Ken's-Den

Don't have time to make a rhyme

2012-01-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know, it is a contradictory title but stick with me a bit. For years, we (the Church as a whole) have made slogans that rhyme with the New Year that is coming in. For example, years ending in 7 usually have something to do with going to Heaven. Even heard that one about 2011. But now we are entering a new territory for our trendiness because for the first time in literally 100 years we are entering into years that we are not use to making rhymes with. I mean, for Pete's sake, what really rhymes with 12 that fits our recent trendiness? :<) And forget about the Teen years we are heading into. We might actually have to become clever again????

I've never really got into the whole rhyming thing anyway because from my experience, they are usually forgotten by mid January any way. I do believe at looking at the past year and learning from it and looking ahead and planning for it and as I have been in the process of doing that, I began looking at it in terms of my walk with God. In fact, I spoke about it this past Sunday and just have a few thoughts to share with those that care to read them. My introspection revealed to me that I've been guilty of giving God excuses at the end of a year for the things I should have done but failed to. Every excuse seemed a good one. My time is precious and scarce as far as the freedom of it. I'm busy doing "God" things all the time. Yeah, I know I need more prayer time, more study time, more conversation time with God but hey, I'm out there and doing it all the time.

So after much honesty and conviction I decided that the thing that I wanted to go after this year, more than I ever have before, is simply giving God my best and not my excuses. It's not much of a slogan or catch phrase and I really can't rhyme it with 12 but I am determined that when I look back at the end of this year, I'm going to be able to say that I gave God more than my excuses, I gave Him my best.

That ideology got me to thinking about other things in the kingdom that we get sidetracked with. Do you know that finding fault with others was one of the first fruits of the sinful nature? Adam blamed the Woman that God gave him and Eve blamed the Snake that God had created so both of them essentially blamed God for their sin. One of the first things I look for in conflict resolution is who blames who first. More times than not that person, the blamer, is the person at fault.

I'm concerned in the Church world these days. Concerned with Ministers that continually find fault with other Ministers or ministries. Ripping and tearing, most times, even men and women that they do not know to shreds because of what "I've heard" or "they say." Maybe they have a different take on a traditionally held belief and because it doesn't line up with what I've always thought, they must be wrong. I believe we are afraid of being challenged to think or even defend what we believe with honest transparency that can hold up to scriptural challenge.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in challenging false and heretical doctrines that cannot possibly measure up to Scripture but I can live with the the fact that someone doesn't believe in Mansions in Heaven. (something that BTW cannot be found in the original Greek writings and before you send hate mail, I haven't stated what I believe on the matter) I read this week where one Minister was ripping on another Minister because of his belief in a OSAS (once save always saved) doctrine and to read it you would think that everything that the Man could possibly say would have to be wrong simply because it did not measure up to the other mans belief. While I am not a defender of OSAS, I do believe it is much more difficult to walk away from grace than traditional Pentecostals have always believed. In fact, the Word of God declares that I am "sealed until the day of redemption" but let's not confuse scripture with my traditional outlook. :<)

So why do these things bother me so much? It's because I believe we use them to blame others in order to make us feel better about ourselves and our own excuses for not doing what we should be. No where in the Great Commission do I read that we are to go out and attack other ministries. No where do I read where God has called me to be His Policeman because the Holy Spirit is not quite up to the job. No where do I read that I gain bonus points for tearing others down and in doing so, cast dispersion on christianity as a whole.

Let's face the facts. The World or the Lost or those without God do not care if I believe in speaking in Tongues and you don't. They don't care if you Baptize in "Jesus name" or in the name of "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. They don't care if I believe someone can backslide and walk away from grace and you don't. In fact, all that they see when these things occur are people that claim they believe in Jesus and just can't quit fighting about it and that my Friends, is the point. I am called to show the love of Christ to the world and quite frankly, ANYTHING less is nothing but an excuse wrapped in a shroud of self-holiness.

So I ask you today to join me in 2012. No rhymes, no gimmicks and no excuses. Let this be the year that we can look back on and say, "God, I've given you my best!" Yeah, it may still fall short and be inadequate but to be honest, I believe that God would be thrilled with a Church world that was simply better.

Happy New Year, again????

2011-12-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

"It's like Deja Vu all over again" to quote the infamous Yogi Berra. Seems like that I was just here a second ago, looking at a New Year and now it has already passed.

To me, it seems like Life goes in stages. From zero to twenty it seems to be an eternity that will never arrive. Then as the responsibilities of adulthood and marriage come into play it seems like a 33 1/3 speed LP (showing my age) being turned up to 78. Things quickly begin to change and this ride we call Life kicks into high gear. After that, Parenthood arrives, (hopefully in that order) and it seems that Life turns into a Tilt-a-whirl ride without a safety bar and the best you can do is hope to hold on. I'm hoping that by the time that I get to the age that my almost 14 year old Son thinks I am now, it begins to slow down a bit!

The speed of Life now requires me to sit down and look back on what I actually held on to in the past year and taking the time to do so reveals that more time has passed than I realized. 2011 brought many changes, challenges, victories, defeats, hopes and dreams. While some of them will remain private I feel like sharing others.

The year that Sam passed Debbie in height! It was about this time last year that I was telling Debbie that she had better start adjusting her vision while looking at Sam and sure enough, around mid-year he passed her rather quickly. Not only has he grown in height, he has filled out in a way that I am envious of. In fact, if I had filled out in the way he has, I would probably have had a decent Football career. Around his age I started hitting the weight room and did fairly well pertaining to the upper body but I still had these scrawny Childer's legs that I still have today. Except that today it's more like 200 pounds sitting on top of toothpicks. I'm fairly certain that in 2012 I will be experiencing the same thing Debbie just did because he is fixing to pass me up, probably by March. He has grown into a fine Young Man that I am extremely proud of. If God never blesses me again, I probably won't like it but can certainly can say that He has blessed me in abundance through the gift of my Son.

The year of Adversity! Toward the last couple of months of 2010 I was made aware that I had seriously hurt my Shoulder. At the end of January this year I had Shoulder surgery and they found the damage was quite a bit more extensive than even what the MRI had shown. In the subsequent rehab and recovery in the months that followed I realized that I had been living with pain that I had not even recognized and that I had been doing so for years. It's a scary thing to realize that what you had come to know as "normal" was actually a pain filled endurance. I learned some very tough lessons through the process. 1. I'm not the young Gun that I use to be. (frankly the hardest lesson to learn and admit) 2. Pain is given to us for a purpose. Ignoring it is not being tough, noble or admirable. It's just stupid and it becomes the Life you settle for instead of the one destined for you and the consequence is that it colors every choice and decision you make. 3. Accept help when it is there. I realize that sounds funny but I'm convinced that it is a truth that MANY people need to realize. When self-sufficiency crosses the line into blatant stubbornness you are like the Lawyer that has himself for a client. Anyway, I'm doing pretty well now and becoming much more aware of taking care of myself.

The year of Blessing! As I am finishing my first full Calendar year of being Indian Trail's Pastor, I look back on a year that God has truly blessed. In this past year we have:
~grown in attendance and finance
~reached out to our community in a powerful way
~Had several successful celebration/revival services where not only we were blessed but we blessed the servant as well
~had a wonderful Homecoming celebration
~saw several healings and miracles take place
~helped bring Christmas to a group of Native American children
~went to a full compliment of Services and began new ministries

Also, in the field of blessing, Debbie and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. At least I believe Debbie counts that as a blessing too but regardless, I am a blessed Man. She is not your a-typical Pastors wife and for that I THANK GOD! I could not and would not be doing this without her. We are a team that people don't often realize because she operates more in the background, (by her choice) but she is AWESOME in the areas that God has gifted her and I could never ask for more.

A year of Realizations! This year has revealed several things to me that had previously gone unnoticed, either by stubbornness or ignorance. (either way it was my own)
The first is the realization that I am currently doing what I have been called or destined to do. Sounds funny I know but let me explain. When I received my calling, I always saw myself as an Evangelist/Teacher more than a Pastor. I've always felt that my time as a Pastor has been a Season of necessity. Something that I was willing to do but never felt qualified for. The totality of the events of this year has brought a change of heart for me as I have come to the realization that I have been made for this. In fact, I live for it. For me, there is no greater calling and accepting it has brought an incredible peace. I still feel unqualified and as strange as it sounds, I hope I always do. The more I depend upon God, the better I will be.
The next one involves what I learned through adversity. Learning to accept help when it is there. Probably the most misunderstood part of me is my reluctance to accept help. It often gets misinterpreted as other things but it's just been difficult for me to do. I still haven't figured out all of the reasons why but I at least came to recognize it and I'm slowly working on it. I know part of it is my foolish pride because "there's nothing I can't do on my own." lol It wasn't just coincidence that the worst blizzard we have experienced in more than 20 years happened the same day as my Shoulder surgery. A five foot drift was standing all the way across the front of our House and down our driveway and for the first time in my Life there wasn't a blasted thing I could do about it! Pastor Tom Neal and a crew of men from the West Aurora Church of God came over and literally dug us out and I could do nothing but stand and watch. I figuratively thought I was going to die but in that time I saw some truths revealed that it took a bum shoulder to finally figure out. To say that I am stubborn is like saying that Coal is black. But occasionally the 2X4 to the forehead gets through. I'm working on it. In fact, this Summer during the planning for a Church event my Children's Pastor basically asked me to make a decision that fell within her venue and to her shock my response was, "If I had to make that decision I wouldn't have a need for you." I think she understood it but if not, hopefully now. We love you, Susan!
The last realization that I will share is this. Life goes in a flow. You either get in an go with it or you sit where you are at and watch it pass you by. As my health improved into the Spring I renewed my love/hate affair with running. I can honestly say that it has been one of the most beneficial experiences of my life time. The lessons I've learned during this intensely private time have been intent and incredible. In fact, because of the experiences I am going to try my hand at writing a Book. The title, by the way, will be "Lessons learned on the Run." I won't go much more into it now but pray for me as I attempt to go with the flow.

2012 scares a lot of people because of the foolishness of Mayan Calendars and such. But I have a confidence that 2012 is going to be an incredible year for the people of God. Hang on for the ride of your Life!

Me and the Prez!!!!

2011-08-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Yep, today is our birthday! He is one year older than I and still has hair. I don't like him already!

Last night he partied at the Aragon (sic) Ballroom in Chicago. (sounds like a nice place but it's pretty much NOT) Last night I worked the Night Shift in an attempt to help our Country get out of debt. OK, OK, I worked to bring home a paycheck and the Government did benefit a tad from it but you get my drift.

The political events of the past few months has really bothered me. Months of partisan bickering over the "debt ceiling" seemed to miraculously come to an end when Gabby Giffords showed up to place her vote. I'll agree it was an impressive and feel good moment but it does make one wonder what it will take to get our Congress to act together for THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY instead of their respective parties.

Let's think about it, shall we? We all have a debt ceiling. The difference between ours and the governments is that we don't have much say in it. In fact, we really have none. Banks decide what we can borrow based on our supposed ability to repay. The problem with Government is that the same Morons that got us into the massive debt are now deciding on what their limits are. The truth is that as a Country, we are broke. Not only are we broke but we are broken.

Take for instance our beloved Congress. We have been hovering around this Crisis for literally months, (when in fact we should have been fixing it years ago) and there are myriad problems in our Country that need fixing but within the last 6 months, part of our Congress's efforts has been spent on putting Roger Clemons, (another guy born on this same day) on trial for lying to Congress. Lying to Congress???? Really???? A baseball player??? Heck, I'm surprised they didn't put him in an office on Capitol Hill and have him pass some legislation. In Illinois, we would elect Him Governor twice and then throw him into Prison, hoping beyond hope that He would make our license plate so that we could sell it on E-Bay!!!!! How much money have we wasted on prosecuting a ball player for being a liar? It is truly ridiculous.

We have other problems, Guy's and Gal's! Unemployment is crippling our already over-taxed working class. Infrastructure is literally falling down around us in this State and many others. More jobs are going Overseas by the day but we sure are showing that over-paid Ball Player that you better not lie to Congress! They don't like the competition.

It's time we get real as a Nation and as Individuals. Government was never intended to bail out Car companies, Mortgages, Banks and yes, even Health Care. It's no wonder we are broke. We have these great entitlement programs but never a plan to pay for them. The "left" doesn't want to let go of them and the "right", well, I'm not really sure what the "right" wants anymore. They talk fiscal responsibility but talk should end when actions don't line up.

The "Lefts" answer is to tax those wealthy corporations more and more and the "Right" says it's not fair to put the entire burden on those Captains of Industry. Meanwhile, we slide further and further downhill every day. It's really not that hard but fixing the problem will require everyone to become less greedy and therefore will probably never happen. But since it is my Birthday too, I feel the need to opine my opinion a tad more.

How about that we charge a flat tax rate on all Fortune 500 companies. As they bristle, let's say for arguments sake that they pay 10% of their Profits each year. Not from the Profit and Loss sheet than can be easily manipulated but from the actual profits generated. The same ones they currently base their bonuses on! Ouch!!! The Good Lord only asks for that much, surely you can do it for your Country!! OK, before the Captains hyper-ventilate let me unveil the part of the plan that will turn things around.

For every 1000 jobs that these companies generate, they can deduct 1%. For every 1000 New jobs created they can deduct 2%. Yes, it is conceivable that they can literally work themselves out of paying taxes at all but what will have happened in the mean time? JOBS!

The problem with today's Workplace is that they are feasting on greed with no motivation to put more people to work. "Lean and Mean", "5S", "Six Sigma" are all business philosophies that focus on one general theme and that is, get as much as you can out of as few people possible and get rich. They encourage workers to come up with better ways to do their jobs but the desire behind it is not to employ more people but actually less. These are Japanese driven business philosophies but they are cut short of the Japanese loyalty to their workers. You see, once you have a job in Japan, you have a job for as long as you want it. No wonder they are Leaders in things such as Robotics. They know they aren't going to be replaced by them. Are Japanese companies wealthy? Absolutely! Wealthy and loyal to their workers. Something American should pay attention to.

And let's talk Congress for just a minute. When was the last time you voted yourself a pay raise?? Why should they get to? If I don't bring my Department in under budget, someone else will in the near future. Let's see who has the courage among them to enact legislation that requires a balanced budget be brought in each year or no pay raises. We've heard them threaten Soldiers pay and Retired workers pay during the recent crisis, using shameful scare tactics to get their way but not once did I hear a Congress person say, let's forfeit our pay! One of the things that bother me whenever I'm bored enough to watch C-Span, (which I do recommend you do on occasion) is the high number of "no votes" that appear on every Bill. Where are these Clowns at? Why aren't they representing us by being there AND ACTUALLY VOTING. How about we dock their pay for every missed vote?? Just thinking out loud, Folks.

No, I doubt that these things, even if possibly enacted, would cure all of our ills. But wouldn't it be nice to just be "better?" OK, that's my Birthday rant! I can't wait to turn 50!!!!!

What we might miss

2011-04-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

Before you get very far in reading this, go ahead and click on the title subject and watch the awareness test that is shown. You may have seen it before but if you haven't I'm sure you will find it interesting.

Now, that Ad was made for Motorcycle awareness but it has a stark message that can be applied to much of life and especially our spiritual lives. Many times we ask God for answers to our prayers without realizing that He may have already answered them. The fact is that we are often so focused on what we hope the answer to be that we do not make room for what His answer might be and we miss it, even when it moonwalks right across the screen of our life.

I'm learning to pray each day for God to allow me to have His vision, not mine. I'm learning to thank Him for the things He has already answered and appreciate them at the same time. No, I'm not perfect, not even close but when my focus becomes centered around God, I see everything much more clearly. Just thought I'd share!

A great Easter

2011-04-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday night and I've been reflecting on this day. Easter is tomorrow but I can already say that I've had a great Easter weekend.

Friday night I took my beautiful Bride of 25 years to the Loop in Chicago, where we dined at one of our favorite Restaurants and spent the night in a nice Hotel with a Lakefront view. It really didn't matter that it was cold and rainy. The company was outstanding and the night was relaxing. We reflected on the past 25 years, how many people that said we wouldn't last 6 months, (yes, they literally said it) and the fun times we've had and what a wild ride its been. I know we aren't a perfect marriage because I am in it but it is a marriage that is close enough to it for me. I love ya, Deb!

Then on Saturday morning we took the early train back home and joined our Church family in our 1st annual Community Easter Egg hunt and Celebration. What an incredible day it would be! With Indian Trail, I've been blessed with a Congregation that is willing to work to reach out to our community and work, we did. Our Children's Pastor, Susan Smith, worked hard to get the word out and volunteers lined up. We had the support of the Aurora Police department, who sent out one of their fine Cadets with a Squad Car for the kids to go through and also the Aurora Township Fire Department, that sent out a crew with a Fire Truck and gear for the kids to wear. (the kids also got to blow the Fire truck horn OVER AND OVER again but hey, it's ministry lol)

We had 2 separate egg hunts, divided by age and I can't rightly recall how many eggs were hidden but it was well over 1000. The big hit of the day was the Bounce Houses that we had rented. People were looking all over for me and they would find me with the kids, helping them go down the slide on the bounce house. I Love Kids! I met well over 100 of them today and had a blast in doing it. I talked, yelled and screamed with them to the point that I will be hoarse for Easter Sunday but I count it all worth it. Not only do I love kids but I also found out long ago that investing in them is the best way to build the Church that God loves. Adults can learn so many lessons from children if we would just take the time.

So I sit here tonight, excited about what tomorrow may bring but full well knowing that we were part of a God thing today. Within the past 6 months our Church had a prophecy given over it that God was getting ready to illuminate us to the community. I believe I heard the light switch turn on today! We had people coming from all across town and even more exciting, ones that lived within blocks of us. Do I believe that they will all come to Church? No, but I know some that are already planning on it and more importantly, many more know we are here today than ever has before. God is blessing this work! Happy Easter

Purpose or Pleasure

2011-04-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

We recently had a Revival during which one of the messages, entitled, "Purpose or Pleasure", spoke to me in a powerful way. During that message I realized how easy it is for us to forsake one for the other, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes our idea of what God wants from us becomes skewed by what we want and we don't even realize it. The Word was so powerful that it drove me to a good place. A place of repentance. I believe that one way we can pursue purpose over pleasure is to live a life of continual repentance.

That kind of thinking messes with traditional religious thinking because we tend to think of repentance only in terms of coming to Christ at salvation. But the truth is that every substantive move of God begins with hearts of repentance and the fact is that no matter how "good" we get at serving God, (at least according to our thinking) the more we can find to repent of daily and it isn't a thing of condemnation but rather desire to step closer.

I woke up today with a thought that I know was Spirit driven. God was speaking and what I heard was this, "What will you pour on me today?" I thought that was sort of funny as I am accustomed to asking God to pour into me! Then, as I began to think on the question, the story in Luke chapter 7 began to enter into my thinking. In that story, Jesus is being received into the Home of an apparently prestigious Pharisee. While there a Woman, that Luke described as immoral, heard Jesus was in the house and went home to get the most precious thing that she had. An Alabaster box of perfume. As she entered the Pharisee's house, and depending upon which version you read, she either stood or knelt at His feet. And poured the perfume on Jesus feet as she also wept on and kissed them. Truly one of the most powerful images of worship in the Bible but as I was thinking on it, I felt God urge me to read it again and see what I was missing. (it is interesting what you can still miss after years of following)

Upon reading the accounts in several versions the thing that jumped out at me was this. We've always had this image of her sitting or kneeling at his feet but the account in every version actually reads that she either stood or knelt at His feet while being behind Him. Kind of changes the imagery we often associate with it, doesn't it? Here is this Woman that the community considers to be immoral, She hears that there is one that can truly help with her life but in bringing herself to Him, although she brings the very best that she has, She can't even face Him. The rest of the remarkable story is that she is forgiven every sin and the ones that stood in judgment of her were literally put to shame.

Then the Spirit of God began comparing and contrasting what we present as worship today, with this story. What do we bring to worship? Sadly, I believe that we often bring Him our leftovers. Whatever is left of our time, our finances, our commitment and our service. We show up expecting blessings, many times expecting the one who blessed to do so within our time frame. We've taken our humbleness and traded it for arrogance. Yes, I do know who I am but if I ever forget that who I am is because of what He has done, then I am in the saddest state of all. There are people in the kingdom today that make arrogant and self-centered demands of a God that we, in and of ourselves, don't even have the right to approach from behind and we bring nothing of ourselves in the process, except for our greed for more. The best that I have is nothing in His sight but does that still excuse me from not presenting it? I think not.

Don't get me wrong, I know I am forgiven and I should live my life in that manner. I know His word is for me and that I can proclaim and declare it boldly. I know that as far as my enemy is concerned, I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. What I am speaking of is in how we approach God in our worship of Him. I want the best that I am to be broken and poured out upon Him. I want to always see Him as my kinsmen Redeemer, the one who paid the price. I want my worship to be all of me without giving thought to tomorrow or the cares of the day. Yes, I can approach His throne with Confidence but that should never translate into arrogance.

The greatest part of the story to me is this. It did not matter to Christ what the world thought of this immoral Woman. Maybe we can still learn lessons from that?

