Last week I was able to spend a few days with my wife, all of my children, my daughter's boyfriend, and my mother in law. We had a delightful time. [and you were expecting a mother in law joke]
Yes there were games, and laughter, there were jokes and discussions. There was turkey, dressing, potatoes and the like. There was the annual apology for some part of the dinner that did not meet the cook's expectations.
Looking back on the 2015 Thanksgiving, I am reminded of an old saying, "people are more important than ideas." Sometimes in a moment, we argue about spending money, shopping, saving money, politics and such. But if the people in our lives were gone, who would we talk to? Who would we spend time with? Isn't it silly to argue in the first place? If I don't agree with something that a loved one thinks, why is that my concern anyway? Do I want to drive them away?
People are more important than ideas. The opportunity to sit at a table with loved ones, share old memories, and make new ones is indeed a great privilege. I am thankful for my family.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
When in doubt, go!
I have been reading some sermon illustrations, and I found some that were very good, but not really fitting my sermon. Here is one about missional living:
One summer, a man spent the day on the beach in Jacksonville, Florida. The undertow was unusually strong that day, and more than once, lifeguards jumped down from their towers to rescue swimmers from the treacherous surf. Finally, the man went to the lifeguard station to express his appreciation for the dedication of these men. When he walked inside, he noticed a sign on the wall in large red letters: "If in doubt, go!" And the man said, "Those same words should be on the walls of every church and on the wall of every person's soul."
When in doubt, go!
One summer, a man spent the day on the beach in Jacksonville, Florida. The undertow was unusually strong that day, and more than once, lifeguards jumped down from their towers to rescue swimmers from the treacherous surf. Finally, the man went to the lifeguard station to express his appreciation for the dedication of these men. When he walked inside, he noticed a sign on the wall in large red letters: "If in doubt, go!" And the man said, "Those same words should be on the walls of every church and on the wall of every person's soul."
When in doubt, go!
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Never give up
Mexico City, 1968 -
Out of the cold darkness he came. John Stephen Akhwari, of Tanzania, entered at the far end of the stadium, pain hobbling his every step, his leg bloody and bandaged. The winner of the Olympic marathon had been declared over an hour earlier. Only a few spectators remained. But the lone runner pressed on. As he crossed the finish line, the small crowd roared out its appreciation. Afterward, a reporter asked the runner why he had not retired from the race, since he had no chance of winning. He seemed confused by the question. Finally, he answered: "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish."
I love this story. Never give up.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Out of the cold darkness he came. John Stephen Akhwari, of Tanzania, entered at the far end of the stadium, pain hobbling his every step, his leg bloody and bandaged. The winner of the Olympic marathon had been declared over an hour earlier. Only a few spectators remained. But the lone runner pressed on. As he crossed the finish line, the small crowd roared out its appreciation. Afterward, a reporter asked the runner why he had not retired from the race, since he had no chance of winning. He seemed confused by the question. Finally, he answered: "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish."
I love this story. Never give up.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Turkey Jokes
Because everyone needs a little humor from time to time - -
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!
If the Pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for?
Their AGE
Why can't you take a turkey to church?
Because they use such FOWL language
What are the feathers on a turkey's wings called?
Turkey feathers
Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?
Yes - a building can't jump at all
What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving
What kind of music did the Pilgrims like?
Plymouth Rock
Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks
Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good!
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!
If the Pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for?
Their AGE
Why can't you take a turkey to church?
Because they use such FOWL language
What are the feathers on a turkey's wings called?
Turkey feathers
Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?
Yes - a building can't jump at all
What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving
What kind of music did the Pilgrims like?
Plymouth Rock
Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks
Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
A prayer on Thanksgiving Day
Dear Father,
Thank you. On this day that our culture has set aside for giving thanks, we want to thank you. Thank you for flowers, for trees, for the warmth of the sun and the stars at night. Thank you for the cold weather that makes me appreciate Spring. Thank you for my friends. Thank you for every person that has ever loved me. Thank you for the feeling of goodness that I have when I see a friend.
