Jeff

I learned a lot about generosity over the years from my old friends Dave Harris and Doug Hawley.

I have been thinking lately about how I can be more generous.  I at least want to practice what I already know.  Today I woke up with $25 in my wallet a $20 and a $5.  I know that there are people out there that need this $25 more than I do.

I spent the morning working on reports and then I had a meeting with an attorney about a will.  After the meeting I decided to go to Jersey Mike's for a sandwich.  Mmmm.  GOOD.

On the way to the sandwich shop I was at a stop light and a woman held a sign, "hungry- anything helps."  I tooted my horn.  She came to the window, I gave her the $5 bill.  That made me happy.  As she got up close I could see that she needed that $5 much more than I did.

Kind act over, Now it is about me again.  I am zooming to the sandwich shop.  I am hungry!  As I pull in to park, I notice a man sitting in the grass with a sign, "homeless- please help."  No I did not give him the $20 bill. 

What I did do is holler over to him and ask him if he wanted a sandwich.  "ABSOLUTELY.  THANK YOU!"  What kind?  Tuna.  What do you want on it.  Everything.

I went inside.  I order my customary roast beef sandwich and a tuna sandwich.  I bought a fountain drink for him.  I wandered through the traffic and got over to him.  I gave him the drink and told him that he could go in and refill it all afternoon. 

He said thank you.  I reached to shake his hand.  I said, my name is Jeff.  He said, my name is Jeff. 
We struck up a conversation.  He is 61 years old.  When he got divorced, he was unable to work due to a disability and ended up on the street.  He has twin boys, one in Washington State and the other in California. 

He was so appreciative.  I could see that he was a nice man with a good heart who had just fallen on rough times.  It made me happy to buy him lunch.

If you are depressed or down today for some reason, find someone to help.  I makes our souls glad when we help 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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

Spiritual Things

Learning doctrine = religious but not spiritual
Making others feel guilty = religious but not spiritual
Memorizing the Bible = religious but not necessarily spiritual

Truly spiritual things happen when one soul reaches for another.  I heard some great examples lately.

1.  A lady moved to town.  She needed help moving in.  She called the church.  Volunteers from the church went to help a total stranger. 

Spiritual.  Holy.

2.  A man eats breakfast at a regular spot.  He meets a man and learns that he is dying of cancer and has no one.  They begin to meet for breakfast every day.

Spiritual. Holy

3.  A server at a restaurant is befriended by patrons and invited to church.  She comes and brings her husband.

Spiritual.  Holy.

4.  A co-worker is so touched by the kindness of a person that they ask about their church.  Soon the co-workers share both work and church.

Spiritual.  Holy.

Someone is out there waiting for you to be normal, caring, friendly and relevant.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

Choose Goodness and Kindness

From my friend Susan, no commentary from me is needed:

I heard a story this morning about a woman who went into a drive-through earlier today for coffee. The person in front of her in line moved up. When she didn’t move up right away behind him, the person behind her slammed on her horn, throwing her hands up in the air, as if it was the worst thing in the world to make her wait. The caller said she wanted to get out of her car and go back there, but she refrained. Instead, guess what she did??? (I love this!) She pulled up to the window when it was her turn, and PAID FOR THE COFFEE for the person behind her! Instead of being angry and defensive, and feeling like she needed to have a confrontation with the impatient driver, she acted in love. She said, “I don’t know what her circumstances were. Maybe she was on her way to the funeral home, or maybe she was on her way to divorce court. Maybe she just got fired.” We just don’t know what other people are dealing with! The people who are the most un-lovable, are the ones who need the most love. Instead of going about her day with a black cloud over her head, this woman was able to go away with a peaceful heart, knowing that she reached out to someone who obviously was in need of a kind gesture. And who knows? It very likely changed the entire day for the impatient driver as well….and maybe she even felt compelled to pay it forward. Choose goodness. Choose love. It will not only bless you, it will certainly bless others in ways you can’t even imagine.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

Don't change

I love you.  Don't change.  I thought of the following story the other day....

