As a man thinketh

James Allen 1864-1912 is the author of the book, As a Man Thinketh.  The title of the book is taken from Proverbs 23 "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

When I was grousing a few weeks ago about growing old, my sixth grade teacher, Betty Jackson suggested that I read the book.  Think about that for a minute.... I am still learning from my sixth grade teacher!!!  How many people in this world can say that?

I have read a number of books on positive thinking over the years.  I am not a fan of the "faith movement" which tells us to "name it and claim it."  They teach that you can demand things from God by faith.  I do not believe that God is a celestial Santa Claus.

This book is different than that.

Allen was 39 when he wrote the book and lived only 48 years on this earth.  Yet he saw the great impact that a person can have on their own life situation.  Seeing the good, or not, aspiring for greatness or not.

I have always been a believer in self-fulfilling prophecies, that if you string it along long enough you can bring either good or bad to yourself.  You can also rise above difficulty with determination and prolonged intent.

I have also been a believer in the Dr Phil adage, "so how is that working for you?"  The results of some behavior is predictable.

While not taking away from the power and abilities of God, Allen points to the responsibilities that we have in the life and the power of our freewill to shape our lives for better or for worse.

Allen says that, "Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy...by right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the Divine Perfection, by the abuse and wrong application of thought, he descends below the level of the beast.  Between these two extremes are all the grades of character, and man is their maker and master."

What do you aspire to this day?  What are you pursuing with your life's energy?

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

"

puns

My friend Arlene and I have been trading puns. She gave me an article to read about annual pun contests. There are several-

The Bay Area Pun-off
Pundamonium in Seattle
Punderdome 3000 in NYC

Here is a great pun from the article....
Where do cantaloupes spend their summer? At John Cougar's Melon Camp.

Which spurred me on to say...
Cantaloupe tonight, Dad's got the car.
and
Two blood cell" fell in love, ah but is was all in vein.
and
Doctor, there's a patient on line 1 that says he's invisible" "Well, tell him I can't see him right now."

Hungry?  It's a beautiful day for God's cheese, be sure to see the gouda.
Send puns and replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

no feet

There is an old saying, "I complained that I had no shoes, until I met a man that had no feet."

Over the years this saying has been celebrated and maligned.  Celebrated because of the perspective that it can give a person who is unhappy, and maligned because some see it as devaluing the suffering of those who have no shoes.

In other words, should the fact that my problems are not as bad as other people's problems be a reason for me to not be concerned about or complain about my problems?

My personal response to this is that it is our responsibility regardless of the size and scope of our problems, to see the good.  We have all known people who had small problems, like worn shoes, and complained all the time.  We have also known people who had no legs but were filled with joy and a zeal for life.  Which kind of person do you want to hang around with?  Which kind of person do you wish to be?

Our outlook has to say something about our existence here on this planet.  I will add that times of suffering in the past have made me really appreciate the days that held no suffering.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Best Christmas

I want to tell you that I just had the best Christmas.  Not that the other years were bad, but this one was outstanding.

The service at church was delightful.  I loved the atmosphere and the music.
For the first time in 7 years, my entire family was in church together.
People were friendly and kind.
The pressure of the old days is gone.... I loved Woods Chapel, but Christmas Eve was a real heavy chore with 6 services.

After our 7 pm service at Fort Pierce, I got to do something that I have never been able to do on Christmas Eve - ever.  I went to dinner with my family!  In the past, I did not get home until 12:30am and everyone was usually in bed.

I think of my friends, new and old, near and far, and I am blessed.  Oh how I love you all.  I am looking forward to seeing many of you in the coming year.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

memories

So I got down an old Rubbermaid tub.  It is filled with old letters and such from when I was in college.  Much of it I had to throw away as I did not want my children or my grandchildren to see what I was like in those days.  I did save some of the letters. 

I also found a bunch of assignments from grade school and will be posting about them in upcoming days or weeks.

I also found in the letters some jokes that I used to know, but have forgotten.  So since they were like brand new again to me, I am sure than none of you have ever heard them.  Here are three that I found in letters from college...  I hope you like them...

A karate expert joined the Army.  On his first salute, he killed himself.

I used to be a photographer but I had to quit.... too many shuddering experiences.

