It is amazing how one little movie, one little moment, one sermon, one hug from a friend can help you turn a corner. Yesterday after church I watched the movie, "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium."
If you have not seen this movie, do so. It is hard for me to explain all of the wonderful messages in the show. Everyone has a song, find yours and play it.
And my favorite quote..... savor it....... think about it......... here it is.......... your life is an occasion, rise to it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
home for the weekend
The son who had left for college came home for the weekend. The father was waiting at the door to hug him. The son really just came home for one day. A home cooked meal, a bicycle, a little chatting with Mom and Dad, and he was back to college. He did not want to miss the football game on Saturday night.
He is making new friends, going to class, and having the time of his life.
I realize now that there were two parts to my being upset at him going away. The first part is just that I miss him. The second part is that you wonder how they are doing. Is he going to be ok at college?
Well, he is fine. More than fine. Seems to be adjusting to college life well. So, I don't have to worry about that anymore. And if he is ok, well, that helps me, and I will keep working on the missing him part.
I know that sometimes God misses us, when we don't pay any attention to him. I also know that he is very concerned about us being "ok" or content in this life. Interestingly enough, the skills that we have at being content in life are usually learned from our parents or from our heavenly father.
If you have not called home for a while, your father would like to spend some time with you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
He is making new friends, going to class, and having the time of his life.
I realize now that there were two parts to my being upset at him going away. The first part is just that I miss him. The second part is that you wonder how they are doing. Is he going to be ok at college?
Well, he is fine. More than fine. Seems to be adjusting to college life well. So, I don't have to worry about that anymore. And if he is ok, well, that helps me, and I will keep working on the missing him part.
I know that sometimes God misses us, when we don't pay any attention to him. I also know that he is very concerned about us being "ok" or content in this life. Interestingly enough, the skills that we have at being content in life are usually learned from our parents or from our heavenly father.
If you have not called home for a while, your father would like to spend some time with you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
new parking lot
The new parking lot is finally open and ready for use. I want to thank everyone who made a special gift to help build it. Thanks to your generosity, the lot will be paid for in cash. Be sure to have good parking lot manners on Sunday and wave to those you see in the lot.
Sometimes folks don't like to give to bricks and mortar. Buildings and parking lots. Well, just keep in mind, if visitors can't find a place to park, they certainly won't be walking into the building, and we won't be connecting them to Jesus Christ.
It hasn't been easy, but every time that we added a wing, everytime we expanded the parking lot, everytime we constructed something, what we were really doing was helping to connect people.
Thank you for all of the ways that you live outside of your comfort zone as we continue to follow the leading of Almighty God at Woods Chapel.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sometimes folks don't like to give to bricks and mortar. Buildings and parking lots. Well, just keep in mind, if visitors can't find a place to park, they certainly won't be walking into the building, and we won't be connecting them to Jesus Christ.
It hasn't been easy, but every time that we added a wing, everytime we expanded the parking lot, everytime we constructed something, what we were really doing was helping to connect people.
Thank you for all of the ways that you live outside of your comfort zone as we continue to follow the leading of Almighty God at Woods Chapel.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Thief
I had already written my post for today, yesterday evening. My thoughts on connecting. With Connecting Sunday coming up, it felt like a good timing. Sometimes I love my little quaint thoughts on the gospel.
Then I got home. The neighbors rushed out to greet me. Someone had been inside my house and came out with something wrapped in a jacket. Not my Playstation 3, I thought. It was the first thing I checked. Gone. The police pull up, and I drive off looking for a person fitting the description. Maybe I’m a little filled with anger. Mostly I just want my prized possession back from this… this…
This what?
This thief? I remember reading something about a thief in the gospels. There was a thief next to Jesus on the cross. His heart was changed by the love of Jesus Christ in an instant.
I know another thief, too. The one writing this post. Who am I to write about my weak perception of the gospel in one moment, and abandon the gospel in the next moment when it is no longer convenient?
Let me tell you what I know about this thief. He’s someone who has lost his way. Somehow he became convinced that money and things are going to fill that void in his soul that he feels waking up everyday. And not knowing what he’s doing, he searches for an easy way to fill that void. Oh yes. This thief and I. We are a lot alike. I pray for him today. If you are reading this, you can pray for both of us.
You see. Us church folk really enjoy talking about the gospel. If you’re like me, you may make a lot of really bold statements – aloud or in writing – about what it means to follow Jesus. Then, when the thief strikes our homes, we forget the gospel. What was that twinge that came over my body when I looked at the empty space where my PS3 had been that morning? Hate. I hated my enemy.
But now, because I remember that Christ loved me even though I am a thief and many other things, I love this man. I pray for him, and if he comes back, I will give him the accessories that he did not have time to take. Why would I do something so crazy? Because Jesus was creative so that people would begin to question their fundamental notions about life and their habits. (Also, because I don’t have a “cloak” – Matt. 6:40)
I cannot simply follow Jesus when it is fun. I must learn to follow Jesus when the gospel comes to life in front of my very own eyes. I gladly trade what was my prized possession yesterday morning for the infinitely more valuable love and gentle peace that fills my heart this morning.
With Love,
a young shepherd.
Then I got home. The neighbors rushed out to greet me. Someone had been inside my house and came out with something wrapped in a jacket. Not my Playstation 3, I thought. It was the first thing I checked. Gone. The police pull up, and I drive off looking for a person fitting the description. Maybe I’m a little filled with anger. Mostly I just want my prized possession back from this… this…
This what?
This thief? I remember reading something about a thief in the gospels. There was a thief next to Jesus on the cross. His heart was changed by the love of Jesus Christ in an instant.
