Regarding yesterday's post about finding and being a helper...
the response has been overwhelming.
My inbox is absolutely filling up...
thank you for your hearts of compassion!!!
I have heard from readers in Vero Beach, Stuart, Ft. Pierce, Cape Coral, Independence, Lees Summit and Blue Springs, offering to help. If you need help in any way, email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com and I will connect you with a local helper. Thanks to all of you who have offered to help!!!
So touching!!!
Now on to today's post...
We all have good sides and bad sides.
Tough times bring who we are to the surface.
In these days of uncertainty, may the very best of who you are, rise to the surface.
I pray for you and me, the strength to suppress all negativity and anger. I pray for you and me, the ability to deal with and minimize worry.
And by the power of God, I speak hope into every one of you.
I see the good in you! I see your strength! I see your ability to lead!
Not every one is as healthy as you are. Not everyone can be you. That is all the more reason for you and me to be the best you and me that we can.
Rise to the top! Stand tall! Instill hope! And as my friend Marcus Miller says, "be the good."
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
looking for helpers
My friend Kim reminded me of the Mr. Rodgers story...
When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would always say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
The other day a reader told me that she needed toilet paper. I asked for her address. I was going to do one of two things. I was either going to mail her some TP, or better yet, since she lives in Blue Springs, MO., I was going to call a friend who told me that they had plenty and ask him to deliver some to her. Turns out the Blue Springs friend was kidding.
So, If you are out there, and you are willing to help someone, I would like to post your name and phone number on the blog for other readers that may need help. Send me an email at jsbrink57@gmail.com and give me your name, your number or email and where you live. I want people in Lee's Summit, Vero Beach, Blue Springs, Ft. Pierce, Independence and anywhere else to know that there are still helpers in this world.
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would always say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
The other day a reader told me that she needed toilet paper. I asked for her address. I was going to do one of two things. I was either going to mail her some TP, or better yet, since she lives in Blue Springs, MO., I was going to call a friend who told me that they had plenty and ask him to deliver some to her. Turns out the Blue Springs friend was kidding.
And so I have another story. Every time I think of it, it brings tears to my face. In fact, I just had to take a break from writing because I was sobbing.
It was probably 2001. The sermon was about helping others. Towards the end of the sermon, in order to try to help put a face on the concept of helping a person in need, I asked a person to come up to the front. I don't remember who the others were at the other services, but at 10:10 the person that I asked to come up was Dan Horn. I didn't explain much to them before the service, simply that I needed their help and I promised that I would not embarrass them. Would they come up when I called? Sure.
And so the sermon was ending, and I asked Dan to come forward. I explained to the people that sometime this week, Dan was going to have a flat tire on the side of the road. He was going to need someone to call. I said to the folks, "I want to know which of you will go out of your way and leave your comfort zone to help Dan. If you are willing, tear a piece of paper off of the bulletin. Write down your name and phone number. Come up to the front and give it to Dan."
I asked the musicians to play some music. What we witnessed next was amazing. hundreds of people, young and old came down front, hugged Dan and gave him their phone number.
I told them... this is why we are here. To be here for one another and to love one another.
Later that day Dan called me. He had over 200 phone numbers. His favorite was this note from a 13 year old... "My name is _______ I don't have a car, and I don't drive, I am 13. But I have a bike with pegs and I will come to get you. Just call. My number is ___-____.
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Sunday, March 29, 2020
A poem
Lockdown
by Brother Richard Hendrick
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighborhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing
by Brother Richard Hendrick
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighborhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
[that was written before the shut downs...]
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
avoid panic
I saw this the other day on the news and I thought it was great.
Let me add a couple of thoughts.
Avoid panic by the following...
-stop watching the news
-stop thinking about it
-stop talking to negative people
-do see the good.
-engage yourself in constructive uses of your time
-do talk with positive people
-do practice the presence of God
-do lean into our heavenly Father
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to Jsbrink57@gmail.com
Let me add a couple of thoughts.
Avoid panic by the following...
-stop watching the news
-stop thinking about it
-stop talking to negative people
-do see the good.
