Yesterday in church, the band did a song by Mike and the Mechanics called "in the living years." Its about how we need to say the things to our loved ones while they are alive, and not wait until they are gone.
It is one of those songs that I heard when I was younger, but never really listened to the words. Yesterday in church, the words hit me pretty hard.
"I wasn't there that morning,
when my father passed away.
I didn't get to tell him,
all the things I had to say...."
So, it's memorial day. Call someone you love and tell them you love them. Stop the people walking through your house and tell them that you love them. In the living years.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E, yes thats the book for me, I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.
We all learned the song, yet many Christians do not take up the book and read it. Some are afraid of it. Some have not the time. Others have tried, and become lost or confused.
Many just do not know where to begin. Here are my suggestions. Start with the books that are easier to understand, easier to relate to.
In the Old Testament, Genesis, Judges, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes. [anyone out there that has other Old Testament suggestions, please chime in.] In the New Testament: any of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The book of acts is great. Take Paul's letters after you have read the gospels. Leave Revelation for another day.
You might want to get into a disciple one study this fall. Many have benefited by the opportunity to cruise through scripture in this class, and to do it with other friends.
Happy reading!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
We all learned the song, yet many Christians do not take up the book and read it. Some are afraid of it. Some have not the time. Others have tried, and become lost or confused.
Many just do not know where to begin. Here are my suggestions. Start with the books that are easier to understand, easier to relate to.
In the Old Testament, Genesis, Judges, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes. [anyone out there that has other Old Testament suggestions, please chime in.] In the New Testament: any of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The book of acts is great. Take Paul's letters after you have read the gospels. Leave Revelation for another day.
You might want to get into a disciple one study this fall. Many have benefited by the opportunity to cruise through scripture in this class, and to do it with other friends.
Happy reading!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
getting older
Now, I understand that getting older is all relative. If I am younger than you are, you may not think I know about growing older. I talked to a 23 year old the other day who complained about getting older because there was nothing to look forward to any more.
Regardless of your age, we are all getting older. When you stop getting older, there is a funeral in your near future.
So, here is my point, as another birthday looms on the horizon for me, I am thinking about getting older. Changes in my body. Changes in how I feel. Changes. And you know, it is not as bad as I thought it was going to be when I was young. I actually enjoy some of the benefits of being older.
Like what? Well, I don't worry as much as I used to. I have learned and retained a great deal of information. I know a ton of people. I have oodles of life experience that I can apply to the decisions that I make. I can be an encouragement to others. I know what it is like to raise a kid from birth through college [almost].
When people comment on how old I am getting, I like to say, "well, I hope that you get to be 52 some day." After all, it is a privilege, not a right.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Regardless of your age, we are all getting older. When you stop getting older, there is a funeral in your near future.
So, here is my point, as another birthday looms on the horizon for me, I am thinking about getting older. Changes in my body. Changes in how I feel. Changes. And you know, it is not as bad as I thought it was going to be when I was young. I actually enjoy some of the benefits of being older.
Like what? Well, I don't worry as much as I used to. I have learned and retained a great deal of information. I know a ton of people. I have oodles of life experience that I can apply to the decisions that I make. I can be an encouragement to others. I know what it is like to raise a kid from birth through college [almost].
When people comment on how old I am getting, I like to say, "well, I hope that you get to be 52 some day." After all, it is a privilege, not a right.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 28, 2010
my ministry
My ministry. I heard a pastor say it the other day. We have done such and such in "my ministry." "My ministry" focuses on such and such. My ministry has been successful. My. My. My. Me. Mine.
Ugh. It makes me cringe. I just want to pop the people that say this. Let me rant for a minute.
Pastor, it is not your ministry! It is the ministry of Christ! It is not about you, it can never be about you and it cannot sound like it is about you. To the degree that you make it sound like it is about you, the work of Christ is hurt.
True ministry points past the person doing the ministry, to the object of the ministry- Jesus. It is a great privilege that any pastor has to be in the ministry of Christ. It is a privilege, not a right. It is not my ministry. It is the ministry of Christ. I just get to help for a while, and so do all of you.
Ok, that's all. I am done with that, until the next time that I hear someone say it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Ugh. It makes me cringe. I just want to pop the people that say this. Let me rant for a minute.
Pastor, it is not your ministry! It is the ministry of Christ! It is not about you, it can never be about you and it cannot sound like it is about you. To the degree that you make it sound like it is about you, the work of Christ is hurt.
True ministry points past the person doing the ministry, to the object of the ministry- Jesus. It is a great privilege that any pastor has to be in the ministry of Christ. It is a privilege, not a right. It is not my ministry. It is the ministry of Christ. I just get to help for a while, and so do all of you.
Ok, that's all. I am done with that, until the next time that I hear someone say it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"no"
Sometimes you have to say it, the word we hate to hear, "no". If you are a parent you better learn to say it. Children who get everything that they want are in for a rude awakening later in life. If you are in charge of something you have to decide, yes or no, many times. To be a leader you must learn to be able to say no in a manner that keeps people connected.
"No" can be delivered in a way that is painful, or no can be delivered in as kind of a way as possible. To those on the receiving end of a "no" it can still feel the same. That is why we have to put on our big boy or big girl clothes when we hear a no. We can't always get what we want, and we are not in charge of everything.