I know another thief, too. The one writing this post. Who am I to write about my weak perception of the gospel in one moment, and abandon the gospel in the next moment when it is no longer convenient?
Let me tell you what I know about this thief. He’s someone who has lost his way. Somehow he became convinced that money and things are going to fill that void in his soul that he feels waking up everyday. And not knowing what he’s doing, he searches for an easy way to fill that void. Oh yes. This thief and I. We are a lot alike. I pray for him today. If you are reading this, you can pray for both of us.
You see. Us church folk really enjoy talking about the gospel. If you’re like me, you may make a lot of really bold statements – aloud or in writing – about what it means to follow Jesus. Then, when the thief strikes our homes, we forget the gospel. What was that twinge that came over my body when I looked at the empty space where my PS3 had been that morning? Hate. I hated my enemy.
But now, because I remember that Christ loved me even though I am a thief and many other things, I love this man. I pray for him, and if he comes back, I will give him the accessories that he did not have time to take. Why would I do something so crazy? Because Jesus was creative so that people would begin to question their fundamental notions about life and their habits. (Also, because I don’t have a “cloak” – Matt. 6:40)
I cannot simply follow Jesus when it is fun. I must learn to follow Jesus when the gospel comes to life in front of my very own eyes. I gladly trade what was my prized possession yesterday morning for the infinitely more valuable love and gentle peace that fills my heart this morning.
With Love,
a young shepherd.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
vs.
vs. Against. These are the letters in between two teams that are going to play each other. Chiefs vs. Raiders. I should know what vs. means literally, but I do not. It is simply a sign of enmity. We will be squaring off against those other guys from the other side of the tracks.
Watching the news and the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy, I am reminded again about how divided our country seems to be politically. Half on one side, half on the other. The sad thing to me is that it seems that very little effort is given to understand the other side. Folks and politicians seem to be content to be on their side and to be against the other side.
We forget that those on the other side are people too. People with families, medical issues, churches, lives. We are all people. Was the good Samaritan a Republican or a Democrat? Was the man that he helped a Republican or a Democrat?
Who cares.
Yesterday I was going through some stuff that belonged to my father. I came upon a pewter mug that was created to commemorate a baseball game. The inscription on the cup says:
base-ball [like they didn't know that baseball was one word]
St. Botolph vs. Tavern [there is the dreaded vs.]
24-22
June 21, 1904
1904. Who were these folks? I have some hunches, but the point is, their big baseball game isn't so important today. All the players are gone. The vs. seems a bit pointless. I doubt that they are competing in heaven, because in that land, we are all on the same team. We all finally realize that we are all God's children.
Maybe one day soon we will all lay down the weapons and the rhetoric and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Watching the news and the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy, I am reminded again about how divided our country seems to be politically. Half on one side, half on the other. The sad thing to me is that it seems that very little effort is given to understand the other side. Folks and politicians seem to be content to be on their side and to be against the other side.
We forget that those on the other side are people too. People with families, medical issues, churches, lives. We are all people. Was the good Samaritan a Republican or a Democrat? Was the man that he helped a Republican or a Democrat?
Who cares.
Yesterday I was going through some stuff that belonged to my father. I came upon a pewter mug that was created to commemorate a baseball game. The inscription on the cup says:
base-ball [like they didn't know that baseball was one word]
St. Botolph vs. Tavern [there is the dreaded vs.]
24-22
June 21, 1904
1904. Who were these folks? I have some hunches, but the point is, their big baseball game isn't so important today. All the players are gone. The vs. seems a bit pointless. I doubt that they are competing in heaven, because in that land, we are all on the same team. We all finally realize that we are all God's children.
Maybe one day soon we will all lay down the weapons and the rhetoric and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
the veil
This can't wait for a sermon, but it will appear in one, some day soon.
In the temple in Jerusalem, there was a veil that separated the holiest place in the temple. God's presence was in the holy place and people were on the other side of the veil.
We know that when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. Mt. 27:51. I have always heard that it was torn from top to bottom, showing that it was God that tore it, not man. I have also heard that the veil being torn allows us to go into the holy of hollies. We can now enter the presence of God, without the help of a priest.
What I heard for the first time the other day was this....when the veil was torn, it wasn't just that we got to go in, it also meant that God gets to come out. God who at least symbolically was held behind the veil, was loosed into the world.
The presence of God is loosed into the world. Pentecost. The Spirit of God, present in your home, in your life. God is everywhere. There is no place that you can go where he is not present.
He is in your kitchen. In your office. In your car. I like that.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
In the temple in Jerusalem, there was a veil that separated the holiest place in the temple. God's presence was in the holy place and people were on the other side of the veil.
We know that when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. Mt. 27:51. I have always heard that it was torn from top to bottom, showing that it was God that tore it, not man. I have also heard that the veil being torn allows us to go into the holy of hollies. We can now enter the presence of God, without the help of a priest.
What I heard for the first time the other day was this....when the veil was torn, it wasn't just that we got to go in, it also meant that God gets to come out. God who at least symbolically was held behind the veil, was loosed into the world.
The presence of God is loosed into the world. Pentecost. The Spirit of God, present in your home, in your life. God is everywhere. There is no place that you can go where he is not present.
He is in your kitchen. In your office. In your car. I like that.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
emotions
The cadence of emotions is very interesting. Very fickle. Emotions are kind of like the weather in Missouri. If you don't like it, stick around, pretty soon it will change.
That is why I hesitate to really give voice to sorrow and despair. Now, if you think you have heard the sadness and sorrow and despair coming out of me lately, let me tell you something...... I have been holding back. So, the sorrow that I felt, I felt much more intensely than I let on. Why? Why not let it all out? Because I want to reserve that right for the joy.
