preaching dates

When I served the church full time, it felt like Sunday came three times per week.  Every Sunday you had to have something to say, and it better be good, and it better be fresh.  No reruns allowed!

Because of this pressure, I started taking annual retreats to the redwoods.  I would devour some books and try to come up with new ideas to take back to the congregation.  One of the bad things about living in Florida is that the redwoods are much farther away... but so are my opportunities to preach.

I am thankful to Pastor Tim for allowing me to fill in for him from time to time.  I had the last Sunday in June and the last Sunday in July, and now I will have the last Sunday in August.  I am excited for the opportunity to talk to the folks.

What once seemed like high pressure and a burden, now is something that I look forward to. 

There may be many things in life that feel difficult to us now, but how would we feel if  we lost those things?  Take a good look at the burdens that you carry... there may be some good inside of them as well.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

To Understand

To understand another person is a huge gift to them and to you.

We all have folks in our life that we don't get.  A boss that is constantly mad.  A spouse that is judgmental.  A friend that is fair weather.  A neighbor that is nasty.  A driver that cuts us off.

We can react to the bad behavior of others, and often we do.  When we choose to react, we let them get under our skin.  We carry a bad attitude about them and sometimes that poison comes out and infests them as well.

What if we took a bit of time to try and understand the other person.  Why are they doing what they are doing?  Now I don't want to excuse bad behavior, but what if we delivered a bit of grace to them by trying to be empathetic?

Maybe they are behaving that way because they feel threatened.  Maybe they are in a hurry.  Maybe they are not paying attention to the beauty of life.  Maybe they don't know how or what to do.  Maybe their home life is a mess.

When I think about why people act the way that they do, it is much easier for me to be kind to them, even when they are not kind to me.  Let us not render evil for evil, but overcome evil with good.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

I pray

Yesterday I was working on the Sunday morning prayer.  I felt moved to pray like this...

Dear Father,

Today I lift up those who hurt, I pray for those who are wounded.  I pray for those who are lonely.  Those who are frustrated and sad.  I pray for those who are separated from loved ones.  I pray for those who have been rejected.  I pray for every person that is experiencing any form of sorrow.

Lord, go to them.  Comfort them.  Send friends to bring words of grace.  May their smiles and hugs be steps along the way to a renewed joy.

In all things and in all circumstances, we look to you.  We thank you for your deep love for us and your interest and care in who we are.

Be with us, each one.  Walk with us.  And we will be whole.

In Jesus name, Amen.

click here for an audio of this prayer

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Sermon Audio from 7-28-19 Lessons from Exodus

A sermon on 5 or six random thoughts from the Exodus story.

Click here to listen

on having enough

When we realize that we have enough, it opens the door for generosity. 

Yesterday's blog has fueled a good deal of email response. One that I thought was beautiful was this one...

As we have done the last couple of years, my granddaughter and I have gone shopping for school supplies. Her mother had given her money for supplies, but I offered to buy her a new back pack and some clothes. She said she had enough and really didn’t need anything new. (Pretty remarkable for an eleven year old girl getting ready for middle school!)
We then did my shopping for school supplies for the church back- to -school backpacks program. I had picked out tags for two girls that were my granddaughter's age. We had gotten all the supplies, and it was time to get the backpacks. I picked out a couple of medium-priced ones, but she reminded me that the ones I got last year were too small and had to be taken back. She then told me that we needed to get bigger backpacks. She went down the aisle to the expensive packs and found two lavender and white ones. She said, “Grandma, those girls would LOVE these backpacks. They are so pretty, and they are really nice and roomy and would hold everything.” I bit the bullet and bought them. They did look pretty and they held all the supplies, and they are very sturdy. I have never been happier turning in backpacks at church. I am grateful that we could afford to do this. I am so proud of my granddaughter who taught me a great lesson.

Generosity is always a beautiful thing.

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

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

giving

My brother-in-law Mark is a very smart and very cool guy.  I am glad that my sister married him a few years back.  He is good to have around.  He sent me this article, I thought I would share it...

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ―Winston S. Churchill

A while back I was walking past a car that was being ticketed and I asked the parking cop if I put a quarter in, would she tear up the ticket. She said yes, so I promptly fished a quarter out of my pocket and popped it in the meter. I started to walk away and she called after me, “Is this even your car?” I turned around and smiled, “Nope.” And for 25 cents I bought two smiles and perhaps helped a total stranger (in my mind someone who was innocently simply running late — something that’s happened to me plenty) avoid a ticket. For a measly quarter!