Sad day for the 1st amendment

2011-03-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

By clicking on the title you will be redirected to a news link containing a story about the Supreme Courts recent decision involving the 1st amendment. I say that it is a sad day and decision because it's difficult to believe that the 1st amendment was ever meant to be used to harass families as they bury their relation but that is in fact what the Supreme Court recently decided.

The case involves the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS. led by the infamous "Rev." Fred Phelps. They are known for picketing Funerals for our Servicemen who have given their lives for our Country because they believe that we are in war as a punishment of God for allowing homosexuality in this Country. In my opinion, They (Westboro and Fred Phelps) are ignorant lightening rods of nothing but hatred and the fact that they picket the Funerals of Servicemen should not be protected under the 1st amendment but rather they should all be tried and convicted for Treason against our Country.

1st and foremost, (and a "Rev." should realize this) God's judgment has never been nor ever will be poured out by the hand of Man. Look at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Did man have a part in it? Westboro and Phelps believe that 9/11 occurred and the ensuing Wars after wards were God's judgment against the U.S. I have some serious questions about that. 1. If 9/11 was God's judgment, don't they believe the Towers would have been filled to capacity on that dreadful day. Yes, more than 3000 people is a travesty but the early reports based upon the usual occupancy easily topped an estimate of more than 6000 people in a few instances. 2. If it was God's judgment, why did it affect only the area of ground zero? Any 1st year seminary student would be able to tell you that if God poured out His judgment in New York City that day, New York City would be no more. 3. Why just homosexuality? An honest look at our Nation will draw a conclusion that we are indeed a sinful nation. In my opinion, if God is going to pour out his judgment based on our sin, it will happen because of abortion 1st. Murder trumps who we have sex with any day of the week.

Anyone who knows me will not be surprised when I state that yes, I believe homosexuality is indeed, a sin. I fully realize that not everyone will agree with me but the Word of God is very clear on the matter and just for the sake of argument, let's say you agree with me. What then, does that make Homosexuals? To me, it makes them sinners that need the love and mercy of God. People that I am bound to try to reach. Before I point my finger of judgment against them, I need to also take a look at who I was before my conversion to Christ. With all of my faults and all of my sin I was, "a sinner that needed the love and mercy of God." I didn't need Fred Phelps to tell me that. All that I needed was the conviction of God's Holy Spirit. Believe it or not, it still works today.

Will the day ever come that God does pour out His judgment? Yes and when it occurs, it will be the unmistakable hand of God and He won't need Idiots with picket signs in order to get the message across.

Bucket List's

2011-02-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

I had a particularly rough day, yesterday. No, there was no set back in my recovery from surgery or the current therapy that I am going through. It was just an all out attack by the enemy of my Soul that seemed to some out of nowhere. It centered around a failure that will remain private. Nothing sinister or evil, no moral failing of any kind, in fact to my knowledge, no sin of any kind. Just a failure that was increasingly magnified on one particular day. The rush of thoughts, emotions and reaction was indeed surprising. I am a person that takes great pride in remaining pretty even keeled even in the face of danger. I don't tend to panic although I do sometimes over-react but over all, I'm about as "steady as she goes" as you can get but yesterday, my boat got rocked.

In the middle of it, I fussed vehemently at God. In fact at one point I screamed at him out loud. Some people are afraid to or think it even sin to be angry at God. I have found that it is the quickest way to resolution because He is perfect and if I will listen after fussing, He will answer. In fact, I believe that when we are angry at Him or what He has seemingly allowed and we don't talk to or even fuss at Him about it, it then becomes sin because our anger will fester against Him. Communication is the key to EVERY relationship. When we stop talking, the problems take over.

Anyway, what does all of that have to do with bucket list's? Well, it's part of the answer that God gave me last night, in my sleep.

The Framers of our Constitution wrote that we are endowed with certain inalliable rights by our Creator and that among them are liberty and "the pursuit of happiness." That particular phrase is a funny one to me because I have found that the harder you pursue happiness, the more difficult it is to "catch." In my opinion, true happiness is something that comes to you, once you realize that it is nothing more than an emotion that you truly cannot catch. The Apostle Paul said it best under a Divine anointing, when he wrote, "contentment with godliness is GREAT gain." Contentment, once attained, stays with you even when happiness goes out the door. So once again, what does all of that have to do with Bucket list's? LOL (glad you are patient)

Several months back on a Pastors message board that I frequent and enjoy someone asked the question, "What is on your bucket list?" Of course we all recognize that as the things we want to do or accomplish before we kick the proverbial bucket. I upset the originator of the post, (surprise, surprise lol) when I stated that I did not have one. In fact, I stated, I believe that we truly do what we really want to. We might wish for a lot of things but if we want to do something, we generally will make it happen. As a statement, and as a way of life, I truly do believe that but God spoke to me powerfully last night and as a result, I found out that I do have and always have had a "bucket list." Here it is:

1. Love God with all of my heart by being the best Man, Servant and follower of Him that I can possibly be.

2. Be the best Husband that I can be to the gift that God has given me of Debbie.

3. Be the best Father that I can be to the Son that God literally gave me.

4. Be the best Son and Brother that I can be to the most awesome family on the Planet.

5. Be the best Pastor, Minister, and Teacher that I can be, regardless of where I am.

That's really it and yes, in that order. In those 5 things there is a lifetime. In those 5 things there is the recognition that I may never fully achive them but in pursuing them, I find contentment with godliness and as a result happiness generally comes my way. In those 5 things I find a life that I can look back on and rightously be proud of.

Oh yes, there are things that I would like to do in life and sights that I would like to see. There are places I would like to walk and people I would like to meet but those things are all gravy, meaning that if I come anywhere close to achieving my short list and don't do any of the others, I've had a good life and I will have been a good man.

In the movie version of the bucket list my point is proven because it wasn't the things that they did that changed a man but rather in realizing what they have and what they had been given. The greatest things in our lives are very often the things we overlook every day.

Out of balance

2011-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

As most of you probably know, (and if you didn't, don't sweat it) I had Shoulder surgery at the end of January. I've been told that I am fortunate that it was the left Shoulder because my dominant side is the right. While I believe they are correct in that statement, I have found that we take for granted, many of the things we regularly do with our less dominant hand.

This writing for instance! My best typing is generally done with 2 fingers, yes, one on each hand. While I am a hunt an peck type writer, I have become fairly efficient at it and relatively fast. I am now reduced to one finger typing with many mistakes but hey, that's no big deal.

I went out for lunch with my Wife yesterday and found out that I could not put butter on my Biscuits by myself. Well, let's put it this way, it was much less embarrassing to have her do it for me than for me to attempt it myself!

I cannot button my own Shirt completely! Try putting on deodorant with one hand! In fact, there have been several times that I have briefly lost my balance in getting up out of a chair because of my less dominant arm. It affects you! You take for granted how much you use you non-dominant side.

All of this has put me in mind of the Church, "the body of Christ." Through the years I have witnessed the enemy cause people to believe that they are not important to the Church because they do not have a dominant role. People who float from Church to Church, usually as "God leads them." Even though that very thought is contrary to His word.

To me, (and I do recognize my warped nature), I believe that every Church is to form the body of Christ to their surrounding communities. Yes, it's OK to leave a Church but I believe there are circumstances that need to be recognized in doing so.

1. A person should leave a Church when that church releases them to go into active ministry beyond the local Church's function

2. A person should leave a Church when they cannot resolve a dispute in a BIBLICAL manner. (and a biblical manner goes waaaaaayyyyy beyond just being mad at someone)

3. Obviously, a person should leave a Church when their job or life takes them into a new community that makes staying impossible.

Other than those circumstances, I believe that believers should make every effort to engage in and become part of the body of Christ in a local Congregation. It's the way the New Testament Church was structured in the beginning.

I even challenge you to think of this the next time that you feel like hitting the spiritual snooze button on Sunday morning. How am I affecting the body? Of course I am not suggesting that a missed Sunday will adversely or permanently affect a Church but when those missed Sunday's (or whatever day your Church meets) become easier and easier for you to take, then yes, even if you are a non-dominant part, you are affecting the body.

We are ALL important and we ALL depend upon each other as we depend upon God to lead us and yes,
I felt this way even before I became a Pastor. :<)

A Monumental day!

2011-01-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

Today is my Dad's 70th birthday! When you go back through all of the toils, trials and health issues he has had, this truly is remarkable day.

Dad has always been one of my Heroes. Always seemed to walk taller than his 6 foot frame and managed to do with a humbleness that was beyond belief. Far from perfect but honest to a fault, his love for God is contagious.

His first heart attack was at age 35. It seemed as though we would lose him early in life but he seemed to will himself to live and let God handle the rest. A leisurely Motorcycle ride in his MID-60'S (lol) tried its best to take him out but that determined will and trust in God allowed me to wish him a Happy Birthday today.

One of the worst days of my life was during that time and occurred while he lay raging with a fever. They put ice blankets on him and I felt as if I were going to die, watching him shake and convulse so violently. Knowing his cold naturedness in the first place caused me to have one of the most helpless feelings that I have ever known but God brought him through.

As I told you this morning, Dad. I'm very proud of you. Thanks for teaching me to fight for what matters and to trust God in the face of the impossible. I love you more than words can express. Happy Birthday!

Ain't nothing but a thang

2011-01-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've been made aware that we voted already so I guess it is time for an update with the New Year and all! Things are going pretty well for the most part. Indian Trail is on a slow and steady course of growth. We have almost doubled our average attendance since July. There are several new families and we've made the addition of Susan Smith (another Indian Trail alumnus) as our Children's Pastor. We are excited about 2011 as God has given us some great and precious promises that I am looking forward to seeing fulfilled.

Of course when good things start happening in the Kingdom, it also stirs up the enemy of our Soul as well. This past November after moving some furniture, I started having pain in the left Shoulder. I figured it was muscle aches with being out of shape so I attempted to ignore it but it got progressively worse. I finally broke down and went to see the Doc in December. X-rays revealed arthritis and bone spurs on the collar bone going into the joint. I had told the Doc that it hurt worse than arthritis but he was confident in his diagnosis and gave me some meds and wanted me to come back in a month. The Shoulder got worse and I called to get back in only 2 weeks later. An MRI showed what the Doc had found and also a tear in the left bicep! sigh

I'm waiting now to hear when my Surgery will be and just wondering what is ahead. Must be something good because this ain't nothing but a thang! lol

Can we vote already????

2010-10-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, (which is a scary thought that I could devote another writing to) you are sick to death of this current political Season we are in. It seems, more than ever now, that the only Ads that a Candidate can run are negative ones about their opponent. It's as if the best we can do is vote for someone from a "they are not as bad as the other guy" point of view. Why can't someone, ANYONE, ANYBODY, please run a Campaign based upon their own strengths and plans of what they can OR AT THE VERY LEAST will attempt to do?

If you want true government reform, I have a few ideas. (no, I'm not running for anything)

Campaign reform -
1. All PAC monies should be given toward the party that they represent and divided equally among all the Candidates of that Party by that Party, not the PAC.

2. All Media Ads, regardless of the forum, are to be paid for by this equal spreading of the PAC monies. No Candidates will be able to fund their own Commercials or Campaigns. Everyone that makes it on the Ballot has equal footing. Millionaire Candidates are more than welcome to fund a PAC, with the knowledge that the money will be spread across the board. NO MORE BUYING ELECTIONS!

3. The first Ad that attacks another Candidate will disqualify the guilty party from the race. Yes, you will have to run on your own character or lack thereof. (yes, Illinois will have to import Candidates but-----) The remainder of that Candidates alloted Campaign funds will be redistributed among the other remaining Candidates.

4. No Ads are to be run until 6 months before an election. A failure to comply will disqualify the guilty parties.

5. No phone calls of ANY kind to the General public will be allowed by Candidates, Parties or PAC's including Labor Unions. (anyone caught saying "vote your paycheck" will be jailed until the election is over)

Governmental reform

1. Within 60 days of taking Office the "winning" Party must publish an Agenda of items that they will attempt to accomplish with the first year. Within 30 days of this posting, the minority Party must post the items that they will oppose and support of their opponents. This process will be repeated every January along with a scorecard of how said Party's have honored their commitments. This way we know what our common ground is, giving accountability to those we elect.

2. No Governmental Official will ever be allowed to vote for their Pay raise, EVER AGAIN. Raises in pay will be determined by bringing in balanced Budgets at every level. If there is a budget defecit, NO RAISE, you haven't earned it. Governmental raises will be given at a rate of 1% of every thousand dollars that we are below our Budget. Shouldn't government be given an incentive to save money rather than spend it foolishly?

3. EARNED TERM LIMITS Your term in Office will be limited the current structure that is dictated, (i.e. 2 year, 4 year or 6 year) You can earn additional years based upon the amount of Bills you write that actually get passed or for bills that you help pass. For every bill that you write or co-write that gets passed into law you earn an additional year. For every bill that you help pass with your vote, you earn and additional 6 months. ANY earned additional time will only be enacted with the winning of the next election, meaning that if you are just passing Bills without the approval of the People, you only earn a ticket out.

THERE, I think this will cover the majority of our problems! :<) If only I were King!

Walking in New, Old Territory

2010-10-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the seemingly, contradictory title but hopefully, when I've finished it will make perfect sense. OK, I'll settle for a little sense, since I've needed it for so long any way!

In January of this year I resigned my pastorate at the Narragansett Church of God after nine years of service there. It was a bittersweet decision because after so much of my life transpiring there I had truly grown to love the Church but I was convinced that I had God's leading, so we left. Unlike many "Preachers" I didn't have anything lined up or worked out as far as trading Churches. All that I had heard from God was that it was time to go. I was OK with not having an assignment to go into. After 9 years of driving at least 100 miles per week and giving all that I had of my heart, soul and finances, I was looking forward to a time of rest.

Things were going well. What had been my bi-vocational job was flourishing and I was enjoying a time of visiting Church's and listening to Preachers that I had always wanted to hear. In fact, I was getting very comfortable. I would get an occasional speaking engagement to stay somewhat fresh but I would have been OK to just stay the way that I was. I should have known better because I found out long ago that comfortable is not a place that God will leave you for very long!

Toward the end of May the phone rang and it was my Administrative Bishop, Darrell Rice. Bishop Rice is a man that I have long respected and am privileged to call a Friend. However, I had not been bugging him about finding me a Church to Pastor or anything like that, even though I knew there were several openings in our Region. Many say that leaving a Church without having "the next one" lined up is career suicide in ministry but I always knew that I could call Bishop and that he would be fair. I just didn't want anything. I was good, just the way I was. The call would blow me away though because it was an offer of a Church. Not just any Church but the Church that my Father had pastored in the mid-70's. The Church where I had first met the beautiful Girl that would eventually become my Wife. The Church I had left as an awkward Teenager.

I must admit that my first thought was "yeah, right, I really want to go to where my Dad had one of his most successful pastorates!" I mean who would want that pressure? lol My second thought was that this was an honor to be asked because this was one of the more beautiful properties in the Region. The call ended with my promise to pray about it but honestly never expecting it to go beyond that. I was going to wait a few days, pray about it and call back and gracefully turn it down. I LIKED WHERE I WAS.

The funny thing about that is that God had other plans, as He usually does. To make an already long story longer, my thoughts would continue on this offer day and night. Before long I began thinking of scenarios of what I would do if----. After several weeks of not bowing out and sharing my heart with Debbie, Bishop Rice called again asking where we were at on the decision. I believe it was to his surprise that I used a Poker analogy, of all things. "I'm all in!" I could sense a stunned response on the other end of the Phone because Bishop had asked my to make some BIG commitments along with it but I had been given a sense of "being born for this moment" that hasn't left me yet! (of course it could have been that one of His Pastor's used a Poker term too)

We've been here since Mid-July and have fallen in love with the Church. It isn't where it was in the mid-70's by a long shot but we are growing and there is a genuine sense of expectation among the people. One of the things that God impressed upon me early on was that I was sent here to be a healer of hurts and I've gone after that with all that is in me. I believe we are well on our way to going beyond the hurt and into the future He has planned.

The funny thing is that even though it is new, there is a memory in every corner. Yes, I am walking in new, old territory but the best thing is that God is walking with me. In fact, He's already gone ahead! I'm just working to catch up and loving every minute of it!

Hello Again

2010-10-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, as I have been repeatedly informed by e-mail, it has been awhile since I have blogged. Sorry about that but I've been through a time of introspection and just haven't had much to say. I've gone through the loss of my last remaining Grandparent and the resignation of a nine year pastorate, culminating with the beginning of a new pastoral assignment in relative cyber silence. Throw in the diagnosis of a grade 3 herniation of the L5 disc in the lower back and it appears that I've had a lot, not to write about.

Actually, it was the ongoing process of the recovery of the back injury that spurred my desire to write again. The injury is not serious enough at this point to warrant surgery and I have been assured that with therapy and common sense, I will be fine. (yes, I am probably in trouble)

This week, the Doc ordered a deep tissue massage. I thought to myself, "cool!" What I didn't realize is that a theraputic deep tissue massage is actually a painful thing but I now know otherwise! The theory behind it is that to the degree that you are injured, the body, in its amazing God designed complexity, begins to do things to compensate for the injury. In my case the Back muscles tightened around the injured area to prevent further injury. Part of the healing process required the breaking down of the natural defenses of the body and Brother, did that breakdown hurt. I was nearly to the point of tears by the end of that massage and not to thrilled with the Therapist! But it was on the drive home that a release came that caused me to realize how hurt I had been and how long it had been going on. I felt soooooo much better! (until the next day when I was soooooo sore)

The entire episode put me in mind of our natural tendency to build up walls of defense when we have been hurt. We come to a point of "injury" and determined to not let it happen again, we build up those defensive walls determined to keep people out. After awhile, we function again as if nothing ever happened but down deep we are hurt. Because of the "hurt" our relationships suffer because the walls we have built to "protect" us actually keep people out that care about us. The healing we need, like my Back, needs a breakdown of the defenses and the reason many people never "get there" is because that breakdown can be a painful but necessary thing.

God never intended for us to walk around with walls meant to keep People out. Yes, unfortunately, there are People who abuse that kind of vulnerability. It's a sad but true thing. The trouble is that in building those walls that we think protect us, we actually can alienate those in our lives that can help and heal. It reminds me of those little one caption, "Love is" cartoons that were so popular several years ago. "Love is being vulnerable, trusting the ones we bestow it on to not abuse it and learning to forgive them when they do."

It's good to be back! Hope you enjoyed or at least endured.

Happy Fathers Day!

2010-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am in a rare and unusual place as I actually believe that my Fathers Day Card was mailed in time for Dad to have today!!!! (if not the postal service is in BIG trouble lol)

Today, Fathers day is a bit more special for me because on this day I will begin serving as the Interim Pastor for the Indian Trail COG in Aurora. This is the same Church that Dad pastored in the mid-70's and where I met the gal I would eventually marry. It's a strange and exciting time to be going back to a place I spent part of my childhood. (another strange twist of fate is that Sam is now the same age I was when we moved to Aurora)

How will it go? I have no idea. Am I trying to revive the past or fill Dad's shoes in any way? Nope, wouldn't and couldn't if I tried. I'm just looking to build a future for a place that is special to me. However God does it is fine by me. I'm just an instrument in His hands. (I learned that from someone I call Dad)

So Dad, know that as I nervously fill a pulpit that you once so fervently graced, part of my thought process will be upon you. Thanks for being someone that taught me that God can do anything. Thanks for being one that desired nothing more than to be used by God. Thanks for showing me that circumstances are nothing more than opportunities for God to show up and that faith is in knowing that He will. You are an awesome Guy and I honor you today as I honor a most excellent God!

What "ought" we do?

2010-05-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

I actually had a topic request! Too cool. A reader asked if I would put my mind to work on the topic of "if thy Brother has ought against you." This is found a few places in the Bible but the most popular is from the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus delivered. It reads like this:

23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

I thought about it in several ways and even thought about a top ten list. Something like:

1. If your Brother has ought against you, always remember he is your Brother.
2. If your Brother has ought against you, you ought to pray for him.
3. If your Brother has ought against you, ask yourself if you gave him reason?
4. If you didn't give him reason, go back to praying for him.

The list could go on and maybe will some day but I'm getting a mind cramp and it hurts.

Let's talk about "ought" for a moment, which is actually the King James word for the smallest of offences. It literally means the tiniest particle. Do we have them? Only if we are breathing. Being offended is a greatly misunderstood concept. When we are offended, little else matters. It becomes all that we can see, think about or focus on. It may seem insignificant to others but when it bites us, ohhhhhhh, brother, watch out.

I've never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I have learned a few things about being offended that I would like to share.

The first is that being offended is a choice. It's a button that someone has pushed that we allow to become activated within out heart. So the question begs of itself, what pushes your buttons? You can say a lot of things about me and I probably won't care too much. I take a pretty good ribbing like many others but if you make my Debbie or my Momma cry, I will want to hurt you, in Jesus name of course! :<) It's a fairly base instinct within Sons and Husbands. It's what we do next that is sooooooo important and the second thing I have learned, which is,

How much power will I allow the "button pusher" to have over my life? Yes, that's right, when I choose to be offended, I give power to that person over me? In most cases of offence the "guilty" party usually doesn't even give the matter a second thought but I have witnessed people that hang on to that offence for literally years. The one that offended may not even remember the occasion but the offended one can give you every detail and USUALLY WILL.

