The other morning my five-year-old daughter asked me if we could listen to the sunrise. She wanted to look for the sun to rise—specifically to see if it had spikes on it like in the cartoons. We watched while the sky turned from black to grey to light blue. Then she told me to listen to the sunrise. She wasn’t listening to the celestial object move across the sky. We listened to birds begin their songs. We listened to the nearby dogs and cats begin to explore in the early daylight. We listened to the wind rustle through the trees. We listened to the events of the sunrise.
I am amazed by the small things that we seem to miss when the big things go on around us. Now that it is spring time there is much to consider in this realm. Spring thunderstorms roll through our area and we all talk about the rain. But we don’t often notice the new life on the trees or the flowers of the fields that follow such rains. We may notice the days getting longer, but we don’t look for the new life that the extra hours of sun bring. When I do take time to notice such things I often wonder how I missed them before.
The Bible tells an interesting story about Jesus on the Sunday before the crucifixion. One week before Jesus rose from the dead, He rode into town on a humble donkey colt. His followers shouted his praises as He rode down into the Kidron Valley and up the opposite hill into Jerusalem. Some real self-righteous thinking religious leaders told Jesus to silence His followers. He told them He couldn’t. If they stopped praising what God was doing, then the very rocks would cry out. What if we stopped thanking God for what He has done in our midst? The stories of the Bible and history tell us that God always has a witness to speak on His behalf. As I “hear” the things of creation lift up praise to God, I wonder how loudly they would cry out if we stopped? Will we let the rocks take our rightful place?
This Sunday let's engage in a conversation about those silent stones.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
We want to see Jesus
If someone asked you to show them Jesus, what would you say? What would the picture look like? How would you do it? Maybe a picture from a children’s Bible—you know the smiling Jesus who pats little kids on the head. Maybe the morose Jesus in the coffee table Bible who looks all somber and serious.
The book of John tells us about some people who were not yet followers of Jesus who came to Philip—one of Jesus closest followers. They told Philip that they wanted to see Jesus. So Philip goes to the master and tells him that he has some people who want to see him. John doesn’t tell us if Jesus invites them in or if he goes out to see them. But what he does tell us is important. Jesus responses with some vivid language on what he would do to show himself to the world. He talks about how a seed is planted. In order for it bring life, it must die. This, he says is why he came—to die to bring life.
Do you want to see Jesus? What are the things we must die to in order follow him? What is the life Jesus is trying to bring to us? We’ll talk about these things and more this Sunday. Would you join me as we go to see Jesus?
The book of John tells us about some people who were not yet followers of Jesus who came to Philip—one of Jesus closest followers. They told Philip that they wanted to see Jesus. So Philip goes to the master and tells him that he has some people who want to see him. John doesn’t tell us if Jesus invites them in or if he goes out to see them. But what he does tell us is important. Jesus responses with some vivid language on what he would do to show himself to the world. He talks about how a seed is planted. In order for it bring life, it must die. This, he says is why he came—to die to bring life.
Do you want to see Jesus? What are the things we must die to in order follow him? What is the life Jesus is trying to bring to us? We’ll talk about these things and more this Sunday. Would you join me as we go to see Jesus?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Retracing the Story--An Unequal Exchange
When I was around 10 years old or so we lived in a great neighborhood with many kids. We always had plenty of kids for a football game, complex bicycle stunt shows, or the latest club we had schemed up that week. Our street sloped up a hill and at the top of the hill was Mr. Barber’s yard. He had about 5 acres of neatly mown lawn. All the neighborhood kids were welcome to play in his yard. It was the center of all our childhood devices. Next to the open land was a small stand of woods. There we made forts and defended our neighborhood from imaginary raiders—as soon as school was out, of course.
My friend Pete’s parents were remodeling parts of their house and his dad gave us the old medicine cabinet, sink base cabinet and other cool things for a new fort in the woods. We took great pride in hauling all that stuff down the hill. We had a great fort. It was the envy of any group of kids in the whole town. After just a few short weeks, our fort was destroyed and defaced. Someone had broken all of our things and written horrible things on them. We were crushed.
In my anger I rallied the “gang” against John. John didn’t live on our street. He lived a few houses down on a connecting street. He was something of an outsider in the tight-knit group of our street. Obviously, in my warped logic, John was to blame because he wasn’t in our group right now. He must have been mad about it and destroyed our beloved fort.
John’s dad confronted me on his behalf about my accusations. I was stunned. My bluff had been called and my baseless claims were exposed. I apologized to John, but I had done damage that I don’t think I was ever undone.
Looking back, blaming John really didn’t make any sense, it was just convenient. Our little woods backed up to the fence of the Middle School. It is quite possible that someone from the school saw our hideaway and did the damage. But I wanted someone to blame—and John was nearby. The other neighborhood kids jumped on the bandwagon of blame. John was an unequal exchange—the scapegoat for crimes he didn’t commit.
This week I begin a series of sermons on “Retracing the Story” of Jesus. We begin with “An Unequal Exchange.” In my story, John didn’t bear the punishment of the crime, but we sure tried. Jesus did bear the punishment—for crimes he didn’t commit. Would you retrace the story with me? You see I want to tell John I’m sorry—and I don’t want to make such an exchange again. But I hear the crowds in Jerusalem shouting, “Punish Him! Punish Him!” And the answer is, “But he didn’t do anything.” The crowd shouts only louder, “Punish Him!” And the innocent is exchanged…and equality is mocked.
My friend Pete’s parents were remodeling parts of their house and his dad gave us the old medicine cabinet, sink base cabinet and other cool things for a new fort in the woods. We took great pride in hauling all that stuff down the hill. We had a great fort. It was the envy of any group of kids in the whole town. After just a few short weeks, our fort was destroyed and defaced. Someone had broken all of our things and written horrible things on them. We were crushed.
In my anger I rallied the “gang” against John. John didn’t live on our street. He lived a few houses down on a connecting street. He was something of an outsider in the tight-knit group of our street. Obviously, in my warped logic, John was to blame because he wasn’t in our group right now. He must have been mad about it and destroyed our beloved fort.
John’s dad confronted me on his behalf about my accusations. I was stunned. My bluff had been called and my baseless claims were exposed. I apologized to John, but I had done damage that I don’t think I was ever undone.
Looking back, blaming John really didn’t make any sense, it was just convenient. Our little woods backed up to the fence of the Middle School. It is quite possible that someone from the school saw our hideaway and did the damage. But I wanted someone to blame—and John was nearby. The other neighborhood kids jumped on the bandwagon of blame. John was an unequal exchange—the scapegoat for crimes he didn’t commit.
This week I begin a series of sermons on “Retracing the Story” of Jesus. We begin with “An Unequal Exchange.” In my story, John didn’t bear the punishment of the crime, but we sure tried. Jesus did bear the punishment—for crimes he didn’t commit. Would you retrace the story with me? You see I want to tell John I’m sorry—and I don’t want to make such an exchange again. But I hear the crowds in Jerusalem shouting, “Punish Him! Punish Him!” And the answer is, “But he didn’t do anything.” The crowd shouts only louder, “Punish Him!” And the innocent is exchanged…and equality is mocked.
Friday, March 06, 2009
We're going to make it
I am working on a message this week about operating in God’s economy. God’s economy doesn’t work like our economy. In our economy, we can only operate on the things we see. We try to make forecasts and predictions. Everything has to make sense even before we can begin.
Not so with God’s economy. In God’s economy, we act in faith. We act with the long term in mind. We act with the interest of others in mind first. When we operate in that economy those around us are enriched. We are too are enriched—far beyond what we could ever hope or imagine.
So in the week that I’m preparing this, the stock market tanks 300+ points twice, GM says it probably won’t make it, and AIG is still looking for billions of dollars. It looks like the economy around us is falling apart before our very eyes. I have to admit that sometimes those little nagging doubts creep in my head too. “You’re preparing this message, and the visible evidence seems otherwise. Do you really believe what you’re trying to say?” That’s how it went in my head—over and over again.
