The Doxology

One of my favorite parts of worship is to stand and sing the doxology.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Some years ago, I stumbled onto what I call the doxology for pastors.  If you are a pastor, I hope this gets stuck in your head as it got stuck into mine.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all preachers here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

This old preacher loves to sing the doxology.  I hope that there is at least one piece of something at church that you love, that you connect to, that makes it feel like home.  Next time you are at church, stand and sing and feel the joy of... "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..."

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Levity

Recently I have had a couple of readers suggest that my blog needs a little more levity.  A little more humor.  A little more joy.

Ok, I am going to work on that, at least for today's post.

Let's laugh at me today...

True story:  I was out of town for 3 weeks.  I missed 3 or 4 Sundays of church.  Last Sunday, my first Sunday back, a new person was sitting in my seat.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I felt the angst that so many people  have described over the years.  

That particular seat is on the end, it is the correct distance back, it is right by that post, and it is next to my favorite stained glass window.   The one of Jesus loving the sheep.  It is two rows back of Coach and his wife.  It is just down from Essie and Lisa.  This is why this is my favorite seat.  I have sat in it for years.  But evidently not today.

I realize the humor of this moment.  For 30 plus years of ministry I asked people to make room for others and get over themselves.  But today, I have to ask myself to do the same.

I remember the first Sunday that we were at Cape Coral First UMC and my wife unknowingly sat in someone's regular seat.  When they arrived, they made it clear that she was in their spot.  How embarrassed they were later when the new preacher, me, introduced his wife!

Anyway, it was a great Sunday and I got a new perspective on things from a different seat.  I survived.  And honestly, I hope our visitor comes back!


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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Loving Self

I am a big fan of Richard Rohr and I read his devotionals religiously. [ha ha!]

The other day he wrote something about self care/self love. I am quoting here:

While many Christians understand compassion, mercy, and kindness to be essential in our interactions with others, we don’t always see these as core values for our relationship with ourselves. We neglect our self-care, directly and indirectly contributing to our pain and suffering. We judge ourselves for our own suffering, listening to the voice of our inner critic as it rehearses our shortcomings, our errors, and our deficiencies. As James teaches us, it doesn’t have to be this way (James 3:10).

Friends, we need to be kind to ourselves. Our parents may have taught us to be perfect. The church may have insisted on certain behaviors. We will never measure up. Go easy on yourself. Give yourself the same grace that you would give to someone who came to you for advice.

Kindness is good. Not just for others, but for yourself as well.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Sorrows

I have a friend that is struggling with sorrows.

Sick relatives.  Broken relationships.  Feeling lost.  Life is just bringing too many lemons it seems.  And they are coming all at once.

To this person, and to anyone who gets discouraged, I say this.... it is too easy, much too easy, to get sucked into the doldrums.  Actively work to fight them off.

• Cry and get it out of your system.
• Get active.  Get up and do something.
• Don't focus on the past... make new friends.
• Engage in life.
• Make a conscious decision to live above the lemons.

Keep your mind busy so that it does not get stuck in the bad news.  There is still alot of good out there, but it sometimes is found only by those who actively and purposely look for it.

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

Is God a god of guilt

I used to believe that God was all about making sure that we behaved.  That is what the church taught me.  Be good and then you are good.  Do bad things and God is mad.  He may even send you to hell.  What a terrible picture of God this is.

This is a terrible picture of God because we can never be good enough.  Even when I was trying hard to be good, I worried about everything.  I would stop one thing, only to feel badly that I missed it.  I would study harder and pray more, only to wish that I was out playing softball.

Once we buy into the God of guilt, there is no end to it.

But there is another way to live.

About 17 years ago, in 2006, I began a journey away from the God of my upbringing, the God of guilt, and I allowed my brain and heart to be introduced to the God of love.  This is the God who loved Paul, even though he was a murderer.  He loved David even though he had hundreds of wives and concubines.  This illustration can go on and on through all of the Biblical heroes.

The point is this... God loves us.  It is not about who the good ones and the bad ones are.  He wants us to live our lives and make our choices.  He wants us to be filled with his love and show it.  But if we don't, he doesn't shame us or want to punish us.

More flies are won with honey than with vinegar.

I invite you to move away from the God of guilt.

• Oh, I slept too long.
• Oh, I didn't give 100% to that endeavor
• Oh, I skipped church
• Oh, I let that person down.
• Oh, I drank too much.
• Oh, I don't give 10%
• Oh, I didn't send a card.
• Oh, I thought bad thoughts...
• Oh, I didn't call my daughter.
• Oh, I called her too much...

Do you see where this goes?
I invite you to move away from the God of guilt.

I invite you instead to meet and fall in love with the God who loves you and wants you to be happy.  Would you want your children to live lives full of guilt?  Neither does our Father.

God loves you.

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

Holiday!

Yes here we are again at that little known holiday. No it's not Cinco De Mayo! Today is national "Talk like a pirate day!"

Here are some terms to help you make it through today as a joyful participant.

