January 21st

January 21st was National Hugging Day.  I missed it.  I even had it on my calendar, but I missed it.  It came and went and I don't even know if I hugged anyone that day. 

When I first came into ministry, we hugged everyone.  On the way out of church, everyone got a hug.  Over the years, various stories of misbehavior and boundaries training has changed that.  Now I can hug you, but you have to initiate it.  You have to let me know that it is ok to hug.

Having said that, a hug is a beautiful thing.  To just let someone know that you care about them is an amazing gift.

I don't think that the point of National Hugging Day is to say that we should on hug on January 21st.  It is a reminder of the need that we have to be close, the need that we have to be loved, the need that we have to matter to someone.

I missed National Hugging Day, but today I am going to hug someone.  What about you?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

January 27

January 27th.  A day that came and went.  This morning I learned that January 27th was International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  I missed it.

We should never miss this day.  We should never forget.  The Jewish people have been persecuted for 2,000 years like no other people group in the history of the world.  You may not agree with everything that they are doing in the West Bank and Gaza, but none of us are walking in their shoes. 

Thousands of Jews were killed by Christians going on a crusade in Germany in 1096.  In 1290 all Jews were expelled from England.  Any of the families that went to Spain were in for a rude awakening as Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492.  This list could go on and on.  The mistreatment of Jewish people is a historic puzzle to me.  I just don't understand why people hate a group of people.  Anyway, we are all aware that the crowning piece of this hatred was the Nazi's murder of 6 million Jews during WW2.

I am reminded of this poem by Martin Niemoller.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Hatred should stop. There is no place for it in the life of a Christian.

Although this is a sobering topic, we have the chance to work for a better tomorrow and make it a beautiful day in God's world where people have a better chance to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

preference

We humans prefer certainty over ambiguity.  We want to know.  We want to feel that we are in control.

When things start to get messy, we can get worried real quick.  Enough uncertainty in a life and we feel concerned, fearful, disheveled and sad.  Maybe the stages of grief fire up.  Denial, anger and resignation can fill our lives.

Oh I wish I understood everything about my life.  I miss parts of my past.  The way it used to be seems so safe to me now.

We prefer certainty over ambiguity.  We should try to fix that which we can.  But for some situations, we just need to realize that we may carry this brokenness, this loss, this concern, this confusion, this ambiguity, we may carry it to the grave.

That being said, we need to learn to adapt our thinking.  Maybe this isn't a time of fear, but a time of exploration.  What if this isn't a broken time, but just a different time?  There are so many positive ways to look at life if you think about it.

Certainty is great.  Ambiguous situations filled with change can be good as well.  And we can still find humor, even in ambiguity.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Hungry

From my friend Pat-

Its warm here in Southern California.(That’s really not germaine to this note, but I couldn’t resist since its single digits in KC). We were outside for lunch the other day having a sandwich. There were sparrows aplenty in the bushes near us. And of course they were hungry. Sparrows are always hungry.

I thought of Christ’s speech about worry. Why worry? God takes care of even the smallest sparrow; he’ll take care of you. But I contrasted that statement to the fact they were clearly hungry.(every notice how animals in the wild seem to spend the bulk of their time looking for food. We don’t realize how good we have it). How do you reconcile that God takes care of these small creatures with their constant hunger? A quandary for me, so I did the only thing I knew to do: I fed them the bread from my sandwich.

Who are you feeding today?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

respecting others

From my friend Pat,

We are redoing a house in San Diego: a place to escape the delights of KC during the winter. As part of that process, we are meeting new people and looking for a west coast church home for the time we are here.

Yesterday we went to something called the Rock Church(google it). Its 7-8 years old, 19,000 members, racially diverse(the band had one of every standard racial classification, just like the audience: no one cared.) The music was loud and the crowd enthusiastic, evangelical, raptured. The music and evangelical message were not my cup of tea but they sure were for the several thousand that were there while the first NFL championship game was on.(worthy of note is that the senior minister and founder played in the NFL for a while-he was preaching yesterday none the less)

But it was alive, and filled with young people, and the outreach programs are nothing short of amazing: prison ministries, food banks, refugee care, all sorts of outreach on all continents, and so on. Not much sitting around there.