Let sorrow be managed, let joy be unbridled. Feeling sad? Hang on, it will change. My son is gone to college, but you are my family. You are my brothers and my sisters. Really. Exactly.
Sometimes out of the greatest moments of pain, come the greatest moments of joy. As the Mama's and the Papa's said, "the darkest hour is just before dawn."
The Psalmist [30] says it this way, Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
That is why I hesitate to really give voice to sorrow and despair. Now, if you think you have heard the sadness and sorrow and despair coming out of me lately, let me tell you something...... I have been holding back. So, the sorrow that I felt, I felt much more intensely than I let on. Why? Why not let it all out? Because I want to reserve that right for the joy.
Let sorrow be managed, let joy be unbridled. Feeling sad? Hang on, it will change. My son is gone to college, but you are my family. You are my brothers and my sisters. Really. Exactly.
Sometimes out of the greatest moments of pain, come the greatest moments of joy. As the Mama's and the Papa's said, "the darkest hour is just before dawn."
The Psalmist [30] says it this way, Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, August 24, 2009
bicycle
As I try to comfort myself, I remember for some reason that one of the first things that made me happy in my life was a bicycle. My mom took me to the Emporium. It was a store like a Sears or Macys, but in San Jose California, they also sold bicycles in 1971.
The bike was a 10 speed. All the rage back then. It was an "Orly" a brand named after a town in France. Someone told me it was made by the Peugeot company. I put on some extra sprockets and had my mom sew letters on my jacket that said, Peugeot-Orly. I was a biker.
Over the next few years I rode that bike everywere. I completely disassembled it several times. That bike was my friend. I could go anywhere, and was for the first time in my life, self sufficient to some degree.
In 1973 I bought a better bike from a bike shop. A Garlatti. It was a nice starter road bike with Campagnolo components. Very swank. I had hit it big in the world of bicycle racers. I got a pass to the velodrome and my friend Mark Flammer and I rode the 15 miles to the velodrome and would spend the day racing. I was elected the president of the bicycle club at school. I won most of our club's road races, not all, but most of them. Once, Mark and I rode 125 miles in one day to Mariposa, California.
After I started college, the golden age of the ten speed was over for me. I had a bike for another ten years, but it never was the same. The freedom and unbridled joy that I had experienced as a biker was overtaken by the responsibilities of life. College, work, marriage and finally children.
Sometimes I wish I could ride again in the Santa Clara County foothills. No worries, no responsibilities, no problems.
I suppose all of us have stories like that of some thing, or some time that seems magical. It is easy to remember something in the past and over romanticize it. I need to remember that this is a pretty magical time too. Even though life is very different, I have so much to give thanks to God for. As do we all.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
The bike was a 10 speed. All the rage back then. It was an "Orly" a brand named after a town in France. Someone told me it was made by the Peugeot company. I put on some extra sprockets and had my mom sew letters on my jacket that said, Peugeot-Orly. I was a biker.
Over the next few years I rode that bike everywere. I completely disassembled it several times. That bike was my friend. I could go anywhere, and was for the first time in my life, self sufficient to some degree.
In 1973 I bought a better bike from a bike shop. A Garlatti. It was a nice starter road bike with Campagnolo components. Very swank. I had hit it big in the world of bicycle racers. I got a pass to the velodrome and my friend Mark Flammer and I rode the 15 miles to the velodrome and would spend the day racing. I was elected the president of the bicycle club at school. I won most of our club's road races, not all, but most of them. Once, Mark and I rode 125 miles in one day to Mariposa, California.
After I started college, the golden age of the ten speed was over for me. I had a bike for another ten years, but it never was the same. The freedom and unbridled joy that I had experienced as a biker was overtaken by the responsibilities of life. College, work, marriage and finally children.
Sometimes I wish I could ride again in the Santa Clara County foothills. No worries, no responsibilities, no problems.
I suppose all of us have stories like that of some thing, or some time that seems magical. It is easy to remember something in the past and over romanticize it. I need to remember that this is a pretty magical time too. Even though life is very different, I have so much to give thanks to God for. As do we all.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
seeing the good
Lately I have wondered if I should stop writing, stop blogging for a while. I am not unhappy or depressed, but there just seems to be a lot of sadness rolling around that I am constantly having to fight off. Seeing the good has been a little more difficult. A wife that travels, kids leaving for college, struggling with decisions that adult children are making. Being a pastor has it's own challenges, but when you add all that personal stuff, it is very easy to feel crummy.
Nothing is wrong. All this stuff is normal. In times like this, you just have to hunker down and remember who you are. I am a child of God. I am his son. Everything is ok. If there was ever a time for the message of a blog like this, I guess this is the time.
If you are discouraged, don't lose heart. Circumstances change, but God does not. All is well. Look and see him. He is there.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Nothing is wrong. All this stuff is normal. In times like this, you just have to hunker down and remember who you are. I am a child of God. I am his son. Everything is ok. If there was ever a time for the message of a blog like this, I guess this is the time.
If you are discouraged, don't lose heart. Circumstances change, but God does not. All is well. Look and see him. He is there.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
off he goes
We just this minute loaded up the truck with Baby Scotty's stuff for college. TV, mini-fridge, baseball glove and cleats, Michael Jordan clock, backpack, books for class, hamper, bed in a bag, laptop. He is travelling a bit lighter than his sister did last week.
He is also taking with him, 18 years, 4 months, and 18 days worth of love and care by his parents. What he said to his dog this morning sums it all up, "dog, you have no idea what is about to happen." We are all gonna miss him.
One of my favorite writers, Anthony Demello, says, "all grief is about you." I am happy for Scott. I am glad that he is going to college, that is what we have always wanted. This grief, yes, it is about me.