The third thing I have learned is that if I make better choices at the onset of the problem, I simply live a better life. I'll admit that it's not always easy to do and that there are times that I fail miserably but for the most part, I usually say to myself, "No, I will not give anyone that kind of power over me, I choose to forgive."

Now, that is not to say that there aren't moments when those bad thoughts flood in. We are human. Sometimes we need to remember that and grant it to others as well. Being initially offended at something, IN MY OPINION, is not sinful in and of itself. It's when we choose to allow it to take root in our heart and grow and fester over our Souls that it becomes a sinful problem for us.

This is what Jesus was speaking of in the text and in the text we see the criteria for when the offence has festered. When we bring our gifts before God and His Spirit quickens us a reminds of of the festering, it is time to deal with it. What are our gifts? I would dare say anything we attempt to give Him of ourselves. Maybe its prayer time. Maybe when its when we do what we do to be considered "good." What ever the case, I believe we all know when we have felt that prompting. So what do we do?

The text outlines it pretty clearly. When offence is revealed, go deal with it. Now that doesn't mean go duke it out, rehash all the old junk so that someone can be justified. Deal with it to the point that the text makes clear, "FIRST, BE RECONCILED."

The hard part is that we usually want to be justified before we are reconciled. I had someone involved in a dispute say to me recently, "there are two sides to every story." Actually, there are three sides. 1. is the Truth and the other two are both sides story of the truth.

The truth that matters is this. We are ALL Brothers and Sisters and like all families do, we will encounter offending times. The question is this, will I choose to allow offence to dictate my life and my responses or will I choose to be reconciled. The need to be justified in offence will leave you bitter, cold and alone. Being reconciled brings forgiveness and peace. As Sam says, "do the math."

I hope I have done the topic justice, if not, please forgive me. :<)

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are at that time of year again. Spring is in the air, the flowers are in bloom and I've forgotten to mail my Mothers Day Card AGAIN! (sigh)

It's not that I mean to, it's just that I'm really that dense! Mom deserves so much better. That's why I'm hoping my siblings have done much better than I. With 3 out of 4 the odds are in Mom's favor. But then again, that is the cool thing about Mom's and specifically my Mom. They realize their kids flaws and love them anyway and I give her plenty reason to love me! :<)

Mom has always been one that has given to others for her entire life. It seems that it has been a built in propensity. We moved a LOT in my younger years. Different Houses and Parsonages. Some nice, some not so nice. No slums are nothing, just some were nicer than others. One was right in the middle of the little town we lived in and town folk would determine whether or not we slept in by whether the blinds were open or not. We lived practically every where and in every situation. There were times we had plenty and times when there was plenty to want. We lived through sad times, hard times, times of prosperity and times of great joy. The one thing that was constant was Mom. Every House was made to feel the same and every experience was made bouyant, as though we could sail through anything together, whether it was a bratty kid with a German Shepard down the Street or some of the ordeals of life as we grew older. There was always a place at the table and a bed to sleep in, even when it meant a slew of relatives in a 2 bedroom house and the bed may have been a "pallet" on the floor.

My sense of humor was largely influenced by my Mom and through the years, she sure has paid for it. The time comes to mind when I almost had her falling off of the Church pew by saying one word under my breath as the Adult Sunday School teacher was "opening in prayer." Or the time she hung up on me as I prank called her at Thanksgiving, posing as someone selling Newspaper subsriptions. Of course there have been plenty of other times that she turned the tables on me but she doesn't have a blog so those will remain as they are! LOL

I still remain amazed as I have witnessed this person that has always given, give even more after the debilitating accident of my Dad. A strength that comes from something more than human and love that inspires everyone she knows. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you.

Back when Stupid was stupid

2010-04-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

As Father time begins to look more like a Brother, I find myself waxing nostalgic. I miss Summer days when the only thing I had to worry about was if we had enough daylight left for Baseball. You know, back in simplier times, back when being stupid was actually being stupid!

Fast forward to the events of the past several months. Famous Husbands that have been caught sampling other peoples commitments or even lack of it. Tigers and Outlaws that apparently can't be left alone for 5 minutes without cheating on their Spouses.

And what is the excuse/reason for this outlandish behavior? Why, they have an addiction! Don't you feel bad for them? There was nothing they could do! They are products of their biological make up. The only victim here is themselves or so they would have you think.

The sad part is that our Society falls right in line with that ingnorance and we even start catering to it. We now have Rehab for Sex addiction. You know, what we use to know as, "I got caught cheating" Class. Believe it or not folks, the things that we generally do to ourselves or to others is not from some chemical imbalance in our brains, or some genetic make up that we can blame our Parents or our Parents, Parents for. Sometimes we just get stupid.

Deb and I celebrated our 24th Anniversary last week and my Mother-in-Law pulled out some Pictures from our dating days. I was in shock because in my mind I'm still that skinny kid that said "I do" but in reality there is now nearly twice as much me than there was then. But it's really not my fault, you see. I'm addicted to Food! It's really my Parents fault too because they started feeding me back when I was a baby. It's really Debbie's fault too because she is a good Cook and every day she gets me my fix. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have a problem at all!!!

Rediculous? Absolutely but hopefully you see my point. You see, I know that people are weak. I realize that they make bad choices that affect their lives and the lives of others but there are some things that are absolutes. If you made a vow to love, honor and cherish someone until you die, you ought to live up to it. Respect yourself enough to live up to your own word. Respect your Spouse enough to always do what is right. And when you mess up, don't go blaming others and seeking treatments for "diseases" that we have made up to hide our own guilt. Own up, man up, say your are sorry and spend the rest of your life proving it. Repent to God and your Spouse.

A $600,000 boat won't fix what is broken. A half zillion carat diamond ring won't fix what is broken. (sorry gals) Why? Because the thing that is broken is the Spouse that cheated and it's not from addiction nor from or because of others. It's because they broke their word, their vow before God and Man and the only one they can blame looks them in the mirror every day.

You may the greatest Golfer in the World or you might can build custom Motercycles from paper clips but when you have lost the trust of the person you love, those things don't really matter. It is better to be a Man that is held in esteem by his Wife and Children, than a Man that the World knows but no one respects.

Trials or Trails?

2010-04-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

(Warning---- Long read)

We speak a lot in Christian circles of "going through trials." Generally meaning of how we go through things that do not always go our way. I've even heard one "Christian" equate a stolen parking space to going through a trial. I'm convinced that much of what America calls trials is nothing more that spoiled children not getting what they want immediately from their Father. I don't think we can truly speak of trials when there are those, such as Christians in China, that literally put their lives on the line for the cause of Christ.

Before anyone accuses me of being too judgemental of Christians let me state to you that I am a product of what I speak. I've been there, done that and sold the T-shirt at a garage sale after I've worn it out. That's been made very clear to me in the past few months and has come into a clearer revelation knowledge even this past weekend, when I asked God to deliver me from this trial. Imagine my indignant response when I felt God speak into my spirit, "Why would I remove from you what is drawing you back to me?"

"Back to You???? I don't understand what you mean? I've spent my whole life trying to get closer to You, trying to make you love me more, trying to be good enough for You to accept me and use me more, trying to become holy enough!" Now imagine my religious indignation when I felt God speak into my spirit, "All of those things that YOU have been trying to do are not possible!"

"Oh! Surely you mean that they are not possible through my own means, (swelling up because I thought I had the spiritual answer and I was soooo proud) but possible through you because "YOU MAKE ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!" Whew, Glowray, I feel a shout coming on! But then imagine by conditioned unbelief as I felt God speak, "NO! Simply not possible!"

I say "conditioned unbelief", because I feel that I have suffered with what most people with a religious spirit suffer with and that is a feeling of unacceptance. I've been one that has stated, "I don't like religious people" and even gone so far as to say, "I'm not fond of religion either." I've said those things because I have stated to believe that I would rather have relationship, which I truly do believe but seeing myself through honest eyes, I see that I have gone about seeking relationship through religious means. Meaning that I have lived with the premise that "if I can just get to be good enough, then God will accept and use me more." What I have found is this. That premise is not possible.

Before anyone cries out that I've gone off of the reservation and am walking away from God, let me point out some of our collective conditioned unbeliefs.

1. If we sing the right Songs, stand or kneel at the right times, snot and spit where appropriate and by all means work up a sweat, we can come into the presence of God!

Before I point out where that is fundamentally flawed thinking, let me state absolutely that I do believe in the power of corporate worship. It's just that most times I believe that we accidentally reach the point we are striving for.

The thinking of "coming into the presence of God" is a relatively Pentecostal idea but that idea is fundamentally flawed by the very thing that we often preach. "After Christ was crucified the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom." Signifying that God, Himself, tore it. What did the veil of the temple represent? It was the point of seperation between God and man. If God went through the point of tearing it, shouldn't we realize that we live with HIS PRESENCE every day of our lives? Shouldn't our lives be lives of worship everyday and how much more powerful can our worship be when we truly realize that? We've been conditioned to believe that if we do things just right, God will honor us with His presence. The sad truth that we often fail to realize is that God honored us with His presence at the death of his Son. We have just failed to accept it because of conditioned unbelief.

2. If I just do better, I can make God love me more, use me more or my favorite, (because I've allowed this belief to cripple me spiritually) I can have more power with God because I will be more holy.

I've included all of these together because they are all designed on the same conditioned unbelief and that is, "there is something I can do to earn more of God." It simply is untrue. OK, I feel that round up mentality starting to come over you again so let me be clear, I BELIEVE IN HOLINESS. I just don't believe in the process of conditioned unbelief that we generally go about it with. There is nothing that I can do to be more holy. There is nothing I can give up to cause God to love me more and there is nothing that I can do to cause His power to work more effectively through me. I know that just puckers some of the self-righteous so let me give you a new paragraph to soak it in! :<)

How is it possible to make someone love you more? Especially when that Someone, God the Father, gave His own Son to die in your place. There is nothing more that can be done. Even Jesus said, "There is no greater love than when a man gives his life for his Friends", yet the majority of organized religion is based upon the idea that we somehow have to earn it. It is rediculous in its premise and impossible. If accepting the blood of Jesus as a covering of my sin is not good enough to make me holy before God, NOTHING EVER WILL BE. This conditioned unbelief of becoming good enough is the reason why we have Churches full of "Christians" who live defeated, discouraged and powerless lives because what they are attempting to achieve through their religious exercise is something that can never be achieved because it has already been given to them and they just don't realize it. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LOVE YOU MORE! The sooner we accept that, the sooner we begin to live in His destiny and power. The hard part of this for the truly "religious" is that God loves the drunk in the alley just as much as he loves those we deem to be Saints.

Yes, I hear you saying, "but what about Sin seperating us from God?" It's true! Sin does seperate us and always will. Let me put it to you in another setting. When I dated Debbie, I had some fairly flashy clothes. Back in those days I was in good physical shape and I bought shirts and pants that accented those qualities because in my mind, "this beautiful girl likes what she sees and I want her to like me more." I had a collection of shirts that had designs and one that even had some sparkle to it and I thought that she really liked to see me in those shirts. (yes, I was a total red neck) It wasn't until after we were married that I came home one day that I found all of those clothes, that I thought helped to make her like me more, in a pile to be given away to the next misguided redneck. Imagine my surprise when I realized that all of those times that I thought she looked at me because of what I was wearing, I found out she was looking at me because SHE LOVED ME. Even with my flaws she loved me and yes, she worked to change me and I went along with it. Not because I thought it would make her love me more but because I accepted that she loved me.

You can't get closer to God than to have his manifest presence living in you. The sooner we accept that, the sooner we truly change. Not because we are earning his love or acceptance but rather because of it. I can't be more holy than to have Christ live in me. It simply isn't possible. I can't be more powerful than to live in His realized and continued presence in me.

This conditioned unbelief has caused entire religious organizations to built upon guilt based rules and regulations that do nothing to draw us nearer to God but only magnify the flaws that we wrongly believe causes God not to love, accept, or use us. I'm done serving God out of guilt and because I've removed the needless guilt, I accept relationship and I change. Not because I have followed some misguided formula but rather because you cannot walk with God and not change. Conditioned unbelief causes us to think we have to earn the right to walk with Him. That my Friends is truly impossible.

This revelation causes me to realize that most times, what I have considered to be trials has simply been trails that lead me back to a love that was so freely given, yet we have a hard time accepting it. All of this can be summed up in a very simple yet, astounding truth that Jesus uttered more than 2000 years ago. He came to a Woman at a Well and because of his perfection without acceptance She began to deflect his love with religious arguments about what Mountain people should worship on. He said, "But the hour cometh, AND NOW IS, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.John 4:22-24

The thing that we often overlook in that passage is that the FATHER IS SEEKING out such worshippers. Those that worship in spirit and truth. I can't be more "in the spirit" than to have His manifest presence live in me every day and that should change the way I worship.

Sadly, most of todays "Praise and Worship" is built upon the context of "coming into God's presence" when His Word clearly teaches us that He is seeking the worship of those that accept and realize that His presence literally abides with us.

Does your worship seek more of God or do you worship the one that has already accepted you, already loves you and already seeks out those that worship Him in that way?

The value of repentance

2010-03-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

The 17th chapter of the book of Luke contains a significant story on the value of repentance. The funny thing is that it is rarely used on the topic of repentance because it involves the healing of 10 Lepers.

Repentance, in and of itself, is a greatly misunderstood value in the kingdom. We generally think of and respond to anything involving repentance in terms of our initial salvation experience. Many tend to think of repentance in terms of sorrow or guilt over Sin and while there is that element of it in repentance, the true value of the term involves not only being sorry but also turning from or changing of a lifestyle. We talk a lot these days about "lifestyle choices", but the truth is that the only lifestyle that we were truly designed for is in following God with all of our hearts. But I digress-----

Repentance should be a part of our every day life. The closer that we get to the true holiness of God, the more we should find to change. Repentance is not just a single act but a way of life that we should learn to follow. In fact, I would dare say, that if we haven't been convicted to the point of repentance in quite some time, then we are far away from the path God has planned for us.

So, how does the story of 10 Lepers equate to repentance? I'm glad you asked! 10 men came to Jesus in the same condition. (Leprosy is also a comparitive term for the Sin we are all born into) In verse 13 they all cried out for Mercy. In verse 14 the Word declares that as they went to show the Priest, they were cleansed. (a comparitive term for the Salvation experience)Do you remember the joy that you experienced at your intitial conversion? The weight of Sin was lifted and the joy was indescribable. But yet the process of change was just beginning. It is important to note that in verse 14 they were all cleansed but here is where the true issue of repentance comes into play.

In verse 15, one of the 10 "turned back" and glorified God and sought Christ, our true Priest, out. In verse 19 Jesus told him to go his way, "his faith had made him whole!" In verse 15 he was cleansed but his act of turning back again, made him whole.

Many people today encounter the cleansing power of Christ but it is that act of true repentance, that turning around, that seeking out God to give Him glory every day that truly changes our lives. Repentance leads to completion of the good work that Christ starts in our life. Cleansed is good but whole is better!

The value of brokenness

2010-03-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

I believe that brokenness is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian faith. Brokenness, in and of itself, is not a very desireable thing because we generally equate it to our human understanding. When something is broken our general remedy is to throw it out. The same concept sort of applies spiritually but it is that process of throwing out that we truly become closer to God.

I preached once on the value of brokenness and had a Lady get very upset with me. "God didn't want us to broken, He wants us to be happy!" was her general argument. It was no surprise that she was a disciple of a T.V. Evangelist that smiles a lot and sort of sounds like Stuart Smalley of SNL fame. The true fact is that brokenness is a direct product of repentance and true repentance leads to a changed life. That is something that I can smile about.

Don't get me wrong, brokenness in the Christian faith is not walking around with a cloud over your head, singing "Gloom, Despair and agony on me." Living with a heart of brokenness spiritually is to live every day in such a manner that I am aware of the heart of God toward my life and am instantly convicted if I trangress that heart in any way. Convicted to the point of repentance which bring change.

How valuable is brokenness? I believe it can prevent us from ultimately committing the greatest sin. Some would argue, "what is the greatest Sin?" and probably have a comparitive list but the Word tells us that the only unforgiveable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. There are many schools of thought on what blasphemy is. For nearly all of my life I have heard it preached that blasphemy was denying that there is a Holy Spirit. I don't really agree with that assessment because if it were so there would be no hope for the Atheists of this world.

I believe that the road to blasphemy is paved with hardened heart that have learned to ignore God's promptings. I believe it starts with little things. Things that convict is but we justify it and then ignore it and after time we can't feel anything anymore because our hearts become hardened and our lives become empty and void.

I believe that brokenness always points us to God and what can be more valuable than that?

Learning more each day

2010-02-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

This Sunday marks one month since I left my pastorate. It's funny because in some ways it seems a life time ago but then again, on the Sunday I was speaking at Evanston, I had driven halfway to Narragansett before I realized it. lol

I have found a few things out since leaving that have produced a mixed range of emotions. I found out that there were people from outside the Church that had been giving to make sure that I could draw a salary. I was blown away and humbled at that knowledge and to whomever you were, I say thanks.

I had breakfast with Debbie this morning and we both found it funny that one of the things we miss the most was the Homeless man that we gave a bottle of water to each week. The first time we gave him water he was so excited that he blurted out, "thanks for stopping!" Never mind that we were at a red light! But we looked for him every week and that bottle of water seemed to be liquid gold to him.

Yes, there are people from the Church that I miss and there are some that have acted predictably in my absence. I love them all.

Staying Busy

2010-02-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

We had a great time this weekend at New Vision Church of God in Decatur. Rev. Dow and Debbie Moses are excellent hosts and the Church is full of new converts and an excitement of what God can do. I believe that Decatur is going to see a true revival through the New Vision work.

This Sunday I am going to be at the Secret Place Church of God in Oak Park. I look forward to being with Rev. Barbara Karpouzian and their church family.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2010-01-29T22:01:00.000-08:00

Today was my Dad's 69th birthday so I want to wish him a Happy Birthday! For a Man that had his first heart attack at 35, has endured stroke, many health related issues and a near fatal Motorcycle accident a few years back, He looks good! LOL

Dad has been my role model in life. One of the toughest Men I have ever met and one that has a heart for God like few I have ever known. No, he is not perfect but he has been close enough for me.

I have a few speaking engagements lined up that I am excited about. On Sunday, January 31st, I will be in Evanston, IL at the Evanston Church of God. Evanston is pastored by a man that I am honored to call my Friend, Rev. Howard Hendricks.

Next Sunday, February, 6th, I will be in Decatur, IL, at the New Vision Church of God. New Vision is pastored by another man that I am privileged to know, Rev. Dow Moses. I look forward to meeting a new Congregation and reconnecting with some dear Friends.

It's not good bye

2010-01-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday marked the bittersweet end to a journey that began 9 years ago. It was my last Sunday as Pastor of the Narragansett Church of God. The day, in and of itself, was a day of honor, memories, tears and laughter. A beautiful ending to a wonderful story.

I say bittersweet because I know that God did not accomplish all that he wanted to through and during my time there but I also leave knowing that I gave my all and that it is time for someone else to come in and Harvest. I leave Narragansett, as I intended to, a better place than when I arrived and to God be the glory for that.

Many people are asking, "What's next?" And the truth is that I am asking the same question. :<) Right now we need a time of rest, a time of being poured into and a time of healing. God has not revealed the entirety of the next chapter just yet and I'm OK with that. My decision at this time is known as ministerial suicide by those in pastoral circles because you never leave without having "something better" lined up. But I am not a career Pastor and I knew that going in and I'm fine with simply waiting on God as I obey Him. By no means has my ministry ended. That will come when I breath no more.

I've been blessed with some phone calls and e-mails asking me to come and speak and already have some dates lined up. Those that know me, know I am an Evangelist at heart. Now, after 9 years of experiencing life as I've never known it, I look forward to seeing God do some incredible things.

I promise that I will "keep you posted!"

Thought for the day

2009-10-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, in the Bronx, NY, a 26 year old Teacher and Track Coach was arrested for impregnating one of his 15 year old Students.

Apparently, he not only stinks at being a Human being but he must be a lousy track coach too or she might have got away!

It's Friday! Enjoy it!

Down time

2009-09-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

I am spending this Labor Day weekend with my family at my Parents home. It isn't often, anymore, that I seem to be able to get away. My Job demands a lot more of my time these days and the weekends and whatever free time I can manage goes to the Church. I have no regret in that but it is nice to be able to occasionally get away. I vowed to myself at the beginning of the year that I would take at least 4 Sundays to refresh and recharge. Not counting a Church related Conference that I went to in May, this weekend makes 2. LOL It's not that I feel like the place can't run without me, it's just that we stay so busy that time just passes before we know it.

I've enjoyed this weekend, even though it has rained for most of it. I sat out on the back Porch with my Dad yesterday, watching the various Birds fly into the yard to eat from the Feeder. Saw a little bit of everything including a red-headed Woodpecker and a Hummingbird. It was just a good day to spend talking with Dad.

In a little while we will head toward Church and worship together as a family. It will be awesome to see the generations coming up behind us, carrying on a rich family history. God is awesome! So are many of His people!

A virtual Potpourri

2009-08-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

As my Friend, Neil Smith, occasionally says, "I'm in a mood!" So let's talk everything.

