This quote showed up in my mailbox at church. I don't know who it is from, but I liked it.
To recognize need, and to respond, one must not only see with eyes, but also with heart.
The capability to help, absent the comprehension of and the compassion to the plight and the commitment to betterment, is a sad waste of capability.
Compassion, empathy, tolerance, optimism, dedication, capability, etc. grow and strengthen each time employed.
To see need and not respond is a lost opportunity to warm and grow all hearts.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
who affects who
Who acts upon whom? Who affects who?
Most people measure their position in the life by how the world affects them, by how various events affect them.
Great people see the world differently. They wake up in the morning and look for a way to touch their world. They are not the pawns of chance or circumstance. They are an active force, seeking to affect the world and make it a better place.
Those who choose the former are doomed to a life of struggle and complaint. Those who choose the latter are amazing people. They are a force of nature. They are indeed great people.
Every day we wake up, we have a chance to make a choice about which kind of person we will be. Which do you choose?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Most people measure their position in the life by how the world affects them, by how various events affect them.
Great people see the world differently. They wake up in the morning and look for a way to touch their world. They are not the pawns of chance or circumstance. They are an active force, seeking to affect the world and make it a better place.
Those who choose the former are doomed to a life of struggle and complaint. Those who choose the latter are amazing people. They are a force of nature. They are indeed great people.
Every day we wake up, we have a chance to make a choice about which kind of person we will be. Which do you choose?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
in between
Someone mentioned that they were in between the great moments of life. Just coming off of one great experience, now they were in a lull or a rut until the next.
I disagree.
To those who are awake, this is impossible. There are no mundane days. Every moment is a glorious great one. Every opportunity is enormous. Every breath is divine.
Are you anxiously waiting for a person you love to land at the airport? Don't waste these moments waiting for the next one. Strike up a conversation with someone near you. Make a new friend. Extend kindness to the janitor.
There are no in between moments for those who understand missional living. Life is here for you today. You may not have tomorrow. Take it up. Grip the opportunity. The amazingness of today is there, just waiting to be noticed by you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I disagree.
To those who are awake, this is impossible. There are no mundane days. Every moment is a glorious great one. Every opportunity is enormous. Every breath is divine.
Are you anxiously waiting for a person you love to land at the airport? Don't waste these moments waiting for the next one. Strike up a conversation with someone near you. Make a new friend. Extend kindness to the janitor.
There are no in between moments for those who understand missional living. Life is here for you today. You may not have tomorrow. Take it up. Grip the opportunity. The amazingness of today is there, just waiting to be noticed by you.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, April 27, 2015
The Holy Spirit
Many people have tried to control and explain the Holy Spirit. They try to confine him to their doctrinal box. The problem with this is that in Scripture, and in life, the Spirit is seen working in so many different ways. No doctrinal box can confine him.
Maybe instead of trying to control the Spirit, we should relax, release, and relent and allow the Spirit to control us. That is the way God designed it to work. We are not leading the dog, the dog is leading us. We are not leading or controlling the God, the God is leading us.
When we finally come to the place where we realize that God is bigger than we are, we can find the joy of just living with him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Maybe instead of trying to control the Spirit, we should relax, release, and relent and allow the Spirit to control us. That is the way God designed it to work. We are not leading the dog, the dog is leading us. We are not leading or controlling the God, the God is leading us.
When we finally come to the place where we realize that God is bigger than we are, we can find the joy of just living with him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
depression
After her death, we learned that Mother Teresa struggled with bouts of depression. Some people were shocked.
Why were they shocked? Because we have this silly notion that truly spiritual people do not have problems. That is silly. We are all human. Being spiritual is not being problem free, being spiritual is finding the Shepherd in your dark valleys.
Never feel embarrassed because you have a problem. We all have them. Open your heart to God and throw yourself upon Him. Let the consolation of the Holy Spirit comfort you. It is ok to be broken. You don't have to be perfect. You can't be perfect.
God loves you anyway. There is no need to pretend. Fall into his loving arms.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Why were they shocked? Because we have this silly notion that truly spiritual people do not have problems. That is silly. We are all human. Being spiritual is not being problem free, being spiritual is finding the Shepherd in your dark valleys.
Never feel embarrassed because you have a problem. We all have them. Open your heart to God and throw yourself upon Him. Let the consolation of the Holy Spirit comfort you. It is ok to be broken. You don't have to be perfect. You can't be perfect.
God loves you anyway. There is no need to pretend. Fall into his loving arms.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Mother Teresa 2
Why do we revere Mother Teresa?
