Is being angry a sin?

You may remember a family member or parent with a raised hand, a clinched fist, a slammed door, crossing arms, flaring nostrils, a cutting remark, or a blank stare. These are destructive expressions of anger. These may cause a knee-jerk answer “yes” to the question: “is being angry a sin?” Without pausing to really consider it, we may automatically assume that anger is a sin. Anger caused all of this destruction and therefore, it must be a sin. Anger destroys relationships, marriages, families, churches and communities.

This is all very natural to think and feel, yet it is only partly true. Anger is a normal response. It is an emotional response to something that seems to threaten us. A switch is flipped inside of us alerting us to some danger. It is a sign that something is wrong.

A friend of mine tells a story about becoming angry with interruptions. He is a writer and just as he gets into the rhythm of his writing, inevitably the phone rings and it is a telemarketer. This phone call flips a switch inside him. He becomes angry. There are a number of reasons that this phone call could cause anger. Perhaps, he sees it as a threat because he is anxious about his writing, insecure, scared of failure, and the constant interruptions remind him of the question that taunts him: “what will happen if this book is not a success?”

Anger is understandable and natural. It is really all right to be angry. Scripture makes it clear that even God gets angry. Jesus was angry more than a few times. Perhaps, the most familiar incident was when he overturned the tables in the courts of the temple.

Being angry is not a sin; yet staying angry is a sin. Scripture calls this bitterness or resentment. Being angry is not a sin, yet, destroying relationships through words and actions is sin. Being angry is not a sin, but succumbing to fits of rage is a sin. Scripture calls this being quick-tempered or lacking self-control.

In Ephesians 4:26-27 it says (The Message): “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.”

In fact, there are so many things that should make us angry: abandoned and abused children, corporate executives that beg for bailout money while flying around the country in private jets, untrue slander spoken about a friend, receiving notice that you will no longer have a job, vandalism, rape, poverty. We should all be angry about these social ills that threaten our community. We should be angry and that anger should fuel us with courage to speak up, to advocate for others, to offer a helping hand or a listening ear to those who are affected.

The next time you feel anger well up inside of you, prayerful ask God to help you figure out who, what, how it happened. Consider whether the threat real or imagined. Consider a good and appropriate response. Consider how you can cope with and express your anger as to help and not destroy other people.


(this is my article for the Ministers Forum, Leader Union, to be published this Wednesday, March 4)

One of the best sources on this subject is "The Angry Christian" by Andrew D. Lester. He is an American Baptist and former professor of Pastoral Care at Brite Divinity School. Check out my "library thing" on the side of my blog for copyright info.

Another question to follow up on the topic: how does someone in my position write about the constructive and destructive expressions of anger and not appear "angry?" I would love to hear comments about whether I seemed angry in this article. I am craving constructive critisism, so please, whatever you got, share!

How the "Others" live?

Our sister trip was so much fun. Becky and I both flew to Phoenix where we rented a car and immediately drove to San Diego, CA. The first night we stayed at Mission Bay Hyatt and we were absolutely speechless at the view and our little balcony that let us enjoy our morning coffee out in the cool air. (by the way, the Starbucks coffee was delivered to our room) The fitness center was awesome, looking out at the ocean. Boats were docked there and it made me wonder what it was like to actually live life like this all the time. I wondered if the folks that enjoyed this view day in and day out get so used to it that the beauty was not really enjoyed. Do they ever get to the point where they do not pause, inhale the cool ocean air, and appreciate the enourmous beauty that is right at their fingur tips?

We couldn't have imagined how georgous the room or the view of the ocean could be more beautiful, but our second night was spent downtown San Diego near the convention center at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. WOW!!! I have never seen, much less stayed in such a place. It was straight out of "lifestyles of the rich and famous!!!" But it was not happening to them, now, it was happening to us. And who are we, but a couple poor girls from New Mexico, who grew up in a double wide trailor and were convinced that we had it pretty well. This dinning room was part of our suite, we had wine and cheese delivered to our room, we had three restroom, marble floors, all we could drink Starbucks coffee, and our suite allowed us three different views of the bay, ocean, water, downtown!





While visiting a resort in Scottsdale, AZ, my sister, a friend and I made reservations at Rosie's. It was a casual, yet beautifully decorated establishment. A hostess welcomed us and showed us to our table. We were greeted by several hospitable servers. Each of them seemed to take extra time engaging us in conversation and asking us how they could serve us. For instance, we ordered guacamole (table side) and a young man named Jim introduced himself and showed us all the makings for guacamole. He was charming and polite. We laughed together and talked as he made guacamole at our table. Another server approached and said, "Jim, they may want to eat their guacamole before next year. Let me show you how this is done since obviously you are more interested in talking than in getting their appitizer done." So he also engaged us in conversation and challenged us to try habenero peppers since we had commented that we really liked spicy food. Both of the servers worked together and Jim didn't seem to mind the humor and help of the other server. We were enjoying our experience so much that another one of the servers came and joined us for a laugh. The servers went over and beyond the call of duty and their attitude and work made this dinner an extra special experience. The food was excellent and the overall experience would be hard to top.

A Hymn by by John Whittier

O Sabbath rest of Galilee!
O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted with love.
Drop your still dews of quietness
Till all our strivings ease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
They beauty of your peace.

Valley View Inn, New Bedford, Ohio

About six years ago, I became acquainted with a wonderful thing called Pastors Retreat Network. I was desperately desiring some rest and renewal. It was not a vacation that I needed or just a few days away from the demands of ministry. I was tired, but more than anything I wanted to spend time with God. Through a friend or two who had told me about PRN, I went to the website (www.pastorsretreatnetwork.org) and discovered what almost seemed too good to be true. They actually provide a five day retreat for full-time pastors....FREE! The accommodations, food and hospitality are top notch. The two that I have been to: Valley View Inn in Ohio and Cedarly in Wisconsin are surrounded with such natural beauty that spending time outdoors *even in the winter* is a must.

Here is a little bit of what the website says:

But one thing is more important still—maintaining a right relationship with God.

Our five-day retreats are designed to help you do just that.

The experience will profoundly affect your life and ministry—by changing your heart and helping you regain your perspective.

Imagine the renewal and refreshment you will gain as you:

Rest, without having to keep an eye on the clock
Spend time in prayer and Scripture reading
Take a walk and let God speak to you
Enjoy a meal with your hosts and fellow retreat guests
Read a good book
Nap, talk, play, meditate, or simply enjoy the view
Contemplate, journal or discuss the day’s experiences
Enjoy a “date” with your spouse
Grab a new friend and explore the community
Our retreats enable you to enjoy relaxation, solitude and contemplation. But we also appreciate God’s creativity and humor. Laughter abounds and often serves as the release necessary for a deeper experience with God and others.

Step away from the demands of your calling and step into a special place where you can more clearly feel God’s presence and respond to His call.

This time, Will was able to go with me. As you notice in the pictures, we were snowed in and had a wonderful time reconnecting with God and with one another. Now, I do plan on sharing a few more things from our time away here on my blog, so stay tuned.