God is good, life goes on, and as many of you have told me, they do come back.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
He is also taking with him, 18 years, 4 months, and 18 days worth of love and care by his parents. What he said to his dog this morning sums it all up, "dog, you have no idea what is about to happen." We are all gonna miss him.
One of my favorite writers, Anthony Demello, says, "all grief is about you." I am happy for Scott. I am glad that he is going to college, that is what we have always wanted. This grief, yes, it is about me.
God is good, life goes on, and as many of you have told me, they do come back.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, August 21, 2009
do not judge
Ouch. this hurt.
We bought my wife a used car. An 04 Nissan. The deadline to license it is nearing and I do not have the paperwork from the dealer. It finally comes in the mail on Wednesday. Thursday, I have breakfast with 5 preachers in Blue Springs. I stop by the City Hall in Blue Springs to try and license the car. I wait in the line. I wait and wait. One of the papers from the dealer is wrong so I am rejected. The clerk that is helping me explains their policy for returning patrons. Since you have already stood in the line once, we give you a green paper to serve as a pass. Come to the front of the line and hold up your pass. We will see you and call you up to the window. Everyone will understand, this is how we do it here.
Everyone will understand. Right!
Ok, flash forward. It is now yesterday at 4:30pm and I have the correct paper finally. I go to the City Hall and do exactly as I was told by the clerk. It is the same clerk that helped me earlier in the morning. She tags the car, I thank her and turn to go.
As I pass by the line, a young [35] buff looking dude says, "hey, next time how about you stand in line like everyone else." He is mad. Real mad.
I explained to him, and I did it loudly enough so that others could hear, "Sir, I stood in line this morning as you are now. There was a problem with the paperwork so the clerk gave me a green pass so that when I returned I would not have to stand in line again. I came in, stood where she told me and showed her my pass. I did just what they told me to do. I am sorry that it bothered you." He didn't say a word. Several others behind him, smiled at me, as if to apologize for his angry confrontational manner.
The next time that I see someone "breaking the rules" or parking in a handicap spot when they don't look handicapped to me, I am going to remember this story. There may just be a reason for it all that I am not aware of. I do not want to waste my day being angry at others, especially when I don't really know what is going on.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, even when we stand in line. Be sure to see the good.
We bought my wife a used car. An 04 Nissan. The deadline to license it is nearing and I do not have the paperwork from the dealer. It finally comes in the mail on Wednesday. Thursday, I have breakfast with 5 preachers in Blue Springs. I stop by the City Hall in Blue Springs to try and license the car. I wait in the line. I wait and wait. One of the papers from the dealer is wrong so I am rejected. The clerk that is helping me explains their policy for returning patrons. Since you have already stood in the line once, we give you a green paper to serve as a pass. Come to the front of the line and hold up your pass. We will see you and call you up to the window. Everyone will understand, this is how we do it here.
Everyone will understand. Right!
Ok, flash forward. It is now yesterday at 4:30pm and I have the correct paper finally. I go to the City Hall and do exactly as I was told by the clerk. It is the same clerk that helped me earlier in the morning. She tags the car, I thank her and turn to go.
As I pass by the line, a young [35] buff looking dude says, "hey, next time how about you stand in line like everyone else." He is mad. Real mad.
I explained to him, and I did it loudly enough so that others could hear, "Sir, I stood in line this morning as you are now. There was a problem with the paperwork so the clerk gave me a green pass so that when I returned I would not have to stand in line again. I came in, stood where she told me and showed her my pass. I did just what they told me to do. I am sorry that it bothered you." He didn't say a word. Several others behind him, smiled at me, as if to apologize for his angry confrontational manner.
The next time that I see someone "breaking the rules" or parking in a handicap spot when they don't look handicapped to me, I am going to remember this story. There may just be a reason for it all that I am not aware of. I do not want to waste my day being angry at others, especially when I don't really know what is going on.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, even when we stand in line. Be sure to see the good.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Truman Lakewood
For eight weeks in the early spring of 1999, our church met in the Truman room at Truman East- Lakewood. The Truman staff was truly wonderful in accommodating us. Helping us to find and use rooms for Sunday School and storage. The gift of these eight weeks was because we had to move out of our old church building before the new one was ready for occupancy.
Yesterday morning I was at a meeting with some friends of Truman Lakewood. I learned a lot about the care that they give to the poor. I felt very proud that right here in our neighborhood is an organization whose culture is organically reaching the least of these.
If you volunteer at Truman Lakewood, I would like to hear from you. Are you in the auxiliary? Do you visit in long term care? Do you help at the gift shop? Let me hear from you, because I would like to encourage you in your work.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Yesterday morning I was at a meeting with some friends of Truman Lakewood. I learned a lot about the care that they give to the poor. I felt very proud that right here in our neighborhood is an organization whose culture is organically reaching the least of these.
If you volunteer at Truman Lakewood, I would like to hear from you. Are you in the auxiliary? Do you visit in long term care? Do you help at the gift shop? Let me hear from you, because I would like to encourage you in your work.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
how often do you get to church?
Some folks are in church every Sunday. Some are in church twice a month. Others once a month. Some quarterly. Some twice a year. Some can't remember the last time they were there, but they consider Woods Chapel their church.
I am not going to make anyone feel guilty. That was our mother's job. When you see me in the grocery store, don't hide, and don't feel funny. I am glad to see you, regardless of how long it has been since you attended church.
I think being in church is good for you, and your family. It is better for you and your family in the long run, than any other activity that people engage in on Sunday morning.
There is something good, something wholesome, something healing about being in church. When I am gone, I miss it. I'll bet you do too. There is only one remedy for this.....be there.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I am not going to make anyone feel guilty. That was our mother's job. When you see me in the grocery store, don't hide, and don't feel funny. I am glad to see you, regardless of how long it has been since you attended church.
