Mad at the church

Sometimes I am mad at the church.  Now remember, there is no reason to get mad at institutions.  Institutions don't hurt us, people do.

I am not mad at Ft. Pierce First, or Woods Chapel.  It is a generic mad at the church.

Why would I be mad at the church?  I have just grown tired of the people who try to convert others without love.  I am tired of decisions that protect the status quo.  I am sad that so many of my friends have given up on the church.  My children have given up on the church.  Millions of people across the country have given up on the church.  I am tired of the judgment and self-righteousness that I see in some Christians.

Having said that, I had a wonderful experience in church last Sunday.  A few rows in front of me, a woman was crying quietly during the sermon.  It seems that Pastor Tim had said something that touched her.  That was very very very cool to see.

So I thought to myself, yes you are mad from time to time at some of the things that Christians do.  Yes the church is not perfect.  But from time to time, God still moves and someone is touched. 

I think that I am going to keep going to church.  👍

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

SO EXCITING!!!

Last Monday I received a text message.  I was already asleep when it came in, but I woke up in the middle of the night and read it.  It was from Donna Hoover.  Seems that Donna, Alexandra Duenow and Donna's sister in law Brenda were in Florida and wondered if I would be available for a visit on Tuesday.  Donna and I worked together for about ten years at the church in Kansas City.  Alexandra attended there as well.  Can they come by for a visit?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

They arrived at the house about 12:30.  We had a marvelous talk and then a nice lunch at Mulligans.  It was so delightful to see my old Kansas City friends.

As I think of it, I am still smiling.  May you have something happen to you this week that makes you smile a really big smile!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

first prayer

I sometimes take an over the counter sleeping aid, like Tylenol PM.  I never do it more than 3 days per week.  The nights that I don't take them, I sometimes only sleep for 4-5 hours. 

A few days ago I slept all night without a sleep aid.  I slept soundly.  I dreamed that I was at a big country estate, a beautiful place inside and out.  In the dream I was making a milkshake in a blender.  Mmm!!!

Then I woke up.
Interesting.  The very first thought on my mind was, "thank you Lord for another day."

I cannot stress the importance of saying that prayer every morning.  To give thanks for every dawn, to celebrate every moment of every day, to acknowledge God and say thanks!

That is the good stuff.  First prayer of the morning.  Maybe the best prayer of the day.
Thank you God for the gift of this day.  Thanks for waking me up!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

rules or joy

Rules or Joy? 
Does your church major in rules or joy?  Does your pastor distribute rules or joy?  Do you, do I as a Christian deliver rules or joy.

In Jesus' day, the Pharisees were the ones who delivered rules.  Jesus delivered joy.
Pharisee's side = rules.
Jesus' side = joy.
With that in mind it is hard for me to understand why so many churches and so many Christians still major in rules instead of joy.

Jesus focused on joy.
Life is too short.   Let go of the shoulds, the oughts and the musts and celebrate the God of love and joy!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

breakfast with friends

I had breakfast last week with a couple of dear friends.  I really like these folks.  Now if I did not have breakfast with you last week, it doesn't mean that I don't like you.  I am sure that I do.  In fact, if you want to meet for breakfast, let me know as I would love to do that. I'll even buy.

Back to the breakfast.  Good food, good friends, good feelings.  Having a friend is a true gift in life.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

I lost him

I was getting off of the plane in Melbourne, Florida.  We were all, all of us were waiting to get off of the plane in Melbourne.

I noticed a commotion a few rows back.  A short man, carrying his duffle, was working his way through the crowded isle.  Without saying anything, he bumped past me and continued his way toward the front of the plane.

Several folks commented about his behavior.  I decided that I was going to say something to him when I saw him in the terminal. 

"Hey friend, you were rude."  "Hey friend, there was no reason for that."

When I got off the plane I looked for him.  I was going to set him straight.  But I had lost track of him now and could not remember which man he was.  I lost him in the crowd.