-engage yourself in constructive uses of your time
-do talk with positive people
-do practice the presence of God
-do lean into our heavenly Father
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to Jsbrink57@gmail.com
Friday, March 27, 2020
the whole world
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He's got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He's got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got the rivers and the mountains in His hands,
He's got the oceans and the seas in His hands,
He's got you and he's got me in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got everybody here in His hands,
He's got everybody there in His hands,
He's got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to Jsbrink57@gmail.com
Thursday, March 26, 2020
unnerving
I am not going to confess to fear. I am not going to give an ear to fear. But what is going on in our country is a bit unnerving.
Unnerving? How so?
The restaurants are closed.
The banks are drive up only.
I heard an economist tell people not to withdraw large sums of cash.
[So they are worried about a run on the banks?]
People are sick.
Service industry people are losing their jobs.
School is cancelled.
I heard it might be a biological weapon.
Some of the beaches are closed
There is no toilet paper.
The lines in the grocery store show just how worried people are.
I can't find a face mask to buy...
Yes the world is a bit unnerving right now.
Then I stop and think...
Some people in some countries have never seen a restaurant, and if they have they have never had the funds to go there. Some have no money to put in a bank. Some people have no health care. Some people work for $5 a day. Some have never had the chance to go to school, get an education or learn to read. Some will live and die and never see a beach. Some will live and die and never see toilet paper. Some live constantly with hunger and food scarcity.
Hmmm...
I am not so unnerved after all. God has given us so many blessings. In uncertain times, may we be those who see the good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Unnerving? How so?
The restaurants are closed.
The banks are drive up only.
I heard an economist tell people not to withdraw large sums of cash.
[So they are worried about a run on the banks?]
People are sick.
Service industry people are losing their jobs.
School is cancelled.
I heard it might be a biological weapon.
Some of the beaches are closed
There is no toilet paper.
The lines in the grocery store show just how worried people are.
I can't find a face mask to buy...
Yes the world is a bit unnerving right now.
Then I stop and think...
Some people in some countries have never seen a restaurant, and if they have they have never had the funds to go there. Some have no money to put in a bank. Some people have no health care. Some people work for $5 a day. Some have never had the chance to go to school, get an education or learn to read. Some will live and die and never see a beach. Some will live and die and never see toilet paper. Some live constantly with hunger and food scarcity.
Hmmm...
I am not so unnerved after all. God has given us so many blessings. In uncertain times, may we be those who see the good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Fear Not
One of the most common phrases in the Bible is "fear not." Fear not shepherds, fear not Mary, fear not Abraham, fear not Hagar, fear not people.
Fear not.
We are clearly living in unprecedented times. The media has lots of information. Some people seem to be trying to create fear and worry.
Fear not.
This is a time to look inside and see what you are made of. It is a time for the best parts of us to rise to the surface. Encourage your family and your friends to trust in God.
Fear not.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
six feet apart
Stay safe. No sneezing. No coughing. No hacking.
We are supposed to stay six feet away from each other. No hugs, no warmth, no closeness. I understand but I hate it.
As soon as this health scare passes, I am going to hug you. In a totally safe and friend only way, I am going to hug you for a long time. I am going to host a hug party at my house.
I am going to hug my neighbors. I am going to hug everyone at church. I am going to hug the server at the Olive Garden.
I am going to hug everyone.
I miss you and I love you.
I hug you from afar.
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 in July... 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
Monday, March 23, 2020
the watch battery
Instead of having a funeral, I took it to Zeran Jewelers on the miracle mile. If you live in Vero or Ft. Pierce, they are great people and they replace watch batteries for $5. Can't beat that and as a bonus there is a Jersey Mike's sub shop next door.
So it is 1pm and few people are out because of the corona virus scare. Small businesses feel the worry because of a lack of customers. I walk in the store. I am the only one there. The lady greets me. I tell her I have a dead soldier. She takes my watch and puts in a new battery. She sets the time. She sets the correct date.
I tell her thank you.
I always say thank you. To everyone.
I think that it is important to say thank you and to help people understand that you appreciate what they did, even if it is their "job."
I turned to leave.
When I got to the door I stopped.
I turned around and spoke to her.
"Maam..."
"Maam..."
"I mean, thank you. really... thank you..."
In this time of uncertainty, maybe we will begin to see each other as people. Maybe the pain of the fear and worry will cause us to reach out and love one another.
