Last night I slept like a baby. I crashed about 10:30 and I woke up at 5:45.
I say that I woke up. We talk about waking up as if it happens all at once.
For me, I wake up a little bit at a time.
First I am aware that I am waking.
Then I fall back to sleep.
Then I wake again... and wake a little bit more.
Then I wonder what time it is.
Then I fall back to sleep, or try to.
This process goes on for a while [unless there is an alarm that is forcing me awake.]
Finally, I decide that I am up for the day and my feet hit the floor.
- - - - - - - - -
What about the process of waking up to life?
Many people are not even aware that they are sleepwalking. Many people do not understand that they are living on auto pilot.
Waking up to life means seeing the good. It means smelling the roses. Waking up to life means offering genuine thanks to God for everything. Waking up means that we start to appreciate the blessings that we have. We stop making excuses for our opulence and realize that we are just so blessed. SO DOGGONE BLESSED.
I think that we wake up to life slowly. A little here and a little there. Sometimes we fall back into making life about us. But once the process of waking up happens in a person's life, it usually continues.
Here is to us waking up more and more. Here's to us inviting others to wake from their sleep. Here is to awareness! Here's to gratitude.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
Sermon from yesterday
Yesterday I preached a sermon about welcoming the stranger.
But it was also about what I believe is the core of the Christian faith.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
But it was also about what I believe is the core of the Christian faith.
And to watch the video, you can go to the church website. Scroll down for the video.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
I am watching out for you
When ever I am walking on a sidewalk, in the garage, in a driveway or crossing the street, if I see a screw, I pick it up. If it is left there, it is highly likely that your tire will eventually pick it up.
This screw in the picture I picked up while crossing "A" street in Ft. Pierce.
It is a small thing that I do, but I hope it helps others, I hope that in some small way it makes the world a better place.
I believe that there are many sharp things in the world that we can heal and eliminate with just a small bit of effort.
What can each of us do to help the lives of others?
If you see a screw, pick it up. It's a start.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
the one armed man
I have told you that my friend Dick from church and I deliver sandwiches on Monday morning to the homeless in Ft. Pierce. I have told you that they are very very appreciative.
I love doing this on Monday mornings because it feels like such a holy thing. The folks are always so thankful and also so hungry. Most of them open the sandwich and begin eating immediately.
This week on Monday we were passing out sandwiches to our last group. The last person was in a wheel chair. I started to hand him the sandwich. He asked if I could open the baggie. He said kindly, "you see I only have one arm."
When we take sandwiches we put mayo packets in with them. Some like or don't like mayo, some want to eat the sandwich later, and the packet keeps the sandwich in better condition if being eaten later.
I asked the man, do you want us to put the mayo on for you? He said yes.
So in a moment that reminded me a bit of holy communion, preparing the elements, my friend Dick held out his hands like a table. I pulled out the sandwich, opened in onto his palms and squeezed out the mayo. I spread it around, put the sandwich back together, and handed it to the man.
He said thank you so much.
I walked away with tears in my eyes.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
I love doing this on Monday mornings because it feels like such a holy thing. The folks are always so thankful and also so hungry. Most of them open the sandwich and begin eating immediately.
This week on Monday we were passing out sandwiches to our last group. The last person was in a wheel chair. I started to hand him the sandwich. He asked if I could open the baggie. He said kindly, "you see I only have one arm."
When we take sandwiches we put mayo packets in with them. Some like or don't like mayo, some want to eat the sandwich later, and the packet keeps the sandwich in better condition if being eaten later.
I asked the man, do you want us to put the mayo on for you? He said yes.
So in a moment that reminded me a bit of holy communion, preparing the elements, my friend Dick held out his hands like a table. I pulled out the sandwich, opened in onto his palms and squeezed out the mayo. I spread it around, put the sandwich back together, and handed it to the man.
He said thank you so much.
I walked away with tears in my eyes.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Exciting News!
You will also remember that over a period of 5 years Jenny cast aside 30 eligible suitors. She would date them for three weeks and then they were gone. She would bring these guys home and I would say, "hey if you make it a month, I will learn your name."
