You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December 2009.
My day at the office was a little longer than usual. I left the office four hours later than on most days. It was a very long day.
Once I climbed into my truck I knew that my commute home would add a punctuation to the day. It was snowing outside. My truck was covered with a generous dusting of freshly fallen powder.
Clearing the Winter’s latest blast of fluffy crystals with my extended snow brush was quick and easy. Firing up my faithful engine and turning on the defroster was automatic. My windshield washer reservoir was filled to capacity and I was quick to use it to clear up my visibility.
What concerned me was how cold it was. The precipitation in this kind of frigid temperatures would make the roads especially treacherous. But, I was determined to make it home.
Initially, the slick roads convinced me that my optional electronic all-wheel drive option was a good choice. I pressed the appropriate button and I could feel the AWD kick into gear. Control over my forward progress took on a steadiness that wasn’t there with only rear wheel drive on a slick surface.
I tried to relax while staying alert. However, I found myself gripping the steering wheel tighter and tighter. Everything inside of me was tensing up.
Carefully, I exited my last round-a-bout and headed for the freeway entrance. That dramatic turn to the right confirmed that the road was covered with black ice. Bubba’s rear-end slid to the left. But a little counter steering brought this big truck back under control and a steady forward progress was reestablished. I did smile upward and thank the Lord for His protection.
Once I was on the freeway the posted speeds were irrelevant. There was no way that anyone would be driving at high speeds that night. Soon I would have several examples and plenty of evidence to support my suspicions.
At one of the notorious sections of M-23 as it crosses over the Huron River the black ice had claimed a victim. A car had slid off the asphalt, spun several times and slid down into a deep ditch backwards. A wrecker was already there attempting to winch it out of its jam. That unplanned kind of mishap was multiplied several times on my route home.
My normal hour commute was extended to an hour and a half. Slowly I made my home. But, I’m so grateful for the Lord’s travel mercies. I arrived safely!
photo credit: google image
In my past I made a foray into the world of music. This slice of history of my life eventually ended up with a trombone in my hands. Like most of my fellow fledgling music makers we needed professional help.
There were three private music teachers in my life. My last teacher was the Principal Trombonist in the Oregon Symphony. We had a ball together.
He had the ability to assess where I was from week to week. He demonstrated what I should work on next then helped me perform and prove that I knew what he wanted. Each lesson had a strong emphasis on the essentials of brass musicianship.
There is a book that brass players know well. It is Arban’s collection of essential exercises for brass players. My teacher coached me through these practice pages with determination.
After each lesson I knew what my orders were. There was always something fun to play. But, the foundation was burned into my mind. I worked hard and formulated a basis to advance my performance skills.
Doing church right is similar. Essentials for church practice have been laid out in the Bible. As the essentials become a routine the church can then expand to be a shining light to a world.
The Apostle Paul first directs the church to practice prayer. There is variety in prayer. When God’s children talk to Him they can do so with different intents, varied methods and with multiple expectations.
While pressing distinctions represented by the unique terms for prayer is not to be forced, prayer is nevertheless as multifaceted as is conversation. Practically, while prayer is presented as a priority it is too often overlooked or last in church reality.
Once prayer is laid down then there is a focus on evangelism. Intercession is to be made on behalf of those in positions of authority. The implication is that prayers are made for the salvation of any unsaved leaders.
Clearly God’s desire is for all men to be saved. He made it possible through His Son Jesus Christ. All who put their faith in Him can have that eternal life. It is free to mankind but at great expense to Jesus Christ.
When Christians do church right the results are outstanding.. God is pleased with correct living. As a result many are saved as well. Do the essentials then very good things will happen.
1 Timothy 2.1-7
photo credit: google image
We walked into a very small theater. The seats were comfortable but the choices for a good view were definitely limited. Most of the perimeter seats were situated at angles too radical making a large screen movie too distorted. But, we arrived early enough to pick good seats and watch Invictus.
A friend filled me in on the basics of rugby. It’s not a sport I understand. Knowing something about the game helps before watching this movie.
I also was given a short summary on the impact that Nelson Mandela had on South Africa. The challenge that lay before him was enormous. South Africa needed an inspirational leader.
On the one hand the nation was stepping into her new future. Apartheid had been dismantled and Mandela had won the nation’s democratic election. On the other hand, how does a nation change from the minority dominating the majority to a country that gives equality to all?
When racial prejudice wreaks havoc on the lives of people, is there ever an easy solution? There are throngs of victims. Abuse has been rampant all under the guise of legal action.