Ten minutes later, waiting for my bag at baggage claim, I thought about how it was probably a good thing that I lost him in the crowd.  An unnecessary negative encounter was avoided because I lost him.  I began to feel glad that the encounter did not happen.  I started to get over myself.

How much better might life be if the people that we were mad at got lost int he crowd. 
Let it go...  let them get lost in the crowd... you will be glad that you did.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Hard Work

There is no substitute for hard work.  I meet people all of the time who are just willing to try and skate by.  But friends, nothing of value was ever accomplished without hard work.

See an organization slipping?  Someone should be working hard to turn it around.  See an organization thriving?  There is probably someone behind the scenes who is working hard.

Life is a series of self-fulfilling prophecies.
Lack of effort almost always produces lethargy.
Hard work almost always produces results.

What ever is our goal, may we all get up and get after it.
There is nothing more rewarding that to see the results of your hard work.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

ripples

My friend SG wrote in about the ripple effect of love...

As a child, I remember tossing small stones into the water, so we could enjoy watching the ripple effect.  I have been thinking lately about the ripple effect of showing love. I think God uses the love we show, in many ways we wouldn't have realized.
- someone's day is suddenly brightened
- a person who awoke feeling hopeless suddenly finds a glimmer of hope
- a baby coos and smiles back
- a wife suddenly doesn't mind cooking one more meal
- an ordinary looking person suddenly imagines themselves to be beautiful
- a hubby suddenly doesn't mind the drive to the office, and the grind of another day's work

all because a little bit of love was shown.

How can your acts of love and kindness change the day of those you come into contact with?  And once being touched by your act of love, what effect might they have on someone else?  So we see that your one act of love may stretch well beyond you into the lives of many.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

purpose

My friend Bev sent this in...

Many Christians are always trying to find God's will.  They expect a light to shine from heaven giving them a purpose.  Relax.  If you are loving people and showing kindness, that is your purpose.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

unbelievable

Bstroy, a New York-based streetwear brand, hosted a show during New York Fashion Week to debut its spring 2020 collection. Included in the show were four sweatshirts featuring bulletholes and emblazoned with the names of school shooting sites Sandy Hook, Columbine, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and Virginia Tech.

You have got to be kidding me.

How is this good for anyone? What school will allow them on their premises? And what will people stoop to next to make a little money?

This is why we must continually focus on seeing the good... there is so much craziness in this world.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Truth and Love

Truth and Love
or should we say...
Love and Truth.

Both are important.  One is more important.
Can you guess which one?

I recently visited with a friend who has started attending a fundamental church.  This person whom I love was all about truth.  Right and wrong.  This is right and that is wrong and everyone must know that.  Maybe this person has a new job to straighten everyone out.

I didn't disagree with the truth they presented, but I tried to explain that love must come before truth.  If we don't love people, they will never listen to our truth.  If our delivery is so filled with judgment they will never hear our message.

And for that matter, I personally believe that the message of love is enough.  We don't have to pound others with our truth.  But we should certainly shower them with our love.

Truth without love is a clashing cymbal and a sounding gong.

Love first.  Love only.  God will bring people to truth as he sees fit.
It is not our job to guide people to truth.  It is our job to love them.
Too often we humans try to play God, but God's job is not ours to take.
"when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
                                                                           John 13:16

It's our job to love them.  It is God's job to lead them into truth.

If you disagree, I hope that you can lead with love.  Because if we are not leading with love, we are not doing God's work.

Love comes first.  All the time.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

I love puns

I love puns.  Those surprising little words that make us groan.  Those play on words that my kids say they hate but they love me for them.

I was in KC for a bit and when I returned there was a card on my desk from someone who missed me, it featured a hot dog.  The cover said, "I never sausage a good person"  inside the card said, "frankly you're the best." 

Other puns...
remember when air was free at the gas station?
now you have to pay 4 quarters.
Do you know why?
inflation.