Thank you for relatively good health. Thank you for the ability to see, to hear, to taste and smell. Thank you for all of the things that are going on in my body with out my knowledge: digestion, breathing, and rest at night. Thank you for the way that my body parts work in concert, all at the same time to perform various tasks.
Thank you for the stress that I feel and the problems that I have. Although I sometimes wish that they would go away, they actually keep me grounded in prayer.
Thank you for the food that we are about to consume. Please bless it. May none of it go to waste, and as we enjoy our bounty that you have provided, may we be ever mindful of our friends around the world who will not have a feast today. Motivate us to bless them, help us to hear your call to take a cup of water in your name.
Father, give us a heart that longs for you. Give us a heart that sees the good. Give us a heart that believes that in spite of the current news, this is our Father's world. Thank you for all that you are, and all that you do.
Thank you so much for everything. Thank you Father. Amen
Thank you. On this day that our culture has set aside for giving thanks, we want to thank you. Thank you for flowers, for trees, for the warmth of the sun and the stars at night. Thank you for the cold weather that makes me appreciate Spring. Thank you for my friends. Thank you for every person that has ever loved me. Thank you for the feeling of goodness that I have when I see a friend.
Thank you for relatively good health. Thank you for the ability to see, to hear, to taste and smell. Thank you for all of the things that are going on in my body with out my knowledge: digestion, breathing, and rest at night. Thank you for the way that my body parts work in concert, all at the same time to perform various tasks.
Thank you for the stress that I feel and the problems that I have. Although I sometimes wish that they would go away, they actually keep me grounded in prayer.
Thank you for the food that we are about to consume. Please bless it. May none of it go to waste, and as we enjoy our bounty that you have provided, may we be ever mindful of our friends around the world who will not have a feast today. Motivate us to bless them, help us to hear your call to take a cup of water in your name.
Father, give us a heart that longs for you. Give us a heart that sees the good. Give us a heart that believes that in spite of the current news, this is our Father's world. Thank you for all that you are, and all that you do.
Thank you so much for everything. Thank you Father. Amen
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
G.K. Chesterton
Gilbert K. Chesterton 1874-1936
Chesterton was a brilliant man. He had no college degree, but was known as a brilliant orator. When we came to town, the halls were packed. Everyone wanted to hear what he had to say. He spoke many eloquent words on gratitude.
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. –Gilbert K. Chesterton
There is no such thing on earth as an uninteresting subject; the only thing that can exist is an uninterested person. –G. K. Chesterton
The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them. –Gilbert K. Chesterton
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. –G. K. Chesterton
When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton
You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. –G. K. Chesterton
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I love it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Chesterton was a brilliant man. He had no college degree, but was known as a brilliant orator. When we came to town, the halls were packed. Everyone wanted to hear what he had to say. He spoke many eloquent words on gratitude.
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. –Gilbert K. Chesterton
There is no such thing on earth as an uninteresting subject; the only thing that can exist is an uninterested person. –G. K. Chesterton
The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them. –Gilbert K. Chesterton
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. –G. K. Chesterton
When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton
You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. –G. K. Chesterton
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I love it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
value
Value. Valuable.
We think it is contained in fancy cars or homes. We think it is held in a large bank account. But imagine those things with no one to share them with. Imagine that you make a million dollars, drive a BMW and live in a mansion, but have no friends. You would be missing one of the most important parts of life.
In fact, if I gave you a choice of having enough to get by and a ton of friends, or lots of money and no friends, eventually I think we would all chose to have less stuff and more friends. Yesterday I wandered around church and my eyes opened and I simply saw so many of the people that I value so much.
It feels so good to have people that we love in our lives. Thank you for being among them.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
We think it is contained in fancy cars or homes. We think it is held in a large bank account. But imagine those things with no one to share them with. Imagine that you make a million dollars, drive a BMW and live in a mansion, but have no friends. You would be missing one of the most important parts of life.