If you are the one making decisions, understand this: to say yes to something is to say no to something else. To be a leader, you must be willing to stand for what you are trying to accomplish and to understand that the choices that you make to help achieve those goals, by definition exclude other choices.
There will always be yesses and there will always be no's. Life goes on.
Here are a few "no's". No to apathy. No to ignorance. No to taking the easy way. No to spending more that we should. No to hurting others whenever possible. No to hate. No to selfishness. No to spiritual blindness.
Now, that opens us up for some yesses. Yes to caring, yes to hard work, yes to being frugal, yes to being responsible, yes to kindness, yes to love, yes to being awake.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
"No" can be delivered in a way that is painful, or no can be delivered in as kind of a way as possible. To those on the receiving end of a "no" it can still feel the same. That is why we have to put on our big boy or big girl clothes when we hear a no. We can't always get what we want, and we are not in charge of everything.
If you are the one making decisions, understand this: to say yes to something is to say no to something else. To be a leader, you must be willing to stand for what you are trying to accomplish and to understand that the choices that you make to help achieve those goals, by definition exclude other choices.
There will always be yesses and there will always be no's. Life goes on.
Here are a few "no's". No to apathy. No to ignorance. No to taking the easy way. No to spending more that we should. No to hurting others whenever possible. No to hate. No to selfishness. No to spiritual blindness.
Now, that opens us up for some yesses. Yes to caring, yes to hard work, yes to being frugal, yes to being responsible, yes to kindness, yes to love, yes to being awake.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
swimming
I found a swimming pool last night. I have not been in a pool since last year. I remembered something wonderful that I had forgotten.
When I get into the pool, I am a teenager again.
My knees don't hurt, my skin feels good. I float and glide like a youngster. My brain actually flashed back to when I was a teenager and would swim with my sister. I remembered the scene from the movie "Cocoon" in which Jessica Tandy and Don Ameche and friends all were healed in the swimming pool.
It felt great. I should swim more often.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
When I get into the pool, I am a teenager again.
My knees don't hurt, my skin feels good. I float and glide like a youngster. My brain actually flashed back to when I was a teenager and would swim with my sister. I remembered the scene from the movie "Cocoon" in which Jessica Tandy and Don Ameche and friends all were healed in the swimming pool.
It felt great. I should swim more often.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
welcome new reader
Welcome to a new reader. I guess they show up from time to time and I do not know it. Someone that for some reason gets interested in Jeff's random stuff. I love you all and welcome you all.
But. This newest reader is someone very special. You know how you have babies and then when they turn into teenagers they are no longer interested in you? It's like you get dumb when they turn 13? They don't kiss you goodbye any more. They go off seeking their independence. You always hope that one day they will come back. You hope that they will start to see that you are ok.
My latest reader is my oldest daughter!! She lives in an apartment downtown, and I guess she is bored, because she has started reading about hearing the birds sing. Now I have to tell you, that makes my day. That makes me totally happy. I feel a little smarter.
It's a beautiful day in Good's world, be sure to see the good.
But. This newest reader is someone very special. You know how you have babies and then when they turn into teenagers they are no longer interested in you? It's like you get dumb when they turn 13? They don't kiss you goodbye any more. They go off seeking their independence. You always hope that one day they will come back. You hope that they will start to see that you are ok.
My latest reader is my oldest daughter!! She lives in an apartment downtown, and I guess she is bored, because she has started reading about hearing the birds sing. Now I have to tell you, that makes my day. That makes me totally happy. I feel a little smarter.
It's a beautiful day in Good's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 24, 2010
losing things
I lost a credit card last week. It took me three days to find it. I lost my wallet again last night.
Do you ever lose things? Misplace them? Your keys? Your checkbook? Wallet? It seems to happen to me way too much. I have often thought of this as a function of getting older, you know, the hard drive is just full and I can't remember anything anymore.
Anthony Demello says that if this is happening to you on a regular basis, then you are too busy. You are so busy that you are not paying adequate attention to what you are doing. You go from one thing to the next so fast that you are not aware of what is going on around you.
He says that the real problem with this is not that you can't find your keys. The real problem is that you are missing life. You are passing by the beauty, you are not smelling the roses. Slow down and touch every moment. Your wallet is right where you left it. God's stuff is also right where he put it. His trees, his birds, his love, his miracles. They are all there for the experiencing for those who are aware and awake to the gift of being alive.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Do you ever lose things? Misplace them? Your keys? Your checkbook? Wallet? It seems to happen to me way too much. I have often thought of this as a function of getting older, you know, the hard drive is just full and I can't remember anything anymore.
Anthony Demello says that if this is happening to you on a regular basis, then you are too busy. You are so busy that you are not paying adequate attention to what you are doing. You go from one thing to the next so fast that you are not aware of what is going on around you.
He says that the real problem with this is not that you can't find your keys. The real problem is that you are missing life. You are passing by the beauty, you are not smelling the roses. Slow down and touch every moment. Your wallet is right where you left it. God's stuff is also right where he put it. His trees, his birds, his love, his miracles. They are all there for the experiencing for those who are aware and awake to the gift of being alive.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
lawn mower
Well my wife likes to mow the grass. That is a pretty good woman I would say. So yesterday she goes out to mow, and comes rushing in, upset that the mower is broken. It doesn't sound right. something is broken. This is really important. She wants me to leave the sermon work to go look at the mower.
ok. Put the sermon down, lets go look at the mower.
