bad attitude

I have one hanging around right now. I am working on having it go away.

Bad attitudes show up for any number of reasons. Something happened that we do not like. It is too hot. The car broke down. Someone was rude. Whatever.

I believe that you should do whatever you can to fix things, but sometimes there is nothing that you can do. Things are, just what they are, and they are not going to change.

In such cases, the problem is obvious. The problem is me. I cannot allow myself to be dominated by something that my friend did. I have got to find release from always thinking about the upsetting thing. My Mom used to say,, "no one makes you mad, you choose to be mad."

Anger is a blocker. When you are upset, you don't think straight, you don't see anything correctly. The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. We cannot be who we ought to be when we are consumed by bad feelings.

So I tell myself:
"Jeff, you can't do anything about this. This is not you. You are not defined by this unhappiness. Don't let this little unhappy rob you of this day. This is a good day. This is the day that the Lord has made. See the good."

I tell myself this over and over, and it works. I feel better already.

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

6 days left

Today as I begin the day, I am aware that there are 6 days left in my renewal leave. I have a very few days left now to summarize what I have been doing. I have to get 59 book reports into some kind of final form. I have to do some more work to flesh out future sermons. I have to work on the list of action points for staff. I have to work on a sermon for Sunday.

One of the biggest challenges that I face as I return is that I don't know where to begin. I am so full of thoughts and feelings and ideas that I just don't know where to start. I know this is a good thing. In fact, that is the whole point of a renewal leave. Fresh perspective. Learning opportunities, no, I mean growth opportunities. Renewed passion.

For six weeks the staff has managed the church without me. They have done a wonderful job. I knew that they could, now they know that they can do it as well. One of the most interesting things that I have heard over this period of time is this quote from a member of our church, "this is the first church I have ever been a part of that was secure enough to allow its pastor to be gone for six weeks for a renewal leave." What a healthy thought that is.

I am certainly looking forward to being back with you this Sunday. I am excited to see your faces and hug your necks.

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

One bad moment

One bad moment can stay with you for a long time. Last night my family was watching home movies from 1991. Alli was 3, Jenny was 2, Scott was 1.

In the home video, my wife is running the camera and she decides to film me. Well, we had a fight earlier in the day and I was grouchy. Captured forever now on VHS and DVD is Jeff B as a grouch. A jerk. A bad husband.

Ouch, does that hurt. You try to be a good father and husband and see where it gets you. The only time they film you is when you were bad.

Here is the point. Even when our bad moments are not caught on film, they still hurt others. Even though the scriptures ask us to "keep no record of wrongs," most humans have a long memory. I hope that people will forgive and forget our faults, but I would prefer to live in a way that I don't put them in the position of having to forgive.

I am turning over a new leaf.
I am going to be nicer, more kind, and more gracious.
I am also throwing away that video.

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

Dreams and visions

Do you have dreams for your life? Some people do, some people don't. Some people used to have dreams but gave up on them.

To give up on your dreams is to enter a life of pain, and discouragement. You will always wonder, "what if?" Right now, maybe you are reading this and your eyes are filling with tears. You know exactly what I am talking about.

Every person has to decide if they will settle for a mediocre life, or if they will relentlessly pursue their dreams. It is not that there is anything wrong with you if you don't accomplish great things. It is all a question of potential. Are you aware of something that you were "supposed to do?" To ignore it, is to live beneath your potential. It is to accept a life of comfort instead of pursuing that which you were created for.

It is not too late for you to go to college. It is not too late to write a book. You can go into the mission field.

If you have given up on your dreams, pick them back up. They are right were you left them. God places these things on our hearts for a reason.

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

Aliens?

Ok, now the real truth is out. A former astronaut, Edgar Mitchell a veteran of Apollo 14 claims that there really are aliens and they have visited earth. Interestingly enough, it was difficult to find the news story on the internet, but here it is:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24069951-661,00.html?from=public_rss

What do you do with that? What would that mean?

Anytime this topic comes up, I have always taken a bit of comfort from the lyrics of Larry Norman's song entitled "UFO."

He's an unidentified object
you will see him in the air
He's an unidentified object
you will drop your hands and stare

You will be afraid to tell your neighbors
they might think that it’s not true
But when they open up the morning papers
they will know they’ve seen Him too.

He will come back like He promised
with the price already paid
He will gather up His followers
and take us all away.

He’s an unidentified flying object
He will sweep down from the sky
He’s an unidentified flying object
some will sleep but will not die.

He’s an unidentified flying object
coming back to take you home
He’s an unidentified flying object
He will roll away your stone.

And if there’s life on other planets
then I’m sure that He must know
And He’s been there once already
and has died to save their souls.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, and it is God's world. Be sure to see the good.

Love keeps no record of wrongs

Think of those people that you love.
Now think of all the ways that they have hurt you.
>
>
>
are you thinking?
>
>
>
Actually, you should not be able to do this. Love keeps no record of wrongs. When we love someone else, we forgive them.

This is a complicated issue because other people can hurt us in so many ways, but I did not make this up. You can find it in 1 Corinthians 13. Love keeps no record of wrongs.

There is at least one person out there who feels that they have let me down and hurt me. Here are my words to you: Forget it. It is no big deal. I love you so much more than to let something like this separate us. Don't let it bother you. Let's move on. It is all in the past.

Relationships that do not navigate past difficult waters are pretty shallow. Deep, lasting, loving relationships grow through painful moments.

God, in Christ has forgiven us. Love keeps no record of wrongs.

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

you can't fix everything

Don't you know its true. You just can't fix everything. You can't make everyone happy. You can do your best and you can act with pure intentions, but there are still going to be times when you just can't fix it.

One of the books that I digested in this last month talked about how leaders don't always know where to go, but they have clues. And sometimes, leading means following those clues and just putting one hopeful foot in front of the other.

Last week I played in a softball game. There was a man on third with one out. I am coming up to bat. If I get any kind of a hit, even a fly ball to the outfield, the man on third will score and we will win the game. It is a very tense moment. I hated moments like this when I was in little league, but I have learned as I have grown older, that these are moments that make you truly alive.

I come to the plate and I am not thinking of the pressure. I am thinking of the Gene Hackman quote from the movie "the replacements." "Winners always want the ball when the game is on the line." So, I am glad to come up to the plate. Lets go. I am going to give it my best.

In a very strange twist, I hit a ball that manages to get me out at first base and the runner on third out at home. The inning was over, the game went into extra innings and we lost. I felt badly, but what are you going to do? Good news is that it was only a softball game.

The moral of that story, and going back to the original thought is this: I did the best that I could. It did not turn out well, but I stepped into the box and took my swings. Sometimes that is all that you can do.

You can't fix everything or everyone. Step in, do your best, no one can ask for more than that. Don't lose heart over yesterday's heartaches, tomorrow is coming and we will have other chances at the plate. Just keep doing your best.

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

Grace

The prodigal son was allowed to come home. Grace.
The rude driver is allowed into the compressed traffic line. Grace.
No record of wrongs is kept. Grace.
Kind words to a troubled soul.
A sack lunch to a homeless person.
Hillcrest ministries.
Prom dresses.
Generosity.
We don't earn it. Grace.

An understanding heart. Grace.
A willingness to forgive. Grace.
Arrows are received.
No retaliation.
Saul becomes Paul.
The young are encouraged.
Strangers are welcomed.
Words of love are shared. Grace.

A child is adopted. Grace.
A reaction is withheld. Grace.
Esau receives Jacob.
Joseph forgives his brothers.
School supplies.
Their first new pair of shoes.
A meal at the Ronald McDonald house.
A hug for the lonely. Grace.

A world created. Grace.
Rain in a dry land. Grace.
The rhythm of the ocean waves.
Stately mountains.
A cross.
The son of God suffers.
My sins are forgiven. Grace.

Somewhere dear friends, there is someone today, who is in need of grace. We have all received it. Let's be sure to give it away.

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

ouch

No one meant to hurt your feelings.

Alice's Restaurant

I have many stories from this renewal leave and I need to start telling them.

You can get anything that you want, at Alice's Restaurant.
I ordered a diet coke and sat for an hour and read a book.

This is the place that Arlo Guthrie sang about in the song of the same name. It is, as you can see, in a beautiful place atop the coastal range near LaHonda, California. The camp I stayed at was about 8 miles from here.

