Yesterday in church, the band did a song by Mike and the Mechanics called "in the living years." Its about how we need to say the things to our loved ones while they are alive, and not wait until they are gone.
It is one of those songs that I heard when I was younger, but never really listened to the words. Yesterday in church, the words hit me pretty hard.
"I wasn't there that morning,
when my father passed away.
I didn't get to tell him,
all the things I had to say...."
So, it's memorial day. Call someone you love and tell them you love them. Stop the people walking through your house and tell them that you love them. In the living years.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E, yes thats the book for me, I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.
We all learned the song, yet many Christians do not take up the book and read it. Some are afraid of it. Some have not the time. Others have tried, and become lost or confused.
Many just do not know where to begin. Here are my suggestions. Start with the books that are easier to understand, easier to relate to.
In the Old Testament, Genesis, Judges, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes. [anyone out there that has other Old Testament suggestions, please chime in.] In the New Testament: any of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The book of acts is great. Take Paul's letters after you have read the gospels. Leave Revelation for another day.
You might want to get into a disciple one study this fall. Many have benefited by the opportunity to cruise through scripture in this class, and to do it with other friends.
Happy reading!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
We all learned the song, yet many Christians do not take up the book and read it. Some are afraid of it. Some have not the time. Others have tried, and become lost or confused.
Many just do not know where to begin. Here are my suggestions. Start with the books that are easier to understand, easier to relate to.
In the Old Testament, Genesis, Judges, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes. [anyone out there that has other Old Testament suggestions, please chime in.] In the New Testament: any of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The book of acts is great. Take Paul's letters after you have read the gospels. Leave Revelation for another day.
You might want to get into a disciple one study this fall. Many have benefited by the opportunity to cruise through scripture in this class, and to do it with other friends.
Happy reading!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
getting older
Now, I understand that getting older is all relative. If I am younger than you are, you may not think I know about growing older. I talked to a 23 year old the other day who complained about getting older because there was nothing to look forward to any more.
Regardless of your age, we are all getting older. When you stop getting older, there is a funeral in your near future.
So, here is my point, as another birthday looms on the horizon for me, I am thinking about getting older. Changes in my body. Changes in how I feel. Changes. And you know, it is not as bad as I thought it was going to be when I was young. I actually enjoy some of the benefits of being older.
Like what? Well, I don't worry as much as I used to. I have learned and retained a great deal of information. I know a ton of people. I have oodles of life experience that I can apply to the decisions that I make. I can be an encouragement to others. I know what it is like to raise a kid from birth through college [almost].
When people comment on how old I am getting, I like to say, "well, I hope that you get to be 52 some day." After all, it is a privilege, not a right.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Regardless of your age, we are all getting older. When you stop getting older, there is a funeral in your near future.
So, here is my point, as another birthday looms on the horizon for me, I am thinking about getting older. Changes in my body. Changes in how I feel. Changes. And you know, it is not as bad as I thought it was going to be when I was young. I actually enjoy some of the benefits of being older.
Like what? Well, I don't worry as much as I used to. I have learned and retained a great deal of information. I know a ton of people. I have oodles of life experience that I can apply to the decisions that I make. I can be an encouragement to others. I know what it is like to raise a kid from birth through college [almost].
When people comment on how old I am getting, I like to say, "well, I hope that you get to be 52 some day." After all, it is a privilege, not a right.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 28, 2010
my ministry
My ministry. I heard a pastor say it the other day. We have done such and such in "my ministry." "My ministry" focuses on such and such. My ministry has been successful. My. My. My. Me. Mine.
Ugh. It makes me cringe. I just want to pop the people that say this. Let me rant for a minute.
Pastor, it is not your ministry! It is the ministry of Christ! It is not about you, it can never be about you and it cannot sound like it is about you. To the degree that you make it sound like it is about you, the work of Christ is hurt.
True ministry points past the person doing the ministry, to the object of the ministry- Jesus. It is a great privilege that any pastor has to be in the ministry of Christ. It is a privilege, not a right. It is not my ministry. It is the ministry of Christ. I just get to help for a while, and so do all of you.
Ok, that's all. I am done with that, until the next time that I hear someone say it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Ugh. It makes me cringe. I just want to pop the people that say this. Let me rant for a minute.
Pastor, it is not your ministry! It is the ministry of Christ! It is not about you, it can never be about you and it cannot sound like it is about you. To the degree that you make it sound like it is about you, the work of Christ is hurt.
