Favorite Quotes (21)

Patience isn't the ability to wait. It's how you behave while waiting.

Favorite Quotes (20)

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.

Babe Ruth

Favorite Quotes (19)

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.

Flannery O'Connor

Favorite Quotes (18)

The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief.

Leslie Weatherhead as quoted by Elton Trueblood in The Humor of Christ

Innocence at 4 Years Old

Xavy recently turned 4 years old. It is such a delightful age. His innocence is still intact and his life is filled with play and pleasure.

A few Sundays ago, we had some of our students over to watch a football game and we were hungry for some chocolate. So, I went into our Halloween stash and brought out Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Amazingly, we did not finish them and they were left out overnight.

The next day, Xavy was visiting and took some of this candy without asking. That is a tough assignment for a 4 year old. After all, it was left out there in the open.

Nevertheless, his mom felt obligated to discipline him and made him take a "time out" on the steps. His innocence showed through though, when he said, "I'm sorry Mom, it was an accident. But I loved it!"

Of course, as his "Pops," I have a different perspective on such events. Two days later, I was babysitting and I had left him by the television while I was upstairs for about 15 minutes.

When I came down downstairs, Xavy was sitting on the couch eating a Kit Kat. No, I had not left the bag of candy out again. This scenario was different.

While I was gone, he had proceeded downstairs to the basement. Then he moved a chair over to the shelves, and barely reached the bag of candy. Then returning upstairs, he found scissors to cut open the bag. Then after cutting open the bag, he proceeded to enjoy eating the Kit Kats. How do I know this? He told me.

And my reaction to all this? Did I put him in time out? No way! My conclusions: What initiative! How resourceful! What a great demonstration of dexterity! What a refreshing honest explanation! High fives all around!

Here Xavy! Let's eat a few more of these Kit Kats together. And don't tell Mommy, OK?

Sayings of Xavy (32)

No doubt, one of the hardest matters to capture as a child, is the passing of time...

Xavy: How much more till we are home?
Pops: About 15 minutes. We are making great time.
Xavy: So, how long is that? Is it like 20 dump trucks?

So, how does one answer that?

Does his response mean that we will get home by the time I have passed 20 trucks? That might be his thinking. There is a certain logic to that.

Or...

Does his response mean that he is trying to drive Pops crazy? That he is saying it with a Decker smirk that has been passed on down from generation to generation. There is a certain logic to that as well.

Xavy Decker, 4 years old

Sayings of Xavy (31)

How much numbers to get back to the house?

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (30)

Xavy on projectile vomiting: "That cheese came spinning out of my mouth!" 

Yep.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (29)

Mommy: What is my full name Xavy?

Xavy: Mom Elizabeth Bug.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (28)

Xavy: "Mommy, I think I'm happy because I love you." 

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (27)

One nation, under God, indiviseral, with Statue of Liberty and justice for all!

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (26)

We went to The Pancake House for breakfast one weekend, and Xavy decided he wanted waffles. He decided to show Dondra this in the menu: "See, Nani? Right here.....it says, B...U...T...T...E...R...Waffles! 

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (25)

"What time is my birthday coming? Because it's taking a long time to be three."

Xavy Decker to his Pops, 2 weeks before his 4th birthday

Sayings of Xavy (24)

Elizabeth: Hey Xavy! Guess what!
Xavy; What?
Elizabeth: Its my birthday. 
Xavy: Oh! Well, at least it's not MY birthday. 

Thank goodness.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (23)

Xavy was talking to Dondra about a friend he met, whose skin was red and itchy.

"You know what, Nani? He had POISON LAVA!"

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (22)

Mommy: Xavy, you are tired, aren't you?

Xavy: No, I amn't.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (21)

Xavy's prayer at dinner one night: 

"Dear Jesus, Thank you for this food. (pause) And I appreciate that I did not run away from my family, (pause) and that they protect me from sharks. Thank you that this town is nice. Amen." 

Fun guy!

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (20)

It's got to be a mystery why Pops's hair isn't on. Maybe it's lost in the woods! 

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (19)

"Mom, is it tomorrow today?"