One of the things that I have done on this renewal leave is spend time in nature. God speaks through His creation. The heavens declare the glory of God. It is a spiritual discipline to spend time in creation.

I look at this picture and close my eyes, and I am back there again. God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. Take time to see the goodness of God and feel the presence of God in nature.

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

Church life cycle

The life stages of an organization.

1. Original Vision
2. Growth and Building the Organization
3. Maintenance
4. Decline
5. Recognizing Decline
6. Crisis or Death

What stage is your church in? Are you sure? If your church has reached the stage of maintenance or decline, are you ok with that? What discomfort are you willing to suffer for the greater good of your church? Can your church change if you do not change? What changes are you willing to make to help your church reach its potential?

Spiritually developed people are those who have learned to set aside their personal preferences and comfort for the sake of the mission.

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

Dear Pastor Friend, part 2

Pick up this thread from Wednesday, July 16th.

Dear Pastor Friend,
You have used one of my favorite words to describe me. "Fortunate." You are correct. I tell people that I am the most fortunate pastor that they know. I tell them this because there are great people at our church. They are kind and generous and happy. They are serious about making a difference in the world. They are striving to be better parents, spouses and friends. When they talk about Jesus, many of them cry. They are filled with dreams and passion for life and the church. You are correct. I am the most fortunate pastor.

I may be wrong, and this may be a bit naive, but I have always believed that there are good people in every congregation. I have an idea for you to try. Do a three part sermon series on relationships. I would use these topics.
1. when human relationships are good
2. when human relationships are hard
3. Having a relationship with God.

In fact, I like this idea so much, I may just try it at Woods Chapel.

In week one, tell them about good relationships that you have had. Tell them about those dear moments in your life. Celebrate the times when relationships are good. I think that they will notice if all of your stories are of other places. David and Johnathan come to my mind.

In week two, tell them about your hurts. Tell them about times when relationships drifted away. This is an opportunity to be vulnerable and share some of your personal hurts and loneliness. Believe me, the people in the pew can relate to hurt and loneliness. Encourage them to seek out friends and be a friend. I think that some of your folks will draw close when they see your struggle. If they don't, then another appointment may be in order. Jacob and Esau come to mind.

Week 3, tell them about how a relationship with God can change their life. That we were not created to live for ourselves. I am excited about this, just thinking about it. I think our folks would like a series like this. One of the things that I have learned over the years, is that if I am feeling it, or concerned about it, people in the pew usually are too.

I want to again extend the opportunity for us to visit in person. I wonder if we have done this in the past and I didn't keep the relationship up. If so, I am sorry. Let's try again. Call me.

Whatever you do, do not quit. Where discouragement abounds, grace all the more abounds. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There really is hope for a better time. I so much want to be of help if I can.

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

Humor is a gift from God

Sometimes you just have to laugh. Or cry.

Dog lovers beware. Did you know that dogs are supposed to go to the dentist now? I have owned many dogs in my lifetime, [9 at last count] and none of them ever went to the dentist before. They all lived good lives and yes, they all went to heaven.

So, Lou the dog has bad breath. Dog breath. Bad dog breath. When he is out on a walk, the other dogs go inside. We had to hang a piece of baloney around his neck to get the neighbor dogs to play with him.

So we wondered if he should go to the doggie dentist. When we found out that it was $300, we decided that his breath wasn't that bad. We asked another vet's office about having his teeth cleaned and they would do it for $88 dollars. Yesterday, Lou went to the dentist. Today, he has 14 fewer teeth, but the ones that he has, are really clean. Call him Lou the toothless dog. The vet says that sometimes, all those little teeth don't get used that much, and you put the brushing machine on them, and out they pop.

Evidently dogs from breeders can have bad teeth and Lou has bad teeth. Not as many bad teeth as before, but bad teeth none the less. There really isn't anything to do about this, scratch his back, say nice things to him, let him sit on your lap. They don't make doggie dentures.

On the bright side, Lou is feeling fine and he is eating like a pig. He still chases rabbits in the back yard and barks at anyone who comes into the house. He collected $14 from the tooth fairy last night. That is a lot of money for a dog. He wants a new leash, but I told him we were going to put his new found wealth against his dentist bill.

The moral of the story is this: brush your dog's teeth.

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

books

A dear friend asked me to recommend some books. As you know, I have been pouring through a good number of titles during this renewal leave. See post on 6-29 "do you know where I am?" for a complete list of titles that I am trying to digest.

Of the books that I have plowed through so far, here are some that I would highly recommend.

Bill Hybels - Holy Discontent
Invites the reader to find a sense of passion in their life.
this book made me cry.

Tom Bandy-Christian Chaos
Explains that growing churches are beyond organization. When the Holy Spirit is active in a congregation, you just can't draw a diagram of how it all works.

Richardson-Creating a Healthier Church
very powerful book. explains the roles of trust and anxiety in sustaining positive church relationships and culture.

Bill Easum- leadership on the other side.
book about reaching the unchurched. here is a quote......
Page 83 – “Imagine a church so environmentally rich that everyone under its influence is encouraged to reach their God-given potential. That’s the kind of church birthed by leaders on the Other Side."

Bruce Wilkinson-the dream giver
part parable, part encouragement to help people see and fulfill God's dreams for their lives.
this one made me cry too.

Rick Rusaw-Externally Focused Church
why is your church here? if your church left town, would anyone notice besides those who attend on Sunday?
this book cut me to the quick.

Milfred Minatea -shaped By God's Heart
awesome book that asks a church to look at itself and determine if it is in mission or in maintenance mode.

Well, there you go. If you need more info, like publisher and what not, send me an email. I hope any or many of them are a blessing to you.

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

dear pastor friend,

I read and posted your comment on Monday's blog, July 14th, trusting God.

There are several ways to take your comment, but I assume that you are telling me that you feel far away from God and that you feel "empty, oh so empty."

When you are the pastor, it is hard to know who you can tell such things to. I am personally very thankful for my friends in the congregation who listen to me when I am discouraged, but I know that not every pastor has those kinds of people in his or her church.

I want you to know that you are not alone. I have had such times, and any other pastor that is honest with themselves will have to admit that there have been times when they felt so very far away from God. We all know that it is a very painful thing to stand up on Sunday morning when you are supposed to speak for the Lord, but you are empty and hurting inside. Those are terrible moments.

Besides the fact that other ministers stand with you, you yourself mentioned in your comment that God already knows of your situation. Indeed God does know. And God stands by your side to help you in this painful time.

Let me offer some thoughts.

Go spend a couple of hours at the park. Sit in silence. Do not take anything to read. Listen to the wind. Listen to the water. Listen to the trees. Feel the sunshine and feel the air. Relax. Let out your sorrows. Speak to the Lord of your pain. God waits to hear your struggle. Get it all out. Then listen. You will hear his voice.

Get the wheels to slow down. Skip your kids soccer practice. Move the trustees meeting. Get back in touch with your soul.

I want you to know that I will be glad to spend some time with you if it will help. I don't care whether we have agreed on every issue in the past. If I can help you during this time, call my home phone. The number is in the conference journal. I have time for you later today or tomorrow or next week. Just call.

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

when ministers quit

When ministers quit, I almost always feel a sadness. For the church, for the disillusionment that everyone feels, and especially for the grief, pain and suffering that the minister feels.

Being an honest guy, I like to say that Monday, Wednesday and Friday I want to quit. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I have the best job in the world. On Sunday, it doesn't matter how you feel, you just have to get up and do you job. God be with us.

If you are a minister, you know it is true. There are things that happen that make you want to quit. Maybe you are being worked over by a parishioner. Maybe the church can't pay it's bills. Maybe you are comparing yourself to other pastors and become discouraged because it doesn't seem that you are as successful as they have been. You get tired of living in a glass house. You get tired of being judged. You get tired of not being able to make everyone happy. Mostly, I think you grow tired of being expected to inspire everyone at least once per week.

The pressure on a minister is heart and soul pressure. It all boils down to a feeling that you have put your best spiritual stuff on the line and it hasn't been enough. You opened your heart and showed your innermost being, and you met rejection. That hurts. That is why pastors quit.

Every year at Annual Conference, we read the names in the clergy report of those who have taken a leave or surrendered their credentials. Even when it is for a good reason, I always feel sad. Some very bright, talented, called men and women have dropped out of the ministry over the years and it makes me sad.

