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Wrapping up Sunday’s sermon was a special moment. After a time of serious exposition, I worked extra hard to connect the people in the audience with what God was communicating in His Word. I wanted every life that was experiencing a storm in their life to sense that God cared for them. For the second Sunday my touch point was prayer for the individuals at Grace.
Life goes on with trials and challenges even when a church does not have a Pastor. I am a committed servant of the Lord’s and desirous of encouraging believers. My prayer for everyone who raised their hand was deeply genuine.
But, it was time for the service to end. The order of service also called for me to step aside and let the Chairman of the Elder Board take the platform. Hans smiled and introduced me back to the congregation as their new Interim Pastor.
The applause was so warmly given. My wife and I were blessed to be the recipient of such an outpouring of acceptance. It is a connection that God has orchestrated and that I am humbled to accept.
With a closing prayer and an excellent wrap-up with Brian’s excellent worship we were dismissed. I couldn’t make it to the back of the auditorium before the crowds. So, I was content to greet people as I made my way to the back.
It was a great time to spend some moments with people who needed more than a handshake. Introductions, life moments and an encouraging word were rampant. Words of welcome were generously exchanged. Like liniment on aching muscles we embraced and talked about what we hoped God would do for all of us together.
None of us knows how long our connection will be. But, perhaps a few months will make a difference in the lives of some, perhaps many, and maybe even most. God has a way of surprising us with HIS plans.
But, if the warmth of our beginning and the strength of the applause reflects the heart then God could do a special powerful work in Ann Arbor in the next few months of our lives. It’s His specialty to do the spectacular. For all of us it is our prayer that God would do something so big and wonderful that all who see would agree that this is something that only God could do.
photo credit: Google image
Temperatures dipped into the 60’s today. But, the redeeming factor was the absence of any predicted precipitation. It was a day to let my pick-up truck rest and don my helmet for a motorcycle ride.
My route took me through the morning commuter traffic. Today the drivers were well behaved. There wasn’t a single scary moment.
I passed by a pond with a small flock of primping geese. They were plumping their feathers with their very versatile beaks. Their long necks were coiled like a garden hose.
I’m sure that these splendid birds each look uniquely distinctive to birds of a common feather. But, they all look alike to me. Of course I’m not at all interested in getting too close for a detailed examination.
On my way home traffic ahead had stopped. No signal lights impeded our travel. Curiously, the oncoming traffic had stopped as well.
Whatever was holding up my travel was doing the same for all traffic. That’s when I stretched my head and stood up on my boots to peer into the distance. I laughed.
That same flock of geese had decided to cross the road. No, they did not use their magnificent wings and fly over the street. Instead, they waddled across using their awkward gait that makes everyone chuckle.
My motorcycle made quick work of the narrow asphalt and I sped to the front of the line. I reved my engine to hurry the last bird along. He had an attitude.
He curled his long neck and lunged his head at me with his mouth wide open. That’s when the protective goose hisses. Sometimes they curl their wings looking very ferocious. But, their gangly clumsy waddle doesn’t get anyone very nervous.
That’s when it became clear why this gander was putting up such a fuss. In front of the last two birds and behind the other handful of adult birds were over a dozen midsize goslings. They were tiny and had lost all of their yellow down. Now, they were totally brown.
Maybe they were in the grade school age of their life. They didn’t waddle like their parents. Instead, they scurried across the road more like tail-less squirrels.
I roared past them. The last adult goose taking up the rear, hissed at me directly. He must have thought I was really scared of his big bad act.
photo credit: Bruce Fong photography
There is an undeniable principle of owning a house with a basement. What goes down, must come UP. While that voluminous space invites storage, when it’s time to move, everything that was stored down in the basement must be carried back UP the stairs.
For months I have been sorting and boxing endless piles of stuff in our basement. There have been many moments when I just sat down, too numb to know what to do next. My legs scream at me every time I pick up a loaded box and march UP those steps. It’s not the single trip but it’s endless parade of climbing.
Long ago I have been paying attention to my right knee. If it is overstressed it reminds me with that four letter word: PAIN. Gingerly, I climb the stairs assessing what I bring UP from that large hole in the ground.
I have divided the basement into three sections. One area is for the precious priceless items that we want to keep and move with us. In another area I have the stuff to throw away. And finally, there is an area of stuff that is designated to give away.
The throw away pile gets reduced to nothing at least once a week. Monday is garbage pick up. On the morning of that weekly schedule I make multiple trips to the curb.
