Wednesday 12:35 pm
I have just been informed that Pastor Jeff Brinkman is having problems with his gall bladder. It may need to be removed. He is resting comfortably and would greatly appreciate your prayers at this time.
God bless.
Peace,
Lion’s Den Man
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Make Peace with Living
Jeff, I hope you feel better soon and I hope this post fills the gap.
I finished a book recently and these words, “Make Peace with Living” really hit home. The statement was preceded by these words, “If we know, in the end, that we can ultimately have peace with dying, then we can do the really hard thing……….”
Well I have made peace with dying, but sometimes I need a kick to help me remember how to live in peace. To make peace with living I need to remember life’s priorities (God, family, friends). By the way, work and play are important, but not enough to be listed with my top three.
“Make Peace with Living” to me means:
Talk to God each day. Love and cherish your life, your family and your friends, everyday. Think highly of yourself, God does. Practice forgiveness and humility at every opportunity. Lift up everyone you possibly can each and every day, if not with words then with a smile, it will feed your spirit. Last, I believe we were put here for a reason, don’t over think it, just live it and don’t watch it go by or look to far ahead……just follow His lead.
A final quote from the book
“As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here. Death ends a life not a relationship.”
So I pray we all work towards making good memories for everyone else and find peace along the way.
Peace,
Lion’s Den Man
I finished a book recently and these words, “Make Peace with Living” really hit home. The statement was preceded by these words, “If we know, in the end, that we can ultimately have peace with dying, then we can do the really hard thing……….”
Well I have made peace with dying, but sometimes I need a kick to help me remember how to live in peace. To make peace with living I need to remember life’s priorities (God, family, friends). By the way, work and play are important, but not enough to be listed with my top three.
“Make Peace with Living” to me means:
Talk to God each day. Love and cherish your life, your family and your friends, everyday. Think highly of yourself, God does. Practice forgiveness and humility at every opportunity. Lift up everyone you possibly can each and every day, if not with words then with a smile, it will feed your spirit. Last, I believe we were put here for a reason, don’t over think it, just live it and don’t watch it go by or look to far ahead……just follow His lead.
A final quote from the book
“As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here. Death ends a life not a relationship.”
So I pray we all work towards making good memories for everyone else and find peace along the way.
Peace,
Lion’s Den Man
sick
I am sick today.
Lion's Den Man if you get a chance, will you post something?
It's still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Lion's Den Man if you get a chance, will you post something?
It's still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Many Mansions
Last night I had a very fun dream. I was looking for a new house. Not that we need one, nor are we looking. But in my dream I was looking in the nicest of neighborhoods, at the largest of homes. Indoor swimming pools, 8 bedrooms. Incredible views and 4+ garages. It was a lot of fun.
I talked to the realtor about how I could not afford such homes. Was there a special mortgage or special plan to help us get into this home? I got a phone call. One of the owners wants to give us his home. The only stipulation is that we give our home to some needy person, and that we give the mansion to someone who needs it when we are done with it.
I woke up before we moved in, but the idea of that wonderful house waiting for me was very awesome.
I guess you see where this is going.
Jesus said, "in my father's house are many mansions. I go there to prepare a place for you, that where I am, you may be also."
I don't talk about the second coming or heaven much, because I really want us to focus on how we treat each other in the here and now. I don't want us to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.
But, what a dream! What a joy! What a gift awaits us! Thank you God for this most unspeakable gift!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I talked to the realtor about how I could not afford such homes. Was there a special mortgage or special plan to help us get into this home? I got a phone call. One of the owners wants to give us his home. The only stipulation is that we give our home to some needy person, and that we give the mansion to someone who needs it when we are done with it.
I woke up before we moved in, but the idea of that wonderful house waiting for me was very awesome.
I guess you see where this is going.
Jesus said, "in my father's house are many mansions. I go there to prepare a place for you, that where I am, you may be also."
I don't talk about the second coming or heaven much, because I really want us to focus on how we treat each other in the here and now. I don't want us to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.
