This is a fun little thing about something we love to hate: change:
1. You have to take it out of the box to have fun with it.
2. It comes in many styles and colors.
3. Somebody has to get it started on its way.
4. Once started, the course it takes is unpredictable.
5. It routinely get study halfway down the stairs and has to be re-launched. Repeat as necessary.
6. It is messy, noisy and chaotic.
7. Before it is launched, it has stored potential energy. When launched, that energy force becomes kinetic energy.
8. Once it begins its journey on one can really control it.
9. It rarely lands where predicted.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
"Advent Thoughts"
I just came in from doing some final leaf raking before the final “Yard Waste” pick up day for the season. As I wrapped up the project it was becoming rather dark and quiet in our neighborhood. Things felt empty and barren. It felt that way because it was that way: dark, silent, empty.
Entering the house there was a different feeling. A fullness illuminated by some electric candles (boy are they fun) and the lamp. There were the sounds of people working and the fullness of energy, the energy of life warmed by the protection of four sound walls and a bit of furnace energy.
And, I noticed, the chill on my nose and ears was all the more evident in the warmth of the inside heat. The contrast drew me to appreciate the warmth, the light, the sounds and the energy all the more.
Advent began yesterday. Advent, this strange “churchy” time before Christmas that happens to fall during some of the darkest, chilliest and quietest (in the sense of nature’s winter quiet) days of the year. This Advent is as “long” as Advent can be – four full weeks (not just four Sundays). This Advent, like all Advents, will quickly get busier, more packed, brighter and louder as things gear up before Christmas.
But, what I’m thinking and feeling is that before Christmas I need the emptiness, the darkness and the silence. I need my senses to be ready for the light of Christ and the sounds and fullness of Christmas. I need my senses to be fully ready to experience the Christ anew and in experiencing the Christ to experience that in Him I am being redeemed, recreated, renamed, and reborn.
Tonight I’m thankful for the darkness, silence and stillness that open my senses to deeper awareness of and thankfulness for the wonders of God become flesh in a little baby, Jesus.
May God bless you in this Advent time.
Thanks for dropping by “Sketchings ... “. If you have a favorite Advent tradition or Advent reflection, you are invited to share it in the “comments” section.
Entering the house there was a different feeling. A fullness illuminated by some electric candles (boy are they fun) and the lamp. There were the sounds of people working and the fullness of energy, the energy of life warmed by the protection of four sound walls and a bit of furnace energy.
And, I noticed, the chill on my nose and ears was all the more evident in the warmth of the inside heat. The contrast drew me to appreciate the warmth, the light, the sounds and the energy all the more.
Advent began yesterday. Advent, this strange “churchy” time before Christmas that happens to fall during some of the darkest, chilliest and quietest (in the sense of nature’s winter quiet) days of the year. This Advent is as “long” as Advent can be – four full weeks (not just four Sundays). This Advent, like all Advents, will quickly get busier, more packed, brighter and louder as things gear up before Christmas.
But, what I’m thinking and feeling is that before Christmas I need the emptiness, the darkness and the silence. I need my senses to be ready for the light of Christ and the sounds and fullness of Christmas. I need my senses to be fully ready to experience the Christ anew and in experiencing the Christ to experience that in Him I am being redeemed, recreated, renamed, and reborn.
Tonight I’m thankful for the darkness, silence and stillness that open my senses to deeper awareness of and thankfulness for the wonders of God become flesh in a little baby, Jesus.
May God bless you in this Advent time.
Thanks for dropping by “Sketchings ... “. If you have a favorite Advent tradition or Advent reflection, you are invited to share it in the “comments” section.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
"The Joy is in the Journey"
I came across this item that passed my desk at an earlier transition time in my life. It came via my e-mail box in something called “Mountain Wings.” It still speaks to my spirit because, in fact, in life, we don’t reach every destination. Not every hope comes to pass. But along the way look what we find; look at the dances we dance, the love we share and the power of the spirit come alive among us. Look at the joy that is in the journey!
THE HOLE
“Two brothers once decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of other boys stopped by to watch.
“ ’What are you doing?’ asked one of the visitors.
" ’We're going to dig a hole all the way through the earth!’ one of the brothers volunteered excitedly.
“The other boys began to laugh, telling the brothers that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible. After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms, insects and interesting stones. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors. Then he said confidently, ‘Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!’
“Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. That is what a goal is for, to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen. In other words, to set us to digging!
“But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized. But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, ‘Yes, but look at what I found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something!’
“It is in the digging that life is lived, and it is the joy in the journey that truly matters!”
