What to do?

Hello friends,
I gotta tell you... I got my feelings hurt-bad.  It's a very lonely place to be right now.  I have been doing a lot of soul searching about this situation.  My soul searching has led me to ask myself the following:

Is it me?  This took some brutal honesty.

Is it them?  I've got to be fair here.

Will trying harder improve or fix the situation?

If YES... then continue my efforts.

If NO... then it's time to move on and invest elsewhere. 

I think I have made my peace with this situation.  It's not the outcome I want but sadly,  it is time to just move on.

Moving on requires me to forgive.  Moving on requires me to figure life is short and I had better be wise as to where I invest my time and effort.

I'm moving forward and shaking the dust off my feet.

The gift of a soul.

I just finished reading Ben-Hur : A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace.  This book is a difficult read due to the high vocabulary level but it also has colorful characters and a great plot.  The book is set in the time of Christ's life.  The main character, Judah Ben Hur, is anxious to help Christ set-up a political kingdom and overthrow the Roman government.    Judah, through a long series of events meets Balthasar, one of the three wise men.  Balthasar understands that Christ's Kingdom will be a spiritual one.  The following discussion ensues as Balthasar mentors the young Ben-Hur: (this is long but very profound).

Balthasar speaks:
" I cannot tell you when the idea of a Soul in every man had its origin.  Most likely the first parents brought it with them out of the garden in which they had their first dwelling.  We all do know, however, that it has never perished entirely out of mind.  By some peoples it was lost, but not by all; in some ages it dulled and faded; in others it was overwhelmed with doubts; but, in great goodness, God kept sending us at intervals mighty intellects to argue it back to faith and hope.

"Why should there be a Soul in every man?  Look, O son of Hur-for one moment look at the necessity of such a device.  To lie down and die, and be no more- no more forever-time never was when man wished for such an end; nor has the man ever been who did not in his heart promise himself something better.  The monuments of the nations are all protests against nothingness after death;  so are statues and inscriptions; so is history.  The greatest of our Egyptian kings had his effigy cut out of a hill of solid rock.  Day after day he went with a host in chariots to see the work; at last it was finished, never effigy so grand, so enduring; it looked like him-the features were his, faithful even in expression.  Now may we not think of him saying in that moment of pride, 'Let Death come; there is an after-life for me!  He had his wish.  The statue is there yet.

"But what is the after-life he thus secured?  Only a recollection by men-a glory unsubstantial as moonshine on the brow of the great bust: a story in stone-nothing more.  Meantime what has become of the king?  There is an embalmed body up in the royal tombs which once was his- an effigy not so fair to look at as the other out in the Desert.  But where, O son of Hur, where is the king himself?  Is he fallen into nothingness?  Two thousand years have gone since he was a man alive as you and I are.  Was his last breath the end of him?

" To say yes would be to accuse God; let us rather accept his better plan of attaining life after death for us-actual life, I mean-the something more than a place in mortal memory; life with going and coming, with sensation, with knowledge, with power and all appreciation; life eternal in the term through it may be with changes of condition.

"Ask you what God's plan is?  The gift of a Soul to each of us at birth, with this simple law-there shall be no immortality except through the Soul...

"...A word as to the pleasure there is in the thought of a Soul in each of us.  In the first place, it robs death of its terrors by making dying a change for the better, and burial but the planting of a seed from which there will spring a new life... behold me as I am -weak, weary, old, shrunken in body, graceless; look at my wrinkled face, think of my failing senses, listen to my shrilled voice.  Ah! what happiness to me in the promise that when the tomb opens, as soon it will, to receive the worn-out husk I call myself, the now viewless doors of the universe, which is but the palace of God, will swing wide ajar to receive me, a liberated immortal Soul!

...I leave to him the organization of my Soul, and every arrangement for the life after death.  I know he loves me."

The gift of a soul is really the only thing that matters.  How easy it is to get caught up in everything else this life offers.  God forgive me for forgetting the gift of my soul.

Evil doers.