Its a ways to drive for us, so we will probably do something closer to home, and it was really different than everything I was used to. But I think God must be pleased with their work.

Christ reaches out to all of us differently. Their celebrations and music may not work for me, and mine not for them, but neither of us are wrong. Neither are the Baptists, Catholics, and so on. How about today we focus on how we can connect with God. Perhaps that will be an example to others how to connect. Or perhaps it will encourage others to find their own way to connect.

Let’s celebrate others’ relationship with God rather than criticize their effort because its different than ours. Think about it.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Transformers

Power comes from the power lines to our homes.  Along the way there is a transformer that reduces the power to where it is usable in our homes.  High voltage is reduced to a much lower voltage.  That makes everything work in the home.  Send the high voltage straight in, like in a lightening strike and everything is fried.

When organizations are under stress, some folks become high voltage.  Churches need transformers.  Organizations of all kinds need transformers.  Families need transformers.  These are people who do not get excited by bad news.  They take worry in stride.  They have learned in life how to take the moments that seem to be terminal and make them palatable.  Relational transformers calm the storm.  They make the energy usable for the entire organization.

How about you.  Are you raising the voltage or are you transforming it into something that can be used for the good of the whole?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

which way

Which way will we go on a thing.  Will we be a part of the problem or a part of the solution.  Will we be a spectator or will we get into the game.

How do we want to be remembered?  As those who shrunk back or as those who stepped forward to make the world and all of it's parts, a better place?

“Nothing exceptional was ever accomplished because people folded at the first sign of fear.”

“Even the most confident people will tell they were uneasy and they had their doubts, but they pushed through it. They gathered the facts, surrounded themselves with good people, anticipated the naysayers and stayed the course.”              Julie Battle

You can't do everything, but you can do something.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Brexit

Jo Cox

I watched the movie Brexit the other night.  It is a movie about the 2016 vote that took place regarding England's decision to leave the European Union.  A good show all in all I thought.

In the middle of the campaign, with both sides vying for voters, a member of parliament was assassinated.  Jo Cox, a 42 year old politician who was against leaving the EU.  She was shot and killed by a man who was in favor of leaving the EU.

I had a couple of thoughts that I wanted to share.

First, it is tragic when a country is so polarized that people want to kill each other over some agenda.

Finally I was saddened by the story of her death.  So senseless.  So unnecessary.  We are so frail.  Here today and gone tomorrow.

So live your life with kindness to all and savor every day.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

good people

Good people brighten our days.  On Monday I was a bit in the dumps.  Not sure why.  Lonely, discouraged, processing lots of stuff.  The blog post that day said that I didn't have anything to say.

Then I went to work.  I met Dick L for breakfast and we had a great talk.  Then I spent a few moments visiting with our church financial guru Arlene.  Both of them cheered me up.

Just being around good people makes me feel happy.  I think that I am going to carry them around with me for a while.

Are you in the dumps?  Go find a good person and let them rub off on ye.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

disappointment

We had such high hopes for the Kansas City Chiefs this year.  But if you are from Kansas City, you are used to disappointment.  The Chief's all time playoff record is pretty dismal.  Prior to this year we were 9 wins and 18 losses all time.  Now I guess we are 10 wins and 19 losses all time.  In the last 15 years we are 2-11.  Dismal.

We had hoped that it would be different this year.  Patrick Mahomes.  Tyrik Hill.  Travis Kelce.  We knew our defense was suspect, but we hoped that our heroes would pull it out.  Not so.  I think that the level of disappointment that we have with a situation is proportional to our expectations.  Reduce your expectations, and your level of disappointment goes down.

So let's pull a couple of arrows out of our quiver, shall we?

1.  It's just a game.
2.  It's better to make it to the championship and lose than to be sitting at home, watching it on TV.  A bunch of other teams wish that they had the chance to be in that game.
3.  Mahomes, Kelce and Hill will all be back next year.
4.  There are people out there for us to care about today.