Now my Dad taught me something about problem solving that I have always remembered. Start with the most simple, cheapest solution first and go on from there. Don't pay for an engine overhaul if all you need is a fuel filter. So back to the mower. I pull it over into the shade. I check the oil. The oil is fine. I open the gas tank. Hmm. empty. Could be a problem. motors usually need gas. that is why they are called gasoline engines.
I get the gas can and fill up the mower. I prime it. I pull the cord. It starts right up. Problem solved. The broken mower was out of gas.
I wish all of my friends had wives that liked to mow. Now if I could just get her to check the gas tank.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
ok. Put the sermon down, lets go look at the mower.
Now my Dad taught me something about problem solving that I have always remembered. Start with the most simple, cheapest solution first and go on from there. Don't pay for an engine overhaul if all you need is a fuel filter. So back to the mower. I pull it over into the shade. I check the oil. The oil is fine. I open the gas tank. Hmm. empty. Could be a problem. motors usually need gas. that is why they are called gasoline engines.
I get the gas can and fill up the mower. I prime it. I pull the cord. It starts right up. Problem solved. The broken mower was out of gas.
I wish all of my friends had wives that liked to mow. Now if I could just get her to check the gas tank.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
1,000 people
1,000 people. How many people do you know? 100? 1,000? 10,000?
I ran into someone last night that I forgot that I knew. They came up to me and we were talking and they were so nice. Well, it seems that some years ago we had been connected. In another world, in another life, in a galaxy a long long time ago.
I had forgotten. They remembered. They were so glad to see me. They recounted how nice I was to them and how encouraging I had been. We had a nice visit.
I guess the moral of this story is that every single person that you meet is someone that we should be caring about. You may not even remember them in 5 years, but a good word at the right time will often touch the recipient. Every time that you are around anyone is an opportunity for you to leave a mark of love. They won't forget.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I ran into someone last night that I forgot that I knew. They came up to me and we were talking and they were so nice. Well, it seems that some years ago we had been connected. In another world, in another life, in a galaxy a long long time ago.
I had forgotten. They remembered. They were so glad to see me. They recounted how nice I was to them and how encouraging I had been. We had a nice visit.
I guess the moral of this story is that every single person that you meet is someone that we should be caring about. You may not even remember them in 5 years, but a good word at the right time will often touch the recipient. Every time that you are around anyone is an opportunity for you to leave a mark of love. They won't forget.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 21, 2010
root canal
It's like getting a root canal. That is what we say when something is uncomfortable. But there is no substitute like a real root canal. I had one yesterday.
Five shots in your mouth. The last two are really deep. Ouch.
Then the drilling begins. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. GGG. grind. gggggg. zzzzzz.
Then packing of the drilled out canal. Then patching of the tooth. My root canal was through a crown, so it was particularly enjoyable having them drill through the steel crown.
Then you're done. Here's the bill. Everything is fine. Chew on anything you like. Eat whatever you want. Take ibuprofen. You're gonna hurt when the Novocain wears off.
Ouch. sore mouth today.
But, thank God we live in a world of dentistry. In a country where dentists are available. A root canal. If that is the worst thing that happens to me this week, well, I guess we will be ok.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Five shots in your mouth. The last two are really deep. Ouch.
Then the drilling begins. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. GGG. grind. gggggg. zzzzzz.
Then packing of the drilled out canal. Then patching of the tooth. My root canal was through a crown, so it was particularly enjoyable having them drill through the steel crown.
Then you're done. Here's the bill. Everything is fine. Chew on anything you like. Eat whatever you want. Take ibuprofen. You're gonna hurt when the Novocain wears off.
Ouch. sore mouth today.
But, thank God we live in a world of dentistry. In a country where dentists are available. A root canal. If that is the worst thing that happens to me this week, well, I guess we will be ok.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
a text
This week, a mother who attends our church received this text from her teenage daughter:
:*(last4danitebut:Dcomesndamrnin
Do you see the message? It is from Sunday's sermon. It is Psalm 30:5
"weeping lasts for the night but joy comes in the morning."
I love it when I see our kids taking in and applying what they hear in church. The fact that we have teenagers listening is awesome to me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
:*(last4danitebut:Dcomesndamrnin
Do you see the message? It is from Sunday's sermon. It is Psalm 30:5
"weeping lasts for the night but joy comes in the morning."
I love it when I see our kids taking in and applying what they hear in church. The fact that we have teenagers listening is awesome to me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
something good
Where are you? How are things going in your life? Do you need something good to happen to you? Then put yourself in a position to find what you are looking for.
If you want to make new friends, then stop hanging out with the old ones. If you want to be more positive, then hang around positive people. If you want to enjoy your home, then spend some time there. If you want to enjoy the gift of God in creation, then plant a flower.