It may be a bit trite to say we’d rather give than receive, but in so many cases giving is so much more rewarding than receiving. Watching someone open a gift they really wanted can be incredibly uplifting. Giving someone a well-deserved compliment can change the course of their day, and thus, yours too. Making a difference through giving can help us find balance in our wellness journey. Remember, total wellness isn’t just about the physical, it’s about finding balance in all areas — financial, family, physical, social, spiritual and career.

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

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Chuck

I love Chuck.

So we all know good people.  And then we know exceptional people.

Quiet, hard working, kind, and funny, Chuck is one of the best.  I remember when we needed a new coach for one of our softball teams.  I asked him to coach the Buzzards.  He had Major Hammett, Chuck Stark and a number of other great guys on his team.

Today, softball is over for us.  Chuck has a number of grandchildren.  His oldest is Abbey.  She is 5 years old.  Every time that she comes to town, he takes her to breakfast.  They have been doing this for 2 years.

Abbey's favorite thing is to go to breakfast w Grandpa Chuck.  Other grandkids want to jump in, but Abbey says "no!"

Friends the greatest gift of life is the gift of time.  Time that you spent with someone that loves you.

Way to go Chuck!!!


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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Red Letter Bible

A red letter Bible is a Bible where the words of Jesus are printed in red ink.  Many people love the red letter Bible because they love the words of Jesus.  There is even an official group called Red Letter Christians.

The implication of a red letter Bible is that the words of Jesus stand a little higher than the others.  To me, to read the words of Jesus is the core of Christianity.  It is just the pure and simple teachings of kindness and non-judgement. 

So many people want to read the Bible and they ask me where to start.  I suggest the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  This is where most of the red letters are.

In a world of crazy things that some Christians teach and practice, I thank God for the words of Jesus.  Do not judge.  Love your enemies.  Forgive.

It's really pretty simple.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Redding, California

Megan Rapino is from Redding California. Megan is one of the stars of the US Women's soccer team. I was reading an article about her [see the link below for the entire article] and I was stunned to read of some of the practices of a local Redding Church.

click here to read the whole article

According to the article, the town is also home to another divisive, wildly successful, cultural claim to

fame: the Bethel Church. The multimillion-dollar revivalist megachurch has stirred controversy in Rapinoe’s hometown and throughout the religious world for its embrace of consumerist Christianity, extensive gay conversion therapy programs (Rapinoe is an out lesbian), and semi-mystical practices. Bethel members believe that miracles can occur on earth, and YouTube is filled with footage of their efforts: from faith healing, to “fire tunneling” (where members form a “tunnel” with two lines and speak in tongues to people passing through), to “grave sucking”—where someone lies on a grave to “suck up” the dead person’s blessings.

Gay conversion therapy??? Fire tunneling???  Grave sucking???  WOW!!! Now I have heard everything.  No wonder people are leaving the church in such great numbers.

As for me, faith should be something normal.  Something beautiful and simple and normal.  It should make sense to those on the outside.  Our life together at church should be warm and kind and sensible.  Snake handling is not needed.  Just love and kindness and grace.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

St. Peter won't care

St. Peter won't care.  Jesus won't care.  Our Father won't care.

When we get to the pearly gates, no one will care.

No one will care if you believed in the trinity or not.

No one will care if you believed that Jesus was the preincarnate Christ or adopted at his baptism [various Christian groups believe several variants.]

No one will care if you speak in tongues or not.

No one will care if you were baptized as an infant or an adult.  For that matter, no one will ask to see your baptismal proof of purchase.

Whether you followed the pope or not is irrelevant.  

No one will ask if you went to church camp.  No one will ask if you went to the altar and cried.

No one will ask you if you were actually married to that person that you lived with for a while.

No one will ask you if you attended church or which one.

No one will ask you about any of the fake rules that the church has made up over the years.

If anything is asked at the pearly gates, it will simply be, how did you respond to the great commandment?  Did you love God?  Did you love others?

Please Christians, please churches, get over the doctrine, get over the dogma, get over the BS and just get back to loving.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Some organizations are doing the right things.

From my friend Pat...

I attended a Rotary meeting in San Diego today.

The speaker today was the new District Governor for this geographic Rotary area, sort of like a Methodist Bishop. She spoke about her commitment to Rotary, about taking school supplies to an impoverished Mexican school where no one spoke English or Spanish, only an Indian dialect. The children had never seen a simple pencil sharpener. They smiled and laughed at its simplicity when demonstrated for them.