Why do Beethoven fans hate chicken?
All the chickens ever talk about is bach, bach, bach.

It appears that I had a sense of humor even back in college.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

When Christians Get it Wrong

Down the street from our house is this little church with this sign message board.  I have written about their messages before.

Now let me take a commercial break to say that I have no right to criticize the religion of another.  However, in my opinion, one of the main reasons that Christianity has fallen on hard times in America is because it has turned inward.  It has become about me, mine and ours and has forgotten about the least of these.

So here is a sign that says "Hallelujah is the highest praise."  Hallelujah means "praise God" or "Praise the Lord."  There is surely nothing wrong with praising God however, I believe that too many Christians praise the Lord and forget the rest of the world.

I still love my Amy Barlett quote, "we show our love for God by loving others." 

In the story of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan was not celebrated for praising God, in fact, the Priest and Levite, walked by the broken man to head to church so that they could praise God.

Maybe God wants us to praise him by loving others.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Christmas Eve Audio Sermons

Merry Christmas!!!
I love you guys!!!

For anyone that is interested, here are the audio files from yesterday.

Sunday Morning Sermon 9:30am click this link:

Sunday Morning 12-24 audio

Sunday evening candlight service 7pm... begins w O Holy Night, includes a ten minute message and Silent Night.  Click this link:

Candlelight Service 7pm

Have a very blessed day!

Thoughts on Christmas

Thoughts on Christmas...

Christmas is about Jesus, and it is about me and Jesus.
Jesus is born.
Somewhere along the line we chose him.
Somewhere along the way we came to know him.
We evaluate our lives by his teachings.

Christmas is also about family.
I remember the Christmases of my childhood.
The year I was scolded for breaking an ornament.
The year I was given switches and coal.
The times we went caroling.
The programs at church.
The many presents that I received in my later elementary days.
I remember Christmas in college.  Trying to get home.
I remember the year my water pump went out in Joplin and I was fortunate to find someone to fix it on Christmas day.
Christmases with young children.  Oh those were great!
Every Christmas since... how delightful.

Let me take a moment this day to celebrate you, my many friends.  I thank God for the gift of knowing you.  Whether you live in California, Missouri, Kansas or Florida or wherever, I love you and I am so happy that we have become friends.

Have a very very Merry Christmas!!!

t's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Christmas Eve

Today is Christmas Eve.  Fort Pierce First UMC is holding two services.

At the 9:30 am service the sermon will focus on the shepherds being the Charlie Browns of the Christmas Story.  Our world sets certain people aside, but God draws everyone in.

At 7pm we will have our candlelight service.  Dick Lystra our Choir Director has but together a wonderful presentation of the Scriptural Christmas story woven into some wonderful music.  The pastor's message tonight will be on the light that shines in the darkness.

Today will certainly be a wonderful day in God's house.  If you are anywhere near Ft. Pierce, Florida, you are cordially invited to attend.  9:30 am and 7:00 pm.

It's a beautiful day in God's world.

no standards

Anytime I talk about not judging others, there is some well meaning Christian who spouts, "so there are no standards???"

Let me ask a question.  Would you like to be judged?  What would we find?  Something I am sure.  I know we would find something because there was only one sinless person.  Oddly enough, he is the one who said, "do not judge."

If we stop judging does that mean that we have no standards?  Yes.  No more standards, only a standard, one standard, and that is to love.  Love is the mark of the Christian, it is the only standard that matters.

Read 1 Cor 13.  If I can do all of these spiritual things, but have not love.... If I have the gift of discerning who is good and bad, what is right and wrong, but have not love....

There is a standard.  It is God's gold standard.... love.  Love one another.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

making amends

A friend sent this in..... and let me compliment this friend... one of the most stable normal people I have ever met, from one of the most stable normal families.... good folks for sure... here is what they sent in....

I have a couple of people I have tried to make amends with multiple times and I have finally just come to the conclusion that I have done what I can and the ball is in their court. I still miss their friendship, though, I know that God will help mend relationships in the end or we will get to heaven and all the things we got so upset about on Earth won't matter anymore. There will only be love.

Good stuff.  Sometimes we have to let the broken things be broken and just move on.  Sometimes we have done all that we can.