I talk to a lot of people who wish their life was different, but they are stuck in a rut in less than positive circumstances. Get away from those negative nellies. Surround yourself with those who will lift you up. Make an investment in the good and you are much more likely to see it come to pass.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
If you want to make new friends, then stop hanging out with the old ones. If you want to be more positive, then hang around positive people. If you want to enjoy your home, then spend some time there. If you want to enjoy the gift of God in creation, then plant a flower.
I talk to a lot of people who wish their life was different, but they are stuck in a rut in less than positive circumstances. Get away from those negative nellies. Surround yourself with those who will lift you up. Make an investment in the good and you are much more likely to see it come to pass.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
scriptures from Sunday
Several have asked for the scriptures that I shared on Sunday. The ones that i described as some of my favorites. here they are:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 30:5
Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able so separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5 16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
There they are. print them out and put them in your pocket, on your mirror, or on your refrigerator.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 30:5
Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able so separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5 16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
There they are. print them out and put them in your pocket, on your mirror, or on your refrigerator.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 17, 2010
for the one
Oh, to get into the mind of a preacher. Sunday comes again and again. You better have something inspirational to say, and it better be good.
Your insecurities sometimes come out. Who am I to speak to these people? What am I going to say that they haven't heard before?
You look out at the kind and loving faces and realize that you have been here for so long that almost all of them know everything about you. Every thought, every story, every sermon line.
You are wondering if this sermon is going to do anything for anyone. It's just more of that "put your trust in Jesus stuff."
[now if that sounds like a weird statement, it is. Please give way to the strange things that brains think. Of course the trusting in Jesus stuff is the good stuff. it is the only stuff, but sometimes you have this funny feeling that you should be providing something new. As if there was a new gospel.]
Back to the story. so, you are kind of consumed with your own worries. Your insecurities are floating to the top. Then you see the person. The one. You know what they are facing in their life. They are in as difficult of a spot as anyone could every be. Your heart goes out to them. You realize that they are here looking for a poignant moment, for a bit of inspiration, for a touch from God.
Your feelings change. Now you know that while 1000 others may have heard it all before, this one will hear it today as if they have never heard it before. The thoughts about the sermon change. The joy of the gospel touching a needy heart rises to the top. It is time to preach. You don't even look at them, you don't have to, because you know their heart will be taking it all in. And the words go out, to all, to the one. And you know that the part about trusting in Christ lands in at least one heart that is looking for hope in their life. Probably a lot of others too.
So for you, you who is the one. The one whose heart is in desperate need. From the heart of a sometimes worried, sometimes confident, less than perfect, sometimes insecure servant of God, here it is, the gospel, the good news. Put your trust in Jesus. He can fill the emptiness inside of you. For the one, for you. And for everyone else of the 1,000 as well, it is still the good news. It is the only news.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Your insecurities sometimes come out. Who am I to speak to these people? What am I going to say that they haven't heard before?
You look out at the kind and loving faces and realize that you have been here for so long that almost all of them know everything about you. Every thought, every story, every sermon line.
You are wondering if this sermon is going to do anything for anyone. It's just more of that "put your trust in Jesus stuff."
[now if that sounds like a weird statement, it is. Please give way to the strange things that brains think. Of course the trusting in Jesus stuff is the good stuff. it is the only stuff, but sometimes you have this funny feeling that you should be providing something new. As if there was a new gospel.]
Back to the story. so, you are kind of consumed with your own worries. Your insecurities are floating to the top. Then you see the person. The one. You know what they are facing in their life. They are in as difficult of a spot as anyone could every be. Your heart goes out to them. You realize that they are here looking for a poignant moment, for a bit of inspiration, for a touch from God.
Your feelings change. Now you know that while 1000 others may have heard it all before, this one will hear it today as if they have never heard it before. The thoughts about the sermon change. The joy of the gospel touching a needy heart rises to the top. It is time to preach. You don't even look at them, you don't have to, because you know their heart will be taking it all in. And the words go out, to all, to the one. And you know that the part about trusting in Christ lands in at least one heart that is looking for hope in their life. Probably a lot of others too.
So for you, you who is the one. The one whose heart is in desperate need. From the heart of a sometimes worried, sometimes confident, less than perfect, sometimes insecure servant of God, here it is, the gospel, the good news. Put your trust in Jesus. He can fill the emptiness inside of you. For the one, for you. And for everyone else of the 1,000 as well, it is still the good news. It is the only news.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
teeth
Teeth are better when you are young. Fewer problems, less pain. You have a cavity, they fix it. By the time you get to be my age, well, I have 3 crowns at least and I seem to constantly be goofing something up in my mouth.
It is not my dentist's fault, he is awesome. I just forget and chew on things that I shouldn't. And it always happens on a friday about 4pm. That way, I get to deal with the pain until monday.
Dealing with pain is good, I have decided that it builds character.
I don't know what i have done this time, but I will be glad when tomorrow gets here and my heroic dentist can again solve the problem that I have created in my mouth. You see I was eating licorish and atomic fire balls. There was this cracking noise. Say no more.
I once had a dentist who had this plaque on his wall:
"Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
It is not my dentist's fault, he is awesome. I just forget and chew on things that I shouldn't. And it always happens on a friday about 4pm. That way, I get to deal with the pain until monday.
Dealing with pain is good, I have decided that it builds character.
I don't know what i have done this time, but I will be glad when tomorrow gets here and my heroic dentist can again solve the problem that I have created in my mouth. You see I was eating licorish and atomic fire balls. There was this cracking noise. Say no more.
