Well, I did it again. I hurt someone's feelings. Odd thing is, I don't really even know what I did. They did not tell me and that is ok. Anyway, I am sorry, and I apologized to them, and they forgave me. It isn't always important to know what you did, but it is always important to apologize, to have a spirit of reconciliation. To seek redemption.
I think that is how original sin works. Sometimes our behavior is wrong and it is so ingrained in us that we aren't even aware that something is wrong. We have lived with ourselves for so long, and excused our bad behavior for so long that we don't even notice it any more.
With such thoughts in mind, I give thanks for redemption. For people that are willing to say "sorry" and the gift of another day and another try at relationships. For the love of God that reaches out in forgiveness.
Redemption allows us to stop focusing on what is wrong. What we did wrong and what others did to us. We are loved by God and so are they. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We don't have to get stuck in the things that are wrong. Doing that is a waste of time and it blocks us from our main purpose of being in love with God.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
daffodil day
Today is daffodil planting day. We are making the world a more beautiful place. If you want to help, come up to the church at 9am. we are planting 5,000 daffodil bulbs.
It's a beautiful day in God's world. be sure to see the good.
It's a beautiful day in God's world. be sure to see the good.
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Shack
Someone asked me to read the book, The Shack. It was such a blessing to them. Well, simply out of respect for them, I ordered a copy. I read half of it a few weeks ago, and finished it off Wednesday night, last night, and this morning about 4:30am. I was so excited to read the end of it that I had trouble sleeping. I finally gave in to the whirring of my brain thinking about the book, rolled out of bed and finished it.
The first part of the book is good, but painful. Difficult story that draws you in. The middle is good, but it has some slow spots. The ending, the last few chapters is a grand slam. Of course, being a novel, you have to read the entire book to get the effect. And if you get the book, wade through it all. The middle is very important.
A paragraph in the back of the book says, "this book deserves a reading across the broadest reaches of our culture. Not only is this a compelling and provocative story, but it has a literary quality to it that distinguishes it as a special gift. It offers one of the most poignant views of God and how he relates to humanity that has been written in our time. It will not only encourage those who already know him but also engage those who have not yet recognized his work in their lives."
The Shack, by William Young. www.theshackbook.com
If you are looking for a thought provoking read, this book made me cry and spoke to me in ways that I am still thinking about.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
The first part of the book is good, but painful. Difficult story that draws you in. The middle is good, but it has some slow spots. The ending, the last few chapters is a grand slam. Of course, being a novel, you have to read the entire book to get the effect. And if you get the book, wade through it all. The middle is very important.
A paragraph in the back of the book says, "this book deserves a reading across the broadest reaches of our culture. Not only is this a compelling and provocative story, but it has a literary quality to it that distinguishes it as a special gift. It offers one of the most poignant views of God and how he relates to humanity that has been written in our time. It will not only encourage those who already know him but also engage those who have not yet recognized his work in their lives."
The Shack, by William Young. www.theshackbook.com
If you are looking for a thought provoking read, this book made me cry and spoke to me in ways that I am still thinking about.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Is the church alright?
The past few months I have been asked many times, "is the church alright?" What people want to know is whether or not the financial and economic times have effected giving. Can the church pay it's bills.
Well, we have been watching everything very closely. You know the church will live within it's means. So far, what we are seeing is that people are very committed to their church. They may have skipped eating out a time or two, but they are still supporting their church financially.
Interestingly enough, yesterday on the radio I heard that attendance and income is down 9% at the area casinos. Not that I want anyone to lose their job if they work there. But, what that info tells me is that good people know what is really important and they are supporting that which is making a significant impact in the world.
Thank you for your love and support for your church.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Well, we have been watching everything very closely. You know the church will live within it's means. So far, what we are seeing is that people are very committed to their church. They may have skipped eating out a time or two, but they are still supporting their church financially.
Interestingly enough, yesterday on the radio I heard that attendance and income is down 9% at the area casinos. Not that I want anyone to lose their job if they work there. But, what that info tells me is that good people know what is really important and they are supporting that which is making a significant impact in the world.
Thank you for your love and support for your church.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I like you.
I like you. I do. Each and every one of you. Sometimes we disagree. Sometimes we annoy each other. Sometimes we don't understand each other. Sometimes we are too busy and miss each other.
I admire your heart. I admire your commitment to our mission. I thank you for being you. I like you. Every one of you. Don't ever think otherwise. You are awesome!
It's a beautiful day in God's world. Be sure to see the good.
