREGTAYLOR.CC Greg Taylor
La
Shawn Barber’s Corner La Shawn
Barber
Rediscovering Church,
Rediscovering Jesus Trey Morgan
Joel Clarkson on Virb.com My oldest nephew's blog. Be sure to
listen to his music!
Newer Translations of the
New Testament that I use for my Bible
Study that are available in pdf for free.
TNIV Bible - Today's New International Version
The New Testament translation.
The TNIV Bible is a text that reflects the NIV, but also
clarifies and updates passages and words to provide a more timely, contemporary
English translation for a new generation of Bible readers. While older
forms of English may not present a problem for some readers, they can present
barriers to understanding and fully engaging the Bible for today's generations
who have grown up using more-contemporary English. The TNIV also uses
gender-accurate language only where the meaning of the original text was
intended to include both men and women. While I believe that there is
still room for improvement in translation a number of controversial Greek words
used by Paul that have yet to be translated properly and the most accurate
meaning of the sentence they occur in obtained, the TNIV is a really fresh
breath of air in a world where traditional translation tends to rule over
accuracy in translation. I use the TNIV for most daily Bible reading and
study. This site has the entire TNIV Bible available in downloadable PDF
format the for those who wish to have a free computer copy that is easily
printable. I like to print off the TNIV and put it in a notebook for use
in our Bible Classes on Sunday mornings instead of carrying my old NIV.
This version is great for kids and teenagers.
The Source
The Source is the only New Testament translation based on word meaning
evidence from the recently discovered papyri and inscriptions. For
centuries, translators had to guess the meaning of hundreds of New Testament
words. After 1976, huge numbers of papyri and inscriptions were discovered
containing these New Testament words in everyday documents and thus
revealing their meaning. The Source is the only New Testament translation by
a Classical Greek scholar (rather than a theologian) and not financed by, or
translated by, a committee of a specific denomination. A printed copy
with all translation notes can be ordered through this web site
More Bible Study Sites for kids and adults
Christian Links for Kids and Teens
This web
site is designed and written by Renee Belleville and has an immense number
of links to Christian sites designed for kids and teens. There are
also links for adults regarding raising their Christian kids.
This site will keep a kid or adult entertained for a long period of time
chasing out the links and playing some of the games. She has spent a
large amount of time collecting high quality links. The site is
non-denominational.
The
Daily Bible Lesson
This is a new site
that has been designed by Bro. Lance Wood in Midland, TX. This site has
audio lessons taught by seven great teachers in the churches of Christ from the
great state of Texas. Those teachers are Ronnie White, Golf Course Road
CoC, Midland; Chris Seidman, Farmer's Branch CoC, Dallas; Doug Parsons, Spring
Woodlands CoC, The Woodlands; Keith Luttrell, Southlake Blvd CoC, Southlake;
Rick Atchley, Richland Hills CoC, North Richland Hills; Dan Bouchelle, Central
CoC, Amarillo; and Rodney Plunket, Broadway CoC, Lubbock. The lessons use
Real Player.
Theopolis
Although not specifically a Church of
Christ site, this animated site is designed more for adults or teens. It has a large selection of topics and
is excellent for
some easy study time.
World
Bible School
Since
the 1950's, WBS has been sending Bible correspondence courses free-of-charge to students around the world. This same
material is now available on the Web.
Freedom
in Christ
Dr.
Dallas Burdett.
This site has hundreds Bible study articles and
related links.
A real treasure of information.
Dr. Burdett also
writes for Grace Centered Magazine, a web based magazine for members of the
Churches of Christ.
On Line
Bibles
On line Bible's--many versions to choose from.
Spending Time with Jim
McGuiggan
Jim is a minister
in the Churches of Christ who has published a number of excellent books over the
years, I have read many of his books and most of the studies he has
published online. Before moving back to his home in Northern Ireland, Jim
was a professor at the Sunset School of Preaching for a number of years.
Church of Christ
Publications and Events
(includes online publications and printed magazines)
The Christian Chronicle
(printed)
A Church of Christ publication that is not
biased in any one particular direction that covers the news and events that take
place in the broad spectrum of churches of Christ.
