Playing in Baptismal Waters:

Yesterday we had a baptismal service for Owen David. What was "fun" was that as soon as we were done with pouring the water "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Owen wanted to play in the water. Splash it with his hands. Dance in it with his feet. Get wet and have fun.

Somehow, "playing in Baptismal waters" could be an image for all the baptized. Would that we would so delight in God and the gift of grace that we'd get all wet with God's abundance, God's love, God's mercy. Would that we would be so attached to our Baptism and our Baptismal family that we'd find no more delight than playing, dancing and splashing with God and God's people. Would that our baptismal identity would have us getting all wet, moment by moment, for our mission and ministry.

Someone said that baptized people are "walking wet" - connected to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-6) - living in the wash cycle of conviction, confession, forgiveness and submission to the Spirit. "Walking wet" (aware of our Baptism) in every relationship, every business dealing, every choice, every decision, every ministry and in every other aspect of our lives. "Walking wet" is a wonderful image for our lives of Baptized faith.

And I rather think God delights when we find those kinds of ways to play in God's Baptismal power and grace!!

Gifts and Priorities:

I just read that in the United States $450 billion was spent on 2010 Christmas gifts for children.

That was compared to the suggestion that a mere $10 billion could establish clean drinking water for all of the children and adults in the Western Hemisphere.

That gives me some food for thought.

“Expecting Jesus”:

It should not surprise us,
but it often does
He comes to us in
the unexpected moment.

He, Our Lord, that is,
is not one who is
particularly discriminating
about where and how he chooses
to make himself known.

Who would think, for example,
that he would show up in
a straw filled manger in a stable?
Or that He would choose to be
hung up on the cross,
and there reveal Himself as Lord?
Or that He would choose to come
into view
beside a stream;
or at the bed of a sick man;
or in the home of a dying child;
or at the wedding feast;
or in the moment of a meal;
or even, perhaps,
in the middle of worship?

These are certainly unexpected moments
for our Lord to appear.
Unexpected for He appears where we
least expect Him –
or, humanly speaking,
it seems we should!!

In Sunday School we heard it
should be true.
That Jesus, Our Lord, came down to
love kids like me and you.

But we seem to have forgotten that He
doesn’t always choose,
the moments of convenience
like we would often do.

Rather He chooses the unexpected
the unique,
the times that He seems
furthest away.
The moments of sorrow,
the moments of joy.

The times we need Him most
to show His face
to offer grace,
to be there for us to depend upon.

He is here, in any event.
In times of need,
We should expect it.
For He has promised it.

In the unexpected moment.
He does really appear.
And is never is He very far away
from any of us!!

During these Twelve Days of Christmas,
and throughout the New Year,
I’m praying,
He will appear a time or two
or three or three hundred
in an unexpected moment.

January 2011 Sketchings:

“EPIPHANY APPEARING!”

Hidden in the days after Christmas and before the New Year gets traction is a date to which almost no one pays much, if any, attention.

Sometime, somebody picked January 6 to be the “Day of Epiphany”, the date when the wise men, sages from the East, supposedly showed up at the “house where Jesus was.” January 6 also marks the date when those 12 Days of Christmas are over.

This twelfth day of Christmas almost always falls on a weekday, so it gets largely ignored in the bigger scheme of worship. That’s why we often miss reading the story, singing “We Three Kings of Orient Are” and generally getting the meaning of this part of Jesus’ birth saga.

Epiphany (which means “appearing” or “manifesting”) is the day and a time when we mark the arrival of those “wise” guys (we say three, but the Bible really doesn’t tell us) from the east finally showed up with their gifts. They were late, you see. They came with only a few facts and not even enough information to know their ultimate destination. They came depending on a miracle of science (the star) that no one understands or can adequately explain. After their initial excitement they ended up asking directions from a King, trying to work within the existing political system.

When they found Jesus they had gifts. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. Impractical things, really. Costly stuff that foretells death, strange gifts to leave with a tired young mother and a frazzled surrogate father who are trying to make sense out of life without any comforts of their own home.

Having deposited these dangerous, ominous, beautiful gifts they slip away. They leave by a different route than the one they came by having figured out (by God’s grace) that the political powers aren’t happy about the possibility of another “king.” Apparently they make it home safe. The Bible doesn’t tell us. (You can read the whole story in Matthew 2.)

It seems that the whole purpose of the wise men’s coming is to add to the truth of Jesus’ birth and arrival in this world. To give testimony, even as un-named foreigners, that “This is God.” To “reveal” and “declare” that Jesus is the Son of God. It didn’t matter that they were late. It didn’t matter that the gifts were so unusual. It didn’t matter what the political climate might have been. It didn’t matter that they didn’t have all the facts. It didn’t matter that they didn’t linger long there. It didn’t matter that they would be among the first (the shepherds preceded them) of a long line of odd characters who would enter and pass through this newborn’s life.

Sometimes it feels these visitors from the east are very much like us. For, you see, we too often come wandering by to meet Jesus, late, with some enthusiasm, but few facts, little understanding, trying to figure out our journey but all the while thinking, “This is God!” “This is the Son of God!” “This is my Immanuel.”

That’s what makes “epiphany” – when we glimpse God. When we recognize the coming of God in our midst.

That makes every day a potential day of Epiphany – of coming to a more powerful understanding of God’s presence with us.

With that in mind, it might be just as well that January 6 is hidden somewhere at the end of the “12 Days of Christmas” or caught in broken New Year’s resolutions. It might be just as well that we don’t linger on this odd festival like we do Christmas and Easter.

It might be just as well because it opens up the possibility, hopefully the reality, of every day being a time for God to become real, for God to work miracles and for us to say, “This is God, Immanuel, ‘God with us.’”

T.O.M.

"Christmas Spoken Here":

In the book, Christmas Spoken Here (Broadman Press) John Killinger wrote: “One day I was staring through the window of a beautiful little Christmas shop. It was packed with Christmas items, even though Christmas was still six months away. There were exquisite crèches from Italy, Germany and Norway. There were ... jolly old Santa Clauses ... nutcrackers ... angels and wise men and drummer boys stars and snowmen and gingerbread cutouts. The little shop was fairly bursting with Christmas, and a loudspeaker broadcast a medley of Yuletide tunes. It was infectious, even in the summer time. Down in the corner of the front door, where no one could miss it, was the neatest touch of all. It was a small sign that said, ‘Christmas Spoken Here.’”

What a great slogan for believers. A great slogan, not just for Christmas, but also for every time of the year. How could we say any clearer why we believe and follow Jesus? How could we state any more concisely the core of our faith? God has entered human history to change the course of life forever. God has come to dwell with us and to walk with us, so that we can walk with him.

Christmas has to be spoken here, for it is the basis of all that we are, all we do, why we live.

As people of faith, as Jesus followers, we always speak Christmas. We speak it as we live out a love that is for the un-loved, a peace that is for the hopeless, a power beyond all earthly powers, a grace and forgiveness we cannot earn, but only accept and receive. We live out God full grace and truth and peace and hope, that has become one of us in Jesus.

In faith, Christmas is always spoken here.

A Christmas Thought:

God came down to us because we were worth the trip.

Jesus is the Center!

A number of years ago I was leading a Children’s Message on Christmas Eve. I had a box that contained several items related to Christmas. There were Christmas cards, decorations, music, candy, cookies—just about anything I could get my hands on that had to do with the season. As I was unloading the box, saying something about each items and what was special about it for me, I heard a little voice from somewhere in the room quite loudly ask, “But, where is Jesus?”

This little one understood something quite profound. This little one understood that Jesus is the center of Christmas.

You know that Christmas, as a cultural event, places us at the center. It pushes our me/my buttons. It stimulates our wants and desires (over our needs). It lures us into the false promise, “If I were just to get the right gift at Christmas everything would be alright and all my problems would be solved.” It tempts us to believe that we are in charge of our lives.

While all of this is fun, the truth is Jesus is the center, not just of Christmas but, most importantly, of life. Think about the ways that Jesus is announced in the scriptures. “In the fullness of time...” has to do with in the center of time, at the right time. “Immanuel, ‘God with us’” has to do with Jesus dwelling right in the middle of us, individually and corporately. “Light” always is always the center of darkness.

All this is to say that Jesus is the center of all life: the center of our right relationship with God, the Center of the presence of the Holy Spirit, the center of the Bible, the center of all faith active in life.

Jesus is the center of the salvation story, the center of worship the center of prayer and devotion, the center of our ability to live with love and to offer love and forgiveness to others. Jesus is the center of life everlasting and the center of our hopes and dreams for this world.

Jesus is the center of my joy at the sunrise and the awe in the face of the setting sun. Jesus is the center of my confidence of safety and rest in the night and meaningful relationships and ministry during the day. Jesus is the center of my confidence in leaving the house in the morning and the wonder of a welcome home in the evening. Jesus is in the center of friendships, marriages and ministries. Jesus is the center of love, faith hope, forgiveness, generosity and grace.

You see, the center of anything that I can name is Jesus.