1. Health Care

Does anyone actually see any sense in the "town hall" meetings that have become such fair in recent years? Basically and truthfully, it is simply an opportunity for Politicians to spin their views. If you really believe they are interested in yours, You must have voted for Obama. :<)

All the fuss about Health Care is truly funny. Let's deal with some facts. If we would pass legislation to prevent Drug companies, Health Care providers, (both actual and Insurance companies) and Hospitals from gouging us with profits that are sometimes over 1000%, maybe, just maybe, we wouldn't be where we are at.

I know, I know, the Hospitals claim they have to gouge us because of the amount of uninsured people but come on----- take an aspirin in the Hospital and you will pay dearly for it.

How about if we put reforms into the present system, limiting the amount that we can actually be ripped off and then treat our Citizens like we treat our Car companies??? I mean really, if we actually cared about the uninsured like the hacks in our government are pretending to, then why don't we spend that kind of money on them. I submit to you that in a reformed system that eliminated price gouging, if we spent the money that we currently have spent on the Automotive Industry bailout and the Cash for Clunkers program, there would not be an uninsured person in America. That is of course until those that don't want to pay for it now, drop it from their employment package. Boys and Girls, there ain't nothing free but if the proposed Health Care bill passes we will all be paying for it for a loooong time.

2. Brett Farve

Cybill, as I like to call him, decided to unretire this week and signed with the Minnesota Vikings. As a Bears Fan, I am rejoicing because this moves means another Division Crown for Da,Bears! Yeah there are Packer fans that say, "what about us" but you are the ones who created this Prima Donna in the first place. I'll give Brett his due. In his prime he was as good as you get but his prime was over about 3 years before he retired the first time.

On a side note, since the news of the signing the Vikings have sold over 3000 Season tickets, proving that this move is a great match----intellectually at least. hehehehe

3. Conan O'Brian

????????????????

That's about it for now. I'm sure the mood will pass but I'm fairly sure Brett won't!

Mountain out of a mole hill?

2009-07-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

By now you have probably seen, heard or read the story of the African-American Harvard Professor that was arrested for breaking into his own home. The Media seems bent on fanning the flame and we have even had a Presidential comment on the matter. (that was truly uncalled for)

We are truly living in an upside down world these days. If this was a case of racism then I must have grown a head full of hair! What is wrong with people these days? It appears that we go out of our way to be offended.

Don't get me wrong. I agree that racism still exist but I also maintain that it is a two way street. Here's the point. In my Neighborhood, we have a Neighborhood watch. I've lived here for 11 years and I can't tell you who is on it and I'm sure they don't know me but I would hope that if they saw me or anyone else attempting to pry my front door open, (especially aided by another person) that they would call the Police.

As for the Police, they have an extremely dangerous job where they live and die by judgement calls. I'm sure that when they receive a call about the possible break in or home invasion, the adrenelin starts pumping pretty heavy. If you've ever faced a dangerous situation, you know exactly what that is like. When they arrive, sure, they may have over-reacted. They are human. I'm sure the man maintained that he was the homeowner but let's face the truth, Police are lied to every day and every prisoner in America is "innocent." It's actually not their job to determine guilt or innocence but rather to enforce the law. Last I checked it is against the law to break into someone's home. I truly hope that doesn't change in the name of "civil liberties" or else we may not have a House to go home to.

Frankly, from what I've seen and read, there was over-reaction by everyone involved, including the POTUS. I would hope the Police would react in the same manner regardless of the color of ones skin. I wouldn't mind having to prove that I own my home if faced with a similar circumstance.

Yes, there is still racism in this country but stories like this only weaken the argument. I am currently ministering to a young man in the Cook County Department of Corrections. He is there on 1st degree murder charges. I believe he is innocent and only there because of the color of his skin. It's been nearly a year and he hasn't faced a trial yet because of a lack of hard evidence but every Court date he gets a continuance because he can't afford bond. This is a story of real racism. Hopefully a Harvard Professor is smart enough to see that, maybe even a President?

One mile down----

2009-07-23T08:56:00.001-07:00

I visited the Doc this past week for a check up on the Leg and he gave me a clean bill of health. In fact, he told me that he has had Teenagers that had this procedure that haven't done as well as I'm doing. (I've been checking into whether it's proper to tip Doctors after that LOL) He also cleared me to start running again.

So------I ran my first mile today, July 23rd! A week and a day ahead of my goal of August and I ran every bit of it! Yes, I stopped about 4 or 5 times in the process to let my heart catch up but I DID IT. I even made it up Hell Hill. (with a strong emphasis on stopping 4 or 5 times) It felt great and I'm ready to go again but maybe tomorrow. :<)

I have several things for you to help me pray about. Please pray for two ladies named Harmony and Corlyn. Also pray for 2 young men named Marcel and Renard. God knows the needs but they need the prayer.

I'll see you on the track!

You might be an affluent Red neck--

2009-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

You might be an affluent Red Neck if you Bar-B-Que in the front yard! In fact, most of my kinfolk would simply say you were living above your raising.

But where ever and whatever you might BBQ this weekend, I wish you a very healthy and happy 4th of July. Take some time this weekend to remember those that still fight for our very freedoms. Freedom has it excellent qualities and in some cases, less than desireable qualities but there is one thing that Freedom never is and that is FREE! It all comes at a cost.

If you have served or are serving in our Armed Services please let me be among the first to say Thank You on this July 4th!

Have you ever felt small?

2009-06-30T07:22:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I know! It's been a long time since I've blogged and I do feel bad about it. I just haven't had much to say and my sarcastic wit has taken a hit during my recent recovery. For a guy who thrives on quick comebacks, it's been tough.

Anyway, today was the first day out of my walking boot and I did really well. There is still a bit of weakness in the leg but I will be jogging again by August! You can count on it.

Still, Life has been good and I'm in a pretty good place, mentally, spiritually and now, physically. I'll share more later in the week but for now, just know that like Jack Nicholson in "The Shining," "I'M BACK!!!!"

OK, now that 3rd shift has worn off I now realize that JN said, "Here's Johnny!" I feel much better now!

Go for a walk, anyone?

2009-05-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd share a picture of my battle scars. I went for my follow up today and found out that I was rather comical in the operating room. I can't remember any of it but apparently it had something to do with the Music that was playing. Anyway, I'll be in a cast for the next 3 weeks and then back to the walking boot. Hopefully, walking under my own power by July

Recovering

2009-05-15T09:25:00.001-07:00

I am home, recovering from my surgery on Wednesday. I haven't got all of my answers yet but I refuse to be offended at God. I know there is a reason for all things and maybe someone at that Conference that night, needed to see the miracle power of God at work. Maybe someone reading this needs to see faith hold on through disappointment. If there be any glory, if there be any praise, may it go toward a God that is provident in all ways.

Frustrated Confusion

2009-05-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. Put on my shoes and began my day. We were flying home and I had a 3+ hour trip to the Airport. By the time I arrived at the airport I was having pretty substantial pain in my heel and foot.

I know that what happened to me last night was real. I'm just at a loss to explain the pain today. Pray for me when you get the chance.

What an awesome God!

2009-05-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

We just completed day 2 of the Leadership Advance at Bethel in Redding, CA. It had been a great time already but tonight got even better.

For the past couple of months I have been somewhat hobbled by a bone spur in the right heel and a tear in the Achilles tendon. I've been limited to walking in a boot cast for the most part and even then, I was usually in pain. I was scheduled for surgery on the 13th and not looking forward to it. As we packed for the trip, I put my regular, right shoe in the Suit case. I wasn't sure why but now I know fully.

Bill Johnson was speaking tonight and brought a great word on unleashing the power of Heaven. At the end of it he said, "there is someone here tonight with an achilles tendon problem in their right ankle. If you will check it out, you will find you are healed."

I hadn't "felt" anything but I knew he was speaking to me. I immediately stood up and he asked if it was me. I affirmed and he said "just walk out into the aisle and check it out." I still had the boot on, so I really couldn't tell anything. So I sat down and started un strapping the boot, knowing that my full wieght on that leg could snap the tendon but also knowing that God had done something in me!

I stood up and started walking with no pain. I stopped and pushed up a little on my toes. No pain! I walked some more and Bill asked, "How are you doing?" I held the boot up in the air and the place went nuts. When they did, I started running around the building.

I am healed and really glad that I packed that other shoe!!!!!

More Pics

2009-05-05T07:43:00.001-07:00

More Pics

2009-05-04T08:31:00.001-07:00

California dreaming

2009-05-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Deb and I are in California for a Leadership Conference. Since we had never been to California, we took a few extra days to see the sights. Here are some Pics of the trip so far.

A day to remember

2009-02-14T21:00:00.001-08:00

February 14th, 1959 a love story began. Today we celebrated the 50th year of that story with an Anniversary celebration for my Parents that was packed with Friends, family and memories.
I am blessed to be a part of an awesome family that is dedicated to true love and marriage with God being first. It was a great day, Mom & Dad! I hope you enjoyed it.

Winter- A Season or a Duration?

2009-02-01T04:02:00.000-08:00

Here it is, February 1st, and I am absolutely sick of Snow and Cold. If that Groundhog causes 6 more weeks of this stuff, I say we have Groundhog stew!

Yes, I've been absent and AWOL on my Blog. I changed shifts at the beginning of the New Year and am now working the Midnight shift. It has been a slow adjustment but I think I have turned the corner now.

I do enjoy it though. It is much less stressful so far but that is expected to change. I like being able to see Deb and Sam more although I do admit to being a bit grouchy during the adjustment. I especially like starting my weekend on Friday mornings. Too cool!

Church is going fairly well. Seeing new people nearly evey week and there is an excitement that goes along with that. The bad news is that it was our worst year financially, out of the 8 that I have been here. I'm believing that will change as well. So far, it's like my Golf game. When I get my Drive straightened out, I can't Putt! :<)

Dad celebrated his 68th Birthday this past Thursday. It was somewhat of a let down for him because they were living in Hotel due to the Ice Storm and most of the Restaurants closed early because of a National Guard imposed curfew. He and Mom will celebrate their 50th wedding Anniversary on Valentines day. I'm looking forward to being a part of their vow renewal. Between them, their Children and Grandchildren there are over 120 years of 1st time marriages with no Divorces. That's a pretty awesome feat these days and yeah, I'm bragging a bit. Deal with it! :<)

Nocturnal life is different and I sure didn't think I would be here at 46 but hey----

Till next time, Love and prayers for you all.

A New Year already????

2009-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Man, time flies when you're branding Cows! Or so I've been told.

Anyway, 2008 has rolled out of here like an Edsel and we are staring a New Year square in the face. I'm aware that I've been noticeably quiet but I have been busy so I will try to catch you up on some things.

Narragansett made News! That's right, on page 29 of the January issue of the Church of God Evangel, you will find the story of Harmony Burke. One of our Teens that was a former follower of Islam and chose to follow Jesus this Summer at Youth Camp. All glory goes to God but I am pretty amped about the Church being mentioned in our Organization's national periodical!

Speaking of Church, we have changed web site addresses. Due to some issues that were beyond my control on the old site, we decided to go another direction. Check us out here: http://sites.advancedministry.com/ngcog
It's still under construction but is now functional for all intents and purposes.

Oh yes, we have a Miracle to report! On Sunday, December 14th at around 1:00 a.m. the Phone rang. It was one of my Members telling me that Edwards Hospital had called and told her that her Daughter, (a mid to late 40ish Lady named Debbie) had suffered a major heart episode while Grocery shopping at Jewel, earlier that evening. Debbie had to be de-fibbed back to life by the local Policeman who happened to be in the area. (The only squad in that Suburb with a Defib) The Doctors report was very grim and her hope of survival was extremely slim.

I arrived at the Hospital between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. The family was grieving. They had found out that Debbie's heart had stopped again in the ER and she had to be shocked back, once again. The Doctors had said her heart was only operating at 10% of its capacity and that she probably would not survive the night. I walked into her room and my own thought was that we would be having a Funeral soon.

The Holy Spirit checked me and I heard this, "What are you her for?" It was then that I knew God was up to something. I began to pray as "a man in right standing with God" (thanks Shannon!) I asked God for a miracle and then declared that I was expecting a Miracle.

I would like to tell you that she got up and wnet home but I can't. What I can tell you is that her eyes, which had been in a fixed stare, began to move around a little. Through faith and the unction of the Holy Spirit, I looked at the Mother and said, "She is going to be all right."

On Monday the Mother called me and said, "no change," I encouraged her to continue to believe. By Tuesday, Debbie was waking up and responding to questions by nodding her head yes and no. By Wednesday, she was speaking in a faint whisper. The Doctors reports began to change to, "we don't know how long she was without oxygen and there is probably brain damage." I was confident that "all right" meant all right!

Debbie continued to improve daily. By the end of the week, Cardiologists and Nurses were coming into her room saying, "We aren't here to treat you, we just want to see our Miracle patient!" By the following Tuesday and contrary to the Doctors prognosis of extended Physical therapy, Debbie went home under her own power!

She sat at the table with her entire family on Christmas day when another miracle happened. Her Brother in law who is basically agnostic, said, "When Pastor Holt prayed, "I'm asking for a miracle and I am expecting a miracle" I knew everything was going to be all right!" I smell a new convert coming!!!!

I share this story to declare the awesome power of God! We are but instruments in His hand and to Him be all Glory!

Seeing what God is up to

2008-12-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

You know how as a Parent, there are moments when you know your Kid(s) are up to something? Maybe they are particularly quiet in their room or giggle at every little thing. Whatever the cue is, you know it because you know your children and their actions and responses.

We've had a difficult year in the Church. Through some unfortunate circumstances that I won't go into, we have lost 3 families. While that may not seem like much to those that attend the mega-churches, it can be quite devastating to a Congregation that has struggled to maintain an average of 45 to 50 people. Couple that with the fact that all three families held leadership positions and you begin to see what we have been up against. After nearly 8 years of ministry here, I find myself at a place of starting over and I haven't been real fond of it. We are without music and minus a large percentage of our Sunday School Teachers. To be honest, I, myself, had begun to ask God for the permission to exit "stage left" but I could not find that release and when He would speak, all I would hear was, "you are not done here," and "trust Me!" (not exactly what you want to hear in moments such as these, lol)

I'm still not sure what God is up to but let me tell you some things that are happening.

It has literally been years since I have led Praise and Worship and I simply do not have the time to learn the different accompaniment Soundtracks that are out there so, we have begun to sing along with some of my favorite Praise and Worship CD's. (yes, we have our copyright and Video licenses up to date) At first, it was "different" but the people have really warmed up to it and there is a genuine excitement in our worship that is totally cool.

People are beginning to step up into leadership positions. There is a spirit of volunteerism that is being made evident and it has been an awesome thing to witness. Yes, I have had and continue to have strict standards regarding faithfulness in Leadership and have even had to turn a person or two down because of it but people are definitely stepping up and I am praising God for it.

Lastly, our attendance has begun to increase again. In fact, yesterday was a cold and wintery day but by the end of service we had 48 people in attendance and in recent weeks we have seen several more than that.

I don't know what God is up to but I always know it is good!

Being Thankful

2008-11-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's been awhile and no, my silence isn't because I've been mourning the election! While my Choice did not win, I now make it my obligation to pray every day for the man that will now be my President. While I am certainly not an Obama fan, I am proud that our Nation elected a person of Color to our Nations highest office. The one thing that this Campaign did show me is that we still have a long way to go in race relations but I do believe we are getting there. Anyway, enough about Politics. ("poly" meaning many and "tics" meaning blood suckers)

As we roll up to Thanksgiving day, we enter that time of year where our thoughts go to those really important things! You know, the Black Friday sales at all the Stores!

I spoke last Sunday about the 10 Lepers that Christ healed. Their healing wasn't an instant miracle, as many of Jesus' miracles were but He told them to "go and show your self to the Priests" and the Bible states that "as they went" they were healed. We know from the Scripture that they were all healed but only one of the ten returned to thank that One who had healed them all. It's one story in the Bible that I personally wish more had been written about. What ultimately happened to the other Nine? What were they thinking?

But then, as I look at it honestly, I see our Society and myself in that same state on many occasions. Why aren't we more thankful, more frequently? Why does it take tragedy, many times, to get us to look at what's important? Why do the unimportant things so frequently occupy our time?

I'm sure not saying that I have all of the answers to those questions. Too often I am like Paul in that King James butchered verse. "The good that I want to do, I don't do because I'm too busy doing things that keep from doing the important things!" (or something like that!)

But as I look at life and the years that are starting to become the "vapor" that the Scripture speaks of, I am becoming more determined to concentrate on and be more thankful for the things that really matter.

The last thing about the Lepers that I didn't touch on Sunday but has really lept out at me this week is this. There are no more recorded instances of even the one Leper coming back to Christ, after his initial return. That set me to thinking. (yeah, a dangerous thing) If someone were to make you rich, give you all of the Money you would ever need, asking nothing in return, how would you remember them? They would be on my eternal Christmas Card list! I would go out of my way to make sure that if they ever needed anything, I would be "the guy!" But the funny thing is that all of the money in the World cannot buy a cure for leprosy nor for the Sin which does so easily beset us. I'm asking God to give me new perspective and a heart filled with Thanksgiving, every day!

Happy Turkey Day to you all!

Sad day in Mayberry, R.F.D.

2008-10-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

Clicking on the title link above will take you to a video endorsement of Barack Obama by some of our Television Icons of the past. Now, Opie and Fonzie, I understand being liberal but Andy Griffith? The world has turned upside down!!!

Then of course, there's that word again. "Change." Obama represents change about as much as me standing in a parking Lot, calling myself a Car, makes me a Car. I might believe it. I might make others believe it but at the end of the day, I won't be a Car.

Something is wrong with America. I will grant you that. We are probably going to elect a man as President that wouldn't even qualify to be one of his own Secret Service agents. That's right. Obama would be disqualified for a job with the Secret Service or with the FBI because of his past association with this Ayers fellow. But oh, we want Change!

There are some things that really dishearten me about this particular Election. While I won't be voting for Obama in this lifetime, I am upset at those that are rejecting him simply because he is Black. Oh, I'm not saying vote for him in the least way. But the reason should have nothing to do with the Color of his skin. One thing this election has shown me is that we still have much work to do in destroying the ignorance of racism. It has also shown me that racism is not relegated just to one race because just as much as there are those that won't vote for Obama because he is Black, there are those that will vote for him, simply because he isn't White. We need to grow up and quit being stupid about our Future.

The last thing that is bothering me goes back to the link in the Title. I'm really sick of Hollywood attempting to throw their influence around. But as much as it sickens me, I have to honestly look and say the we are to blame.

What we should have done, when people like Alex Baldwin and Barbara Striesand threatened to move to Canada if Bush were elected, was to help them Pack. Maybe if they didn't have the influence of the American dollars that we give them, just maybe they would understand that their influence ends at Entertainment. Besides, maybe in the socialized government of Canada, Baldwin could get some subsidized acting Lessons? :<)

I'm not suggesting a Boycott. I don't really like them. But maybe we could use a re-prioritizing of our own Values. Maybe we shouldn't support with our Dollars, the actions of those that we are diametrically opposed to in Life?

But my, oh my, we do like our Opie Movies, don't we?

One Hill at a time

2008-10-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Back in April of this year I began running again. I run at a Forest preserve called Johnsons Mound. Johnsons Mound is basically a 50 foot high Hill out in the middle of a rolling Prarie. I have really enjoyed running there because it is a peaceful place, filled with beauty and solitude. The road I run is about 1 mile long and the Hill portion of it is at a fairly steep angle.

When I started running there, I was a 45 year old man that weighed about 217 pounds. I couldn't run 1/4 mile without having to stop and walk on that first day. But I was persistent and continued my torture on what I have since dubbed, "Hell Hill."

As the Summer progressed I got to where I could run the flat portions with no trouble but the Hill was a Bear. I would go determined to top the Hill without having to stop and walk and time after time I would fail. I ran until my Lungs would scream but still, no summit! I would get as close as 25 yards from the top but would just not be able to continue. But I'm a fairly persistent individual, so I just kept coming back. I would run as far as I could and then walk until I caught my breath and then run again. I got to where I was running/walking 3 to 4 laps at a time, 2 to 3 times a week but still---NO HILL!!!

Today was a GREAT day! I ran from the Start and reached the Hill, feeling pretty good. I got past the half way point, which I had done many times before but this time I felt different. I reached the 3/4 mark with plenty of Gas left in the tank. Oh, I was huffing and puffing but I just kept going. Finally, the day I've been waiting for all Summer came. I reached the summit without stopping!

I was somewhat in shock because when I left the House, I really didn't feel like going. I had a sore calf muscle and I was tired but did I mention that I'm fairly persistent? I did stop and walk for awhile after reaching the summit but I had a determination to top the Hill again, so once more around I went and I topped that Sucker one more time. There ain't no stopping me now!!

As the events of the day unfolded, I felt God beginning to deal with my heart. (not the one that was screaming at me) In life we are faced with many things that become difficult to us. There are times when we feel like giving up or quitting all together but we have to press on. There is a goal ahead of us. There is a Hill to climb and we can't get there setting on our Duffs complaining about how steep the Hill is.