At any rate, there is no joy in Mudville.  But tomorrow is another day.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

I got nothing

So, I am sorry to say but I am speechless.   I have nothing to say today.  I am not really depressed, but neither am I inspired or motivated.  I am just blaaaaah.  Maybe because my friend is sick, maybe because I am just dry.  I don't know.

Anyway, in your life and mine, there are going to be days when you have nothing to say.  I am dry.  I have nothing.  I am sorry.

Yet, in spite of that sentiment, life is still good.  It is still a beautiful day.  Dry soul and all.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

The National Anthem

This is only my opinion and I don't mean to be political.

I am against injustice and police brutality.  I think that it happens more often in our culture than we would like to admit.  Having said that, I am not in favor of NFL players or anyone kneeling during the national anthem.  I am all for them protesting, but not on the job.  None of the rest of us could take work time to protest something.  Anyway, protest all you guys want, just do it off the clock.

Having said that, Gladys Knight is singing the national anthem on Feb 3rd at the super bowl.  Good
for her. Although criticized by some for doing it, she has stuck by her decision. If you missed it, here is some of what she said:

“I understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice,” Knight, a seven-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, told Variety. “It is unfortunate that our national anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the national anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone.”

She continued, “I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3 to give the anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites us when we hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good — I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII.”

She ended by saying, “No matter who chooses to deflect with this narrative and continue to mix these two in the same message, it is not so and cannot be made so by anyone speaking it. I pray that this national anthem will bring us all together in a way never before witnessed and we can move forward and untangle these truths which mean so much to all of us.”

She also talked about how it made her feel whenever she sang the national anthem.  I too have a feeling when ever we stand to sing our song.  I am sure that it will feel good and warm in our hearts on Feb 3rd when her beautiful voice begins the hallowed words... "O say can you see, by the dawn's early light..."

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

A winter's day

my next door neighbor 2001

A winter's day.  In a deep and dark January.

Winter in Florida is a bit different than winter in the mid-west.  Here in Florida, the lows get into the high 40's and the highs are usually in the upper 60's or 70's.

We had a cold one the other day.  I left the doors and windows open all day to let the cold air come in.  There was a crispness in the air.  That night the house cooled off to 64 degrees.  I am not turning on the furnace.  I had to pile on the blankets.  It was a three dog night.  It reminded me of those protracted periods in Kansas City winter time when the furnace was running, the fireplace was burning and every one ran around the house in winter clothes.  Didn't matter what you did, you could not stay warm. 

So it was here the other day.  A cold, multiple blanket night.  Brrr.

Today is a new day.  Shorts, flip flops and a high of 75.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

7 mph

I was having breakfast with Len from church yesterday.  He was talking about building a float for his wife's elementary classroom.  He said that he learned that you can never drive over 7 mph while pulling a float or it will come apart.

I got to thinking about working on floats as a kid.  Some adult would build a frame and cover it with chicken wire.  Then we young ones, would stuff tissue paper into the chicken wire.  We made some nice floats when I was young.  The bad thing was that they took a great deal  of time and effort to make, and then were only used once.  A hundred hours or more of work, for one hour of a parade.  Then the float is demolished.  Seems like a bit of a waste...

How many things in this life have I spent an inordinate amount of time on, and then it is barely used, then demolished?  As I get older [and getting older beats the alternative] as I get older I am thinking more about how I use my time.  I want to spend my effort on things that are important and things that are lasting.

And I don't think that I could drive 7 mph anytime, ever.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

the dumps

So I am writing this in hopes that it will get me out of the dumps.  What can be so terrible you say that I am in the dumps?  Good question.  And when I tell you what it is, you will feel all the more that my issues are no big deal.  But isn't that how we humans roll?

Here is why I am in the dumps today [by the time you read this, yesterday]
1.  I spent the afternoon yesterday installing a wall shelf system.  Today I can see that the shelf is crooked.  I am going to have to take it down and reinstall it.  I will take about an hour, but it has to be done.

