Every thing that you own

As a follow up to my friend Chris's post from yesterday.

Every thing that you own, owns a little bit of you.

This came home to me in a very powerful way some years ago when I was counting the number of gasoline engines that I had to not just put gas in, but clean the air filters and change the oil.

1.  car
2.  wife's car
3. old pickup truck
4.  weed whacker
5.  push mover
6.  lawn tractor
7.  snow blower
8. power edger
9. chain saw

I am sure that there were more, but you can see that the things that we own, can take up so much of our time that we don't have much time left to live.

We have boxes of stuff around the house that we haven't opened in years. 
We lust after the latest technology and we have drawers full of last year's technology.
Yes I need that new shirt.
No I don't.
How many shirts are in my closet?

Eliminating some of what is in your life may make your life more full.
By getting rid of some of what takes up your time, you may actually find that you have more time for living with friends.

Less is more.  Free yourself.

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 

simplicity

My Friend Chris wrote in....

I was reminded of simplicity the other day. I went to breakfast with a friend & we saw this old pickup truck in the parking lot. 

I was a car guy when I was a kid, still am. I remember getting subscriptions to Car & Driver for my birthday when I was in middle school. I also remember not getting the subscription one year, I don’t know what my parents were thinking. I remember loving the Nissan Z series of sports cars. The 240Z, then 280Z, & wait, then the 300ZX! Oh, then, the 300ZX Twin Turbo came out. For some reason, I was obsessed with this line of cars.

Cars were simpler back then. There were less buttons to operate. Less features to choose from. Now different models of cars have different levels & options packages. The other day, for fun, I went to Ford's web site to look around. You can ‘build’ or customize a vehicle on their website. I built a pickup truck. I chose all ‘middle of the road’ options. The options were endless! Interior LED lighting. Sensor this, Option this, gotta have that….. It took all the patience I had to complete what seemed like 90 questions to build my own dream truck. It came to just over $66K. I would never spend that kind of money on a vehicle, but that is a discussion for another day.

Back to old pickup truck I saw. Look at the inside dashboard picture. So few buttons to press. Such simplicity. Less to learn. Less to worry about. How can Simplicity help you in your life? I know I could simplify mine.

Whether it’s not downloading that next app, or not buying that thing that you ‘really’ don’t need. Believe it or not, your life will be the same without it. Here’s a few other off the cuff suggestions---

Go grab a box from your garage or basement. One box. Fill it with can goods that have been in your pantry for over 4 months. Or fill it with clothes you haven’t & will not wear. Fill it with any house hold items. Then donate them. You will have made your life simpler & also done something kind for someone else.

Keep it simple. How can simplicity help you in your life?

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

- - - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips 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 

No Fear

My friend Pat wrote in....

The bible is filled with four letter words. Not THOSE kind of four letter words, actually worse ones. Like Fear.

One of the demons throughout scripture is fear. The shepherds in the field see a bright blinding light in the night. The first words they hear are “Don’t be afraid”(i.e. fearful). The disciples are afraid because of the storm. They are afraid because they see Jesus walking on water. Peter denies Christ three times, as predicted, because he is afraid.

All things that make sense to me: if I saw someone walking on water, it would open my eyes. And a bright light in the middle of the night with a booming voice that comes from nowhere would jack my heart rate right through the ceiling. How about you?

We all have plenty to fear, and we do it every day, even worse we do it in the middle of the night. Sometimes we call it “concern”, sometimes “apprehension”, sometimes “worry”. But it’s omnipresent. (“why did I say that?”; “Wonder why I wasn’t’ invited”; “Will I get to work on time?”; ) Our political commercials today are all about fear, attempting to scare us one way or another.

Fear gets in the way of our relationship with God. Rather than focus on what God can do(which is pretty expansive), fear makes us focus on what it seems God cannot do: protect us from what we fear. The disciples, all of us, fail when we trust our fear more than we trust God.

Jesus did not come to frighten you. His teachings are not designed to harm you.

In the middle of the night, when those fear demons are at their worst, remembering this fact can help you go back to sleep.

It does for me.