Why do people from Athens hate the morning?
Dawn is tough on Greece.

😊😊😊

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Talk like a Pirate Day

It is back!!!  Today is one of my favorite holidays, it is national talk like a pirate day. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Here are some terms to help you make it through today as a joyful participant.

Avast ye =Pay attention
Hornswaggle =To cheat
Shiver me timbers=An expression used to show shock or disbelief
Head=Toilet on board the ship
Poop deck=Deck that is the highest and farthest back
Landlubber=A person who is not incredibly skilled at sea
Davy Jones' Locker=Refers to death
Ahoy, matey=Hello, friend
Batten down the hatches=A signal to prepare the ship for an upcoming storm
Blimey!=Something said when one is in a state of surprise
Booty=Treasure
Crow's nest=The place on the ship where the lookout stand is built
Heave ho=Instruction to put some strength into whatever one is doing
Old salt=A sailor that has a great deal of experience on the seas
Scallywag =A name that is used as an insult to someone
Seadog =An old sailor or pirate
Thar she blows!=An expression used when a whale is spotted from the ship
Three sheets to the wind=Someone who is quite drunk
Walk the plank=A punishment which entails someone who walks over the side of the ship off of the plank. Their hands are often tied so that they cannot swim and they drowned.
Yo Ho Ho=There is often used to express some sort of cheer but also can be used to call attention to the speaker.

Be sure to tell a joke or two.
Where do pirates buy their music?
Aye - tunes
Why are pirates cool?
They just rrrrrrrrrrrr.

Rrrrrrr. It's a beautiful day in God's world, be surrrrrre to sea the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

the zing of disagreement

There are people that I can have a discussion with, disagree, and be ok.  These are the folks who put people before ideas.  We aren't on the same page on an issue, but we still care for each other.

Then there are those folks who need to deliver a zinger if you don't agree with them.  They need to dismiss you, they need to shame you, they need to give you the cold prickly stare.

Dear friends, there is no reason to deliver a zinger to another person.  We are different.  We are going to disagree.  It's ok.  They don't deserve to be hurt by me because they have a bumper sticker that I don't like.  They don't deserve to be rejected because they voted for someone else.

People are more important than ideas.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

dualism

Dualism is the practice of dividing the world into two camps.

Good vs Bad
Right vs Wrong
Christian vs UnChristian
East vs West
Catholic vs Protestant
Republican vs Democrat
Me vs You
Us vs Them
God vs the Devil

I reject dualism.  I reject the idea that we have to make someone the scapegoat.  Maybe folks just disagree with us.  They don't have to be like me to be ok.

Jesus rejected dualism.  He embraced the rich and the poor, the whole and the lame.  He embraced Jews and Romans and people who came from all kinds of places.  He hung out with the chaste and the immoral.  He treated humanity like it was one big family.  Yes, he distinguished between those who loved and those who did not, but he loved them all just the same.

We don't have to be against the people who are different from us.
We don't have to convince them of anything.
What we can do is love them.  That is what Jesus did.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

of course I am right

I have noticed lately in a few discussions that I have had with people that I sincerely believed that I was right.  I have caught myself thinking this and wondered if that wasn't a little bit arrogant.

I think that most of us think that we are right.  If we thought we were wrong, wouldn't we change our opinion?

But I am not sure it is helpful to think that I am right.  Maybe the world would be a better place if I approached discussions and issues with a completely open mind.  No preconceived notion that I already know the answer, just an openness to learn.

Imagine the amount of energy it takes to be right.  Now imagine how much more relaxed life would be if a person could just go with the flow and enjoy being with people without worrying about being right or wrong.

Maybe instead of needing to be on one side or the other of an issue, we could just relax and enjoy living in God's world.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

a new ministry job

A friend started a new job in ministry, he asked for my advice.  I sent him this letter...

Dear Brother,

There is an old saying that free advice is worth what you pay for it.

As you start your new job, here are some random Jeff Brinkman thoughts...