Congratulations to Jenny and Dave.
 |
| Jenny and Dad in Lebanon MO 1990 Yes I had hair at one point in my life |
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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Monday, June 22, 2020
Sermon audio and video
Good morning, I got to preach yesterday!
It was kind of a combo Fathers day/encouraging the church to look to the future.
to listen, click here
You can also watch the entire service video on the church web site.
Go to https://umatter2godandus.com/
scroll down and you will see the video.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to Jsbrink57@gmail.com
It was kind of a combo Fathers day/encouraging the church to look to the future.
to listen, click here
You can also watch the entire service video on the church web site.
Go to https://umatter2godandus.com/
scroll down and you will see the video.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to Jsbrink57@gmail.com
Sunday, June 21, 2020
intruder
A friend wrote to me and admitted that he had allowed politics to intrude into his love. He vowed to make a course correction.
Many things will intrude into our loving if we let them.
Nothing should intrude into our love. Not Trump, Not Biden, Not Cuomo, Not Mormons, Not Baptists, Not unkind relatives, Not height, nor depth, nor angels, nor principalities...
Nothing should be allowed to intrude into our love.
Many things will intrude into our loving if we let them.
- selfishness
- arrogance
- politics
- the tv news
- racism
- ethnocentrism
- inward focus
- consumerism
- and did I say selfishness
Nothing should intrude into our love. Not Trump, Not Biden, Not Cuomo, Not Mormons, Not Baptists, Not unkind relatives, Not height, nor depth, nor angels, nor principalities...
Nothing should be allowed to intrude into our love.
Is something intruding into your loving?
Remove it, and love will again rise to the top.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Saturday, June 20, 2020
worth living
I ran into an old friend the other day, I had not seen him in years. When I lived in KC he worked on my cars. A good man, but a man with many health concerns.
We sat and talked for a couple of hours. One of the topics was his health. He now has four kidneys. [I thought that when you got a new kidney, they took the old one out, but evidently they often just add the new one in.] So Brian has 4 kidneys. Two original and two added, one at a time from two transplant surgeries.
At some point in the conversation, he said, "you know, what I enjoy the most about life is just waking up. I do not take life for granted, I fight to live."
Life is so precious, I fight to live.
Do we recognize how precious life is? Are we thankful for waking up?
We should be.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
We sat and talked for a couple of hours. One of the topics was his health. He now has four kidneys. [I thought that when you got a new kidney, they took the old one out, but evidently they often just add the new one in.] So Brian has 4 kidneys. Two original and two added, one at a time from two transplant surgeries.
At some point in the conversation, he said, "you know, what I enjoy the most about life is just waking up. I do not take life for granted, I fight to live."
Life is so precious, I fight to live.
Do we recognize how precious life is? Are we thankful for waking up?
We should be.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Jesus forgave sins
When we think of Jesus forgiving sins, we usually think of him dying on the cross. But Jesus forgave sins well before that.
In Mark chapter 2, early in his ministry, he tells a paralyzed man, "your sins are forgiven." In Luke 7 he forgives a "sinful" woman. On the cross he says, "Father forgive them."
So yes Jesus forgave sins.
But I want to suggest to you that Jesus forgave sins, even when he was not saying to people the phrase "your sins are forgiven." Jesus forgave sins by treating people with respect and love even though they were sinners.
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Mt 11:18-19
Jesus ran with sinners, but he treated them like people. He did not judge them, he did not see their sin, he saw them as valued people, loved by God.
He forgave their sins by how he treated them.
We friends, can do the same. Instead of seeing the shortcomings and sins of others, we can just see them as people.
Oh what a joyful thing to forgive someone else. What a happy thought to not even see their sins.
Isn't that what we would want for ourselves?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
In Mark chapter 2, early in his ministry, he tells a paralyzed man, "your sins are forgiven." In Luke 7 he forgives a "sinful" woman. On the cross he says, "Father forgive them."
So yes Jesus forgave sins.
But I want to suggest to you that Jesus forgave sins, even when he was not saying to people the phrase "your sins are forgiven." Jesus forgave sins by treating people with respect and love even though they were sinners.