This year, a friend of mine took a leave of absence. Awesome fellow, great heart. Out. Ouch. Last week I heard of a well known minister of another denomination who suddenly let his friends know that he was leaving the church, and leaving the ministry. Out. Ouch. A friend warned me about taking a renewal leave. He told me that it was during his renewal leave that he decided to leave the pastoral ministry. He is out now. Ouch.

Have you ever wondered what happens to pastors that leave the ministry? Who would hire them? When you see on someone's resume that they used to be a minister, well that scares most people. Employers are afraid that you are going to be judgemental or self-righteous. The sorrow that ministers feel when they are out of the ministry is deep. For the rest of their lives, most that I know of, are haunted by a feeling of failure. God called them, and somehow, they let him down. Let me tell you friends, that is not something that you want to be thinking about when you lay your head on your pillow at night.

When parishioners understand such things, then tend to be more understanding of their pastors. They do nice things for them and plant flowers in their yards.

When I was in seminary, I could not wait to be assigned to my first church. I was so excited, so hopeful. After two years, I was burned out and facing divorce. I was out of the ministry after that for a number of years. I thought that I would not miss being a pastor, but I did. I missed it furiously. I so wanted another chance to be in God's service full time.

Over the years, the experience of being out of the ministry and missing it, has helped me to deal with the ministry blues. I did leave once, and boy did I miss being a pastor.

Now I am on renewal leave and an interesting thing has happened. It has taken three weeks, but I have a feeling that I have not felt for years.

I miss being in ministry.

I miss being in the church. I miss being with all of you that I love so much. I feel like a kid in seminary again, I just can't wait until I am assigned to a church. I am so full of ideas, so full of hope, and so ready to go. I am sure that when I come back, I will drive some of you crazy.

There will be many other good things that come out of renewal leave. But if this were the only one, it has already been worth it. I will remember this time away, and how much my heart desired to return to the church.

We have much work to do together. I can't wait.

PS- if you are a former pastor and would like to return to ministry, I would love to try and help you. Give me a call at your convenience.

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

Trust in God

I woke up this morning with a song in my head, heart. About a year ago, Joy had a friend come to sing at church. If you missed it, he was awesome. He sang the following song.

My Father Watches Over Me

Verse 1
I trust in God wherever I may be
Upon the land or on the rolling sea
For come what may from day to day
My heavenly Father watches over me

Chorus
I trust in God, I know He cares for me
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea
Though billows roll (though billows roll)
He keeps my soul (He keeps my soul)
My heavenly Father watches over me

Verse 2
He makes the rose an object of His care
He guides the eagle through the pathless air
And surely He remembers me
My heavenly Father watches over me

Chorus
I trust in God, I know He cares for me
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea
Though billows roll (though billows roll)
He keeps my soul (He keeps my soul)
My heavenly Father watches over me

Verse 3
The valley may be dark, the shadows deep
But O the Shepherd guards His wandering sheep
And through the gloom, He’ll lead me home
My heavenly Father watches over me

Chorus
I trust in God, I know He cares for me
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea
Though billows roll (though billows roll)
He keeps my soul (He keeps my soul)
My heavenly Father watches over me!

When I was a young man, I was constantly worried and concerned about "how I felt" about my relationship with God. If I felt badly, I was concerned that God was mad at me, or had left me. As I have grown older, these fits of malaise have decreased. I am more trusting. I am more relaxed. I know more about how life works. I know that he will never leave us or forsake us.

If you are facing a problem, or just feel "far away," do not despair. God is with you. Listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and follow them. He has not left you. Your heavenly father is watching over you. Trust in God.

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

no answer

Do you have problems for which there are no answers? We worry and struggle to find the answer. Sometimes we can, often we cannot. We want everything to fit, to be fixed, to be just right. Sometimes, often, there are no answers. We live in a world filled with struggle and mystery. We can hate that, or grow accustomed to it, or even grow to like it.

In times like this we have to learn to trust God. In fact, are you really trusting him if everything turns out the way that you want it to? Or were you just hoping in circumstances. We can only really depend on God when we have pain, sorrow and struggle.

There are unanswered questions. There is mystery and paradox in this life.

The bird does not sing because the bird has the answer.
The bird sings, because the bird has a song in his heart.

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

when I am gone......

You know, this blog is just about random things that I think about. This seems random to me, but I was thinking about it today. I have no imminent sense of my demise, nor do I have a death wish. But, if you are around when I die..........

Throw a party. Talk about the good. Talk about the fun times. Name all three left fielders that I have burned. Talk about the funny times. Talk about how much I loved my wife, my kids and all of you. Talk about the times that we cried in church. Talk about how we helped each other through illness. Talk about faith, talk about hope, talk about love.

Play music. Play it loud. Tom Petty. Moody Blues. CCR. Steve Miller Band. REO Speedwagon Beach Boys. Remember. Remember the times that we laughed and cried. Have fun. It has been great. It still is great. It's a joy, it's a treat.

Life. What a ride.

Don't be sad. Remember the awesome moments that I have seen. Sinking a 20 foot putt at the golf tournament this year with my daughter watching. Playing poker at Mike M's house with fruitloops. Three awesome kids. I once rode 120 miles in one day on a bicycle. I ran the 15k Tulsa run. I loved. Oh my, did I love. If you are reading this, I probably love you. I have met and walked this life with the most awesome people.

Have a party. It is good. It is all good. I so look forward to seeing you again so that I can hug your neck.

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

do you worry?

Do you worry when someone is upset with you? I think most people do. Being a pleaser, I would prefer that you not be upset with me. But, as I get older, I am handling it better. You know, you can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you just cannot please all of the people, all of the time.

Here is how I am combating worry. If you are wrong, or if you did wrong, apologize, stop worrying and do better in the future. If you did no wrong, then do not worry if they are upset.

At any rate, what will we gain by feeling badly when someone is upset with you or me? Fix it if you can, try to make it right, but at some point we have to move on. We cannot ruin the rest of our life because someone else cannot get past something. Love them, and get on with life. There is too much good to see and do for us to be weighted down by the rock of dysfunctional worry.

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

Daneel Gurrola

When I was at the pastor's camp in California, along Wurr Road there is a memorial set up for Daneel Gurrola. She was a young woman who died, I believe in her 30's, I am embarrassed to say that I did not write down her birthdate, only her name and the day she died, June 6th, 2005. There was a bench, a headstone, flowers, ornaments and birthday cards.

Three years after the fact, those who love her still keep watch and tend to this solitary memorial along side a quiet mountain road. Such ongoing care speaks to the dedication of her friends and family, and to the special nature of the young woman.

There is very little information that I could find on the internet about the woman. A grief note posted this brief comment.

"In Loving Memory of Daneel Ann Gurrola
Time was not enough for us but your love will last a lifetime. I will always cherish your love, friendship and your selflessness. You were and will always be my love."

I am tempted to comment on the brevity of life. I think of this often. However, something else strikes me about this story. The love that is on display at this memorial reaches out and grabs you. This memorial is in a small meadow next to the road. Someone cut steps into the dirt embankment with a shovel so that you can get up there to remember her.

So here is my point. The people around us are very precious. Cathy, Alli, Jenny, Scott and all of you readers. You are very precious. We should never take those around us for granted. We should be kind to them. Let's show them our love and appreciation every day that we can. Soon enough, there will be grave stones to visit. Say a kind word today. Hug a neck. The people around you are God's gifts to you.

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

a truly kind act

Yesterday, a nice couple from church came over to the house and planted some flowers. Blue Salvia and Periwinkle. They did not do this because I am sick, old or infirmed. They did this simply because they know that I love flowers and things that grow.

They insisted that I not help with the planting. They wanted to do this for me.

Now I have got to tell you, this is a very funny feeling. Someone is doing something nice for me, and I don't deserve it. I am helpless, just there to standby and watch as they pull some weeds and replace them with the flowers. I could have done this for myself, but someone else was doing it for me. It is the strangest feeling. We are so used to helping others. We have been taught to give ourselves away. Grace is often easier to give to another, than to receive for one's self.

Grace. When the yard of your soul was full of weeds, Jesus stopped by to help. What he did, he did alone. For you. You watch it all happen and you cannot believe that someone loves you that much. That is grace. The free gift of God, given with out reservation to each of us through Jesus Christ.