Sometimes these days it is so very easy to miss all of this amid the hype, the boxes filled with “Christmas” stuff. Even the reminder to “keep Christ in Christmas” can lure us into (perhaps falsely) believing that we are putting Jesus at the center.

Every year about this time, that little voice from the past echoes in my mind, “Where is Jesus?” And I take a moment to reflect, recalabrate, reset, restart and refocus.

The center? Jesus.

Jesus and no one, no thing, else ....

The God of Small Things

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it seems that we live in a culture that is caught up in the super-sized and the superlatives. It seems we see it all over the place – in our language, in our view of the world and in the way we think about things.

The other day I heard about a man who was lamenting that he has been the same size, with no weight gain, for 39 years. But today he has to buy “extra-large” when there was a time he could buy “medium.”

In the burger joint, I’m asked if I want to “super-size” my order and I find myself tempted to purchase a super-size drinks at the C-store when a more average size would serve just as well.

At Starbuck’s, a small coffee is called “tall”, a medium is a “grande” (even though “grande” means large in both Spanish and Italian) and a large is a “venti” which means supreme.

I’ve also noticed a growing trend for people to respond to a question with “absolutely” when “yes” would worked just fine or with “fabulous” when something more modest like “fine” would have worked just as well.

You see, we are a superlative people in a very large world. Even though technology has allowed the world to “shrink” in many ways, the world is just as big and confusing and complex as it always was.

The world’s story is a superlative story. It is a story of “bling-bling” and glitz and flash and dazzle. It is a story of super-sized, double XX, “big-gulp” and “venti”. It’s a world of fabulous and absolutely. You know what I mean.

And then there is God’s story. God’s story is a story of small things. God’s story is about little miracles in out-of-the way places. God’s story is about mustard seed faith and new life out of old dead stumps. God’s story is about newborns placed in the hands of old people and boy’s slaying goliaths. God’s story is about a God who comes to us in whispers and words carried on the breath of life.

God’s story, the Christmas story, is a story of God becoming one of us, God becoming a human baby, birthed to a poor family in a backwater town. It is the story of God coming with a whisper of a baby.

This should not deceive us, though. This small God is the only God big enough to claim, love, redeem save and transform our lives and the world around us.

Yesterday, I was glancing through some pictures and came across this one. Of course, it is Owen, as an infant, grasping his father’s nose. But when I saw it, that’s not what I saw.

In the imagination of my spirit I saw an image of God as a baby, in human flesh, reaching out with love to touch the heart of a world longing to be loved. I saw an image of God touching me. And my heart smiled!

So, during these Advent days, as you wade through the glitz and the glitter, the busyness and the clutter, I pray that somewhere in there, you’ll hear the small voice of the infant Jesus who came to love you and I pray that somehow, you’ll feel the infant Jesus’ redemptive and loving touch.

A Little Bit More; A Little Bit Less

A tightrope walker will tell y0u that the main ingredient in making it from one end of that wire to the other is balance. You can have the neatest costume. You can have the most radiant smile. You can produce the best "show" on earth. But take away balance and you'll find yourself heading no where but down.

Sometimes I have the feeling during this time of the year that everything is out of balance. There just doesn't seem to be enough time or energy to focus on and take care of the things that really matter. There just doesn't seem to be the right balance between doing and being, preparing and being ready, taking care of the outside distractions and tending to the work of having a spot in my heart for Jesus.

At the same time, Jesus is the individual who is the best example of balance. From the words that he spoke to the ways in which he inter-acted with people, Jesus was always seeking balance. When he had the face the Pharisees, Jesus had the right balance of words and tone to make the point. When the disciples were clamoring to get the best place at the feet of Jesus, Jesus had words about "being servants first." You see, Jesus was showing in these (and other) aspects of his ministry that it is important to have a natural balance in life. To say it another way, God and humans are made to work together. God created humans and life to have a natural harmony that brings a sense of completeness, joy and well-being to this thing we call life and this journey we call living.

However, it doesn't always work out that way. I can attest to that. You probably can too. Sometimes it just seems impossible to find that right balance. And, just when we think we've got it, something happens to throw everything off. The result, for many of us, is that we don't see this "something" as a gift. It is more like another distraction and we might respond in a variety of ways: internalizing anger, ranting and raving, or pouting and hiding in a corner. Of course, all of those strategies compound our sense of being "out of balance".

So, is there a solution? Is there a way to find this balance that makes life work. Well, I think so.

It begins by asking God and yourself for a little bit more:
...more patience, more understanding, more forgiveness, more willingness to let go and "let God", more attempts to find God's way in what we are doing, more alertness to the many ways in which God is seeking to speak to us, more openness to God's presence in the here-and-now, more trust in Jesus, more moments for prayer, more generosity, more moments to just stop and say "thank you" for the abundance God has given us.

It continues by recognizing that there are some areas where we could do with a whole lot less:
...less anger, less jealousy, less worry about most things, less feelings of self-pity, less being distracted by distraction, less business, less trying to suck it up and do it on our own.

A little bit more and a little bit less, that's the way we can move toward the balance we were created for. That the way to begin to find the joy God intends for us. That's the place where we can begin to find the full meaning of the power and promise, leading and guiding of the God who gives full meaning to life.

T. O. M.

"'No Calorie' Jesus!!"

This is my "Christ the King Sunday" sermon. Again, I was asked by several to have it available. I'm so glad to be able to share it with you.

“'NO CALORIE 'JESUS!!”
The Reading is Colossians 1: 17 - 20
Some of us take our calories seriously. If we’re on a diet, watching our intake or just being as healthy as we can be, some of us take those calories seriously. Lo Cal, no cal, fat free, sugar substitutes, natural fats and the like. I don’t know how you are in this regard, but for me, I want all the taste, all the richness, as much body as possible, with none of the calories. I want the most for the least.

Today we arrive at the end of our church year cycle. We come to this point with this day called “Christ is King”. The bridge between the long season of Pentecost – which has to do with the life of the church, and Advent – a time of expectation for the coming King.

Today is a time for us to focus and reflect on the real Jesus. It is a time for us to ponder what kind of Jesus we believe in. It a time to dig into what it might really mean to say, and act, like, “Christ is King.” It is a day to take a look to be sure we don’t treat Jesus like we treat our low/no calorie food options. Paul’s letter to the Colossians gives us a framework for considering the Jesus we claim to believe in.

You see, we have a tendency to want the same Jesus we desire in our food. We tend to want all of the taste and note of the calories. We tend to love the concept of Jesus, but not the impact that Jesus might make on our lives. We tend to be attracted to being a fan of Jesus, but we don’t want to be a follower. We want Jesus to save our souls, but to leave our daily lives alone. We want to be part of Jesus’ family but we aren’t so quick to take seriously what Jesus has to say about discipleship, generosity, loving our neighbors or His priority in our lives.

But, to think of Jesus like that is as misdirected as over eating accompanied by a diet drink. Or a Starbucks with skim milk to make room for the mocha and whipped ream.

When it comes to faith we can’t check off the “saved” box and then not take a look at our lives. We can’t be saved and stay the same. “We are a New” Creation, Paul says. In Colossians he says, “He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom. (Vs. 13). That means that we are different. We are changed. Not just forgiven and given a fresh start to keep doing things the same old way. But changed. Part of a new way of living. Part of a community that makes different choices, spiritual choices, ethical choices, God choices rather than the same old shortcuts and life by worldly values. Being in this new community means that we are challenged to look more and more like Jesus, rather than just bearing his name.

As you know, the big headlines this week had do with Prince William and Kate Middleton becoming engaged. It took lots of press. Some of the press of course has to do with whether or not Kate – a commoner, a classy commoner to be sure – can make the move to “look like” what a Princess of England must look like. Can she make the transfer to Princess Catherine Elizabeth? Questions like, “Can she face the press?” “Can she live up to the public scrutiny?” “Can she handle herself like a Princess?” “Will she look like, act like and be like the ‘royal family’?” Such stuff makes great press and gives room for much speculation. On the other hand, it can be a serious question.

Certainly it is a question we can ask our selves, our faith. Given that we are “commoners”, we say “sinners”, who have been by our baptism “transferred into the Kingdom”, elevated to brothers and sisters of the King and made heirs in this Royal Family what might the press say about our move. Have we made the jump? Is our place now full bore, or are we still looking for that “no calorie Jesus”, great for the taste, but we don’t want those calories to stick to us. All of the gifts, but none of it really taking root. Not just an additive to things once in a while, but also a reality

Paul gets at that to, in these introductory words to the church at Colossae. There are plenty of images, metaphors and superlative language to make the point. In this new place, as new people, as subjects of the king, Jesus offers “all the strength” that comes from his power (vs. 11). There is nothing that God wants us to take on alone. There is nothing that Jesus doesn’t want us to be part of. Jesus is nosey in that way. Every thought, every insecurity, every goal, every aspect of who we are. Jesus wants to be the entire concept behind our lives.