Usually, one load jumps off the truck and handles the garbage pick up alone. Sometimes the truck barely stops for the quick collection. For the past number of weeks the truck parks and the driver gets out to help move our mountain at the curbside.
With the trash pile gone, I decided to make the give-away pile disappear too. Slowly out of respect for my right knee, I carried item after item UP my basement stairs. Then, I loaded every piece into my pick-up truck and drove off to the Salvation Army.
Others who were dropping off donations gathered around my truck at the depot. They were incredulous at what I was donating. One woman asked if she could have the bicycle. Another took a close look at the deer cart. Yet, another eyed the crib. I felt like a traveling variety store on wheels.
I just smiled. My grin had nothing to do with the memories attached to the donations. Instead, when I arrived at home, I went DOWN into my basement and marvelled at the remarkably shrinking mountain of stuff.
photo credit: Google image
There are not many career politicians that have left a lasting impression on me the way that the remarkable Mark Hatfield did. He was a long time United States Senator representing the state of Oregon. Each time I had a chance to hear him speak I was impressed with his consistency.
Hatfield was exceptionally bright. On top of that he was a clear communicator. His viewpoints always represented his values. Even when I challenged him through letters his positions always remained consistent.
Whenever I wrote to him about an issue that concerned me someone on his staff wrote back. The letters were appropriate to my concerns. I was never sent me unrelated answers.
I remember Hatfield for two memorable qualities. He was humble. He was also passionate about peace.
One of my favorite stories was that he was one of the few who would stay behind after a Bible study to fold up and put away the chairs. He never saw himself as too far above such a menial task.
His view on the military wasn’t identical to mine. Yet, I respected his view. He quoted Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”
Hatfield believed that this simple verse from Scripture was a moral line that guided his thinking. He wanted to work for peace and avoid war. I often heard the passion in his voice when he explained this deeply personal value.
James teaches from his epistle that the heart of a righteous Christian reflects the same two values. Those who live a righteous life embrace humility and peace. There is a direct relationship between the practice of humility and peacemaking to exercising control over the untameable tongue.
Those who are careless with their tongue and hurt others by what they say do not have control over their thinking. Disciplined thinking comes from the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. The show is not in verbal claims but in actual rightous living. Talk is not the test of wisdom but righteous living that puts value on display is.
A life that lives according to the truth will live in purity and peace. It will be considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Righteous lives are busy living good lives rather than letting their tongues wag out of control while hurting others.
James 3:13-18
photo credit: Google image
I like reaching goals. There is a great sense of personal accomplishment when a target has been hit. When I have done something that I set my mind to do I not only enjoy the elation of the moment but also get to relive that thrill many times in the years to come.
Long ago I climbed my first mountain. Reaching the pinnacle of Mt. Ralston in Desolation Valley was an unforgettable moment. The journey and the destination are all etched in my mind.
As a teenager, I remember receiving my Eagle Scout award. That is the highest rank in Scouting. The journey almost did me in but the final outcome was very special.
Every academic degree was a satisfying moment for me. My baccalaureate degree was special. Then, my Masters degree was just as memorable. Of course my Ph.D. was a stunning achievement too.
My marriage to the ever amazing Yvonne is incomparable. Each subsequent anniversary was deeply gratifying. We have reached goals together ever since.
Now, a new goal has surprised me. It wasn’t one that I was looking to achieve. So, this might be better referred to as a landmark. This is my 500th blog.
When my son suggested that I start writing a blog in September 2007 I didn’t even know what a blog was. Once I understood his explanation I was not sure that I was willing to make myself so vulnerable to the public.
Admittedly, the bad side of blogging are the nasty comments that have come along. But, the upside are the encouraging comments that you have sent in. Thankfully, the positive comments have far exceeded the unfriendly ones.
I have learned a lot about writing over these several hundred attempts. My goal has been to look at life through the eyes of hope. My desire has been to encourage anyone stops in for a visit. If that simple objective has been achieved in your life then I am pleased.
I have looked at blogging like working a small parcel of land by a well travelled road. When pilgrims pass by, I welcome them to stop for a moment and enjoy a word like a cool drink of water. If it refreshed those on their life-journey then it was well worth the effort to write. Thank you for stopping for a visit. You encouraged me with your fellowship. God bless you!
photo credit: Google image
Thursday I sat down after my morning exercise regimen. My heart was beating quickly not just because of the workout. But, a close encounter with speeding Mercury front grill took me close to my Maker.