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Well Done: Jacob Bradley Baxter (1)

In Memoriam: 

Jacob Bradley Baxter

Jake was first and foremost a man of God, a loving husband to Chrissy and a model father to Ruthie (4), Nadia (2), and Chase (7 weeks). He’s refused to allow complacency to dominate any aspect of his life, constantly pushing himself and others to be better. He wanted to serve the Lord with all that he had and wanted the same for those around him. He understood genuine worship and led worship beautifully, in his actions as well as his music.

At 28 years of age, Jake’s maturity often defied logic as he was looked to as a mentor and even father-figure by many who were much older. He was incredibly humble, undaunted by circumstances, as resourceful as they come, and down to earth.

He was willing to follow his convictions, no matter how they fit into the plans he had. When the Holy Spirit led him to a radical lifestyle, he responded; the community house stands as a tribute to his child-like faith. He lived his life by example, and we cherish the impact that his life has had on all of us.

He loved sharing his faith and offered his humor, or interjected a challenging and timely thought at just at the right time to make anyone he was with feel both at ease and yet contemplative. He was passionate about seeing young people live their lives fully for Jesus Christ and about improving community. These qualities will continue to shine through those Jake has left behind and speak as a true testament to the love he demonstrated while with us. His vision will not end here.

Note: The preceding paragraphs were written for the program of Jake’s memorial service, held on 9 August 2014, at Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili, NY.

Sayings of Xavy (18)

Mommy (Elizabeth): Why do you keep asking "why" for everything?

Xavy: I'm saying "why" because I want to know about everything.

Mommy's comment: I guess that's a good reason to say "why" 200 times a day.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

That Coca-Cola Commercial

Super Bowl 2014

For the most part, the commercials during this year’s Super Bowl were duds, not unlike Peyton’s performance (I am still in a state of grief over that). The ones that were meant to be funny were not so funny. The ones that were meant to be serious excelled in dullness. If you were rooting for Denver (like I was), it was hours of ho-hum. For me, the only highlight was Bruno Mars’ cool moves during the halftime show.

Actually though, there was one minute that was better than the Mars moves. Coca-Cola sponsored a commercial of America the Beautiful being sung in Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Hindi, Keres (Pueblo), Senegalese-French, Arabic, and English. I turned to a friend as soon as the commercial concluded and said, “Oh, what some of my 'friends' are going to say…”

Shortly, I was engaged in conversation with one of my friends on Facebook who was denouncing Coke with great fervor. As I engaged into the conversation, it was not long until I was told to live in Syria or Iraq, that I was a liberal, and good luck after I vote for Hillary. Really? Because I defended people singing how great America is in their heart language?

It got better, of course. To make his case, he said, “Try making a commercial like that in Syria.” To which I replied, “That’s the point! We can. They cannot.” He deleted that post. Don’t mess with me.

The rants will continue, I am sure. “Speak English or go home!” But such rants will fail to take into consideration that our founding fathers were fluent in many languages – French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, and Greek. Interestingly, our eighth president’s language was Dutch, learning English later. I don’t recall any of them being told to “Speak English or go home!”

This is a discussion that hits home for me – literally. Our home is periodically filled with those whose heart language is not English. Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, Bengal, Hindi, Russian, Tagalog, Japanese, and a host of other languages have graced our walls and we are the richer for it. And their speakers all had one thing in common. They were so glad to be here in the United States.

So, bravo Coca-Cola! I raise my glass of Coke and say, “Well done!” America is beautiful in every language!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (21)

Mr. Decker,

I wanted to write and thank you, 10 years later, for all that you taught our class at LCS!

This has been a year of testing for me. I am now a single mother. I have never grieved more than I have over this. But through the suffering I learned in a real way who my Jesus is. I leaned on Him, I leaned on the knowledge of his attributes, and His names. No matter how dark my day, always in my heart was the great truth that He IS the I AM – unchanging, eternal, holy…My rock.

I am preparing now to help teach a small portion of a ladies’ Bible study that starts this fall; I get to teach the names of Christ. Already the materials from the class you taught me are helping me prepare for that. My tattered copy of “The Knowledge of the Holy” is getting some mileage again! So thank you – thank you for teaching something practical, useable, and eternal. It has changed my life.

