HOLAMICKEY

2011-03-09T10:29:00.004-05:00

HALF OF A HONEYMOON

I wanted to snorkel... to swim... to play in the water and on the beach. Melanie wanted quaint and a bit secluded. So we landed on the Island of St. Lucia.

The first three days were all of the above.

But the the last day of hurricane season came bringing Mr. Thomas with her. Sabbath brought rain and wind... a tropical storm. Saturday night brought Category 2... rain, wind, and mudslides. We spend the night in a restaurant bar counter with 100 other people - water, sewer, communication, electricity all destroyed our resort became a prison

For 3 days we survived by making friends and the twice a day announcements from the resort director on any updates about the rest of the island. Food and drinking water was rationed - the pools became the "rinse tubs" and helping clean up the resort passed the hours.

Finally after a helicopter flyover, the government sent a message by boat that they would be bringing three large boats to empty the resort (roads being out of commission for weeks). Hours before the designated time a group of us were out waiting on the dock. And we waited - it wasn't until about 4 hours after the scheduled time that are "saviors" rounded the corner and entered the bay.

Although only two boats showed... a third was promised. Many relaxed and waited on the beach - allowing the first to boats to fill and pull away. It wasn't until that 2nd boat pulled away that it was announced there was no third boat coming. We who were on the boats were told about the same time as those on the shore - I cried. I cried because we were being taken north to resorts that were unaffected by the storm... but on the dark miserable shore of our departure stood some we had gotten to know - but who had waited for the other boat.

There was no other boat... I wish I would have known... I would have told them for sure.

It is still TRUTH - there is no "other" boat. The One that is coming on the cloud - is the only boat. This time I know...so I will tell... keep your eyes on the horizon, for the only Saviour - there won't be another.

2010-05-10T19:26:00.003-05:00

I'M TIRED OF BEING PICKED ON

In the pine trees that surround the ball field behind the church is a hawk's next. I like watching the raptors and hope they aren't too annoyed that I occasionally stare up at them from the base of the tree they call home.

But then insert the crows. The poor hawk barely gets off and into flight before 2 or 3 of these large lustrous black birds begin to attack and pick on it. Really, it seems to always be the case. I can't imagine what the bird thinks, but I am even tired of those crows.

I'm tired of picking, period. The crows on the hawk. The devil on me. I'm tired of picking.

You should meet some of the people that live and work close to me... they are like the crows, and just as good at picking.

They are bad news. I am the poor hawk going about my own business, when "ca ca" (that's suppose to be a crow sound).

Well this was my thesis until this week: Me the hawk, them the crows.

Insert God. He's taken me to see that I might be the hawk... but I'm also the crow. That Satan and sin is not all about using the world to get at me but my own self(ishness). That it is my own pride that causes me to be picked on. It is impossible to be humiliated when I have humility, or to be disgraced when I am living a life of grace.

C.S. Lewis says this is where it all begins-"Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind."

Books tell them to call selfishness by other names. Fear, weakness, frustration, and hurt all can all point to someone else being the crow. Without any interest in excusing them, we must realize, they aren't the one's picking.

I am tired of being picked on by my own sin. So, I am headed back to spending a "thoughtful hour on the life of Christ" each morning-to learn from that life of humility and grace.

2010-05-03T22:26:00.002-05:00

I had an uneventful flight this last week and it’s always fun to see the earth from 30,000 feet. I can only be thankful that my flight included only Chicago and Phoenix and not London or Paris. Thanks to Iceland’s remote volcano Eyjafjallajokull which filled the sky with ash 7 miles high, 100,000 flights were canceled and hundreds of thousands of passengers were literally left sitting in many European airports. The stranded weren’t just the “coach” passengers, but included government officials headed to Poland, an Olympian headed to the Boston marathon, Oxford University bigwigs, and even a New Yorker who had to have her wedding changed from the planned country of France.

“But the impact,” writes Bryan Walsh, of the volcanic crisis went far beyond the inconvenience of stranded vacationers and sprained tongues of newscasters trying to pronounce Eyjafjallajokull.” Kenyan farmers suffered when the fresh flowers they provide to a significant part of Europe couldn’t leave the their continent. Although the price tag was significant for the airlines (estimated 1.2 billion), they were the only ones to suffer, this really had a global effect.

I had realized most of this, but it wasn’t until I saw the title for Bryan Walsh’s article in time magazine that my imagination and even emotions were arrested: “The Cloud That Closed A Continent.” Walsh goes on to comment that this is one more reminder of how vulnerable are world remains. I’m sure you are ahead of me already – “The Cloud That Closed a Continent.” What about the headlines “The Cloud that Will Close the Planet?”

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:27) John says that He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:16)

Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull was unheard of until it's cloud "closed a continent." That’s what we are all about – living our lives so that the world expects the cloud that will "close" the planet.

2010-04-01T21:26:00.003-05:00

EATING A CHAIR

The books are collecting around my bed and I love it. Bill Hybel's "Just Walk Across the Room" that I am not currently reading is on my night stand along with "The Great Controversy" that I am currently reading. Those two books are on top of Sanctified Life that is just a great book to have handy. Then leaning up against my night stand is the volume "History of the Reformation" by J.H. D'Aubigne, who E.G. White quoted extensively in "The Great Controversy." Then in front of the night stand on the floor is a small miscellaneous selection with a collection of Robert Frost's works, one of C.S. Lewis titles, the testimony of Sandi Patty, and then one of my favorite collection of essays form Robert Fulghum. It is from this final book I got my idea of eating a chair.

Fulghum tells of giving a ride to two college students headed to their summer job. Their philosophy teacher had given them an extra-credit assignment: Do something unique and memorable-not dangerous or foolish, but something creative, inventive, and instructive. They were to write up what they learned and how to apply it to their philosophy of life.

So. They are eating a chair.

They bought a plain wooden kitchen chair and using a rasp have been turning it into sawdust. Then at every opportunity, granola in the morning or salad in the afternoon, they would sprinkle it on their food. When Fulghum met them they had eaten a leg, two rungs, and a back piece.

Had they learned anything. They said so. They learned how "amazing long-term goals can be achieved in incremental stages. Like how something seemingly idiotic affects your thinking about other things you do... Some things cannot be had except on a little-at-a-time, keep-the-long-goal-in-mind, stay-focused basis."

I think I am going to eat a chair.

2010-03-19T11:14:00.003-05:00

TO WATCH OR NOT

Two things have struck me as profound this week while thinking about the coming Apocalypse of Jesus Christ.

One is the theories surrounding the year and/or date of the 2^nd coming. The voice on the other side of the radio said Jesus will be arriving in the spring of 2011. I pondered that. And then I am told that thanks to an expiring Mayan calendar we know that the end of the world will actually be in the winter of 2012 (Y2K anybody?). I pondered that. So we read, therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44) So here’s what I am thinking – if some think Jesus might come in 2011 and others say 2012, but the Bible says He will come in an hour as “ye think not,” then we are left with what? 2010 or 2013 and beyond. Really. Jesus could come this year. (You may now argue that since I am thinking 2010 it nullifies that as an option). But let me counter with the 2^nd subject of my ponderings this week.

Each of the great Christians I can think of – Peter, Paul, John, Luther, Miller, etc. have all lived expectant of Jesus coming in their lifetime. So the answer to the dilemma is not thinking of when he will come but believing (used synonymously with living) that he will come at any time. The error that Jesus is pointing out (in Matthew 24 and recorded in Luke) is not the error of believing He will or could come at any time, it is living under the assumption that he won’t come at a certain time.

Keep watching, Jesus is coming.

2010-03-15T11:45:00.002-05:00

IT WILL MOVE

Have you ever heard of a moving city? Sound like something that hasn’t happened since the Native Americans had free reign of North America. Well, Chile has heard about it. The violent 8.8 February 27^th quake moved the Chilean city of Concepcion at least 10 feet to the west. Although 500 times stronger than the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti in January, the tragedies were much less. But Chile wasn’t done; this morning (March 11) 3 strong quakes, all above 6.0, struck the country. If it’s not Chile or Haiti, it’s China, or Indonesia, or Turkey, all within the last 60 days.

People are concerned. After the memorial service this week, honoring the life of Albert Becker, while we were still standing next to the tombstone, I was asked – what do all these earthquakes mean… is it the end? Jesus actually tells us exactly what these mean, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:7,8) The very next thing Jesus says will happen is persecution for those who are faithful in obedience and faith to Jesus. Earthquakes are not the final bell, but are the warning indicators. Something is coming.

So what about a moving city? The Chilean city of Concepcion isn’t the only one I have ever heard about: And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2) There it is, the New Jerusalem will move, not 10 feet, but from heaven to earth. The beloved disciple follows his announcement with a reminder that when the New Jerusalem moves, there will be no death or sorrow.

2010-03-01T11:01:00.002-05:00

I remember flying with 30 or 40 Jewish teens. Their destination was an international conference just for Jewish young people in Chicago. They explained the goals and programming of the conference including the agenda for Shabbat. My two row-mates and I shared freely during the flight so in our approach I had to ask; “what does Shabbat mean to you as an individual?” The young man was candid in his reply that it really meant nothing and he viewed it as mostly a tradition. But then he added that it remains a highlight of the week because on Friday evening his family will come together and connect before dispersing for the weekend activities.

This is the same practice seen in many homes in Jerusalem at the beginning of each Sabbath. Families come together and fathers bless mothers and mothers bless fathers, parents bless children and children bless parents. “Blessing” is a tradition not like the Christian tradition of praying for each other but rather applying Biblical passages of blessing to the individual followed by a praise. For example the father would bless the mother speaking or singing verses from Proverbs 30 exalting her virtues and expressing his appreciation of her.

I have taken a spin of this practice in my home. Each Friday that I am home, I invite friends over for supper to become "family." Before we eat together, we go around the table blessing the one to our right. After we go around the circle, we read a Psalm... as a blessing to God.

I don’t know how far back this tradition goes, but it has the taste of creation. It fits within the picture of God to envision Him doing just that every Sabbath for us – extolling our virtues and expressing His appreciation for us. Go ahead, reflect the image of God by blessing your child, your parent, your spouse, and your God.

2010-02-04T22:55:00.005-05:00

MOOSE COUNTRY

Took my first trip into the state of Maine last week. Loved it and am now convinced that beside some awful tasting soda they drink up there... it is a fantastic place.

Absolutely loved playing hockey and snow shoeing for the first time... only missed out on seeing a live and wild moose.

In Reflection:

Haiti has gripped our attention and galvanized our hearts. And the headlines and stories coming out of that country are heart-breaking. I am proud of what individuals, churches, communities have done. Could we do more? Always. But both individuals within and the Seventh-day Adventist church organization have responded, reached out, and helped. I am proud of that. It’s not over; we all realize that the recovery and rebuilding will be a long process.

I only want to stop long enough to call us to consider ourselves. Are we “reacting” or is this who we are? Haiti needs our help, but we need a change in culture. Responding to a disaster is necessary and good, but it’s not all good if we that is how we live our lives. Jesus didn’t live that way, just responding to disasters. He lived his live serving one by one, and many of those “ones” didn’t know or feel they were in need. Everyday, he was all about people.

We will respond...and we should, but we will live- like Jesus did, all about people.

2010-01-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

THIS YEAR

A decade ago I was in Reading, CA interviewing for the job of youth pastor. I was nervous, we were all nervous. It was the final days of the 20^th century… and Y2K was looming. Although more unassertive, this new year of 2010 holds just as much chanciness as the infamous New Year’s Eve of 1999.

What is it, you know… “it.” The one thing we need to know going into 2010, I believe unabashedly “it” is this:

There are precious promises in the Scriptures to those who wait upon the Lord. We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers, and we are tempted to become discouraged if our prayer is not immediately answered. Now my experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. The delay is for our special benefit. Our faith has a chance to be tested to see whether it is true, sincere, or changeable like the waves of the sea… faith strengthens through continual exercise.

We must pray more and in faith. We must not pray and then run away as though afraid we should receive an answer. God will not mock us. He will answer if we watch unto prayer, if we believe we receive the things we ask for, and keep believing and never lose patience in believing. This is watching unto prayer. We guard the prayer of faith with expectancy and hope. We must wall it in with assurance and be not faithless, but believing. The fervent prayer of the righteous is never lost. The answer may not come according as expected, but it will come, because God’s word is pledged.

