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Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Why Am I Here?
Yesterday in Church, I heard a statistic that 150,000 people are leaving the church every month (maybe it was every week). It was staggering to me. I confess that I get frustrated with the way things go at church sometimes, and I have heard a lot of reasons why people either don't go or stop going.
I thought this testimony, sent to me on a listserve of men I am on, was very helpful and explains why I worship in a a church setting. Something to think about...
I was so surprised I am not sure what I replied now. My counselor and I had been talking for ¾ of an hour. It came out of the blue it seemed or maybe I just took it that way. Anyway I could not stop thinking about it. It can be taken literally and on an existential level too and anything in between. As I thought about it though over the next few days something came to me that I felt I needed to put down on paper.
I am actually amazed that I am here. I came close so many times to not being here either by my own hand or others. There is something that does keep me here though and I mean here in the literal sense of present in this life. > As a child my mother introduced me to God; Jesus to be quite specific. She saw him as a real person, live but invisible and introduced Him to me that way. I guess he was my first invisible friend.
The thing is though that he really was real to me. I would talk to him (I call it prayer now) and he would answer. Maybe not in an audible way but he would. I would ask for things and he would do them or get them for me. I know to some this could sound a little strange to those not familiar with the reality of God and his interaction with man. Still for me this was reality.
As I grew up and became more mature, (I use that word loosely), His interaction with me became more multifaceted and multidimensional. He became friend and confidant; father and mentor. There were times when I could actually feel his presence. I would love to describe it and I will try but honestly it is almost impossible.
There was a sense of such love and acceptance that I was at times brought to tears. As if a long lost friend had suddenly been found on my doorstep. There were many times in my life for one reason or another that I desperately needed that reassurance. Painful times of confusion and feeling lost. We do something called virtual hugs in cyberspace but this was almost tangible. It was like an internal hug to the heart of my being and indescribably precious.
Not all of the things he would share with me as I read my Bible and prayed were pleasant. There were reprimands, discipline, correction, and the like but all done with such a sense of love that I never felt rejected or abandoned. Instead of driving me away it drew me closer. I knew he cared for me enough to want to correct me and help me become a better person and I truly believe he has too. I am certainly not the person I was decades ago or even 5 years ago.
To me Christianity is not about commandments, rules, laws and punishment. It is about finding a way to contact the eternal. I feel I have been created for God. The Bible, the laws, the ordinances, rituals, all are a way of guiding me back to Him. His way of reminding me that He is here, he loves me and wants to take care of me and all of that stuff is to help me find my way back to him. He has gone to great lengths to provide a way for me to come home through the sacrifice of His son. I cannot turn down love that would reach out to me like that.
So why am I here? I am here because He is here. I can feel Him, I know His spirit and presence. Having experienced that reality throughout my life powerfully on many occasions I cannot deny the reality of it or of its positive impact on my life. To experience that presence in my heart and life again keeps me here growing and learning and loving and praying. He is the constant anchor of my life and lover of my soul. I am His; He is mine and that keeps me here and will keep me throughout eternity.
I thought this testimony, sent to me on a listserve of men I am on, was very helpful and explains why I worship in a a church setting. Something to think about...
I was so surprised I am not sure what I replied now. My counselor and I had been talking for ¾ of an hour. It came out of the blue it seemed or maybe I just took it that way. Anyway I could not stop thinking about it. It can be taken literally and on an existential level too and anything in between. As I thought about it though over the next few days something came to me that I felt I needed to put down on paper.
I am actually amazed that I am here. I came close so many times to not being here either by my own hand or others. There is something that does keep me here though and I mean here in the literal sense of present in this life. > As a child my mother introduced me to God; Jesus to be quite specific. She saw him as a real person, live but invisible and introduced Him to me that way. I guess he was my first invisible friend.
The thing is though that he really was real to me. I would talk to him (I call it prayer now) and he would answer. Maybe not in an audible way but he would. I would ask for things and he would do them or get them for me. I know to some this could sound a little strange to those not familiar with the reality of God and his interaction with man. Still for me this was reality.