But, what a dream! What a joy! What a gift awaits us! Thank you God for this most unspeakable gift!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, April 28, 2008
silly joys
Yesterday.
Church, lunch and a nap.
Say goodbye to the college girls.
Go to Steinmart.
Family Bookstore.
Evening service.
Church softball.
Well, you just have to try to understand a 50 year old man. I am so happy. And it is for something that is so frivolous in the grand scheme of things.
Church softball has started back up. I missed the first week because I was sick. Last night was my first night of 2008. Our team was short players, so my son Scott was going to join us.
When we moved here in 1994, I was 36 and Scott was 3. Last night, I was 50 and little Scotty was 17. I told him before the game, don't worry about how well you do, just have fun. If you hit the ball every time, or if you strike out, just enjoy yourself.
Well, let's talk about the old man for a minute. Batted 4 times. 3 hits and a walk. A single and two doubles. The old man hit the ball over the left fielder's head. That is only the third left fielder to gain that distinction since 1994. I know all three of them by name. A good night for the old man.
Now back to the son. I have never ever hit a ball over the fence for a home run, never ever in my life. Last night was a good night for the son.
He caught every ball that came to him in the outfield. Four of them. He came to the plate for his first at bat. First pitch, he hit the ball over the fence for a homer. Later in the game he would hit another ball out of the park.
I know this is only church softball, but feeling proud of your son is an awesome thing. I was so excited for him. Every one kept talking about how little Brinkman is so much better than his father. That is awesome.
Small things. Silly things. But things that make us feel good.
I am so thank full to God for the ability to play ball. At my age, it is a miracle. I am so thankful for the joy of being a father. He was 3 when we moved here. He used to play on the slide when we went to the softball park. Now, he is a home run king!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Church, lunch and a nap.
Say goodbye to the college girls.
Go to Steinmart.
Family Bookstore.
Evening service.
Church softball.
Well, you just have to try to understand a 50 year old man. I am so happy. And it is for something that is so frivolous in the grand scheme of things.
Church softball has started back up. I missed the first week because I was sick. Last night was my first night of 2008. Our team was short players, so my son Scott was going to join us.
When we moved here in 1994, I was 36 and Scott was 3. Last night, I was 50 and little Scotty was 17. I told him before the game, don't worry about how well you do, just have fun. If you hit the ball every time, or if you strike out, just enjoy yourself.
Well, let's talk about the old man for a minute. Batted 4 times. 3 hits and a walk. A single and two doubles. The old man hit the ball over the left fielder's head. That is only the third left fielder to gain that distinction since 1994. I know all three of them by name. A good night for the old man.
Now back to the son. I have never ever hit a ball over the fence for a home run, never ever in my life. Last night was a good night for the son.
He caught every ball that came to him in the outfield. Four of them. He came to the plate for his first at bat. First pitch, he hit the ball over the fence for a homer. Later in the game he would hit another ball out of the park.
I know this is only church softball, but feeling proud of your son is an awesome thing. I was so excited for him. Every one kept talking about how little Brinkman is so much better than his father. That is awesome.
Small things. Silly things. But things that make us feel good.
I am so thank full to God for the ability to play ball. At my age, it is a miracle. I am so thankful for the joy of being a father. He was 3 when we moved here. He used to play on the slide when we went to the softball park. Now, he is a home run king!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
seeing the gifts in others
Last night I dreamed that I was on an airplane. In the row in front of me, a young man was listening to music and singing. Out loud. It would have usually been annoying, but he had such a beautiful voice, no one minded. In fact, there was a feeling around him as if we were all witnessing something special.
I tried to celebrate with him, his beautiful voice. He could not see it. We all tried to help him understand that he had a very special gift. He listened, but he was not real sure about all of these old folks asking him to use his gift.
....I think lots of people have gifts and talents that they do not see, or just can't bring themselves to use. Paul told Timothy, to "stir up the gift of God, that lies within you..."