Thank you for reading this blog. Thank you for loving me.
Thank 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Russia
Russia was never easy. I met people that had one set of clothes. I met people who lived with food scarcity. I met people that hated Americans. I saw grocery stores with empty shelves. I saw starving cats. I saw crumbling infrastructure. I couldn't wait to get home.
I could write for a week on things that I remember from Russia and I might do that sometime. But today I simply want to tell you a story about Pastor Lev. My dear friend Aaron Brown and I stayed with Pastor Lev and his wife in the town of Orel, near Kiev. In the morning, Pastor Lev would get on the phone and call members of his congregation. The calls sounded like this... "good morning my friend. what do you have to eat today? Crackers? Ok, Good. We have some fish. Leo has some jelly. Karl has some tarts. My wife is going to stop by the community garden and get some broccoli. Lets meet up at three for the daily meal."
They shared what they had. They lived with food scarcity, but they shared what they had. There was a kindness, a joy and a kinship because of their mutual needs.
And here is where I am going with this...
If you run out of toilet paper, if you run out of food, if you run out of hugs, if you run out of anything, we will share with you.
Let's get together and be a family. In the midst of this fear and crazy time, lets get together and feel alright.
I love 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Prayer for an pandemic
My friend Linda sent me this prayer... originally published by the Presbyterian World Mission...
Prayer for a Pandemic
May we who are nearly inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those who are most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or paying their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country
Let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbor.
AMEN
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 in July... 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
Prayer for a Pandemic
May we who are nearly inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those who are most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or paying their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country
Let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbor.
AMEN
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 in July... 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
Friday, March 20, 2020
The Prodigal Son
One of my favorite Bible stories is the prodigal son which is found in Luke 15. You know the story. The kid blows it. He takes his inheritance, which is a huge insult to his father. Then he goes out and parties. He has a smashing time with drugs, food, prostitutes and such. Finally he is broke and has to go to work. He finds a job feeding pigs. He comes to his senses. He is disgusted with himself. He says that his father's servants live better than this. He decides to go home.
He turns the corner onto his street and sees his house down the way.
His father has been waiting for him to come back.
His father has been praying for him to come back.
The son is not required to apologize.
The son is not required to fall to his knees in grief.
The son is not punished for his sins.
The son is not shamed.
The son is not guilt-ed.
The father sees him while he is afar off and runs to meet him.
I can see the father sobbing with joy.
The father embraces the son.
The father throws a party for the son who has come home.
The is our God.
This is our Father.
You and I are loved more than we will ever know.
He is running toward you now to hug you.
You are loved and forgiven. He isn't even thinking about what you might have done. You are just loved.
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 in July... 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
He turns the corner onto his street and sees his house down the way.
His father has been waiting for him to come back.
His father has been praying for him to come back.
The son is not required to apologize.
The son is not required to fall to his knees in grief.
The son is not punished for his sins.
The son is not shamed.
The son is not guilt-ed.
I can see the father sobbing with joy.
The father embraces the son.
The father throws a party for the son who has come home.
The is our God.
This is our Father.
You and I are loved more than we will ever know.
He is running toward you now to hug you.
You are loved and forgiven. He isn't even thinking about what you might have done. You are just loved.
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 in July... 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
Thursday, March 19, 2020
afraid to die
We talked about why he might be afraid. I have a theory.
Here it goes... what kind of a God do you believe in? What were you taught about God? Think with me for a moment about your earthly father. Did he come home from work and beat you with a belt? If so, then you probably were terrified of your father coming home. But if your father came home from work with a smile and hugged you, you probably waited at the door to meet him.
And so if you think that God is mad and wants to punish you for sins, you might be afraid to die. But if you believe that God loves you and waits for you with open arms, then you might be more peaceful about facing death.
May we all be a bit more peaceful about an impending death. The God that is waiting for us is filled with love and compassion. When we get there, there will be a party for sure.
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 in July... 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
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Corona
My friend Robyn Miller is the lead pastor at the Woods Chapel United Methodist Church in Lees Summit, Missouri. She sent out an email about closing the church due to the corona virus. I loved the positive reminder that she offered...