I once had a dentist who had this plaque on his wall:
"Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Yes, I have a facebook page. There is only one reason why I got on facebook. I wanted to keep up with what my children were doing.
I check facebook once a month or so. So don't be offended if it takes me a while to confirm you as a friend. I don't like the message system on facebook and I find it difficult to reply to messages posted there. Please don't be offended. I just can't spend time at work on facebook every day answering messages. I have an email address at church, it is jeffb@woodschapelchurch.org. That is much easier for me.
Ok, I have to say this too. I don't have time for the facebook junk. I don't do mafia wars. I don't do the farm thing. I don't join facebook clubs. I don't trade facebook hugs. I do not want to tie up my computer with the applications and I just frankly do not have the time.
So please don't be offended if I am not up to speed with everything on facebook. Thanks for your understanding.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I check facebook once a month or so. So don't be offended if it takes me a while to confirm you as a friend. I don't like the message system on facebook and I find it difficult to reply to messages posted there. Please don't be offended. I just can't spend time at work on facebook every day answering messages. I have an email address at church, it is jeffb@woodschapelchurch.org. That is much easier for me.
Ok, I have to say this too. I don't have time for the facebook junk. I don't do mafia wars. I don't do the farm thing. I don't join facebook clubs. I don't trade facebook hugs. I do not want to tie up my computer with the applications and I just frankly do not have the time.
So please don't be offended if I am not up to speed with everything on facebook. Thanks for your understanding.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 14, 2010
dream
Tuesday and Wednesday our staff was at a retreat at Wilderness Camp in Lawson, MO. Sometime in the night or early morning, sleeping in a sleeping bag on one of those camp hard plastic mattresses, I had a dream.
In my dream I was in the bath tub. Kris Bartman came in. [it's ok, we are both boys]. He said in a tone that got my attention, "get a towel and stand up." I wanted to comply, but I was trying to process what he was saying. He repeated his words, "get a towel and stand up."
I stood up and grabbed a towel. Standing next to Kris was my Dad. Not the 72 year old, barely able to walk Dad, but my Dad when he was about 60. He still had the smile, the ornery, the hope.
Dad, dad, what? What is this? I pulled up his sleeve to check for the scar on his bicep. It was there. I showed it to Kris. Dad, how can this be? He told me that he had been forced by circumstances to fake his death. He had been living in suburb not far away and had married a woman names Sara.
Now they say that dreams only last for 20 seconds or so, but I have to tell you, this one seemed to go on for hours. I loved it. It was like being in heaven. I don't think that the dream really means anything, but I sure did enjoy spending the time with my Dad. When I woke up, I had a feeling in my heart that you only get when you are close to someone that you love. It was awesome.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
In my dream I was in the bath tub. Kris Bartman came in. [it's ok, we are both boys]. He said in a tone that got my attention, "get a towel and stand up." I wanted to comply, but I was trying to process what he was saying. He repeated his words, "get a towel and stand up."
I stood up and grabbed a towel. Standing next to Kris was my Dad. Not the 72 year old, barely able to walk Dad, but my Dad when he was about 60. He still had the smile, the ornery, the hope.
Dad, dad, what? What is this? I pulled up his sleeve to check for the scar on his bicep. It was there. I showed it to Kris. Dad, how can this be? He told me that he had been forced by circumstances to fake his death. He had been living in suburb not far away and had married a woman names Sara.
Now they say that dreams only last for 20 seconds or so, but I have to tell you, this one seemed to go on for hours. I loved it. It was like being in heaven. I don't think that the dream really means anything, but I sure did enjoy spending the time with my Dad. When I woke up, I had a feeling in my heart that you only get when you are close to someone that you love. It was awesome.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Lou, continued
This rotten dog is frankly allowing me to enjoy some joyful moments. He is giving me a respite from the really painful things that I am dealing with.
Ok. You all had lots of fun with Lou's potential dental bill. I liked the idea of dental implants and veniers for him. Now it gets worse.
The vet missed it, but the groomer found it. Found them. Worms. Lou has worms. Probably just one worm they say, a tape worm. You might ask, how do dogs get tape worms? From eating rodents, birds and rabbits.
So, it all makes sense. He munches on rabbits, his teeth fall out, and he ends up with a tape worm. In my house, there is a tape worm!! Are you kidding.
Oh, thank God for the funny moments that take your mind off of the really painful stuff.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
two new pair of glasses
Well it finally happened. The eyes don't see like they used to. Over time I adapted to this poor vision but it had got to the point where I needed help. The glasses will help me to see better. They will bring things in focus. That was how last week ended. Not a big deal. In fact, I'm looking forward to seeing things more clearly.
Now the second pair of glasses someone gave to me two days ago. They came in the form of an e-mail. This person took the time to write me about one of my kids. It was all good...very good. The stuff you always hope to hear one day. Kids grow up and begin to "get it"....you hope. You work hard with them, you hope it pays off. Its just hard to see it from your vantage point.
As we grind through things day in day out it is sometimes hard to see clearly the changes that occur around us. We loose focus…. sometimes we loose hope. Maybe we can be that new pair of glasses to someone else. Help them see things a little differently...more clearly.....provide a little hope.
