“Daddy Cuddles”

My grandson Owen's words were clear, through the sobs at 3 a.m. “Daddy, cuddle me! Daddy, cuddle me! DADDY, cuddle me!”. I don’t quite know what was going on for him at that early hour. But certainly Owen was wide awake, something wasn’t quite right and Owen didn’t want anything else but to have some time with his Daddy and the comfort of his father’s arms wrapped snugly around him. It was one of those moments when Momma wouldn’t do and neither would his grandparents (though I must confess that I didn’t budge from the warm cuddles of my bed and blankets).

(This is Owen on a happier day!)

The message I got through the walls and through the tears was that only Daddy could resolve this situation.

As I lay there, in a half-awake, half-asleep stupor, it occurred to me that I’ve faced a lot of situations in my life that only my Heavenly Father could solve. I’ve walked paths (and erred and strayed from paths) that needed “Daddy cuddles” to get me through. I’ve found myself in times that were fearful and uncomfortable where I needed the solution of the power of the Almighty “Daddy” to clarify and make right. I’ve been in those situations where I’ve realized (sometimes late at night or late in the process) that I couldn’t take care of it myself and that I really needed to turn it over to God. There have been times when things weren’t right and only the loving arms of an eternal God could bring the peace that I was so desperately seeking.

So, I’m thinking, I need to recognize, as Owen does, the wonderful grace of “Daddy cuddles” and the power and promise of God’s loving arms that embrace me every moment of my life in His grace!

“Is the Christmas Spirit Gone?”

“THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WAS GONE FOR ANOTHER YEAR!!” the Christmas letter said. Right there in black and white, right after the line that noted the “un-decorating” of the house and just before the line that noted, “(This) Christmas won’t go down as one of the most memorable.”

Now, just what did it mean, “Christmas spirit gone for another year?”

Could it mean that
The spirit of giving had already been replaced with selfishness and greed?
The adornments were gone, but faith lived on?
The images of Santa and the Christ child had been replaced with the more familiar plants, centerpieces, coasters and candles?
The family has put on masks and managed to fake it through the obligatory gatherings not to speak to each other for another year?
The birth of God’s Son really hasn’t made a bit of difference in life?
The celebration of Christmas was o much bother and fuss it is good to be done with it for a while?

Or could it be an innocent passing remark
That marks the packing up of the decorations and has no meaning beyond that?

Oh, how I hope that the Christmas Spirit isn’t gone for another year,
Not to be brought out again
Until Wal-Mart or Target begin to say that it is time to bring it out again
Or until we begin to have our greed turned on again as we seek presents and bigger and better toys.
Or until, as if by some magic, our grumpy, sad faced critical attitudes are transformed to something more palatable to those around us.

Oh, how I hope
That the renewal of the Spirit of God, among us in the gift of Jesus our Savior, is not wasted in our “putting away the Christmas Spirit.”
That the birth of God in our midst, love showered upon us, has birthed in us new attitudes, new priorities, and new images of what we are as God’s children in this world.
That the Spirit of Christmas can transform our lives every day, all year long.
That we can be generous and warm in our response to the needs of others.
That we can see God’s love shared in all things in our lives!!

Please, oh please, when you pack away the decorations and the tinsel leave the Christmas Sprit unpacked so that this Child of God can change your life daily and through out the whole year.

"Three Bullets"

This one has been around a while, but it is worth making the rounds again for reflection.

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Three Bullets
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner.
As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. They he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree. As he went further, he saw a large wild “tom” turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.
A voice spoke to him and said, “Pray first, aim high and stay focused. However, at the same time, he saw a deer that was a better ill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bit him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.
Still, the voice said again, “I said, 'Pray, aim high and stay focused.'”
So, the man decided to listen to God’s voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all of his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to east for his family.
The snake (satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.
Moral of this story:
Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals and stay focused on God. Never let others discouraged you concerning your past. The past is exactly that, ‘the past.” Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows our future and God is there to help you bear every part of that future. Do not look to others for your blessings, but look to the doors that only God has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, be still and patient; keep God first and everything else will follow.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”

"If You Look for me at Christmas!"