However, if you are a pastor, go right now to the website and select a time in the next few months that you can devote to your first love and the reason you became a pastor.

Making History!

What a great speech! A few things that I have been thinking about: 1. regardless of whether you voted for Obama, he is now our president. 2. We should pray for him and all governing officials. 3. The time is ripe for change and change is what we got.

Quotes of interest to me: "The world has changed and we must change with it."

"patchwork heritage is our strength"

"entering a new era of responsibility, cease it gladly, not grudgingly"

"less than 60 years ago my father would not have been welcomed in resturants not far from here, and now I am standing here..."

Would love to dialogue with any and all.....

A bit from "Letter from Birmingam City Jail" by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here are some words from King that have resonated with me for years, perhaps since I first felt a deep disappointment with the church. It has been 11 years. On the newly celebrated MLK holiday in 1998 I decided to pick up and read "A Testament of Hope" (the Essential writings and speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.). I read it just about cover to cover and could not put it down. His courage to choose the way of Jesus and to preach love in the midst of being jailed, stabbed, threatened, and the like gave me great courage to do the same. This was one of the most difficult periods of my ministry. The church was causing me great disappointment and I found in King a friend on the journey.

"But despite these notable exceptions I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say that as one of the negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say it as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen...So here we are moving toward the exit of the twentieth century with a religious community largely adjusted to the status quo, standing as a taillight behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher level of justice...Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment, I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. Yes, I love the church; I love her sacred walls. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, and the grandson and the great grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, OH! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and fear of being nonconformists. There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the churches were not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society...If the church of today does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authentic ring, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century."

On-line friends and such

Today (Monday) should be my off day. I did not and have not been sleeping much at night. I am sure that my friend Joe would tell me that it is because I am not trusting God. Well, he may be right! I am praying-"casting," but haven't really left some matters securely in God's hands. He says that we sometimes think of casting like casting a reel in fishing. We cast and then draw it back and cast again. He says that THAT is what I do. I'm trying! I'm crying, doing all the things that have brought me a breakthrough in the past, but nothing for now.

Joe is a perfect example of one of these guys that is connected to everyone. He has been a confidant to me over the last couple years. I think he is to lots of people. I wonder if he has anyone to confide in?

He is in his 50's and is on the cusp of societal change. Even though I and others have encouraged him to join on-line social networks such as facebook, he has resisted as of yet. Perhaps he knows that as "facebook friends and social networking are not adequate substitutes for authentic friends" (L. Gregory Jones)

Can we have authentic friendships on-line? Can we find support and encouragement via wires and signals and images? Is on-line social networking creating a next generation who cannot build, sustain and deepen authentic friendships?

Here is a little bit more of an article by L. Gregory Jones (Dean of Duke Divinity School): "We long for relationships with people who know us so well that their lives impact and influence ours. Young people love the high-tech world of multi-tasking and interactive media, but like the rest of us, they long for personal intimacy...A sociological study found that between 1985 and 2004 the average American's number of close confidants declined from three to two, and that those reporting "no close confidants" jumped from 10 to 25 percent...Why does a lack of confidants matter? We are created for relationships, and we long for support and encouragement from those who know us well....confidants sometimes know us better than we know ourselves. They can and do check our propensity for self-deception. They challenge us, support us and encourage us to dream even when we have given up. Even when they call us to account, we are confident that they are doing so with our intersts at heart. Duke's Pulpit and Pew project uncovered a significant amount of self-reported loneliness and isolation among American clergy...This loneliness ought to sound alarms among those institutions and people charged to support and encourage congregations and clergy. If there is any place in American culture that ought to encourage deep and lasting friendships, it's the church, and our pastors ought to be catalysts who nurture others' friendships. Can churches be vehicles for both extending social networks and deepening friendships, for laity and clergy alike?"

Such great questions and such great observations. I'm going to post this and write more about this later. I'm getting tired. Maybe I will sleep?

Becoming a Psuedo-Localvour

Will and I have been avoiding Wal-Mart successfully for almost a month. It has been an interesting experience. One day during the first week, I had the impulse to go to Wal-Mart three times!! Our Super Wal-Mart is a magnet for anyone within 25 mile radius. It's one-stop-shop concept has made it most successful. Typically they say that shopping at Wal-Mart not only saves them money but time.

Today, I had at least 15 things on my list for which to shop. Here is what I did, where I went, whom I encountered, etc...Downtown Vandalia: Sunshine House Natural Foods (went there to buy the ever impossible to find "coconut oil") while there I had a great conversation with David, my new friend. He was having trouble getting my debit card to work cause they had just gotten a new credit card system. I told him that it was not a problem that I would simply go next door and use the ATM. So, I went next door and greeted Gayna who is a member at Parkview, used the ATM, and returned to get my oil. I then went to Given's meat market and bought 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts to cook for dinner. While at Given's, I spoke the owner about possibly putting together a meat and cheese tray for our Christmas Open House in a couple of weeks. It was funny cause I almost walked out without paying for the chicken. Also, I saw and briefly spoke to my friend Vera. I headed to the S.A.F.E. (Sexual Assault Family Emergency) office in order to buy pecans. The only person in that office (boooger I cannot remember her name) said that they didn't have any more but that she could call someone and ask if they had any. She called and told me to go visit Paulette at Barenfinger's (I thought that that was a joke also, you have to be from Vandalia to know about this). So I headed back downtown. It was necessary anyway since I had forgotten to by dog food. So, I went to Michel's feed store, talked with Michel, the owner, about dog food and gave him my ATM (debit) card. He informed me that he didn't accept cards. I had just enough cash to buy the dog food. Now that I spent all my cash, I had to go back to the ATM and get more cash. I stopped by Gloria's Christian Store. While there, I spent some time visiting with Gloria (obviously the owner of the store). It was very sad to me that she has recently had to install surveillance cameras because of theft. I told her that I hoped that they had been stealing Bibles and actually reading them. She said that a lot of accompaniment tapes were disappearing. So, I'm thinking "pastors, beware that person doing your special music has been stealing those tapes." Then I made my way to see Paulette and buy the pecans. She was very nice. I've been suffering from sinus congestion, so I stopped in at the Medicine Shoppe. Asked the cashier if she knew the difference between Zicam gel swabs and Zicam nasel spray. She asked Keri (the pharmasist, owner)about it and she said that they were basically the same thing. So, I purchased the Zicam, wished them a great Thanksgiving and left. Then one last stop: Rural King!!! The pinnacle of all shopping experiences. I went there looking for storage bags and lawn/leaf bags. I bought several other things such as turkey summer sausage stick, dog treats, a special something for Will's Christmas stocking, etc... While there I had a nice visit with Randy and Jesse. I had to go to IGA after I picked up Will from work, 'cause I accidentally forgot "oatmeal" for my oatmeal cookies.