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 

Talk like a pirate

I have a friend who is going on the Paris/Normandy trip next year.  She took French in college.  She bought some online program to refresh her ability to speak French.  Evidently the website can help you learn many languages. 

One of them is Pirate.

Today in national talk like a pirate day!
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.

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 

We don't just teach, we also learn

My friend Brian wrote in...

Regarding the entry on expressing love I wanted to note some of the things I have learned about love since I became a grandfather 4+ years ago. 

Of course babies express love in nonverbal ways that we can enjoy if we just look for them.  But the real lessons begin when they become infants. My granddaughter would not say I love you very often after she became verbal even though I made sure to say it to her frequently. (Like you I come from parents and grandparents who did not express those things well.  This is part of the reason that I have worked to make sure my spouse, kids and grand kids hear it often from me). 

As it turns out my granddaughter prefers to understand something before she will say it regularly. For that reason she asked a lot of questions about what love is and how it works. She is now comfortable telling me she loves me and it means a lot more than just some rote expression. 

It’s also interesting to hear her reaction when I tell her that I love her. She sometimes she smiles and says “I know that” or “of course you do”. As I have thought about those responses I have come to believe that they mean that the love is working well for us. She still likes hearing it but she knows it is a part of her life and always will be. 

Like many people, I thought I would be teaching my grand kids things of value and I believe I am but it is really fascinating what I am learning from them as well. Next time I see them I think I will hug them and thank them for what I am learning. I will also say I love you and I will mean it!

Jeff comments....
What are you trying to teach in this life?  What are you trying to pass on?  What are you learning?  Who do you learn from?

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 

lost

I had a dream the other night that I was lost.  I was in a familiar place.  I was driving down the highway when I realized that I was getting into unfamiliar territory.  I decided to exit the highway, cross over, turn around and go back the way I came.

When I got off the highway, suddenly the intersection was very complicated.  There were so many choices, or none at all.  Each road was snow packed and my dog was running loose.  I called and called him but he just kept running around.  I was worried about him being hit by a car, but there was no traffic.

I was in a cold, snow packed place.  The options were confusing.  I didn't know what to do.

And then I woke up.  2 hours later I am still thinking about that dream.

I wonder if I am going to feel this way in November when my Pastor job at Ft. Pierce First UMC is over.  I have had such a wonderful year there at the church, with lovely folks, I guess I am not sure what I am going to do when it is over.

But I did wake from that dream and I woke to a new day.  I am sure that in November it will be beautiful, whatever it is.  There are new days and uncomfortable days, but every day has it's beauty if we look hard enough.

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 

Bad mood

I was in a bad mood the other day.  I was trying to keep it from showing, but I guess I did not do a very good job of hiding it.  A perceptive person called me on it.....

Let me pause to say that I am very thankful for those people in my life that can read me and can tell how I am really doing.  Everyone needs someone who can peer into their soul and assess the situation there.

Anyway this person asked why I was down.  I told them.
1.  My cat is dying.  His sister died in March and now he is sick too.  Same thing, kidney failure.
2.  I have to go by new jeans again.  I have already outgrown the last new pair.  This weight thing has got to stop at some point.  My friend Aaron would tell me that it is all simple math.... burn more calories than you consume.
3.  My daughter Jenny is moving to Jacksonville.

Yes I was in a bad mood.
Don't worry, I will feel better.
Never dwell on a bad mood.  See it for what it is and get back to looking for the good.  There are almost always clouds in the sky.  If we focus on the clouds we will never see the sky. 

Get over yourself Brinkman.  All is well.

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 

I just have to have that new TV

Do you have TV lust?  Do you covet the latest thing in TV's?  I remember wanting a TV in my room.  I remember wanting a color TV.   I remember lusting over a remote control.  Then it was wanting a bigger one.  Then we wanted wide screens and flat screens.  Then we wanted 1080DPI.  Then we wanted apps on the TV.  Now it is curved screens and 4000K resolution.

And where do they end up?

This picture is from the recycling center in our county.  This dumpster is filled up and emptied 2x per week.  It is for TV's and electronics only.  When the dumpster runs out of room, those TV's that were once something so desired, are simply set off on the ground.