The other day, a couple of friends and I were relating stories of our grandparents’ generation. We told stories of the Great Depression. How our grandparents did the best they could with what they had. They learned to use the blessings they had been given—from the simple to the profound. They knew how to rely on their sense of how to grow a garden, to rely on each other as a family, to be frugal, to remember our ultimate source of our blessings in God. And this light bulb went off in my head. It sent those shadows of doubt away. It was, quite simply, “We’re going to make it.” I’ve heard that before and I’ve said it before. But it was a truth that drove down even deeper. We’re going to make it. We aren’t the first to face tough times. We aren’t the first ones to feel uncertainty. And more importantly, we aren’t alone. God is with us.
So I pray this week that I’ll remember how to operate in God’s economy. May I act in faith, to act with the long term in mind, to act with the interest of others first. May I not get caught up in what the numbers on a TV screen say as they float around screaming “experts.” May I look to the One who is far more than I can ever hope or imagine. May I always answer those creeping doubts with this simple truth: “We’re going to make it.”
Friday, February 06, 2009
The Trap
I was talking to a dear friend tonight about the trap. You've seen the trap a hundred times. Your at a wedding reception or some party like that. As you meet new people, you want to find out more about them. Often times, one of the first questions asked is, "What do you do?" And the trap has been sprung.
Our society seems to hone in on the notion that our identity is tied up in our jobs, our careers. We are the job that we do and the money that we earn. I throw people off when I meet them. Often times I ask people how they spend their time, what things are important to them, or what they enjoy doing. It alarms them. I don't think they are often asked that question.
If I meet you in that setting, I want you to know that I am not interested in your job or your career first. I want to know WHO you are. What do you value? How do you spend your time? Who are the people you love? Why do you love them? (your children or your spouse or your parents, for example) And then I want you know that I truly do enjoy hearing your story. Would you tell it to me, please? Don't hold back sharing what's important to you. When people are passionate about something, then sharing that passion with others--now that's exciting stuff. I may not agree with you, but at least I know who you are, not whose time clock you punch.
Our society seems to hone in on the notion that our identity is tied up in our jobs, our careers. We are the job that we do and the money that we earn. I throw people off when I meet them. Often times I ask people how they spend their time, what things are important to them, or what they enjoy doing. It alarms them. I don't think they are often asked that question.
If I meet you in that setting, I want you to know that I am not interested in your job or your career first. I want to know WHO you are. What do you value? How do you spend your time? Who are the people you love? Why do you love them? (your children or your spouse or your parents, for example) And then I want you know that I truly do enjoy hearing your story. Would you tell it to me, please? Don't hold back sharing what's important to you. When people are passionate about something, then sharing that passion with others--now that's exciting stuff. I may not agree with you, but at least I know who you are, not whose time clock you punch.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Watching for the Rain
This morning finds us looking at a wet and storm ridden land. Though the storm was minor, they warned us of worse. We watched last night waiting to see when it would come. We watched for the rain and wanted to know where it was and where it was going. And then it wasn't so bad after all and it moved on.
The storms of our lives can be like that. We look for something to come and it isn't as bad as we thought it would be. We want to track the things that might cause us discomfort and know when they are coming, where they are going and when they will pass. And sometimes they pass and it wasn't so bad after all. And we can look around and maybe even see how we were nourished through the experience--the way the rain waters the earth. And then, rarely, the hurricanes come. Sometimes we're prepared. Sometimes we're not. And in the recovery of the hurricanes, we rely on our friends and our family to see us through.
I pray that I may never have to be the one in the storm. And that I may the one who is prepared if the storm comes. And that I may be the one who is quick to help others in the storm recover. Remembering always that it is God who gives the strength to endure all of these.
I am going to see an infant in the hospital today. What a storm. People all around have financial woes. The storm rages. Families are hurting everywhere. The storm howls. May we be the ones to help see them through and guide them to God's protection in the storm.
The storms of our lives can be like that. We look for something to come and it isn't as bad as we thought it would be. We want to track the things that might cause us discomfort and know when they are coming, where they are going and when they will pass. And sometimes they pass and it wasn't so bad after all. And we can look around and maybe even see how we were nourished through the experience--the way the rain waters the earth. And then, rarely, the hurricanes come. Sometimes we're prepared. Sometimes we're not. And in the recovery of the hurricanes, we rely on our friends and our family to see us through.
I pray that I may never have to be the one in the storm. And that I may the one who is prepared if the storm comes. And that I may be the one who is quick to help others in the storm recover. Remembering always that it is God who gives the strength to endure all of these.
I am going to see an infant in the hospital today. What a storm. People all around have financial woes. The storm rages. Families are hurting everywhere. The storm howls. May we be the ones to help see them through and guide them to God's protection in the storm.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Going for a Drive
With family in town (again), it is time to take them for a drive. We're headed to see all the things to be seen in Fairhope, then over to Foley and then down to the beach. Should be some interesting times. I've got the mighty mini-van all spiffed up and I think we're ready to go. We've talked about what we wanted to see and why and now it's about time to go.
I thought about that in a spiritual realm as well. If I had the opportunity, where I would I take God in the parts of my life? What would I show Him that I am so proud of? What would I scrub clean before I allowed Him to ride with me? I know He's already there. But the point is this: I get so ready to do that with my family, what would I do with me Lord? What do I need to get rid of? What do I need to be proud of? When do I just need to be quiet and listen to what He's going to tell me? When do I just need to drive on? May God grant me the wisdom to figure out how to do just these.
I thought about that in a spiritual realm as well. If I had the opportunity, where I would I take God in the parts of my life? What would I show Him that I am so proud of? What would I scrub clean before I allowed Him to ride with me? I know He's already there. But the point is this: I get so ready to do that with my family, what would I do with me Lord? What do I need to get rid of? What do I need to be proud of? When do I just need to be quiet and listen to what He's going to tell me? When do I just need to drive on? May God grant me the wisdom to figure out how to do just these.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Where does it begin
I've been thinking about what people have been searching for all these generations. The Greek philosophers were obsessed with the absolute Truth. I am working on a message for Sunday morning where we'll look into John 1--The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us. The Word is Logos--absolute Truth. In a world of shifting values and ideas, how great is us to remember that there is a bottom line. There are lines on the court, there are lines marked on the field that mean something. And God put those lines there for us to use and to protect us, from ourselves. And when we couldn't do that, He sent His Son to show us how to live and how to operate in such a world.
That's the Light that has come into the world. The darkness couldn't see it, but the Light is here. May we look to that light for our answers and our guidance.
That's the Light that has come into the world. The darkness couldn't see it, but the Light is here. May we look to that light for our answers and our guidance.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Cave Time
Everyone once in a while I get where I need to crawl into a cave. I've got so much to do that I really don't need any interruptions today. And we've had about a dozen people in the house everyday since Christmas. That's great and I love them and having them here. But I need some of those hours when no one really cares what I'm doing. I need the equivalent of a long drive--right here in the house.
And here it is the end of 2008. I am always amazed that we can look back and see the road we've traveled for the last 12 months. I would have not imagined some of the places we've been. And I'm glad I didn't see them back then. I don't know that I would have agreed to go. But looking at it from this side I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I think the kids may have to get the wii remotes surgically removed from their hands soon. I don't think they've put them down yet...
And here it is the end of 2008. I am always amazed that we can look back and see the road we've traveled for the last 12 months. I would have not imagined some of the places we've been. And I'm glad I didn't see them back then. I don't know that I would have agreed to go. But looking at it from this side I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I think the kids may have to get the wii remotes surgically removed from their hands soon. I don't think they've put them down yet...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Reality Sets In
We're still playing with many of the Christmas presents. That's a plus. Don't want them to begin gathering dust just hours after opening. We're settling into a routine of being here and home on this great staycation. I'm getting some honey-do's done and that always feels good.
A friend went out of town and we've been taking care of their 11-year-old boxer. We love taking care of this dog. She is so kind and sweet. Well, this is the first time the dog has come to our house to stay for a few days. The kids have been asking us about a dog for some time. And we were warming up to the idea too. But now that we have one in the house all the time...reality sets in. The reality of getting up to take her out in the cold morning. Getting up to walk one more time before bed (you get the idea). We've seen the hair around the house and the slobber on the floor. Reality sets in. We'll have a dog one day. We just need to get the right time.
Isn't it fascinating how you think you want something...until you get it?
A friend went out of town and we've been taking care of their 11-year-old boxer. We love taking care of this dog. She is so kind and sweet. Well, this is the first time the dog has come to our house to stay for a few days. The kids have been asking us about a dog for some time. And we were warming up to the idea too. But now that we have one in the house all the time...reality sets in. The reality of getting up to take her out in the cold morning. Getting up to walk one more time before bed (you get the idea). We've seen the hair around the house and the slobber on the floor. Reality sets in. We'll have a dog one day. We just need to get the right time.
Isn't it fascinating how you think you want something...until you get it?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Fullness of Time
Had a wedding today. It was fun ot be with people that you are excited to see spend the rest of their lives together. There's just something about that twinkle in their eyes at the altar. Very special.
The family is here form Birmingham. The daddy's tried to take the kids out for Christmas lights. Jammed them in the van, couldn't get the Christmas music to work, then only really lasted about 15 or 20 minutes. The girls started crying about everything and we went flying back home. It was one of those times when you just do you best to get home as a matter of survival for everyone. One because the kids are crying and the kids because you think you might just lose it if they yell too much more! :)
The family is here form Birmingham. The daddy's tried to take the kids out for Christmas lights. Jammed them in the van, couldn't get the Christmas music to work, then only really lasted about 15 or 20 minutes. The girls started crying about everything and we went flying back home. It was one of those times when you just do you best to get home as a matter of survival for everyone. One because the kids are crying and the kids because you think you might just lose it if they yell too much more! :)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Day after Christmas
Warm today. There is a strong breeze blowing off the Gulf. Beth went out to hit some after Christmas bargains with Amy.
I went outside and moved out wetlands trees out of the pond and onto higher ground. Since we built the pond I have only in the last few weeks figured out where the leak is. Now we have more water in it. It finally looks as it should. So we had to move the trees to keep them alive.
Felt good to be outside in the water the day after Christmas. I love the warm weather.
The B'ham crew is on their way today. I've got a wedding rehearsal tonight then we'll have a big spread and more presents for the kids. Must be the holiday.
I went outside and moved out wetlands trees out of the pond and onto higher ground. Since we built the pond I have only in the last few weeks figured out where the leak is. Now we have more water in it. It finally looks as it should. So we had to move the trees to keep them alive.
Felt good to be outside in the water the day after Christmas. I love the warm weather.
The B'ham crew is on their way today. I've got a wedding rehearsal tonight then we'll have a big spread and more presents for the kids. Must be the holiday.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Time Management Re-examined
This week I preached a message on Ecclesiastes 3:1-14. This is the passage that deals with the different times in our lives; the times when laugh, weep, dance, mourn, etc. You may have read it before. If not, you’ve heard it in that classic Byrds tune “Turn, Turn, Turn.” This text is powerful because it reminds us that no matter what is going on in life right now, God is at work and that He is in control.
But after the dichotomous list of life’s seasons, Solomon reminds us that God is aware of the business that we have busied ourselves with. American culture loves to be busy. We love to be important and being busy seems to means that we are important. We cram things into our schedule. We fill up our time with “good” things: art, sports, music lessons, trips, meetings, etc. We do these things to find fulfillment, belonging, or even a sense of feeling good about ourselves. But more and more people I talk to say they are spent, tired, worn out. How many of us, day after day, week after week, year after year, wonder where the time has gone and what do we have to show for it?
A friend sent me an email after the sermon and said he liked what I said, but what are we, the “Day Timer” generation supposed to do? We are extremely conscientious of our time management. We want things on time. We are more destination minded than journey minded. Those who are so focused on the destination alone see the journey as a chore to be dreaded. Those who see the journey for what it is, an experience on the way to the goal, can not only rejoice in the goal but all along the way as well. I think we have to find the balance.
That one of the overall themes Solomon’s message: balance. Each of season of life is set up with an opposing season. Each one is equally important and God is at work in each one. We as the “Day Timer” generation must remember that the work God calls us to busy with does wear us out or run us down. When we find our balance and rest in Him, we are refreshed. May we look at our time as something that is not just spent but savored, not just invested but enjoyed. Then, as verse fourteen says: “God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.”
3For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What gain have the workers from their toil? 10I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. 14I know that whatever God does endures for ever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has called you
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Un-prepared for the Wow--A Grand Canyon Adventure
I was going to post a story of my day to you yesterday, but there is no internet service (or cell service) in the Grand Canyon. Guess it all fell in a hole, get a hole...Grand Canyon...
I got up early on Wednesday to watch the sunrise over the Canyon. I noticed it was a little cloudy when I got up. Oh, well. It's the desert. It can't rain two days in a row, right? So I headed up the rim and was ready. Only thing I could see were the clouds. I couldn't see the features around me, let alone the bottom or the far side of the canyon. Socked in with clouds. GRRR.
So I walked around and gathered info for our trip out this summer. I felt a little lost as I didn't really know where to go, so I just pressed on. I looked at things inside, attended a ranger program about the Canyon and the history, things like that. Everyone in the park kept saying the weather was going to clear. And I was ready for some good weather. It was cold and I wanted to see all of the Canyon.
After a good lunch, I decided to hit the trail. Certainly it would clear up. I set out down the Bright Angel Trail. I was going to hike about 1 1/2 miles, one way, and descend about 1500 feet. It was a highly recomended trail and it was going to clear up, right? I layered up against the cold and headed out. About a mile down the trail, a rain set in. I will admit that it was pretty to see the clouds in the distance of the canyon. But the clouds overhead brought a cold rain. I found shelter under an archway over the trail the mules use. Their "tracks" were obvious everywhere. Then the rain turned to sleet. I decided it was getting late, too late to compete with much more hiking to do and the cold. So I headed back up. Just I was about to the rim again, the rain that had turned to sleet turned to snow. It was snowing in the Grand Canyon and I was on the trail.
I reached the lodge and decided to find some hot coffee and dry out a little. Just I turned to head out the door, a group of Korean tourists knocked me over as they ran for the door to the rim. I looked to see what the excitement was about. There before was the thing we had come to see--the Canyon in all its splendor before us. It had cleared up in a just a matter of minutes and you could see for miles and miles and miles.
Determined to make the most of it, I stuck around the rim area and took a shuttle to see the sunset over the canyon. It was VERY cold. It was in the 20's--before the windchill brought by 40 mph gusts. The batteries in my camera were so cold I had to warm them before getting this picture here.
Today I went back to the Canyon for that sunrise. It went to the east side and could see the desert of Arizona, the Navajo Nation that I had just driven through a day and half before. It was a WOW moment.
These experiences have been wonderful, but I must admit--they feel a little hollow. Seeing wonderful things like this, alone, is a little of a letdown. I want to share them with someone. Then I receive the encouraging words from my Beth, my family, and my church family and it encourages me. It encourages me to know that some of you will one day share it with me and it is worthwhile.
I think the Christian Life is like that. I enjoy sharing the Joy with others. Go share the joys He has given you.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has called you
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Glory we haven't seen
Lots of windshield time today. I met up with the Regional Director for Youthworks and we headed to Mesa Verde National Park. For hundreds of years the Anasazi people lived an amazing life. They built structures that still stand nearly 1000 years later. They used primitive tools and the gifts and knowledge of the others in their tribe.Later, I decided to take the drive to the Grand Canyon a day earlier, so I headed out in the afternoon across the Arizona desert. Almost all of that drive is across the Navajo Nation. Even the 4 corners! (Check out the pic). As a driving rain began to let up (yes, rain in the desert), the sun wasa setting below a mountain range at the edge of the Grand Canyon. A pretty sunset gave way to a sliver of a moon trying to peek out.
By the time I actully got into the Grand Canyon Park, it was pitch dark and raining. There was hardly another car on the road. I was in the dark, in the rain, and alone--at the Grand Canyon. Just a few feet to my right was one of the most glorious sites on the planet Earth, and I couldn't see it, yet. I would have to wait until the sunrise.
And then something occurred to me. I have met many people (youth and adults both) who were trying hard to make it down a long, difficult road in their lives. They were pushing ahead in the dark, in stormy weather, and trying to do it alone. They were struggling with things they didn't really have to deal with. They didn't bother to wait or even look to the one who can provide the light they are really looking for. And when that light is cast, the beauty is overwhelming. Christ is our light. Following Christ is not always easy, but we are called to live it with others. To shed that light into another's life. And that is why I am out here. To shed that light to others and to help youth do the same. May we not wait, but shed that light today. Then other we see His Glory, maybe for the first time.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has for you
Monday, October 23, 2006
Rocky Mountain Fever
John Wesley’s Rules for Life:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
I left Holbrook, Arizona today headed for Colorado. I cruised over to Gallup, New Mexico and jumped on a road through the desert and the Navajo Nation that takes you right into Cortez. As I listened to Charlie Hall sing about Christ being the center of our lives, Wesley’s rules of life kept coming to mind. As I am here preparing for next summer’s mission trip, I see that the work we are preparing to do falls right into this. Cortez is a nice little town. In many ways, I think it is something like Fairhope was when it was smaller. However, a lack of jobs and rising housing costs takes its toll on the people. While overt poverty is not obvious here, the reservations are just minutes away. Reservations make no attempts to hide their poverty like our small towns do.
I sat in a beautiful park and watched the sun go down behind the mountains. Pink hues painted the snow peaked mountains to the east. I saw kids playing soccer, families walking their dogs and “punks” at the skateboard park. I read my Bible I prayed for the community—that seemed to be all the good I could do at that time. Two Mormons were on their mission and walking by. Right next to this beautiful park, this beautiful piece of Americana underneath a beautiful mountain sunset, sat a rundown housing park. It seemed to be a statement of contrasts. I wonder who was behind those doors. What were their hurts and their needs? What were they afraid? What were they praying for?
I wonder if I did all the good I could today by all the means I could? I didn’t preach the Gospel with words to the unbelievers, I didn’t feed the homeless or visit the sick or imprisoned. But I prepared to do many of those things and began to pave the way for others to do so. This is going to be a good trip. I pray that it will be for those who will serve and those that we will serve. Maybe that is all I can do today.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has for you
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Kicks back on Route 66
A long day and I am sitting on Route 66 at the HIE in Holbrook, AZ. Flights were smooth enough. I am always a little unsure if a pre-trip is necessary, until I get here. Who knew that the rental cars would be a country mile from the airport? Who would have thought it would be such a hassle to get out of there? (It took me about an hour to get on the road and an hour to get my car before that GRRRRR).
It took me a while to sit back and relax, and that was one of the things I was trying to do!
After about an hour or so on the road, I came up on top of a large rim of the hills over Phoenix. I looked and could see the desert stretching out before me further that I could see. The sky was a crystal blue-not a single cloud around. I could see the colors of God's paintbrush on the landscape of His Creation. Green cacti and scrub trees dotted the brown tones of the sand and rock. I climbed a hill and was lost among amazing rock formations. Chris Tomlin was playing on the radio and I heard the lyrics and was brought to my emotional knees:
We will praise You
All of our days
It's for Your glory
We offer everything
Raise your hands, all you nations
Shout to God all creation
How awesome is the Lord most high
Where You send us
God, we will go
You're the answer
We want the world to know
We will trust You
When You call our name
Where You lead us
We'll follow all the way
Then it occurred to me that I was in the middle of this song--observing creation shout to God. Going where God has called us, answering the call to minister to His people and clearing the way for our Youth to serve them.
It was all worth it at that point: the rainy morning in Pensacola, the crowded planes, the long wait at the rental car counter, the frustrations trying to get of Phoenix...
I am excited about what tomorrow will bring as I head to Cortez and will see a couple of National Parks along the way.
I am throwing in a couple of pictures of me and the rocks and the cacti.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has for you
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Pre-Trip Jitters
On Sunday morning I head out West for a week to work towards getting things ready for next summer's youth mission trip. I am excited and apprehensive all at the same time.
There is much work to be done in the office, I will be away from my family, and I am going alone. I am flying to Phoenix, but there will cover many miles out there alone to go to this mission sites, talk with people, work out logistical plans, free day options, etc. I think I'll probably do about 1000 miles in the week. I wonder if these distractions are attacks from the enemy to get me away from the greater purpose here?
Maybe the alone time will be a blessing. I've made a few CD's to keep me entertained. Some friends have promised to make some too. :) Maybe this will be some good quiet time with God. I guess much of that is up to me.
From my early discussions with my contacts out there, I've learned that this is a very needy place--spiritually and physically. I pray for an open heart to what God wants me to see. I am more and more amazed at the needs of those in the US--the most properous nation in history and the one that we've seen God's hand in guiding again and again.
I solicit the prayers of those back home that God will pave the road for my trip, those we will work with out there and those that we'll send out this summer. I think I'll be pretty connected out there. Your emails and your calls are always appreciated.
Be what God calls you to Be, Believe what He tells you, Become all that He has for you.
There is much work to be done in the office, I will be away from my family, and I am going alone. I am flying to Phoenix, but there will cover many miles out there alone to go to this mission sites, talk with people, work out logistical plans, free day options, etc. I think I'll probably do about 1000 miles in the week. I wonder if these distractions are attacks from the enemy to get me away from the greater purpose here?
Maybe the alone time will be a blessing. I've made a few CD's to keep me entertained. Some friends have promised to make some too. :) Maybe this will be some good quiet time with God. I guess much of that is up to me.
From my early discussions with my contacts out there, I've learned that this is a very needy place--spiritually and physically. I pray for an open heart to what God wants me to see. I am more and more amazed at the needs of those in the US--the most properous nation in history and the one that we've seen God's hand in guiding again and again.
I solicit the prayers of those back home that God will pave the road for my trip, those we will work with out there and those that we'll send out this summer. I think I'll be pretty connected out there. Your emails and your calls are always appreciated.
Be what God calls you to Be, Believe what He tells you, Become all that He has for you.
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Revealed
Well, we wrap up two weeks of vacation this weekend. It has been good to decompress and fill up my tank for the fall. I think I am ready to come back with a new outlook on things to bring to my family, my work, and my faith.
Sitting in the campsite last night, I was reading Romans 1. The verse in which Paul reminds us that we have a Revealed faith, has been on my heart lately. We serve a God that shows more and more of Himself to us through our faith. This is so very foundational to what we believe. We cannot pretend that man has invented God. That is simply unspeakable. When we look around at the creation around us, the miracles in our lives and the love God has shown us, we must understand that He is God above all we and learn and grow more as we walk by Faith. I am ready to act upon this truth by growing more as I open my eyes to the Revealed.
Blessings to you all...
Sitting in the campsite last night, I was reading Romans 1. The verse in which Paul reminds us that we have a Revealed faith, has been on my heart lately. We serve a God that shows more and more of Himself to us through our faith. This is so very foundational to what we believe. We cannot pretend that man has invented God. That is simply unspeakable. When we look around at the creation around us, the miracles in our lives and the love God has shown us, we must understand that He is God above all we and learn and grow more as we walk by Faith. I am ready to act upon this truth by growing more as I open my eyes to the Revealed.
Blessings to you all...
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Silent Stones
The other morning my five-year-old daughter asked me if we could listen to the sunrise. She wanted to look for the sun to rise—specifically to see if it had spikes on it like in the cartoons. We watched while the sky turned from black to grey to light blue. Then she told me to listen to the sunrise. She wasn’t listening to the celestial object move across the sky. We listened to birds begin their songs. We listened to the nearby dogs and cats begin to explore in the early daylight. We listened to the wind rustle through the trees. We listened to the events of the sunrise.
I am amazed by the small things that we seem to miss when the big things go on around us. Now that it is spring time there is much to consider in this realm. Spring thunderstorms roll through our area and we all talk about the rain. But we don’t often notice the new life on the trees or the flowers of the fields that follow such rains. We may notice the days getting longer, but we don’t look for the new life that the extra hours of sun bring. When I do take time to notice such things I often wonder how I missed them before.
The Bible tells an interesting story about Jesus on the Sunday before the crucifixion. One week before Jesus rose from the dead, He rode into town on a humble donkey colt. His followers shouted his praises as He rode down into the Kidron Valley and up the opposite hill into Jerusalem. Some real self-righteous thinking religious leaders told Jesus to silence His followers. He told them He couldn’t. If they stopped praising what God was doing, then the very rocks would cry out. What if we stopped thanking God for what He has done in our midst? The stories of the Bible and history tell us that God always has a witness to speak on His behalf. As I “hear” the things of creation lift up praise to God, I wonder how loudly they would cry out if we stopped? Will we let the rocks take our rightful place?
This Sunday let's engage in a conversation about those silent stones.
I am amazed by the small things that we seem to miss when the big things go on around us. Now that it is spring time there is much to consider in this realm. Spring thunderstorms roll through our area and we all talk about the rain. But we don’t often notice the new life on the trees or the flowers of the fields that follow such rains. We may notice the days getting longer, but we don’t look for the new life that the extra hours of sun bring. When I do take time to notice such things I often wonder how I missed them before.
The Bible tells an interesting story about Jesus on the Sunday before the crucifixion. One week before Jesus rose from the dead, He rode into town on a humble donkey colt. His followers shouted his praises as He rode down into the Kidron Valley and up the opposite hill into Jerusalem. Some real self-righteous thinking religious leaders told Jesus to silence His followers. He told them He couldn’t. If they stopped praising what God was doing, then the very rocks would cry out. What if we stopped thanking God for what He has done in our midst? The stories of the Bible and history tell us that God always has a witness to speak on His behalf. As I “hear” the things of creation lift up praise to God, I wonder how loudly they would cry out if we stopped? Will we let the rocks take our rightful place?
This Sunday let's engage in a conversation about those silent stones.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
We want to see Jesus
If someone asked you to show them Jesus, what would you say? What would the picture look like? How would you do it? Maybe a picture from a children’s Bible—you know the smiling Jesus who pats little kids on the head. Maybe the morose Jesus in the coffee table Bible who looks all somber and serious.
The book of John tells us about some people who were not yet followers of Jesus who came to Philip—one of Jesus closest followers. They told Philip that they wanted to see Jesus. So Philip goes to the master and tells him that he has some people who want to see him. John doesn’t tell us if Jesus invites them in or if he goes out to see them. But what he does tell us is important. Jesus responses with some vivid language on what he would do to show himself to the world. He talks about how a seed is planted. In order for it bring life, it must die. This, he says is why he came—to die to bring life.
Do you want to see Jesus? What are the things we must die to in order follow him? What is the life Jesus is trying to bring to us? We’ll talk about these things and more this Sunday. Would you join me as we go to see Jesus?
The book of John tells us about some people who were not yet followers of Jesus who came to Philip—one of Jesus closest followers. They told Philip that they wanted to see Jesus. So Philip goes to the master and tells him that he has some people who want to see him. John doesn’t tell us if Jesus invites them in or if he goes out to see them. But what he does tell us is important. Jesus responses with some vivid language on what he would do to show himself to the world. He talks about how a seed is planted. In order for it bring life, it must die. This, he says is why he came—to die to bring life.
Do you want to see Jesus? What are the things we must die to in order follow him? What is the life Jesus is trying to bring to us? We’ll talk about these things and more this Sunday. Would you join me as we go to see Jesus?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Retracing the Story--An Unequal Exchange
When I was around 10 years old or so we lived in a great neighborhood with many kids. We always had plenty of kids for a football game, complex bicycle stunt shows, or the latest club we had schemed up that week. Our street sloped up a hill and at the top of the hill was Mr. Barber’s yard. He had about 5 acres of neatly mown lawn. All the neighborhood kids were welcome to play in his yard. It was the center of all our childhood devices. Next to the open land was a small stand of woods. There we made forts and defended our neighborhood from imaginary raiders—as soon as school was out, of course.
My friend Pete’s parents were remodeling parts of their house and his dad gave us the old medicine cabinet, sink base cabinet and other cool things for a new fort in the woods. We took great pride in hauling all that stuff down the hill. We had a great fort. It was the envy of any group of kids in the whole town. After just a few short weeks, our fort was destroyed and defaced. Someone had broken all of our things and written horrible things on them. We were crushed.
In my anger I rallied the “gang” against John. John didn’t live on our street. He lived a few houses down on a connecting street. He was something of an outsider in the tight-knit group of our street. Obviously, in my warped logic, John was to blame because he wasn’t in our group right now. He must have been mad about it and destroyed our beloved fort.
John’s dad confronted me on his behalf about my accusations. I was stunned. My bluff had been called and my baseless claims were exposed. I apologized to John, but I had done damage that I don’t think I was ever undone.
Looking back, blaming John really didn’t make any sense, it was just convenient. Our little woods backed up to the fence of the Middle School. It is quite possible that someone from the school saw our hideaway and did the damage. But I wanted someone to blame—and John was nearby. The other neighborhood kids jumped on the bandwagon of blame. John was an unequal exchange—the scapegoat for crimes he didn’t commit.
This week I begin a series of sermons on “Retracing the Story” of Jesus. We begin with “An Unequal Exchange.” In my story, John didn’t bear the punishment of the crime, but we sure tried. Jesus did bear the punishment—for crimes he didn’t commit. Would you retrace the story with me? You see I want to tell John I’m sorry—and I don’t want to make such an exchange again. But I hear the crowds in Jerusalem shouting, “Punish Him! Punish Him!” And the answer is, “But he didn’t do anything.” The crowd shouts only louder, “Punish Him!” And the innocent is exchanged…and equality is mocked.
My friend Pete’s parents were remodeling parts of their house and his dad gave us the old medicine cabinet, sink base cabinet and other cool things for a new fort in the woods. We took great pride in hauling all that stuff down the hill. We had a great fort. It was the envy of any group of kids in the whole town. After just a few short weeks, our fort was destroyed and defaced. Someone had broken all of our things and written horrible things on them. We were crushed.
In my anger I rallied the “gang” against John. John didn’t live on our street. He lived a few houses down on a connecting street. He was something of an outsider in the tight-knit group of our street. Obviously, in my warped logic, John was to blame because he wasn’t in our group right now. He must have been mad about it and destroyed our beloved fort.
John’s dad confronted me on his behalf about my accusations. I was stunned. My bluff had been called and my baseless claims were exposed. I apologized to John, but I had done damage that I don’t think I was ever undone.
Looking back, blaming John really didn’t make any sense, it was just convenient. Our little woods backed up to the fence of the Middle School. It is quite possible that someone from the school saw our hideaway and did the damage. But I wanted someone to blame—and John was nearby. The other neighborhood kids jumped on the bandwagon of blame. John was an unequal exchange—the scapegoat for crimes he didn’t commit.
This week I begin a series of sermons on “Retracing the Story” of Jesus. We begin with “An Unequal Exchange.” In my story, John didn’t bear the punishment of the crime, but we sure tried. Jesus did bear the punishment—for crimes he didn’t commit. Would you retrace the story with me? You see I want to tell John I’m sorry—and I don’t want to make such an exchange again. But I hear the crowds in Jerusalem shouting, “Punish Him! Punish Him!” And the answer is, “But he didn’t do anything.” The crowd shouts only louder, “Punish Him!” And the innocent is exchanged…and equality is mocked.
Friday, March 06, 2009
We're going to make it
I am working on a message this week about operating in God’s economy. God’s economy doesn’t work like our economy. In our economy, we can only operate on the things we see. We try to make forecasts and predictions. Everything has to make sense even before we can begin.
Not so with God’s economy. In God’s economy, we act in faith. We act with the long term in mind. We act with the interest of others in mind first. When we operate in that economy those around us are enriched. We are too are enriched—far beyond what we could ever hope or imagine.
So in the week that I’m preparing this, the stock market tanks 300+ points twice, GM says it probably won’t make it, and AIG is still looking for billions of dollars. It looks like the economy around us is falling apart before our very eyes. I have to admit that sometimes those little nagging doubts creep in my head too. “You’re preparing this message, and the visible evidence seems otherwise. Do you really believe what you’re trying to say?” That’s how it went in my head—over and over again.
The other day, a couple of friends and I were relating stories of our grandparents’ generation. We told stories of the Great Depression. How our grandparents did the best they could with what they had. They learned to use the blessings they had been given—from the simple to the profound. They knew how to rely on their sense of how to grow a garden, to rely on each other as a family, to be frugal, to remember our ultimate source of our blessings in God. And this light bulb went off in my head. It sent those shadows of doubt away. It was, quite simply, “We’re going to make it.” I’ve heard that before and I’ve said it before. But it was a truth that drove down even deeper. We’re going to make it. We aren’t the first to face tough times. We aren’t the first ones to feel uncertainty. And more importantly, we aren’t alone. God is with us.
So I pray this week that I’ll remember how to operate in God’s economy. May I act in faith, to act with the long term in mind, to act with the interest of others first. May I not get caught up in what the numbers on a TV screen say as they float around screaming “experts.” May I look to the One who is far more than I can ever hope or imagine. May I always answer those creeping doubts with this simple truth: “We’re going to make it.”
Friday, February 06, 2009
The Trap
I was talking to a dear friend tonight about the trap. You've seen the trap a hundred times. Your at a wedding reception or some party like that. As you meet new people, you want to find out more about them. Often times, one of the first questions asked is, "What do you do?" And the trap has been sprung.
Our society seems to hone in on the notion that our identity is tied up in our jobs, our careers. We are the job that we do and the money that we earn. I throw people off when I meet them. Often times I ask people how they spend their time, what things are important to them, or what they enjoy doing. It alarms them. I don't think they are often asked that question.
If I meet you in that setting, I want you to know that I am not interested in your job or your career first. I want to know WHO you are. What do you value? How do you spend your time? Who are the people you love? Why do you love them? (your children or your spouse or your parents, for example) And then I want you know that I truly do enjoy hearing your story. Would you tell it to me, please? Don't hold back sharing what's important to you. When people are passionate about something, then sharing that passion with others--now that's exciting stuff. I may not agree with you, but at least I know who you are, not whose time clock you punch.
Our society seems to hone in on the notion that our identity is tied up in our jobs, our careers. We are the job that we do and the money that we earn. I throw people off when I meet them. Often times I ask people how they spend their time, what things are important to them, or what they enjoy doing. It alarms them. I don't think they are often asked that question.
If I meet you in that setting, I want you to know that I am not interested in your job or your career first. I want to know WHO you are. What do you value? How do you spend your time? Who are the people you love? Why do you love them? (your children or your spouse or your parents, for example) And then I want you know that I truly do enjoy hearing your story. Would you tell it to me, please? Don't hold back sharing what's important to you. When people are passionate about something, then sharing that passion with others--now that's exciting stuff. I may not agree with you, but at least I know who you are, not whose time clock you punch.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Watching for the Rain
This morning finds us looking at a wet and storm ridden land. Though the storm was minor, they warned us of worse. We watched last night waiting to see when it would come. We watched for the rain and wanted to know where it was and where it was going. And then it wasn't so bad after all and it moved on.
The storms of our lives can be like that. We look for something to come and it isn't as bad as we thought it would be. We want to track the things that might cause us discomfort and know when they are coming, where they are going and when they will pass. And sometimes they pass and it wasn't so bad after all. And we can look around and maybe even see how we were nourished through the experience--the way the rain waters the earth. And then, rarely, the hurricanes come. Sometimes we're prepared. Sometimes we're not. And in the recovery of the hurricanes, we rely on our friends and our family to see us through.
I pray that I may never have to be the one in the storm. And that I may the one who is prepared if the storm comes. And that I may be the one who is quick to help others in the storm recover. Remembering always that it is God who gives the strength to endure all of these.
I am going to see an infant in the hospital today. What a storm. People all around have financial woes. The storm rages. Families are hurting everywhere. The storm howls. May we be the ones to help see them through and guide them to God's protection in the storm.
The storms of our lives can be like that. We look for something to come and it isn't as bad as we thought it would be. We want to track the things that might cause us discomfort and know when they are coming, where they are going and when they will pass. And sometimes they pass and it wasn't so bad after all. And we can look around and maybe even see how we were nourished through the experience--the way the rain waters the earth. And then, rarely, the hurricanes come. Sometimes we're prepared. Sometimes we're not. And in the recovery of the hurricanes, we rely on our friends and our family to see us through.
I pray that I may never have to be the one in the storm. And that I may the one who is prepared if the storm comes. And that I may be the one who is quick to help others in the storm recover. Remembering always that it is God who gives the strength to endure all of these.
I am going to see an infant in the hospital today. What a storm. People all around have financial woes. The storm rages. Families are hurting everywhere. The storm howls. May we be the ones to help see them through and guide them to God's protection in the storm.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Going for a Drive
With family in town (again), it is time to take them for a drive. We're headed to see all the things to be seen in Fairhope, then over to Foley and then down to the beach. Should be some interesting times. I've got the mighty mini-van all spiffed up and I think we're ready to go. We've talked about what we wanted to see and why and now it's about time to go.
I thought about that in a spiritual realm as well. If I had the opportunity, where I would I take God in the parts of my life? What would I show Him that I am so proud of? What would I scrub clean before I allowed Him to ride with me? I know He's already there. But the point is this: I get so ready to do that with my family, what would I do with me Lord? What do I need to get rid of? What do I need to be proud of? When do I just need to be quiet and listen to what He's going to tell me? When do I just need to drive on? May God grant me the wisdom to figure out how to do just these.
I thought about that in a spiritual realm as well. If I had the opportunity, where I would I take God in the parts of my life? What would I show Him that I am so proud of? What would I scrub clean before I allowed Him to ride with me? I know He's already there. But the point is this: I get so ready to do that with my family, what would I do with me Lord? What do I need to get rid of? What do I need to be proud of? When do I just need to be quiet and listen to what He's going to tell me? When do I just need to drive on? May God grant me the wisdom to figure out how to do just these.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Where does it begin
I've been thinking about what people have been searching for all these generations. The Greek philosophers were obsessed with the absolute Truth. I am working on a message for Sunday morning where we'll look into John 1--The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us. The Word is Logos--absolute Truth. In a world of shifting values and ideas, how great is us to remember that there is a bottom line. There are lines on the court, there are lines marked on the field that mean something. And God put those lines there for us to use and to protect us, from ourselves. And when we couldn't do that, He sent His Son to show us how to live and how to operate in such a world.
That's the Light that has come into the world. The darkness couldn't see it, but the Light is here. May we look to that light for our answers and our guidance.
That's the Light that has come into the world. The darkness couldn't see it, but the Light is here. May we look to that light for our answers and our guidance.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Cave Time
Everyone once in a while I get where I need to crawl into a cave. I've got so much to do that I really don't need any interruptions today. And we've had about a dozen people in the house everyday since Christmas. That's great and I love them and having them here. But I need some of those hours when no one really cares what I'm doing. I need the equivalent of a long drive--right here in the house.
And here it is the end of 2008. I am always amazed that we can look back and see the road we've traveled for the last 12 months. I would have not imagined some of the places we've been. And I'm glad I didn't see them back then. I don't know that I would have agreed to go. But looking at it from this side I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I think the kids may have to get the wii remotes surgically removed from their hands soon. I don't think they've put them down yet...
And here it is the end of 2008. I am always amazed that we can look back and see the road we've traveled for the last 12 months. I would have not imagined some of the places we've been. And I'm glad I didn't see them back then. I don't know that I would have agreed to go. But looking at it from this side I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I think the kids may have to get the wii remotes surgically removed from their hands soon. I don't think they've put them down yet...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Reality Sets In
We're still playing with many of the Christmas presents. That's a plus. Don't want them to begin gathering dust just hours after opening. We're settling into a routine of being here and home on this great staycation. I'm getting some honey-do's done and that always feels good.
A friend went out of town and we've been taking care of their 11-year-old boxer. We love taking care of this dog. She is so kind and sweet. Well, this is the first time the dog has come to our house to stay for a few days. The kids have been asking us about a dog for some time. And we were warming up to the idea too. But now that we have one in the house all the time...reality sets in. The reality of getting up to take her out in the cold morning. Getting up to walk one more time before bed (you get the idea). We've seen the hair around the house and the slobber on the floor. Reality sets in. We'll have a dog one day. We just need to get the right time.
Isn't it fascinating how you think you want something...until you get it?
A friend went out of town and we've been taking care of their 11-year-old boxer. We love taking care of this dog. She is so kind and sweet. Well, this is the first time the dog has come to our house to stay for a few days. The kids have been asking us about a dog for some time. And we were warming up to the idea too. But now that we have one in the house all the time...reality sets in. The reality of getting up to take her out in the cold morning. Getting up to walk one more time before bed (you get the idea). We've seen the hair around the house and the slobber on the floor. Reality sets in. We'll have a dog one day. We just need to get the right time.
Isn't it fascinating how you think you want something...until you get it?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Fullness of Time
Had a wedding today. It was fun ot be with people that you are excited to see spend the rest of their lives together. There's just something about that twinkle in their eyes at the altar. Very special.
The family is here form Birmingham. The daddy's tried to take the kids out for Christmas lights. Jammed them in the van, couldn't get the Christmas music to work, then only really lasted about 15 or 20 minutes. The girls started crying about everything and we went flying back home. It was one of those times when you just do you best to get home as a matter of survival for everyone. One because the kids are crying and the kids because you think you might just lose it if they yell too much more! :)
The family is here form Birmingham. The daddy's tried to take the kids out for Christmas lights. Jammed them in the van, couldn't get the Christmas music to work, then only really lasted about 15 or 20 minutes. The girls started crying about everything and we went flying back home. It was one of those times when you just do you best to get home as a matter of survival for everyone. One because the kids are crying and the kids because you think you might just lose it if they yell too much more! :)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Day after Christmas
Warm today. There is a strong breeze blowing off the Gulf. Beth went out to hit some after Christmas bargains with Amy.
I went outside and moved out wetlands trees out of the pond and onto higher ground. Since we built the pond I have only in the last few weeks figured out where the leak is. Now we have more water in it. It finally looks as it should. So we had to move the trees to keep them alive.
Felt good to be outside in the water the day after Christmas. I love the warm weather.
The B'ham crew is on their way today. I've got a wedding rehearsal tonight then we'll have a big spread and more presents for the kids. Must be the holiday.
I went outside and moved out wetlands trees out of the pond and onto higher ground. Since we built the pond I have only in the last few weeks figured out where the leak is. Now we have more water in it. It finally looks as it should. So we had to move the trees to keep them alive.
Felt good to be outside in the water the day after Christmas. I love the warm weather.
The B'ham crew is on their way today. I've got a wedding rehearsal tonight then we'll have a big spread and more presents for the kids. Must be the holiday.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Time Management Re-examined
This week I preached a message on Ecclesiastes 3:1-14. This is the passage that deals with the different times in our lives; the times when laugh, weep, dance, mourn, etc. You may have read it before. If not, you’ve heard it in that classic Byrds tune “Turn, Turn, Turn.” This text is powerful because it reminds us that no matter what is going on in life right now, God is at work and that He is in control.
But after the dichotomous list of life’s seasons, Solomon reminds us that God is aware of the business that we have busied ourselves with. American culture loves to be busy. We love to be important and being busy seems to means that we are important. We cram things into our schedule. We fill up our time with “good” things: art, sports, music lessons, trips, meetings, etc. We do these things to find fulfillment, belonging, or even a sense of feeling good about ourselves. But more and more people I talk to say they are spent, tired, worn out. How many of us, day after day, week after week, year after year, wonder where the time has gone and what do we have to show for it?
A friend sent me an email after the sermon and said he liked what I said, but what are we, the “Day Timer” generation supposed to do? We are extremely conscientious of our time management. We want things on time. We are more destination minded than journey minded. Those who are so focused on the destination alone see the journey as a chore to be dreaded. Those who see the journey for what it is, an experience on the way to the goal, can not only rejoice in the goal but all along the way as well. I think we have to find the balance.
That one of the overall themes Solomon’s message: balance. Each of season of life is set up with an opposing season. Each one is equally important and God is at work in each one. We as the “Day Timer” generation must remember that the work God calls us to busy with does wear us out or run us down. When we find our balance and rest in Him, we are refreshed. May we look at our time as something that is not just spent but savored, not just invested but enjoyed. Then, as verse fourteen says: “God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.”
3For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What gain have the workers from their toil? 10I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. 14I know that whatever God does endures for ever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has called you
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Un-prepared for the Wow--A Grand Canyon Adventure
I was going to post a story of my day to you yesterday, but there is no internet service (or cell service) in the Grand Canyon. Guess it all fell in a hole, get a hole...Grand Canyon...
I got up early on Wednesday to watch the sunrise over the Canyon. I noticed it was a little cloudy when I got up. Oh, well. It's the desert. It can't rain two days in a row, right? So I headed up the rim and was ready. Only thing I could see were the clouds. I couldn't see the features around me, let alone the bottom or the far side of the canyon. Socked in with clouds. GRRR.
So I walked around and gathered info for our trip out this summer. I felt a little lost as I didn't really know where to go, so I just pressed on. I looked at things inside, attended a ranger program about the Canyon and the history, things like that. Everyone in the park kept saying the weather was going to clear. And I was ready for some good weather. It was cold and I wanted to see all of the Canyon.
After a good lunch, I decided to hit the trail. Certainly it would clear up. I set out down the Bright Angel Trail. I was going to hike about 1 1/2 miles, one way, and descend about 1500 feet. It was a highly recomended trail and it was going to clear up, right? I layered up against the cold and headed out. About a mile down the trail, a rain set in. I will admit that it was pretty to see the clouds in the distance of the canyon. But the clouds overhead brought a cold rain. I found shelter under an archway over the trail the mules use. Their "tracks" were obvious everywhere. Then the rain turned to sleet. I decided it was getting late, too late to compete with much more hiking to do and the cold. So I headed back up. Just I was about to the rim again, the rain that had turned to sleet turned to snow. It was snowing in the Grand Canyon and I was on the trail.
I reached the lodge and decided to find some hot coffee and dry out a little. Just I turned to head out the door, a group of Korean tourists knocked me over as they ran for the door to the rim. I looked to see what the excitement was about. There before was the thing we had come to see--the Canyon in all its splendor before us. It had cleared up in a just a matter of minutes and you could see for miles and miles and miles.
Determined to make the most of it, I stuck around the rim area and took a shuttle to see the sunset over the canyon. It was VERY cold. It was in the 20's--before the windchill brought by 40 mph gusts. The batteries in my camera were so cold I had to warm them before getting this picture here.
Today I went back to the Canyon for that sunrise. It went to the east side and could see the desert of Arizona, the Navajo Nation that I had just driven through a day and half before. It was a WOW moment.
These experiences have been wonderful, but I must admit--they feel a little hollow. Seeing wonderful things like this, alone, is a little of a letdown. I want to share them with someone. Then I receive the encouraging words from my Beth, my family, and my church family and it encourages me. It encourages me to know that some of you will one day share it with me and it is worthwhile.
I think the Christian Life is like that. I enjoy sharing the Joy with others. Go share the joys He has given you.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has called you
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Glory we haven't seen
Lots of windshield time today. I met up with the Regional Director for Youthworks and we headed to Mesa Verde National Park. For hundreds of years the Anasazi people lived an amazing life. They built structures that still stand nearly 1000 years later. They used primitive tools and the gifts and knowledge of the others in their tribe.Later, I decided to take the drive to the Grand Canyon a day earlier, so I headed out in the afternoon across the Arizona desert. Almost all of that drive is across the Navajo Nation. Even the 4 corners! (Check out the pic). As a driving rain began to let up (yes, rain in the desert), the sun wasa setting below a mountain range at the edge of the Grand Canyon. A pretty sunset gave way to a sliver of a moon trying to peek out.
By the time I actully got into the Grand Canyon Park, it was pitch dark and raining. There was hardly another car on the road. I was in the dark, in the rain, and alone--at the Grand Canyon. Just a few feet to my right was one of the most glorious sites on the planet Earth, and I couldn't see it, yet. I would have to wait until the sunrise.
And then something occurred to me. I have met many people (youth and adults both) who were trying hard to make it down a long, difficult road in their lives. They were pushing ahead in the dark, in stormy weather, and trying to do it alone. They were struggling with things they didn't really have to deal with. They didn't bother to wait or even look to the one who can provide the light they are really looking for. And when that light is cast, the beauty is overwhelming. Christ is our light. Following Christ is not always easy, but we are called to live it with others. To shed that light into another's life. And that is why I am out here. To shed that light to others and to help youth do the same. May we not wait, but shed that light today. Then other we see His Glory, maybe for the first time.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has for you
Monday, October 23, 2006
Rocky Mountain Fever
John Wesley’s Rules for Life:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
I left Holbrook, Arizona today headed for Colorado. I cruised over to Gallup, New Mexico and jumped on a road through the desert and the Navajo Nation that takes you right into Cortez. As I listened to Charlie Hall sing about Christ being the center of our lives, Wesley’s rules of life kept coming to mind. As I am here preparing for next summer’s mission trip, I see that the work we are preparing to do falls right into this. Cortez is a nice little town. In many ways, I think it is something like Fairhope was when it was smaller. However, a lack of jobs and rising housing costs takes its toll on the people. While overt poverty is not obvious here, the reservations are just minutes away. Reservations make no attempts to hide their poverty like our small towns do.
I sat in a beautiful park and watched the sun go down behind the mountains. Pink hues painted the snow peaked mountains to the east. I saw kids playing soccer, families walking their dogs and “punks” at the skateboard park. I read my Bible I prayed for the community—that seemed to be all the good I could do at that time. Two Mormons were on their mission and walking by. Right next to this beautiful park, this beautiful piece of Americana underneath a beautiful mountain sunset, sat a rundown housing park. It seemed to be a statement of contrasts. I wonder who was behind those doors. What were their hurts and their needs? What were they afraid? What were they praying for?
I wonder if I did all the good I could today by all the means I could? I didn’t preach the Gospel with words to the unbelievers, I didn’t feed the homeless or visit the sick or imprisoned. But I prepared to do many of those things and began to pave the way for others to do so. This is going to be a good trip. I pray that it will be for those who will serve and those that we will serve. Maybe that is all I can do today.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has for you
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Kicks back on Route 66
A long day and I am sitting on Route 66 at the HIE in Holbrook, AZ. Flights were smooth enough. I am always a little unsure if a pre-trip is necessary, until I get here. Who knew that the rental cars would be a country mile from the airport? Who would have thought it would be such a hassle to get out of there? (It took me about an hour to get on the road and an hour to get my car before that GRRRRR).
It took me a while to sit back and relax, and that was one of the things I was trying to do!
After about an hour or so on the road, I came up on top of a large rim of the hills over Phoenix. I looked and could see the desert stretching out before me further that I could see. The sky was a crystal blue-not a single cloud around. I could see the colors of God's paintbrush on the landscape of His Creation. Green cacti and scrub trees dotted the brown tones of the sand and rock. I climbed a hill and was lost among amazing rock formations. Chris Tomlin was playing on the radio and I heard the lyrics and was brought to my emotional knees:
We will praise You
All of our days
It's for Your glory
We offer everything
Raise your hands, all you nations
Shout to God all creation
How awesome is the Lord most high
Where You send us
God, we will go
You're the answer
We want the world to know
We will trust You
When You call our name
Where You lead us
We'll follow all the way
Then it occurred to me that I was in the middle of this song--observing creation shout to God. Going where God has called us, answering the call to minister to His people and clearing the way for our Youth to serve them.
It was all worth it at that point: the rainy morning in Pensacola, the crowded planes, the long wait at the rental car counter, the frustrations trying to get of Phoenix...
I am excited about what tomorrow will bring as I head to Cortez and will see a couple of National Parks along the way.
I am throwing in a couple of pictures of me and the rocks and the cacti.
Be what He has called you, Believe what He has told you, Become what He has for you
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Pre-Trip Jitters
On Sunday morning I head out West for a week to work towards getting things ready for next summer's youth mission trip. I am excited and apprehensive all at the same time.
There is much work to be done in the office, I will be away from my family, and I am going alone. I am flying to Phoenix, but there will cover many miles out there alone to go to this mission sites, talk with people, work out logistical plans, free day options, etc. I think I'll probably do about 1000 miles in the week. I wonder if these distractions are attacks from the enemy to get me away from the greater purpose here?
Maybe the alone time will be a blessing. I've made a few CD's to keep me entertained. Some friends have promised to make some too. :) Maybe this will be some good quiet time with God. I guess much of that is up to me.
From my early discussions with my contacts out there, I've learned that this is a very needy place--spiritually and physically. I pray for an open heart to what God wants me to see. I am more and more amazed at the needs of those in the US--the most properous nation in history and the one that we've seen God's hand in guiding again and again.
I solicit the prayers of those back home that God will pave the road for my trip, those we will work with out there and those that we'll send out this summer. I think I'll be pretty connected out there. Your emails and your calls are always appreciated.
Be what God calls you to Be, Believe what He tells you, Become all that He has for you.
There is much work to be done in the office, I will be away from my family, and I am going alone. I am flying to Phoenix, but there will cover many miles out there alone to go to this mission sites, talk with people, work out logistical plans, free day options, etc. I think I'll probably do about 1000 miles in the week. I wonder if these distractions are attacks from the enemy to get me away from the greater purpose here?
Maybe the alone time will be a blessing. I've made a few CD's to keep me entertained. Some friends have promised to make some too. :) Maybe this will be some good quiet time with God. I guess much of that is up to me.
From my early discussions with my contacts out there, I've learned that this is a very needy place--spiritually and physically. I pray for an open heart to what God wants me to see. I am more and more amazed at the needs of those in the US--the most properous nation in history and the one that we've seen God's hand in guiding again and again.
I solicit the prayers of those back home that God will pave the road for my trip, those we will work with out there and those that we'll send out this summer. I think I'll be pretty connected out there. Your emails and your calls are always appreciated.
Be what God calls you to Be, Believe what He tells you, Become all that He has for you.
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Revealed
Well, we wrap up two weeks of vacation this weekend. It has been good to decompress and fill up my tank for the fall. I think I am ready to come back with a new outlook on things to bring to my family, my work, and my faith.
Sitting in the campsite last night, I was reading Romans 1. The verse in which Paul reminds us that we have a Revealed faith, has been on my heart lately. We serve a God that shows more and more of Himself to us through our faith. This is so very foundational to what we believe. We cannot pretend that man has invented God. That is simply unspeakable. When we look around at the creation around us, the miracles in our lives and the love God has shown us, we must understand that He is God above all we and learn and grow more as we walk by Faith. I am ready to act upon this truth by growing more as I open my eyes to the Revealed.
Blessings to you all...
Sitting in the campsite last night, I was reading Romans 1. The verse in which Paul reminds us that we have a Revealed faith, has been on my heart lately. We serve a God that shows more and more of Himself to us through our faith. This is so very foundational to what we believe. We cannot pretend that man has invented God. That is simply unspeakable. When we look around at the creation around us, the miracles in our lives and the love God has shown us, we must understand that He is God above all we and learn and grow more as we walk by Faith. I am ready to act upon this truth by growing more as I open my eyes to the Revealed.
Blessings to you all...
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