Peace,
Lions Den Man
Now the second pair of glasses someone gave to me two days ago. They came in the form of an e-mail. This person took the time to write me about one of my kids. It was all good...very good. The stuff you always hope to hear one day. Kids grow up and begin to "get it"....you hope. You work hard with them, you hope it pays off. Its just hard to see it from your vantage point.
As we grind through things day in day out it is sometimes hard to see clearly the changes that occur around us. We loose focus…. sometimes we loose hope. Maybe we can be that new pair of glasses to someone else. Help them see things a little differently...more clearly.....provide a little hope.
Peace,
Lions Den Man
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
what do you call a dog with no teeth?
You have got to be kidding me. Dental work for dogs? Yesterday, Lou the Schnauzer went to the vet for his annual shots. $50. $50 for a dog who barks at me when I come in the door. $50 for a dog who eats cat poop.
Now the vet tells us that Lou is going to lose the rest of his teeth if we don't have them cleaned regularly. He lost a bunch of them when we had them cleaned the first time. Now here is my question. Dogs are free. The shelters can't give them away fast enough. Why should I spend $150 on doggie dental every year. I have cars that I don't spend that much money on for repairs.
When I was kid we always had dogs. They never went to the vet. They never got shots. We never bought them dog food. They ate scraps from the table if there were any. They caught rabbits and birds and stuff like that. They were real dogs. They never lost their teeth and they never went in for dental work.
It is not that my father would have laughed at the thought of doggie dental, he would have scowled and considered it as an unbelievable idea.
I guess if Lou loses his teeth we can add a little water to his food so that he can get it swallowed ok. Hey, in a bad economy, doggie dental? He is lucky that I am still buying him food.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Now the vet tells us that Lou is going to lose the rest of his teeth if we don't have them cleaned regularly. He lost a bunch of them when we had them cleaned the first time. Now here is my question. Dogs are free. The shelters can't give them away fast enough. Why should I spend $150 on doggie dental every year. I have cars that I don't spend that much money on for repairs.
When I was kid we always had dogs. They never went to the vet. They never got shots. We never bought them dog food. They ate scraps from the table if there were any. They caught rabbits and birds and stuff like that. They were real dogs. They never lost their teeth and they never went in for dental work.
It is not that my father would have laughed at the thought of doggie dental, he would have scowled and considered it as an unbelievable idea.
I guess if Lou loses his teeth we can add a little water to his food so that he can get it swallowed ok. Hey, in a bad economy, doggie dental? He is lucky that I am still buying him food.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 10, 2010
preacher 6, bushes 0
I have a 2000 ford f-150 pickup. I have a couple of log chains. I have learned over the years that I am deadly to overgrown or unwanted bushes.
I had heard about people pulling out bushes with a truck and a chain. Well, last year, my wife and I were arguing about 5 overgrown bushes out in front of our house. I wanted them out. She did not. But, she did not have to trim them all the time and sweep up their stickery stuff. So, one Saturday when she went to the grocery store, I got motivated. Truck, chain and thirty minutes and the bushes are history. She did not even notice that they were gone for a month.
So, when I hear that my buddy Jonnnie Wells wants some bushes removed at church, I volunteer for the job. It's too bad that the only day this week that I can do it is on Mother's day. 4 services, lunch, a nap and back to church to pull the bushes. 30 minutes later it is preacher 6, bushes 0.
If you have an over grown shrub in your yard, and I can get my truck close enough to it, call me up. I am death to unwanted shrubs.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I had heard about people pulling out bushes with a truck and a chain. Well, last year, my wife and I were arguing about 5 overgrown bushes out in front of our house. I wanted them out. She did not. But, she did not have to trim them all the time and sweep up their stickery stuff. So, one Saturday when she went to the grocery store, I got motivated. Truck, chain and thirty minutes and the bushes are history. She did not even notice that they were gone for a month.
So, when I hear that my buddy Jonnnie Wells wants some bushes removed at church, I volunteer for the job. It's too bad that the only day this week that I can do it is on Mother's day. 4 services, lunch, a nap and back to church to pull the bushes. 30 minutes later it is preacher 6, bushes 0.
If you have an over grown shrub in your yard, and I can get my truck close enough to it, call me up. I am death to unwanted shrubs.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
new member
An interesting story.
I happened by someone's house yesterday. I did not know that they were not a member because I don't keep tabs on all of that. I don't see my job as trying to get members as much as it is helping people along in their Christian walk.
So there are about six woods chapel friends there at the house and we are out talking in the garage. Someone mentions that this person wants to join the church, now, today. They have been attending for nine years and they want to join. I figure since they have attended for nine years, I can waive the new member class.
Usually we have people come up to the front on the third Sunday of the month, but for shy people, if I have a witness, we go ahead and receive them in a private ceremony. That is what this person wanted.
So, we celebrated her commitment to the church. We celebrated that we don't twist arms. Then we asked her the questions. Do you profess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Yes! Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and support it by your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness? Yes!!
We prayed. We prayed that she would find friendship and comfort through us, and that God would call her to serve and show her the place to give herself away. Amen. We hugged. Hugs all around. It was cool. A really cool spontaneous thing. A nice thing to happen on any Saturday.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I happened by someone's house yesterday. I did not know that they were not a member because I don't keep tabs on all of that. I don't see my job as trying to get members as much as it is helping people along in their Christian walk.