When we see people as gifted, we can't see them as enemies or irritants. They are God's children, and they are all gifted for service to Jesus Christ in this world. Who have you encouraged lately? Who around you might need a boost? When you see a gift in someone, be sure to mention it. Tell them that they are blessed and that they should use that gift for the purpose of Christ.
Maybe you need to hear this yourself. You. You are gifted. Stir up the gift that lies within you. You were created to love and live and serve. See the gift and be the gift.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I tried to celebrate with him, his beautiful voice. He could not see it. We all tried to help him understand that he had a very special gift. He listened, but he was not real sure about all of these old folks asking him to use his gift.
....I think lots of people have gifts and talents that they do not see, or just can't bring themselves to use. Paul told Timothy, to "stir up the gift of God, that lies within you..."
When we see people as gifted, we can't see them as enemies or irritants. They are God's children, and they are all gifted for service to Jesus Christ in this world. Who have you encouraged lately? Who around you might need a boost? When you see a gift in someone, be sure to mention it. Tell them that they are blessed and that they should use that gift for the purpose of Christ.
Maybe you need to hear this yourself. You. You are gifted. Stir up the gift that lies within you. You were created to love and live and serve. See the gift and be the gift.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
a good day
Friday is my day off. They are usually very good days. Here is what I did yesterday.
What a joyous day was yesterday. It began with a wake up call from God. "Hello, Jeff. Rise and shine. You get to live today. You get to live for me today."
Shave, shower.
Take a phone call from my boss. Boss calls, you answer. Every time.
Go to church for a visit in the coffee bar with a friend. Then a little bit of office work.
Home. Wife is back from her travels. Take her to lunch. She is a good girl and I love having her in my life.
Take a nap. [see, this is a good day.]
Mow the grass. Wander the yard and look at the trees and flowers. The plum and the cherry are getting ready to bloom. The pears are done. The tulips are all up and the hosta is coming in. The bare spots are filling in, and Jonnie's iris are coming up. Praise God! what a glorious time it is to wander the yard in the spring!
Go to Lowes. A new shovel, and some plumbing parts. Go home. Fix the plumbing. Get to use tools. It is a good day.
The girls are home for the weekend. Alli is naming all of the germs that she learned about in biology. Scott is going to the conference track meet next week. All three kids are working tonight. All three kids are working!
Reading time. Reflecting time. Sermon time. I feel the presence of a loving God. It is a good day.
That was yesterday. Today is looking pretty good too. I got the wake up call from God again. Ahh, another chance to live!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
What a joyous day was yesterday. It began with a wake up call from God. "Hello, Jeff. Rise and shine. You get to live today. You get to live for me today."
Shave, shower.
Take a phone call from my boss. Boss calls, you answer. Every time.
Go to church for a visit in the coffee bar with a friend. Then a little bit of office work.
Home. Wife is back from her travels. Take her to lunch. She is a good girl and I love having her in my life.
Take a nap. [see, this is a good day.]
Mow the grass. Wander the yard and look at the trees and flowers. The plum and the cherry are getting ready to bloom. The pears are done. The tulips are all up and the hosta is coming in. The bare spots are filling in, and Jonnie's iris are coming up. Praise God! what a glorious time it is to wander the yard in the spring!
Go to Lowes. A new shovel, and some plumbing parts. Go home. Fix the plumbing. Get to use tools. It is a good day.
The girls are home for the weekend. Alli is naming all of the germs that she learned about in biology. Scott is going to the conference track meet next week. All three kids are working tonight. All three kids are working!
Reading time. Reflecting time. Sermon time. I feel the presence of a loving God. It is a good day.
That was yesterday. Today is looking pretty good too. I got the wake up call from God again. Ahh, another chance to live!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, April 25, 2008
General Conference
This week and next week, United Methodist leaders from all over the world are gathering in Dallas-Ft. Worth for General Conference. GC is the highest body of the UMC. They decide issues related to doctrine and structure. GC happens every four years. Each GC produces a new or revised Book of Discipline.
Every four years at GC there is local and sometimes national news coverage. Usually only the folks on the fringe get interviews. The interviews can make it sound like we are all going off the deep end, but reasonable minds always prevail.
