choose love

After some of the difficult things that have happened in our country, the NFL has opted for players to post messages on the back bumper pad of their helmets.

"End Racism," "Stop Hate," "Choose Love" or "Inspire Change." "It Takes All of Us"

Last week on January 17, the Bills and the Broncos played. I was encouraged because both teams had the message on the back of their helmets: "Choose Love."

Now, I am not against any of the other messages that the NFL suggested, but let me tell you, if in this world, if in this life, we all choose love... then the world will be on a better path, a healthier path.

The Broncos beat the Bills in a very good football game. In a world where we are way too tribal, in a world where some people's self esteem rises and falls on how their team of choice is doing, it is nice to have a positive message.

And yes, choosing love is more important that who wins a football game.

Each day, you and me. Let's choose love.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - - 

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027

If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707

Here is a link for more information

Click here for New Zealand Info

miracle drug

Since I returned from Italy in mid-November I have been suffering with a physical malady.  My shoulders, then my arms, then my hands and wrists have been hurting something fierce.

I went to the orthopedic doctor... He said I was ok.  My primary thinks it may be rheumatoid arthritis.  I cant get in to see the Rheumatologist until mid February.

I haven't been able to sleep.  I have not been able to lift my arms over my head.

Enter the miracle drug.  

I have never taken Tylenol.  I don't get headaches and I have never felt that I needed it.  My primary told me to take it and let me tell you, it has become my new best friend.

Just a couple of pills 2x a day and I am operational to about 90%.

It's a miracle!!! 

May we all give thanks for the wisdom that God has given doctors and drug manufacturers.  They can make our pains so much more bearable!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

do unto others

There are things that we allow and there are things that we should not allow to be forced upon us.

Unfortunately, if you allow something like hatefulness for a long enough time, you get used to it and we tend to accept it as normal.

Let's take unkindness for example. We have all run into unkind people. Sometimes we have no power to speak into their behavior.

But, when unkindness becomes accepted, it can begin to be considered normal.  When it becomes "normal," people will make excuses for it and exercise it with no guilt whatsoever.
When this happens, the golden rule is out the window. If you don't know what the golden rule is, take a moment right now and google it. Look it up.

We don’t want a world filled with unkindness. It cannot be allowed to be considered normal or acceptable, no matter who is doing it.

We can create and sustain a world of kindness by modeling it ourselves and graciously insisting that others do as well.  It is not that hard to be kind.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

from my friend Bruce

"May you embrace this day, not just as any old day, but as this day. Your day. Held in trust by you in a singular place called "now."
quote from Carrie Newcomer

It reminds me of the scripture passage, "this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Ps 118:24

What ever I do today, I will not get a rerun. I will not get a redo. How I choose to live, how I choose to treat others is a decision that is within my power.

Let's make good, positive, kind and loving choices.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

 

Preparing for a moment of kindness

I was thinking the other day about why we humans are not kind more often.  Even those humans who believe in kindness are not kind as often as they can be.

Maybe it is because our minds are filled with our own stuff.  We are going thru the day thinking about what we are thinking about instead of preparing ourselves for the next act of kindness.

What if, instead of thinking about what comes naturally, we intentionally think about who I will be meeting in the next 20 minutes.  What kind thing can I do or say to that person?

• As I pull up to a restaurant, I can think of the server that will come to our table and being pleasant to them.
• As I walk into yoga class I can tell the instructor what a fantastic human they are and how much I appreciate them.
• As I walk into that upcoming meeting, I can think of who will be there and what compliment I can give to them.
• When a member of my family walks into the room, I can have a statement prepared about how special they are to me.

I believe that our intentional efforts to prime the pump of kindness can make a difference in our every day living for others, and for us.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

lunch time

I have been having some physical challenges of late.  My doctor sent in a couple of prescriptions for me.  I got a text from CVS that they were ready.

I got in the car and headed to CVS.  I parked.  I walked in the door and got in line for RX pickup.

One of the employees said to me, "I am sorry sir, but we take lunch from 1:30-2:00.  We are not going to be able to get to you until after lunch."