As I grew up and became more mature, (I use that word loosely), His interaction with me became more multifaceted and multidimensional. He became friend and confidant; father and mentor. There were times when I could actually feel his presence. I would love to describe it and I will try but honestly it is almost impossible.
There was a sense of such love and acceptance that I was at times brought to tears. As if a long lost friend had suddenly been found on my doorstep. There were many times in my life for one reason or another that I desperately needed that reassurance. Painful times of confusion and feeling lost. We do something called virtual hugs in cyberspace but this was almost tangible. It was like an internal hug to the heart of my being and indescribably precious.
Not all of the things he would share with me as I read my Bible and prayed were pleasant. There were reprimands, discipline, correction, and the like but all done with such a sense of love that I never felt rejected or abandoned. Instead of driving me away it drew me closer. I knew he cared for me enough to want to correct me and help me become a better person and I truly believe he has too. I am certainly not the person I was decades ago or even 5 years ago.
To me Christianity is not about commandments, rules, laws and punishment. It is about finding a way to contact the eternal. I feel I have been created for God. The Bible, the laws, the ordinances, rituals, all are a way of guiding me back to Him. His way of reminding me that He is here, he loves me and wants to take care of me and all of that stuff is to help me find my way back to him. He has gone to great lengths to provide a way for me to come home through the sacrifice of His son. I cannot turn down love that would reach out to me like that.
So why am I here? I am here because He is here. I can feel Him, I know His spirit and presence. Having experienced that reality throughout my life powerfully on many occasions I cannot deny the reality of it or of its positive impact on my life. To experience that presence in my heart and life again keeps me here growing and learning and loving and praying. He is the constant anchor of my life and lover of my soul. I am His; He is mine and that keeps me here and will keep me throughout eternity.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Terrified
This is a video that I recently saw on Facebook and wanted to share with my friends. It really spoke to me and maybe you will like it too. It's by a band called "Story of the Year" and I had not heard of them before this, but it appears that they have been around a while.
It speaks to me because it shows the pain of separation during war time. There are a lot of things that separate us from loved ones though. It doesn't have to be a war. Yet the war time separation is particularly heart wrenching. So this video touches that nerve.
I'd appreciate knowing what you think...
It speaks to me because it shows the pain of separation during war time. There are a lot of things that separate us from loved ones though. It doesn't have to be a war. Yet the war time separation is particularly heart wrenching. So this video touches that nerve.
I'd appreciate knowing what you think...
Friday, August 21, 2009
FYI to Chief Seattle
Ever see those bumper stickers with pithy sayings on them? One of them quotes an Indian Chief (Chief Seattle, I think) in asserting that "The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth." I think, yeah..... no.
Well, he may be half right, in a way, sorta kinda, but not really.
Last I heard, Psalm 24 says, the Earth is the Lord's, and we are his creation and we are His (Psalm 1). So to say I belong to the earth does not quite paint the right picture, according to Scripture. But to view creation in a purely utilitarian way does not honor the creativity of the creator either (and is just as unbiblical). I prefer to honor the Creator by recognizing his revelation to us in creation. For instance:
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard." -- Psalm 19:1-3
I am not one to worship the creation; I do like to worship with creation, though. I think there is a way to consider his creation sacred, just as I believe the Bible is God's revelation and as such should be respected, revered and trusted. If I read Psalm 19 right, it appears that God talks to us through the Bible and through His created world - creation in general, and his Word specifically.
Well, he may be half right, in a way, sorta kinda, but not really.
Last I heard, Psalm 24 says, the Earth is the Lord's, and we are his creation and we are His (Psalm 1). So to say I belong to the earth does not quite paint the right picture, according to Scripture. But to view creation in a purely utilitarian way does not honor the creativity of the creator either (and is just as unbiblical). I prefer to honor the Creator by recognizing his revelation to us in creation. For instance:
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard." -- Psalm 19:1-3
I am not one to worship the creation; I do like to worship with creation, though. I think there is a way to consider his creation sacred, just as I believe the Bible is God's revelation and as such should be respected, revered and trusted. If I read Psalm 19 right, it appears that God talks to us through the Bible and through His created world - creation in general, and his Word specifically.