It's still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

play dough

So I have been digging through old boxes.  Old boxes from my old office, old boxes from the storage area of the old house, old boxes.

And I have come across some treasures.  One of them is this can of play dough that was given to me by my friend Jennifer Dancy, a fantastic person for sure.

Over the years I have had opportunity to talk with the staff about playing well with others.  But sometimes I had to tell them that they needed to be firm.  To stick to the mission.  To stand up for what is right.  I would tell them that some folks are like play dough, they are the shape of the last person that squeezed them.

While it is great to be flexible and accommodating, when it comes to the mission, we must retain our shape regardless of who is squeezing.

I remember when she gave me the play dough.  It made me happy then, and it made me happy to find it the other day.  I am temped to open it and see if it is still good. 😂😂😂

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

sermon audio from Sunday for those interested

here is the link to sunday's sermon.....

not one of the best in my opinion... i struggled with it.

click here for the sermon audio

3 Dreams - part three

7pm - Ft Pierce First UMC

My third dream that night was about Christmas Eve.  The worship service to be precise.

Preaching is always something that I think should be taken seriously.  Consequently I tend to be nervous about getting up in front of people and talking.  This is no more true than on Christmas Eve...

So in this third dream of the night I am fretting over what I will say this year on Christmas Eve at Ft. Pierce.  I think of all of the stories that I have told over the years and I say to myself, "well you can just use one of those."  But that does not sit well in my brain, in the dream.  Suddenly, I get an idea.  It just pops into my head.  A story that will fit very well that I don't think I have ever told.  I don't even think my family knows this story.

I was excited.  It woke me up.  I popped over to the computer and wrote the sermonette for Christmas Eve.  Now if you are at the Ft. Pierce First UMC on Christmas Eve and you hear the story, you may think that it isn't that great of a story.  You might be right. 

But here is the good news.... I have a feeling that it is the right story for the Candelight Service.  I hope God uses it.  We shall see.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

3 dreams - part deux

So I had three dreams the other night. 

In the second one, it is Ash Wednesday and I totally forgot.  There is supposed to be a worship service at 7pm- in one hour..... and I am frantically looking for something that I have used in the past, something that I can pull out and put on the table. 

A staff person comes in and asks if they can help.  I ask them to pick hymns and get the logistics together.  They agree, they get to work and they are helpful.

I can't find anything  for a message.... and to make it worse, people keep coming into the office to visit with me.  I can't even pay attention to them because I am looking so hard to find something for the service.

Then I wake up.  Whew!!! It is not Ash Wednesday.  I put this dream also in the category of Whew, it was only a dream. 

Then I realize something.... the staff person in the dream that is helpful, is someone that was never helpful when they worked for me.  Now I have had many staff over the years.  Almost all of them loved what we were doing and jumped in for the mission.  I had a few though, who had their own agenda and a couple that actively tried to undermine what I was doing.  The person in this story that was helpful, was one of those.

I can't tell you how happy it made me that this person and I were getting along!  It is a reminder that in the fullness of time, God makes all things beautiful.  Some of the folks that we have been cross ways with in this life, will sit at the table with us in heaven.  So if there is someone that opposes you, don't hurt back.  Don't hold a grudge.  The difficulty, the stress is not the end of the story.  In the fullness of the kingdom, the lion does lay down with the lamb.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

3 dreams - pt 1

The other night I had three dreams.  All delightful!!!

The first was typical of the kind of dream that  I would put in the category of whew!!!  So glad to wake up from that.

So in the dream, I am in the master bedroom and water is leaking in through the ceiling.  It has been for a while...  Everything is sopping wet and I can see the handwriting on the wall about the long term project of pulling the sheetrock down, replacing the insulation and sheetrock, etc.  A real mess.
The plumber comes and climbs into the attic and fixes the leak.  [This is of course the short version of the dream.] Then I got his bill.  Only $200.

I was happy that his bill was only $200.
I was really happy though, when I woke up and realized that this was only a dream.

One of the fun things about this dream is that for some reason, even though this big problem was going on and a big mess was being made, I felt happy.  I felt happy in my dream and I felt happy when I woke up.

May we all be happy even when water is coming through the ceiling.