Notice a few things about my shopping experiences: I talked to the owner of most of the places where I shopped. I spent about the same amount of money I would have at Wal-Mart (perhaps a bit more on a few items). I spent 2 1/2 hours doing all of this. Yet, I interacted with so many people. I connected with some that I already know and I met some new friends. It was a slower and much more meaningful process. Will and I want to know folks in our community. We want local people to get our business. It is not "efficient!" In fact, as you might have assumed, I had a number of moments (especially the whole going to the ATM twice)when it was way inconvenient. I could have gotten impatient and given up. Perhaps on previous days when I set "saving time and money" as top priority in shopping, I would have rolled my eyes and whispered "it is no mystery that consumers have taken their business away from downtown and have decided to buy everything at Wal-Mart." It does require sacrifice to intentionally live in order to make a difference in your community. But, could it be that taking time and building relationships with people takes time and is often a long and painful process? In the end, though, it is so worth it!

Are we are taking one small step toward being localvours!? (not sure how you spell that...it is not in spellcheck either, I checked)

(updated 11/27/08, Thanksgiving Day due to mispelling "Michel" and forgetting my friends at the Medicine Shoppe altogether)

Blogging

There are a lot of possible purposes for blogs. Some of the best blogs are one's that address or pursuade people regarding some topic or issue. Some are informational. Some are written strictly for business or professional use. Some are just for fun. Some are like on-line journals or travel logs.

In the last few months I have not been very good at blogging. Part of my frustration lies in this question: what is the purpose of blogging....what is my reason for blogging?

There have been a few people who have used what I say on my blog in an attempt to discredit me. It seems mean spirited to me and has caused me to re-think what I blog about and since I am not sure what my reason is for blogging, I have chosen the path of least resistance and just refrained from blogging.

I would like to know who is reading my blog, perhaps this would give me some direction. I'm also kinda baffled by this new thing that let's you "become a follower" of someone's blog. It seems kind of presumpuous to think that I would have "followers."

The apostle Paul would have blogged to the church at Corinth. He talks a lot about being the least among the apostles and clearly humbly acknowledges his words have "become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things." (1 Corinthians 4:13)

Because at the end of the day, I am merely a follower of Jesus....humble, faltering, at times faithless, at times faithful, but always striving to better follow. I want to keep my eyes on Jesus. I want to hear His voice, respond to His desires, and never let up. Could it be that I simply want to offer my life experience and my reflections for those who might want to also follow Jesus? Could I be so bold to invite others as Paul does to "follow me as I follow Christ Jesus?" (1 Corinthians 4)

So, I hope you will comment....especially if you are a regular reader of my blog.

Board of Bishops publish "A Kingdom Perspective in the Electoral Season"

A Kingdom Perspective in an Electoral Season

In the current political and social climate of the United States, we must appreciate the truly global church that we have become as Free Methodists. We are sensing the profound responsibility this places on us—located in the west, in one of the wealthiest and most resourceful nations on earth. We recall that we are kingdom people, that God calls all people everywhere to be His, that our citizenship is in heaven first. In fact, we are bound to and have more in common with brothers and sisters in Christ around the world than we do even our fellow Americans who are unbelievers. We affirm that God does not need us or our nation to carry out His kingdom agenda. The gospel of the kingdom does not depend on the current or any anticipated political, social, cultural status quo.

The church’s mission, no less in an electoral season, in cooperation with God’s Spirit in manifesting kingdom reality, challenges every this-worldly platform and ideology. No party will champion the cause of the kingdom in its entirety. We acknowledge that Christians in the U.S. have often been seduced by reductionist views of the gospel and morality and have thus given uncritical allegiance to partisan agenda that fall short of the Christian hope.

Therefore, we urge our members and adherents to weigh carefully and pray fervently over candidates, ballot referenda, and all political issues before us, and then seek to vote in ways that reflect as fully as possible the heart of Jesus Christ for the whole world. In so doing, we remind our people that the way of Jesus is the way of cross-bearing, of self sacrificing love, of costly obedience, and of giving all for the sake of others, especially for those on the margins. Indeed, this way of Jesus often directly counters the ideologies of this world.

Board of Bishops
Free Methodist Church

Matthew Thomas
David Roller
David Kendall

What kind of legacy?

This picutre is of us, Will's two brothers, their wives and kids, and Joyce (Will's mom). The picture is from Memorial Day, 2005, so Kaiden who was an infant is now pushing 3 and Jordan who was 9 is 12 now (I'm not even really sure my math is right here, but it's a best guess type thing....if I were a good aunt I would remember all their birthdays and send them cards, but ohhh well). Brendan and Deanna now have another baby girl named Emma Ruth.

Perhaps part of the reason people have children is pass on their legacy. We do leave footprints and thumbprints on everyone around us even when we are unaware and this is not limited to our biological families. In recent days, I have thought of the wonderful legacy that Will's grandma Jesse left. I have thought of the great many hours and days that mentors of mine spent with me. What amazing living witnesses these people have been to me! I'm so grateful.

I have been graced with so much. Will I pass on something to those that I meet: at the bowling alley, in the high school gym, at the convenience store, Harmon's IGA, Rural King, Los Amigos, city offices where I pay my water bill, the library, Sonic Drive In, Wal Mart, Fayette County Hospital, the Zone, the city park? What legacy am I leaving?

Becoming the Same Person All the Time

God does the work of transforming us from the inside out.
Psalm 16:7-9 (NRSV) "I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body rests secure" Something that has been working on me recently (from Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice) "The ideal is for the whole person to do only what the heart directs. Spiritual formation in Christ is the process leading to that ideal, and its result is love of God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love of neighbor as oneself. Each aspect or dimension of the person will be a source of weakness or strength to the whole person depending on the condition it is in. The condition it is in will depend on the heart. A person who is prepared and capable of responding to the situations of life in ways that are good and right is a person whose soul is in order, under the direction of a well-kept heart, in turn under the direction of God"

Servant Leader Award

Last Thursday, Will and I drove all the way to McPherson, KS. The campus of Central Christian College and the town of McPherson holds very dear memories for both of us. We met one another in bowling class during the inter-term of 1992. The drive seemed so long (with stops, it was 9 hours). On Friday morning, we went to Academic Convocation there. This year 2008-09 Central honored Will's (and mine!) grandfather as Servant Leader. It was an amazing time with a dozen or so members of the family that were able to come. Lawrence certainly deserves this award. He has followed Jesus for almost 80 years and he is a great example: humble, soft-spoken, unassuming, never seeking the applause of others, taking care of Phyllis since her stroke over ten years ago, and for surrogate fathering my husband for many years as his father was gone (teaching him how to use power tools, coaching his little league teams, loving him in a million other small everyday ways!!)

Here's to you grandpa!!! CHEERS!!!

A Quote from Thomas a Kempis

In the classic, The Imitation of Christ, he writes: "The person who wants to arrive at interiority and spirituality has to leave the crowd behind and spend some time with Jesus. Nobody's comfortable in public unless he's spent a good deal of time in the quiet of his home."