In fact, if I gave you a choice of having enough to get by and a ton of friends, or lots of money and no friends, eventually I think we would all chose to have less stuff and more friends. Yesterday I wandered around church and my eyes opened and I simply saw so many of the people that I value so much.
It feels so good to have people that we love in our lives. Thank you for being among them.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Amazing Life
A friend sent me this. She read it and thought of me. I love to think of how many friends that I have. I am truly rich in friends. This is a great thought.
Yes. It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Yes. It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Friends
I am thankful today for friends. I am talking about the people that look into your eyes and read you. They can tell if you are up or down. They laugh with you and they hurt with you. They love you in a way that goes beyond male or female - it is a thing of the soul.
And then I think, I remember that every single one of my friends that are this kind of friend, I met them all at the same place: church. Woods Chapel Church.
And today is Sunday! I get to go and see my very best friends. Thank God for friends! I hope to see you in God's house today.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
And then I think, I remember that every single one of my friends that are this kind of friend, I met them all at the same place: church. Woods Chapel Church.
And today is Sunday! I get to go and see my very best friends. Thank God for friends! I hope to see you in God's house today.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
the joy of generosity
One of our Financial Peace University teachers shared this delightful story......
I love our church too.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
We
had our last FPU class last night. It was a great class, and most of the
people came every week, and got a lot out of it! My husband and I really
enjoyed facilitating this class once again- it is a way we can pay forward all
we have learned from it over the years.
I
wanted to share one story. Last night, the topic was The Great
Misunderstanding- talking about giving (tithing, offerings, donating, helping
people in all ways). After the video, we had a great discussion, and one
of the questions was "how have you helped someone else that made a big
impact on you?" The class was very quiet, so my husband & I
shared a couple stories about how we have helped others
and were blessed by it, and also how we have also been blessed by
others when we were in a tough place. One 20-something husband said he
was embarrassed that no one had stories to share, and he wanted to start
giving. Another lady said that she has helped family members, but never
strangers. The discussion was very encouraging for working
toward living a life of giving to others. Later, when class was
over, everyone left and we were cleaning up. The 20 something husband and
his wife hung back and came to ask us for the address of one of the
attendees who sat at their table each week. She was a single mom, who has
been struggling, and has not yet been able to save up her $1,000 emergency fund (baby
step 1). This husband and his wife wanted to anonymously fund this single
mom's emergency fund!!! He didn't want to mail it, and thought they would
deliver it to her. We don't have her address, but will try and find a way
to help him do this.
This
totally made our whole night, and was well worth the time spent doing this
class. We can't do it during the winter months, but ask us again next
fall if you need someone to lead the class again. Thanks for the opportunity
to give back! I love our church.
I love our church too.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, November 20, 2015
thankful
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
Albert Schweitzer
I am so very thankful for those who lift me up when I am down. For the God who understands our frame, how we are made and our brokenness. I am thankful for the joy that I feel when I am around friends from church. I hope you have those in your life that buoy your spirit.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Albert Schweitzer
I am so very thankful for those who lift me up when I am down. For the God who understands our frame, how we are made and our brokenness. I am thankful for the joy that I feel when I am around friends from church. I hope you have those in your life that buoy your spirit.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
sleep
Today I am thankful for sleep. I covet sleep. I wish I was better at it. What a wonderful gift it is to sleep. During sleep our minds solve problems.
Last week I was upset about something and somehow, in the middle of the night, it got resolved. The argument in my brain about the situation was healed. I love it when that happens. I woke up, and I just knew that it would be ok, and it turned out that it was!
To sleep is to rest, and resting is good. Sleep renews us for another day. On a related note, I love the notion of laying your head down on the pillow with a clear conscience. It is so nice to go to bed, considering your life, and feel happy that all is well, or at least that you have made the best choices possible.