Author unknown
THE HOLE
“Two brothers once decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of other boys stopped by to watch.
“ ’What are you doing?’ asked one of the visitors.
" ’We're going to dig a hole all the way through the earth!’ one of the brothers volunteered excitedly.
“The other boys began to laugh, telling the brothers that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible. After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms, insects and interesting stones. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors. Then he said confidently, ‘Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!’
“Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. That is what a goal is for, to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen. In other words, to set us to digging!
“But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized. But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, ‘Yes, but look at what I found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something!’
“It is in the digging that life is lived, and it is the joy in the journey that truly matters!”
Author unknown
Friday, November 25, 2011
“What if ...?”
With apologies to several current postings around the internet, I was led to this little musing about treating our Bibles like we treat our cell phones.
What if we carried our Bible around all the time and couldn’t let it be out of reach?
What if there were situations that would cause us to say, “I wonder where I left my Bible?”
What if we were constantly checking our messages?
What if we referred to it several times a day?
What if we searched it for important information?
What if we used it to find directions?
What if we used it in the case of emergency or perceived emergency?
What if we communicated regularly with its “contact list”?
What if we were constantly upgrading to the latest version?
What if we kept it charged and “powered up”?
What if stores had to put up signs, “No Bible Reading Allowed”?
What if laws had to be enacted because too many people were reading their Bible while driving?
What if we thought we "couldn't live" without being connected?
What if we carried our Bible around all the time and couldn’t let it be out of reach?
What if there were situations that would cause us to say, “I wonder where I left my Bible?”
What if we were constantly checking our messages?
What if we referred to it several times a day?
What if we searched it for important information?
What if we used it to find directions?
What if we used it in the case of emergency or perceived emergency?
What if we communicated regularly with its “contact list”?
What if we were constantly upgrading to the latest version?
What if we kept it charged and “powered up”?
What if stores had to put up signs, “No Bible Reading Allowed”?
What if laws had to be enacted because too many people were reading their Bible while driving?
What if we thought we "couldn't live" without being connected?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
"Thanksgiving!"
No matter what the day, no matter what the hour it is good for us to give thanks. To remember that everything we have comes from God.
I have just been reading some life stories of other people. Some have so much. Some have so little. It is those who have so little who teach so much. They teach about gratitude. The give perspectives on life. They put things in context.
They moved me to think about the top ten things I'm thankful for. Of course, there are hundreds, but these are today's "Tom's Top Ten"!
1. God and my salvation in Jesus Christ.
2. The gift of life and health.
3. My faith and its power to sustain me every day.
4. The love and support of a faithful life partner.
5. My children and grand-child.
6. My Dad.
7. Opportunities to share in the greatest joys and greatest sorrows in the lives of others.
8. A cadre of supportive, loving, honest and faithful friends.
9. Freedom.
10. That I'm healthy enough to walk, eat, breathe, think, sleep and feel.
I wonder, what are your top ten? Not just for this Thanksgiving day, but for every day of the year.
Thanks for visiting "Sketchings". I hope you'll comment on several of your top ten "I'm thankful that/for...."
Blessed Thanksgiving!!!
I have just been reading some life stories of other people. Some have so much. Some have so little. It is those who have so little who teach so much. They teach about gratitude. The give perspectives on life. They put things in context.
They moved me to think about the top ten things I'm thankful for. Of course, there are hundreds, but these are today's "Tom's Top Ten"!
1. God and my salvation in Jesus Christ.
2. The gift of life and health.
3. My faith and its power to sustain me every day.
4. The love and support of a faithful life partner.
5. My children and grand-child.
6. My Dad.
7. Opportunities to share in the greatest joys and greatest sorrows in the lives of others.
8. A cadre of supportive, loving, honest and faithful friends.
9. Freedom.
10. That I'm healthy enough to walk, eat, breathe, think, sleep and feel.
I wonder, what are your top ten? Not just for this Thanksgiving day, but for every day of the year.
Thanks for visiting "Sketchings". I hope you'll comment on several of your top ten "I'm thankful that/for...."
Blessed Thanksgiving!!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"Directions Home!"
This little piece is one of those things that circulates the “forwarded e-mail list”.
Given that many are “headed home” for this holiday season, I found it a bit fun and reflective for this path we call life.
Directions to Our Father’s House
Make a right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the green light, which is Jesus Christ.
There, there you must turn onto the bridge of faith, which is over troubled waters.
When you get off the bridge, make a right turn and keep straight.
You are on the “King’s Highway” – heaven bound.