I hope someone plants flowers for you in your yard today. But if they don't, remember that God has planted a cross in your yard. Take some time to consider the meaning of this selfless act.

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

the merry go round

I was talking to someone the otherday who described their life like this:

Round and round it goes. Whirling, twirling. Faster and faster. We throw our kids on our family's merry go round and off we go. Spinning, spinning, busy so busy. Even if it ever stops, I think my head will still spin.

Sometimes the merry go round isn't so much fun. Are you too busy? Going round and round? How about a pause. How about a stop. How about a re-evaluation of our families priorities. What are they learning from this merry go round that will help them in 30 years?

Are we missing the chance to give them the things that are really important because we are spending all this time on the merry go round?

Push me will you?
No, I won't. Get off, take a break, let your soul get reconnected to your life purpose.

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

making a difference

Do you ever wonder if you are making a difference? Am I making a difference with my kids, am I making a difference in my work, is my life making a difference?

There are probably few questions that are as painful as wondering if you are making a difference. I think most people wonder from time to time, whether they are.

I want to offer a few thoughts. Making a difference is usually not measured by some grandiose accomplishment. It is usually not measured with fanfare and accolades. Making a difference usually happens one person, one moment at a time. When we encounter another person, it is a chance for us to make a difference. They may never say thanks, they may never tell you how wonderful you are, but you still made a difference.

Doing the right things is reward enough. To know that you cared about someoone, to know that you acted in faith, in love, to know that instead of being negative and dragging someone down, you were a dispenser of grace. If you did this, you made a difference.

You may never have a statue erected in your honor, but you will have jewels in your crown. Just stay after it. Doing the right things is an ongoing battle of a good heart to act with purpose in a confusing world. One sign of truly successful people is that they just keep getting up in the morning and putting one hopeful foot in front of the other in pursuit of the good.

You are making a difference. Keep going.

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

home

I just spent a week in some of God's most beautiful country. Truly awe inspiring. To walk among the redwoods is an amazing thing.

It was a long flight home. Fortunately there were open seats on the plane, so when the kid was kicking my seat and whining to his momma, I was able to move to a more quiet area.

The plane arrived early. I was waiting at the baggage claim, but I had one eye out for that good looking wife. Where is she. Try not to act too excited. Where is she. Where is she. Ah. I see her. I am packed in by a crowd around the baggage claim, but I leave my hard fought spot to embrace my wife. I keep my head down. I am crying. We hug. We hug for a long time. Seems like longer than a week. It is good to be home.

Home.

Home is not in the redwoods. Home is not on the beach. Home is the place where you are loved. Wherever that is. That is your home. Even if you live alone, you know where your friends are.

You are always at home at the Woods Chapel Church. Someone there loves you. God does. I do. You are awesome. You belong here. We are family. It is Sunday, see you in church. Welcome home.

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

4th of July

The 4th of July should be spent with people that you love. It is a day that is marked on my mental calendar every year of my life. How many fourth of July's do I remember? All of them.

Last night, I spent the first one alone, that I can remember. Redwood City had a nice show. About like at Royals stadium on fireworks night.

When I was a kid, my parents told me that all of the fireworks were for my birthday. Now the years go by, and I remember every town I lived in and every fireworks show that we saw.

I stood last night with 100 people in silence, plus a few quiet ooos and ahhhs. We humans are mesmerized by fireworks.

Well, let's take a moment to thank God for our country and for our families. Later today, I am flying home.

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

the city

Yesterday I visited the city.

Fog. Cold. In July yet. Hard to find a place to park. A melting pot. Every size, shape, and race of people, all mixed together. Different languages. Chinese, Russian, Spanish, German. I tried to speak to all of them in English. I do need to get smarter.

The hum of an electric bus.

Walking. Walking more.

Ask someone who looks like they know. Some are friendly, some keep to themselves.

The hum of another electric bus.

Fisherman’s wharf. Very busy. More touristy than I remember. Where is my wife? How did I get here by myself? I am ready to come home.

A bench. Time to read. Great place to read.

A boat ride on the bay. Cold. Foggy. Wet.

Cable cars.
Cable car line.
Cable car ride.

the smell of wooden brakes burning...
Fun. Let’s do it again.
Sorry, another time.

The hum of another electric bus.

Is the car still where I left it?
Yes.
Drive back to the camp.

Stop and take pictures of the beach.
Call Bruce.

Last night at the camp.
I hope I am smarter.

Many wonderful things I have seen today. There is so much beauty, so much good, and so much of it is back home in Kansas City.

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

Baptism

Sometimes I am asked why we baptize children. For some reason I feel the need to comment on this today.

First of all, we tell our children what they can wear, where they will go to school, and when to come home. We decide where they will live, what is on the dinner table and if they get to have a friend spend the night. Why shouldn't parents decide that their children will be raised as Christians?

The most important part of baptism is not "our decision." The most important part of baptism, as in any encounter with God, is God's action. God always plays the principle role in the drama of rescue.

Abraham decided that his entire clan would pick up and follow this God to a new land. They didn't take a vote. Examples in the New Testament make it clear that the head of the house made spiritual decisions for the entire family. Read about the Philippian jailer in Acts 16. It is a clear implication in this story that his children were baptized, along with the rest of his house.

Those who insist that children should not be baptized until they are older, can show no scriptural evidence of this ever happening. There are no recorded incidents of children who were born to believers being brought for baptism at some age of accountability. That idea makes it sound like our faith is all about what we decide. Remember, God plays the principle role in the drama of rescue. The fawn may think that it is all grown up, making decisions and being in charge, but you know that the momma deer is close by, guiding, directing and protecting.

For more on this topic click on this link

http://www.jeffbrinkman.com/TH_Baptism.html

Now since I mentioned a momma and a baby deer, ............I wanted to share this picture with you that I took yesterday.

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

when your friends don't believe

On June 24th I posted some thoughts on winning people to Jesus Christ. Anonymous commented as follows:

"This has been a hot topic in our household. We have friends who are not Christians and have actually said negative things about us "giving in to organized religion". I have tried to describe to them how awesome our church is and how we are a church of grace and how the church is involved in the community and incredible mission work. It doesn't seem to matter. They are a family in such need of a church like ours, but they refuse to listen or consider it an option. Where do we go from here? We continue to pray for them, but each time we see them they are always struggling. Their negativity is almost unbearable."

First of all, I am fine with all of you commenting anonymously. I would probably do the same. I trust that since this comment was offered up for all on 6-24, it is ok for me to share it again and comment on it, because the pain of this story has been on my heart.

First let me say that I am glad that you have non-Christian friends. If Christians only hang around with other Christians, we will never win anyone to Jesus.

As I consider your comment, I feel your pain. I think most of us have had friends, people that we loved, that did not love the church and did not understand our commitment to it. 80% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. Half of them claim to attend church. What of the other half? They are usually down on "organized religion." Often these folks feel this way because they have been hurt by a church, a staff member, or a well meaning Christian that just drove them crazy.

The moral of the story is this. Churches need to stop hurting people. Staff people need to stop hurting people [I don’t think our staff hurts people.] Most of all, well meaning, judgemental Christians need to stop hurting people. I wonder what Jesus will say to judgemental Christians as they stand in front of the pearly gates………….”Welcome Friend, You would have brought many with you to heaven, but you hurt them too badly. I now give to you, what you were unable to give to them in life........ Grace....... Enter into the joy of the lord.”

Let me offer some suggestions to you about how to best reach your neighbors. Accept them. Love them. Model the love of God for them. Let them see that there is something real in your life and in your home. Wait for them to bring it up. They have been hurt too badly for you to work on them right now. When they are ready to talk, be positive. Tell them that you are sorry if the church has hurt them in the past. Tell them that at our church we really try to focus on the joy, the good, the grace, and the spiritual part of following Jesus Christ.

Offer to them, that I would be glad to visit with them, in your home, at their convenience, anytime.

Just give them love, and give them space. The very things that the church should have given them in the first place, they need now, more than ever.

It is a beautiful day in God’s world. Be sure to see the good.

California Afternoon Drive

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California Afternoon Drive

Driving in the coastal foothills
Sunglasses on
Brand new mustang
Old time rock and roll
California sun
Palms and pines
Cool crisp air
Wide-open road
The joy of being 50

I remember a day……..

