On Halloween

My mom was a pretty fundamental Christian. Everything was black and white. Lots of judgment.

That was then, this is now. She is in heaven with Jesus now and I know that she is basking in his love and sharing it with others. She is whole.

So what does this have to do with Halloween? My mom, the fundamental Christian, loved Halloween. She set aside all of her dogmas and let the dogs out for Halloween. Demons that were feared and riled against during the rest of the year were amicably welcomed on Halloween. She had more Halloween decorations than Christmas ones.......

One of my favorites was a sign, which went up every year on the front door. The sign had an ugly witch on it and it said, "Welcome kiddies, put all your goodies in the box below... go quietly and no one will get hurt." Yes there was a box underneath the sign. No one ever left any candy, but I find the story to be so funny.

Have a Happy Halloween. October 31 is the Lord's day too. The devil does not get a day. Today is the Lord's day. This is our Father's world.

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.....

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

More on scriptural interpretation

Some folks blindly accept Bible passages without asking what they mean.  I used to do this.  Some simply take them on face value.  We tend to hold to the ones that we like and ignore the ones that we don't like, but that is a discussion for another day.

Personally, I wish that we had a chance for a redirect, the opportunity to ask the writer for clarification.

Apostle Paul, can I ask you a question?  What did you mean when you said that women should not speak in church?  1 Cor 14:34  Was this directed at one church?  One group of women?  Did you mean it for all women for all time?  Can you come into our culture today and explain yourself?

The ability to ask for clarification would be very helpful.  Unfortunately we don't have the ability to ask the writers for an explanation.  Consequently we need to be very careful about how we apply a particular verse across the board to every situation.  God is bigger than the Bible.

An example came up the other day in a group at church.  Someone asked about the verse from 2 Timothy 3, "all scripture is given by inspiration, and is helpful..."  This is a verse that is held up by many who idolize the Bible.  But personally I would like to ask for a clarification.  Paul, are the words of Deut 21 about stoning a rebellious son, are those inspired?  Are they helpful?

The writers wrote.  The words point us to God.  But we must always rely on God first and foremost.  Before any preacher, before any blogger, before the Bible, we must believe in and trust in God.

Questions, comments and insults are welcomed.

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.....

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

Interpreting the Bible

Everyone interprets the Bible.  In other words, everyone comes to it with a preconceived notion of what it means and how it should be used.

If you are looking for an angry God, you can find that God.  If you are looking for a loving God, you can find that God.

My friend Linda sent me this cartoon...

If I speak in the tongues of men and angels but have not love, I am a resounding gong.
Food for thought.

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.....

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 10-28-18 Ps 150 see the good

click here to listen

The songs of my generation, the songs of life

From my friend Pat....

I’m watching TV and a Geico commercial comes on. The background music is “Goin up the Country” a 60’s song by Canned Heat. Those of us who listened to underground rock and Woodstock music know it well. Its a staple on classic rock stations still.

When I first heard old rock songs used to sell things like Chevy’s(“Like a Rock” by Bob Seger) and financial services(“Gimmie Some Lovin’” by Steve Winwood) I was aghast. It was the ultimate corruption of the music I grew up with. We were over 30, untrustworthy by our youthful description. We had become “The Man”.

But tonight, when I heard that Geico commercial, I realized that soon, advertisers will change their music to newer, younger tunes. The Boomers will quit being the big purchasers, and it will be the Millennials, or GenXers or someone else’s turn.

And I am reminded of that great biblical wisdom, “To every season, turn, turn turn” (The Byrds, and oh yeah, Ecclesiastes). This is life (Snow Patrol). It comes, it goes, turn, turn turn. God meant for us to embrace it, enjoy it, use it. He even sent his Son to tell us how to use it best. Yet another gift.

So it guides me: “Life is a highway, I want to ride it all night long”. (Tom Cochrane) Enjoy life. Live as Jesus prescribed. Love one another. That’s a song that never grows old.

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.....

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

turnabout kindness

So we had some Kohl's cash.  I knew that we weren't going to use it, and it expired on Sunday.  I took it to church and asked during the announcement time if someone was going to Kohls, that we had this free Kohl's cash.

One of the nice church ladies took it.  I was glad that it was not going to waste.  Hopefully she would use it to buy something that made her happy.

The following Sunday she was again in church.  Now she hands me a Kohls bag with a nice red tie in it.  Seems that she had used our Kohls cash and some of her own to buy me a present.

I was struck by the selflessness of her actions.

Every time I think about what she did, my heart is happy.
Kindness almost always delivers joy. 

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.....

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

Pie and mash

So I took the boat down the Thames river to Grenwich.  There I intended to visit the Maritime Museum, which I did.  It was getting along to be 3pm and I had not had lunch so I was a bit hangry.  I noticed this sign.

At the museum I asked a guard to tell me about pie and mash.  Well, it is like a homemade pot pie with mashed potatoes.  I was in.  Sounds tasty.  I finished up at the museum and went back to this cute little pub where I had seen the sign.

The gal at the counter was very helpful.  I ordered my pie and mash.

Delightful.  And it comes with a spot of tea!

Sometimes in this life we need to  step out of our comfort zone and try things that are new.  Sometimes we need to realize that someone else's experience may be good for us too.

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.....