True ministry points past the person doing the ministry, to the object of the ministry- Jesus. It is a great privilege that any pastor has to be in the ministry of Christ. It is a privilege, not a right. It is not my ministry. It is the ministry of Christ. I just get to help for a while, and so do all of you.
Ok, that's all. I am done with that, until the next time that I hear someone say it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"no"
Sometimes you have to say it, the word we hate to hear, "no". If you are a parent you better learn to say it. Children who get everything that they want are in for a rude awakening later in life. If you are in charge of something you have to decide, yes or no, many times. To be a leader you must learn to be able to say no in a manner that keeps people connected.
"No" can be delivered in a way that is painful, or no can be delivered in as kind of a way as possible. To those on the receiving end of a "no" it can still feel the same. That is why we have to put on our big boy or big girl clothes when we hear a no. We can't always get what we want, and we are not in charge of everything.
If you are the one making decisions, understand this: to say yes to something is to say no to something else. To be a leader, you must be willing to stand for what you are trying to accomplish and to understand that the choices that you make to help achieve those goals, by definition exclude other choices.
There will always be yesses and there will always be no's. Life goes on.
Here are a few "no's". No to apathy. No to ignorance. No to taking the easy way. No to spending more that we should. No to hurting others whenever possible. No to hate. No to selfishness. No to spiritual blindness.
Now, that opens us up for some yesses. Yes to caring, yes to hard work, yes to being frugal, yes to being responsible, yes to kindness, yes to love, yes to being awake.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
"No" can be delivered in a way that is painful, or no can be delivered in as kind of a way as possible. To those on the receiving end of a "no" it can still feel the same. That is why we have to put on our big boy or big girl clothes when we hear a no. We can't always get what we want, and we are not in charge of everything.
If you are the one making decisions, understand this: to say yes to something is to say no to something else. To be a leader, you must be willing to stand for what you are trying to accomplish and to understand that the choices that you make to help achieve those goals, by definition exclude other choices.
There will always be yesses and there will always be no's. Life goes on.
Here are a few "no's". No to apathy. No to ignorance. No to taking the easy way. No to spending more that we should. No to hurting others whenever possible. No to hate. No to selfishness. No to spiritual blindness.
Now, that opens us up for some yesses. Yes to caring, yes to hard work, yes to being frugal, yes to being responsible, yes to kindness, yes to love, yes to being awake.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
swimming
I found a swimming pool last night. I have not been in a pool since last year. I remembered something wonderful that I had forgotten.
When I get into the pool, I am a teenager again.
My knees don't hurt, my skin feels good. I float and glide like a youngster. My brain actually flashed back to when I was a teenager and would swim with my sister. I remembered the scene from the movie "Cocoon" in which Jessica Tandy and Don Ameche and friends all were healed in the swimming pool.
It felt great. I should swim more often.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
When I get into the pool, I am a teenager again.
My knees don't hurt, my skin feels good. I float and glide like a youngster. My brain actually flashed back to when I was a teenager and would swim with my sister. I remembered the scene from the movie "Cocoon" in which Jessica Tandy and Don Ameche and friends all were healed in the swimming pool.
It felt great. I should swim more often.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
welcome new reader
Welcome to a new reader. I guess they show up from time to time and I do not know it. Someone that for some reason gets interested in Jeff's random stuff. I love you all and welcome you all.
But. This newest reader is someone very special. You know how you have babies and then when they turn into teenagers they are no longer interested in you? It's like you get dumb when they turn 13? They don't kiss you goodbye any more. They go off seeking their independence. You always hope that one day they will come back. You hope that they will start to see that you are ok.
My latest reader is my oldest daughter!! She lives in an apartment downtown, and I guess she is bored, because she has started reading about hearing the birds sing. Now I have to tell you, that makes my day. That makes me totally happy. I feel a little smarter.
It's a beautiful day in Good's world, be sure to see the good.
But. This newest reader is someone very special. You know how you have babies and then when they turn into teenagers they are no longer interested in you? It's like you get dumb when they turn 13? They don't kiss you goodbye any more. They go off seeking their independence. You always hope that one day they will come back. You hope that they will start to see that you are ok.
My latest reader is my oldest daughter!! She lives in an apartment downtown, and I guess she is bored, because she has started reading about hearing the birds sing. Now I have to tell you, that makes my day. That makes me totally happy. I feel a little smarter.
It's a beautiful day in Good's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 24, 2010
losing things
I lost a credit card last week. It took me three days to find it. I lost my wallet again last night.