My daughter is in the living room singing “I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away…” Oh, how the Lord has given us beauty for ashes this year!

Thank you again for everything. You’ll always be a part of our lives because you taught us to know our God!

In Christ,

Note: I have left the name off because of the personal nature. I think it was written around 2005, but I am making a guess from an unclear postmark.

Dad was especially encouraged by this note and showed it to everyone that was close to him. It was not a matter of pride for him. Rather, it was a clear demonstration that the seeds he had planted had produced fruit. He was like anyone else in Christian service. It is good to know that you have made a difference in your service to the Lord.

Perhaps, you need to express thanks to someone in your past today that made a difference in you!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (20)

Dear Jim,

You gave such a valuable and timely lesson today. I felt each word was measured and meaningful. I haven’t taken so many notes on a sermon in a long time!

The old and new testaments were tied together in a new light for me and I was left with a deeper reverence for Almighty God.

Ending with such an appropriate song allowed us to respond to God and to your message in an upbeat manner. In this case, truly a worship song!

Thank you,

Elfriede Ferguson

(date unknown)

Note: What do you mean you haven't taken so many notes in a sermon in a long time? What about all of my messages that preceded his? Oh, never mind. I don't want to know the answer.  :-)

Legacy - James Albert Decker (19)

Dear Mr. Decker,

Thank you for your special message during the service yesterday.

The title, “Glory to God!” drew me in and I was struck to give God glory by the end. I was blessed so much by your message.

May God richly bless you and Marilyn!

In Him,

Takako

(written December 10, 2007)

Note: This was in reference to a time I let Dad speak in my stead at Randall. My, I am a brave man!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (18)

We were saddened to hear of Jimmy’s passing but rejoicing that he is with the Lord he loved and faithfully served his whole life. We will never forget the wonderful times of joy and laughter we had with Jimmy, Marilyn and Paul. We always appreciated him praying for us in our ministry. Do know our prayer support will continue to be with you.

Love, 

Glen and Mary Barnes

(written June 22, 2012)

Note: Glen's note reminded me of one of my dad's finest characteristics. Every Sunday morning, he would pray for the pastors with whom he had a personal relationship. He would consistently pray for men like Glen, as well as others like, Earl Johnson, Sam McGarvey, Wayne Muckel, Ray Sissell, Pat Wilson, Mike Maloney, Noah Stoltzfus, Jim Miller, Don Dixon, and...well, it became a long list. Of course, he prayed for me too! He understood how difficult the task was that was before us, so he never failed to pray. What a legacy he has left!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (17)

Jim was always able to inspire us at Lima Christian School. He would speak at chapel about things that he was learning about the Lord. He was a true seeker of the truth.

I remember that he always signed every communication with the words “Peace and Joy.” Now he is experiencing peace and joy in the presence of the Lord.

See you someday, Jim, when we will all be enjoying our eternal life with the Lord and with each other. Thank you, Jim, for your service to Lima Christian School and the larger body of Christ.

Elaine Schwartz

Legacy - James Albert Decker (16)

18 July 2014

It has been over two years since my father was welcomed into the presence of the Lord. I have been holding onto a few notes that were written to him or about him and hope to have them out on the blog soon. Here is the first, written about him soon after his passing.

We remember Mr. Jim Decker and his jolly, jovial, and gentle smile. Every day, in our living room, we admire his expert penmanship in his beautifully framed wedding gift to us of our wedding verse. We know he will be greatly missed here earth-side, yet rejoice he has been welcomed Heaven-side by Our Almighty God’s everlasting arms.

Memory eternal, Mr. Jim Decker!

With much love,

Matthew, Alethea, Mariel & Andrew Tan

Sayings of Xavy (17)

4 July 2014

Xavy: Pops, smell my nose.
Pops: (sniff, sniff)
Xavy: What is that I am smelling?

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Favorite Quotes (17)

12 June 2014

God loves you - and I have a wonderful plan for your life.

Paul J. Decker

Some Musings on Tax Day

15 April 2014

Some musings that will hopefully bring a smile to your face:

Last night, I was listening to the forecast that it was going to snow today. I decided that I was going to do something about it. I mean, we have had enough snow. Enough is enough. So, I went outside with my staff and slammed it down on the ground and yelled, "You shall not pass!" I was confident that this would do the job.