The funny thing is that I have had a remarkably frustrating summer. I've dealt with some things that I would never have thought I would have to deal with. I've had "friends" that let me down in a most disappointing way. The Church has been through some garbage that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. For all the pain that Johnsons Mound cost me this year, it was a respite, a Shelter in the storm and a place of peace. Topping that Hill was a victory for me. It was then that I felt God speak, "One down, one to go!"

A few years back my Uncle Don reminded me of a saying that my GrandFather use to say. "A steady knock, breaks the rock." I'm not sure who all this is for but let me encourage you by saying, keep climbing that Hill! There is a victory ahead.

Is it just me?

2008-10-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does Kim Jong what's his name, look like a bad Elvis impersonator?

Of course that leads me to this. Is it just me or are there really any "good" Elvis impersonators?

Is it just me or does anyone else think that our "bailout" should be funded by the Golden Parachutes of the Jerks that ran the Financial institutions into the ground in the first place?

Is it just me or does anyone else wonder when our bailout is coming?

Is it just me or can anyone else hear both McCain and Obama promising our bailout if they are elected?

Is it just me or is anyone else thinking about voting for Walt Disney's "Goofy" because after this political campaign you are convinced he is qualified?

You might be a Pastor if---

2008-09-18T11:55:00.001-07:00

(this is from an e-mail someone shared with me. I'm not that clever!)

~ You hesitate to tell people what you do for a living.

~ You've ever dreamed you were preaching only to awaken and discover you were.

~ You've ever wondered why people couldn't die at more appropriate times.

~ You find yourself counting people at a sporting event.

~ You're leading the church into the 21st century, but you don't know what you're preaching on Sunday.

~ A church picnic is no picnic.

~ You jiggle all the commode handles at the church before you leave.

~ You've ever spoken for free and were worth every penny of it.

~ People sleep while you're talking.

~ Instead of getting "ticked off," you get "grieved in your spirit."

~ You've ever been tempted to take an offering at a family reunion.

~ You read sermons to your kids at night instead of bedtime stories.

~ You'd rather talk to people with every head bowed and every eye closed.

~ You've ever wanted to "lay hands" around a deacon's neck.

~ You often feel like you're herding cats rather than shepherding sheep.

~ Your greatest joys have been in the church.

Be careful WHAT you vote for

2008-09-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for a lot of YouTube political messages but by clicking on the Title link, you will see one that I think you need to consider. I realize that it is made by an anti-Obama organization but the truth of it is alarming. It is designed to tug at your heart strings but frankly, I think we need that tugging in these days.

Barack's disdain for the Iraq war really sticks in my throat. When he refers to it as a mistake, I get angry because it disrespects our Soldiers and our Nation. Then throw in the hypocrisy factor and it's a wonder the guy doesn't choke on his own words.

What's the hypocrisy factor? It's in the fact that we have lost more people to gun violence in Chicago this year than we have lost Soldiers in the Iraq war this year. Isn't this his Hometown? Isn't he a Senator in this State? Where is the outrage over that? Oh, that's right! Our own people killing each other in the streets is not a political issue!

We've had more babies killed by abortion this year than we have lost Soldiers in the entire Iraq conflict but we call it a Law and a Right. May God have mercy on our Nation.

I will be voting Christian this year and while John McCain may not be the most ideal representative of that, he has Illinois "favorite Son" beat, hands down.

Observations from the edge

2008-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

To many people, I am kind of "out there." I kind of relish that in my own "out there" kind of way. Some folks suffer from insanity while I take great comfort with it! Anyway, here are some more random thoughts from the edge of the fishbowl.

Does anybody, from my Generation on, really understand how we can get excited that the price of Gas has dropped below $4 a gallon? Personally, I believe we would take care of all of our energy needs if we could harness the hot air coming out of Denver this week! Talk about Greenhouse gases and global warming! John Kerry melted an entire iceberg by himself last night.

I have a lot of questions for God. Things that I don't understand, things that I don't feel have been fair in life. Like this one. How is it that at the age of 45 I take up running again, I give up eating after 9:00 p.m., I ran 7 miles last week, starving to death and only lost 4 pounds???? It seems to me that as you age, you should get double credits for anything you do that is healthy!!

Another question for God. Why did you create a fast lane after you created people that aren't smart enough to know what it is for?

Why do we make more gun laws when we haven't rounded up the ones the break the original ones?

If a Train leaves Baltimore, heading to New York at 70 miles per hour, and another Train leaves New York heading to Baltimore at 45 miles per hour, why would a guy in Chicago care?

What's the most unexplained thing in the Universe? The front Church Pew! No one will sit there! And if you remove it, the Second pew becomes the first by proxy and everyone moves back. I think that is how we should end the War in Iraq. Fill it with Church pews and then start taking them out one by one!

Why do Insult Comics get offended by Critics?

Is it really possible for a Critic to give a good review? Aren't they, by definition, going against their very job?

Why is it that I really want to see a Movie that the Critics pan? And why is that I usually love those Movies?

Why is there an express line at the Grocery Store? Have we gotten so out of shape as a Society that we just can't wait to get home and Cook what we have bought?

We really could learn to slow down. We just have to take the time to do it!

Which end is up?

2008-08-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

By clicking on the Title link you will be taken to a News Story and a photograph of the Credentialed required to get into the Democratic Convention. The credential shows a picture of Barack Obama and what appears to be a United States Flag. Closer examination will reveal that the Flag is upside down. The Obama Camp refutes that, stating that the flag is just "stylized" to blend in with the shirt Obama is wearing. Apparently, they believe we are all idiots!

It is quite apparent by now that Barack has serious issues with the United States Flag. I have serious issues with that. I'm all for the freedoms that make this Country great but frankly, electing a man that either doesn't understand or simply does not care about the meaning and significance of our Flag has nothing to do with freedoms and would be a travasty of the greatest proportions. I don't care if you are Democrat, Republican, Independant or affiliated with any other Governmental party, a vote for this man is a vote against America.

I don't care what his race is. That has no affect on me at all. I don't care how charasmatic and articulate he may be, "don't tread on me!"

Many of you will recognize that an upside down flag is a symbol of a ship in distress. It is my hope that the ship in distress is Obama's campaign. Vote ANYTHING but Democratic!

Worn out with waiting

2008-08-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

I am currently learning some hard lessons. On the one hand, I have a promise from God that we are about to see the results of the seeds planted over the past 7 1/2 years. On the other hand, I see anything but results and I am highly frustrated with it all.

In the middle of all of it, the Church has been through some major stuff and I have wanted to handle things my own way but I keep hearing the voice of God speak to me to "wait."

Waiting has never been one of my strong points. I'm too bullheaded, stubborn and opinionated to wait on very much. (yes, I am confessing my faults) Waiting is something that can be misinterpreted as inattentiveness by others and maybe even weakness to some but yet God tells me to wait. I realize that I am speaking in generalities but yet that very act is part of the "wait" that God has spoken to me.

Although I am worn out with waiting, I have learned a few things about waiting in the process that I would like to share with you all.

1. Waiting puts you into a position where you have to hear from God! Many times we react to situations out of what we know or what we feel, without ever giving God time to speak to us. In this process I have learned that I do that a lot. I hope I learn my lesson.

2. Waiting puts you into a position of complete trust. Sometimes I am as subtle as a brick to the head. One thing I have to constantly be aware of is my tendency to handle things in a "in your face" kind of manner. A "here are the facts, now deal with it" kind of approach. God is teaching me that truth does its own slapping and doesn't need my help in the least.

3, Waiting helps you gain focus. When you are in a season of waiting, you must continually look to God in order to remember why you are waiting. That much time directed toward the Father can only strengthen ones soul and increase ones spiritual focus.

One thing that helps in the waiting process is to remember that none of us are perfect people. In fact, outside of God, I don't believe we are intended to be and even with God, it is a struggle for us all. In every conflict there is a "side" to take. The one thing that those "sides" have in common is that they both believe they are right. Wait on the Lord, take His side and surely your strength will be renewed.

The Summer of Overtime

2008-07-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

1969 was dubbed the Summer of Love. Woodstock, weed and war protest were the order of the day. Since I was only 7 then, I simply remember the Apollo missions of that day and not much else.

But in the years to come, if you ask me about the Summer of 2008, I will simply have to say, "What Summer?" Work has been busy since April and it hasn't let up much since then and now that August rolls around I wonder what has happened to my Summer!?

Anyway, I'm a Bachelor this week. I dropped Debbie off at the airport on Wednesday morning and she won't return until Saturday. Yep, it's the annual Mary Kay convention in Dallas! 4 days of Hot weather and women that need much less Caffiene. How rah-rah can you get over Makeup? :<) Before 9/11, I use to love picking Debbie up at the Airport after one of these things. I'd watch them all get off the Plane and now wish that I had Videoed it! Mary Kay is a great company and most of their representatives, (LIKE DEBBIE) are great Ambassadors for the product, they look nice and are never over done. BUT--there are also a few that would get off the airplane looking like they were wearing every free sample given away! I mean you would have thought that Drew Carry's, "Mimi" had been cloned! Man, I miss those days! But I sure miss my Baby and Saturday seems like its a month away.

Speaking of baby, I need you all to pray for a baby girl named, Dierra Richardson. Dierra has had many complications since birth and she spent several minutes last week, not breathing. The doctors are not giving the family any hope and she, along with her family need our prayers.

I have some political observations that I want to share but I'm pretty worn out right now so maybe I can post them in a day or two. Thanks for checking in and if you see Mimi, buy some makeup. She'll be jazzed!

Day late and a buck or too short

2008-07-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Just realized that it was Thursday and I had missed my self-imposed deadline to blog on Wednesdays so I'll attempt to make up for it.

We had a great Revival week end with my Friend, Neil Smith. He really spoke to the Church from what had to be a God place. It was a great weekend. I've never been one for taking up second offerings or drilling people to give in offerings but the Spirit spoke to my heart on Sunday to recieve a second offering for Neil's upcoming trip to Kenya in September. I obeyed what I had been led to do and we took in over $1300 which is literally, phenomanal for our Church! I was thrilled with the people's heart in giving. Narragansett, I'm proud of you!

During our recent Youth Camp one of the newer Young people that we have went. I think she was a little coerced to go by her Grandmother :<) but she went! Harmony was raised in the Islam faith. I don't know all of the details of her life but she recently began living with her Grandmother and started attending Narragansett. During Youth Camp she attended an elective class taught by my Friend and Interim Youth Director, Chris Morrison. The class was about Jesus' sermon on the Mount and how it applies to today. Harmony began to compare the teachings of Christ with what she had been taught in the Islam faith. The result was life changing.

Harmony accepted Christ as her Savior that week and would later tesify that she had been forced to accept Islam and even beaten when she would go against it. The highlight of it all was when she stated, "this week I have chosen to follow Christ!" Her desire now is to become a Youth Pastor and I believe it is something she will achieve.

Her Grandmother e-mailed me this week saying that Harmony had been offered a job at Jewel grocery store but that Jewel had stated that she would have to work Sundays. Harmony said that she wanted the job but that she went to Church on Sunday and if she accepted the job, they would have to schedule her for Sunday afternoons. Jobs aren't easy to come by in our area and most companys would balk at special requests but God has given Harmony favor and Jewel has a Sunday afternoon employee!

I will keep you updated on Harmony from time to time. I have a feeling there will be much more to this story!

Preacher for Sale??

2008-07-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you have seen it all-----

Click the title for a Fox News story of an Alabama preacher that has put himself and family on e-bay! What the news story makes clear, but is not clear at all on E-bay, is that you are bidding on One Years salary. Oh yeah, there is also a $3000 shipping cost! LOL

I'm all for "out of the box" kind of thinking but while we may leave the box out, it is imperative that we do not leave the THINKING out!

Of course, who knows? If things don't work out at Narragansett???? LOL

The sound of Silence

2008-07-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going to go quoting any Simon and Garfunkel lyrics, although that is one of their better songs. What I'm talking about is the sound of a 10 year old being away at Youth Camp. We have had one quiet house this week and I haven't like it one bit!

Perhaps it is because we waited so long for Sam to come into our lives or maybe it's just my twisted nature, but I don't understand Parents wanting a break from their Kids. There are times the boy makes me want to pull the rest of my hair out in frustration but I don't like a single day without him around. I'm sure he has had a blast but we pick him up tomorrow and I can't wait!

On Wednesday, my Mom had another 39th Birthday celebration. (How many does that make, now, Mom?) She was able to celebrate it with my Uncle and his Wife, my Grandmother and of course, Dad. I'm sure it had to be a great and well deserved day.

I've been doing some thinking, (yes, it is a dangerous thing) on the idea of "importance" and how relative it is. For example, let's say that "tomatoes" are important to you on a BLT sandwich. In fact, let's say that to you, it is the most important ingredient involved. Now, while we are here in imagininary land, let's say you order a BLT somewhere and they bring you a BL because they ran out of tomatoes. You could become indignant and rant and rave about "how could you do this" and in the process offend someone that was simply trying to do their best or you could choose to look at it in another way. How truly "important" are your tomatoes, when there are people in this world that would give a weeks wages for Bread?

I know that the analogy is silly. Everyone knows that the most important part of a BLT is the Bacon!!! But sometimes, we need to learn to keep our tomatoes in check because whether we believe it or not, there usually are more important things than the ones we may tend to get hung up on. It's a lesson that God is teaching me the hard way. I hope you can learn from it!

Now, I have sufficently made myself hungry. Think I'll have a BLT!

Hello, it's Me!!!

2008-07-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

The title is for all of you Todd Rundgren fans out there! Rock on!! But seriously, I have been very negligent in my writing so I thought I would reintroduce myself!

Since the second week of April things have been very, very busy. I've been working an average of 65 hours per week and have had two Saturdays off since April. One of those Saturdays was because of a Vacation day taken on Friday for a trip to Cleveland, Tn. Link that with Church work and there is nor rest for the wicked! LOL

All things considered, things are well. We continue to have new growth at the Church although the Summer slump has hit some of the established crowd. God says I still have to love them! Sigh!! We have our problems and I am currently dealing with a few now but the only Church that I am aware of without problems are ones without people. I'll take the problems and ask for your prayers.

My Son is growing up fast! It's really getting scary. He took a Tech Media class in school this year and sent my Brother, Jeff, an e-mail with the picture of a baby Orangatan with its arms outstretched and a caption that read, "Well, All I can say is that this is my Dad after he's had his morning Coffee!" I'm going to miss that Kid!

I am still enjoying my Running. Averaging about 4 miles per week and getting ready to step it up a bit. I have worked my way through a bad case of shin splints which hurt like the Dickens and I am starting to get back into decent shape. It's been tough but it has also been very enjoyable.

For those of you that check in regularly, I will attempt to write at least once a week from here on out and will attempt to make Wednesday the day I do. I may write more often depending upon what I have to say but will make every effort for the once per week. I do appreciate you taking the time to check in. Please forgive my negligence.

From So-so to GREAT!

2008-06-19T23:55:00.001-07:00

On Thursday morning at around 10:00 a.m. I became a Great Uncle to my very first Niece. Rylee Peyton Summers is sure to become one spoiled little girl in our family as the only female to be born into our immediate family circle, since her GRANDMOTHER Lisa! (man, I'm loving that! Since Lisa is my younger Sister, I now have something to rub in, GRANDMA!)

Congratulations go out to Ryan and Emily, Rylee's proud Parents. I can't wait to see this little blessing from God!

Graduation Day

2008-05-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

We are preparing to embark on an exciting journey. First, we will travle to my Mom and Dad's to spend the night, then on Friday, all of us will pack up and head for, what some in the Church of God, jokingly refer to as the "New Jerusalem", which is Cleveland, Tennessee.

Friday and Saturday night I will be part of the Graduate Class of the newly revised Ministerial Internship Program. It has been an 18 month endeavor that I sometimes wondered if I would get through. Serving as a Pastor and working bi-vocationally, there just did not seem to be enough time in the days but by God's grace, I have made it!

One of the big thrills for me is in having both Mom & Dad there with me. I really can't put what that means to me into words. Realizing how close we came to losing Dad nearly two years ago, causes me to realize how precious every opportunity is. Speaking of Dad, he is doing well and this Memorial Day will be the 2nd anniversary of his near fatal crash. This time we will be traveling to Tennessee in much better spirits than 2 years back!

I owe much to many in celebrating this weekend. Thanks to my lovely Wife, who endured my season of discontent with dignity and grace. Thanks to my Son, who causes me to daily want to be a better man. Thanks to my Church for extending me much love and grace during the process and Thanks to my God, for bestowing upon me the honor of being His servant.

A Chance to do Good

2008-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

There is a young man that works for me named Evan and Evan's Mom is battling Lupus. Lupus is a debilitating disease that not too many people know about or understand but the affects of it are severe and we need more research into the cause and cure of this disease.

That is where you can help. Many times we hear of things and think, someone ought to do something about that. Well, here is your chance.

By clicking on the title link above, you will be taken to the Walk for Lupus website. Looking on the left hand side of the web page, you will see a button that says, "donate to a Walker" or something similar. If you can afford to give anything, simply click on that button and type in the name, "Tracy Hill." Then follow the prompts and you can donate. It is safe and secure and a good way to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Thanks for considering!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

2008-05-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, I still make you proud! I had promised Sam that if we could get one good picture at Easter, then I would take one goofy one with him, so here ya go!

It is a little strange, (but you know me) writing to you on such a public forum but I had a few things to say that I want the whole world to know. (OK everyone, quit looking at the picture now)

First, I want to say how thankful that I am to be one of your Sons. In ministry work I have seen many types and variations of families. Some good, some--not so good. I have dealt with children who have seen and heard things that I could have never imagined at their tender age and while my heart sometimes breaks for them, I also get a profound sense of how blessed I was to be raised in the Home that you and Dad made for us. It is even maore amazing when you take into account the numerous times we moved and the varied places we have lived but you made them all "home" for us and I have never forgotten that.

Next, I want to say thank you for loving me unconditionally. I do realize that I gave you more grief than all of your children combined but in everyday of my life I know that I have been loved and that speaks greatly to what you have poured into me over the years. Thanks for giving me the freedom to be me. It may not have been the wisest choice on your part But I do appreciate. Know that in my heart I am still that kid driving down the street with my body almost completely protruding out of the Car while you shrank from embarrasement in the passenger seat. (you had to be there)

Lastly, I want to say how incredibly proud I am of you. I have always known the amazing inner strength that you have maintained but these past few years since Dad's accident, I have simply been in awe of you. (I'm really proud of you too Dad but your day is coming!)

Mom, if I could give you everything that you would ever want or need and could alleviate every pain or worry that you might ever have, it would still not be enough to repay all that you have poured into me. I love you and wish you an awesome Happy Mothers Day!

This and That

2008-05-04T20:47:00.001-07:00

I recieved and e-mail the other day asking when the next blogging was going to happen? Heck, I don't always really know. Sometimes I think I have a lot to say and sit down and write very little and other times I plan to just drop a line and write a book. If I ever get it figured out, I'm sure everyone will quit reading!

I've been working a ton of overtime lately so my life has been a combination of sleeping, eating and working. So, I thought I would just touch on several things over the past few weeks, in no particular order. This one's for you, Margie!

Pastor Appreciation: On Sunday, April 27th, I was surprised by my Congregation with a PA day. It was absolutely great! I was amazed at the rush of emotions that can culminate from 7 years of your lifes work. I laughed, cried and simply shared some heartfelt moments with a group of people that I dearly love and realized how much they love me. It was an absolutely awesome day. They even got Debbie to get up and say a few words. THE SHOCK OF MY LIFE! Some men Pastor where they are called. Some men Pastor in locations that they love. I get the best of both!

My Health: Now that I am needing and entire new wardrobe because the shrink fairies sprinkled all of my old ones to where they don't fit, I decided to start fighting back. I had a Physical done, complete with a Cardiologists work up and Stress test and other than slightly high blood pressure and Cholesterol, I was told I was in pretty good shape. I decided two weeks ago to start running again. I use to love to run. Boy, how times have changed!!! But all kidding aside, I knew that running would get my readings back to where they need to be and help me lose weight and reduce some stress. I didn't realize how much stress I had because I ran 9 miles the first week! (OK, ran until I couldn't no more and then walked fast!) It has been GREAT! I feel more energy, and have needed it with all of the O.T. and I am really enjoying it. The part I love is that it isn't on a treadmill or some boring track. I go out to a Forest Preserve called Johnsons Mound. It is a 1 mile road with a 50 foot incline and decline. Yes, it is a work out!

Politics: I must admit that I got a kick out of the continued Jeremiah Wright/Obama flap this past week. Now Wright is attempting to deflect his hate speech by saying that those critical of him are attacking the "black" Church. First off, let's get real. Most of the YouTube video's of his rantings were taken by people attending his Church. Just how does he think they got on YouTube in the first place? Maybe it's time for a dose of reality in "Rev." Wright's world. Next, those that know me at all, know that I have a problem with a "black" Church, a "White" Church, a "Hispanic" Church or any other race or creed, designated Church. We are all the Children of God and we should all be able to worship God together with no dileniation at all. If we can't do that here, I'm fairly sure we won't get the chance to in Heaven.

I am not oblivious to the trials and tribulations of races in this Country but I have found out that there are only two things that I can really change. Today and tomorrow. I can't fix the past, I can't repair the past but with God's help, I can affect today and our tomorrows. Why don't we focus on them?

