The old man knew he was nearing the end of his life,
and he gazed into the unknown territory called death.
The old panicky question screamed in his ear, "Is there anything on the other side?"
All his life he had been scared of death...scared of non-existence.
Teaching and theology about heaven made little impression or sense to him.
He loved life and his family so much that he could not imagine some other kind of "life" without them and without the ordinary yet absolute miracle of earthly existence.
But he knew and loved God for so many years now,
and he had lived the Jesus Way the best he knew how.
God had blessed him and proved to be so very real in so many wonderful ways during his days.
But still, was God really going to be there for him in some real way once again
when his body ceased to be.
And then as he lay sick and exhausted and ready to stop the fight for life
he remembered that which his life with God was really about.
It was about standing before the Boss and Beauty of the Universe and saying,
"Well, what's next God? What project do you have for me? How can I make a difference in the Story?
And so one last time, not really knowing how in the world it could be answered,
the tired and dying child of God quietly spoke in his mind,
"What project is next Lord? How can I make a difference? Use me to further Your Way.
And by the way, please, please help me somehow be with my family
and enjoy a fine spring day as well if you will.
Amen."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A Jesus And A Family Thing
This afternoon Joy and I went to visit my folks.
We go once a week to get groceries, hopefully get them out, and lay some love on them.
Today we sat on the porch enjoying the beautiful spring day.
My dad asked why they couldn't drive anymore. I said the boys decided they were done.
He got mad, but I calmly and firmly explained that it is our time in this cycle of life to call the shots. He seemed to accept this...kind of.
Joy went to buy groceries. How I love this woman. She bought lots of good stuff.
One thing she bought was toenail clippers. I cut my folks toenails.
It is a Jesus thing...this holding a foot and clipping the old and long parental nail.
I have come to realize in the last few weeks that, even though these last two years have been pretty damn hard at times, it has also perhaps held the sweetest moments of our life together.
My mom fell tonight as she was getting dressed.
I heard a boom.
My dad yelled for me.
I rushed back.
My mom laid on the floor.
She had hit her head.
I bent down and picked my mama up to her feet.
She sat in a chair and rested for a while.
Finally, we all went to get pizza at Pizza Hut. It was a blast.
PS MY MOM HAS FALLEN AGAIN. WE HAVE DECIDED IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO BE PLACED AT HERITAGE POINT IN WARREN IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. PLEASE PRAY FOR A GOOD AND GOD TRANSITION. THANK YOU.
We go once a week to get groceries, hopefully get them out, and lay some love on them.
Today we sat on the porch enjoying the beautiful spring day.
My dad asked why they couldn't drive anymore. I said the boys decided they were done.
He got mad, but I calmly and firmly explained that it is our time in this cycle of life to call the shots. He seemed to accept this...kind of.
Joy went to buy groceries. How I love this woman. She bought lots of good stuff.
One thing she bought was toenail clippers. I cut my folks toenails.
It is a Jesus thing...this holding a foot and clipping the old and long parental nail.
I have come to realize in the last few weeks that, even though these last two years have been pretty damn hard at times, it has also perhaps held the sweetest moments of our life together.
My mom fell tonight as she was getting dressed.
I heard a boom.
My dad yelled for me.
I rushed back.
My mom laid on the floor.
She had hit her head.
I bent down and picked my mama up to her feet.
She sat in a chair and rested for a while.
Finally, we all went to get pizza at Pizza Hut. It was a blast.
PS MY MOM HAS FALLEN AGAIN. WE HAVE DECIDED IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO BE PLACED AT HERITAGE POINT IN WARREN IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. PLEASE PRAY FOR A GOOD AND GOD TRANSITION. THANK YOU.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
One Man
I send my love out to you all this night my bothers and sisters.
I am watching the story of Martin Luther King Jr. on the History Channel.
Talk about giving one's life to further God's Way for the world.
May we all continue on this heritage of MLK, the non-violent prophet
who, along with many brave people, ended segregation, helped secure voting rights for African Americans, took on poverty, and spoke against the Vietnam War almost before anyone else.
