You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December 2010.
We who among the redeemed are burdened to share the good news with others. Our past constantly reminds us that we are forgiven people. That amazing relief and joyful fellowship with Christ makes life worth living.
Like hungry people ourselves who have found bread, we want to tell others where to find the food. There is plenty for all. Yet, the pangs of lowness drive people to futile directions.
When they hear the news of the cross, it doesn’t seem possible to them. It is more like a child’s story than a genuine solution to their own problem of sin, guilt, loneliness or fear. They fail to realize that their own sin keeps them the very solution that will free them.
God has provided a solution to man who flies in the face of human reason. The path toward eternal peace requires man to abandon his own self-efforts for salvation and humbly come to God on His terms. Pride keeps people from doing this.
The best and brightest of men may reject God’s solution of grace and mercy but God’s way through Jesus Christ transforms lives for eternity. While God continues to save all who come to Him in faith, those who are wise in the world’s eyes see this solution as foolish. God’s assumed foolishness is eternally strong, while man’s best cannot gain any eternal merit at all.
For those of us among the redeemed, we have humbly realized that our salvation was not a matter of intelligence, position or pedigree. Nevertheless, while we lack the world’s values God chose us anyway. Knowing that we were despised by the world, keeps us humble.
We know that what we have in Christ was not because of what we are or what we could do. A Christian, then, lives his life knowing that God’s grace is a gift. The credit for all that we are and hope to be is then given to Him.
God sovereignly chooses who He will graciously give his grace. He alone determines who will benefit from a relationship with Christ. Without His gift of faith our plight in sin renders us helpless even to believe.
The sheer joy of being the recipient of His grace and the relief that comes salvation in Christ should elicit a reaction. Celebration is fitting. But, the object of this exaltation should be Christ and never ourselves. He did it all for us.
photo credit: google image
My home is a mere 1.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The shores of this mighty mass of sea water is home to an amazing assortment of life. God’s creative variations are countless.
Under the surface of the deep are teeming schools of fish. They vary in size, shape, speed, color and arrangement. Don’t ask me to describe them purely from an aesthetic perspective since I’m a fisherman. I grade them on the basis of catchabilty and scale that is measured against the palate.
Today, however, drew me to the Coast for a special journey. This is Dungeness Crab season. For a few dollars per crab, you can bring home as fresh a meal as is possible.
Some choose to fish for these sand crawlers on their own. That takes hours of work but is as fun as you can imagine. A nip or pinch here and there from feisty crab claws comes with the territory.
Most of the DIY crabbing produces a crab or two from public piers. They are smaller and there are a many more that have to be tossed back into the sea. Boats with pots set out in better locations produce a more respectable haul.
Better yet, commercial boats will take you out to their commercial traps. These pots are set on the sand bar a mile or two off of the coast. That’s where the big crabs live and breed.
It’s the arithmetic that doesn’t work for me here. These charters cost around $80-$90 per person. You along with a boat load of other people sail out to their already set commercial traps.
Once you arrive at the site, they haul in the traps. Then, they unload the traps being careful to return the undersized and female crabs back into the ocean. Once back at the dock they divide up the catch and give you up to 10 crabs per person, the state limit.
Did you do the math? At $90 a person and ten crabs, the price per crab is rather high. That doesn’t take into account the half a day that you invested in a boat ride.
I like our plan better. My son and I drove to where the boats dock and paid $3/lb for live crabs. We brought these crabby critters home after 10 minute transaction and now we will boil the water and enjoy a feast! Care to join us?
photo credit: yahoo image
Ah, Christmas 2010 is now a memory. I smile inside when I reflect over the blessing it was to give to others. Gifts and expressions of love from others was wonderful too.
Here at my desk, I spot instruction manuals, books to read and thoughtful words sent by true friends. This is my haven to drink in the blessings from God, personified in the lives of amazing people. If George Bailey was the richest man in Bedford Falls because of all his wonderful friends and family, then, I too am one of the richest men as well.
Friends invited us into their home. Smiles and laughter filled the evening. Food was plentiful. Words of appreciation, hugs of affection and Christmas cheers abounded.
A gathering of great friends occupied another evening. This time the night was climaxed with music, carols and singing that let our hearts express themselves with the joy of the season. No one left without miles and miles of smiles that were shared in bountiful measures.
Family gatherings marked my Christmas in 2010. I haven’t lived in the state of my birth since going off to college. Now, God has providentially brought me home.
First, it was time to celebrate the season with my in-laws. Yvonne’s side of the family gathered in the East Bay. It was time to catch up with everyone after years of being away.
Second, we headed into Sacramento to whoop it up with my side of the family. My sister has assumed the mantel of family hostess. She pulled out all of the stops. Shazaam!
Next, we had a quiet celebration with our kids, their spouses and of course the Grand puppies. Here it was the depth, the longevity and devotion that made it a fabulous gathering. Nothing makes me smile more than watching our children grow up, find great partners in life and follow Jesus Christ with passion.