Avast ye=Pay attention
Hornswoggle =To cheat
Shiver me timbers=An expression used to show shock or disbelief
Head=Toilet on board the ship
Poop deck=Deck that is the highest and farthest back
Landlubber=A person who is not incredibly skilled at sea
Davy Jones' Locker=Refers to death
Ahoy, matey=Hello, friend
Batten down the hatches=A signal to prepare the ship for an upcoming storm
Blimey!=Something said when one is in a state of surprise
Booty=Treasure
Crow's nest=The place on the ship where the lookout stand is built
Heave ho=Instruction to put some strength into whatever one is doing
Old salt=A sailor that has a great deal of experience on the seas
Scallywag=A name that is used as an insult to someone
Seadog=An old sailor or pirate
Thar she blows!=An expression used when a whale is spotted from the ship
Three sheets to the wind=Someone who is quite drunk
Walk the plank=A punishment which entails someone who walks over the side of the ship off of the plank. Their hands are often tied so that they cannot swim and they drowned.
Yo Ho Ho=There is often used to express some sort of cheer but also can be used to call attention to the speaker.

Be sure to tell a joke or two.
Where do pirates buy their music?
Aye - tunes
Why are pirates cool?
They just rrrrrrrrrrrr.

Rrrrrrr. It's a beautiful day in God's world, be surrrrrre to sea the good.

God doesn't care

I was talking to a friend the other day.  They were worried that a loved one had not been baptized.  Oh my, we worry about so many things.

I used to worry about all sorts of theological things.  I wanted to make sure I had it right.  I wanted to make sure that everyone else had it right too.

Now, those days are gone.

God doesn't care if you believe in the trinity or not.  He doesn't care what you believe about baptism, speaking in tongues or the second coming.  He doesn't care if you like traditional or contemporary worship.  He doesn't care about tons of things that we humans argue over.  Churches have split over many of these dumb issues that God doesn't even care about.

What God does care about is that we are people of love.  Love God, love others.  That is all there is to it.  Be filled with his love and share it.

No worries.

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

thinking

A few years ago, someone shared this quote with me:

 "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Aristotle

I love it. It is a reminder that we do not have to be threatened just because an idea is different than what we may hold to.   The world is full of angry retorts to ideas that people don't agree with.  What would the world look like if we were all able to think and let others think?  What would the world look like if we could actually entertain a thought without being threatened by it?

Personally, I learn more from people who think differently than I do.

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

old saying

There are old sayings like, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

One that I think of from time to time is a little different.  I don't know who first wrote it.  Some philosopher.... maybe Anthony DeMello.

Anyway, it goes like this: "you can be in pain and suffer, or you can be in pain and not suffer."

Most people hate this saying.  I had a staff person years ago that ridiculed me when I said it in a sermon.  People hate this saying because it invites us to make friends with pain.  That is never an easy thing.

If you are like me, life is not always unicorns and rainbows.  If you are like me, you have pain from time to time.  Sore joints, dreams deferred, children away, and general loss.  Seems like the older we get, the more we collect.

In our lifetimes, we have met people that complained about everything.  Even the smallest hangnail was a disaster to them.  The sky was always falling.  Then we have also me those who faced real life challenges:  illness, death, loneliness, heart sorrow.... and they kept their chin up.  Yes we have met those heroic few who somehow still see the good.

That is what I want to be like.

And I am going to keep saying to myself:  you don't have to suffer.  I don't have to suffer.  I don't have to focus on the pain.  I can keep working to see the good in life.

It is not easy, but I think that it is true.,.. you can be in pain and suffer, or you can be in pain and not suffer.  I continue to work on this.  Chin up.  You don't have to suffer.

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

forgiveness

For some reason, I thought of this story the other day.

Mercer First UMC

It was sometime in June 1991.  It was to be my first Sunday as the new pastor in Princeton and Mercer, Mo.  We had spent Saturday night in Olathe and had planned to drive up in the morning.

Well, I guess that I misjudged the distance and the time to get there.  This is long before GPS.  This is before cell phones even.  Anyway, the horse and wagon took a while to get there.

Church service at Mercer was to start at 9:30.  I guess it did start at 9:30.  It started without the new preacher.  Well at 9:45, we pulled in and I opened the church door.

Now you have to get this picture.... Mercer is one of those churches where you open the door, and you are in the sanctuary.  There is no buffer.  Open the door and there they are, God and everyone!!

When that back door opened, the wind, the leaves, and an
embarrassed preacher are there for all to see.

I was so embarrassed, and everyone could tell.  But you know, those lovely people turned and smiled at me.  They welcomed me.  I walked right up to the front and started the sermon.  That was day one of three beautiful years.

Forgiveness and grace are beautiful things.  Give them out whenever you can.

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

I miss church

One of the things that I miss while being on the road is being at my church.  I miss my friends at the Ft. Pierce First UMC.  I miss our fantastic pastor.  I miss singing the hymns.

Most of the best people that I know, I have met at church.

If you miss church, get back soon.  It feels good to be there.  You will find great people there.  I hope to be back in mine this Sunday, but I may still be on the road.  Who knows?

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

Laying awake

Let me preface this story by telling you that I have been on a job in Paso Robles, Calif for three weeks.  I am tired of being away from home.  I am currently staying in an airstream trailer.

This is where I am staying.  Atascadero, Calif.

I was laying in bed, looking out this window.  At 3am!

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and just lay there?

That was me yesterday.  It's 3am and I am wide awake.  You start to think about everything.  Too much to think about.  Maybe that is why I can't sleep.

Thank God, it is a comfy bed.  Maybe I will just lay here for a while.

And the brain rant goes on.  Thinking, thinking, worrying.  Gosh, I should be sleeping, not worrying.

And then I notice out the window of the Airstream:  there he is, Orion, the hunter.

The constellation Orion

I stepped out of the camper and took this picture.