It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Teachers are Saints

So there was a flood in Ft. Pierce after Hurricane Irma.  Due to Hurricane Irma I should say.  The flood displaced a local Christian School that is meeting in our church building now.  Just around the corner from my office is a classroom and I can hear everything that goes on in there.  The kids line up in the hallway outside of my office and I hear what they are talking about. 😊😌😓

The other day I heard one kid say to another, "when we get out of this line, you better run!"

Oh, my,  I think to myself....then I remember that when I was in elementary school I thought and did the same things.

The older I get the more I appreciate those who put up with me along the way.

Hug a teacher.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Hot Wheel Cars

lined up left to right 94, 95, 96,
then the full sets in 98-01

So much of our life is on hold.  Packed up in a box for use some other day.  Stored in the attic for some time in the future, but never getting the chance to live.

So I have a confession to make.  When I was 12 years old, I had a bunch of hot wheel cars.  My mom sold them in a garage sale.  I never got over it.  Why is it so hard to get over some of the things that happen to us?  And it was toy cars!

So, in my 40's I started buying them again.  My wife was travelling and I was up to my neck with stress at the church.

1998 - we were designing the new building,
1999 -  was the time that the church met in the hospital and then opening the new church
2000-2001 a period of rapid change and expansive growth...

Maybe buying the cars was a diversion for my brain.
But now I am 60 years old and these cars need to get out of the boxes and live.  I have a complete set for the years 98-2001.  I have random mustangs, cameros, corvettes, trucks and who knows what.  They need to get out of their boxes and live with someone who will appreciate them.
I have track and jumps and curves and all of it.
Any ideas?
I would like to get it into the hands of someone who will appreciate it.

This morning I am shipping a box of them off to my buddy Jake.
If you want a particular kind of car, if I have it, I will mail it to you.
There is just no reason for them to sit in boxes any more.  Our lives should not be on hold in the attic.  We need to get out and live.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Prejudice

My friend Brian sent me a note.... "prejudice is leaping to exclusions."  He said that I have been on a long campaign of inclusion.  I find that to be a wonderful compliment.

When I was younger, I was not a person of inclusion.  I was against this group, that group, this political party, this person that person.

All of that came to a screeching halt the day that God allowed me to see how much my words and actions were hurting people.  I still hear well meaning Christians excuse their judgement of others.  I wish to remind them that Jesus only squared off with the Pharisees.  Jesus welcomed and included all of those that the Pharisees were excluding.

I wish in the Spirit of Jesus we could help people see how much they hurt others- maybe they would stop.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

what do you see?

In October I was working with my friend Chris in Kansas City.  We stopped at the McDonald's the the corner of I-70 and Woods Chapel Road in Blue Springs.  We were pulling a big trailer so we parked in the back on the west side.

As I got out of the truck I noticed something down in the woods.  This is a completely undeveloped area behind and to the west of McDonald's.

Here is the picture that I took that morning....
What do you see?  Look right in the middle of the tall grass...

I zoomed in.  It is still hard to see.  Do you see the bluish gray?

It was a tent.  Just like this one pictured below.  A homeless person had set up camp there.  Maybe a couple, maybe a family, who knows.  Across the highway are all of the hotels that house the transient folks.  Super 8, Quality Inn, LaQuinta and such.  $50 a night, $300 per week.  It makes me sad when I see the school buses there to pick up the kids... from a hotel!

I guess the point of this post is this.... I own a home in Florida.  I got to fly on an airplane to KC to visit a friend.  I have a friend.  I stopped at McDonald's for a burger.  I can afford a burger.  I have a warm bed to sleep in.  Someone else, some other human that I do not know, is sleeping in a tent in the woods behind McDonald's.  Difficult in October, tragic in January.

Friends, we have so much.  I should never be allowed to complain about anything ever.  Remind me of that the next time I do complain.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

funk update

My funk is over.  Partly because the circumstances have changed a bit, and partly because I insist that the fund ends.  Sometimes we have to put our foot down and insist that our attitude or outlook change.  On Sunday a friend said that they were worried about me.  In admitting to a funk, I did not mean to worry anyone, I was just being honest.

I got some great notes after that post.... here are some of them.....

    -the good thing about a funk is tomorrow has a great chance of being a fantastic up grade in outlook.

    -Sorry to hear about your funk......Chin up!