She spoke about visiting a prison and dining with the inmates. A prisoner asked her about Rotary and what it does. She pointed out some machines the inmates used to make plates sold to support themselves in prison, and give them a usable skill and told the inmates Rotary had supplied them. He cried with appreciation when she told him that Rotary was there to help them help themselves and their families.

And there are a hundred more stories like this. Rotary is ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things.

I relay this to you not to extol the virtues of Rotary. There are numerous other similar organizations dedicated to helping those who are the least among us. But when you hear about declining church enrollment, know that large numbers of your non church going neighbors are none the less practicing Christ’s message in the world.

We are all in this together. And what’s more important? Going to church or living Christ’s message?

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

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

what not to say, what to say

At the time of a death we humans often want to say something to make things better for our friends who are grieving.  But there are some things that should not be said.  Please don't say the following. [and I have heard each of these...]

He looks better.
You look terrible.
He is in a better place.
Remember you have your children that need you.
It was God’s will.
It must have been his time.
How are you going to carry on?
How are you fixed financially?
Life goes on.
You know he is going to hell.
Are you taking any medication?
I know how you feel.

At least he’s no longer in pain.
You are young, you can marry again 

Don’t ask, “how did he die?”
Don’t call the person the deceased. They had a name. Everyone is uncomfortable, don’t act out of your discomfort or nervousness.
Don’t overdo your emotions.  Don't make it about you.

If those are things not to say, here are things to say. Here are things to do...

Do go whenever possible.  You in person is always better than a text.

Keep your visit short.  Keep it quiet.  Keep it positive.  Remember at a visitation, there are 130 people in line behind you that all want to offer their love to the grieving.  Move on, don’t hover.

Remember that your presence is the gift.  The ambiance of you there is enough.  But if you need to say something, here is what to say... it's short, but it is enough.
I love you.
I am sorry. 

hug them.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Being there

To be there for another person when they need you is indeed a holy thing. 

I think back on many times that I was not there for someone.  Maybe I was overbooked.  Maybe I wasn't paying attention.  Sometimes circumstances made it difficult for me to be there.  Sometimes I didn't know until it was too late. 

Over the past few years I have grieved not being there for former parishoners.  But friends, I can't be there like I used to be.  Your pastor is Robyn, your pastor is Chuck.  But I do love you and hug you from afar.

Back to being there.  I have been thinking lately about my Dad's funeral visitation.  It was from 5-7pm at Mt. Moriah at 105th and Holmes.  I remember standing up in the front by Dad's casket.  It was probably 4:45 and the first people started to come.

It's pretty emotional when you say goodbye to your last parent.

Here came my friends through the back door and up the isle to give me a hug.
Darren Evans
Robin Fisher
Bruce Letner
Doug Hawley
many others.

I will never forget the feeling of watching my friends show up.  Being there is such a good thing.
May we all be there for one another as much as possible.

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

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

a hug is coming up

Something happened on Sunday that made me feel good.  I got to church and saw one of my friends.  They were in a deep discussion with another person.

They saw me out of the corner of their eye.  Without turning away from the person that they were talking to, they extended an arm towards me like, "get over here and give me a hug."

It was like, I may be busy but I do have a hug for you.  Hugs are good.  Hugs make people feel valued. 

Give all the hugs that you can.

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

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

don't miss the good parts of life

The American businessman was at the pier of a small, Mexican village when a small boat docked. Inside the boat were several large tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while.

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time? The Mexican fisherman said, I sleep late; fish a little; play with my children; take siesta with my wife, Maria; stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos; I have a full and busy life, señor.

The American scoffed, I have a Harvard MBA and I can help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat; with the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.

The Mexican fisherman asked, But, señor, how long will this all take? To which the American replied, Fifteen to 20 years. But what then, señor?

The American laughed and said that's the best part. When the time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich; you would make millions.
Millions, señor? Then what?

The American said, Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos

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

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

creating culture

Creating or shaping culture is the job of every leader. If you are a leader, you ignore this task to your peril. For years I have watched people shape culture and marveled at how hard it is to explain how people do this. In other words, most people that know how to shape culture, just do it, but they can't really codify what they are doing. It just comes out of their DNA.

Ryan Stigile, in an article found on the web here:
https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/how-leaders-create-culture-every-day/

suggests that there are five ways that leaders shape culture.
1. What you say.
Be positive, kind and gracious.