Keep going for three miles: one for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit.
Exit onto Grace Blvd.
Make a right turn onto Gospel Lane.
Keep straight and then make another right on Prayer Road.
CAUTION: DO NOT yield to the traffic on Temptation Ave.
CAUTION: AVOID Sin Street (It is a Dead End).
CAUTION: Pass by Envy Drive and Hate Avenue as well as Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane and Backbiting Blvd.
However, you cannot avoid going down Long Suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd and Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But it is all ok because VICTORY STREET is straight ahead.
Given that many are “headed home” for this holiday season, I found it a bit fun and reflective for this path we call life.
Directions to Our Father’s House
Make a right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the green light, which is Jesus Christ.
There, there you must turn onto the bridge of faith, which is over troubled waters.
When you get off the bridge, make a right turn and keep straight.
You are on the “King’s Highway” – heaven bound.
Keep going for three miles: one for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit.
Exit onto Grace Blvd.
Make a right turn onto Gospel Lane.
Keep straight and then make another right on Prayer Road.
CAUTION: DO NOT yield to the traffic on Temptation Ave.
CAUTION: AVOID Sin Street (It is a Dead End).
CAUTION: Pass by Envy Drive and Hate Avenue as well as Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane and Backbiting Blvd.
However, you cannot avoid going down Long Suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd and Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But it is all ok because VICTORY STREET is straight ahead.
Friday, November 18, 2011
"Using What You Have!"
The family was bowling. Christian, a nine year old, seemed to be winning by a large margin. He certainly was beating the older players in the group.
What was obvious was that he was the smaller player in the group. He had a lighter ball, he didn’t weigh very much and he couldn’t hold the ball “correctly” or roll the ball with a lot of force. Yet he was knocking down many pins and rolling an occasional “strike”.
Upon closer observation, Christian had a gently strategy. You see, the “bumpers” (foam rails lowered for more inexperienced bowlers to keep the balls from going into the “gutter”) were down. Christian had figured out how to use the bumpers to his advantage. He would gently roll the ball and let it bounce off the bumpers to knock the pins down. And, he was consistently knocking down more pins that the others in his group.
Christian didn’t have a heavy ball like the others. He didn’t have the strongest body. He didn’t have much experience.
But Christian didn’t focus on what he didn’t have. He focused on what he did have. He used what he did have to be successful in the game.
You know, so often we focus on what we don’t have. Our attention is drawn away from our mission and ministry to envy what someone else has, things (tangible or intangible) that may be “bigger” and supposedly “better” than what we have. In so doing, we fail to see and use the incredible resources that God has given us for our daily life, faith, ministry and mission.
Christian’s lesson for faith is about focusing on the talents and resources God has given us, about looking at our abundance rather than our supposed scarcity and about recognizing that “bigger” isn’t always “better” when it comes to the economy of God’s kingdom.
What was obvious was that he was the smaller player in the group. He had a lighter ball, he didn’t weigh very much and he couldn’t hold the ball “correctly” or roll the ball with a lot of force. Yet he was knocking down many pins and rolling an occasional “strike”.
Upon closer observation, Christian had a gently strategy. You see, the “bumpers” (foam rails lowered for more inexperienced bowlers to keep the balls from going into the “gutter”) were down. Christian had figured out how to use the bumpers to his advantage. He would gently roll the ball and let it bounce off the bumpers to knock the pins down. And, he was consistently knocking down more pins that the others in his group.
Christian didn’t have a heavy ball like the others. He didn’t have the strongest body. He didn’t have much experience.
But Christian didn’t focus on what he didn’t have. He focused on what he did have. He used what he did have to be successful in the game.
You know, so often we focus on what we don’t have. Our attention is drawn away from our mission and ministry to envy what someone else has, things (tangible or intangible) that may be “bigger” and supposedly “better” than what we have. In so doing, we fail to see and use the incredible resources that God has given us for our daily life, faith, ministry and mission.
Christian’s lesson for faith is about focusing on the talents and resources God has given us, about looking at our abundance rather than our supposed scarcity and about recognizing that “bigger” isn’t always “better” when it comes to the economy of God’s kingdom.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
“It Depends Upon What I’m Looking For”
Sometimes I wonder about what people are searching for. From time to time in my life I find myself searching for the gifts of God’s grace. At other times, I may be searching for more tangible things in support of my life and ministry.
I thought it would be “fun” to see what people are searching for. What we are searching form tells us of our concerns and interest, our values and perspectives.
So, I “Googled” to see what people are “Googling.”