Every time I look at my phone, it seems like everything is being cancelled, but like I said this morning, some things will NOT:
Conversations will not be cancelled
Relationships will not be cancelled
Love will not be cancelled
Songs will not be cancelled
Self-care will not be cancelled
HOPE will not be cancelled
COMPASSION will not be cancelled.
And the love of Jesus Christ will not be cancelled!
Really good stuff to remember!!!
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 in July... 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
Every time I look at my phone, it seems like everything is being cancelled, but like I said this morning, some things will NOT:
Conversations will not be cancelled
Relationships will not be cancelled
Love will not be cancelled
Songs will not be cancelled
Self-care will not be cancelled
HOPE will not be cancelled
COMPASSION will not be cancelled.
And the love of Jesus Christ will not be cancelled!
Really good stuff to remember!!!
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 in July... 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
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
lights out
In about ten seconds, they both came back on. OH MY GOSH!!! Obviously someone was in there. Yes, it was my son. I apologized profusely for plunging him into darkness.
Sometimes we think we know what is going on, but we don't. Sometimes we are so lost in what we are doing that we don't pay attention to what others are doing.
May we all be a bit less self consumed and a bit more aware of 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Monday, March 16, 2020
the seeds that we plant
When my good friend's daughter was in need of a divorce lawyer, I sent her to good people who took care of her. It is awful, the worst type of case. The children have become the battleground for every bad thing that ever happened in the marriage, especially mom deciding to leave dad. What's painful is that with the years, I know that these experiences these children are a having are seeds that will bear terrible fruit later on.
That's true for all of our actions. Everything we do plants some sort of a seed in the people around us, good or bad. That seed will bloom someday: perhaps when they hear your name they'll crunch their eyebrows, or perhaps they'll smile inside and feel inspired by some good deed you did. Or they'll feel compelled to write something terrible about you online(and plant their own seed), or defend you in your absence. You may never know the good or the bad,
Except you'll know what sort of seed you planted. Christ calls us to plant good seeds in our relationships. It leads to great bounty. You've lived what I'm writing, its not news. But next time you are inclined to poor mouth someone, or criticize, or be negative, ask yourself what type of seed you are planting for the future
And remember, sometime the seeds get planted in those who are watching your actions, even if they're not the object of them.
Printed with permission from my friend Pat.
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 in July... 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
That's true for all of our actions. Everything we do plants some sort of a seed in the people around us, good or bad. That seed will bloom someday: perhaps when they hear your name they'll crunch their eyebrows, or perhaps they'll smile inside and feel inspired by some good deed you did. Or they'll feel compelled to write something terrible about you online(and plant their own seed), or defend you in your absence. You may never know the good or the bad,
Except you'll know what sort of seed you planted. Christ calls us to plant good seeds in our relationships. It leads to great bounty. You've lived what I'm writing, its not news. But next time you are inclined to poor mouth someone, or criticize, or be negative, ask yourself what type of seed you are planting for the future
And remember, sometime the seeds get planted in those who are watching your actions, even if they're not the object of them.
Printed with permission from my friend Pat.
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 in July... 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
Sunday, March 15, 2020
music calms the savage beast
The other day I was upset about something.Could you tell?
I sat down on the couch and started watching the documentary on Netflix about ZZ-Top.
It was awesome!!! It was wonderful!! It changed my mood.
Music calmed the beast.
I remember this feeling when I watched the HBO special on the Eagles.
I remember this feeling from other music shows that I have watched.
If you are in a funk, sit down and watch a documentary about music.
We humans love music.
Music reaches us.
Sit down. Watch and listen. It will fill you with joy!!!
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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- - - - - - - -
I am leading a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Saturday, March 14, 2020
poetry, singing and the small things
I went to a luncheon the other day. The invocation was given by a Scottish woman, who closed it with a poem by Robert Byrne. Pretty high brow, huh?
Poetry.
Poetry.
I remember doing poetry as a kid in high school, but not since, I mean, Chaucer? or Frost (something about a wall.) but... I don't remember.
Every time I sing a song, in my head, or whistle it as I walk, or do karaoke (OK that doesn't happen much except with my kids, on a night out), what I'm doing is poetry. Most song lyrics are just that... poetry. Songs are just poetry put to music. See, if you sing, you do poetry too.