Wait for the Lord, not in fretful anxiety but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust. (Our High Calling 134)

2009-12-12T07:41:00.004-05:00

IT'S TIME TO BE SLOW

It is officially the Christmas season – all of my neighbors have put out their Christmas lights! Some may still argue that you can't officially use the word official, and that it is still too early to be singing The First Noel and buying wrapping paper. But I prod you not to be a scrooge… it’s actually good for you to embrace the joy of this season. It’s called a “slow-burning emotion.” According to CNN the University of Southern California completed a study this past year finding that “rapid-fire TV news bulletins or getting updates via social-networking tools such as Twitter could numb our sense of morality and make us indifferent to human suffering.” “If things are happening too fast, you may not ever fully experience emotions…” said researcher Mary Helen Immordino-Yang. (that is my scientific reason for slow blogging :) ) The conclusion of the study was when our moral perspective is deluded by the multifarious and insistent supply of news, we are left with a ruined society. In turn the researchers discovered the cogent importance of decelerating the news flow and building slow-burning emotions, many which will be positive such as admiration. Well if that is what would be good for our moral compass, then it becomes very clear why the brilliantly dark mind of the devil would turn on the facet of news. So start your Christmas early, and be late in ending it. Let Christmas be a slow-burning season, a season of good news, the best news.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

2009-11-13T00:12:00.003-05:00

THE END IS COMING

According to NASA, the world will not end in 2012. An idea gaining popularity that December 21, 2012 will be doomsday for the planet earth is not scientific, states the official website for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (www.nasa.gov). It is reported that a planet, not officially discovered, will crash into our earth. This is linked with the end of one of the cycles of the Mayan calendar. David Morrison, a NASA space scientist, when asked about the 2012 date tells CNN listeners not to worry but enjoy 2012 and 2013 as it will come. Morrison preempts this with a review of the facts. There is no such planet, and the Mayan calendar will turn over just like ours does when we get to December 31. And he is right; there is nothing to the prediction of December 21, 2012. But here is what grabbed my attention and shook it: On NASA’s website, under the Frequently Asked Questions link, the response about a coming doomsday was, “Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012…For any claims of disaster or dramatic changes in 2012, where is the science? Where is the evidence? There is none.” Our planet has been “getting along fine?” Our planet has not been getting along fine for even the 29 years I’ve been alive. I appreciate and respect the work of the NASA scientists, but “we’ve got a problem.” If you take God’s direct involvement out of the equation (evolution), than we will only have what our feeble human intelligence offers us… and the conclusion will continue as science indicates to be plenty of future ahead for this planet. But God’s intelligence says differently – He will interrupt “credible science” just like He did the first time in creation. Even "credible science" then has it's limits.

Morrison is right I am not to be afraid, and God is right, year will not always follow year… He’s coming back.

Oh ya... Here are the fattest little carrots from my garden... the only thing I harvested.

2009-10-16T19:23:00.002-05:00

IN THE 10TH DIMENSION

If you have been considering a subject to stimulate your mind, consider dimensions. In the uncomplicated way I understand our reality, we perceive space in three dimensions and time in one. But our “reality” is not absolute reality. Indeed, the Bible demonstrates that God exists and operates in dimensions of space and time other than those that confine us. (1 Kings 8:27, Hebrews 11:3). God could not have made the universe if He was confined to it. God would not be limited to what He could see then, because our third dimension would not be His boundary. How about time? We live in only one dimension moving forward. But the Bible indicates that God exists in at least two dimensions (2 Peter 3:8, Psalms 90:4). Meaning that the reality of God, His Kingdom, is outside our reality in both time and space, but would then exceed comprehension. This is the good news, we need a bigger than us God with a bigger than earth kingdom.

“Tell us about the Kingdom,” was a refrain recorded numerous times by the gospel writers as coming from the disciples to Jesus. And so over and over we read Jesus beginning a teaching with the words, “The Kingdom of heaven is like...,” and at his point you can see the disciples leaning in, thinking this would be the big break that would settle all of their questions, and then Jesus would finish, “… a mustard seed” or some other unexceptional object or experience. Reading the Gospel accounts gives us the impression that most of the time the disciples just didn’t get it. Maybe we don’t either. It would be worth our review. And I imagine when we are done, our understanding will be “larger,” but so would our God. We won’t ever catch Him.

2009-08-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

THE RULES FOR YOUR CLUNKER

How much are you worth? You wouldn’t happen to fall under the “clunker” bracket, would you? As I type (TYPOED A FEW WEEKS AGO) the Senate is expected to support what the House has already agreed to: 2 billion more for the popular “cash for clunkers” program. The idea is that you can take your jalopy and turn it in for $3,500-$4,500 towards a new car. And if all you have is a bucket of bolts that’s worth $250 (with the new seat covers), it would be a good plan to take the government up on this.

How about you? Are you a clunker? The right answer is “yes.” Did you know that God has an exchange program. You bring your own rustbucket of a life, and he’ll give exchange it for something that has much more value.

Here are a few rules from the “cash for clunkers” program that illustrate either by similarity or dissimilarity the celestial program for your life:

1. The exchange has to be toward a new car.

That’s right… God goal for us is all new.

2. Program is only as long as money last or until November 1, 2009.

Nope…God is willing to do the exchange until the end.

3. There are no income limits to participate.

That’s right… even if you are rich, God will work with you.

4. You can’t trade two clunkers in for a new car.

Very true…the deal with God is one for one… can’t be part of someone else’s salvation.

5. The clunker you bring in, is not saved for someone else, it’s scraped.

Right…God doesn’t keep the old you…he forgives and then forgets.

6. You have to be able to drive your clunker to the dealership.

Nope…you can call out to God for that new gift anywhere, you don’t have to make it to church to have your cry to God heard.

7. Your clunker cannot be more than 25 years old.

Nope… God will work with you old folks too.

Praise God… He will take our “clunker,” and exchange give us what we can never pay for…eternal life.

HANGING OUT OVER THE WATER

I am thankful for a very good summer. A Sabbath afternoon, during a camping trip few weeks ago, I wondered off with a few others down a remote trail... where in the middle of nowhere we discovered a hammock stretched out over a creek...It really could get no better.

More hanging out over the water... in British Columbia last week.

2009-07-21T21:46:00.007-05:00

A TALK WITH JESUS

Let those who desire the blessing of God knock and wait at the door of mercy with firm assurance, saying, For Thou, O Lord, hast said, "Everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.. And should anyone dishonor God by imagining that He would not respond to the appeals of His children? (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings 131-2)

So I took that statement, and have been beginning my morning prayers with "For Thou, O Lord, has said..." On the very top of my prayer list is the petition for a saturation of the Holy Spirit in my life and the ministry of my church.

Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit...This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train.(Desire of Ages 672)

This week, I am on my knees in my devotions, and I decide to leave the two pages of prayer requests I go over and just pray for the Holy Spirit. At the end of my prayer time I sit up in the chair and immediately a dove lights outside my 2nd story window for about 10 seconds. It strikes me as odd, but before any reflection two thoughts come storming into my mind: One - the lyrics of the gospel song, "On the wings of a snow white dove, God sent his pure sweet love, a sign from above..." The second the verses telling the story in the gospel of Luke ("Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove... ~Luke 3:22). This all takes place in about 60 seconds and then a rush of emotions flood me and I actually through my fists in the air thinking, this is real: God, as promised, IS answering my prayers, all prayers, for the Holy Spirit.

So about 2 hours later I am at the church office and I get a call from a pastor friend in another state. We chat about happenings and I'm impressed to share with him about the dove. He listens to my story all the way through and then asks what time this took place. With my answer he tells me that within the same hour of my little blessing - He was outside watering his flowers when a dove landed on the ground right in front of him... striking him as odd. Just like that, I felt a gentle assurance in an almost discernible whisper... "Hey, just so you don't doubt."

So I go home and read the story of Jesus' baptism in The Desire of Ages and it gives this whole experience an extra punch. Not only is the Jordan experience of Jesus a promise of the Holy Spirit but a portent:

The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,--how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. (113)

The Holy Spirit and prayer... answered prayer... is real life.

In other news:

Spent the weekend on an island with a fantastic group of young people... slept on a pontoon boat, kayaked and canoed sunday morning, then water-skied in the afternoon.

2009-06-30T21:51:00.011-05:00

THE PURSUIT OF A SMILE

This month, two hundred and thirty-three years ago, Congress finalized the wording on the United States Declaration of Independence. At the heart of that document is the statement; "they (all men) are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

So there it is - confirmed for us by the government: Our Creator (God) has given us the right to pursue happiness. "Unalienable" by the way means that they cannot be taken away from the one to whom they were given. You are I were given the right by God to seek happiness, and problem, power, principality, nor people can take that away from us.

I saw a friend this weekend, and though I didn't say anything, they seemed to have lost the smile that I remember. I fear this is not an isolated situation.

But the Source of the right to the pursuit, is the Power for the capture! Read the promises! Ephesians 3:20! Psalms 30! Psalms 27! Psalms 40!

To you my friend - please don't let relationships (even the broken ones), or money (the lack of), your job (or no job), science (it's attack on there even being a Creator), or anything separate you from the Giver of smiles. Remember it is "unalienable" - a right that cannot be taken away.

As Grandpa Henry (who died smiling) sang:

You can smile when you can't say a word,
You can smile when you cannot be heard;
You can smile when it's cloudy or fair,
You can smile anytime, anywhere.
As for a few visuals:
This is on the 10th hole. Pastors can get out of the rain and order something warm to drink.
Working with the earliteens at campmeeting can be a blessing... when you HAVE to take them to the lake.
I was privileged to be ordained as a minister of the gospel, by the Seventh-day Adventist Church on June 21, 2009. It was a double privilege to be ordained with 3 other friends and colleagues.

2009-06-03T10:41:00.002-05:00

HE RECALCULATES

So... I have spent a day in NYC's Central Park and was completely fascinated. My legs wore out before my curiosity did. Except for trying to find street parking... it was fun.

Last week I had a birthday and the 3rd and 4th graders at our church school invited me to their class for breakfast. Some very cool people!

I went kayaking this weekend with some more cool people - as you can see... we paddled all the way across the lawn.

Living in a complicated commute community along with the special deals offered by the closing Circuit City I bought a Global Positioning System (GPS). Now I spend less time lost and more time trying to convince the British accented computer voice that I really do know a better way. The system is intriguing with 24 satellites circling the earth at 12,000 miles, each with a wingspan of 17 feet and weighing almost 2,000 pounds.

Here is what I have found out after all of the wrong turns I have made, either by accident or on purpose: I have never been able to drive off of the center of the GPS screen. As soon as I take a turn not included in the purple highlighted route, the system recalculates. It gets more amazing. Even after I take a wrong turn after taking a wrong turn (that’s two wrong turns back-to-back) it still recalculates. I have even forgotten to reset it and have been driving to a completely different location in the almost opposite direction and it will persistently be recalculating at nearly every intersection to help me get on track to what was my goal. It doesn’t forget about me.

Could it be this is the truth of God working out His will for our lives!? We choose our destination when we choose Jesus, from there He highlights His will and where He wants us, and what He wants us to do, and when He wants us to do it. But what happens when we make a turn not “highlighted?” We remain in the center of His will as He recalculates to get us to His/our destination. What about someone’s defiance in living the opposite direction? I believe at every intersection of life, a very persistent God will be recalculating to give a chance.

So know, you will not drive off the screen of God knowing and caring where you are at, and even if you make a right where He thought left, you remain in the center as a God of persistent love, recalculates so you and I arrive at His goal.

2009-04-23T17:08:00.005-05:00

GO AHEAD, RUN THROUGH THE OPEN FIELD

And I did... last Sabbath after a picnic with friends at Valley Forge National Park I just couldn't help it.

Thinking...

What do you do when while you are sitting should-to-shoulder to another passenger on a commercial airline, that person spills their whole cup of soda on themselves and you? I imagine I would roll my eyes a bit while looking the other direction and be thinking how some people should not be allowed to fly. But what if you are the one that spills the soda on yourself and others while flying to Chicago? Yes, I was the one. It frustrated the situation that I was making a quick connection to Indianapolis, landing at 5:30 and would have to preach literally within 15 minutes of getting to the meeting hall.

While my seatmates maintained a solemn quizzical expression, the flight attendant handed me blankets to sit on. The ineluctable thought came to mind – “I am right now the guy that everyone sees as the ‘problem.’”

Now before you carry that thought too far, let me make my point. I, as we all do, realize I am not perfect, but I didn’t consider myself to be someone that others wouldn’t want to sit next to. It is true that in my short life I have noticed many I would not want to sit with on a plane. But at 25,000 feet, on a descent into O’Hare International Airport I was reminded that I am no different than those unwanted seatmates.

If you complain about people being annoying or frustrating, let me remind you, you too are annoying and frustrating. If you grumble about others who are controlling, heads up- you aren’t all that different.

Looking at it through those glasses, I understand why God put us in a community and then reminds us not to let pride convince us that "I" am God's blessing to others. Well, in the end, you are God’s gift to this community, but so is the person you don’t want to sit next to.

2009-03-27T10:47:00.006-05:00

CONCERT AT MY HOUSE

The other week, we had popcorn and fruit salad on a Friday night and filled the living room to welcome in the Sabbath with a concert by Allison Schwirzer- AU music student.

What else:

Here’s the list: The Shqiptaret people of Albania, the Himba people of Namibia, the Malinke people of Mali, Palawano people of the Philippines, the Gogodala people of Papua New Guinea, the Great River people of Southwest Asia, the Dendi people of Benin, the Ghorka people of Darjeeling in India, and finally the Irish people of Ireland. Quite a mouthful (I admit – while typing I tried pronouncing them).