Politics II: I have been asked why I haven't written about Hillary's candidacy specifically? In all honesty, it is because I don't feel I can be fair. Some may say or think that I haven't been with Obama or McCain and everyone is entitled to their opinion on what I have written but let's just say that it is my intense desire to keep the "Clinton years" of presidential history at 8 and no more!

Friends: No, not the T.V. show! I want to ask you all to help me pray for some Dear Friends of mine that are going through a major life struggle right. God knows who they are and what it is so just pray with me that a mighty work is done in their lives!

Church: We have had several new Visitors in the past month, many within the 20 to 25 year age! That just stokes me up! Had a young man this morning that has combined several religions into his own personal one. I got a kick out of that! He was a bright and articulate young man that really seemed to enjoy the service and said he would be back. Just pray that the truth of the Gospel of Christ is revealed to him.

Well, that about wraps things up for now. I will try to do better this week for those that enjoy reading and those that enjoy my insanity! I love you all!

The Day I married my Friend

2008-04-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday marked the 22nd Anniversary of my marriage to Deb and consequently, her marriage to me! It is truly difficult to believe that 22 years have passed by and although I could still wear that Tux, (if I buckled the pants at my knees and didn't mind belly hair showing) we are still the kids in that picture.

I can't give a lot of advice on making money, growing hair or being good looking. (it's just a naturally occuring thing for me! :) ) But I do know a thing or two about having a successful marriage.

The first is a simple step. Make Christ the head of your Home. If you are the Male in the relationship and you get caught up in some archaic, macho-driven, "I'm the Boss" mentality, somewhere along the line you will have a "Strike" launched against you and that will be a picket line you do not want to cross. I know my place and I am the spiritual head of my home but even in that area, I put Christ first. Debbie and I pledged to each other, more than 22 years ago, that Christ would be the Head of our home and that we would pledge to draw closer to Him individually and in doing so, He would draw us together. So far, so good!

The next step is in never forgetting that you married your Friend, at least hopefully? I believe a lot of marriages suffer because somewhere along the way, the Friendship that drew you together has died. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and all of the demands it naturally brings but don't ever forget to work on those friendships. They are VITAL to marriage.

Another bit of advice would simply be this. Don't ever lose sight of what it means to cherish. Debbie and I are always extremely busy. This past week I worked somewhere in the vicinity of 75 hours on my part time job. Deb works 4 and 5 days a week at times. We generally drive a minimum of 200 miles per week just in doing Church work. We are in a constant state of movement and usually snicker at our "days off." But in all of that busyness, we steal moments. It may be wink or a nod, more times than not a REAL hug and Kiss. (pecks on the cheek do not count!) Moments that say, "hey, I haven't forgotten you!" When Debbie walks into a room, she still gets my attention! Why? Because for 22 years we have worked on what it means to "cherish" each other. As unromantic as it may sound, it is a discipline that is vital to a successful relationship and the rewards of it are well worth it.

The words on the Wedding Album state, "This day I will Marry my Friend." Although the words have faded with time, the truth is as strong as ever.

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND

2008-04-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Already, during this year, we have had over 20 Chicago school students shot and several of them killed by shootings. Some of the the shootings occurred on School yards, most of them have occurred on the Streets. It is truly a sad state of affairs that needs to be dealt with, with a strong reaction.

The reaction so far by our State politicians, leave one wondering how it is that the inmates began running the Asylum. Case in point. Yesterday, several of Chicago's State Senator's and Represenatives boarded Buses bound for the State Capitol to go Lobby for stronger Gun laws! The rest of this Blog entry will deal with the death of common sense and how badly it is missed.

Last I checked, it is illegal to shoot anyone with a gun of any kind, outside of self-defense. So what, exactly, would stronger gun laws do to stem the tide of people who are breaking the law? Can you make a gun law with a penalty more severe than Murder? So now, all of the sudden, Gang members and street thugs are just going to turn in their Guns because a new law may be passed? Idiocy!

Perhaps a more effective measure would be for these Same politicians to board Buses and travel to the most dangerous areas of town, get out and talk with our Kids, walk some of them home and show that they care. I am sure they will do just that, just as soon as they get stricter gun laws passed! (sigh)

Passing more gun laws in an effort to stem violent behavior is like taking Donuts to a Dieter's convention. It don't stand a chance.

THE THING THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO CHANGE

2008-04-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been A.W.O.L. for awhile but instead of getting into the details of what I have been doing, let's just say that life has been busy. One thing blogging has taught me is a deeper appreciation for those that write everyday articles in Newspapers and such.

I wrote recently about the "change" that Obama wants to bring and with the new round of mudslinging this weekend between Barack and Hillary, one thing is apparent. The thing that has not changed and more than likely will not change is that Politicians cannot be trusted. In fact, I think I would rather pet a Crocodile first and that won't be happening anytime soon.

Since I have brought up the animal kingdom, let's talk about the Chameleon of the bunch, Republican Senator, John McCain. Currently, he is sitting in a pretty good spot politically, being able to save up a war chest of Campaign money, while the 2 Democratic candidates slug it out.

When the Campaign first started, (note to Obama--you started way too early) I felt that there was a snowball's chance in Yuma for a Republican candidate to be elected this time. Now I am not so sure and for two reasons. 1. If others are like me, they are sick of the Democratic in fighting and 2. McCain is so Democratic that he might just stand a chance. I believe it will depend upon his choice of running mate.

But that is the thing that bothers me about Sen. McCain. What you see is not always what you get. (of course that is true of most politicians) McCain has always been portrayed as a liberal ram rod but during this Campaign he has seemed to embrace a more Conservative view. What will we get if he gets to the White House? I really do not know.

Recently, some have picked on his War record and even his P.O.W. status. It is really a sad thing when we feel we must attack someone's record of Military service to this Country in order to make our Candidates look better. Yes, it was just as sad when they did it to Kerry as well. It's even sadder that we have seemingly become a tit for tat Nation.

The dilemma that befalls me is a simple one. Who do you vote for when you don't trust any of the Candidates? It is a dilemma that I have not answered yet. I personally believe that the electoral process of this Nation is broken and needs serious "fixing." Maybe it will come down to this, A Chamleon or a Croc, which one will do more damage?

The Funny Thing About Change

2008-03-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I've been fairly quiet on the political front lately, basically because I am not very thrilled about any Candidate. The way I have it figured right now is that regardless of what party I vote for in November, I am reduced to voting for a far left leaning, Liberal. Yes, I could, and might do the write in thing but there is an almost certainty that one of these three Clowns will be the next President and I will probably have to do, like I do when I vote for Illnois' Governer. Vote for the lesser of two evils. The problem I am having in the Presidential Campaign is in determining who the lesser of evil is?

I have no problem with a former Prisoner of War and War Hero being the President of the United States. I have no problem with a Woman being the President of the United States. I have no problem with a Black Man being the President of the United States.

My problem with all three Candidates, is not their Valor, their Gender or their race. It is in how they have presented themselves in recent years. While I have no problem with a War hero, Prisoner of War being President, I don't want to elect one just on that merit. McCain is as far left in ideaology as one can go in my opinion. While I have no problem with a Woman being President, I sure don't want one elected just because she is a Woman. My personal belief is that this Country cannot afford Hillary. In order to pay for the things she will want to do, we had better get ready to be taxed beyond belief. While I have no problem with a Black Man being President, I believe it would be foolish to vote for one, just because he is Black.

Barack Obama speaks very much about change and many people are following the message. I understand it. I too would like to see change. But the problem with running on a platform of "change" is that "change" has many definitions. If you have lived a relatively healthy life and are stricken with a disease, guess what, things have changed. The trouble with the American public is that we have the memory life of a gnat so let's talk about Mr. Change.

Obama came on the scene by winning an Congressional Seat representing the State of Illinois. What many people have forgotten is that the only reason that Barack won that campaign was because of the moral and ethical fallout of the heavily favored Republican Candidate, Jack Ryan.

Barack became the choice for a keynote address at the Democratic Convention and what a speech he did give. It was by all accounts, excellent. But let's talk about what he has done in the Senate, representing our fine State. It boils down to three things for me. 1. He has missed several important votes. Why? 2. He made a highly publicized trip to Kenya! Yay,that's good for Illinois? 3. He ran for President of the United States. Man, we are reaping the Harvest of "Change" so far in this State!

The thing that bothers me most about Mr. Obama is not the false e-mails flying around about whether or not he is a Muslim. (I don't believe he is) The thing that bothers me most is this, what kind of change is he talking about? In recent weeks, Obama's Pastor, "Rev." Jeremiah Wright, has made National News. Obama belongs to Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and has for the past 20 years. This Church's doctrine and creed are questionable to me, to say the least but at the forefront is "Rev." Wright. (recently retired) You can find some samples of "Rev." Wright's work by clicking on the Title link of this blog entry but I will warn you, it contains strong language and is not for the faint of heart. I have many more thoughts on "Rev." Wright's "doctrine" but let's just boil it down to say that I believe he espouses bigotry and hate in a far worse manner than any that he complains about.

The real issue to me is this. "Rev." Wright was Obama's Pastor for twenty years. He married Barack and Michelle. He dedicated their children. He has served as a "spiritual" mentor to Obama. Obama's book, "The audacity of Hope" was taken from one of "Rev." Wright's sermons. One of the reason's that "Rev." Wright retired from pulpit ministry was to serve on Obama's Presidential Campaign! What kind of change are we talking about???

Then when the sound bites began to hit National news, they quickly wisked "Rev." Wright away and Obama began denouncing his comments as comments of an era in the past. Then last week, the rhetoric changed and Obama began stating that "Rev." Wright's comments were being taken out of context. I have this simple question. In what contextual format would it ever be acceptable for a Pastor in the United States of America to say, "God @#$% America?"

Change is a funny thing. Sometimes you can actually get worse.

(I will have more to say about Hillary and McCain in the days ahead)

Catching Up

2008-03-27T23:27:00.001-07:00

I had meant to post something way before now but life is somewhat of a blur. Let me start by talking about Easter! It was absolutely FABULOUS.

We decided to step out of our Comfort zone and do something completely different. It was brave, bold and exciting. We had the basement of the Church set up in different Stations that represented various things. Then we placed two "Gaurds" at the front door, named Fear and Doubt, (two BIG guys) and they would direct everyone to the Basement and not allow anyone into the Sanctuary. (Yes, as a Pastor, it is as scary as it sounds to not allow people in :<) )

The Stations that were set up in the Basement focused on several things. The first, focused on being a Captive/Slave/Prisoner. At one point you would look into a mirror that had prison bars painted on it and you were to think of whatever it is that imprisons you. You would then write that/those things down on a piece of paper and fashion into a bracelet/chain to wear around your wrist.

The next Station focused on THE PRICE. It talked about the National debt and about the average Credit Card debt in the U.S. And then what would you be willing to pay to lose the chains around your wrist. It then went into how Jesus paid the price for our Freedom.

The next station focused upon our WEAPONS and how we need a weapon to break free. We had Hebrews 4:12 on pieces of paper and would instruct everyone that they would need this sword to get into the Sanctuary.

The next station focused upon the CROSS and the power of the Cross. We then had some simple sticks there that everyone could pick up and fashion into a Cross.

Then groups of people would come up the Stairs with their Sword and their Cross and Fear and Doubt would move aside! In entrance to the Sanctuary we had a larger Cross that everyone would spend a moment at and then ripp off the chains that they wore and let them fall.

The imagery and power of it was quite moving and as they worked their way into the Sanctuary I was there encouraging them to break through. It did take some time to work everyone through the process but it was the time we usually allot to our Praise and Worship.

I then went directly into my Easter Sermon which focused on Freedom. I used several examples of our Countries history and how things changed when good men "stood up." It encompassed the founding of our Nation, the freeing of Slaves, the Civil rights movement, (especially pointing out how at one time an Oppressor would tell people which lines to stand in, etc. etc.) and how people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. chose to stand up in the face of their oppressers regardless of the price.

I then went into how we have all been under the hand of an Oppressor and that we have been in the bondage of Sin. How the Oppressor would tell us that we belong in lines of addictions, depression and destitution. But a man came along that began to speak of being free from the Oppressor and dared to speak of abundant life. The Oppressor set out to stop him, finally killing him on a Cross. The Oppressor thought he had won until this same man took back the keys, and on the third day this Man STOOD UP!

If I might say, it was a powerful message for and incredible day. We then had Communion, a presentation from our children, a living Video and a rocking song that celebrated our Freedom. It was an awesome day! We had 82 in attendance which was not as many as I had hoped for but a great crowd just the same.

A lot of hard work went into it from many faithful people and for that, I thank them. Most people "got it" and a few probably didn't but one thing it wasn't, was boring!

I promise to write more this weekend. I appreciate everyone that looks in. Be blessed!

A Wonderful weekend

2008-03-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

After my first full week back after Vacation, we had a wonderful weekend. It started out a little bit scary but ended well and that is what matters. The scary part? Let me explain.

On Saturday morning Sam was picked up by the family of one of his good friends for a Birthday party. They were going bowling and eating Pizza and having a great time. Then as little boys will do, Sam called home asking if Blaise could spend the night. We said OK and everything was set in order.

The Employee Club at work was having "Dinner and a Movie" night, so I had already planned to take Debbie to the movies, (especially since I only had to buy one ticket!) but the plans had now changed to include two little guys along with us and we decided to see the new blockbuster, "Horton hears a Who." At this point I believe the last grown up Movie we saw was "Citizen Kane" but I digress!

I went to the ticket window and cashed in my free coupon and ordered 1 more adult ticket and two childrens tickets. The young man working the Counter seemed a bit confused by it but we got our tickets in short order. It wasn't until we were standing in the refreshment line that I noticed that the blemish faced young man had charged me a Senior Adult fare!

Now I realize that the grey in my hair is becoming much more pronounced but the week before Debbie and I had Dessert with Neil & Julie Smith and I'm sure that Neil looks older than I do! :<) (Love ya Bud) I was torn between being offended and realizing that I had gotten a good deal. Guess which one won out?

Anyway, it was great to be back at Church on Sunday and begin my 8th year there. We had a terrific Palm Sunday service and our Praise & Worship team really rocked the House. It was a good turn out and whether I am considered a Senior or not, It was good to be home!

I pray you all have a great Easter Week!

Friends I have never net

2008-03-10T23:04:00.001-07:00

Paul and Bonnie McKinzie are two Friends that I have never actually met. I met Bonnie through a Christian Message board in which she serves as a Volunteer Administrator. The best of the bunch in my opinion! I am guessing that I have known of Bonnie for the past 6 years or so, possibly longer. I had known a little of Paul & Bonnie's struggles but when I read the article that I am about to post, I was in awe of this womans strength, determination and faith. I know you will be too. Oh yes, in the midst of her own struggles, Bonnie took the time to call me and encourage me after my Fathers accident. I hope you enjoy the read.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

She remembers for two what Alzheimer's has robbed from her husband

A spouse tells of loving a man who forgets so much.

By BONNIE McKINZIE
Special to the Register
Comments 0| Recommend 6

Valentine's Day was bittersweet to me, and the many other spouses who, for whatever reason, still have their special person, but that person no longer is with the program.

For over 50 years my special guy gave the best hearts, roses, candy and compliments along with tons of his special caring and love. I felt so lucky and so spoiled. Then came Alzheimer's. Slowly, my honey forgot the year, then the month, the day – and even the fact there was a Valentine's Day.

Oh, I know he still loves me; that is, the times that he still knows who I am. Sometimes I am his mother. Or his sister. That hurts a lot. The eternal love we once shared is still there, buried safely deep inside. The only problem is he cannot put into words what we ate for breakfast, or, if in fact, we even had breakfast. And with whom.

So how can I know he really loves me, still? Oh, he says he does. And then he turns and asks me to take him someplace, never mind the fact I am lying down trying to catch my breath from caring for him.

For 50 years, my husband was the eyes, the brain, the hands, and the body who made all the big decisions in our family. And suddenly he cannot recall his favorite food. So now I have to make all the decisions. And, frankly, I don't like it one bit.

I didn't like the diagnosis of breast cancer three years ago, either, but that is beside the point. It does hurt when my special Valentine watches me get out of the shower, stares, and says, "Hey, you only have one breast, where is the other one?" Yeah, the surgeons have it now honey, and I am currently in remission from breast cancer …

To him, I am his gift from heaven, the one thing he loves the most, especially when I will take him out just once more today – and allow him to have just one more soda, even if it is number 14 for the afternoon.

So, missing my lover of over 50 years, missing his insight and his touch, I am exhausted by his care. It is difficult to get help; most people like to think of him as the real estate broker who taught them the ropes, or a strong dad who managed their Little League games, or took them scuba diving, or taught them to water ski, kissed away their boo boos and spoiled the grandchildren. Most cannot bear to think of him the way he is, the way he is always going to be.

Sure, I missed my Valentine, but we still went out for dinner. And we will kiss goodnight, as always. But I would settle for just one more time, if he would, or could, say, "Remember when we took that cruise?" But those days and memories are gone.

I love you honey. When I said "for better or for worse," I didn't know it then. But I mean it now.

Things I have learned

2008-03-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hi!

We just returned from a Vacation in mostly Sunny, Florida. We had a great time but it is good to be home. While there we met up with my Buds, Neil & Julie Smith. It was their 21st anniversary and they shared part of it with us. Neil is a great guy and I really enjoy spending time with him and although I had actually met Julie once before, I had always referred to her as "Mrs. Columbo." (you know, the Wife that you never see) Well, Mrs. Columbo does exist and she is a perfect compliment to a great Friend.

As was this time, we usually Vacation upon my Anniversary of Service at Narragansett. (7th year) With that in mind it was a reflective week and I thought I would share some of the things I have learned. Now before you get all excited and expect pearls of wisdom, let me remind you of who is writing. Are you ready?

1. The Sun is always shining somewhere! But it really helps if you can see it.

We flew home Sunday morning, surrounded by beautiful Sunlight. As we made the trek North, the Sunlight was enhanced by the most wonderful looking clouds that I have ever seen. The radiance of the Sunlight enhanced the whiteness of the Clouds and made them appear as a blanket beneath us.

As we broke the plane of the Clouds during our landing, the appearance of the Clouds changed dramatically and what had just been a beautiful blanket quickly became a shield that prevented most of the Sunlight from shining through. It was a typical Chicago winters day, rather bleak and depressing by its very appearance. Thankfully, the Clouds broke in the afternoon and the Sun appeared but the events of the day, drove home some very important truths. The Sun is always shining. Sometimes you just have to know it.

2. Avoid travel during the time change! I have no more to add to that. Just trust me! LOL

3. Concerning parenthood, ALL EFFORTS TO APPEAR COOL ARE FUTILE!!!!
Nuff said!

4. If snow is beautiful to you, you have either spent too much time in the Sunshine or you are just a sick individual. Yes, even Christmas time!!!!

5. People who drive slow can always find the people who don't and even on a six lane highway, they will drive in your lane.

6. People who have a "lane" have a tendency to drive fast.

Enough for now. I gotta look for the Sun in a snow storm.

Sorting through the Spoils of battle

2008-02-22T23:18:00.000-08:00

We have had a very interesting Adult Sunday School class going on recently, that is focusing upon how the Brain works and how memories can trigger emotions that are just as powerful as they day they occured. It gives scientific and biblical ways to allow bad memories to heal and quite frankly, it is one of the most interesting Adult Sunday School classes that I have ever sat in.

The idea of the powerful effects of memories caused me to do a great deal of thinking on the subject this week and I have a few things to share that you will hopefully enjoy. In the Old Testament times when Countries would war against each other, to the Victor went the spoils. All of the goods and livestock and monies would become the property of the Conquerers. But the things that were worth keeping would have to be sorted through and obviously, what was good would be kept and what was not, would be destroyed. The battle took work, the sorting took work, but the results would be well worth the effort.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us that we are in a war. And the battlefield that we fight it on is in the Mind. But it also tells us that we have powerful weapons in God to fight with. With all of that said and with my new found knowledge of the mind :<) I have made some personal conclusions. One of the reasons that we struggle in our spiritual battlefields is that we get stuck in the sorting process. We may win a victory but we get so caught up in the sort that we have difficulty in hanging on to the good and letting go and even destroying the bad. "Taking every thought captive into the obedience of Christ" is one of the keys. I've been attempting to make that a discipline recently. "Lord, is that thought pleasing to you, healthy for me and is there good in it." It may sound silly to some but I am learning that I can reject bad thoughts with Christ as my guide.

Let me give you an illustration of what I mean. Quickly think of the last 5 really good things that someone has done for you. Take the time to write them down and keep track of how long it takes you to complete the process.

Now, think of the last 5 times someone has hurt you. You probably won't even have to write them down and if you are like most people, this list will be filled a whole lot quicker.

Why? Is it because very few people do nice things? I don't believe that for a second. I believe we get stuck in the sort and we tend to remember our hurts much more than our victories. I'm planning to change that! One thought at a time!

Sick of the Weather

2008-02-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

This year I have attempted to not complain about the Winter too much but with my surgery and recovery time, I definitley have a case of Cabin fever.