One day a week or so ago, here are the top twenty things people were “Googling”:
1. school closings
2. daylight savings time 2011
3. bernie madoff
4. mark herzlich
5. powerball
6. national grid
7. ruth madoff
8. ct news
9. pumpkin seed recipe
10. generators
11. mark madoff
12. the strangers
13. disturbia
14. matt barnes
15. mona simpson
16. ufc results
17. hines ward
18. day light savings
19. no shave november
20. mcrib
Here’s the list for November 16:
1. sopa
2. white house shooting
3. spear of destiny
4. rambus
5. internet censorship
6. bradley cooper
7. google music
8. matt barnes
9. stop online piracy act
10. protect ip act
11. sexiest man alive 2011
12. jessie james
13. 2013 ford escape
14. green bean casserole
15. elisabeth hasselbeck
16. willis mcgahee
17. black friday sales 2011
18. pabst blue ribbon
19. the descendants
20. cadillac xts
Maybe you’ll get a laugh out of this. I sure did.
But the point is, what we find depends upon what we are looking for.
I thought it would be “fun” to see what people are searching for. What we are searching form tells us of our concerns and interest, our values and perspectives.
So, I “Googled” to see what people are “Googling.”
One day a week or so ago, here are the top twenty things people were “Googling”:
1. school closings
2. daylight savings time 2011
3. bernie madoff
4. mark herzlich
5. powerball
6. national grid
7. ruth madoff
8. ct news
9. pumpkin seed recipe
10. generators
11. mark madoff
12. the strangers
13. disturbia
14. matt barnes
15. mona simpson
16. ufc results
17. hines ward
18. day light savings
19. no shave november
20. mcrib
Here’s the list for November 16:
1. sopa
2. white house shooting
3. spear of destiny
4. rambus
5. internet censorship
6. bradley cooper
7. google music
8. matt barnes
9. stop online piracy act
10. protect ip act
11. sexiest man alive 2011
12. jessie james
13. 2013 ford escape
14. green bean casserole
15. elisabeth hasselbeck
16. willis mcgahee
17. black friday sales 2011
18. pabst blue ribbon
19. the descendants
20. cadillac xts
Maybe you’ll get a laugh out of this. I sure did.
But the point is, what we find depends upon what we are looking for.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"God's 'Zero Tolerance' Policy"
There was a time (a long time ago) when I chose a behavior which resulted in getting my mouth “washed out with soap”. Turned out I couldn’t out run my father and he had a bar of “Lava” soap. I couldn’t get the soap out of my mouth quickly enough. I didn’t enjoy at all what went into my mouth on that embarrassing occasion.
What I’ve learned over the years, is that I have to be equally concerned about what comes out of my mouth. I need to be concerned that the words and phrases I utter are wholesome, encouraging and supportive. As I listen to what people say (and write), I’m noticing that there seems to be less and less concern for encouraging, positive conversation. It seems that the “tone” of many conversations (writing too) quickly turns to things that are slanderous, gossipy and accusatory.
God has given some pretty clear directions for what should come out of one’s mouth. He has a “zero tolerance” policy for gossip and slander among his people. Yet, may a disciple has ignored God’s directions.
Here are a few of the things God has to say in this regard:
Proverbs 15: 2: “...the mouths of fools pours forth (more accurately “explodes out”) foolishness.”
Ephesians 4: 29: “Let no corrupt word (“dirty talk”) proceed out of your mouth.”
Ephesians 4: 25: “put away lying ... speak the truth.”
Ephesians 4: 31: “Let all ... clamor and evil speaking be put away from you.” That is no character assassinations.
Leviticus 19:16: “You shall not be a talebearer among your people.” That is to talk idly, foolishly or maliciously to spread rumors (or facts) about another was forbidden by the Leviticus law.
Speaking badly betrays confidences (Proverbs 11:13), separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9), shames and saddles you with a bad reputation (Proverbs 25: 9 – 10), and perpetually fuels the embers of a quarrel (Proverbs 26: 20 – 22).
Someone has noted that the words that come out of our mouths are like toothpaste coming out of a tube – once out it can’t be put back in.
I’m still embarrassed about behaving in a way to get soap in my mouth.
These days, though, my attention is focused more on what comes out. It is on guarding my mouth to “build each other up in love”, to “speak the truth in grace”, and to use my words to edify others and honor God.
I do so every mindful of God’s “zero tolerance” policy!!