May you and I go to bed on time, fall asleep right away, and snooze all night. May God grant us the gift of sleep [not during the sermon.] I am thankful for the gift of, the miracle of sleep.
It's a beautiful day and night in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Last week I was upset about something and somehow, in the middle of the night, it got resolved. The argument in my brain about the situation was healed. I love it when that happens. I woke up, and I just knew that it would be ok, and it turned out that it was!
To sleep is to rest, and resting is good. Sleep renews us for another day. On a related note, I love the notion of laying your head down on the pillow with a clear conscience. It is so nice to go to bed, considering your life, and feel happy that all is well, or at least that you have made the best choices possible.
May you and I go to bed on time, fall asleep right away, and snooze all night. May God grant us the gift of sleep [not during the sermon.] I am thankful for the gift of, the miracle of sleep.
It's a beautiful day and night in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
normal
Today I am thankful for "normal religion." I grew up on heavy religion. It was certainly... well, heavy. Manipulation, guilt, heavy language, rigid thinking, my way or the highway. Watch out or you are going to hell. No one that I grew up with ever showed the joy of the Lord. They were all too worried, they were too scared, because their lives were heavy.
Thank God that somewhere along the way, we actually learned that Jesus loves us. Faith does not have to be heavy. True spirituality is never heavy. God does not need guilt or manipulation to reach people.
Children loved Jesus. They flocked to him. Children don't flock to heavy, guilt laden people. Jesus was normal, approachable, and kind. He hopes that his followers will be as well. Joy to the world! We can believe in Jesus and not be heavy. The world needs normal Christians, just regular folks that go about sharing God's love.
I am thankful that we can simply live a life of love and joy. And that is enough.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thank God that somewhere along the way, we actually learned that Jesus loves us. Faith does not have to be heavy. True spirituality is never heavy. God does not need guilt or manipulation to reach people.
Children loved Jesus. They flocked to him. Children don't flock to heavy, guilt laden people. Jesus was normal, approachable, and kind. He hopes that his followers will be as well. Joy to the world! We can believe in Jesus and not be heavy. The world needs normal Christians, just regular folks that go about sharing God's love.
I am thankful that we can simply live a life of love and joy. And that is enough.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
on a lighter note
After a week of posts on pain, here is a lighter moment. I am thankful for lighter moments.
A friend send this to me.
* If you took the same excuses that people use for not going to church and apply them to washing hands, you'd realize how inconsistent we can be.
1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who make soap are only after your money.
3. I wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
4. People who wash are hypocrites-they think they are cleaner than everyone else.
5. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
6. I used to wash, but it got boring so I stopped.
7. None of my friends wash.
8. The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer.
9. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
10. I can't spare the time.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, November 16, 2015
imagination
Today I am thankful for God's marvelous works fo creation. The things that God has made show the amazing side of God's imagination. The zebra, the clown fish, whales, guppies, turtles, and a thousand other animals exist that are just plain beyond human thought. God however is bigger and larger and incredible. What he invents is down right fascinating. In Kansas City you might find squirrels in your front yard, or an occasional deer. My wife sent me this picture of her recent visitors to the Florida house.
These long legged cranes are very noisy and are yet another picture of God's ability to create things that are stunning and wonderful. What is hanging around in your life that is beautiful or amazing that we might be missing or taking for granted? All of creation is telling us about God's wonder if we would just open
our eyes and see it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
thankful
Today I am thankful for the transformation that simply being grateful can make in a persons life. You know I believe it so strongly, "If you can find one thing to be thankful for, it will change the course of your entire day." Or the course of your entire life for that matter.
Gratitude takes us from being a victim of circumstances to being a liver of life, truly alive in this world.
Gratitude takes us from being a victim of circumstances to being a liver of life, truly alive in this world.