"I was a neurotic for years.  I was anxious and depressed and selfish.  Everyone kept telling me to change.  I resented them, and I agreed with them, and I wanted to change, but simply couldn't, no matter how hard I tried.  What hurt the most was that, like the others, my best friend kept insisting that I change.  I felt so powerless and trapped.  Then one day, he said to me, 'Don't change.  I love you just as you are.' 
These words were music to my ears... don't change, don't change, don't change... I love you as you are.  I relaxed, I came alive, and suddenly I changed!
Now I realize that I couldn't really change until I found someone who would love me whether I changed or not.
Is this how you love me God?"
Anthony Demello in The Song of the Bird

Is this how you love me God?  Listen my friends... Listen.... If God loves us conditionally, we are in trouble.  If God loves us only if we are good enough, then we are in serious trouble.  The only way of understanding God's love, the only way of understanding love itself, is unconditionally.  If there are conditions attached, it is not love.

God loves us.  Get over trying to be good enough.  Welcome the embrace.  Then change if you feel so led.  But know that you are loved.  Period.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

passing on or absorbing

We all have pain.  Some of our pain is self inflicted and some of it comes to us from others.  Sometimes, life itself just brings pain. 

I can blame myself for a number of things.  I can blame other drivers for a number of things.  Some things just happen to us that bring pain.  Old age brings pain.  Change brings pain.

Yes.  Sometimes you have to tell someone that you want their behavior to change.  Sometimes it is healthy to be honest with someone.

But sometimes we express our pain when we should be absorbing it.  There is no reason to yell at the teacher about your child's grades.  There is no reason to boo the sports team that is having an off day.  There is no reason to complain or gossip about your pastor. [To my knowledge no one is complaining about me, I am just saying this in general.]

I think it is true that when we pass on the pain, it is always delivered in a higher dosage than is necessary.

On the cross Jesus absorbed the pain.  He said Father forgive them.  We need to pass less of our pain along and learn to absorb more of it.

Just don't say anything.  Sure you are mad.  In an hour or a day, this will pass and you won't remember it.  Go kick a tree.  We all need to learn to absorb pain.  Give someone a break.  Give someone the grace.  Absorb the pain.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

sermon audio from sunday 8-26-18 miracle. walking on water. fear or faith. with some bad guitar work and weak singing

click here to listen - the guitar work is bad. so sorry

My Dad's Movies

My Dad loved war movies and anything John Wayne.  I can remember taking him to see Saving Private Ryan a few years before his death.  He wept in the theater.  So did I.

The other day I was watching one of his kind of movies, The Devil's Brigade.  The movie was made in 1968 and stars William Holden and Cliff Robertson.  I remember watching it with him as a child.  It was so typical of what he liked.  A little bit of humor, a little bit of boys being boys, and enough war to make things pretty serious.

As I was watching the movie, I laughed on a couple of occasions.  I have come to recognize that I laugh just like he did.  In fact, sometimes, the noises that I make are oddly comforting.  Somehow, he is still here, laughing through me, laughing with me.

I love my dad and I miss him.  I wish I would have had more opportunity to really get to know him.  I am so thankful that our grief, can in time, turn to a savoring.  I am thankful for my dad.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

On Changing the World

Some months ago I had the occasion to drive through the Woods Chapel property.  As a general rule I never do this because I want to keep my distance and I do not wish to be a problem.  But I drove through in April this year because someone told me that the trees were budding and beautiful.

As I drove across the property I thought, "wow, we did it, we changed the world for the better."

As I think back on years in the ministry I think about the times that seemed to go well.  I had several appointments that I was only there for a short time, and it is hard to feel like you accomplished much. 

Cache, Oklahoma/Indiahoma, Oklahoma.  St. John's in Kansas City.  Lebanon, MO.  I was there for such a short time that I don't know that I made a difference.

