I am Back! Did You Miss Me!

It has been many months since I last wrote. According to my records it has been six months without me writing anything. So....now that summer is over and Fall is in full swing does anyone have seasonal depression as I have? I struggle with grey days and trees in skeletal fashion. I can almost feel my mood changing from exuberance to dread! Crazy! Any ideas to help keep me perking during the winter?

Weather Problems, Environment Abuse?

Here we are in May and it is in the 60 degree range. These extremes seem to be more prevalent. Have we abused our environment to the point of no return? What do you think?

New Direction with Our Blog

Since the inception of our church blog, I have simply written as if this was but a newsletter. What I would like to do is change direction and share some concerns from my heart. I hope others will reply and comment. Here goes..... What is it that is breaking your heart? What is it that is providing hope? For me, it is feeling that the Church as a whole has lost it's influence over people's lives and priorities. My hope is that the Church will once again become relevant to speak into people's lives. What do you say?

New Green Sportcoat

When I was about 15 years of age, I had the joy of picking out some dress clothes for Easter. J.C. Penney was the place we shopped at in Bedford, Indiana. Since green is my favorite color, I picked out a green sportcoat andd green pants and a green tie. I was now ready for church at Eastertime! Even then, by our clothing, we understood that Easter is a very special holiday and we should "doll-up" on that special day. Everyone wore their best to church on Easter. There is something to be said about newness. Paul writes to the Ephesian church, "so get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to-the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy."
Ephesians 4:22-24 GNB. The resurrection of Jesus Christ makes it possible to be changed and made new for he who was dead was made alive. Die to sin and live for Christ and newness is something you can truly wear. See you Easter!

Sixty and Counting

Well, tomorrow I reach a milestone in my life as I turn 60 years of age. I am most grateful to have lived as long as I have. The reality is, there are more years past than lay ahead. So, at this stage of my life I am more introspective and reflective in general. I think about the amazing journey that has been mine. As as Sinatra sings, "regrets, I have had a few, but then again too few to mention." It would be hard to identify myself apart from the Church that has prayed for me. stayed with me. Thanks to all who have been such a vital part of my life. It is my intention "to build myself up on the most sacred faith." Jude 1:21 GNB.

Red Stockings

I was sorting through some Christmas items when I located some old Christmas red stockings that automatically brought to memory past Christmases. All of us had our own stocking with our name on them and some even had glitter on their name! We would stuff chewing gum, candy and as many items as possible to fill the stockings. Our routine was to use the stockings as a teaser to the presents! It is always fun to see your children's reaction to the fun of Christmas.
Perhaps, one of most intriquing aspects of Christmas is the hiddeness, Christ the baby had to be quickly shuttled to Egypt to escape Herod's intent on murdering him (Matthew 2: 13-14.) The use of Jesus utilizing parables as things unknown further spoke of hiddeness. Who as a child didn't like hide or seek? So, the red stockings teach us that surprises are inside and the surprises could be many. What is hidden may be found. May all of you find joy and peace during this Christmas season as Jesus comes for us to discover afresh!

Baseball and Prayer

It is one of my favorite times of the year, Springtime and baseball. As a kid, I couldn't wait for Spring to bounce a baseball off of a wall, or whack it into oblivion! I once received a nice Wilson softball at Christmas time, went outside in the cold and promptly lost it in the woods with one crack of the bat. I found the ball, what was left of it, years later.

When I finally played organized baseball, I don't remember praying to get a hit, but hoping I wouldn't strike out! Today's baseball players cross themselves as they step into the batter's box and celebrate by pointing to God in the sky with a homerun or winning run scored. I am not sure what I make of all the celebration is all sports these days. I suppose there is indeed joy in all of sports.

Years ago I came upon "The Baseball Prayer." I do not know the author. However, the prayer is very unique. "Almighty Father, you who are called the "Mighty Umpire" in this game of life, we are not sure what uniform we should wear. While we may be Angels in spirit, in reality we are Giants in pride, Dodgers of reponsibility and Tigers in ambition. When it comes to faith, we find ourselves in the minor leagues. When it comes to good works, we strike out; when it comes to knowledge of your Word, we are not even sure of the ground rules. Therefore, we are thankful for your mercy when we find ourselves in foul territory; for your forgiveness when we commit one error after another; for your uplifting spirit when we find ourselves in the pitfalls of a slump. Dear God, may our game plan be your will and our response a sellout crowd with standing room only. And when our number is retired here on earth, may we rejoice to hear you call out, "Safe" in his name who gives final victory to all who believe. Amen." (copied)