"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." William Arthur Ward
Join me in worship today and spend some time giving thanks to almighty God.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
rumors
Well, someone that I am very connected with called a couple of days ago. They wanted me to know that there are a couple of rumors floating around. The first is that Jeff has been offered and has taken a job in Florida. NOT TRUE. The second is that Michael Scott is leaving WCC. Not true as far as I know. Call Michael Scott and ask him. But I don't think that is true. I am not even going to justify it with a comment.
Now, let me be clear......... yes my wife and two daughter are in Florida, but I have not received or accepted any job offers. Yes my life is torn between two places, but I am still here. I will be sure to let you know if and when any of that changes.
It's a beautiful place in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Now, let me be clear......... yes my wife and two daughter are in Florida, but I have not received or accepted any job offers. Yes my life is torn between two places, but I am still here. I will be sure to let you know if and when any of that changes.
It's a beautiful place in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, November 13, 2015
pain - the end of the matter
There is no end to the matter. At least not in this life.
If you are fortunate to have a life that is free from the VERY painful things.......
You know, if your life looked like this........ you were loved, you were married, you didn't experience a divorce, you had kids, they were healthy, they all grew up and got good jobs, all of your loves ones lived a long full life and died in their sleep...... or what ever our picture of the perfect life is like....
If you lived that magical life that most people say that they want, you are still going to find pain. Eventually. If you live long enough, your skin is going to get thin. You are going to bump your arm on a corner and get a bruise. Your ears are going to keep growing and get larger than you are comfortable with. Hair will stop growing on your head and will grow instead out of your ears. Your bones will begin to become brittle. Your energy levels will fade.
In this life, if you live long enough, you are going to find pain. Period. Those who say otherwise are selling something. Trusting God does not make difficulty go away. The Shepherd is not a magic problem solver, but he does promise to walk with us in the valleys of life.
The question is what do we do with the pain that comes our way.
What ever is on your plate, I encourage you to grieve, but I also encourage you to be brave. Mostly, I encourage you to lean into our Father. It's ok to have questions about the level of difficulty that you face in this life. It is ok to be angry about things, but don't stay stuck there.
Our God is a friend who comforts us in difficulty. Let's acknowledge the pain, and learn to look past it, to see him with us at all times and in all things.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
If you are fortunate to have a life that is free from the VERY painful things.......
You know, if your life looked like this........ you were loved, you were married, you didn't experience a divorce, you had kids, they were healthy, they all grew up and got good jobs, all of your loves ones lived a long full life and died in their sleep...... or what ever our picture of the perfect life is like....
If you lived that magical life that most people say that they want, you are still going to find pain. Eventually. If you live long enough, your skin is going to get thin. You are going to bump your arm on a corner and get a bruise. Your ears are going to keep growing and get larger than you are comfortable with. Hair will stop growing on your head and will grow instead out of your ears. Your bones will begin to become brittle. Your energy levels will fade.
In this life, if you live long enough, you are going to find pain. Period. Those who say otherwise are selling something. Trusting God does not make difficulty go away. The Shepherd is not a magic problem solver, but he does promise to walk with us in the valleys of life.
The question is what do we do with the pain that comes our way.
What ever is on your plate, I encourage you to grieve, but I also encourage you to be brave. Mostly, I encourage you to lean into our Father. It's ok to have questions about the level of difficulty that you face in this life. It is ok to be angry about things, but don't stay stuck there.
Our God is a friend who comforts us in difficulty. Let's acknowledge the pain, and learn to look past it, to see him with us at all times and in all things.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
sandlot theology - all things
Warning - this may upset some of your brains........
One of my pet peeves is when people use Philippians 4 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" for personal comfort or personal gain.
I hear them quote it to win a football game. I can do all things through Christ. I can work harder, I can defeat the other team. I hear them quote it to overcome a difficulty. I hear them quote it as if the point of the passage was the ability to find God's power to get what you want and to bring circumstances to your liking.
While God has lots of power to help with lots of things, and he may just help you win the prize, that is not the point of this scripture. I can do all things through Christ is not a magic formula that changes bad situations to good. It is not our will power added to God's special powers that magically eliminates undesirable circumstances.