New
Wineskins Magazine (online)
A Church of Christ magazine published in the US that I
highly recommend. Managing Editor:
Greg Taylor, Co-editors:
Rubel Shelly & Mike Cope. The original Wineskins was purchased on May 1, 2001 by The Zoe Group and is now The New
Wineskins Magazine.
The
Christian Appeal
(printed)
This
little magazine is absolutely one of the best magazines around. Although
it is a magazine that is directed to the Restoration Movement churches, it is a
magazine that will appeal to all Christians, regardless of their denominational
orientation. The yearly subscription for this monthly publication is only $7.00 but would be worth the
money at twice the price. I highly
recommend this magazine!
Heartlight (email)
A great web site run by Phil Ware,
Westover Hills Church
of Christ pulpit minister. Short articles,
electronic greeting
cards, music reviews, and much much
more.
Edward
Fudge
(email)
This is the home site of Edward Fudge's
GracEmail. Edward serves as an shepherd for the Bering Drive
Church of Christ in Houston. He is a well known and published writer in the churches of Christ.
Edward and I have corresponded over the years and I am proud to be able to list
him on my links page. He is a wonderful Christian and has served as an
elder for the Bering Drive Church of Christ in Houston, TX.
Churches of Christ
my wife and I have visited when traveling
or have friends who are members
Cuba Avenue Church of Christ in Alamogordo, New Mexico Pulpit
Minister: Al Maxey
Bering Drive
Church of Christ in Houston, TX Pulpit Minister:
This is an exceptional church that has put into
practice the Gal 3:26-28 message. The leadership of the church is an
eldership of five men and five women chosen from the membership at large based
on the qualities of leadership and pastoral abilities as described in 1 Tim and
Titus. Having women serve in this capacity is rare in the churches of
Christ and I personally praise them for their desire to be a congregation of the
Lord's church that uses everyone regardless of race, gender, and income for the
growth of the church of Christ.
Metropolitan
Church of Christ in Carson, CA: Pulpit Minister:
Fate Hagood III
Excerpt from their
mission statement: "The mission of the metropolitan church of Christ is to help
people develop into fully functioning followers of Christ". We have never
visited Metropolitan but I know the minister and based on our friendship on-line
for the last several years, I look forward to the day that I can visit and
worship with the Christians at Metropolitan CoC.
Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, TX: Pulpit
Minister: Ronnie White.
This is where we
worship when we are in Midland. They are the sponsors of Stream in the
Desert.
Cross Timbers
Church of Christ
in Stephenville, TX. Teaching Minister: Glenn Boyd.
This web site is still
under construction but I have added to list because this is the first church to
hire my oldest daughter for youth ministry. We have worshipped with them a
number of times. If you are looking for a home congregation in
Stephenville that is loving, growing, and grace oriented, this is where you need
to be.
Richland Hills Church of Christ in Ft. Worth, TX: Pulpit Minister:
Rick Atchely
This is a great church.
Their membership is around 4000 and are very active in many areas of ministry. We have taken our kids to youth activities
at this church during the summer months.
Alta Mesa Church of Christ
in Ft. Worth, TX: Pulpit Minister: Danny Sims
A good church in far
south Ft. Worth, TX.
Christian Music: a cappella
Hallal Music
Hallal Music was founded by Ken Young. It is an a cappella group composed
of singers from various areas of the country singing contemporary praise and
worship songs. They are the worship team at numerous events including
events such as Stream in the Desert,
and ACU Bible Lectureship two name just a couple. They are our favorite a cappella group.
If you wish to hear them live, I can't think of a better place than at
Stream in the Desert 2005 the first weekend of April.
The Zoe Group
The ZOE Group, Inc. is a not-for-profit Christian
a cappella ministry dedicated to worship renewal in the lives of individuals and
the churches to which they belong.
The Acappella Company was the dream of Keith
Lancaster. The Dream cametrue and after 20 years is alive and growing.
The Contemporary Christian Music groups represented on this site are Keith
Lancaster, Acappella, AVB, Vocal Union, X-Changed, and The Firemen.