Driving in the coastal foothills
Hard contacts in
63-Ford Galaxie
am radio
The beach boys were still boys
California sun
Palms and pines
Cool crisp air
Wide-open road
The world by the tail
The excitement of youth
The confusion of youth

I remember when I was a teen
And drove these roads.
It was such a happy time.
Or was it?
That was a long time ago
Was that really me?
What happened?
Where did the time go?

Later today
Redwood trees
A hike in the woods
Reading Bob and Sue's books
Talking with pastors
Getting smarter
California sun
The cool crisp air
Its ok being me at 50.

Chapter two.
I drive to the ocean
Wow. Amazing. Incredible.
I stop at the lighthouses and take pictures.
I park on the pier.
I grew up here.
Any Saturday that I wanted, for 7 years.
I walk the boardwalk.
I find a place on the beach.
I sit for an hour in the sand and read.
I used to run and play in these waves
Now, listening to them is enough.
I wonder about my old life.
It was so long ago
Over 30 years.
I miss my parents.
What would have happened if I had stayed here?
I am reading a book about dreams.
What were my dreams like when I lived here?
Not good.
What dreams has God given me since then?
A hundred fold. No, a million fold.
You can’t go back.
It is just never the same.
You can visit, but you can’t go back.

What are your dreams?
Are you pursuing them?
It glorifies God when we discover his dreams for us and then set our lives to accomplishing them.

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

acts of kindness get me on the plane, just in time

Yesterday I told you that I barely made it onto the airplane. Let me explain. My flight left at 8:40am. Jenny dropped me off at the terminal at 7:30. I noticed a long line for the sky cap. Long, like 100 yards long. I go inside. The line is much, much longer inside. In fact, I cannot see the end of the line inside. I choose the skycap line.

It seems that Skills USA was in KC this past week. 14,000 young people, who are now all leaving for home on SW airlines. No one is around from the airline to explain what is going on. You just wait.

Acts of kindness. Well, I don’t have any one dollar bills to tip the skycap, if we ever get to the front of the line. No one has change for a twenty. The person behind me in line gives me $2. Act of kindness number one. Don’t worry about it, he says, just pay it forward. You look like a nice guy, find a way to help someone else out.

As I think back on his words now, my eyes are tearing up. Help someone else out? You bet I will.

Now the line is taking forever. Up towards the front, there is a group of 20 that has a 9:30 flight. They invite us to go around them. Act of kindness number 2. I check in with the sky cap. My baggage gets the “late check in” tag. It may not be in San Francisco when I arrive. Oh, well. The time is 8:35. 5 minutes until scheduled take off.

I run for the gate. Backpack on my back, computer case in hand, I run like a track star. I hurtle a trash can. I arrive at security. Another nice line. They are calling over the loud speaker “last call, flight 2756. If you are in the security line for flight 2756, please move up to the front.” I give the best “poor pitiful me” look that I can. I ask to pass. Every one of the 30 people in line ahead of me graciously give way. Act of kindness number 3.

Now it is down to the wire. There is an airline employee calling for anyone else for flight 2756. I make eye contact. I am still on the wrong side of the scanner. I am ripping off my hat, shoes, hurry pull out the computer. Go, go. Go, dog do. Hurry he says. Thanks.

I step into the scanner. I flunk. I step back, they make me empty my pockets and take off my belt.

I make it through. I grab my stuff and start to run. Hold the door, hold the door. I step into the plane. I am holding a computer case, a backpack and my shoes. The computer is under my arm as it hasn’t made it back to the case yet. My pants are starting to sag. I realize that my belt is back at security. So is whatever else was in my pockets.

I find a seat. Phew. Thank God. And thank you to the people who helped me along the way. Security man, you have a new belt, keep it, I will get another.

Later on the flight, I am reading and crying like a baby. It’s all good.

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

do you know where I am?

Ill bet that you don’t know where I am right now [as I write this] that is because I don’t know where I am either. I am at 30,000 feet, somewhere between KCI and LAX. I am writing to you in this plane because I cannot contain myself. I cannot begin to tell you what I am feeling at this moment.

As you know, I have been and will be on renewal leave for a few more weeks. Several have asked what I have been doing on this “long vacation.”

I have 3 goals for this renewal leave……..

to work on sermon titles, finding inspiration
to pray about our dreams and visions for our future
to read thru the Bishop and District Superintendent’s book list……….

Here is the book list that I am working on. It contains a collection of books recommended by conference officials and other smart people.


17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork
21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day
7 Practices of Effective Ministry
Ambition In Ministry
Art of Managing People
Become A Better You
Being Methodist in The Bible Belt
building a church of small groups
Case for the Real Jesus
Christian Chaos
Church Leadership
Creating a Healthier Church
cultivating fruitfulness
direct hit
Dreamgiver
Effectiveness By The Numbers
Externally Focused Church
Faithquakes
First Break All The Rules
forever young diet
fragile hope
God At The Crossroads
good to great
Grace Awaking
Holy Discontent
I Refuse to Lead A Dying Church
Jesus Mean And Wild
Kicking Habits
Leadership on The Other Side
Leading Beyond the Walls
Life Lessons
Losing Moses on the Freeway
Managing Transitions
Power of Now
Praying Naked
Prophet
purpose driven church
Radical Outreach
Revolution
Riding With The Blue Moth
rhythms of life
Servant
Shaped By God's Hear
simple church
Simply Strategic Growth
Simply Strategic Stuff
Simply Strategic Volunteers
Spiritual Entrepreneur
Starbucks Experience
Summoned To Lead
Surprising Insights from the Unchurched
Take The Next Step
The Life You Have Always Wanted
Total Forgiveness
Twelve Keys To An Effective Church
Unbinding the Gospel
Visioneering
We Heard The Bird Sing
Wired Church

Today, I barely made it on the airplane. The line to check baggage was an hour long. But, I finally made it, shoes off, running for the plane as if I were in a Hertz commercial. I am on the way to a pastors camp in California.

I have read [not word for word, more like digested] about 20 of these books so far, and I want you to know that the first one that I picked up on this plane made me cry like a baby. I am a sobbing fool. People next to me are looking at me, wondering if something is wrong. “no, nothing is wrong, everything is right!” they are good tears. I am so filled with hope and anticipation for what God is going to do at our church, I should be coming home to preach right now, not flying away for a week.

I want to ask you to pray for your church. For the future of your church. What is going on in your heart? What is God doing? Is there a passion in your heart? Is God stirring something within you?

Life is too short for us to live on auto pilot.

It is a beautiful day in God’s world. Be sure to see the good.

Royals 7, Cardinals 2

It was a great night at the ball park. Thank you to those who got us the nice tickets. I love going to the K. It isn't even always about who wins and loses. The guys are so talented, it is amazing to watch them make the plays.

I am a Kansas City fan. I am also a St. Louis fan. My mom was from Kirkwood. We grew up there in the summers when I was a kid.

At the game tonight there were 35,000 people. At least half of them were Cardinal fans. We got to be nice to cardinal fans sitting in front of us. It is always good to be nice to people, even when they are not rooting for the home team. Grace is always good to give. Polish dogs, nachos and more. It was all very good.

After the game, the Friday night fireworks show, paid for by Hy Vee. Hey, Hi Vee, save the money on the fireworks and charge me less for groceries. Seriously, it was an awesome show.

We ran into Adam W at the game. Also saw Cam and Bean. Great boys, all three. I am so proud of all three of them. Their parents, and our church have raised some great kids.

Rain. Yes it started to rain. Just as we got to the car. The rainstorm held off until we got out of the stadium and into the cover of the car. Now at home, it is raining cats and dogs.

A great night at the ball park. Thank you.

We are so blessed to be able to enjoy such luxuries of life as a professional baseball game. Never take such blessings for granted.

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

we don't all look the same

"Evangelism is not my reproducing in you what faith in God looks like it me. Evangelism is calling others to a faith in which my way with God may not be God's way with you. There are many ways to experience the love of God and live the life of Christ." Leonard Sweet

Cookie cutters we are not made with. Let me focus on the positive, constructive pursuit of God in Jesus Christ,, and may you do the same. We still will look a little different and that is ok. I am ok if you don't look like me. That may even be a good thing for you.

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

the post Christian society

I have been doing some reading this past week. This will come as no surprise to some of you. Others may struggle with this thought.