There has been a lot of trouble in the United States this week.  Many, many sad things have happened all over the country. The Boston Marathon bombing and North Korea's threats are foremost in my thoughts. These troubles have been caused by some very evil men.  In that context this passage of scripture really stood out to me.

"They(evil men who occupy seats of power) pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
The crush your people, O Lord;
the oppress your inheiritance.
They slay the widow and the alien;
they murder the fatherless.
They say, "The Lord does not see;
the God of Jacob pays no heed."
Take heed, you senseless ones among
the people;
you fools, when will you beome
wise?
Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
Psalm 94:4-10

Good reminder for me.  God is still in control.

TED talk. "The best gift I ever survived"

This is profound. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/stacey_kramer_the_best_gift_i_ever_survived.html

GRIT

Grit is defined as "perseverance and passion for long-term goals.  Grit entails working strenuously toward challenges, maintaining effort and interest over years despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress.  The gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon; his or her advantage is stamina.  Whereas disappointment or boredom signals to others that it is time to change trajectory and cut losses, the gritty individual stays the course".  Grit is the best indicator of success. According to a study by W. W. Willingham* follow-through (here, referred to as grit) was the single best predictor of significant accomplishment in science, art, sports, communications, organization, or some other endeavor.

One gritty individual is William Carey.  Carey is considered the father of modern missions.  Carey was born in 1761 in Northamptonshire, England.  Carey was apprenticed as a cobbler and spent many years repairing shoes.  Carey showed a talent for languages.  Carey learned Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Dutch and French while cobbling shoes.  Carey had a growing conviction that God was calling him to translate the Bible into the Indian language.    As Carey prepared to leave England Carey's father questioned his decision to go to India.  His father could not envision what skills he would take to India.  Carey told his father "I can plod".  With that single qualification William Carey left for India in 1793 with his family and a desire to reach the Indian people with the gospel.   He and his family suffered many, many hardships.

At the heart of Carey's mission work was the development of a dictionary, grammars, and the Bible in both the Bengali and Sanskrit languages.   On March 11, 1812 a fire swept through the printing building destroying 17 years of pain-staking work.  Carey did not give up.   Carey went back to work translating the Bible one page at a time.   By the time of his death in 1834 the Bible had been translated into 44 languages.  This is grit in action.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything".
James 1: 2-4

Please share your examples of Grit in action.

*Willingham, W.W. (1985) Success in college: The role of personal qualities and academic ability, page 213. New York: College Entrance Examination Board.

Why do good men suffer?

Life is filled with a lot of sad, unfair stuff.  I have these sermon notes written in the back of my Bible.

• Suffering reminds us we live in a fallen world.
• Suffering helps us to see how much we need God.
• Suffering shapes us into God's image.  Suffering is God's potters wheel.
• Suffering is redemptive.  (ie. the Cross)

What are your thoughts friend?

The things that matter... Number ONE!

If you were to die tonight would you go to heaven?  This is a heavy question but probably the most important one you will ever ask yourself.  It takes courage to honestly answer this question.  Hell is not pretty ... you don't want to be there.  If you are not sure if you are going to heaven I would encourage you to really examine the Bible and see what it says about heaven and hell and our response to Christ.  Jesus came to save us.  Jesus loves us.  Jesus forgives us if we ask him too.  Jesus asks us to simply put Him first.  Selfish ambition has to go.  As hard as this sounds it is an invitation to a wonderful life of service to Christ and others.

Luke 16: 9-31

We are not called to be perfect or sinless.  Our short comings are covered by GRACE.  Grace is the forgiveness of a debt we owe for our wrong doings.  This is a wonderful gift!  So claim the gift of Christ's salvation and step into Jesus' abundant life.  You were created for good works.  Jesus will use your gifts, talents, and interests for the good of His Kingdom.  You will find yourself at peace with your life. 

James 3: 13-18

Are you at peace with God?

What really matters...Number Two

Having someone to pray for...

If you have someone to pray for you are indeed blessed!  Having someone to care about, nurture, and pray for is the stuff of life!  This is your legacy.  Paying it forward by investing your prayers is others is a privilege.  

Who are you blessed to pray for?

The road less traveled...

Today I took a walk.  The winter woods had a fresh skiff of snow.  I saw the adventures of Mr. Fox, a rabbit, and a deer as I followed their tracks.  I discovered their secret travels all over the woods.  The stream laughed as it tumbled over rocks.  The crows complained about my presence with their sharp warning "Caw, Caw, Caw!"  A jay scolded as I hiked past.  In the distance I heard the muffled hoot of an owl. 

I was disconnected from the busy rush of the world and it's troubles.  No text messages, no calls, no TV or radio news.  It was wonderful.  I was connected to another world.   It matters not what the troubles of the day may be nature carries on with her work.

I took my peaceful moment with me and cherished it, savored it, and enjoyed it.  I found myself resting in the knowledge that God is sovereign and He will carry on his purposes.  "Let not your heart be troubled for I have overcome the world".

How do you disconnect?

Simply beautiful.

Last night we attended a Live Nativity at the Bridge Between Retreat Center in Maribel, Wisconsin.  It was a dark and foggy night.  As we traveled across the back roads of Wisconsin  we wondered there would be anyone else there.  We arrived to find that many others had gathered for this very special worship service.

The old barn was packed to the brim.  We sat on hay bales with other Christ followers and soaked in the quiet and joyful atmophere.  Exactly two strands of white Christmas mini-lights decorated the old barn.  The chickens, lammas, ducks and geese were present but quiet, captured by the Holy hush.

The service began.   Readings and acappella Christmas Carols were shared.  The children gathered for a Christmas story entitled "Who is Coming to our House?".  A costumed Mary and Joseph entered in answer to the story's question.  An enthralled audience was delighted with their baby (aka. Daniel) who portrayed the Christ Child.  The service was concluded with more thoughtful readings and singing "Joy to the World".

I think that this is the most unembellished and meanful Christmas worship experience I have ever had.  I was stuck by it's beauty and simplicity.   The hope and knowledge that Christ's Church is eternal and not engulfed by the troubles that beseige our world sprung up in my heart.   It is easy to get caught up in the trappings of our religious experiences and forget the simple message of redemption. Christ's church is eternal and therein lies our future and hope.

How do you keep Christ in Christmas with your family?

Where to find the diamonds...

In the darkest caves of life are where the real gems are found.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perserverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault..."
James 1: 2-5

What gems have you discovered during your darkest moments?

An angel unawares?

Just what does an angel look like...?   Well this isn't quite what I had in mind...

While Bill and I were taking a stroll along the fishing pier we chanced to meet an old guy.  We started chatting about fishing and ended up talking (or perhaps listening) as this guy spun a very long tale.  Old guy talked about many, many things; growing up out west in the mountains, hunting, fishing, getting trapped on a breakwater during a Northeaster, his military service, his trucking business, and on and on.  It was a chance encounter and it was rather odd to be talking to a complete stranger.  I wondered if he had a bit too much to drink or if he was just lonely -yet he talked of a wife and a large connected family. I found myself really wanting to listen as he puffed away on three cigarettes. The most striking thing were his tales of picking up canned goods for very little money at warehouses and then donating them to the poor and needy in his parish.  He once picked up 40 skids of toilet paper that was going to be thrown away because the outer cardboard boxes had gotten wet.  He loaded the toilet paper on top of a load of steel and hauled it to the local parish school, rectory, and church.  The priest didn't have to purchase toilet paper for a year.

We finally bid our new friend "good evening" and wondered why such a chance encounter.  Perhaps... an angel unawares?  Old guy was in a pretty rough package but it does make you think about how God looks upon the heart... not the packaging.

Have you met any angels lately?

Water... the stuff of life

It is the summer of 2012.  Most the the U.S. is experiencing a significant drought.  Water is just one of those things that you just don't think about until it's in short supply.  Corn and soybeans are dead in the field in many places.  Ranchers have been forced to sell off their herds because there is nothing to graze on.  We are simply "hosed" without H two O.

Our area has not been hit as hard by the drought.  Fall is coming and the trees are being to turn...  I was thinking about the blessing of water while driving home last evening.    As I crested a hill I could see 12 miles.  There were rolling hills, red barns, white farm houses, corn fields, woods, and in the distance Lake Michigan.  A few wispy clouds floated overhead and some mist was just beginning to rise from the hay fields.  How many water molecules must there be locked in this beautiful scene?  I cannot comprehend a number that big.  A million trillion? I am sure that is way too small.  Most plants are at least 80% water, water vapor is invisible, our bodies are at least 60% water.  Without water there is no reproduction in plants or animals.  Within this seemingly simple molecule is the stuff of life.  I am thankful for water and the great God who sends it.  I ran across this verse a few days after I wrote this...

"But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water."  2 Peter 3:5

How to change the world.

Our church hosts Kid's Camp every year.  We have 130 inner city youth come for a weekend of rural fun at our small town church.   We swim, canoe, hike, and pet farm animals.  We serve up lots of delicious food with a large helping of love.  Friendships form across cultural lines as our church's young adults serve as councilors.   Our church and community work hard to host this huge group.  We do all this because we want to share what Jesus has done for us.  When Jesus is discovered as Lord and Friend lives are transformed.  How do you change the world?  WE don't change the world... Jesus changes the world.  We are to introduce our friends to Jesus the World Changer.
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Alighty".
Zechariah 4:6

Tell me about how Jesus is changing your world.

"Fear of the Lord"

When reading my Bible I have always found the phase "fear of the Lord" rather confusing.  This phase is found frequently in scripture.  We as Christians are admonished to "fear the Lord".  Is this the same kind of fear that we feel when we are running from danger?  We are also taught that God cares about us as a loving Father.  I could never quite resolve these two ideas in my mind.

Now I think I understand.  Let me explain.  "Fear of the Lord" is submitting to God's sovernity over our lives.  It is realizing that God runs the show and we must be respectful of that fact.  EVERYTHING we have and achieve is because God's grace has allowed it to happen.

Example 1:  A person achieves a Olympic gold metal in  a race.  That person achieved that goal by the grace of God.  God provided the air the person breathes, their large lung capacity, their long legs, and a strong heart.  The person can set the goal, work hard, have a great coach and the mental outlook to withstand the pressure but the goal cannot be achieved without the gifts God provides to accomplish that goal.

Example 2:  We all live by God's provision.  Everything we have and need is dug out of the ground (mining), in the air, or grown.  The chair you are sitting on is made of metal (mined), wood (grown) and plastic (soybean product).  The food we eat, the energy that is produced,  the tools we use, and the products we make are all from the hand of God.

Example 3:  God has set the world up to support mankind's endeavors.   The water cycle, decomposition ( the world would be a mess without rot), growing seasons, the perfection of the placement of the sun (not too close-we would fry; not to far-we would freeze).  It's easy to think that we are so wise, talented and hard working that we achieved so much when really we are just working with the big plan that God put into place.

When this basic respect for God's authority and sovernity is lost- disrespect for all authority is gone and society suffers the consquences.

Parents should submit to God.  Parental leadership in this area is vital to the future of our society.
Children should submit to their parents guidance.
Students should obey their teachers and the school rules.

Submission to authority is a choice.  People cannot be forced to "fear the Lord". 

Teachers deal with this everyday in the classroom.  Students have no "fear" of any consquences if they do not follow school rules because their parent will go and defend the child's bad behavior and "get them off the hook".

The authority of police and all leaders is called into question.  Judges fear for their lives,  policemen are frequently shot in the line of duty.

"Fear of the Lord" is fundmental for an orderly society.

What are your ideas for restoring a culture of respect to our society?

Definition of Spoiled...

"She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy."
Ezekiel 16:49