So there are about six woods chapel friends there at the house and we are out talking in the garage. Someone mentions that this person wants to join the church, now, today. They have been attending for nine years and they want to join. I figure since they have attended for nine years, I can waive the new member class.
Usually we have people come up to the front on the third Sunday of the month, but for shy people, if I have a witness, we go ahead and receive them in a private ceremony. That is what this person wanted.
So, we celebrated her commitment to the church. We celebrated that we don't twist arms. Then we asked her the questions. Do you profess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Yes! Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and support it by your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness? Yes!!
We prayed. We prayed that she would find friendship and comfort through us, and that God would call her to serve and show her the place to give herself away. Amen. We hugged. Hugs all around. It was cool. A really cool spontaneous thing. A nice thing to happen on any Saturday.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
mother's day cards
Tomorrow is mother's day. When the kids were little, I always bought a card for them to give to their mom. Last year I stopped doing that. I figure, if they can't take the initiative to go to the store and buy a card for their mom, then mom won't get one from them.
That's how the real world works. If it is your birthday and I want to send you a card, no one goes to the store for me, I have to do it myself.
Teaching children to take responsibility and to function effectively in the adult world can be a real challenge. They tend to fight growing up with all of their might. I know that I did. Well, my kids are 19, 21 and 22. They can go get their own card for mom. I hope they do. We shall see, and I will let you know what happens.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
That's how the real world works. If it is your birthday and I want to send you a card, no one goes to the store for me, I have to do it myself.
Teaching children to take responsibility and to function effectively in the adult world can be a real challenge. They tend to fight growing up with all of their might. I know that I did. Well, my kids are 19, 21 and 22. They can go get their own card for mom. I hope they do. We shall see, and I will let you know what happens.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Alli
Allison is our oldest. She graduated from high school in 2006. She has been attending college in Warrensburg. Yesterday she passed her last final for this semester. She is in the nursing school. Successfully completing her 7th semester means that she has one more semester until she is out.
Nursing school is pretty hard. you have to have a 73% on all the tests or you fail. Several of her friends have gone by the wayside. The eight semester of nursing school is like senior seminar. Most of the semester this fall she will be in clinicals. There is hardly any class time and hardly any tests to pass.
This summer she will be able to apply for a job as an RN. In December if all goes well, and it sure looks like it should, she will graduate and be employed by a hospital. She has her foot in the door at KU Medical Center now where she is working as a nurse assistant.
So, the moral of this story is that child #1 has almost traversed the chasm of college and landed a degree and a job. Her mom and dad could not be happier. We could not be more proud.
Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Nursing school is pretty hard. you have to have a 73% on all the tests or you fail. Several of her friends have gone by the wayside. The eight semester of nursing school is like senior seminar. Most of the semester this fall she will be in clinicals. There is hardly any class time and hardly any tests to pass.
This summer she will be able to apply for a job as an RN. In December if all goes well, and it sure looks like it should, she will graduate and be employed by a hospital. She has her foot in the door at KU Medical Center now where she is working as a nurse assistant.
So, the moral of this story is that child #1 has almost traversed the chasm of college and landed a degree and a job. Her mom and dad could not be happier. We could not be more proud.
Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
colors
Why are there so many colors of Iris? How do they get that way? Were the colors genetically engineered or did God just make them that way. They are absolutely incredible. I see them and I can only marvel at the greatness of our Creator.
"When I consider the heavens and the beautiful work of your fingers, I am in awe and I sometimes wonder why you bother with us." Psalm 8 [paraphrase]
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
six things
Monday I got to work and there was quickly a list of six things that were bothering me. I was so frustrated, so stressed. Yes, at church, sometimes the work is frustrating.
So I went back to the best advice that I have ever received in my life. Years ago, a dear friend told me to pick one of my problems and focus on that. Work on it until it is gone. Then you only have five problems.
So I picked the worst one. The thing that bothered me the most. I gave it more attention and more time. Last night, it was resolved. Completely.
Ahh. Relief. Somehow, making progress on one thing makes all of the other things look manageable. Back to work today. Back to the five things that remain. But with an attitude change on my part, they are no longer problems, they are challenges.
If you are facing a big pile of challenges, pick the worst one and work on it until it is done. Then pick the next one and work on it until it is done. Little by little, the stress will lift.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
So I went back to the best advice that I have ever received in my life. Years ago, a dear friend told me to pick one of my problems and focus on that. Work on it until it is gone. Then you only have five problems.
So I picked the worst one. The thing that bothered me the most. I gave it more attention and more time. Last night, it was resolved. Completely.
Ahh. Relief. Somehow, making progress on one thing makes all of the other things look manageable. Back to work today. Back to the five things that remain. But with an attitude change on my part, they are no longer problems, they are challenges.
If you are facing a big pile of challenges, pick the worst one and work on it until it is done. Then pick the next one and work on it until it is done. Little by little, the stress will lift.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
1965
I am filling up some gas cans at the Conoco station last night and my mind flashes back to 1965.