I think the younger folks will understand and agree, my generation and those older than I am, may still wish that America could return to it's Christian roots.

Without taking up the argument over how our country was founded, many Christian authors have come to the conclusion that we no longer live in the "church age." They mean that the church is no longer the strong force in the community that it used to be. Many people, and I meet them at Woods Chapel, show up at church in their thirties and have never attended church before!! We are no longer offering church to a nation of people who must simply pick their denomination, we are now missionaries in an increasingly secular and pluralistic society.

Now, we may wish it were different. We may wish that all of this would change, but the fact is that many of your neighbors do not attend church. Many have never been to church. Those who do attend church are often not as regular as my parent's generation. We let many things get in the way of our commitments to the church.

The long and short of this is that you and I are missionaries. We are sent by God into a post-Christian society. The institution of the church is no longer going to survive simply because the congregation built a building. For churches to thrive, the members have to "go into all the world," as Jesus asked his disciples. If we simply sit and wait for good folks to come to us, eventually we will dwindle and die.

Have you ever thought that you live in the mission field? Right now, there are people around you who are not just Presbyterians that don't go anywhere anymore, they are totally secular, or pagan as the old testament says. Such an awareness calls us to take seriously the need for us to be ready to share our faith.

You may be able to control the shape of your home and keep it as a strong Christian home, but all around us are those who have no idea what your church is about or what it means to be a Christian. These folks are waiting for a good word from you. Many of them know that you are a Christian and they are wondering about you. Let the way you treat your spouse and kids, let the general sense of love that you carry, be a witness to them of the amazing love of God.

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

more thoughts on winning people

Are we winning people? If we are not, what are we doing? It is so easy to become comfortable with a church that serves me, a church that I am comfortable with, but is that why the church exists?

Tough questions. When was the last time that you hung around with someone who was different than you are? When was the last time you shared your faith? Invited someone to your church?

There are 10,000 things to discuss with friends on the back deck. At some point, carefully, your faith should be one of them. Pick a good time and reach out to them. If God's love and the fellowship of the church has been good for you, it may be just what they are looking for.

This is our primary task. Reaching out, beyond our comfort zone, and inviting people, in non-threatening ways, to faith in Christ. If we are not doing this, what are we doing?

Random thoughts. Always be ready to give answer of the faith that lies within you.

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

thoughts on winning people

Winning people to Jesus Christ. Making Disciples. Connecting people to Jesus Christ. However you say it, it is the primary task of Christians. As Clay said on Sunday, we have to be out looking for the lost sheep.

Some Christians never bear witness of their faith. They are timid or afraid. Others are so obnoxious or self-righteous that they drive away the very people that they are trying to win. I think that is why some Christians are so quiet about their faith, they don't want to be perceived as being pushy.

In a world that focuses on instant results, we forget that it is not our job to save people. That is God's job. You cannot force someone to choose Christ, that decision is their choice. If you are so worried about closing the sale that you drive the person away, you may want to look at your methods. I have watched well meaning Christians push people too hard and then when their witnessing meets with rejection, they tell the person, "well, I will keep praying for you." Maybe the person who needs to be prayed for is the pushy person.

We do not close the sale. God closes the sale. Jesus never gave an altar call. In fact, they did not exist in the life of the church before the ministry of Charles Finney in the mid 1800s. How did God win people before that? No altar calls? The same way that he has been winning people since the beginning of time. He offers the information, and people make their choices.

You see, the message of the gospel is very powerful. The love of God, forgiveness of sin, the opportunity for a right relationship with God thru Jesus Christ, is very compelling. It sells itself if it is held out appropriately.

I hope that you are praying for friends and family members that are not Christians. I also hope that you are considering and praying about the ways that you try to go about influencing them. My mother used to say, "you win more flies with honey that you do with vinegar." God's love is a very powerful thing. If we model that, lets let him close the sale. Only he can do that anyway.

It's a beautiful [but rainy] day in God's world, be sure to see the good, be sure to share God's love.

yesterday's sermons

Well, I heard that Clay did a great job yesterday. Jesus left the 99 to find the one. Hmm... maybe it's not about me. Be sure to say thank you to Clay.

Yesterday, I went to another local United Methodist Church for the 830 service. The lead pastor was not there. The associate who was preaching apologized to me that I would not hear their "best" guy. Well the sermon that I heard was awesome. The pharisee and the publican. Great stuff. Stuff I have been thinking about. I was actually going to use that passage when I ended up in the hospital. Read it. There is much to think about there. You will find it in Luke 18:9-14.

Later I went to the 11am service at another UMC and heard a great sermon on "the lilies of the field do not worry." This preacher delivered the message without a single note, and it was awesome.

Never take for granted the ability to sit in church and worship. To just soak up whatever is going on with no worries. To take it all in and relax. I usually do not get to do this, but I got to do it yesterday. It was wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity.

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

Home

There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home. So said Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. She was right.

We are creatures of habit and creatures of comfort. It is good for me to be home from the missions trip. It is good to see my family and "my peeps" as my son would say. It is good to see how much the flowers and trees have grown while I was gone.

My bed, my chair, my yard. Ahh, the comfort of home.

For the christian, we are always at home in the comfort of God's love. Even when things are tough, God's loving hand is present to comfort and guide us. You are never a stranger in the circle of God's love. As Amy sang last Sunday, "there are no orphans of God."

If you have been away, come home and rest in God's love.

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

Uptown Station, day 4

Day 4 or 5 depending on how you count. We will be leaving to come home today. While I was here, I was with a group of 7 that worked on Ozzie's house. Ozzie is I guess about 45. He is engaged to be married. His fiance recently became ill and has been in the hospital. His home was severely damaged by the storm. A very kind and gracious man.

In the process of the restoration of his home, we hung some sheet rock, taped, mudded and sanded. It is still not ready to paint. You might ask, "what difference did you make?" You might wonder if the trip was worth it. Well, yes it was worth it, and yes we made a difference. It may take a long time, but one person at a time, one work team at a time, Ozzie's house is coming back.

We tend to be so results oriented, it is hard to work like that and not see the finished project. Yet, every person plays a role, every hand carries a load. Never underestimate the power of even the smallest act of kindness. Momentum begins with a very small push. It grows and grows by continued small pushes until the thing is moving towards a positive conclusion.

What you do today matters. How you choose to spend your time and energy can change the world, one step at a time.

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

keep helping

Yes, they have been helped before. Yes, they have squandered some of their resources. They are still in need.

It is very easy for us to turn up our noses at the homeless or needy. We wish they would get a job. We wish they would manage what money they had. We wish. They are still in need.

We get lost in our world. We put our kids on expensive teams. We go on cruises. We own lake homes. We own expensive homes and cars. They are still in need.

It is better to give and to be taken advantage of from time to time, then to withhold a kindness and have someone with a legitimate need be turned away. Yes they may go buy a bottle of wine. Let me ask you a question. "If you lived under an overpass, wouldn't you want a bottle of wine?" These people are still in need.

Whether at Westport, New Orleans, Greensburg, Russia, Guatemala or in your own back yard, keep helping.

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17

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

Uptown Station, Day 2

Yesterday we hung sheet rock at Otis's house. And we taped and mudded. Last night the entire group went into the quarter and ate dinner at a very nice seafood restaurant. As I said yesterday, this is a good group of folks. There is still much to do in New Orleans.

This morning we are watching the news. Flooding along the Mississippi. Everyone is concerned. Join me and pray for those being affected by the rising waters.

Also on the news, we saw some of the tribute to Tim Russert. Regardless of what you may have thought of his politics, he was certainly an enjoyable, friendly, loving man. His untimely death at the age of 58 is a reminder to all of us again of the brevity of life. Luke Russert, his 18 [approx] year old son, referred to his father as "a force of nature." That reminded me of one of my favorite quotes.

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap… and being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievance, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." George Bernard Shaw

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

Uptown Station, Day 1

I woke up today in New Orleans with 20 other folks from Woods Chapel. Kyle and I flew down yesterday to join the others who arrived on Sunday. It is a cohesive group of kind and caring people who have made the commitment to give themselves away for a week by helping those who are still living in trailers, post Katrina.

Why do these groups always get along so well? Maybe it is Bob's cooking. Maybe it is te fact that they are gathered together around a common heartfelt cause. Maybe they are just good, healthy, mature human beings.