So, Orion the hunter, so what?  Well, when I was in Jr. Hi. I was in the astronomy club.  Super nerdy I know.  For some reason, this has been my favorite constellation.  I have posted blogs about it five times in the past.  [If you are a super nerd, you can go to the blog website and search in the upper left corner to find them.]

Anyway, Orion has been a long time friend in my life, always reminding me that God is with me.

So, it is 3am and I have too much to think about.... and yet there is Orion.  Hello my old friend!  Thank you for the visit.

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

I've got nothing

Well, if you opened this blog today, hoping for inspiration or wit... I've got nothing.  I am feeling blah.

I guess that the best thing that I can say about that is that sometimes we all feel that way.  I have no thoughts of import... I have nothing to say... I am not depressed, I am just blah...

Feelings are fickle... so when you feel blah, you have to get up in the morning and get after life, whether you feel it or not.

This I know... I may feel empty, but life is not empty.  There is something, something yet today that I will find, that I will encounter that will make me sense the goodness of it all.

If you are feeling blah... join the club.  We all feel that way from time to time.  And yet there is something bigger than I am, inviting me to hope for a bigger, and a better story.

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

It is only a football game after all

For all of my Kansas City friends, and any other interested readers...

Yes the Chiefs had an embarrassing loss on Thursday night. Yes Kadarius Toney dropped a number of passes. He probably lost the game for us.

My friend Kim shared the following with me. It was posted on Facebook by a Stephan Morris... not sure if that is the same Stephan Morris that grew up in our church, but how many can there be in KC?

"Imagine if the worst day you ever had in your professional life was in front of millions of people worldwide. Imagine if that day happened at 24 years old when you were 2 years out of college. Imagine if seven months prior to that day you did something so incredible that you helped your organization become recognized as the best in the world- and everyone forgot about that and told you how terrible you are. Kadarius Toney had a terrible game on Thursday night, there’s no question, but in my eyes now is the time to rally behind him and lift him up. Without the longest punt return in Super Bowl history I don’t think the Chiefs hoist the Lombardi trophy last season. He will play better, the Chiefs will play better, and this game will be a “remember when” moment. I have faith in these guys. 16 regular season games left to make up for this loss". - Stephan Morris

So again, it is all about perspective...

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

A drive in the hills

I am working for three weeks in Paso Robles, California.  It is like central coast wine country.  It is beautiful here.  One day, I had a short day of work so I took a drive to see the ocean.  I saw Morro Rock.  It is a famous rock.  It sounds funny to me that a rock can be famous, but it is.

Morro Rock

Morro bay

The coastal hills of California are beautiful.  I love being in them.

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

Grief

I was talking with a friend about grief...

A friend lost an adult child.
Someone's spouse died.
A young man was injured on the job.
Lung cancer.

Moving away from friends.
Heartache.
Loss.

Let's just face it, grief is no fun. It hurts and we hate it. Personally, when grief shows up, I don't know what to do but to keep on with life. Sometimes we think we are fine, and then the pain returns. Even pains from years ago can come back.

I don't think that we will totally escape grief in this life. Grief is a collection of scars, old and new, that fade with time and then reappear.

Keep loving life. Keep engaging new people. Keep your head above water.

One day at a time.

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

contentment

Some years ago, a survey was done regarding contentment.  The question was posed, what would it take to make you happy?  How much more would it take for you to be satisfied?

The most common answer, the median response was "about 20% more."

So no matter your state in life, people in the survey thought that 20% more would make them happy.

So I read this somewhere the other day... if you are not content with what you have now, how could you possibly think that you would be content with 20% more?

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  1 Timothy 6:6-10

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

sometimes you have to let go

Sometimes you have to let a thing go.  Sometimes you have to let a person go.  This can be very difficult when you love a friend, or especially a child.

We invest a good deal of time on relationships, and then they change.  Dogon it, that kid graduated from college and moved to Chicago.  Dogon it, that person that was my bestie has drifted away and I don't hear from him/her anymore.

Yes, you will feel the loss, but you cannot take that out on them.  You cannot guilt a friend to come back.  You cannot guilt an adult child into living their life the way that you want them to.  All that does is push the person farther away.

After all, it is their life.  We cannot control everything and we shouldn't try to control people.  Everything will not be to our liking in this life.  The world is not going to align itself to make me happy.

Sometimes you have to let them go.

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

Jimmy Buffet

Jimmy Buffet passed.  I find that to be sad.

His music:  Margaritaville, Brown Eyed Girl, Come Monday, Cheeseburger in Paradise... and many more... they provided us with a wonderful feeling.

His music gave us a picture of vacation.  Life on the beach.  Happy, fun, sunny.  Margarita in hand.

In a world filled with guilt and worry, his music gave us an escape to a place of peace and happiness.  This world needs a lot less guilt and worry and much more peace and happiness.

May you release yourself from guilt and worry.  May you find a margarita and a happy place.  The world is beautiful.  Life is meant to be lived.

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

March 1, 1966

So I was looking through some old memorabilia and I found this paper from my school work.  March 1, 1966.  South City View Elementary, 10500 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO.

I was 8 years old.

Now if you ever wonder why I struggle with some things, maybe this would help.  This is the world that I was raised in.  Not just that it was ok for a teacher to write this on my paper, but that my mother would make the point to save it.

And so, pain and heartache comes to all of us.  We must make choices along the journey whether we will allow the pain to keep us down, or if we will get up and make the world a better place.

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

Stop

Part of waking up to life, part of waking up in this world is learning the ability to stop.