    -I'll hold positive thoughts and send you some highly charged energy.

    -Funks are the pits, aren’t they? ..... Love you and miss you.

    -Sorry to hear you are feeling a little down----I think The Season is a part of it, too...... Tomorrow will be a better day, I promise.

    -Smile. The world loves you.

And so I think of you that read this daily rambling.... and about how fortunate I am to know you and love you. I wish you a terrific week. The world loves you and so do I!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

prayer

"Prayer is not about us finding God.  In prayer, we allow God to find us."                     Paul Coutinho

God is always available to us. It is we who become so busy with life that we lose our connection to him.  The moment that we stop running we arrive.  The moment that we stop struggling we find peace.  The moment that we look for God we see that he is already there.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

sermon audio from yesterday

For those of you who are interested....

here is the link to Sunday's sermon

click here to listen to sermon Joyeux Noel 12-10-17

more on words that should not come out

My friend Jill sent this in, the words hang on her refrigerator.

“Swallowing words before you say them - is so much better than having to eat them afterward.” 

We’re all guilty of doing this sometime in our lives. The worst part is being a “slow learner.”

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

this job

I was walking thru the Orlando airport on Halloween and saw the maintenance crew putting up the Christmas decorations.  I saw this guy inside the tree.... I thought about how he probably did not take this job so that he could be inside of a Christmas tree.

I thought about how it didn't seem very macho to be doing that.  Maybe he didn't care.  Maybe he was glad to be inside with air conditioning.  Maybe it made he and his friends happy to be adding to the Christmas celebration. 

Most jobs have parts that we prefer and parts that we don't prefer, but it all has to get done.  I used to put off the things that I did not want to do and then spend the rest of the day sulking over the fact that those tasks were still out there.  Now, I do the less pleasant things first and enjoy the rest of the day.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

funk

I am in a funk.  Hate to admit it but it is what it is.
I miss my friends.
I am worried about my kid.
I am frustrated over things that I wish were going better.
I am in this odd passage of life....
It's a funk.

I am gonna go take a nap.  Maybe that will help.
I may call a friend. 
I don't feel like doing anything.
It's a funk.

Years ago I had lunch with my friend Jim Lavelle.  He said, "hey I see that you are depressed.  What are you going to do about it?"  It was a wonderful reminder that I am in charge of my life.  I must take the initiative to change how I am feeling.

Gosh, I already feel better.

The thing that has always helped me in the past was going to church.  No matter how I felt during the week, going to church and being with the good folks always lifted my spirits.  I can't wait for Sunday.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

As a man thinketh

My favorite elementary teacher sent me a note about my blog posts about getting older.  She suggested that I read the book, As a man thinketh by James Allen.  It is evidently a classic, written in 1902.  I bought the book.  After I read it I will share some of it's ideas with you.

I got to thinking about how we all need to read something good from time to time.... Something that opens our minds maybe...

Maybe some of the best reads we will find will come as suggestions from friends.  Dave Ramsey insists that all of his employees read -
Rhinoceros Success
The Go-getter
The Question behind the Question.

What are your favorite books?

And by the way, I know that I am not old, I am just older.  I did not mean to be complaining about getting older in my posts.  Getting older beats the alternative.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

funny sign

I love funny things.  I love people that have a bad sense of humor.  This sign is hanging in the window of a hair salon in Vero Beach.

If you need me to explain this to you, let me know.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

words that hurt

I said something the other day and hurt the feelings of a friend.  I felt terrible about it.

Why do good people say dumb things?  I wasn't thinking.  I was thinking from my situation in life not theirs.  I was............
Sometimes there is no good excuse.

From time to time it is going to happen.  Our words are going to hurt.  The only thing that I can tell you is that it is very important to apologize.  Do everything that you can to keep your words healthy.  But when you don't, be sure to own your part in the story and express your regret.

An apology does not make it all go away, but it does indicate that you value the person more than your own ego.

I'm sorry may not always be easy to say, but a sincere apology can go a long way to restoring a relationship.  I am sorry for any times that my words may have hurt you.

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





I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

poem

A friend asked if I was depressed because of a post from last week.  I am not depressed.  However, I am thinking about and making the adjustments that we all must make as we age.  Don't tell me that I am not old.  I turned 60 this year.  Yes I hope I have 20 more years, but I am much closer to the end than the beginning.