New Creation
This singing group was performing during the 1990's. They
sand a cappella and had a unusually tight and very balanced harmony. The
group originally began singing while in college with the majority of their songs
being written and arranged by members of the group. The group consisted of
Chris and Amy Carper, Johnny, Kim, and Jacob Scott. They have placed all of their music
online for free download but still have a few CD's left that can be ordered on
their web site. This is one of my all time favorite groups!
Echo
This
is another group from the 1990's. We took our teenagers to their
concerts on a regular basis. They disappeared from the scene a few
years ago and only recently have shown back up with a new web site where one
can purchase their music in CD format, something that was not available
during the time they were performing. They also have a few MP3's
downloads that can be purchased.
Scientific Creationism and
other Biblical based sites of Interest
The Creation
Evidence Museum
Glen Rose, Texas. Curator:
Dr. Carl Baugh
Dr. Carl Baugh is a friend who has done considerable
research into the human footprints found in the Cretaceous limestone formations exposed by the Paluxy River in Glen
Rose. They raise the question of whether man is 70
million years old or the dinosaurs lived with man within the Creationist time
frame of about 6000 to 10,000 years ago. This is the
same
formation that the dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park tracks are
found in. Interestingly, evolutionary science totally disregards this particular fossil discovery, even though
it has known
about for about 100 years. The Creation Evidence Museum is located near Dinosaur
Valley State Park at Glen Rose, Texas. Dr. Carl Baugh lectures on the 1st Saturday of each month.
Plan a family outing and go hear and talk to Dr.
Baugh. The Creation
Evidence Museum is located near Glen Rose, Texas, about 1 mile
from the
Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Bethlehem
Star
This site is a study that pretty much pins down
a lot of historical and biblical facts regarding the birth of Jesus, the Star
that led the magi, the date of the birth, the date of the visit of the magi, and
the date of the crucifixion. It also touches on the actual date of
Herod's death, which is critical in determining Biblical accuracy regarding
Jesus' birth. Fredrick Larson has really done his homework in this in
depth study. He has a DVD available which I highly recommend purchasing!
The Institute for Creation Research
Founded by Dr. John Morris. This is a
good source of information on Scientific Creationism.
The Center for
Scientific Creation
The Center for Scientific Creation is a
non-profit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to origins
research.
Christian Answers
Lot's of info on this site, but not restricted to
just Creation Science.
Answers In Genesis
This web site is
dedicated to a creationist view of the universe based on scientific evidence
that supports the Genesis account of the Creation. The site is associated
with the Creation Museum in Cincinnati, under the direction of Ken Hamm.
Creation ex nihilo Technical Journal
This contains the archives of a number of
years worth of scientific technical
papers covering on-going scientific research into the proof of a unique
creation and a young universe.
Restoration Movement
information sites
The term Restoration
Movement as become an identifying name related to a group of churches that grew
out of the Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone ideal of turning back to only
the Bible, and having unity among Christians of all denominations. That
goal by Campbell and Stone was basically a reformation effort aimed at restoring
unity among all Christians rather than re-establishing a church that had gone
out of existence. The term Restoration Movement came out of an erroneous
view (in my opinion) that the 1st Century Church of Christ went out of existence
after the 1st Century for 1700 years and was then re-establish or restored
in the early 1800's. I don't agree with that view of church history
although I totally agree with Campbell's and Stone's views of unity and numerous
doctrines or understanding of Scripture. The term Restoration Movement is
now associated with several church groups that came out of the Stone-Campbell
movement which include The Church of Christ (a cappella), The Christian
Church/disciples of Christ, and the independent Christian Church (also know
under the lesser used names the Christian Church/Church of Christ and Church of
Christ instrumental). In the Churches of Christ, there are sub-groups that
include mainline, progressive, Old Paths, non-institutional, grace-centered,
one-cup, non-Sunday School, and several others. A new sub-group is
presently developing in the Church of Christ which will probably be
classified as gender equal churches. These Churches of Christ will
eventually include women in all levels of church work on an equal basis with
men. This issue will eventually become the main issue in the Church of
Christ as we re-evaluate our present views regarding gender. Most other
issues, including the predominate issues presently of instrumental music,
baptism, Communion, and homosexuality will become secondary or even dead issue
compared to the gender issue. My family's heritage is in the main line and
the more progressive/grace oriented churches, and if you have read my Where the
Spirit Leads web page, you know we are strong supporters of gender equality in
the Churches of Christ. The following sites all relate to the
Stone-Campbell churches. These sites are extremely valuable sites for
anyone wanting historical information regarding the churches that were an
outgrowth of the movement that Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone started.