2. What you celebrate.
The things that you lift up will gain some traction. Choose wisely.

3. What you spend.
Pastors have a fiduciary responsibility to be careful with church funds. After all, it is Jesus' money. The folks put it in the plate trusting that you will make very careful decisions. Bad decisions reduce giving and raise suspicion while good financial decisions engender trust and participation.

4. What you codify.
What systems are you putting in place to make things happen and keep them happening? The things that you codify, will be seen as important.

5. What you address.
Every organization has problems. Which ones will you speak into? Which ones will you ignore? You have to know when to hold em, and when to fold em. When to go all in and when to let something ride.

Finally I would add this: if you are not shaping the culture at your church, someone else is, and you may not like the result. Take the initiative and set a good tone.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

positive or negative

My friend Brian shares the story about Rudy, a server at First Watch, and how he has adopted our Friday morning breakfast/fellowship group. We are greeted with hugs every week and look forward to seeing him as well as to our gatherings. He has also taken to giving me a life quote on my “to go” box each week. I thought you would like the one from last week. “Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness in your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. Being positive won’t guarantee you’ll succeed but being negative will guarantee you won’t.”

Good stuff.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

egos get in the way

From my friend Pat...

I confess to being a child of the 60s. And I have always held the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young close: they blended a sweet harmony of voice to produce an almost intoxicating brew of sound. When they sing with one another, the harmony is unparalleled.

Unfortunately, their personal lives apart and together belied their music. Mostly they fought with one another about a collection of “Me” issues: egos, drugs, and so on. These guys could not get it together to stay together. And they still let such things get in the way, in spite of 50 years of experience. Who’d a thunk that adults could be so stupid.

Its a testament that working together, being with others, can lead to beautiful things. While focusing on our selves can get in the way of the great things we can accomplish with others. Its amazing what you can get done when you don’t care who gets the credit.

Christ teaches us to be with one another, and tells us how. CSNY is an example of beauty that can result from that way of life. Imagine if we could all put ourselves in a place where we could truly be WITH those around us. It might be something we could Teach Our Children in Our House.(google it if you don’t get 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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

It's your day

Wouldn't it be great if every now and then, it was your day.  Somebody, or a group of somebodies did nothing but take care of you that day.

Sleep in?  No problem.
Breakfast in bed?  sure.
Take your time getting going?  Absolutely.
Lunch on the beach?  Paid for?  Yup.
The afternoon, whatever you want.  Float in the pool, shop, watch your favorite show... all good and all covered.
Dinner at your favorite joint.  Done.

Just once in a while you should get a day when everyone tries to make you happy.  When everyone helps you see how special you are.  You need to know how much you are loved.

It could happen.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

powerlessness

Some days I feel powerless to affect the things in my life that need help. I wish that I was the boss of the world, but I am not, so I try not to worry and I am reminded of the prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Some days that is all we have.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

stretching the mind

If there is one thing that I hope this blog does is stretch our minds.  Yours and mine.

There have been a couple of posts in the last week about the victors writing the history.  My friend Brian sent this note in and it opened my mind a bit to the perspective of another country.

Brian wrote, "Jane and I were in Canada in 2012 for the wedding of some friends’ daughter. We were the only Americans at the wedding. Many very likely well-meaning Canadians commiserated with us about it being the 200th anniversary of the USA’s defeat in the War of 1812 and how it must be sad for us. Jane asked me what they were talking about since we “won” that war. (Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans after all. That battle actually took place after the peace treaty had been signed but never mind). In Canada, that war is regarded as having been an unsuccessful attempt, by the Americans, to invade and conquer Canada. As it turns out we did indeed try to invade and were repulsed. Plaques in Canada record the various battles. Victors write the history sometimes even when it’s not clear who “won”."

And I find it interesting that the war of 1812 is remembered and celebrated in Canada and not the US.  I bet the Vietnam war is celebrated in Vietnam too.

God's world is much bigger than our notions concerning 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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Birthday Cards

I love the humor that sometimes appears in birthday cards.  Here is some of the humor that came in last week...

From a text:
Knock Knock.
Who is there?
Abby?
Abby who?
Abby Birthday.

Here are some cards I received...

No explanation needed.
The entire joke is here on the front.

Inside it says, "so what is the big dill?"

Inside it says, "so milk it for all its worth!"

Inside it says, "Just a cheesy wish for a happy birthday."