Stop running so hard.
Stop thinking the same way.
Stop hurting others.
Stop ignoring other's ideas.
Stop thinking that I know it all.
Stop and see the good.

Appreciate it, be thankful for it, let the joy fill your heart.

And so I was driving to work [I am working in Paso Robles, CA] and I saw this sight.  It was amazing.  This picture does not do it justice.  I had to pull over.  I stopped.  I got out of the truck, walked across the street and took the pictures.

Sometimes we need to stop and appreciate the beauty of life, the beauty of a moment, the beauty of God's world.

Just stop the wheels from turning and see the good.

Sleeping in

It’s 4:30 in the morning and I’m lying in bed. The bed at the place I’m staying in Paso Robles California is very comfortable. I feel like I could lay here for a long time. I don’t have to get up for another hour... But I don’t lay still very well.

So I think I’ll get up and do some computer work. But, the feeling that I have laying in this bed reminds me of the first family vacation we ever took- I was eight years old and we drove in a Ford Fairlane to the Yellowstone park. It was a great trip. I got to see some bears!!! I remember the last day when we were packing up to go home, I didn’t want to get out of the sleeping bag. It felt so good to just lay there. Dad asked me to get up a couple of times and then finally he just picked up one end of the sleeping bag and I came dumping out.

Anyway, sleep and rest are needful, and a true gift from God. Sometimes it feels good just to lay there. Maybe I should forget about the computer work and just lay in bed a little longer.

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

childhood blessings

In previous blogs that I have written I have commented on the challenges of my upbringing.  It occurred to me as I was writing yesterday's post, that there are some things from my childhood that I should be thankful for.  So here goes:

Things that I am thankful for from my childhood.

1. My Dad was a hard worker. He worked hard to provide for our family.
2. Mom didn't have to work, except for when we were in college and during the year that Dad lost his job.
3. They took us to church.
4. We had three meals a day.
5. We had shoes on our feet.
6. We had a roof over our heads.
7. Dad paid for us to go to college.

As I write this, I want to qualify some of what was done for us... I want to explain more about items 1-7.   But I am not going to do that.  For today, let it be enough that there were things in my life to be thankful for.

We so often forget our blessings.

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

A tale of two young ladies

Since my knee surgery, I have been to the doctor's office, physical therapy and other places.  I have met a lot of young people.

I noted a striking difference between two particular young ladies.

Let's call the first "Cagney" not her real name.  Cagney is 25 years old.  She was raised by two parents who were both cafeteria workers in the school district.  Growing up, they never owned a home.  They always did, and still do, rent a small three bedroom home.  She is a nice young lady who has had to work for every thing that has ever come her way.  She lives with her parents... Her backyard is a small fenced area that is full of weeds.   Her life has not been easy.

Let's call the second young lady, "Lacey."  Not her real name.

Did you get the reference?  Cagney and Lacey?

Anyway, back to Lacey.  Lacey is also 25 years old.   She lives with her parents.  She was born into money.  Her parents live in the most exclusive area of the most exclusive town nearby.  When Lacey walks out the back door, she literally steps onto the sand of the beach.  She has had anything that she wanted handed to her.  Her life has been a dream.

Do these two young ladies ask why they were born into either financial struggle or financial bliss?  Do they ask why?  Do they compare themselves with others?

We need to be very mindful of our blessings.  Not everyone has the same starting place.  Not everyone has the same gifts given to them.  People are born into all kinds of states.  Whether rich or poor, we have much to be thankful for.

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

Tucker, part two

This is a follow up to my blog post on the 12th of August about the five dollar Tucker bill that I stuck in my wallet.  So it’s Wednesday August 23rd about 3 PM.  I just left the hospital where I visited my sister.

I pulled into the grocery store to get some stuff. There is a guy standing there with a sign that says that he is homeless. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t feeling the love.  I drove right past him.   I pulled into the lot and found a nice parking space. 

Then, I realize that I’ve got that five dollars tucked away for the next person that asked.  He just asked, and I passed right on by.  So I drove back out to him and parked.  I got out of the car and introduced myself.  I told him the story about the Tucker bill.  I gave him the five bucks and he was very appreciative. His name is Philip.   

I’m gonna put another five dollars in my wallet. 

I still believe it’s better to help one time too many than one time, not enough.

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

feeling alone

I was travelling last week and I was in an airport that I had never been to before. I didn’t know anyone.  I didn't know my way around.  I was completely alone.   Only strangers.  Possibly the worst feeling in the world, is to feel alone. 

I texted my family and friends and they didn’t answer.  I understand. They’re busy, they’re at home, they have their families and their lives.  And they are now 2-3 time zones away from me.

I think the feeling of being alone in this life comes way too easy.

And so I sulked.  I sulked for a bit.  But then, a person has to get ahold of themselves.  A person has to find the better part of who they are.  Chin up, old man, tomorrow will be better.

In those moments, when I feel alone, I like to double down on reaching out to people.  The guy at the rental counter, the person who checks you in at the hotel.  I left a nice note and $3 for the housekeeping person.

Suddenly, I am no longer worried about being alone, because I took the initiative in life.  You can be in pain, and not suffer.  You can be alone, and not lonely.  

Work on it.  It can get better.

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

smiles

At Physical Therapy there are lots of Therapists and Assistants.  Almost all of them are happy, friendly, smiling people.

But there is this one.

I have tried everything I can do to be pleasant to her.  I have tried to get her to smile.  I have thought that I should go out and buy her a smile.