Sometime I don't think I am very religious, but then I realize that the dinner I cooked, the doors I held open, the cookies I bought for church, and the other little things count. You do that too: handing out a dollar on the street, taking a minute for a friend who needs to talk, showing up at the Girl Scout meeting, or picking up your neighbors paper, and a thousand other things. You are doing it.
Being a Christian means living with your neighbor in mind and taking care of him (or her) in a way you'd appreciate if the roles were reversed. It can be big things, but more often it's not, its the small things.
Cheer up, you're doing better than you thought, every day. And you are even reciting poetry when you sing Bruce Springsteen when he comes on in the car.
Every time I sing a song, in my head, or whistle it as I walk, or do karaoke (OK that doesn't happen much except with my kids, on a night out), what I'm doing is poetry. Most song lyrics are just that... poetry. Songs are just poetry put to music. See, if you sing, you do poetry too.
Sometime I don't think I am very religious, but then I realize that the dinner I cooked, the doors I held open, the cookies I bought for church, and the other little things count. You do that too: handing out a dollar on the street, taking a minute for a friend who needs to talk, showing up at the Girl Scout meeting, or picking up your neighbors paper, and a thousand other things. You are doing it.
Being a Christian means living with your neighbor in mind and taking care of him (or her) in a way you'd appreciate if the roles were reversed. It can be big things, but more often it's not, its the small things.
Cheer up, you're doing better than you thought, every day. And you are even reciting poetry when you sing Bruce Springsteen when he comes on in the car.
Printed with permission of my friend Pat...
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 in July... 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
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 in July... 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
Friday, March 13, 2020
sadness
I am ten years old. I am at the swimming pool waiting for my mom to pick me up.I have a
swimming mask with a metal ring around the glass that holds the lens in. I am swinging it around like a ten year old kid would do. Randomly it strikes my right knee and takes out a deep slice of skin and such.
When my mom gets there, blood is running down my leg. I apologize because the towel is getting bloody. She looks at it and almost passes out. We go home.
Well it did heal over time. Like many things in our life that we think won't heal, many of them finally do.
And so, like all of us, I carry the stories of pain, the stories of sadness, and the hope for a better day.
I think that most of us carry a few scars from the journey.
But we keep going. We keep marching. We keep loving. We keep moving toward grace.
It is our only choice. Keep after 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Thursday, March 12, 2020
I'm swimming
As a retired person I watch the stock market and I have funny feelings. Not that funny really.
My daughters have moved three hours away... I hate that.
A close family member is very sick. Very sick.
I'm having doubts about the kind of father that I was.
I can't do handyman work as well as I used to [ladders are difficult and I am losing my skills.]
I routinely walk into a room and stop, and then ask myself, why did I come in here?
I sense that I am a figment of my former self.
I can't remember the punch lines to my own jokes.
My friend wants to end their life. I can't find the words to help them.
I'm swimming. Not drowning, but swimming.
When I was young I had it together. I had the answers. Now I, I, I, well, sometimes I look for a good place to land.
If you are swimming in life, dog paddling, just know that you are not alone. From time to time I think that all of us can say, "can you let this cup pass from me?"
Is there another way?
And the good news is, at the end of our struggle, God is there, God is with us, and has always been.
And so finally, we can go to sleep at night and know that all is well. God is with us. It is well with our souls.
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 in July... 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
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
being a Christian is...
Being a Christian is giving all that you know of yourself, to all that you know of God. That is a Bob Tuttle-ism. [seminary professor of mine who lives here in Vero Beach.]
We should be growing in our understanding of ourselves, and of God. If that is true, then the Christian life is never static, but always changing and growing.
There are no formulas or easy answers, just a call for us to keep on the path of commitment and dedication. We never arrive, we are always in pursuit of God's fullness.
That is life as it is meant to be lived. With purpose, with adventure. Seeking God, humbling one's self. The steward is always submitted to the master, looking for ways to please him and celebrate life. It is good.
We should be growing in our understanding of ourselves, and of God. If that is true, then the Christian life is never static, but always changing and growing.
There are no formulas or easy answers, just a call for us to keep on the path of commitment and dedication. We never arrive, we are always in pursuit of God's fullness.