I think being in church is good for you, and your family. It is better for you and your family in the long run, than any other activity that people engage in on Sunday morning.
There is something good, something wholesome, something healing about being in church. When I am gone, I miss it. I'll bet you do too. There is only one remedy for this.....be there.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
lost and found
It is 2004. We are moving. Packing or unpacking, I don't remember. One of the kids wants to borrow a knife to open a box or cut tape after packing a box. I give them my Dad's knife to use.
Mistake.
My Dad was very proud of his knife. All men carry a pocket knife. Don't you know that son? It was an old timer brand knife. It was a big one. Expensive. Dad had sharpened it so many times that the shape of the blades were changed by his work.
Packing or unpacking was done, I inquired about the knife. No one knew where it was. What? WHAT? My Dad died two years ago. This was his knife.! Where is it! No one knew.
I stewed and suffered. I was angry. I gave them grief. I would not have been proud of myself had a video been taken.
Flash forward. It is 2009. Someone is cleaning their room. Looking through something that they have not been through in a long time. They come downstairs. "Dad, this is a cool knife, where did it come from?" Well, honey, that was PaPa's knife.
Excitement! Joy! The lost has been found. I mean I am so glad to see that knife!!!
As upset as I was over the knife being lost, I was ecstatic over it being found. Let me show it to you sometime.
And so I understand the joy that God has when a lost sheep comes home. When a lost coin is found. When a lost son comes to his senses.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Mistake.
My Dad was very proud of his knife. All men carry a pocket knife. Don't you know that son? It was an old timer brand knife. It was a big one. Expensive. Dad had sharpened it so many times that the shape of the blades were changed by his work.
Packing or unpacking was done, I inquired about the knife. No one knew where it was. What? WHAT? My Dad died two years ago. This was his knife.! Where is it! No one knew.
I stewed and suffered. I was angry. I gave them grief. I would not have been proud of myself had a video been taken.
Flash forward. It is 2009. Someone is cleaning their room. Looking through something that they have not been through in a long time. They come downstairs. "Dad, this is a cool knife, where did it come from?" Well, honey, that was PaPa's knife.
Excitement! Joy! The lost has been found. I mean I am so glad to see that knife!!!
As upset as I was over the knife being lost, I was ecstatic over it being found. Let me show it to you sometime.
And so I understand the joy that God has when a lost sheep comes home. When a lost coin is found. When a lost son comes to his senses.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, August 17, 2009
hat lottery
I won the hat lottery on Friday. Now I don't know why, but I like to wear hats. They keep the sun off of your face and they collect the sweat when you are working in the yard. They cover up my baldness and make me look younger. Ok, maybe I do know why I like hats.
Good hats are hard to find. The bill has to be curled just so, and the whole hat just has to look right. I don't go for flat bills or hats with elastic in them.
The girls had found me a nice Univ of Central MO hat at the bookstore in Warrensburg a few years ago. I got it salty and yucky at the beach a few weeks ago. So I needed a new hat. Anytime I am in the Burg, the girls want me to go to the campus bookstore with them so I can buy them a shirt or something with their college logo.
Well, on Friday, I hit the hat lottery. the very same hat that I loved so much, that I ruined on the beach was on sale.......closeout. $2.44 each. I bought all they had - 10 of them.
So if you need a nice Central MO Jenny's hat, ring me up, because I can fix you up right. I have red ones and white ones.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Good hats are hard to find. The bill has to be curled just so, and the whole hat just has to look right. I don't go for flat bills or hats with elastic in them.
The girls had found me a nice Univ of Central MO hat at the bookstore in Warrensburg a few years ago. I got it salty and yucky at the beach a few weeks ago. So I needed a new hat. Anytime I am in the Burg, the girls want me to go to the campus bookstore with them so I can buy them a shirt or something with their college logo.
Well, on Friday, I hit the hat lottery. the very same hat that I loved so much, that I ruined on the beach was on sale.......closeout. $2.44 each. I bought all they had - 10 of them.
So if you need a nice Central MO Jenny's hat, ring me up, because I can fix you up right. I have red ones and white ones.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
paying attention
Friday when I was in Warrensburg, I was driving up Broad Street to the place where I thought I would meet Jenny. I looked left, and saw her parked down the street in front of her dorm. I stopped in the middle of the street. No one was around, so I decided to back up and turn down the street to go to her.
I am not sure why or how, but after travelling just a few feet on the road in reverse, I hit the brakes. I thought I heard something shift in our load, but it may also have been the horn of the car that somehow was now right behind me.
When I looked again, that college boy had pulled that Mustang right up behind me, and I was backing up! I bet I missed hitting him by 6 inches. He peeled out and gave me a look, "stupid old man."
The accident was avoided, but my dangerous behavior, which seemed ok at the time, almost led to a very difficult day.
I have always tried to be a careful driver. I wasn't very careful on Friday.
The moral of the story is this. Think twice when you are considering dangerous behavior. Life has general rules. Follow them. Cars are supposed to go forward, not backward down the main streets. Carelessness in our decision making can result in difficulty.
If you see me in the parking lot at church, you may just want to give me a few extra feet.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I am not sure why or how, but after travelling just a few feet on the road in reverse, I hit the brakes. I thought I heard something shift in our load, but it may also have been the horn of the car that somehow was now right behind me.
When I looked again, that college boy had pulled that Mustang right up behind me, and I was backing up! I bet I missed hitting him by 6 inches. He peeled out and gave me a look, "stupid old man."
The accident was avoided, but my dangerous behavior, which seemed ok at the time, almost led to a very difficult day.
I have always tried to be a careful driver. I wasn't very careful on Friday.