He gave his life...just like his dear friend Jesus.
May God grant us strength also to do God's will.
One man, one woman can make one "heaven on earth" of a difference.
God ain't done and
Truth is marching on.
I send my love out to you tonight my brothers and sisters.
I am watching the story of Martin Luther King Jr. on the History Channel.
Talk about giving one's life to further God's Way for the world.
May we all continue on this heritage of MLK, the non-violent prophet
who, along with many brave people, ended segregation, helped secure voting rights for African Americans, took on poverty, and spoke against the Vietnam War almost before anyone else.
He gave his life...just like his dear friend Jesus.
May God grant us strength also to do God's will.
One man, one woman can make one "heaven on earth" of a difference.
God ain't done and
Truth is marching on.
I send my love out to you tonight my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Blessed By The Olds
My dad was in the ministry for about 50 years, and he gave a lot of benedictions.
My mom and dad have given this kind of blessing for many years now as the kids drive away.
This was Easter Sunday, and
Joy and I, mom and dad, and David and Rachel all worshiped together.
Getting my folks to church and the experience we had
was all by itself a resurrection.
The one blessing my dad most often gives now is "Shalom!"
So Shalom to you my friends, and
may God grant you Peace and Wholeness.
Yes!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Little More Bent
I believe
in the good news of God's kingdom coming in our lives and on this earth,
but there is
global warming,
war,
starvation,
abuse,
homelessness,
depression and disease,
and so much more.
One must not turn away from the hurt and darkness,
but we must also be "a little more bent" toward
love, hope, creativity, healing, staying strong, beauty, forgiveness, and justice...
and both believing and being
the good news of God's kingdom.
(All right, enough heaviness, pass the oatmeal raisin cookies!)
in the good news of God's kingdom coming in our lives and on this earth,
but there is
global warming,
war,
starvation,
abuse,
homelessness,
depression and disease,
and so much more.
One must not turn away from the hurt and darkness,
but we must also be "a little more bent" toward
love, hope, creativity, healing, staying strong, beauty, forgiveness, and justice...
and both believing and being
the good news of God's kingdom.
(All right, enough heaviness, pass the oatmeal raisin cookies!)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The Walk
The old ballad goes,
"We must walk this lonely valley,
We must walk it all alone,
Nobody else can walk it for us;
We must walk it for ourselves."
There have been many times in my life
when this was true,
and I'm sure for you as well.
And it was definitely true for Jesus
this week among weeks.
And even though it is true, it is not true.
There is God, even if we can't always see how, walking with us.
There are others, even if we can't always see how, walking with us.
And all that God has ever made us to be and poured into us,
And all that others have made us to be and poured into us,
All of that is within us as we walk in the valley.
And the ultimate good news is that there is a Way out of the valley.
Yet, it is true. Even though it isn't true.
"We must walk this lonely valley,
We must walk it all alone,
Nobody else can walk it for us;
We must walk it for ourselves."
There have been many times in my life
when this was true,
and I'm sure for you as well.
And it was definitely true for Jesus
this week among weeks.
And even though it is true, it is not true.
There is God, even if we can't always see how, walking with us.
There are others, even if we can't always see how, walking with us.
And all that God has ever made us to be and poured into us,
And all that others have made us to be and poured into us,
All of that is within us as we walk in the valley.
And the ultimate good news is that there is a Way out of the valley.
Yet, it is true. Even though it isn't true.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Hammer Holds
I can not believe that it is Holy Week. This Thursday, we are the host family and leading a Sedar Meal. Then on Good Friday, I am leading the worship service and we are doing a Reverse Advant.
One of the songs that we are doing for the service is "The Hammer Holds". I asked two of my high school guys to put a video together for the service. I just received it and I wanted to share. I hope that you do not mind and more importantly, I hope that you enjoy the video and that it can be a moment to "savor" during this Holy Week season.