Hmmm.  what to do???

Looking back on the moment, I could have said- well you just texted me!  I could have begged... come on, I am the only one here, its just a pick up, it will just take a minute.

We humans so easily and so quickly make it about us.

I did none of the above.

You are going to take lunch?  I said, "Oh yes, I am sorry, I knew that." See I have worked at many CVS stores over the years. I knew that they took lunch.  I just forgot.

They apologized.  I said, no, you deserve to have a lunch.  I will come back.

They thanked me for being nice.  I told them that it is not that hard to be nice.  It just doesn't take that much effort to be kind.  

Being kind is good for them and it is good for you and me. Every one appreciates a kind word, and we also feel better when we show compassion.

I went back later and got my drugs.  All is well.  I am none worse for the wear.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

rare people

One of my recent projects is to go through my phone and clean up and clean out.  My goodness there are a lot of pictures on my phone.

I found this card from 2019.  

May we all strive to be genuine friends and compassionate humans.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

I missed you

I was on a cruise last weekend.  It was fantastic.  Only one thing could have made it better... and that is if you were on it with me.

I miss my friends.  I have met so many wonderful people over the years.  I was on a boat with 2,500 people and I didn't know a single one.

It would have been better if you were there.

Speaking of cruises... In January/February of 2027 Rev. Sherri Swanson and I are leading a New Zealand cruise trip.  I could go by myself, but it would be so much more fun if you were there.  

Please watch for more details to be posted on the blog.

And spend as much time with your friends as you can.  Life is better with friends.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Live your life in a way...

There is an old saying... "live your life in such a way that when it is time for your funeral, you have made the job easy for the preacher."

This is a true story.  Once upon a time I met with a family about the death of the patriarch.  There were 6 brothers and sisters, all in their 50's and 60's.  The dad had lived a long life and recently passed.

I went to the house where the family was gathered.  I asked them the questions that you ask about the deceased.  It helps you to prepare the message to ask the family questions.

Tell me about your Dad.
[no response]
Tell me about his friends.
no response
Tell me about his spirituality.
silence
Tell me about what he loved.

silence....

Tell me about his values

nothing...

Finally one of his children asked me in an annoyed tone, "preacher can you do a funeral?"  I said, Yes sir, I can.  He said, "then fine, then just do us a funeral."

I led the group in a prayer and then we ate sandwiches.  I thanked them for their time and started down the sidewalk.  One of the brothers came out after me and stopped me.

He said, "Jeff I want you to know why no one had anything to say about our Dad.  It is because we all hated him.  He was a son of a b----h."

I thanked him for that info.  I prepared a funeral message.  It wasn't easy.

Moral of the story... live your life in such a way that you make it easy for the preacher when the time comes.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

How are you doing?

People ask me all the time, "How are you doing?"  It is something that we ask each other.

How are you?  How is your day going?

My stock answer is this... "I am 68 years old and I woke up today.  That is a victory.  That is a great start!!!"

Usually when people ask how you are doing, they really don't want you to open up about your current sufferings and griefs.  So occasionally I will talk with close friends about what is really going on, but usually I am content to just celebrate that I am 68 and in relatively good health.

The real ticket in "how we are doing" is to learn to be ok, to be good, to find joy, even when there are sufferings.  Sure we all have our stuff.  Do we let it eat our lunch, or do we put it where it belongs and continue to see thee good.

When I let my struggles rise to the top I am good for no one.  May I, may we all, look past our moments of pain and share the love.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

which Jesus?

Richard Rohr recently posted this quote....

We do not all follow the same Jesus. We also do not all read the same Bible.
                                                      —Whitney Wilkinson Arreche

Some believe in a Jesus that is looking to catch you on a technicality.

Some believe in a Jesus that is exclusive.

Some believe in a Jesus that insists that you believe it just right.

Some believe in a Jesus who has an ego need to be worshipped.

Some believe in a Jesus who is judgmental.

Which Jesus do you believe in?

I believe in a Jesus that loves us.

I believe in a Jesus that is much more interested in being followed than worshipped.

I believe in a Jesus of grace.