The black population of South Africa had been severely violated. The resultant hostile feelings against Whites was rampant. Would such division born out of hatred, abuse and prejudice ever find healing? Or would separation be the only future for this nation?
Mandela had a vision of a nation emerging from its past pain. His policies, personal interaction, gracious spirit of forgiveness and hope gave this country a chance. Of all things he cheered on the national rugby team as one means to bring the nation together.
This man had a discernment of what was important to the disenfranchised. He not only held out several olive branches in different situations, he also honored the team name and colors that meant so much to the White fans.
Personally, he reached out to inspire the captain of the rugby team. Together these two became a connected partnership that would win the hearts of a people. The national rugby team evolved into world-class champions. Lives of millions would be cheering them on to being unconquered, invictus.
The nation’s new president won the trust of national leaders, knitted together the loyalties of many, and helped replace hatred with real dreams. Watching the historic transformation of a people injured by racist values was mesmerizing. Cheering with the masses was worth the price of admission.
photo credit: google image
This Thanksgiving and Christmas season my wife and son and I are a bit displaced. All of our other family are located on the Left Coast. We miss them!
It is too far and too expensive to be with relatives. But, there is nothing helpful that comes from whining. When circumstances can’t be changed then it’s best to make the best of whatever situation that we find ourselves.
But, we are blessed. Great friends made us a part of their families. We didn’t ask. They did!
Mike and Susie included us in their family for Thanksgiving. We had so much fun! The food was terrific.
Everyone enjoyed the table fare. There were plenty of food to pile on to our plates. There were potatoes, dressing, gravy, corn, rolls, turkey slices, cranberry, and other fixings. But, my favorite was a mountain of turkey legs, enough for each of the men to grab one and wolf it down. It’s a guy-thing.
We filled up the day with great conversation, football and plenty of laughs. Pictures of great events over this last year were past around. I love Mike and Susie like family!
Families in the area all have their Christmas gatherings planned. We were careful not to even suggest that we needed a place to go. Genuinely we were fine on our own. But, Dick and Sheri would have none of that.
These two made sure that we knew that we were welcomed to join their family celebration. When we drove up to their home the house was also filled with their family. We joined in the joy of the season.
The evening was filled with great conversations, funny stories and exaggerations that make family special. Dick called for our attention. It was time to dig into the food.
Everyone stood, talking stopped and all of our attention turned to prayer. It was a moment to ask our heavenly Father to bless our evening. Together we thanked Him for the food and the reason for the season.
The dinner menu was delightful. But, the fun that followed was unforgettable. Games and a White Elephant gift exchange left us gasping for breath from our laughter.
Friends who become family are wonderfully blessed. Don’t worry about the few who don’t believe in this kind of love. When God blesses you with great friends, just love them freely and God will guide your steps.
photo credit: google image
My years of living in Oregon have many fabulous memories. Many of those memories are of special people. If lives are richer because of the people who we meet then I am very wealthy indeed.
Many of those special people are friends that I met at church. I don’t recall when I first met Annette. But, each Sunday when she sang with the worship team I was amazed.
There are many of my friends who outstanding musicians. Their talent with notes, performance and songs is one that I know are valued by so many. Annette is one of those.
When Annette sings, it is tremendous. But, it is more than notes sung correctly. The heart behind the music is rich, genuine and pure. I could see it on her countenance.
It might be the sparkle in her eyes. Afterall, the eyes are the window to the soul. When Annette sings there is an attachment between her soul and the music that she produces.
Once I invited her to join me for a conference as the special music. She brought her sister to sing duets. It was fabulous.
Our paths went in separate directions. She married a terrific guy and they moved to Alaska. I took my bride and headed to the Midwest.
Years past. Then a wonderful rediscovery occurred. Facebook reunited old friends!
We caught up with years of family, moves, and ministry updates. Then, a wonderful blessing came in the mail. Annette had produced a Christmas CD!
My wife and I have been enjoying her beautiful voice this entire Christmas season. There is clarity in her voice, precision in her intonation and expression in her interpretation. She has been blessed with the gift of music. I am a counterpart because I have been blessed with the gift of audience.
I try to sing along while on my long commute to work. The joy of my sound is genuine. God hears it and certainly smiles in between His laughter. But, I am bold, boisterous and respectful of others by making sure that my windows are up. Annette’s singing actually makes me sound better than I am.
When we who are unspectacular surround ourselves with those who are uniquely talented, we do two great things. First, we enrich our own lives with beauty. Second we cheer on the talented like Annette to keep on singing for all of us in the gallery!
photo credit: google image
During my days of intense postgraduate studies in Scotland, the memories of constantly writing, endless discussions and constant research filled up every hour of my schedule. It was as intense as an academic exercise could be. Every ounce of my personal commitment was necessary to make this a successful venture.