Do you ever lose things? Misplace them? Your keys? Your checkbook? Wallet? It seems to happen to me way too much. I have often thought of this as a function of getting older, you know, the hard drive is just full and I can't remember anything anymore.
Anthony Demello says that if this is happening to you on a regular basis, then you are too busy. You are so busy that you are not paying adequate attention to what you are doing. You go from one thing to the next so fast that you are not aware of what is going on around you.
He says that the real problem with this is not that you can't find your keys. The real problem is that you are missing life. You are passing by the beauty, you are not smelling the roses. Slow down and touch every moment. Your wallet is right where you left it. God's stuff is also right where he put it. His trees, his birds, his love, his miracles. They are all there for the experiencing for those who are aware and awake to the gift of being alive.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Do you ever lose things? Misplace them? Your keys? Your checkbook? Wallet? It seems to happen to me way too much. I have often thought of this as a function of getting older, you know, the hard drive is just full and I can't remember anything anymore.
Anthony Demello says that if this is happening to you on a regular basis, then you are too busy. You are so busy that you are not paying adequate attention to what you are doing. You go from one thing to the next so fast that you are not aware of what is going on around you.
He says that the real problem with this is not that you can't find your keys. The real problem is that you are missing life. You are passing by the beauty, you are not smelling the roses. Slow down and touch every moment. Your wallet is right where you left it. God's stuff is also right where he put it. His trees, his birds, his love, his miracles. They are all there for the experiencing for those who are aware and awake to the gift of being alive.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
lawn mower
Well my wife likes to mow the grass. That is a pretty good woman I would say. So yesterday she goes out to mow, and comes rushing in, upset that the mower is broken. It doesn't sound right. something is broken. This is really important. She wants me to leave the sermon work to go look at the mower.
ok. Put the sermon down, lets go look at the mower.
Now my Dad taught me something about problem solving that I have always remembered. Start with the most simple, cheapest solution first and go on from there. Don't pay for an engine overhaul if all you need is a fuel filter. So back to the mower. I pull it over into the shade. I check the oil. The oil is fine. I open the gas tank. Hmm. empty. Could be a problem. motors usually need gas. that is why they are called gasoline engines.
I get the gas can and fill up the mower. I prime it. I pull the cord. It starts right up. Problem solved. The broken mower was out of gas.
I wish all of my friends had wives that liked to mow. Now if I could just get her to check the gas tank.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
ok. Put the sermon down, lets go look at the mower.
Now my Dad taught me something about problem solving that I have always remembered. Start with the most simple, cheapest solution first and go on from there. Don't pay for an engine overhaul if all you need is a fuel filter. So back to the mower. I pull it over into the shade. I check the oil. The oil is fine. I open the gas tank. Hmm. empty. Could be a problem. motors usually need gas. that is why they are called gasoline engines.
I get the gas can and fill up the mower. I prime it. I pull the cord. It starts right up. Problem solved. The broken mower was out of gas.
I wish all of my friends had wives that liked to mow. Now if I could just get her to check the gas tank.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
1,000 people
1,000 people. How many people do you know? 100? 1,000? 10,000?
I ran into someone last night that I forgot that I knew. They came up to me and we were talking and they were so nice. Well, it seems that some years ago we had been connected. In another world, in another life, in a galaxy a long long time ago.
I had forgotten. They remembered. They were so glad to see me. They recounted how nice I was to them and how encouraging I had been. We had a nice visit.
I guess the moral of this story is that every single person that you meet is someone that we should be caring about. You may not even remember them in 5 years, but a good word at the right time will often touch the recipient. Every time that you are around anyone is an opportunity for you to leave a mark of love. They won't forget.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I ran into someone last night that I forgot that I knew. They came up to me and we were talking and they were so nice. Well, it seems that some years ago we had been connected. In another world, in another life, in a galaxy a long long time ago.
I had forgotten. They remembered. They were so glad to see me. They recounted how nice I was to them and how encouraging I had been. We had a nice visit.
I guess the moral of this story is that every single person that you meet is someone that we should be caring about. You may not even remember them in 5 years, but a good word at the right time will often touch the recipient. Every time that you are around anyone is an opportunity for you to leave a mark of love. They won't forget.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 21, 2010
root canal
It's like getting a root canal. That is what we say when something is uncomfortable. But there is no substitute like a real root canal. I had one yesterday.
Five shots in your mouth. The last two are really deep. Ouch.
Then the drilling begins. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. GGG. grind. gggggg. zzzzzz.