That can't take us back to the Prince William image. Yes, we have plenty of fascination with this whole story. We will love the great wedding. We’ll talk about the Prince, and eventually the King, probably. But the fact is, we wont’ have to live under this king. What I mean is it is easy to talk about a King, if that King doesn’t have any power over us. It is easy to talk about a king, if our “queen ego, Prince, selfishness, princess, I love my freedom” can still be in charge.

You see, at this point, Jesus is no lo calorie Jesus. Jesus is no additive. Jesus is no trend, fad or flash in the pan. Jesus is not a King that we can just admire and pay lip service to.

Jesus is “first place in everything” (vs. 13). Starting with creation, the first born of creation (vs. 15), the first from the dead. From before time, eternal Jesus had his passion and love and creating and dominion over every aspect of this universe. From eternity past, through 2000 years of history, Jesus has demonstrated staying power, reshaping souls. The full bore, calories enriched, protein added Jesus has been changing lives so people can help change the world.

You see, as for the priority of the created order Jesus is the head that holds it all together. Jesus is the fullness. Jesus is first place in everything. “Everything” here, as in the Greek, means everything. It means that the only thing that Jesus doesn’t care about is nothing. Jesus is everything, fullness, and completeness.

That means in very simple terms that we can’t take out our priority list and ask, "Where can I fit Jesus in"? There is only one place for this king Jesus. That’s first place. There is only one place for Jesus sin our life. That everywhere. There is only one place where Jesus is pleased to work, in everything!

To become effective servants for God, we must let go of our self-righteousness that says, "I know what is right," our self-will that claims, "I know what is best for me," and our self-centeredness that declares, "What I want is most important."

You see, this King Jesus, is no “lo cal”, “fat free” diet King. This Jesus is full bore. Jesus is “fullness”. Jesus is the one come from heaven to enter our lives and “stick with us” – stick to our bones, stick in our lives, hold first place with us.

Jesus is king.

God, send your Spirit to empower us to live under His Kingship and people who have made the move to the “kingdom life”, the Kingdom place, under the head, from whence comes all good and gracious things.

Amen.

December, 2010 Sketchings:

“JESUS IS COMING? NO! HE’S ALREADY HERE!!”

The Advent sign appeared in the churchyard about a week before Thanksgiving. It was a simple, hand-lettered sign that read, “Get ready. Jesus is coming!” It was simple, clear and to the point.

My initial reaction was something like, “That’s cool!!” But after a bit, the message struck me as quite odd. Somehow it felt like my mother saying, “Tom, clean up your room, your Grandma is coming.” Or maybe more like, “Get ready! Get cleaned up. Get your hands and face washed, our special guests are due at anytime.”

I think what struck me as odd was the subtle sense that Jesus isn’t already here. It seemed more like Jesus is coming for a short visit, but he isn’t going to stay very long so don’t get too excited. It gave me the sense that I only have to get my life “ready” for a little while at the end of the calendar year to celebrate the birth (coming) of Jesus but Jesus might not have to do much with any of the rest of my life.

Now, in defense of the churchyard sign, Advent is about preparation. It is about getting ready. It is about Jesus coming. It is about taking a look at our lives and making some assessments about our readiness for Jesus to come, as promised, in final Glory.

But Advent is not about the sense that Jesus is just coming for a short visit. It isn’t about being ready for the time while Jesus is here before he disappears “back home” where I don’t have to worry about his presence until next year about this time.

You know the truth. Jesus is always here. AND Jesus is always coming. It’s an interesting contradiction in our faith.

Jesus came once! He came to visit this earth. He came to accomplish his mission and ministry, not in the miracle of his birth, but in the miracle of his death and resurrection. And once he came, he stayed! He is still here in the spiritual presence through his Holy Spirit. Jesus has come. He is already among us.

At the same time Jesus is always coming. Jesus is always showing up in our lives in ways that make his presence even more real and profound. Jesus is always arriving with the challenges of His call to mission and ministry, with the abundance of His blessings and mercy and with messages of hope and power for our every day lives. Jesus is always showing up in our lives through other people, through the power of nature, through the silence of our devotions or in the words of a song that flits through our consciousness. Jesus is always showing up and if we haven’t done at least a little bit to clean out the cobwebs of our spiritual house we will probably miss Him.

What I’m trying to say is this: Advent (which means coming) is an on-going process. It is a daily process. This “getting ready” business isn’t just about 20 some days before Christmas. It is really more like a “being ready” process for every moment of every day.

T. O. M.

Loving Jesus and Loving His Bride--the Church:

A while ago, I was recalling an event in which a person found that as much as they loved their best friend, they couldn't stand that friend's spouse. The negative feelings for the spouse tended to grow, multiply and eventually eroded and destroyed the friendship.

The principle is this: "Love for a friend extends to the spouse."

Maybe you have or know a situation like that. Your love for your friend is the love that overcomes any shortcomings of their spouse. Because I love my friend, I am willing to overlook and let go the rough edges of their spouse. My love for my friend moves to include his/her spouse. Or maybe it went the opposite direction, the love for the friend just couldn't overcome the negative feelings one had for the spouse. No doubt the friendship eroded.

Today, one hears pretty often, "I love Jesus, but I can't stand His church." Or, "I love Jesus, but I'm not going to have anything to do with church." Or even as crassly as this (from a recent obituary) "She loved the Lord, but she didn't need the church to prove it."

There is a problem here. The Church is the "bride" of Jesus. (cf. Revelation 21:9) The problem here is that it is impossible to love Jesus and not extend affection (if not love) to His bride, the church. If one tries to go along that road long enough, the relationship with Jesus will erode to nothing because one hasn't moved past their feelings about Jesus' bride.

The truth is, of course, that the church isn't perfect. No congregation, no individual, no denomination of the church is perfect. There are people involved. And where people are involved, there are plenty of rough edges, bad habits and grating personalities to give us reason to dislike the church.

On the other hand, by it's very nature loving Jesus almost demands that we love and find affection to include his Bride for who she is. It pushes us to look past the imperfections and the flaws to enjoy, value and find affection for what is good and right, for no other reason than that we have deep love for the church's mate, Jesus.

So, if you're in this boat of loving Jesus but not being enamored with His bride, I hope you'll take another look. I pray you'll find a way to forgive the imperfections of the bride, to look past the flaws and imperfections of people to enter into a new relationship with Christ's church.

I trust that you'll recognize that the church is the only Bride Jesus has and the only one He ever will have. In turn, in order to fully love and accept Jesus is to find a way to include his bride, the Church in your life.

Some Thoughts on Grieving

Grief is our normal, human response to changes and losses in our lives. Every time we move from something precious and wonderful into a new unknown in life, we experience grief. Nearly every change that comes in our lives brings a sense of grief. Death brings grief.

Grief is our sense of emptiness and our uncertainties about the future. Grief is our sense of being out of control and having to make sense of something so much bigger than we. Grief is our emotional response to emotional hurt.

The thing about grief is that it has to be worked through. Grief can't be stuffed and forgotten about. Grief can't be set aside and ignored. Grief must be worked through, fully completely, every time, or it will come back to haunt us.

You see, every time we have a new event in our lives that has the emotional response of grief, we are taken back through all the other grief events in our lives. And if, for whatever reason, we have not fully processed the grief an earlier event, or events, those griefs come back up. Not only do they come back up, the grief response is compounded. Unresolved grief compounds unresolved grief. This is the reason that someone may have what appears to be a quite exaggerated grief response to something that seems relatively minor -- or would have been relatively minor under other circumstances. This is the reason why one might be observed to have an wildly emotional response to a minor event. Sometimes, the emotional response might even be triggered by an event in the life of another person whose situation is similar to ours.

I know in my own life and ministry that I don't recoup from funerals as quickly as I once did. The grief work takes longer. It is sometimes deeper that what might seem reasonable. But it takes longer because each time I'm grieving not only the present situation but parts of all the other funerals I've ever officiated at, plus the other losses, changes and grief events I've ever experienced.

We must deal with our grief, or it keeps on nagging at us. We must clear our emotions and our bodies of the "toxic" stuff set off by grief (or personal hurts, emotional insults, deep rejections and the like, for that matter) or they will compound our emotional response to the next similar event in our lives.

So, "what can I do?", you might ask. Well, you can take a look at past events and ask if you've really processed them or grieved them. You can think about your last emotional response to an event that really had an effect on you. Was your response exaggerated given the nature of the event? If so, what other similar events, feelings and/or griefs come to mind? Were they fully processed? If not, can they be processed now, in light of this event/situation? Are there things one has to go back to, re-live, re-feel, re-grieve in order to move forward? If so, can you do that on your own or do you need help?

Here is a little illustration that helps get at what I'm talking about.