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Mt 11:18-19
Jesus ran with sinners, but he treated them like people. He did not judge them, he did not see their sin, he saw them as valued people, loved by God.
He forgave their sins by how he treated them.
We friends, can do the same. Instead of seeing the shortcomings and sins of others, we can just see them as people.
Oh what a joyful thing to forgive someone else. What a happy thought to not even see their sins.
Isn't that what we would want for ourselves?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Monday, June 8, 2020
a different kind of Christianity
I wish for a Christianity that was based on love, not fear. Where love was valued over doctrine and dogma. Where leaders stopped using fear tactics to get people to comply.
I wish for a Christianity where pastors stop yelling at congregations. Where pastors are no longer seen as up on a pedestal or better than. Jesus was among the people... he was one of them.
I long for a Christianity that focuses on grace and welcome. No pressure, no judgement, no rejection, just kindness and a warm embrace.
I reject forms of faith that hurt others. It is time for hurting others in the name of God to stop. The Christian faith is a beautiful thing when love is allowed to rise to the top.
I can't, you can't do anything about your friends or family attending guilt laden churches. We can't do anything about the judgmental churches. We can't do anything about those Christians who are hurting people in the name of God.
But we can do something about us. I am the only person that I can do anything about. I am 100% committed to striving for love and kindness. I don't have time for judgement, shame or guilt- no one should.
I invite you to join me in the quest for Christianity that is based on love alone.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I wish for a Christianity where pastors stop yelling at congregations. Where pastors are no longer seen as up on a pedestal or better than. Jesus was among the people... he was one of them.
I long for a Christianity that focuses on grace and welcome. No pressure, no judgement, no rejection, just kindness and a warm embrace.
I reject forms of faith that hurt others. It is time for hurting others in the name of God to stop. The Christian faith is a beautiful thing when love is allowed to rise to the top.
I can't, you can't do anything about your friends or family attending guilt laden churches. We can't do anything about the judgmental churches. We can't do anything about those Christians who are hurting people in the name of God.
But we can do something about us. I am the only person that I can do anything about. I am 100% committed to striving for love and kindness. I don't have time for judgement, shame or guilt- no one should.
I invite you to join me in the quest for Christianity that is based on love alone.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, June 6, 2020
you are a special person
I have received a number of emails in the last few days.
Thank you for them.
One came in from my 6th grade teacher, Betty Jackson. Among her comments, she said, "Jeff you are a special person."
It brought me to tears.
I guess I have never felt special. I do believe that we are all special to God, but it is hard for us to feel special.
Why is it so hard for us to feel special?
I want you to feel special. I want you to feel that you are an amazing person, because you are!
Oh, how the world would be a better place if every one of us went out of our way to help others feel special.
The clerk at Quick Trip. The person at the tax office. The guy that sprays for bugs. The server at the restaurant. The stranger that we meet while out for a walk.
We have the power to help them feel special. We know that we like to feel special. Let's help others feel special too.
Thank you for them.
One came in from my 6th grade teacher, Betty Jackson. Among her comments, she said, "Jeff you are a special person."
It brought me to tears.
I guess I have never felt special. I do believe that we are all special to God, but it is hard for us to feel special.
Why is it so hard for us to feel special?
I want you to feel special. I want you to feel that you are an amazing person, because you are!
Oh, how the world would be a better place if every one of us went out of our way to help others feel special.
The clerk at Quick Trip. The person at the tax office. The guy that sprays for bugs. The server at the restaurant. The stranger that we meet while out for a walk.
We have the power to help them feel special. We know that we like to feel special. Let's help others feel special too.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
what to post?
Dear Friends, I am running out of ideas to write about.
Since I don't serve a church full time, I think fewer people are reading this blog than used to. I also recognize that since I am not reading as many books as I did when I was in full time ministry, I am finding less to write about.
When I started writing in May of 2007, I felt that I had a good deal to write about. Today I feel more like an old guy who is past his prime. Probably good reason for that.
Any way, I am not saying that I am done with the blog, I am just saying that I may only write from time to time. So if you don't get an email with the blog post, maybe I just didn't have anything to say. It is ok to not have anything to say. I am sure that we all feel like that from time to time.
I am not sick, and nothing is wrong.