Finally, since Yvonne and I are empty nesters, it was fun to plan some special time just for her. Over our 34 years of marriage I have followed the simple tactic of being a student of her. Observing her interests has given me great clues on how to surprise her with just the right gift for special occasions.
This year was a successful year to surprise her. When I landed on the right gift, I ordered it on line. Then, when it arrived, I hid it in the open. When I presented it to her, her look was priceless and well worth the effort. So fun, so special!
photo credit: google image
Reading is not a hobby for me. Nor is it a chore for me either. The world of books is a way of life in my routine.
Books have been a part of my schedule since leaving for college. In my field of study reading is an integral part of my calendar planning. My office both at home and at work have a pile of books waiting to be read.
Once my eyes have rolled across the pages, I place the read book into one of my very few book shelves. Now that I live in San Francisco, there is a luxary called “space”. This includes book shelf space.
The last couple of books that were placed in an empty slot with other read books got an extra measure of concern from me. I scanned the little bit of space that was left and I realized that I was quickly running out of space for any more books. A creative alternative was needed.
I began doing some research on electronic books. This was not going to be an easy transition. I like to read books with covers, pages and room to write and places to put book marks. But, limited space called for a creative option.
Any time I ran into a reader who had a Kindle I asked what they thought. More and more I was intrigued. All of my research made me feel more and more adventuresome with the idea.
Then, an amazing sale came my way. Now, the greatest barrier was overcome. I placed my order. Today, I received my electronic reader.
Once I opened the package, I learned the quick start method. Then, I toyed around with the controls. Finally, I made it to the Kindle book store.
My first purchase was an NIV study Bible. It was delivered to my wireless Kindle in a matter of minutes. Without a lot of technical savy I was sailing through the Scriptures.
Amazingly, I did not miss the turning of pages or holding the physical book in my hands. Instead, I was fascintated by the the visual screen and options to adjust it. My reading was instantaneous.
Holding this lightweight unit in my hands was without distraction. I could shift my postion on the sofa and never miss a line of my reading. For decades I have been a paper preferer. Now, after just one day I highly recommend the Kindel to all of my fellow readers.
photo credit: yahoo image
Dear Friends,
Thank you for reading my blog.
You honor me with your time invested in the words published on this site.
My constant prayer is that here you will find a reason to smile,
to be refreshed with a occassional laugh
and to always be encouraged.
Live the precious moments of life that God gives to each one of us.
Merry Christmas!
I appreciate you!
Eager for His Return!
Bruce W Fong
The day after Thanksgiving is a target day on my schedule. Every year I revisit a long time family rite. Beyond eating leftovers and shopping the sales I began creating our annual family Christmas card. It is a long process.
One of my mentors challenged us students to follow the example of him and his family: make your own greeting cards. Over the years we have tried to do just that. My creativity is challenged to step up into high gear.
First, I write the family letter. Our family letter is written by our late Lhasa Apso family pet, Dusty Whicket Fong. He wrote the letter for most of the years of his life with us. He refers to Yvonne a Lady or Madame Fong and to me as Master Fong.
His perspective is creative and fun. I laugh with him and at us as he is always careful to include the news not only of every one of us but also of the family pets in the Fong Clan. If people can read this with a smile then all of the effort in creative writing is worth it.
Then, comes the artistic part. I like to draw an original cartoon for the cover of our Fong Christmas greeting. It’s a hobby. It is certainly unique and personal.
Once my drawing is completed Yvonne and I choose the paper to print the greeting from the Fongs. On one side we print the letter. Then, on the other side we print the original cartoon.
I love the satisfaction that comes from deep within when this phase of the process is done. But, I don’t allow this delight to last long since what follows is the tougher part. Each of the greetings needs to be folded in fourths.
Then, the greetings need to be stuffed into envelopes. We then turn to our computer and update our address list, print those on labels. apply the labels to the envelopes. I sit back and take a breath.
This year we have a new address. That meant that I took a trip to a local business products store and order a self inking stamp to imprint our new numbers on each envelope. Finally, we put postage on each envelope and sealed them. Finally, we take them to the post box and send them to family and friends around the world with our love! Merry Christmas!
photo credit: google image
Christmas carols are a favorite part of the Christmas season. I love the creativity of gifted musicians to put life to song and capture an expression of things that are our experience. But, I also treasure the ancient songs of long ago. There is something warm and inviting about the carols of this season.
Like a bowl of excellent hearty soup on a cold winter day, a familiar Christmas carol invites all of its familiar friends to sing along. The melody makes us smile. Lyrics that roll off of our tongue fortifies our faith.
Even more than a respite of nostalgia, these lasting words remind us of truth. What happened long ago has changed our lives for eternity, if we step out in faith and embrace the Savior. The simple story of Jesus and His birth is the beginning of our Christmas history. Here are the lyrics of one of my all-time favorite carols.
The First Noel
The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
photo credit: google image
Christmas is about tradition. No, not repeating something for the sake of repeating but what is meaningful because of what is true. Each Christmas I love to do things that are fresh and creative. But, so much of what makes Christmas special are the things that are familiar, reenforcing what is the reason for the season. So, in keeping with that value here is a Christmas song that always touches me deeply.
The Christmas Shoes
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin’ to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing ’round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn’t believe what I heard him say
Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there’s not much time
You see she’s been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, “Son, there’s not enough here”
He searched his pockets frantically
{ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/n/newsong-lyrics/the-christmas-shoes-lyrics.html }
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I’ve got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I’ll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama’s gonna look so great
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there’s not much time
You see she’s been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
Bridge:
I knew I’d caught a glimpse of heaven’s love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
photo credit: google image
“Herbert! Yo, Herbert! You ’round, you goof-ball?”
“Yeah, let me turn down da computer. I’ve got a cool mp4 downloading while it’s playing an awesome soundtrack. Wat’sup?”
“What do we have going on Sunday? Momma’s wantin’ to have a family lunch at her place. She’s got a deal on prime rib from Costco and wants us all to chow down on some good eatin’ and watch a ball game.”
“Yeah, that sounds fab. Let’s do it. Hey, wait a sec. This Sunday is December 19, isn’t it?”
“Let me check the calendar. Oh, oh, you’re right. It’s Christmas Sunday and we promised your cousin that we would visit Sunset Church.”
“Hey, we promised. We already turned her down once, promised we would go a couple of other times and bailed at the last minute.”
“Hmmm…we better stand by our word this time. She’s so sweet and always asks so nicely. It’s been so long since we’ve been to church.”
“Those were good days. We made some great friends at church. Life has just gotten so busy, work got so intense, crisis followed crisis…”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinkin’? Our excuses just get in the way. Honestly, God has been so good to us, yet, we have just drifted.”
Herbert and Lola found themselves together in his office. She appeared at the doorway and was leaning softly against the door frame, playing with the dish towel in her hand. Her long hair draped over her thoughtful countenance and rested gently on her shoulders. Herbert knew that look. It was no time for jokes, excuses or solutions. Now, it was time to listen, reflect and join her in consideration.
“Do you remember the last time we were in church?” Herbert queried quietly.
“Honestly, I don’t. The last few weddings don’t count,” Lola giggled.
“Ya! You think?” Herbert teased back. “We used to laugh at people who only came to church on Easter and Christmas. Eastmasers and Christers we called them. Now, we’ve become them.”
There was a long silence between these two lost in thought. When their eyes met there was a resolve. “Let’s keep our promise to your cousin. Then, let’s do more. Let’s keep our promise to the Lord who gave us everything and make a commitment to make church a part of our lives.”
With smiles and a knowing wink both went back to their busy lives, looking forward to Christmas Sunday, a new beginning.
photo credit: google image
The heart of the Apostle Paul expresses what is a priority desire on the part of the Lord. In order to do this he appeals to the believers in Corinth. It is the most powerful appeal possible: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
No one can do what Paul instructs out of their human ability but only through a supernatural option. The motivation that is needed to engage this direction cannot be misunderstood. Selfishness is taken out of the picture.
Unity is what Paul calls all believers to embrace. He wants them to agree with one another. That is, to make a mutual decision to avoid division and be united in mind and thought.
If Christians realized that God’s determination is for them to find common ground over individual opinion, then, the church would be forever changed. When Christians forget this then they enter into quarrels with fellow Christians. Instead of having a similar mind about matters, they choose personalities to follow.
Choosing human loyalties is at the center of many divisions among Christians. They sound spiritual when they defend their affiliations. Like fans of one sports team over another, they miss what is important.
It is natural to pursue a party spirit. We like what we like and blindly direct our devotion in those choices. But, that is not God’s will, nor His desire, nor His delight.
Paul shows his disdain for human loyalties among Christians. He expresses his own gratitude for limited touch points with the spiritual lives of the Corinthians so that they would have fewer reasons to drag him into their worldly loyalties. For the apostle his interest is only in loyalty to Christ, the Christ who is one and not divided.
Keeping spiritual priorities includes right emphases. Ordinances like baptism cannot take precedent over lives that are transformed. Paul sees his calling as an evangelist as determinative to serving above the fray of human division.
Sequence is important. What begins the spiritual renovation must be kept in its place. It is the beginning of the redemptive miracle. To drive the discussion to the rite of baptism is to lessen the stunning performance of what God has done.
Will you give up what you want or what you think is right in order to preserve unity? Is there an opinion that you are driven to express that is divisive? Honor the Lord Jesus Christ and give up your preferences and find the one mind that Christians should have.
1 corinthians 1.10-17