The Churches of Christ, in particular, have an extremely interesting history and
were a major factor in "Restoration Movement" ideals.
Restoration
Movement
Probably the best and
most complete collection of manuscripts, history, and information on the Web
about the Restoration Movement. Has many manuscripts by Alexander
Campbell, Barton W. Stone, David Lipscomb, and others. Also includes an
online version of Alexander Campbell's "The Living Oracles" New
Testament, which is considered the original modern translation and the
predecessor of the RSV. Very interesting site worth the visit.
Freedom's Ring
This is another site that should be of interest to any Christian who is a member
of the Church of Christ or who is interested in the Restoration Movement. This
site has books and newsletters by Cecil Hook, Edward Fudge, Leroy Garrett, W.
Carl Ketcherside, Robert Roland, K. C. Moser, and others.
The Restoration Review
This site is a collection of the writings of
Leroy Garrett.
Unity in Diversity
A collection of writings by W. Carl
Ketcherside in the Mission Messenger, and some of his books that are now
online.
Misc Interesting Links
Family
Dynamics Institute
Joe
Beam - chairmen and founder.
FDI
partners with churches, equipping
them with
state-of-the-art tools and techniques for powerful marriage and family
ministry. Whether
you're looking for a program to strengthen your own marriage or parenting
skills, or want to use the
powerful principles and techniques to help others, Family Dynamics
can
help you and your congregation. Joe writes on-line articles for GC
Magazine.
21st Century Christian, Inc.
Book Store with emphasis on Church of Christ material.
CBD home page
Excellent full line Christian book store.
HOWARD PUBLISHING
A Church of Christ based publisher and online book store.
Full Listing Church of Christ Links Warehouse
Large selection of Church of Christ links.
Internet Links
Another large list of Church of Christ links.
Material by Olan Hicks
Source of study material on numerous subjects, especially Christian divorce.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Source of classic Christian writings on-line.
Promise Keepers
an important web site for Christian husbands and fathers.
Christian Music Artists List
an online list of Christian singers and groups.
Liberty Counsel
Want to find out more about the on-going fight for religious freedom? This
is the place to visit. Contains an up-to-date listing and explanations of
all on-going court battles between the government and the Christian community
for religious freedom. If you have a religious freedom issue, this site
will be a valuable resource to you.
The Church of Christ.org
This site has directories, discussions lists, etc. and is maintained by
Silbano Garcia.
Jewish Virtual Library - Homepage
Good source Jewish writings
Torah Fax in CyberSpace
Source of daily study of the Torah.
Yeshuat Yisrael
A Messianic Jewish congregation in Nashville, TN. This is a fascinating
site with loads of useful info for all Christians.
Zola Levitt Presents
Zola Levitt's ministry is based out of Dallas, TX and has a TV show.
He passed from this life several years ago but his work goes on under the
guidance of his son. He has
written short books on a number of subjects that clarify how the first century
Jewish Christians would have seen various issues. They are very
informative and contain a lot of useful info regarding Jewish practices, beliefs,
and customs from that time in history.
Gates to Jewish Heritage Welcome!
Another Jewish religion site that I have found interesting.
Internet Adoption Photo listing
Want to adopt a child. This is a good place to start
looking.
A few links that I
consider important
Abilene Christian University
The university that all three of my daughters
graduated from.
American Radio Relay League
The ARRL web site. Up to date info for American Amateur
Radio Operators
National
Rifle Association
NRA web site. Up to date info on legislation, happenings, etc.
Amateur Radio
online practice exams
Intellicast
web
radar updated every 30 minutes apx.
SKYWARN
Weather
chasers, etc.
Last Updated 08/30/2010 by Wiley Clarkson