Contrary to the global warming alarmists, it has been cccc--ooooo--lll--ddd here lately! And it truly seems that the worst weather always happens on Saturday night and Sunday. If it's going to snow heavily, it must be Sunday. If the wind chill is going to hit 25 below or worse, it must be Sunday. Or so it seems, lately!

Thankfully, our Church attendance has maintained and even on some Sundays, shown a little increase. I guess it is true what they say, that the Midwest Winters build character but frankly, I am starting to feel like character is over-rated! :<)

But hey, I can't leave you without some good news! The forecast for this Sunday, is Sunny and a high of 37 degrees!!!!!! Woooooooooo weeeeeeee! I may wear my shorts! (OK all you COG hardliners, let out your breath from your collective gasps, we need the oxygen!)

Roger and Me

2008-02-18T07:38:00.000-08:00

Much of the "News" recently has revolved around Pitcher, Roger Clemens, and his alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. It has almost turned into a lame form of entertainment with Clemens and his personal trainer, Brian McNamee, accusing each other of lieing and has gone so far as to have Clemens file suit against his former trainer.

Before I go any further, I thought I would share with you a list of similarities between Roger Clemens and myself. Roger and I, were both born on August 4th, 1962! At one point in his Career, Roger could throw a Baseball over 90 miles per hour and at one point in my life, I could throw------a Baseball! When Clemens signed his first huge Contract, he was asked what he thought the average American made in one year. His answer was $100,000? Similarly, I have often wished to be one of those average Americans! Roger is married to a woman named, Debbie. I am actually one up on Roger here because my Debbie doesn't need Muscle juice to be beautiful!

Yeah, we are similar! (meant with sarcasm) Clemens has been one of my Baseball heroes. Seeing him transition from a skinny kid that could throw hard into a 40+ year old man that had learned to Pitch in the process has been a wonderful experience for a Baseball lover but I must admit that the events of the last few months have certainly tarnished that image for me. At first, I was all in his corner. "Go get, em!" was my attitude when the Mitchell report first broke but then gradually, the tide began to turn. Then, last week, before Congress, waffling with made up, "George Bush" type words, ("Andy mis-remembers")the realization began to set in.

It's time for another Texas style word, Roger. "Fess up!"

TWO LOVES OF MY LIFE

2008-02-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, February 12th, was Sam's 10th Birthday! It's really hard to believe he is that age, when I have not aged one bit!

As we celebrated, (and he was more hyped over this one than any other) my mind went back to the excitement of ten years ago. As many of you know, Debbie and I had tried to have children for more than 10 years, prior to Sam's birth. After many tears, heart break, and quite a bit of money spent, we had determined that we would give up our pursuit of parenthood and simply enjoy each others company for the rest of our lives. I believe our idea back then was to live as retired couples do, only much earlier!

During that time, I was very angry with God. Every time I would see a News report of a baby left in a trash bin, or of a young child abused, my anger would rekindle. Even after deciding to give it up, I struggled with this inner anger. Some feel that it is Sin to be angry with God. Looking back, I disagree. Was God wrong? No, but I sure had a difficult time understanding. You see, even though I was experienced anger towards God, I never gave up my Faith and belief in Him. I will readily admit that there were many times that I was tempted to but I had this inner belief that He would still give us the desire of our hearts and although I was weakened, wounded and bitter, I refused to let go of His hand.

It was Christmas of 1997 that I had pretty much worked my way through my anger and resolved to live my life to the fullest, with God in control. Around the first week of January in 98, my Mom called. A great friend of the family had a Sister that was pregnant, and she was not going to be able to keep the Baby. The young Lady had already made tenative arrangements with an Adoption agency when our Friend thought of us, called my Mom and asked if we would be interested. Although we had not pursued Adoption, we immediately said YES! Apprehensive and scared to death would be the best description of me during those days.

By Mid-January we recieved word thay the young Lady, had chosen us to be the Parents and on the 12th of February, Samuel Evans Holt was born. That's right, we had one month to prepare for what most people know as a nine month experience! Some think that God does not have a sense of humor, I know they are wrong!

It's been ten wonderful years and my 3 pound, 5 ounce baby boy is now a gangly, nearly 70 pound young man. The Young Lady who God used to bring this promise into our lives is a Hero, forever, in our hearts. And I look back on those days of anger and bitterness and now realize that a deep and abiding Faith in a God that will not fail, was formed through those times. That is really and truly the only way I can explain it.

Debbie is a wonderful Mom! She woke Sam up yesterday, with a Shower of Silly String! (and she says SHE has two kids) She and Sam are the loves of my life and life itself, is a beautiful thing.

Happy Birthday, Sam! Dad loves you!

SLY AND THE FAMILY BIG TOE!

2008-01-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 29th, My Dad turned 67 years old! This is not only remarkable because of his survival of a near fatal Motorcyle accident but it is also remarkable because he survived his first heart attack at the age of 35. While it is remarkable, it is certainly no surprise. Dad is not just a Survivor, He is quite simply the toughest man I have ever known. Add to that an unshakable faith in God and heart attacks and near fatal accidents simply do not stand a chance! He is one of my Hero's in life and I'm glad we were able to celebrate this week!

If you are a R&B, bluesy, Rock and Roll Guitar fan, then I have something for you to check out. My Cousin, Lynn Childers, has released an Instrumental album this week entitled, "Voyager." A quick listen will remind you of some early Allman Brothers, Dickie Betts with Marshall Tucker, Jeff Beck and several other Guitar Legends. Now, I may be a bit jaded so here is an opportunity for you to check it out yourself. Just click on either of these two links and check it out:
www.myspace.com/lynnchilders
www.broadjam.com/lynnchilders
Feel free to download to your hearts content. For 1 buck a piece, it's better than McDonalds and if you dance a little you might lose weight! By the way, Lynn is a dedicated Husband and Father and a veteran Minister of the Gospel! Rock on, Cuz!

I had hoped that the year of the Toe would end in 2007. Unfortunately, it twas not to be. I am recovering from Surgery on Wednesday, where they totally removed the nail, root and all, and basically scraped the bone. Yes, it is as painful as it sounds but I am doing well. The Doc said that I had deep roots! Anyone could have told him that! LOL

Best of both worlds???

2008-01-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

One of the early "News" stories of the New Year has me laughing at Society's hypocrisy.

The Story is about a group of Adults bringing litigation against Pop Star, Miley Cyrus a.k.a. Hannah Montana. For those that may not know, "Hannah Montana" is a Disney T.V. show about a Pop Star princess that wants to have a "normal" life so on Stage she is Hannah Montana and by day she is Miley. The show is all about the predicaments that a young girl can get into by leading a double life. In the show, Hannah wears a Blond wig, while Miley is a Brunette. It is a semi-funny show that ten year old boys love but they will never admit it!

Anyhow, Hannah has become such a pop culture icon, that this year, Disney, (never a Corporation shy about exploiting a buck) decided to do a Hannah Montana Live Tour. Ticket prices are so outrageous that some have been sold on online Auctions for as much as $1500 Sometimes our stupidity really amazes me.

Amazed as I might be, the events of this past week or so have taken everything to the next level. During a 12 to 15 second portion of the live show, Hannah uses a body double that lip syncs to a Sound track, so that she can change back into Miley Cyrus for the next set. Some Einstein noticed it and is now suing because part of the show is faked.

Now, let me get this straight. You bought EXPENSIVE tickets to go see a show about a girl that plays a fictional character with a double identity and it upset you that during the show she switched identities by false means? Hello!!! Somewhere a Village is calling and they miss you!

Here is what I think it is. Some "bright" person was at the show when they realized that they probably won't be able to make their Mortgage payment because of how much they spent on tickets. Then they looked around and realized how much money this young girl was making and decided to try and get some back! I have had "buyers remorse" before, but I have never sued anyone over it!

Anyway, back in the REAL world. Things are going well. I hope they are for you too!

Weekend at Bernie's?

2008-01-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Just when the New Year is filled with hopes for a brighter and more intelligent future, these guys show up!

Here's your sign!a

Heading into 2008

2007-12-28T22:52:00.001-08:00

I trust that you all had a wonderful, Christ filled, Christmas and I even hope that Santa was good to you!

Looking back on 2007 I give God praise for His blessings in my life. As with everyone, there were high points and low points, but thankfully, in my life, the Highs outnumbered the Lows.

I'm not a big believer in New Years resolutions, because in my experience they usually end up becoming "revolutions" meaning that we make them over and over again. But I have set some goals for 2008. Some lofty ones, in fact. I'd like to share some with you so that I can look back, going into 2009, and hopefully find some accountability in them.

In 2008 I want to get to know God better. That may sound strange for a Pastor to say but I'm nothing, if not honest. As strange as it may sound, I have found that those that are supposed to know the most about God, are the ones who forget what "relationship" with Him is about. I do so many things, simply because it is what I am supposed to do and what I know to do. I know when I am supposed to pray and supposed to Praise and supposed to do this and such, so much so, to the point that I sometimes lose sight of the fact that I GET to do all of those things. God is a god of never ending relationship and I want to KNOW Him more.

In 2008 I am going to become more healthy. Yes, I even have a weight loss goal but my health goal is more than that. I noticed something while Christmas shopping this year. As I was walking through the Stores in a very trendy Suburb, I looked at the peoples faces. Here we were, at a glorius time of year, when joy should permeate hearts and all I could see was people with what I call, scrunched up faces! There were very few smiles and a whole bunch of stress. I thought to myself, "how sad that these people do not know how to enjoy Christmas!" Then it happened! As I looked around, I caught my reflection in a Store window and guess what? I was one of those people with a scrunched up face! After I got over my shock, I tried something that some might find silly. I deliberately thought of something pleasant and I smiled and you know what? I felt better! Now I'm not suggesting that we all go around grinning like idiots but I do think I am going to work on smiling more. I owe it to myself, my family, my Church, my health and my God.

In 2008 I am going to be more daring. I can't really explain it other than to say that so many times we stop short of what we want because someone or something has convinced us that we CAN'T! I'm even working on a Sermon series that I will call, "Who says you can't?" Who knows, I might even listen to it! LOL

In 2008 I am going to be a better Man because I believe we are living in a time when this world needs better Men. I want to be a man of Compassion, strength and Character, more than I ever have before. I owe that to everyone!

Happy New Year, everyone and may 2008 bless your socks off!

Christmas Songs that I don't Get

2007-12-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what some of the writers of Christmas songs were smoking at the time that they wrote them? Keep in mind that I do have a warped mind and I vehemently deny that I suffer from insanity! I enjoy every minute of it!

Example 1: DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

Hello! What was this person thinking? Now Debbie tells me that I am over-analyzing it and it is like hearing a noise and asking, "Did you hear that?" But I say, NO! It's a SONG! And for the Singer to ask, "Do you hear what I hear?" boils down to basically, one of two things. They either think or wonder if I am deaf, or, they just don't think I am bright enough to realize they are singing.

Example 2: IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Besides the sickening sweet melody and the "a little too happy to be here" lyrics, there is a line in that song that is just, frankly, disturbing. It is this, "and scary ghost stories of Christmas's long, long, ago."
I have a lot of Christmas memories during my lifetime but I don't EVER remember sitting around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, having Ghost stories told to me! What kind of house did this guy grow up in? I'm betting they put the "fun" in dysFUNction! I suppose you could stretch the point to be talking about Scrooge but it sure wouldn't be as funny, and if you can't tell by now, that is what I'm going for here!

Example 3: SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME!

Nothing funny about this one. Besides his treatment of Heather Mills, this is one more thing that Paul McCartney should apologize for! While I usually like the musical stylings of Sir Paul, this one makes me want to run a screwdriver into my ears! It's nothing but a techno driven melody, with words repeated over and over and over again! I really believe that law enforcement could use it to coerce confessions!

Oh well, Whatever your choice of Christmas songs, I wish you and yours the best Christmas ever!

P.S.- Did I mention that I've never really gotten "Silent Night?" It is probably highly "non-spiritual" of me, but I'm betting that giving birth in a Stable, surrounded by animals, after riding a Donkey all night to get there, and then having this herd of Shepherds rush in to see, it probably wasn't very silent! (I do love the Song though):<)

Here is Number 100!

2007-12-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hey, it only took a little over a year and I have finally hit 100 posts! Now I'm going to Disney World!!

It's (blogging) been fun, theraputic and a learning experience for me. I hope that a little after a year, it has been the same for those of you that look in on occasion. Sometimes I feel like I should put up a disclaimer, like, "I am no where near normal" but for the most part, I'm sure you have figured that out by now.

We are in the final phase of our annual Christmas Play. Every year a great couple in our Church, Kelly & Jill Rouse, write and direct an original play. They are extremely gifted at it and I believe this years Play will continue that tradition. If you are in the Chicago area on the 15th or 16th, drop by and see it. 6:00 p.m. both nights.

Let's Talk Politics for a moment. I like a lot of what Ron Paul has to say but there is something that I can't quite put my finger on, that makes me leary. There is not a front running Democrat that I trust at all and I am, overall, disenchanted with Republicans and their lack of progress. The Indy's are far too liberal for me so I am left with the dilemma of who to vote for when you aren't thrilled with anybody.

If the elections were held today, I would be voting for Mike Huckabee. Too me, he is by far the most sensible and trustworthy Candidate out there. I don't agree with him on everything but on the key matters, (my personal ones) we are pretty much aligned.

What does that mean to you? I'm not at all sure but you do read here, so I figured I would share! LOL

Now for the Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed here are soley my own and are expressed of my own volition. Although I am a Credentialed Minister and Pastor, my views are not necessarily representative of my Organization or local Church. Last but certainly not least, always remember that I AM NOT NORMAL! Should you choose to accept this Mission, Jim---------

Here's to another Hundred!

20 things to remember

2007-12-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

Occasionally, Debbie will send me an e-mail forward that she finds interesting. She knows that I have a great disdain for forwards but she also knows my heart and she keeps me in line. She sent this little gem so instead of forwarding it, I thought I would share it with you. I'm unsure of the Author or I would give credit.

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home everyday.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me! -- My child, I have the answer. It's Me!

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day - it 's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read.

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the
length of it.......I want to have lived the width of it as well!

Tolerance?

2007-12-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here we are in "the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" having the issue of "Tolerance" shoved down our throats like a child of ages past, enduring a dose of Castor Oil.

I am free to believe whatever I choose to believe but if I publicly state that JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION, then I will be considered "intolerant" by others. Yet in the News this week there was a story of a British Woman that served as a Teacher in Sudan, whom they now want to execute because she allowed the children in her class to name a Teddy Bear, Muhammad. (the kicker is that they named the Bear after one of the children in the class)

In this Country, everyone is free to believe in most anything that they want. In this Country, we are protected by Freedom of Speech and can say most anything we want, unless of course, you are Christian. Do you think I am over-reacting? Consider this. Did you know that according to a law signed by the late Lyndon Johnson, if I publicly endorse a Candidate in election from my pulpit, my Church could lose its tax exempt status? So much for Freedom of Speech.

Now I may be a bit jaded but in my opinion, Tolerance in this Country is being touted for everyone but Christians. Meanwhile, a British woman is in fear for her life because she named a Teddy bear.

By the way, did I mention that, JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION?

Be blessed!

Happy Holy Days!

2007-11-26T23:39:00.000-08:00

I was reading my friend Darrell's Blog about all of the Politically correct garbage of saying "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas and it put me in mind of something I recently experienced. (Before I share it with you, let me suggest that you check out Darrell's blog and the song that is on it)

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, I took Sam to see, "Fred Clause." It was an "OK" movie that had a few laughs and a decent story line but at the ending of it they play the song, Silent Night. It is a cover of the song by some popular Artist of the day. She has a beautiful voice and I thought "how great is it that they actually put a Christian song into the Movie!"

It was only after the Movie that my youngest brother, Jeremy, pointed out to me that they had pretty much taken Christ out of the Song. How? The ending of the first verse is, "sleep in heavenly peace" which she sang perfectly. The ending of the second verse is "Christ the Savior is born" which is totally absent from the Movie version of the Song. In its place the Singer simply repeats, "sleep in heavenly peace."

Now Friends, I have to ask the question. Have we become so politically correct that we have lost our common sense? I'm a pretty nice guy. I can put up with a lot of junk but I am honestly getting fed up with the stupidity that society is attempting to force on us. If the name, Jesus Christ, used in its proper context offends you, then GOOD! Why is it that it is not acceptable to mention anything related to Christ, unless we use it as a swear word? This Country was founded upon biblical and Christian values and if that offends anyone then deal with it. If our Politicians do not have enough backbone to stand up for the principles that this Country was founded on then let's change Politicians.

So I say to any and all that may read this, MERRY CHRISTMAS! And I encourage every Believer to insist upon greeting every Clerk in every Store that you shop at with, "Merry Christmas!" If they object, ask them why and then take your business elsewhere. In my opinion, the only reason this PC junk has any weight at all, is because the Christian voice has been silent for too long.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

Merry Christmas, ya'll! Because CHRIST THE SAVIOR Lives!

TipTOE through 2007

2007-11-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's the time of year that we concentrate on doing what we should do all year long. That is, BE THANKFUL!

We live in a blessed Country, even with its faults and flaws, its crooked Politicians and even our sinful natures, it is still a blessed Country. The thing that kills me is that with all that we have and all that we have accomplished, there seems to me to be an attitude of complaining that has literally INFECTED us. I believe that God allows trials in our lives, partly because we need to appreciate the blessings more than we do.

I've learned a lot about Thankfulness in 2007. For me it will be the year of the TOE! Thank God, I believe we have finally overcome it and I can Tomp amd Tomp again. (inside joke)

I'm thankful for a good Job that I have often complained about. It has provided for my family and given me the ability to continue to do the thing I love and am called to do. It has provided Insurance that has kept me afloat in the year of the Toe!

I'm thankful for a newer Car. After wearing two out with all of the miles we drive, I now have one that I don't have to worry about. One that will keep my family safe in the Winter months and one that I really LIKE!

I'm thankful for a loving Church that has walked through the trenches with me. We are small in number but huge in heart. My Church is AWESOME!

I'm thankful for a Home where peace can be felt by anyone that walks into it and for the Wife and Son that light up my life even on the dreariest of days.

I'm thankful for family! Those that understand me and even those that are frustrated by me. ;<) I have great family on both sides of my Marriage and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of them!

I am thankful for the process of healing that my Dad is going through and especially thankful for His survival. Recently in an altar service, the power of God was so strong that Dad got out of his wheelchair and had other people sit in it, while he pushed them around! He still has a way to go but God is doing it, day by day!

There are many things more that I am thankful for but more than anything else, I am thankful for a living God that loves me more than words can say. He loves me when I am unlovable. He loves me when I am stupid. He loves me when I get it wrong and when I get it right. I am thankful to Him because without Him, none of the other things that He has blessed me with would matter. I'm not just thankful for the blessings but I am also learning to be thankful for the trials and the year of the Toe as well.

I hope this Thanksgiving that you will take time to set down and write out things you are thankful for. Whether you publish it somewhere or nor, does not matter. Who knows, you may need to read it in the year of whatever you may go through next!

Be blessed!

Catching up

2007-11-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

It seems that the older I get, the faster that Life goes! Even when I think I am catching up, I get further behind. Suffice it to say that I have been busy lately so I thought I would take a bit of time and catch you up.

Those of you that have been regular readers, know that I went through the Ministerial Internship program this past year. What you may not have known was that although my Classroom work was done, I was still behind on several test. There was a month that I had missed and three tests that we had to take on our own. Two of them were on Old Testament and New Testament and were actually several tests within the two. I had been putting it off until I had more time to adequately study, when one day it hit me, "I'm probably not going to get more time!" So I decided to bite the bullet and take all of my tests at once and see which ones I would have to re-do. LOL

I received word today that I passed every one of them! Yea! Certainly not the best score in the class but I will sure take it! I still have some process to go through but the testing phase is complete.

Things have been good, just extremely busy. Since my bi-vocation is in Farm implements, this Harvest Season has been the busiest time of year. On top of that, I am trying to get more physically active in hopes of gaining some in the area of health. Sam has been helping me with that. We've been to Starved Rock State Park and have hiked our legs off. Tuesday we went to a Forest Preserve and Japanese Garden. It was a lot of walking and a lot of fun. My Boy is turning into quite the young man!

Church wise, we are holding our own. We have had some great things happen recently. Some of you will remember David. David was the young man that began writing to me while he was in Prison. This past Sunday was the six month Anniversary of David's release and he testified, thanking God for another chance and for the fact that he was drug free! He is a really great guy. Keep him in your prayers!

Sunday was also the day that one of my Heroin addicted families came back from a Vacation. As normal as that might sound to some, it was truly miraculous. You see, just a year ago, any extra money that they may have had to go on a Vacation with, would have been spent on their habit. During their Vacation, the Father was reunited with a Daughter that he had never really known. God is doing an awesome work in their lives. They looked "healthy" and that is a huge thing. It's been a long road for them and there may still be set backs but the chances of that decrease with every passing day.

I've learned some hard lessons in my nearly seven years here. One of them is that "Victory" sometimes comes, one day at a time. I thank God for this past Sunday. I'll take as many of them as I can get!

Can we hear the Soldiers?

2007-10-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't decided who I will vote for yet in the 2008 election process but I like what I am hearing from this guy. Apparently, our Soldiers do too. Click on the Subject title for the link.