That is life as it is meant to be lived. With purpose, with adventure. Seeking God, humbling one's self. The steward is always submitted to the master, looking for ways to please him and celebrate life. It is 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 in July... 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
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -
I am leading a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Feelings
 |
| "I was different people then!" |
Feelings are fickle. As I write this I am unhappy about something. It is odd though, I know that I should not be bothered by this thing, but for whatever reason, I am.
I know that I will feel better shortly, that this is not that big of a thing. I just need to ride out my feelings. In a little bit of time I won't feel this way.
Please remember when you are upset about something, feelings are fickle. They come and go. They get over blown.
Don't punch anyone or say anything bad. You will feel better soon.
This too shall pass.
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 in July... 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
Monday, March 9, 2020
Move over Jeff
So let's get into the wayback machine Sherman. Let's go way back. It is 1973 and I live in San Jose California and I am a new driver. One of the places that my friends and I like to go is to the beach. Highway 17 up over the foothills and down into Santa Cruz.
The highway is two lanes each way, but it is narrow and winding. Entrance ramps on are short.
And so we are driving home from the beach, the road is crowded and a guy is trying to merge in from an entrance ramp. I am going a consistent speed and I am not budging for this guy. My brain says, "speed up or slow down buddy, find a hole." I did nothing to help him get in. Finally the guy has to hit the brakes and fall in behind me.
In the passenger seat is my friend Mark who is not a Christian. He says, "why didn't you let him in?" I said, "he can find his own way in. I am going the speed that I am going." Mark said, "my gosh, this is why I am not a Christian."
I have never forgotten that story.
Not one of my shining moments.
Sometimes we need to move over.
Sometimes we need to get out of the way.
Sometimes we need to make room for others.
Sometimes we need to change our trajectory.
They'll know we are Christians by our love.
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 in July... 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
The highway is two lanes each way, but it is narrow and winding. Entrance ramps on are short.
And so we are driving home from the beach, the road is crowded and a guy is trying to merge in from an entrance ramp. I am going a consistent speed and I am not budging for this guy. My brain says, "speed up or slow down buddy, find a hole." I did nothing to help him get in. Finally the guy has to hit the brakes and fall in behind me.In the passenger seat is my friend Mark who is not a Christian. He says, "why didn't you let him in?" I said, "he can find his own way in. I am going the speed that I am going." Mark said, "my gosh, this is why I am not a Christian."
I have never forgotten that story.
Not one of my shining moments.
Sometimes we need to move over.
Sometimes we need to get out of the way.
Sometimes we need to make room for others.
Sometimes we need to change our trajectory.
They'll know we are Christians by our love.
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 in July... 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
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Why I don't tell people
Why I don’t tell people my profession
I was out with my brother in law a few weeks ago and we
got into a conversation with someone.
They wanted to know what I did for a living before I retired. I told them that I was an engineer for Black
and Veatch. What kind of an engineer? Mechanical.
That satisfied their curiosity and we went on.
My brother in law asked the obvious… “Why didn’t you tell
them what you did for a living?” Why
didn’t I tell them that I was a pastor?
Here is why…
I want people to know me for me. I want them to be able to be real with
me. I want them to be able to relax and
just be themselves.
Are you going to judge me?
Are you going to try and save me?
Are you one of the ones that used the church to line your
pockets?
Are you going to act like you are holier than thou?
As you can see, there are good reasons for not telling
people that you are a preacher. After I
get to know them, it always comes out anyway, but by that time, they have got
to know me and we like each other and they are not so freaked out about me
being a preacher.
I look forward to getting to know you. I look forward to having a real relationship
with you. You can be yourself around me.
And say hi to my friends at Black and Veatch.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -
I am leading a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Saturday, March 7, 2020
The Spirit in me greets the Spirit in you
When I was younger I attended a church where we sang a
song during the passing of the peace.
During the handshaking time we sang “The Spirit in me greets the Spirit
in you.”
I was thinking about this the other day, about how
sometimes we talk to people and we are just going thru the motions. Sometimes we just don’t see them. Sometimes it is like we do not even care. Hi how are you fine. How are you fine. Fine.
But there is a spirit in me and there is a spirit in
you. What if we became more cognizant of
the fact that that person is a spirit.
Let’s look past the age or the gender.