Cody Collier and 7 other friends from Missouri are in Dallas now. Keep them in your prayers. Always pray for your church, staff, and leaders. Lord knows, we need it. Bless you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Every four years at GC there is local and sometimes national news coverage. Usually only the folks on the fringe get interviews. The interviews can make it sound like we are all going off the deep end, but reasonable minds always prevail.
Cody Collier and 7 other friends from Missouri are in Dallas now. Keep them in your prayers. Always pray for your church, staff, and leaders. Lord knows, we need it. Bless you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
seeds
I was given a packet of seeds yesterday. Zinnias. "Go plant these seeds, make the world a more beautiful place."
Jesus told the story of the talents in Mt. 25. Each of us is given talents, money, gifts. They are seeds that we are to plant to make the world a more beautiful place. There is an old saying, "Your life is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God."
The physical packet of seeds is just a reminder of the fact that we all already have a packet of seeds. Talents, money, gifts. Opportunities from God, given so that we might invest them into the world, into the lives of others. What kind of seeds are you planting in the lives of those around you? What are we leaving for those who will come after us? If you are alive today, you have an opportunity to make the world a more beautiful place.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Jesus told the story of the talents in Mt. 25. Each of us is given talents, money, gifts. They are seeds that we are to plant to make the world a more beautiful place. There is an old saying, "Your life is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God."
The physical packet of seeds is just a reminder of the fact that we all already have a packet of seeds. Talents, money, gifts. Opportunities from God, given so that we might invest them into the world, into the lives of others. What kind of seeds are you planting in the lives of those around you? What are we leaving for those who will come after us? If you are alive today, you have an opportunity to make the world a more beautiful place.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
authority
Bright people learn to recognize and respect authority. Life works better when you do. Everyone has a boss. Even programs at church have key stake holders.
When we were in seminary, one of the key pieces of advice that we were given was this, "do not argue with the United Methodist Women."
I promise you that I ran the daffodil idea through our landscape leader, Jonnie W. We will buy bulbs thru them. But I have only heard from six of you. I am not giving up on this idea. Who will help, purchase or plant bulbs this fall? [Rocky soil, please send me a note or let me know who you are so I can contact you later.]
Back to authority. It has been an interesting challenge to teach teenage children how to respect authority. Bosses at their jobs, teachers, police, etc. Hard to learn, but a very important skill to learn for success in this life. If we can't honor those whom God has put in authority over us, what does that say?
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
When we were in seminary, one of the key pieces of advice that we were given was this, "do not argue with the United Methodist Women."
I promise you that I ran the daffodil idea through our landscape leader, Jonnie W. We will buy bulbs thru them. But I have only heard from six of you. I am not giving up on this idea. Who will help, purchase or plant bulbs this fall? [Rocky soil, please send me a note or let me know who you are so I can contact you later.]
Back to authority. It has been an interesting challenge to teach teenage children how to respect authority. Bosses at their jobs, teachers, police, etc. Hard to learn, but a very important skill to learn for success in this life. If we can't honor those whom God has put in authority over us, what does that say?
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
daffodil field
After yesterday's blog, one of you fine people sent me this picture. You may have seen this before, but it definitely answers the question, what would happen if every member planted ten daffodil bulbs this year? Eventually, the hill on the north side of our pond would look like this field.I don't think that such a dream is out of reach. The landscape team is going to be planting more daffodil bulbs this fall, but I think a person could plant bulbs anytime that they so wished.
Things of great beauty rarely come easy, but they will come. God does make everything beautiful in its time. [Eccl. 3]
Is there anyone who would take up a challenge to cover our hill with daffodils? I will personally plant 100, at least. I think this is doable. Imagine our hill next spring, filled with beautiful yellow flowers all declaring the glory of God.