The moral of the story is this. Think twice when you are considering dangerous behavior. Life has general rules. Follow them. Cars are supposed to go forward, not backward down the main streets. Carelessness in our decision making can result in difficulty.
If you see me in the parking lot at church, you may just want to give me a few extra feet.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
college bound
Took a little trip yesterday to the Burg. Warrensburg. Dropped Jenny off at the dorm. And Jenny's stuff. My goodness, Jenny has a lot of stuff.
When I went to college everything I took fit into a 73 Chevy Vega hatchback. Jenny's car was full, the pickup truck was full, and we almost had to rent a u-haul as well. She brought clothes and shoes and pictures. Pictures! What the heck is that? We never had any pictures in frames on our dorm room walls. And shoes! I carried in three loads of shoes. She brought three times as many shoes as I own! Lamps. Why do you need a lamp in a dorm room? Don't know. Jenny brought three. Bed Stuff. Sheets and a blanket is all I ever had. She brought sheets, blankets, stuffed panda bears, a mattress pad and four pillows.
Her pastor is going to have to give her the "laying up treasure on earth" talk.
I am going to miss her. I already do.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
When I went to college everything I took fit into a 73 Chevy Vega hatchback. Jenny's car was full, the pickup truck was full, and we almost had to rent a u-haul as well. She brought clothes and shoes and pictures. Pictures! What the heck is that? We never had any pictures in frames on our dorm room walls. And shoes! I carried in three loads of shoes. She brought three times as many shoes as I own! Lamps. Why do you need a lamp in a dorm room? Don't know. Jenny brought three. Bed Stuff. Sheets and a blanket is all I ever had. She brought sheets, blankets, stuffed panda bears, a mattress pad and four pillows.
Her pastor is going to have to give her the "laying up treasure on earth" talk.
I am going to miss her. I already do.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, August 14, 2009
what we don't know
We are always so impressed with ourselves about what we know. We have lived a long time and we have seen a lot of things. But there is so much more that we do not know. What we know, pales in comparison to what we do not know.
The older we get, the more humble we should become. The knowledge of God, knowledge of the universe, of life itself, is so immense.
We should always be a bit humbled by what we see in life.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
The older we get, the more humble we should become. The knowledge of God, knowledge of the universe, of life itself, is so immense.
We should always be a bit humbled by what we see in life.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
what do you do for a living?
The first week of July I went to a family reunion. Our family has not stayed in touch very well, so there was a good deal of catching up to do. In almost any setting, "what do you do for a living" is the most asked question in the world. It was the most asked question at the family reunion. Yet, no one asked me. Why?
They knew I was a preacher and they were afraid that I was going to guilt them or that they were going to end up in a conversation that they were going to regret.
Why did they feel this way? Because some preachers and Christians have made a living at judging others and making people feel guilty. I think Americans are sick of it. I have an article on my desk, waiting to be read entitled, "salvation begins with love, not sin."
Christians are never going to win the world by crushing them. I know you don't do this, and that I am preaching to the choir, but we have to help other Christians understand that treating people in this way just drives them away.
Life is good and God is great. People will be drawn to his love. Let's tell them about his love and grace. What do you do for a living?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
drama
Drama: unnecessary disturbance, incessant whining, compulsive complaining.
Think of someone that you used to know that was a source of drama in your life. Now it is ancient history. What happened? Did they get better? Did they decide that you were not going to listen anymore and just move on?
At any rate, most drama is useless. It is over and gone in a few short months. It is like someone who doesn't understand that they have a life, was trying to conjure one up by complaining.
So if all drama moves on in time, why don't we just let it go and stop being bothered by it. Smile. Laugh it off. Cut those providing the drama some slack.
I hope that you and I are never the deliverers of drama.
Today is a good day and everything is ok. All is well. Lets not worry about others who are stuck in drama. That is not what life is about anyway. See the good and focus on it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Think of someone that you used to know that was a source of drama in your life. Now it is ancient history. What happened? Did they get better? Did they decide that you were not going to listen anymore and just move on?
At any rate, most drama is useless. It is over and gone in a few short months. It is like someone who doesn't understand that they have a life, was trying to conjure one up by complaining.
So if all drama moves on in time, why don't we just let it go and stop being bothered by it. Smile. Laugh it off. Cut those providing the drama some slack.
I hope that you and I are never the deliverers of drama.
Today is a good day and everything is ok. All is well. Lets not worry about others who are stuck in drama. That is not what life is about anyway. See the good and focus on it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
thank you
This evening, we will hold a memorial service for one of our members, Jim Truschke. Jim died suddenly, or so it seemed to me. He also died too soon. I am not sure that we were done with what we could have been or done together here on earth, but we don't ever get the choice of when we go.
Here is one thing that I want you to know about Jim. There was a time many years ago, that our church was in trouble. The future of our congregation was in doubt. About 100 people, and that includes children, made the commitment to work it out and dream for a better future. They did not all always agree with each other, but they agreed to work for our mission of connecting people to Jesus Christ.
Because of the work of these early Woods Chapilians, the stage was set, the doors were opened for all of the blessings that we experience today. Those who worked so hard back then, hold a very special place in my heart. I say thank you to all of them, and thank you to our friend, Jim Truschke.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Here is one thing that I want you to know about Jim. There was a time many years ago, that our church was in trouble. The future of our congregation was in doubt. About 100 people, and that includes children, made the commitment to work it out and dream for a better future. They did not all always agree with each other, but they agreed to work for our mission of connecting people to Jesus Christ.