So while I do not "belong to the earth," I know I need to feel more of a connection with it and in that way get to know my Creator better through his creation.
What do you think?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Speak with Authority
Have you noticed how it is not any longer fashionable to have a set of strong beliefs and let others know you are passionate about it? This video makes that point really well... like... you know?
Not pontification, or equivocation, but conviction... take a look.
Not pontification, or equivocation, but conviction... take a look.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Like Shaving for the very first time
It was cool when I was about 14 or 15 to think I would be shaving. But I sorta picked up how to do it in stages, and filled in the blanks. One thing that I remember is that my Grandpa had this wierd white "Old Spice" mug that he somehow used for shaving. It seemed like he always had some white stubble there, so I thought he was so old fashioned he just didn't "get" the cool multi blade razors we have here in the modern day.
But that's OK for Grandpa. As for me, I was more sophisticated - so I just grew a beard (hmmm, easy way out?). And I used an electric razor all through college. And then I just looked around and sorta put up with shaving when I needed to.
Recently, I have learned through the Art Of Manliness Website (featured to your right) that there is a better, even more enjoyable way to shave. And it's a lot like Grandpa's way of shaving (who knew?). So I have for your education and entertainment (or, for economy of words, edutainment) a video of an introduction to "Wet Shaving."
Recently a man was kind enough to become my shaving "mentor" and show me his way of using this method and gave me some more hints on how to do this. My next move is to find a seasoned barber who can guide me further in what is now a new hobby, a craft, even a sort of meaningful experience. It's great, it's wet and it's shaving! Here is the original "how to."
But that's OK for Grandpa. As for me, I was more sophisticated - so I just grew a beard (hmmm, easy way out?). And I used an electric razor all through college. And then I just looked around and sorta put up with shaving when I needed to.
Recently, I have learned through the Art Of Manliness Website (featured to your right) that there is a better, even more enjoyable way to shave. And it's a lot like Grandpa's way of shaving (who knew?). So I have for your education and entertainment (or, for economy of words, edutainment) a video of an introduction to "Wet Shaving."
Recently a man was kind enough to become my shaving "mentor" and show me his way of using this method and gave me some more hints on how to do this. My next move is to find a seasoned barber who can guide me further in what is now a new hobby, a craft, even a sort of meaningful experience. It's great, it's wet and it's shaving! Here is the original "how to."
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Psalm 10 - A prayer from scripture
Consider Psalm 10
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
His ways prosper at all times; your judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for all his foes, he puffs at them. He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.” His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; he lurks that he may seize the poor; he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
The helpless are crushed, sink down,and fall by his might. He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The Lord is king forever and ever;the nations perish from his land. O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
His ways prosper at all times; your judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for all his foes, he puffs at them. He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.” His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; he lurks that he may seize the poor; he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
The helpless are crushed, sink down,and fall by his might. He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The Lord is king forever and ever;the nations perish from his land. O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Dancing for God
When I was growing up in church world, I was told that I should not rollerskate as it might lead to dancing, which was, of course, sinful. I confess I went rollerskating anyway, then felt guilty, and so it goes.
Still, I was left to wonder what was wrong with dancing, and I never heard a good answer, other than there are some kinds of dance that, like some kinds of music, send ungodly messages. To this day, I fail to understand cutting off an entire art form because some use it wrongly.
The dance below is a worship piece that led me in my personal worship this morning. I'd like to thank my new friend, Jim, for leading me to it. God bless you, brother. I invite you to worship our God as you see him portrayed in the artistry of body movement and (dare I say it?) dance.
Here it is:
Still, I was left to wonder what was wrong with dancing, and I never heard a good answer, other than there are some kinds of dance that, like some kinds of music, send ungodly messages. To this day, I fail to understand cutting off an entire art form because some use it wrongly.