Cape Coral.  God bless those wonderful folks, I was reeling from all the changes in my life.  I was there a short time but have made some wonderful friends.  Sometimes I wish I could go back there now and try again...

Two places in particular, I felt like together, we made a difference.  Those would be the Princeton/Mercer charge and Woods Chapel. 

My opportunities in Ft. Pierce have been delightful.  I hope that the members will feel that me being there this year has been a good thing.  Gosh it is almost over... I just have September and October left there.  I better get to work!

Anyway, I think it is human nature to look back and reflect on the value of one's life.  I am certainly happy for many things: 

• for every person who found grace
• for every person who finally found a God that was bigger than their devil
• for every person who entered ministry
• for every heart turned towards mission
• for individuals and congregations believing in themselves

There has been so much good over the years.  I have made so many friends.

And as I was thinking about change, I thought of this story:

"I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was ‘Lord, give me the energy to change the world.’ 

"As I approached middle age and realized that half my life was gone without my changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to ‘Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me. Just my family and friends, and I shall be satisfied.’ 

"Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my one prayer is, ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’ 

If I had prayed for this right from the start I should not have wasted my life." 

                     Anthony Demello - Song of the Bird pg 153

May we all work to make the world a kind, good and gentle place by making ourselves to be more kind, good and gentle.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

sins of the Fathers

My friend Mike asked me to write about the Biblical concept of the sins of the Fathers being passed on to their children.  I know that my Father was very worried that his mistakes would be repeated by his children.  He felt some tremendous guilt for some of his life choices.  So, are the sins of the Father destined to be repeated by or punished in the children?

There are many verses that sound like Ex 34:7
"he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

there are a few verses that sound like Ez 18:20
"20 The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them."

And of course the overarching theme of scripture is that God is a God of love.

So how could the sins of the parents be passed to the children? I guess if a mom is on drugs, a baby could be born with the same addiction. I hear that some crimes like child abuse are passed down, that the abused become abusers, but I do think that it is a cycle that can be broken.

Surely there are genes that come down from one parent to the children. But in all cases I reserve the right of everyone to exercise their own personal free will, to break the cycles of addiction and to choose for the right. We may not be able to control where we came from but we can certainly shape where we are going in life.

Finally let me say that there are many Bible passages on various topics. You can prove one thing from the Bible and then use another scripture to "prove" the opposite. You have to decide where to hang your hat.

Personally, I am hanging my hat on the concept that we are responsible for our own actions, not those of our parents. [See Ex 20]

If we were punished for our sins, we would all be consumed. Grace comes from God in spite of our brokenness. That is why it is called the good news.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs 

Defending God

It is funny to listen to some people try to defend God, as if he needed defending.

 Richard Rohr recently wrote, "The great mystics tend to recognize that Whoever God Is, he or she does not need our protection or perfect understanding. All our words, dogmas, and rituals are like children playing in a sandbox before Infinite Mystery and Wonderment."

We think we are defending God, and we are really just playing in the sandbox compared to his power and greatness.

I love ideas that invite us to stop trying to be in charge and just fall into the love and mystery of God.  We make plans and God laughs.  He cannot be controlled.  Just fall into the Mystery.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

David and Goliath

I love watching the Little League World Series.  It is that time of year again.  It is so exciting to watch the kids play.  Well, I just love baseball.

One of the things that is pretty easy to notice is that in the Little League years, there are boys playing against men.  Boys who are 11 and have not entered puberty and those who have.  The distance can be overwhelming.  It is not uncommon for a 150 lb 11 year old young man to be pitching to a 95 lb 11 year old.  It has to be frightening to the smaller boys to come up against the bigger boys.  In 8th grade my son played football.  He used to comment on the muscles of some of the guys in the locker room.  He would say, "Dad they are like men!"