One of the songs that we are doing for the service is "The Hammer Holds". I asked two of my high school guys to put a video together for the service. I just received it and I wanted to share. I hope that you do not mind and more importantly, I hope that you enjoy the video and that it can be a moment to "savor" during this Holy Week season.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lydia's Experience of Salvation
"And the preachers be so wrapped up in the glories of that next world," Lydia went on, looking into the dying fire, speaking to herself as well as to her sister, "that they're missing half the glory of this world. I can't believe the Lord meant us to be heavyhearted every minute here when He made so much to lift our hearts...Katy, am I wicked for such talk?"
The younger girl shrugged.
"The words I remember from the Bible mostly, they're about the waters of life and I think about my spring out here, bubbling up pure and plentiful-and about losing your life to save it. I believe I know what that means, Katy. I know it true. It means to lose your littleness in bigness, your own self into the all of living."
"Why I reckon so Lydia."
"That's not the salvation the preachers talk about, Kate." They sat silent while the hot coals in the fireplace crumbled to ashes. "But it's the only salvation I've ever had any true experience of," Lydia said.
(from The Tall Woman)
The younger girl shrugged.
"The words I remember from the Bible mostly, they're about the waters of life and I think about my spring out here, bubbling up pure and plentiful-and about losing your life to save it. I believe I know what that means, Katy. I know it true. It means to lose your littleness in bigness, your own self into the all of living."
"Why I reckon so Lydia."
"That's not the salvation the preachers talk about, Kate." They sat silent while the hot coals in the fireplace crumbled to ashes. "But it's the only salvation I've ever had any true experience of," Lydia said.
(from The Tall Woman)
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Here and Now and Alive!
Hang in there - spring is coming! Read this passage from the book The Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman.
Fresh, sweet smells of late spring rode on the gentle wind. Bees used the air like a giant room. Above her and beyond her and all around, the mountains were stirring with life, thrusting up shoots and leaves and blossoms, feeding roots, soaking up pockets of spring rain for dry times ahead, yielding small animals that had burrowed away for the winter. Lydia felt the surge of life-as she had felt in previous springs. No matter who came or went, what crops were planted or unplanted, who was meted justice or injustice, this would always return. She felt as small as an insect curled in the leaf at her foot, knowing that all of this went forward without knowledge of her. And yet she felt large, too, as great and grand as the green peak of the mountain looming above her because she was part of it all. She was here and now and alive!
Fresh, sweet smells of late spring rode on the gentle wind. Bees used the air like a giant room. Above her and beyond her and all around, the mountains were stirring with life, thrusting up shoots and leaves and blossoms, feeding roots, soaking up pockets of spring rain for dry times ahead, yielding small animals that had burrowed away for the winter. Lydia felt the surge of life-as she had felt in previous springs. No matter who came or went, what crops were planted or unplanted, who was meted justice or injustice, this would always return. She felt as small as an insect curled in the leaf at her foot, knowing that all of this went forward without knowledge of her. And yet she felt large, too, as great and grand as the green peak of the mountain looming above her because she was part of it all. She was here and now and alive!
Friday, March 07, 2008
?
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS WORLD OR GOD'S KINGDOM IN THE LIGHT OF THE COLLEGE SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT WHO WAS MURDERED YESTERDAY. ALL SHE WANTED TO DO WAS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD. I CAN'T EXPLAIN IT. I HAVE NO ANSWERS. DO YOU GOD?
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Good news for the weary
I'm a little wounded and weary, but I'm making it.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit
for they'll receive the kingdom of heaven."
That's good news, and I receive it!
Looking for a Bible now.
There's got to be one around here somewhere.
I found one!
By the way, the sunlight on the snow is so beautiful today,
and a bunch of red and fat chested robins were hanging around my porch.
Sweet.
Oh, there it is. The kingdom of heaven has just been poured
into the chest and heart of this poor robin.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit
for they'll receive the kingdom of heaven."
That's good news, and I receive it!
Looking for a Bible now.
There's got to be one around here somewhere.
I found one!
By the way, the sunlight on the snow is so beautiful today,
and a bunch of red and fat chested robins were hanging around my porch.