PUT THE GLASS DOWN!
The professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see and asked the students, "How much do you think this glass weighs?"
"50gms! .....100gms .....125gms," the students answered.
"I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor, " but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?"
"Nothing," the students said.
"Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?" the professor asked.
"Your arm would begin to ache," said one of the students.
"You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?"
"Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress and paralysis and have to go to hospital for sure!" ventured another student and all the students laughed.
"Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?" asked the professor.
"No," was the answer.
"Then what caused the arm ache and the muscle stress?"
The students were puzzled.
"What should I do now to come out of pain?" asked the professor again.
"Put the glass down!" said one of the students.
"Exactly!" said the professor.

This is the way it is with grief and many other life problems. Hold on to them for a while and they seem OK. Hold on to them for a long time and they begin to ache. Hold on even longer and they begin to paralyze you.

It is so important to work through the griefs, challenges and problems of life, or they will take over life, they will eat you up from the inside.

But when they are tackled, when they are resolved, then you have your full emotional being to handle any issue, any grief or any challenge that comes your way.

I want these comments to be helpful. Please let me know if we need to talk!

“Risk in the face of Fear!”

There were suggestions that I should post my sermon for All Saint's Sunday, November 7, 2010, here on this blog. So here it is....

A few days ago I asked a colleague if he’d figured out what’s to be going on in churches and our society, because I haven’t. I listed places I’ve seen anxiety present in my life and that of those close to me.

The perspective he brought was the perspective of fear. Taking things from bullying, to the political agendas, to international relations to church conflict. Taking things from the movement of the stock market and the winning or losing of a football team, there is a “hunkering down” and a lashing out that grows out of deep anxiety. The anxiety is fear.

This set me thinking. I took a look at some of my behaviors. What feeds my fears? Why gives me the feeling that I need to “hunker down” or take control or become defensive? The list got grew fairly quickly:
The stories of the evening local new gave me reason to fear: gun violence, new taxes and “fees”, and a new turn in the housing market.
The front page of the money section gave me reason to fear: who knows where this recession is going, people are out of work, businesses closing their doors, work is drying up and health insurance premiums are out of control.
The letters to the editor fed my fears: the republicans or the democrats and more about tax hikes, pet problems and big spending.
National news, the weather and a counseling session with a colleague gave me a few more reasons to become afraid.

Then I took another step and thought about some of the other “inputs” I get in my daily life. Sometimes I read espionage books. I know I can only read a couple in a row before I have to move to another genre – I get paranoid. The TV shows recorded on our “list” – NCIS, Chase and several like them. Hum... there’s some food for fear there. And then there are the ads like “Credit Scores.com”, every single political ad and the slough of spam e-mails and ads that eat away at my self-confidence and tell me “You’re not good enough.”

And then, though it is quite (I think) tongue in cheek, the “March to Keep Fear Alive” speaks volumes of truth about current fear and anxiety.

So, what does this have to do with “All Saints Sunday?”
What does this have to do with a day established in the 17th century by Pope Boniface IV on May 1 and later changed to November 1? Pope Urban IV once explained that the day was set aside to provide a time to honor and remember the saints who might have been overlooked during the year. There were so many martyrs that it was not possible for each to have his/her own day, so this day took care of all of them. This day is set aside to take care of us, saints, “... those belonging to the entire community of baptized Christians.” (Big Webster Dictionary)

What does it have to do with today? Well, I’d say just about everything. Because, you see, as you read down the blessings outlined in Jesus’ teaching, everything on that list – poverty (the economy), hunger (job security), death (health care), ridicule (I’m not good enough) – feed our fears. And most everything we think we long for, or will make us happy – riches, being filled, popularity and carefree living -- is in Jesus’ list of woes! It all seems backwards. Yet Jesus is pretty clear. And, in his clarity, is quite challenging.

Jesus’ kingdom prayer is that God’s reign works. Not that some achieve perfection or holiness and others don’t. We all go out of this world with the same blessing at our funeral – commended to God as “lambs of his own flock and sinner’s of his own redeeming.

Not that we need to pretend to be perfect. We aren’t, we never were and we never will be.

Not that we need to draw in, hunker down and just wait. Fear can paralyze us into thinking that we can ignore the world out there and that by not taking risks we can avoid pain and failure.

Now that we need to take more control of our emotions, spirit, calendars and checkbooks. Taking control means that I don’t have to be honest about my fears and gives excuses to not risk.

You see, Jesus’ economy works a whole lot different than all of that. Jesus said, “Have no fear little flock, for the father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

This writer, Angie Klock, took the words right out of my mouth: “.... we are very aware of how easy it would be to allow fear to take a foothold in our hearts. Like every phase of treatment and every change we encounter in our lives, whether we plan them or not, there is always room for fear. But, that place is not where God is. ... Fear says, God I do not trust that what you have in store for me is good, even though You are good and loving. Fear says that I know what is best for me and it would be the path that I choose for myself. So how do we go forward without fear? How do we go forward rejoicing and not looking back over our shoulder for words like relapse or metastasis?”

In Jesus’ economy we look risk the Kingdom promise that Jesus is pleased to give. To take God literally (that’s the real mark of sainthood) and trust God’s pleasure to bless us even in the deepest times of trouble. To be everyday humans, ordinary sinners, who step forward in faith, who risk being confident in the face of fear, to struggle doggedly with bravery and truth. To take action – to be generous, to trust, to love to, to stand against injustice, etc. -- even against the odds of fear. You see, in the kingdom economy this is where God is and this is were we see the miracles of God’s holy reign in the lives of the likes of us.

I think I’ve told you before about Justin. Justin is a 6th grader, playing organized football. When asked by Bishop David what his favorite part was, he said, “I like the huddle. Calling the plays, being part of the team, being close to the guys, that’s what I like. But I have to say, I don’t much care for what happens after that.”

Sometimes that’s the way we approach our life of faith. We huddle up and enjoy the places where we feel safe and secure. We hunker down and block out our fears (the parts we don’t like about life). We find ways to not take the risks of the Kingdom promises of God.

Sainthood is to live life “out loud”. Live as an authentic saint, not moved and motivated by fear, but by faith, not a fan of Jesus but a follower. Not just in love with Jesus, but looking more and more like Jesus.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Let’s can the fear. Let’s risk living in the Kingdom promise, in the spirit of the power and promise we have as saints in His kingdom.

Amen.

Encouragement: Have it, Do it, Be it!

The other day I heard one person tell another "You have the gift of encouragement." It was a high compliment to a person who is able to offer the right words that become affirmation and encouragement for another person on life's journey.

Indeed, encouragement is a gift. It is listed among some of the spiritual gifts given to God's people.

On the other hand, encouragement is one of the "natural laws" which governs relationships and our well being, just as there are other "natural laws" that govern our world. These laws are predictable and reliable. It is one of the gifts that we need to both give and receive. We need to bask in it's luxury while also being quick and generous in giving it away.

Here are some thoughts that might help make encouragement a more natural part of who you are and what you are.

HAVE IT:
One of the "natural laws" is that you cannot give away what you don't already have. Encouragement is one of those factors. One has to start with having it. And having it has to do with a decision to look at the encouraging side of living. It is to let those who want to be negative and pessimistic make their own choices. But the encourager can be one who uses the words "Yes, but..." in positive ways to not stop with what's wrong with life, but to look past the darkness to call attention to the light. It is sort of like seeing dark clouds in the sky and being able to look past them to see the beauty of the sun on the cloud tops, or the wonder of the lightening in the clouds or even the miracle of rain and wind. One can start by filling one's own spirit with a positive outlook. With a positive outlook, one can start to give away what one has built in one's own life.

DO IT:
Resolutions are so easy and quickly broken. Just think about New Year's past. This time the start doesn't have to be a false start or a failed resolution. Encouragement isn't limited. There isn't just so much to go around. It is not the kind of thing that needs to be hoarded. There is enough to go around, and always more where the first batch came from. In fact, encouragement is almost like a breeder reactor. The more encouragement is used, the more it creates. It comes back in far greater measure than how it was given away. Encourage another person and they've been given fuel for living. Pat them on the back and a friendship has been created. Keep urging another person to greater success and one's own sphere of influence has been extended. By being an encourager, one becomes party to the growth and expansion of the life of another person.

BE IT:
You know, it doesn't take long in looking back on life for one to pick out a number of people who had positive influences on the path of life. It might have been a parent, a teacher, a mentor, a uncle or aunt or even a pastor. It was the person who said just the right words at just the right time which made all the difference in a decision that turned out to be life changing. Picturing that person, decide to be that kind of person. Put on encouragement like a top coat. Get all wrapped up in it. Don't think of leaving home without it. Never start a new day without thinking of one other person to encourage. And then be the encouragement you want to be.

Life does matter. Each of our lives counts. They count for much more than we really ever know. Each of us, by sharing the gift of encouragement, can change lives, influence negative forces and make a difference even into the lives of people we may never have a chance to meet.

You are blessed. You are claimed by God. You are gifted with life. And all is good!

T.O.M.

Promise Yourself

A friend of mine shared this with me. I found it to be a moving reflection worth sharing.
T.O.M.

Promise Yourself by Christian D. Larson

Promise yourself to be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

A Prayer from Haiti

“There is a big devil named ‘discouragement’ out there. He is bothering us. Make it go away! In Jesus’ name. Amen”

The Land In-Between

Here are the study guides for the three sermons: "The Land In-Between".