It is often the case that teams with the big boys dominate and win the series.  But not always.  Many a team with a larger than life pitcher have been defeated.  I am reminded of the scripture from Ecclesiastes 9

The race is not always to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;

What are you facing today?  Does it seem overwhelming?  Do not give up.  You can get through it.  You can get to the other side.  You are not alone.  God can help you overcome your giants.  He has done it many times before.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds is the son of professional baseball player Bobby Bonds. Barry played professional ball for the San Francisco Giants.  He was an all star and holds many records.  He has been denied entrance to the hall of fame because of his use of steroids.  A couple of weeks ago, his number 25 was retired in San Francisco.  No Giant will ever again wear #25.

The night that they retired his number, he gave a speech at ATT park.  He said, "I asked my dad before he died, why he was so hard on me.  Dad replied, I knew that you would keep working hard as long as you were chasing my approval."

How sad.  Sad that a Father would make a son chase his approval. 

Mine did the same thing.  He withheld approval and embrace.  It made for some odd times, especially as a young adult.  One year on Christmas morning we were opening presents, I asked him to borrow his pocket knife.  He said, "when will you ever learn that real men carry a pocket knife???"  I snapped.  I said, "really??? It is Christmas morning.  I am here with my wife and 2 children.  In case you hadn't noticed, I am a man.  Now give me the knife."

He gave me the knife.

This encounter totally changed our relationship, for the better.  He started treating me like a man.  I asked him about this encounter years later.  We agreed that I had been chasing his approval and that he had been waiting for me to stand up and be a man with or without his approval.  Aren't relationships complicated?

I am glad that Barry Bonds, me, you and anyone else already has the approval of our loving heavenly Father.  There is nothing to prove and nothing to earn.  Offer your welcome and approval to everyone, just as you have received it from God.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

dualism

Dualism.  The practice of seeing the world as divided between two camps.  This group or idea over and against this idea.  KU vs MU.  Gator vs Seminoles.  Democrats vs Republicans.  God vs the devil.

Christians should not be dualists.  We should see people as people and embrace them.  There is no reason to square off with someone because they have different ideas than we do.  In fact the only people we learn from are those whose ideas stretch us.

We should work to take folks in rather than separate them. 

And when it comes to faith, we are not dualists.  We do not believe that God is in a fight for his life with an equal and opposite force [the devil.]  Can we please stop talking like the devil is the opposite of God!  He is a created being, a fallen angel.  He is not all knowing or all present.  Only God is.

This is our Father's world.  He puts his arms around everyone, even Miami Hurricane fans.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Sermon Audio from Sunday 8-19-18 The Centurion's Servant: Miracles, Faith and who gets in

click here to listen to the sermon audio

It takes me a while

Sometimes it takes me a while.  My friend Jean sent me a bunch of comics.  I loved them all, but I loved this one because it took my brain about 5 minutes to get it.

Which reminded me of something that I notice about myself.  Sometimes I am in a meeting or a situation and I think the best that I can, but later or the next day, I find clearer thoughts.  It is like under pressure, I do what I can, but later I can think longer and come to a better conclusion.

So give yourself time when you can.  Don't jump into a decision in the first meeting.  Take your time and let your brain stew on the situation.  You may come up with a better resolution.

Weird... no windows....


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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

it's not you

Maybe you are frustrated because you can't find a parking space.  Don't yell at the dog, it is not his fault.  Maybe you have been working in the heat of the day and you are hot and sweaty.  You come inside and yell at the kids.  Don't do it.  It is not their fault.  You had a bad day at work.  Don't take it out on the next human you run into.

It's ok to be angry, but don't take it out on the people around you.  If need be, give yourself some time away to recover your grace.  It is also fine to simply let them know that you are upset and it is not their fault.

I am sorry that you were hot.  I am sorry that you were hungry.  Don't kick the dog. Or the other people that you live with.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

where is my car?