I admire your heart. I admire your commitment to our mission. I thank you for being you. I like you. Every one of you. Don't ever think otherwise. You are awesome!
It's a beautiful day in God's world. Be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Ten thoughts on simplicity
I am sorry that this is late. I am out of town at a pastor's meeting. I will be back for class tonight at 7pm. Lord willing and the creek don't rise.
Several have asked for this informatin from Sunday's Sermon. I beleive that this information came from Richard Foster's book Celebration of Discipline.
The Discipline of Simplicity
In Richard Foster's book on discipline he divides discipline into three parts: Inward, Outward, and Corporate discipline. He places simplicity under the category of the Outward Disciplines. Here are his ten ways to order our world so that we can create simplicity in our life.
First, buy things for their usefulness rather than their status
Second, reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.
Third, develop a habit of giving things away.
Fourth, refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
Fifth, learn to enjoy things without owning them.
Sixth, develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.
Seventh, look at a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes.
Eighth, obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speech.
Ninth, reject anything that will breed the oppression of others.
Tenth, shun whatever would distract you from your main goal: "Seek first the kingdom of God."
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Several have asked for this informatin from Sunday's Sermon. I beleive that this information came from Richard Foster's book Celebration of Discipline.
The Discipline of Simplicity
In Richard Foster's book on discipline he divides discipline into three parts: Inward, Outward, and Corporate discipline. He places simplicity under the category of the Outward Disciplines. Here are his ten ways to order our world so that we can create simplicity in our life.
First, buy things for their usefulness rather than their status
Second, reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.
Third, develop a habit of giving things away.
Fourth, refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
Fifth, learn to enjoy things without owning them.
Sixth, develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.
Seventh, look at a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes.
Eighth, obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speech.
Ninth, reject anything that will breed the oppression of others.
Tenth, shun whatever would distract you from your main goal: "Seek first the kingdom of God."
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Last night's concert
Wow was that our church? Not to say that the music isn't always wonderful, but the choir, orchestra, musicians and the spirit singers outdid themselves. It was awesome! One of the greatest moments in my memory of the church.
I hope you did not miss the concert. I can't imagine a better way to spend an hour.
On another note. Join the choir!! You are welcome. Come and make a joyful noise unto the Lord and be a part of an exciting fun group of people. Practice is Wednesday at 730 in the sanctuary.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I hope you did not miss the concert. I can't imagine a better way to spend an hour.
On another note. Join the choir!! You are welcome. Come and make a joyful noise unto the Lord and be a part of an exciting fun group of people. Practice is Wednesday at 730 in the sanctuary.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunrise!
Quick hurry! look outside! it is 7:15 and the sun is rising! It is beautiful! God is speaking!
Through our worry, along side our troubled feelings. God is speaking! Witness his glory. Go outside and look. It is beautiful today.
Thank you, Lord.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Through our worry, along side our troubled feelings. God is speaking! Witness his glory. Go outside and look. It is beautiful today.
Thank you, Lord.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
there comes a point
There comes a point to which I cannot let people into my life, even electronically. Not that I am hiding any big sins. I have sins, but I think they are pretty boring.
Being a partly introverted person, the blog allows me to reveal things about myself that I would find difficult to do in public. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a screen than to a real person.
Occasionally though, I come to a place, well, maybe this is the first time since I started this blog that I am choosing to hold back how I feel.
Suffice it to say. Sad. Heartbroken.
I know we all will live and die. I just like the living part better. Today may be a day for a funeral, but tomorrow is Sunday. A day to celebrate life! A day to praise God. I invite you to join me.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Being a partly introverted person, the blog allows me to reveal things about myself that I would find difficult to do in public. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a screen than to a real person.
Occasionally though, I come to a place, well, maybe this is the first time since I started this blog that I am choosing to hold back how I feel.
Suffice it to say. Sad. Heartbroken.
I know we all will live and die. I just like the living part better. Today may be a day for a funeral, but tomorrow is Sunday. A day to celebrate life! A day to praise God. I invite you to join me.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, October 10, 2008
a puddle of mud
Yesterday when I woke up, I was a puddle of mud. A little clod of sadness. I didn't sleep well, I woke up early and I was just a puddle of mud. I got to work at 7:15. I visited with another staff person who was a puddle of mud too. Then another.
At 8:30 all that changed for me. I found myself in a meeting with 5 young preachers talking about the future of the church. We talked about dreams and hopes and the power of the Holy Spirit to change a life.