Who will help? I would like about 30 responses to this message, committing to purchase or plant bulbs. Wouldn't you love to show this hillside to your friends and family next spring and tell them that you were on the team that made this happen. Let's do it. Join the team. Let me hear from you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Today's efforts
Today's efforts are tomorrow's shame or tomorrow's glory. All of us have moments of pain and shame in our past. Let's forget about bringing shame and concentrate on bringing glory. That is the beauty of a new day, we can focus on the good.This picture is of the hill on the north side of our pond. One year ago, it was a barren place, overgrown with scrub trees, thistles, and crown vetch. Today, there is a walking trail, three gardens, and 1,000 daffodil bulbs. This beauty was added to God's world by the landscape team during two or three work days. A relatively short amount of work time to bring such beauty. Yesterday's efforts have delivered some true beauty to today. In like manner, today's efforts can yield a harvest of good.
What would happen if every member of our church planted just ten daffodil bulbs this year? People would drive from all over to see that hillside during the blooming season. It would become a real "field of dreams."
We have a chance today to make a difference in the world. To make the landscape a little brighter, a little more joyful. We have a chance to bring glory to God. Plant something beautiful today, in the ground or in someone's heart. It may not come up for a while, but when it does, everyone will celebrate.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I was glad
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1
I just got back from church. I have been on vacation this past week. Anytime that I am off on a Sunday, I try to visit some other churches so that I can worship, and get smarter.
I hear that the children's program was awesome. I look forward to watching the tape.
This morning I drove to Lone Jack and heard my friend Dave Owlsey give a very good sermon. The people were friendly. I saw some old friends.
Then I drove up Buckner-Tarsney road and went to hear Hubert Neth at the Oakland church. Always very good.
Highlights of the morning. People that looked me in the eye and said, "I am glad you are here." Welcoming people and reaching out to them is so important.
I was glad to be in the house of the Lord.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I just got back from church. I have been on vacation this past week. Anytime that I am off on a Sunday, I try to visit some other churches so that I can worship, and get smarter.
I hear that the children's program was awesome. I look forward to watching the tape.
This morning I drove to Lone Jack and heard my friend Dave Owlsey give a very good sermon. The people were friendly. I saw some old friends.
Then I drove up Buckner-Tarsney road and went to hear Hubert Neth at the Oakland church. Always very good.
Highlights of the morning. People that looked me in the eye and said, "I am glad you are here." Welcoming people and reaching out to them is so important.
I was glad to be in the house of the Lord.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
idols
Idols. There are a million of them.
Cars, tools, motorcycles, shopping, how I used to look, kids, sports, kid's sports, church, doctrine, position, fame, computers, the internet, cars, flowers, homes, vacations, money, spouse, security, being right, friends, drink, smoke, drugs, job, degrees, furniture, denomination, protocol, dogs, cats, and on we go. These are nice things, some of them, but bad Gods.
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
It is hard to see the good when we are loving the wrong things. It is hard to see what we are supposed to see when there are other things clouding our vision.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Cars, tools, motorcycles, shopping, how I used to look, kids, sports, kid's sports, church, doctrine, position, fame, computers, the internet, cars, flowers, homes, vacations, money, spouse, security, being right, friends, drink, smoke, drugs, job, degrees, furniture, denomination, protocol, dogs, cats, and on we go. These are nice things, some of them, but bad Gods.
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
It is hard to see the good when we are loving the wrong things. It is hard to see what we are supposed to see when there are other things clouding our vision.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, April 18, 2008
new life
You may have to click on this picture to really see it.I have often wondered about oak trees and other plants that hold onto their dead leaves all winter. I used to wonder if they were alive. They just look so dead all winter.
This is a picture of some little rose bushes that live along our sidewalk. I was so worried about them because they looked so dead.
Now however, they are roaring back to life. And it is interesting to see the old dead leaves being interrupted, pushed out, and overtaken by the new life. Winter and spring, death and life, side by side.
I think we humans are a bit like this. A little bit right, and a little bit wrong. A little bit the flesh and a little bit the spirit. Broken, imperfect, struggling, trying to figure out which we are and what we can become.