Sometimes I can't find my keys or my wallet.  I have learned over the years that I know right where they are.  They are right where I put them.  The problem is that I don't remember where that is.  Why does this happen to us?  Some suggest that it is because we are getting older, but it happens to young people too.

The reason we misplace our things is because we are not paying attention.  We are not in the moment so what we do is lost.  We are distracted by something or we are in such a hurry that we don't register our actions.

I am walking in the door and I set down my keys but I am really thinking about yelling at the dog, or the kid or the spouse.  I set down my wallet but I am really rushing to the TV to catch the end of the ballgame.  And we suddenly can't remember where we put anything.

This is funny.
A friend borrowed a car from a friend to run to Walmart.  They were in such a hurry to get to Wally world that they did not bother to notice what kind of car or what color of car they were driving.  They rushed into the store, made their purchases and then came out to get in the car.  But they had a problem.  Not just where is my car, but oh my.  What kind of car am I looking for?  They had to call their friend to get the make, model and color.  The friend also suggested pushing the lock button and the horn would honk.

The moral of the story is that every moment of life is sacred.  Pay attention to them.  I bet if you walked into your house and set down your keys, looked at them and said, "here keys you will rest and wait for me" you would surely remember where you put them when it was time to go.

Slow down.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

Michael the Archangel

Michael the Archangel has been following me around.  He goes where ever I go.  He is always with me.  He protects me from evil and guides me in all of my ways.  He is a constant companion to me Jeff Brinkman and a source of continual good to me personally.

Does that sound crazy?  Do I sound certifiable?  Yes.  YES!  That is crazy.

Here is my point.  When we talk about the devil tempting us and hanging around and being an enemy to us personally, that is just as crazy.  Michael and Lucifer are the same order of beings.  Angels.  They are not all present or all knowing or all powerful.  Only God is.

Let's stop talking about the devil as if he is everywhere all the time.  He isn't.  Neither is Michael or Gabriel.  Only God is omni-presnt.  Lets talk about God and give God the glory of our attention.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

enculturating an organization

I am pretty sure that enculturating is not a word.  I am going to use it anyway. 

Enculturating is the process of building the culture of your organization, business or church.  Or it is the process of changing the culture.  It is done one person at a time.

Many cultures are broken.  Themes of power and control can quickly harm a culture.  Big ideas without legs can harm a culture.  Anything that is not relevant or normal can harm a culture.  A lack of joy, a lack of hard work, and any number of things can create a negative culture.

That is where you and I come in.  You can affect the culture of your organization.  Even if you are not in charge, you can effect positive change.  You can be the one server at the restaurant that everyone wants.  You can be the one cashier at the grocery store that people wait in line for.  You can be the one friendly person at your church.

Here are the steps to build a positive culture.
1.  Love one another.  Love everyone.  See people as valuable.  Invest in them.
2.  Maintain an outward focus.  It is not about me, it is about our mission.
3.  Reduce organization and meetings.  Keep it simple.  Don't torture people by talking things to death.
4.  live each day with Joy, authenticity and excellence.
5.  And finally, love one another.

You can make a difference in your world.  You are already leaving a trail, either positive or negative.  We are not here forever.  Why not join the positive voices and bring love and joy to your organization or church.  You can make a difference in your cubicle, your pew, your community.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

why are you here

A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were built for.  There is something that a ship is supposed to do.  A ship has a purpose.

We humans like security.  We don't like change.  To the extent that we can, we quickly make life about us. 

Some years ago a friend of mine adopted a child from a very poor country.  They later commented that the child that grew up with nothing and lived with food scarcity, well it took them all of three weeks in the USA to become a spoiled demanding teenager. 

We make it about us very quickly.