What you believe about Jesus/God will play into your life in thousands of ways.  For your mental health, please choose the Jesus of love and grace.  And then follow him into that life of love.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

discouragement

To my friend who is discouraged [and anyone else who may need it]-

First of all, I am sorry that you are discouraged.  I feel for you.  I understand.  I hurt for you.  I know that those words do not fix anything, but I want you to know that you are on my mind and in my prayers.  When I am hurting it helps me to know that someone is in my corner.  I am.

Secondly, consider the source of your pain.  Sometimes in life things happen that are out of our control.  I know that this is a bad time, but it is not a forever thing.  This worm will turn, and when it does, there will be a lot of joy.  You are making an investment that will pay off in the future with a deeper relationship.

Thirdly, on that other matter, consider the source.  Some things we cannot fix.  I know it hurts, but there is actually more good there than bad.  Hang in there.  You are appreciated more than you know.

Finally, chin up!!! I love you!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

The season of Ephiphany

Epiphany is the church season that runs from the Day of Epiphany, January 6th through Ash Wednesday. It is a time when we remember the Wise Men coming to find the young child Jesus, in the house with his parents.  It is a time to consider the sense of giftedness in this life.

Epiphany is also a time when we consider “aha” experiences. The wise men were a pleasant surprise. Life sometimes brings to us positive surprises that enlighten our lives.

Probably one of the most important epiphanies to me was the revelation [when it finally sunk into my thick skull] that God really did love me and that I did not have to run around carrying the guilt for what I had done in the past or for what I was doing in the present. Life just isn’t about if you are good enough for God. God just loves you.

May you find an awakening of God's love today!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Home Church

After serving for 6 months at the Oceanview UMC in Juno Beach, I was back in my home church of Ft. Pierce First UMC. I loved being at Oceanview, but it was good to come home as well. I loved seeing my friends and catching up!

I had not been there for six months and First UMC Ft. Pierce had some surprises for me.  [three actually]  The first was the fantastic life sized nativity. I thought it was awesome.

The second was the attendance at church. The place was very full. Much more so that before I had left. Maybe I should leave more often? Something is happing… something good is going on… Glad to see the big crowd.

The third surprise was a children’s time at the altar!!! I was so excited to see that. In the 8 years that I have been hanging around, it is great to see children in church again!

Congratulations to Pastor Tim 3 and the entire First UMC congregation!!!

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world, be sure to see the good.

St. Francis

My friend Courtney sent in a picture of the St. Francis in her yard with her favorite St. Francis quote.

“As you announce peace with your mouth, make sure that greater peace is in your hearts. Let no one be provoked to anger or scandal through you, but may everyone be drawn to peace, kindness, and harmony through your gentleness. For we have been called to this: to heal the wounded, bind up the broken, and recall the erring”. -St Francis

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Leadership

The other day I watched the movie, Heart of Champions.  A fictional sports story about an Ivy League rowing team.  I give the movie and A or a B or an A.  I have mixed feelings, but there is certainly more good in it than bad.

A quote from the movie... "Leadership is not something that can be assigned.  Leadership is measured in the hearts of those who follow."

This reminds me of something that I have always thought:  Fathering a child does not make you a Dad.  Being assigned to a church does not make you someone's pastor.  You are never their Pastor until they tell you that you are.

Leadership is a character trait that is recognized, validated, and affirmed by others.  We cannot take it unto ourselves.

If you are in charge of something but the people are not affirming you, maybe it is time for a little more love, a little more compassion, a little more empathy.  If people know that you love them they will follow you to the ends of the earth.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Questions

From time to time we all have questions.  One of the things that we used to do when I was in full time ministry was to solicit questions for a sermon series "ask the pastor."  I think they still do it at Woods Chapel and probably many other places.  It is a great way to get some relevant topics on the table and it honestly gives the pastor a break for a couple of weeks from having to cook up some idea for a sermon.

So do you have any questions that you would like me to address?  I love writing the blog, but sometimes I wonder if anyone is relating to whatever it is that I am writing about.   It would be nice from time to time to say "someone wrote in and asked...."  and then to write about that.