It was worth a moment of deep personal reflection. The cross walk light for me was green. On coming traffic was steady. But, I had the right of way.
People were on their morning commute. A number of cars were making a turn. They were filing across my crosswalk. I only saw her for a brief few seconds.
She was older, heavy, caucasian, wore glasses, and had short blond hair. While she was turning into the crosswalk her head faced to her right. She was actively engaged in a conversation with her passenger. I could tell that she did not see me even though we were en route to a head on collision.
There was no slow motion. The only speed was real time and it was fast. Her car accelerated considerably through her turn. Thankfully, her rapid speed pulled her out of my path before we hit.
I didn’t have time to brake. All I could do was yell at her. She never slowed down, never flinched, she just propelled her three ton machine ahead, brushing so close to me that if I stretched, I could have touched her car with my hand.
Every other car approaching that intersection slowed down to give this near accident plenty of room to play out. Other drivers were in disbelief, some shaking their heads, and yet others in shock with mouths gapping. I kept my pedals churning away.
My workout took on a new perspective. I was glad to be still in one piece, upright and healthy. My bicycle was undamaged too.
Each time that I’m on the road for a bicycle workout, I look for this kind of danger. Drivers look for other cars. Bicycles, pedestrians and motorcycles just aren’t on their radar. Even crosswalks aren’t automatically safe for those of us who use them.
Other drivers sped past the errant driver and peered into that car to see who the driver was. She was almost a homicidal defendent. But, through the good graces of our Almighty God, she was spared, I was spared and so were the possible witnesses that were passing through that intersection as well.
photo credit: Google image
This past week I was on the road busily racking up miles for ministry. An alarm went off in my truck. It’s the first time that has ever happened.
Glancing down at my dashboard computer readout, the message was that my engine was overheating. It urgently advised me to stop the engine. Once it was safe I pulled over and let my faithful stead catch its breath. Something was wrong.
A Cheverolet dealership was nearby. I drove in and explained the problem to the service manager. He was very efficient and hospitable.
After leaving my keys for Bubba, I headed to the waiting room. In my mind I rehearsed the symptoms of my overheating problem. This was a set of symptoms that I experienced in the past.
One of my past vehicles was regularly needing a dose of coolant. The warning light came on much more than usual. Finally, when I was on a trip hundreds of miles from home, my water pump disintegrated.
While that experience occurred decades ago, I have mentally filed that series of symptoms in my memory banks. Now, the current problem with my truck matched that recollection. The mechanics confirmed my suspicions. It was time to replace my water pump, flush the coolant, and pressure test the entire system.
The dealership provided me a shuttle ride back to my home office. When I climbed into the van, Emerol greeted me with a cheerful smile, “Where to, man?” His Jamaican accent gave way to a fun conversation all the way home.
Emerol is retired from a job with the County Government. But, like so many needed to have a supplementay income to make ends meet. His children are all grown, well educated and are doing better than he ever did.
But, his smile is endless. He says that he drives many people in his shuttle who have a lot of money but they have a lot of worries too. Emerol sees the worry on their face and hears it in their voice.
“They should be like me,” Emerol declares. “I have no money and no worries. When the music plays, I dance!” His accompaning laughter is boistrous.
His countenance and optimism was enjoyable and appealing. So much of who we really are shines through our countenance. It spreads even further in the tone of our voice. Ringing in my mind is that adage “Smile! It adds to your face value.”
photo credit: Google image
When did it happen that my sons started contributing more into my life than I do into theirs? In this information age the computer is essential to my daily routine. Yet, if it weren’t for my sons making sure that my laptop is running smoothly I would be up the proverbial creek without a paddle in a disintegrating canoe.
My sound options were going hay wire. Of course I tried all of the solutions that I knew. That must have taken at least a couple of minutes of trouble-shooting.
That’s when my youngest son told me to check my essential drivers. I acted as if I knew what he was talking about. Days later my other son was hanging out and I mentioned the same problem to him.
He jumped on my computer, let his fingers dance around the keyboard like a concert pianist on a Yamaha grand and presto the problem was solved. Both of my sons conferred, agreed on the applied solution and snickered together about “old people”.
My wife, two sons and I drove to our favorite restaurant for our evening meal. This was our older son’s first visit to the Rainbow Restaurant in Farmington. It is a new discovery and an immediate favorite of ours.
We introduced our son to Mi and Tommy, the owners. As usual we looked at the menu casually, but asked Mi what she would recommend. She made a few suggestions and went into the kitchen to discuss those ideas with Tommy.