Then packing of the drilled out canal. Then patching of the tooth. My root canal was through a crown, so it was particularly enjoyable having them drill through the steel crown.
Then you're done. Here's the bill. Everything is fine. Chew on anything you like. Eat whatever you want. Take ibuprofen. You're gonna hurt when the Novocain wears off.
Ouch. sore mouth today.
But, thank God we live in a world of dentistry. In a country where dentists are available. A root canal. If that is the worst thing that happens to me this week, well, I guess we will be ok.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Five shots in your mouth. The last two are really deep. Ouch.
Then the drilling begins. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. zzzzzzzz. zzzzzz. GGG. grind. gggggg. zzzzzz.
Then packing of the drilled out canal. Then patching of the tooth. My root canal was through a crown, so it was particularly enjoyable having them drill through the steel crown.
Then you're done. Here's the bill. Everything is fine. Chew on anything you like. Eat whatever you want. Take ibuprofen. You're gonna hurt when the Novocain wears off.
Ouch. sore mouth today.
But, thank God we live in a world of dentistry. In a country where dentists are available. A root canal. If that is the worst thing that happens to me this week, well, I guess we will be ok.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
a text
This week, a mother who attends our church received this text from her teenage daughter:
:*(last4danitebut:Dcomesndamrnin
Do you see the message? It is from Sunday's sermon. It is Psalm 30:5
"weeping lasts for the night but joy comes in the morning."
I love it when I see our kids taking in and applying what they hear in church. The fact that we have teenagers listening is awesome to me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
:*(last4danitebut:Dcomesndamrnin
Do you see the message? It is from Sunday's sermon. It is Psalm 30:5
"weeping lasts for the night but joy comes in the morning."
I love it when I see our kids taking in and applying what they hear in church. The fact that we have teenagers listening is awesome to me.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
something good
Where are you? How are things going in your life? Do you need something good to happen to you? Then put yourself in a position to find what you are looking for.
If you want to make new friends, then stop hanging out with the old ones. If you want to be more positive, then hang around positive people. If you want to enjoy your home, then spend some time there. If you want to enjoy the gift of God in creation, then plant a flower.
I talk to a lot of people who wish their life was different, but they are stuck in a rut in less than positive circumstances. Get away from those negative nellies. Surround yourself with those who will lift you up. Make an investment in the good and you are much more likely to see it come to pass.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
If you want to make new friends, then stop hanging out with the old ones. If you want to be more positive, then hang around positive people. If you want to enjoy your home, then spend some time there. If you want to enjoy the gift of God in creation, then plant a flower.
I talk to a lot of people who wish their life was different, but they are stuck in a rut in less than positive circumstances. Get away from those negative nellies. Surround yourself with those who will lift you up. Make an investment in the good and you are much more likely to see it come to pass.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
scriptures from Sunday
Several have asked for the scriptures that I shared on Sunday. The ones that i described as some of my favorites. here they are:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 30:5
Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able so separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5 16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
There they are. print them out and put them in your pocket, on your mirror, or on your refrigerator.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 30:5
Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able so separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5 16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
There they are. print them out and put them in your pocket, on your mirror, or on your refrigerator.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, May 17, 2010
for the one
Oh, to get into the mind of a preacher. Sunday comes again and again. You better have something inspirational to say, and it better be good.
Your insecurities sometimes come out. Who am I to speak to these people? What am I going to say that they haven't heard before?
You look out at the kind and loving faces and realize that you have been here for so long that almost all of them know everything about you. Every thought, every story, every sermon line.
You are wondering if this sermon is going to do anything for anyone. It's just more of that "put your trust in Jesus stuff."
[now if that sounds like a weird statement, it is. Please give way to the strange things that brains think. Of course the trusting in Jesus stuff is the good stuff. it is the only stuff, but sometimes you have this funny feeling that you should be providing something new. As if there was a new gospel.]
Back to the story. so, you are kind of consumed with your own worries. Your insecurities are floating to the top. Then you see the person. The one. You know what they are facing in their life. They are in as difficult of a spot as anyone could every be. Your heart goes out to them. You realize that they are here looking for a poignant moment, for a bit of inspiration, for a touch from God.
Your feelings change. Now you know that while 1000 others may have heard it all before, this one will hear it today as if they have never heard it before. The thoughts about the sermon change. The joy of the gospel touching a needy heart rises to the top. It is time to preach. You don't even look at them, you don't have to, because you know their heart will be taking it all in. And the words go out, to all, to the one. And you know that the part about trusting in Christ lands in at least one heart that is looking for hope in their life. Probably a lot of others too.