Guess what? Somewhere during that meeting, I was saved. Saved from sorrow, saved from worry, saved from myself. I got my eyes back on what we are about. I got by with a little help from my friends.
The power of Christian friends cannot be overemphasized. If you are glum, sit down and spend some time with God's people. They will lift your spirits.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
At 8:30 all that changed for me. I found myself in a meeting with 5 young preachers talking about the future of the church. We talked about dreams and hopes and the power of the Holy Spirit to change a life.
Guess what? Somewhere during that meeting, I was saved. Saved from sorrow, saved from worry, saved from myself. I got my eyes back on what we are about. I got by with a little help from my friends.
The power of Christian friends cannot be overemphasized. If you are glum, sit down and spend some time with God's people. They will lift your spirits.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
little hurts, big hurts
Little hurts come and go.
You said my dog was ugly.
I had a flat tire.
I had three flat tires.
You insulted me in some way.
Sometimes we make mountains out of molehills. We treat little hurts as though they were big hurts. Then when we see a big hurt, we usually realize how foolish we were to be that upset about the little things. The reminder to "see the good" usually helps me get to the other side of little hurts.
What about the big hurts. A friend or loved one dies. Your child is in trouble. Your marriage is on the skids. Those things that come along that cut to the core. They keep you awake at night. You wake up and you are crying. Hugs are nice, the passing of time helps, but where is the ointment for big hurts?
I am about half way through the book, "the shack." The shack is a place where God finds you at your greatest point of need. I know this is the answer. I have to find my shack. I have to spend more time there than usual. I have to wake up there in the middle of the night. Big hurts need a big God. We have to let him keep holding us. In his presence, I see more clearly....... and it is a beautiful day. If you are hurting today, find your shack. God is there. He will take us to the other side.
You said my dog was ugly.
I had a flat tire.
I had three flat tires.
You insulted me in some way.
Sometimes we make mountains out of molehills. We treat little hurts as though they were big hurts. Then when we see a big hurt, we usually realize how foolish we were to be that upset about the little things. The reminder to "see the good" usually helps me get to the other side of little hurts.
What about the big hurts. A friend or loved one dies. Your child is in trouble. Your marriage is on the skids. Those things that come along that cut to the core. They keep you awake at night. You wake up and you are crying. Hugs are nice, the passing of time helps, but where is the ointment for big hurts?
I am about half way through the book, "the shack." The shack is a place where God finds you at your greatest point of need. I know this is the answer. I have to find my shack. I have to spend more time there than usual. I have to wake up there in the middle of the night. Big hurts need a big God. We have to let him keep holding us. In his presence, I see more clearly....... and it is a beautiful day. If you are hurting today, find your shack. God is there. He will take us to the other side.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Goodbye my friend
Last night my friend died. Kelly was as wonderful of a person as I have ever know. Happy, funny, bright, thoughtful, introspective. Filled with love. A realness that drew so many to her. She cared about every person that she met. She took her work seriously. She was a wonderful mother, wife, daughter and friend. The world is less of a place without her.
O God, we pray for her family and we trust in you. Our tears stain our cheeks.
I know that we cry for ourselves. We are not worried about her, we know where she is. Heaven is a brighter place today.
O God, we pray for her family and we trust in you. Our tears stain our cheeks.
I know that we cry for ourselves. We are not worried about her, we know where she is. Heaven is a brighter place today.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
peace and quiet
Last night I was driving home from the hospital. The radio was on when I started the car. I soon became tired of the topic of conversation on the station, and the tone of the discussion. I changed to another preset. In my first car, when you changed the station, you could watch the red indicator slide along the AM dial. Now it all happens electronically. It is all so fast. There are so many buttons.
One station after the next. They were all talking about the same stuff. My brain is sore and my heart is numb. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous.
I turned the radio off.
The car suddenly became filled with the purr of the motor and the quiet of the night. I felt the presence of God. Peace and quiet. How about that. He is still there waiting for us to pay attention.
Turn the radio off, get in touch with God.
The world of men and women may be hurried and confused, but it's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
One station after the next. They were all talking about the same stuff. My brain is sore and my heart is numb. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous.
I turned the radio off.
The car suddenly became filled with the purr of the motor and the quiet of the night. I felt the presence of God. Peace and quiet. How about that. He is still there waiting for us to pay attention.
Turn the radio off, get in touch with God.
The world of men and women may be hurried and confused, but it's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, October 6, 2008
simplicity
The sermon this Sunday is on simplicity. I don't believe I have ever preached on this subject before. What is simplicity? Is it something that we should seek after? What spiritual messages come from it?