When the steamed salmon came out, it melted in our mouths. The broccoli was delicious. Every piece of the Honey Ribs was consumed. The seafood hotpot was scrumptious.
Several times Mi stopped by to see how we were doing. We have enjoyed their Chinese cuisine every time we have come in for a visit. Both of our sons were complementing the meal with superlatives.
During the meal we discussed politics, theology, automobiles, church, friends, faith, and anything else that suited our fancy. The discussion was as equals, grown adults mutually contributing. Interspersed throughout our meal were complements about the food. Each dish received high marks and “yum yum” reactions from all of us.
When all the vegetables are gone with three men at the table that says a lot! Maybe the best part of the evening with our sons, they picked up the bill. I like this part of God’s family life design: sons all grown up!
photo credit: Bruce Fong photography
Both the husband and wife came home each night from the same school where both were employed. Over dinner their main entertainment was the endless verbal brutalization of their colleagues. They spared no one and granted no mercy with their vicious words.
Then, the husband noticed a subtle change that was occurring over several weeks. He told me that for some time his wife began joining in less and less on the people bashing. After a while, he alone was bringing up the latest gossip and judgment of others.
She never criticized him for doing it. Rather she just never joined in the filleting of people behind their backs. Weeks of her waning participation turned into months.
Finally, he subtly asked why she was no longer joining in their regular entertainment. She smiled and told him that she had been introduced to a new way of living by a new friend at the University. He knew of this new friend.
The conversation opened up a whole new topic. She told her husband about her new found relationship with Jesus Christ. As best as she could she told her husband about the Gospel. The peace he saw in his wife was very attractive to him. He eventually surrendered to the love of Christ as well.
Their testimony pivots on the sins of gossip and slander. When I enjoyed their fellowship, they were actively involved with serving the Lord in a good local church. Conversation was uplifting and edifying.
James teaches the same truth. The tongue easily spins out of control. Something so small like the human tongue causes such a massive ruckus. As a small bridle controls a big horse, a tiny rudder directs a large ship, or a minute spark starts a massive fire that will destroy a great forest so a diminutive tongue will wreck havoc on the entire lives of people with its gossip and slander.
No one can tame the tongue. James calls it a restless evil. Any of us who uses words are susceptible to its wicked impact. Who of us has not felt the sting of judgmental words, exaggerated gossip or slanderous rumors?
We who use our tongues to praise the Lord in worship must make a righteous commitment. Togther let’s devote our tongue to what is edifying. Recognize gossip and slander for this sin that it is and choose to never hurt others by what we say.
James 3.3-12
photo credits: Google images
The highly anticipated debut of Star Trek finally showed up at theaters. Promotions filled every media outlet. Many of us who grew up with the brash cocky Captain James T. Kirk were looking forward to another dose of our Trekee appetites.
To avoid the expected crowds several friends and I connected for an early Saturday morning matinee. That was a strategy shared by many Star Trek fans. The theater was filled.
At the end of the showing I was left a little disappointed. Too many personal expectations spoiled the movie. I couldn’t get used to the new faces with familiar names. Antics of long time favorites were now being displayed by different actors. It was awkward and I couldn’t enjoy the confusion.
It’s been months since the movie has been released. That’s enough time for the film to make it into our local neighborhood discount theater. My wife and I enjoy going to this theater for whatever is showing.
She hadn’t seen Star Trek 2009 and thought she would like to see it. This time I went without any exoectations. My raction to the movie was completely different.
I was moved when Kirk’s father was Captain for just a matter of minutes. His heroic death was the cause for hundreds of others to be spared. That included his wife and new born son, James Tiberias.
At my first viewing I was stunned each time a new character was introduced to the film. My thought was dismay. I couldn’t see how casting could make such blunders.
During this second showing I enjoyed the characters playing their roles. Bones was a crack up! An Uhura was stunning.
Of course best of all was Sulu. His swordsmanship was astounding, he courage spectacular and his presence in my opinion “dominated” each scene that he was in.
The tension between Spock and Kirk was entertaining. Conflict gave way to open aingst but eventually developed into a lifelong friendship. The growth of that relationship was a highlight of the film.
Overcoming was Kirk’s trademark. Whether he was cheating a computer simulation or outsmarting the Romulan renegades, the good over evil motif is alive and well in Star Trek 2009.
One of the nice surprises was the romantic relationship that Uhura enjoys in the film. Who would have ever thought about that connection? It sure added some spice to the movie. I was glad that I went to see it a second time.
photo credit: Google image