“THE LAND IN-BETWEEN: FERTILE GROUND!!”
Read: Numbers 11: 4 – 35; Philippians 4: 4 – 7

The land in-between is any time we are in the middle of a journey, a race, a project or a life challenge. It is that time when are far enough away from the beginning that we’ve lost our drive, our energy and our vision has blurred, but we aren’t close enough to the finish/end to see the completion or gain energy from the fact we “are almost there.”
Can you identify one or two times when you’ve been in, or are in, a land in-between?

The Land In-Between is fertile ground for complaint.
How/why do you remember the “good old days” when they may not have been that good?
Do you ever find yourself looking back and longing for what was? What is the result?

The Land In-Between is fertile ground for emotional meltdown.
What/where is the focus when we ask “Why?” or “Why me?”
In your land in-between what has caused you emotional meltdown?
What events cause you to move to ‘why me?’ thinking and how do you respond?

The Land In-Between is fertile ground for God’s provision AND God’s discipline.
Is there an area in your life where you doubt God’s willingness or ability to provide?
Has God ever offered a “discipline” for your sinful complaint about God (different that your complaint TO God)?
What happened?

The Land In-Between is fertile ground for faith to grow.
How do you begin to thank God in your trials while rejoicing and offering prayers for God to supply your needs (supplication)?
Where do you see God at work and how do you trust God at work in the monotony of day-to-day life?


“THE LAND IN-BETWEEN: SNAKE ON A POLE!!”
Read: Numbers 21: 4 – 9; John 3: 1 - 21

In the land in-between the Israelites are getting more and more impatient. When their impatience gets the best of them, God becomes angry.
Think of a time when you have doubted that God is good and active in your life.

The impatience of Israel caused the people to speak out against God and against Moses.
What is the difference between complaining about something and complaining against someone? How does that fit here?
Is there a time in your life when a discouragement turned into a complaint against God? What happened?

Sometimes in the land in-between we erroneously conclude that God is evil, incompetent, apathetic or distracted. .
What do you think the Israelites were thinking?
What erroneous conclusions have you made about God because of life circumstances?

God becomes angry. God also gives a measure of grace.
Are you troubled by God’s response? Why? Why not?
What meaning do you find in God’s deliverance?
Do you see a connection between acknowledgement of sin and the action of “looking upon the pole”?

Jesus is lifted up on the “pole” of the cross as part of God’s redemptive plan for all people.
Who/what are the “snakes” in the Jesus story of salvation?
How is the Exodus story of a “snake on a pole” a fitting illustration of Jesus’ redemptive actions?
When was the first time you heard the words of John 3: 16?
What do these words stand for in your life?

“THE LAND IN-BETWEEN: WATER!!”
Read: Numbers 20: 2 – 13; Exodus 6: 1 - 8;
Luke 15: 1 – 7

God is a rescuer!! He loves to see people who are dying come to life. The problem is we tend to give up on people, and ourselves, before God does. Here we see Moses, fed up with the complaining, ready to leave the Israelites dead in the wilderness. God also wants to still their complaining, but also wants to rescue his people.

There is a problem of thirst in the desert. The People have given up. Moses is ready to give up too.
What gives the impression Moses has given up?
What does Moses do to “change” God’s plan? How does God react? Does Moses hold back his blessing of water?
Have you ever given up on somebody? Does God give up on them? How can you trust God with this person?
Where can you identify God’s persistence and grace in your life?

God’s covenant is rooted in Exodus 6: 1 – 8; and before that in Genesis 12: 1 – 4.
What is the promise? To whom is it made?
Make a full list of God’s promises. What do God’s promises suggest about the character of God?
What is it about humans that we have trouble believing and trusting God’s promises?

Luke records three stories of God’s faithfulness. In the parables of “the lost” we get a picture of God’s promise in Jesus.
Look at the setting of Jesus’ teaching. How/why is the setting important to the meaning of these stories?
What is the character of Jesus, the “shepherd”?
When are you like a “lost sheep”? Where do you go? How does it feel to know God is searching for you?
How can you encourage other “lost sheep” for whom God is also searching and willing to “carry” them home?

You might be interested in exploring this theme more fully in the book: "The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions" by Jeff Manion

Power Strip Faith

Those who know me best know that I've done some pretty silly things in my life. But none has been more silly than the time I accidentally plugged the power strip into itself.

I don't quite know how it happened, but amid the number of cords I was trying to plug in, I somehow got the power strip plug into my hand and plugged the power strip into itself. Then, of course, I couldn't figure out how come none of the things I'd plugged into the power strip would work. It simply didn't make sense for the longest time. Not until I noticed that I'd plugged the power strip into itself. Silly me!!

It's "silly me" as well when I try to plug into my own power and resources instead of plugging into the real source of Power, the Holy Spirit. It's "silly me" all over again when I plug into my own wisdom and goals, rather than plugging into the real Widsom and the guidance of the One who knows the future.

You see, our basic human tendency is to try to rely on ourselves to supply our power. Our human tendency is to "do it myself." with the attitude of a two year old. Our basic human tendency is to get confused about how we access the Power of God.

Now, when I'm faced with a difficult situation, now when I want to think that God has lost control or that God is incompetent, I stop to make sure that I'm "plugged in" properly--plugged in through the Spirit of God to the one eternal and sustainable power source, my Creator and Eternal provider and protector.

Actually by doing so, I avoid quite a number of "silly me" situations.

November, 2010 Sketchings

“A RESURRECTION STORY!!”

Perhaps you, as did I, followed the rescue story of the thirty-three Chilean miners with rapt attention. It was tear jerking to see that first miner rescued. After 69 days, over half – a - mile underground, he was brought to the surface in a capsule so small that I couldn’t have fit into it. The capsule was aptly named “Phoenix.”

The part that is even more interesting is how they spent the first 17 days in darkness, knowing nothing about the efforts above ground to rescue them. They lived in an area no larger than 165 square feet. The shared meager rations under a strict system so that what little food and water available would last as long as possible.

During the 52 days in-between, well this is also a story. They were given supplies through a tube that was first used to see if they had survived. The tube was barely 5 inches in diameter. Inside a “carrier” of PVC pipe about 9 feet long, was used to shuttle food, drinks, messages and medicine. After some improvement even camp beds, communication equipment and clothing supplies to be sent to make the men's lives more comfortable. The name of this shuttle was “The Dove”.

Reports say that during that time the men organized themselves to live during their waiting. No one was allowed to isolate himself with his fears. Everyone exercised, did work for the good of all, and kept engaged in living so that they could be as healthy as possible when the time came for rescue. One report contained this sentence: "They functioned like a family - a mix of love, dependence, frustration. But there were never thoughts of turning on each other."

Do you hear the spiritual applications here? Do you hear a vision of what heaven, earth and church could look like? Do you see what we can learn?

In many ways, our life is life in this small space in the universe called “earth.” The “rescue work” we call salvation is going on above. We cannot know all that God is doing for us during our times of weakness, failure, and discouragement. But we know the power of the cross and that God won’t ever forget or give up on us.

During our “holding on” time, we’re connected to God through the Holy Spirit (its symbol is “the dove”). Through the power of the cross and the connections of the Dove/Spirit we re supplied with all the resources we need to live in faith and faithfulness. We do so in order to be spiritually ready and healthy for our days on earth, before we are ushered into heaven.

As for the rest of what we do, it is done in a different kind of dark threatening environment where sin has done its best to trap and destroy us. We can’t get out of here with our own strength. We wait instead with all the patience we can muster, keep hope alive, and trust the promise. Refusing to turn on each other, we encourage one another daily to keep the faith.

I praise God for the safety of the Chilean miners. I praise God even more deeply for God’s attentiveness to my life and the spiritual supplies brought from heaven by his Holy Dove to bless me, to sustain our faith community and to shine light into the dark corners where we live.

Dancing Squirrels

These warm early fall days have really brought out the squirrels in our neighborhood. They seem to be quite busy getting ready for winter. Eating berries from our thorn-bush, digging up nuts stored in the yard, reinforcing their tree top nests.

As the go about their business they dart and dash throughout the neighborhood. They run carelessly amid what most would consider extreme danger – dancing across the narrow slats of our wooden fence, scampering through the treetops on thin branches that sag with their weight, even dashing along a high wire running through a neighboring yard.

All this they do without concern, or at least visible concern, when a single slip could mean death or injury. I would be paralyzed with fright. I get sweaty palms just thinking about it.

But the squirrels – they dance!

Even when the going is tough ...
Even when it seems the only line of support is thin and tenuous ...
Even when bad things could happen when one fails ...
Even when the wind is blowing ...
Even when things don’t go smoothly ...
Even when the work is hard ...
Even when things are slippery ...
Squirrels dance.
They dance!

Do you see what I see?

There are a lot more opportunities to dance!