What I’ve learned over the years, is that I have to be equally concerned about what comes out of my mouth. I need to be concerned that the words and phrases I utter are wholesome, encouraging and supportive. As I listen to what people say (and write), I’m noticing that there seems to be less and less concern for encouraging, positive conversation. It seems that the “tone” of many conversations (writing too) quickly turns to things that are slanderous, gossipy and accusatory.
God has given some pretty clear directions for what should come out of one’s mouth. He has a “zero tolerance” policy for gossip and slander among his people. Yet, may a disciple has ignored God’s directions.
Here are a few of the things God has to say in this regard:
Proverbs 15: 2: “...the mouths of fools pours forth (more accurately “explodes out”) foolishness.”
Ephesians 4: 29: “Let no corrupt word (“dirty talk”) proceed out of your mouth.”
Ephesians 4: 25: “put away lying ... speak the truth.”
Ephesians 4: 31: “Let all ... clamor and evil speaking be put away from you.” That is no character assassinations.
Leviticus 19:16: “You shall not be a talebearer among your people.” That is to talk idly, foolishly or maliciously to spread rumors (or facts) about another was forbidden by the Leviticus law.
Speaking badly betrays confidences (Proverbs 11:13), separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9), shames and saddles you with a bad reputation (Proverbs 25: 9 – 10), and perpetually fuels the embers of a quarrel (Proverbs 26: 20 – 22).
Someone has noted that the words that come out of our mouths are like toothpaste coming out of a tube – once out it can’t be put back in.
I’m still embarrassed about behaving in a way to get soap in my mouth.
These days, though, my attention is focused more on what comes out. It is on guarding my mouth to “build each other up in love”, to “speak the truth in grace”, and to use my words to edify others and honor God.
I do so every mindful of God’s “zero tolerance” policy!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Living Trees and Branches
Over the weekend I had an occasion to take hike in a deeply wooded forest. It was wonderfully warm with bright sunshine. The trail was deeply carpeted with crunchy fallen oak leaves. There was a slight breeze and a cloudless sky. It was silent and peaceful.
As I hiked along, as I looked around, there was evidence of a summer storm. Trees uprooted, branches fallen and the general “litter” that comes after a storm.
It took me a while to move my focus from the dead fallen branches and trees to the trees that were still standing tall, to the branches that still reached out to the sky, to the limbs that still held onto a few colorful fall leaves.
It took me even a while longer to realize that the storms had been an agent of clearing, or cleaning. The dead trees and branches were easily conquered by the storm, by the winds of nature. Those trees and branches that had already let go of life were brought down to the ground. Those trees and branches that had no root of life caved to the pressures of the storm.
But, the trees and branches that had life, that were deeply rooted in the earth were able to survive, to hang on and to probably strengthen themselves to face future storms.
The images from my hike have spiritual applications as well. We encounter storms in our lives. There are challenges and hardships. There are rough spots. The storms of life will clean out that which is dead and worthless. It will topple that which is not firmly and deeply rooted. It will fell patterns of thought and behaviors which are no longer full of life or life giving.
And what remains is what is life giving and deeply rooted. What remains is that which enhances the beauty and interest of life. What remains is what makes me come alive.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” As a branch I deepen my connections to the power and promise of the Holy Spirit, to the gifts of faith and to the grace of Jesus so that I might be fully alive for the glory of the Kingdom of God.
As I hiked along, as I looked around, there was evidence of a summer storm. Trees uprooted, branches fallen and the general “litter” that comes after a storm.
It took me a while to move my focus from the dead fallen branches and trees to the trees that were still standing tall, to the branches that still reached out to the sky, to the limbs that still held onto a few colorful fall leaves.
It took me even a while longer to realize that the storms had been an agent of clearing, or cleaning. The dead trees and branches were easily conquered by the storm, by the winds of nature. Those trees and branches that had already let go of life were brought down to the ground. Those trees and branches that had no root of life caved to the pressures of the storm.
But, the trees and branches that had life, that were deeply rooted in the earth were able to survive, to hang on and to probably strengthen themselves to face future storms.
The images from my hike have spiritual applications as well. We encounter storms in our lives. There are challenges and hardships. There are rough spots. The storms of life will clean out that which is dead and worthless. It will topple that which is not firmly and deeply rooted. It will fell patterns of thought and behaviors which are no longer full of life or life giving.
And what remains is what is life giving and deeply rooted. What remains is that which enhances the beauty and interest of life. What remains is what makes me come alive.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” As a branch I deepen my connections to the power and promise of the Holy Spirit, to the gifts of faith and to the grace of Jesus so that I might be fully alive for the glory of the Kingdom of God.
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