Some Serious Trouble in River City

"There's bound to come some trouble to your life, that ain't nothing to be afraid of...that ain't no reason to fear...reach out to Jesus, hold on tight. He's been there before and He knows what it's like. You'll find He's there. There's bound to come some tears up in your eyes and that ain't nothing to be ashamed of...that ain't nothing to be afraid of. People say "maybe things will get better, maybe it won't be long, maybe you'll wake up tomorrow and it will all be gone" But "maybe" just ain't enough when you need something to hold on to. Reach out to Jesus, hold on tight!" Rich Mullins

I'm looking around at all the various troubles: mass exodus of people from Parkview, many people tired and discouraged, so many complaints ranging from small to large. I am not even sure how to view all of this trouble. Is it my fault? It is Satan's fault? Is it God at work....ripping through us like a wild fire, consuming, in order to create once more?

Eugene Peterson says that the Hebrew word for "create" is never used with humans, only with God. "Create is a word that is used in the Bible exclusively with God as the subject. men and women don't create. But God does. When nothing we can do makes any difference and we are left standing around empty-handed and clueless, we are ready for God to create. When the conditons in which we live seem totally alien to life and salvation, we are reduced to waiting for God to do what only God can do, create." (p. 64, Christ Plays...)

Can God, when will God, does God, bring something new out of this turbulent water of chaos? What else besides Jesus can we hold onto when the waters have risen up to my neck. "Save me, O God, now as the waters have risen up to my neck" (Psalm 69:1)

Some Serious Summer Reading

At the beginning of the summer, I set a goal of reading 10 books. (A self-impossed summer reading program) Here are the books I read and for those of you are purists, please forgive me for include audiobooks as reading (and most of these can be found on my library thing): Renovation of the Heart, by Dallas Willard; Assimilating New Members by Lyle E. Schaller; Talking the Walk by Marva Dawn; The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini; Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster; The Choice by Nicholas Sparks; The Substance of Faith: And Other Cotton Patch Sermons by Clarance Jordan; The Shack by William Young; Lady Killer by Lisa Scotilline and the Good Guy by Dean Koontz. Now, I am working on Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson. Three Cups of Tea is also on the "to read soon" list. Many of these have been over the top good. (Not sure I even want to pick favorites, but, if forced to do so: Renovation of the Heart and Kite Runner and The Shack)

If I didn't have so many new ones on my "to be read soon" shelf, I would take a season and read back through some books that really changed my thinking, 'cause that might be a tangible way of reminding myself who I am. It might sound kinda strange but maybe returning to those familiar pages might remind me how I got to this particular place in my life and give me some resources for pressing on.

Some Serious Summer Activity

Will and I are celebrating one year of being in Vandalia. Reflecting over the last few months, I realize that July was actually the first time since I moved here that I felt seriously busy. Now, there are a few pastors that I know who wear "busy-ness" as a badge of honor, or as a sign that the world just cannot live without them. Admitadly, I am a pastor who likes activity almost to a fault. Through the years I have had to learn the "unforced rythms of grace" as Eugene Peterson puts it. My identity as a person and as a pastor must be rooted in my being claimed by God as His beloved child. For me, this means that I do not have to prove to myself or anyone else that I am important, running around like a chicken with my head cut off. The world could really live without me! Hallelujah!!! I am not in charge....even of my congregation....God is and I am trusting at this very moment that He reigns supreme. Resting and retreating into the quietness this past week restored my soul and allowed me an opportunity to re-adjust my compass, making sure that Jesus was still at the center.

An added thought: I have been a bad blogger! I must appologize to my 3 faithful readers! Please do not give up on me. Summer buzy-ness is pretty well over and I am at home now and loving it. So, I will fill in some details that have been missing: What have I been so busy with? How was camp? How was VBS? What have I been reading and did I actually complete my goal of reading 10 books this summer? Stay tunned....I will post more later. I may even have more pictures of flowers!

Some of My Beauties

Basil Sun Bathing

Basil has been lovin' the last few days. One of her favorite people in world, my sister Becky, visited for about a week. Basil and Becky went for long walks everday and Becky even let her play in the water. After the long walks, Basil would sprawls out and her toung flops onto the tile floor.

Then as Becky took her flight home on Friday. Another one of her favorite people, Robert Nowlin (www.singertenor.net)visited. She gets some quality lovin' from him also. He took several wonderful pictures of her.

Happy Dog Days of Summer!

Off Day Activities

Today was my off day and I did some gardening, some grocery shopping, and lots of lounging which was great. This rose is bloomed out so beautifully right in front of the church. Most of the church's landscape was re-done last year and it is thriving. The meteorologists are predicting rain for most of the week and the fields are still so wet that most farmers have not planted corn.

I replanted new guinea impatiens, geraniums, vinca, and caladium bulbs. I still have to find a perfect home for these beautiful hydrangeas.

Another bright spot was my conversation with a friend that I know from bowling. Like they say that if you want to find someone in Vandalia, just go to Wal-Mart, well, that is exactly where I found this friend. Her family lives out toward Augsburg and her nefew takes care of THAT cemetary! WOW! She was also taking petunias home so that her grandson could plant them.

Augsburg

In my previous post, I inserted a picture of the top and steeple of the Augsburg church. (It looks nothing like Bethel, but I couldn't find a picture of Bethel, so I will have to take a picture when I am there and post it)

This memorial marker (technically it is not a grave because it is very new looking) can be found in the Augsburg cemetary which sits directly behind the church. I am so very fascinated with this place. It is only 7 minute drive from town and scenery is captivating....wheat fields, farm houses, barns, and beautiful trees. This marker is for Peter (1799-1890) and Henrietta (1800-1890) Schukar. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Peter was born in 1799! That was only thirty years after independence.

I wonder if the Schukar family is still around Augsburg. I wonder if they were first generation immagrants from Germany? I may have to do some research.

Beings that one of my new hobbies is exploring old country churches and cemetaries, this might become like a travel blog of death;)

Bethel UMC Celebrate 100 years of ministry

Here is an article I wrote for the centenial celebrate of the church of my childhood. I will try to find a picture of the building or the people of Bethel and post it here soon....



The rich heritage of Bethel continues to bear fruit in my life and ministry. There are so many ways that this is true that it is hard to choose merely one to write about.

I was baptized as an infant and entered confirmation class when I was in the 5th grade. Bethel was at that time in the planning and building phase of the current facility. I have vivid memories of that old building. I even remember having worship services in that old chapel. Rev. Brooks Ambose was the pastor at the time and taught confirmation class. I remember that the class met every week throughout Lent. Rev. Ambose insisted that our class learn and understand the meaning behind the seasons of the Christian year. He emphasized observing Lent with serious spiritual disciplines: fasting, confessing, and praying. It may seem a little ridiculous to emphasize these things with 5th graders who are going through the most narcissistic phase of life. At the time, I remember having a myriad of feelings about it. On one hand, I’m certain that I rolled my eyes and said something like: “why do we have to learn this?” Yet, on the other hand, the different symbols and colors and even the Latin words that were hard to pronounce and a bit silly fascinated me. In order to be confirmed in the church, as a final rite of passage into church membership, our whole class observed a 12 hour fast. The evening after Good Friday service our class had a lock in and it was clear that it would not be a “party” but an evening of scripture reading and silence. It was a modified fast and we were allowed to eat a few simple things, a couple crackers and a few grapes. We drank water. It was a powerful time for me. In those hours, I really did contemplate Jesus death on the cross and the great love that it displays.