I would appreciate any thoughts that you might have on the subject. I may use some of them this Sunday. If you have insights to share on the topic of simplicity, please post a comment or send me an email.
I wonder how my week or your week may be different just from thinking about the concept of simplicity.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I would appreciate any thoughts that you might have on the subject. I may use some of them this Sunday. If you have insights to share on the topic of simplicity, please post a comment or send me an email.
I wonder how my week or your week may be different just from thinking about the concept of simplicity.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
truth and love
They are both important. Jesus said he was, "the way, the truth and the life." 1 Jn 4 tells us that "God is love." 1Corinthians 13, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Somehow knowledge and truth lose some of their value if they are not shared in love. I continue to be surprised at behaviors, including my own, that seems to have forgotten this.
Everything we do should be cloaked in love. God is love and when love is present, my words are humble and I point to Him, not to me. I catch myself sometimes having forgotten this. Maybe you do too.
Well, it is Sunday, let's go to church and recapture the love!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Somehow knowledge and truth lose some of their value if they are not shared in love. I continue to be surprised at behaviors, including my own, that seems to have forgotten this.
Everything we do should be cloaked in love. God is love and when love is present, my words are humble and I point to Him, not to me. I catch myself sometimes having forgotten this. Maybe you do too.
Well, it is Sunday, let's go to church and recapture the love!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Baptism
At the appointed time, 9am, three grand-parents, two parents, three boys aged 8, 11, and 13 met a preacher behind the cove clubhouse. Everyone made the trek, down the rock steps to the beach.
The preacher gathered the group together and opened with prayer. "Lord, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for your presence with us. Honor the commitment of these young men this day, in Jesus name, Amen."
The preacher reminded everyone that he had visited with the boys in the coffee bar about baptism a few weeks ago, and that the parents had talked with the boys as well about this decision.
"Do you today confess your faith in Jesus Christ?"
"yes" "yes" and "yes."
"Do you wish to be baptized into the Christian faith?"
"yes" "yes" and "yes."
The preacher continued, "Boys you will remember this day, because the water is cold. But I want you to remember this day for another reason. As you follow Jesus in baptism, you are receiving the sign of God's promise of grace to you. Where ever you go in your life, whatever you do, no matter what the ups and downs, God's promise of love is always with you. Remember that. I also want you to remember that the three of you did this together. You are brothers. God has given you to each other. For the rest of your lives you must take care of one another and stand with one another. Remember, this is a decision that you made today together."
"Now we are going to go down into the water, I will take each of you under one at a time, and then we will return to the beach for a towel and prayer."
The air temperature is about 64 I would guess. The water temperature is less than that. This is one of those moments in which you tolerate discomfort for the common good. Out we wade into the lake. The deeper it gets, the colder it gets. Ah, that is far enough. We turn to face the shore.
As each boy goes under the water, they rise out with an exclamation, "ahahahahhhhhh." It might have been the temperature, and it might have been the joy of the Holy Spirit in the moment of baptism.
We returned to the beach for towels and prayer.
"Lord, now set your Holy Spirit upon these boys. As they have followed you in baptism, so let your grace descend on their lives in a greater way. Guide them, keep them safe, let their lives be surrounded by your love. In Jesus name, Amen."
An extra towel is always on hand for the seat of the car. I drive home. I cannot help but think that these boys will certainly remember today. I will. It is a great gift that we have to lead our young people in the paths of Jesus Christ.
Now I have to finish the sermon. Tomorrow is a work day for me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
The preacher gathered the group together and opened with prayer. "Lord, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for your presence with us. Honor the commitment of these young men this day, in Jesus name, Amen."
The preacher reminded everyone that he had visited with the boys in the coffee bar about baptism a few weeks ago, and that the parents had talked with the boys as well about this decision.
"Do you today confess your faith in Jesus Christ?"
"yes" "yes" and "yes."
"Do you wish to be baptized into the Christian faith?"
"yes" "yes" and "yes."
The preacher continued, "Boys you will remember this day, because the water is cold. But I want you to remember this day for another reason. As you follow Jesus in baptism, you are receiving the sign of God's promise of grace to you. Where ever you go in your life, whatever you do, no matter what the ups and downs, God's promise of love is always with you. Remember that. I also want you to remember that the three of you did this together. You are brothers. God has given you to each other. For the rest of your lives you must take care of one another and stand with one another. Remember, this is a decision that you made today together."
"Now we are going to go down into the water, I will take each of you under one at a time, and then we will return to the beach for a towel and prayer."