This morning, it is snowing. Apparently, I need a new staff, or become Gandalf, because this is an epic failure.

As it was snowing, I was standing at the back door with Xavy who seemed to be genuinely excited about the snow, the poor child. I yelled once again, "Snow, snow, go away, come again...in December." Another epic failure on my part. It doesn't rhyme.

Xavy looked at me, and said, "It is not working Pops!" Great, now my grandson is pointing out my failures. This day is already not going well.

It figures that it is snowing on April 15. Dealing with the government is typically a cold proposition.

I made my way to the Post Office this morning, because though I was able to send the forms of my son, daughter, and mother electronically, for the umpteenth year in a row, ours would not transmit electronically. I know how to keep the USPS in business.

Reason #1 - you need to explain the term "housing allowance." Dear IRS: The term "housing allowance" is the portion of my salary that is set aside to be used for...ummm...housing. Your Humble and Obedient Servant, Paul J. Decker.

Reason #2 - you need to explain your reason of reported income as "unused housing allowance." Dear IRS. The reason I stated "unused housing allowance" refers to the amount of money that was not used for...ummm...housing. Your Humble and Obedient Servant, Paul J. Decker.

So, I get to the Post Office and they use my first name. They know me like that at the Pharmacy as well. I have the Cheers thing going at the most unusual places.

After getting the tax forms mailed, I asked for 100 stamps. All they had was Charlton Heston. I liked that so much, I proclaimed in a booming voice, "Thus saith the Lord" so that everyone in the Post Office could hear it. Actually I surprised my self. I was good.

I joked with the gals there that my college students don't know who Charlton Heston is or the movie "The Ten Commandments." Case in point, the guy being waited on in the line next to me smiled at me, but obviously had no idea what we were talking about.  Another epic failure, but I don't think it is all my fault.

Well, this day can only get better...I think...

Favorite Quotes (16) - Grover's

9 April 2014

Unsupervised children will be given sugar and a free puppy.

Sign in Grover's Bar & Grill

Favorite Quotes (15) - from Ollie's Bargain Outlet

6 April 2014

"If you can't find what you are looking for, look for something else."

Sign in Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Favorite Quotes (14) - Jerry Gillis

5 April 2014

Nothing can take the place of the gospel.  Everything will try.

Jerry Gillis

Lead Pastor 

The Chapel at CrossPoint

Favorite Quotes (13) - "The African Queen"

4 April 2014

"By the authority granted to me by his Imperial Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm the Second, I pronounce you man and wife - proceed with the execution."

Captain of the Louisa in The African Queen

Favorite Quotes (12) - J. B. Phillips

29 March 2014

In a very basic sense, He has always been the critical issue in the church, and for that matter, in history. Invariably and inevitably, when anything else is made the issue it tends to divide those for whom Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.

J. B. Phillips

Favorite Quotes (11)

28 March 2014

The unwilling, appointed by the incompetent, met together to do the unnecessary.

Favorite Quotes (10)

26 February 2014

Direction, not intention, determines destination.

Favorite Quotes (9) - C. S. Lewis

24 February 2014

"All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

 C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

We Are in This Together!

17 February 2014

We are without a doubt journeying together - imperfect people on a sin-ridden planet - redeemed and in the process of being redeemed - as we become more like Him. We do this thing together. And when one fails, we pick them up and urge them onward, knowing we may need them to do the same for us.

This is counsel I gave a young believer who was struggling with recurring sin in her life.

Favorite Quotes (8)

17 January 2014

Direction, not intention, determines destination.

Favorite Quotes (7) - Taylor Swift

"I was excited to be onstage because I just won the award. And then I was excited that Kanye West was onstage. Then, I wasn't excited anymore."

Taylor Swift

Favorite Quotes (6) - Martin Luther

7 January 2014

Sinners are attractive because they are loved; they are not loved because they are attractive.

Martin Luther

Favorite Quotes (5)

6 January 2014

If you can't be a good example, you will have to be a horrible warning.