There are two ways that this experience shaped who I am. First, it planted in me a hunger for God. The rich symbols and traditions of the church invite us into a larger reality than we can contain in our individual lives. They remind us that we are invited into God’s kingdom and that that kingdom transcends our small worlds. Celebrating the differing seasons of the Christian year reminds us that God is in charge. The rhythms of these different seasons reflect God’s greater work. They give us markers along the way in our effort to follow Jesus.

I am so grateful for that seed that was planted. Yet, I am even more grateful that in and through this confirmation class, I learned that tradition is important but it is not really the main thing. All of these “traditions” are not the main thing; they simply point us to the main thing. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Kite Runner

This book blew me away. It is a powerful story. The action is narrated through the main character Imir Jan. The invitation that he hears over the phone immediately drew me in: "there is a way to be good again." What an awesome journey it recounts! Isn't there a common desire running through all human life...goodness, beauty, and hope?

You absolutely MUST read this!

MLB and Church- Makings of something Great

We quickly learned that in Southern Illinois people "have" to be Cardinal fans. Yet, one 94 year old woman in my congregation is a die-hard Cubs fan. I suppose no one challenges her because of her advanced years and dedication. No one tries to convince her any more that the Cubs are not going to ever win. (notice that they ARE in first place in their division and currently ahead of the Cards by one game)

As I have been musing about change and how difficult it is for all humans, I wonder if there is a lesson for the church to learn from MLB teams. For instance, the Cards are not doing all that well and some of the sports guys say that it is due to them having so many new(er) players. Perhaps, in spite of their emmense talent, they do not seem to have it all togather....the line up isn't right, the pitching is not all that consistant, they constantly leave lots of runners on base, etc... They are going through a rough adjustment period. They have what it takes to be a great team, they just need more team work and trust in order to make it happen.

Change in the church is often so very difficult. Here at Parkview, they have changed pastors. Other "players" have also changed. The adjustment period is no where near over and yet there is that same unsettleness that I sense with the Cards. In one sense, we have all the makings of a great church, yet, the pieces are not all working in synch yet and the team is not sure how to best work together. The trust that it takes to be a great church is not present.

Impatiently, I resonate with the Psalmist: "How long, O God" ...."search us, O God"

I am hopeful even in the midst of slumps, especially in churches because I know that if the Holy Spirit is calling us and empowering us....anything is possible, even the impossible! For instance: bitterness and grudges can be forgiven, cold hearts can be replaced with compassionate ones, and those who once exchanged hurtful words can shake hands and embrace one another. I know this can happen because I have seen it with my own eyes. I believe God wants to do this kind of miraculous work in our church and I am praying that it be sooner rather than later.

The Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908 and they still have many loyal fans. Like Dan Daley says "Being a Cubs fan has taught me a lot about church reform; for example, any church can have a bad century now and then."

A century is a long to to wait!

Flowers and Roots

These petunias are part of an enormous hanging basket that I bought from a greenhouse owned by a Mennonite family near St. Paul, Illinois. Yesterday, I spent four hours driving some rural roads of Fayette County. Most of these roads are paved (sort of). For example, the road from 51 through St. Peter onto Farina is Fayette County road #23, but it is most often called "St. Peter blacktop." The road goes through Augsburg which used to be a township but is now simply an intersection, church, and cemetery. There were some folks buried in the cemetery in 1918....born 1862, died 1918! Most of these were impossible even to read and pronounce due to my ignorance of things German or Dutch. One family name there was "Ludwig," and some others with "wig" or "wick" on the end. Clearly some of these families have had people buried there spanning three centuries. This kind of thing is incomprehensible to me, being a sojourner as I am. Think about it: the simple, plain clothed young lady who helped me with my flowers can probably tell me the names of her great-great-great grandparents who fist settled that land. She probably sat by the fire while some older saints in their community talked about their roots and how important it is to stay connected to God, family, and the earth. She will be encouraged to marry within that community and her skills at tending flowers and helping customers at the greenhouse will bring smiles to many faces as it did to mine. She may even still speak her ancestors native tongue. Her life is so much different than mine, but I do not pity her. If anything, I am a bit envious of deep roots like that. Perhaps, envious is not exactly the right word. It could be simply this longing that I have to be connected to something-Someone that is bigger and grander than little ol' me.

Can I be a fan of two MLB teams?

"Have you become a Cardinals fan yet?" my neighbor Mike says to me today. My response is "yeah, I'm working that direction." Then I added, "Must say, though, if you are the type that thinks you cannot like two MLB teams....that you MUST choose a favorite, then I don't know what to tell you. Cause if somehow, the Royals made it to the world series against the Cardinals, then I hate to say that I would have to cheer for the Royals."

What are your thoughts on the matter? Is cheering for MLB teams and loyalty tight? Must it be?! Must I have only ONE favorite?

Scripture says: "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other,; you will devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24) So our first and foremost loyalty is to God....and that, in my perspective is clear. But what is not clear is loyalty to just ONE MLB team....Can I love both the Royals and the Cardinals?

(by the way, this photo was taken on my camera phone the first game I went to at Busch Stadium, by the way, they are now calling it "Baseball Heaven!" All I have to say is "O MY!"

Anniversaries

It has been just about a year since we left Kansas City. That house we still own has not sold. It's overwhelming how different life is now. I re-read my posts from around this time last year and remembered how it felt to leave without any idea where we would land.

"Land" is an interesting way to say it. Land is not all that valuable in the city. Our house has become impossible to sell in the last year. There are many reasons for this. One primary reason is that the neighborhood has a bad reputation for being infested with drugs and violence. The real estate market is depressed.

Truly, people in the city are not as connected with "land" as people in rural areas. Around here there is a great appreciation for land. The winter wheat is very green. It's awesome! Since there has been so much rain, most corn fields have not been planted.

Land represents livelihood here. And now that I think about our journey from a place that is the picture of change and chaos to a place that is stable, I wonder if I will ever feel any kind of connection to this place. I think I have definitely landed here, yet I still feel like I am not at home.

So much has changed, yet not so much really. It is still a life of faith that I live with or without a piece of land..."Your statues have been my songs wherever I make my home." (NRSV).... "I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way." (the Message) Psalm 119:54

Is it spring yet?

This picture is from my trip in January. I'm pathetically slow at downloading pictures and that is to blame for my recent bad blogging spell. (I'll tell the other reason in a second.) My friend John now lives next to a lake by Rushville, IL. I spent a couple days with them and one of those days was bitterly cold. The picture was taken in the morning, my hair was wet, and it was frozen by the time we returned from the lake. The natives of Rushville were puzzled that I was so excited to walk on the frozen lake. It is no big deal to them. But to me, a native of New Mexico, never having lived that close to water and that far north was spell bound by the massive piece of ice. The other thing that I never experienced was the noise that comes from frozen lakes. A deep mysterious groan came from the frozen water. Maybe someone could comment if they know the name of this phenomenon?! After spend a few days in Rushville, I went to Florida and spent a few days with my feet in that water!! Amazing.