It has been a good run and I have enjoyed it, but I think that I am just going to write from time to time. Let me know if that is ok.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Since I don't serve a church full time, I think fewer people are reading this blog than used to. I also recognize that since I am not reading as many books as I did when I was in full time ministry, I am finding less to write about.
When I started writing in May of 2007, I felt that I had a good deal to write about. Today I feel more like an old guy who is past his prime. Probably good reason for that.
Any way, I am not saying that I am done with the blog, I am just saying that I may only write from time to time. So if you don't get an email with the blog post, maybe I just didn't have anything to say. It is ok to not have anything to say. I am sure that we all feel like that from time to time.
I am not sick, and nothing is wrong.
It has been a good run and I have enjoyed it, but I think that I am just going to write from time to time. Let me know if that is ok.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
gratitude
Gratitude or a lack thereof.
If you grew up with a benefit of some kind, you may have not known what a blessing you had. You simply grew up with it, and so we take the benefit for granted.
If you did not grow up with a thing, you will likely really appreciate it when you first get it. But unfortunately, over time, many of us grow callous and begin to take things for granted.
I have a friend who adopted a teenager from another country. The child had lived in an orphanage their whole life. They owned nothing and had no opportunities to advance in life. The orphanage fed them and they had other kids to play with. Then suddenly, overnight, the teen is in America. They have their own room, they have loving parents, they have access to an American suburban standard of life. My friend told me it took his son three weeks to go from an orphan to a spoiled entitled American teenager.
How quickly we forget our blessings.
So just in case you have not given thanks lately, may we be thankful, grateful, every day for:
a roof over our head
a toothbrush
a computer
a car that runs
food in the pantry
a table to sit at
plates and silverware
running water
a flush toilet
toilet paper
a free country
The list of things that we take for granted could go on and on. Or we can stop it. We can stop taking things for granted and live with a heart of appreciation. For our church, for electricity, for friends, for family... on and on it should go.
Thank you God for the things that we often don't remember to say thank you for.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
If you grew up with a benefit of some kind, you may have not known what a blessing you had. You simply grew up with it, and so we take the benefit for granted.
If you did not grow up with a thing, you will likely really appreciate it when you first get it. But unfortunately, over time, many of us grow callous and begin to take things for granted.
I have a friend who adopted a teenager from another country. The child had lived in an orphanage their whole life. They owned nothing and had no opportunities to advance in life. The orphanage fed them and they had other kids to play with. Then suddenly, overnight, the teen is in America. They have their own room, they have loving parents, they have access to an American suburban standard of life. My friend told me it took his son three weeks to go from an orphan to a spoiled entitled American teenager.
How quickly we forget our blessings.
So just in case you have not given thanks lately, may we be thankful, grateful, every day for:
a roof over our head
a toothbrush
a computer
a car that runs
food in the pantry
a table to sit at
plates and silverware
running water
a flush toilet
toilet paper
a free country
The list of things that we take for granted could go on and on. Or we can stop it. We can stop taking things for granted and live with a heart of appreciation. For our church, for electricity, for friends, for family... on and on it should go.
Thank you God for the things that we often don't remember to say thank you for.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
a friend
Good friendships are healthy. I sure enjoy spending time with friends. Having a friend is among life's greatest treasures.
Never take a friendship for granted.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
Monday, June 1, 2020
George Floyd
I am sure that you have all seen the video of 4 white police officers and their encounter with George Floyd. It is heartbreaking to hear Mr. Floyd telling them that he cannot breath.
What a tragic, tragic loss of life. A murder.
The one police officer should be charged with murder. The other three with accessory to murder.
While I am not a fan of burning and looting, I certainly understand the outrage of the African American community.
It is time for us to change. It is time for all of us to look at others as people. No more black, white, Chinese, Mexican... no more. Just people.
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.
What a tragic, tragic loss of life. A murder.
The one police officer should be charged with murder. The other three with accessory to murder.
While I am not a fan of burning and looting, I certainly understand the outrage of the African American community.
It is time for us to change. It is time for all of us to look at others as people. No more black, white, Chinese, Mexican... no more. Just people.
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.
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