Some religious people insist that you do it their way. She did not.
Some religious people make all sorts of moral absolutes and force them on others. She did not.
Some religious people judge and condemn others. She did not.
Some religious people read lots of books and learn all of the theology. She did not.
Some religious people cover their cars with bumper stickers. She did not.
Study is important. Witness is important. Values are important. But there is a more excellent way. The greatest gift is love. If we don't love others, nothing else matters. If we do not love others, we are missing the boat. You can think you are totally right and actually be totally wrong.
We revere Mother Teresa because she was an example of selfless love. Her example inspires any who watch, to follow in her path, which is the path of Jesus Christ.
There are two roads in life. Those who choose the path of love are always glad that they did.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Some religious people insist that you do it their way. She did not.
Some religious people make all sorts of moral absolutes and force them on others. She did not.
Some religious people judge and condemn others. She did not.
Some religious people read lots of books and learn all of the theology. She did not.
Some religious people cover their cars with bumper stickers. She did not.
Study is important. Witness is important. Values are important. But there is a more excellent way. The greatest gift is love. If we don't love others, nothing else matters. If we do not love others, we are missing the boat. You can think you are totally right and actually be totally wrong.
We revere Mother Teresa because she was an example of selfless love. Her example inspires any who watch, to follow in her path, which is the path of Jesus Christ.
There are two roads in life. Those who choose the path of love are always glad that they did.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, April 24, 2015
friends
One of God's greatest gifts in this life is the gift of a friend.
My whole life I had one friend at a time. Grade school, one friend. Jr. High, one friend. Sr. High, one. College, one. On and on this went for years.
Then I moved to Woods Chapel and I found many, many friends. Church friends, mission friends, softball friends, neighbor friends, staff friends, and bowling friends. Today I can tell you that I have won the friend lottery.
I am learning also that my son is moving from the world of father/son, to the world of friendship. This is a great gift that has provided me with much joy.
Friends, laugh with you, cry with you, and maybe they help you move. To have a friend is to have a treasure indeed.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
My whole life I had one friend at a time. Grade school, one friend. Jr. High, one friend. Sr. High, one. College, one. On and on this went for years.
Then I moved to Woods Chapel and I found many, many friends. Church friends, mission friends, softball friends, neighbor friends, staff friends, and bowling friends. Today I can tell you that I have won the friend lottery.
I am learning also that my son is moving from the world of father/son, to the world of friendship. This is a great gift that has provided me with much joy.
Friends, laugh with you, cry with you, and maybe they help you move. To have a friend is to have a treasure indeed.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Mother Teresa
I was at St. Mary's hospital some years ago. I was waiting for the elevator. My mind was filled with worry and concern about some random thing that was going on in my life. Then my eyes fell to a framed letter that was hanging on the wall nearby. Evidently one of the hospital administrators had written to Mother Teresa - surprise - she wrote back!
Dated March 10, 1986
Dear
Mr. Coen,
Thank
you very much for your letter and good wishes.
Thank God for God. For using our
nothingness to show his love. He calls
me, he calls you – each of us to be his sign of love to each other. This is a great privilege that he shares with us.
I
shall pray that you may learn to love him much and share this love with those
around you, your loved ones, first, then your neighbors and every person that
you meet.
God
bless you
Mother M. Teresa
Reading that letter changed my day and gave me something to think about. I have never forgotten the moment or the concept that to love others is a great privilege to which He calls us. Today the letter has been moved to a different area of the hospital. If you go in the east door at St Mary's, take an immediate right and go up the elevator to the second floor. Nearby, hanging on a wall is the letter, still delivering it's timeless message.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Florida
Rumors are swirling about the Brinkmans. Are Jeff and Cathy separating? Are they moving? Ahh the suspense, ahh the intrigue.
Ok here is the scoop. Tell anyone that asks to read this blog. I am growing weary of explaining this over and over.
We are downsizing. We are selling our home. My wife is changing jobs. She used to travel in her work and she is returning to the road. We had a weekend marriage for 7 years in the past from 2005 to 2012 and we are returning to that life.
We are buying a retirement place in Vero Beach, Florida. Cathy will be there two weekends per month. We are also renting a home in the Deerbrook neighborhood in Lees Summit. [near the LS Hobby Lobby] I will live there and Cathy will be with me there two weekends per month.