So for you, you who is the one. The one whose heart is in desperate need. From the heart of a sometimes worried, sometimes confident, less than perfect, sometimes insecure servant of God, here it is, the gospel, the good news. Put your trust in Jesus. He can fill the emptiness inside of you. For the one, for you. And for everyone else of the 1,000 as well, it is still the good news. It is the only news.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Your insecurities sometimes come out. Who am I to speak to these people? What am I going to say that they haven't heard before?
You look out at the kind and loving faces and realize that you have been here for so long that almost all of them know everything about you. Every thought, every story, every sermon line.
You are wondering if this sermon is going to do anything for anyone. It's just more of that "put your trust in Jesus stuff."
[now if that sounds like a weird statement, it is. Please give way to the strange things that brains think. Of course the trusting in Jesus stuff is the good stuff. it is the only stuff, but sometimes you have this funny feeling that you should be providing something new. As if there was a new gospel.]
Back to the story. so, you are kind of consumed with your own worries. Your insecurities are floating to the top. Then you see the person. The one. You know what they are facing in their life. They are in as difficult of a spot as anyone could every be. Your heart goes out to them. You realize that they are here looking for a poignant moment, for a bit of inspiration, for a touch from God.
Your feelings change. Now you know that while 1000 others may have heard it all before, this one will hear it today as if they have never heard it before. The thoughts about the sermon change. The joy of the gospel touching a needy heart rises to the top. It is time to preach. You don't even look at them, you don't have to, because you know their heart will be taking it all in. And the words go out, to all, to the one. And you know that the part about trusting in Christ lands in at least one heart that is looking for hope in their life. Probably a lot of others too.
So for you, you who is the one. The one whose heart is in desperate need. From the heart of a sometimes worried, sometimes confident, less than perfect, sometimes insecure servant of God, here it is, the gospel, the good news. Put your trust in Jesus. He can fill the emptiness inside of you. For the one, for you. And for everyone else of the 1,000 as well, it is still the good news. It is the only news.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
teeth
Teeth are better when you are young. Fewer problems, less pain. You have a cavity, they fix it. By the time you get to be my age, well, I have 3 crowns at least and I seem to constantly be goofing something up in my mouth.
It is not my dentist's fault, he is awesome. I just forget and chew on things that I shouldn't. And it always happens on a friday about 4pm. That way, I get to deal with the pain until monday.
Dealing with pain is good, I have decided that it builds character.
I don't know what i have done this time, but I will be glad when tomorrow gets here and my heroic dentist can again solve the problem that I have created in my mouth. You see I was eating licorish and atomic fire balls. There was this cracking noise. Say no more.
I once had a dentist who had this plaque on his wall:
"Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
It is not my dentist's fault, he is awesome. I just forget and chew on things that I shouldn't. And it always happens on a friday about 4pm. That way, I get to deal with the pain until monday.
Dealing with pain is good, I have decided that it builds character.
I don't know what i have done this time, but I will be glad when tomorrow gets here and my heroic dentist can again solve the problem that I have created in my mouth. You see I was eating licorish and atomic fire balls. There was this cracking noise. Say no more.
I once had a dentist who had this plaque on his wall:
"Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Yes, I have a facebook page. There is only one reason why I got on facebook. I wanted to keep up with what my children were doing.
I check facebook once a month or so. So don't be offended if it takes me a while to confirm you as a friend. I don't like the message system on facebook and I find it difficult to reply to messages posted there. Please don't be offended. I just can't spend time at work on facebook every day answering messages. I have an email address at church, it is jeffb@woodschapelchurch.org. That is much easier for me.
Ok, I have to say this too. I don't have time for the facebook junk. I don't do mafia wars. I don't do the farm thing. I don't join facebook clubs. I don't trade facebook hugs. I do not want to tie up my computer with the applications and I just frankly do not have the time.
So please don't be offended if I am not up to speed with everything on facebook. Thanks for your understanding.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I check facebook once a month or so. So don't be offended if it takes me a while to confirm you as a friend. I don't like the message system on facebook and I find it difficult to reply to messages posted there. Please don't be offended. I just can't spend time at work on facebook every day answering messages. I have an email address at church, it is jeffb@woodschapelchurch.org. That is much easier for me.
Ok, I have to say this too. I don't have time for the facebook junk. I don't do mafia wars. I don't do the farm thing. I don't join facebook clubs. I don't trade facebook hugs. I do not want to tie up my computer with the applications and I just frankly do not have the time.