The dance below is a worship piece that led me in my personal worship this morning. I'd like to thank my new friend, Jim, for leading me to it. God bless you, brother. I invite you to worship our God as you see him portrayed in the artistry of body movement and (dare I say it?) dance.
Here it is:
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Knock Knock
This is one of the best and most moving performances I have seen. It deserves to be seen all men.
A few thoughts… « Hope Is Never Wasted
A few thoughts… « Hope Is Never Wasted:
Our friends from Michigan, Blaine and Darcy, and going through a tough time right now. Darcy is in the hospital awaiting word on what appears to be leukemia. Here are my thoughts to them today. If you want to follow their story you'll find it at http://blaine62.wordpress.com/.
"Blaine, we are praying that God will bring a miracle to you, Darcy and Connor. I was about Connor’s age when my mom was in an auto accident and I did not know what would happen to her. Reflecting on that, I’m glad that Connor has his Dad to help him through the questions and fears.
We sometimes think, “What am I learning through trials?” I suggest that God may be doing more than teaching, and that the effects extend to children and others in ways we may not be aware of. I sense Connor is watching and listening to his Dad. I pray he sees clearly your renewed devotion to Darcy, the support of those who love you (including us!) and your trust in our Lord. I pray these moments will mark your son’s life and help him follow you and Darcy as you model an authentic relationship with each other and with God."
Our friends from Michigan, Blaine and Darcy, and going through a tough time right now. Darcy is in the hospital awaiting word on what appears to be leukemia. Here are my thoughts to them today. If you want to follow their story you'll find it at http://blaine62.wordpress.com/.
"Blaine, we are praying that God will bring a miracle to you, Darcy and Connor. I was about Connor’s age when my mom was in an auto accident and I did not know what would happen to her. Reflecting on that, I’m glad that Connor has his Dad to help him through the questions and fears.
We sometimes think, “What am I learning through trials?” I suggest that God may be doing more than teaching, and that the effects extend to children and others in ways we may not be aware of. I sense Connor is watching and listening to his Dad. I pray he sees clearly your renewed devotion to Darcy, the support of those who love you (including us!) and your trust in our Lord. I pray these moments will mark your son’s life and help him follow you and Darcy as you model an authentic relationship with each other and with God."
Friday, July 24, 2009
Patrick Glynn Marley - a tribute to his life and an awesome God
This blog post is a tribute to Patrick Marley, a former Rescue Mission resident and staff member whose life was truly changed. Patrick worked in our food service department and came to know Jesus while in the program. As he grew in his faith, he also took on a new life and identity.
Patrick Glynn Marley, age 35, passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2009. One way to see this sudden death is "well, you never know." And we don't. None of us are promised tomorrow.
Even so, what's great about Patrick is that when he came to the mission for help, he left with a new life and the hope of heaven. That's why our mission statement reads that we "assess and meet" peoples' needs - including (especially) their spiritual needs. And as it turns out, Patrick was not the only one affected by this.
Patrick Glynn Marley, age 35, passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2009. One way to see this sudden death is "well, you never know." And we don't. None of us are promised tomorrow.
Even so, what's great about Patrick is that when he came to the mission for help, he left with a new life and the hope of heaven. That's why our mission statement reads that we "assess and meet" peoples' needs - including (especially) their spiritual needs. And as it turns out, Patrick was not the only one affected by this.
This is Patrick getting baptized in 2006
(that's right, it's a swimming pool!)
This is Patrick getting a hug after his baptism - a happy man!
As I went to the funeral home earlier this week, I was greeted like a family member by a family I had never met. Those who were close to Patrick knew that the Mission played a role in changing his life, and they were clearly grateful for that. They knew that Patrick was ready to go to heaven, although no one anticipated it would be this soon.
"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:56-57).