2.  I spent too much money the other day.

3.  I sold something online and the buyer is unhappy.  He says that my description is dishonest.  Ouch.  Sorry.   I sent 12 pictures before he bought.  I am giving him a 100% refund plus shipping costs but it hurts when someone [even an electronic person online] calls you dishonest.

So add that up and the dumps are here.

So.  I am writing in hopes that expressing this will cheer me up.  Let me pull some arrows out of the quiver and go to work on this bad attitude.

1.  These are small things and they will pass
2.  I am not sick and there is no tragic bad news in my life.
3.  I want to make these things right and that is a good thing.
4.  I will feel better once I do make them right.
5.  It probably won't take as long or be as bad as I think.
6.  This attitude is going to get in the way of me being nice to others.
7.  That's not good.  I want to be nice to others.

hmmm.  Ahhh.   Oooooo it's starting to work.  Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda...here I am at Camp Granada....
wait a minute, it's stopped raining, guys are swimming guys are sailing.  Playing baseball, gee that's bedda Mudda Fadda kindly disregard this ledda.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

telling the story

Pastor Tim gave a sermon a couple of weeks ago about how we tell our story. I am paraphrasing him but he made a good point.... These days, we tell our story by how we treat others.

When I was a kid, sharing your faith was all about verbally telling others. We drove hundreds of people crazy over the years telling them. We were in, they were out, we were right, they were wrong. Let me tell you about Jesus. We told them and they hated it.

What we did not do was to show them. Today, wise Christians are telling their story by how they treat others, by how they love others.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.   James 2:14-18

I think that a great slogan for any church would be, "we show our love for God by how we love others."

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

The journey to awakening

When I was young, my Christian journey was about knowing.  Learning more, knowing more, being able to pronounce Mesopotamia.

Over the years I, like many, have seen that our knowledge is limited.  We cling to what we know, or what we think we know.  We insist that our path is the correct one.  Yet it we were honest with ourselves, there is a an ongoing sense that there is more out there.  There is a beckoning towards God that is bigger than my local church, my denomination and Christianity itself.

[Not that I am against Christianity, but lets face it, we have created an organized religion that cannot possibly hold all that Jesus is.  In fact, the moment that we insist on defining him, we have limited him.]

The path to awareness is not about learning more.  It begins with a willingness to let go of, or unlearn some of what we have clung too so vehemently.  As my mother used to tell me, "There is more Horatio than is dreamt of in your philosophy."

What does this mean?  To me it means that God calls us away from doctrine and dogma to love.  Away from the controlling nature of the human mind and towards the freeing reach of the soul.  The concrete thinking of yesterday must give way to the relational life that God invites us towards.

Begin the journey by letting go.  Fall into God.  Sense his life at work in your soul.  Feel the joy.  Pass it on.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Hibatchi Grill

Last week my wife and I went to dinner at the Hibachi Grill.  One of our favorite places.  This is the Japanese steak house where they cook it all up in front of you.  It includes fun antics by the chef, among which are oil fire flare ups.

We were sitting around the grill with a three year old boy and his parents.  The first time the chef lit a flare up fire, the boy was terrified and shrunk back.  His parents both told him it was ok and not to worry.  There were several more flare ups and the child would look at his parents and since they laughed, he laughed.

Children take clues from their parents regarding appropriate behavior.  What a parent models for a child is exactly what a child will pick up.

If there is a death in the family and the parents sob and cry  in front of the children, the children will do the same.  If the parent keeps their composure and explain calmly to the children what has happened, the children will read the parents to see if they are ok.  If the parents are ok, the kids will go back to playing.

Kids want to play.  They don't want to be drug into adult grieving.  There is plenty of time in the future for them to learn about grief and loss.  Don't try to get them to participate in your grief.  Have your grief privately or with another adult.  Let the kids be kids.

What clues do we give to our children and grandchildren?  Is everything a hot mess, a disaster, or is everything ok?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

arrows in your quiver

Recently a friend visited me to talk about a problem that they were having.  I have struggled with the same problem, so we talked about how we could work on it.