I thank God for the hope of the Christian. Right in the midst of our humanness, God can bring new life. He makes all things beautiful in His time.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
If the church has hurt you
For those whom the church has hurt. I don't necessarily mean that Woods Chapel Church has hurt you. I hope it hasn't but maybe it has. I don't necessarily mean that the Methodist Church has hurt you. I hope that it hasn't but maybe it has. I mean the big "C" Church has hurt you. Somewhere else, in another time and place, the church hurt you. I run into people all the time who have been hurt by the big C Church.
A pastor or staff person said something. Or worse, they did something. The institution crushed you. The doctrine brought you pain. The delivery of truth fell like a hammer. Grace was absent.
If you have been hurt by the church, join a million others. We wonder why some people stay away from church. The truth is, people grow tired of institutions and people that hurt them.
So what will we do? We will try to be a church that is different. We will not simply talk about love, we will model it. And forgiveness, don't forget that. We will be very careful about how we speak to one another. We will put the interest of Jesus Christ before our own. We will think about helping others instead of taking for ourselves.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
A pastor or staff person said something. Or worse, they did something. The institution crushed you. The doctrine brought you pain. The delivery of truth fell like a hammer. Grace was absent.
If you have been hurt by the church, join a million others. We wonder why some people stay away from church. The truth is, people grow tired of institutions and people that hurt them.
So what will we do? We will try to be a church that is different. We will not simply talk about love, we will model it. And forgiveness, don't forget that. We will be very careful about how we speak to one another. We will put the interest of Jesus Christ before our own. We will think about helping others instead of taking for ourselves.
Love will come before doctrine. Love will come before all else. If God is love, that is the cornerstone of our doctrine. It is the more excellent way. If God is love, then love must be present in His church. If love is not present, we just play religious games.
Dear Woods Chapel friends, you are a people of love. But lets us remember, for the sake of those who have been wounded, that we must model the love of God. It is all we have, but if we hold it up, the love of God is enough.It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tug of war
To compete is good. To win is fine. The older I get, the less I can savor victories of strength or skill, but I do remember what they felt like. Everyone has some area that they compete in. Even if you don't play a sport, we all strive to do our best in many areas.Occaisionally, when it all works out, and we do well, someone should celebrate with us.
Here is my daughter, Allision. She was 6 when we moved here. She used to sing in church and grew up in our Sunday School and youth program. Every one of you had a hand in helping to raise her.
Now she is a big kid. A sophomore at CMSU, a member of the A-O-Pi sorority. This past week, they had campus wide tug of war championships. She was first i
n line, the anchor for her A-O-Pi team. They took first place! She is so excited.
n line, the anchor for her A-O-Pi team. They took first place! She is so excited. Life has it's moments of tugging back and forth. It is important that all of us work together as a team so that we can do our best and help each other out. You and I, we are on the same team. Let's keep pulling the same direction.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
how about a catch?
Yesterday I was on vacation. I took Lou the dog in for his rabies shot. He met a lot of big dogs there in the waiting room. He was really wanting to show them who was boss.
I bought some plants at Lowes. A dwarf aspen fir, some purple grass and an azalea. The azalea has very pretty red flowers. The grass I don't get. Pompas grass. It looks like stuff that I pulled out of the flower bed last week.
I made my son dinner. Four whole fried chickens and a coke. No really, he ate eight eggs, four pieces of toast and some sausage. He keeps getting bigger. Nothing lasts in the pantry around here very long any more.
After dinner, I asked him if he wanted to play catch. We dug out the old gloves and threw the ball in the street. It has finally happened. He is taller, stronger, and faster than I am. He can throw it, hit it, and catch it better than I can. Heck, I struggled a bit just to see the ball.
There are some things in life that are therapeutic for reasons that no one can explain. Sitting by the fire, listening to running water, watching the waves at the beach, a sunrise, a bird in flight. Playing catch is one of those things. A boy and an old man are mesmerized by the sheer joy of catching and throwing. For a few moments, the old man is a young man and the boy is a child.