I am 8 years old. I notice a sign at the gas station that says that gas can only be put in approved containers. I ask my mom what this means. Well, it seems that there are some riots in a place called Watts and some trouble in Kansas City. Some people might use the gas to make a fire or a bomb so you can only get gas in metal cans designed for it. No plastic jugs.
We forgot my jacket at baseball practice at Minor Park on Red Bridge Road. When we went back to get it later than night, there were Army men at the entrance. National Guard. Mom explains. These men have been called up to help the people in case there was bad rioting. We get my jacket. I see lots of Army guys. It was cool.
The next day we are driving through downtown. There are some sirens. My mom makes us get on the floor of the 1964 Ford Falcon. She is worried that there might be a sniper. What is that?, I ask. She says, "it doesn't matter, just stay down."
One summer, one year, in an otherwise uneventful childhood. My children wake up and watch worse every single day. Homicide bombers. Subway bombs. Shootings at Ft. Hood. Times square. It kind of makes a guy wonder what is becoming of this world.
I am glad that I have a friend in Jesus. Someone to trust. Everything is ok. It just is. You can't explain the feeling of peace, but I am so glad that God gives it. All is well.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I am 8 years old. I notice a sign at the gas station that says that gas can only be put in approved containers. I ask my mom what this means. Well, it seems that there are some riots in a place called Watts and some trouble in Kansas City. Some people might use the gas to make a fire or a bomb so you can only get gas in metal cans designed for it. No plastic jugs.
We forgot my jacket at baseball practice at Minor Park on Red Bridge Road. When we went back to get it later than night, there were Army men at the entrance. National Guard. Mom explains. These men have been called up to help the people in case there was bad rioting. We get my jacket. I see lots of Army guys. It was cool.
The next day we are driving through downtown. There are some sirens. My mom makes us get on the floor of the 1964 Ford Falcon. She is worried that there might be a sniper. What is that?, I ask. She says, "it doesn't matter, just stay down."
One summer, one year, in an otherwise uneventful childhood. My children wake up and watch worse every single day. Homicide bombers. Subway bombs. Shootings at Ft. Hood. Times square. It kind of makes a guy wonder what is becoming of this world.
I am glad that I have a friend in Jesus. Someone to trust. Everything is ok. It just is. You can't explain the feeling of peace, but I am so glad that God gives it. All is well.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 3, 2010
tis the season
I love this time of year. The weather is awesome. The flowers are coming out. The windows are open. It is great.
It is also a good time at church. The summer slow down is not here yet. The crowds are very good and it isn't Easter. It is the way that the church ought to feel. It's not a special day, but the place is packed. The doors are just open and people are there.
I think God probably likes that. Just a regular day, no special "everyone has to go to church day," and the place is bustin.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
It is also a good time at church. The summer slow down is not here yet. The crowds are very good and it isn't Easter. It is the way that the church ought to feel. It's not a special day, but the place is packed. The doors are just open and people are there.
I think God probably likes that. Just a regular day, no special "everyone has to go to church day," and the place is bustin.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
California
Lately we have been experiencing California weather. I know it is California weather because I lived there for 7 years.
Here is the thing. We need to be thankful for weather like this. People in California are usually not, because it is like this all the time there. 365 days a year. Heck, we used to swim, outdoors in January!
Folks in Kansas City need to really be thankful for this wonderful beautiful awesome weather. August will get here eventually and then winter will be back.
Take a few moments to offer praise today. Let's all find the thankful heart for the beauty, wonder and comfort of God's world.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Here is the thing. We need to be thankful for weather like this. People in California are usually not, because it is like this all the time there. 365 days a year. Heck, we used to swim, outdoors in January!
Folks in Kansas City need to really be thankful for this wonderful beautiful awesome weather. August will get here eventually and then winter will be back.
Take a few moments to offer praise today. Let's all find the thankful heart for the beauty, wonder and comfort of God's world.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
feet on the ground
Keep your feet on the ground. Do the simple things now so they don't turn into hard things. Avoiding responsibility only causes trouble later.
Mow your grass. Change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. Caulk and paint your house. Close the windows when it rains. Put your tools away. Eat the leftovers. Don't run the water while you are brushing your teeth. Always keep a spare car key around. Pay your bills before you go out on the town. Don't engage in a land war in Asia [Princess Bride line].
Save for college. Attend class. Get to work a few minutes early. Make yourself indispensible to the company. Go to church. Be friendly. Don't talk on the cell phone when you are in line somewhere. Give people plenty of privacy in an elevator. Don't feed chocolate to dogs. Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today.
Keep your feet on the ground. Do the right things. You will be glad that you did later. Good decisions early make for a happy life later.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Mow your grass. Change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. Caulk and paint your house. Close the windows when it rains. Put your tools away. Eat the leftovers. Don't run the water while you are brushing your teeth. Always keep a spare car key around. Pay your bills before you go out on the town. Don't engage in a land war in Asia [Princess Bride line].
Save for college. Attend class. Get to work a few minutes early. Make yourself indispensible to the company. Go to church. Be friendly. Don't talk on the cell phone when you are in line somewhere. Give people plenty of privacy in an elevator. Don't feed chocolate to dogs. Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today.
Keep your feet on the ground. Do the right things. You will be glad that you did later. Good decisions early make for a happy life later.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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