This inspirational piece from a card I received earlier this week. The human author is not identified.

If you look for Me at Christmas
you won’t need a special star—
I’m no longer just in Bethlehem,
I’m right here where you are.

You may not be aware of Me
Amid the celebrations –
You’ll have to look beyond the stores
And all the decorations.
But if you take a moment
From your list of things to do
And listen to your heart, you’ll find
I’m waiting there for you.
You’re the one I want to be with,
You’re the reason that I came,
And you’ll find Me in the stillness
As I’m whispering your name.
Love
Jesus

"Christmas From Jesus' Perspective"

The Christian singer, Matthew West, began to think about the idea of what Jesus must have thought when he was asked to come to earth, leaving paradise with its streets of gold, leaving the perfection of his Father’s Kingdom to come to the chaos of earth. It is an interesting line of thought since we probably never ponder the idea of Christmas from Jesus’ perspective.

Matthew West wrote a song about Christmas from Jesus’ perspective. It is called “Leaving Heaven” and it is on his “The Heart of Christmas” album.
Here are the lyrics:

“Leaving Heaven”
Well, it’s been real nice living way up here
In paradise, over the atmosphere
But I can’t stay long, gotta make my way
I’m leaving Heaven today

You see the world is dark and it needs a light
I’m gonna hang a star in the eastern sky
So everybody’s gonna know where I touch down
I’m leaving Heaven right now

I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
You should know
That you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven

Ain’t gonna be no kingdom, ain’t gonna be no crown
Just a little old manger, in a little old town
But it’ll do just fine for this humble King
I’m leaving Heaven let all the angels sing

I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
You should know
You’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven

And when my time comes to an end
I’ll lay down my life like a truest friend
And when I get back home, I’m gonna make some room
So, don’t you worry, ‘cause I’m coming back for you

And you will say goodbye to that broken Earth
You’re gonna walk on streets of gold
And if you ever wonder what my love is worth
Well you should know
That I’m the reason you’ll be seeing Heaven
Oh, you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
I’m leaving Heaven

"Jesus in our Box??"

I've had the chance to spend a little time in line at the postal counter in my supermarket. I'm a "people watcher" by nature so I've had "fun" looking at the variety of packages people carry to the counter. Every size and shape to be mailed off to distant friends and relatives.

I noticed more than one customer who had so over stuffed their mailing boxes that they were bulged and bursting at the seams. I could only hope that the packing tape would hold until they reached their appointed destinations.

I got to thinking that this is the same way that people in Jesus time handled Jesus. They had "boxes" of specific shapes and sizes into which they were trying to "fit" the Messiah. They had "boxes" of particular configurations into which they tired to fit Jesus. "Messiah" didn't "fit." Jesus didn't "fit." Jesus was not a king, but an infant born out of wedlock. He came from a simple family to the back woods areas of Galilee. He hung out with the "lower class" and spent his time rubbing elbows with "sinners." For those who didn't believe, Jesus just didn't fit their definition, their "box."

I'm sorry to say that we, in 2011, are no different. We have our own expectations of Jesus (and of God). We expect prayers to be answered, to be comfortable and secure, to be "successful" and to have a certain kind of life. We expect God to be there when we "need" God, but we are not bothered by ignoring God at other times in our lives, times when the blessings are flowing beyond our need. When God doesn't "fit" out box, our expectations or our image, we are quick to doubt -- to doubt God and God's presence, power and providing in our lives.

Jesus started out His life in a manner that says God doesn't fit our expectations. God won't fit into our "boxes." Jesus came to help us know that outside the box, bigger than our expectations and in ways we can never imagine, God leads us to life and salvation. God fills every promise. God splits the seams of expectations to bring forgiveness, renewal and redemption.

In these waning days of Advent watching, God is appearing. Be ready. Have your eyes open. Expect God in new ways in your life, in your heart.