May God grant grace, comfort and peace to Patrick's family and friends, with the assurance that we can have hope of seeing him again because of the free gift of eternal life offered by Jesus to anyone who comes to Him in faith. This is the "Mission" of the Rescue Mission - that people come to get temporary shelter and leave knowing they have an eternal home.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Natalie Grant sings Perfect People
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Line Dancing
Laura and Jon doing motions for kids to sing to
Laura loves Vacation Bible School. The reasons are simple enough. She loves the kids, the excitement, the penny collection, and most of all, the music. In this shot, she and Jon T. are doing synchronized movement to the Bible School Music. Since this is a Baptist Church, can we call it dancing? Well... uh... not officially. But they sure had fun.
Wanna see more pics? try this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=2012969&id=1464796259
Friday, July 17, 2009
Talking to Rocks
Remember that line in "A Bug's Life" where princess Anta politely commented on the "gift" of a Rock from (I think it was) the praying mantis acting as a magician? She said "It's a... rock!" Sometimes I have looked at God's creation like that. Well, that's nice, but it's just a tree, it's grass, it's... a rock!
Recently I was at a retreat where rocks were personified and this guy talked to a rock like it could hear him. And I thought that was a little over the top until I read this verse from the book of Joshua. “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that He spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” (Joshua 24:27)
The rock heard? hmmm. It was a witness against them. Huh? Could it be that God enlivens His creation for His purposes? And while I don't worship the rock (any more than I worship any human being), maybe I should respect his creation a bit more. For those that know me well, this will be a bit of a shock, but it makes sense of integrating my life with all of God's creation.
So this weekend, I am going to a men's retreat where we will consider what the rocks will teach us. If you had told me this two years ago, I would have thought you were a bit "new age-y." But now I see that God can enliven and personify His creation and I can grow closer to the Creator when I do that too. And now I understand - the rocks can hear.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Reunited and it feels so good...
They are coming back tonight - after almost 4 weeks (ok, exactly 26 days) of being away, my girls are coming back from their Michigan vacation to visit family, friends, and celebrate the 4th of July.
Laura also led music in Vacation Bible School while there. Here is Pastor Bruce getting the promised haircut after they had over 200 kiddos there.
I actually joined them for part of that time, and got to learn a little about golf while I was out there (that is a subject for another post). So all three of us will be together again before I go away for a very much needed men's weekend.
Oddly enough if you check out my blog list, you will see in Tyler Jacob's blog that he is re-uniting with his beloved and little ones also. Praying for safe travels all around.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tribute to Fred Griffin
Last Thursday, July 9, I attended the memorial service for a great man. Fred Griffin was 95 years old when he passed away on July 5th at Acacia Village in Utica, NY. Rev. Mary Lynn Gras from the First Presbyterian Church did a great job leading the service for this wonderful man. I want to post here the comments that I made at the memorial service in order for you to know the nature of the kind of man that God used to make the Rescue Mission what it is today.The way that I know Fred is as an encourager and Rescue Mission ambassador. Our tagline, "reaching out... changing lives" is one that Fred understood. He "got it." Fred understood some things:
- Fred knew that people are needy for love as well as the basic necessities.
- Fred knew that this love ultimately comes from God.
- Fred knew that people see God's love in what we do before they will hear what we say.
- Fred knew that we are His ambassadors, all the time, in word and deed.
Fred also knew what Edmund Burke stated; namely, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Fred reminded me of Denver Moore in the book I read recently "Same Kind of Different as me" (an exceptional book, by the way!) who humbly summed up his life's mission this way: "Just tell 'em I'm a nobody that's tryin to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody."
Another quote that sums up Fred's life is this: "The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth aint no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless-just workin our way toward home." Ain't that the truth now!
Welcome home Fred, welcome home.
This is where it starts
I have decided to start a blog after being challenged to do so by a couple of friends. Tyler Jacobs, who I think is a blog master, suggested I do so, so here I go.
In the days to come, I hope to share about people in my life, my passion for helping others, and my faith. I welcome comments from those who wish to do so. I hope this will help me to keep up with family and friends who are all over the country.
Thanks for reading.
In the days to come, I hope to share about people in my life, my passion for helping others, and my faith. I welcome comments from those who wish to do so. I hope this will help me to keep up with family and friends who are all over the country.
Thanks for reading.
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