You should have noted that none of these come up on the “top 10 destinations” list given in the Travel + Leisure magazine. Where did I find them? This week reading through my March edition of Adventist Frontiers magazine, I made a list of the locations of the featured missionaries. The line that has been running through my head all day has been from a children’s song – “red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

These missionaries are out there, way out there. And their 3-word mission statement is clear: “reaching the unreached.” These men, women, and even children are the “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) arm of the gospel movement. I read their jaw-dropping, angel action stories and am convinced that when it comes to “reaching the unreached,” God spares no help.

Here’s the catch, while the gospel movement has an arm that reaches “to the end of the earth,” it also has an arm reaching your community (guess who).

Be a missionary – God will not leave you short handed.

2009-02-13T20:02:00.007-05:00

WHEN YOU CAN'T SAY A WORLD YOU CAN SMILE

(this is my smile)

I was in Brooklyn, NY - preached a few sermons and then headed to the "beyond" (know to Shawn Brace as Vermont).

Looking down from the Rockefeller Center.

Friends in high places (little joke).

Part of seeing and skiing Vermont was eating lunch with Shawn.

Really... this felt better than it looks.

FOR REFLECTION

A couple of weeks ago in the windy city of Chicago, a teenage boy found his way into role call for patrol at the Grand Crossing District police station. The news reports mentioned that it wasn’t until hours later that a sergeant observed the young man and questioned him.

I have worked with police departments and have been through role call and patrol shifts; there is such a “sense of guard,” that masquerading of any kind would be very difficult. It serves to protect against would be impersonators and the situations that might arise. It is in the steady rhythm of the everyday that one or a community might find it easiest to drop that guard and become the most vulnerable.

While learning the procedure of a traffic stop, I was required to watch a video recorded by the dash camera of a police car on a “routine” traffic stop. In that video a Georgia officer was gunned down and to this day the sounds and images are still indelibly written on my mind and the lesson learned never to view a traffic stop as simply “routine.”

I fear that unless we realize today, and everyday, that the devil is “a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour,” (1Peter5:8) we will be complacent in the routine and the devil will wait for the circumstance or the moment our guard is dropped, and destroy us.

I submit for your protection, habitual time with Jesus.

2009-01-28T13:08:00.003-05:00

ON SABBATH

When I am not obligated otherwise on a Friday evening, I invite members of my church family over for a spaghetti dinner. The tradition is to gather around the table, after reading a Psalm of blessing to God, we take turns "blessing" the person to our right.

After everyone left, this past Friday night, I found a note left by one of the little girls who had been there. This makes my heart do the "pitter-patter".

On Sunday it will take all of 30 seconds for some companies to spend 3 million. This year, NBC admits it has been more difficult this year to sell all the advertising spots for the Super Bowl but think they will have them done just in time. Let’s review: Someone is willing to pay 3 million for 30 seconds of your attention. Okay so maybe that’s not the price tag for just you, or just me. I realize that the 3 million is spread out over almost 100 million viewers. But even still, that means someone is paying $35 dollars for 30 seconds of my time. This kind of price tag is actually supported Biblically.

God seeking to place a value on our attention gave us not a castle on a hill, or the latest and greatest, but instead gave us what transcends time, time itself. The Sabbath, given to us on our first full day of existence was a gift, a mansion of time. In Isaiah 58:13, God calls for our riveted attention on the Sabbath and then in verse 14 tells us the value of this time:

Then you shall take delight in the LORD,

and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth;

I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Dr. Richard Davidson, professor at the Adventist Theological Seminary, points out that the word “delight” used in Isaiah is a Hebrew word used only to describe the adoration of princes and princesses.

The Sabbath, a gift of time, was the way God thought to honor who He considers royalty.

2009-01-02T20:04:00.002-05:00

LEARNING FROM GOD

There are places and times that arrest our attention and command our thoughts toward God. For me, two of those are sunsets and the northwest. A rough plane ride to S.F., a book, and a visit to the Northwest got me thinking...

...it gets confusing; to be humiliated is a tragedy, but to have humility is a virtue. I found a used book this summer that I tucked away, and in the past weeks pulled it out to read: written by Andrew Murray the book is intelligibly titled Humility. Quite frankly I have been convicted.

Muntadar al-Zaidi wanted, last month, to disgrace and humiliate President George Bush in his farewell visit to the Middle East. So during a press conference in Baghdad the reporter for a local television station took both shoes off throwing them with remarkable accuracy at the head of the visiting president. Sudarsan Raghavan with the Washington Post reports that this indeed was the “worst possible insult in Iraq and is meant to show extreme disrespect and contempt.” Did it work? Reportedly not.

Politics aside, Jesus came. And in coming embraced everything that this world perceives as humiliating: born poor, worked with His hands, never received a credentialed degree, rejected and tricked by friends, taunted about His ethnic background, wrongly accused, and finally strung up naked to die. Did we humiliate Jesus? Nope! We couldn’t disgrace the very Origin of grace.

I can only conclude, when the virtue of humility is fully lived, it is impossible to be humiliated.

2008-12-01T21:47:00.007-05:00

MY TRADITION

Last year I was given the classic movie A Charlie Brown Christmas and have decided viewing it should be a yearly tradition.

So this year I have decided to go realistic and fetch my own version of the tree- it fits the style (it's ugly), but I went into the woods myself to fetch it... and it was free.

It made it home, and now I have my very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Thinking about traditions, we like traditions. Christmas has become a tradition involving lots of little traditions with each community, family, and individual. Traditions are good, I like them. But ironically the first Christmas was all about surprises. Joseph was surprised. Mary, well... The Shepherds, Herod, the wise men, and probably even "small donkey" were all surprised.

I wish for you, amid all the wonderful traditions, a Christmas surprise - a Jesus surprise.

2008-11-10T19:12:00.004-05:00

BEST QUOTES AND LISTENING

Equal to a good picture is a good quote. Starting in 2004 I dedicated a leather journal to be the Quote Hall of Fame. I realize I have been a bit stingy but in 4 years only nine quotes have been inducted. Here is a sample:

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life..." ~Henry David Thoreau

"Yes" ~Author Unknown

(before you mock this - say it over and over out loud - it's bold and sweet... not like it's half cousin "ya" and certainly very much unlike it's nemesis "no")

"Do not easily leave" ~Abba Anthony

"The end of one thing is the beginning of another. I am a pilgrim again." ~Yuchiro Miura

Earth's crammed with Heaven, And every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes, the rest sit around it and pluck blackberries." ~ Elizabeth Barret Browning

These are my three little business partners. The oldest approached me about raking my leaves (for profit). While we were negotiating, his younger sister kept trying to get him to ask for more. He made it clear to her that she was not the business man he was. I laughed to myself, because if only he would listen -he would be better off.

Okay, okay.... I'm learning the lesson.

2008-10-17T20:29:00.005-05:00

LA NINA DE SU OJO

I spent this morning, as I do on most Fridays, doing worships with the kids at our Jr. Academy. Today we looked at Zechariah 2:8 "he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye." In spanish instead of "apple" La Biblia reads "la nina" or "the little girl of his eye." This makes us sound pretty special.

I was struck by the profound truth contained in the songs the kindergartners sang – truth that many of us in the passing of time either accidentally neglected or have become too sophisticated to embrace. Let me remind you: “Be careful little eyes what you see… ears what you hear… mouth what you say…” We are fools to suppose that in our adult maturity we are no longer shaped by what are senses absorb. There is still a “Father looking down in love.”

“Father Abraham had many sons, I am one of them and so are you, so let’s just praise the Lord.” Today the sons of Abraham encompass many diverse and splintered groups often piqued by one another. Even within Christianity we are afraid to call one another brothers. If we have ever swung our right arm or our left leg singing this song, we as Adventists should reach out inviting others to join us in “just praise[-ing] the Lord.”

As for the most profound: “Jesus loves me this I know…” Don’t forget it! Saturate yourself everyday with the Biblical stories that best display this. Then a miracle will take place inside; and we will look like this song sounds.

2008-09-23T19:43:00.012-05:00

THERE IS A STORY...

...told (to me by my church members) of a man who visited Texas and found a phone with a sign that read, "Phone call to God $10." From there the man traveled to Colorado and found the same phone with the same sign. State after state he traveled through, always finding the same phone with the same sign... until he passed through Pennsylvania where he found a phone but the sign above read, "Phone call to God - FREE." Turning to the man behind the counter he asked why the difference from all the other states. "This", the man replied, "is God's country and that makes it a local call."

Before you post your comment about Maine or Tennessee, I agree - the story is wrong... Pennsylvania may not be God's country but the Northwest certainly is.

I just got back from a trip:

I met up in Seattle with some good friends Marius and Sarah who serve in pastoral ministry in Atlanta.

And a stunt!

Another stunt!

Just fantastic

A quick trip home and I met my niece for the first time...and her little watch dog (under my knees)

2008-09-05T19:49:00.004-05:00

YOU, HE SAID, ARE THE BRANCH

The illustration has been repeated since Jesus first gave it, and rightly so. The lesson became a bit more personal, however I have not yet completely understood why God showed it to me... what does it mean to me personally?

While in Germany, between speaking appointments, I stayed a 2 days in a small town on the edge of the Black Forest. My second morning there I took a walk, intentionally to be alone with God.

I climbed a small mountain overlooking the city where a catholic chapel was. On one side were rows of grape vines in perfect order, really this was the most uniform, at attention, vineyard I have encountered.

On my descent I was musing over how so much of the vine had to be pruned away in order for such success. My rough guess was about 85% of what could come from the trunk was discarded. A knee-jerk reaction is that the more vine you have coming from the trunk the better. I guess that is not true. While still considering this, I actually encountered the vine master. He was methodically working his way up the mountain side stopping at each vine... not to trim the branches... but to actually cut almost a third of the yet green fruit off. I stood speechless for a moment. I am not so ignorant as to not see any benefit in this... but what took my wind away, was that I was in the midst of a conversation with God about how He wanted to prune so much of me. And then just like that the vinedresser shows up and begins cutting the fruit.

Okay, I can fathom pruning me as the branch, but to intentionally cut some of my fruit off. So I get pruned to bear more fruit and then God cuts some of that off so that I can... what?! Of one thing I am certain, this is a road called faith.

2008-08-13T08:12:00.014-05:00

ADVENT JUGEND

I am home... since I was last here I have been in New York, Germany, France, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

Most of that time I spent in Germany working with a team of about 50 young people that were dedicating 2 weeks of their summer to look for and reach lost people with the gospel. For me it was a fantastic experience and I was changed by this blessing.

It's hard to always know which way to go in a foreign train station.

You can assume the rest of me is also waiting.

The evangelistic series was held in the church each night.

Preaching there was a privilege.

The team assembled each day for training before lunch. Then in the afternoon they would go out door-to-door or to the center of the city to give people free books and invitations to come to the evening meetings. They had a myriad of creative ways to do this. Here is the team in prayer:

They were creative in reaching out. One way: Someone dressed up as the Daniel 2 prophecy statue and then stood in a conspicuous spot - when someone(s) stopped in curiosity a young person standing by would explain the meaning and invite them to the meeting.

Even some very young members of the local church were excited and indefatigable inviting people.

The team was tenacious and very non-threatening in reaching everyone.

Another creative approach: They built a light metal frame surrounded it with carpet and posted invitation and posters around it. Someone would get inside and lift it- it became a moving billboard. I tried it (as it didn't require me to use any of my 10 german words). You would move it a corner and set it down, then you could pick it up and move right down the sidewalk... this would catch peoples attention and someone standing by would give them an invitation (or in this case the little boy to the right).

Of course it was impossible not to make friends. Behind us is old convent we hiked to in the Black Forest.

More good people.

We had a picnic by this little Catholic chapel in the woods.

This is the German vs. American "Jumping" competition - to soon be seen in the Olympics.

2008-07-17T20:12:00.007-05:00

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PASTOR

Since many of you are unsure of what we do... here you are. A journal of my day:

I arrive at the office midmorning and while waiting for members to call and compliment me on last week's sermon, I practice my golf swing. Tiring of that I decide that member visitation is important... so...

...off I go. Except with gas prices I am forced to ride my motorcycle on this sunny afternoon.

Once I get there I am seated on a comfortable chair asking them about life and family.

The visit took extra time and more work because I had to get to know the family dog.

Later that evening I decide it would be good to be involved in the community, so... I connect with the church softball team.

(we won... and the ball on the cone is staged)

Now I am home... I am tired after a busy day. I think I need a vacation.

And right on time - I am headed for Europe next week... I will be preaching.

In other news: Last week was VBS - my office assistant turned two of my socks into puppets.

So all week, in the opening program was the Willie and Nillie show

2008-07-04T17:00:00.007-05:00

CALLING MEN TO LEAD

During family worship time at campmeeting the other week I played the role of Detective Burnett (that's with two "T's" not one) who was assigned by the International Association of the National Associated to investigate if Jesus was only for girls.