If a person actually reads the passage, this is what is says....."I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him [all things through Christ KJV] who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
What Paul is saying is that I have had lots of troubles. I still do. I have good days and bad ones. Happy times and sad. I have learned in all of them to be content. I can do this, I can acclimate to all situations through Christ who gives me strength.
It is not a hiding from or running from difficulty, it is a leaning into the difficulty. It is a trusting God enough so that I can handle the difficulty. It is not removing the problem, but it is in fact the opposite - it is finding contentment in adversity.
God is big enough to help us be ok in difficulty. Having God with us in this life is much more valuable than having circumstances go our way. When Christ is with me, I can do, I can deal with all things, whether the circumstances change to my liking or not. And I can do this, because I have come to know a God that is bigger than any difficulty.
That is why it is a beautiful day in God's world if we simply work to see the good.
One of my pet peeves is when people use Philippians 4 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" for personal comfort or personal gain.
I hear them quote it to win a football game. I can do all things through Christ. I can work harder, I can defeat the other team. I hear them quote it to overcome a difficulty. I hear them quote it as if the point of the passage was the ability to find God's power to get what you want and to bring circumstances to your liking.
While God has lots of power to help with lots of things, and he may just help you win the prize, that is not the point of this scripture. I can do all things through Christ is not a magic formula that changes bad situations to good. It is not our will power added to God's special powers that magically eliminates undesirable circumstances.
If a person actually reads the passage, this is what is says....."I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him [all things through Christ KJV] who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
What Paul is saying is that I have had lots of troubles. I still do. I have good days and bad ones. Happy times and sad. I have learned in all of them to be content. I can do this, I can acclimate to all situations through Christ who gives me strength.
It is not a hiding from or running from difficulty, it is a leaning into the difficulty. It is a trusting God enough so that I can handle the difficulty. It is not removing the problem, but it is in fact the opposite - it is finding contentment in adversity.
God is big enough to help us be ok in difficulty. Having God with us in this life is much more valuable than having circumstances go our way. When Christ is with me, I can do, I can deal with all things, whether the circumstances change to my liking or not. And I can do this, because I have come to know a God that is bigger than any difficulty.
That is why it is a beautiful day in God's world if we simply work to see the good.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
the rabbit and the crocodile
Part of me hates this story and part of me loves this story. It surely exists in many forms and in many writings. I found it first in an Anthony deMello book. Warning- pain ahead......
http://www.demellospirituality.com/awareness/27.html
When you awaken, when you understand, when you see, the world becomes right. We're always bothered by the problem of evil. There's a powerful story about a little boy walking along the bank of a river. He sees a crocodile who is trapped in a net. The crocodile says, "Would you have pity on me and release me? I may look ugly, but it isn't my fault, you know. I was made this way. But whatever my external appearance, I have a mother's heart. I came this morning in search of food for my young ones and got caught in this trap!"
So the boy says, "Ah, if I were to help you out of that trap, you'd grab me and kill me."
The crocodile asks, "Do you think I would do that to my benefactor and liberator?"
So the boy is persuaded to take the net off and the crocodile grabs him.
As he is being forced between the jaws of the crocodile, he says, "So this is what I get for my good actions." And the crocodile says, "Well, don't take it personally, son, this is the way the world is, this is the law of life."
The boy disputes this, so the crocodile says, "Do you want to ask someone if it isn't so?"
The boy sees a bird sitting on a branch and says, "Bird, is what the crocodile says right?" The bird says, "The crocodile is right. Look at me. I was coming home one day with food for my fledglings. Imagine my horror to see a snake crawling up the tree, making straight for my nest. I was totally helpless. It kept devouring my young ones, one after the other. I kept screaming and shouting, but it was useless. The crocodile is right, this is the law of life, this is the way the world is."