I feel bad for her.  To be so young and have so much of life ahead, and to not find a smile.

And so my friend Joyce sent me this, from a plaque that used to sit on her desk:  If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.

Great idea.  Take the initiative.

They have no smile, no worries, just give them one of yours...

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

Beth

So I am working in California for a couple of weeks.  The building that we are working on is next to a restaurant called "Blaze Pizza."   I am sitting in the truck working on reports.

Rap, rap on my window.  I look up.  Here at my door is an unassuming, normal looking 60 year old woman.  I roll my window down.

Sir, do you have any extra money she says.
I ask, what are you trying to accomplish?
She said, I just want something to eat.
I said to her, how about we go into this Blaze joint and I buy you a pizza.

She lit up like it was Christmas.

We went in and I spent $13 on a pizza for her.  Obviously a street person, I noticed that her shoes were very worn.  I wondered where her children lived.  I felt bad that she was alone.  Being alone is not much fun.

It made me very happy to help her.  It made me happy that $13 was not a problem.  I believe that we should help everyone that we can.  I believe that it is better to help once too often, than to turn a blind eye and miss the chance to help a needy person.

But for the grace of God go I, go we.

One of my favorite scriptures... 1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and closes up his heart of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?

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

The Oyster

I was once an oyster.  I lived in the ocean.  My mouth hung open all the time.  I would swallow up all sorts of little critters that swam my way.  Once, I got a piece of sand stuck in my gullet and I made a pearl.  I loved being an oyster.

Then one day, I was scooped up, pulled out of my home and thrown into a box with a lot of my other oyster friends.  I got cracked open, and someone ate my guts.

Now I am simply a shell of my former self.

And so, my shell was thrown out in the trash.  Or was it?  Actually it was rescued by a lady who uses oyster shells [bones] to make Christmas ornaments.  I was dried out and given to a lovely handyman [Jeff Brinkman] who drilled a hole at the top of my shell for a ribbon.  This year, I will be an ornament on someone's Christmas tree.

I liked being in the ocean and eating things that swam by, but I also like being a part of the Christmas story.  I guess the moral of this story is this:  to every end there is a beginning.  Something may end, but new things can come to be.  Not all change is bad.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Grey Day

I was having a grey day.  Down in the dumps.  I felt it.  I felt like anyone that looked at me would be able to tell that I was low.  I realized that my outlook and my attitude would have an effect on others that I would meet.  I might create more greyness if I did not get to the other side.

I tried to be pleasant.  I tried harder to be pleasant.

I do not want my moods to hurt other people.  We all have moods.  Don't let your bad ones bring other people down.

When you're smiling, when you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

love is greater

Love is greater than hurt.  Hurt may show up.   It may sting.  It may shock.  It may surprise.  We may reel from the pain and shock of how we feel. 

Give the thing a little time. Love is bigger than pain. That is how friends stay friends and how brothers stay brothers.  You stay with a thing.  Love is bigger than the hurt.

All the connections can be renewed. If there is someone that you have set aside, let the love in your heart grow and flow toward them. There might be yet, some good on the other side.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

mental neutrality

I was listening to a podcast and the speaker mentioned the "mental world of neutrality."  This is the idea that we grew up in a vacuum where all things were equal and there were no preconceived ideas.

Surprise - spoiler alert, there is no such thing as mental neutrality.

For years, I believed what I believed, because it was what I had been taught.  I assumed that I grew up in a  world of mental neutrality and that my beliefs were rock solid and basic, and should be normative for all people.

Slowly over the years, I realized that there were others that believed differently than I did, and that there was no reason to shame them for that.   People believe in certain ways because we are not raised in a mental world of neutrality.  

One believes Democrat ideas because they might have been raised in a Democrat home.  Another believes Republican ideas because they might be raised in a Republican home.  We all start somewhere.

And so I woke up to the notion that we did not just crawl out from under a rock in a neutral world.  We  are all the shape that we are because of many forces pressing around us all through the years. Our parents, our grandparents, our siblings, our friends and our teachers all helped to shape the environment from which we sprang.

There was nothing neutral about the world that we lived in. The really good news about this revelation is that now I can look at why I believe certain things and I can feel more comfortable to question those beliefs.  I can even set them aside if I so choose.   Just because my father believed it doesn’t mean that I have to.  Just because my pastor in eighth grade taught it to me doesn’t mean that I have to believe it. I can actually look at the world and make my choices and  choose my own beliefs. 

To take a look at the rock bottom core of who I am and to believe what I believe - not because I was taught it, but because I looked at the options, and I made my choices.  It’s a beautiful thing indeed, and it feels good. 

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

appreciating joy

Sunday I stood in church for the hymns.  Not a big deal for most people, but after knee surgery, it takes weeks for you to feel like you can stand for longer periods of time.

As I stood and sang the hymns, I felt happy.  Joyful.  Glad to be in church.  Glad to be with people that I love.  

We take so many things for granted in America.  The freedom to assemble is a beautiful thing.  To be able to go to church, to sing, to think, to be with friends... all beautiful, joyful things.

Appreciate them.  Make good use of the freedoms that we have.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

prayer as I see it

There are many kinds of prayer.  There are examples of all kinds of prayers in the Bible.

I do pray for people because the bible says that we can.  But I have noticed that when I pray for others, or when I pray for outcomes, when I pray for something to go a certain way, I notice the self interest.  When self interest gets mixed up in our prayers, we can become filled with anxiety.  Some people even get mad at God when they don't get their way.