The other thing that has caused me to be a bad blogger: FACEBOOK! Yes, I thought I never would give in, but I have and absolutely love it. Go fetch me there! Very soon I will have something a little more thoughtful to put here. Like someday when I download that picture of my cheap Wal-Mart theomometer showing that it was 100 degrees. It has been doing that a lot lately. I will also post the first signs of spring as I am enjoying them in my yard....daphodils, tulips, mini irises, and a wonderfully bloomed Jane Magnolia tree.

Is it spring yet?

Take a quiz about spring?

All Things Spring Quiz - MSN Encarta

I only got 6 out of 10 and I was sure I was smarter than that.

Things to Wonder about on Easter Monday

Why does Vandalia decide to turn off my water just when I want to make buffalo chicken?

Why do I forget how necessary hot water is when preparing buffalo chicken?

Is the fear of raw chicken overblown or real? Do you know anyone who has actually died from salmonella?

Buttermilk never goes bad, right? According to some cooking message board on-line, unless it is green, it is good;) Hope they are right?

Why do Will and I crave buffalo chicken two or three times a week when we (specifically me) NEVER craved such a thing?

Why are electronic communications replacing paper communications? And will it change the history of communications? Is it improving communication or is it inhibiting real communication? Those who keep electronic files also seem to keep paper files, so we will not really ever be a paperless society?

Are thugs in small town rural IL more similar than different than those in inner-city ghettos....differing only in the clothes they wear and the types of weapons they use?

Would the world be better or worse if we could all agree on some basic ideas about life, values, beauty?

Why would we enjoy such wonderful Christmas snow on Easter?

Wouldn't campaigns money be better spent if the candidates wouldn't spend all that on slandering their opponents? Doesn't this show exactly how broke our country is? Nastiness has replaced basic respect from top-down or from bottom-up?

Are there other times besides March that "madness" is considered good?

Why can't the average Joe or Joy download some of these recent outstanding commercials, such as a few of my favorites: laughing cow cheese, sheridan (we belong), nationwide insurance where boy gets to go to the bank where his mom works, allstate where the narrator says: "isn't it about time that we treat people on freeway more like they are guests in our home rather than obstacles that are in our way." Now, that can preach! Where can I get a copy of that?

Is spring ever going to spring here?

Doesn't the "Party Girl" episode of Without a Trace bear an uncanny similarity to the Diane Lane thriller "Untraceable?"

Isn't the import of Easter enough to arrest our attention and send us running to tell the whole world rather than spinning our wheels discrediting and infusing suspicions and ill-will against other believers?

How has the most loving and beautiful person's name been turned into a bad word?

Are "off days" more a curse or blessing?

During Lent, I fasted from inappropriate complaining, so my question is: have I allowed God to remove my inappropriate complaining? Would a complaint free world be a real world or would people be reduced to phoniness? Don't we all know at least a few people who would have vertually never talk if they were to fast from complaining?

When they tell you to boil your water before you consume it, what exactly will happen if you don't? Is the brown water coming from my faucet now going to do more harm to me than the raw chicken slime that is strewn about my kitchen?

These are just sort of random questions that really do not have any answers, unless you are among the people in this world that think you should take the title "answer man"....is there anything better than having at least a few of those around? So, if you happen to be one of them, please, answer my questions!?

Jesus' first words after the resurrection: "Do not be afraid!" Fear not doubt is the major enemy of faith....if we are frozen by fear (fear of other people, fear of being hurt, fear of change, fear of the future or unknown, fear of conflict, fear of death or abandonment, then we cannot run to proclaim the good news of the gospel?

All the Way Jayhawks!

Now, I know that it is NOT popular to be cheering for the Jaywawks now that I live in Vandalia, IL. But, look at the facts....they rock! While living in Kansas City, I went to several KU lady jayhawks play volleyball. So sad that I never made it to a basketball game. We are working on our brackets right now.

Tumbling down the stairs

Yesterday I took a tumble down at least five stairs at my house. In my hand was my huge coffee mug of Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. I actually was fine besides feeling a little bit banged up (bruises, scratches, etc). The coffee ended up everywhere and Mike was fine (small chip around the rim). I suppose it is just like in the cartoons, characters always get banged up but rarely actually die;) Do you think I'll get lead poisoning if I continue to drink coffee from Mike?

Ice Pellets

I am not complaining, simply stating the way things are....icy, wet and everything is cancelled! While consulting a couple different weather sites on-line this morning, I discovered a couple terms that were unfamiliar: ice chunks and ice pellets. So happens that I was talking to my mom on the phone during this and she said "do they not know the term sleet?" Little did we know that when I walked on that dangerous patch of earth (100 yards or less) between my house and the church, I saw this "pellet and chunk" stuff coming down from the sky. Huge pieces of stuff coming down.

WOW!

So, I raise my cup of coffee and say a hearty cheers to those weather experts out there while I bundle up with my fuzzy socks and attempt to put together a sermon on the quentessential disciple Peter and his confession to Jesus "you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"

Also, there will be no pictures of this weather phenomenon because my camera would not adequately capture it.

Stuck on Todd Agnew

My i-pod "menu" button is not funtioning. Thankfully, it is stuck on my new favorite CD, "Better Questions" by Todd Agnew. I highly recommend it. Those of you out there that are more techy than me, what do I do when my i-pod malfunctions? I have never heard of an anyone else breaking their i-pod, am I the first? Am I really so much of an i-idiot that I will forever be listening to only Todd Agnew.

Here are some of my favorite lyrics from the CD:

I'll admit I'm glad I'm not John the Baptist
In a jail cell waiting for my day to die
'Cause at least down here I know what we're chasing
And it's hard to trust Your dreams
Are so much better than mine

Chorus 3
If You wanted me to die to myself
Why'd You make me fall so deeply in love with life

Chorus 4
If You wanted me to surrender
Why'd You make these hands able to hold on so tight

Chorus 5
And if You wanted me to be like You
Why'd You make me like me

Look at toddagnew.com for more or buy it in the store or on i-tunes.

Special Visit

One of my dearest friends came to see me. She now lives in China, so it was such a precious and rare treat. Thank you, Kara, for being faithful to Jesus! I am one among many who are eternally grateful!

Praying for Our Enemies

"The first thing we are called to do when we think of others as enemies is to pray for them. This is certainly not easy. It requires discipline to allow those who hate us or those toward whom we have hostile feelings to come into the intimate center of our hearts. People who make our lives difficult and cause us frustration, pain, or even harm are least likey to receive a place in our hearts. Yet every time we overcome this impatience with our opponets and are willing to listen to the cry of those who persectue us, we will recognize them as brothers and sisters too. Praying for our enemies is therefore a real event, the event of reconciliation. It is impossible to lift our enemies up in the presence of God and at the same time continue to hate them...Prayer conversts the enemy into a friend and thus the beginning of a new relationship. There is probably no prayer as powerful as the prayer for our enemies. But it is also the most difficult prayer since it is most contrary to our impulses. This explains why some saints consider prayer for enemies the main criterion of holiness."

Henri J.M. Nouwen, Compassion

i-idiots

Am I the only one on the planet that has trouble syncing an i-pod?!

After having asked for one for the last two Christmases...I finally got an i-pod. I absolutely love it! Within a few hours of owning it, I put almost 2,000 songs on it. A lot of these were crazy sound bites that were stashed on my computer un-be-knownst to me.

Will's grandparents and his mother (Joyce) have been with us since last Saturday. We have had a wonderful time with them.

Grandpa enjoyed the i-pod as much as anyone. He wasn't able to help me sync it though!!! RATS.

Christmas Fun

Basil was given a toy that she left at Joyce, my mother-in-law's house last Christmas. It is a sock monkey. Now, as you can see from the video, it has been reduced to fluff.

Who could resist such Christmas fun?

Ice

The sun is shining and the snow and ice look like they should be melting. After cancelling church this morning, we are hoping to have the parking lot clear enough so that people will not slip and slide....break something, etc!

Here is a picture of the ice hanging from the awning on the front of the church building. After venturing out early this morning in order to figure out about the weather, I stayed in the house until I went out to take pictures of the snow and ice.

I'm totally glad we cancelled church because even with boots on I was slipping and slidding!

Patience with the weather

Today is a sleet-snow day and I am finally making time to blog.

I would like to hear some comments about that last blog and would welcome all....any....comments about patience. Obviously this video is very ammature. Nancy O. who was running the video camera didn't even know that she really had video capabilities on her camera. Brian O., her husband, was caught totally unaware that we were going to video him and he is a bit camera shy;) All of that being said, I really appreciate their help.

Ironically enough, this is one of the texts for tomorrow and who knows if I will even have the opportunity to preach cause it is snowy and icy and they are predicting that it will be getting even worse. So, at this very moment, I am feeling a bit impatient about the weather.

The text (NRSV): "Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You must also be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near."

What kinds of things try our patience? How does one become patience? What does strength have to do with patience? Does this strength come from us or is it given to us by God.

James 5:7-11

The Wonder of it All

The sanctuary here was splendidly decorated by a couple of women. The carpet is burgundy and the chair and pew cushions are mauve. There are a few small trees that line the sides in the nave. The tall flowers just behind us are dahlias which I never would have associated with Christmas before but I really like them. It is gorgeous with the lights dim and the trees and cross lit as well as the cross. It captures a small amount of the wonder of advent.

FALL is here!

Fall color! It makes me want to be outside with a camera all day. The funny thing is that pictures never really capture the beauty of it.

I found this on my coffee

The Way I See It #270

Taste is subjective. Taste is democratic. Taste is powerful. Taste – the combination of texture, aroma, temperature, aesthetic and environment – is also a window into someone else’s life or culture. Be confident in your taste, but remain curious and expose yourself to new tastes. Allow your taste to constantly evolve and grow – while keeping and cherishing the memories that taste creates.
-- Marcus SamuelssonChef, co-owner of Restaurant Aquavit and author of The Soul of a New Cuisine

Preaching and Living the Jonah Story

A couple days ago I preached the Jonah story. I told the whole story during my sermon which is not really that unusual for me cause I love to summarize (perhaps even “dramatize”) Biblical stories and none other lends itself to such things better than Jonah.

Here are some details that might have not caught your attention: Notice that we are only given one little episode of Jonah’s life. Notice that we know so very little about the actual person. Notice that it does not end on a bright and cheery note. Notice that it should not be considered a story for children due to it’s graphic nature-violence, adult situations (Jonah considers committing suicide), and perhaps language (since Jonah did have some interesting interactions with sailors). Notice also that Jonah was perhaps one of the most successful evangelists (given the extensive nature of the repentance that happened in Nineveh….everyone, even the rulers of the people turned) in the Bible, but ended up angry and alone. Although most of these details make the book tragic and sad, they also make us laugh because they reflect so much of what we know about human beings….even ourselves if we are brave enough to admit it!

Jonah put a message out to the Ninevites. It says that Jonah should give them the message that he receives from God (3:2). The reader is never privy to the content of the message. We only hear what the Ninevites hear (3:4) “forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” It seems to be an abbreviated message. It seems to just be a threat….it only implies that they should turn to God and be spared. The people of Nineveh believe God. They literally throw themselves at God’s mercy.

The huge irony that has left me baffled and a detailed that I failed to even mention as I preached it is found in this. Jonah prays it right in 2:8 (New Living Translation): “Those who worship false idols, turn their backs on all God’s mercies” or (NIV) “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

His words seem to be right, but his heart is a long ways from right. His lips wrote a check that his legs couldn't cash. He was serving God on his terms not on God’s terms. (See Matthew 15:8 also Isaiah 29 saying: “these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”)

And our friend Jonah is sulking under a withered plant. Could it be that Jonah had forfeited grace and mercy. What was his worthless idol? What are ours?

Celebrating Accidents

A very popular Italian district of Saint Louis called "the Hill" is the home of a famous eatery called "Cunettos." I learned (Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels is the source) that Cunetto's famous fried ravioli was actually discovered by accident. Easy to picture, the ravioli is set a little to close to the grease pit and oooops with the knock of an elbow, you got fried ravioli!!! Sounds like a real tasty mistake to me. I wonder how the manger on duty acted toward the clumsy cook?!

Another thought about accidental food discoveries: have you ever had broccoli and guacamole? Don't laugh! It totally rocks. I discovered by accident when I thought I would drop the last couple pieces of broccoli into a taco salad that I was putting together. Now, there is no better match up. I even told Will that we should open a deli called BROC-GUAC cause it is so good it could go with anything. (if someone steals this idea, they MUST give me credit, if not money, for it)

A week ago today, all the schools and government offices around here (and perhaps everywhere else, but I have no evidence to prove or disprove this) were closed. The holiday was Columbus Day. He is one among many great people we now celebrate who had absolutely no intention of doing the things that they did. His "discovery" of the Americas was commonly thought of as failure in his day. Yet, in the long run, this little accidnet turns into something big and history is made. Other "greats" that happened to be at the right place at the right time and considered themselves more "accidental" leaders than intentional leaders are Harry S. Truman and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Great testimonies to the randomness of life....you head out to do something and you accidentally discover your niche.

When I fall into something...make mistakes...accidentally discover my niche, am I gracious enough to see the humor and laugh at myself? Am I so aggravated that things did not go according to my plan that I fail to see the humor in it? Am I too prideful to admit that sometimes these accidents are God's way of throwing me curve balls and helping me enjoy the crazy game of life with which he graced me?

What do you say that we create a holiday....maybe even set aside a day every week that we intentionally regard mistakes as things to be celebrated!

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Last evening, Will and two other friends of ours enjoyed a special night out on the city. It was such a massive treat to eat a scruptious meal, have good conversation with lots of laughter, and experience the pure delight of music.