First of all, many problems are not going to have a simple fix.  Many problems are not resolved over night.  So we need to be patient with ourselves and we need to get some tools in our problem solving toolbox or some arrows in our quiver.  When a challenge arises, pull them out one at a time.  Reach over your shoulder and pull one of these arrows out of the quiver.

1.  The ability to allow yourself to be in process.  The gift of grace.
2.  A reminder that other people's decisions are theirs to make.
3.  A reminder that I am ok, even if I don't like what is going on.
4.  Try a conscious releasing from your feelings about the outcome
5.  Engage yourself in something to keep you busy.  Help someone else and get your mind off of the issue.
6.  See the person involved, and see them standing next to Jesus.  He loves them too.
7. keep at it.  It takes time to change the way that we think.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

need a counselor

I have thought of this story several times in the past month.  It is from one of Anthony deMello's books.

A 32 year old man goes to the counselor.  He is filled with depression and anxiety.  The counselor asks him about his life.

The young man says, "I am 32 years old.  I don't work.  I live with my parents.  They feed me and take me on vacations.  My mom cleans my room.  I don't have to do any work around the house.  All I ever do is play video games."

The counselor asks the young man, "so why are you so anxious."

The answer, "I am afraid that my parents might run away."

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

craziness

Once upon a time, an adult child made a decision that his or her parents did not agree with.

We think the problem is that my child is making a bad decision.

The real problem is probably that I think I have a right or the ability to affect their decision. Somehow they should do it my way. Somehow it’s their job to make me happy. That’s the real craziness.

Someone said that selfishness is not doing what you want, it is expecting others to do what you want.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Mormon classes

Random story... Very few people know this about me.

I attended Mormon classes every weekday morning for an entire year.  Yup!  I did.

So here is the story.  It is 1973 and I was wanting to date this gal who was a Mormon.  I was a sophomore, she was a senior.  Her parents agreed, as  long as I went to Mormon class with her every morning from 6am to 7am.  I did it.

At the end of her senior year, she was going off to BYU.  She said we would stay in touch, I told her that she would be married in a year.  Well, she never answered any of my letters and she was married in three months.

I guess I survived that break up.   I also learned a lot about the Mormon church.  Joseph Smith he saw an angel... I am not going to put in writing anything about what I learned, but if you ever want to talk, I have some tales to tell.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

mission statement?

I was thinking about mission statements the other day...

This came to my mind as a possibility.

No guilt, no hate, no shame, just love.

After more thought, I am not sure that it is a mission statement as much as it is a slogan.  Suitable for a church sign.

Imagine if every church in town had this on their marquis sign:

No guilt, no hate
no shame, just love.

Now imagine if every church actually practiced that.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

another hungry person story

Someone told me that they bought food for a needy person who then sold the food to buy drugs. I am sure that happens. But for every story like that, there is a story like this one from my friend Dave Coffman.

Recently I was coming home from the stadium from working at the Pro Shop and stopped to get mom and I a sandwich for supper. On the ramp leading up to the stadium there was a lady sitting with a sign. I passed her on my way to get my sandwich from HY Boy. Coming back I realized that I could not go home and leave her. I could not reach her from my lane so I drove to a McDonalds and got her a meal. Then drove back to the exit ramp and gave her the meal. She was in a wheel chair with one leg missing. I do not know how she got to that location but it did not matter. All you have to do is give to others. She thanked me and immediately started to eat her meal.

This is what we are supposed to do. We do not judge someone just give and share the blessings we have.

Make a difference today in the life of just one person.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

two types

I am sure that I read this somewhere.

There are two types of dysfunction.
Type one is anything that is not functioning in a healthy manner.  Someone is lazy.  Someone is rude.  Someone is unfair.  Someone does not take care of themselves.  Someone is a round peg in a square hole.  Someone hurts people in the name of God.  Someone worries too much. 

There are a million examples of type one dysfunction.  It is very common and a little bit of it floats around in everyone's life.  Some poor folks are loaded with dysfunction.