”We Don’t Have Cell Phone Service”

During some of our recent time away we had the wonderful opportunity and enjoyment of spending some extended family time near Trukee, CA and nearer to Donner Lake. Yes, this is the lake near the site of the place where the Donner Party (or Donner—Reed Party) was stranded during the winter of 1846-1847, snowbound on the east side of the rugged passes over the Sierra Nevada Range and just 100 or so miles from the Pacific Ocean. A monument at the site says that when the party arrived on October 29, 1846 there was 22 feet of snow on the ground – only the tree tops would have been visible. You probably know that tsotry that only 48 of the original 87 members of the party survived and the survivors resorted to cannibalism in order to live until a relief party arrived in the middle of February, 1847, almost four months after the wagon train became trapped.

During our evening meal, around great food with wonderful fellowship, we found ourselves “complaining’ that we didn’t have very good cell phone service. Some of us couldn’t send messages, others couldn’t receive messages and our data links were less than spotty.

Then a comment was made about the Donner party and the story of almost 160 years ago. Our eyes grew big and one of us noted, “So why are we complaining about not having cell phone service?”

It was a good question, a dose of reality and an opportunity for thanks – for all the blessings of God and for the sacrifice of those immigrant pioneers who carved out the beginnings of civilization in these beautiful parts of the United States.

I’m trying to be sure that I don’t take for granted the wonderful blessings of God’s grace that allow me to live a blessed and secure life.

Moving Away from the "Silo" View

As one looks out an airplane window over Central and Western Nebraska, assuming it is a clear day, one can see the lush green "circles" of the fields that are being watered by "center pivot" irrigation systems. What is clear is the contrast between the circle that has been watered and the areas in the corners of the square field that have not been watered. Lush greens contrast against the more arid browns and tans. These sprinkler systems are set up with some concern about territory, property boundaries and water rights. The result is incomplete watering.


In contrast, I think of my lawn irrigation system. While those sprinklers work in circles too, they are arranged to "overlap" in ways that allow the whole lawn to receive life giving water. When we set up lawn sprinklers we aren't so concerned about territory. We are more concerned about getting water across the whole lawn and for most of us it doesn't matter much if we get some water on a neighbor's lawn or theirs on our lawn. The result is usually a nice green lawn for all involved. No dry lifeless corners.



I have a colleague who speaks of the "silo" view. The view is like what is seen from the airplane over central and western Nebraska. Areas are covered with life but other areas are left dry and more lifeless. My colleague applies the "silo view" to ministry. That is, sometimes we get so concerned about our "territory", our "property rights" or the area of our responsibility that we only act for and in a particular "circle". When groups, committees, ministries, work with a "silo" view, there are spots of life, but there are also areas where ministry isn't being provided, or if it is, the ministry is only "run off" from the areas inside the "silo" circle.

To move away from the "silo" view, ministries need to overlap, link hands together for a common goal, be aware of the places where teaming up could be more life-giving to the whole community, the whole of God's people. Moving away from a "silo" view benefits all with better use of resources, opportunities to "team up" (see previous post) and places to break down the barriers growing out of differing personal preferences and experiences.

The ultimate result is that a larger area of life, community, city, state and world is well watered -- watered with the life giving water of Jesus the Christ, who is living water for our lives, our faith and out spirit.

One of my goals for ministry is movement away from the "silo" view. I'm looking for others who will walk with me to link hands to life giving to all.

Overcoming Differences with Team Work

The last couple of days I've been giving considerable thought as to how it is that working side by side on a project (the more sweat involved the better) will break down barriers and build relationship even between people with dramatically different personal preferences.

While in the middle of these ponderings I received the devotional called "Team Up" by Max Lucado. He says it much better than I, even though I'm likely to weigh in on this theme again soon.

Check out what Max Lucado has to say at: http://www.maxlucado.com/static/email_archive/2010/09.13.html

Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Tom

October, 2010 Sketchings

“THE A-B-CS OF HANDLING MISTAKES”

A grizzled old sea captain was often spotted by his crew opening a small, locked box on the bridge, peeking inside at its contents, and shutting the lid before anyone might glimpse inside. The crew's curiosity grew and, on the day he retired, they rushed to the bridge, cut the lock and looked inside the box. There they found a sheet of paper that read, "Left -- port. Right -- starboard."

If you’ve ever sailed or been on a boat you’ll understand this even more acutely. Probably no one who has sailed can keep port and starboard right every time. Probably every one who has sailed has yelled out “obstacle to port” when they meant the opposite. I’ve done it several times my self, and even more often in some other life calls I’ve made.

One such mess us up, gives us nightmares about making a mistake. Some people won’t act because they are afraid to err. Others feel as if no one is listening until a mistake has been made!

For we humans, who make mistakes and err – we simply can’t help it, here’s the story of Roy Riegels.

The story is told about Roy and the 1929 Rose Bowl championship football game between Georgia Tech and the University of California. Shortly before half-time, a man named Roy Riegels made a huge mistake. He got the ball for California and somehow became confused and started running in the wrong direction! One of his team mates outdistanced him and tackled him after he had run 65 yards just before he would have scored for the opposing team. Of course, Georgia Tech gained a distinct advantage through the error.

The men filed off the field and went into the dressing room. All but Riegels sat down on the benches and on the floor. He wrapped his blanket around his shoulders, sat in a corner, put his face in his hands and wept.

Coach Nibbs Price struggled with what to do with Roy. He finally looked at the team and said simply, "Men, the same team that played the first half, will start the second." All the players except Roy trotted out to the field. He didn't budge. Though the coach looked back and called to him again, he remained huddled in the corner. Coach Price went to him and said, "Roy, didn't you hear me?"

"Coach," he said, "I can't do it. I've ruined you; I've ruined UCLA; I've ruined myself. I couldn't face that crowd in the stadium to save my life."

But Coach Price put his hand on Riegels' shoulder and said, "Roy, get up and go on back; the game is only half over." Roy Riegels went back and those Tech men will tell you that they have never seen a man play football as Roy Riegels played that second half.

From this story I’ve learned to apply this A – B – C process to the mistakes I make:

A - Acknowledge the error and accept responsibility for it. Don't try to fix the blame on other people or circumstances. Fixing the blame never fixes the problem.

B - Be gentle. The game is only half over. This is not the first ever made, nor will it be the last. I am still a good and caring person. Besides, later I’m likely to tell wonderful stories about this blunder, so I try and lighten up a bit for now.

C - Correct it and move on. "Those who are wise don't consider it a blessing to make no mistakes," says Wang Yang-Ming. "They believe instead that the great virtue is the ability to correct mistakes and to continually reinvent oneself."

So, we make mistakes. Go ahead and make some mistakes – it means one is not sitting still. And though some may be no less than spectacular, if practicing the A – B - C method, we’ll live to tell about all of them and laugh about most of them.

The Crosses in the Tree

I found myself standing in the chapel of Morning Star looking out at one of the large pine trees. I wasn't looking for or at anything in particular. But suddenly it struck me. The ends of several of the branches had a cross on them. I looked more closely. Many branches had a cross at the end of the branch. The cross. Our salvation. The cross once made of a tree. A tree full of crosses.

I know that upon closer examination I really wouldn't find crosses at the end of the branches. I'd find an arrangement of new growth, probably 5 or 6 new "spears". But from the vantage point I had, the branches were aligned so that I saw crosses.

Now, I don't want to put any particular significance to what I saw. It was just a sense of my salvation and the presence of God in a simple place and in a simple way. For the moment in which I stood there, it was a miracle.

You see, God doesn't always become evident in the dramatic, the over whelming or the newsworthy. God more often becomes evident in the simple things. God often is revealed in the unexpectedly mundane things of life. And that's a miracle too.

The Power of a Smile

Teresa and I went to visit our Dads yesterday. During our time with my Dad, he was talking about how few people say good morning at his assisted living residence. Even though he is legally blind, he is aware of some of the "sour" attitude among the 25 or so people that he lives with.

My Dad's attitude is far from sour. Every morning on his walk, he smiles and says "Good Morning" to everyone he meets. Same is true the rest of the day too -- though the greeting changes depending on the time of day.

As I was driving home I got to reflecting on this thing of smiling and saying "Good Morning." Specifically, I got to thinking about my morning bike rides of late when I greet those I meet along the trail/sidewalk. Many are sour and glum and give nary a glance my way. Others are bright and bubbly with with a hearty greeting or perhaps even a wave of the hand. Never-the-less, I greet each one with some sort of a verbal greeting.

My reflection lead me to an interesting insight. That is that my greetings and smile are at least as important for me as for the other. My smiles and my greetings have a tendency to change my perspective and attitude. They release warm feelings. They hook up great chemistry. They plant in me a wonderful outlook for the day. Even when I'm not feeling so positive (remember I'm not really a morning person) in the morning, my smile and greetings perk me up and give me positive feelings. I suspect some good things happen for the other too, I know they do for me when the other gives a hearty good morning greeting.