So please don't be offended if I am not up to speed with everything on facebook. Thanks for your understanding.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, May 14, 2010
dream
Tuesday and Wednesday our staff was at a retreat at Wilderness Camp in Lawson, MO. Sometime in the night or early morning, sleeping in a sleeping bag on one of those camp hard plastic mattresses, I had a dream.
In my dream I was in the bath tub. Kris Bartman came in. [it's ok, we are both boys]. He said in a tone that got my attention, "get a towel and stand up." I wanted to comply, but I was trying to process what he was saying. He repeated his words, "get a towel and stand up."
I stood up and grabbed a towel. Standing next to Kris was my Dad. Not the 72 year old, barely able to walk Dad, but my Dad when he was about 60. He still had the smile, the ornery, the hope.
Dad, dad, what? What is this? I pulled up his sleeve to check for the scar on his bicep. It was there. I showed it to Kris. Dad, how can this be? He told me that he had been forced by circumstances to fake his death. He had been living in suburb not far away and had married a woman names Sara.
Now they say that dreams only last for 20 seconds or so, but I have to tell you, this one seemed to go on for hours. I loved it. It was like being in heaven. I don't think that the dream really means anything, but I sure did enjoy spending the time with my Dad. When I woke up, I had a feeling in my heart that you only get when you are close to someone that you love. It was awesome.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
In my dream I was in the bath tub. Kris Bartman came in. [it's ok, we are both boys]. He said in a tone that got my attention, "get a towel and stand up." I wanted to comply, but I was trying to process what he was saying. He repeated his words, "get a towel and stand up."
I stood up and grabbed a towel. Standing next to Kris was my Dad. Not the 72 year old, barely able to walk Dad, but my Dad when he was about 60. He still had the smile, the ornery, the hope.
Dad, dad, what? What is this? I pulled up his sleeve to check for the scar on his bicep. It was there. I showed it to Kris. Dad, how can this be? He told me that he had been forced by circumstances to fake his death. He had been living in suburb not far away and had married a woman names Sara.
Now they say that dreams only last for 20 seconds or so, but I have to tell you, this one seemed to go on for hours. I loved it. It was like being in heaven. I don't think that the dream really means anything, but I sure did enjoy spending the time with my Dad. When I woke up, I had a feeling in my heart that you only get when you are close to someone that you love. It was awesome.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Lou, continued
This rotten dog is frankly allowing me to enjoy some joyful moments. He is giving me a respite from the really painful things that I am dealing with.
Ok. You all had lots of fun with Lou's potential dental bill. I liked the idea of dental implants and veniers for him. Now it gets worse.
The vet missed it, but the groomer found it. Found them. Worms. Lou has worms. Probably just one worm they say, a tape worm. You might ask, how do dogs get tape worms? From eating rodents, birds and rabbits.
So, it all makes sense. He munches on rabbits, his teeth fall out, and he ends up with a tape worm. In my house, there is a tape worm!! Are you kidding.
Oh, thank God for the funny moments that take your mind off of the really painful stuff.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
two new pair of glasses
Well it finally happened. The eyes don't see like they used to. Over time I adapted to this poor vision but it had got to the point where I needed help. The glasses will help me to see better. They will bring things in focus. That was how last week ended. Not a big deal. In fact, I'm looking forward to seeing things more clearly.
Now the second pair of glasses someone gave to me two days ago. They came in the form of an e-mail. This person took the time to write me about one of my kids. It was all good...very good. The stuff you always hope to hear one day. Kids grow up and begin to "get it"....you hope. You work hard with them, you hope it pays off. Its just hard to see it from your vantage point.
As we grind through things day in day out it is sometimes hard to see clearly the changes that occur around us. We loose focus…. sometimes we loose hope. Maybe we can be that new pair of glasses to someone else. Help them see things a little differently...more clearly.....provide a little hope.
Peace,
Lions Den Man
Now the second pair of glasses someone gave to me two days ago. They came in the form of an e-mail. This person took the time to write me about one of my kids. It was all good...very good. The stuff you always hope to hear one day. Kids grow up and begin to "get it"....you hope. You work hard with them, you hope it pays off. Its just hard to see it from your vantage point.
As we grind through things day in day out it is sometimes hard to see clearly the changes that occur around us. We loose focus…. sometimes we loose hope. Maybe we can be that new pair of glasses to someone else. Help them see things a little differently...more clearly.....provide a little hope.
Peace,
Lions Den Man
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