Sweet.
Oh, there it is. The kingdom of heaven has just been poured
into the chest and heart of this poor robin.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Debate
The Democratic debate is on right now. I'll watch it for a while.
First, they discussed attacks made against each other.
Now they are discussing their different universal health care policies. I really don't understand the difference, but I believe they both would go after it. OK, they need to shut up now about health care!
Now they have moved on to NAFTA. Hillary says it needs to be fixed. So does Barak. American workers have lost too many jobs. We believe in a global economy but need to help keep America competitive.
The subject is now who can be a better foreign policy leader. Boy I don't know who would be. Just a side note, I think our soldiers are absolute heroes, but that the Iraq War is absolutely wrong. Sad stuff. I saw a show last night about an American soldier who is home now, had his best friend killed there, and is extremely addicted to alcohol and marijuana...self medicating himself to get over his grief.
COMMERCIAL BREAK... I'm going to flip through the channels... and we're back.
They played a clip of Hillary making fun of Barak's speeches on "hope." Barak's response is that he has done lots of work for family's who have faced tough times.
She says she is not just a talker but a fighter. They both agree that the common people are hurting and overlooked.
OK I left the debate for a minute to put Jamie out to pee pee, and I visited the bathroom myself. I also got a drink in a cute little green bottle...and I'm back.
Tim Russert is one of the interviewers, and I really like him. He's smart and tough. I was with some pastors in an airport in NYC and we ran into Russert. I told him I liked his work, and he mentioned my mullet! I told him it was about "business in the front and a party in the back!"
Oh good. There was some laughter among the candidates and the crowd. Very needed!
I really like Barak, but both these candidates, and McCain, are really good folks.
Now they are talking about Russia and Putin's replacement. Putin's hand picked replacement. Barak just affirmed the former Clinton Administration and its work with NATO.
Hillary just said if she could do it over, she would not have voted to go into Iraq. But, she says now it is time for America to look forward. Barak is saying he respects McCain, but he will continue much of Bush's policies. He is also saying Hilllary would make a good nominee, but that he believes he can unite all kinds of people in the general election. Hillary is saying that either she or Barak will make history if they are elected, but she says she has fought for healthcare and many other things for the regular folks of America.
I'm glad I watched. It was a good debate. I'm proud of America, and I too believe in HOPE!
A final word: I know that 75% of the reason we are democrat or republican is due to how we were raised. And that's not all bad. Heritage is something to be proud of, and we need diversity of thought. I was raised in a strong democrat family. I've mostly voted for democrats, but I have also voted for republicans and independents. I just wanted to say a word about something said tonight in the debate. Brian Williams asked Barak about the report that said he had voted even more liberal than Ted Kennedy. Barak told why he had voted as he did on certain things, and then he said that the day is here when many people are tiring of the old labels of conservative and liberal and desire to think through the issues and unite for new beginnings. Wow, that is definitely post-modern, and I think is one of the reasons he is a breath of fresh air for many folks and is emerging as the front runner. Labels are starting to disappear, and we are thinking through and hoping for both good news and new beginnings in America and the world.
First, they discussed attacks made against each other.
Now they are discussing their different universal health care policies. I really don't understand the difference, but I believe they both would go after it. OK, they need to shut up now about health care!
Now they have moved on to NAFTA. Hillary says it needs to be fixed. So does Barak. American workers have lost too many jobs. We believe in a global economy but need to help keep America competitive.
The subject is now who can be a better foreign policy leader. Boy I don't know who would be. Just a side note, I think our soldiers are absolute heroes, but that the Iraq War is absolutely wrong. Sad stuff. I saw a show last night about an American soldier who is home now, had his best friend killed there, and is extremely addicted to alcohol and marijuana...self medicating himself to get over his grief.
COMMERCIAL BREAK... I'm going to flip through the channels... and we're back.
They played a clip of Hillary making fun of Barak's speeches on "hope." Barak's response is that he has done lots of work for family's who have faced tough times.
She says she is not just a talker but a fighter. They both agree that the common people are hurting and overlooked.