All that stuff that we oh so wanted, all that junk that we just could not live without, all that stuff that we ran our credit cards up for, it all ends up in the trash eventually.

Be careful what you covet.
I had a dear friend, Jerry.  He passed a few years ago.  A wise man indeed, people would ask him advice on major purchases.  He would always tell them, if you have a feeling that you really want a thing, just lay down until the feeling goes away.

We probably don't need the new TV anyway, the old one is still working fine.

Learning to be satisfied with what we have is not the American way, but it is the way of Christ.  Give us this day our daily bread.

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 

Peacock

 I came out of work one day last week and this peacock was picking at my truck.  Maybe he was eating the bugs off.  Maybe he was looking at his reflection in the paint [although there is not much shimmer left in that paint job.]

At any rate, he was relentless.  As I walked up I shouted at him.  He was not phased.  I waved my arms.  No response.  I walked right past him and got in the truck.  Peacocks pay absolutely no mind to humans.  We get no respect from them.

I looked in the mirrors to see where he was.  I could not see him

anywhere.  Now I must be careful because if I run him over, I will be in trouble with many of my Ft Pierce friends who love, feed and even give names to the peacocks.

I back out ever so slowly.  Then I drive the long way around the trees to get away from him.  That is when I see him again in my side view mirror.  He is walking along behind the truck, still trying to pick off that last bug.

Nothing is ever accomplished without a little perseverance.  Determination is an admirable trait.  Never give up.

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 

Quote

I watched the movie "The Darkest Hour" the other day.  It is a great show about Winston Churchill leading England to confront Hitler during WW2.  There was a quote that I thought was worth sharing:

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal.  It is the courage to continue that counts."

We all have successes and we all have failures.  It is easier to continue on when we are doing well, it is much harder to continue when we feel like we are failing.

To those of you who feel as if you are in the midst of failure, continue on.  Find the courage.  Don't quit today.  Make it through today and then through tomorrow, one day at a time.

Even if you are in a rough spot, it is still a beautiful day in God's world.
Continue on and work 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 

bad drivers

So I was mailing a letter at the post office.  I was impressed with the number of poles that had been installed to keep people from hitting the mailbox with their cars.  I guess there are people that drive into the mailbox?

When I got up close I was impressed with the number of people that ran into the poles.  I wonder if
they did not see the pole?  I wonder if they were still trying to get to the mailbox and hit that?

We all need to pay closer attention to what we are doing in this life.  For the sake of mailboxes, for the sake of the guy who has to paint the pole, for the sake of car mirrors, for the sake of all the good that we miss when we are not paying attention.

We never recognize the good if we are not paying 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

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

Would Jesus recognize

Following up on Pat's post from yesterday, I have a question.  Would Jesus even recognize the church as what he intended to start?

I have a friend who tells me that if Jesus were here today in the flesh, the first thing that he would go after to change would be the church.

• Political correctness
• Idolatry
• Bible Idolatry
• Judgmental attitudes
• Power and control
• Blindness to the needs of the world
• Self- Centeredness

Jesus would have a good deal to say to us.

I cannot affect the institutions of the church, neither can you probably.  But we can take a long hard look at our personal choices and make sure that we are choosing to focus on loving God and loving others.

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

- - - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips 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 

Link to sermon audio from Sunday - Elijah and Elisha

click here to listen

Rules that WE made up

From my friend Pat,

In Mark's gospel, after Jesus is done preaching the beatitudes, the original Greek bible says that the disciples got in the boat with Jesus and sailed across Galilee. The English translation says they took Jesus "as he is" and left.

I wonder about taking Jesus "as he is". How many historical difficulties happened because we don't take Jesus "as he is" rather, we take him as we think he should be.

It started early with the Apostle Paul: he dictated that while men could pray without a head cloth, women were required to cover their head, and that it was disgraceful for men to have long hair. 

(I recall arguing with my military father that my hair could be long because Jesus's was long. That did not end well) (1 Corinthians 11) I don't recall Jesus commenting on hair length, or head coverings.

And it goes on for 2000 years: all versions of Christianity are heavily laden with rules about how to be a good Christian.

How much better our days would be if we just took Jesus for who he is, the loving son of God who described with simplicity how to live on earth. Rule 1: love one another as He loved us. Rule 2: when in doubt about how any other rule meshes with Rule 1, see Rule 1.

This is taking Jesus as he is. Everything else is just rules WE created.

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 

man cave

I finally got my turntable fired up so the man cave is now complete.  Computer, printer, generator, ladders, stereo receiver, turntable, refrigerator, ceiling fan, gas cans and the shelf for chemicals.  Man cave complete.

I love music.  The first music I bought was on LP records. 

• CCR - Cosmos Factory
• Neil Diamond - Hot August Night
• Crosby Stills Nash and Young - Four Way Street
• Bad Company

The stereo has been in mothballs for years.  It was never hooked up the year I lived on Deerbrook in Uncle Jay's house.  It was never hooked up in Cape Coral.  I will bet the last
time I listened to a record was in 2014.

But it is up now and running.  I love it!  Steven Stills, Paul Simon, BTO!

Music is a beautiful soulful thing that makes us feel alive.  It's a happy day!

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

- - - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips 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 

Grace or Anger?

My friend Brian shared this story....

I have a friend from high school who recently shared a story with me. She was approached by an elderly neighbor gentleman. They hadn’t really gotten to know each other, but he appeared to have been waiting for her to come home. He was agitated, and told her that he had just gotten his trees trimmed and the workers cleaned up all of the debris, but the past few days he has found sticks in his yard. He was telling her this because the only thing that could be happening is that neighborhood kids were messing around and leaving sticks in his yard. Since he “knows she has a couple of kids”, he wanted to address it with her…

My friend is a single mom, working the night shift to pay her bills, with one child in the 6th grade at home with her. The “sticks all over the yard” were obviously small dead pieces that had blown down with the recent weather. She could have gotten defensive/angry and told the old man “The Truth”. Instead, she explained to him that she only has one child who is usually well behaved, but since he is obviously upset, she will have a talk with the neighborhood kids and address the issue with them. Then, every day this past week after coming home from her factory night-shift job and before getting her child up and ready for school, she has walked through the man’s yard and picked up the sticks that plague him.

Is he an old stinkpot/grump, as others have suggested? Is he in the early stages of dementia? Is he too old, too bored, too whatever? Nobody knows, except God. And God lives and loves through my friend. What a great God we have!

How wonderful when we choose to share grace.

Mercy always rejoices over judgment.

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 Expressing Love

We are having a memorial service next week for a wonderful man who expressed his love for people via humor.  He was very good at it.

I thought about the ways that we humans express love...

• we may tell someone that we love them
• we may treat them kindly
• we may exercise dry humor and reach for people that way
• we may give them things

There are many different ways that people show love.  I guess the important thing is not the how, but that you actually do it.  I do think saying I love you is important, but just saying it is no good if the actions don't match up.

Every time we see another human, even if it is someone that we don't know, we have the chance to show respect and care.  To those we know and care about, we have the opportunity, no, we have the obligation to make sure that they know that we love them.

My parents were not demonstrative.  They showed love by taking care of us.  I wish that they would have done both, taken care of us and said, I love you.

How are you expressing love to those around you?  Do they know that you love them?  If they don't then does you loving them even matter to them?

Give yourself away.  Reach for others.  Express your 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

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

stakeholders

Years ago, my friend Carol taught our staff about engaging the key stakeholders.  Too many people charge out into life with a thing and just expect everyone to follow along.  Especially in a church and in organizations where people are volunteers, engaging the key stakeholders is very important.

If I don't work to get people on board, then they are likely to fight a perfectly good idea, simply because they were not included.  If I do get them into the discussion, then I may learn some things from them... there may be some pitfalls that I did not otherwise see on my own.

Whether it is a family, a relationship, a workplace or an organization, building team and building consensus is so very important.  Without the backing of others, we might be in charge, but we are not a leader.  A leader is only a leader when people follow.