It was a great birthday.
Always remember that having a birthday is always better than not having one.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

God's will

God’s will vs free will. I hear so many people speak of God’s will and God’s plan. You would think we are Calvinists. Sometimes I wonder if we are hoping that God will shine a light from heaven and show us exactly what to do and in so doing, save us from taking responsibility for our lives. Do you have free will? Yes you do. Maybe the joy and glory of this life, is not expecting God to show you or give you the exactly right direction, but in your choosing to honor him by making choices.

When we look to circumstances for God’s will, it can get real confusing really fast. There was an old farmer who kept a horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer's neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows? A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows? Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was, Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows? Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer's son with his broken leg they let him off. Now was that good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?

The point of the story is that our relationship with God cannot be rooted in circumstances. If we believe in free will we have to stop trying to make life sound like God is pulling all of the strings. You have choices and our Father wants you to prayerfully use them. If you feel a sense of direction, then celebrate that and step out in faith. If you don’t feel anything special, then you still must live your life and follow God the best that you can, trusting in the fact that he has given you the gift of freewill and rejoices in the positive life choices that we make.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

more on history - did God really tell Israel to kill all those people in the Old Testament?

Yesterday my friend Pat reminded us that the victors write the history.   But there is always another side to the story as told.

It has bothered me and many Christians that the Bible seems to indicate that God wanted the Israelites to kill a bunch of people, women and children included.  Can this be the case?  What about the commandment, Thou shall not kill?

History.  Did God really tell Israel to kill all of the Canaanite tribes?  Were they all  wiped out?  Who is writing the story of this supposed God ordained slaughter?

The victors write the history.

What we call the Mexican-American war is known in Mexico as the American invasion of Mexico.

In the 1840's many Americans spoke of "manifest destiny," the idea that America had a divine destiny to rule the continent from coast to coast.  This idea is echoed in the 1893 poem and song, America the Beautiful - "from sea so shining sea."

And so we, the victors wrote the history.  It is our country now, from sea to shining sea.  But at what cost?  How many Native Americans were killed along the way?

Don't get me wrong, we are all fortunate to be born in and live in America.  And I was not alive when these atrocities happened.  I did not personally participate.   But we need to remember that every story has two sides.

Now back to the Bible.  Why did God tell Israel to slaughter all of the people in the Old Testament?  Did the same God that said, do not kill, also say kill them all - women and children included?  Well friends, the victors write the history.  The people living in the land of Canaan would have told the story in a very different way.

In Exodus 23 the author tells us that the tribes of Canann, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites will be wiped out. Yet hundreds of years later, these tribes are still around, pestering Israel.  The victors, the authors of Exodus, wrote the story as it suited them.  No offense, but in my opinion, it is not completely accurate.  The victors write the story.  In my opinion this is the only way to rectify the glaring contradiction of a God who says thou shall not kill, ordering mass murder.

If the story of Israel vs. the Palestinians today was written in a modern holy book by the Jews, it would be a story of how God gave Israel back the land.  If the same story was written by Palestinian Christians, it would be a very different tale indeed.

Most history is not completely accurate.  It is some particular person's version of the story.

God doesn't tell people to kill people.

This is God's world and he is bigger than the stories that humans tell about him and his work.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Winners and losers

From my friend Pat...

History is written by the winners. What we understand happened during some era is written by those who have the ability to write and distribute their version of what happened: usually the winners.

Perspective defines history: one man’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. An English gentleman would have a different view of George Washington than a Boston merchant.

In a world driven by human emotion, winning is everything (or as Vince Lombardi said, winning isn’t everything, its the only thing). Evolution is based on who wins, and who loses. How we understand our past is based on how it is reported to us by those who “won,”  rightly or wrongly.

History, in the world of Christian values is different. There are no winners and losers, just people that take care of others and those in need. The later constitutes everybody. The former should. Irrespective of who serves, and who receives, history is the same: everyone is valuable, everyone is a winner.

Wouldn’t that be a terrific world?

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

about moving on

My friend Kim sent me this short video about grief. I found it very insightful.

https://www.facebook.com/TED/videos/669879150139006/?v=669879150139006

We do not have to move on. We do not have to get over a thing. Sometimes we carry the hurts and experiences of the past with us, and that is 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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

when dreams die

To dream in life is a beautiful thing.  To conceive an idea that is beautiful is an amazing gift.  I have lived long enough now to see some dreams that have been born, flourished and finally died out.

Every year at annual conference we close churches.  Someone once had a dream.  A church was planted.  It made a difference in the community.  Then for what ever reason, it entered into decline.  Finally the church is closed and re-purposed as a community center, or worse, the church is allowed to decay.