You may know everything that I am going to tell you.  You probably do, but here goes.

As you start your new job, remember that there are two sides to any job.  The actual work of, in this case ministry, and the relationships that you build.  As odd as it sounds, the relationships are as or more important than the ministry.

In fact, without relationships, how can ministry take place?

Some folks think that if they preach a good sermon or lead a good choir, everything else will take care of itself.  In the long run however, gaining and keeping the trust of your people is so very important.

So here I go…. Sure work on the ministry plans.  In fact, plan the ministry with them… find out what they like, what they have done, and what genres seem to fit at their church.  Remember that they will be there long after you are gone.  On the relational side, be intentional about getting to know your members….  Have a picnic.  Take them to breakfast and or lunch.  [take women in pairs] Have them in your office to volunteer to set up folders and other volunteer work.  Just as you would invest time and energy in your relationship with your wife, success in the church world rides heavily upon your ability to build relationships.

If people know that you love them, they will walk thru fire for you.  People will not always remember what you said, they won’t always remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

Ok, that is it.  Hope I have not overstepped my bounds.

Have a great week!

Your brother, Jeff

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

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

devotional for General Conference

I was asked to submit a devotional for General Conference.  I have no idea if they will use this devotional thought, but this is what I sent in...

It’s the only thing.

When it comes to finding wisdom and following God’s will, we need to remember the main thing. The Apostle Paul made it clear that the main thing is the only thing. If I’m ordained an elder but have not love I’m a clashing cymbal. If I’m elected a delegate to a conference but have not love I’m a sounding gong. If I stay up late at night burning the candle at both ends but have not love it’s all for not. Jesus also made it very clear as to what he considered important. When challenged by the Pharisees as to what was the greatest commandment, he replied basically, Love God and love others. This answer represented his wisdom regarding what it meant to live in the will of God. He continued, On this hangs all the law and the prophets. In other words to love God and others matters head and shoulders above anything else. These two things are the core of what it means to be a Christ follower. May you and I regardless of our status, regardless of our age, regardless of our opinions always strive to be those who follow Jesus in the way of loving God and loving others. Love is the root of Christian wisdom, life and vision. It’s the only thing that matters.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Listen to what the man says

My friend Jean pointed out the words to the Paul McCartney song, "Listen to what the man says."  I have known this song, and sung this song, but I guess that I never paid attention to the words.  Here they are:

Any time, any day
You can hear the people say,
That love is blind, well, I don't know
But I say love is kind

Soldier boy kisses girl
Leaves behind a tragic world
But he wont mind, he's in love
And he says love is fine

Oh-yes, indeed we know
That people will find a way to go
No matter what the man said
And love is fine for all we know
For all we know, our love will grow - that's what the man said
So won't you listen to what the man said

The wonder of it all baby.....
The wonder of it all baby.....
The wonder of it all baby.....

Love is not blind.  Love is kind.  Love will grow.  That is what the man says.

click here to listen to song

be good to your self

I read this somewhere recently.

How you treat yourself is how you will treat others.  If you don't measure up in your own mind, then you will be hard on others.  If you judge yourself, you will judge others.  When our heart is filled with ungrace we cannot give grace to others.  We cannot give out what we do not have.

Conversely, if you are kind to your self, forgiving of your self, gracious to your self, you are much more likely to be kind, forgiving and gracious to others.

Be kind to yourself.
If it is not your normal way, then change your ways.
Learn how to be kind to yourself.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

callous

It is an unfortunate fact of life that we humans grow calloused to things that we should not.

When the Columbine school shooting happened, we were all shocked and deeply saddened.  Now when we hear of another mass shooting, it is like we have lost all of the emotional energy that we used to have.

I am not saying that we need to be emotional messes, constantly grieving, but we need to keep caring.  We can't let the years or the continued run of tragic events cause us to not care.