Somehow, I am not sure that great prayers are filled with self-interest.  I would rather think that great prayers are filled with self-less-ness.

I find that for me, prayer helps align my heart and mind to the values of Jesus... to kindness, to forgiveness and such.  To me, good prayer is about helping me get over my self interest more so than fulfilling my self interest.

When we release our desires to God, we find peace.  When we pray and pray for a certain outcome, we can get very filled with worry and anxiety.

What are you praying for?

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

People that make you ok

There are people that make you ok.

There are friends.  There are people that you like.  There are people that you enjoy.  People that fill all sorts of roles in your life.

But then there are those few, those very special few, that make you ok.

I did a count the other day, and I have very few.

Take a moment and think of the people that make you ok.  Reach out to them.  Tell them how special they are to you.  Make sure that they know how much they mean to you.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Blessed Assurance

Last Sunday at Fort Pierce First UMC, in church we sang, "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine." 

That song always takes me back to a Sunday night in 1977 when we sang that song at the end of a worship service.  I was 20 years old.  During that song, I had a vision.  I saw Jesus on the cross in a wheat field.  He was bloody and bruised.  He spoke to me and he said to me, "I gave my life for you, I want you to give your life for me."  That experience launched 30 years of pastoral ministry.

Now it is 46 years later and we are singing that song again.  During the song, I go back in my mind to 1977, to what I saw and experienced.  This time though, I see something different.  This time, when I go out into that wheat field and see Jesus, he has a different message.  This time I see in him: a smile and a face full of joy.  I feel the forgiveness.  I sense the welcome.  I recognize the unconditional love that is shown by his sacrifice.

That song will always be special to me.  Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.

I am glad today that I know a Jesus who is all about the welcome, the love and the joy.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am lucky

Indiahoma UMC

A couple weeks ago, Pastor Tim from Fort Pierce First UMC opened the service.  He introduced himself as the fellow who is lucky to be the pastor at the church.

I LOVED IT!!!

I personally always felt that way.  I was lucky, I was fortunate to be the pastor in Cache and Indiahoma, St. Johns, Lebanon 1st, Princeton and Mercer, Woods Chapel, Cape Coral and First Ft. Pierce.

It is such a blessing to be employed to care about people.  It is such an honor to get up to the pulpit and tell people how much God loves them.  To reassure people... to release them from guilt... Oh, what a blessing.

If you are reading this and you are a pastor, I hope that you realize what a blessing it is for you to stand at the holy desk.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

God and God alone

It’s 8 o’clock in the morning. I’m driving to a Handy Man job. I have to put in a sign for the client's homeowners association. 

I have a lot of songs on my phone and my phone is playing through the truck radio. A song comes on that I haven’t heard for a long time.   The song is, "God and God alone."  The singer is Steve Green. 

Hearing this song took me back to a time at the old church on Woods Chapel Road when John Knorr was our music director.  He is a long time friend and has a great voice.  He would sing that song... oh what a beautiful song! Oh what beautiful times! 

It is interesting that sometimes we only remember the good from the past, and sometimes we only remember the bad.  All stages of life have good and bad.  Listening to John sing was one of the good part.  Angry members and  trying to raise millions of dollars to build a new building were some of the more challenging.

But John singing God and God alone. Oh what a beautiful time.  And I think about now, today, how I’m worried about finances. I’m worried about my car. I’m worried about other things that I’m not gonna post in the blog.  And it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong and forget the good. 

There is a lot of good.  We live in the lovely home.  We have a little swimming pool in the backyard.  I can still do handyman work.  I’m on the way to a job. These are good times too!!! 

We should all get better at seeing the good in today because one day we will look back on today and say, "remember when you were driving to that Handyman job out on the island?"  Remember those good times?

click here to listen to the song, God and God alone

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

the time is now

Source unknown...


Barely the day started and... it's already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday and it's already Friday.... 

and the month is already over.... 

and the year is almost over.... 

and already 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed.... 

and we realize that we lost our parents, friends. and we realize it's too late to go back... 

So... Let's try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time... 

Let's keep looking for activities that we like... 

Let's put some color in our grey... 

Let's smile at the little things in life that put balm in our hearts.

And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left. Let's try to eliminate the afters... 

I'm doing it after... 

I'll say after... 

I'll think about it after... 

We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours. 

Because what we don't understand is that: 

Afterwards, the coffee gets cold... 

afterwards, priorities change... 

Afterwards, the charm is broken... 

afterwards, health passes... 

Afterwards, the kids grow up... 

Afterwards parents get old... 

Afterwards, promises are forgotten... 

afterwards, the day becomes the night... 

afterwards life ends... 

And then it's often too late.... 

So... Let's leave nothing for later... 

Because still waiting, see you later, we can lose the best moments, the best experiences, best friends, the best family... 

The day is today... The moment is now... We are no longer at the age where we can afford to postpone what needs to be done right away.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Roger

I met Roger when I was assigned to the Princeton and Mercer United Methodist Churches.  We became fast friends... that was 1991.

Over the years- time, jobs, children and such... we lost contact.  We found each other 2 years ago.  Actually he read about my son's injury and called me.

We have kept up ever since.  I love having Roger back in my life.  Last week, I drove six hours to spend two hours with him.  It was totally worth it.

When we talk, we talk about everything.  One of the things that he said the other night, that I thought was profound was this... and I am paraphrasing... "there is a strength of character that is shown when one has the power to discipline, but instead chooses to pardon."  Sort of a "mercy and forgiveness are much cooler than retribution."  He is a good man.  Full of mercy and bad jokes.