An emerging thought is that God revealed Himself in the Old Testament as a parent would to a young child, but as we (God's people) matured over time He was able to reveal, as it were, His more true self in the New Testament. The OT picture being a God that commands, that conquers, and that kills. The NT revelation maybe being best summarized in "love your enemy" or "turn the other cheek." The immediate problem is that is discredits what I read about God in the OT, demoting it below what I read in the NT. Our "OT God" must fully be Himself, or we are contradicting our claims to the entirety of Scripture. Without taking another step, I should say that it is cogent that God is emotional and has made love the most powerful of agents - and He has invited us to be participants in both of these.

But there is something beyond theology that has troubled me. Twice this week I have dealt with situations where I was looking to hold a man accountable and to challenge him and a woman (wife) finished the conversation for him actually covering for him. This is not good.

At the risk of generalizing and sounding like a male chauvinist, some women who in their intention to be in their God-given place (next to man) overstep their bounds. It is wrong for men to see women for only procreation and pleasure. Men need women for all the beautiful and wonderful things that make a woman. The negative affect is equal. Women, you need men for more than procreation and pleasure (actually heard this recently from a woman). Let us lead in being patriotic, protective, and committed.

2008-06-24T12:25:00.008-05:00

BEADY EYES

Just finished preaching to young people for a week at the Pennsylvania Campmeeting.

We were reminded that God waits for our eyes to open every morning - because He loves to travel the day with us. He loves to love us. He knows that each day is a juncture for the revelation of the Divine through us.

Credits to Nathan Haagenson for the beady eyes.

My tent is the first on the left and then the rest of the "street" at campmeeting. I had wonderful neighbors with an India background who gave me several invitations to dine.

And then some not so beady eyes. Congratulations to my little sister Melinda and my brother-in-law Jason for making a cute baby. And congratulations to my new niece Katelyn for picking the right family. And praise to God for the gift of life.

2008-05-30T21:32:00.010-05:00

ONE RARE SAPIENT

I had the privilege of officiating at a service honoring a friend and former church member. Just before this model of a gentleman closed his eyes and conceded to death, he whispered to his granddaughter, "We've had a blast." They wrote those four potent words on the back of each vehicle in the funeral procession. So, before you worry away the time... Let's have a blast.

A few boys. And some good rides.

Memorial Day weekend, friends invited me out to their cabin on an island. So I took my little sleeping bag and road out in their boat. This is where I sat and what I saw in the first quiet moments of morning.

The cabin.

My view in a canoe doing a solo trip.

What's on your mind? Just have a seat...

Very random... Just needed to post it.

2008-05-22T22:43:00.004-05:00

I SMELLED...

If I were a flower, I would want to be an iris. I have irises growing outside the front of my house. There is no aroma from nature as beautiful as what these phenomenal flowers proffer. The assistant at my church office told me today that I was visual. I won't argue that. However when it comes to smells... hmmm.... just now a myriad of wonderful smells wafted into my mind. I love to smell. I guess now that I have spelled it out, I would rather be the shrub next to the irises... that is one lucky bush.

Now a few other thoughts. About romance.

What a beautiful idea, and wouldn't it be like the devil to target it. This week I listened to the story of a praying husband for a wife that left, talked to a young lady who's boyfriend won't acknowledge her attempts to be sweet, heard a husband admit his verbal abuse to his wife, and I want to cry "stop." I'm not calling for conflict-free relationships... just romance. The will is just as involved as the emotions, its time for a generation to stand up and say we "will" to love - This, by-the-way, is how G0d painted a self-portrait. Good is the enemy of great... don't just hold hands with romance... dance and sing with it.

(just needed to say something)

2008-05-13T21:42:00.010-05:00

NOW YOU KNOW

Sunday I was in Washington D.C. for the day and took time to visit United States Botanic Gardens (this would be the official garden for our country- it is actually operated by congress). What an amazing experience of flower wonder. I would show you pictures but then you would get very jealous and not look at my blog anymore. At the end of my tour through paradise in a greenhouse I was exposed...

Well Mr. Alfred Austin...

I have no secrets... now you know. I guess this little plot lays me bare. I'm sitting here analyzing this picture at 11 p.m., hoping to figure myself out. Here's what I do know... This may be me now... but if Mr. Austin wants to know what I will be like... He needs to read a garden described in Genesis & the last of Revelation.

For the record - there is beauty in my yard.

Come on... admit it... its funny.

While in front of the White House we were ordered away from the area... because Marine One was approaching.

2008-05-07T20:55:00.010-05:00

THE EDUCATED AND THE WACKY

Graduation took place this past weekend. I graduated with a superlative group of pastors.

And we are ready to conquer any theological question!

The quote of the weekend was: "The greatest education acquired was learning what it means to be a friend." (Note: the arm with the peace sign has mysterious origins and is not mine)

I pause here to recognize three individuals that were not there but deserve mention: Shawn William Brace, Adam Joseph Deibert, & Wade F. W. Forde.

The end of one thing is the beginning of the another, I am a pilgrim again.

(Yuichiro Miura -skied down everest)

I was told I look like my mom - Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

2008-04-20T22:12:00.004-05:00

SHOT TO THE HEART

Next Sabbath I will finish a 7-part sermon series at my church about prayer. I have been blessed and challenged to the level that I never want to go back to where I was in my prayer life. This past week we studied Jesus' example to us in prayer. It's filled with petitions - and one is that God's will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus actually prayed that prayer again in Gethsemane. This got me thinking: I was talking to a friend this week on how love can be turned into a bullet which shoots your heart. It's one of the few times that you can be shot in the heart, and not die. Okay, that is almost true. Because that night after Jesus surrendered his will to the Father's will, love (refuted) did become a bullet shot into his heart... and he did die. I wonder if we get sidetracked on the gory drama and miss that Jesus experienced love refused, and that killed him. Maybe it is those shots to our hearts of love lost - parents loosing a child, spouse rejecting an innocent spouse, etc. where it hurts inside and you can't rub it to make it feel better - are glimpses of the heart hurt that killed Jesus.

By the way, you are all welcome to visit my churches website: www.bcadventistchurch.org

One more (funny) story from Europe.

The last night I was in Paris, I attempted to get a hotel room. Well several miles later and 4 different hotels my ride needed to begin his journey back to Germany and I still didn't have a place to stay. It was about 7 p.m. and my flight left at 10 a.m. the next morning. So I had him drop me off at the airport and thought I would call for a place from there. Most of the places I called didn't have any rooms and the only one that did said that it was going for 250 euros ($375). I couldn't spend that much on just me... so I wandered the hallways of the Paris International Airport until I knew I was tired enough to sleep anywhere. Then I opened my suitcase in a corner and this became my bed....

It was not so bad. The difficult part was that besides walking I had been drinking water. So each one of the four times I had to repack my suitcase (it was tight) and roll it down to the bathroom before returning to "my spot" and spreading it back out. But as "difficult of a trial" that was, it has become almost an endearing memory (might just be a lesson in that).

2008-04-12T13:55:00.012-05:00

I MET EUROPE

My trip to Europe was a fantastic and God-blessed event.

I traveled mostly with my new and now good friend Zolti. What a blessing he was, and made sight-seeing much more fun.

I met La Mona Lisa along with other wonderful collections at the Louvre.

Spent part of an afternoon visiting Dachau Concentration camp. Very gripping.

These are the cell blocks- the hall seemed to just keep going. These were different then the "dormitories" were the working prisoners stayed. These were for solitary confinement and other punishments.

The highlight was being a part of the youth congress. Not sure what is being communicated...

The music leaders did an incredible job taking us into worship.

I was happy.

There is an army of youth in Germany - that I believe will be used by God to hasten His 2nd Coming.

They have a great website with video and picture, etc. (once there there is an english option on the top right).

youthinmission.info

2008-03-23T10:37:00.005-05:00

AND THE PICTURE SAYS

I am in Germany and I look forward to sharing more of the incredible youth congress I was a part of. But for now... I have been surrounded by thousands of people that look like me, but don't talk like me. But all is not lost, there seems to be an appreciation of pictures. The above indicates (as I am sure you have figured out) there is a divided walkway.

Okay, and the next road sign means...umm I don't know. I think it is encouraging adults to leave their cars and houses and play with the kids. :) Or maybe it means be careful in playing in the streets.

After church, over a thousand youth spilled onto the streets of Mannheim to tell people about Jesus. Really, we packed out several trains- it was great. And interesting for me was that one of the ways was the use of pictures. They set something like this up in a public place and then waited for people to stop and look... then they would explain each frame, helping the individual to understand God.

Here is my "new" reflection (let your mind go into the boundaries of the philosophical): No matter how far you travel, there will still be a crack in your sidewalk. (Do you get it? I was impressed.)

2008-03-02T20:13:00.003-05:00

BLESSINGS AND BEAUTY

This is the newest member of my little sister's family. Congratulations Melinda. There is a division in our family... my mom and sister, Tawnie, say they see my little sisters lips and chin in this picture. My dad and I disagree: She is beautiful but you can't see all of that. Here is the deal, her due date is within a week or so of my May 28 birthday - I think she should come bouncing out and join the celebration.

This is friday night at my house. These are a few of the wonderful people that are part of my church. We closed the week off and began Sabbath with a reading of scripture and praying a blessing on each of our families.

2008-02-21T19:27:00.004-05:00

A CLEAR MESSAGE

The night was very foggy, but the message was very clear-CAUTION.

Caution is what you should have when you are an ex-housemate of mine and I had to experience torture of your doing. Now before anybody go feeling sorry for Mr. Kyle let me tell you: besides the normal ice in the shower trick, this fly young man filled my water bottle with warm salty water on finals day. I am in the middle of a 2 hour final exam and a need a drink of water... it was worse then Mexico sea water.

I will still march in May but the official document was presented in a private ceremony last night after the U.S. Postal service delivered it to the Maple Ave. mansion. The world only gets to see this cheesy picture.

I boarded a plane this past week along with 30 or 40 Jewish teens. Their destination was an international conference just for Jewish young people in Chicago. They explained the goals and programming of the conference including the agenda for Shabbat. My two row-mates and I shared freely during the flight so in our approach I had to ask; “what does Shabbat mean to you as an individual?” The young man was candid in his reply that it really meant nothing and he viewed it as mostly a tradition. But then he added that it remains a highlight of the week because on Friday evening his family will come together and connect before dispersing for the weekend activities.

This is the same practice seen in many homes in Jerusalem at the beginning of each Sabbath. Families come together and fathers bless mothers and mothers bless fathers, parents bless children and children bless parents. “Blessing” is a tradition not like the Christian tradition of praying for each other but rather applying Biblical passages of blessing to the individual. For example the father would bless the mother speaking or singing verses from Proverbs 30 exalting her virtues and expressing his appreciation of her.

2008-02-08T18:51:00.001-05:00

HAPPY SABBATH

It's friday evening and I write while sitting in my new office at

the church... a few church members just poked their heads through the door on their way home, and now it is quiet and I am alone. Alone... well not really. How very cool to have an office in the "House of God."

I know I am not alone because I saw His hand this afternoon - today I spoke on the phone with a youngman who has been sending his two daughters to church with his mom. He said, "I am a baby Christian but I want to study the Bible and be baptized."

The significance? We will spend our lives spreading the gospel and pursuing the study of truth.

All my stuff weighs almost nine thousand pounds. Together with a couple of very good guys and one good gal I loaded a big truck with everything I own.

This is the study corner of my "new" home. This is actually where I will work, eat, and sleep since I can't find my way around the house.

And here is the kitchen... in case it is difficult to identify.

2008-01-31T16:32:00.000-05:00

HI, MY NAME IS MICHEAL

I was 23 yrs. old sitting in my upstairs office when I found out my name was Micheal... instead of Michael. A very perceptive friend of mine after seeing my birth certificate made that discovery. Upon inquiry my father informed me that he had done that so I would "be different." Incase you are wondering about my ability to notice... all my other I.D. is spelled "normal."(kudos to Shawn for being perceptive and speaking out about it)

Since this is an introduction I shall continue. I completed my first Sudoku puzzle this week on a flight from Chicago to Harrisburg. (applause) I enjoy being amazed...

...amazed at things like- the picture above is the same beach where people are in swimsuits some days, but on this day with sweater and coat I couldn't handle it 10 minutes.

A 100 times more amazing than that to me is that according to Psalms 90, God chooses to declare His faithfulness in the sky... to think that sometimes I worry.

This is what you do for yourself when you need to feel special while having to stay at a motel.

2008-01-18T16:45:00.000-05:00

I'LL GO WHERE YOU WANT ME TO GO

I spent 3 days in Philadelphia this week meeting with a church. This morning I accepted the invitation to join them as pastor ministering with them to the community of northern Philadelphia.

My first Sabbath in the Bucks County Seventh-day Adventist church will be February 9.

"Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any ties, but the ties that bind me to your service and to your heart." (David Livingstone)

2008-01-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY ALONE

Since finishing my master's degree in the second week of December I have attended a conference in Minnesota, slid my way across Wisconsin, eaten in Illinois, drank water in Missouri, had Christmas in Kansas, waved at people in Indiana, and welcomed the new year in Michigan. So this week I attended a conference somewhere (I wasn't the driver) in Michigan and I took a walk... where I was completely and utterly alone.