"A Christmas Message"

Here is the Christmas Message shared by ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson. I found it worth posting for my readers.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all (Titus 2:11).

Yes In this world where God creates with deep
beauty and profound mystery.
In this world where so many yearn for
God's healing and peace.
In this world where some have thought God has forsaken us:

Yes Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared.

Not just in this world but for you.

Yes For you, weary from trying to meet the
expectations of others.
For you, worrying about an uncertain future.
For you, wondering if you are worthy.

Yes For you, the grace of God has appeared,
bringing salvation.

Not just for you but for all.

Yes For all, salvation has come in the wonder of
God in mercy bending low to meet us
in our humanity.
In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
In the power and promise
of the gospel's proclamation,
God's goodness and loving-kindness has appeared
in the Savior Jesus.

So with angelic messengers and witnessing shepherds,
we raise our voices:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors."

"My 'Person of the Year'!"

"Time" magazine announced their "Person of the Year" today. As you've heard/seen/read the person is simply "The Protester". From what little I've seen there is some protest about "The Protester", but that's a reflection for another time.

What I was thinking about was my "Person of the Year." You see, if I'm naming my "Person of the Year" this year, it would be "The Friend". If I ran a magazine, I'd put "The Friend" on the front cover under the banner "Person of the Year."

I'd name "The Friend" because it has been my friends, those who stick by closer even than some relatives, who have been my support and encouragement this year. It has been "The Friend" who made this year a bit smoother, a bit more "successful" and a bit more enjoyable by calling with words of encouragement, texting words of grace, e-mailing invitations to lunch and just stopping in to say "How are you doing".

You see, this year has been one (not the only one in my life to be sure, but one) in which I've had the privilege of living out my faith and confidence in God in profound and special ways. I've had the opportunity to live what I've preached for almost 35 years, that is to trust that "God is faithful!" I've been tugged and pulled this way and that by the world, but God has been faithful, God's blessings clear, God's grace sufficient and God's power mighty. Most often, the ministry of God's grace has come through the friends and close family who have shared the journey with me. God's faithfulness has been made alive by those who have responded to God's promptings to be instruments of love and grace, of encouragement and support.

So here's to you, "Friend". You're "The Person of the Year" as far as I'm concerned. There could be no finer example of one who is making this world a little more loving and kind and the journey a little easier by living God's love in the important relationship of being a good friend.

“Advent Waiting!!"

Waiting seems to be, well,
Just a waste of time.
We, in fact, call it “killing time”.

Waiting can be fidgeting and pacing.
Twiddling thumbs or mindless daydreaming.

Waiting can be terribly difficult and uncomfortable.
Or it can be a time of unease and nervousness.

None of this, though, is “Advent waiting.”
Advent waiting is different.

Advent waiting is making a hole in the business of life for God to fill.
Advent waiting is creating a spirit of anticipation for God to act.

Advent waiting is like sitting on the porch watching the road (this is a country image) for the first signs of dust indicating that Grandma and Grandpa are almost there.

Advent waiting is like sitting in the tree stand watching for the trophy buck to finally make his way out of the woods.

Advent waiting is like waiting for the last kernel of corn to pop so I can “dig in”.

Advent waiting is like waiting for the first bubbles of boiling water so the macaroni can go in.

Advent waiting is different than just waiting.
Advent waiting is the anticipation of God’s new and renewed action in our lives.
Advent waiting is creating a new space for God.
Advent waiting is giving God space to enter, to fill and in which to act.

Advent waiting is creative, focused, “making time” with God. For God.

Waiting, Advent waiting, is expecting
And praying . . . .

“Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.”

Written
While “waiting”,
Advent waiting!

"Bibs or Aprons? "

~Author Unknown~
================
(Offered with the disclaimer that the “bib” image certainly doesn’t fit for many who, for one reason or another, aren’t able to control their eating needs and/or habits. The image is offered as a comparative image only.)

I recently visited a fast-growing church in Minnesota to learn from their staff. It was a privilege to witness their passion for doing high quality ministry in Jesus' name. I left with some new insights and renewed passion for the Gospel.