My life is better with Roger in it.  I hope you have friends that you can say that about.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

trouble at the bank

So I made my deposit at the teller window.  I gave the teller some chocolate.  I started to leave.  On the way out of the bank, I noticed this sign in an empty office.

I read it.  I leaned in the open door to take a picture of it.  The teller shouted at me, "Jeff, what are you doing?"  I explained, and she calmed down.  I am not casing the bank for a later robbery, I just want to post a blog about that sign.

Innovation - The best way to predict the future is to create it.

Just be careful in the bank.  They have had a bit too much training I think!!!

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Introductions

Introductions should come first.

This is a line from the movie "Dancing with Wolves," one of my favorite movies of all time.  

In the movie, Kevin Costner, a soldier, has caused some concern among local natives by his presence in their land.  They want to know what he is doing there and how many more whites will be coming.

A sit down, inside of a teepee is arranged.  The interpreter begins with questions about his presence here and if more whites will be coming.  In a moment that I find quite beautiful, Costner says, "wait, what are your names..."  This is passed on to the chief who agrees and says, "yes.  introductions should come first."

We all have business to take care of.  We are all working on something.  But remember that introductions should come first.  What is the person's name?  How are they doing?  Take a few moments.  Look them in the eye.  Make a human contact.  That is why we are here.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

making a thing happen

We can't fix everything, and we can't make everything happen, but we can do a lot.  Nothing is ever accomplished by those who give up.  When the going gets tough, the tough get going.  Over the years I saw the hard work of many church staff and members pay off.  It is amazing what a positive attitude can bring to life's obstacles.

These days, I hear a number of voices that want to blame someone else.  They did not get a fair shake.  It is the government's fault.  The odds are stacked against me.

As long as a person persists in negative, defeatist thinking, the outcome is predictable.

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. 

 I don't believe in circumstances. 

 The people who get on in this world 

are the people who get up

and look for the circumstances they want

and if they can't find them, they make them."

                                                             George Bernard Shaw

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Tucker

Some years ago, a member of our church [Peg] gave me a card with a $50 bill in it for Christmas.  She explained to me that this was not for me to buy something for myself.  This $50 bill was a "tucker."  She said that you tuck it into your wallet for emergencies.

That was a very nice gift.  Over they years, I used that idea and over the years I forgot it, reverting to what came easy and natural to me.  But I never forgot it.

When you think about it, having a tucker for an emergency is not a bad idea.

Now it is 2023 and I am in the Walmart parking lot.  A woman approaches me and is asking for money.  For a donation.  Her car is broken down.  I am cashless and I cannot help her.

And on the way home, I thought of the tucker.  I think that from now on, I am going to take a $5 bill and pray over it:  "Lord, when someone asks for help, this $5 will be for them.  I will tuck it away until they ask."  And so then in the future when someone asks for help, I can assume that they are sent by God.  I will open my wallet and give them the tucked away $5 bill.

I will tuck it away so that I am prepared to be good to someone in need.  Not a bad idea.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

perspective

A friend of mine was out on the golf course.  They live in a subdivision with a beautiful golf course.  About 3 holes in, they had to use the bathroom.  There are restrooms provided along the course as well as the clubhouse.  In the past, my friend refused to use the bathrooms provided along the way... those bathrooms tended to not get as much attention as the clubhouse bathrooms.  They were also small, smelly and cramped.  So it was a real first world problem when one had to use the facilities along the way.

This view of restrooms dramatically changed when they came back from a visit to a third world country.  In that country, as in many countries around the world, an outhouse is all that is available to a family, and it is often shared by many people from the area.  Sanitation is terrible.  There are no cleaning products.  There is no toilet paper.  This is what people in these countries live with every day and it is what my friend got to see, smell, and use on their trip.

Now when they are out on the golf course, well... they have a very different perspective.  Most people in third world countries have never seen a golf course.  Some have never seen a grass lawn.  Once we Americans realize that, we tend to appreciate our blessings a bit more.  The day of golfing is appreciated much more, and the bathrooms along the way?  Well, they are heavenly.

It is amazing what a little perspective can do.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

know when to let a thing go

I read a lot of news.  I subscribe to lots of news outlets.  I love to keep up on what is going on in the nation and in the world.

I found this story in the Jerusalem Post about a snake who tried to eat a porcupine.  And the old phrase, biting off more than one can chew, came to mind.

Evidently, the snake could not get the porcupine down, nor could he release it.  Neither animal survived the ordeal.

I guess in terms of human thoughts, there are some things that we should just stay away from.  There are no win situations.  Things may look easy, thinks may feel right or righteous, but sometimes, we just need to let a thing go.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

another story about 2 brothers

I was watching a show the other day and one brother said to the other, "we were both born on third base, stop acting like you hit a triple."

I love that.  Most Americans, most all of us were born on third base.  Sure some resting on third, some leading off, some stealing home, but compared to the rest of the world, we were born on third base.  We have a huge advantage.

Consequently we should be humble and grateful people.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

2 brothers - 2 paths

I thought of this story.  It comes from the book, Song of the Bird.  I like this story because it shows that every type of life is valued.  Not just those who go off into the mission field overseas.  But all those who live and love, no matter their trade or vocation, God loves and values them all.

Jesus began to teach in parables. He said: The kingdom of God is like two brothers who were called by God to give up all they had and serve humanity.