There is a reason that you are here.  Don't just sit in the harbor.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

Sermon Audio from Sunday - why do bad things happen - glorifying God in difficult times

click here to listen

Ouch

Lynne Twist in her book The Soul of Money, suggests that "we must rid ourselves of the notion that There’s not enough to go around. . . . Not enough resources in the world. Somebody’s going to be left out. . . . If there’s not enough for everyone, then taking care of yourself and your own, even at others’ expense, seems unfortunate, but unavoidable and somehow valid. . . ."
Americans are worried about not having enough. So they collect more and more and more. When in fact we are the richest society in the history of the world. We Americans spend more on black Friday than it would cost to provide clean water and sanitation [outhouses] for every human in the entire world.

Yet when the Kohls ad comes, we lust for the next shirt or pair of shoes.

Here is the point of this blog.... Let's look at what we have and realize that we already have more than enough. Let's admit that continuing to collect things in an insult to the poor of this world and it is not God's will. Let's consider giving away more of what we have. Would it hurt you to give away $10 today? Probably not. $100? Probably not. $1,000? Maybe not. There are folks in this world that are suffering because we keep more than what we need.

Jesus told this parable in Luke 12...

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

May we all learn to live our lives in perspective and become just a bit more generous. I would love to hear from some of you about who you gave $10 or $100 or $? to.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

two ways

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein

"Life is a banquet. And the tragedy is that most people are starving to death... There's a nice story about some people who were on a raft off the coast of Brazil perishing from thirst. They had no idea that the water they were floating on was fresh water. The river was coming out into the sea with such force that it went out for a couple of miles, so they had fresh water right there where they were. But they had no idea. In the same way, we're surrounded with joy, with happiness, with love. Most people have no idea of this whatsoever."     Anthony Demello in Awareness 

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."  Albert Einstein

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

- - - - - - - - -

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

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

Father and Son

Today I let you inside, to a little bit of my pain.

This is a picture that I took of Scott walking to his apartment in November.  It was his last day in Vero Beach.  I miss him.

I often think of the Cat Stevens song, Father and Son.  It is a painful dialogue between a Father and his Son as the Father seeks to hold his Son close and the Son seeks to make his own way in life.  I have personally felt this angst first as the Son who wanted to make my own way in life, and now many years later as a Father as I desperately miss my Son.

I am crying as I write this.

click here to listen to the song

Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.

I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,
To be calm when you've found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.

Son
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.

Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to go through.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.

(Son-- Away Away Away, I know I have to
Make this decision alone - no)

Son
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them They know not me.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.

(Father-- Stay Stay Stay, Why must you go and
Make this decision alone?)

It is 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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

nothing better

Not too long ago I witnessed some young people frolicking on a pontoon boat.  It was delightful.  I thought of how beautiful they all were.  I thought of how wonderful it was to be young.

I have held onto that thought for a while, and now today I am writing a blog about it.  I am realizing something about how I felt that day.  It was not their young skin or trim bodies that made me feel happy, it was that they were happy.

Youth is good but it is not better than middle age or old age.  Any age can be good or any age can be miserable, it all depends on how you play it.  I have know woebegone young people and woebegone old people.  I have known happy young folks and happy old folks.

Who we are is our choice.  Why not be happy?  Why not smile?  Why not see the good?  It will be good for you, but it will be good for everyone.  Try smiling at people and see how well your day goes.

It is all good.

"I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person... than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them... all the days of the life."  Ecclesiastes 8:15

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

nothing to say

A few months ago I got an email from my friend Mike who reminded me that even when we say nothing, we can say a bunch.

We humans always want to have the right words to say.  Sometimes there are no words.  Sometimes our words hurt.  Sometimes it is best to say nothing at all.  Alison Krauss sings a beautiful song that is titled, you say it best, when you say nothing at all.

Sometimes the gift of your presence is all that is needed.  Sometimes just a card with a very simple message.  "Thinking of you" or "Praying for you" or "I love you."

Don't feel like you have to solve the worlds problems every time you open your mouth.  Just love 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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

I Can't

I can't do it.  I cannot help.  I only have one loaf of bread and one small fish.  I can't do it.  I am not a good speaker, I can't.