Peace in the Storm

2007-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Prejudice in and of itself is not always a bad thing. For example, I have a pretty big sweet tooth and a belief that on the eighth day, God created Chocolate! I am way too fond of Candy Bars and I will eat just about any of them but if given the choice, I will choose a Snickers. Why? Because in my mind, beforehand, I have deemed them to be the best. That, in and of itself is not a bad thing, other than to my waistline!

Now imagine if I allowed my prejudice in Candy bars to slant my view of other people. For example, since I became so prejudice about MY Candy Bar that I look down my nose at anyone else who prefers another Candy bar. "In the original Greek" (as Pastors like to say) that would be called STUPID.

So, what is it when people allow silly pride and prejudice about their own race to affect their view of people from other races? "Because your skin is a different color than mine, I'm better than you" or "Because you speak a different langauge than I do, that makes me better than you" is even more STUPID. And yes, before you go there, I love STUPID people too! I want to smack them in the head more often but I love them just the same.

Thanks for listening to my rantings and when you get a chance, say a prayer for me that I will have peace in the Storm.

Do you ever wonder if the "higher ups" are just high?

2007-10-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

I walked into my secular job recently to find a Huge Box with a note attached to it. It was from one of my "higher ups" and it read something like this:

"How could we make this container work in your department? We need to eliminate the double handling of parts. Sincerely, "higher up"

Sounds well and good, right? Then, with God as my judge, at the bottom of the note, it said: "Think outside the Box." Funny thing is, that it wasn't meant as a pun.

I am glad that it was written though because my first instinct was to climb inside that box to think!

If you can't tell, I'm not a big fan of "catch phrases" in the first place. Sometimes I believe we just need to THINK and leave the box out of it.

The fun of getting Older

2007-10-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

I received these in an e-mail and decided to skip the prayer and forward to 72 people for good luck! I hope you enjoy

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked,
"How old was your husband?" "98," she replied.
"Two years older than me"
"So you're 96," the undertaker commented.
She responded, "Hardly worth going home, is it?

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
"And what do you think is the best thing
about being 104?" the reporter asked.
She simply replied, "No peer pressure."

I've sure gotten old!
I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement,
new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes
I'm half blind,
can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine,
take 40 different medications that
make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.
Have bouts with dementia.
Have poor circulation;
hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92.
Have lost all my friends. But, thank God,
I still have my driver's license.

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape,
so I got my doctor's permission to
join a fitness club and start exercising.
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.
I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But,
by the time I got my leotards on,
the class was over.

An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and
told her preacher she had two final requests.
First, she wanted to be cremated, and second,
she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart.
"Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed.
"Why Wal-Mart?"
"Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week"

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Know how to prevent sagging?
Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

It's scary when you start making the same noises
as your coffee maker.

These days about half the stuff
in my shopping cart says,
"For fast relief."

THE SENILITY PRAYER :
Grant me the senility to forget the people
I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and
the eyesight to tell the difference.

A Father's privilege

2007-10-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I was privileged to Baptize my Son, Samuel! Sam had made a confession of faith in Christ and wanted Dad to Baptize him.

I've done some pretty cool things in my lifetime that I never thought I would be able to do. As a Drummer, I have played with some very gifted Musicians. As an Individual I have been able to meet a few people of great influence. As a Pastor I have married, buried and baptized some mighty fine people. But this was far and away one of coolest, most humbling and life affecting things that I have ever taken part in.

You see, Sam came along at a point when Debbie and I were not sure we would ever have a child. His name, Samuel, has a meaning of, "for this child, I prayed" and "gift of God." A million thoughts went through my mind as I baptized him with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. I thank God for the privilege of once again, doing something that I thought I may never be able to do!

In typical Sam fashion, the first words out of his mouth when he emerged from the water was, "COLD!!"

October Baseball

2007-10-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

It is here, once again! Time for the playoffs in the Major Leagues and time, once again, for Cub fans like me to wonder if "next year" could have possibly arrived.

I have a saying that I like to use in explaining my love for the perennial losers on the North side and that is, "Anyone can have a bad Century!"

Oh, the Cubs! The Cubs are a lot like Golf for me. Few things in life can be as equally exhilarating and frustrating at the same time. And Cub fans, we like the blame game! Heck, we have even blamed a goat since 1945. Now I'm hearing the name, Bartman, once again. Like Bartman finished pitching the game or booted the ground ball or swung the bat like an anemic amoeba in 2003.

I'm one Cub fan that doesn't believe in Curses although I can't quite remember what I said when Leon Durham let the ground ball go through his legs in 1984. The fact is that were aren't as cursed as much as we have been cheap. That's right, except for recent years, the Cubs organization have remained among the cellar dwellers in Club salaries and why not? When you have a ballpark that can only seat 2.5 to 3 million fans in one season and as long as those fans keep filling the seats with an inferior product on the field, why spend more money?

We spent quite a bit this year. Too much for Soriano in my opinion but even in a year in which the payroll topped 300 million, we sat on our hands at the trade deadline and did not go after this teams most glaring weakness. A bonafide Closer! I would feel a whole lot better about our chances in the playoffs, if we had an Eric Gange in the bullpen.

But regardless of what happens, I will have hope that we win it all this year. I will watch and listen to the games. I will get caught up in the emotional fervor and I will either witness history or be tremendously let down once again. Why? Because I AM A CUBS FAN!! And the one solace that Cubs fans have, regardless of where we finish, is this, at least I'm not a Cardinal Fan!!!! Peace to you, Darrell! LOL

An awesome God

2007-10-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

In nearly seven years of pastoring in the City, I thought that I has seen it all but last evening brought a great and precious first to me that I am still marveling over today.

Every month that has 5 Sundays we have what we call "Hidden Talents Night." We use to call it 5th Sunday Sing but the participation grew to include a little bit of everything so we changed the name. It basically is a fun night for people to try new things, old things or unique things that hi-lite their talents for God. We do it all for God and we have fun in doing it. We showcase everyone that wants to participate from young children to Senior Adults.

I don't generally know the agenda of a particular Hidden Talent night by my choice. I like to be surprised. I have a Minister of Music that I trust and who knows my heart and I give her the reign to run with it. Well, last night I was truly surprised. One of my former Heroin addicts came forward to sing a song. I knew that he was there but I thought it was for his child's participation. Imagine my surprise when this young man came forward and sang a beautiful song about the merciful love of God.

Why was this such a wonderful surprise? There are times in ministry and especially the pastorate when you wonder if you are ever getting through. It was just a couple of years back when I stood over this same young mans Hospital bed as he lay literally dying from a Heroin overdose. Just two days before I had been prompted by the Spirit to tell this young man to not do what he had planned or it may cost him his life. My thoughts as I stood at his Hospital bed ran the gamut of everything imaginable and I asked God for mercy for this young mans life. Mercifully, God spared him.

The young man continued to struggle with his addiction even after this close call and I had wondered if he would ever break free. I'm happy to report today that he has been clean and sober for quite an extended period of time now. He is becoming actively involved in Church and prison ministry and the song that he sang last night was a song that a ministry group had sang to him,once upon a time, while he was in prison.

How great is our God? How indescribable are His acts? How never ending and complete is His mercy? What an awesome God we serve!

On the lighter side

2007-09-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a few moments to share some random thoughts of a warped mind that I find funny.

CURRENT EVENTS:

Poor O.J. Simpson! :<( Apparently his feverish search for the "real killers" led him to the wrong place at the wrong time. Now think real hard with me here for a minute. What infamous rhyme will come out of this trial or will the glove fit?

Hillary Clinton called Dick Cheney, "Darth Vader" this week, which leads me to an unsolved riddle. What is it when Evil calls Evil, "evil"?

Kevin Federline is sueing his ex-wife, Brittany Spears for custody of their children, alleging that Brittany has a substance abuse problem. Do I really need to explain why this is funny? But now I do have to pull out the classic joke. After their divorce, K-Fed changed his monicker to Fed-X!

After a nearly two hour talk by John Kerry, a University of Florida student was forcibly removed and tazed after persisting with questions. Some say the young man staged the event but didn't count on being tazed. So What's funny about that? Students at an institution of higher learning, listened to John Kerry for nearly TWO HOURS!!! By the end of that I'm betting that they wish they would have "ended up in Iraq!"

FOOD RELATED EVENTS:

Have you ever wondered if the "5 second rule" for dropped food came from the provision of Manna?

Have you ever wondered why we pray over food that we call, "pot-luck"? Seems to me that if luck is involved, you are just taking your chances.

SHEER RANDOMIZATION

What do worms teach their young about promptness and diligence? "the early Bird gets the Worm"

If the Government can now charge a Gas guzzler tax on new Cars that get bad mileage, shouldn't we be able to get a refund on bad roads?

Have you ever wondered if global warming is really caused by Al Gore's hot air?

That's it for now. I feel much better!

Thoughts on 9/11

2007-09-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, Debbie and I drove into the City to go to the Church to take care of some business. It was a beautiful day, almost jacket weather with bright sun shining skys, scattered with light clouds. While looking at the sky I noticed an absence of planes in the air and then it hit me. "Today is 9/11!" And not only was it 9/11 but it was the first time since that tragedy that the date fell on the same day of the week, being Tuesday.

My mind went back to that fateful day. I was working for another Company at the time and Sam was just 3 years old. I had been working some pretty heavy overtime and was sleeping when the phone rang. It was Debbie telling me that a Jet had crashed into the World Trade Center. I got up to turn on the TV within minutes of the second crash. I sat there stunned as our World literally changed around us and then my 3 year old uttered words that I will never forget. "Oh No, Daddy!" I had forgotten that he was even in the room and my brewing anger intensified as I realized that these Terrorist had stolen part of his innocense.

It is a different world that we live in today. With news of any tragedy withing our borders one of my first thoughts will deal with possible terrorism. Politicians have turned the events of that terrible day into a feeding frenzy for their own gain and I believe that one of the saddest things is that we have somewhat forgotten what happened to US on that day.

September 11th, 2001, people boarded airplanes simply planning on going to their destination. It may have been work or back home or on Vacation but through no fault of their own, their destination ended up being a eternal one.

May we never forget that day. May we never forget the lives that were lost. May we never forget that it was a cowardly and deliberate act of War against innocent Civilians simply living their lives. And may we never look at life the same way again. I was able to come home to my family today. I thank God everyday that I can.

What did you say?

2007-09-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Few things simultaneously tickle and aggravate me more than people that have no tolerance for those that do not speak English. You hear it or read it all of the time. Someone gets their nose out of joint because it took a little extra effort to order their Big Mac and they usually end up responding with something like this. "If they are going to come to this Country, then they ought to at least learn the langauge!"

Here is my question. Which language would that be? Because the FACT is that if Immigrants from any part of the world should be banned from speaking their own language, NO ONE in the United States would be allowed to speak English. The fact is that there are several Native tongues in this Country and all of them are American Indian. So if Immigrants need to learn the language, which one should it be? Shawnee? Apachee? Cherokee? etc. etc.

I believe that what people that think like that are really saying is this, "They don't belong here!" My, my, aren't we important? Why do I believe that? Because with a little effort and understanding I can communicate with anyone at a base level. Yes, it takes a little more effort and patience but I believe that PEOPLE (no matter where they come from) are worth it. And when it bothers someone to take the time to attempt to communicate with another person, it really has nothing to do with language. :)

Imagine the Indians taking the same stance toward the Immigrants that we do today. But wait, to a degree they did and they were driven from their homelands for it. Do we want history to repeat itself? Then maybe we should attempt to be nicer.

Now, as far as special rights to those that come here illegally, that is a different writing for another day but just because someone does not speak English, does not mean that they are illegal. They are simply PEOPLE searching for a better life and that my friends, is no different than our English speaking ancestors.

I realize that many that read this will not agree with me and some may want to voice it. All that I ask is that you respond in the Native American Indian langauge of your choice! I'll take the time to figure it out because you are PEOPLE and people are worth it.

Keepers of "the list!"

2007-09-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, really "religious" people grate on me. Kind of like sand in a shoe. You don't notice it until it irritates you and then it seems like you can't get rid of it. I like to call them "Keepers of the List." The list of what God will forgive and won't forgive. Forget the Lambs Book of Life, if you violate the list, YOU ARE DOOMED!!!

Such has been the case recently involving two "high profile" ministry couples and the fact that they are going through Divorces. One Couple, nationally known, recently announced to their Church that they were getting divorced because their "ministries were going in seperate directions" and the other Couple, not quite as well known but still high profile, had a knock down, drag out, cuss you out brawl in the streets of Atlanta during an attempt to reconcile the marriage. (ain't love grand?)

Besides the fact that two "Christian marriages" are failing, There are several sad points in this for me so I'm going to break them down for you in order.

Sad point #1. The first couple mentioned will continue their respective ministries in different parts of the Country. This is sad to "Keepers of the List" because "God hates divorce" and they are somehow unqualified to continue on. Yes, I truly believe that God hates divorce but in all honesty, I've never found the people going through one to be to thrilled about it. "Keepers of the List" are so hypocritical about this because we could have a cold blooded murderer come to Christ and they will be the toast of the religious world. "Come tell us about Jesus and His love" they would shout but let a couple have difficulty in making a marriage work and end in Divorce and they will be forever marked as unqualified to continue on in ministry.

The only reason why "they will continue on" is sad to me is because a marriage has failed and two people are hurt and they need time to heal and possibly even save the marriage but it is obvious that "the ministries" are more important than the marriage. Some may admire that, I find it extremely sad.

Sad point #2. Too many "Christians" (a.k.a. Keepers of the List) were waiting for this to happen! There is an alleged, "Christian Message Board" that I like to occasionally read. Why? Because, like you, I like to hear gossip and that is what this board thrives on. It is made up primarily of "keepers of the list" that are just waiting for others to make the list. As I read the other day, these two couples were fodder for the feeding frenzy. It was obvious from reading that there had been great jealousy against these couples and that they were finally "getting what they deserved!" The day that I take joy in ANY marriage ending will be the day that I resign the ministry all together. We are supposed to be the body of Christ. It's time we acted like it.

Sad point #3. Where could these Couples go? Is it possible that these two marriages could be or could have been saved if they had a safe place to go and someone that they could discuss their problems with CONFIDENTIALLY? Sometimes, Ministers feel like any acknowledgement of "problems" of any sort will somehow disqualify them from walking on water. Unfortunately, because of the "keepers of the list" influence, we do have to be gaurded in who we talk to but my point is that we ALL need someone to talk to in trust.

Do I have all the answers? Nope, I'm flawed, failed and futile and I have a tendency to like to hear gossip. Are you any different? But here is the good news: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Is it possible that exposing my humanity could help someone else? Novel idea, don't you think? Yes, God hates divorce but as I read through His Word, I find that He is not toO fond of sin, PERIOD. But I am glad that he still forgives sin. Maybe it's time that we did too?

That guy lost his head!

2007-08-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Click on the Title and you can read the Story. It really has nothing to do with what I want to write but it was bizarre enough to tickle me.

Oh, where to start, where to start. OK, first off, if you want to buy a donut, don't go to a Banker! What do I mean? Back in January I developed this infection in my foot. We still don't know for certain what caused it but it ended up to seemingly settle in the Big Toe on the right foot. It would be OK for awhile and then it would produce these huge painful blisters. Since it originally started around the little toe and appeared to be a bite, the Docs sent me to an infectious disease specialist. After the removal of the toe nail, huge doses of anti-biotics and $15K worth of medical procedures, IT WAS STILL THE SAME!!!!!!

So the thought occured to me, "maybe you should let the foot doctor have a look at this!" So Deb set up an appointment and I went in expecting him to be completely mystified by what he saw and guess what? He has saw it before! In fact, he practically laughed when I told him that this had been diagnosed as everything from MRSA to excema. His diagnosis was this. There was something wrong with the little toe back in January, possibly a bite, but the massive quantities of anti-biotics attacked it as it should but it changed the "flora" (I have no idea) of my foot and a fungus started in the Big Toe. That's right, athletes foot! A fairly severe case but athletes foot nonetheless. He prescribed one pill to take once a day and the Toe looks amazingly better.

So yes, I'm a little ticked and disgusted and I've learned that if you want a donut, don't go to a Banker! I'm not going to lose my head over it and luckily the nail will grow back!

A long, exhausting week

2007-08-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

This past week has been one exhausting month. For starters, I am now officially on round three with the infection in my Toe. Three bouts since January! I'm not real happy with that and even unhappier because I know as much of what is causing it as I did in January. I'm trying a foot Doctor on Monday to see if he can help. You would think that after 15 thousand dollars of treatment, I would at least have an idea of what is wrong? I guess that's why they call it "practicing medicine." Sigh

Then, last Sunday morning I woke up in severe pain from my neck and shoulders. The pain almost made me nauseous at times. My Chiropractor has me pretty well straightened out now but I'm afraid my Sunday Sermon suffered more than I did! LOL I have a great group of people that love me. I'm real thankful for that!

Then, I received word this week that a good friend of mine has developed lung Cancer in his right lung. That hurt worse than anything that I suffered with. They are doing more testing to give a prognosis so please add Junior C. to your prayer list.

On top of all that, I handled some family matters in a less than stellar manner and I've got some big time making up to attempt to do. Fortunately, it does not involve Debbie or Sam so I don't have to sleep in the dog house!

Other than that, I've had a GREAT week! If you are one of those that thought that Pastors live perfect lives, viewed through Rose colored glasses, then I hate to burst your bubble.

The Apostle Paul said, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim 1:15 (KJV)." I have a clearer understanding of that verse today.

Luckily for me, God is merciful. I wear Him out but He is merciful. I'm expecting a better week ahead. Be blessed!

Two of my Favorites

2007-08-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, Debbie took Sam to John's Christian Bookstore to see one of my favorite Artist, Todd Agnew. Unfortunately I was unable to go! :<( Something about work and Mortgage and bills, I don't know?

A love for Todd Agnew's music is something that Sam and I share, (Deb too but this is a guy thing, LOL) and also a cool bond between us. Obviously, by the picture, you can see that Sam is thrilled. It's usually tough to get Sam to smile a "normal" smile for pictures. I can hear my Mom snickering now, saying "you're reaping what you've sown!"

I turned 45 back on August 4th. It's really hard for me to believe too because I'm not that old in my mind. In fact, I will still admit to cranking the Car Stereo to as loud as the Speakers will tolerate and loving every minute of it. There have been a few times where it was really funny because I'll be in traffic with the tunes cranked up and people will look, and then they get the strangest looks on their faces because they expect to see someone much younger! Oh well, what can I say? I'm warped and love every minute of it. Besides, my motto has always been, "if it's too loud, you're too old!"

I really enjoy Todd Agnew's music but I truly love his writing. He isn't afraid to say what's on his mind, through his music and his newest Album, (OK the 45 is showing, guess I should say CD) "Better Questions" is another fine work that makes you think. And yeah, I really enjoy the 3 pack a day sounding voice too.

I was raised on Southern Gospel and I'm truly thankful that I've been delivered! ;<) Hey, if it's your cup of tea, I'm proud for you. Like what you like, love what you love, do what you do. Just extend to me the same courtesy, Please.

Some may argue with me but I have found that God is not limited by the limits we place on Him. In fact, He can get glory from music that has an edge, just the same as music that has a twang. The importance is not in whether or not sing songs from "The Red Backed Hymnal" or choruses "on the wall." The importance is in the hearts that sing them and even those that listen. So whether you like your tunes cranked to 11, or you get into an old Happy Goodman tune, I say, "Rock on!"

The wonder of Words

2007-08-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Remember the old nursery rhyme, "Sticks and Stones may break my bones but Words will never hurt me?" I am of the opinion that who ever made that one up had not only been hurt by words but they were bitter about it!;<)

Words are some of the most powerful things that we can possess or that can possess us. I love Language. Language of any kind. I am not proficient in any of it but just the idea that we have the ability to put into words, our deepest thoughts, is an awesome thing to realize. And then when you get into the study of different langauges it really opens up. Tonight I learned how to tell someone to "behave" in Spanish and it was beautiful! I don't see how someone could be rude in doing it? It's just too pretty to hear!

We Americans have the philosophy that "we say what we mean and we mean what we say," and we are "get to the point" personalities that don't have time for the complexity of language. For example, If you were to ask me how I felt about Debbie, I would most assuredly tell you that I love her and I do so with all my heart but if you were to ask me how I felt about Pizza, guess what I would say? Yeah, I love it. Now, is the love I have for Pizza the same? Not in any sense of the understanding but the language is pretty much the same. I would have to use adjectives to describe the difference of the meaning of the same word.

Old World languages are not like that. For example, In John 21 you have the familiar story of Jesus asking Peter, "Do you love me?" Now reading the King James without understanding of the Ancient Greek, one could easily surmise that Jesus was losing it here, because he asks the same question 3 different times. But in the Greek, Jesus uses the word, "Agape" meaning an eternal, unconditional love that knows no boundaries. Peter would answer with the word, "Phileo" meaning, "Yeah, I love you like a Brother." Two words with totally different applications of meaning.

So why am I on this rant? I'm not really sure. I just find it funny that when we try to express how we feel about someone else, we usually end up saying something like, "there just aren't enough words." Well, maybe there are and maybe we should take the time to rediscover them? Just a thought for the day.