Because of the work of these early Woods Chapilians, the stage was set, the doors were opened for all of the blessings that we experience today. Those who worked so hard back then, hold a very special place in my heart. I say thank you to all of them, and thank you to our friend, Jim Truschke.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, August 10, 2009
the unspoken language
There is in this world, an unspoken language. Not everyone knows it, but many people do. With this unspoken language you can communicate with people that don't speak English. You can communicate with animals.
Here are some examples:
By the unseen language, your dog can tell if you are having a bad day. Two people in love can share a message just by looking at each other. Fear, joy and many other things can be expressed. You can listen to someone speaking in a tongue that is foreign to you and somehow understand what they want.
This language, this ability, has something to do with a part of God's world that we do not understand. It is a reminder to me that God is amazing and that we do well when we honor him and when we take the time to care for one another.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Here are some examples:
By the unseen language, your dog can tell if you are having a bad day. Two people in love can share a message just by looking at each other. Fear, joy and many other things can be expressed. You can listen to someone speaking in a tongue that is foreign to you and somehow understand what they want.
This language, this ability, has something to do with a part of God's world that we do not understand. It is a reminder to me that God is amazing and that we do well when we honor him and when we take the time to care for one another.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Jeff 8 - Fish 0
On Friday I attended DJ's annual canoe trip on the Elk River. Beautiful scenery, great people, no worries. And then there is the fishing.
The real score is some thing like this: Jeff 8, Dave 2, Fish 0. or you could look at it this way: Jeff's fishing pole 10, Fish 0.
Why is it so much fun to catch a fish? By the way, I had to let them all go. They did not swim in a school, more like preschool. Their mothers were expecting them home for dinner.
I also lost or misplaced my new camouflage hat. I liked it a lot, it was good camo, but I set it down somewhere, and after that, I could never find it. If you see it, let me know. Thanks.
I will be in church today and I hope to see you there.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
The real score is some thing like this: Jeff 8, Dave 2, Fish 0. or you could look at it this way: Jeff's fishing pole 10, Fish 0.
Why is it so much fun to catch a fish? By the way, I had to let them all go. They did not swim in a school, more like preschool. Their mothers were expecting them home for dinner.
I also lost or misplaced my new camouflage hat. I liked it a lot, it was good camo, but I set it down somewhere, and after that, I could never find it. If you see it, let me know. Thanks.
I will be in church today and I hope to see you there.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
moving day
Today is moving day. A few of us are going to go help a friend of ours move some of his stuff from one place to another. Not typically a day that many of us look forward to. There are many other things any of us would rather be doing with our time……fishing, playing golf, biking, going to the pool or lake, or getting some of our own stuff taken care of etc. etc. etc……BUT, I know at the end of this day I will have a new memory or two. I will have spent time with friends. We will no doubt be giving each other a hard time. There will be some jokes. There will be something that happens (at the expense of one of us) that will make us all laugh. I may meet a person or two that I have never met before. I know for certain I will be meeting one of my friend's father for the first time and that is always a good experience. We will pitch in our help and support for the day and we will come away with many aches and pains that may linger for a few days even with the help of modern medicine. More than anything, though, we will feel good inside because we were able to help…….able to share time, give time and for a little while at least…….we are going to put something else…someone else… ahead of us on the priority list. It is going to be a good day.
Peace,
Lion’s Den Man
Peace,
Lion’s Den Man
Friday, August 7, 2009
temptation
"The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly person from trials and temptations." 2 peter 2:9
Are you in trouble? Are you being tempted? When I say tempted, I don't mean that the Devil is attacking you. Remember the Devil is in Afghanistan with Osamma. He is not omnipresent. Only God is omnipresent.
When I say temptation, I mean, "are you being drawn off of the path by your own lusts?" The scripture says, "13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." James 1:13-14
Lusts. Do you desire the boat of another person? Their clothes? Their friends? Their income? Their spouse? Their success?
Anytime we covet something that is not ours, anytime that we dwell on such things, we are drawn more increasingly into temptation. Soon if we are not careful, that thing has a hold on us and we are thinking about it way too much. When this happens, our minds are filled with things that we should not be thinking about instead of the things that we should be thinking about. Our walk with God becomes a distant memory as we are consumed with how to drag the latest idol into our lives. Those things cannot fill the emptiness inside. Only God can do this.
Flee from temptation. Draw new boundaries. The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly person, but you have to want to be delivered. Help him help you. Step back from your wants and learn again to want only Him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Are you in trouble? Are you being tempted? When I say tempted, I don't mean that the Devil is attacking you. Remember the Devil is in Afghanistan with Osamma. He is not omnipresent. Only God is omnipresent.
When I say temptation, I mean, "are you being drawn off of the path by your own lusts?" The scripture says, "13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." James 1:13-14
Lusts. Do you desire the boat of another person? Their clothes? Their friends? Their income? Their spouse? Their success?
Anytime we covet something that is not ours, anytime that we dwell on such things, we are drawn more increasingly into temptation. Soon if we are not careful, that thing has a hold on us and we are thinking about it way too much. When this happens, our minds are filled with things that we should not be thinking about instead of the things that we should be thinking about. Our walk with God becomes a distant memory as we are consumed with how to drag the latest idol into our lives. Those things cannot fill the emptiness inside. Only God can do this.
Flee from temptation. Draw new boundaries. The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly person, but you have to want to be delivered. Help him help you. Step back from your wants and learn again to want only Him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Taste
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8
I was gone on vacation, and I missed all of you. It is funny that I think that rushing around the country on airplanes with my family is going to be a vacation. I need a vacation from the vacation.
I am glad to be home. I went to gospel choir tonight. First practice of the fall. twice as many people attended as were expected. Great spirit! Great joy! Come. Taste and see that it is good.
I hugged a friend today. The brothers in Christ need one another.