OK I left the debate for a minute to put Jamie out to pee pee, and I visited the bathroom myself. I also got a drink in a cute little green bottle...and I'm back.
Tim Russert is one of the interviewers, and I really like him. He's smart and tough. I was with some pastors in an airport in NYC and we ran into Russert. I told him I liked his work, and he mentioned my mullet! I told him it was about "business in the front and a party in the back!"
Oh good. There was some laughter among the candidates and the crowd. Very needed!
I really like Barak, but both these candidates, and McCain, are really good folks.
Now they are talking about Russia and Putin's replacement. Putin's hand picked replacement. Barak just affirmed the former Clinton Administration and its work with NATO.
Hillary just said if she could do it over, she would not have voted to go into Iraq. But, she says now it is time for America to look forward. Barak is saying he respects McCain, but he will continue much of Bush's policies. He is also saying Hilllary would make a good nominee, but that he believes he can unite all kinds of people in the general election. Hillary is saying that either she or Barak will make history if they are elected, but she says she has fought for healthcare and many other things for the regular folks of America.
I'm glad I watched. It was a good debate. I'm proud of America, and I too believe in HOPE!
A final word: I know that 75% of the reason we are democrat or republican is due to how we were raised. And that's not all bad. Heritage is something to be proud of, and we need diversity of thought. I was raised in a strong democrat family. I've mostly voted for democrats, but I have also voted for republicans and independents. I just wanted to say a word about something said tonight in the debate. Brian Williams asked Barak about the report that said he had voted even more liberal than Ted Kennedy. Barak told why he had voted as he did on certain things, and then he said that the day is here when many people are tiring of the old labels of conservative and liberal and desire to think through the issues and unite for new beginnings. Wow, that is definitely post-modern, and I think is one of the reasons he is a breath of fresh air for many folks and is emerging as the front runner. Labels are starting to disappear, and we are thinking through and hoping for both good news and new beginnings in America and the world.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
There Is Grace
I am human.
I do good.
But oh boy do I screw up!
There is grace.
There is grace.
Humans are we all.
Mercy for all.
Judgement for none.
Mercy for all.
Judgement for none.
Forgive me Lord.
Keep me real and relevant yet kind.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable to You
O Lord my Rock
and Redeemer.
I do good.
But oh boy do I screw up!
There is grace.
There is grace.
Humans are we all.
Mercy for all.
Judgement for none.
Mercy for all.
Judgement for none.
Forgive me Lord.
Keep me real and relevant yet kind.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable to You
O Lord my Rock
and Redeemer.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
May God's Love Fall Like A Gentle But Steady Snow
We gratefully acknowledge that You are the Lord our God and God of our people,
the God of all generations.
You are the Rock of our Life, the Power that shields us in every age.
We thank You and sing Your praises: for our lives, which are in Your hand;
for our souls which are in Your keeping;
for the signs of Your presence we encounter every day;
and for Your wondrous gifts at all times, morning, noon, and night.
You are Goodness: Your mercies never end;
You are Compassion: Your love will never fail.You have always been our hope.
For all these things, O Sovereign God, let Your name be for ever exalted and blessed.
(Gates Of Prayer-The New Union Prayer Book)
the God of all generations.
You are the Rock of our Life, the Power that shields us in every age.
We thank You and sing Your praises: for our lives, which are in Your hand;
for our souls which are in Your keeping;
for the signs of Your presence we encounter every day;
and for Your wondrous gifts at all times, morning, noon, and night.
You are Goodness: Your mercies never end;
You are Compassion: Your love will never fail.You have always been our hope.
For all these things, O Sovereign God, let Your name be for ever exalted and blessed.
(Gates Of Prayer-The New Union Prayer Book)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Prayer
Each of us is a battleground for the struggle of sacred with profane. At times the profane seems to win the day. Love and truth are debased. Reason, our chief glory, is turned to evil ends. And in us the divine gift of compassion lies dormant; we fail to feel the anguish of others.