So, I think, it is no coincidence that my Dad's attitude is what it is. He starts his day with smiles and "Good Mornings" to all around. Maybe it is no coincidence that his home mates are more dour and glum -- they don't seem to warm up to those smiles and "Good Mornings." Maybe it is no coincidence that my feelings and attitudes change when I offer those warm greetings with a smile.

So, I'm thinking, more smiles. More "Good Mornings". Not so much because the other person needs them, but because I need them.

Blessings along your journey.

In Memory of Pastor Martin C. Ashley

September 5, 1925 - August 30, 2010

Today would have been Pastor Ashley's 85th Birthday.

Pastor Ashley came from Kansas to Omaha in 1955 as a Mission Developer for the Lutheran Congregation that later became Morning Star. Pastor Ashley was Pastor of Morning Star until 1977. Morning Star was a significant part of Pastor Ashley’s 61 years of ordained ministry, a milestone celebrated at Morning star with the planting of a tree in his honor – it is the one near our mail box. And, on the flip side, Pastor Ashley has been a significant part of the 53 years of Morning Star’s life and the lives of a significant number of Morning Star people.

I didn't have the privilege of knowing Pastor Ashley very well. But what I did get to know is that Pastor Ashley was tenacious in his work to build the kingdom of God and to build Morning Star. In those years developing a mission congregation meant “door knocking”. I’ve heard dozens of stories of Pastor Ashley coming to the door, being invited in and “before he left we had become among the members of Morning Star Lutheran.” And there is Pastor Ashley's preaching. He was gifted with a wonderful speaking voice. He used it to present a strong clear message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was compelling for the faith in believing in that same Gospel. And, Pastor Ashley was always generous, complementary and kind.

Marks of Pastor Ashley's ministry are all over Morning Star. In her people and in the building itself. If my understanding is correct, Pastor Ashley had a hand in the design of our stained glass windows. His passion for Jesus is clear all around us.

Thank you, Pastor Ashley for your witness, your ministry and your life of faith.

And on today's "new birthday" rest in God’s full arms of grace in your heavenly home, in the victory of the Gospel you preached so faithfully.

"Hoarding" and Forgiveness

Perhaps you saw the story in the paper last week. I'm thinking about the one about the 67 year old Las Vegas woman who went missing last April. She was finally found, by her husband inside her own home -- under a pile of debris. After being reported missing by her husband back in April (that's four months ago), an extensive search was conducted including bringing sniffer dogs tinto the home and to the area immediately adjacent to it. The problem was that there was so much odor inside the home (from her obsessive hoarding) that the dogs were unable to pick up her scent. Apparently Billie Jean James had been in the room she called her "rabbit hole" when items squirreled away there collapsed on her.

It is a sad story. It must have been a sad existence. But there are others who have died beneath the weight of their hoarding.

Most of us are not in danger from that kind of hoarding. We are much more in danger of stockpiling resentments, grudges, slights and our own misguided perceptions of others. These kinds of things are everywhere: in traffic, when someone gets the promotion or position that we think we deserved, when someone doesn't do the job our way, which is of course much better. We find them when someone gives us bad news about a budget cut or layoff, ends a relationship, takes advantage of us or uses us for their own ends. You see this list could go on and on.

There is a piece of our humanity that leads us to hoard these offenses. We might take our anger out on a family member or other innocent party. We might be cool to someone and keep them at a distance. We might choose not to make the first move to greet that other person, or secretly hope they "get what is coming to them." We might be angry or sad most of the time. Our friends might notice that we are withdrawn, moody or distracted.

You see, these are the signs of human hoarding of emotions, resentments, slights and perceived injustices. These are the signs that we are slowly being smothered under the weight of emotional hoarding.

These things are better let go of than stored away. If you think you've been mistreated, deal with it directly in terms of a conversation (no e-mail or texts of this kind of stuff). Maybe it won't be resolved, but it is healthier than hoarding. For many things, it is better just to let them go. To walk away. To "dump" them in to a journal or letter that is then destroyed. To move on with your life.

In the end refusing to let go and walk away from the resentments and offenses that we want to hoard, will harm our spirit and leave us under the control of another.

Paul gave this advice in Colossians 3: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you."

September, 2010 Sketchings

“’JOURNEY 2 RENEWAL’: A SUMMARY!!”

I thought it appropriate to provide a summary of my part of our “Journey 2 Renewal.” While you are getting bits and pieces of this wonderful time, it seems helpful to share with the whole of Morning Star some of ways in which I believe this time has made an impact for my life and ministry.

First of all, however, Teresa joins me in saying a great big “Thank You” for this time away, this time to renew, this time to journey to places we really never dreamed of seeing. What began as a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip actually opened up our dreams to a lifetime that will include more travels into this wonderful, engaging and interesting world.

My activities included reading, personal travel and reflection, attention to my spiritual, emotional and physical self, relationships with my God and my family and a three-week tour “In the Footsteps of Paul.” I also was able to worship with area and regional congregations and connect with my mentor and accountability partners.

My major “goal” was to enter into a new season of “being” – “well being”, being present and being claimed by God’s grace. In the reading of Paul, my travels and the slower pace of these weeks, I believe my spirit has been calmed and buoyed at the same time. I find myself able to find the quiet depths of my inner self and to enjoy ministry with a different pace and focus. An active and tangible result of this season of being has been the formation of some new relationships with a “spiritual guide” and a new set of ministry / mentor partners. I believe these new relationships will help me continue to grow the seeds planted during “Journey 2 Renewal.”

These “popcorn” observations also help share a perspective on Journey 2 Renewal:

“GOD” PROMPTING:
My reading of Paul and his ministry, along with the ease with which tour participants “testified” to their faith, challenged me to ponder the whole idea of “testimony”, both my testimony to my faith and my testimony to Jesus as the Christ. (I blogged about this theme earlier.)

LEARNING “NUGGETS:
Most of the Apostle Paul’s work was not in Greece (Philippi, Athens and Corinth). Rather it was in Turkey, mostly in the parts of Turkey that we did not visit.

Turkey and the areas of Biblical History have a long been the center of political conquest with at least 9 different conquering empires over human history.

SURPRISE OPPORTUNITY:
A visit to the Science Museum of MN’s interesting and informative exhibit of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” and the “St. John’s Bible”. I saw the St. John’s Bible exhibit in Omaha, but it was meaningful to see it linked to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Please know that from time to time I will be sharing more of my learning and observations. I hope you’ll be open to sharing yours as well.

T. O. M.

Long Slow Rains and Spiritual Growth

Today, Tuesday 8/17, was one of those days when there were showers and rain all day long. From last evening and through the day and on into this evening there was pretty much a steady light to moderately heavy rain.

Being out and about today took me back in my memories to similar days as a child. This time of the year, a day long rain was somewhat of a luxury. It marked a time to take a break in the routines of farm life. It was a time to catch up on mending broken equipment, fixing fences, running errands, preparing for the fall harvest as well as tending to relationships with neighbors and family and even have the luxury, perhaps, of an afternoon nap. I remember day long rains with a certain amount of fondness, a warm reflective feeling in my being.

While today didn't actually provide a farm type break, it did provide a mental/spiritual/emotional break from a long string of hot days, some of them unbearably so. It did provide a respite for lawns and soil cracked with thirst. It did offer an opportunity for a slower pace going from here to there -- the streets were extra slick for some reason and the resulting accidents slowed the pace of traffic -- sometimes. It did provide an opportunity for this reflective moment of fond memories of my feelings on days gone by.

My reflective moments took me, actually, to some thoughts about how this kind of rain is so good for the thirsty earth. Unlike most of the rains this summer that came in such downpours that much of the water ran off. The earth was no more able to drink in all that moisture than you or I are to grab a thirst quenching drink from the proverbial fire hydrant. But this rain is different. The earth can drink up most of this nectar from the sky. The lake has hardly risen, the creek remains within its banks. My back yard is not a lake. The earth is swallowing the gift of the rain at about the same pace as it is falling.

Somehow, my spiritual growth follows this same pattern. When I find myself "dry" (so to speak) sometimes the mountaintop experiences aren't satisfying long term. When I find myself dry I don't find a downpour to be particularly refreshing. What refreshes is the long, slow, steady work of the Spirit, the never failing but enduring love of God and sipping from the Word of God. What brings growth and fruit is the consistent day by day attention I have to the presence of God in the everyday, routine surprises in life.

I was blessed by the rain today. I was blessed by the showers of God's love and grace. I was blessed by fellowship with other Christians. I was blessed to be able to drink up God's presence at a pace that didn't overwhelm me. As a result, I've take another step in the gradual process of being a little less of me and a little more of Him.

The rain showered on you today. God's love and grace showered on you to. And you took another step in the process of this adventure we call life and faith. I hope your step was as wonderful as was mine.

August 2010 "Sketchings"

“DANCING WITH THE STAR!!”

“Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” are two extremely popular TV series. They capture the imagination of a “nobody” becoming “somebody.” They capture beauty, partnership, flow and movement. They capture the wonder of being with another person and enjoying the gift of their life and passion.