Today is September 11.  You know what happened on this date in 2001.  Although it feels differently to us than it did then, may we all still care very deeply.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

I thought that I had seen everything

So I was visiting my daughter in Jacksonville.  I had to go to the grocery store to get something for dinner. 

In Florida, people like to park under trees to keep their cars in shade.  Here is a new product that is available in case you can't find a tree.

I guess that you set up a tent over your vehicle.  I don't even know what to think about that.  People are funny and we keep finding more ways to spend money. 

An umbrella for a car.  And I thought that I had seen it all.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

hotel room

Cathy and I stayed in a hotel room in Jacksonville over the weekend to visit our daughters and go to the Chief's game.

The hotel rooms these days are much nicer than in the past.  [By the way do you know why Motel 6 is called Motel 6?  When they first opened, the rooms cost $6.]  Anyway, thanks to my wife's travel points we stay in some nice hotels when we travel.

And so I am in this hotel room and I remember that when we moved to California in 1969, our house was not finished so we lived in the Vagabond Inn for 3 weeks.  We had two basic rooms.  One for mom and dad and one for the three kids.  We ate breakfast every day at the Denny's on site.  I loved living in the hotel and I loved eating the pancakes every morning.

The house was finally done and we moved in.  We lived in San Jose for 7 years.  I went to Jr Hi, Sr Hi and did my freshman year of college at San Jose State.

All those memories from being in a hotel room. 
Life is good, but it sure goes by fast.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

unfortunate surprises

A friend wrote to me and used this phrase, "This stage of life looks nothing like I had looked forward to in retirement."

There is no question that retirement brings many changes and since we have not been down the road before, it is important to understand that there are going to be some surprises.  It is unfamiliar territory to us.
Personally, my biggest surprise in retirement was that it came five years sooner than I had planned.  But all in all, I feel that I am adjusting better each day that goes by.

Life is filled with experiences that were not what we expected.  Our starry eyed notions of love and marriage and our general expectations of life in general tend to keep providing disappointment.  Somehow we have to get our expectations under control and learn to see the good in the real world.

Frankly the thing that terrifies me the most about growing older is the prospect of spending years in a care center with a broken down body but a sharp mind.... being fully aware of where you are and what is going on around you.   [someone might ask Jeff where did you get a sharp mind???]

So now this is starting to sound depressing.
Let us turn the page.

Yes we can find our selves in a rut, but things can get better.  We can find friends.  We can find a ride to church.  We can figure out that challenge.

May your, may our determination to live happy and healthy lives rise above the current winds that may be blowing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

don't speak, just look...

My friend Mary wrote about writing and having writer's block...

Sometimes we aren’t meant to speak or to write...sometimes we are simply meant to look. Here’s this morning’s reminder of God’s ever-present love! Be blessed! We are well loved.

 

Oh, the beauty of the small things, if we just take the time to look and see what God has done.

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

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

baggage

My friend SG sent me this quote...

It's so strange, that babies come into this world in innocence, with no baggage and no worldly possessions.. .they aren't even wearing clothes.  But many adults exit this earth with lots of baggage. We are creatures of an imperfect world.

I agree.  What is going on?  It is like we spend the first years of our lives collecting shame, the need for approval, and all kinds of baggage.  Then we must make a decision about the rest of our lives.  Will we just live out our baggage or will we see it for what it is and work diligently to learn to live as a healthy person?

I remember in my 20's, blaming my parents for my problems.  Then when I was 28 I came to an epiphany... sure, they delivered some baggage... but now my decisions are mine.  The rest of my life is on me.

Are you lost in your baggage or actively working through it?  The rest of our lives are on us.

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

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

The world fair of religions

An Anthony deMello story

My friend and I went to the fair. THE WORLD FAIR OF RELIGIONS. Not a trade fair. But the competition was as fierce, the propaganda loud.

At the Jewish stall we were given handouts that said that God was all-compassionate and the Jews were his Chosen People. The Jews. No other people were as chosen as they.