I read a book on the way down here on the plane about healthy churches and how they get that way. One of the main points of the book is that leaders and members should choose to fight off anxiety. When something happens that we don't like, human nature is to become anxious. When one becomes anxious, often others will feed off of that and there is an anxiety feeding frenzy.

What if instead of getting stressed and stressing everyone else out, leaders and members chose to relax and see the good. I like that thought. Choosing to believe that things will work out, that everything is ok, they become healers instead of fire starters.

Healthy churches are able to focus on their mission because they are not distracted by every little upset fruitbasket that comes along. Sounds like good advice.

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

In appreciation

There are people at Woods Chapel, who work hard every day. And not for fame or fortune do they strive. But the fruit of their labor is worth more than their pay, and its time a few of them were recognized.

Thank you for yesterday. Thank you for the golf tournament. Thank you for helping over 40 children be adopted in the last few years. Thank you for sponsoring and playing. Thank you for cooking the Italian sausages. Thank you for the joy that we feel when we see each other.

By the way, David you about killed me yesterday. You came up to me and you said so many nice things, I just about couldn't take it. You have a gift of kindness and a way with words. Your heart popped right out and I was touched. Thank you so much for taking those few moments to speak to me over by the silent auction. You are awesome.

Back to saying thank you. Aaron, Michelle, Peter, Lisa, and so many others. I should not mention names. You are reading this and you know you were a part of making this happen. It was a great day and lives are going to be touched because of this. Take joy in that! Tiger Woods won his 14th major, but yesterday, you participated in helping to connect people to Jesus Christ. Thank you.

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

home office

I have always had a home office. For years, it was a corner on the kitchen table. With a Bible and a few books on a shelf beside me, I would take over a piece of the table when I needed to work on a sermon.

With the advent of computers, my office needs grew. I needed some real space. Over the years my office moved around. Mostly because my wife gets tired of the house being arranged in a particular way, and I am thrown out of one space and relegated to another.

In the past 3 years, I have been nearly homeless as far as office space goes at home. I started in a nice little room in the basement. My wife sold me this house based on the promise, "look here is a great room in the basement for your office."

Then Scott got bigger and wanted more space. The house Nazi decided that Scott should take over my office and that I should move to his old bedroom. Fine. Let's do it. Unplug, unplug, unplug. Carry, carry, carry. Plug in, plug in, plug in. Look for lost things.

About a year ago, she took a new job where she works from home when she is not on the road. She needs an office in the home now. No, I know what you are thinking. I asked her if we could share. She didn't even say anything, she just grinned and shook her head. I was out again.

This time I moved to a little nook off of the kitchen. Small, cozy, and constantly overrun by cats warming themselves on the laptop or children who for some reason could not locate their computers. At times, the TV was too loud and the Wii became an attraction of bodies that spilled over into my "office," but the space was convenient and I was with my family alot.

While I was in the hospital, she decided that my office was messy. She decided that she wanted that space back. I had to move. Where should I go? She didn't care. When I came home one day, all of my stuff was moved to the basement. Unplugged, piled up, in a corner against a wall. I am an outcast, a vagabond. To add insult to injury, I can see my original office over there not far, in the other part of the basement, but it is infested with teenage boy now, and you can't get in there. I am just going to have to make it work out here in the basement.

I push my little table over to a window and set up shop. It is cold, and I am off by myself, but having been here for a while, I have noticed something. When I stop thinking about how my feelings have been hurt, when I stop feeling bullied, and look around, there are some pretty cool things just outside the window.

Looking out my new office window, I see blue corn flowers, sedum, a Japanese maple, a plum tree, a cleveland pear, lillys, hostas, red buds, and a statue of St. Francis. Sometimes I see squirrels and rabbits running around. Sometimes I watch a little black dog chasing them. Go black dog, go.

You know, when I get my mind off of the pain of being pushed around and dominated, and just look for the good, there is plenty of it to see. Blue sky, green grass, the woods, and all of my favorite trees and flowers, right outside my office window.

Maybe this is going to work out alright after all. [Don't tell her that I like it, she may make me move again.]

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

for pastors 1

Yesterday I spoke of credit and responsibility. Let me offer some thoughts to my pastor friends who may read this.

Pastors. We live on good will. When you lose the good will of the people, you are toast, you are done. Stick a fork in it. You can make every excuse in the world, but we have the ability to create positive, hope filled relationships, or to lose them.

Don't react to unhappiness in the flock. Love them. They are good folks. It will all come around. If you act like something is wrong, people will feed on that. If you tell them that everything is ok, they will relax. Show them faith. Show them trust and love.

Don't ever take credit. Give credit to staff or leaders. If you need the credit, there is something wrong in your heart. let others receive the accolades. It never sounds quite right when someone is blowing their own horn.

Take responsibility. If something is going poorly in the church, whose responsibility is it if it isn't yours? Problems flow uphill. Accept responsibility. Never sacrifice a staff person or a leader when a problem occurs. Take responsibility for the problem, even if it isn't yours. You will save the staff person or the leader, and in time, everyone will figure out what really happened.

Get your ego out of the way. The important thing is the ministry of Jesus Christ. He learned a great deal thru the things that he suffered.

Look past the unhappiness. See the good. Outlive the problem of today so that you can live to be a part of tomorrow's ministry. It sounds odd, but taking credit will ruin your reputation with people. Taking responsibility will help you gain their trust. People hate it when you are all about you and they love it when someone steps in to solve a problem, especially if someone else created it.

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

credit and responsibility

I don't know if I have written about this before, but it is on my mind again today, so here we go. Last night I visited with a couple of stellar human beings who are doing awesome things. They don't want any credit, they don't want to be noticed, they don't even want to be thanked. The joy of doing the thing is all that they need.

It is human nature to need a pat on the back from time to time. Sometimes though, we humans are too interested in receiving credit. If you are involved in a good idea and someone asks you about it, do you immediately take the credit, or do you deflect it to others who worked on the idea too?

I think it is bad form to take the credit. When we do, we tend to sound like, its all about me. If you generated something good, don't worry, you won't have to blow your own horn. Sooner or later, people will figure out that you were involved in that neat thing without you ever saying a word. That is good form.

Responsibility. When something goes wrong, do you take responsibility? Someone once told me that "responsibility belongs to those who are willing to bear it." Now, I want to be careful here. I am working very hard to help teenagers learn to take responsibility. It is not healthy for me to save them all the time. But, if you are a manager, don't blame your subordinates. Who hired them after all? If something goes wrong, take responsibility. When something is wrong and no one takes responsibility, a small scale war can erupt. When someone stands up and takes responsibility, immediately the blame game is over and you can begin to work on making the situation whole.

Human nature says, take credit and dodge responsibility. I think that we should give credit and take responsibility. When we do, relationships are healthier, people are blessed, and you have the opportunity to play the role of the healer.

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

leadership

Wise words provided by a friend:

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He or she does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles...They don't flock -You find them one at a time." --Unknown

The kind of person that you are will create opportunities to influence others. People are drawn to those who are filled with grace, joy and kindness. True character is it's own reward.

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

bad news

Dear Friend,

So they gave you bad news. Yes they did. They told you that you might have cancer. They told you that if it is cancer, it is serious. Well, listen to me. There are ten things that this could be that are not the big C. And, you have caught this early, very early.

Sometimes I know things. I don't know why, but I do. I can't talk about this in a sermon, but anonymously I will tell the computer that it is like a gift of knowledge. Sometimes I just know things. I can not tell you the number of times that I have talked to people with a bad diagnosis and I just knew they were going to be fine, and they were.

You are going to be fine. I know that you are. I know that I know that I know. From the top of my head to the souls of my feet, I know that you are going to be fine. The next few months will not be fun, but you are going to live many more years.

Don't worry, rest in God's arms. They are big and strong. In Him, you can find rest for your soul.

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

when we die

Today, my 17 year old son is going to a funeral for his friend. Please don't say anything to him about it. The wound is very fresh and this is a pain that he has not felt before. Just shake his hand and talk to him, joke with him. He will want to joke. Where does he get that? Sometimes people use humor to distance themselves from pain.