The whole idea of “dance” could apply to many situations in our lives. Obviously, there is the dance of relationships – marriage and friendships – where we want to tend to relationship with our words and actions, our commitment to daily compliments and expressing love and affection. There is the dance of our playtime where we engage in activities with others, giving our full attention to our participation in the event and our role in that event. There is the dance of work and the market place where we give and take and share on a team to give a full day of our energy and attention to the particular project/activity in which we’re engaged. There is the dance of building up a family where we share chores and experiences and built memories together at the same time finding ways to say “you’re special and loved.”

Now take the next step with me to acknowledge that all of life is a dance. In fact, life is a dance with God. Our faith is a dance with God. It is a dance with “THE star.”

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be yours as well.” Jesus said, “Have no fear little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

In our humanness, we see some of this as being a bit too “religious.” We are quick to shrug it off. We are quick to not invest in this faith thing. We are quick to follow the perceived power of our own way, of our own direction for life. For some reason we want to be “the star” of our own dance. Ultimately we find that this simply doesn’t work so well for us.

Why doesn’t it work? It doesn’t work because a dance involves two. The dance of life and faith involves dancing with “THE star”.

You see, everything in life relates to God. God is at the center. God gives us life and breath, gravity and wind. God gives all the little things we take for granted like our heart pumping and our muscles responding to our brains. God gives us comfort and hope. God gives forgiveness, a fresh start and a second chance. God is right smack in the center of everything we do (see my blog on camp and my sermon for 7/25/10).

To pursue the “dance” theme, it is God became our “partner” when God created us. It was God who took us by the hand and blessed and loved us from even before our birth. It was God who gifted us and blessed us and invited us to the dance of life and the dance of faith.

Why is it, then, that we’re so quick to leave God at the sidelines and dance alone?

So, this is an invitation to dance with God. It is an invitation to dance with “THE STAR”. In dancing with God, you’ll have a faithful partner and guide. You’ll find new truth about your life. You’ll know what it means for a sinner to become a saint. You’ll see the Kingdom that God brings for you, your relationships, your recreation, your job and your emotional life. You’ll discover the truth in “have no fear little flock for it is the Father’s good pleasure to bring you the kingdom.”

Dance with “THE STAR” and you’ll never want to dance alone. Dance with “THE STAR” and you’ll never want to dance alone.

Camp, Co-op activities and Christ

I've spent most of the last several days at our church camp near Ashland, NE. Camp Carol Joy Holling is a wonderful space spread across about 300 acres with hard wood forest, open fields and lakes and waterways. It also has wild turkeys, bugs, and all the other wonders of creation. And this week it has, in addition to the multitude of summer camp staff, several dozen "Confirmation Campers" who are studying, playing, eating and serving together. They are doing so around a theme that has to do with community in Christ. I get to interact with our four students and other students and Pastors as we go about camp life together.

One of the more fun activities to observe are the "co-op" activities where students learn to trust each other, work together and accomplish activities together. These activities are designed to assist students to be able to participate in and complete the "high ropes" course, a task that cannot (and should not) be done alone. They need each other for support, encouragement, balance and community. It is fun to see students complete this challenge together.

Springs campers are divided into several "villages". Each village consists of individuals from different churches and communities. Each village will be "Village for the Day." This year what it means to be "Village for the Day" is that the members of the village work together to carry a large wooden cross -- it is made from 2 x 6 lumber and is probably 12 feet tall. It takes some cooperation and effort for all hands to be carrying the cross. When we see the village carrying the cross we can yell, "Why are you carrying that cross." The village will respond, "Because Jesus is the center of my life."

Jesus the center of my life. Isn't that a wonderful response to a whole host of questions? Why have you chosen to make weekly worship a priority? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why have you chosen to share 10% of your resources with others through the church? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why do you notice the poor and the outcast? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why have you decided to pray and read your Bible on a daily basis? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why are you so eager to tell others what God is doing in your life? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!"

You see, when looked at like this, Jesus as the center of my life changes things. It gives me a new way to look at my motivations, a new way to look at my choices, a new way to think about my discipleship and my following of Jesus.

One of our students observed that many of the things we "do" as disciples we do without expecting anything in return. That's really right on. How can we do things without any expectation of anything in return. Because Jesus is the center of my life! Of course. And because Jesus gave it all for us.

Now, isn't that good news!!

And, oh, I forgot to mention that campers, the Nebraska Synod Mission Trip and World Hunger are partnering to put together 32,000 health kits (soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, band-aids, nail clipper, hand towel and wash cloth) for the people of Haiti. This project is on target to reach this goal by the end of camp next week -- this week campers assembled 4,600 + Health Care kits and the total at the end of the week stands at 30,049. Why? Because Jesus is the center of our life!!

Giving our "Testimony"

One of the unexpected doors that opened for me in the last weeks is in the whole area of "testimony". That is to say that many people I've been with over these last weeks have been free enough to give "testimony" to how God works (past, present and future) in their lives. And, in fact, in reading Acts, that's what the Apostle Paul is all about. Time and time again across the whole of Asia Minor the Apostle Paul "testifies" to the power of God revealed in Jesus Christ. He isn't about much else. He just takes every opportunity to testify to this truth.

As we work through this process of coming together for one strong mission and ministry, I think the core of our work will be in the area of "testimony". I'll be "testifying" to the wonders of God's grace and glory from my studies -- that is, the stories I tell will be stories of how God is working in life. And I'll be looking to hear your "testimony" of where God has been active, moving and shaping lives. Our common witness will help us see where God is leading for our lives together.

I'm longing to hear your "testimony". Hopefully I've turned on the "comment" option for just that purpose.

God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good!

What Stands the test of time?

I had the observation that there were things of antiquity that have stood the test of time, while other things have not done so well -- either by the forces of nature or the forces of humanity. On several occasions, wonderful examples of faith have stood for these centuries, while near by grander and more glorious structures have very little left.
From Ephesus here is an example. The probable humble tomb of St. Luke (probably the Apostle) stands while just two or three miles away, all that remains of the grand temple to the God Artemis (which was at least twice as large as the great Parthenon in Athens) is a single pillar upon which a stork has made a nest. And it is now in a swamp.

Of course, the Gospel of Jesus Christ carried by Paul and the Apostles did not have any stone monuments or temples. All it has was the living witness of disciples across the centuries. This Gospel is still full of power and witness.

Part of my reflections on this line of thinking has been related to thinking about the foundations of my faith and witness, and how the ripples of the discipleship of contemporary witnesses will stand the test of time.

Getting the Feet Moving

Order Your Steps
=================
Don't ask God to order your steps if you are not willing to move your feet.


I’m getting ready to move my feet.

Are you ready to move yours?

"Finding a new 'pump handle'"

Over 150 years ago 500 people died of cholera in just ten days in one London neighborhood. Dr. John Snow, who already had suggested that this epidemic disease was spread by contaminated water, studied these cases and was convinced that the sole source of the contaminated water was a particular pump near Broad and Cambridge streets. At a emotional public meeting it was suggested that the pump handle be removed so that no more water could be drawn from that location.

Indeed the handle was removed, cholera abated and significant projects were launched for cleaner water and safer sanitation systems. In addition, there were improvements in sanitation and purification systems resulting in improved human life, increased life spans and lower infant mortality rates. All because of a pump handle.

Once in a while it is time to renew our "pump handle" or to find the "right" "pump handle."

Starbucks did just that for three hours back in 2008. They shut down all 7,100 Starbucks in North America -- maybe you were were an unsuspecting customer caught in that unexpected "crisis" (if you needed coffee it was a crisis! -- to clean up their "pump handle", to rediscover their "first love." Howard Schultz, CEO said that Starbucks shut down to rediscover and rededicate the company to the "love, passion and commitment" of the coffee experience. They had lost their original "pump handle" and the one they were using needed to be replaced.

This unprecedented event in company history wasn't about "training" but to reconnect the company to its soul and the love and compassion and commitment that it needed to have for the customer.

How's your pump handle these days? Is it rusty and corroded from dis-use or no use? Is it ignored because of busyness? We sometimes feel good about busyness, but does our busyness and running overwhelm our true identity? Have we lost our passion for our mission, for Jesus and for the Gospel? Does our soul really have soul anymore? Do we have a clear picture of why we are here? What we are about? Who we are?

Starbucks closed down for a few hours to reconnect with the "soul of its past".

Every now and again we need to take some time to "close down" for a few hours or a few days to reconnect with our soul. We need to take some time occasionally to rediscover a few things like: who we are as God's children; who we are as forgiven sinners; who we are as disciples; what God is calling us to be as part of his body; how our faith journey brought us to where we are and what it might be telling us about where we are going; or a myriad of other things about our love, compassion and commitment to who we are and our purpose in God's kingdom.

These little breaks are great times to make sure that the source of our "living spiritual water" is as pure as it needs to be.

I know we will all be blessed as we seek the power and promise of our living God and as we take time to reconnect with our soul and renew our commitment to our faith.