Let’s look past what we see that is good or bad. Let’s look at the person and see them as a
spirit.
The spirit in me greets the spirit in 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Friday, March 6, 2020
don't quit
I was disappointed.
I was sad.
I was mad.
Things ought to go my way.
but they don't always.
It is easy to get sad and mad, but don't be bad.
Don't add bad to the sad and mad.
Don't take your toys and go home.
Don't quit the team.
Don't become a recluse.
Give yourself a few days to pout.
Then rise from the ashes and remember.
Life is not about things going my way.
Life is good even when things don't go my way.
This one thing is only one thing, there are many many good things.
Many people love you and need what you bring to the table.
Rise from the ashes of yesterday.
Pick up your glove and get back in the game.
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 in July... 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
Thursday, March 5, 2020
our daily task
Our daily task. Our most important daily task. The task that effects and shapes all else that we do...
Joyfully submitted and joyfully received from my friend Pat.
If you don't get the cartoon, let me know and I will explain it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
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I am leading a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Joyfully submitted and joyfully received from my friend Pat.
If you don't get the cartoon, let me know and I will explain 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Don't miss the parade
What parade you say?
Today is the day when all of the bands from the local high schools line up downtown and march fourth.
[this was my grandmother's joke, passed on to my mother, then to me and now to 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 a trip to Ireland in July... 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
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Resume
I did fill in at Ft. Pierce when Pastor Tim was deployed with the Navy. That was a very good experience and went a long way to help me heal. I work there part time now as the care and visitation guy.
A few months ago I decided to update my resume. I was starting to have the feeling that I wanted to serve a church again. Part of the change was the healing of time. Part of it was encouragement from
I turned my resume in to two District Superintendents and the Bishop’s assistant. I have heard from two of them. I don’t know if there will be an assignment for me, and I am ok with whatever happens. I love my part time job at Ft. Pierce. But I wanted to tell you how exciting it is to feel my heart strangely warmed again.
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 in July... 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
Monday, March 2, 2020
positives outweigh the negatives
This year I have been trying to focus on certain words and their meaning and impact spiritually. Recently I gave a presentation on the word “love” and some thoughts on what it means to us. As part of my preparation, I reread the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, the aptly named “love chapter”. When Paul lists what love is, a part of it really hit me hard. “love keeps no record of wrongs”. That’s not one I can claim to be very good at.
While I can and do forgive, it seems that I remember and preserve every hurtful thing that has ever happened to me. I’m sorry to say I spent some of the lead up time to my 50th HS reunion reliving old slights, all of which are 50 years old and none of which actually mattered at the reunion.
People change. That’s what I have resolved to do. Now when I start to get mired down in some negative episode from my past, I try to move on to some other advice from Paul in Philippians. I think about those things that are good and excellent. Funny how many such things there have been in my life. Living with and loving others can include pain but, now that I think about it, it is far outweighed by the positives. I’m going to try to dwell on those moving forward.
reprinted with permission from my friend Brian.
Update: On another note, thank you for praying for my friend Jeff. It is not me, it is a friend named Jeff. I was very concerned about his condition. Good news is he has a virus. Nothing terminal. I can't see him for two weeks because he is contagious, but he will get well. Thanks for your prayers.
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 in July... 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
Update: On another note, thank you for praying for my friend Jeff. It is not me, it is a friend named Jeff. I was very concerned about his condition. Good news is he has a virus. Nothing terminal. I can't see him for two weeks because he is contagious, but he will get well. Thanks for your prayers.
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 in July... 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
Sunday, March 1, 2020
$1,000,000
Some people can make you feel like a million dollars. There is a server at Bobby's restaurant who makes me and lots of other people feel like a million dollars. She is just so friendly to everyone. She is universally loved. She makes your day.
And so if she can do it, so can the rest of us! Wouldn't it be nice if we became known as the kind of people who make other people feel like a million bucks? Let's all learn to light up when we see people coming.
See them. Smile at them! Hug them. Tell them you are so glad to see 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 in July... 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
And so if she can do it, so can the rest of us! Wouldn't it be nice if we became known as the kind of people who make other people feel like a million bucks? Let's all learn to light up when we see people coming.
See them. Smile at them! Hug them. Tell them you are so glad to see 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 in July... 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
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