One of the phrases that I heard while I was there was, "We want our members to wear aprons, not bibs." Here's what they meant:

Bibs are for people who only want to be fed.
Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's vision for the church, or those who are not yet of the faith.

Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus' name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to help others grow.

Church growth consultant, Win Arn, interviewed thousands of Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said, "The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.

On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples' feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.

In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." He also said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."

Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?

"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank you for feeding me daily with your word. Fill me with your redeeming love. Open my eyes to clearly see the needs of those around me, and then open my hands to serve them. Each day, strengthen me with your Spirit, so that I might choose to wear an apron, not a bib. This I pray in your name. Amen."

"Where's the Line to See Jesus"

Here is the "official music video" of a very moving song by Becky Kelley.

Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=OExXItDyWEY&vq=medium

By the way, Becky's father is the pianist.

Thanks for stopping by "Sketchings...

Cruise Ship or Battleship?

The first time I specifically remember a model ship hanging from the rafters of a church was at Grand View College in Des Moines, IA. I had traveled there with a college friend for the “Aebleskiver Festival”. (If you don’t know, an “Aebleskiver” (in Danish, “apple slices”) is a popular Danish pastry, a light, melt-in-your-mouth pancake ball that tastes like a cross between a pancake and a donut.) One of the weekend activities was attending worship in Danish Church.

The first thing I noticed, hanging from the rafters of the church, was a replica of a sailing vessel. Later I learned that this is a widespread custom in Denmark and in churches of Danish origin. It served as a reminder of the ancestral home of many of the U.S. immigrants and, in Denmark (where the life on the sea was central), it was an “offering” of sorts to assure safe voyage for ship and crew.

However, this folk custom coincides with an ancient Christian metaphor which compared the church itself to a ship. Even today we call the main sanctuary of our churches the “nave”, a name derived from the Latin word “navis”, which means ship and the origin of words such as “navy” and “naval”.

The metaphor of the church as a ship has many symbolic connections. We speak of the Christian life as a journey over the sea and we talk about a pilot that guides us. One favorite Christian hymn reads: “Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea.” The ship is not a major Christian symbol but it is an appropriate one.

Now, make this jump with me. If the ship is a Christian symbol, is it more like a “cruise ship” or a “battleship?”

It seems to me that too often we have a “cruise ship” mentality in the Church of Jesus Christ. We approach the church like we do our favorite department store, that is, with a “consumer” mentality. We want to pick and choose what we want and what we’ll share in. We want luxury and glitz. We want to be entertained and made to smile. We want to “go along for the ride.”

It would be more accurate to see the church as a “battleship”, in the truest sense of “nave” (naval). Because, you see, that is exactly what we are called to do, to engage the enemy of our souls with the ultimate power of God in and through the presence of the Holy Spirit. The journey we are on with God is far from a “cruise”. It is a battle, just like those vessels in Danish churches reminded people of the battle against the tempest of the sea and sacrifice given for the freedom to worship God. The mission and ministry of the church today (as it always has been) is to demonstrate God’s power in all corners of the world, society and our lives in order to restore God’s rule on the earth.

The key reason Jesus died on the cross was to restore and redeem that which was lost. The battle is still going on. The battle won’t be won from a cruise ship. It will be won from the battleship where Jesus is the pilot on the journey, through the seas roiled with the tempters power.

So, I pray, “Jesus, Savior, pilot me ....”

"A Line to Ponder"

This line I read today has me thinking. I don't know yet what I'm thinking, but it is something to ponder. The image that comes to my mind is one of a garden. I've given up on a lot of gardens in my life, usually along about mid summer when the ground is dry, the air hot and there isn't much vision for the finished product -- what I mean is that I love the early garden produce like leaf lettuce, radish, green beans.

Anyway, here is the line:

"Nature thrives in places where people give up." (Joyce Sequichie Hifler in "A Cherokee Feast of Days")

I'm still pondering....

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