"See," says the crocodile. But the boy says, "Let me ask someone else." So the crocodile says, "Well, all right, go ahead."
There was an old donkey passing by on the bank of the river. "Donkey," says the boy, "this is what the crocodile says. Is the crocodile right?"
The donkey says, "The crocodile is quite right. Look at me. I've worked and slaved for my master all my life and he barely gave me enough to eat. Now that I'm old and useless, he has turned me loose, and here I am wandering in the jungle, waiting for some wild beast to pounce on me and put an end to my life. The crocodile is right, this is the law of life, this is the way the world is."
"See," says the crocodile. "Let's go!"
The boy says, "Give me one more chance, one last chance. Let me ask one other being. Remember how good I was to you?" So the crocodile says, "All right, your last chance."
The boy sees a rabbit passing by, and he says, "Rabbit, is the crocodile right?"
The rabbit sits on his haunches and says to the crocodile, "Did you say that to that boy? The crocodile says, "Yes, I did." "Wait a minute," says the rabbit. "We've got to discuss this." "Yes," says the crocodile. But the rabbit says, "How can we discuss it when you've got that boy in your mouth? Release him; he's got to take part in the discussion, too." The crocodile says, "You're a clever one, you are. The moment I release him, he'll run away." The rabbit says, "I thought you had more sense than that. If he attempted to run away, one slash of your tail would kill him."
"Fair enough," says the crocodile, and he released the boy. The moment the boy is released, the rabbit says, "Run!" And the boy runs and escapes. Then the rabbit says to the boy, "Don't you enjoy crocodile flesh? Wouldn't the people in your village like a good meal? You didn't really release that crocodile; most of his body is still caught in that net. Why don't you go to the village and bring everybody and have a banquet."
That's exactly what the boy does. He goes to the village and calls all the men folk. They come with their axes and staves and spears and kill the crocodile. The boy's dog comes, too, and when the dog sees the rabbit, he gives chase, catches hold of the rabbit, and throttles him. The boy comes on the scene too late, and as he watches the rabbit die, he says, "The crocodile was right, this is the way the world is, this is the law of life."
There is no explanation you can give that would explain away all the sufferings and evil and torture and destruction and hunger in the world! You'll never explain it. You can try gamely with your formulas, religious and otherwise, but you'll never explain it. Because life is a mystery, which means your thinking mind cannot make sense out of it.
[I edited the next line, from deMello to soften it up a bit.... ]
If we would make sense out of life we must wake up and then you'll suddenly realize that reality is not problematic, my understanding of it is problematic. I want to fix it, instead of working on me. Difficulty will come. What will I do with it?
In the movie the Princess Bride, Cary Elwes say, "Life is pain, Highness! Anyone who says differently is selling something."
Let's be honest. HONEST. Some people have a little pain in life, some have lots. Some deal with it bravely, some weep over a hangnail. Part of the journey of maturity is to learn to lean into God and trust him no matter what the circumstances.
I talked with my daughter about this post. She found it depressing. Well, I don't want to depress anyone, but life can be hard and pain is real. I don't believe in pretending, but I do believe in pointing people towards God. Especially in difficulty. God is with us. What more do we need? Sometimes things are difficult. There are valleys. But in the valleys, we always find the Shepherd.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
http://www.demellospirituality.com/awareness/27.html
When you awaken, when you understand, when you see, the world becomes right. We're always bothered by the problem of evil. There's a powerful story about a little boy walking along the bank of a river. He sees a crocodile who is trapped in a net. The crocodile says, "Would you have pity on me and release me? I may look ugly, but it isn't my fault, you know. I was made this way. But whatever my external appearance, I have a mother's heart. I came this morning in search of food for my young ones and got caught in this trap!"
So the boy says, "Ah, if I were to help you out of that trap, you'd grab me and kill me."
The crocodile asks, "Do you think I would do that to my benefactor and liberator?"
So the boy is persuaded to take the net off and the crocodile grabs him.