If you are young, savor it!  It goes by so quickly.  

So anyway, some years ago I came across this poem. I thought it was nice but I filed it away in my brain. Now I think about it from time to time as I watch the responses of young people to me.

An Old Lady's Poem

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!

Dear friends... all around us are beautiful people... let us be sure to SEE them.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

sermon audio from Dec 3

For those of you who are interested, here is the audio of yesterday's sermon.

here is the link:
sermon 12-3-17 The Christmas Carol

Serenity Prayer

Most of us are familiar with the serenity prayer, at least the short version.  Here is the long version written by the theologian Reinhold Neibuhr...
From time to time I find this prayer to be a necessity in our lives...

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com










I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

disaster

Something bad happened.  It is a disaster.  Or is it?
It depends on how you look at a thing.  It is a disaster if you see it that way, but it can also be viewed as an adventure.

Just because we did not want it to go the way that it has gone, just because there is suffering involved does not mean that it has to be viewed as a disaster.  Things happen.  Our parents die.  Loved ones get sick.  We get sick and die.  We lose a job.  Relationships fracture.  We are not immune from such things in life.  We have no promise that such will not come our way. 

We can consider them disasters or adventures.  Painful adventures, but adventures none the less.

It's a beautiful, adventure filled day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com






I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

I need some humor

Some days we just need some humor.

Christmas jokes....


Why does Santa like to work in his garden?
He likes to Ho Ho Ho.

Whats the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has Noel.

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Claustrophobic.

What do you call an obnoxious reindeer?
RUDEolph.

Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
Because he had low elf esteem.

Charles Dickens walks into a bar and orders a martini.
The bartender asks, "Oliver twist?

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com








I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours"

capacity for pain

I believe that we only have a certain capacity for pain.  We hurt, we struggle, we suffer, but only to a point.  I think that at some point, the melotonin or the serotonin or the tonin tonin takes over and we release ourselves from the pain and find a smile.

So the problems did not go away, the pain did not go away, but you can only cry for so long, then there must be a smile.  That is why children still played during the war.  That is why friends still got together for parties during the war.  That is why in the midst of winter, the bird still sings.

One of my favorite movies of all time is Harold and Maude.  At the end of the movie, Harold has absorbed a terrible loss.  He must decide if he is taking his own life or if he is going to live his life.  Although his hopes are dashed, from somewhere deep within him, a song emerges.

We hurt, yes.  But life goes on and we must smile, love and cherish every moment.

Here is a video link from the end of the movie of Harold deciding that he wants to live and that life deserves a song.  It doesn't do the movie or the ending justice, but you get the idea.... The problems may remain, but a song can still rise to the surface.  We just have to choose to let it out.

Harold and Maude ending

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com








I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

anonymous writes

From a friend...

Life happens. As a matter of fact, sometimes life just sucks. Someone dear to me always says "okay, life's sucks, now what are you going to do?"

Murphy showed up at our house over the last few years. Unemployment was forced upon us and we started over in mid life. We lost friends to cancer; the engine in the truck failed, and then I was diagnosed with cancer. Sounds like a bad country song.

Life brings things like that. God doesn't. God is a comforter. He is a love deep in your soul that tells you it's all going to be alright.

As we lay in the valley and look up at the mountain we can focus on the difficulty of the climb or we can feel the lushness of the grass beneath us and the beauty of the mountain waiting to be climbed. And we know we will climb it again. Life is great that way. You get second and third and more chances. Give thanks to God even when life sucks.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com







I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

what was, what is....

What was, what is…

So I was in grade school. I was not liked. I was alone and lonely. I felt dumb and slow.  A rough start to life for sure.
That was then.

In Jr. High my brain started to work. I began to engage in adult conversations. But I was not popular. Still much a loner.

In high school I ran track and played football. I ditched the glasses for contact lenses. I played tennis. I worked at the Bicycle shop. I was president of the bicycle club. I had a girlfriend. I graduated.

In college I was an average nobody.

In seminary I worked to survive. I was 18th out of a class of 84. Nothing to write home about.