One week per month, not necessarily including a Sunday, I will visit her on the road. Maybe I will travel to Cleveland, or San Antonio or Florida, where ever she is working that week. We did this when she traveled for 7 years. In this modern age you can load up your cell phone and lap top and work from anywhere. Sherri Swanson says that I am the most productive when I am away from the office.
I will turn 58 this year. I plan on working til I am 65. If Woods Chapel and the Bishop want me to stay here, I am pleased to be the pastor at Woods Chapel for 7 more years, after that, I need to get out of the way and let someone younger take the reigns.
I am not leaving. We are not getting a divorce. All is well.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Ok here is the scoop. Tell anyone that asks to read this blog. I am growing weary of explaining this over and over.
We are downsizing. We are selling our home. My wife is changing jobs. She used to travel in her work and she is returning to the road. We had a weekend marriage for 7 years in the past from 2005 to 2012 and we are returning to that life.
We are buying a retirement place in Vero Beach, Florida. Cathy will be there two weekends per month. We are also renting a home in the Deerbrook neighborhood in Lees Summit. [near the LS Hobby Lobby] I will live there and Cathy will be with me there two weekends per month.
One week per month, not necessarily including a Sunday, I will visit her on the road. Maybe I will travel to Cleveland, or San Antonio or Florida, where ever she is working that week. We did this when she traveled for 7 years. In this modern age you can load up your cell phone and lap top and work from anywhere. Sherri Swanson says that I am the most productive when I am away from the office.
I will turn 58 this year. I plan on working til I am 65. If Woods Chapel and the Bishop want me to stay here, I am pleased to be the pastor at Woods Chapel for 7 more years, after that, I need to get out of the way and let someone younger take the reigns.
I am not leaving. We are not getting a divorce. All is well.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
tulips
We have lived in this house for 11 years. I have lived here longer than any other home, in my entire life. I am going to miss the place. We have enjoyed it and cared for it and I have planted so many flowers....... But, time marches on! We are downsizing. There will be other flowers and fewer steps to climb.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.Monday, April 20, 2015
corrected
I was whining the other day about something. My daughter interrupted me. She said something like, "Dad you are always telling me to see the good. You should stop this whining."
I thought, wait a minute, I barely see you anymore, and when I do, I rarely give you speeches on seeing the good. Why are you giving me this lecture?
Then I realized that she reads the blog every day. Oops. I stand corrected. Yes I do try to remind you to see the good everyday, not just because it is the right thing to do, but I also do it because I need the reminder myself.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good. You too Jeff.
I thought, wait a minute, I barely see you anymore, and when I do, I rarely give you speeches on seeing the good. Why are you giving me this lecture?
Then I realized that she reads the blog every day. Oops. I stand corrected. Yes I do try to remind you to see the good everyday, not just because it is the right thing to do, but I also do it because I need the reminder myself.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good. You too Jeff.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Beautiful
I am so fortunate to be the pastor at Woods Chapel. The buildings and grounds are beautiful and they speak to me of God every time I drive onto the property. But the hearts of the people are beautiful as well. I so appreciate every act of kindness, every anonymoustouch, every talent shared. You guys are the best.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
choice
We should celebrate the gift of choice. To be able to choose where to live. To be able to choose who you hang around with. To be able to select a church. We have so many choices. We take this for granted I think. We almost act like we are entitled to the freedom and power that choice gives us.
You have choices about who you are and who you will become. Are you happy with how your body looks? It's your choice. Usually people who get plastic surgery are still unhappy with how they look. To make a choice about something also requires that you adjust to and put up with the associated issues. I buy a small car, it is underpowered. It comes with the territory. You marry a person, for better or worse.
Will you get an education? your choice. Will you be nice? your choice. You may have grown up in an angry home but you can choose to be different. Contentment is a choice.
Who do you wish to become? Take the first step. It's your choice.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
You have choices about who you are and who you will become. Are you happy with how your body looks? It's your choice. Usually people who get plastic surgery are still unhappy with how they look. To make a choice about something also requires that you adjust to and put up with the associated issues. I buy a small car, it is underpowered. It comes with the territory. You marry a person, for better or worse.
Will you get an education? your choice. Will you be nice? your choice. You may have grown up in an angry home but you can choose to be different. Contentment is a choice.
Who do you wish to become? Take the first step. It's your choice.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, April 17, 2015
comfortable
A dear friend sent in this quote:
God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable.
He comforts us to make us comfort-ABLE.
That is: able to comfort and love others.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
In seminary they told us to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Personally I think that most churches spend too much time afflicting the afflicted with guilt and comforting the comfortable.