Fellowship with encouraging friends was a boon to my encouragement. Once at a gathering of wonderful Christian Scottish friends I remember a very special moment that lasted for only a few minutes. Our conversation turned to a new friend who told me that during our closing prayer time, she had an image in her mind that she couldn’t ignore.
During the final prayer as we were being sent on our way to return to the USA, she told me that she couldn’t shake a picture in her mind. Then, she told me that the image of a bulwark filled her mind. It was strong, firm and could not be breached no matter how powerful the attacks.
At the time I did know what that meant. But, the thought has never left me. It was a brief moment without much elaboration. Yet, she presented it to me as a vision from the Lord.
Each time I have faced adversity since that time, that vision has been a part of my encouragement. Whether it was an impending challenge or a painful trial, I have been embolden to trust God.
Paul told Timothy that he was to keep encouraged because of the prophecies made about him. As a minister he would need to find motivation to face the many trials that would come his way. It was not a life described as easy but rather it was a fight.
Holding on to faith by believing in hope and what was to come would be his strength. Further, keeping a good conscience was more important than the opinion of others. Personal belief in the truth about himself was critical for persevering in ministry.
God’s work cannot be faked. When a life is true and genuine before the Lord, fruit is produced. Are you tempted to give up because of trial? Live according to God’s calling in your life. Live by faith and keep a clear conscience. Such a life will bear eternal fruit in ministry. God gives His stamp of approval with eternal results and knowing that will keep us persevering.
1 timothy 1.18-20
photo credit: google image
When I was a new member to the YMCA, I experimented with different times for my swimming workout. My hope was to track the times when the pool was less crowded. This past weekend my strategy was to discover if early Saturday morning was one of those docile times.
This was an educated guess. Afterall, who gets up early on Saturday morning to exercise? Doesn’t everyone want to sleep in for the first day of the weekend?
Boy, was I wrong. The swimming pool looked more like an oversized washing machine. Not only that it was in the high level agitation cycle.
I slipped into the water. It was cool and refreshing. OK, it was highly chlorinated but at least it was warmer than the 29 degree temperatures outside.
My first push-off the wall sent me gliding into my morning regimen. Each stroke was steady and smooth. Each breath was timed with the rhythm of my digging into the water for propulsion. The wake forming off of my head assured me that I was pacing myself correctly.
After my first lap someone called to me with a heavily accented voice. Looking up an elderly man asked if he could split lanes with me. Of course I confirmed that he was welcome to jump in and share the lane.
We passed each other a couple of times when a new challenge emerged. Another swimmer had jumped into the lane. We were headed for a collision.
We both pulled up and wiped the water from our eyes. He also was heavily accented in his voice. With wild hand gestures he motioned for a counter-clockwise circle swimming. Nodding in agreement I was off to try to finish my routine.
When I turned at the end of the lane I heard a very animated conversation. Our new lane sharer was talking forcefully with the other swimmer and directing him to swim in a circular pattern. There was a bit of an argument that soon died down.
But, every time I passed the 3rd swimmer, his strokes were wild and wide. He hit me almost every time we passed. Twice he kicked me with his unconventional leg pattern.
Yeah, I persevered. All my laps were completed. I felt unusually invigorated. Not only did I swim for a half mile, I also was able to say that I had done it concurrently with a boxing workout.
The temperatures outside were below freezing. I checked the weather forecast and dressed in several layers. When I stepped outside the wind bit into my garments to let me know that Winter was dominating the season.
My initial shivering was out of respect. I pulled down my hat, cinched up my coat and thrust my hands deep into my pockets. Then, I turned West and started my brisk morning walk.
Downtown was cheerily decorated with Christmas lights, garlands, wreaths, candy canes and stunning decorations. As long as I kept moving, the exercise would keep my blood flowing freely. I had no planned stops.
But, a striking nativity scene on the lawn of a private residence caught my eye. A manger cradled the baby Jesus. Mary was watchfully close by and showering her motherly love over the newborn. Shepherds crowded closely too along with sheep by their side.
What made me smile was the figure on the perimeter of this historic gathering. As quiet as he was in the Biblical account, Joseph is watching the scene. But, he is a hero that makes the Christmas story come to life.
As a very young man, poor by any economical standards, his greatest joy in life was to be pledged to Mary as her husband. According to the customs of his culture, they would be apart for a year. This would be the unequivocal proof of the purity of the bride.
Then, came the devastating news. Some time before the betrothal year is completed, Mary is found to be with child. Joseph was devastated.
After thoughtful consideration of his options, he decided to divorce Mary quietly. Then, the angel of the Lord visits with him in a dram and commands him to take Mary as his wife without fear. The child is declared to have been conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, a righteous man, wakes up and immediately takes Mary as his wife, not even waiting for the betrothal period to be completed. His decision allows him to take a lot of the gossip and slander that Mary would have had to face alone. Joseph and Mary both knew the truth that something very good was assumed to be dirty by those who meddle and are nosey busybodies.
Christmas is a beautiful story. It is even more amazing when the characters are examined. Joseph, is one its very quiet heroes.
photo credit: google image
I sat at my desk, hung up the phone and reached for my books. That’s when something caught my eye. There on my office window was the silhouette of a creature that I despise.
Throughout my life I have crossed paths with the insidious creatures. They have threatened me many times. Several friends have been victimized by their bullying disposition.
Their diminutive size gives them stealth. But don’t be deceived. They are as ugly as they are fierce.
Usually, these vicious animals are gone for the winter. This one found a warm place to remain active. It was a dastardly wasp.
It was staring right at me with its compound eyes. I stared back and postured myself to be as intimidating as I could. He was going down.
My desk drawer slipped open easily. That’s when I grabbed a handful of rubber bands. Now, the hunt was on.
Silently I stole up on this insect of the most painful variety. Once within range, I loaded my finger with a rubber band and slowly pulled it back to a full draw.
Before I launched my first shot, I made sure that a second shot was ready. These winged stingers are unpredictable. After years of hunting these menaces I was wary.
Carefully, I practiced open-eyed sighting. Instinctively, my sites lined up on the today’s target. Then, the power in the band was released.
The twang of the shot was followed by the snap of a direct hit on the glass window. The wasp disappeared, like it was instantly flicked away from existence. But, I knew better.
Carefully, I lifted the blinds and found the wasp on the window sill. It was clearly mortally wounded. My single shot had found its mark.
My garbage can was perfect for dispatching this horrid critter. I set it back next to my desk and left my office to pick up some lunch. Back at the office I sat down and sorted out my meal. That’s when an unsuspecting movement on my desk top caught my eye. It was the wasp!
It had crawled out of the can, crawled up on to my desk and tried hiding under my computer. That’s when I grabbed a paper towel and smashed the threat under fist. It was an instinct.
My prey was done-in. Men are created to be protectors. Courageously we react to dispense with any threat. Relax world, you are safe!
photo credit: google image
One of the best parts of my life is being married to a fabulous cook. Her specialty is Chinese food. What she produces are feasts fit for a king.
That production requires a lot of preparation. Someone has to lend a hand for the gopher work. This specific role doesn’t take quite as much skill as the chef but the meal can’t happen without it.
First, there is the shopping. A quality Chinese meal requires specialized ingredients. My journey home from the office diverts from its normal route in order to hunt down the necessary groceries for tonight’s creation, afterall, our son is coming home.
A helpful skill in this task is knowledge of the Chinese language. Owners of Asian stores are extra helpful when you speak their language. The extent of my fluency is limited to smiling the spirit of the language. Of course I laugh the dialect too. Oh, yes, I’m also very good at pointing.
When I enter an Asian Grocery store, I am familiar with my surroundings but at a loss when it comes to the details. That’s when my cell phone gets activated. My wife directs me with excellent dexterity.
Once the groceries are delivered at home (another task that I perform with professional flair), they need to be unpacked. Extras must be stored and others prepared for the cooking. That is another skill that I assume for quality performance.
Yvonne makes requests for spices, garnishes and ingredients are made. I locate and deliver the necessary items at the appropriate time. Are you impressed yet?
Tonight I scraped the Chinese squash. Yes, the fuzzy melon fell victim to my skillful use of a razor-sharp knife. It’s skin was totally removed. Only the pure white flesh of the vegetable lay ready for the chef’s delicate preparation.
Oh, yes, I am also the one who is best suited for the Nehemiah-role. Do you remember him? He was the cupbearer for the king, the royal food taster.
The Chinese soy sauce chicken wings were done. One had to be tested. Naturally, to be certain about my evaluation I needed a second helping verify the results. This dish received 4 out 4 stars!
Every dish was prepared with panache. The presentation was detailed. This meal was fabulous! My background role was essential. My wife provided the artistic preparation. Oh yeah, I do the dishes pretty well too.
photo credit: google image