Well, that is why we should speak to everyone. "How are you? Glad to see you." Often we are so caught up in our own stuff that we don't even see the other people. What if they just came from a funeral, and we were so lost in our own junk that we didn't take the time to care? I am not sure that "I am sorry, I didn't know" is a very good excuse. We should practice the kind of hospitality that understands that every single person needs someone to reach out.

When we die. Don't worry about it. Don't be afraid. If you are a Christian, upon your death you will fly to the bosom of Almighty God. People don't even really die, they just move from one life to the next. Your last breath here on earth will be your first breath in heaven.

An interesting thing about humans and death. Those who have faced death and lived, are usually no longer afraid of it. It is like they have already made peace with God, or caught a glimpse of the other side. They live their lives with a different perspective.

Aren't you glad that God's grace is greater than ours? I am sure that many people that we have counted out will be welcomed in by our heavenly Father. He is far more forgiving than we are. I am glad that it is not our job to decide who gets in. Let's just make sure that we are faithful, the only person you can control is you.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. That is not a bad thing.

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

Annual Conference

Dare I write about Annual Conference? A few preacher friends read this blog. I love you all, whether we agree or not. This blog is about seeing the good. That is what I try to do.

Annual Conference is a 4 day meeting that takes place around June 1st every year. It is the Methodist Church in Missouri's annual decision time. At annual conference, the budget is negotiated, reports are heard, sermons are delivered, workshops are held and appointments are set. New friends are made, old friends are caught up with.

I always hear some complaining from someone. They didn't get the appointment that they wanted, some person in leadership they don't like, etc. This year someone was complaining about the Bishops new emphasis on fruitfulness. I didn't say anything when they were complaining, but what I wanted to say was, "so you prefer unfruitfulness?"

I thought there were some good things to celebrate this year. After major changes last year, more students are being reached in college ministry with fewer conference dollars, and the vital ministries that were removed from the budget last year have done what they needed to do. They have left the budget, but they have entered the hearts of the local churches and actually received more money this year than last.

Clay, Gina and Sherri were all appointed as associate pastors, and yes, you are stuck with me for another year.

There are always signs of goodness if you know where to look. lets go find it today.

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

denied entrance

Last night I had a dream. I think I dream almost every night. Some of them are entertaining, some of them are thought provoking.

Last night in my dream I was on a church trip with about 10 people. We were in a country like Jamaica. We had a good time, we did lots of fun things, then it was time to go home.

Before we left the hotel, a government official came by and told the group that I would not be allowed to re-enter the United States. I was going to be held in this other country because of some unknown charge.

The rest of our party was very worried, but I told them to go on without me. Everything would be fine. I had strong confidence in my dream of my own ability to reason my way out of the trouble. Somehow I was going to explain my situation and justify myself and resolve the problem.

I woke up. That was the end of the dream. I don't know how it played out, but I will tell you what I woke up thinking.

How many people do you and I know who expect to enter heaven based on their own goodness, their own righteousness. I have been a good, ethical person, surely I can explain myself to God and he will let me in.

Well for the Christian, we have a different approach. When the time comes for us to stand before God, we will not plead our own righteousness, we will simply say, I am a Christ-follower. Jesus has spoken on my behalf.

God's grace will make the way clear for us into eternity, and God's grace helps us today. In this life, we need to keep in mind that all that we are and all that we have are gifts from God. "But for the grace of God go I." We are not as smart, as beautiful, as competent as we think. We always need to be mindful of the gifts of God's grace.

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

tears

One of life's great pains has struck. His heart was heavy. He stepped into the room and hugged her neck. From the bottom of his heart came deep sobbing. He cried and cried. She held him. He had lost a friend.

So many people need to cry, so many people have heavy hearts. They carry the weight and they carry the pain, looking for a place and a time to let it out. There is such a need to let people cry. Such a need to be a safe person.

Who is around you that may need a hug? Who is around you whose heart is heavy with grief? Do we know how to pay attention and look for them? Do you have someone to go to with your grief? How long has it been since you hugged someone's neck and cried like a baby. I hope you don't feel the need to cry, but if you do, find a friend and hug their neck and let it go.

It is the ministry of Jesus to comfort those who grieve.

you can lead a horse to water

You have all heard it said. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink. It is so true. You can preach a good sermon, and no one take it to heart. You can give life advice to a young person, and they ignore it. The Bishop and conference leaders can beg churches to be outward focused, but it is hard for some people to change. You can tell the story of Jesus Christ in a compelling of a way as possible, and the listener still may not accept him.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Why? Isn't the horse thirsty? At some point, you would think that people would finally choose the good, but they don't always. Sometimes, in spite of your best efforts, the people around you are going to choose the convenient path over the healthy path.

All you can do is what you can do. Keep singing that song. Keep raising that teen. Keep holding up the gospel. It is our job to do and say the right things in ways that are grace based. We cannot control the persons response.

Take consolation in doing well. Maybe one day, the horse will drink, but it is still as always, up to the horse.

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

thou shalt not steal, pt 2

Yesterday I told the story of the plants that were taken from the church. I suggested yesterday that you keep an eye on your neighbors who may be planting, and invite them to church.

Today, due to the gracefilled thoughts of a friend, I would like to add to that. If you catch your neighbor planting 2 hostas, a yellow rose and a lilly, tell them that our church would like to help them out. Get a list from them of other plants that they need and I will see that we find the funds to pay for them and the people to plant them for the neighbor.

Then invite them to church. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who persecute you. Grace is a beautiful thing. Mercy rejoices over judgement.

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

Thou shall not steal

Can you believe it? Someone stole from the church. They dug up two hostas, a lily and a yellow rose bush and carried them off. I cannot believe it. How would you live with yourself? Every time you looked at them, you would be reminded that you were a thief. If the hostas and the lily cost $10 each and the rose bush was $20, that is a total of $50. Isn't a clear conscience worth $50? Hostas and lilys and rose bushes are perennials too. Every single year for the rest of your life, you have to remember that you stole. And from a church. I cannot believe it.

Maybe it is your neighbor. Have they been working in the yard lately? Take a look at what they have planted. If it looks like a lily, two hostas and a yellow rose, ask them if they have a church. Could be that they need one.

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

pt 2 - recovery

Five weeks ago today, I was in the emergency room. It seems like a long time ago. In one more week I will be released from post surgical restrictions. I will once again be able to lift heavy things, exercise, and play sports. I will no longer have any excuses when my wife asks me to do something.

I had promised several of you a recap of my recovery. Here is the link to that story. I appreciate all of your prayers and support during this time. God bless you.

http://www.jeffbrinkman.com/Gallbladder_Part_II_-_Recovery.html

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

do you remember when?

Dear Child,

Do you remember when you were born? I do. I sang to your mother during labor. I held you in my arms and danced. Do you remember when I watched Sesame Street with you? Do you remember when I took you fishing? Canoeing? Do you remember the little above ground swimming pool that we had? That pool was alot of work.

Do you remember the first time I took you to Taco Bell? Your first day of school? Do you remember when I took you to the play ground? Do you remember me teaching you jokes? Do you remember the talks that we had about life and faith?

I remember trips to Chicago, the beach, Disneyworld, San Francisco and Worlds of Fun. Do you remember the double stroller? I remember every Halloween, every birthday, and every Christmas.

Now you are all grown up. It didn't happen over night. We have invested everything in you, we love you and we are proud of you. You are valuable in ways that you have not yet even discovered.

If this is how I feel about you, imagine how much God loves you.

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

Cancer Awareness Sunday

I can't say that I enjoyed the theme, but I was thankful for the opportunity to celebrate with our survivors. I was also surprised by the grief that I experienced during the 5pm service. It has been 13 years this July 17th that my Mom died. Mom lasted for 3 months after her diagnosis.

Anyway, yesterday, I was very proud of the Pams. I thought the walk was awesome. The luminaries were very neat. During the closing, a butterfly lit on my shirt and lingered for a while.

Let us continue to pray for those who have cancer. Let us rejoice with those who are in remission or are cancer free. Let us thank God for the gift of every person, and every day. Let us take nothing for granted.

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

Happy Birthday

We have all said it a million times, "happy birthday." Yesterday I ran into two people who were having birthdays. One was 58, the other 39. The amazing thing about both of them is that they were happy with their lives. They were content. You can not ask for anything more than that. To be content with your circumstances, your choices, your opportunities. That is a happy birthday.

The apostle Paul said it well,
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil 4:11-13

Happy Birthday my friends.

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