At the Muslim stall we learned that God was all-merciful and Mohammed is his only Prophet. Salvation comes from listening to God's Prophet.

At the Christian stall we discovered that God is love and there is no salvation outside the Church. Join the Church or risk eternal damnation.

On the way out I asked my friend, "Who do you think of God?" He replied, "He is bigoted, fanatical, and cruel."

Back home, I said to God, "How do you put up with this sort of thing, Lord? Don't you see they have been giving you a bad name for centuries?"

God said, "It wasn't I who organized the fair. In fact, I'd be too ashamed to visit it."

May your faith, your religion, your spirituality and mine be loving, compassionate and kind.

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

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Bye bye Dorian

So the excitement about hurricane Dorian is over here in Vero Beach.   [Vero is the blue dot on the picture]

Dorian cruised by yesterday late afternoon.  It was 75 miles off shore and it had diminished to a category 2 storm.  We got a lot of rain and some 50 mile an hour winds.  We never lost power.

Thank you all for your concern and your prayers.  Today I plan to open up the shutters and return the home to a normal state of operation.

The folks that we really need to pray for now are the residents of the Bahamas.  Dorian sat on top of them for over 24 hours.  There is much damage there.  Maybe a nice destination for a future mission trip?

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

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

better news

So as I headed to bed last night, it appears that hurricane Dorian is heading out to sea.  The farther it moves from the coast, the better for us.

In 2016, hurricane Matthew came through, Cat 3 and 30 miles off shore.  Still the winds at our house were 75 mph.  If Dorian performs in a similar fashion, at least we will know what to expect as we have been through such storms before.

The town is locked down.  Our house is locked down.

At 11:45am yesterday,  I was headed to Walmart.  The parking lot was packed.  We parked way out there.  As we walked toward the store, I noticed that three policemen were blocking each entrance.  No one allowed in after 11:45.  Many people argued, but the police were not budging.  Walmart was closing.

Grocery store, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Shell station, all closed at noon.

We hope that the bulk of the storm will remain off shore. 
Will bring you up to speed later today.

Thanks for your prayers and positive messages.

anticipating a hurricane

Gas lines in Vero Beach

No gas in Vero Beach

Businesses boarded up in downtown Vero

I think it was Carly Simon who sang, "anticipation, is making me wait..." 

Sidebar... By the way, did you know that Carly Simon began her singing career with her sister Lucy?  They were known as the Simon Sisters.  Lucy got married and went on to a life.  Carly became a superstar.  Life has it's paths and everyone has a journey.  You are entitled to your journey.

Anticipation.  The hardest part of a hurricane is waiting anxiously to see what the storm is going to do.  If you are from the Midwest, you know that a tornado warning lasts for 30 minutes to an hour.  Waiting for a hurricane is like a week long tornado watch.  Everyone prepares and worries.  All of your friends call you and text you.

Well at present, it looks like Hurricane Dorian will stay mostly off of the coast of Florida.  Good for us, bad for the Carolinas.  Cathy and I went down to Ft. Lauderdale and have a hotel there for a few days.  We will see what happens.

As always, we humans anticipate and worry, and often make a thing bigger than it should be.  It will all work out.  Thanks for your prayers and well wishes.

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

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

And a tree falls

From my friend, Pat...

Tonight, just a few minutes ago, an 80 foot Monterrey pine tree across the street suddenly died and fell. For the past year we have enjoyed the murder of crows that roost there along with four nests of herons. The original property owner planted it in 1869. It was majestic. And now it’s not.
There is much in our lives to be appreciated, way too much in fact. We have to take some things for granted or no one could function.

 The mistake is to differentiate between what’s important, and what’s not. Some folks solve that mystery by taking everything for granted. All of us miss order our priorities sometimes. The sudden death of a 150 year old tree may help bring order back to chaos.

Who or what are you taking for granted today? What will you do about it? Better act. Even 150 year old trees die.

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

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours