On Friday, Jennifer Bigg's brother died suddenly. He was 47. This afternoon, about 10 of her buds are going to make the drive to St. Louis for the visitation.
These are holy moments. I remember when my Dad died and we were standing at the front of the chapel by his casket. One after the next, my friends came in the back door and made their way up the isle to the front. It still brings me to tears to remember those moments. There is no more important time than the time of grief to reach out and be present if you can. You need not say a word, your presence says it all, "I love you."
When Lazarus died, Jesus arrived at the home of Mary and Martha. When he saw everyone grieving the death of his friend, Jesus wept.
A compassionate heart is such a gift.
Pray for Jennifer today. Pray for all of those who lose a loved one. Anytime you can go, go find them and hug their neck. For the rest of their life they will remember you coming down the isle to see them.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
The shelf
A shelf is a place where you store things. Things that you are not using right now, but that you might use later. The older I get, the more stuff we collect, we have lots of shelves to keep and store things for later use. Sometimes we keep things because we just can't bear to throw them away. We can't imagine that we will ever use that thing, but we just can't bring ourselves to throw it away.
Every Christian should have a shelf.
When you hear something in church that you don't agree with, don't throw it away. If you read something that you are not ready for, don't burn the book. Don't shoot the preacher and don't hang the author.
Sometimes, the most awesome of thoughts are things that we are not ready to accept. Other people may be excited about the ideas, but we are not. Don't throw that stuff away.
Every Christian should have a shelf in their heart, in their brain.
Put the things on the shelf that you didn't understand. Put the things on the shelf that you didn't like. Put the things on the shelf that you are thinking about. Every now and then, get those ideas down and check them out. Yesterday's seemingly useless thought may just change your life tomorrow.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Every Christian should have a shelf.
When you hear something in church that you don't agree with, don't throw it away. If you read something that you are not ready for, don't burn the book. Don't shoot the preacher and don't hang the author.
Sometimes, the most awesome of thoughts are things that we are not ready to accept. Other people may be excited about the ideas, but we are not. Don't throw that stuff away.
Every Christian should have a shelf in their heart, in their brain.
Put the things on the shelf that you didn't understand. Put the things on the shelf that you didn't like. Put the things on the shelf that you are thinking about. Every now and then, get those ideas down and check them out. Yesterday's seemingly useless thought may just change your life tomorrow.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Pain
We love to avoid pain. We have this odd notion that life should be free of pain.
What would happen if we came to know and understand pain as a natural part of life? Even when things are going really really well, there is pain. Pain of worry, pain of guilt, pain of wanting more stuff.
What would happen if we just resigned ourselves to the fact that we were going to have pain from time to time? Maybe pain would lose its power over us. Maybe we would no longer fear it.
"Oh, ouch! Pain is here. Hello old friend. You are a pain. How long will you be around? Well, you will not dominate me. I see you, I know who you are. You won't be here forever, and I will still see the good while you are here. Mr. Pain, you can't stop me from being filled with hope."
The enemy isn't the pain. The enemy is how we think. If pain is an enemy, then hold your friends close, and your enemies closer. This too shall pass. Pain does not tell us who we are. On the stage of life we are actors, not reactors. Choose to live above circumstances. Life is still good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
What would happen if we came to know and understand pain as a natural part of life? Even when things are going really really well, there is pain. Pain of worry, pain of guilt, pain of wanting more stuff.
What would happen if we just resigned ourselves to the fact that we were going to have pain from time to time? Maybe pain would lose its power over us. Maybe we would no longer fear it.
"Oh, ouch! Pain is here. Hello old friend. You are a pain. How long will you be around? Well, you will not dominate me. I see you, I know who you are. You won't be here forever, and I will still see the good while you are here. Mr. Pain, you can't stop me from being filled with hope."
The enemy isn't the pain. The enemy is how we think. If pain is an enemy, then hold your friends close, and your enemies closer. This too shall pass. Pain does not tell us who we are. On the stage of life we are actors, not reactors. Choose to live above circumstances. Life is still good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
I may be wrong
Do you like it when people disagree with you? It makes shy people nervous. People pleasers [and I think I am one] just want everyone to be happy all the time.
My mom used to enjoy quoting Shakespeare and saying to me, "there is more Horatio, than is dreamt of in your philosophies."
She was right. I am not always right. If you disagree with me, there is no reason for me to be defensive. Good people disagree, and they still go on together. You disagreeing with me, well it may just be an opportunity for me to get smarter.
Thanks for always being honest and real with me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
My mom used to enjoy quoting Shakespeare and saying to me, "there is more Horatio, than is dreamt of in your philosophies."
She was right. I am not always right. If you disagree with me, there is no reason for me to be defensive. Good people disagree, and they still go on together. You disagreeing with me, well it may just be an opportunity for me to get smarter.
Thanks for always being honest and real with me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Who are you?
I visited with a friend yesterday for a while about the question: "Who are you?" How do you know who you are? Where do you begin?
Well, let's begin with this: you are not the collection of negative ideas that roll around in the back of your head. The negative, painful tapes that play in your brain, they are not you. Let's get rid of them. How?
Well, lets see the good. We talk about it all the time. What is the good. Who are you? Ask yourself the question. You are not the collection of negative thoughts. The imaginary picture of guilt that we often live with.
Who are you? Ask God. Ask him what is the truth about you? What will you hear?
I love you. You are my child. You matter. You are valuable. You are filled with my love. You are filled with potential. This is who you are, daughter, son.
You are not your job, you are not your car, you are not your children. You are a child of God, a dearly loved creation, an eternal soul, a dispenser of grace.
Remember who you are.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.....even in yourself.
Well, let's begin with this: you are not the collection of negative ideas that roll around in the back of your head. The negative, painful tapes that play in your brain, they are not you. Let's get rid of them. How?
Well, lets see the good. We talk about it all the time. What is the good. Who are you? Ask yourself the question. You are not the collection of negative thoughts. The imaginary picture of guilt that we often live with.
Who are you? Ask God. Ask him what is the truth about you? What will you hear?
I love you. You are my child. You matter. You are valuable. You are filled with my love. You are filled with potential. This is who you are, daughter, son.
You are not your job, you are not your car, you are not your children. You are a child of God, a dearly loved creation, an eternal soul, a dispenser of grace.
Remember who you are.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.....even in yourself.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
home
The plane sets down on the runway. My daughter rushes in to meet me in the concourse. When we come outside with my bags, my wife gets out of the car to hug me.
I am home.
Catching up. Hugging the other kids. Speaking to the pets. Good food. Comfortable surroundings. A hot shower. My own bed. I slept for a long time last night.
I am home.
Security. Projects. Routine. Work. Friends and family.
All of the above is disrupted when we go on a mission trip. It should be. We need to be disrupted from time to time. We need to remember the rest of the world. Most importantly, we need to learn to live our lives with an awareness that there are others out there besides me, besides us.
We are stewards of our possessions, not owners. We need to learn to be good at sharing, 365 days a year. Going on mission trips reminds us of that, and gives us the perspective that we need to live a life that is outside of ourselves.
How about this for a new years resolution: I resolve to go on at least one mission trip in 2008.
Its a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I am home.
Catching up. Hugging the other kids. Speaking to the pets. Good food. Comfortable surroundings. A hot shower. My own bed. I slept for a long time last night.
I am home.
Security. Projects. Routine. Work. Friends and family.
All of the above is disrupted when we go on a mission trip. It should be. We need to be disrupted from time to time. We need to remember the rest of the world. Most importantly, we need to learn to live our lives with an awareness that there are others out there besides me, besides us.
We are stewards of our possessions, not owners. We need to learn to be good at sharing, 365 days a year. Going on mission trips reminds us of that, and gives us the perspective that we need to live a life that is outside of ourselves.
How about this for a new years resolution: I resolve to go on at least one mission trip in 2008.
Its a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
cold
So you're going on a missions trip to New Orleans. What should you pack? Work clothes, books to read at night. No jacket, too warm there. Average temperature this time of year is 60-70 in the day and 45-50 at night. Just in case I will take a pair of shorts.
Cold. It got cold here the last couple of days. Not Kansas City cold, but cold enough that you wish that you had packed your jacket, gloves and stocking cap. 20 degrees last night.
So when Ivan and Raegene King got here on Dec 31st, I moved out of the trailer [heated trailer] so that they could move in, and I set up in the van. I could have slept in the station, there were a few beds, but oh the snoring and the mass of humanity that won't go to bed when you want to go to bed. So, I set up outside in the quiet van. Bought a sleeping bag, pillow in hand, cushion from the trailer. I am all set. Like camping.
Enter the 20 degrees. Before I went to bed, I ran the van for a while to let the van's heater warm up the vehicle. I have a full set of clothes on, including a hooded sweatshirt. The hood is up as I crawl into the sleeping bag. I Turned the van off and went to sleep.
3am. Woke up, cold. Really cold. Any part of your body that is touching the part of the sleeping bag that is touching the air, is cold. Curl up in a ball, pull the bag all the way over your head, breathe hot air into the bag. Warm up. Good luck.
As I lay there on the brink of shivering, I think about the folks under the bridge at New Orleans' tent city this morning. Some in tents, some only sleeping on mattresses with nothing over their heads but the I-10 overpass.
They will wake to a cold day today, and another cold night.
I on the other hand, am flying home today. Nice wife to pick me up at the airport, warm house to go home to. A hot bath. My own bed.
When you go on a missions trip, you come to understand and empathize with the world of the needy. Living in less than ideal conditions, and sometimes being cold.
The sad thing about coming home from missions trips is how easy it is to forget their plight and how quickly it happens. In a week or even a few days, we are sucked back into our comfy culture and our suburban lives.
Pray for me that I will not forget the poor, the displaced, and the cold.
Cold. It got cold here the last couple of days. Not Kansas City cold, but cold enough that you wish that you had packed your jacket, gloves and stocking cap. 20 degrees last night.
So when Ivan and Raegene King got here on Dec 31st, I moved out of the trailer [heated trailer] so that they could move in, and I set up in the van. I could have slept in the station, there were a few beds, but oh the snoring and the mass of humanity that won't go to bed when you want to go to bed. So, I set up outside in the quiet van. Bought a sleeping bag, pillow in hand, cushion from the trailer. I am all set. Like camping.
Enter the 20 degrees. Before I went to bed, I ran the van for a while to let the van's heater warm up the vehicle. I have a full set of clothes on, including a hooded sweatshirt. The hood is up as I crawl into the sleeping bag. I Turned the van off and went to sleep.
3am. Woke up, cold. Really cold. Any part of your body that is touching the part of the sleeping bag that is touching the air, is cold. Curl up in a ball, pull the bag all the way over your head, breathe hot air into the bag. Warm up. Good luck.
As I lay there on the brink of shivering, I think about the folks under the bridge at New Orleans' tent city this morning. Some in tents, some only sleeping on mattresses with nothing over their heads but the I-10 overpass.
They will wake to a cold day today, and another cold night.
I on the other hand, am flying home today. Nice wife to pick me up at the airport, warm house to go home to. A hot bath. My own bed.
When you go on a missions trip, you come to understand and empathize with the world of the needy. Living in less than ideal conditions, and sometimes being cold.
The sad thing about coming home from missions trips is how easy it is to forget their plight and how quickly it happens. In a week or even a few days, we are sucked back into our comfy culture and our suburban lives.
Pray for me that I will not forget the poor, the displaced, and the cold.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
Just enjoy the day. Have fun. Its a New Year.
Billy Crystal asked the question in When Harry Met Sally, "I mean, 'Should old acquaintance be forgot'? Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances, or does it mean if we happened to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot?"
I'm not sure what all of that means, but I find it humorous. Funny. Billy Crystal. Sometimes, you just got to laugh. Enjoy life and stop worrying.
There have been a couple of times in the last year that I have started to get very philosophical. New Years tends to be one of those times. When you have to talk every Sunday, your heart is always looking for something to talk about, so your brain is always thinking.
It is fine to think, fine to philosophize, but sometimes a person should just live. Live, laugh, love. Today lets do that, a little football, good wishes to friends, and just a simple, pure enjoyment of life.
I guess that's a philosophy too.
Happy New Year my friends. In 2008, lets see the good. There is a lot of it out there.
Billy Crystal asked the question in When Harry Met Sally, "I mean, 'Should old acquaintance be forgot'? Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances, or does it mean if we happened to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot?"
I'm not sure what all of that means, but I find it humorous. Funny. Billy Crystal. Sometimes, you just got to laugh. Enjoy life and stop worrying.
There have been a couple of times in the last year that I have started to get very philosophical. New Years tends to be one of those times. When you have to talk every Sunday, your heart is always looking for something to talk about, so your brain is always thinking.
It is fine to think, fine to philosophize, but sometimes a person should just live. Live, laugh, love. Today lets do that, a little football, good wishes to friends, and just a simple, pure enjoyment of life.
I guess that's a philosophy too.
Happy New Year my friends. In 2008, lets see the good. There is a lot of it out there.
Monday, December 31, 2007
church yesterday
I went to church yesterday, I hope that you did too. Your church needs your support no matter who is preaching. Terry made a nice comment on yesterday's post about what a great job Clay did and how the message touched her son.
When we miss church, we miss a chance to feel the presence of God. We miss the chance to be connected with God and with others. If we miss church too much, we start to feel like the world revolves around us. Church keeps us grounded.
Today I attended the Mt. Zion UMC in New Orleans. Connie Thomas is the pastor. When it was time for service to start, the piano player began plunking out an old gospel tune. The choir came in from the back, with a shuffle and a sway. They made their way to the front and began to sing:
I thank God,
I thank God,
I thank God,
for one more day.
The service was awesome. I don't get to go to church much and just worship. I cried through the whole service. It was great.
The Mt. Zion church is still in great disrepair from the hurricane. Services are held in the fellowship hall. Most of these people still live in FEMA trailers. With all of their problems, in the bulletin today, they had a little envelope for those who wanted to help the homeless in New Orleans. The needy reaching out to the more needy.
It was all so very inspirational.
I thank God.
I thank God.
I thank God
for one more day.
The role of the spiritual life is so very important to we human beings. It is wonderful to feel the touch of God from time to time.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
When we miss church, we miss a chance to feel the presence of God. We miss the chance to be connected with God and with others. If we miss church too much, we start to feel like the world revolves around us. Church keeps us grounded.
Today I attended the Mt. Zion UMC in New Orleans. Connie Thomas is the pastor. When it was time for service to start, the piano player began plunking out an old gospel tune. The choir came in from the back, with a shuffle and a sway. They made their way to the front and began to sing:
I thank God,
I thank God,
I thank God,
for one more day.
The service was awesome. I don't get to go to church much and just worship. I cried through the whole service. It was great.
The Mt. Zion church is still in great disrepair from the hurricane. Services are held in the fellowship hall. Most of these people still live in FEMA trailers. With all of their problems, in the bulletin today, they had a little envelope for those who wanted to help the homeless in New Orleans. The needy reaching out to the more needy.
It was all so very inspirational.
I thank God.
I thank God.
I thank God
for one more day.
The role of the spiritual life is so very important to we human beings. It is wonderful to feel the touch of God from time to time.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Walgreens
So, I am out driving around in New Orleans. Delivering tools and supplies. Spending time with workers and home owners. I also need to buy some postage stamps to mail thank you cards, so I am looking for a place to buy stamps. Try to find a post office in a town that you are unfamiliar with. By the way, there are no blue mailboxes here. After Katrina, they were all underwater, the mail was wet and rotten and the post office took them out. You have to find a mail carrier or go to the post office to mail a letter.
Walgreens. There it is. I wonder if they have stamps. I pull in and park. This is not a good part of town. How do you know that it is not a good part of town? Well, that is a judgement isn't it. Lets see. The houses are not very nice, the people are dressed poorly. The neighborhood and the people have an unkempt look to them. People are loitering here and there. I felt afraid. Isn't that wrong? Come on Jeff. These are people.
I go into Walgreens. I am waiting in line to buy stamps. The man in front of me in line is....is....well, he is about 25 and poor. Dirty, smelly, and about 4 foot eight inches tall. You know, some people have a hard life. Some of the people who are not our beautiful people are God's beautiful people.
The young man is in line to buy 2 packets of microwave popcorn. Not boxes, two packets. You and I buy a box of six packets of popcorn. This Walgreens sells it by the individual packet. I guess there is a market for individual packets of microwave popcorn in this neighborhood. Two packets of popcorn costs .82 cents. The young man digs into his pockets and presents a handful of change. No quarters, mostly nickels and pennies. Either the kind of change you have after you have spent your good change, or the kind of change that you pick up here and there on the sidewalk.
It's not enough. He only has about 58 cents. I immediately do what each of you would have done, I pull out two quarters and put them on the counter. The man looks me in the eye and very deliberately says "thank you." Piercing words from his world to mine. He paid for his popcorn and then tried to give me the extra change.
I walked out of the Walgreens and returned to my life. A missions trip. A van owned by the church. A plane flight home. A wife that loves me. Three great kids. A nice home. Cars, computers, bicycles, tools, friends and a great job.
He walked out of the Walgreens with two bags of microwave popcorn.
Walgreens. There it is. I wonder if they have stamps. I pull in and park. This is not a good part of town. How do you know that it is not a good part of town? Well, that is a judgement isn't it. Lets see. The houses are not very nice, the people are dressed poorly. The neighborhood and the people have an unkempt look to them. People are loitering here and there. I felt afraid. Isn't that wrong? Come on Jeff. These are people.
I go into Walgreens. I am waiting in line to buy stamps. The man in front of me in line is....is....well, he is about 25 and poor. Dirty, smelly, and about 4 foot eight inches tall. You know, some people have a hard life. Some of the people who are not our beautiful people are God's beautiful people.
The young man is in line to buy 2 packets of microwave popcorn. Not boxes, two packets. You and I buy a box of six packets of popcorn. This Walgreens sells it by the individual packet. I guess there is a market for individual packets of microwave popcorn in this neighborhood. Two packets of popcorn costs .82 cents. The young man digs into his pockets and presents a handful of change. No quarters, mostly nickels and pennies. Either the kind of change you have after you have spent your good change, or the kind of change that you pick up here and there on the sidewalk.
It's not enough. He only has about 58 cents. I immediately do what each of you would have done, I pull out two quarters and put them on the counter. The man looks me in the eye and very deliberately says "thank you." Piercing words from his world to mine. He paid for his popcorn and then tried to give me the extra change.
I walked out of the Walgreens and returned to my life. A missions trip. A van owned by the church. A plane flight home. A wife that loves me. Three great kids. A nice home. Cars, computers, bicycles, tools, friends and a great job.
He walked out of the Walgreens with two bags of microwave popcorn.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
cat
There is a stray cat that lives at the Uptown Station in New Orleans. Actually, I guess it is not a stray, it is simply homeless. It stands at the back door and yowls for food. It is very skinny. It has evidently been fed a few times because it keeps coming back.
I felt some compassion for it so I put out a donut for it. Hey, it was breakfast time. He didn't eat it. The next day I found a can of sardines. Wow, cat in cat heaven. The next day I bought a bag of meow mix. I knew he would like that because cats ask for it by name.
When I leave, maybe someone will feed the cat, and maybe they won't. I don't know. Maybe it will live it's life and go the way of so many strays. Cold, frightened, hungry.
There are some people down here like this cat. Every day in front of Lowes and Home Depot, there are at least 100 men standing out there looking for work. Homeowners come to buy supplies and then take one or two of the men home, and pay them to help with repairs. It is very sad to see so many men just sitting and waiting to work. It reminds me of the pictures from the depression.
Underneath the highway there is a tent city. Blocks and blocks of tents grouped together where stray people live. It is the saddest thing I have seen in a long time. I hear that many people stopped and brought food and presents at Christmas, but who feeds them the rest of the year?
Compassion fatigue. That is when you get tired of caring. I am afraid that sometimes, we even get tired of talking about being tired of caring. "Don't bother me with the needs of others, just let me go back to my life."
Friends, we are blessed. So very blessed.
We can make it a beautiful day for others.
I felt some compassion for it so I put out a donut for it. Hey, it was breakfast time. He didn't eat it. The next day I found a can of sardines. Wow, cat in cat heaven. The next day I bought a bag of meow mix. I knew he would like that because cats ask for it by name.
When I leave, maybe someone will feed the cat, and maybe they won't. I don't know. Maybe it will live it's life and go the way of so many strays. Cold, frightened, hungry.
There are some people down here like this cat. Every day in front of Lowes and Home Depot, there are at least 100 men standing out there looking for work. Homeowners come to buy supplies and then take one or two of the men home, and pay them to help with repairs. It is very sad to see so many men just sitting and waiting to work. It reminds me of the pictures from the depression.
Underneath the highway there is a tent city. Blocks and blocks of tents grouped together where stray people live. It is the saddest thing I have seen in a long time. I hear that many people stopped and brought food and presents at Christmas, but who feeds them the rest of the year?
Compassion fatigue. That is when you get tired of caring. I am afraid that sometimes, we even get tired of talking about being tired of caring. "Don't bother me with the needs of others, just let me go back to my life."
Friends, we are blessed. So very blessed.
We can make it a beautiful day for others.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Benazir Bhutto
By now you have certainly heard that Mrs. Bhutto was killed. Shot twice right before a massive explosion killed many around her. Her assassins meant business and unfortunately, they succeeded. Our sympathy and prayers to her family and friends.
I am sad for any country where the people behave this way. There are others besides Pakistan. Political opposition leaders in Lebanon and Iran die on a regular basis. Fatah and Hamas supporters in Gaza routinely kill each other.
Can you imagine an America where the six republican candidates were all trying to kill each other? Can you imagine a country where the one who becomes leader is the only one left alive? Wow, how totally primitive. We have a lot to be thankful for.
Change the subject.
New Orleans, Uptown Station, Day 3
Did you know that your church owns a 16 foot house trailer and a van that are both parked at the Uptown relief station? The Mt. 28 project deploys people into the mission field for 30 days. I will not be here for 30 days, but many of your friends from Woods Chapel have. The trailer is nice and the van is adequate. Its a 99 Dodge Caravan. The seats are out of it so it can be used to haul tools around. It runs like a top.
Yesterday, I hauled tools around to three different groups. I made several trips to Lowes to purchase supplies for the teams. I took the van in for a well overdue oil change. Last night, I cleaned up around the Station, visited with some of the team members and went to bed.
New Orleans has made some progress in 2.4 years since Hurrican Katrina, but it still has a very long way to go. It is very easy for us to forget the needs of others who are down and out. We get busy in our lives and forget the needy. The mission field is still in great need of people to go. I am glad I am here, it's a good reminder.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I am sad for any country where the people behave this way. There are others besides Pakistan. Political opposition leaders in Lebanon and Iran die on a regular basis. Fatah and Hamas supporters in Gaza routinely kill each other.
Can you imagine an America where the six republican candidates were all trying to kill each other? Can you imagine a country where the one who becomes leader is the only one left alive? Wow, how totally primitive. We have a lot to be thankful for.
Change the subject.
New Orleans, Uptown Station, Day 3
Did you know that your church owns a 16 foot house trailer and a van that are both parked at the Uptown relief station? The Mt. 28 project deploys people into the mission field for 30 days. I will not be here for 30 days, but many of your friends from Woods Chapel have. The trailer is nice and the van is adequate. Its a 99 Dodge Caravan. The seats are out of it so it can be used to haul tools around. It runs like a top.
Yesterday, I hauled tools around to three different groups. I made several trips to Lowes to purchase supplies for the teams. I took the van in for a well overdue oil change. Last night, I cleaned up around the Station, visited with some of the team members and went to bed.
New Orleans has made some progress in 2.4 years since Hurrican Katrina, but it still has a very long way to go. It is very easy for us to forget the needs of others who are down and out. We get busy in our lives and forget the needy. The mission field is still in great need of people to go. I am glad I am here, it's a good reminder.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Uptown Station, New Orleans
Today I am in New Orleans at the Uptown Station. The Uptown Station is one of six hurricane relief centers in New Orleans that deploys crews to work on the homes of hurricane Katrina victims.
Woods Chapel has made a commitment to have someone down here every month to help the staff of the uptown station. We didn't have anyone in December, and there were a couple of weeks that had lots of people coming down. Bob J took the first week, and I took the this week.
It is really important that the pastor spends time every year in "hands on" missions. For that matter it is good for every Christian to do so. If I don't get out and stay in touch with the needy, I can start to think that real life is about a chair, a desk, a sermon and a suburban church.
Yesterday was slow here, but the work picked up last night.
Somewhere there is someone that you can help today. Don't miss your chance.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Woods Chapel has made a commitment to have someone down here every month to help the staff of the uptown station. We didn't have anyone in December, and there were a couple of weeks that had lots of people coming down. Bob J took the first week, and I took the this week.
It is really important that the pastor spends time every year in "hands on" missions. For that matter it is good for every Christian to do so. If I don't get out and stay in touch with the needy, I can start to think that real life is about a chair, a desk, a sermon and a suburban church.
Yesterday was slow here, but the work picked up last night.
Somewhere there is someone that you can help today. Don't miss your chance.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
the gift that keeps on giving
Yesterday my wife opened nothing from me, and I opened nothing from her. This was by agreement. In some years past, we made the same agreement, but someone, usually me, broke the agreement and bought a gift for the other.
This year, she got nothin. I got nothin. And you know what, it didn't bother me a bit. In fact, I have a very interesting feeling about the whole thing. I feel like, "I don't need" a gift from her. I feel this way because life with someone that you care about is a gift all the time.
This is not just a husband-wife phenomenon, it is true of good friends as well. There are people that don't need to give you anything, because they give all year long. I am fortunate to know many people like this. Just knowing them is a gift.
I believe that we have the ability to bring out the best or the worst in others. When we care about them, it tends to make them care about us. "The lover creates the love." When you pour out goodness and grace to others, it usually tends to come back your way.
I want to thank all of you for the gift that you are to me.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
This year, she got nothin. I got nothin. And you know what, it didn't bother me a bit. In fact, I have a very interesting feeling about the whole thing. I feel like, "I don't need" a gift from her. I feel this way because life with someone that you care about is a gift all the time.
This is not just a husband-wife phenomenon, it is true of good friends as well. There are people that don't need to give you anything, because they give all year long. I am fortunate to know many people like this. Just knowing them is a gift.
I believe that we have the ability to bring out the best or the worst in others. When we care about them, it tends to make them care about us. "The lover creates the love." When you pour out goodness and grace to others, it usually tends to come back your way.
I want to thank all of you for the gift that you are to me.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Night Before Christmas at church
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the Church,
All the kids were excited for Santa to perch.
His reindeer and sleigh all filled up with toys,
would be coming tonight for good girls and boys.
Then all of a sudden there rose such a clatter,
that even the Preacher wondered what was the matter.
From up near the rafters we heard a great song,
of millions of angels singing along.
The candles burned brighter and all became aware,
that a wonderful presence had just entered there.
Such a peace and a joy did descend on the crowd,
that many joined in and sang out loud.
Their voices joined in a sweet melody,
of God's great love for you and for me.
A smile on each face, and love in each heart,
the song praised God for being so smart.
For sending his Son to show us the way,
and so making Christmas a wonderful day.
Then the children grew quiet and listened its true,
to the story of Jesus who came here for you.
Of shepherds and wisemen and gifts of gold,
of hay, and a stable and a night so cold.
And then rising up, all the people exclaimed
Thanks be to God for healing our shame.
The air that night was filled with such splendor,
that even the smallest of children remember
That God came down that Christmas day,
and we forgot about Santa, for a minute, anyway.
Jeff Brinkman, 1988
All the kids were excited for Santa to perch.
His reindeer and sleigh all filled up with toys,
would be coming tonight for good girls and boys.
Then all of a sudden there rose such a clatter,
that even the Preacher wondered what was the matter.
From up near the rafters we heard a great song,
of millions of angels singing along.
The candles burned brighter and all became aware,
that a wonderful presence had just entered there.
Such a peace and a joy did descend on the crowd,
that many joined in and sang out loud.
Their voices joined in a sweet melody,
of God's great love for you and for me.
A smile on each face, and love in each heart,
the song praised God for being so smart.
For sending his Son to show us the way,
and so making Christmas a wonderful day.
Then the children grew quiet and listened its true,
to the story of Jesus who came here for you.
Of shepherds and wisemen and gifts of gold,
of hay, and a stable and a night so cold.
And then rising up, all the people exclaimed
Thanks be to God for healing our shame.
The air that night was filled with such splendor,
that even the smallest of children remember
That God came down that Christmas day,
and we forgot about Santa, for a minute, anyway.
Jeff Brinkman, 1988
Monday, December 24, 2007
In the fullness of time.
The time was right. Their hearts were heavy. They were ready for a change. It had been 400 years since a prophet had been seen in Israel. In the fullness of time, God sent His son to be our savior.
Are you open? Are you ready? Is the time right for you? Today as you attend worship services, wherever you may live, enter the sanctuary looking for the presence of the Christ child. He will not disappoint you.
The time is right. The time is now. Are you ready to welcome Him?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Are you open? Are you ready? Is the time right for you? Today as you attend worship services, wherever you may live, enter the sanctuary looking for the presence of the Christ child. He will not disappoint you.
The time is right. The time is now. Are you ready to welcome Him?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Christmas Spirit
I believe it is finally here. For me, at least. I hope that it is here for you as well. Good thing it has arrived too, cause we were snowed in at the house last night. Mom, Dad and 3 big grown up kids. We had dinner together, Christmas music was playing. All of the things that I have been worried about, seem to be taken care of. It's good. It's all good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
With all of the "bah humbug" that goes around at this time of year, everyone deserves a little bit of "ho ho ho." A little bit of joy, a full dose of Christ-mas. I wish it for you, my friend.
Merry Christmas.It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Weather forecast
As I sit here making sure the sermon is what it should be, or what I can make of it, the weather forecast is grim. 4-6 inches of snow.
We will have church.
Becky said it well two weeks ago. If Walmart can stay open, the church can stay open. And it's Christmas. Christmas.
We will be open.
Come if you can, be safe. It is always a holy time in service when people make a special effort to be in church.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
We will have church.
Becky said it well two weeks ago. If Walmart can stay open, the church can stay open. And it's Christmas. Christmas.
We will be open.
Come if you can, be safe. It is always a holy time in service when people make a special effort to be in church.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
brush pile part 2
A very dear friend, reminded me in a comment, [see yesterday's post] that I am not always thinking as I should. In her comment, she suggest that maybe I should go to the person's door instead of filing a complaint with the home owners association about the brush pile.
She is right. Maybe I should. Even though this person is a repeat offender, and I have had to clean up after him in the past, maybe I should just go knock on his door.
I can't tho. I am afraid. There is a little kid in me that just can't do it. I don't like confrontations. I hate conflict.
Hey, its almost Christmas, what am I worried about brush for anyway?
There is some real darkness at Christmas. Family problems, work problems, relationship problems. It piles up. I feel it. It is real.
Into this darkness, into this modern day despair, a little light must shine. And so it is Christmas. May the many ways that I have not been a good Christian, be healed by the arrival of the Savior. May all of our despairs be turned into hope.
it's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
She is right. Maybe I should. Even though this person is a repeat offender, and I have had to clean up after him in the past, maybe I should just go knock on his door.
I can't tho. I am afraid. There is a little kid in me that just can't do it. I don't like confrontations. I hate conflict.
Hey, its almost Christmas, what am I worried about brush for anyway?
There is some real darkness at Christmas. Family problems, work problems, relationship problems. It piles up. I feel it. It is real.
Into this darkness, into this modern day despair, a little light must shine. And so it is Christmas. May the many ways that I have not been a good Christian, be healed by the arrival of the Savior. May all of our despairs be turned into hope.
it's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, December 21, 2007
dumping brush
Merry Christmas. One of the neighbors that live behind us trimmed their trees. Then they dumped the brush over their fence and drug it out into the commons area. Now everyone gets to see their brush. Thank you. Thank you very much.
I am off on Fridays. So, today I get to go file complaints with two different home owners associations.
Last time this happened, I had to personally haul off the brush.
Ok. Let me whine. Whaaaaaaaaaaa.
Alright. I have control of myself. Is this the worst thing that will happen to me today? There are people who are facing far worse. And, I am alive and healthy. If I were sick would I trade dealing with the brush to be well. Yes, of course. So, I am well. The brush is no big deal. It is still Christmas, life is still good.
What will you face today? What inconvenience? What annoyance? Traffic? Crowds? Disappointment?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I am off on Fridays. So, today I get to go file complaints with two different home owners associations.
Last time this happened, I had to personally haul off the brush.
Ok. Let me whine. Whaaaaaaaaaaa.
Alright. I have control of myself. Is this the worst thing that will happen to me today? There are people who are facing far worse. And, I am alive and healthy. If I were sick would I trade dealing with the brush to be well. Yes, of course. So, I am well. The brush is no big deal. It is still Christmas, life is still good.
What will you face today? What inconvenience? What annoyance? Traffic? Crowds? Disappointment?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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