Somehow the kingdom must propel us out of our comfort and into mission for God.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable.
He comforts us to make us comfort-ABLE.
That is: able to comfort and love others.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
In seminary they told us to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Personally I think that most churches spend too much time afflicting the afflicted with guilt and comforting the comfortable.
Somehow the kingdom must propel us out of our comfort and into mission for God.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
praying
Again, one of the greatest sources of my inspiration comes from you my readers. Another dear friend shared this with me..........
"Once a man was asked, 'what did you gain by praying to God? ' The man replied, 'nothing...but let me tell you what I lost: Anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, and fear of death.' Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is not in gaining but losing; which ultimately is the gain."
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
"Once a man was asked, 'what did you gain by praying to God? ' The man replied, 'nothing...but let me tell you what I lost: Anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, and fear of death.' Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is not in gaining but losing; which ultimately is the gain."
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
K.E. 5
From Barbara Bass:
How many people do you meet on an average day? Do you bother to even say hello? I mostly go through my days ignoring the people that I encounter on a typical day. Christians are to be the salt and light of the world. It is our presence in this world that can make all the difference. If we are silent and fail to engage the world in conversation, then we have little impact.
I can't help but regret all the nice things that I have left unsaid. All too often I am quick to criticize, but oh so slow to compliment.
In my busy world, people are just blurs that pass me by and I think nothing of them. I wonder how different the world would be if I just started a few conversations, just randomly and casually, being very intentional about saying more than hello to the people that I see.
I was recently involved in the Kingdom Experiment class where studying the true meaning of the Beatitudes drew you closer to not just seeing the image of God in people, but to see them as God does. As we shared each week the outcome of our experiments, we all grew in our quest for a missional lifestyle, opening our eyes and hearts to those in the everyday mundane living. Even though the class has ended, I have truly walked away with an alertness to the opportunities to engage with strangers, purposefully, with the goodness of Jesus in me.
Can a person plan a story for their own life and live it intentionally?
Join the next edition of the Kingdom Experiment class tonight at 6:30 with Dave Hackett or Sunday morning at 9:05
How many people do you meet on an average day? Do you bother to even say hello? I mostly go through my days ignoring the people that I encounter on a typical day. Christians are to be the salt and light of the world. It is our presence in this world that can make all the difference. If we are silent and fail to engage the world in conversation, then we have little impact.
I can't help but regret all the nice things that I have left unsaid. All too often I am quick to criticize, but oh so slow to compliment.
In my busy world, people are just blurs that pass me by and I think nothing of them. I wonder how different the world would be if I just started a few conversations, just randomly and casually, being very intentional about saying more than hello to the people that I see.
I was recently involved in the Kingdom Experiment class where studying the true meaning of the Beatitudes drew you closer to not just seeing the image of God in people, but to see them as God does. As we shared each week the outcome of our experiments, we all grew in our quest for a missional lifestyle, opening our eyes and hearts to those in the everyday mundane living. Even though the class has ended, I have truly walked away with an alertness to the opportunities to engage with strangers, purposefully, with the goodness of Jesus in me.
Can a person plan a story for their own life and live it intentionally?
Join the next edition of the Kingdom Experiment class tonight at 6:30 with Dave Hackett or Sunday morning at 9:05
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
K.E. 4
Kingdom work
is for everyone, including men. Busy
husbands and fathers are kingdom people, too.
Here's what men in our church had to say about the Kingdom Experiment:
“I am definitely glad that I participated in the Kingdom
Experiment. Serving in our day-to-day lives is not only doable, but the
opportunities are abundant. Being conscious of these allows us to positively
affect many around us.” – Brent Parsons
I am very glad that I was able to participate in the Kingdom Experiment small group. Unlike typical study groups, the format of the class allows you to learn and experiment in Kingdom work. The class allowed me to gain greater perspective on the blessings that I have, the struggles others around the world face, and the opportunities I was missing everyday to connect people to Jesus. The experiments performed and the inspiration I gained from the experiments of other members of the group have caused me to be more intentional in my actions and priorities. - Jamie Allison
I am very glad that I was able to participate in the Kingdom Experiment small group. Unlike typical study groups, the format of the class allows you to learn and experiment in Kingdom work. The class allowed me to gain greater perspective on the blessings that I have, the struggles others around the world face, and the opportunities I was missing everyday to connect people to Jesus. The experiments performed and the inspiration I gained from the experiments of other members of the group have caused me to be more intentional in my actions and priorities. - Jamie Allison
Monday, April 13, 2015
K.E. 3
From Janet Smith:
When
I first heard about the Kingdom Experiment class, I was immediately intrigued.