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

Green does not always mean go

My friend Valerie sent in this story about when her son was taking drivers ed and the parents went the first night to meet the instructor.

The instructor was giving us parents a quiz on driving safety. A few of the questions were easy-

“What should you do when you come to a red light?”

 “Stop”. 

“What should you do when you come to a yellow light?” 

“Look and proceed with caution.”
“What should you do when you come to a green light?” 

“Go!” Was the parents answer.
Wrong!! 

“Huh??"

He went on to explain:
“Look and see if other drivers are yielding the right of way to you. You may be in the right, but at what cost? If they do not yield to you, there could be a horrible accident with many terrible consequences.”

This story has made me think many times in my life and stopped many rash comments or arguments before they started. I may be right, but at what cost?

Hope is the message. We are messengers.

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.....

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

London

So our last day in Ireland, I had left the chip to my camera at the hotel so I missed those pictures of Dublin.  What a beautiful city.

In Dublin I visited the Archeology museum and the Natural History museum.  The Trinity College Library is amazing.

Then we went to London.  The ability to see another world is not something that I take lightly.  The joy of spending time with friends is a blessing as well.  This is my last post with lots of pictures for a while, so enjoy!

I visited Wesley's house, grave and church.  It was very moving.

I find old cemeteries to be beautiful.
Susanna Wesley is buried here.

Inside of Wesley's church

Pulpit that he preached from.  I stood in it.
Hope that was ok.

I loved the cool air, the double decker buses and the fish and chips!

St. Paul's Cathedral.  Look at the size of the people on the street.
This amazing church was built in 1710.
Wesley visited it early in the day before his conversion.

Plaque marking the spot of the building where Wesley's
heart was strangely warmed.

The British Museum has wonderful antiquities from around the world.

Again look at the size of the people.

V-1 and V-2 rockets at the Imperial War Museum.
Many of these fell on London during WW2.

The London eye.

I took a boat ride on the Thames river.  Beautiful.

Thank you for allowing me to show you this trip.  Sometimes in life we need to relax and celebrate.
I am so thankful for the opportunity.


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.....

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 - on unity. I have never preached on this passage before

click here to listen to Sunday's sermon on unity

Ireland - Day 7

Today we visited the Rock of Cashal.  It is the most photographed place in Ireland.  It was awesome.  On top of a hill in the town of Cashal is a church from the 1100's, a cathedral from the 1300's and a castle/home/fort.  It is all in amazing condition.

Later we drove to Dublin and visited St. Patrick's Cathedral.  It is huge and dates to the 1200's.  When John Wesley visited Ireland, he was not allowed to preach in the Anglican Churches, but he knew some of the preachers.  The priest/pastor of St Patrick's allowed him to help with communion.  Today I stood on the floor of the cathedral where John Wesley stood to serve communion.  The feeling was beyond words.

Cows laying down = ground beef???

John Wesley stood here to serve communion.

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.....

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

Ireland - Day 6

Today we worshipped at the Methodist church in Kinsale.
Then we drove to Cobh [pronounced Cove] which is near Cork.
We had a wonderful tour of the city and visited a Titanic museum.  Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown was the last stop of the Titanic before her ill fated voyage.

Baptist church on the left, Methodist on the right.

We heard a very good message today on gratitude.

Normal attendance is 12 so our bus full swelled the ranks.

Inside the Methodist Church

Old buildings in Kinsale.

Some of the architecture that we have seen has been stunning.

Simple but beautiful.

Kinsale is a fishing town on the SE coast of Ireland.

Old Pillar Methodist church in Cobh.  Finally vacated by the Methodists, 

it was a pub for some time.  Now it is available if you would like to buy it.

buildings in Cobh.  A beautiful town.

We ate fish and chips for lunch.

Pier where 123 unfortunate souls boarded shuttle tenders for the Titanic.

A few lucky souls got off the ship in Cobh.  We visited the White Star

line's ticket office.  The local buildings are just as they were in 1912.

Our group is having a wonderful time!  The people of Ireland are very favorable toward Americans.  We are seeing such amazing things!

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.....

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

Ireland - Day 5

Today we went for worship at a Methodist Church, but it was closed.  We got our timing crossed up a bit.
We visited the Blarney Castle where I did, yes I kissed the Blarney Stone.
We visited the Charles Fort.
We checked into our hotel in the town of Kinsale on the bay.

The Methodist Church in Killarney

Downtown Killarney w horse carriages, shops and a church spire.

Lots of churches in Ireland.

St. Mary's Cathedral Catholic Church in Killarney

The famous Blarney Castle built around 1450

Waiting in line to kiss the Blarney Stone.  

It was 4-5 stories up.  The staircase was spiral, narrow and wet.

But I came to Ireland and I was gonna kiss the stone.

I loved the construction of the castle. 

It was amazing.

The grounds on the castle were beautiful.

Crows on a weathervane near the castle.

Beautiful gardens at Blarney Castle

Charles Fort, Kinsale

Built in 1660 by the English to protect

against the French and the Spanish.

The fort was in use until 1922.

Marilyn Hardy finds a soldier.

I could have spent much more time at this fort. 

When I get home I am going to have to go to

St. Augustine and visit the historic Spanish fort there!

We over came an air-conditioning problem on the bus.  We are having a wonderful trip.
Hope you can join us next 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 this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

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