I thank God for the great privilege of being a father.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I bought some plants at Lowes. A dwarf aspen fir, some purple grass and an azalea. The azalea has very pretty red flowers. The grass I don't get. Pompas grass. It looks like stuff that I pulled out of the flower bed last week.
I made my son dinner. Four whole fried chickens and a coke. No really, he ate eight eggs, four pieces of toast and some sausage. He keeps getting bigger. Nothing lasts in the pantry around here very long any more.
After dinner, I asked him if he wanted to play catch. We dug out the old gloves and threw the ball in the street. It has finally happened. He is taller, stronger, and faster than I am. He can throw it, hit it, and catch it better than I can. Heck, I struggled a bit just to see the ball.
There are some things in life that are therapeutic for reasons that no one can explain. Sitting by the fire, listening to running water, watching the waves at the beach, a sunrise, a bird in flight. Playing catch is one of those things. A boy and an old man are mesmerized by the sheer joy of catching and throwing. For a few moments, the old man is a young man and the boy is a child.
I thank God for the great privilege of being a father.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Orion is almost gone
The season of Orion is almost over. [that is him in the picture on the right.] He is falling out of the night sky to the west-southwest. I explained Orion in a post on November 8th.
Another season is past, another cycle of life. It can feel a bit depressing to watch the time fly by, but it is also a great celebration to know that I have lived.
Saturday I was mowing the grass in the back yard. It occurred to me that the week prior I was in the back yard with a neighbor and church member Jim C. I thought, "a week has gone by. It is Saturday again. Jim and I are both still alive. That is good."
This past year I have loved and lived and cried and laughed. I have seen so much good. I have earned my gray hair and wrinkles. I have seen 365 sunrises and 365 sunsets. I have savored the rain and wished away the cold. It has been good. I have watched my children grow and developed bursitis in my elbow.
Another year, marked by the coming and going of an old friend. I hope to see Orion again in the late fall. I hope you get to see him too. Let's plan on it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Another season is past, another cycle of life. It can feel a bit depressing to watch the time fly by, but it is also a great celebration to know that I have lived.
Saturday I was mowing the grass in the back yard. It occurred to me that the week prior I was in the back yard with a neighbor and church member Jim C. I thought, "a week has gone by. It is Saturday again. Jim and I are both still alive. That is good."
This past year I have loved and lived and cried and laughed. I have seen so much good. I have earned my gray hair and wrinkles. I have seen 365 sunrises and 365 sunsets. I have savored the rain and wished away the cold. It has been good. I have watched my children grow and developed bursitis in my elbow.
Another year, marked by the coming and going of an old friend. I hope to see Orion again in the late fall. I hope you get to see him too. Let's plan on it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
new trees
This week, new voices arrived on the church property to declare the glory of God. The daffodils are in bloom on the north side of the pond. Check them out.
There are also five new Cleveland pear trees and eight new flowering crab apple trees. See if you can find them. This is an exercise in seeing the good.
Seeing the good is like that, sometimes you have to work at it. Apply that thought to some challenging area of your life.
Another interesting thought here is that there are already so many trees on the property, you may have trouble finding them. Life too, has so many good things, that often we don't even notice when we receive a new blessing. Our net already has 153 fish in it. We catch a few more, and sometimes it is hard to notice. It shouldn't be that way. We should pay better attention to the good things and focus on them more.
Just taking the time to look for the trees will probably make you look at everything. I love that thought. Let me know if you find them.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
There are also five new Cleveland pear trees and eight new flowering crab apple trees. See if you can find them. This is an exercise in seeing the good.
Seeing the good is like that, sometimes you have to work at it. Apply that thought to some challenging area of your life.
Another interesting thought here is that there are already so many trees on the property, you may have trouble finding them. Life too, has so many good things, that often we don't even notice when we receive a new blessing. Our net already has 153 fish in it. We catch a few more, and sometimes it is hard to notice. It shouldn't be that way. We should pay better attention to the good things and focus on them more.
Just taking the time to look for the trees will probably make you look at everything. I love that thought. Let me know if you find them.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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