Thursday night we went to visit a friend Don. He is in his mid 70s and fell two weeks ago working in his yard and broke the ball joint in his hip. He had surgery and arrived in a rehabilitation center in town two days ago, which is where we were visiting him.
In our conversation he asked if we wanted to pick his green beans for him. So, this morning, after the donut shop we went to his house, met his wife Betty and worked in the garden. Then we were served lemon aid and had a great visit. Don and Betty are very nice people. We met them through our weekly trips to Schulte's Bakery on Friday mornings.
OK, so I realize that this post is following yesterday's post about Ben. This was totally unintentional. But, I encourage you, teach your kids to be outgoing and love people. How? Take them with you while you are serving others. If all you take your kids to are concerts and Chuck-E-Cheese, then your kids will grow up to be people who expect to be served. Take your kids to the nursing home, hospital, soup kitchen, church dinner, missions trip and they will grow up to be people who serve others and change the world. That is my hope for my kids. I will keep trying. God will keep helping.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Proud of Benjamin
Yesterday I talked with a lady in our church who quit smoking two years ago after decades of addiction to cigarettes. She and my wife prayed about it on a Sunday morning and she never smoked again, no drugs, no patches, no pills, and she gives God all the credit. Though she is free from smoking she is still feeling the effects and has emphysema. She was in the hospital a few months ago for it.
She explained that Ben approached her on Sunday, gave her a hug and asked, "How's your breathing doing?" I was stunned to hear her story. We have not talked to Ben about her hospital stay. She said, "He almost made me cry. He's gonna grow up to be a Dr."
I am glad that being closely involved in the family of God is helping my kids become sensitive to people. There are many reasons to go to church regularly. Church is about salvation, but it is also about character development.
She explained that Ben approached her on Sunday, gave her a hug and asked, "How's your breathing doing?" I was stunned to hear her story. We have not talked to Ben about her hospital stay. She said, "He almost made me cry. He's gonna grow up to be a Dr."
I am glad that being closely involved in the family of God is helping my kids become sensitive to people. There are many reasons to go to church regularly. Church is about salvation, but it is also about character development.
The Story of the Saints
We started a study last week in the Wednesday night Bible study that I was at first a bit worried about, but it is turning out to be great. We are looking at church history. We need to learn what we can about the story of Christianity, so that we can be better informed for our future. Here is the introduction from last week:
Why is our story important?
This week we are starting a series on the history of the church. We will look at the history of Christianity with two special emphasis. First, we will emphasize the experiences of the typical Christian rather than focus on the theologians. Second, we will review and test each section of our story against the Scripture and teaching of Jesus.
Our story is important because we have the opportunity to critique our mistakes and victories. We do not believe that all of our (Christians) actions and traditions have been infallible or free from error. We can learn from the past. Also, it is apparent that often history repeats itself. We will find that doctrinal error also repeats itself.
The first week received a lot of response. We will be recording the series, making a set of CDs to purchase and will make a booklet out of the handouts so that you can follow along with the CDs.
Why is our story important?
This week we are starting a series on the history of the church. We will look at the history of Christianity with two special emphasis. First, we will emphasize the experiences of the typical Christian rather than focus on the theologians. Second, we will review and test each section of our story against the Scripture and teaching of Jesus.
Our story is important because we have the opportunity to critique our mistakes and victories. We do not believe that all of our (Christians) actions and traditions have been infallible or free from error. We can learn from the past. Also, it is apparent that often history repeats itself. We will find that doctrinal error also repeats itself.
The first week received a lot of response. We will be recording the series, making a set of CDs to purchase and will make a booklet out of the handouts so that you can follow along with the CDs.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Old Truth in a New Day
The Bible is a great book for a few reasons. First, it is inspired by the Holy Spirit, so it is God's message to us written through some faithful people. Second it is always relevant because God never changes and human nature never changes. Individuals can change through the power of Jesus, but humanity deals with the same stuff, regardless of time or place.
I have been reading Isaiah. You would think it is like reading some old history book with a lot of useless trivia, but it is not! It is like reading a commentary on the news today.
Isaiah warns that a nation who does not follow the Lord will:
1. Be a nation of beautiful homes that are sitting empty (bad housing market Isa. 5:9)
2. Farms that are not being tended (I just heard a report about the collapse of collective farms in Russia and that free market farms, though few, are growing Isa. 5:10)
3. Be a nation that abuses drugs (a recent report on NPR said that 40% of Americans have tried marijuana. Isa. 5:11)
4. Parade sin and lose the ability to feel shame (Isa. 3:9)
5. Be filled with dishonesty and crude language (Isa. 6:5)
6. Be filled with conspiracy and conspiracy theories (Isa. 8:12)
I am amazed at the Bible. It is an ancient book, but it is like reading our news today in many ways.
I have been reading Isaiah. You would think it is like reading some old history book with a lot of useless trivia, but it is not! It is like reading a commentary on the news today.