Then I served churches in Cache, Oklahoma, Indiahoma, Oklahoma. Lebanon, MO. Princeton, MO. Mercer, MO. Lee’s Summit, MO. And Cape Coral, FL. There was a time when I had the ear of the leadership of our Conference.

Now suddenly I am retired and serving a church part time in Ft. Pierce, FL.  [Great people at this church by the way...]

What was vs. what is….

I used to have energy. Now it appears to be optional. I used to run the 440 yard dash in 58 seconds. Now I don’t run. Some days I hobble. I used to think about the future, now I think about the past. I used to have new ideas. Now I manage old ones. I used to put up the Christmas lights every year. Now I put them up with a note that explains how to do it since I know that this year may be my last.

I used to have ideas about how to fix things at churches. Now I look at what is going on at a church and I think, “oh, my, how do you fix that?”

Life was simpler when I was younger. Life made more sense. Life came easy. The answers seemed readily available.  Now I work really hard to enjoy every day. There is nothing wrong with that. I think a lot of people struggle with meaning as they age.

I am still looking for the beautiful things. A sunrise. A smile. A hug. A friend flying in. There is a savoring of life that I have now, that I did not have when I was young. God makes all things beautiful in his time.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com








I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

bitterness

For years when I was active in full time ministry I wanted to preach on this scripture, but I could never bring myself to do it. I did not want to be the guy who was calling people out from the pulpit.  

So many times I would hear of someone in the congregation that was unhappy with me or something that I did. They would wander around and tell their friends and anyone who would listen how upset they were with me. It poisoned the waters. It hurt my soul. People have no idea what damage they do when they are spewing negativity around. I often thought of this passage and how I wish the unhappy people could find the joy and see the good.

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.   Hebrews 12:15

When we are negative our bitterness spews into others. Trouble is caused and others are defiled. God's family becomes dysfunctional. I am not saying that there isn't a time to complain, but our complaints should be done with kindness and grace.

Is your voice a blessing to others? Is your voice a blessing in your church?

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com








I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

Sunday's audio sermon 11-26-17

Good Morning-
Here is the audio of yesterday's sermon.
Hope you have a great week!

Click here to listen

little things

My friend Brian shared this quote with me...

“Enjoy the little things in life for one day you may look back and realize they were big things”.
       Robert Brault

So let us pause and give thanks for the little things. For the smile of a friend. For a well needed hug. For a time to enjoy a meal with another. For those moments where friends sit together and catch up. For times when friends sit together and nothing is said, but the ambiance of being together is worth a million.

So here is a toast....

Here is to the little, big things of life, may we see them and cherish them.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com






I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

good advice

Sometimes we worry too much.  My friend who plays the piano, missed a note a few weeks ago and was mortified... no one else noticed.... I fumbled through worship a few weeks ago and hardly anyone noticed.

My friend Harriett who is a retired teacher sent in this advice: When I was teaching I use to ask the kids and myself at times the following:  Did anyone get hurt?
Will I remember this next year on this date?
If the answers were no, I and or the kids moved on! Everyday is a new day with no baggage if you will let it be.

So the only baggage that we have in this life is the baggage that we choose to carry. Maybe it is time to put some of the junk that we are carrying down. Then we will have the strength to concentrate on what really is important in this life.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com





I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

hugs

Hugs are good.

My friend Alan Powell sent me these pictures and thoughts from Charlie Brown.  I can relate to both of these thoughts.

May you find a meaningful hug today or very soon.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com





I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours

disappointed

I was listening to some Christians talk the other day and one of them said something about how God was disappointed when we sin.  Ouch.  That struck a nerve with me.

Let's discuss this for a moment.  If God is disappointed when we sin, God is always, always disappointed.  He must have a very sad and depressing life because we humans never get it right.

Maybe I have missed the biblical reference but I don't see anywhere in scripture where God is disappointed with us.  The woman at the well in Jn 4 is a prostitute.  Jesus does not express disappointment, but talks to her of living water.  The thief on the cross is a thief.  Jesus does not shame him, but invites him into paradise.  The father is not disappointed in the prodigal son but rushes out to welcome him home.

If we are going to believe that God is disappointed in us, we are going to carry a lot of guilt.  I prefer to believe that God looks at us as we look at our children:  not perfect, but still loved.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
Ps 103:8-14

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com





I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan
March 5-14 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours