Filling In The Blanks

The administrative tasks of pastoral ministry are seemingly endless. When serving a large congregation there are always secretaries to take care of filling in the blanks so that all we need do is add the "official" signature and everyone is happy. This isn't true in the smaller congregations. There has always been a lot of satisfaction to be found in sifting the records of a church under my guidance. Some denominations require a certificate like this for their transfer of membership records. How many years pass before we no longer hold on to these records and guard them faithfully for those who will continue in our absence? I know, these days everything is done with the aid of a 'puter. That's a good thing in a way, and a bad one in another. Have we lost touch with the roots of our "Body of Christ" the same way we have lost "touch" with the old ways of doing things? I suppose we have, but I would like it to not be thus. What may be occurring across the board in our churches is a depersonalization of the connections which give us our rich history in so many valuable ways. After all, that is a large part of what the church is about, remembering, and making those remembrances pertinent to the lives we live in the 21st century. Even in our worship much of what we are about is the practice of remembering what we have been taught, and attempting to hold it so sacred that we allow no depersonalization of the message and the gift it holds for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Much emphasis has always been placed on the "how" of worship, and it is a subject that there are more opinions on than we have denominations in our world. It has been that way from the very beginning of the 1st century. I really enjoy a heated debate with my brothers over the nuts and bolts of worship. And here comes the clinker, inside every denomination there are subcategories that make distinguishing one church from another very easy for the visitor. They may have the same name on the outside of the building, but inside it is nothing like the church of that same name fifty miles down the road. It doesn't even have to be that far, but out here on the Great American Desert things are spread out a bit more than some parts of the world. The important thing for the individual to find is a place, a worshiping Body of Christ, that they feel meets their needs where they are in their faith journey! Not all of us enjoy the same foods, and this is true of our spiritual natures, as well. Recently I spoke with one of my old colleagues who is now serving a "high" church environment. All I can say is that if God is using someone, truly using them, they will be filling out those records of Baptism somewhere along the line, and actively involved in the lives of the people. Personally, I'm sort of like a team player. I think we're all on the same team serving God no matter what the position we play, even if we're only there to "fill in the blanks" for someone else. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Letters From The Past

Amongst the many pieces of family memorabilia that I've been going through the past few years this leather postcard appeared. Mailed a little over one hundred years ago! I found it so fascinating that for the past year or so it has been sitting on the end of the grand piano awaiting an inspiration for it's use. This is it! The time has arrived! My wife seems to think the card may bring a good piece of change on Ebay, but I think it holds much more than that for all of us. It teaches me many things. 1st, it puts me in mind of all the E-mail funnies we send to folks all over the world. Times haven't changed so much that people's sense of humor isn't evidenced by the ways they communicate thoughts and feelings. 2nd, it was one of my ancestors who wrote it to another of that literate crowd. Interestingly enough my great grandmother's Bible that accompanies me would have been in daily use back when this card was mailed. Those New Testament letters are just as relevant today as they were then! 3rd, people cared enough to truly stay in touch even when they knew that the recipient was a long ways away(maybe a little less than a thousand miles, but 100 years ago that was a "fer piece"). There are many ways I could run with these thoughts right now, but the one that I really want to share is about staying in touch. You see, our faith keeps us in "touch" with our Savior everyday. We don't need a piece of mail to remind us how much He cares, after all, He gave His life for mine and provided me with His Word. That little "Holy Bible" is the one that packs the best on my Harley, so it now travels thousands of miles every season bringing God's Word to the lives of others. It's an 1895 King James Version printed in Philadelphia by the A. J. Holman Co. Here's the connection: God's Word such as I carry it is doing many of the same tasks that the postcard accomplished 100 years ago. 1st, it tells me many stories about life that I would never have known if it were not for God's provision. 2nd, as one of God's children it is a constant reminder that He cared so much for me that He made certain that His "love," His "humor," and His truths would reach me wherever I was at in this world. 3rd, He cared so much that no matter how far I have ever traveled, His Word for life is never far from my reach. That includes hundreds of motel rooms, thousands of miles, and even out here on the net He is with me. Each of us is a product our ancestors that stretch all the way back to the very beginnings of God's influence in creation. Isn't it wonderful that we can stay in touch with one another and know for certain that we can share all of our thoughts and feelings with our loving, caring Creator and all of those who have believed and gone before us. Incidentally, I've got some questions about some of the jokes in the Bible that I haven't caught on to, yet! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

A Recipe From The Pastor's Pantry

I love to cook! I like eating, also, but that's not where the real action happens in a kitchen. Beginning with the very first time I burned my nose on a cake pan I had been warned to stay away from, I had the desire to create wonderful foods for folks to enjoy. My grand daughter and I made some wonderful discoveries in the freezer after school today! Did you know that most glasses of milk won't accomodate proper dipping of cookies? We decided a cereal bowl with about 3\4 of an inch of milk in it was the perfect way to dip a cookie. More than the creating of epicurean delights I enjoy watching people enjoy what I have created. As they put that first bite in their mouth I can't wait to hear what they think. Puts me in mind of how God must feel in each of our lives as we grow and begin to experience the creation that He has blessed us to enjoy. I can see Him watching us as we invariably burn our noses, scrape our knees and try new things for the first time. Man does not live by bread alone, though, and I imagine that God truly relishes the time we spend feasting on His Word and seeking the answers for questions that only He can provide the proper illumination. The most important part of any excursion into creating food for others, though, has got to be the love that goes into it. Even a simple circle sandwich can be a work of art prepared with huge amounts of love. That's the same love that has gone into the preparation for the manna we have been provided for our minds. Whenever there are tastes we hunger for that the pallette cannot satisfactorily provide, perhaps there is a spiritual food that is needed. One thing you can rest assured of is that the love that comes from God's written Word will provide a meal that your spirit can rejoice in. God bless(oh yeah, green pepper and a little pimento would be a welcome addition to the hotdish)Preacher.

Beating The Drums

 
I have a couple of these little wind up toys, this one and another that crashes cymbals together. They still work just fine and they're nearly as old as me! Amazing when I think about them that what comes to mind is the self that continues to beat the drums and crash the cymbals announcing the acceptable time of the Lord. There are times when what I really need is a monkey that, once wound up tight, beats his head against an imaginary wall. That's how I feel some days as I consider new ways to tell the same story that the faithful have been sharing for a few thousand years. Writer's block comes to mind as a possible descriptive phrase, but it runs deeper than that. It is almost as though the unheard notes of a familiar song are playing over and over inside my head without ever completing the passage that I really want to hear. I know, in a few hours, or another day, or a week from now the answer will be entirely clear and I'll be sitting down looking at another poem\lyric sheet\song, or idea for promoting faith in folks. The truth is, I may as well relax and not worry so much about it, because that is how it works with me. I've known myself for a long time, but more importantly, God has known me even longer, and knows exactly what it is He will have me doing tomorrow. As long as I keep trusting, and talking with Him, everything will work out according to His will. Is that a strange way to see one's faith worked out in terms of direction in life? I don't think so! It is the same truth that jumps off the pages of the Bible when we are taught to "not worry" about what we shall wear or eat. We have to show a mature concern for our responsibilities, of course, but even they must take a backseat to being "right" with our Creator. My wife said the same thing on the phone this morning and we both agreed that it is most important to "seek first the kingdom of God" in our daily walk. After that everything will come according to His will. Far too often I want to hurry the process up by fretting over the nuances of how something is going to happen. Herein is found a secret. I can't make anything "happen" without God's direct input, and when I worry it only slows the process of getting things done. How about in your life? Have you ever wanted to "not worry" so much? It's much easier to get the drums and cymbals working together when we let God do the winding. In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

Who Knows The Answer?

Last night I posted an E-mail that was about a young lady that was missing. It was entirely false. One of the folks from my Harely Owners Group(to whom I sent the same thing I blogged)wrote to inform me that I had been "taken in" by an E-mail designed to corrupt my computer and relay all of my pertinent information to someone somwewhere. They could have Eed me and I would have given them everything I've got in this 'puter. The point is, tonight, that this is really at the bottom of the "sick" list. In the penitentiary where I worked for 8 years the bottom of the barrel were the inmates who had perpetrated crimes on children. Thinking about it I now believe that this is the same personality type that sends out a false E alert like this one for the purpose of obtaining information. Even when you are in the midst of the worst of the worst that society sees fit to incarcerate when caught and convicted this is the bottom of the sleeze pit. That said, and we do forgive as God forgives us, the question remains, as to why this is done. The frightening part is that there are people out there seated at keyboards right now that are doing even worse things to their fellow human beings. If you are among these persons, I would encourage you to contact me. I'm not hard to find. There is a better way to live, and a better way to invest your time. Please get in touch. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!

An E-pal in Canada just forwarded this to me:

"We have a store manager(Wal-Mart)from Longs, SC who has a 9 year old daughter who has been missing for 2 weeks. Keep the picture moving on. With luck on her side she will be found.
I am asking you all, begging you to please forward this email on to anyone and everyone you know, please. My 9 year old girl, Penny Brown, is missing. She has been missing for now two weeks. It is still not too late. Please help us. If anyone anywhere knows anything, please contact me at: zicozicozico@hotmail.com"

That is the message as I received it and I would add that I am in prayer even as I tap out this message for the little girl and her family. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Sharing Is Good!

This shot was taken prior to losing the winter coats and donning the swimsuits. My grand daughters(two of them, anyway)both about the same age, sharing one father and one grandfather. Ironic how life comes around to bite us sometimes. What a week it has been! Thank God tomorrow is Sunday and I can just relax and worship for awhile. The time of preparing is past and now I get to take everything I've learned about life this past week and pour it forth from the keyboard. Some of it will be really happy, and some of it will be truly sad, but it will all be part and parcel of the offering of gifts I bring to my Savior. I guess when I see my self tap it out like this there is an apparent truth. God accepts everything we bring Him because He wants our all. Not just the "good stuff" and the happy things we have to be thankful for, but the pains and sorrows as well. If we take anything less than all of ourselves to the altar we are not giving back what God has given us. He has given us life with all of its pitfalls and problems, and everything that comes with the simple joy of being alive. Need I say more? Probably not, but I will anyway. As I view the worship that we offer to our Creator I see us as being enabled by Him to feel confident in His desire for us to give all of ourselves. So much of what people assume they should give to God is absolutely meaningless. God has no need of our money, position, authority(we really don't have this one for sure), goods or anything else that is fully tangible. What God wants is you and me! Sort of like a spousal relationship thing where we do the "for better or worse" and mean it. To live a worshipful existence is not hard if you consider we have been given everything needed for our pursuit of happiness in America. The element that is lacking is our ability to return thanks for all and share the sum total of our experience in life. For sure God is there to share in our joys, but He also wants the parts of our lives that are not so joyful. Maybe it's in giving those not-so-great-things about us to Him that He helps us to change and become more what we might ought to be. Here I go thinking on screen, again. When you're 5 life is so sweet! When you're 55, life is so sweet! Maybe it all has to do with how we share it. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

The Moment!

 
I've been wandering around through my pictures tonight. I guess I never really caught up after the Christmas season and the church programs and the other things that just went on and on. Amazing how much stuff can happen in a matter of a few weeks! Babies are born, people pass away, parties come and go rapidly and someone is always in need of your attenion. I think the babies are the most fascinating for me. Having spent a whole lot of years baptizing them and then coming to full knowledge and understanding that it is not enough to simply be "baptized" as a baby to receive the fullness of God's offering for our lives, I get sort of locked in to this mental rut that has me trying to remember every baby and get back to them about their salvation. I've managed to do that with a lot of them, now. The list, though, seems endless at times, and there are those that have moved away, and worse yet, the ones that have passed away without ever having been informed of the truth of God's plan for their lives. There are things in life that we must not leave "undone" simply because we never may get another chance at that moment. In ecumenical circles we often refer to "sins of ommission, and sins of commission" as different breeds of the same animal. We all walk a path toward the(for the most part)unknown. Even when I am certain of what lies ahead I still don't know the particulars. If you ever want to get together and pray about this or other matters, let me know. I'm in God's service, today, and tomorrow, and until I get a release notice or "fair-thee-well" I will continue. In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

How Much Do Things Really Change?

 
This photograph was taken a week or so ago and then worked on to make it appear very old. As I reconstructed the focus of the picture I reconstructed my thoughts concerning spiritual focus as it impacts my life day to day. Reading about the manner in which God's people have been in the process of persevering throughout history has helped me to place recent happenings in perspective. Quite often in our lives we get caught up in the brilliance of events that surround us, so much so that all else fades into the background. I've been in some wrecks on two wheels and four during which everything did the "slow-mo" for a moment. It's strange how our minds work when something is occurring beyond our control. Some folks are immobilized completely, and yet others in the same circumstances are in total motion to do something. What this helps me to understand is the nature of me and how I interact with my world. During the entire history of God's people(the rest of the world, too for that matter)there have always been two different types of individuals, those who take action and those who don't. We are called to actively take part in our world at a level that is commensurate with our individual abilities. When we offer ourselves to God there is a desire born within us to share with others our revelation. I do not think that is an accidental thing. I believe that God placed that desire within us as sure as He placed within us the curiosity to seek answers to questions that only faith can answer. The world has been in a constant process of falling away from God and then fervently seeking God, forever. We happen to be living during one of the times when God seekers had dwindled in number to the near point of being an endangered species. All that is left in terms of true believers is the very strongest and most agile. Those who have managed to survive by means of their faith and hiding away in caves and forgotten backwashes of humanity. Now the time has come when we are resurfacing because the world needs God to perform a miracle. A rescue mission is needed! The true goals of humanity have been blurred to the point that people lave lost the ability to focus their faith in truth. As law after law has been established in our country to diminish the importance of God in our society, calamity after calamity has befallen us. Mere coincidence? I think not! While even the leaders have been drawn away to foolishly follow after idols and false gods the faithful have been in the process of being "honed" to a razor sharp edge in preparation for the battles to be fought with Satan's emmissaries. If my language sounds strong that is the result of knowledge gleaned from history that there is nothing new under the sun and this is how things have always been. Yup, everything was blurred for a long time, and the lines were all crossed as people followed after their own desires. Now is the acceptable time of the Lord, and He has prepared His faithful to once again call this nation and the world to Holiness. It will be only slightly different than last time. This time we will be united under a single flag and the color of one's skin will not play a part in determining who stands for God. It's the same song, and the same dance, but now there will be only one drummer, my Lord and Savior. Truth comes around, ya know! In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

A Sanctuary Of God's Creation

Beyond the split fence rails lies the hushed timber strewn wonderland. Within it's sanctuary there is quiet, a deep quiet which stills the clamoring world which surrounds us. This is a haven of solitude worth exploring, much like the inner places of ourselves. Not often do we look within the self for this place of perfect peace, but it is there, awaiting our arrival. Some cultures and\or religions advise us to "meditate" to seek this portion of our being. That's one way of arriving, but there are others. My cousin that has completed the Boston Marathon 7 times(no, he didn't really place well, but that was not the objective)has told me of the times he has found this realm while running. A place where the peace is "perfect." An artist friend has confided that finding that "perfect" place is a matter of total focus which obliterates everything else that surrounds the work area. A priest that I spent many years working with often spoke of the "special" peace he found in retreats of seclusion during which he fasted for days. My youngest daughter recently shared that she has found "perfect" peace in the midst of the mountains which surround her new home. I suppose that each of us has, or should have, an inkling of where it is that we can turn to find peace. My Savior gave us His peace and taught us to find it in communion with God the Creator by virtue of the Spirit's leading. That is one I seek often, sometimes purely out of reflex. We all have that hunger for the "Peace" which surpasses all understanding. The surroundings in which it is found are of consequence only to the individual, the results are the same, God inspired. The only question that remains when we arrive is, "How deep can this special place of peace be, and how long can I stay?" That is of our choosing, and God's making. It is up to each of us to determine how much we truly wish to be at peace with all of creation and how long we will remain so. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

My Lesson For Today

 
Having been a "church" musician\choir director\organist\pianist, all long before I became an ordained member of the clergy, it has always been my assumption that the music is the very "most" important part of any service of worship. After serving as a "pastor" for a number of years I became convinced that it was the sermon that was by far the most important part of any worship service. Today I woke up in the midst of a wedding and realized that, although my impressions were not entirely wrong concerning worship, they were not entirely correct, either. I am entering the next phase in my spiritual journey. This time I'm convinced by virtue of God's Holy Spirit that His Word is to be first and foremost in any service of worship. I've been naive most of my life. I don't apologize for it, it's simply a fact. There is a part of me that remains "innocent" enough to remain faithful in the journey in spite of riding many different steeds. My favorite steed these days, of course, is a two-tone red Ultra Classic built by Harley Davidson. Even this noble ride must take a back seat to where she(my wife hates it when I embellish cycles with feminine persona)takes me for the presentation of God's Word. Today the bride and groom were bikers. The folks in attendance were, for the most part, bikers. The rest of our gathering was made up of family and friends that are part and parcel of the whole scene. Pierced everythings were there, along with tats of every imaginable variety. My wife composed the lyrics for the song that accompanied the lighting of the unity candle, and I recorded all of the background music and processional, recessional stuff. It was wonderful! I'm not certain anyone thought so but us, and therein came the realization. Every "book of services" has a way of doing things that is in keeping with denominational beliefs. I have always worked weddings from my "little black book" until today. You see, it was in the final moments before the wedding began, and throughout the service that God revealed to me that the most important element in our worship is the sharing of His Word for our lives, whatever the occasion. Yes, it's nice to have a wonderful sanctuary and beautiful instruments, and great clothes and shiny crosses and candleholders. Even the ambiance of our hallowed building is great, but it all becomes meaningless if we are not sharing to our best ability the words of eternal life that we have been blessed to have in our possession. So, there you have it, my lesson learned today. I pray this is one you will consider as well. In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

Praying God Listens

I love the shot of the little girl all wide eyed as everyone bowed their heads. Her mom was busy telling her dad to be quiet "the pastor is praying." The picture, of course is a borrowed one, my shots never turn out this good, and usually I'm far too occupied to get the really candid shots. This one was snapped in a hurry. I've heard many prayers, said even more, but most interesting of all seem to be the prayers that I see in people's lives. Prayer can be group offerings or of an individual nature. There are volumes written on "how" to pray, and, best of all, there are places we can go to hear prayers in process. Everyone has their own way of excercising this spiritual ability. Most interesting to me is how prayer impacts our daily lives. Have you ever been in a hospital walking down the hall and glanced into a room where prayer was in process? It's amazing to me how many people are doing that very thing that I am writing about. Maybe the reason that I'm writing is because lately it seems there is never enough time to pray, and yet that is the very thing that will help in any and all circumstances. One of the questions we hear often is, "Does God really hear my prayers?" I know for certain that He does, but it really is hard to explain. Sometimes the answers to prayer are even more difficult to understand. A young lady in our youth group was ill with mononucleosis(I pray I spelled that correctly)as a result of working two jobs and going to high school. She was a senior at the time and her car was more important than almost any other thing she had. She knew that her tires were really getting bald and with winter approaching she was worried about having an accident. One Wednesday she brought it up at youth group(this was just one week before the mono)and we all prayed about it.
Is it okay to pray for tires for your car? Yup! And anything else that you really need! One of the most beautiful promises to be found in the Bible is the one about God having already prepared the very things we need before we know we need them. Which puts me in mind of that TV thing, "I needed that!" The new year has been one of constant prayer in our home. Not because there are needs(show me a home where there aren't)but because of the needs of others which seem to be so great in the midst of this winter. That picture of the mist rising in the mornings from the water is how I envision the prayers that are constantly lifted to our Creator. An offering and acknowledgement of His presence in our lives. Recently it was pointed out to me as a reminder sort of, that God wants our attention. We were created(as were all things)for God's pleasure. Looking at this from a human point of view I would have to say that there is nothing I enjoy more than being appreciated. How about you? If you really have needs God wants to hear them along with your thanks and praise, of course! Oh yeah, about the young lady....while she was recovering from mono and forced to stay home, someon came along and donated a new set of tires for her car. Funny thing about it, we never did find out who did it but we all gave thanks. One of the young men in the group took the car down to the tire place for her. Everybody in the youth group donated for the cost of mounting and balancing. Her life was blessed by an answered prayer, and we all got to help. I know, life isn't always filled with such perfect endings, but, it never will be either if we aren't using that God-given right to pray to our God. Out here on the Great American Desert prayer is often the only answer we have with which to address the difficulties in life. Maybe it's like that everywhere. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Peace In Our World

 
Recently I received a letter from a colleague decrying the state of people's spirituality. The diatribe ran for 18 pages. Well intentioned, heart felt and sincere, also accurate to the point of causing considerable mental anguish. Tonight our body of Christ began one of the programs that(I'll call him Bob)Bob wrote me concerning. He wasn't specific about ours, just programs in general. I'm keeping what I like to refer to as an "open" mind, although mine is anything but! I realized that both of these occurrences in my life have simultaneously brought about the same emotional response. I want to search scripture and talk face to face with the person who is presenting the ideas whether it be on paper or on video tape. I can accept the faceless writers of the Bible. I can accept new thoughts and ideas when they are presented in an eyeball to eyeball manner, even on the telephone! What I have a hard time with is buying into someone else's "program" without the opportunity to have conversation with them. The words of a much loved man come to mind..."We work out our salvation with fear and trembling with the author and instigator of our faith, Christ!" Others can present ideas, personal thoughts, even share how they got there, but when the rubber meets the road the final confrontation is one on one between us and God. No person can stand in the gap for us. We can seek in the company of others the truth, but when it is found it is no longer a group thing. It is very personal and the most deeply spiritual experience we will ever encounter. I'm not setting aside the tools that are available to us. I'm also not suggesting that others are not helpful. What I am saying, Bob, is that no matter how we cut it nobody can do it for us and nobody can "make" it happen for someone else. It's a road we must travel alone. Before our bones were knit together in our mother's wombs God knew us, everyone of us. The choices "we" make during the course of this life determine our eternal fate. God loves us and is always there for us, but we must take the first step. That is how it is, and that is how it has always been, and how it must be. If we sojourn but for awhile together and are parted let it be with the knowledge that we shall be rejoined in eternity singing God's praises. Love ya brother! Be at peace. In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

Soul Food!

The final moments marking the close of this year's Epiphany celebration approach as we burn another yule tide log and sing around the burning branches of the tree. Norman Rockwell would have been tickled with our celebrations this year. I can picture him now in my mind's eye feverishly capturing each moment with his unique gift for seeing more than the eye could possibly take in. I think there are times when I truly understand his sense of humor. Like this evening as the final goodies of the festive season began to magically emerge from the dark recesses of our oven. The cookies were great(even though they have not been iced or properly decorated as yet. I have the unique position of final examiner, there were some from these batches that did not meet my high standards and as a result were disposed of properly)and will get better tomorrow. The cherry pie was the epitome of perfection though, and has passed with flying colors the taste test! With this season over and a new one about to begin on our christian calender, I wonder how many of the world's faithful are ready to deny themselves something? Today's world does not really provide us with a clear background of what it means to be in denial unless you're undergoing therapy or counseling for some mental aberration. In an age when we pop prozac to make life bearable and analgesics to alleviate pain we are presented with an opportunity to take the road less traveled. The cleansing of the body and subjection of it were part and parcel of the early church. Even now in the 21st century there are those who espouse the enlightenment that comes through fasting. Obviously, as you can imagine from the table, I am one who enjoys the epicurian delights poured forth from our kitchen as though from a virtual "horn of plenty!" There are times we worry more about the ten(alright20\25)pounds we need to drop than the baggage we carry with us spiritually that bogs us down and prevents our rising above the mortal shell. Perhaps that is what the coming weeks were intended to be for the believer, an encouragement to grow inwardly in contrast to outwardly. I'm going to give this some thought as we move into our congregation's "Forty Days Of Purpose." Author Rick Warren has provided us with a wonderful resource for helping us discern why we are here. I usually respond off-handedly to that question with, "Well, everybody has got to be someplace!" My goal is to become more Christ-like. The daily walk is not an easy one, and throws a lot of water in the direction of the old adage, "Getting there is half the fun!" If we could but consider that the journey we share in life is one of "becoming," then perhaps we would have a mutual starting point. As for where I am today, I have no doubts. I also have the insight of knowing where my destination is. As for the journey that will be accomplished....I pray about that. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Seeking the Son?

We had been without sun for a lot of days when yesterday morning began. It was as though a pall had fallen on the Great American Desert and was refusing to be removed or released by the sun that was shining somewhere above. I went about my morning accomplishing little tasks and found myself arriving at a local tannery(is that what they call these places?)to bathe myself in artificial rays. Ky waited patiently for me as I proceeded to seek the sun in a cubicle. It was not a great improvement, but it was a start. Traveling the streets we kept an eye on the sky until it was schooltime and then our paths diversed until 3:30. It struck me as significant enough to write about how, in the course of our lives, we are seeking greater enlightenment for one reason or another. The true light which came into this world is to be found everlastingly in the context of God's Son. Looking out through the mirrors of my soul I was not finding what I sought. Looking inward to my heart I found a bright and shining place where my Savior resides. As the day progressed from shades of gray to a glimmer here and there the thought stuck with me that no matter how gray life has become at times we can always look to the source of all spiritual light to be found in Christ and therein find great cause for rejoicing. The clouds slowly cleared, and the sun appeared just in time to provide us with a beautiful sunset. Perhaps there is that gray place in your life that is in need of brightening. My Lord can help. Prayers are answered, everyday, just not always as we would perhaps like them to be. I am thankful for sunshine, and even more thankful for Sonshine! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Peace

The history of humanity is not one of peace! Students of ancient eras will agree that the one element that is consistently missing throughout mankind's march toward tomorrow is peace. Perhaps it is simply not a part of our collective nature to be "peaceful." My Savior spoke the words, "My peace I give to you, not as the world gives give I unto you." This is good, for there is little peace to be found in our world. I seek it daily, in moments of meditation, time spent with the piano, and in my relationships with people. Rarely, if ever, is it more than momentary, but I find it so deeply satisfying that I continue to try and attain that state of mind. Spirituality is one of the keys that can unlock the door of peace within each of us. Along with that is the need for true wholeness in ourselves. Body, mind, and spirit, coexisting as one is another key. Don't take this as an attempt to get you to embrace a philosophy or religion, it's not. This is just one writer's way of addressing the personal issue of peace in life. I know without a doubt when I have returned to the world from my moments of peace, everything changes to a degree. I believe that what Christ was leading us in the direction of was a greater understanding of ourselves in relation to all that surrounds us. That may be one of the arenas in which the master of deception works most diligently. Anything that is truly peaceful is an opposing force to the chaos and disruption that is part of our lives. No, we cannot escape the commotion, but we do have a choice to make as to how it impacts us. If you have ever been on a guided meditation you know that the primary focus is on that "place of peace" that only you know within yourself. Mine happens to be near the water, the sun is warm on my skin and the sand beneath me is warm as well. Close by the water is gently lapping at the shore, and sounds are felt as much as heard. In my mind's eye I can look on this place of peace as though from a distance and appreciate it for what it is to me. It is an opportunity to gently rest my head in the comfort of creation as I commune with the Creator and His Son by means of the Spirit He has given to dwell within me. For everyone it is probably different, but I claim this one and urge you to find one of your very own to enjoy when you slip away from a world that is anything but peaceful. God bless, Preacher.

Novel Indulgence!

I love wheels! Always have, from my earliest memories on I have been fascinated by them. Maybe it is because the circle is so perfect. This vehicle is an antique by today's standards. Built back in '60 or '61 with a four cylinder, aircooled engine and a new vision on ease of mobility. Forerunner of the van and the PPVs and SUVs, a hybrid! The cyber age is upon us, and I don't think the world has a clue as to what we'll be seeing by way of innovations during the next 40 years. I do know this, though, we are losing much of the importance of communication in our haste to do it better. I've been informed recently that the book is going to be obsolete. Already people are changing the manner in which they communicate with one another at an intimate level. Through the coming of age of the computer we have drawn away from one another, and away from our collective Creator. Perhaps a "new god" has appeared and turned our hearts and minds away from the true God. I think this is a part of what is happening across the globe. In the midst of the declining christian church we are struggling day by day to keep alive the "old" ways. This puts me in mind of many of my native friends. We can learn a lot from their culture. Right here in the midst of all the changes the 21st century brings with it we can find the means by which to keep alive the "true" paths to righteousness. God holds a crown for His followers which surpasses any and all worldly knowledge or wealth, even that which rolls on wheels. The crown is awarded to those who choose to follow Christ and believe. Now, why is it so hard for folks living in an age of cyberspace to grasp the truth of the unseen? Perhaps it is for lack of understanding. Or, perhaps it is because so many of the religious leaders of the past 50 years have fallen prey to worldly ways. Maybe our faith has become unfashionable. Or maybe we just have not been able to crack the nut of understanding which is afforded us through the new tools of communication. Thought for tonight....Christ did not set forth on His ministry journey following in another's footsteps. He blazed new trails! He opened hearts and changed lives by giving His own. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Super Sized Blessings!

 
My wife and our eldest grandson are pictured yesterday on the occasion of his 16th b'day. Interesting to see the changes over the years. For the first 5 years of his life this young man(now 6' 2" and innumerable pounds)was my wife's constant companion. I didn't have the pleasure of spending as much time with him as I would have liked until about 6 years ago. By age 10 he and Cheryl were about the same height. What a difference a few years can make! A super-sized blessing is what I would call him these days. My wife also qualifies for this title, as well as my soon to be 5 year old youngest grand daughter. Any one of these three individuals can spin my hours in any number of directions beyond my ability to control. I worry about so many folks in my life that sometimes I forget to worry about me, and that, too, is a blessing. There are some facets of our lives that remain unchanging, always. God's love is the first to come to mind. We never outgrow God's love, or our need for all that He provides. We get bigger, older, sometimes wiser, but God never changes. In the hearts and minds that accompany our journey through life there are other unchanging loves. I've learned that no matter how many children we have there is plenty of love to go around. No matter how many grands we are blessed with there is enough love to go around. When it comes to our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter how many we gather about us there is always plenty of love to spare for one more. Blessed is the man who when he starts counting his blessings from the smallest to the largest, the list grows and grows even while we are trying to add it all up. The list is longer today than it was yesterday, and it will have grown again before I waken in the morning. The choice is ours, though, of whether or not we are going to "super-size" those blessings. We make those choices in our relationships everyday. I give thanks that our Lord chose only one size for His blessing of our lives, and that was super! In Christ's Love, Preacher. 

A New Year Begins

 
I've been experiencing a form of writer's block. Not only have I found it difficult to get into the blog mode, but even writing to friends has slowed to a mere trickle since the start of the new year. Our snow and ice situation worsened this evening when my wife did a quick slide on to her backside during the latest round of "strange" weather. Our temperatures were hovering at the 26 degree mark and a light mist was coming down. Not ususally a problem, just strange that it wasn't snow, the weird part is how it freezes on pavement and leaves everything looking good, but slick as snot on a doorknob! Another very strange thing has happened with our weather, there has been no wind to speak of out here for a week. It's different, and unlike most of the years on the Great American Desert in the winter we aren't having mini-blizzards to make us totally miserable. The most interesting thing, though, is the people. Smiles seem to be far removed from day to day life and nobody is telling jokes like they usually do. It's becoming a strange winter. A little sunshine goes a long ways when things have been really gray for awhile. My prayers have been including a "ps" at the end of each with regard to my personal lack of brightness. All in all, though, life is far better than I deserve it being. I give thanks for that, and for my multitude of blessings shared each day with anyone who is willing to hear. God bless, Preacher. 

Last Thoughts For The Year

Although it is now 2006 I count this with the 2005 notes. The shots you see above were taken during the course of the latest winter storm to assail the Great American Desert. 80 miles south the wind hit 30 mph and the early morning snow became a blizzard. Hundreds of miles north the world ceased to exist within the confines of a world known only to those who survive on the prairies of Dakota. That's the way winter life is out here. Today the sun broke through in the late afternoon and I(should have been practicing at the church, but it was too cold in the sanctuary anyway)got caught up in the wonder of the ice and snow. The 35mm which I rarely use these days came out of my camera bag and I drove through town shooting postcard perfect(well, we won't know that until they are developed)pictures of our current winter wonderland. Just moments ago I was on the phone simultaneously with my youngest daughter and my wife. Did you know you can hold a cell phone and a land line phone up in such a way that the people you are talking to can talk to each other? It was good, and that is what I have to say about the year 2005! It was good! We are doing much better than I thought we would be doing, and we are breaking new ground every day in the service of our Lord. I can't list my prayers for the new year, they will have to come a little at a time, as does this online endeavor. I pray for our world most of all, and I wish to give the very best, as God has done for you and me. I wonder what the next chapter of my life is going to include, as I'm certain most of us do this time of year. The possibilities are as boundless as the sunshine that lit up our world today! The future is as bright as we are willing to believe it to be. May God guide your every waking moment. May your every day be a "wonderland" to explore with eyes made bright by the love to be found in Christ! May you come to find all that you desire in the year that is ahead of us. A simple prayer, offered by a simple soul seeking to share the love of God with all. In Christ's Love, Preacher.