I drive down the highway and see old farms that are falling apart.  A once beautiful home, barns for
hay, sheds for pigs and tall silos.  Now abandoned and falling down.

Although it is sad to see dreams come to an end, we can never stop dreaming.  Dreams make life beautiful.  They make us feel truly alive.

Life without dreams is pretty dry.
It is better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all.
It is better to have dreamed and lived to see the end of your dreams then to never have dreamed at all.

Dream.  Dream big.  Work to fulfill your dreams.  Live.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

soulful things

There are a few things in life that are soulful.  I mean when we get in the presence of these things we feel comforted and peaceful.  We could sit under them for a long time.

Sitting by a fire.
Waves crashing on the beach.
Standing on top of a ski run, gazing across the mountains.
A nice breeze blowing thru.
Watching a bird hovering in flight.
Walking in the forest.
The sound of a babbling brook.

I would add to this list, sitting with a friend.
Sitting with a friend is soulful.  It is good for the soul.

There is something beautiful about sitting with a friend.  You can talk, you can listen, and you can just sit.  Nothing needs to be said.  Sitting with you my friend, makes me 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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

This is my song

For the 4th of July, I offer the lyrics to my favorite patriotic song:

This is my song, Oh God of all the nations,
A song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is;
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my sacred shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.

My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
Oh hear my song, oh God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.

May truth and freedom come to every nation
May peace abound where strife has raged so long;
That each may seek to love and build together,
A world united, righting every wrong.
A world united in its love for freedom,
Proclaiming peace together in one song.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

what are you attached to?

My friend Pat sent this in...

I learned something new yesterday and my world perspective took on a new dimension. I’ve always thought the most important word in the Bible is “with” not “love.”  God or Jesus don’t say “I love you” much, but they do say I am with you, or I will be with you.  And much of what Christ taught are life lessons on how to be with others.

What I never thought about was how that ties into your purpose in life. The sermon I heard yesterday defined purpose in terms of what you are connected to. Think about those items in the kitchen drawer that you can’t figure out their purpose? The answer is always what they connected with, what are they used for.  [an alien would never understand a hand can opener until he saw it open a can.]

So it is for you and me. Our purpose is defined by what we’re attached to, who we are with, and what we use ourselves for.

Christ wanted us to be with one another, especially if the other was in need (aren't we all in need from time to time?)

If you’re wondering what life is all about, ask yourself what you’re attached to and who you’re with. If you don’t like where you are, maybe you’re attached to the wrong things.

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

take down the sticky note

My friend Linda shared this quote from John Pavlovitz.

Hopelessness doesn’t deserve to have the top spot in your head. It is not worth the joy it displaces. Hopelessness is a liar.

The bad news has a way of staying with us. We see things that outrage or terrify us, and we sticky note them so that they are forever in front of us, ever reminding us of how terrible it all is. We do this day after day, gradually accruing the evidence for why we should despair; seeing only the hurtful people, only the acts of violence, only the failures of humanity. The faces and the names and the images that discourage us become artificially magnified.

And all the while, we let goodness fly beneath the radar of our awareness; we allow countless acts of mercy and displays of courage and affirmations of decency to come and go without acknowledging them, dwelling on them, metabolizing them into our hearts and being strengthened to keep going. We don’t allow ourselves to see the infinite reasons to have hope. I want you to see them.

The truth is, dear friend: there are far more people in this place working for equality, diversity, love, and justice than opposing them—and it isn’t even close. There are hundreds of millions of people in this world who (just like you) wake up every day trying to be the kind of person the world needs; lavish with compassion, overflowing with generosity, relentless with love. You are, even when you’re not aware of it, surrounded on all sides by like-hearted people who are not okay with the suffering around them either...

So today, take down the sticky notes of disappointment and sadness, so that you’re able to see the landscape clearly. Scan the horizon for the builders, the lovers, the helpers, the healers—and allow them the precious bandwidth they deserve.

Let yourself be encouraged by the awesome, beautiful, brilliant goodness that still occupies this place, and allow a new word to ascend to the top spot of your mind, where it belongs.

May Hope trend in your head 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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

more on yesterday

I have been thinking about this picture from yesterday's blog.  I had some thoughts to add.  Maybe you can think of some too.

Here are my additional thoughts. 

I would rather be shunned for who I welcome than welcomed for who I shun.

I would rather be rejected for who I accept than accepted for who I reject.

I would rather be minimized for those I treat as equals than treated as an equal because of whom I minimized.

Those are my additional thoughts.  What are yours?

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.....

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

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours