REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
DISTURBED….is the best way to describe in one word how I feel today. As a minister, I am called on to speak every Sunday and sometimes more often. I put research, personal thought, prayerful hope and a bit of my heart into these times, using Holy Scripture as my foundation and guide.
When I am speaking to my own congregation, I adhere to the thought that I am speaking to friends and even family, therefore I can be myself, relaxed, trusting that if I say something that they do not agree with, they can come to me afterwards, and we can talk it through. It is not my goal to change their way of thinking, but to challenge both them, and myself, to think more deeply and to come up with sound reasoning, as to why both they and I have arrived at where each of us has. This kind of discussion is an opportunity to grow and yes, at times, change and expand our opinions.
Jesus and the religious leaders whom he encountered almost every day often had great differences which caused as we know in time, His violent death. He often tried to reason with them, but it was like reasoning with a stone. Listen to this dialogue in John 18:19-22a. The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus answered him. “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Indeed, they know what I said.” And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Him.
Sometimes from my pulpit I say something which upsets someone or multiple someone’s. I never do this on purpose, though as I said above, I do like to challenge people to think. Our faith is not to be milk-toast neutral, but vibrant, alive and ever growing. Hence, I have on rare occasion (I hope) said something that pierced the armor of an individual, causing their “blood to boil” so to speak. Here is what disturbs me. Ninety nine percent of the people have accepted it without issue, the one who does not, instead of asking me afterwards can we sit down and talk about what you said, rips into me, and I mean rips, rending my psyche temporarily into pieces. Where does the right to do this come from, I wonder?
My question is this. What is happening to reason, to healthy dialogue, sane discussion instead of over the top reactions? If through the discussion compromise is not able to be met, then at the least, acceptance of one another, that even though differences exist, we can focus on that which we are in unity on, accepting our differences with a measure of grace. Why do we think we have the right to maim someone with our words? This kind of anger is now a nation-wide malaise, which if we do not bring it under control as individuals and a people, has the potential to rend our nation in half. It is already doing so in our homes, businesses, churches, communities and nation. WE HAVE TO WAKE UP and COME TOGETHER before it is too late. This is about survival, and again, I am deeply disturbed.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. Selah….
DISTURBED….is the best way to describe in one word how I feel today. As a minister, I am called on to speak every Sunday and sometimes more often. I put research, personal thought, prayerful hope and a bit of my heart into these times, using Holy Scripture as my foundation and guide.
When I am speaking to my own congregation, I adhere to the thought that I am speaking to friends and even family, therefore I can be myself, relaxed, trusting that if I say something that they do not agree with, they can come to me afterwards, and we can talk it through. It is not my goal to change their way of thinking, but to challenge both them, and myself, to think more deeply and to come up with sound reasoning, as to why both they and I have arrived at where each of us has. This kind of discussion is an opportunity to grow and yes, at times, change and expand our opinions.
Jesus and the religious leaders whom he encountered almost every day often had great differences which caused as we know in time, His violent death. He often tried to reason with them, but it was like reasoning with a stone. Listen to this dialogue in John 18:19-22a. The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus answered him. “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Indeed, they know what I said.” And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Him.
Sometimes from my pulpit I say something which upsets someone or multiple someone’s. I never do this on purpose, though as I said above, I do like to challenge people to think. Our faith is not to be milk-toast neutral, but vibrant, alive and ever growing. Hence, I have on rare occasion (I hope) said something that pierced the armor of an individual, causing their “blood to boil” so to speak. Here is what disturbs me. Ninety nine percent of the people have accepted it without issue, the one who does not, instead of asking me afterwards can we sit down and talk about what you said, rips into me, and I mean rips, rending my psyche temporarily into pieces. Where does the right to do this come from, I wonder?
My question is this. What is happening to reason, to healthy dialogue, sane discussion instead of over the top reactions? If through the discussion compromise is not able to be met, then at the least, acceptance of one another, that even though differences exist, we can focus on that which we are in unity on, accepting our differences with a measure of grace. Why do we think we have the right to maim someone with our words? This kind of anger is now a nation-wide malaise, which if we do not bring it under control as individuals and a people, has the potential to rend our nation in half. It is already doing so in our homes, businesses, churches, communities and nation. WE HAVE TO WAKE UP and COME TOGETHER before it is too late. This is about survival, and again, I am deeply disturbed.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. Selah….
reflections, on the spiritual side of life......................................
Greetings from the talking pastor. Though I do speak every Sunday, I first of course, compose, edit and attempt to say (out-loud) in my messages, what I believe I am by the Spirit of God supposed to say, and then speak clearly, succinctly and in as few words as possible. ; )
This column is of course is another way of conveying my thoughts without actually speaking. Some might prefer this method over my speaking, or neither. As I started to type this, a song from my youth popped into my head singing, "You talk too much, you worry me to death, you taaaaaalk, talk too much!" If I have a longer than usual sermon, I tell everyone to settle in a bit, because I have a lot to say on the subject that day. If I see someone looking at their watch I know they either are going fishing or I am once again taaaalking too much.
In seems in the political realm there is one heck of a lot of taaaalking, and little action. That is really true about most things, including sermons. Therefore, if there is too much talking, there must be too little listening? Yep, it's true, and then it seems the speaker by way of the audience’s interpretation, is saying a number of different perspectives due to their own interpretation! How does that happen? It simply is prejudicial listening. Listening without prejudice? Really? Can it really happen.? It takes discipline, and can actually can become a fine art form, and a skill that can be honed and sharpened. It really can, but first has to be recognized as prejudicial listening.
Here is how the Pharisee's listened to Jesus whenever He spoke. In John 10:20 "And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do 'you' listen to Him?" Were they prejudicial? Yes, a large number of generations prejudicial. They could not and would not listen to this Man of peace, who was doing nothing more than giving them a full, richer and more loving word picture of God. Well, a few did listen, and then a few more, and then more and more and more, and some are still listening!
In faith, in government, in business in churches, in homes and everywhere, some are listening. You see, sometimes it is easier to hear the words, without hearing the real message. That is how things get really messy. We think we know what is being said, but we often don't even listen to the end of the message before jumping (prejudice) to foregone conclusions, which them obstruct every word from that point on.
Come on everyone.....let's show some respect and listen. Show some depth, in that we can (learn) to reason, and even discuss our different opinions, so that we can all come to a better place. Compromise is not a dirty word! We all should be able to give a little bit here and there. Also, let us not taaaaaalk too much!
Cheers & God Bless!
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply” (Steven Covey)
Greetings from the talking pastor. Though I do speak every Sunday, I first of course, compose, edit and attempt to say (out-loud) in my messages, what I believe I am by the Spirit of God supposed to say, and then speak clearly, succinctly and in as few words as possible. ; )
This column is of course is another way of conveying my thoughts without actually speaking. Some might prefer this method over my speaking, or neither. As I started to type this, a song from my youth popped into my head singing, "You talk too much, you worry me to death, you taaaaaalk, talk too much!" If I have a longer than usual sermon, I tell everyone to settle in a bit, because I have a lot to say on the subject that day. If I see someone looking at their watch I know they either are going fishing or I am once again taaaalking too much.
In seems in the political realm there is one heck of a lot of taaaalking, and little action. That is really true about most things, including sermons. Therefore, if there is too much talking, there must be too little listening? Yep, it's true, and then it seems the speaker by way of the audience’s interpretation, is saying a number of different perspectives due to their own interpretation! How does that happen? It simply is prejudicial listening. Listening without prejudice? Really? Can it really happen.? It takes discipline, and can actually can become a fine art form, and a skill that can be honed and sharpened. It really can, but first has to be recognized as prejudicial listening.
Here is how the Pharisee's listened to Jesus whenever He spoke. In John 10:20 "And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do 'you' listen to Him?" Were they prejudicial? Yes, a large number of generations prejudicial. They could not and would not listen to this Man of peace, who was doing nothing more than giving them a full, richer and more loving word picture of God. Well, a few did listen, and then a few more, and then more and more and more, and some are still listening!
In faith, in government, in business in churches, in homes and everywhere, some are listening. You see, sometimes it is easier to hear the words, without hearing the real message. That is how things get really messy. We think we know what is being said, but we often don't even listen to the end of the message before jumping (prejudice) to foregone conclusions, which them obstruct every word from that point on.
Come on everyone.....let's show some respect and listen. Show some depth, in that we can (learn) to reason, and even discuss our different opinions, so that we can all come to a better place. Compromise is not a dirty word! We all should be able to give a little bit here and there. Also, let us not taaaaaalk too much!
Cheers & God Bless!
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply” (Steven Covey)
REFLECTIONS……on the spiritual side of life!
Religion….is serious business. There has been and is a saying out there that has been around for years, and with it is an element of truth. “He (or she) is too religious to be of any earthly good.” There are those I believe, who are called by God to a deep walk, and who spend lives in prayer and relative solitude. Then there are those who are ‘religious’ in the negative sense of the word. These are those who need to feel superior, and who truly have little self-esteem or true understanding of faith and its real value. These dear folks live in a black and white world of rules and requirements, focusing on the negative, being critical, and not knowing the value and meaning of grace. I have two immediate reactions to them. The first one is anger, because in a real sense they are spiritual bullies, and the second one is sadness because they have little happiness, humor or joy in their lives and are to be pitied as well.
Yes, religion and faith are serious matters, but there is also a place for humor, merriment, joy, happiness and laughter. Having just celebrated the Easter season and all its darkness, death and sorrow, we next come to the radiant light of the resurrection. The Lord is Risen! Joy comes in the morning and lasts throughout the day, and the next and the next. Cat Stevens made an old hymn popular at the height of his career. “Morning Has Broken Like the First Morning.” Every morning of every day we have a choice, in spite of our circumstances, which at times can be very difficult circumstances. I am not always successful at times in living up to this edict myself, but when I am, I am blessed. Knowing the God of the Universe has the whole world in His hands, and I could not be in better hands than His. Simple things like bird song, the sound of wind in the pines, morning light coming through my window and so much more touch me and raise me up, and I thank God for the magnificence of His Creation!
Here are a few verses to back me up. Proverbs 17:19-22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.” John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you that My JOY main remain in you, and that your JOY may be full.”
We have so much, so very much to be thankful for and hit would do us good to “count your blessings, count them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done.” Charles Spurgeon said in a sermon, “Joy is very contagious. One down spirit can bring a kind of plague into the house, into the church, one person who is wretched seems to stop all the birds from singing wherever he or she goes……(but) the grace of joy is even more contagious!”
Every Sunday morning prior to our receiving our tithes and offerings I tell a joke or humorous story, (it is always a good thing to do prior to asking for money) and I have found that the congregation looks forward to these, and I hear them quoted more than my sermons. Of course my sermons are longer!! Humor, laughter, joy and the resultant mood and feelings that come from these, often carry us through difficulties. You see, God is the author of laughter, joy and so many good things in our lives, where else could they come from?
Thank you Lord, and thank YOU for reading!
Religion….is serious business. There has been and is a saying out there that has been around for years, and with it is an element of truth. “He (or she) is too religious to be of any earthly good.” There are those I believe, who are called by God to a deep walk, and who spend lives in prayer and relative solitude. Then there are those who are ‘religious’ in the negative sense of the word. These are those who need to feel superior, and who truly have little self-esteem or true understanding of faith and its real value. These dear folks live in a black and white world of rules and requirements, focusing on the negative, being critical, and not knowing the value and meaning of grace. I have two immediate reactions to them. The first one is anger, because in a real sense they are spiritual bullies, and the second one is sadness because they have little happiness, humor or joy in their lives and are to be pitied as well.
Yes, religion and faith are serious matters, but there is also a place for humor, merriment, joy, happiness and laughter. Having just celebrated the Easter season and all its darkness, death and sorrow, we next come to the radiant light of the resurrection. The Lord is Risen! Joy comes in the morning and lasts throughout the day, and the next and the next. Cat Stevens made an old hymn popular at the height of his career. “Morning Has Broken Like the First Morning.” Every morning of every day we have a choice, in spite of our circumstances, which at times can be very difficult circumstances. I am not always successful at times in living up to this edict myself, but when I am, I am blessed. Knowing the God of the Universe has the whole world in His hands, and I could not be in better hands than His. Simple things like bird song, the sound of wind in the pines, morning light coming through my window and so much more touch me and raise me up, and I thank God for the magnificence of His Creation!
Here are a few verses to back me up. Proverbs 17:19-22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.” John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you that My JOY main remain in you, and that your JOY may be full.”
We have so much, so very much to be thankful for and hit would do us good to “count your blessings, count them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done.” Charles Spurgeon said in a sermon, “Joy is very contagious. One down spirit can bring a kind of plague into the house, into the church, one person who is wretched seems to stop all the birds from singing wherever he or she goes……(but) the grace of joy is even more contagious!”
Every Sunday morning prior to our receiving our tithes and offerings I tell a joke or humorous story, (it is always a good thing to do prior to asking for money) and I have found that the congregation looks forward to these, and I hear them quoted more than my sermons. Of course my sermons are longer!! Humor, laughter, joy and the resultant mood and feelings that come from these, often carry us through difficulties. You see, God is the author of laughter, joy and so many good things in our lives, where else could they come from?
Thank you Lord, and thank YOU for reading!
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……………….
Spring is here! Every fall I hope I will still be here to see and experience another spring. It is not that I dislike winter, it is just simply that spring, with its promise of renewed life, similar, to the prophetic promises of the resurrection of Christ is exhilarating to me. Being a minister of the Gospel, on Good Friday following our Tenebrae Service, I look at the darkness once the Christ candle is extinguished, imagining my Lord now lying on a cold stone slab, covered in a shroud. Even though the candle is extinguished, there seems to be an afterglow in my heart of His light shining in my spirit, as I anticipate He who is now dead will once again be filled with life, light, love and joy. It is called hope.
Again, like Spring, I think of others I know and love, whose lives have been resurrected from despair, hopelessness, anger, loneliness, fear, rejection, abuse, wrong choices. I put myself in some of those categories, for I too was and am continually being resurrected through this man/God, who felt all the emotions I do, and the same temptations I once succumbed to, and I rejoice for myself and millions of others who in our personal vulnerability, came to the understanding we could not walk this journey successfully on our own.
Each, and every one of us experiences pain, emotional and physical. Some of us have a higher tolerance than others and have a tendency, to look down on those who don’t. Sometimes, sucking it up just cannot be done by even the strongest. Admitting this does not make us weak, it simply makes us real. This is when, as that first new shoot of green breaks forth from its captivity under the snow, we too, when recognizing the freedom that comes from knowing Christ, truly sets us free to continue pushing up toward the Son and into a new, changing, growing life. Is it always easy? No. Other obstacles will come, but with each one is the opportunity to grown stronger, taller, more vibrant in the strength of our Lord as we become like Him, while maintaining our own individuality and uniqueness.
Just as Easter Sunday morning came, and from my pulpit I looked out over those God has put in my spiritual care, I saw people of so many different backgrounds and life choices, who all are amazing, all unique, all different in so many ways but with one commonality. Their faith. With this faith is no arrogance, no superiority, but simply people on the same journey, finding comfort and a deep sense of belonging, as we gather to worship and rejoice in our common salvation.
We can therefore join with people of other faiths, living out our lives in harmony and love and acceptance. This is what our Lord requires that we do. ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, love your neighbor as yourself.’”
That is the meaning of the Resurrection!
Spring is here! Every fall I hope I will still be here to see and experience another spring. It is not that I dislike winter, it is just simply that spring, with its promise of renewed life, similar, to the prophetic promises of the resurrection of Christ is exhilarating to me. Being a minister of the Gospel, on Good Friday following our Tenebrae Service, I look at the darkness once the Christ candle is extinguished, imagining my Lord now lying on a cold stone slab, covered in a shroud. Even though the candle is extinguished, there seems to be an afterglow in my heart of His light shining in my spirit, as I anticipate He who is now dead will once again be filled with life, light, love and joy. It is called hope.
Again, like Spring, I think of others I know and love, whose lives have been resurrected from despair, hopelessness, anger, loneliness, fear, rejection, abuse, wrong choices. I put myself in some of those categories, for I too was and am continually being resurrected through this man/God, who felt all the emotions I do, and the same temptations I once succumbed to, and I rejoice for myself and millions of others who in our personal vulnerability, came to the understanding we could not walk this journey successfully on our own.
Each, and every one of us experiences pain, emotional and physical. Some of us have a higher tolerance than others and have a tendency, to look down on those who don’t. Sometimes, sucking it up just cannot be done by even the strongest. Admitting this does not make us weak, it simply makes us real. This is when, as that first new shoot of green breaks forth from its captivity under the snow, we too, when recognizing the freedom that comes from knowing Christ, truly sets us free to continue pushing up toward the Son and into a new, changing, growing life. Is it always easy? No. Other obstacles will come, but with each one is the opportunity to grown stronger, taller, more vibrant in the strength of our Lord as we become like Him, while maintaining our own individuality and uniqueness.
Just as Easter Sunday morning came, and from my pulpit I looked out over those God has put in my spiritual care, I saw people of so many different backgrounds and life choices, who all are amazing, all unique, all different in so many ways but with one commonality. Their faith. With this faith is no arrogance, no superiority, but simply people on the same journey, finding comfort and a deep sense of belonging, as we gather to worship and rejoice in our common salvation.
We can therefore join with people of other faiths, living out our lives in harmony and love and acceptance. This is what our Lord requires that we do. ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, love your neighbor as yourself.’”
That is the meaning of the Resurrection!
Reflections………on the spiritual side of life
Easter……even though Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Suffering Messiah, he did not meet the expectations of the majority, especially those of the religious Jews, who were looking only for a Conquering Messiah. The people were taught by their leaders of this conquering Messiah, who would free them from the iron grip of the Roman Empire.
Their desire and consuming need for freedom, overrode the whole truth written by the prophets, and in that truth is revealed two very distinct roles and time periods, in the one man/God. Jesus, the Suffering Messiah, and Jesus, the Conquering Messiah. Though the coming of the day of the Lord’s death on the cross was foretold and necessary, to fulfill the justice God sought and seeks in the affairs of mankind, the underlying drive came from majority of the people’s unmet expectations of the Messiah.
This “so called” Messiah came with a fuller and deeper revelation of God, who desired to be more deeply and personally involved in the lives of individuals. He revealed love, acceptance, forgiveness with repentance, and words that stirred one’s heart and one’s spirit. He brought hope of a better life, and he brought that hope to the lost, the outcast, the fugitive, the crippled, the unclean. In other words, to the then average man, woman and child who were looked down upon. He also attempted to break through the religious shell of the self-righteous and rich and successful. In other words, he came for all.
During the so-called Triumphant ride of Jesus on a donkey, (a sign of humility) into the city, and of the people waving palm branches, throwing their cloaks in front of his path, and shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” I can’t help but remember that it was many of these same celebrants, who a week later were shouting for His death. All because of their misunderstanding of His mission, and therefore of their unmet expectations.
How many times have each of us had wrong expectations we place on others? These are often expectations we would never put on ourselves, and when these were not met, we judged them, often harshly. Also, how many times, (being honest with ourselves) have we disappointed or made angry, those whom ‘we’ disappointed by not meeting their expectations? In doing so, we set both them, and ourselves up for disappointment, perhaps even anger with the potential result of broken relationships and friendships. This is a valuable lesson for all people, not just people of faith.
There is a very simple Scripture to apply in our every day lives, and it is one I try to do, though I fail all too often. Jesus gave us these valuable and precious words in his Sermon on the Mount. “Do unto others, as you would have them do to you.” The Mosaic law contains a parallel commandment: “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.” This Easter……remember please, how damaging our expectations of others can be, and instead apply the above words of this amazing personage. Jesus! Amen
Easter……even though Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Suffering Messiah, he did not meet the expectations of the majority, especially those of the religious Jews, who were looking only for a Conquering Messiah. The people were taught by their leaders of this conquering Messiah, who would free them from the iron grip of the Roman Empire.
Their desire and consuming need for freedom, overrode the whole truth written by the prophets, and in that truth is revealed two very distinct roles and time periods, in the one man/God. Jesus, the Suffering Messiah, and Jesus, the Conquering Messiah. Though the coming of the day of the Lord’s death on the cross was foretold and necessary, to fulfill the justice God sought and seeks in the affairs of mankind, the underlying drive came from majority of the people’s unmet expectations of the Messiah.
This “so called” Messiah came with a fuller and deeper revelation of God, who desired to be more deeply and personally involved in the lives of individuals. He revealed love, acceptance, forgiveness with repentance, and words that stirred one’s heart and one’s spirit. He brought hope of a better life, and he brought that hope to the lost, the outcast, the fugitive, the crippled, the unclean. In other words, to the then average man, woman and child who were looked down upon. He also attempted to break through the religious shell of the self-righteous and rich and successful. In other words, he came for all.
During the so-called Triumphant ride of Jesus on a donkey, (a sign of humility) into the city, and of the people waving palm branches, throwing their cloaks in front of his path, and shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” I can’t help but remember that it was many of these same celebrants, who a week later were shouting for His death. All because of their misunderstanding of His mission, and therefore of their unmet expectations.
How many times have each of us had wrong expectations we place on others? These are often expectations we would never put on ourselves, and when these were not met, we judged them, often harshly. Also, how many times, (being honest with ourselves) have we disappointed or made angry, those whom ‘we’ disappointed by not meeting their expectations? In doing so, we set both them, and ourselves up for disappointment, perhaps even anger with the potential result of broken relationships and friendships. This is a valuable lesson for all people, not just people of faith.
There is a very simple Scripture to apply in our every day lives, and it is one I try to do, though I fail all too often. Jesus gave us these valuable and precious words in his Sermon on the Mount. “Do unto others, as you would have them do to you.” The Mosaic law contains a parallel commandment: “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.” This Easter……remember please, how damaging our expectations of others can be, and instead apply the above words of this amazing personage. Jesus! Amen
REFLECTIONS…..on the spiritual side of life…………………………..
Vanity of Vanities…..all of life is vanity? Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. Not exactly an uplifting way to begin an article, is it? Well, some mornings are, no matter how I try to overcome the feeling, just that way. Usually when a day starts out that way, I can at some point make my way out of the pit. It is rare indeed to feel as such, but being human and susceptible to events, emotions, people and environment it does happen.
King Solomon is the one to whom this book is attributed to and is known as one of the Wisdom Books. My opinion of King Solomon (and I may get in trouble here) is that at times he showed in his lifestyle, both a lack of wisdom and character. Oh, I guess that make him human too!
Textually, the book is the musings of a King of Jerusalem as he relates his experiences and draws lessons from them, often self-critical. In this book he also proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently “vain” or “futile”, (mere breath), as both the wise and the foolish have the same end. But the king clearly endorses wisdom as a means for a well-lived life, such as eating, drinking, and taking enjoyment in one’s work, which are gifts from the hand of God. The book concludes with the injunction: “Fear God and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone” (12-13).
Ecclesiastes has had, and continues to have a deep influence on individuals and on Western literature. It contains several phrases that have resonated in British and American culture, being quoted by Abraham Lincoln addressing Congress in 1682. American novelist Thomas Wolfe wrote: “Of all I have ever seen or learned, this book seems to me the noblest, the wisest, and the most powerful expression of mankind’s life upon this earth-and also the highest flower of poetry, eloquence, and truth.” I would say that is a rather remarkable endorsement.
To me, and the manner and subjects in which I both teach and preach, it is my hope and desire to apply practical, everyday truths, wrapped in spiritual application to help not only myself, but those in my care, how to live out my and their everyday lives in a way that produces life, happiness, depth and substance. I do not see all as vanity, but instead as a pathway to God in His Son Jesus Christ. I do not desire to be “so heavenly minded as to be no earthly good”, but to please God by desiring (even when I fail) to be a better person in how I follow and love him, but in also how I treat my family, my friends, my congregation and both neighbors and strangers and this planet we live on.
I have been the recipient of so many blessings in-spite-of my abject, at times failures, that on those days of rough beginnings I lean in a bit closer to my Lord, finding immediate acceptance and forgiveness when needed. Difficulties, sorrows and again, failures come just by living, but I don’t even want to consider where I would be without him, and without those who have come to mean so much to me. “God is good…all the time”. Amen
Vanity of Vanities…..all of life is vanity? Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. Not exactly an uplifting way to begin an article, is it? Well, some mornings are, no matter how I try to overcome the feeling, just that way. Usually when a day starts out that way, I can at some point make my way out of the pit. It is rare indeed to feel as such, but being human and susceptible to events, emotions, people and environment it does happen.
King Solomon is the one to whom this book is attributed to and is known as one of the Wisdom Books. My opinion of King Solomon (and I may get in trouble here) is that at times he showed in his lifestyle, both a lack of wisdom and character. Oh, I guess that make him human too!
Textually, the book is the musings of a King of Jerusalem as he relates his experiences and draws lessons from them, often self-critical. In this book he also proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently “vain” or “futile”, (mere breath), as both the wise and the foolish have the same end. But the king clearly endorses wisdom as a means for a well-lived life, such as eating, drinking, and taking enjoyment in one’s work, which are gifts from the hand of God. The book concludes with the injunction: “Fear God and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone” (12-13).
Ecclesiastes has had, and continues to have a deep influence on individuals and on Western literature. It contains several phrases that have resonated in British and American culture, being quoted by Abraham Lincoln addressing Congress in 1682. American novelist Thomas Wolfe wrote: “Of all I have ever seen or learned, this book seems to me the noblest, the wisest, and the most powerful expression of mankind’s life upon this earth-and also the highest flower of poetry, eloquence, and truth.” I would say that is a rather remarkable endorsement.
To me, and the manner and subjects in which I both teach and preach, it is my hope and desire to apply practical, everyday truths, wrapped in spiritual application to help not only myself, but those in my care, how to live out my and their everyday lives in a way that produces life, happiness, depth and substance. I do not see all as vanity, but instead as a pathway to God in His Son Jesus Christ. I do not desire to be “so heavenly minded as to be no earthly good”, but to please God by desiring (even when I fail) to be a better person in how I follow and love him, but in also how I treat my family, my friends, my congregation and both neighbors and strangers and this planet we live on.
I have been the recipient of so many blessings in-spite-of my abject, at times failures, that on those days of rough beginnings I lean in a bit closer to my Lord, finding immediate acceptance and forgiveness when needed. Difficulties, sorrows and again, failures come just by living, but I don’t even want to consider where I would be without him, and without those who have come to mean so much to me. “God is good…all the time”. Amen
REFLECTIONS…on the spiritual side of life
For Lo, the winter is past, the snow is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the Meadowlark is heard in our land. Pardon me…for adapting verses 11-12 from The Son of Solomon, to fit Island Park by changing just three words. Rain to snow and Turtle Dove to Meadowlark. Also, the snow is by any measurement NOT gone, but going, but I think you get the drift. Snow-drift! On the lighter side, I am not particularly known for my humor, as you can probably tell.
Spring for me is always a spiritual time as it carries with it the promise of life to come. From the often, dark days of winter, the sun rising in the sky is warmer, the scent of pines begins to waft through on breeze, water is flowing from the roof tops, and once again (hallelujah) birds are singing, animals of all sizes are stretching their legs, scampering and making grateful noises of freedom. You and I remembering where flowers had profusely bloomed last summer, still under snow, are eager to again give us the pleasure of their form, smell and color, making us simply itch all over as we wait for their first appearing.
We too begin to find that our steps are lighter, more purposeful, and of course not having to be as careful, for fear of slipping on the ice, or sinking in snow to our hips or higher. Freedom from putting on layers of time-consuming clothing just to keep warm and cushion us when we do fall on the ice.
Spring, with all its promises brings to my mind, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “therefore if any man or woman be in Christ, they are a new person: old things have passed away; behold all things are now new.” Does this mean that we are immediately transformed? Of course not, for we like the very shoots of Rocky Mountain Spring Beauty. A small almost inconspicuous flower, which is one of the first to send forth is delicate but beautiful blossoms. I, actually do a little dance, when I spot the very first one often coming up through the snow as it melts. In Christ, we are like the Spring Beauty and every flower that follows. We have a new beginning, a new start in which also like a flower, increment by increment as we grow and bloom, turn by choice, circumstances and attitude, into a more Christ-like man or woman.
We come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, colors and scents. Each one of us an individual unlike anyone else on earth. How we nurture our lives in Christ or apart from Him, will determine our spiritual, mental, emotional, physical growth and health. With some son-shine, fertilizer from His teachings, fellowship with one another, and both giving and receiving to those we know and love, also to our neighbors and strangers, we can and will grow into men and women of strength and beauty. Let us not just be content to live, but to be in Christ all that he has enabled and encourages us to be. How do you want to be seen by others, or does it matter to you? When asking this question, I am not asking on the superficial level, but on a deeper and more profound level regarding the essence of what and who you are. I hope it matters to each of us!
Just something to think about……
For Lo, the winter is past, the snow is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the Meadowlark is heard in our land. Pardon me…for adapting verses 11-12 from The Son of Solomon, to fit Island Park by changing just three words. Rain to snow and Turtle Dove to Meadowlark. Also, the snow is by any measurement NOT gone, but going, but I think you get the drift. Snow-drift! On the lighter side, I am not particularly known for my humor, as you can probably tell.
Spring for me is always a spiritual time as it carries with it the promise of life to come. From the often, dark days of winter, the sun rising in the sky is warmer, the scent of pines begins to waft through on breeze, water is flowing from the roof tops, and once again (hallelujah) birds are singing, animals of all sizes are stretching their legs, scampering and making grateful noises of freedom. You and I remembering where flowers had profusely bloomed last summer, still under snow, are eager to again give us the pleasure of their form, smell and color, making us simply itch all over as we wait for their first appearing.
We too begin to find that our steps are lighter, more purposeful, and of course not having to be as careful, for fear of slipping on the ice, or sinking in snow to our hips or higher. Freedom from putting on layers of time-consuming clothing just to keep warm and cushion us when we do fall on the ice.
Spring, with all its promises brings to my mind, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “therefore if any man or woman be in Christ, they are a new person: old things have passed away; behold all things are now new.” Does this mean that we are immediately transformed? Of course not, for we like the very shoots of Rocky Mountain Spring Beauty. A small almost inconspicuous flower, which is one of the first to send forth is delicate but beautiful blossoms. I, actually do a little dance, when I spot the very first one often coming up through the snow as it melts. In Christ, we are like the Spring Beauty and every flower that follows. We have a new beginning, a new start in which also like a flower, increment by increment as we grow and bloom, turn by choice, circumstances and attitude, into a more Christ-like man or woman.
We come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, colors and scents. Each one of us an individual unlike anyone else on earth. How we nurture our lives in Christ or apart from Him, will determine our spiritual, mental, emotional, physical growth and health. With some son-shine, fertilizer from His teachings, fellowship with one another, and both giving and receiving to those we know and love, also to our neighbors and strangers, we can and will grow into men and women of strength and beauty. Let us not just be content to live, but to be in Christ all that he has enabled and encourages us to be. How do you want to be seen by others, or does it matter to you? When asking this question, I am not asking on the superficial level, but on a deeper and more profound level regarding the essence of what and who you are. I hope it matters to each of us!
Just something to think about……
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…………………….
The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing…..to reach the mountain, to find the place where all beauty comes from. C.S Lewis
Beauty can sometimes be difficult to find, but not here in Island Park. I find it every morning when I wake up. Not only in that which is outside my doors, but also in the people, both in the church I pastor and in the community in which I find myself being fortunate to live in these past three years. Kindness, friendliness, helpfulness and genuine caring seems to be part of the overall personality of those who choose to live here year-round.
One example was when I managed to get high-centered coming out of my access road onto Buttermilk. (I only got stuck one time this winter) Anyway, there I was, my seventy-three-year-old muscles straining to dig myself out to no avail. Within three minutes, a large pickup truck carrying four much younger and stronger men stopped and offered help. Within another three minutes I was thanking them and on my way to my office.
Wherever I go in the Caldera, I run across people who say hello, wave, whether it is at the post office, Connie’s, Trouthunter, Elk Creek Station, Robin’s Roost, Subway, Lakeside Lodge, etc., etc., etc. Some of these folks (I haven’t before met personally) call me pastor. It is both humbling and a thrill. Oh, calling me pastor is not a requirement. I have had the name Tom much longer than pastor.
Beauty is not hard to find, for all we have to do, is take the time to look. It is all around us, as I have been stating, I have found it every day in the Caldera, taking on many forms in both nature and people. Beauty is spiritual, for its source is spiritual, and whether in people or in nature, we are moved often emotionally and challenged intellectually. John 4:24: “God is spirit” and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God as our Creator has instilled in us the capacity to see beauty, to appreciate and love beauty. He has also given us the ability for another form of beauty. Love.
To truly appreciate beauty, I understand C.S. Lewis’ words as he directs us to seek this One above all else. This way our appreciation and ability to grasp just how beautiful all of life is, will take us to a deeper understanding, depth and breadth in our heart mind, and spirit. Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.
Life is a partnership. A partnership with the spirit and the flesh. God is in all life, for he inhabits all life by his Spirit. People, animals, plants, every molecule, atom and particle accelerator, on this little blue ball plummeting through the Universe we call home. He is the Ancient of Days, Father/Abba which is Hebrew for Most High, El-Shaddai, Yahweh, Jehovah and Adonai.
Selah
The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing…..to reach the mountain, to find the place where all beauty comes from. C.S Lewis
Beauty can sometimes be difficult to find, but not here in Island Park. I find it every morning when I wake up. Not only in that which is outside my doors, but also in the people, both in the church I pastor and in the community in which I find myself being fortunate to live in these past three years. Kindness, friendliness, helpfulness and genuine caring seems to be part of the overall personality of those who choose to live here year-round.
One example was when I managed to get high-centered coming out of my access road onto Buttermilk. (I only got stuck one time this winter) Anyway, there I was, my seventy-three-year-old muscles straining to dig myself out to no avail. Within three minutes, a large pickup truck carrying four much younger and stronger men stopped and offered help. Within another three minutes I was thanking them and on my way to my office.
Wherever I go in the Caldera, I run across people who say hello, wave, whether it is at the post office, Connie’s, Trouthunter, Elk Creek Station, Robin’s Roost, Subway, Lakeside Lodge, etc., etc., etc. Some of these folks (I haven’t before met personally) call me pastor. It is both humbling and a thrill. Oh, calling me pastor is not a requirement. I have had the name Tom much longer than pastor.
Beauty is not hard to find, for all we have to do, is take the time to look. It is all around us, as I have been stating, I have found it every day in the Caldera, taking on many forms in both nature and people. Beauty is spiritual, for its source is spiritual, and whether in people or in nature, we are moved often emotionally and challenged intellectually. John 4:24: “God is spirit” and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God as our Creator has instilled in us the capacity to see beauty, to appreciate and love beauty. He has also given us the ability for another form of beauty. Love.
To truly appreciate beauty, I understand C.S. Lewis’ words as he directs us to seek this One above all else. This way our appreciation and ability to grasp just how beautiful all of life is, will take us to a deeper understanding, depth and breadth in our heart mind, and spirit. Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.
Life is a partnership. A partnership with the spirit and the flesh. God is in all life, for he inhabits all life by his Spirit. People, animals, plants, every molecule, atom and particle accelerator, on this little blue ball plummeting through the Universe we call home. He is the Ancient of Days, Father/Abba which is Hebrew for Most High, El-Shaddai, Yahweh, Jehovah and Adonai.
Selah
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
Genesis has some powerful things to say which are worthy of serious thought. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” then in Exodus, “I Am that I Am.” Then back to Genesis, some of the most profound and thought-provoking words to meditate on, “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
As part of this Lenten season, observing the forty days leading up to Easter and the Resurrection, it is to be to be a time of taking one’s faith seriously. These words from Genesis are one of the doorways to doing just that, as they serve as a much-needed reminder that we are all mortal, and as we think deeply on these words and with good reason. No matter how long we live, our time is short, so why not use this time wisely and for good.
Without great observation skills, it does not take much to see that the times we are living in are fraught with unrest, change, distress, worry, fear and oh so much more. In both Matthew and Revelation, it is said the time will come when brother is against brother and father will be against his son. In other words, the days are full of division and strife within and outside our families.
I am asking that during this Lenten season we, all of us look within ourselves, deeply within ourselves, taking the time to look at our attitudes, our perspectives, our opinions, seeking ways if possible, to turn negative relationships and negative attitudes into positive ones.
Remembering we are mortal and with a time limit, and therefore we should be grateful for every moment we have on this amazing planet. As Believers and for those of you who are not, our mortality should make us grateful, and every moment we possess is precious, and if precious, our time should be spent in gratefulness, not fault-finding, not looking for ways to be upset, not focusing on the thorn instead of the rose. Our words are windows of our heart. “For out of the abundance of the mouth, the heart speaks.” Matthew 12:34
If we but take serious this temporal journey we all are on this Lenten season, I guarantee that by the end of it, on Easter Sunday, you and I will experience a new revelation, a new way of thinking and acting, a happiness and a joy in being once again, given an opportunity to experience new life….life in the Spirit of truth, joy. Laying down differences, prejudices, division and strife….and oh so much more, if indeed this is what you desire. To be like Him.
In many ways by choice, you are the master of your own fate, your own ship, your way of thinking and perceiving. By saying yes to necessary changes, each step of the way you will be renewed inside and out!
God bless you, each and every one of you! Amen
Genesis has some powerful things to say which are worthy of serious thought. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” then in Exodus, “I Am that I Am.” Then back to Genesis, some of the most profound and thought-provoking words to meditate on, “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
As part of this Lenten season, observing the forty days leading up to Easter and the Resurrection, it is to be to be a time of taking one’s faith seriously. These words from Genesis are one of the doorways to doing just that, as they serve as a much-needed reminder that we are all mortal, and as we think deeply on these words and with good reason. No matter how long we live, our time is short, so why not use this time wisely and for good.
Without great observation skills, it does not take much to see that the times we are living in are fraught with unrest, change, distress, worry, fear and oh so much more. In both Matthew and Revelation, it is said the time will come when brother is against brother and father will be against his son. In other words, the days are full of division and strife within and outside our families.
I am asking that during this Lenten season we, all of us look within ourselves, deeply within ourselves, taking the time to look at our attitudes, our perspectives, our opinions, seeking ways if possible, to turn negative relationships and negative attitudes into positive ones.
Remembering we are mortal and with a time limit, and therefore we should be grateful for every moment we have on this amazing planet. As Believers and for those of you who are not, our mortality should make us grateful, and every moment we possess is precious, and if precious, our time should be spent in gratefulness, not fault-finding, not looking for ways to be upset, not focusing on the thorn instead of the rose. Our words are windows of our heart. “For out of the abundance of the mouth, the heart speaks.” Matthew 12:34
If we but take serious this temporal journey we all are on this Lenten season, I guarantee that by the end of it, on Easter Sunday, you and I will experience a new revelation, a new way of thinking and acting, a happiness and a joy in being once again, given an opportunity to experience new life….life in the Spirit of truth, joy. Laying down differences, prejudices, division and strife….and oh so much more, if indeed this is what you desire. To be like Him.
In many ways by choice, you are the master of your own fate, your own ship, your way of thinking and perceiving. By saying yes to necessary changes, each step of the way you will be renewed inside and out!
God bless you, each and every one of you! Amen
REFLECTIONS......on the spiritual side of life
Traditions, Rituals and Celebrations are contained within the boundaries of any and all religions, and within Christianity these will vary from denomination to denomination, sect to sect. It doesn't take long for mankind to come up with these observations. Included in traditions, etc., is order, for with order comes those boundaries with content that separate us (all to often making us feel better, even exclusive) in our religious faith.
Jesus in Matthew 15:1-9 he hits the religious leaders of Judaism hard, really hard with these words in verse 6b, "And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition," then in verses 8-9, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from the Lord." That is a zinger that we all need to pay attention to.
In saying that, I am not condemning traditions, rituals and celebrations, but I am saying we have to do what is right, and that is keep the main thing the main thing. What is that or rather who is that? It is Jesus Christ. If he is kept the center of these observations, exalting him in the process, not only are the celebrations then legitimate, but truly filled with richness and love that they were created for.
An example is Ash Wednesday. This is often observed with a service in the church and is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a period of forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting and repentance, having been preceded by Shrove Tuesday. Because it is the first day of Lent, many Christian, on Ash Wednesday, often begin marking a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and abstaining from a luxury that is focused on personal indulgence for the entire Lenten period.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants, by a minister or priest praying these words, "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or the dictum, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This is one of the many traditions, rituals and celebration that can be truly profound and deeply personal, to the one who understands its significance and solemnity.
I am a advocate of history, whether it be the church, nation or world. There is so much we can learn, and so much in learning we can avoid by understanding past mistakes and past successes. My goal here and will be during the next forty days, is to see how our lives can be enriched by more fully understanding our religious and church history, but always keeping the main thing the main thing, and again that is Jesus the Christ
Be blessed and have a good week! Amen
Traditions, Rituals and Celebrations are contained within the boundaries of any and all religions, and within Christianity these will vary from denomination to denomination, sect to sect. It doesn't take long for mankind to come up with these observations. Included in traditions, etc., is order, for with order comes those boundaries with content that separate us (all to often making us feel better, even exclusive) in our religious faith.
Jesus in Matthew 15:1-9 he hits the religious leaders of Judaism hard, really hard with these words in verse 6b, "And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition," then in verses 8-9, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from the Lord." That is a zinger that we all need to pay attention to.
In saying that, I am not condemning traditions, rituals and celebrations, but I am saying we have to do what is right, and that is keep the main thing the main thing. What is that or rather who is that? It is Jesus Christ. If he is kept the center of these observations, exalting him in the process, not only are the celebrations then legitimate, but truly filled with richness and love that they were created for.
An example is Ash Wednesday. This is often observed with a service in the church and is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a period of forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting and repentance, having been preceded by Shrove Tuesday. Because it is the first day of Lent, many Christian, on Ash Wednesday, often begin marking a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and abstaining from a luxury that is focused on personal indulgence for the entire Lenten period.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants, by a minister or priest praying these words, "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or the dictum, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This is one of the many traditions, rituals and celebration that can be truly profound and deeply personal, to the one who understands its significance and solemnity.
I am a advocate of history, whether it be the church, nation or world. There is so much we can learn, and so much in learning we can avoid by understanding past mistakes and past successes. My goal here and will be during the next forty days, is to see how our lives can be enriched by more fully understanding our religious and church history, but always keeping the main thing the main thing, and again that is Jesus the Christ
Be blessed and have a good week! Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life!
For Christians, next Tuesday will usher in the Lenten Season, the most important, spiritually focused time of our year. As we begin our six-week journey with Jesus to the Cross, Resurrection and Ascension, we look within ourselves as we celebrate in our private lives, and together in our church worship services.
We have so much to be thankful for, and much opportunity to celebrate, meditate, pray, and be a literal part of the reason for this time of our church-year. Each denomination observes this season in a way that best expresses their own doctrinal stance. So-called high-churches, such as Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist and others put forth much emphasis on ritual, reading specific scriptures and even defined services than, our more evangelical, Pentecostal and independent brothers and sisters in the faith. This I learned having been an Evangelical minister, but now am also embracing and loving, many of the rich traditions and services that I am discovering along my own spiritual journey.
Please don’t get me wrong, as I am not criticizing Evangelical or Pentecostal ways of worship and celebration, but on the contrary, having been where I was and where I am now, I find myself entering more deeply into the traditional church calendar/lectionary, and finding myself enriched in very real ways.
As I have now pastored the Little Church in the Pines for three years and recognizing quickly the denominational and spiritually diverse backgrounds of my congregation, I have worked to integrate various traditions without compromising on core beliefs and values. Having done this, I (thank God) that we (all of us) can therefore minister to the diverse traditions of our summer residents and visitors, including all, accepting all and loving all. This I believe is our mission and one of our goals here in Island Park.
No matter your denominational background, or your particular faith, I would ask that each of you think about your own faith journey this time of year. That you meditate, pray, worship with others, and be thankful for the freedom we have in this country to do so. People of diverse faiths are being killed daily, literally, around the world, simply because of their beliefs, and because of how deeply they hold to their faiths. Let us not criticize one another, but instead join hands, hearts and minds in His great love for all people, including you and me!
Jesus gave we Christians a commandment that all too often we have failed to live up to. It is found in John 13:34-35. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other, just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Not only have we failed to love one another all too often, but we have also too often failed to love our neighbor as ourselves. This Lenten Season, let each of us, on our spiritual journey seek to be more like the Lord we follow and believe in. Selah
For Christians, next Tuesday will usher in the Lenten Season, the most important, spiritually focused time of our year. As we begin our six-week journey with Jesus to the Cross, Resurrection and Ascension, we look within ourselves as we celebrate in our private lives, and together in our church worship services.
We have so much to be thankful for, and much opportunity to celebrate, meditate, pray, and be a literal part of the reason for this time of our church-year. Each denomination observes this season in a way that best expresses their own doctrinal stance. So-called high-churches, such as Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist and others put forth much emphasis on ritual, reading specific scriptures and even defined services than, our more evangelical, Pentecostal and independent brothers and sisters in the faith. This I learned having been an Evangelical minister, but now am also embracing and loving, many of the rich traditions and services that I am discovering along my own spiritual journey.
Please don’t get me wrong, as I am not criticizing Evangelical or Pentecostal ways of worship and celebration, but on the contrary, having been where I was and where I am now, I find myself entering more deeply into the traditional church calendar/lectionary, and finding myself enriched in very real ways.
As I have now pastored the Little Church in the Pines for three years and recognizing quickly the denominational and spiritually diverse backgrounds of my congregation, I have worked to integrate various traditions without compromising on core beliefs and values. Having done this, I (thank God) that we (all of us) can therefore minister to the diverse traditions of our summer residents and visitors, including all, accepting all and loving all. This I believe is our mission and one of our goals here in Island Park.
No matter your denominational background, or your particular faith, I would ask that each of you think about your own faith journey this time of year. That you meditate, pray, worship with others, and be thankful for the freedom we have in this country to do so. People of diverse faiths are being killed daily, literally, around the world, simply because of their beliefs, and because of how deeply they hold to their faiths. Let us not criticize one another, but instead join hands, hearts and minds in His great love for all people, including you and me!
Jesus gave we Christians a commandment that all too often we have failed to live up to. It is found in John 13:34-35. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other, just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Not only have we failed to love one another all too often, but we have also too often failed to love our neighbor as ourselves. This Lenten Season, let each of us, on our spiritual journey seek to be more like the Lord we follow and believe in. Selah
Reflections…….on the spiritual side of life.
EVERYONE……should be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
How about that for an introduction sentence. Here I am using words to speak my message today, hoping that prior to this, I first have been listening to the content deeply enough to be able to convey the right message.
These words from James are truly vital in understanding what the truth of any message is and how to apply it to our lives. Lately in my life there have been words thrown around like rice at a wedding, some of which have been been overblown and misspoken. Before speaking we need to verify facts and resources before repeating to anyone. The damage we can do to an individual, organization or country knows no limits depending on each given situation.
Listening, really listening is one of the most difficult disciplines to achieve that any human being can attempt to learn and learn we must. Wars and rumors of wars (literal and words) often start out as James also says in chapter 3:5-6. “So also, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” And the tongue can be like a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our member, staining the whole body.”
Steven Covey said and I quote, “seek to understand, then, to be understood.” To understand truth and to understand any situation we find we are in conflict over, we must be honest and rational, laying aside how we feel, listening and researching the facts as best we can. Jesus said we are to be people of peace and known by our love. We can only do this when we speak honestly after first listening!
We will become known by both what we speak, and our actions that most certainly will back up our words. Our words and actions reflect our underlying character. What do you think others say about you when perhaps you come up in a conversation? What do you want them to say? Does it matter to you?
Sometimes (depending on how we are listening or if we are) it is all too often easier to hear the words and not the message. Here is a non-spiritual example!
Jackson and Ted, two friends, were hunting together in the mountains.
Jackson suddenly collapsed and seemed to not be breathing, his eyes rolling back in his head.
Ted grabbed his cell phone dialing 911.
The operator came on, asking what the call was for.
Ted, extremely worked up, yelled “my friend Jackson just dropped dead!”
The operator said,” calm down, I can help you. First make sure he is dead.”
After a short time of silence, she was astonished to hear a gun shot.
Ted came back on the line and asked, “now what do I do?”
This is an example of hearing the words but not the message.
We, you and I must be quick to listen, slow to both speak and act. We are responsible ultimately for all the words we speak, and the actions we take.
This is in regard to both spiritual, and every day matters that confront us as we live out our lives.
God bless you…. everyone!
EVERYONE……should be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
How about that for an introduction sentence. Here I am using words to speak my message today, hoping that prior to this, I first have been listening to the content deeply enough to be able to convey the right message.
These words from James are truly vital in understanding what the truth of any message is and how to apply it to our lives. Lately in my life there have been words thrown around like rice at a wedding, some of which have been been overblown and misspoken. Before speaking we need to verify facts and resources before repeating to anyone. The damage we can do to an individual, organization or country knows no limits depending on each given situation.
Listening, really listening is one of the most difficult disciplines to achieve that any human being can attempt to learn and learn we must. Wars and rumors of wars (literal and words) often start out as James also says in chapter 3:5-6. “So also, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” And the tongue can be like a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our member, staining the whole body.”
Steven Covey said and I quote, “seek to understand, then, to be understood.” To understand truth and to understand any situation we find we are in conflict over, we must be honest and rational, laying aside how we feel, listening and researching the facts as best we can. Jesus said we are to be people of peace and known by our love. We can only do this when we speak honestly after first listening!
We will become known by both what we speak, and our actions that most certainly will back up our words. Our words and actions reflect our underlying character. What do you think others say about you when perhaps you come up in a conversation? What do you want them to say? Does it matter to you?
Sometimes (depending on how we are listening or if we are) it is all too often easier to hear the words and not the message. Here is a non-spiritual example!
Jackson and Ted, two friends, were hunting together in the mountains.
Jackson suddenly collapsed and seemed to not be breathing, his eyes rolling back in his head.
Ted grabbed his cell phone dialing 911.
The operator came on, asking what the call was for.
Ted, extremely worked up, yelled “my friend Jackson just dropped dead!”
The operator said,” calm down, I can help you. First make sure he is dead.”
After a short time of silence, she was astonished to hear a gun shot.
Ted came back on the line and asked, “now what do I do?”
This is an example of hearing the words but not the message.
We, you and I must be quick to listen, slow to both speak and act. We are responsible ultimately for all the words we speak, and the actions we take.
This is in regard to both spiritual, and every day matters that confront us as we live out our lives.
God bless you…. everyone!
Reflections…on the spiritual side of life.
Amazing Grace……how sweet the sound ~ that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind by now I see. It was ‘grace’ that taught my heart to fear, and through ‘grace’ my fears are now gone, and how precious did that grace appear….the hour I first believed.
Yes, I changed a few of the words to make the song John Newton wrote a little more understandable in our contemporary English, but when I sing it, and I sing it often, I do not change a thing. This hymn is one of the most sung worldwide, comforting often those, be they nation, community or individual in times of loss.
I believe what John is saying in the second stanza is that without grace, the grace given to all people through Jesus Christ, and specifically as he writes about it, is in reference not only to himself but to you and I. John is stating that the depth of his own acknowledged sins…the weight of not have this grace, would cause him to be swallowed up by the sin that weighed him down, and that through the willing and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, again by not having this free grace ultimately comes death, eternal death without Christ. John Newton came deeply into the understanding just what grace meant to him. Freedom…..from fear, darkness and death.
The literal meaning of grace is, “the free and undeserved favor of God.”
Today in the world we are now living in, grace seems to have been misplaced somewhere, and simply cannot be found. We are floating in a gray world, highlighted (so to speak) by accusations, deliberate lies, misinformation, few anchors of reason and truth. I actually fear, that we may reach the point of no return from this gray area, and dissolve into chaos as a nation. That does not speak well for my faith I know, so what can I one person do? Well, I guess what I have to do is deliberately put my faith in its right place at the forefront of mind and heart. To live it as I am instructed.
How much impact can one person have in such a world? I will just have to see. As a minister I can hopefully influence my congregation, and perhaps in an article such as this, somehow have others join me in coming against this present darkness.
I hope that I can be an example of grace to my congregation, to my community and to strangers I meet every day. Will I fail at times? Of course, I will, and then I will have to extend that grace to myself.
Whether its politics, social interaction, church, recreation, driving down the highway, etc., it is my calling as a Christian to be the best example of Jesus Christ that I can be. This is the highest calling that all of we followers of the Savior can attain to, and also all of humanity no matter your own personal beliefs.
God help us all………………..
Amazing Grace……how sweet the sound ~ that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind by now I see. It was ‘grace’ that taught my heart to fear, and through ‘grace’ my fears are now gone, and how precious did that grace appear….the hour I first believed.
Yes, I changed a few of the words to make the song John Newton wrote a little more understandable in our contemporary English, but when I sing it, and I sing it often, I do not change a thing. This hymn is one of the most sung worldwide, comforting often those, be they nation, community or individual in times of loss.
I believe what John is saying in the second stanza is that without grace, the grace given to all people through Jesus Christ, and specifically as he writes about it, is in reference not only to himself but to you and I. John is stating that the depth of his own acknowledged sins…the weight of not have this grace, would cause him to be swallowed up by the sin that weighed him down, and that through the willing and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, again by not having this free grace ultimately comes death, eternal death without Christ. John Newton came deeply into the understanding just what grace meant to him. Freedom…..from fear, darkness and death.
The literal meaning of grace is, “the free and undeserved favor of God.”
Today in the world we are now living in, grace seems to have been misplaced somewhere, and simply cannot be found. We are floating in a gray world, highlighted (so to speak) by accusations, deliberate lies, misinformation, few anchors of reason and truth. I actually fear, that we may reach the point of no return from this gray area, and dissolve into chaos as a nation. That does not speak well for my faith I know, so what can I one person do? Well, I guess what I have to do is deliberately put my faith in its right place at the forefront of mind and heart. To live it as I am instructed.
How much impact can one person have in such a world? I will just have to see. As a minister I can hopefully influence my congregation, and perhaps in an article such as this, somehow have others join me in coming against this present darkness.
I hope that I can be an example of grace to my congregation, to my community and to strangers I meet every day. Will I fail at times? Of course, I will, and then I will have to extend that grace to myself.
Whether its politics, social interaction, church, recreation, driving down the highway, etc., it is my calling as a Christian to be the best example of Jesus Christ that I can be. This is the highest calling that all of we followers of the Savior can attain to, and also all of humanity no matter your own personal beliefs.
God help us all………………..
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
Children……are a heritage from the Lord, Psalm 127:3
The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God. Every single life, every single child, is a reward and a blessing. Whether they’re bringing parents pride and joy, or whether they are being difficult and even a times rebellious, they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, they are a source and resource for the growth of you and I, and for His Kingdom here on earth.
On a deeply and profound level, my children have brought me at times the greatest joy I have every known, and the deepest fear and potential despair, yet by far the JOY outweighed and outweighs both the fear and the despair.
I have three and all are now mature adults. All three, along with their spouses and children are followers of Jesus Christ. Their mother and I are deeply grateful and full of happiness, knowing the paths they have chosen to follow. Considering (although I myself was once a child myself) and that was the only real experience I could rely on to raise our own children, there were three things we emphasized again and again as they were growing up. We, but mostly I made many mistakes, and God covered them all. Here they are;
Our second daughter is the mother of two boys, home schooling them, devoted wife, mother, and fulfilling her spiritual calling by visiting female strippers, of whom many are single mothers. Encouraging them in the very clubs they are working in, never judging them but offering love and support.
Our son, the youngest of the three, a husband and father of the highest caliber, continues to cause me to grow as a man, just by watching him with his wife and four children, three of whom are on the Autism scale.
I am truly humbled to be so blessed and am eternally grateful. I would encourage you to always tell your children how much they are loved, no matter their age, vocation or status. My SWAT son hugs me and tells me I am loved every time we are together, as do the girls. My life is rich….and my prayer for each of you in your relationship with your own children, is that if there are differences settle them and make them right. Love without reserve or condition, for our lives are too brief and too valuable to hold onto those things that would divide us.
Let us choose our words well…. let us seek to be mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of peace. Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ “Let us love one another” Amen
Children……are a heritage from the Lord, Psalm 127:3
The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God. Every single life, every single child, is a reward and a blessing. Whether they’re bringing parents pride and joy, or whether they are being difficult and even a times rebellious, they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, they are a source and resource for the growth of you and I, and for His Kingdom here on earth.
On a deeply and profound level, my children have brought me at times the greatest joy I have every known, and the deepest fear and potential despair, yet by far the JOY outweighed and outweighs both the fear and the despair.
I have three and all are now mature adults. All three, along with their spouses and children are followers of Jesus Christ. Their mother and I are deeply grateful and full of happiness, knowing the paths they have chosen to follow. Considering (although I myself was once a child myself) and that was the only real experience I could rely on to raise our own children, there were three things we emphasized again and again as they were growing up. We, but mostly I made many mistakes, and God covered them all. Here they are;
- That their mother and I loved them both in the good and the bad times and told them so. They tell us that they never doubted that.
- That God loved them and had a purpose for their lives.
- That He would walk with them through both the good and the difficult times, and they believed that also.
Our second daughter is the mother of two boys, home schooling them, devoted wife, mother, and fulfilling her spiritual calling by visiting female strippers, of whom many are single mothers. Encouraging them in the very clubs they are working in, never judging them but offering love and support.
Our son, the youngest of the three, a husband and father of the highest caliber, continues to cause me to grow as a man, just by watching him with his wife and four children, three of whom are on the Autism scale.
I am truly humbled to be so blessed and am eternally grateful. I would encourage you to always tell your children how much they are loved, no matter their age, vocation or status. My SWAT son hugs me and tells me I am loved every time we are together, as do the girls. My life is rich….and my prayer for each of you in your relationship with your own children, is that if there are differences settle them and make them right. Love without reserve or condition, for our lives are too brief and too valuable to hold onto those things that would divide us.
Let us choose our words well…. let us seek to be mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of peace. Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ “Let us love one another” Amen
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life………
PAIN……that is how I would describe most of this week. Both myself and Island Park lost a good young man, father, son and friend to many. This is not an obituary, as that has been completed and published. This is a ‘reflection’ on the brief but wonderful friendship I personally had with Adam Jacobson.
We connected spiritually, emotionally, and with an understanding of the difficulties and joys that life brings in the brief time we have it. I will ever remember his incredible smile, and open heart of this man. The first time he shook my hand I almost went to the ground, so I learned from that experience to prepare myself ahead of time if the occasion rose to grin and bear it. And grin I did.
In 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, “Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation. For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we endure.”
Those of us who are in pain over Adam’s loss, especially his family, it is our place to suffer that pain along with them, and at the same time offer comfort and whatever assistance we can, in whatever way we are called upon to do so. This can be done in a tangible way and also in prayer.
Adam, being a Christian and a brother in Christ, 1st Corinthians 12:26, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.” This is speaking of the body of Christ, made up of all Believers in our Lord. We are to take care of one another, look out for each other and see each other through both the difficult times and good times too.
Many are in pain over his loss. We know that all of us experience pain in different manifestations and intensities. For some it is physical, for others mental/emotional and for many both. Its purpose is to tell us something is wrong depending on the intensity and place. This is something in life we all share. Loss and pain. What we should NOT do is offer empty platitudes to anyone going through loss. If we have nothing to say of substance, it would be best to say nothing, other than offering genuine condolences and then moving on.
There is much we can learn in and from pain, not only for and in ourselves, but for others. We can learn compassion, tenderness, gratefulness, mercy and grace. We can also learn to appreciate each day that we are gifted with. We should also look at the bigger picture, when we allow ourselves due to current circumstances and people, NOT to become upset, petty, vindictive, gossips, mean, angry or hateful. Life is short folks…so very short.
We will miss you friend, yet are grateful we know where you are!
PAIN……that is how I would describe most of this week. Both myself and Island Park lost a good young man, father, son and friend to many. This is not an obituary, as that has been completed and published. This is a ‘reflection’ on the brief but wonderful friendship I personally had with Adam Jacobson.
We connected spiritually, emotionally, and with an understanding of the difficulties and joys that life brings in the brief time we have it. I will ever remember his incredible smile, and open heart of this man. The first time he shook my hand I almost went to the ground, so I learned from that experience to prepare myself ahead of time if the occasion rose to grin and bear it. And grin I did.
In 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, “Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation. For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we endure.”
Those of us who are in pain over Adam’s loss, especially his family, it is our place to suffer that pain along with them, and at the same time offer comfort and whatever assistance we can, in whatever way we are called upon to do so. This can be done in a tangible way and also in prayer.
Adam, being a Christian and a brother in Christ, 1st Corinthians 12:26, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.” This is speaking of the body of Christ, made up of all Believers in our Lord. We are to take care of one another, look out for each other and see each other through both the difficult times and good times too.
Many are in pain over his loss. We know that all of us experience pain in different manifestations and intensities. For some it is physical, for others mental/emotional and for many both. Its purpose is to tell us something is wrong depending on the intensity and place. This is something in life we all share. Loss and pain. What we should NOT do is offer empty platitudes to anyone going through loss. If we have nothing to say of substance, it would be best to say nothing, other than offering genuine condolences and then moving on.
There is much we can learn in and from pain, not only for and in ourselves, but for others. We can learn compassion, tenderness, gratefulness, mercy and grace. We can also learn to appreciate each day that we are gifted with. We should also look at the bigger picture, when we allow ourselves due to current circumstances and people, NOT to become upset, petty, vindictive, gossips, mean, angry or hateful. Life is short folks…so very short.
We will miss you friend, yet are grateful we know where you are!
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life…….
Good Morning Fellow Citizens of the Beautiful Island Park Caldera! I come to you this morning not having a topic, or a clue as to where this is going to go today. That is not my way of doing things, so let’s see what happens.
(pause)
The first word that came to my mind is harmony. A noun, harmony has a three-fold meaning. 1. A pleasing quality when things or people are arranged together smoothly.
2. Agreement
3. The combination of musical notes sounded at the same time to produce cords with a pleasing effect.
Just now as I was typing this, my cell phone sitting beside my computer rang loudly, scaring the (whatever) out of me. My harmony was shattered. Looking at the meaning of harmony when it is a part of our lives, just like now, is often shattered by the unexpected event, person or even thing. Forest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Isn’t that so true? Each day holds the unexpected from moment to moment that can change in a second, literally.
Unexpected! Again, here at my computer, with my hot tea sitting close by I accidentally struck it reaching for a napkin, spilling hot liquid onto the keys. My newly achieved harmony was once more shattered. Panicking, that I had surely damaged it, but for now it continues to work. Whew!
A friend of mine, of whom I have never met but admire greatly said in Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Oh, his name is Paul.
As a pastor, I truly strive for this goal, asking God by His Spirit to lead me in producing the good fruit of harmony in the church that I have been gifted to pastor here in Island Park. Am I always successful? NOT! But I am blessed with a congregation of caring, loving people who when called upon to forgive me, do so with grace, goodness and mercy. In return I am called to do the same.
HARMONY is not easy to achieve, as it truly at times take hard work, compromise, putting others first, joining hands and hearts to do as our Lord would have us do and be. We often are called to overlook our and other’s mistakes and fumbles, as that is what in doing so, brings us into one accord. There truly is in human interaction, nothing so beautiful as harmony, be it in our homes, churches, work places, nature and beyond in the galaxy and universe. Whether it’s two-part harmony, or infinite, when present produces peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Often it is our choice, so today, let us choose to be ‘part’ of the song of peace.
Selah
Good Morning Fellow Citizens of the Beautiful Island Park Caldera! I come to you this morning not having a topic, or a clue as to where this is going to go today. That is not my way of doing things, so let’s see what happens.
(pause)
The first word that came to my mind is harmony. A noun, harmony has a three-fold meaning. 1. A pleasing quality when things or people are arranged together smoothly.
2. Agreement
3. The combination of musical notes sounded at the same time to produce cords with a pleasing effect.
Just now as I was typing this, my cell phone sitting beside my computer rang loudly, scaring the (whatever) out of me. My harmony was shattered. Looking at the meaning of harmony when it is a part of our lives, just like now, is often shattered by the unexpected event, person or even thing. Forest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Isn’t that so true? Each day holds the unexpected from moment to moment that can change in a second, literally.
Unexpected! Again, here at my computer, with my hot tea sitting close by I accidentally struck it reaching for a napkin, spilling hot liquid onto the keys. My newly achieved harmony was once more shattered. Panicking, that I had surely damaged it, but for now it continues to work. Whew!
A friend of mine, of whom I have never met but admire greatly said in Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Oh, his name is Paul.
As a pastor, I truly strive for this goal, asking God by His Spirit to lead me in producing the good fruit of harmony in the church that I have been gifted to pastor here in Island Park. Am I always successful? NOT! But I am blessed with a congregation of caring, loving people who when called upon to forgive me, do so with grace, goodness and mercy. In return I am called to do the same.
HARMONY is not easy to achieve, as it truly at times take hard work, compromise, putting others first, joining hands and hearts to do as our Lord would have us do and be. We often are called to overlook our and other’s mistakes and fumbles, as that is what in doing so, brings us into one accord. There truly is in human interaction, nothing so beautiful as harmony, be it in our homes, churches, work places, nature and beyond in the galaxy and universe. Whether it’s two-part harmony, or infinite, when present produces peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Often it is our choice, so today, let us choose to be ‘part’ of the song of peace.
Selah
Reflections….on the spiritual side of life ~
ACTS OF KINDNESS are still alive and well! Even though our national elected officials seem to have misplace this delightful and simple virtue, I experience it and attempt to give it every day.
EPHESIANS 4:32…. “and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”
GALATIANS 5:22… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these there is no law.”
So, friends and neighbors, how is kindness explained in a dictionary? KINDNESS, “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.”
As an everyday local example, where I shop on any given day for groceries and incidentals when needed, I stop by Robin’s Roost. Not only are their prices fair, but from the manager on down, I am always greeted kindly and attentively, always being told thank you, and to have a good morning, afternoon, evening or night, depending of course on the time of day. This simple action of these folks simply makes me want to go back. On occasion I have a quick breakfast, (when too lazy to fix my own at home) and I receive the same attitude from the sweet woman who fixes it for me. This made me recognize that I MUST learn and use her name. She always brings a smile to my face! Thank you!!!
The ac-tion or act of kindness seems like such a simple thing, but I believe with all my heart that it is one of the highest, personal and interactive virtues that we can give to one another. In kindness is grace and in kindness is humility because we are giving of ourselves in order to build up another person, not being self-focused, but outwardly giving expecting nothing in return.
Taking the time to call a friend, or an elderly shut in, picking up groceries, going to the post office for someone, helping shovel snow, a smile, a wave and so many other simple but uplifting helps that we can give, just for the sake of giving and helping another person or even an animal in need.
When I do this, I do it for three persons. The Lord, the person I am being kind to and then for myself. It is good to make another person feel they count, and again, giving, not to receive back, but simply doing so makes me feel good. For the Lord, because these actions please him and this he requires of me if indeed I am a follower of his. MICAH 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
My hope and my prayer is that we deliberately look around as we live our everyday lives, for places, people and situations that we can show kindness.
God bless you all and have a wonderful day! Amen
ACTS OF KINDNESS are still alive and well! Even though our national elected officials seem to have misplace this delightful and simple virtue, I experience it and attempt to give it every day.
EPHESIANS 4:32…. “and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”
GALATIANS 5:22… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these there is no law.”
So, friends and neighbors, how is kindness explained in a dictionary? KINDNESS, “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.”
As an everyday local example, where I shop on any given day for groceries and incidentals when needed, I stop by Robin’s Roost. Not only are their prices fair, but from the manager on down, I am always greeted kindly and attentively, always being told thank you, and to have a good morning, afternoon, evening or night, depending of course on the time of day. This simple action of these folks simply makes me want to go back. On occasion I have a quick breakfast, (when too lazy to fix my own at home) and I receive the same attitude from the sweet woman who fixes it for me. This made me recognize that I MUST learn and use her name. She always brings a smile to my face! Thank you!!!
The ac-tion or act of kindness seems like such a simple thing, but I believe with all my heart that it is one of the highest, personal and interactive virtues that we can give to one another. In kindness is grace and in kindness is humility because we are giving of ourselves in order to build up another person, not being self-focused, but outwardly giving expecting nothing in return.
Taking the time to call a friend, or an elderly shut in, picking up groceries, going to the post office for someone, helping shovel snow, a smile, a wave and so many other simple but uplifting helps that we can give, just for the sake of giving and helping another person or even an animal in need.
When I do this, I do it for three persons. The Lord, the person I am being kind to and then for myself. It is good to make another person feel they count, and again, giving, not to receive back, but simply doing so makes me feel good. For the Lord, because these actions please him and this he requires of me if indeed I am a follower of his. MICAH 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
My hope and my prayer is that we deliberately look around as we live our everyday lives, for places, people and situations that we can show kindness.
God bless you all and have a wonderful day! Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………….
Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots! I can’t begin to tell you how much these water fowl lift my spirit during the winter months. Saturday morning, I was sitting in the Trout Hunter having breakfast, looking out at the river and not seeing any of my winter friends. I turned to Cesa, who was my server that day and asked where they were. She no sooner said they would show up, when there they were, but I had never seen them do what they were doing that morning. I saw, first one, then two, and much to my enjoyment they kept coming single file, and kept coming, all lined up in straight row that extended perhaps seventy-five feet or more. Then along behind them, NOT in a long single line were the Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots.
What a HOOT! This winter in particular has been especially abundant in regards to these creatures. What a blessing and what lightness they bring to me, simply by being here, where I can see them every day doing what comes naturally. So elegant and so amazing. If we take time to look, listen and recognize the abundant beauty all around us every day, our spirits will always find not one, but many things to be lifted up by.
So…that is my personal uplifting time I wanted to share with all of you.
WISDOM…. another word for wisdom is ‘sapience,’ which means we have the ability to think and act, using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Quite a lot of work goes into the acquiring of wisdom, and unfortunately, we do not use this collection often enough. What I have seen and experienced is a high acceleration of emotion taking the place of these necessary steps before thinking and action. During the past six months in particular, with Island Parks controversy over the wildlife bridges, and in our government on a national level as well, all this has filtered down to we as individuals, and filtered also into our family lives, neighborhoods, churches and community in general
Wisdom in NOT based on emotion, but on the necessary qualities I just wrote of, for without these, emotion alone has been the cause of countless wrong actions. “Come let us reason together.” My hope and prayer is that in spite of the controversies that swirl around us, we again as individuals, neighborhoods, local and state governments, and on a national level can and will work towards using knowledge, experience, understanding common sense and insight to resolve our differences. Compromise is a critical key in our homes, our lives, our churches, our jobs, our communities and our government. To reach compromises, there must be communication based on the ability to listen to one another, to reflect, meditate, and continue to develop and use these communication skills to gain wisdom, applicable in every situation in our lives.
“For every pound of learning a person has, he or she needs ten pounds of common sense to know how to use it.” Anonymous
“A wise person learns by the experience of others whenever he or she can. An ordinary person learns by their own experience. A fool learns by nobody’s experience.” Anonymous
“Simply said, to gain wisdom, one first must want to become wise, then work towards that goal. Opinions are worthless unless based on facts.” Me
God bless you, all and I pray you have a wonder-filled new year!
Amen
Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots! I can’t begin to tell you how much these water fowl lift my spirit during the winter months. Saturday morning, I was sitting in the Trout Hunter having breakfast, looking out at the river and not seeing any of my winter friends. I turned to Cesa, who was my server that day and asked where they were. She no sooner said they would show up, when there they were, but I had never seen them do what they were doing that morning. I saw, first one, then two, and much to my enjoyment they kept coming single file, and kept coming, all lined up in straight row that extended perhaps seventy-five feet or more. Then along behind them, NOT in a long single line were the Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots.
What a HOOT! This winter in particular has been especially abundant in regards to these creatures. What a blessing and what lightness they bring to me, simply by being here, where I can see them every day doing what comes naturally. So elegant and so amazing. If we take time to look, listen and recognize the abundant beauty all around us every day, our spirits will always find not one, but many things to be lifted up by.
So…that is my personal uplifting time I wanted to share with all of you.
WISDOM…. another word for wisdom is ‘sapience,’ which means we have the ability to think and act, using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Quite a lot of work goes into the acquiring of wisdom, and unfortunately, we do not use this collection often enough. What I have seen and experienced is a high acceleration of emotion taking the place of these necessary steps before thinking and action. During the past six months in particular, with Island Parks controversy over the wildlife bridges, and in our government on a national level as well, all this has filtered down to we as individuals, and filtered also into our family lives, neighborhoods, churches and community in general
Wisdom in NOT based on emotion, but on the necessary qualities I just wrote of, for without these, emotion alone has been the cause of countless wrong actions. “Come let us reason together.” My hope and prayer is that in spite of the controversies that swirl around us, we again as individuals, neighborhoods, local and state governments, and on a national level can and will work towards using knowledge, experience, understanding common sense and insight to resolve our differences. Compromise is a critical key in our homes, our lives, our churches, our jobs, our communities and our government. To reach compromises, there must be communication based on the ability to listen to one another, to reflect, meditate, and continue to develop and use these communication skills to gain wisdom, applicable in every situation in our lives.
“For every pound of learning a person has, he or she needs ten pounds of common sense to know how to use it.” Anonymous
“A wise person learns by the experience of others whenever he or she can. An ordinary person learns by their own experience. A fool learns by nobody’s experience.” Anonymous
“Simply said, to gain wisdom, one first must want to become wise, then work towards that goal. Opinions are worthless unless based on facts.” Me
God bless you, all and I pray you have a wonder-filled new year!
Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life
Christmas is over! NOT! This friends and neighbors is THE STORY that just keeps on going. What we learn every year in our celebration now, and have for the past two thousand years, is a call to refresh, enjoy, grow and take comfort in our faith. It is a love story of which there is none other in depth, scope and grace.
This of course will be my last column this year on Christmas, and as we look forward in hope to the coming year, let us carry the message of Christ as Christmas in our hearts, minds and spirits.
It all began in a most remarkable moment….a moment like no other, For in that moment in time, a spectacular event occurred. God became man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened-up and placed its most precious One in a human womb. The Omnipotent, in that one instant became flesh and blood. The One who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with the Word, chose to be dependent upon the life and nourishment of a very young woman.
God had come near!
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by an extraordinary girl and an aging carpenter. Mary and Joseph were anything but royal. Yet heaven entrusted its greatest Treasure to these simple parents. It began in a manger and would on this earth end on a cross.
He looked like anything but a king. His face red, His eyes tightly shut and His cry that of any newborn child.
MAJESTY in-the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the same stall as sheep, the smell of straw and the sweat of animals. This child who had overseen the Universe now wrapped in swaddling cloths that covered and kept Him warm, were not robes of rich cloth, but ordinary everyday material. He, safe in His mother’s cradling arms, being watched over by His foster-father, Joseph.
His throne, now empty, as He rests quietly in this manger, straw cushioning His small body and worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
MAJESTY!
This friends and neighbors is what I hope we all will carry into the New Year.
As He grew into a man, teacher, prophet and Lord, we know there were those who were jealous of Him. Those who were envious, curious and even revered Him, but there was NOT one person who was reluctant to approach Him for fear of being rejected. No, not one, not you or not me. No one!
That Babe, that Child, so long ago…still today, touches the hurting, the sorrowful, the lonely, the rejected and the drug addict, the ordinary every-day man, woman and child. Without exception. Every day………………………….
God Bless you this coming New Year! Amen
Christmas is over! NOT! This friends and neighbors is THE STORY that just keeps on going. What we learn every year in our celebration now, and have for the past two thousand years, is a call to refresh, enjoy, grow and take comfort in our faith. It is a love story of which there is none other in depth, scope and grace.
This of course will be my last column this year on Christmas, and as we look forward in hope to the coming year, let us carry the message of Christ as Christmas in our hearts, minds and spirits.
It all began in a most remarkable moment….a moment like no other, For in that moment in time, a spectacular event occurred. God became man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened-up and placed its most precious One in a human womb. The Omnipotent, in that one instant became flesh and blood. The One who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with the Word, chose to be dependent upon the life and nourishment of a very young woman.
God had come near!
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by an extraordinary girl and an aging carpenter. Mary and Joseph were anything but royal. Yet heaven entrusted its greatest Treasure to these simple parents. It began in a manger and would on this earth end on a cross.
He looked like anything but a king. His face red, His eyes tightly shut and His cry that of any newborn child.
MAJESTY in-the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the same stall as sheep, the smell of straw and the sweat of animals. This child who had overseen the Universe now wrapped in swaddling cloths that covered and kept Him warm, were not robes of rich cloth, but ordinary everyday material. He, safe in His mother’s cradling arms, being watched over by His foster-father, Joseph.
His throne, now empty, as He rests quietly in this manger, straw cushioning His small body and worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
MAJESTY!
This friends and neighbors is what I hope we all will carry into the New Year.
As He grew into a man, teacher, prophet and Lord, we know there were those who were jealous of Him. Those who were envious, curious and even revered Him, but there was NOT one person who was reluctant to approach Him for fear of being rejected. No, not one, not you or not me. No one!
That Babe, that Child, so long ago…still today, touches the hurting, the sorrowful, the lonely, the rejected and the drug addict, the ordinary every-day man, woman and child. Without exception. Every day………………………….
God Bless you this coming New Year! Amen
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…………………
Peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. This is one of those times in our nation that these words are more than words of hope. Last week in the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas, the theme and focus in lighting the first Advent candle in our Sunday service was peace. The news last night was anything but. Thousands rioting in the streets of Paris. The country of Yemen on the brink of catastrophic starvation. Closer to home, my own son, a police officer finding himself in three separate fights within just a few days, having to go to the emergency room twice. I worry about my oldest daughter, just having graduated from the Police Academy in Dallas, soon to be pinned and on the street patrolling. Our government acting as though the opinions of each party are the only true and right ones, forgetting it seems, that working together and compromising is the key to balance and always has been.
The lead in sentence of my column this week, keeps on returning to my thoughts again and again. I almost despair emotionally when I think about all the strife and divisions that assail us daily, but the words of Jesus found in John 14:27 also keep returning to me and give me hope and comfort. “I am leaving you with a gift…peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift the world cannot give, so do not be troubled or afraid.” As a believer and follower of Jesus, I find that many times and in many difficult situations I would rather not be in, His words come to me and give me hope.
The peace that He gives me goes beyond the natural, for it a supernatural gift that comes from the very Spirit of God. I also think of the verse found in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God.” I am but one person, and I am not ashamed to say that I rely on God to make sense out of the things, events and people, that puzzle and perplex me. Romans 12:18 puts it squarely in my lap to be a person of peace. “If it is possible, as far is it depends on you, live a peace with everyone.”
Other than my vote, there is little I can do to affect peace in the world, but where I live, and the people I encounter every day, I can as much as is possible be a bringer of “peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” Attitude is critical. Critical. What we do have is choice. The choice to choose peace, and all that it means is totally up to you and I as individuals. Especially in-the-midst of dis-peace. We can choose to harbor ill will, unkind words, anger an self-righteousness, or any negative thoughts and feelings we choose….but if we do so, it is not only we ourselves that we are harming, but others too.
Will we choose peace at the cost of our own egos? Will you, will I? We are known by both our words and our choices of actions. What will you choose?
Be blessed friends and neighbors. “May the Peace of God that passes all understanding be yours in Christ Jesus.” Amen
Peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. This is one of those times in our nation that these words are more than words of hope. Last week in the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas, the theme and focus in lighting the first Advent candle in our Sunday service was peace. The news last night was anything but. Thousands rioting in the streets of Paris. The country of Yemen on the brink of catastrophic starvation. Closer to home, my own son, a police officer finding himself in three separate fights within just a few days, having to go to the emergency room twice. I worry about my oldest daughter, just having graduated from the Police Academy in Dallas, soon to be pinned and on the street patrolling. Our government acting as though the opinions of each party are the only true and right ones, forgetting it seems, that working together and compromising is the key to balance and always has been.
The lead in sentence of my column this week, keeps on returning to my thoughts again and again. I almost despair emotionally when I think about all the strife and divisions that assail us daily, but the words of Jesus found in John 14:27 also keep returning to me and give me hope and comfort. “I am leaving you with a gift…peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift the world cannot give, so do not be troubled or afraid.” As a believer and follower of Jesus, I find that many times and in many difficult situations I would rather not be in, His words come to me and give me hope.
The peace that He gives me goes beyond the natural, for it a supernatural gift that comes from the very Spirit of God. I also think of the verse found in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God.” I am but one person, and I am not ashamed to say that I rely on God to make sense out of the things, events and people, that puzzle and perplex me. Romans 12:18 puts it squarely in my lap to be a person of peace. “If it is possible, as far is it depends on you, live a peace with everyone.”
Other than my vote, there is little I can do to affect peace in the world, but where I live, and the people I encounter every day, I can as much as is possible be a bringer of “peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” Attitude is critical. Critical. What we do have is choice. The choice to choose peace, and all that it means is totally up to you and I as individuals. Especially in-the-midst of dis-peace. We can choose to harbor ill will, unkind words, anger an self-righteousness, or any negative thoughts and feelings we choose….but if we do so, it is not only we ourselves that we are harming, but others too.
Will we choose peace at the cost of our own egos? Will you, will I? We are known by both our words and our choices of actions. What will you choose?
Be blessed friends and neighbors. “May the Peace of God that passes all understanding be yours in Christ Jesus.” Amen
Reflections, ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE
By; PASTOR Tom Shanor
Advent and prophecy follow-up from last week. I hope your week has been a good one since last visiting with you. We at the Little Church, celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with Scriptural readings, a message where we learned in depth what Advent means, and the origination and depth of the symbols associated with the celebration. We also sang two meaningful carols associated with the day, and overall enjoyed our fellowship, worship and after the service, some of Drew's home made Cinnamon Rolls. Delicious…………..
In regards to the follow up regarding prophecies I wrote of last week, and the unbiased study of those I will now relate now.
Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, Peter Stoner, has calculated the probability of one man fulfilling the major prophecies concerning the Messiah. The estimates of their fulfillment were worked out by twelve different classes, overall representing over 600 college students.
The students carefully weighed all the know factors, discussed each prophecy at length, and examined the various circumstances which might indicate that the student conspired together to fulfill any one specific prophecy. They made their estimates conservative enough so that there was finally a unanimous agreement as to how to do so, even among the most skeptical.
However, then Professor Stoner took their estimates and made them even more conservative. He also encouraged other skeptics and scientists to make their own estimate to see if his conclusions were more than fair. Finally, he submitted his figures for review to a Committee of the American Scientific Affiliation. Upon examination by this non-religious group, they verified that his calculations were dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material submitted.
One example was this. Concerning Micah 5:2, where it states the messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, Stoner and his students determined the average population of Bethlehem from the time of Micah to the present; they then divided it by the average population of the earth during the same period. The conclusion was that the change of this one man being born in Bethlehem was one in three hundred thousand.
After examining only eight prophecies, they conservatively estimated that the chance of this one man fulfilling all eight of them was one in a number containing seventeen zeros. Bear with me here.
If you mark only one of ten tickets, placing them in a hat, and thoroughly stir them, and then ask a blindfolded person to draw one, their chances of getting the right ticket is yes, one in ten.
Then suppose we take the number with the seventeen zeros, represented by silver dollars and lay them on the ground of the state of Texas. They will if we were truly able to do this, cover the entire state two feet deep in silver dollars. Now mark (one) of those silver dollars to set it apart from all the others and stir it in with others across the state. Blindfold the same person blindfolded with the ten tickets illustration and tell them that they can travel as far as they wish, but must pick up the one silver dollar that is marked while being blindfolded getting the right one What chance would they have of choosing the right one? Just the same that the prophets would have had of writing just these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present. Incredible!
The magnitude of the fulfillment of those which have literally been fulfilled in beyond number……and yet, they have.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and goodwill to all of mankind.
Thank you……..and God Bless you all!
By; PASTOR Tom Shanor
Advent and prophecy follow-up from last week. I hope your week has been a good one since last visiting with you. We at the Little Church, celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with Scriptural readings, a message where we learned in depth what Advent means, and the origination and depth of the symbols associated with the celebration. We also sang two meaningful carols associated with the day, and overall enjoyed our fellowship, worship and after the service, some of Drew's home made Cinnamon Rolls. Delicious…………..
In regards to the follow up regarding prophecies I wrote of last week, and the unbiased study of those I will now relate now.
Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, Peter Stoner, has calculated the probability of one man fulfilling the major prophecies concerning the Messiah. The estimates of their fulfillment were worked out by twelve different classes, overall representing over 600 college students.
The students carefully weighed all the know factors, discussed each prophecy at length, and examined the various circumstances which might indicate that the student conspired together to fulfill any one specific prophecy. They made their estimates conservative enough so that there was finally a unanimous agreement as to how to do so, even among the most skeptical.
However, then Professor Stoner took their estimates and made them even more conservative. He also encouraged other skeptics and scientists to make their own estimate to see if his conclusions were more than fair. Finally, he submitted his figures for review to a Committee of the American Scientific Affiliation. Upon examination by this non-religious group, they verified that his calculations were dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material submitted.
One example was this. Concerning Micah 5:2, where it states the messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, Stoner and his students determined the average population of Bethlehem from the time of Micah to the present; they then divided it by the average population of the earth during the same period. The conclusion was that the change of this one man being born in Bethlehem was one in three hundred thousand.
After examining only eight prophecies, they conservatively estimated that the chance of this one man fulfilling all eight of them was one in a number containing seventeen zeros. Bear with me here.
If you mark only one of ten tickets, placing them in a hat, and thoroughly stir them, and then ask a blindfolded person to draw one, their chances of getting the right ticket is yes, one in ten.
Then suppose we take the number with the seventeen zeros, represented by silver dollars and lay them on the ground of the state of Texas. They will if we were truly able to do this, cover the entire state two feet deep in silver dollars. Now mark (one) of those silver dollars to set it apart from all the others and stir it in with others across the state. Blindfold the same person blindfolded with the ten tickets illustration and tell them that they can travel as far as they wish, but must pick up the one silver dollar that is marked while being blindfolded getting the right one What chance would they have of choosing the right one? Just the same that the prophets would have had of writing just these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present. Incredible!
The magnitude of the fulfillment of those which have literally been fulfilled in beyond number……and yet, they have.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and goodwill to all of mankind.
Thank you……..and God Bless you all!
Reflections
On the spiritual side of life…………………
Thanksgiving Day………when I think of that first Thanksgiving, I immediately draw up memories from my first-grade art class. Sitting at my little desk, cutting out Pilgrim hats to wear, using that wonderful white pasty glue, hoping it would hold when I put it on my buzzed little kid head. Next came colorful art paper turkeys, etc., never realizing while having all that fun, behind my kid’s rendition of that day, lay a very serious and sober history. A truly amazing story of persecution, hardship, death and in time triumph.
One hundred and two people, plus 30 crew members crowded into one ship, the Mayflower. Sixty-six days of early Fall storms, strong currents and towering waves. With those storms came illness, at times fear and asking themselves, “did we do the right thing?” “Is God with us?” Yet, for the most part these few brave souls held on to the faith, hope and eventual victory, but at a cost. Upon finally arriving, not at their original destination but further north at a location that would be named Plymouth, Massachusetts. Before leaving the ship that day and stepping onto dry land, a total of forty-four of those brave souls from the original 102 stepped ashore.
Like the early New Testament Church and the Apostles, I see these people of God, driven (literally and spiritually) by their desire for freedom of religion, needing to worship Him as they felt led to so, which was their primary reason for setting off on this arduous journey. Leaving behind their homes, their vocations and even members of their families, all to freely express their love of God. My view of them includes seeing them as veterans of a spiritual war, for which I, today, thank both God and they, for their vision and bravery. These were good people, and like us not perfect. They too had their strengths and weaknesses, but, in-spite-of those, they loved the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and strength. So much so, they were willing to sacrifice so very much to express that love.
Because of them and the foundation they laid, we have in this nation deep spiritual roots, which manifests themselves in not only that of Christianity, but the freedom for all religions to meet freely and openly.
I ask all of you today, as you meet with friends, family or strangers, no matter your belief or unbelief, to simply say thank you to those first brave souls for laying for us, all of us, a foundation on freedom.
God Bless You and God Bless America
On the spiritual side of life…………………
Thanksgiving Day………when I think of that first Thanksgiving, I immediately draw up memories from my first-grade art class. Sitting at my little desk, cutting out Pilgrim hats to wear, using that wonderful white pasty glue, hoping it would hold when I put it on my buzzed little kid head. Next came colorful art paper turkeys, etc., never realizing while having all that fun, behind my kid’s rendition of that day, lay a very serious and sober history. A truly amazing story of persecution, hardship, death and in time triumph.
One hundred and two people, plus 30 crew members crowded into one ship, the Mayflower. Sixty-six days of early Fall storms, strong currents and towering waves. With those storms came illness, at times fear and asking themselves, “did we do the right thing?” “Is God with us?” Yet, for the most part these few brave souls held on to the faith, hope and eventual victory, but at a cost. Upon finally arriving, not at their original destination but further north at a location that would be named Plymouth, Massachusetts. Before leaving the ship that day and stepping onto dry land, a total of forty-four of those brave souls from the original 102 stepped ashore.
Like the early New Testament Church and the Apostles, I see these people of God, driven (literally and spiritually) by their desire for freedom of religion, needing to worship Him as they felt led to so, which was their primary reason for setting off on this arduous journey. Leaving behind their homes, their vocations and even members of their families, all to freely express their love of God. My view of them includes seeing them as veterans of a spiritual war, for which I, today, thank both God and they, for their vision and bravery. These were good people, and like us not perfect. They too had their strengths and weaknesses, but, in-spite-of those, they loved the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and strength. So much so, they were willing to sacrifice so very much to express that love.
Because of them and the foundation they laid, we have in this nation deep spiritual roots, which manifests themselves in not only that of Christianity, but the freedom for all religions to meet freely and openly.
I ask all of you today, as you meet with friends, family or strangers, no matter your belief or unbelief, to simply say thank you to those first brave souls for laying for us, all of us, a foundation on freedom.
God Bless You and God Bless America
Reflections
On the spiritual side of life
“Peace………..on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” (Luke 2:14) When is the last time as a people in our nation have actually and collectively felt any real measure of peace? I believe I personally would have to go back to when President Eisenhower was newly in office and World War II was over, prior to the coming Korean War. Even as a kid in that brief interlude, I had a sense of peace. Then the Korean conflict arrived, Khrushchev rose to power. I remember so clearly looking into the sky, following his saying “we will bury you” thinking in my young mind that at any moment nuclear bombs could suddenly come, obliterating the entire world. Over the years to come, since those early days I have never felt free from the un-seldness of “wars and rumors of wars”.
The coming season of Advent, as we Christians celebrate the coming of the Christ child, and the promise some day of peace on earth, year after year I find within myself hope rises. “Peace on earth, and goodwill toward mankind” comes into my thoughts repeatedly. Will it be in my lifetime, I do not know, but I can hope, and hope is something I will not let die. If not for me, perhaps for my children, and if not them then my grandchildren.
The four Sundays leading up to Christmas each have their own emphasis. They are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. This Advent Season my messages will be titled, beginning on December 2nd, Choosing Hope, Choosing Peace, Choosing Joy and Choosing Love. You see, our choices are vital to how we live our lives individually and as people of this nation. If…. on an individual level we each choose to have the attitudes of the themes of Advent, not only will we be blessed with a measure of peace within ourselves, but we will also by that attitude affect those we encounter in our every day lives.
It does not matter how ‘commercialized’ Christmas becomes, or that people who celebrate it do so without knowing Christ. There can still be an attitude of hope, peace, joy and love that comes from simply the act of giving and receiving. In doing so we can break down the barriers politically, personally, and all other reasons divisions exist.
There is a hymn we sing in our services on occasion. I am sure you have heard it in one form or another. “let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” This peace begins right where we live within ourselves. So, I leave you with this question for you to decide. What attitude do you choose today to live with, and in the days and years ahead?
Have a thankful Thanksgiving and a Joy filled holiday season and may the Peace of God find a place of residence in your hearts and minds.
Thank you……… Amen
On the spiritual side of life
“Peace………..on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” (Luke 2:14) When is the last time as a people in our nation have actually and collectively felt any real measure of peace? I believe I personally would have to go back to when President Eisenhower was newly in office and World War II was over, prior to the coming Korean War. Even as a kid in that brief interlude, I had a sense of peace. Then the Korean conflict arrived, Khrushchev rose to power. I remember so clearly looking into the sky, following his saying “we will bury you” thinking in my young mind that at any moment nuclear bombs could suddenly come, obliterating the entire world. Over the years to come, since those early days I have never felt free from the un-seldness of “wars and rumors of wars”.
The coming season of Advent, as we Christians celebrate the coming of the Christ child, and the promise some day of peace on earth, year after year I find within myself hope rises. “Peace on earth, and goodwill toward mankind” comes into my thoughts repeatedly. Will it be in my lifetime, I do not know, but I can hope, and hope is something I will not let die. If not for me, perhaps for my children, and if not them then my grandchildren.
The four Sundays leading up to Christmas each have their own emphasis. They are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. This Advent Season my messages will be titled, beginning on December 2nd, Choosing Hope, Choosing Peace, Choosing Joy and Choosing Love. You see, our choices are vital to how we live our lives individually and as people of this nation. If…. on an individual level we each choose to have the attitudes of the themes of Advent, not only will we be blessed with a measure of peace within ourselves, but we will also by that attitude affect those we encounter in our every day lives.
It does not matter how ‘commercialized’ Christmas becomes, or that people who celebrate it do so without knowing Christ. There can still be an attitude of hope, peace, joy and love that comes from simply the act of giving and receiving. In doing so we can break down the barriers politically, personally, and all other reasons divisions exist.
There is a hymn we sing in our services on occasion. I am sure you have heard it in one form or another. “let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” This peace begins right where we live within ourselves. So, I leave you with this question for you to decide. What attitude do you choose today to live with, and in the days and years ahead?
Have a thankful Thanksgiving and a Joy filled holiday season and may the Peace of God find a place of residence in your hearts and minds.
Thank you……… Amen
REFLECTIONS
BLESSED ~ BLESS ~ BLESSINGS…….present, future and ongoing, I am blessed, I will bless, and good things trail along with blessings. All of us have been blessed, especially those of us who have chosen or are called to live here in Island Park. Not that we are without problems, disagreements and an occasional issue or two that tries to divide us, but overall, a more caring and unified community would be hard to find elsewhere.
The caldera most recently and for the most part, is unified in its desire and hope to be a place for all those who live and recreate here, to be able to do this when done respectfully and with loving care. We all know there is a minority always and everywhere (not only here) who for some reason(s) don’t understand, and therefore don’t care about the same things that the majority does. The key is to educate by example when and wherever we can.
So, back to blessed, bless and blessings. A blessing is a type of pronouncement, and a pronouncement is a formal authoritative announcement or declaration, and declaration is an explicit statement. A blessing is a declaration, by bestowing an upbeat and positive pronouncement on someone or someplace, and is declaring good things on whomever or whatever is the recipient. Hope you got that?
We, who live here, again are already blessed, and in my opinion should acknowledge daily (at a minimum) our thanks to the One who molded this small parcel of the world with gratitude. The grandeur, the climate, the air we breathe free of most pollutants, animals, flowers, vistas, rivers and streams, and each other. To start our day with Thanks-giving and praise, whether you believe in the Creator-God or not. With gratitude on lips and thankfulness in our hearts, the negative things that come our way will have been tempered and at times even dismissed.
Attitude…..is critical to our well-being. Good attitude that is. The attitude of blessing and being blessed brings health, happiness and contentment. Blessings offset the nitpickers that come our way, and who knows we may in doing so lift them up and out of their nay-saying attitudes.
What is a nit? I am going to tell you. A nit is an egg or young form of a louse, or other parasitic insects. Especially the egg of a head louse, that attaches itself to a human hair, and some animal’s hair such as monkeys. Most of us have seen videos of monkeys patiently searching, picking, and then eating the louse they manage to find. Now me, I would much rather be the source of being a blessing, and even receiving one than be a nitpicker or nay-sayer. How about you?
Attitude is something we choose, not something that is bestowed on us. As we head into this new winter season, let us choose to recognize the blessings that surround us every day, and out of that position, may we both bless and be a blessing in as many ways as is possible. There is an old hymn of which the chorus says it this way. “Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done. Selah
BLESSED ~ BLESS ~ BLESSINGS…….present, future and ongoing, I am blessed, I will bless, and good things trail along with blessings. All of us have been blessed, especially those of us who have chosen or are called to live here in Island Park. Not that we are without problems, disagreements and an occasional issue or two that tries to divide us, but overall, a more caring and unified community would be hard to find elsewhere.
The caldera most recently and for the most part, is unified in its desire and hope to be a place for all those who live and recreate here, to be able to do this when done respectfully and with loving care. We all know there is a minority always and everywhere (not only here) who for some reason(s) don’t understand, and therefore don’t care about the same things that the majority does. The key is to educate by example when and wherever we can.
So, back to blessed, bless and blessings. A blessing is a type of pronouncement, and a pronouncement is a formal authoritative announcement or declaration, and declaration is an explicit statement. A blessing is a declaration, by bestowing an upbeat and positive pronouncement on someone or someplace, and is declaring good things on whomever or whatever is the recipient. Hope you got that?
We, who live here, again are already blessed, and in my opinion should acknowledge daily (at a minimum) our thanks to the One who molded this small parcel of the world with gratitude. The grandeur, the climate, the air we breathe free of most pollutants, animals, flowers, vistas, rivers and streams, and each other. To start our day with Thanks-giving and praise, whether you believe in the Creator-God or not. With gratitude on lips and thankfulness in our hearts, the negative things that come our way will have been tempered and at times even dismissed.
Attitude…..is critical to our well-being. Good attitude that is. The attitude of blessing and being blessed brings health, happiness and contentment. Blessings offset the nitpickers that come our way, and who knows we may in doing so lift them up and out of their nay-saying attitudes.
What is a nit? I am going to tell you. A nit is an egg or young form of a louse, or other parasitic insects. Especially the egg of a head louse, that attaches itself to a human hair, and some animal’s hair such as monkeys. Most of us have seen videos of monkeys patiently searching, picking, and then eating the louse they manage to find. Now me, I would much rather be the source of being a blessing, and even receiving one than be a nitpicker or nay-sayer. How about you?
Attitude is something we choose, not something that is bestowed on us. As we head into this new winter season, let us choose to recognize the blessings that surround us every day, and out of that position, may we both bless and be a blessing in as many ways as is possible. There is an old hymn of which the chorus says it this way. “Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done. Selah
Reflections…………………….
On the spiritual side of life
TODAY, I begin this column with a heavy heart, yet with a ray of hope. My heaviness stems from the state of our nation, but my hope comes from deep within, because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, where He assures me “‘that all thing work together for the good’” of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”. I believe that this nation was called and established, to be a light set on a hill, and that all the world would benefit from that light.
In my heart of hearts, I believe that running deep within this nation, as exemplified by the outreach of so many people in collective grief and sadness, and by the comforting of those of our Jewish fellow citizens because of the horrific event of last week, hope still rises to the surface. Reflecting back to the horrific shooting in Charleston, when our black brothers and sisters were killed by a lone, sick gunman I grieve. Each of those incidents, amongst all the others that have beset innocent victims of our nation and beyond, speak of a spiritual deficit throughout the world.
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are called not only to love one another, but to love our neighbor, and of all things also our enemies. Not only love them but to do good to them who would harm us. Are we fulfilling this teaching? Undoubtedly this is a very difficult teaching, but is one we can accomplish, otherwise He would not have given it to us. “We can do all things through Christ who enables us.”
This is a time for reflection, a time for introspection, but also action. This is a time for those of us who are Christians, to step up and into the fray that besets us. Not with words of division, but with words of love, grace, mercy and kindness. Christ has called us to be a light to the world. We are to live as He teaches us to live, and to reach out by being an example of who our Lord is.
St. Francis left us, based on the teachings of Jesus, these words. “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where is there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness; light, and where there is sadness, JOY.”
In these words, alive as they are, we can join hands across religions, denominations, political parties, race, social status, and all that has the potential to divide us. Joining as one, in and for the love of all humanity, all of God’s children. Amen
On the spiritual side of life
TODAY, I begin this column with a heavy heart, yet with a ray of hope. My heaviness stems from the state of our nation, but my hope comes from deep within, because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, where He assures me “‘that all thing work together for the good’” of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”. I believe that this nation was called and established, to be a light set on a hill, and that all the world would benefit from that light.
In my heart of hearts, I believe that running deep within this nation, as exemplified by the outreach of so many people in collective grief and sadness, and by the comforting of those of our Jewish fellow citizens because of the horrific event of last week, hope still rises to the surface. Reflecting back to the horrific shooting in Charleston, when our black brothers and sisters were killed by a lone, sick gunman I grieve. Each of those incidents, amongst all the others that have beset innocent victims of our nation and beyond, speak of a spiritual deficit throughout the world.
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are called not only to love one another, but to love our neighbor, and of all things also our enemies. Not only love them but to do good to them who would harm us. Are we fulfilling this teaching? Undoubtedly this is a very difficult teaching, but is one we can accomplish, otherwise He would not have given it to us. “We can do all things through Christ who enables us.”
This is a time for reflection, a time for introspection, but also action. This is a time for those of us who are Christians, to step up and into the fray that besets us. Not with words of division, but with words of love, grace, mercy and kindness. Christ has called us to be a light to the world. We are to live as He teaches us to live, and to reach out by being an example of who our Lord is.
St. Francis left us, based on the teachings of Jesus, these words. “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where is there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness; light, and where there is sadness, JOY.”
In these words, alive as they are, we can join hands across religions, denominations, political parties, race, social status, and all that has the potential to divide us. Joining as one, in and for the love of all humanity, all of God’s children. Amen
REFLECTIONS; On the spiritual side of life………………
ROMANS 13, VERSES 1, 5 & 6. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (5) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
(6) “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. (7) Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” These are the words of the Lord. (you may want to read verses, 2-4, and 7 as well)
Of course, we know that government when corrupt needs some come-uppens and correction, no doubt. Our own government nation and government exists because of a corrupt and power-hungry parent country.
Religion and government are like a couple who sometimes have a hard living together, but who find they simply cannot live apart. Both need their independence in order to flourish; and history has shown that a complete divorce is healthy for neither.
In regards to religion and worship in America, we have the First Amendment to the Constitution, (though at times abused by both entities) which tells us, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…..OR…..prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Power in both religion and government are the number one factor in the rise of corruption. Marry the two to each other, and serious, often deadly are the results. Its’ the mind and heart of corrupt men and women that will abuse both, not the entities themselves.
I have heard it said that we are today a post Christian nation. Wrong. We have never been a Christian nation, though most of our principles, laws, etc., are founded on Christian/Judaism thought and writings. The moral and ethical foundation we live our everyday lives on mostly come from these two religions, and for this I am eternally grateful. Our forefathers had the wisdom to draw as their main resource the truths of both. The beauty of the First Amendment is that it guarantees FREEDOM to all of us, to worship God as we understand God, and to also not believe or worship without repercussions or punishment.
I have said all of this today, because we are at a vital time in the history of our nation. “One nation under God” I thank God, as I know and worship Him, that I live in a nation that I can speak into it by having the freedom to do so by my singular vote. To not take this great gift seriously, and to not vote (my opinion) is like a slap in the face of those who fought and died to give us this right. However, we do vote, we should do so by giving thought and prayer to our choices, not based on emotion alone, but with reason, prayer and serious research into the issues at hand. This mid-term election will set the course of our nation for years to come. The choice is in our hands as we mark that ballot.
God give us all wisdom however we do so, and with a clear and grace-filled conscience, and please VOTE. Amen
ROMANS 13, VERSES 1, 5 & 6. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (5) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
(6) “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. (7) Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” These are the words of the Lord. (you may want to read verses, 2-4, and 7 as well)
Of course, we know that government when corrupt needs some come-uppens and correction, no doubt. Our own government nation and government exists because of a corrupt and power-hungry parent country.
Religion and government are like a couple who sometimes have a hard living together, but who find they simply cannot live apart. Both need their independence in order to flourish; and history has shown that a complete divorce is healthy for neither.
In regards to religion and worship in America, we have the First Amendment to the Constitution, (though at times abused by both entities) which tells us, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…..OR…..prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Power in both religion and government are the number one factor in the rise of corruption. Marry the two to each other, and serious, often deadly are the results. Its’ the mind and heart of corrupt men and women that will abuse both, not the entities themselves.
I have heard it said that we are today a post Christian nation. Wrong. We have never been a Christian nation, though most of our principles, laws, etc., are founded on Christian/Judaism thought and writings. The moral and ethical foundation we live our everyday lives on mostly come from these two religions, and for this I am eternally grateful. Our forefathers had the wisdom to draw as their main resource the truths of both. The beauty of the First Amendment is that it guarantees FREEDOM to all of us, to worship God as we understand God, and to also not believe or worship without repercussions or punishment.
I have said all of this today, because we are at a vital time in the history of our nation. “One nation under God” I thank God, as I know and worship Him, that I live in a nation that I can speak into it by having the freedom to do so by my singular vote. To not take this great gift seriously, and to not vote (my opinion) is like a slap in the face of those who fought and died to give us this right. However, we do vote, we should do so by giving thought and prayer to our choices, not based on emotion alone, but with reason, prayer and serious research into the issues at hand. This mid-term election will set the course of our nation for years to come. The choice is in our hands as we mark that ballot.
God give us all wisdom however we do so, and with a clear and grace-filled conscience, and please VOTE. Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…………..
GENESIS 1:31, God saw everything he had made, and it was very good.
GENESIS 1:28, God blessed mankind, and said, “be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air and over all livestock, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over all the creeping things that creep on the earth.”
A cursory reading of Genesis 1:28, it almost sounds as though God, by using the word dominion, gives us the right to do whatever we want, good or bad, to this magnificent globe, in the vastness of the Universe we live in. That premise has been in operation before and since the industrial revolution, until the last thirty years or so. (in my opinion) I do believe more and more we are gaining a measure of wisdom as to the seriousness of the ramifications of that mind-set.
Living in Island Park has reignited a fire within me, as to how important it is to live reasonably and sanely, especially in regards, to my own personal lifestyle, by simply saying no to purchasing and doing things that I once considered my right to have, own and do. My soul (spirit) is nourished, not by the things I own, but by the constant and changing beauty in this place, and God’s divine handiwork.
I have lived in L.A., Pittsburgh, Seattle and Minneapolis, and have spent time in Chicago, San Diego, Portland and many other major cities of this great nation. In each of those time periods and visits, I yearned constantly for vistas, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, wild animals, quiet, peace and again, nourishment for my soul. I happened to be in Cleveland Ohio, back in the sixties when the river was on fire from so much pollution. I have been unable to forget that hideous sight. I lived in L.A. when the smog was so bad that you could not see the tops of the skyscrapers, or six blocks down the street. The toll on a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually can be enormous.
I am not a fanatic (so to speak) on the environment, but I do believe with all my heart, mind and spirit that we all need to take more serious and thoughtful responsibility as to our own place in Creation, and understand these underlying truths, that the resources of this planet are finite, not infinite. God gave us good minds, along with and the ability to reason and think about our choices, and the consequences of short-range thinking verses long term planning.
We have done an exceptional job of multiplying, subduing, gaining dominion, and in the process leaving a trail of havoc and wreckage. God forgive us in taking his Creation for granted and not treating it as the Sanctuary it was meant to be……and is. We here, for the most part in Island Park, cherish the land on which we tread, and the vistas that greet us everywhere we look, so let us reasonably and with intent work together to maintain a healthy balance of the lifestyle available to all, and daily thank God for this great gift. Amen
GENESIS 1:31, God saw everything he had made, and it was very good.
GENESIS 1:28, God blessed mankind, and said, “be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air and over all livestock, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over all the creeping things that creep on the earth.”
A cursory reading of Genesis 1:28, it almost sounds as though God, by using the word dominion, gives us the right to do whatever we want, good or bad, to this magnificent globe, in the vastness of the Universe we live in. That premise has been in operation before and since the industrial revolution, until the last thirty years or so. (in my opinion) I do believe more and more we are gaining a measure of wisdom as to the seriousness of the ramifications of that mind-set.
Living in Island Park has reignited a fire within me, as to how important it is to live reasonably and sanely, especially in regards, to my own personal lifestyle, by simply saying no to purchasing and doing things that I once considered my right to have, own and do. My soul (spirit) is nourished, not by the things I own, but by the constant and changing beauty in this place, and God’s divine handiwork.
I have lived in L.A., Pittsburgh, Seattle and Minneapolis, and have spent time in Chicago, San Diego, Portland and many other major cities of this great nation. In each of those time periods and visits, I yearned constantly for vistas, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, wild animals, quiet, peace and again, nourishment for my soul. I happened to be in Cleveland Ohio, back in the sixties when the river was on fire from so much pollution. I have been unable to forget that hideous sight. I lived in L.A. when the smog was so bad that you could not see the tops of the skyscrapers, or six blocks down the street. The toll on a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually can be enormous.
I am not a fanatic (so to speak) on the environment, but I do believe with all my heart, mind and spirit that we all need to take more serious and thoughtful responsibility as to our own place in Creation, and understand these underlying truths, that the resources of this planet are finite, not infinite. God gave us good minds, along with and the ability to reason and think about our choices, and the consequences of short-range thinking verses long term planning.
We have done an exceptional job of multiplying, subduing, gaining dominion, and in the process leaving a trail of havoc and wreckage. God forgive us in taking his Creation for granted and not treating it as the Sanctuary it was meant to be……and is. We here, for the most part in Island Park, cherish the land on which we tread, and the vistas that greet us everywhere we look, so let us reasonably and with intent work together to maintain a healthy balance of the lifestyle available to all, and daily thank God for this great gift. Amen
Reflections..................
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.
by; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807 - 1882
...This article is a meditation on the 'soul', and the validation of it's existence, and a follow up to my sermon on Sunday. This is I believe, my most spiritually pointed column to date. Many will not agree with me, but at least I will have perhaps caused some to think about the soul, which ordinarily they would not. I enjoy making people think, even if they don't agree or even like the subject.
Mark 8:36 & 37, and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Sobering words no doubt. At least if you believe in the reality of a soul. The soul as I will describe it is found in most religions, giving credence to the universal belief in its existence.
Life as we experience it is so brief, and both troubling and amazing. If a life is lived fully, there will be a broad range of ups and downs, ins and outs, and mysteries galore. How blessed we are to have this great gift.
Jesus Himself by His own words stated the souls existence in John 12:27, "Now my soul is deeply troubled."
The characteristics of the soul are described in moral, spiritual, and philosophical terms. Souls have sensations and thoughts, desires and beliefs, and perform intentional actions. Souls are an essential part of being human, and according to Christian eschatology, when people die, their souls will be in the presence of God.
For non-believers, when a person dies they no longer exist, period, and the third line of Longfellow’s poem above is applicable. "Dust thou art and to dust returnest."
The soul lives on past our bodies and maintains its personality so to speak. It is manifested by our behavior, our words, both in private and publicly. What we see and hear is what we are, and our choices every day make growing our diminishing our soul that lives on. As a Christian, it is vitally important as to the choices we and I make, as to the future we in faith believe we will have, once this life is over. Knowing this should make those choices easy, but being fully human this is not always so, much to my own personal disappointment. But....I get over it, get up and go on. Knowing this at least makes me want to be a better person, because down deep inside it is my desire to please my Lord.
I will end this with one more verse of Longfellow’s poem.
Now enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Finds us further than to-day. Selah
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.
by; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807 - 1882
...This article is a meditation on the 'soul', and the validation of it's existence, and a follow up to my sermon on Sunday. This is I believe, my most spiritually pointed column to date. Many will not agree with me, but at least I will have perhaps caused some to think about the soul, which ordinarily they would not. I enjoy making people think, even if they don't agree or even like the subject.
Mark 8:36 & 37, and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Sobering words no doubt. At least if you believe in the reality of a soul. The soul as I will describe it is found in most religions, giving credence to the universal belief in its existence.
Life as we experience it is so brief, and both troubling and amazing. If a life is lived fully, there will be a broad range of ups and downs, ins and outs, and mysteries galore. How blessed we are to have this great gift.
Jesus Himself by His own words stated the souls existence in John 12:27, "Now my soul is deeply troubled."
The characteristics of the soul are described in moral, spiritual, and philosophical terms. Souls have sensations and thoughts, desires and beliefs, and perform intentional actions. Souls are an essential part of being human, and according to Christian eschatology, when people die, their souls will be in the presence of God.
For non-believers, when a person dies they no longer exist, period, and the third line of Longfellow’s poem above is applicable. "Dust thou art and to dust returnest."
The soul lives on past our bodies and maintains its personality so to speak. It is manifested by our behavior, our words, both in private and publicly. What we see and hear is what we are, and our choices every day make growing our diminishing our soul that lives on. As a Christian, it is vitally important as to the choices we and I make, as to the future we in faith believe we will have, once this life is over. Knowing this should make those choices easy, but being fully human this is not always so, much to my own personal disappointment. But....I get over it, get up and go on. Knowing this at least makes me want to be a better person, because down deep inside it is my desire to please my Lord.
I will end this with one more verse of Longfellow’s poem.
Now enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Finds us further than to-day. Selah
Reflections…………….
Today’s Reflections started at the so named “Old Men’s Breakfast” at the Lakeside Lodge. I just have to add here that we once had a young man of twenty-five among us, once! That breakfast is a hoot most often, with a great cross-section of our community, last week having thirty-two in attendance. Of course, we were all talking at the same time, but at a long table the most within each individuals hearing range is about six men. So, with thirty-two men talking on a great variety of subjects, you can imagine that the nose level was not a hum, but a cacophony until one by one we began to eat.
Anyway, that morning led me to choose my sermon topic for the upcoming Sunday, that being “the Discipline of Listening”. You see, I found myself that morning listening to a point and then stopped when ‘I’ wanted to share my own story and experience on the same topic. From that point on while putting the facts together in my head, precluded my listening to the end of whatever was being said by my one of six men. All I heard following that point on was blah, blah, blah and more blah. I then looked around and wondered how many others were doing the same thing? It was simply (on my part) dis-courteous and rude. We often by doing this and simply zoning out miss some very important facts and information in general. Wouldn’t you agree?
Proverbs 18:13 quite pointedly states, “spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” I have memorized this since then.
James 1:19, he says, “Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak,” I have since memorized this one too.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:12-13, “to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.”
Those three verses in and of themselves should be enough to keep us in the safety zone of listening before speaking. At least they are working for me these days. I hope it lasts!!!
Those who are recognized as good listeners, are usually thought highly of by all who are blessed to know them. Those who don’t, or choose not to listen, the result is quite the opposite, being known as such and often avoided by most.
It would be good for us to think about this topic and then honesty assess if we are good at it or not. We also need to recognize honestly when not and attempt to make a change. It is better to be silent and thought us as a deep person, than to talk too much and be thought of as otherwise.
Being a minister, this is a bit difficult as part of my job description is talking, but I desire to like the person James described. “one who should be quick to listen and slow to speak.” I know it’s going to take continual work to achieve.
Today’s Reflections started at the so named “Old Men’s Breakfast” at the Lakeside Lodge. I just have to add here that we once had a young man of twenty-five among us, once! That breakfast is a hoot most often, with a great cross-section of our community, last week having thirty-two in attendance. Of course, we were all talking at the same time, but at a long table the most within each individuals hearing range is about six men. So, with thirty-two men talking on a great variety of subjects, you can imagine that the nose level was not a hum, but a cacophony until one by one we began to eat.
Anyway, that morning led me to choose my sermon topic for the upcoming Sunday, that being “the Discipline of Listening”. You see, I found myself that morning listening to a point and then stopped when ‘I’ wanted to share my own story and experience on the same topic. From that point on while putting the facts together in my head, precluded my listening to the end of whatever was being said by my one of six men. All I heard following that point on was blah, blah, blah and more blah. I then looked around and wondered how many others were doing the same thing? It was simply (on my part) dis-courteous and rude. We often by doing this and simply zoning out miss some very important facts and information in general. Wouldn’t you agree?
Proverbs 18:13 quite pointedly states, “spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” I have memorized this since then.
James 1:19, he says, “Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak,” I have since memorized this one too.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:12-13, “to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.”
Those three verses in and of themselves should be enough to keep us in the safety zone of listening before speaking. At least they are working for me these days. I hope it lasts!!!
Those who are recognized as good listeners, are usually thought highly of by all who are blessed to know them. Those who don’t, or choose not to listen, the result is quite the opposite, being known as such and often avoided by most.
It would be good for us to think about this topic and then honesty assess if we are good at it or not. We also need to recognize honestly when not and attempt to make a change. It is better to be silent and thought us as a deep person, than to talk too much and be thought of as otherwise.
Being a minister, this is a bit difficult as part of my job description is talking, but I desire to like the person James described. “one who should be quick to listen and slow to speak.” I know it’s going to take continual work to achieve.
Reflections………….
Very early one morning this last week before the sun had begun to lighten the eastern sky, I on impulse got up, put a light jacket on and went out into my driveway and looked up. I had a desire to view the multitude of stars that are part of our Milky Way. One of two thoughts usually come to mind when I do this, and they are awe and a feeling occasionally of terror, in how very small I am. A speck on the face of this planet and only one of over six billion. It is good for me to do this for the simple fact, that at times I need to adjust my own so-called self-importance, but then given my small accomplishments in life, it is really, not all that difficult.
My sermon this last Sunday was based on the song our choir sang, “Great is the Lord”! By the way they did an absolutely, wonderful job, and I wish you had all been there to hear it. They then came up at the end of the service to sing it again, and this time the whole congregation joined in and it was magnificent.
In Isaiah 55:9 Scripture reads, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
So very many of our human differences and issues come from either an oversized ego, or the opposite by feeling we are of little to no value. It is a healthy thing to attempt to grasp who and what we are, what we have to offer and how do we go about working on that. We start with what we know God has given us to work with, such as our gifts, talents, brains, bodies and, last, but not least, our soul.
Sit down and make a list (and be honest) of what you perceive as those things that are, in your opinion good about you. Then make a list of those which you perceive are not, and those which lie somewhere in the middle. Think about them and say a prayer over them, asking God to help you by internal revelation how to improve the things you can, get rid of the things that are a hindrance and focus more on Him for wisdom and direction. I can guarantee it works. So few of us ever take the time, real time to seek God in these matters, and these matters are our personal hard-drive.
Also, maybe on occasion doing something simple, such as I did by putting on my jacket, walking out to gaze at the night sky to find my place in this world and Universe. Einstein once said as he looked at the world, the galaxy and Universe, “this is a symphony so perfect that it has to have a Conductor.” He was not a believer in a personal God, but knew that behind this amazing Creation, there had to be a Being or Creator.
We must as much as we can, have a realistic and healthy perspective of life, and of this amazing Creation we have the privilege of living on and in. Let’s take better care of ourselves, our families, our friends and neighbors as well as better care of our magnificent world, for the benefit of all. Great is the Lord!
Please…..
Very early one morning this last week before the sun had begun to lighten the eastern sky, I on impulse got up, put a light jacket on and went out into my driveway and looked up. I had a desire to view the multitude of stars that are part of our Milky Way. One of two thoughts usually come to mind when I do this, and they are awe and a feeling occasionally of terror, in how very small I am. A speck on the face of this planet and only one of over six billion. It is good for me to do this for the simple fact, that at times I need to adjust my own so-called self-importance, but then given my small accomplishments in life, it is really, not all that difficult.
My sermon this last Sunday was based on the song our choir sang, “Great is the Lord”! By the way they did an absolutely, wonderful job, and I wish you had all been there to hear it. They then came up at the end of the service to sing it again, and this time the whole congregation joined in and it was magnificent.
In Isaiah 55:9 Scripture reads, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
So very many of our human differences and issues come from either an oversized ego, or the opposite by feeling we are of little to no value. It is a healthy thing to attempt to grasp who and what we are, what we have to offer and how do we go about working on that. We start with what we know God has given us to work with, such as our gifts, talents, brains, bodies and, last, but not least, our soul.
Sit down and make a list (and be honest) of what you perceive as those things that are, in your opinion good about you. Then make a list of those which you perceive are not, and those which lie somewhere in the middle. Think about them and say a prayer over them, asking God to help you by internal revelation how to improve the things you can, get rid of the things that are a hindrance and focus more on Him for wisdom and direction. I can guarantee it works. So few of us ever take the time, real time to seek God in these matters, and these matters are our personal hard-drive.
Also, maybe on occasion doing something simple, such as I did by putting on my jacket, walking out to gaze at the night sky to find my place in this world and Universe. Einstein once said as he looked at the world, the galaxy and Universe, “this is a symphony so perfect that it has to have a Conductor.” He was not a believer in a personal God, but knew that behind this amazing Creation, there had to be a Being or Creator.
We must as much as we can, have a realistic and healthy perspective of life, and of this amazing Creation we have the privilege of living on and in. Let’s take better care of ourselves, our families, our friends and neighbors as well as better care of our magnificent world, for the benefit of all. Great is the Lord!
Please…..
Reflections
I was awakened at 4 a.m. Saturday morning, not having to get up until 6 to help prepare for The Little Church in the Pines annual pancake breakfast. As usual it is when I do my best thinking, I think. Well, anyway, having been mulling over the sermon I would write, and having done all my research, a word popped into my mind, and that word was ‘insurance’. It rhymed with the title word of my sermon topic which was ‘assurance’. I thought, what the heck is that supposed to mean?
So now let’s start with assurance. Assurance in the spiritual realm means, “unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith as applied in trust, by our adherence to that faith in our every day lives.” Simply saying, if you believe it, apply it and live it. I do wish that more of us who call ourselves Christians would do just that, and I mean that across the board. None of us are perfect of course and certainly make mistakes, but I am taking that into account. Very gracious of me isn’t it?
Assurance means basically the same thing in the lives of those who are not religious people, and it can be applied to their every day lives as well. The accompanying words that go along with assurance, are conviction and hope. Assurance, conviction and hope are like three separate motivations powering our lives, and though separate are vitally connected, powered by the same sources, spirit and life itself.
Genuine assurance by its nature should lead those of us who are people of faith to believe fully in the truths put forth in the examples and teachings of Jesus, which in turn when fully applied, bring us internal peace, joy, thankfulness, and most of all love for all of humankind. Not just our own kind.
Our assurance can in various ways be shaken, diminished and even sometimes temporarily fail us because we are human, but the principle or foundation on which assurance is built through our beliefs and faith, cannot be taken away. These once lived and applied, will automatically resurface and provide again and again a permanent foundation from which we can build and sometimes rebuild our everyday lives.
Assurance is very like an insurance policy that when damage, theft, illness or even death comes our way, it is a contract that assures us that believe in Him, that we are never alone and always loved. He paid the premium, we reap the benefits of His policy, naming us as the beneficiaries. Pretty cool!
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the ‘assurance’ of what we hope for, the conviction of things we cannot see.” (Selah), which means pause and think about it.
I was awakened at 4 a.m. Saturday morning, not having to get up until 6 to help prepare for The Little Church in the Pines annual pancake breakfast. As usual it is when I do my best thinking, I think. Well, anyway, having been mulling over the sermon I would write, and having done all my research, a word popped into my mind, and that word was ‘insurance’. It rhymed with the title word of my sermon topic which was ‘assurance’. I thought, what the heck is that supposed to mean?
So now let’s start with assurance. Assurance in the spiritual realm means, “unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith as applied in trust, by our adherence to that faith in our every day lives.” Simply saying, if you believe it, apply it and live it. I do wish that more of us who call ourselves Christians would do just that, and I mean that across the board. None of us are perfect of course and certainly make mistakes, but I am taking that into account. Very gracious of me isn’t it?
Assurance means basically the same thing in the lives of those who are not religious people, and it can be applied to their every day lives as well. The accompanying words that go along with assurance, are conviction and hope. Assurance, conviction and hope are like three separate motivations powering our lives, and though separate are vitally connected, powered by the same sources, spirit and life itself.
Genuine assurance by its nature should lead those of us who are people of faith to believe fully in the truths put forth in the examples and teachings of Jesus, which in turn when fully applied, bring us internal peace, joy, thankfulness, and most of all love for all of humankind. Not just our own kind.
Our assurance can in various ways be shaken, diminished and even sometimes temporarily fail us because we are human, but the principle or foundation on which assurance is built through our beliefs and faith, cannot be taken away. These once lived and applied, will automatically resurface and provide again and again a permanent foundation from which we can build and sometimes rebuild our everyday lives.
Assurance is very like an insurance policy that when damage, theft, illness or even death comes our way, it is a contract that assures us that believe in Him, that we are never alone and always loved. He paid the premium, we reap the benefits of His policy, naming us as the beneficiaries. Pretty cool!
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the ‘assurance’ of what we hope for, the conviction of things we cannot see.” (Selah), which means pause and think about it.
Reflections.....................on the spiritual side of life
August 13, 2018
P L A T I T U D E S........don't you just hate them, and then why are we all quilty of using them?
Let's start with what a platitude is. A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as thought terminating clich'es, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or even cognitive unease.
Really...a platitude is even worse than a clich'e. It is often sanctimonious in that is not only old and overused, but hollow and worthless. It is better to say nothing than to speak an overused saying. The major problem with them is that they are often used, when someone truly is in need of the genuine. A genuine word, a genuine gesture, a genuine person. Our own discomfort is often the reason we use them, but the best thing would simply be to be quiet and listen, or hold the one in need.
Platitudes are sometimes flippant and thoughtless, in that we just want to get away as fast as we can. Again, the best thing is to say nothing and out of pity or kindness excuse yourself and leave.
Being a Christian minister I know most of them because perhaps more than many of you, I find myself in the position of needing to listen, give comfort and am looked to as being able to offer some genuine compassion and even wisdom. God help me.....I try, but I, yes even I, have found myself restorting to a platitude out of desperation on rare occasion.
Here are a few.
1. Better late than never. (yea, right)
2. Every cloud has a silver lining. (choke)
3. Go with the flow. (the flow of what?)
4. It is what it is. (how I hate that one)
5. Just be yourself. (that one will most likely get you in trouble)
6. Strength is something you choose. (WHAT?) (DUH)
7. You gotta do what you gotta do. (what do I gotta do?)
8. What does not kill you will make you stronger. (or cripple you for life)
I think you get the idea. Whether it is a secular, a religious, a work, or a setting of any kind, to a person who is in need, a spoken platitute is like a slap in the face.
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer(s)"
Most of all neighbors....be genuine, be real, sensitive and caring. If you don't know what to say, above all do not resort to a time worn platitude. Silence can truly be golden. Selah.........................................
August 13, 2018
P L A T I T U D E S........don't you just hate them, and then why are we all quilty of using them?
Let's start with what a platitude is. A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as thought terminating clich'es, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or even cognitive unease.
Really...a platitude is even worse than a clich'e. It is often sanctimonious in that is not only old and overused, but hollow and worthless. It is better to say nothing than to speak an overused saying. The major problem with them is that they are often used, when someone truly is in need of the genuine. A genuine word, a genuine gesture, a genuine person. Our own discomfort is often the reason we use them, but the best thing would simply be to be quiet and listen, or hold the one in need.
Platitudes are sometimes flippant and thoughtless, in that we just want to get away as fast as we can. Again, the best thing is to say nothing and out of pity or kindness excuse yourself and leave.
Being a Christian minister I know most of them because perhaps more than many of you, I find myself in the position of needing to listen, give comfort and am looked to as being able to offer some genuine compassion and even wisdom. God help me.....I try, but I, yes even I, have found myself restorting to a platitude out of desperation on rare occasion.
Here are a few.
1. Better late than never. (yea, right)
2. Every cloud has a silver lining. (choke)
3. Go with the flow. (the flow of what?)
4. It is what it is. (how I hate that one)
5. Just be yourself. (that one will most likely get you in trouble)
6. Strength is something you choose. (WHAT?) (DUH)
7. You gotta do what you gotta do. (what do I gotta do?)
8. What does not kill you will make you stronger. (or cripple you for life)
I think you get the idea. Whether it is a secular, a religious, a work, or a setting of any kind, to a person who is in need, a spoken platitute is like a slap in the face.
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer(s)"
Most of all neighbors....be genuine, be real, sensitive and caring. If you don't know what to say, above all do not resort to a time worn platitude. Silence can truly be golden. Selah.........................................
Reflections
August 2, 2018
Have you ever been accosted by a family member, friend, co-worker, etc., with these words. "I am just being honest with you," and then blasted you with an opinion of their supposed honest assessment of either you, or an event you were involved in or of someone else.
Often, these folks are those who hold their honest assessment in highest regard, believing that they and only they are right, without realizing how skewered in their own perspectives they are. Two people looking at the same person or event may see that person or event in two completely different ways.
I have had dear folks in a few of the churches I have ministered in, who had the un-gifted take it upon themselves attitude, to let everyone know what was wrong about them or the church. Often, projecting their so-called honest assessment which caused pain, hurt, confusion and discord. They and I eventually had to have an honest discussion. They left which was their choice, and I stayed.
What is honesty anyway? Honesty refers to a facet of moral character and connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, straightforwardness, including that of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating theft etc. Honesty also must come from a person who themselves being trustworthy, loyal, fair and sincere, who have the reputation as such. *Wikipedia.
So, if someone who comes up to you, and in a straightforward, kind and gentle way tells you something that in all honesty you need to know, I would listen to them. If their reputation is not along the lines as above, I would disregard 'their honesty', but take no offense. Whatever you choose to say back to them, do it in an intelligent, kind and gentle way.....but, be honest!
The Lord desires truth to be in our words. Psalm 51:6, "You desire truth in my inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart." One of our highest aims in life should be to be a truthful man or woman. Deceit and lies, gossip and rumors should never be a part of who we are, and we should remember always, some people and things are not always as we perceive them. We therefore need to be careful, gentle and kind, and yes, speak the truth when you absolutely know it to be truth.
Honesty and truth must go hand in hand. Selah......
August 2, 2018
Have you ever been accosted by a family member, friend, co-worker, etc., with these words. "I am just being honest with you," and then blasted you with an opinion of their supposed honest assessment of either you, or an event you were involved in or of someone else.
Often, these folks are those who hold their honest assessment in highest regard, believing that they and only they are right, without realizing how skewered in their own perspectives they are. Two people looking at the same person or event may see that person or event in two completely different ways.
I have had dear folks in a few of the churches I have ministered in, who had the un-gifted take it upon themselves attitude, to let everyone know what was wrong about them or the church. Often, projecting their so-called honest assessment which caused pain, hurt, confusion and discord. They and I eventually had to have an honest discussion. They left which was their choice, and I stayed.
What is honesty anyway? Honesty refers to a facet of moral character and connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, straightforwardness, including that of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating theft etc. Honesty also must come from a person who themselves being trustworthy, loyal, fair and sincere, who have the reputation as such. *Wikipedia.
So, if someone who comes up to you, and in a straightforward, kind and gentle way tells you something that in all honesty you need to know, I would listen to them. If their reputation is not along the lines as above, I would disregard 'their honesty', but take no offense. Whatever you choose to say back to them, do it in an intelligent, kind and gentle way.....but, be honest!
The Lord desires truth to be in our words. Psalm 51:6, "You desire truth in my inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart." One of our highest aims in life should be to be a truthful man or woman. Deceit and lies, gossip and rumors should never be a part of who we are, and we should remember always, some people and things are not always as we perceive them. We therefore need to be careful, gentle and kind, and yes, speak the truth when you absolutely know it to be truth.
Honesty and truth must go hand in hand. Selah......
July 26, 2018
I DON’T KNOW about you, but I try every day to learn from life and all that it brings, and some days it brings some unexpected lessons. For example, two weeks ago, I apologized to my congregation for bringing a small measure of politics, in my answer to a question that was asked me following my sermon. In doing so, I broke one of my own Cardinal Rules, and though I did not mention names, I felt I should not have said what I said. That was a mistake, and anytime I make a known mistake that I can apologize for, I do.
Then this last Sunday I did it again! Not politics this time, (whew) but as I mentioned before in another column, I sometimes tell a funny story or joke before our giving of tithes and offerings. Usually they go over quite well, and this was no exception. It really was quite funny, but as I later learned (from a delightful member of my congregation) that I had potentially committed an offense, thereby making once again a mistake of judgement. I had to look at it from their perspective, and by golly they were right. The lesson I learned is that even in telling funny stories or jokes, I need to look deeper into them before sharing.
So, having used myself as an illustration in making mistakes of judgement, for all mistakes come from an error in judgement. That is what a mistake is……an error in judgement. MISTAKE means there was a MISS-TAKE, and I have to admit that I just make too many of those. Sometimes I would pull out the hair on my head if it didn’t hurt so much, and if I had enough to pull out to begin with.
I then looked up the word mistake in my Bible Dictionary, and lo and behold in all those thousands of words I found it, but only once is it mentioned. It is located in Proverbs (of course) 19:2. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Mistakes can take place in every sphere of our lives, and they as you all know, can range from the most minute to horrendous in consequences. This brings me to the crux of where I intended to go from the beginning.
Let us recognize that we all, and I mean all make them, and when we do we who know these words from the lips of Jesus where he says; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We need to apply them. To me that means we extend grace and forgiveness, when both we and others make mistakes, for that is what they are…..mistakes. We also have to forgive ourselves, and perhaps that is the most difficult. Mistakes can be carried around in our minds, hearts and spirits, affecting negatively in every area of our lives. We are to be people of grace and forgiveness. What I appreciate the most in this case, was how that member of my congregation approached me about her concern. It was in love and was gentle and kind. For that I am deeply grateful, and that is how we are all to be with each other, starting in our families, extending out into our sphere of neighbors, friends and beyond. Thank you……….
Amen
I DON’T KNOW about you, but I try every day to learn from life and all that it brings, and some days it brings some unexpected lessons. For example, two weeks ago, I apologized to my congregation for bringing a small measure of politics, in my answer to a question that was asked me following my sermon. In doing so, I broke one of my own Cardinal Rules, and though I did not mention names, I felt I should not have said what I said. That was a mistake, and anytime I make a known mistake that I can apologize for, I do.
Then this last Sunday I did it again! Not politics this time, (whew) but as I mentioned before in another column, I sometimes tell a funny story or joke before our giving of tithes and offerings. Usually they go over quite well, and this was no exception. It really was quite funny, but as I later learned (from a delightful member of my congregation) that I had potentially committed an offense, thereby making once again a mistake of judgement. I had to look at it from their perspective, and by golly they were right. The lesson I learned is that even in telling funny stories or jokes, I need to look deeper into them before sharing.
So, having used myself as an illustration in making mistakes of judgement, for all mistakes come from an error in judgement. That is what a mistake is……an error in judgement. MISTAKE means there was a MISS-TAKE, and I have to admit that I just make too many of those. Sometimes I would pull out the hair on my head if it didn’t hurt so much, and if I had enough to pull out to begin with.
I then looked up the word mistake in my Bible Dictionary, and lo and behold in all those thousands of words I found it, but only once is it mentioned. It is located in Proverbs (of course) 19:2. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Mistakes can take place in every sphere of our lives, and they as you all know, can range from the most minute to horrendous in consequences. This brings me to the crux of where I intended to go from the beginning.
Let us recognize that we all, and I mean all make them, and when we do we who know these words from the lips of Jesus where he says; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We need to apply them. To me that means we extend grace and forgiveness, when both we and others make mistakes, for that is what they are…..mistakes. We also have to forgive ourselves, and perhaps that is the most difficult. Mistakes can be carried around in our minds, hearts and spirits, affecting negatively in every area of our lives. We are to be people of grace and forgiveness. What I appreciate the most in this case, was how that member of my congregation approached me about her concern. It was in love and was gentle and kind. For that I am deeply grateful, and that is how we are all to be with each other, starting in our families, extending out into our sphere of neighbors, friends and beyond. Thank you……….
Amen
Kindness…………
Once Again last week, I experienced community in Island Park at its best. I have never seen it at its worst, but I don’t think that is possible. Good people in a beautiful place coming together for Connie’s Restaurants annual Cook Off, all of us with our diverse backgrounds, including faith, enjoying each other’s company. It all just felt right and good. I believe it was as the Lord would have it be for all the world, from the youngest to the oldest, friends mixing with strangers, visitors with locals, summer folks with year-round folks, smiles and laughter abounded. Meanwhile heady competition was lying somewhat dormant beneath the surface, of those striving for first place in the Cook-Off competition but undergirded with goodwill and kindness.
I have to boast even though my role was that of a go-fer and not a cook, in that my group from the “Old Men’s Breakfast Group,” came in first place!!! Yea!!
What I felt that morning was an example of what my sermon topic was on Sunday Morning at the Little Church, which was ‘KINDNESS.’ This mix of people that I wrote of above were predominately ‘kind’ to one another in thought, word and actions. Ephesians 4:32, says “be kind to each other.” Such a simple thing, though if put into action by all of us, could change a neighbor, a neighborhood, a town, the world.
It begins in our mind by our desire and willingness, then our heart, then those closest to us in our homes. From there to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, strangers, etc. Is being kind one of the attributes that people you know would say about you in conversation with someone? Is it? THINK ABOUT IT…..please.
A little kindness goes a long, long way in touching lives for the good…………………………
Once Again last week, I experienced community in Island Park at its best. I have never seen it at its worst, but I don’t think that is possible. Good people in a beautiful place coming together for Connie’s Restaurants annual Cook Off, all of us with our diverse backgrounds, including faith, enjoying each other’s company. It all just felt right and good. I believe it was as the Lord would have it be for all the world, from the youngest to the oldest, friends mixing with strangers, visitors with locals, summer folks with year-round folks, smiles and laughter abounded. Meanwhile heady competition was lying somewhat dormant beneath the surface, of those striving for first place in the Cook-Off competition but undergirded with goodwill and kindness.
I have to boast even though my role was that of a go-fer and not a cook, in that my group from the “Old Men’s Breakfast Group,” came in first place!!! Yea!!
What I felt that morning was an example of what my sermon topic was on Sunday Morning at the Little Church, which was ‘KINDNESS.’ This mix of people that I wrote of above were predominately ‘kind’ to one another in thought, word and actions. Ephesians 4:32, says “be kind to each other.” Such a simple thing, though if put into action by all of us, could change a neighbor, a neighborhood, a town, the world.
It begins in our mind by our desire and willingness, then our heart, then those closest to us in our homes. From there to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, strangers, etc. Is being kind one of the attributes that people you know would say about you in conversation with someone? Is it? THINK ABOUT IT…..please.
A little kindness goes a long, long way in touching lives for the good…………………………
Tom Shanor
Reflections.......................................................
Little Church in the Pines
July 12, 2018
Crossing the Rubicon
A METAPHOR.....
.....Life, even if we live to or beyond a hundred really is not a very long time when measuring. We are (sorry to say) a mere blip upon the stage of life, and most of us do not leave a very big footprint. By the third generation that follows us, we are to the then living members of our family, mere fading memories. Perhaps they are curious, though briefly, about us, because of pictures they came across accidentally.
.....At 73 now, my children have little to no memories of my grandparents who meant so very much to me, and it makes me sad. They were such delightful and loving people. Then I think of my kids and grandkids and what they see and hear as I continue to age, and even change, almost before their eyes because we do not see each other very often. That too makes me kind of sad.
....This brought to my mind the relationships I have formed with my children, and are forming with my grandchildren. I have ten of them scattered around the country, and as I said above, do not often see them, so already the memories are not that many. Hence, I place a great deal of value on relationships and building memories. The words we say, the things we do, are truly vital to living with good memories down through the years.
....A careless word, a burst of anger, a look, a deed that cannot be undone, are all too often the ones that are remembered.
.....The saying, "Crossing the Rubicon" speaks of when Julius Caesar led his Thirteenth Legion across the Rubicon River and into Italy in 49 BC. It was against the Roman law and act of treason. The impact of Caesar’s decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war. "Crossing the Rubicon" is a metaphor for "passing the point of no return."
.....Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with words, deeds and even looks that we use on one another. Once spoken, or once a deed is done, they cannot be taken back. We can either offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesar's march into Rome. James gave us a word picture about words when he said in James 3:6, "The tongue is also a fire, a world of (potential) evil among the parts of the body. It can corrupt the whole body, (church) or (family), which can set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
.....Instead, we should do and be as Paul said in (Colossians 4:6), "Let your conversation be always full of grace", so that our words will not only honor our Lord, but lift up and encourage those around us.
.....Life is indeed short, but memories can last a lifetime and beyond. Be kind; be thoughtful, generous and loving. Life will be so much better.
Reflections.......................................................
Little Church in the Pines
July 12, 2018
Crossing the Rubicon
A METAPHOR.....
.....Life, even if we live to or beyond a hundred really is not a very long time when measuring. We are (sorry to say) a mere blip upon the stage of life, and most of us do not leave a very big footprint. By the third generation that follows us, we are to the then living members of our family, mere fading memories. Perhaps they are curious, though briefly, about us, because of pictures they came across accidentally.
.....At 73 now, my children have little to no memories of my grandparents who meant so very much to me, and it makes me sad. They were such delightful and loving people. Then I think of my kids and grandkids and what they see and hear as I continue to age, and even change, almost before their eyes because we do not see each other very often. That too makes me kind of sad.
....This brought to my mind the relationships I have formed with my children, and are forming with my grandchildren. I have ten of them scattered around the country, and as I said above, do not often see them, so already the memories are not that many. Hence, I place a great deal of value on relationships and building memories. The words we say, the things we do, are truly vital to living with good memories down through the years.
....A careless word, a burst of anger, a look, a deed that cannot be undone, are all too often the ones that are remembered.
.....The saying, "Crossing the Rubicon" speaks of when Julius Caesar led his Thirteenth Legion across the Rubicon River and into Italy in 49 BC. It was against the Roman law and act of treason. The impact of Caesar’s decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war. "Crossing the Rubicon" is a metaphor for "passing the point of no return."
.....Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with words, deeds and even looks that we use on one another. Once spoken, or once a deed is done, they cannot be taken back. We can either offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesar's march into Rome. James gave us a word picture about words when he said in James 3:6, "The tongue is also a fire, a world of (potential) evil among the parts of the body. It can corrupt the whole body, (church) or (family), which can set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
.....Instead, we should do and be as Paul said in (Colossians 4:6), "Let your conversation be always full of grace", so that our words will not only honor our Lord, but lift up and encourage those around us.
.....Life is indeed short, but memories can last a lifetime and beyond. Be kind; be thoughtful, generous and loving. Life will be so much better.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life......
As I do every Sunday just prior to receiving the tithes and offerings, (just to get everyone one in a good place before giving) I tell either a humorous story of even joke. Fortunately it usually does the job well, for even the most stoic of us usually laughs.
I found the word merry means "full of gaiety or high spirits." It is written in my Bible four times, but one of the verses is not so light hearted. Anyway, I am going for Proverbs 17:22 which reads; "A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." As far as I am concerned especially at my age, I would much rather have my old heart be merry, than have dried up bones!
All that to pass on to you one of the humorous stories I have shared with my spiritual and fully human, caring congregation. I think you will enjoy it and maybe even laugh.
THE LOST MAN
A man had been lost and walking in the desert for five days. On the fifth very hot day, he sees a small house he can just make it to without collapsing. Exhausted, thirsty and weak, he makes it to the door and does collapse on the small porch. It belongs to a circuit preacher, who of course takes him in and nurses him back to reasonable health.
Feeling better after several days, the man asks the preacher for directions to the nearest town. The preacher directs him, and offers to lend him his horse to make the journey. The preacher says, "However, there are some specific words you have to say to make this horse both stop and go. You have to say 'Thank God' to make it go and 'Amen' to make it stop."
Anxious to get to town, the man says, "Sure, okay," and gets on the horse. He says reluctantly, "Thank God' and sure enough, the horse starts walking. A short time later he says louder, "Thank God, Thank God!!!" and the horse starts trotting. Feeling really brave the man says, "Thank God!!' "Thank God!!! THANK GOD!!!!" and the horse is soon up to a full run!
About then he realizes he's heading for a cliff with a deep chasm and yells, "WHOA!" but the horse doesn't even slow down. It's coming up REAL QUICK and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "WHOA, WHOA, STOP, HOLD UP!" Finally.....he remembers, "AMEN!!!"
The horse STOPS a mere two inches from the cliff's edge, almost throwing him over its head. The man, panting and heart racing, wipes the sweat from his face and leans back in the saddle. "Oh," he said, gasping for air, "Thank God." ; )
P.S. Hope you had a blessed and great 4th of July Celebration. Thank God for all the many blessings we have. Maybe we will see you someday around the Caldera or even in our Little Church.
As I do every Sunday just prior to receiving the tithes and offerings, (just to get everyone one in a good place before giving) I tell either a humorous story of even joke. Fortunately it usually does the job well, for even the most stoic of us usually laughs.
I found the word merry means "full of gaiety or high spirits." It is written in my Bible four times, but one of the verses is not so light hearted. Anyway, I am going for Proverbs 17:22 which reads; "A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." As far as I am concerned especially at my age, I would much rather have my old heart be merry, than have dried up bones!
All that to pass on to you one of the humorous stories I have shared with my spiritual and fully human, caring congregation. I think you will enjoy it and maybe even laugh.
THE LOST MAN
A man had been lost and walking in the desert for five days. On the fifth very hot day, he sees a small house he can just make it to without collapsing. Exhausted, thirsty and weak, he makes it to the door and does collapse on the small porch. It belongs to a circuit preacher, who of course takes him in and nurses him back to reasonable health.
Feeling better after several days, the man asks the preacher for directions to the nearest town. The preacher directs him, and offers to lend him his horse to make the journey. The preacher says, "However, there are some specific words you have to say to make this horse both stop and go. You have to say 'Thank God' to make it go and 'Amen' to make it stop."
Anxious to get to town, the man says, "Sure, okay," and gets on the horse. He says reluctantly, "Thank God' and sure enough, the horse starts walking. A short time later he says louder, "Thank God, Thank God!!!" and the horse starts trotting. Feeling really brave the man says, "Thank God!!' "Thank God!!! THANK GOD!!!!" and the horse is soon up to a full run!
About then he realizes he's heading for a cliff with a deep chasm and yells, "WHOA!" but the horse doesn't even slow down. It's coming up REAL QUICK and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "WHOA, WHOA, STOP, HOLD UP!" Finally.....he remembers, "AMEN!!!"
The horse STOPS a mere two inches from the cliff's edge, almost throwing him over its head. The man, panting and heart racing, wipes the sweat from his face and leans back in the saddle. "Oh," he said, gasping for air, "Thank God." ; )
P.S. Hope you had a blessed and great 4th of July Celebration. Thank God for all the many blessings we have. Maybe we will see you someday around the Caldera or even in our Little Church.
POLITICAL?
by; Tom Shanor, Pastor
My friend, Senior Ace Reporter and also a serious thinker, Jerry Russel and I were sitting side by side at the Community Men's Breakfast last week, when in walked Ann (as usual) to give us of us a copy of the Island Park News. Showing that we are not chauvinists in this gathering of men, Ann sometimes joins us at the table to talk.
By the way, this breakfast gathering is open those who are both residents and visitors. Even our illustrious mayor joins us from time to time. It takes place at the Lakeside Lodge, beginning at 8:30. Some of us get there earlier as we always have much to talk about. We are an earnest and fun group from a cross section of backgrounds, faiths and vocations.
Now, to pick back up where I started with my friend Jerry. We sat there briefly reading each others columns, when Jerry looked at me and said, "getting a little political aren't you?" I looked at him and said, "well, no I don't think so." Reading what I said, I could see where Jerry was coming from. So, me being me, I looked up the word 'politics.' The literal meaning comes (from the Greek word 'politika,' meaning "affairs of the cities") and is the process of making decisions that apply to member of a group.
This meaning can be applied to anything or anyone, depending on the conversations involved in making a decision or decisions. Churches, schools, corporations, social groups, government and even family gatherings all can become 'political.'
We know that two of the topics that seem to inflame we humans are politics and religion, and that is a fact. What should not as both history and even contemporary evidence shows, join religion and government to become united as a political force, for this can become very dangerous as is exampled in the middle east that has gone on for centuries, and also in places (just to name one) such as Ireland.
This doesn't mean that both men and women of faith cannot hold a political public office, but it does mean that in their decision making process, be they individually or collectively, such as any law making body, has to keep the general population and it's varied faiths or non-faith people in mind without prejudice.
We are a moral people, and without a foundation of morality we would descend into chaos. Our combined faiths, of which all have a moral compass based on spiritual values, are what truly holds us together, along with our laws.
As Christians, for whom I can legitimately speak for being a minister, we are told in James 3:17-18. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." My prayer is that we, on the spiritual side of life can take these words seriously, and in faith give life to these words in politics, in our cities and in our nation and even
by; Tom Shanor, Pastor
My friend, Senior Ace Reporter and also a serious thinker, Jerry Russel and I were sitting side by side at the Community Men's Breakfast last week, when in walked Ann (as usual) to give us of us a copy of the Island Park News. Showing that we are not chauvinists in this gathering of men, Ann sometimes joins us at the table to talk.
By the way, this breakfast gathering is open those who are both residents and visitors. Even our illustrious mayor joins us from time to time. It takes place at the Lakeside Lodge, beginning at 8:30. Some of us get there earlier as we always have much to talk about. We are an earnest and fun group from a cross section of backgrounds, faiths and vocations.
Now, to pick back up where I started with my friend Jerry. We sat there briefly reading each others columns, when Jerry looked at me and said, "getting a little political aren't you?" I looked at him and said, "well, no I don't think so." Reading what I said, I could see where Jerry was coming from. So, me being me, I looked up the word 'politics.' The literal meaning comes (from the Greek word 'politika,' meaning "affairs of the cities") and is the process of making decisions that apply to member of a group.
This meaning can be applied to anything or anyone, depending on the conversations involved in making a decision or decisions. Churches, schools, corporations, social groups, government and even family gatherings all can become 'political.'
We know that two of the topics that seem to inflame we humans are politics and religion, and that is a fact. What should not as both history and even contemporary evidence shows, join religion and government to become united as a political force, for this can become very dangerous as is exampled in the middle east that has gone on for centuries, and also in places (just to name one) such as Ireland.
This doesn't mean that both men and women of faith cannot hold a political public office, but it does mean that in their decision making process, be they individually or collectively, such as any law making body, has to keep the general population and it's varied faiths or non-faith people in mind without prejudice.
We are a moral people, and without a foundation of morality we would descend into chaos. Our combined faiths, of which all have a moral compass based on spiritual values, are what truly holds us together, along with our laws.
As Christians, for whom I can legitimately speak for being a minister, we are told in James 3:17-18. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." My prayer is that we, on the spiritual side of life can take these words seriously, and in faith give life to these words in politics, in our cities and in our nation and even
the Little Church in the Pines
Reflections............
THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING! I have always heard that the two things that you can count on the most, (neither are truly desirable) are "death" and "taxes." These are true, but I think that along with these two should also be included, CHANGE.
Our beautiful earth is hurtling around our sun at approximately 18.5 miles per second at an average speed of 67,000 miles per hour, and if that is not sobering enough, our Solar System is traveling at an average speed of 514,000 miles per hour. Ever changing, never static.
CHANGE IS CONSTANT....never stops, relentless, powerful, sometimes frightening, but there is little in the big picture we can do about the big ones. One day everything that we know and hold on to dearly, quite simply will be changed.
Why am I writing this? Here's why. We (myself included) need to reasonably, smartly and sensibly, without emotion being the overriding factor, look at change as inevitable. Macks Inn is changing, and the over the road animal corridor/bridges may or may not be coming. More people every year find this lovely caldera and want to come back. How we navigate these changes together is critical. A school for our children is on the table, finally a real prospect so our children may not need to spend so much time on a bus, and be readily accessible if something difficult and unexpected happens. These are just a few of the changes facing us. Perspective and attitude are essential to arriving at hopefully, by reasonable discourse and even compromise solutions. An ingredient sorely lacking these days.
We need both a spiritual and practical perspective in these issues and in all issues. "Let us reason together." Jesus said, "be bringers of peace." Those who attempt to bring change are usually in the line of fire and take the bullet, even if peace and good things are the gift being offered. Look at what happened to Him, who simply wanted people to see a side of God that before His arrival was less visible and approachable, to the ordinary everyday man and woman. He reasoned, taught, exampled and lived love, but the envious, jealous and the naysayers could make no compromises. None.
Love of our fellow humans, and the incredibly natural, almost supernatural world we are privilege to live on, should give us an ongoing attitude of gratefulness for all God has given us. We should reason together, live life together, help and support one another as changes come all the days of our lives, as they, (changes) continue to come. Amen
Reflections............
THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING! I have always heard that the two things that you can count on the most, (neither are truly desirable) are "death" and "taxes." These are true, but I think that along with these two should also be included, CHANGE.
Our beautiful earth is hurtling around our sun at approximately 18.5 miles per second at an average speed of 67,000 miles per hour, and if that is not sobering enough, our Solar System is traveling at an average speed of 514,000 miles per hour. Ever changing, never static.
CHANGE IS CONSTANT....never stops, relentless, powerful, sometimes frightening, but there is little in the big picture we can do about the big ones. One day everything that we know and hold on to dearly, quite simply will be changed.
Why am I writing this? Here's why. We (myself included) need to reasonably, smartly and sensibly, without emotion being the overriding factor, look at change as inevitable. Macks Inn is changing, and the over the road animal corridor/bridges may or may not be coming. More people every year find this lovely caldera and want to come back. How we navigate these changes together is critical. A school for our children is on the table, finally a real prospect so our children may not need to spend so much time on a bus, and be readily accessible if something difficult and unexpected happens. These are just a few of the changes facing us. Perspective and attitude are essential to arriving at hopefully, by reasonable discourse and even compromise solutions. An ingredient sorely lacking these days.
We need both a spiritual and practical perspective in these issues and in all issues. "Let us reason together." Jesus said, "be bringers of peace." Those who attempt to bring change are usually in the line of fire and take the bullet, even if peace and good things are the gift being offered. Look at what happened to Him, who simply wanted people to see a side of God that before His arrival was less visible and approachable, to the ordinary everyday man and woman. He reasoned, taught, exampled and lived love, but the envious, jealous and the naysayers could make no compromises. None.
Love of our fellow humans, and the incredibly natural, almost supernatural world we are privilege to live on, should give us an ongoing attitude of gratefulness for all God has given us. We should reason together, live life together, help and support one another as changes come all the days of our lives, as they, (changes) continue to come. Amen
Reflections
on the spiritual side of life....
by; Pastor Tom Shanor June 12, 2018
Good Morning! It’s a beautiful day in Island Park, even at twenty six degrees this morning. The good thing is I covered all my plants and they made it, even though two weeks ago I lost the first ones I planted. I’m learning!
Maybe by now you (if you have read my previous Reflections) I LOVE words, and I suppose that is a good thing since I use them a lot, being a preacher. Mostly I like using words that lift my congregation up and or, make them think, coming to a deeper understanding of and embracing the fullness of their faith. It is my desire that we, myself included, truly know why we believe what we do. Not only in regards to our faith, but our everyday lives and how we live them.
The word "reflections" as I have named this column, has quite a few words that help more fully explain its meaning. Words such as meditation, thinking, contemplation, pondering, rumination, cogitation, interpreted, daydreaming and reverie, and these are not all of them.
If we know the why of something we believe, we can then more fully explain if asked by someone else, their question as to why we do so. Not just because someone was very convincing in converting us to their way of believing or living, but because we have sought in depth, researched and reflected on what we were read or have been told. Emotion can play a large role in our acceptance of perceived truth, but should not be the first item on our list as to embracing what we come to see as truth.
Along with our ruminations, thinking, research and acceptance, especially in regards to faith, there is a place created by God in us which responds like two magnets coming together. Powerful. That event does at times include emotion, and can be described as a feeling akin to coming home. It just simply without much ado, feels good, like a deeply satisfying sigh.
In coming to our place of acceptance, especially in faith, does not by any means mean we are better than others, for God's love and Grace are available to all. In fact, we who embrace Christ in God are to be the servants of all. That though does not mean we are to be at the beck and call of everyone for whatever reason, for that would be unhealthy. Neither are we to be walked over on a regular basis, but we are to be like Jesus Christ who ministered to the weak, the poor, the powerful, the rich and all in between, showing his love, not judgement. We all have equal status in God's love.
Scripture says, "they will know you are Christians by your love," and I find that to be a huge responsibility, that can only be achieved (for we are all fallible humans) by the power and grace we have received free of charge. It's called Amazing Grace, and hopefully we are getting better at living and dispensing it every day. Hopefully.
on the spiritual side of life....
by; Pastor Tom Shanor June 12, 2018
Good Morning! It’s a beautiful day in Island Park, even at twenty six degrees this morning. The good thing is I covered all my plants and they made it, even though two weeks ago I lost the first ones I planted. I’m learning!
Maybe by now you (if you have read my previous Reflections) I LOVE words, and I suppose that is a good thing since I use them a lot, being a preacher. Mostly I like using words that lift my congregation up and or, make them think, coming to a deeper understanding of and embracing the fullness of their faith. It is my desire that we, myself included, truly know why we believe what we do. Not only in regards to our faith, but our everyday lives and how we live them.
The word "reflections" as I have named this column, has quite a few words that help more fully explain its meaning. Words such as meditation, thinking, contemplation, pondering, rumination, cogitation, interpreted, daydreaming and reverie, and these are not all of them.
If we know the why of something we believe, we can then more fully explain if asked by someone else, their question as to why we do so. Not just because someone was very convincing in converting us to their way of believing or living, but because we have sought in depth, researched and reflected on what we were read or have been told. Emotion can play a large role in our acceptance of perceived truth, but should not be the first item on our list as to embracing what we come to see as truth.
Along with our ruminations, thinking, research and acceptance, especially in regards to faith, there is a place created by God in us which responds like two magnets coming together. Powerful. That event does at times include emotion, and can be described as a feeling akin to coming home. It just simply without much ado, feels good, like a deeply satisfying sigh.
In coming to our place of acceptance, especially in faith, does not by any means mean we are better than others, for God's love and Grace are available to all. In fact, we who embrace Christ in God are to be the servants of all. That though does not mean we are to be at the beck and call of everyone for whatever reason, for that would be unhealthy. Neither are we to be walked over on a regular basis, but we are to be like Jesus Christ who ministered to the weak, the poor, the powerful, the rich and all in between, showing his love, not judgement. We all have equal status in God's love.
Scripture says, "they will know you are Christians by your love," and I find that to be a huge responsibility, that can only be achieved (for we are all fallible humans) by the power and grace we have received free of charge. It's called Amazing Grace, and hopefully we are getting better at living and dispensing it every day. Hopefully.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life..
Pastor Tom Shanor, Little Church in the Pines
Cool morning air. Clouds racing by with bright patches of blue sky showing through, as I look up through the treetops around my cabin. One songster is singing his or her heart out nearby, and the wildflowers are resplendent this very fine day. Taking a sip of coffee as I lean on the railing, I reflect the title of my sermon from last Sunday as it comes to me. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
An attitude of gratefulness, thankfulness and even peace descends on me, and I am happy in this day. So much to be grateful and thankful for.
My mind suddenly switches gears, and I now look at those same trees through which I could see the blue sky and clouds with a whole different perspective, and not a better one. Now I see I need to trim those dead branches up, and I need to rake up those pine needles, and I need to get after those dandelions, and I, I, I, I need to! DO!
You have to be in my mind to understand this jostling back and forth, but I am glad you aren't, as then you might think I should be committed. I don't know where, but somewhere. Because now these words come slamming in; "Let it be." It's my day off! Relax....and just let it be. Those words are from the Beatles 1970 song by the same name. There are for all of us times when we just need to "Let It Be," be they times of trouble or times of obsessive business. There is given to us in God's word, a commandment, and that commandment is from Exodus 20:8. "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."
You see, we all need a rest from both our troubles and our business to maintain our health. God knew we would not do so unless commanded, but even then, we don't, (well, most of us) because well, we can't. Not all, but many of us are just unable to grasp this simple concept. Yet when successful, it is awesome!
Here I go again with another song. This one Cat Stevens made popular also in the seventies, called "Morning Has Broken," which is a very old hymn based on Psalm 118:24. Here are the words.
Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise every morning! Praise for them springing, fresh from the Word:
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven. Like the first dew-fall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine in the sunlight! Mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day! Amen
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Let us.... ok?
Pastor Tom Shanor, Little Church in the Pines
Cool morning air. Clouds racing by with bright patches of blue sky showing through, as I look up through the treetops around my cabin. One songster is singing his or her heart out nearby, and the wildflowers are resplendent this very fine day. Taking a sip of coffee as I lean on the railing, I reflect the title of my sermon from last Sunday as it comes to me. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
An attitude of gratefulness, thankfulness and even peace descends on me, and I am happy in this day. So much to be grateful and thankful for.
My mind suddenly switches gears, and I now look at those same trees through which I could see the blue sky and clouds with a whole different perspective, and not a better one. Now I see I need to trim those dead branches up, and I need to rake up those pine needles, and I need to get after those dandelions, and I, I, I, I need to! DO!
You have to be in my mind to understand this jostling back and forth, but I am glad you aren't, as then you might think I should be committed. I don't know where, but somewhere. Because now these words come slamming in; "Let it be." It's my day off! Relax....and just let it be. Those words are from the Beatles 1970 song by the same name. There are for all of us times when we just need to "Let It Be," be they times of trouble or times of obsessive business. There is given to us in God's word, a commandment, and that commandment is from Exodus 20:8. "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."
You see, we all need a rest from both our troubles and our business to maintain our health. God knew we would not do so unless commanded, but even then, we don't, (well, most of us) because well, we can't. Not all, but many of us are just unable to grasp this simple concept. Yet when successful, it is awesome!
Here I go again with another song. This one Cat Stevens made popular also in the seventies, called "Morning Has Broken," which is a very old hymn based on Psalm 118:24. Here are the words.
Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise every morning! Praise for them springing, fresh from the Word:
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven. Like the first dew-fall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine in the sunlight! Mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day! Amen
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Let us.... ok?
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life...
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
May 31, 2018
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint"
When I was a graduating senior in high school, my yearbook picture had the caption under it, "Young CO in a hurry!" The CO meaning class officer, who seldom went anywhere or did anything at a slow even pace.
I still walk fast and sometimes do what I am doing fast, but I have learned in the course of my life how to slow down, and how to live in the moment. A wonderful thing to be able to do. Waiting or learning patience for many of us in an information and do-it now age, have great difficulty even slowing down, let alone having the desire or ability to do so. I believe we are at times obsessed or possessed with the do-it-now mentality, while plotting what next we desire to do next....ad infinitum.
Moving into the spiritual realm, many of our churches are becoming media frenzy with little time for prayer, reflection, thought and God-forbid, quiet. It would behoove us to take time to feed that which is within us with spiritual food, so that in our everyday lives we can be men and women (Galatians 5:22) who by the Spirit produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Why that sounds just like Jesus himself!
That which we feed ourselves is who we become. Our spiritual diet, if indeed we have one at all, is vital in how we live our lives out. The illustration you will now read on patience, waiting and nurturing in regards to the growth cycle of bamboo, is an excellent reflection on spiritual and mental growth and maturity.
Well, the Chinese plant a bamboo seed; they water and fertilize it, knowing that the first year nothing will happen. The second, third and fourth years, until patiently watering and fertilizing, nothing still seems to be happening. The fifth year, once again watering and fertilizing, the shoot finally begins to grow. Then within the period of six weeks that fifth season, the bamboo grows roughly ninety feet. The question is, did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it did grow ninety feet in five years, because for those five years it was growing a root system that would support the dynamic ninety feet of growth in six short weeks.
Like patiently nurturing the bamboo.....what truly counts in our lives, is both what and how we grow inside our hearts, minds and spirits that take root, eventually showing ourselves and the world who we are, because of how we nurtured who we have become. Let’s wait, be patient and trust that having done the right things, we will bless others and be blessed.
The bottom line....."Be patient and be careful of how and what you ingest."
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
May 31, 2018
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint"
When I was a graduating senior in high school, my yearbook picture had the caption under it, "Young CO in a hurry!" The CO meaning class officer, who seldom went anywhere or did anything at a slow even pace.
I still walk fast and sometimes do what I am doing fast, but I have learned in the course of my life how to slow down, and how to live in the moment. A wonderful thing to be able to do. Waiting or learning patience for many of us in an information and do-it now age, have great difficulty even slowing down, let alone having the desire or ability to do so. I believe we are at times obsessed or possessed with the do-it-now mentality, while plotting what next we desire to do next....ad infinitum.
Moving into the spiritual realm, many of our churches are becoming media frenzy with little time for prayer, reflection, thought and God-forbid, quiet. It would behoove us to take time to feed that which is within us with spiritual food, so that in our everyday lives we can be men and women (Galatians 5:22) who by the Spirit produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Why that sounds just like Jesus himself!
That which we feed ourselves is who we become. Our spiritual diet, if indeed we have one at all, is vital in how we live our lives out. The illustration you will now read on patience, waiting and nurturing in regards to the growth cycle of bamboo, is an excellent reflection on spiritual and mental growth and maturity.
Well, the Chinese plant a bamboo seed; they water and fertilize it, knowing that the first year nothing will happen. The second, third and fourth years, until patiently watering and fertilizing, nothing still seems to be happening. The fifth year, once again watering and fertilizing, the shoot finally begins to grow. Then within the period of six weeks that fifth season, the bamboo grows roughly ninety feet. The question is, did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it did grow ninety feet in five years, because for those five years it was growing a root system that would support the dynamic ninety feet of growth in six short weeks.
Like patiently nurturing the bamboo.....what truly counts in our lives, is both what and how we grow inside our hearts, minds and spirits that take root, eventually showing ourselves and the world who we are, because of how we nurtured who we have become. Let’s wait, be patient and trust that having done the right things, we will bless others and be blessed.
The bottom line....."Be patient and be careful of how and what you ingest."
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life.
(A weekly column posted in the Island Park News)
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
(A weekly column posted in the Island Park News)
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
May 15, 2018
Yesterday, I was having the 'Zeeker' breakfast as the Trouthunter, reflecting (now that my stomach was happy) on one of Island Park's soothing and wonderful vistas. Watching the waterfowl cruising up and down the river, the spring green in the meadows, the young Aspen leaf buds coming out of their winter sleep, and the still heavily snow covered peaks in the distance. I have to say I was a contented and very happy man.
This thought came to my mind in the midst of my musings. Why can't we all just get along?" I said it again, to myself of course, and not out loud. I tucked that thought away to be retreived again later. I then began to think of the state of our state with all the negative political ads, primarily in the governor's race. From there I thought of the state of our nation, and of course the next step was the state of the world, and how fractured and polarized we all are. Well, the state of the world, nation, and our state of Idaho were just to big for my brain to handle, let alone involving my emotions, as I grew increasingly agitated.
I then slowed my mind down, and a Scripture from the New Testament straight from the words of Jesus came to me. These words brought back my original peaceful reflections that had fled, as I pondered all the above. The words that came to my mind are found in John 14:27. "I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
This gift is one I need to hold in my heart and mind as I do pray about, and think about, and try in my own small way to do something to help bring peace in the midst of division, strife and anger. My own.
You see, if I try to take on the world's problems, the nations and states problems, I am doomed to abject futility and failure. If...I do what I can today, where I am, and with whom I encounter in the course of living out my daily life, I and you too can have success. My...attitude is critical to both being at peace inside and outside myself, as is yours. So...here in Island Park, though we may differ in politics, or in our faith, let's just all have an attitude of gratitude that we live in a place such as this, and that we can all just get along, respecting one another and helping one another. I have discovered here a wonderful community of people who really care what happens to one another, and my attitude is one of gratitude to now be a part of you.
Peace be yours.....................oh, and mine too!
Yesterday, I was having the 'Zeeker' breakfast as the Trouthunter, reflecting (now that my stomach was happy) on one of Island Park's soothing and wonderful vistas. Watching the waterfowl cruising up and down the river, the spring green in the meadows, the young Aspen leaf buds coming out of their winter sleep, and the still heavily snow covered peaks in the distance. I have to say I was a contented and very happy man.
This thought came to my mind in the midst of my musings. Why can't we all just get along?" I said it again, to myself of course, and not out loud. I tucked that thought away to be retreived again later. I then began to think of the state of our state with all the negative political ads, primarily in the governor's race. From there I thought of the state of our nation, and of course the next step was the state of the world, and how fractured and polarized we all are. Well, the state of the world, nation, and our state of Idaho were just to big for my brain to handle, let alone involving my emotions, as I grew increasingly agitated.
I then slowed my mind down, and a Scripture from the New Testament straight from the words of Jesus came to me. These words brought back my original peaceful reflections that had fled, as I pondered all the above. The words that came to my mind are found in John 14:27. "I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
This gift is one I need to hold in my heart and mind as I do pray about, and think about, and try in my own small way to do something to help bring peace in the midst of division, strife and anger. My own.
You see, if I try to take on the world's problems, the nations and states problems, I am doomed to abject futility and failure. If...I do what I can today, where I am, and with whom I encounter in the course of living out my daily life, I and you too can have success. My...attitude is critical to both being at peace inside and outside myself, as is yours. So...here in Island Park, though we may differ in politics, or in our faith, let's just all have an attitude of gratitude that we live in a place such as this, and that we can all just get along, respecting one another and helping one another. I have discovered here a wonderful community of people who really care what happens to one another, and my attitude is one of gratitude to now be a part of you.
Peace be yours.....................oh, and mine too!
May 8, 2018
Hello residents of Island Park. In beginning this article, I will start it by introducing myself. My name is Tom Shanor, Pastor, of the Little Church in the Pines for the past two years. In the 75 history of the Little Church I, (unbelievably blessed) am their very first year-round minister. So attached have I become to both the people, the church and Island Park, that last week I made the move from Idaho Falls to the Caldera. Having driven back and forth for these last two years, it is with great happiness and excitement, to now be a year-round, full-time resident. I first came through as many of us did, now fifty years ago on my way to Yellowstone/Jackson Hole, never thinking I would one day be living here and have the role I now have. I was a young single man then, and now returning as a father of three adult children and ten grandchildren. AWESOME!
I feel honored to be asked to write this weekly article, following in the footsteps of Pastor Connie Day. Her artciles have consistentetly been insightful, thoughtful and well written. I am hoping I can respectfully do the same. As you have read, I have renamed the title of the column. When there is change, it is often best to attempt to do it well, thoroughly and with great care.
All of us (my opinion) have been created spiritual beings, and (again my opinion) cannot live truly fullfilled lives, if we ignore or supress that aspect of who we have been created to be. Looking across humanity, every peole group and every culture, independently believe in God and in some cases gods. There is a yearning deep within us to connect with a Being and a Power that is greater than ourselves, believing that this Being is benevolent, loving and beyond reproach. Someone who knows the whats and whys concerning the meaning of this brief life we live, passing on at least in part, some of the answers we seek.
In my case, being a Christian, I will of course slant my articles toward my faith, while respecting and embracing those who believe otherwise. In a very intolerant climate today, my main goal to to emulate Jesus Christ, and to live these words as best I can. "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you,(Matthew 7:12( and to love my neighbor(s) as much as I love myself." (Romans 13:9b)
My hope is that we have a long, thoughtful and insightful journey together. God bless you ALL!
Hello residents of Island Park. In beginning this article, I will start it by introducing myself. My name is Tom Shanor, Pastor, of the Little Church in the Pines for the past two years. In the 75 history of the Little Church I, (unbelievably blessed) am their very first year-round minister. So attached have I become to both the people, the church and Island Park, that last week I made the move from Idaho Falls to the Caldera. Having driven back and forth for these last two years, it is with great happiness and excitement, to now be a year-round, full-time resident. I first came through as many of us did, now fifty years ago on my way to Yellowstone/Jackson Hole, never thinking I would one day be living here and have the role I now have. I was a young single man then, and now returning as a father of three adult children and ten grandchildren. AWESOME!
I feel honored to be asked to write this weekly article, following in the footsteps of Pastor Connie Day. Her artciles have consistentetly been insightful, thoughtful and well written. I am hoping I can respectfully do the same. As you have read, I have renamed the title of the column. When there is change, it is often best to attempt to do it well, thoroughly and with great care.
All of us (my opinion) have been created spiritual beings, and (again my opinion) cannot live truly fullfilled lives, if we ignore or supress that aspect of who we have been created to be. Looking across humanity, every peole group and every culture, independently believe in God and in some cases gods. There is a yearning deep within us to connect with a Being and a Power that is greater than ourselves, believing that this Being is benevolent, loving and beyond reproach. Someone who knows the whats and whys concerning the meaning of this brief life we live, passing on at least in part, some of the answers we seek.
In my case, being a Christian, I will of course slant my articles toward my faith, while respecting and embracing those who believe otherwise. In a very intolerant climate today, my main goal to to emulate Jesus Christ, and to live these words as best I can. "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you,(Matthew 7:12( and to love my neighbor(s) as much as I love myself." (Romans 13:9b)
My hope is that we have a long, thoughtful and insightful journey together. God bless you ALL!