If I want my wife to go on a vacation with me, I need to ask her where she wants to go.  Even if I am the boss at work, if I want my employees to like working at their jobs, it is important to ask for their input.

We find success together as a team.  Remember to ask, who are the key stakeholders, and how can I engage 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

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

Prodigal Son/Prodigal's Father

My friend Pat sent this in...

So I was thinking about the Prodigal Son this morning, more specifically about his father. Often when I hear or read this parable, I immediately think of the father as God. Its a drumbeat that we hear from the time we first are introduced to religion: Father = God.

But what if the father in the parable isn’t God. What if YOU are the father in the story, or at least YOU as you should be.

The Parables tell us how we should act. If you let them, a parable will stir you to contemplate how you act. Most of us don’t think these lessons are meant for us: they’re for my spouse, or kids, or that other guy who isn’t in church today - - Which is not true, because in spite of our assumptions about ourselves, we need to rehear these directions, regularly. 

For example, I don’t that believe skin color affects my judgement, yet I know in certain situations, race defines my behavior: I react differently to a group of young blacks than young whites. I have to remind myself not to judge others by the color of their skin.

And it’s the same with the Prodigal Son: I have to work to find ways to bring people together rather than to take the easy way out and draw lines between us.

You see, I want those, for whom I have been the prodigal son, to work equally hard at accepting me.

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 

there is a monkey in the tree

The other day I was at the Kansas City Royals game and my friend Dave Harris was throwing peanuts into my diet coke.  I simply picked them out and ate them.

That reminded me of a story...
There is a monkey up in a palm tree.  As a man walks by, the monkey throws a coconut and hits the man in the head.
The man picks up the coconut.  He cracks it open, he drinks the milk and eats the coconut meat.

That is it.  That is all there is to the story.

Here is the meaning.... From time to time we are going to get hit in the head with coconuts, thrown by annoying people.  We can cry, we can get mad, we can complain, we can pout.  Or we can pick up the coconut, and find the good in 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

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

growing an organization

I found this to be true when I was pastoring a church, I think it is true for many organizations, for relationships and even for us as individuals.

Dysfunction weighs us down and keeps us from becoming healthy.  It keeps us from growing and fulfilling our potential.

Often some well meaning person will come up with some plan to lead the church, the group or the relationship into a better place.  The problem with such plans is that if the dysfunction is allowed to persist, nothing will change.

Dysfunction holds down an organization like a rock tied to a balloon.  Release the rock and the balloon will fly.

Examples of dysfunction:
- a staff person that is rude
- financial policies that are not clear or transparent
- leaders who have made the organization about them instead of the members.
- leaders and relationship partners that do not listen.
- there are a hundred more dysfunctional things that are allowed in churches, organizations and relationships.

Dysfunction must be dealt with and removed if the balloon is going to fly.  Until that happens, no new plan will fix the organizational malaise.

What rocks are holding back your balloon from flying?

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 

self examination

The ability to think critically about one's self is mandatory for growth in this life.  We are very good at looking at others critically, but if we are to grow, we need to spend some time in honest introspection.  We need to look at who we are and what we are doing.  We need to consider, not simply our intent, but the results of our actions on others.

Some years ago, with the best of intentions I pressed what I called Christian values on some folks.  They rebelled.  In fact, I hurt them. 

If there is anything that we should not do, it is to hurt others.

What are your actions?  How do they affect others?  The ability to think critically about one's self is mandatory for growth.

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 

stressed out

Today I am stressed out.  I have a number of things that are bothering me.  I want to run away from all of them and hide.

On the spectrum of fight or flight, I am usually the one who wants to run and hide. 
But, I know that I can't run and hide.
The adult world can be a very painful place to be sometimes.  It is hard to stand up and do right when you want to just give up.

Don't give up.  That is the advice I would give you, so that is the advice that I am going to give myself.  Do right.  Do the right thing, no matter how painful.  Don't give up.  If you give in to the temptation to hide, you will only be creating more issues.

Life is good.  God is good.  These stressors will pass in time.  All is well.  See the good Jeff.  See the good everyone.

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 

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