I liked the idea of studying the beatitudes and selecting experiments that
would bring them to life for me.
During
the eight-week class, the other participants and I took an in-depth look at the
beatitudes, selected interesting and varied experiments, and talked about what
we experienced and learned. It was wonderful!
I
loved the conversations and insights gained by reading about and discussing the
beatitudes in depth. And the experiments were thought provoking, to say the
least. What’s it like to take cold showers for a week or surprise Google Fiber
workers with pizza or cookies? What happens when you really get to know the
office night-time custodian? How does it feel to pray intentionally for the
persecuted, the poor, and those who mourn? Why is it important to honor our
sacred spaces? Am I peace-lover, or a peace-maker? I learned and gained insight
from my own experiments (such as reaching out to that custodian), as well as
the experiments of others (I wasn’t brave enough to take cold showers, but
someone else in the class was!).
By
reading The Kingdom Experience book, participating in weekly experiments, and
(most of all!) being a part of the inspiring class discussions, I experienced
important personal growth. My desire to help others and make a difference in
the world has significantly intensified. And I have learned that by honoring
God through the beatitudes, a pathway emerges that leads to great joy.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
K.E. 2
More from the Kingdom Experiment....
From Mia Fulson:
I recently
finished a bible study titled "The Kingdom Experiment". This study was based on the Beatitudes. I always expect to gain new insights and to
be inspired after a study. This study
made me ask myself: "why did I wait so long?"
I had
projects to doing over the 8 weeks. Some
were easy and some were "safe".
I wrote a letter to a hurting friend, I donated to a program in another
country for a good cause, I simply noticed people more who tend to be invisible
in my community, and baked cookies for nearby construction workers. This was to make the kingdom a better
place. It did far more than that.
It changed
me!! I am learning to be kinder, more
patient, more compassionate, less judgmental, and more interactive with
strangers. I am definitely more
intentional and determined to brighten someone's day.
Why did I
wait so long? Why have I missed these
opportunities before? Why wouldn't I want to be more kind? Why can't I love others more? There is no excuse, but I have been blessed
with this NEW chance to do it NOW!! It
requires me to slow down, sometimes be inconvenienced and get
uncomfortable. It has been worth
it.
So readers,
who or what needs your attention? Have
you waited too long?
Who needs
your encouragement? Who in the world needs a hug or an act of kindness? Who can you compliment and make feel special?
Go out and
make this Kingdom a better place. I
promise - you will bring a smile upon our heavenly father's face.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
The Kingdom Experiment
We are kingdom people, working to build God’s kingdom on
earth. Are we kingdom people only when
we take a break from our normal lives to ‘do missions’? Or are we kingdom people every day in every
aspect of our lives?
This winter, a small group called ‘The Kingdom Experiment’
tackled these questions. Over the course
of two months, we conducted ‘experiments’ for the kingdom – things like writing
a letter to someone who is mourning, providing a microloan through kiva.org,
and sending care packages to families of children that have been murdered in
our city recently. Our eyes were opened
to the hurting and poverty in our city and our world. We prayed that God would help us to see the
world the way he sees it, and to change our hearts to become more like his
heart. We prayed that God would use us
to better his kingdom.
Over the next few days, we will share stories from members
of our church that participated in The Kingdom Experiment this winter. This group has an incredible energy and
momentum right now, as they are on fire for serving God and working for his
kingdom. Be inspired by their stories,
and then join us, beginning April 12 and for the next 7 weeks at 9:05, as we launch new small groups of The
Kingdom Experiment at WCC.
From Jill Parsons:
For me, the Kingdom Experiment began as an eight-week Sunday school class. But it became much more. It became motivating, inspiring, heart wrenching and mindset changing.
Each Sunday we focused on one of the Beatitudes and discussed a number of ways in which we could experiment with it that week. The options ranged from small behavior changes to taking action within our community and beyond. The next Sunday we shared our experiences.
I loved listening to the amount of good being done by our class. The Kingdom Experiment and my amazing classmates motivated me to serve in ways I hadn't before, inspired me to positively impact others on a daily basis, broke my heart by teaching me empathy for issues I had never before considered, and kept me focused on doing good in God’s Kingdom.
I am excited for the Kingdom Experiment to find its way into other classes, churches, and groups. Whether you’re currently active in missions or not, you’ll be glad to be a part of this movement!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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