How much we need You, O God, in days of trial! We need faith to live, faith in Your creative power that overcomes chaos and stirs all life toward a new and better world. We seek You, O God: thereby we grow in vision, as we elevate our souls beyond the sordid to the sacred.
Your presence is the light piercing the darkness on our way, lighting our steps, making us see beauty and worth in all human beings.
May our lips and our lives
be one in serving you.
(The New Union Prayer Book)
How much we need You, O God, in days of trial! We need faith to live, faith in Your creative power that overcomes chaos and stirs all life toward a new and better world. We seek You, O God: thereby we grow in vision, as we elevate our souls beyond the sordid to the sacred.
Your presence is the light piercing the darkness on our way, lighting our steps, making us see beauty and worth in all human beings.
May our lips and our lives
be one in serving you.
(The New Union Prayer Book)
Friday, February 15, 2008
questions and answers
So, God please bless?! the 5 students just gunned down in their college classroom
as well as the one gunning them down.
Why.....them?
Is there something....someone waiting for them?
Will they see their family again? Will they ever marry and have a family?
Is Goodness greater than random chaos and crime?
There's so much beauty in this life....and so much pain.
I know God's beauty and grace trumps the darkness that threatens me
I want to believe it does overall and in the end
even the instant end they experienced.
I cannot ignore the questions and the darkness,
and yet I choose to dwell in the region called the good news of God's Hopes and Dreams
and Jeshua's Ways of living and loving.
as well as the one gunning them down.
Why.....them?
Is there something....someone waiting for them?
Will they see their family again? Will they ever marry and have a family?
Is Goodness greater than random chaos and crime?
There's so much beauty in this life....and so much pain.
I know God's beauty and grace trumps the darkness that threatens me
I want to believe it does overall and in the end
even the instant end they experienced.
I cannot ignore the questions and the darkness,
and yet I choose to dwell in the region called the good news of God's Hopes and Dreams
and Jeshua's Ways of living and loving.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Child's Prayer
God is great
God is good
Let us thank God
for this food,
for this forgiveness,
for the surprises,
for the peace,
for the courage to answer the call,
and for the wonder of it all.
(and ice cream!)
God is great
God is good
Let us thank God
for...................................................................................
God is good
Let us thank God
for this food,
for this forgiveness,
for the surprises,
for the peace,
for the courage to answer the call,
and for the wonder of it all.
(and ice cream!)
God is great
God is good
Let us thank God
for...................................................................................
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Flight of Fear and of Faith
It was about 1:00 in the morning.
Joy and I had watched Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck
which is a good movie.
But as I lay there at night, I began to think about the fact that both of these hugely gifted people are dead.
And I started to think about my own death....about non-existence...about not being with my family ever again...and once again the panic rose in my inner being and I fled downstairs.
You see thoughts and theology about heaven don't do me much good. And so I cry out to God and ask for God's help...for some understanding....some answers. All I got was absolute silence. So I went to the computer to google things on the afterlife and out of body experiences. No help. Then I went to the tv to search for some divine communication...nothing. So I finally went back to bed. Not til the next morning as I was sitting on the stool in absolute silence did the words and melody of the Chris Rice song I had been listening to the day before gently start entering my mind and heart.
He softly sings, "Fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus and live."
That was his answer for now.
Thanks.
Joy and I had watched Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck
which is a good movie.
But as I lay there at night, I began to think about the fact that both of these hugely gifted people are dead.
And I started to think about my own death....about non-existence...about not being with my family ever again...and once again the panic rose in my inner being and I fled downstairs.
You see thoughts and theology about heaven don't do me much good. And so I cry out to God and ask for God's help...for some understanding....some answers. All I got was absolute silence. So I went to the computer to google things on the afterlife and out of body experiences. No help. Then I went to the tv to search for some divine communication...nothing. So I finally went back to bed. Not til the next morning as I was sitting on the stool in absolute silence did the words and melody of the Chris Rice song I had been listening to the day before gently start entering my mind and heart.
He softly sings, "Fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus and live."
That was his answer for now.
Thanks.
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