Isaiah warns that a nation who does not follow the Lord will:
1. Be a nation of beautiful homes that are sitting empty (bad housing market Isa. 5:9)
2. Farms that are not being tended (I just heard a report about the collapse of collective farms in Russia and that free market farms, though few, are growing Isa. 5:10)
3. Be a nation that abuses drugs (a recent report on NPR said that 40% of Americans have tried marijuana. Isa. 5:11)
4. Parade sin and lose the ability to feel shame (Isa. 3:9)
5. Be filled with dishonesty and crude language (Isa. 6:5)
6. Be filled with conspiracy and conspiracy theories (Isa. 8:12)
I am amazed at the Bible. It is an ancient book, but it is like reading our news today in many ways.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Word of Encouragement
I just wrote a letter of encouragement to a person I have been praying for who is in a very difficult situation. I had to be careful and a bit vague in the letter because I believe that it will be read by some others before she receives it. Well, that made the letter a bit vague, but it also made it broadly applicable. I believe it might bless a lot of people if I post a portion of it.
I want to encourage you to stay strong in the Lord. He is good even when the situations of life are not so good. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5) I know that you know what it is to be saved and that Jesus is Lord. The Bible also instructs us to, “…set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15) That is, we should continually keep our commitment to him.
I know that God will bring you through. Job said, “I know that my redeemer lives… in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:25-26) David said, “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” These men believed that God would give them eternal life in Heaven for serving him, but they also believed that God would save them in the current distress of this life too!
I encourage you to do some study in the Scriptures and find these passages for yourself. Stand on the Word of God and he will answer you. Please stay in touch. I will keep praying for you.
I want to encourage you to stay strong in the Lord. He is good even when the situations of life are not so good. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5) I know that you know what it is to be saved and that Jesus is Lord. The Bible also instructs us to, “…set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15) That is, we should continually keep our commitment to him.
I know that God will bring you through. Job said, “I know that my redeemer lives… in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:25-26) David said, “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” These men believed that God would give them eternal life in Heaven for serving him, but they also believed that God would save them in the current distress of this life too!
I encourage you to do some study in the Scriptures and find these passages for yourself. Stand on the Word of God and he will answer you. Please stay in touch. I will keep praying for you.
Weekend Rewind
Sunday was very tough for me.
Our Small Group did a fourth of July gathering and I was up way too late Saturday night. First service went fairly well, but then in second service my brain went into slow motion!
The sermon was on tolerance and how the Bible instructs us to be full of grace and mercy while at the same time being firm in our faith. It was a very difficult sermon because it needed to be given very carefully. It was about a very fine line and about the balance that the Scripture gives us to love the world like God does and still live a pure and holy life of witness for God. I feel like I really ruined the second service sermon. I may begin taping the first service. I think that I am consistently preaching better in the first service. Occasionally the second service will be more fun because I have become comfortable and secure in the topic so that I can have more fun preaching and it keeps peoples attention better. However, between the difficulty of the subject and me being tired Sunday second service was so-so in my book.
Worship was great Sunday and it was good to celebrate communion together.
Our Small Group did a fourth of July gathering and I was up way too late Saturday night. First service went fairly well, but then in second service my brain went into slow motion!
The sermon was on tolerance and how the Bible instructs us to be full of grace and mercy while at the same time being firm in our faith. It was a very difficult sermon because it needed to be given very carefully. It was about a very fine line and about the balance that the Scripture gives us to love the world like God does and still live a pure and holy life of witness for God. I feel like I really ruined the second service sermon. I may begin taping the first service. I think that I am consistently preaching better in the first service. Occasionally the second service will be more fun because I have become comfortable and secure in the topic so that I can have more fun preaching and it keeps peoples attention better. However, between the difficulty of the subject and me being tired Sunday second service was so-so in my book.
Worship was great Sunday and it was good to celebrate communion together.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Great 4th
Yesterday was fun and quiet!
We have been so busy that we really wanted to rest on the 4th. We stayed home and played with the kids a lot. The great thing about our house is that we are so close to the park that we can watch the fireworks from the back yard. We made a fire in the fire pit, made hobo coffee, cookies and took it easy.
Today we are meeting with some friends for a cookout.
The 4th is also great because we are getting good news from John and Stephanie.
We have been so busy that we really wanted to rest on the 4th. We stayed home and played with the kids a lot. The great thing about our house is that we are so close to the park that we can watch the fireworks from the back yard. We made a fire in the fire pit, made hobo coffee, cookies and took it easy.
Today we are meeting with some friends for a cookout.
The 4th is also great because we are getting good news from John and Stephanie.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
More Sumer Reading
Last week I finished reading and writing a book report for a journal. I will post more later. On vacation I received a signed copy of, Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson. It was great to meet him. I told him I had read Carl Sandberg on Lincoln in January. his response was, "All six volumes?"
I also took all the atheists books back to the library. I read most of all of them so that I could get at least the bulk of their arguments and their tone of writing.
I have a stack of other books to read still. One text book for the fall. Then, Jesus Among Other God's by Ravi Zacharias, and Contageous Christianity by Bill Hybles. I started the second one and then got side tracked by two other books this spring.
I also took all the atheists books back to the library. I read most of all of them so that I could get at least the bulk of their arguments and their tone of writing.
I have a stack of other books to read still. One text book for the fall. Then, Jesus Among Other God's by Ravi Zacharias, and Contageous Christianity by Bill Hybles. I started the second one and then got side tracked by two other books this spring.
Study Day
Wednesday has to be a study day! I need some serious study time today. My time has been eaten up since I returned from vacation. I am going to go to the coffee shop and hide out for a while.
Everybody Must Get Stoned
There is this dumb old Bob Dylan song with the same title as this post. I don't like the song, but it is what I thought when I heard a report on NPR today about drug use.
16% of Americans have tried cocaine. 40% have tried cannabis (perhaps not all have inhaled). The highest use of cocaine was in the 1970's and was among baby boomers. According to the report, we in the U.S. are more likely to use drugs than citizens of European countries. I hope the research or my interpretation is flawed!
Well, not everyone is getting stoned! I am in the 60% who have never tried marijuana, praise God! Also, don't feel like there is no hope. Christians can make a difference. Did you know that in the years between 1820 and 1850 that alcohol use among Americans decreased from 7 gallons of 200 proof alcohol per person per year to under 2 gallons per person per year? It was due to the temperance movement (McPherson 1988). While the immigrant population was increasing from heavy drinking cultures, the numbers still fell!
Never be afraid to stand for what you know is right. Not everyone is getting stoned these days. Those who are, are in the minority.
16% of Americans have tried cocaine. 40% have tried cannabis (perhaps not all have inhaled). The highest use of cocaine was in the 1970's and was among baby boomers. According to the report, we in the U.S. are more likely to use drugs than citizens of European countries. I hope the research or my interpretation is flawed!
Well, not everyone is getting stoned! I am in the 60% who have never tried marijuana, praise God! Also, don't feel like there is no hope. Christians can make a difference. Did you know that in the years between 1820 and 1850 that alcohol use among Americans decreased from 7 gallons of 200 proof alcohol per person per year to under 2 gallons per person per year? It was due to the temperance movement (McPherson 1988). While the immigrant population was increasing from heavy drinking cultures, the numbers still fell!
Never be afraid to stand for what you know is right. Not everyone is getting stoned these days. Those who are, are in the minority.
Visit People Day
Today was visit people day.
I started in the morning visiting the hospital in St. Louis, then in Washington, then taught a college class, visited a person recovering in Union, and went back to the Washington hospital. Got home at 10:00 p.m. Long day, good day.
I started in the morning visiting the hospital in St. Louis, then in Washington, then taught a college class, visited a person recovering in Union, and went back to the Washington hospital. Got home at 10:00 p.m. Long day, good day.
Weekend Rewind
It was a very busy and fast weekend for my family. We did a lot of traveling.
Sunday was good. In the first service I preached the message just the way I had hoped to. In the second service worship was absolutely perfect! Beautiful and powerful. One visitor said with tears, "Those songs really touched me, every word." However, I struggled to speak in the second service even though the message is the same.
We missed Pastor John, but he needed time to be with his wife and daughter in the hospital. It has been a roller coaster week for them.
Sunday was good. In the first service I preached the message just the way I had hoped to. In the second service worship was absolutely perfect! Beautiful and powerful. One visitor said with tears, "Those songs really touched me, every word." However, I struggled to speak in the second service even though the message is the same.
We missed Pastor John, but he needed time to be with his wife and daughter in the hospital. It has been a roller coaster week for them.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Back From Vacation
I am back in blog land.
We went on vacation to Virginia for my brother-in-law's wedding. It was very nice. While there we visited DC for three days, floated the Shenandoah River, spent two days touring Gettysburg, PA, and briefly visited Harper's Ferry and Leesburg, VA. Below is a shot of the supreme court, the Lincoln Memorial, and a neat picture of a double rainbow over Arlington National Cemetery.
Our kids stayed with grandma and grandpa at the farm and had a blast.
Our flight was late on Tuesday and made for a lot of schedule suffeling on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, but we finally made it through. All the flight delays made for a lot of good reading time.
We went on vacation to Virginia for my brother-in-law's wedding. It was very nice. While there we visited DC for three days, floated the Shenandoah River, spent two days touring Gettysburg, PA, and briefly visited Harper's Ferry and Leesburg, VA. Below is a shot of the supreme court, the Lincoln Memorial, and a neat picture of a double rainbow over Arlington National Cemetery.
Our kids stayed with grandma and grandpa at the farm and had a blast.
Our flight was late on Tuesday and made for a lot of schedule suffeling on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, but we finally made it through. All the flight delays made for a lot of good reading time.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Pullin' Into Western VA
We just arrived in Warrenton, VA and met up with Stephanie's family. We had a great morning in DC. Went through the Library of Congress and the Aerospace museum. Last night we ate dinner on the Potomac River in Georgetown.
Meanwhile, keep praying for the girls in St. Louis. I have no new update at this time. I am hopeful that all is stable or improving and that John and Stephanie are getting rest.
Meanwhile, keep praying for the girls in St. Louis. I have no new update at this time. I am hopeful that all is stable or improving and that John and Stephanie are getting rest.
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