As he is being forced between the jaws of the crocodile, he says, "So this is what I get for my good actions." And the crocodile says, "Well, don't take it personally, son, this is the way the world is, this is the law of life."
The boy disputes this, so the crocodile says, "Do you want to ask someone if it isn't so?"
The boy sees a bird sitting on a branch and says, "Bird, is what the crocodile says right?" The bird says, "The crocodile is right. Look at me. I was coming home one day with food for my fledglings. Imagine my horror to see a snake crawling up the tree, making straight for my nest. I was totally helpless. It kept devouring my young ones, one after the other. I kept screaming and shouting, but it was useless. The crocodile is right, this is the law of life, this is the way the world is."
"See," says the crocodile. But the boy says, "Let me ask someone else." So the crocodile says, "Well, all right, go ahead."
There was an old donkey passing by on the bank of the river. "Donkey," says the boy, "this is what the crocodile says. Is the crocodile right?"
The donkey says, "The crocodile is quite right. Look at me. I've worked and slaved for my master all my life and he barely gave me enough to eat. Now that I'm old and useless, he has turned me loose, and here I am wandering in the jungle, waiting for some wild beast to pounce on me and put an end to my life. The crocodile is right, this is the law of life, this is the way the world is."
"See," says the crocodile. "Let's go!"
The boy says, "Give me one more chance, one last chance. Let me ask one other being. Remember how good I was to you?" So the crocodile says, "All right, your last chance."
The boy sees a rabbit passing by, and he says, "Rabbit, is the crocodile right?"
The rabbit sits on his haunches and says to the crocodile, "Did you say that to that boy? The crocodile says, "Yes, I did." "Wait a minute," says the rabbit. "We've got to discuss this." "Yes," says the crocodile. But the rabbit says, "How can we discuss it when you've got that boy in your mouth? Release him; he's got to take part in the discussion, too." The crocodile says, "You're a clever one, you are. The moment I release him, he'll run away." The rabbit says, "I thought you had more sense than that. If he attempted to run away, one slash of your tail would kill him."
"Fair enough," says the crocodile, and he released the boy. The moment the boy is released, the rabbit says, "Run!" And the boy runs and escapes. Then the rabbit says to the boy, "Don't you enjoy crocodile flesh? Wouldn't the people in your village like a good meal? You didn't really release that crocodile; most of his body is still caught in that net. Why don't you go to the village and bring everybody and have a banquet."
That's exactly what the boy does. He goes to the village and calls all the men folk. They come with their axes and staves and spears and kill the crocodile. The boy's dog comes, too, and when the dog sees the rabbit, he gives chase, catches hold of the rabbit, and throttles him. The boy comes on the scene too late, and as he watches the rabbit die, he says, "The crocodile was right, this is the way the world is, this is the law of life."
There is no explanation you can give that would explain away all the sufferings and evil and torture and destruction and hunger in the world! You'll never explain it. You can try gamely with your formulas, religious and otherwise, but you'll never explain it. Because life is a mystery, which means your thinking mind cannot make sense out of it.
[I edited the next line, from deMello to soften it up a bit.... ]
If we would make sense out of life we must wake up and then you'll suddenly realize that reality is not problematic, my understanding of it is problematic. I want to fix it, instead of working on me. Difficulty will come. What will I do with it?
In the movie the Princess Bride, Cary Elwes say, "Life is pain, Highness! Anyone who says differently is selling something."
Let's be honest. HONEST. Some people have a little pain in life, some have lots. Some deal with it bravely, some weep over a hangnail. Part of the journey of maturity is to learn to lean into God and trust him no matter what the circumstances.
I talked with my daughter about this post. She found it depressing. Well, I don't want to depress anyone, but life can be hard and pain is real. I don't believe in pretending, but I do believe in pointing people towards God. Especially in difficulty. God is with us. What more do we need? Sometimes things are difficult. There are valleys. But in the valleys, we always find the Shepherd.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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