Are you dry? thirsty? Tired of chasing your family all around? How about something that is really good for you? I can't wait to be back in church on Sunday.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I was gone on vacation, and I missed all of you. It is funny that I think that rushing around the country on airplanes with my family is going to be a vacation. I need a vacation from the vacation.
I am glad to be home. I went to gospel choir tonight. First practice of the fall. twice as many people attended as were expected. Great spirit! Great joy! Come. Taste and see that it is good.
I hugged a friend today. The brothers in Christ need one another.
Are you dry? thirsty? Tired of chasing your family all around? How about something that is really good for you? I can't wait to be back in church on Sunday.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
connections
Connections. Strange unexplainable connections that I seem to find with some people. I had two such experiences yesterday. It is like I have no idea why, but I have a feeling in my heart about you. What does that mean? Are we connected by the Spirit? Were we neighbors before we were born on this earth?
Anytime I feel a connection to someone, I try to cultivate the relationship. It is almost like God has given us to each other for this time. What is there for us to learn from each other? What is there for us to experience together or do together?
If you sense such connections to others, follow the leading. Connect the dots. Somehow, our souls know a lot more than our brains do, about what is really going on in this world.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Anytime I feel a connection to someone, I try to cultivate the relationship. It is almost like God has given us to each other for this time. What is there for us to learn from each other? What is there for us to experience together or do together?
If you sense such connections to others, follow the leading. Connect the dots. Somehow, our souls know a lot more than our brains do, about what is really going on in this world.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
a place to be
Everyone needs a place to be. Where no one cares what you do for a living. Where no one cares who you know. You are just one of the guys, one of the gals. Where you are you and that is enough.
No one wants anything from you. They don't care if you were the high school quarterback, in fact, they give you grief if you bring it up. These moments with such true friends are not about who you used to be or some pretend idea of what you may have become.
When you hang out with people that love you because you are you. That is a blessing. No pretends, no masks, no lies. These are my favorite people and it is a gift to be such a person to someone else. I hope that you have some of these folks in your life.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
No one wants anything from you. They don't care if you were the high school quarterback, in fact, they give you grief if you bring it up. These moments with such true friends are not about who you used to be or some pretend idea of what you may have become.
When you hang out with people that love you because you are you. That is a blessing. No pretends, no masks, no lies. These are my favorite people and it is a gift to be such a person to someone else. I hope that you have some of these folks in your life.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, August 3, 2009
In celebration of life
I had heard about this on the news. Brian Swanson sent it to me and I finally watched it. This is the wedding march to remember. This is one bunch of young people celebrating life. I smiled, I chuckled, I teared up. I cried. I hope that all of my children's weddings are this much of a joyful spontaneous celebration.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good. And, do a little dancing today, just to say that you did.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
praying for grace
When you pray, for what do you pray? Are you asking for earthly things or heavenly? Do we seek treasure here or treasure above?
Whenever you pray, be sure to pray for converting grace.
Me? pray for converting grace? why? I am already converted?
Well, by the power of the Holy Spirit, grace continues its job of converting and sanctifying us. Have you arrived? If you have, then pray not for grace. But if you know that your heart is less than fully committed to God through Jesus Christ, then pray for grace.
God, give me your grace. Let me see my need for you. let me see others as you see them. Let me see all the world as you do. let me leave my moments of self-righteousness and look with a loving heart unto you. Change me O God! Give me grace to change! Fill me O God, let nothing be in my heart except your love. Let your grace have it's perfect work within me.
If this is your prayer and it is answered today, then pray it again tomorrow. We need to pray for the grace to change us.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Whenever you pray, be sure to pray for converting grace.
Me? pray for converting grace? why? I am already converted?
Well, by the power of the Holy Spirit, grace continues its job of converting and sanctifying us. Have you arrived? If you have, then pray not for grace. But if you know that your heart is less than fully committed to God through Jesus Christ, then pray for grace.
God, give me your grace. Let me see my need for you. let me see others as you see them. Let me see all the world as you do. let me leave my moments of self-righteousness and look with a loving heart unto you. Change me O God! Give me grace to change! Fill me O God, let nothing be in my heart except your love. Let your grace have it's perfect work within me.
If this is your prayer and it is answered today, then pray it again tomorrow. We need to pray for the grace to change us.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
vacation
I have been on one this week. A vacation in Florida with my wife and kids. Thank you to Lions Den Man and the Young Shepherd for posting while I was gone.
Amazing things that I have seen this week include: my daughter's excitement over finding a starfish while snorkeling, being caught in a rented boat in the middle of a squall which included lightning and 4 waterspouts. Catching ten fish on a reef bottom fishing trip. Riding a boat on the ocean. Floating at the beach. Watching the little baby clams dig themselves back into the sand.
I watched the Captain of the fishing boat teaching his grandson how to drive the boat in and out of the channel markers. Raising children and mentoring those in your care is a constant opportunity that all of us have.
If vacations are supposed to make you want to go back home and return to work, I am ready. I miss all of you. Remember, you are the captain to someone in your life. Take every opportunity to reach out to them and help them know the way.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Amazing things that I have seen this week include: my daughter's excitement over finding a starfish while snorkeling, being caught in a rented boat in the middle of a squall which included lightning and 4 waterspouts. Catching ten fish on a reef bottom fishing trip. Riding a boat on the ocean. Floating at the beach. Watching the little baby clams dig themselves back into the sand.
I watched the Captain of the fishing boat teaching his grandson how to drive the boat in and out of the channel markers. Raising children and mentoring those in your care is a constant opportunity that all of us have.
If vacations are supposed to make you want to go back home and return to work, I am ready. I miss all of you. Remember, you are the captain to someone in your life. Take every opportunity to reach out to them and help them know the way.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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