Then there is type two dysfunction.  This is the dysfunction that refuses to deal with the type one dysfunction.  Again there are hundreds of examples, I will just give one...  A relative is rude, but we don't want to hurt their feelings so we say nothing.  The result is that the dysfunction continues and family gatherings are ruined.

When we think about it, we can see that type two is actually much worse than type one.  Not all type one can be avoided, but type two is a conscious choice that we make to ignore that which hurts others.

May we all do everything that we can to eliminate dysfunction and live in a healthy environment. 

Let me close with a joke:  I have realized that everyone in the world is dysfunctional except for you and me.  Lately I've been a little worried about you.  [just kidding, its a joke.]

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Marty Feldman

I was watching a very touching show on the life of Gilda Radner the other day.  Gilda was on Saturday Night Live and was married to Gene Wilder.  She passed away of cancer at the age of 43.  Her humor, her life and her struggle with illness are a very inspirational story.

So now my brain is moving on.  Gilda to Gene Wilder to Young Frankenstein to Marty Feldman.  I decided to check up on Marty.  You will remember that he played Igor in the movie Young Frankenstein.  If you have not seen that one, please get it on your bucket list if you like dark humor.  Anyway, Marty too, died young at the age of 48.


I came across this picture of his gravestone.

I thought, what a wonderful tribute... 
     To make others laugh... 
         To take away their pain... 
              To be loved... 

I want to do that.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Kleenex

I don't think that Kleenex was around when I was a kid.  At least we could not afford it.  My dad always carried a handkerchief and I got them for Christmas and my birthday.  I can not explain the joy that I felt when I opened a present and it was a handkerchief.

Today we have Kleenex.  All over the house we have Kleenex.  With lotion, without lotion.  Traditional box, square box, little travel packets.  Kleenex Kleenex everywhere.  I am actually grateful for it because for some reason in Florida, my sinuses do funny things.  Even if I don't have a cold, every morning, after my cup of coffee, there is a massive nose blowing.

[Time out for a joke- you only get one nose in life, so don't blow it.]

It sounds odd, but the other day after blowing my nose, I remembered the old days of handkerchiefs and I felt heartwarmingly grateful for Kleenex.

Just so you know, Kleenex was first used in America in 1924.  It was marketed to women to remove facial cream.  Some years later, they began running ads inviting people to use them instead of the handkerchief.  Their slogan was, "don't carry a cold around in your pocket."

The next time that you think that you have nothing to be thankful for, remember the slimy disgusting hankies that your mom and dad would smash on your face and tell you to blow. 

I am thankful for Kleenex.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

New Position

I am pleased to let you know that I have been offered and have accepted a part time position with the First United Methodist Church of Ft. Pierce, Florida.  Yes, this is the same church that I filled in at for a year while the pastor was deployed with the US Navy.

The position is director of congregational care.  In short, I get all the good of ministry, the lunches, the caring, the spending time with and such, with out any of the annual reports, charge conferences or district meetings.  Oh, and I will get to preach from time to time.

I love the people at the church and I look forward to working with them and the church staff in this capacity.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

the beggar in China

My friend Ginger Murphy writes a blog. With her permission I am sharing one of her posts...

In 2007, the year before the 2008 Olympics, I made my 12th business trip to China. I was blessed with the privilege of traveling to many wonderful countries in my work—Germany, China, India. I even went to Africa.

Beijing is one of my favorite cities and whenever I was there, I always visited the Forbidden City—where the emperors of China once lived many years ago.  There’s a small fee to get inside the walls of the ancient city—and it was there in line to buy my ticket that I had an experience that forever touched my heart.

While I was waiting in the long, long line to buy my pass, I saw a tiny, emaciated, one-legged beggar using a crooked tree branch as his crutch—standing right beside me.  He didn’t say a word, just stood there, eyes focused on the ground. And when I stepped forward as the line moved, so did he. I admit I felt a bit uncomfortable, and I ignored him.

When I finally reached the front of the line and made my purchase, I turned around and almost knocked him over. He whispered, “One dollar. Just one dollar. Please.”  I was surprised he could speak English. But I was even more surprised by his humble nature, his sad eyes, and the sincerity of his request.