The air temperature is about 64 I would guess. The water temperature is less than that. This is one of those moments in which you tolerate discomfort for the common good. Out we wade into the lake. The deeper it gets, the colder it gets. Ah, that is far enough. We turn to face the shore.
As each boy goes under the water, they rise out with an exclamation, "ahahahahhhhhh." It might have been the temperature, and it might have been the joy of the Holy Spirit in the moment of baptism.
We returned to the beach for towels and prayer.
"Lord, now set your Holy Spirit upon these boys. As they have followed you in baptism, so let your grace descend on their lives in a greater way. Guide them, keep them safe, let their lives be surrounded by your love. In Jesus name, Amen."
An extra towel is always on hand for the seat of the car. I drive home. I cannot help but think that these boys will certainly remember today. I will. It is a great gift that we have to lead our young people in the paths of Jesus Christ.
Now I have to finish the sermon. Tomorrow is a work day for me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
cold water
At 9am today I am baptizing three young men in the lake. I will let you know how it goes.
The water is cold, but it is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
The water is cold, but it is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, October 3, 2008
If you have embarrassed yourself
If you feel sad because you have embarrassed yourself, sometimes we cannot depend on God until we know for sure that there is nothing in myself worth trusting. Seeing myself at my worst, causes me to see that I am not the answer anymore, God is.
Sometimes we get a glimpse of our darkness and it scares us. When you see your darkness, then you can give up trusting yourself, and begin to trust God.
Sometimes God lets us see the worst of ourselves. When we do, we finally realize that we cannot trust in ourselves any longer. There is this odd sense that we are repelled by ourselves…….the very Jeff that I thought was so great, now, I know who he really is…….
It makes me want to lean on Jesus. I don’t deserve to be saved, yet he saves me………..
It's a beautiful day in God's world, because of God's grace, be sure to see the good.
Sometimes we get a glimpse of our darkness and it scares us. When you see your darkness, then you can give up trusting yourself, and begin to trust God.
Sometimes God lets us see the worst of ourselves. When we do, we finally realize that we cannot trust in ourselves any longer. There is this odd sense that we are repelled by ourselves…….the very Jeff that I thought was so great, now, I know who he really is…….
It makes me want to lean on Jesus. I don’t deserve to be saved, yet he saves me………..
It's a beautiful day in God's world, because of God's grace, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Love 'em anyway
Yesterday I heard the Martina McBride song "Anyway" on the radio. These words struck a cord with me:
"You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway"
I got to thinking about the people that I used to have the chance to love, but don't anymore.
They moved, I moved, they quit the church, they got busy, I got busy, we grew apart, there are a multitude of reasons. Usually when I think of them, I feel sad. It hurts to lose them, but the message is powerful: love them anyway. Yesterday, I just thought about how good it was to love them, for the time that we had together. That was a different way to look at things, and a better way for my heart.
And I know I would love them again if I had the chance. Thank you God for the gift of love, even when it is only for a short while.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
"You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway"
I got to thinking about the people that I used to have the chance to love, but don't anymore.
They moved, I moved, they quit the church, they got busy, I got busy, we grew apart, there are a multitude of reasons. Usually when I think of them, I feel sad. It hurts to lose them, but the message is powerful: love them anyway. Yesterday, I just thought about how good it was to love them, for the time that we had together. That was a different way to look at things, and a better way for my heart.
And I know I would love them again if I had the chance. Thank you God for the gift of love, even when it is only for a short while.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
college visit
Today, Scott and I are driving to Pittsburg, KS. He wants to visit Pittsburg State University. I have taken the day off to go there with him. Pitt State has engineering degrees that he is interested in. He also like the thought of being a Gorilla [their mascot}.
This is our last baby. I remember when I gave him his first haircut. He was still in the walker. I cornered him and shaved his goldilocks off while his mom was at the grocery store with the girls. Now he is all grown up. Big and strong and going off to college. Baby Scottie isn't a baby anymore.
Next year, the house will be quiet. All three kids will be in college. I wonder what that will be like. They will be fine. I will have some things to work on. Life's passages are interesting to navigate.
It is still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
This is our last baby. I remember when I gave him his first haircut. He was still in the walker. I cornered him and shaved his goldilocks off while his mom was at the grocery store with the girls. Now he is all grown up. Big and strong and going off to college. Baby Scottie isn't a baby anymore.
Next year, the house will be quiet. All three kids will be in college. I wonder what that will be like. They will be fine. I will have some things to work on. Life's passages are interesting to navigate.
It is still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)