This picutre is of the foyer at Powell Theatre. It is breathtaking. Look at the ornate celing with gold etching. The theatre used to be St. Louis Theatre and was constructed in 1925. It has always served a facility for live entertainment and for a time also served as a movie theatre. The last movie to be shown here was the Sound of Music. The Symphony Society purchased it through a generous $500,000 gift. The renovation of the building cost $2 million dollars. It is thought by some to be one of the world's finest concert halls.

The program included pieces by Rossini, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Elgar. The Conductor, Nicholas McGegan radiated love for the music. His energy was electric and would have been entertaining even if the music was not.

What a wonderful evening in the city!

Sign You May Be Going too Fast

This is too good to not share. I got it in an e-mail.

A Hymn by Anne Steele

Here is a hymn written by Anne Steele written upon hearing the news of her fiance's death. "From its mving words, it is evident that she was able to bring her lament before God and receive solace from him." from Prayer and Worship, by Renovare, page 87.

When I survey life's varied scene
Amid the darkest hours
Sweet rays of comfort shine between
And thorns are mixed with flowers...

In grief and pains Thy sacred Word
(Dear solace of my soul!)
Celestial comforts can afford
And all their power control

When present sufferings pain my heart
Or future terrors rise
And light and hope almost depart
From these dejected eyes

Thy powerful Word supports my hope
Sweet cordial of the mind
And bears my faiting spirit up
And bids me wait resigned

And oh whatever of earthly bliss
Thy sovereign hand denies
Accepted at Thy throne of grace
Let this petition rise

"Give me a calm and thankful heart
From every murmur free
The blessings of Thy grace impart
And let me live to Thee

Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine
My path of life attend
Thy presence through my journey shine
And bless its happy end.

"Get Over it"

It has been a year since our initial onslaught of crime: the various burglaries and the destruction of our CRV by gun fire. It may be that it was coming upon the one year mark or a full moon or something, but here recently and very poignantly one day this week I felt the fear and anger and grief all come rushing back. Above is the picture of our demolished CRV, although the picture is not that clear, if you look closely you can see the windshield is totally shattered. Periodically when we were traveling the country I would see a CRV of similar color and year and feel grieved, but since living in Vandalia where there are only 2 CRVs and none that resemble my beloved "Lt. Dan" I rarely feel that. There are times when all of us hear certain words or see something or smell something that makes us recall something that once so dear.

Though I frequently become impatient with myself, chastising myself saying things like "get over it!" and tell myself that things are great here and life couldn't be better, etc..... I sometimes get a whiff of something in the air and cry like it was just yesterday. I grieve the loss of close friends and my beloved Heartlanders, my friends of the Great Plains Conference, the familiarity of Kansas City with all the arts, entertainment, restaurants, and sports, etc. There are so many dear things that I have lost that I will never get over. I will do my best to put them in perspective and trust that the Gentle Shepherd Jesus will lead me, comfort me and challenge me.

Take a Quiz to see how well you know me

Take My Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com Can you Ace my quiz? Yes! No Let's Find Out!

"In Stitches"

Please respond to this poll:

Would you remove your own stitches? Would you remove stitches for a loved one, child, spouse, friend?

Old State Capital

Our city's history goes back to the state's inception. Vandalia, Illinois is the oldest existing Capitol city which served the State of Illinois for 20 years, from 1819-1839. ( more Vandalia history can be found on the city web site http://www.vandaliaillinois.com/)

A couple of weeks ago, Alice, my mom and I went and toured the old state building. It is free to do so and we were all impressed at how authentic it looked. I was not actually alive during the 1830's but, the candles, basin and pitcher, and feather pens remind me that electricity, indoor plumbing, and instant communication have not always been with us.

The original capital building that was on this site was very small. This structure was build in 1836 and was red brick. The pilars and white paint are recent face lifts.

For you out of town folks, you are invited to come and check all of this out on your own and I would even accompany you to see all this fascinating history. We love having company and do not have any reservations for our guest accomodations for the holidays. Believe me, it is right around the corner!

Beautiful Basil

Here is a wonderful picture of Basil.

She is usually very ready for the camera. But this shot was taken by Christopher, Will's youngest brother, while they visited us last week. He was laying on the ground at the park shooting pictures. Very strange, indeed, but a perfect vantage point to get a close shot of beautiful Basil.

Historic Landmark Burns

On Labor Day, historic-train-depot-turned-restaurant burned to the ground. It was tragic!

http://www.leaderunion.com/articles/2007/09/07/news/01depotfire0906.txt

The whole article can can be found on Vandalia's paper. The link above will take you there or you can search for it on their web site.

I have not heard whether or not they will rebuild. I hope they do because the food was great (although we only ate there once for lunch). Yet, even if it is rebuilt, the landmark "historiocity" of it is gone forever. (I think I actually broke the caution tape taking this picture, but thank God I did not get arrested)

Fun with Family

The last few days have been filled with family fun. Brendan, Deanna, Jordan, Megan, Gabriel, Christopher, Lori, Kylar, and Kaiden came to visit us. We played at the park, explored Vandalia, grilled on our deck, and played games. This picture is from the park. The kids loved the merry-go-round and the adults remembered younger days when they could ride (and push) the thing without feeling nauseous.

BAD blogger!

I have no really good excuse. Someone once told me that excuses are useless cause your friends don't need to hear them and everyone else won't believe you. So, I hope that you are a good enough friend to accept my apology for being a very bad blogger and going a month without one post. So sorry! I will hold out my hands and wait for a "bad blogger" pat on the wrist.

Stay tuned this week, I have a goal of doing at least three blogs this week. It will have to be good cause I have been saving up.

Conversation regarding Christian Practices

During the summer when Parkview FMC had a few different people filling the pulpit and no appointed pastor, they went almost three months without celebrating the Lord's Supper.

So, it seemed fitting that we celebrate this sacrament the first Sunday that I was here. It also occurred to me in the midst of this that there is not a lot of appreciation regarding our practice of the "Lord's Supper."

From this point on, I thought it might be nice to bring people together and talk about it. We read one section of the liturgy, sit in silence for two minutes, then we ask questions. It is sometimes very difficult for people to ask questions instead of making propositions. Yet, in spite of a bit of discomfort, there are a lot of great questions. I like this format because it helps all of us look at the words as if for the very first time and ask God to speak to us through them. It is a good exercise in discovery! And great fun!

Settling in Vandalia

This is now my kitchen. This room along with most of the house is practically new. It has new plumbing, electric, a/c, appliances, windows, flooring, cabinets, doors, fixtures, and paint. It is absolutely fabulous!

We moved our stuff from the basement to the main floor Saturday night with the help of at least ten men. It was almost frightening the intensity that these men displayed! We kicked everyone out around 3:30 p.m. and began unpacking and settling in.

Saturday evening we slept in our own bed. One man at church said something like "what was it like sleeping in your own bed after having been a gypsy for 10 weeks?" My reply: "unbelievably good!"

Sunday was my first Sunday in the pulpit. We celebrated the Lord's Supper during worship and had a enormously scrumptious pot luck after church. The church also showered us with a lot of food to stock our new pantry.

"YA'LL are invited to come and see!"