The older brother responded to the call though he had to tear himself away from his fiancée and his family and go oft to a distant land to spend himself in the service of the poor.  Years later he was imprisoned for his work, tortured and put to death.

And the Lord said, “Well done my good and faithful servant!   Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

The younger boy ignored the call. He married the girl he loved and prospered in his business. He was kind to his wife and children and gave occasional alms to the poor.

And when he came to die, the Lord said, “Well done my good and faithful servant!  Enter into the joy of your Lord. ”

And so, however you have spent your life, God values it.  Never feel like you wasted your life.  God needs fathers and mothers and workers.  Not just missionaries.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Favorite Prayers Pt 3

This one is possibly my favorite of the three favorites...

St. Ignatius of Loyola 1491-1556 was a Spanish priest who founded the Order of Jesus [Jesuits]. He is the patron saint of spiritual retreats. He left some pretty cool prayers. Here is one called surrender:

Take O Lord and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. All that I am, and all that I possess, you have given me. I surrender it all to you to be disposed of according to your will. Give me only your love and grace. With these, I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Favorite Prayers Pt 2

John Wesley [1703-1791] was an Anglican Priest who inadvertently became the founder of the Methodist Church. He was a fiery preacher who led thousands of people to Christ. Travelling by horseback all over England he would preach three times per day. The common people of the day responded with joy to his message of grace.

Wesley spoke seven languages and wrote a ton of books. Consequently, he made a lot of money, but lived a very austere lifestyle and gave the rest to the poor. Among his many writings is a prayer that has become known as the Wesley Covenant Prayer.

I am no longer my own but thine. Put me with what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing. Put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee. Exalted by thee or brought low by thee. Let me be full or let me be empty. Let me have all things or let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thou are mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.

Good stuff.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Three favorite prayers #1

I have three favorite historic prayers. I am going to share them with you over the next 3 days. They are awesome. See if you can see a common thread within these three prayers.

St. Francis: Giovanni Fransesco de Bernardone 1181-1226. Patron Saint of animals and the environment. He organized an order of friars which would become known as the Franciscans. You see a lot of statues of him in gardens. We had one at our house in Lees Summit. Although he only lived for 45 years, he left quite a mark on the world, and he left one of my favorite prayers.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master-
Grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console.
to be understood, as to understand.
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.
Amen.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Revel in the ordinary

During my convalescence from knee surgery, I have struggled with one ordinary, mundane day after another:  Sit in a chair.  Watch TV.  Keep your knee elevated.  Ice.  Repeat.  Exercise.  UGH.

I ran across this prayer that I thought was interesting.  It is a letter or a prayer to a normal, ordinary, mundane day.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure that you are.   Let me learn from you, love you, and bless you before you depart.  Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.  Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.  One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, for your return.                                             Mary Jean Iron

Perspective is a beautiful teacher.  I guess an ordinary day is ok after all.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Compliments

I love compliments...  Gosh, I love them so much, I should give more of them to others.  They probably like them as much as I do...

So here are a few compliments:

• You look good!
• I am so glad to see you!
• I feel happy when you appear in the room!

When I left Woods Chapel and moved to Florida, I received two compliments from Bill C. that I will never forget.  The first was... "Thanks for putting your family before your career."  The second one was basically, "Thanks for not staying so long that you became old and irrelevant."  I loved both of those comments.  Still do.

Last Sunday, a friend from church gave me a compliment about this blog.  She said, thank you for speaking straightforwardly, thanks for reminding me to "get a grip."  I loved that.

Hey, it's not that hard.  Get a grip!!!

What ever is going on in your life, get a grip.  And while you are at it, give a few more compliments!

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

More on friendship

How do we make friends?

Friendship is an important part of our human experience. Through friendship we can give and receive
love. Given this important aspect of our lives, how do we make friends? Is it easy? Does it take a long
time? Do I have to be in a certain environment?

What are some of the key components for making a friend or friends?

1. Common interests
    a. Music
    b. Helping others

2. Finding a connection
    a. Working together on a common goal
    b. Sharing thoughts and ideas

3. Being able to listen
    a. Genuinely interested in what others have to say
    b. Understanding their perspective

4. Open to meeting others
    a. Social interaction
    b. Honest communication

5. Open to new experiences
    a. Overcome fear of rejection
    b. Actively seek new opportunities

This list is not exhaustive by any means but should give us a great place to start thinking about how we
make friends.  After considering the aspects of the above list, I believe our focus may be one of the most important pieces to this puzzle. If we focus on serving others instead of thinking about what we will receive from them, people will notice our genuine care and love for others. This recognition may just lead us to connections for friendships.

It’s a beautiful day in God’s world, be sure to be a friend.

Respectfully submitted by Bruce L.

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com

Scammers

From time to time I get Facebook messages and even email messages from people who want something.  Pretending to be someone that I know, they want money or a gift card or they want your personal information.

I have started the habit of replying to the scammers with questions like, "does your mother know what you do for a living?"

The other day, one of the scammers wrote me back.  He said that he was doing this because our country had stolen so much from other countries.  He said that our prosperity was built on the backs of little people like him... he was only trying to get his fair share back.

Interesting logic.

Please be careful when accepting friend requests.  Please do not ever pay for anything online with a gift card.  If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The scammer said that 30% of his victims fall for the ploy.  Don't be one of them.  Just because the name and picture are familiar does not mean that the message is from your friend.

Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

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

- - - - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland October 15-24, 2024.
click here for the brochure
If you have questions, feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com