I can't is the enemy of everything constructive in this life.  I can't is why people feel that they are living mediocre lives.  I can't is why there is so much brokenness, hunger and hurt in this world.  There are plenty of resources to help with the world's problems, but we are worried that we won't have enough.

I have low self esteem.  I can't do it. 
I have never done that before.  I can't do it.
I
I
I
I
can't

I can't is the enemy of everything constructive in this life.

What can God do with someone who says "I can't?"
not much.

Do you want to be used by God to change the world?  Change your community?  Change your church?  Do you want to be used by God to steer a positive course?  Do you want to be used by God for anything?

Turn I can't into availability.  Lord I may not be so great at this, I may have no experience, I may be scarred to death, but I am here and I am yours.

Then watch what God can do with a man or a woman, a boy or a girl whose life is put into the Master's hands.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

The character of a person

If you go online this quote is attributed to many people.  I like to watch Sport Center in the mornings on ESPN.  I like Scott Van Pelt.  He used this quote in reference to the character of rookie basketball sensation Donovan Mitchell.  Mitchell is evidently a very kind and caring person.  SVP said that you can tell the true character of a person by whether they are spoiled by wealth.  Mitchell evidently is the real deal.

May the same be said about each of us.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

God gave me this car

Over the years I have had many people tell me that the Lord gave them this new car.  I would always ask them if the Lord gave them a payment or if he gave it to them outright.

My point is this.  We blame many things on God to try and spiritualize our lives.  We should stop.  Jeff and Cathy bought a car the other day.  While the ability to do so is certainly a gift from God, the decision to buy it was a choice.  Our choice.

We humans have free will.  God allows us to choose.  Sometimes we choose well and sometimes we choose poorly. 

We should take responsibility for our choices and stop trying to sound spiritual by blaming everything on the good Lord.  He wants us to have a life and live it.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

Sermon Audio from this morning - The feeding of the 5,000

Click here to listen

New Car

Momma's got a new car!

So my son is buying my Kia Sportage.  That left us with 2 cars.  Cathy's Kia Sportage and my Ford Pickup that has 209,000 miles  on it.  The truck is great but it is not so dependable.  It is not a vehicle that you would want to drive more than 50 miles, just in case something happened.  Plus the A/C doesn't work very well so if I ever take Cathy's car, she has to drive the truck.  She does not like that so much.

Anyway we decided it was time for a new car.  If you ever are in need of a car, take me with you as I am a very good bargainer with car salesmen.  We bought a new Nissan Altima SR Special Edition for $20,600.  There will be sales tax of course and a loan payment for a few years.

Here is the fun part.  At our dealer, they have a Wheel of Fortune type spin award.  You can win an
MP3 player, a cruise for two, an oil change and maybe if you are lucky you can win $1500.  Momma was lucky!

This post has no spiritual value.  Sometimes it is ok to laugh and smile and enjoy the moment.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure

picking and choosing

I was listening to one of Adam Hamilton's sermons the other day and he talked about how he was accused of picking and choosing which scriptures we believe and hold to and which ones we don't.

We all pick and choose.

The Bible supports slavery.  Do you?  Then you have made a choice to ignore part of the scriptures.
The Bible supports the subordination of women.  Do you?  Then you have made a choice to ignore part of the scriptures.
Jesus taught that we should not save up treasure on earth.  Do you have a savings account?  A 401K?  Then we have become unscriptural.

Stone a rebellious son at the city gate?  Never eat shrimp?  We pick which scriptures we follow and which ones we don't.

May we always remember that the over-riding, over-all main theme, macro message of the bible is to love God and love others.  The other ideas presented in scripture must be subordinate to that.  All ideas in scripture must humble themselves under the command to love.

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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise

October 23-31, 2019

Click here to read or download the Paris Normandy Brochure