Not that I have all the answers, of course, but I look forward to hearing your questions.  I will give them my best shot.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

commercial

There are lots of TV commercials.  Some I like, some I don't.  From time to time, one hits the spot.  

Recently, I have fallen in love with this Subaru commercial.

The commercial informs you that Subaru supports the Make a Wish foundation.  In the commercial, a teenage boy who is a cancer patient makes his way down the hospital hall to the room of Alli who also has cancer.  He asks her if she will go to the prom with him.  She shakes her head yes.

When they meet up at the prom, she says to him, "so you wished for a prom?"  He says, "no, I wished for a prom for you."

I am sure that he wanted to go to the prom as well, but the commercial reminds me of a very important life principle... Perhaps the highest form of love is to wish the best for someone else.  To set aside one's own self interest and seek the good of another.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

nothing can be taken away

I had lunch with my seminary professor Bob Tuttle the other day.  He has some serious memory issues.  He didn't remember his birthday or how old he was.  Over the course of an hour he asked me 10 times at least if I had children and how they were doing.

We talked about the past.  I had to remind him of where he taught theology... Fuller Theological in Pasadena, Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Garrett Evangelical in Chicago and Asbury in Orlando Florida.

He kept apologizing for things that he did not remember.  I tried to get him to focus on all that he had accomplished.  I talked to him about all of the students that he touched and then exponentially, how many people those students had touched.  I told him, this, "you may not remember everything, but no one can take away the truth of what you accomplished and the lives that you have touched."  He cried.

I was talking to a friend about my days, I mean, our days, of working at Woods Chapel.  I will never forget them telling me, "no matter what happens, no one can take away from the good work that you did, that we did for those 22 years."

Please remind yourself and others... things may change, you may get down in the dumps, but the good things that you have accomplished in life can never be taken away.  It will always be true that they happened and that many lives were touched.

I take some comfort in that, I hope that you do as well.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

If you get the nudge

Lately I have had the nudge to reach out to two of my mentors:  Hubert Neth and Bob Tuttle.  You know I was busy with this and that and I put it off.  

But finally I took action.  Tuttle is at home under memory care.  I scheduled a day to have breakfast with him thru his caregiver.  I will pick him up and we will go to IHOP.

I called Hubert and talked to him for a bit.  He has moved to an assisted living facility across 50 high way from Lees Summit medical center.  One of my best friends lives right over there, so I told him that when I get to town I will def come for a visit.

I was so glad that I reached out to both of them.  I am so glad to get to see both of them.  They invested so much time in me and my life.  Just to spend a little bit of time will be so rewarding and I want them to know how much I appreciate them.

Sometimes we get so busy in life that we can forget about people that have meant so much.  It is too easy to lose track and to lose touch.  

If there is someone on your mind that you need to reach out to, please do so.  You will be glad that you did.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Gratitude

My friend Elaine shared this story from the Jewish heritage...

She wrote:  The post from a few weeks ago about gratitude struck me with such meaning I have to share with you. You posted this during Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, where Jews celebrate, with gratitude, the oil lasting 8 days that should have only lasted 1 day while fighting the Hellenizers. 

It reminded me of a song of gratitude that's sung during the Passover Seder called, Dayenu, which means it would have been enough. 

It would have been enough that God brought them out of Egypt. Dayenu! It would have been enough that God divided the Red Sea so it could be crossed. Dayenu! It would have been enough had he only given them manna. Dayenu! 

On the song goes with God leading them into the promised land. Dayenu! I love this song because it reminds me how gracious God is, for what he has done for us and that his love is enough. Dayenu!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Happy New Year!!!

The older I get, the faster it all goes by.  That is why we need to pay attention to each moment.  You know the cliches: live in the moment.  Seize the day.

I will add another one to it:  See the good.

Cliches or not, paying attention to each day and each moment is a blessing for those who will do it.  Taking stock of each moment fills one's heart with gratitude.  It also makes us mindful of those around us.  It creates a sense of connectedness to others and keeps us humble.

Do you want to have a happy new year?  Pay attention to each moment that God gives you.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.