Sunday I fly to Philadephia to interview with a church. A million questions are going "pop goes the weasel" in my mind. Do they...? Do I...? Will we...? Why? When will...? If I...? Could they...? How is...? Who is...? Will Jesus...? What...?

But, the life I have been given is all about people... so I choose to walk over the bridge of a million unanswered questions.

2007-12-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

THAT'S ALL FOLKS

"The end of one thing is the beginning of the next. I am a pilgrim again"

Today for the first time in 2 1/2 years I am not a student. Yesterday at 4:10 EST I walked out of my last final exam and now for all practical purposes I have a masters degree.

When I put my exam on his desk, the professor asked me what was the last word I wrote on my exam (that being the last word for my masters degree) - it was "others." I have purposed live a life for the service of God and "others."

This was a poster for a sermon I preached while at Andrews - and it is my commitment... to be purposed.

Now... after a short time to settle, I will be back to the call God put in my heart- Preaching the story of Jesus.

Speaking of the story of Jesus... Kyle and I decorated a bit for Christmas

In offbeat news... the unique coffee mug award goes to Kyle. No questions please!

2007-11-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

INTO THE HEART...

...of Africa David will go next week. Last night we did our best to prepare him, for on this day one week from now David will marry Tennille on African soil. Our directions to him: On his "African hunt" he is allowed to capture only one species, and he must bring her back alive. Our best advice to him was not to cage the trophy of his hunt (its been said they don't like that).

There are two other hearts that are involved. David has already gone into his and discovered a love from God for Tennille. One week from today he will make the ultimate commitment to journey into the heart of Tennille. Congratulations brother.

I have been reading an excellent book, Wild at Heart. And I am thankful for what I have been learning. We have all been wounded by interpersonal relationships of the past including romantic, family, or just platonic. And the feeling that develops is the"I don't need anyone." In response to this men can become driven or passive. Neither of these are indicative of the true strength God wants to give. In the broad picture, being independent can be the cover up of fear to open our hearts. Many of us have been caged up for so long (by numerous personal and social negative elements) that we no longer live for our inner dreams. Here's what John Eldredge say they are: "In the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue." And "a woman's heart yearns to be fought for...an adventure to share...and a beauty to unveil."

The easy way out here is to point at one side or the other as not living out their "passion" as the reason it doesn't always work out like it sounds. The truth is, until I live my heart's desires, I can't ask her live her heart out. I don't want cages (wounds from the past) to suffocate my God given desires...

For this pottage... I did not sell my birthright.

These men insisted they wanted to buy some hummus from Apple Valley.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2007-11-12T17:28:00.000-05:00

I WAS THINKING...

...why don't single people give more advice about relationships. Really, it struck me this week that we are the experts. Picture it this way, you are either the scientist or the experiment. The only way I can make sense of it is that you are the scientist until you get married at which time you become the experiment. So here is my "expert" advice: The idea that two people are different and that is the reason (or excuse) for a relationship failing is very poor. God has helped me understand in the past couple of months through a friend that if I look for someone that communicates like I do, makes the bed like I do, and runs on the same schedule I do, it is not that I love the girl but rather that I love myself. Problems that arise in a relationship because of differences (I speak not of theological or moral differences) are because the individual(s) love themselves and can't see to love the other person for the wonderful and beautiful individual that they are. A married couple (experiment that I studied this weekend:) told me that they would recommend you marry someone that is different - with the right perspective it makes life so much more fun.

What else have I been thinking about? This week I received a letter that said; "Pastor Goetz, Congratulations! You are expected to finish... your diploma will be sent sometime in January..." Today I was informed my ministry will be discussed in the Pennsylvania Conf. and I should be finding out where I will next serve God this week. I am already falling in love with the people... whoever they may be.
I was thinking... serving Jesus was the best decision I have ever made.

2007-11-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

A FULL BOX

The other week I spent a wonderful 5-day stretch speaking to a group of 200 elementary and Jr. High students. Monday the first grade class created a box so that the students and staff could fill it with prayer requests. They pasted Bible promises on the outside and then each day we all brought our prayers requests and stuffed them in the box. On Friday the box was full and we sent it up to God in smoke, making a statement that we trust Him to take care of our burdens.

Two verses in the Psalms were on my mind last week as I pondered their significance. They stated that God laughs at His enemies and holds then in derision (Ps. 2, 59). I got the answer...God "laughs" because the harder His enemies make it for Him (or any of God's children), the more God will be glorified. A more difficult situation in the hands of God, only introduces greater glory.

"The greatest victories won to the individual Christian or to the church of Christ, are not those gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of man. They are those victories gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power." (Patriarchs and Prophets)
Fill your box...

...and burn it.

2007-10-19T12:41:00.000-05:00

"I JUST WANT TO BE WITH YOU"

I had to speed on my way back from TN this week to catch up with this guy and take the shot. It made me smile. It also made me think: That is what my "dump truck size" problems feel like to God when He carries them. He doesn't mind taking my problems... and even wants to carry them for me. Talking with a friend while in Tennessee this last week I realized this even more. What if God allows us to see our problems as so big and not as how really small they are, so we stay close to Him. Excellent! And even more, what if God allows for the "grey areas" of belief/standards to exist so that we in search of the answers stay close to Him. I know it is easier to do a knee jerk reaction and describe everything in black and white. But in honesty we have to admit it is not so. But that seems just like God, the Good Shepherd, to want the only answer to be - staying close to Him. The other option is of course to have a map of how to get to heaven and Him to tell us He will meet us there. "Nope," He says, "I just want to be with you, and I will take you there."

Here's a few more pictures from TN:

The last week we were in Cleveland, we sat in a park singing with the guitar and drinking hot chocolate until midnight. A privilege to worship Jesus with these guys.

As a bonus I got to do some free climbing. SAU is blessed with their very own wall.

And the sole purpose of the picture is for my two lovely sisters to see my ability on a horse. :)

2007-10-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

HE LOVES YOU

I have been very blessed working with a great group of pastoral interns/actors here in TN. Last Friday we did a chapel service for the elementary school here. I couldn't stop laughing... here are the skits.Jeff played the father of Raewyn who was a little girl who couldn't go to sleep because she was alone and there were monsters in her closet. But all was better after "father" explained that we are never alone... because Jesus is always with us.

Kyle played the part of a young chap who couldn't hit a baseball for anything.

Finally Kyle became frustrated with not being able to hit the ball... but God sent his friend Daniel to remind him that God's love for us is not dependant on our talents - when we accept Jesus we become super special.

Walter thought he needed to be like Superman in order to be someone. He was discouraged that he couldn't fly... until his friend Ben told him that he only needed to be like Jesus to be "someone." And that Jesus made that possible.

I summarized: No matter who you are, what family you are from, what you are able to do, how you look, or who you know - Having Jesus makes you the most special person there is.
"Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. [Blog] Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust." (DA)

2007-09-25T12:55:00.000-05:00

I WANT TO TELL YOU... YOU ARE SPECIAL

I have a "spot" in an oak grove behind the house I am staying at that I go to in the morning to read my Bible and talk to Jesus. The first week I sat on a old railroad tie but my host family found out and put a chair out for me. Sunday morning I was sitting out reading the story of Moses' interaction with God and then later with pharaoh and the plagues. I was reflecting on God's question to Moses - "Who made your mouth?" While I was meditating on this the neighbors (who I cannot see through the trees) launched themselves into a screaming match degrading each other and obviously themselves. It's not good... there is too many nice things to say about each other. On the same note Walter just found a song I listened to while riding the public transportation in Mexico - the phrase that has stuck with me these years was the father telling his little boy that he loves him and his mother. (It's worth listening to even if you don't know spanish - "Mi Corazon Lloro"). I was reminded of the power God has privileged us with in the use of voice and words. Enjoy using them and blessing someone(s).

On our day off each week we like to escape to the mountains... this is Benton falls.

This is looking over the falls - I was trying to feel risky!

This is our executive office, known by some as Panera Bread.

We have some really good stories coming out of field school.

Last week my truck tire kept going flat... matter-a-fact I spend $2.25 at different gas stations filling it up. I checked it and there was no visible cause. So I took it to the shop and asked the man if he could check it - He said "nope, don't have time for that" and walked away... I stood there not able to say anything for the 3 seconds it took him to turn around and with a big laugh said, "sure bring it right in." Above, is the screwdriver he pulled out of the inside of my tire.

2007-09-07T14:02:00.000-05:00

GOD GIVE US CLEVELAND, TN.

I am spending the next month and ahalf in Cleveland, TN working with churches to teach their community Bible truth. Besides our two directors there are 12 others that make the team. We study, work, and relax together. This is an "official" board meeting in the parking lot.

I am extremely enjoying a Peruvian restaurant here... someday I will need to travel there.

Daniel and I practicing our duties as cameramen for the series of meetings.

This is on top of Signal Mountain - a point used during the Civil War to relay messages up and down the river between GA and TN.

We are "hanging" off of Signal Mountain. (This is a Paeter look-alike)

Despite the fun we have had, we still remain here for one purpose - God, for your glory, give us Cleveland, TN.

2007-08-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, AND SPIRITUAL LESSONS

Last night I slept while jetting across the country, and true to its name I have red eyes today. I spent a little over a week in the Northwest with my family - alot of fun to be there with my family and friends. I had to climb while I was out there. So I took on Mt. Theilson, which punches the blue ski at 9,182 feet above sea level (it still had snow on the north side). The last 15 minutes of the climb (the very top) is actually a rock face. And the top is really no bigger than a "normal size" bathroom. There is a steel can in the rocks where people leave notes for fellow climbers - Here is what I wrote: "Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled... You have turned my mourning into dancing... for the purpose that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent." (Ps. 30:7,11,12) I had read this verse for my devotions the week before - God challenges us to take on our "mountains," to move them by faith, but sometimes He stands on the other side holding the mountain in place in order that we will have to persist. But in the end, He will turn our mourning into dancing and the ultimate purpose will be songs of praise to Him. Don't be discouraged if God doesn't allow your mountain to move right away, persist... and prepare to dance.
This was Sabbath morning at a church campout - this guy reminded me that there are times to just dig in and enjoy... don't worry about the jelly on your face.

This is my mom and I after a hike to some falls.

From behind the falls - some serious shower pressure.

I spent a day with my family white-water rafting down the Rogue River.
The trip was a blast and I had the best "mates" but I also was reminded of life: There are rapids when everything is going without effort but most of the time is spent just putting one paddle in front of the other. But the mundane is exactly where God shows up - "mercies are new every morning."

2007-08-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

HE IS HERE

I was supposed to be helping with some yard work but during one of my "quick" breaks I laid on my stomach taking the lawn in at "eye level." Reflecting on my continuing search of a deeper relationship with my Creator I thought of the lyrics of a hymn - "in the rustling grass I hear Him pass..." If your questions are anything like mine, than no doubt you too wonder if He passes you. I know He does... but maybe we need to get "eye level" with the grass.

This weekend I attended one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies I have been to. I actually did more than attend, I had an official title - "Extra Table Skirt Buyer." 1 1/2 hours before the wedding was to begin I was at the store buying a few last minute things for the reception. At the reception Norman and Joelle (Groom and Bride) handed out "small brains" to all the guests, reminding them that as marriage is a union the greater union we have is with Chirst. The book of Phillipians tells us to take on the "mind of Chirst" and then it describes it - as being humble in service and obedience. I choose a deeper union with the Christ, and that by beholding I will become changed. (I posed with the glasses, shirt and tie - attempting to look "studious." I am aware they don't match).

And then there is putt-putt. Nothing like relieving stress out on the green "grass."

Kyle was a fan favorite giving them not one but two hole-in-one demonstrations.

Autumn also did very well putting her ball in tight places - including the little hole at the end of the green.

2007-08-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

GOD'S SPEED

The high/low of Sunday afternoon was that we celebrated Tennille's graduation but then said our goodbyes to her - she left to do social work in Africa for 4 months. When somebody wished her "God's speed" the person next to me asked me what really that meant. So I did my research and... As most of us would have guessed it's an old farewell inviting the protection of God against the many perils of life. But one lady wrote about it's double significance in her life - and that she wanted to learn to live life in the rhythm of God's speed. This reminded me a Psalm I read the other morning - let me share: I would have lost heart unless I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord." (27:13-14) I read this verse while I was on my knees and when I read it I had to stand up - it was that good. However it gets better - This Psalm reminded me of a favorite text of mine in Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not to lose heart. The parable Jesus then told was of the woman going before the judge repeatedly with her petition. To loose heart is to stop petitioning. David wrote, he would have stopped petitioning but he believed he would see the goodness of the Lord while here on earth. But in order to do that he had to live his life in God's speed - meaning he had to consistently go before God with expectant hope (waiting).

On another note, have you ever wondered what people do in their office after lunch?

I found out when I gave Kyle a surprise visit this afternoon - crayola kept the after-lunch-sleepy from winning. (okay, this was framed)

I wish to you, a life with God's speed and at God's speed.

2007-07-29T14:46:00.000-05:00

CLIMBING AROUND

Some things can drive you up a wall... others drive you up the door.
Today I was planning on going rock climbing at an indoor gym, but a few things didn't work out and so I had to settle for climbing around my house. The shorts in this picture remind me that I went "yard sale-ing" last week. I can't remember if I have ever done that before. But I was helping with one so I thought I would shop. I made out pretty well - for $7 I got these shorts, a mountain backpack, snow pants, and a casual jacket. Nice.

Here's what has been running through my head this week - this list of who we are.
Read them one after another, I know at least one will be just for you.

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)

I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven (Phil. 3:20)

I am free from any charbe against me (Rom. 8:31-34)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39)

I may appraoch God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am God's workmanship (Eph 2:10)

I have been adopted as God's child (Eph. 1:5)

I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)

You are the most loved child of God.

2007-07-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

HIS HANDS

In the middle of one afternoon this weekend I grabbed the book the Desire of Ages and retreated to sitting on my bed (don't mind the Teddybear, it is from my mommy). I was having an inner struggle and I needed to spend time with Jesus. The message that came was both difficult and full of peace. I read the story of the two disciples how they were returning to there home after the crucifixion weekend their hearts being full of questions (Anybody relate?) And then Jesus joined them but Desire of Ages recounts how Jesus did not give them a miracle but took their attention back to the Word of God because this is the only ground strong enough to hold their (our) faith. Jesus allowed them to continue with their questions and he gave them no sign of his directing only as long as it took for them to trust the Bible. Once that took place and they were at home he stretched out his hands and they recognized him because that was "exactly the same way as their Master used to do." The message: Jesus walks with us right now even while we can't recognize his leading and he is taking our faith and grounding it in his promises written in the Bible. If we (I) allow this to happen Jesus will stretch his hands out giving direction and I will clearly recognize them because that is how the Master always stretched his hands out. God will not hide his will from us, but first we must walk that road to Emmaus allowing our faith to be grounded in nothing more than the Bible.

This is little Miss Savannah-who is cute enough I thought she deserved a spot on the blog.

2007-07-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

TUNES IN THE SHOWER

My mom periodically puts up devotionals or scripture texts in a ziplock bag in the shower. So we here in our house (Kyle and I) have followed the tradition. I have found it "refreshing" many a tired evening to read a thought or verse from God's Word. Well a friend caught wind of it and so for a belated birthday gifted I received:

An AM/FM shower CD radio! I had no idea that they made such a thing. I haven't inserted into my shower yet but it is super idea. Now I have been thinking about the music. I think the 1812 Overture would be quite the experience. It probably would not be good for Kyle who takes his showers in the morning, right before he wakes up. But listening to some kids praise songs including I'm in the Lord's Army and Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho might be the key to a fun morning. Of course Showers of Blessings would always be apropos.

The wild west came to town to celebrate a birthday...and yes we had to cut up a table cloth for this one.
I was listening today to Dr. Emerson Eggerichs speak on Ephesians 5:33 - husbands loving your wives and wives respecting your husbands (a very interesting difference between the two of which I might ponder more in the future). He made an interesting point: Paul compares this relationship to Jesus and the church. This becomes powerful when you think about what a man is willing and even wants to do for a woman. Two things specifically men have build in: Are desire to serve women - this is why men often see the fact that they provide for their family and very significant. And the second is that men see protecting their family or even dying for their family as their right. A woman will hear a strange noise and ask her husband to check it out... it usually doesn't go the other direction. We count serving and protecting as our privilege. So Christ did for the church: He took on the role of serving and protecting - yes even dying so that the church (us) would be safe and taken care of. By the way His death is still very important and he is yet serving us. So ladies, I know we are not perfect, and we gentlemen still have much to grow in loving you like you deserve. But be patient with us because we do want to use our God given characteristics to serve and protect you.

2007-07-08T11:23:00.000-05:00

BOG BLOGGING

I went to a real bog, they are pretty neat. I think this is a first for me. It is a perserve that biologist from around the state of Michigan come and study. They built boardwalks that ride on floatation devices so one like me can enjoy the critters and plants in the bog.

In the bog were wild blueberries...it took a stretch and the support of Adam but I got some.

The bogsters.

Freedom.

I was on the beach to celebrate independence day by watching the fireworks. But before it got dark God had his own statement to make. He set the sun over Lake Michigan painting a picture like an artist. And then His inaudible voice declared: "Micheal, if I can do this... I can do anthing." As good as the firework celebration was, it just can't compete with God's celebration of His power and ability to give freedom.

2007-07-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

48 HOURS WITH GOD
Last week I had 2 days with no obligations, so on the suggestion of a friend I packed a tent, food, water, the Bible and the book Desire of Ages. Here are a few entries from my experience. I took several long walks in the late afternoon. Wednesday evening I was walking down this country lane with the phrase "road of faith" running through my mind. I wanted to walk to the end but I didn't know how far it was. After I had been walking for well over an hour I debated turning back. Deciding to press on I crested a small hill, and there it was - a lone stop sign. Immediately the thought raced through my mind, while I walk this road called faith (the present situation) and can't see very far, God sees the end and it may be much closer than you or I think... so walk on!
Although I stayed in a tent the owners of the property opened a nearby cabin for me in the event that I was rained out. Inside the cabin was this picture with the title: "Will you trust me?" The look on the womans face is a free smile, and you know she is enjoying the ride.

Psalms 19 states that the day along with the night speak of God. So while "alone" in the woods I listened for their speech. Over and over I heard them declare Gods love for me, just as if He had scratched it in the back of a bench for all to know- God loves Micheal... and....and....

One evening I took my chair to a hill where these 3 crosses stood. And from the foot of that center cross I read the story of Jesus' crucifixion in the Desire of Ages. It culminates with the declaration that because of the victory over death and sin that Jesus won on the cross it is "His royal right to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him." After I finished I bowed on the earth in front of the cross, feeling very small and very big at the same time. I stayed right there at the base of that cross giving to Jesus all of my family and many of my friends.

I must not be old enough to remember, but this was in the outhouse there in the woods. I had no emergencies but I was reminded to be thankful for the little things, including 2-ply.

2007-06-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

CAMPMEETING AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS

I was at campmeeting this weekend to visit and be spiritually challenged.There was many beautiful aspects: The most beautiful was the theme that God's promises (His Word) endures forever. My spirit was charged by the messages.

Sleeping in tents with friends. And the stars at night that shouted the "Word" of God that He is big, real big.

Beautiful also was heart to heart conversation between friends.Then good food, hospitality, and spiritual encouragement. Off camera I captured mental images of other beautiful things, let me share:

A young boy coming out of the bathroom who I didn't know wished me a "good night" and told about his camping experience. Good things must be shared.
An elderly(around their 90's) couple came into the meeting and sat in front of me. She had pulled her silver hair up and he wore a shirt and tie with suspenders. He carried homemade looking seat cushions for the both of them. Before she sat down he gently placed hers on the seat. Even in the mundane he included a touch of love.
During the closing song of the evening meeting a young boy (maybe 5 or 6) stood beside his mother, his arm extended as high as it could go rubbing her back as she rubbed his.
Sunday morning outside of my tent, a father was racing his young son... both laughing as they ran.

2007-06-19T22:11:00.001-05:00

REUNION AND CHANGED LIVES

10 years ago I was in an accident that killed a very good friend and my high school principal Ray Cornforth. Through a mutual friend last week I met his sister. Her life story changed when her brother died. She is a trauma nurse, but outside of that had spent her life going from man to man and bar to bar (her words). When her brother died, and she heard the story of him singing the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" while trapped in the wreckage, God changed her heart. But since then she has felt a sense of responsibility for those of us that were affected by the accident. She felt that God had to use something like that to reach her, and because others were hurt she took on some guilt. I was blessed by hearing her story and our faithful God delivered a freedom.
Last week I was at the Indiana Conference Campmeeting speaking to the youth. And I got to enjoy several activities such as indoor rock climbing for the first time. It was an incredible experience and my heart was touched by God and melted hearing the testimonies of the young people that fell in love with Jesus during the week.

The pastors I worked with were a blessing and the worship/music team was the best.

2007-06-10T08:56:00.000-05:00

MUSINGS FROM SUNDAY MORNING

This morning was laundry day, my basket was full with two loads. Doing laundry is so rewarding, it's like everything gets a new start. In preparation to leave to go down to the laundromat I discovered I only had 3 quarters and a $20 bill. I didn't want $20 worth of quarters from the machine... my solution: go the the grocery store a little further down the street and buy something. But what? Last week I needed change and I bought the always handy pack of gum, but today... a single tomato.

Last evening after vespers and supper I watched a video with some friends presented by Ken Davis ( A Christian Comedian) on the reasons for joy. His conclusion: Each of us were made unique and hand-designed by God. He loves how we each turned out. Don't, he said, be so hard on yourself or others in their "uniqueness."

Afterwards I took the opportunity to go walking, really to pray and spend some time with Jesus. It was not hard to feel close to him with an incredibly clear sky full of celestrial lights. I read yesterday to pray for others and let them know you are doing so. So really, if you are reading this blog you are most likely someone I prayed for - courage friends.

It was rather late when I was walking home and when I passed 2 police cars parked they turned their spotlights on me... okay I thought, just a normal late night "who's walking around at this hour" check. Well as quick as that thought was out both cars pulled out and cornered me in. I was told - minutes before I walked by two males had been spotted breaking into a car and had both managed to elude the officers. So now I am trying to explain to them how it isn't normal to be walking at that time of "morning" and how I didn't really go anywhere and I was just walking... I don't think my alibi was convincing, but they let me go... for another block. Then both of them were back and this time the 2nd officer had questions for me. In case anyone is concerned about the conclusion... I made it home.

About a week ago in the class I was taking came up the discussion of relationships - probably the romantic was a bit highlighted, but it included all relationships. A visiting author pointed out how a healthy relationship requires 3 elements (these are person to person and do not exclude the need of God). (1) Acceptance - each in the relationship should be working to let the other know they are accepted, just as they are. (2) Approval - Everyone grows on knowing they are thought of as very good in what they do or who they are. (3) Confrontation - a lasting relationship needs time for one person to say -"this 'point' is not so good in you or us" and the other to embrace that, knowing they are still accepted and approved.

Today I am suppose to meet someone who's life story crossed mine about 10 years ago and we didn't know it.... I'll let you know how it goes.

2007-06-06T22:34:00.000-05:00

IF YOU TAKE WATER

This weekend was my opening weekend for spending time at the beach.

So if you take that water and mix it with clay... you get something like this. In the "growing up" era of your life did you ever find yourself in the back seat with your sibling having their hand centimeters from your body all the while they announce "I'm not touching you." I don't remember that too often - but I do remember racing my beautiful sisters to the car so I could get a window seat. Well the above is a case of "I'm not touching you."

This clay is actually suppose to do nice things to your skin- I'm not sure how... but it gave some a "reason" to put it on.

Here's what I was thinking... God formed Adam out of the dirt of the ground. I suppose after he was done, he still had the appearance like dirt - kinda like Kyle in the picture. But then God breathed into him the breath of life and blood began to flow and his skin turned into tissue. That's a powerful God.

2007-06-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

PRAY ON

I read this weekend the story of David Livingston sacrificing his life to tell the people of Africa the story of Jesus. He buried his wife there and it is said that after lowering her into the earth he knelt beside the grave, weeping and he is heard to have prayed: "My Jesus, my king, my life, my all, I again consecrate my life to thee."

We are all very aware that none are exempt from emotional and spiritual pain. Several years ago during a difficult period I heard a song on the radio that made me cry. It came to my mind today and I looked it up - here is the chorus:

Pray on, for you are who the Lord is looking for

Pray on, for this will tear those mighty strongholds down

Stay on your knees, for this is where the battles are won

There's no better place that you could be than seeking God prayerfully

Very soon you'll win the victory, pray on

Pray on

(I will post the rest of the song as a comment)

Here is a life altering quote from the book Patriarchs and Prophets:

The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the indiviual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.

2007-05-29T00:12:00.000-05:00

A TRIBUTE TO LOVE

I spent time thinking about my birthday. It is a celebration of life. Life is a gift of God because He is love. My life was also made possible because of the love that my Dad and Mom share. So my meditation concluded that birthdays are really a celebration of LOVE.

I celebrate God's love: Thank you God for giving me life... and for "abundant life."

And I celebrate the love that my parents have given to each other and to me: Thank you Dad and Mom for your example of love - thank you for making your children the most special people you know. I love you. And now here is me, a product of love.

Let it be known that all 27 were taken care of in 1 breath. The little boy inside said.. climb on the underside of a bridge over a river.

And a good old fashion upside down smile!

2007-05-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

CELEBRATING LIFE & HONORING THE FALLEN

Eight days after Mt. St. Helens errupted I came. And today I celebrated that with some food and friends. From my heart, I have the privilege of calling some of the best people on planet earth my friends.

(TO MY AUNT PEGGY WHO FAITHFULLY READS MY BLOG - TELL UNCLE JACK THAT THESE VEGGIE PATTIES TASTED PRETTY GOOD OFF THE GRILL )

The afternoon wouldn't have been complete without a game of croquet. This game has found a spot on my list of fun.

I give a public apology to my teamate Staci - because of my wayward shots we came in last.

And to those who are remembered on this day for giving their life- I SALUTE you.

2007-05-27T23:49:00.000-05:00

PHOTOS THAT SAY SOMETHING

2007-05-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

TODAY I FEEL...

Can you empathize?

Yesterday while digging out some boots I found a pair of shorts. These shorts have a story: About six years ago while I was living in Mexico I had a friend come down and visit me. The system at the laundromat is that you take your clothes drop them off and pick them up later - much like our drycleaning arrangement up here. While there my friend had his laundry done and after opening his bag back in our room discovered an extra pair of shorts that weren't his. So he kindly put them on my bed thinking they were mine. When I returned I "kindly" put them on his bed thinking they were his. Since then those same shorts have turned up in the most unusual places both at his house and at mine even though we have lived in different states. Well I have had the shorts now for about a year in my closet. I will be seeing this friend this week... I am thinking it is time to return them to their "original" owner. Since he doesn't read my blog the secret is ours.

2007-05-15T22:56:00.000-05:00

I SAW JESUS TODAY ON THE PLAYGROUND

I am doing a week of prayer at an elementary school this week. And that is both a lot of fun and a blessing. I explained to them this morning how we would have a prayer box that no one else would look in, and we could fill the box with prayer requests before we burned it at the end of the week. After I was done a little girl raised her hand and asked if she could even put in a request to Jesus about her problem. "Yes," I replied to her while quietly whispering thanks for her reminder to me.

After the chapel service I played softball with the kids. There are only about 30 in the whole school and so they combined all the grades to play one game. For the first two innings I watched a 2nd grade girl wonder around the outfield with no glove and no place to be important. I must tell you that although these kids were great sports this game at recess held a world series style importance. After about the second inning the little girl wondered off the field on the first base side, she sat down and put her head between her knees. From the other side of the field a 6th grade girl that was playing third base came over took the 2nd grade girl by the hand walked her over to third base and took her own glove and put it on the small hand of the younger girl. After which she whispered reassuringly in her ear and then took several steps back giving up her important position on the base. That's when I realized Jesus was playing too.

2007-05-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

THE SUN AND A DISK

This shot was taken by by a friend this week while at the beach one evening. (I am in the distance preparing to receive the Unidentified Flying Object which is in fact a frizbee.) However this picture was made possible by an incredible God.

Everytime I see a sunset a phrase runs through my mind -spoken by God: "Micheal if I can do this (the sunset) I can do anything." And I can only reply... hallelujah.

2007-04-24T13:06:00.000-05:00

I SEE... UPSIDE DOWN

Sometimes... I really think if only I could get every body else from standing on their head... they too would see ideas the same way I can see them. And too... I have those days that it is not the people... but just the situation. Either way, most the time I just need to get off of my head. I remember the first little song I ever wrote - the lyrics went: "When everything goes wrong, and everythings seem to be upside down, Lord help me to turn it around." (thats all-you just have to sing it over and over)

Speaking of singing... I sing with a chorus - wonderful people.

2007-03-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

SELECTED THOUGHTS

No man is an island but every man needs an island. Here is mine. It sits on the corner of my desk and beside the umbrella (for effect) it only has room for my thoughts and a dime. I was once told that in order to block my eyes from seeing the sun I only need something the size of a dime to cover them. The moral of the story is that a small little problem the size of a dime can if I allow it to completely block me from seeing the source of energy and light. When my thoughts travel to the island they find the dime there... just in case I need a reminder.Last Friday I visited an Amish/Mennonite community and toured a museum of sorts. This was especially interesting because I am taking a class on the roots of their theology and this past week I watched a video of how many were persecuted for their beliefes. This "Tongue Screw" was used to put on the tongues of martyrs so they couldn't sing or testify about Jesus in their death. A modern picture of one of these may look alot like my problems. The devil gives me a few struggles and it shuts me up about Jesus.

2007-02-19T22:58:00.000-05:00

PARADISE FOUND

Some have been complaining about the cold temperatures... today I am not sure what they are talking about. It would have been a beautiful day at the beach (except for the large piles of ice on them). The mercury climbed so high today I had to take a moment outside with my Bermuda shorts and my Hawaiian shirt.

Although it was a bit warmer today in Berrien Springs, it wasn't paradise. But I was thinking about when it will be... I took part in an Agape Supper this week celebrating the love of God for us. It reminded me that Jesus is waiting until we get to heaven to drink grape juice again. Besides that reminder, the building of mansions is a constant for Him reminding us that He thinks alot about us. When we follow Jesus we find the paradise.

2007-02-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

TO BE ALONE AND NOT TO BE

Skiing is fun... but tree skiing is additionally fun. Skiing in the trees is a unique experience. One moment you can be skiing down a run with dozens of others and then duck into a slope of trees and seconds later you are completely and utterly alone. This week I was told: "To Face God You Must Meet Him Alone." Participating in a liturgy is an opportunity to come to God... but coming to the face of God can only be done alone. Even within a worship service the devil can get us to think that by being present in a worship service places us before God (I doubt that does anymore than listening to the radio). So, whether in a forest or a sanctuary I remind myself and encourage you to go face God.

Then there are times with people. I was reminded this week by a friend that women (in a romantic context) need to hear and feel you care often - or in other words, repeatedly. With all respect to the ladies, I think it would be a worthwhile endeavor to let all know as often as possible how much I/you care. It seems like that would reflect the actions of God... He very often tells us how much He cares and He does it in many ways.

2007-01-24T23:36:00.000-05:00

I LOVE MY FAMILY

I thought you all might want to see a picture of my family... left to right: Jason (my brother-in-law), Melinda, me, dad, mom, Tawnie, and Boo. And no those are not flotation devices on my arms. This family photo is the result of too many hours of study and a few colored pencils at hand.

Introducing- Kyle my new housemate and friend. One tough boy.

This past Sunday we had a quad ski team. Just for the record we were on a little bench attached to a cable in the air during this picture (othewise known as a ski lift).

I was in Arizona a week and a half ago for a youth conference - here is part of the wonderful team there on our ski trip.

There was a great group of young people there in AZ - I hope they never forget how much Jesus loves them.

2007-01-16T23:33:00.000-05:00

HIS NAME WAS MICHAEL

I met him while I was volunteering one night a week to stay over at the homeless shelter. Michael's burly frame would have been intiminating if it wasn't for his face that betrayed his kindness. He spent his evenings doing cross-word puzzles and always enjoyed hearing about what I was doing. Upon invitation he attended my church to hear me preach and later came a few nights to the evangelistic series we had. He never asked for anything more than my friendship. Eventually he was able to get a job (helping people) and then an apartment. Interestingly enough, after he had his own home, he volunteered at the same shelter where we met. After I moved away we kept in contact via e-mail and I would always know when he ran into one of my former church members. Anytime I was in town I knew we had an appointment to go for "coffee" together. I learned alot about listening and forgiveness from him. His laugh made my worst stories sound like they should be published. I received an e-mail in November that he had died. I'm not reflecting on the questions that go with events like this. But I am reminded that my life and your life is all about people. I am weary of the amount of times I am so self-consumed that I can't lift someone else. I want my life to be about people. that is, allowing Jesus' love to overflow. I read an article last week written by a woman reflecting on getting to know her neighbor and then him dying. Her point... to be more intentional on the opportunities to say "hello" and there will be less regret when we don't get to say "goodbye."

2007-01-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

AND OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE

I was there... I looked out over the water where Francis Scott Key watched Fort McHenry all through the night as the bombs burst in the air. I was in Baltimore a little more than a week ago and friday afternoon went out with a group to visit this important american site. Our flag was still there.

Protecting the fort was a difficult matter... have you ever tried to aim a cannon?

I was in Baltimore for the General Youth Conference - an excellent weekend. But first we had to get there... and here we are: after meeting at 3:30 a.m. we are now somewhere between Berrien Springs and Baltimore. Even the trip was good.

GYC - David and I at the booth.

The following week after Baltimore I spent it in Pennsylvania reconnecting with my friends and former church members. They even let me back into the youth SS.

2006-12-26T12:51:00.000-05:00

I AM THINKING OF OPPOSITES

I was just amusing myself thinking about one notable opposite... and then it led to another... and well here is what I have got to say.

My mom and dad: My mom drives a 4 door sedan and my dad drives a diesel 4X4 Dodge - opposites (in styles of cars). Sabbath evening after getting home my parents wanted to take me to see a light show... my dad was driving, I was in the front passenger seat and my mom was in the back...when my mom asked if we heard the noise she heard - sounds like the muffler she said - my dad and I "gently" rolled our eyes (we hadn't heard anything and what does she know about the muffler anyway). Minutes later we were on the side of the road fixing a flat tire- Growing up I always knew my mom had good ears (and yes eyes in the back of her head).

My niece and I went for a walk... here she is, the young, and a very old truck we found - opposites.

So I arrived back in Berrien Springs Christmas evening - just in time for a nice dinner and a game -"The Battle of the Sexes." It pits guys against girls in questions that one gender would know and the other probably not. We boys struggled in questions on makeup, cooking and even fell short on a sewing question. So I declare that which has been declared... in many respects (lets not get started) the genders are opposite.

SEED AND MOUNTAIN -Here is a dynamic picture of opposites. In Matthew 17 Jesus is taking the physical to explain the spiritual. So he picks the smallest physical object (mustard seed) that was around him and points to the largest physical object (mountain) and explains the lesson. In was not an effort to measure faith but to show that as little and simple as faith is (asking, expecting, and waiting) it will take care of the biggest that confront us.

2006-12-14T23:57:00.000-05:00

HOT SAUCE & MERRY CHRISTMAS

I've been meaning to blog about a topic inspired by a friend... but in the spirit of Christmas it will have to wait. Tonight I went to a Christmas party and fun it was. Besides the good food and wonderful treats... the activity of the night was the exhange of a "White Elephant" gift.

I was number 15 in the picking order... and the cute little green baggie I picked was filled with Taco Bell hot sauce. I couldn't "squeeze" a confession out of anyone on who was the giver but the laugh was medicine.
Other gifts of the evening included: A bowling ball, a bag of bar soap, a book on tape (you can ask Tennille about that), a prized Texas beltbuckle, and an exercise video.

Now I am at home... reflecting on Christmas and parties... thinking about Jesus. I am wondering about what kind of party Jesus would plan. Does that sound bad? I hope not. However it is quite possible that the usage of "party" will fail to describe the times of fun planned for in heaven. What will an evening get-together be like at someones mansion? Of course the Bible gives a glimpse of the times of corporate worship - those I can see as being the highlight. Maybe it's easy to slip into not thinking how personable we will be. As beautiful as it will be to stand with the unnumbered multitude, I'm picturing the pleasure of small circles of people having fun. Merry Christmas!

2006-12-10T23:21:00.002-05:00

FINALS, FINALITY, AND FINALLY

Tomorrow begins our week of final exams here at Andrews... Tonight I am still reviewing a few things about critical contextualization and Hiebert's 3 dimensions of culture for tomorrows exam.

My reflection beyond that goes to...the end. Actually I have even been thinking about how this very week next year I will be ending my time here at the university and returning to my passion of serving as a pastor. Chronologically the end of the year is coming quickly.

There is one more end - it happens this week. Many months ago, Walter- my friend and housemate, fell in love with a beautiful girl... and in a few short weeks they will be married. So the end for our little home happens this week as

break begins and Walter and I go our separate ways... He has been a blessing for which I am and will forever be grateful to God for. We have had many good times... I think I have only been upset with him once...it was the time he didn't have dinner ready when I got home... :) Okay, I thought it was funny. So to you Walter: Thank you for many laughs, prayers, and conversations - thank you for showing me a picture of Jesus.

And to you Heather - continue to take good care of the boy... I'm happy for both of you. I pray God is wonderfully reflected in your love for each other.

2006-12-07T00:18:00.002-05:00

A DECADE AGO AND STILL WAITING

A TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND

Ten years ago, on December 7, returning from a choir concert in eastern Washington St. to our academy campus our school's bus collided with a semi truck. This a "day that will live in infamy" began for me a journey from which months later I would not only have to learn how to walk physically again but from which I learned to walk spiritually.

I was standing at the time of the accident up in the front next to my friend and principal Ray Cornforth. Mr. Cornforth gave himself to serving young people. He settled for less here because he knew God was going to give him a large diamond door knob on the front door of his mansion in heaven. His gifted tenor voice I well remember singing the words: "Last night I lay a-sleeping....and once again the scene was changed new earth there seemed to be I saw the Holy City beside the tideless sea...the gates were open wide and all who would might enter in and no one was denied..."

One decade ago, Ray Cornforth died - I didn't know it would be this long - him and I have a a special appointment. Because of his example I have chosen to keep my eyes fixed on the sky...thats where Jesus has chosen to meet us.

"Even so Lord Jesus, come."

2006-11-30T23:37:00.000-05:00

IT IS JUST THE WAY THINGS ARE SUPPOSE TO BE

Something is gripping for me about the adage: "You're welcome at my fire anytime." It's almost midnight, I am sitting here listening to the wind and rain thinking of why this invitation is so intriguing... Okay, here is my conclusion: The invitation is hospitality, but its more. It is an invitation to join in security and rest... when you don't have either. "Fire" insinuates more than a geographical location... its emotional and spiritual. In a period of aloneness(different in my mind than loneliness), fear, or struggle for hope... I suppose few things could be better said by a fellow mortal than for them to open their heart... and invite.

This is a good 'ole southern "howdy" from Kyle - I spent Thanksgiving in Georgia with this good friend, his wonderful family, and his dog Hank.

The Christmas season actually began this week at my house... our Christmas lights went up and then Walter and I had a little official ceremony which consisted of going outside and taking video and pictures of our lights... then we went back inside to study.

2006-11-19T21:47:00.000-05:00

WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY... THANK YOU!!

This week I am sharing what I am thankful for! In your comment - share your "thanks."

This picture brings up several things: First it was taken outside the home of my parents while I was there this summer - so I am thankful for those memories.

I am thankful for the harvest of wonderful foods - I am not too old to be amazed at what a seed along with rain, dirt and sunshine make. I am always reminded of the fact that Jesus said He won't drink any grape juice until He drinks with us in heaven. I have wondered if grape juice is His favorite - I know He looks forward to seeing us and drinking grape juice with us.

2006-11-08T23:28:00.000-05:00

IT JUST HAPPENED AND OTHER FUNNIES
(in case my mom reads this... remember it is "funny")

I got up one morning and discovered that I was... not married but I was the recipient of a prank. I took my truck to class like this and was congratulated by several :) Here is where funny gets funnier. That evening I had to pick up the wife of a friend and and her two children at the airport - I took my truck as was. I was laughing at the stories people must have told on their way home: "Ya know, it must have been hard for

them ... having to take their two small kids on their honeymoon..."

Here is another knee slapper: Last night I was at the laundrymat drying my clothes. The laundrymat closed at 9 p.m. At about 8:58 I received a phone call and walked outside of the building to talk... two minutes later I heard the door lock and the lights went out! What I want to know is.... when in the world did laundrymats start having automatic locks at closing time! And why? And why me? Through the window I could still see my clothes enjoying the circle action in the dryer. So what do you do when the laundrymat has automatic locks... and you're on the outside... I found out - you go home and go to bed without your clothes.
The funniest story has yet to be told...

2006-11-02T22:38:00.000-05:00

I SAW A SNOWFLAKE DANCE TODAY
I was bundled up with coat, scarf, hat, and gloves... and I was walking back from swimming at the pool... it was dark but as I passed under a street light... I saw it... and it was dancing. The snowflake seemed even to be inviting me to join. I dance too little. Must I explain what I mean by dancing? Sometimes my expression is stiffled by concern over technicalities and "what-ifs." The heart seeks to spill out... but alas the mind often is the enemy. So I pass on the invitation from the snowflake - lets me and you dance. And stop there? No! We can keep inviting... dancing...inviting... and dancing.
I have just finished a paper... but before I go dance, here are a few pictures of people I had fun with this past week.

There was a food drive organized that a nice little group of people participated in.

I attended a birthday party... for two 10 year old Honda cars!

Confession time came at the party when all had to tell their story of getting out of a speeding ticket!

2006-10-26T22:38:00.000-05:00

PICTURE OF PICTURES

I find myself having a certain amount of joy in taking pictures of pictures. So here I thought I would share a few:

This was painted by a friend and church member in Pennsylvania. This was actually a mural painted by her mother that is the backdrop to the baptistry in what was my church. Every week I looked into the picture... I want to know where that trail leads... I can imagine if I were to follow, it would take me... But in the end, that is the beautiful aspect of following God -He takes delight in leading me down the trail... I am learning to appreciate Him taking my hand.

This just arrived this week. Several weeks ago I was walking through the art building on campus and I saw this... I tracked the photographer down (that was a story) and now 2 weeks later I have my own print. I was drawn by the looking glass - An attempt to see the distant/future. There is a little plaque on it that reads: "Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." It is profound enough when applied to physical travel... but now think about the spiritual! My spiritual journey is more than just endurance and experience - but rather where God leads me is to produce a deep and permanent change in my ideas of living. Wow!

This one isn't mine - but I took the picture of the picture anyway. The inscription under the two boys is: "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother." This is actually a song title written by a priest when he saw the picture of a young boy carrying another boy on his back. The lyrics of the song speak about traveling on a long road on which we don't return - and of course supporting each other. The concept predates the song- But I need the reminder. I want to support others - their welfare to be my concern.

By the way, if you ever wonder... you're not heavy... you're my brother/sister.

2006-10-19T16:29:00.000-05:00

FLOWERS AND FROSTY

I bought a book at the library some weeks ago... for $1. It was good for me to reflect. At the end of the afternoon I decided that ... I WILL pick more daisies.

So I spent a few minutes at the university that week checking out the flowers. "On the lily's petals, God has written a message for you, written in language that your heart can read." (TMB) I "heard" the message: "For He is with us everywhere, And marks each bitter tear that flows. And He will never, never, never forsake the soul that trusts Him ever." (TMB)

After the flowers, came Frosty. This is his first visit to my neighborhood this winter. I went for a jog in the snow (thanks to a little recent inspiration from Andrew who has jogged in SD at 13 degrees) - when I came home, he was begging to be made.

P.S. I thought I would add a little proof here of the 5K I ran a couple of weeks ago at AU

2006-10-09T17:46:00.000-05:00

FALLing FALLing FALLing...

The leaves are turning colors and falling here in Michigan. And that of course brings with it many delights. I was riding my bike this past week and I caught a leaf falling of a tree that had never touched the ground... amazing talent! But walking on a sidewalk kicking leafs reduces stress. And the temperatures... it was 75 yesterday and the report is snow will be flying by Thursday. Anyway, let me tell you about my weekend and introduce a few of my friends. Friday I joined Michael Y. and Kyle for mountain bike ride on some beautiful trails. Here on our left(diagonally speaking) is a simulated collision between the two of them. Saturday, after church we met at Daniel's house for lunch. The food was molto buono (yes I had my hand in it... I snapped the spaghetti noodles before they went into the water).

After lunch we set out for the beach/dunes. I played pilot and Daniel copilot on the trip over-the passengers seemed to be content as Daniel read excerpts from "Holy Humor". As for the sand, the pictures speak for themselves. Saturday evening closed with a few songs and a Bible study.
So...I tip my hat to friends who are the character of life - there are few things better to invest in.

2006-10-02T17:37:00.000-05:00

THIS IS WHAT FAITH MUST BE

Even as I start this post I am certain I will be adding to it or editing it in the near future. My thoughts have been developing on this subject. This morning I was reflecting on the words of a hymn... "When darkness seems to veil his face, I rest in his unchanging grace."

I took this picture outside of my house as I was contemplating what faith is. The truth is that there is a whole neighborhood in this picture...you will just have to "trust" me. That is what I understand faith to be - an invitation from God to look into blackness and trust Him that in "His reality" there is something there. Is it true...TO ARRIVE AT FAITH THERE MUST FIRST BE SOME FORM OF DOUBT?

2006-09-25T16:34:00.000-05:00

KINDERGARTEN

I did something today I have never done before. I picked up a child from kindergarten. Their family car was in the shop and I was in the area of the elementary school so it worked out. I know you are thinking... really, it's no big deal. But really it was very interesting. I parked in a line of cars waiting for the kids - I was right behind a mother in a mini van. When the kids came out, the teacher asked little Lauren if I was her daddy. Could it be that I am old enough to have a child in kindergarten? Never mind that question. I was amused by watching the mothers interact. I don't pretend to understand but there is somesort of unidentifiable connection between them. So now I am sitting there waiting for the children thinking about being a parent... and what a privilege it is. As I left the school I'm thinking... were those thoughts the beginning of...(laugh here). As I watched the children line up at the door... I wondered if parents ever think... maybe I should trade little "steve" for that boy right there. Oh you say that is horrible... I am sure it doesn't happen to parents but it sure does with kids - most kids have thought "if only I could have 'Bobby's" parents, then..." Usually of course this comes during a time of "correction." Anyway, I am very happy for having my parents. My devotions last week reflected on One Father that has never wanted to trade us or even take a day off! Back to kindergarten -I remember a book by Robert Fulghum that was titled: "All I really needed to know I learned in kindergarten." Here is his list.

Share everything
Play fair
Put things back where you found them
Clean up your own mess
Say sorry when you hurt somebody
Take a nap every afternoon
When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together
Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and paint and sing and dance and work and play everyday some

"Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm."Fulghum

Nomatter how old you are, these still make for a happier world- well I am off to study for my greek test and try out of a few of the things I learned in kindergarten.

2006-09-18T09:23:00.000-05:00

VIVA MEXICO
16 DE SEPTIEMBRE

All across la tierra of Mexico the grito is heard on 16 de Septiembre... VIVA MEXICO (Long live Mexico) This is their declaration of independence from Spain. So to celebrate (much like our 4th of July) there are fiestas. I attended one here at Andrews University this past Sunday.

There was music and ropa mexicana...

...and food... comida mexicana!!!!

Yes sir... I am mexican... my papi was mexican... and my mami was mexican... Si senor, soy mexicano!
During the celebration my mind was taken to another CELEBRATION a bigger one... but one celebrating independence from another controlling power... there will be special food, music and clothes there too!

2006-09-11T06:53:00.000-05:00

CAUTION EVERYONE, CAUTION

Currently the IAB (International Association of the Bug) is working on identifying a creature that seems to have invaded Berrien Springs and possibly beyond.

It once was thought to be confined to Mechanic St. but sitings have now been reported at numerous other locations.

Heather here has just sited one of these creatures - her fiance Walter had already fled. The IAB warns not to approach these many-legged bugs and they have been reported to "chase" people. The symptoms for a siting of one are sporadic dancing and increased heart activity. So folks... CAUTION.

2006-09-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD AND HARD WORK

I had a very nice time this past month spending a week in Oregon with my family. As odd as it may seem, a part of the fun was working with my dad. I think I have gotten kinda soft in my profession - so it was fun to just get...

I even spent a day on a job site with him. I enjoyed the day with some mean little tools like jack hammers and nail guns.

So dad, thanks for the hard work. I love you and my mommy.

2006-09-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

PRAISE GOD FOR PROTECTION

Early last week my housemate Walter, his fiancee Heather, and our friend Daniel were coming back to Berrien Springs from South Bend when they lost control of the car. I spent the rest of the afternoon with them in the ER - But praise God, beside a separated shoulder, cracked ribs, and very sore muscles - we have 3 wonderful miracles still reflecting God's love.
The thoughts that have been in my head are simple and yet very challenging - Life is a gift of God - I want to use and appreciate that gift every possible moment. How do I treat others?? I want to live my life so that all know and especially God that I am grateful for this gift. I read this morning - "He (God) watches for some return of gratitude from us, as the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved child." Thank you God.

2006-08-30T16:46:00.000-05:00

IT happened... On August 26, 2006, the youngest of the 3 Goetz kids became the first to be married. The wedding took place on the foothills of the cascades in Oregon.

Melinda arrived on a horse-drawn cart. Here, Tawnie and I are teaching both the horse and our little sister how to do it!

"It is my privilege to be the first to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Tabor."

I thought I was going to do alright - but when the music started and my little sister began the walk down... I cried. I am happy for her and the ceremony was wonderful, but something hurt. Congratulations Melinda, I love you!

2006-08-22T20:21:00.000-05:00

SUMMER GOODBYES

This summer brought some goodbyes to the Southwest Michigan people. There is something wonderful and almost mystical about friendship.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to see a friend I had not seen in nearly 8 years - To sit down and look at him and talk was best described as "strange." It was someone I knew and considered very close, but to see him was almost like I know you but I don't. Here's what it reminded me of: Jesus says in John 15:15 that he calls us friends - I wonder how it will be to look

into the face of someone we have
conversed with and are very close to but have never seen face to face - I am thinking we will recognize His face, even though it is one we have "never" seen it. It will be wonderful.
So my prayers go with Joelle, Scott, Ana, Christine, and Sarah. I am certain God will use you to reach out to your new spheres of influence.

... Right!

Vas a pensar en espanol!

Searching for "signs" of life.

2006-08-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

This introduces my blogging days.
I was hoping to put up some pictures of people and recent events but the camera and I are not getting along.
I am writing from a rather warm Palm Springs California. This next Friday I will take flight to the Northwest. It was around this time last summer that I took a couple of days retreating into the Goat Rock Wilderness of Washington State. I spent a couple days climbing and backpacking. It was as much of a spiritual journey as it was a physical. I was led to understand how God challenges me to climb higher in my relationship with Him. The climb can be difficult but the "view" is worth it. Let's keep climbing those mountains, spiritual and physical!
Hopefully soon the people pictures will arrive.