I gave him what he asked for—just one dollar. To which he didn’t say a word—he just slowly limped away.  I entered the gates to the inner city and walked around as a tourist for about 3 hours. When it came time to leave, I walked out through the same gate that I had entered.

And there he stood. And when he saw me, he looked me in the eyes and simply bowed his head. A silent gesture of thanks.  His presence was unexpected. His humble gesture touched my heart. I looked back at him and nodded my head in return—and once again, he hobbled away.

Later that night as I sat alone in my hotel room, I thought, why didn’t I give him more?

Well, the next year, the year of the Olympics, I was in China once again—this time a few weeks after the event was over. I went back to the Forbidden City, hoping to see the beggar. He wasn’t there.

China, in an effort to “clean up” their streets for the Olympics, had removed/relocated all of the beggars. I’m not really sure where they went. All I know is this: There were no beggars anywhere to be found.

I had so wanted to see him again. And the fact that I didn’t, honestly, troubles me still. He gave me so much more than I came close to giving him.  At the time, I wasn’t yet a follower of Jesus. But I am a follower now.

I sometimes wish I could return to that moment—and do more. Be kinder, more respectful, give him a hug—I’m not sure what.

But one thing is certain for me after all these years: I’m grateful that I’m here now with a heart that is eager to help and a Lord who nudges me to reach out.

It’s not always about giving money; sometimes it’s sharing a smile or a moment of one’s time—chatting with a lonely nursing home resident or thanking a check-out clerk at the grocery store who seems to be having a difficult day.

My hope is that every time God presents an opportunity to love a neighbor in the days to come, these words will continue to stir my heart:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25: 35-40

May God bless you with the opportunity to reach out and selflessly help someone in need.

You can find Ginger's blog at https://virginiamurphy.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/the-beggar/

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Edward

I was in Ft. Lauderdale last Friday to participate in a wedding with Rev. Angie Mcneil, a fine young Methodist pastor from Missouri. It was a two hour drive from my home in Vero Beach so when I got to Lauderdale I was hangry. I stopped at burger king to tank up before continuing on to the hotel.

As I walked from the car to the building, a young man said,  "Hello sir, how are you?"
I said, "fine. Are you hungry?"   [I could tell that he was]

He said yes. I said come on. He was walking 15 feet behind me so I stopped and waited for him to catch up.  I reached out my hand to shake his hand. What is your name? Edward.  Nice to meet you, I am Jeff.

Edward was from Hollywood Florida. He had a friend with him from Virginia. They were anxiously hungry so I didn't want to pry anymore as to what brought them to their current state.

We got in line in burger king. His Virginia friend joined us. I told them to get whatever they wanted. Edward ordered 2 chicken sandwiches. His friend ordered a shake. I ordered six double cheeseburgers and a diet coke. Edward said thank you and asked why I was helping them. I said, no one should be hungry.

The food came out and we all sat down to eat together in a booth. I got two extra bags and put 2 doubles in each one. [You really did not think that I could eat six of them did you?] I gave them the bags. These are for later. I gave them each $5. I had to go. I shook their hands and said, may good things come your way.

They were deeply appreciative of the food. But also that someone sat with them. Someone did not judge them. Someone helped them feel as if they mattered in this life.

I pray that good things come their way.

And that is the way it was, Friday December 28th, 2018

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Hard work

Welcome to a new year.

I was going through some pictures the other day.  Pictures from the Kansas City church.  Pictures of us clearing the fence row over by the pavilion.  Pictures of us installing the stations of the cross along the walking trail.  Pictures of building additions in progress.  It was rewarding, but it was a lot of hard work.

Anything worth having in this life must be worked for.  Nothing comes easy.  We can give thanks to God for success and say that we are blessed, but generally there is some hard work involved as well.  I have a friend who likes to say, "The harder I work, the luckier I get."

What are your goals for 2019?  What are your desires?  Do you wish to have a rewarding year?
Let's go to work.

Happy New Year!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs