Who's Right and Who's Wrong? A Quick Solution...

     How do we prove who's right in all those disagreements of our life?  I don't think right and wrong are the highest outcome from our differences.  My experience tells me that even though I believe there are deal-breakers, I'm seldom talking about that territory.  And even when I'm in that territory, my willingness to respect another, to learn from another and to engage another, doesn't compromise my values and it opens possibilities I would never see without risking such holy conversations.

      I believe we can hold a variety of beliefs and still be a gift to one another.   To me our many gifts, abilities and shapes make up a richer community that is only whole with all the pieces in place.  Your perspectives and passions are gifts to me that can sharpen my thinking, enrich my viewpoints and keep me honest.  This is the very nature of Love.  Yet I feel in a minority, in a world of shock jocks, divisive politics, positional faith, and black and white values.

     I was drawn to express my convictions this week after having a discussion on a "hot button" topic with a friend I respect. (I'd tell you what it was, but I don't want that to become the topic here and now.)   My friend expressed trouble understanding how I could hold  my point of view, opposite to their own, on the topic at hand, and still claim to be a person of faith.   I could hear in their voice a sadness at my "mistaken position."

     My goal has become to learn from another, learn more about another and to honestly be myself.  First, because I know that most times my mind isn't changed in a discussion.  I am, however, influenced, enriched and challenged by others in conversations. (When was the last time you changed someone's mind on a strongly held opinion in one conversation?)   So I am truly saddened when such diversity is seen as a problem, a limitation, a non-negotiable impasse, rather than a gift.

    As a Christian I value the teaching of Jesus and I think he had much to say about this.  For instance in Mark 12:13-17 I noticed that Jesus willingly offered respect to political leaders who worshiped gods that he would have considered off the mark.  I wonder if I can do any less with those who disagree with me,  that is to offer them respect.  This story reflects, for me, a pattern of Jesus'.  A pattern of love, respect, engagement, grace and trust that God is bigger than any situation.

    So, I am also saddened when those who share my perspectives and opinions make fun of sisters and brothers who hold different opinions.  I am poorer when others enter discussions with sarcasm rather than openness and candor.  I am robbed of learning and relationship when another refuses to converse because I have been dismissed as unequivocally wrong.

    And, I am energized in honest, thoughtful conversation that brings to the table passionate ideas and well founded facts.  I am strengthened when our encounter challenges me to express why I believe what I do.  I am affirmed when you care enough to engage me honestly with your beliefs and embrace me with opportunity to share mine.  I grow in such exchanges.

    We live in a time when this kind of discussion has been labeled as weak, as selling out, as ineffective, and as impossible.  I believe that we not only can have these discussions, but that when we dare to enter into these risky places we come a little closer to a world of peace built with love.

    What do you think?

Rats!

    Rats have compassion!  Who knew?  This cool fact is brought to you by the  University of Chicago who did a Study.  Now rats are not my typical Christmas prep topic.  I might be more apt to celebrate a letter like Rev. Jim Luck who writes in the voice of Jesus at Christmas time.  Either way I'm talking about living in a way that makes a difference,  a way of love.
    Love, now that makes Christmas.  At my church we're challenging one another to give as much money to get rid of Malaria and end hunger in our area, as we spend on our friends and family.  Now that's love in action.
  So will your Christmas outdistance the rats and the rat-race of gift-giving, self-focused, consumerism?  Will it truly reflect the reason Christmas began, following the Master of Love?  Why not share some ways you are sharing Christmas love this year?

When Trust Fails

   This week anyone touched by Penn State ached.  My prayers go to the children and to many others who are hurt and even those who have inflicted pain.  God never fails, but often we do.
    I have to confess my first reaction to the scandal was first anger that anyone would hurt kids and then something hard to put my finger on.  It was a puzzlement that Penn State is held so high. It was a frustration that a school or a football team could be so important to some that feel almost idolotrous to me.  But, that's not where I ended.
    Reflecting on the reality and praying for those involved, brought me to a new place...a better place, I think.  I began to ponder all the things that I value and that I would grieve for if my trust in them were broken.  ( I wish I could say the list was short but it wasn't.)  I depend on many things from my car to people.  Some of those things, many really, have grown to hold too high a priority in my life for the lasting joy, results, or power that they can deliver.  Too high a place to match what I want to believe, what I say I believe.
    That point of growing, confession and reality admitted, there are all kinds of levels of trust.  Each one with a place in our lives.  Each one, when broken, brings a bit of grieving and sadness. Each one gives me the opportunity to see the gifts in that relationship and to see the things that I hold out of proportion, that I idolized, even if only a little bit.  Each one gives me the opportunity to Live Love more fully, making life adjustments as I go.
    So through the gifts of time and grace, my prayers and heart goes out to those grieving about Penn State, about losses, about the things that capture attention.  My prayer is that God would heal the hurts and hold more of your attention.  In that posture nothing can conquer us, only detour us a bit.
    What has your attention?  How may I pray for you?

Journey at Home

     I've shared many miles and places in my blog.  For my travels I've depended on my GPS to get me from place to place.  Today it's time for the more challenging journey.  Driving miles and exploring cities has challenges, but none so delicate and dangerous as that of our own heart...my own heart.
     My bible reading this morning was not encouraging me.  A little prophetic bluster from Isaiah, left me pondering my own brokenness; a little psalmatic (if that's a word) despair--not so cheery on it's face; and then the words of Jesus in Matthew 7.  Here I thought would be the upswing and instead I got caught in the underbrush of my heart.
     I don't know about you, but it's easy for me to be hard on myself...harder than I ever am on others.  So I read "Don't judge so that you won't be judged" and got tangled in my moments of discontent with others rather than the intent of the passage of a gracious balanced look at all (self included).
     I read "For everyone who asks, receives.  Whoever seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door is opened." and went to that ludicrous place of wondering why a wish-granting God wasn't doing that for me, when I know the passage is about the power of an honest, open, interactive relationship with the Holy, with Love, with Jesus, with God.
    I read "You will know them by their fruit" and I whinned to myself about not being fruitfull enough from a western, Type A personality, things productivity, kind of place, when I know the passage has more to do with character than with profits of people, dollars or things.
    Here's the big point.  I needed to make the journey.  It took me about 75 minutes this morning, to read, reflect, pray, grab a few commentaries on line, reflect, digest, pray, process and come out on the other side.  Now, no longer discouraged, rather strengthened from my morning devotional time.  Now, a little less wandering and a little more on a focused inward adventure.  And the
     The kicker is this.  Tomorrow I may need to do it all over again.   Perhaps in the same way, or maybe sitting quietly in prayer and reflection for the same time, or possibly singing songs or serving or something else.  I don't always know how it will unfold, but I know I need...I do better with...my adventure is safer, more productive, more satisfying when...to spend that time with God.  Each day is part of an adventure for which I need my GPS (Grow, Pray, Study  or, if you like, God Positioning System) of the scriptures, prayer, companions on the journey.
    The reward is this.  It works.
    What inward adventures of the Spirit have you had lately?

Snow Home

     It's good to be home after 3700+ miles from PA to OH to TX and back.  A wonderful adventure indeed, and yet family and familiar places bring a grounded, great feeling.  I was a little confused by the Oct 29 snow storm, but aside from a few extra snow tasks it was still all that makes home wonderful.  (That's my front and back yard, home in the snow!)
    I am reminded in my travels and return that I play a role in God's work and that I am not the whole of that work or the most important player.  PFUMC's services went on with passion and skill while I was gone. (Thanks David Walker, Band, choir, Tyler and so many other servants and faithful people.)  The neighbors hardly noticed I was absent. (I'd like to change that by connecting more.) My wife Penny, handled a new water heater, along with routine stuff, expertly and calmly without my presence. (Never a doubt, always mutual trust, and the love of my life!)
    Now indeed there were questions emailed and phoned my way.  Penny welcomed me home.  The neighbors greeted me with a friendly wave.  And there is much work awaiting my re-entry.  I have a place along with everyone else.  That's nice.  I like being part of something bigger and something that matters.  I like not being in charge of the world.
     Tomorrow I'm back to serving in the familiar ways, having served and been nourished on the road.  It's amazing to me how it all works together. I'm glad I'm a part of it all.
     Where do you fit into making the world a better place?  (Don't know, ask me questions and I'll gladly walk with you while you find your fit!)
   

923 Miles in One Day -- On A Mission

   923 focused, purposed, driving miles were accomplished with my car.   I was headed home at mile one, logged in the morning darkness, and at mile 923, accomplished in the starry night.  I was on a mission.  Quick pit stops with meals, fuel and rest crammed in keeping me on task and on time, moving toward the goal.  Like a dog with a bone, I was going home.
     When are you on a mission?  My reflection  these past two weeks of learning reminds me that I'm on a mission to Live Love with joy, welcome, passion, playfulness and abandon.  I truly believe that without God's love people haven't truly lived.  I  passionately believe that God's love isn't restrictive and religious, rather freeing and life-giving.  So I try to share it as I am inviting others to follow Jesus with me.
     A quick history to my passion.  As a kid my parents lived that kind of love with me and the world around.  When I was seven, and taken along with some young adults on a roller skating party, and was about to crash on my keister, one of those young adults saw me, and caught me before I ever hit the floor.  It was a slow motion event allowing me to notice my fear, thinking about my head cracking on the hardwood floor and feeling unseen hands of love care enough to save me from that pain.  That's my picture of God's love.
      I can tell you of many experiences of that kind of love:  a high school Christian rock band and the crew that lived life together as teens; a graduate school study group who helped each other through rough spots with determination and laughter; a mission team who sang happy birthday aboard a 747; and more.  Bottom line,  I have experienced great, playful, life-giving love.   It's happened in the context of what I know as the Church.  I want to share it.  I have to share it!
      A quick confession.  I have shared love consistently in my life, but I have not always asked if I was being strategic or effective on my Love mission.  I've too often been content to just go with the flow, failing to maximize opportunities and multiply moments to share the most love possible.  I want to change that.  So there's my bone.  Where's yours?

Everything's Important to God, Everything's Not Always Strategic in God's Kingdom

   "Everyone is important to God, everyone is not strategic."  -- Mike Slaughter.  That's my best recollection of a quote that's summarizing what I'm learning.  I might put it, "Everything is made by God and  equally important to God, however everything is not always equally strategic to God's Kingdom work right now."
    My passion is to share the love and joy I know in following Jesus.  I really can't imagine a meaningful life without that gift.  I want to share that passion with love and joy as well... gently, persistently, playfully.  It can make all the difference.
       Yesterday and today, learning with the Easum group, I'm reminded about priorities, accountability and how all that brings me back to the truth that everything is not equally strategic.  Not new, but hard when it means that tasks, visits, favorite programs and more may not receive my strategic attention even though they have value.
    My task, like my drive back to PA, is to choose a direction and stay focused.  What keeps you focused?  What gets you distracted?

Ordinary Paths, Extraordinary Gifts

    Steps are taken, everyday.  Sometimes on purpose.  Sometimes thoughtlessly.  Often with mixed mindfulness.  I've been moving a bit more intentionally this trip, looking forward and looking back.  There always seems to be a gift in the most unexpected places...when I look!
     Yesterday was basic from-here-to-there travel, starting in New Orleans and ending... I'm not sure where.  I know I drove atop ocean-side sea walls and paralleled beaches.  I noticed 2nd home communities on tip-toe atop 2 and 3 story stilts to avoid the dangers of rising waters.  My intended destinations got changed.  My mid day hunger changed the path.  And mosquitoes changed where I slept.  It was a good day.

     I'm writing from my Texas office with the Golden Arches and free WiFi after awaking to a misty sunrise in a Walmart parking lot.  It brought to mind an old hymn that says, "When morning gilds the sky, my heart awakening cries, let Jesus Christ be praised!"
     I got to the Walmart parking lot for a little car camping because when I stopped for the night at Galveston Island state park, the only other tenter there had to fire warning shots at the Texas mosquitoes that were trying to carry off my GMC Terrain. 
     Unarmed myself, no bug spray or itch control, and unable to sleep in the humid 80 degree night with the windows closed, I moved on.  First stop a drug store to stop the itch and prevent further invasion.  Then done I drove on, thankful for adventure, resources and the hope of a better land ahead.  God Provides!
      When I left New Orleans in the morning I drove on miles and miles (I lost count after 15 miles) of stilted roads built over marsh and water.  It's not always easy for me to trust.  I kept wondering if they checked every support after Katrina.   Trust can be an issue for me on any journey.  Trusting support of people and plans.  The road held! (Should I really be surprised?) Perhaps it was a lesson in trust.
          Then came the houses upon stilts, some as high as two story sticks before ever getting to living space!   After that, allowing a boat to hold a cargo of vehicles and carry them safely across new water.  Steps that  warned caution and so much more.    Coastal Texas is B I G !  Now my head knows that the Gulf and the Ocean are big, but driving along the water for hours drives home the point.  In all of this all is well, there are lessons to learn.  Onward.

Never Forget Second Chances

     Yesterday I was not impressed with New Orleans.  I jumped to judgement.  And this morning I was reminded of resurrection and second chances.
     I left the hostel and drove through the French Quarter to watch a tanker truck spraying the streets with soapy, water leaving the street fragrant with clean.  I saw a city worker pressure washing steps where spectators watched break dancers spin and wow the night before.  I followed a street sweeper past the French market and cruised past Bourbon street to see industrious shop keepers, delivery drivers and workers restoring, restocking and renewing for another day.  "Perhaps they know something of human hungers, brokenness and redemption," I thought. 
     Then I drove to the 9th ward where Hurricane Katrina devastated lives and property in 2005, only to find partial restoration, limping architecture, and scared landscape that rivaled developing nations.  Why is it that the poor are forgotten so easily?  Why is the 9th Ward not clean and the economics of Bourbon street bring 24 hour renewal?

    I ended my morning tour at the end of Canal St. in the picturesque and historic cemeteries of the city.  Then it hit me.  Never forget second chances.  I'm as broken and needy and unpredictable as the next human being.  My eyes see another's brokenness and so easily miss my own.  (Or see the speck in my friends eye and miss the log in my own.)  The things that are unattractive to me may be another's treasure.  My brokenness always looks better to me than my neighbor's brokenness.
    The morning reminded me once again to Live Love with second chances, redemption, newness, and plain-old kindness.  Where do you need to offer a second chance?

Community and New Orleans

Community

     Two hours down the road in Jackson, MS “find-a-church” (www.umc.org) helped me locate a congregation for worship.  I arrived early thinking…bathroom break and reflection.  I was spotted and whisked into a Sunday School class with reluctant cooperation.  That began community.  Their study of Bishop Schnase’s “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” got us talking about God at work in our lives.

     I was quiet until someone asked where I was from, which led to “what do you do” and “what brought you here” which morphed into a conversation of what the church is called to be.  A good conversation that made me glad I came.  God opened doors beyond my reluctance and it was good.  (For the record God often does God’s best work by pushing my comfort zone!)

    Church attendance was  much smaller than advertized on the web stats.  The young-adult organist did a good job as the  congregation seemed to fly through the traditional liturgy with both heart and speed.  A remarkably good Men’s choir and well crafted sermon joined the congregation’s  search for real church to mine.  All sealed with a gift mug filled with fair-trade coffee and church info.

    A few more hours and voila, I’m in New Orleans.  A first for me.

New Orleans

     I settled into my accommodations and hopped the Canal St. Trolley for the River Walk, French Quarter and Bourbon Street.  It certainly is a colorful blend of culture, color, architecture and excess.

   The best music was on the street, not in the clubs and also not on Bourbon street.  The carnival reputation was accurate and beyond the experience of saying I’d been there I wasn’t drawn in.  I marveled at the copious consumption of alcohol, the blatant strip clubs along the corridor and more trinkets, baubles and t-shirts than the free world could consume.

    The trolley car, the Mississippi and the 10 year old New Orleans Jazz drummer beating mature rhythms to her music family’s ensemble were worth the adventure.  The India House Hostel on Lopez St. is an experiential oasis of culture, youth and rest, that is home for the night.

    New Orleans showed me what God given hunger for community might look like if it goes wrong.  The morning Sunday School Class demonstrated a hunger to feed that hunger well.

Onward

    Monday I’ll tour the 9^th Ward by car and head down the coast toward Corpus Christi.  Next stop unknown.  Exciting things for certain.  A little like journeying with Jesus.

    What exciting and uncertain things are your experiencing for holy purposes?

Memphis, Miracles and Motivation

Memphis, Tennessee 
     From Nashville in the morning to Memphis at lunch through a surprisingly cold morning-- one Tennessee valley posted a 37 degree reading on my car thermometer.  Then a five dollar parking lot upon my arrival and the will to walk took me through the evening situated me for several miracles and gifts.

Sun...
    Rock and Roll's birthplace, Sun Studios, was my first stop.  It's amazing how blends of talent, perseverance and  co-incidence (or the hand of God--use whichever language works more easily for you) launched Sam Phillips, Elvis Presley and, well, a whole lot of stuff.  Elvis went for an audition and only got his shot because the boss was out and the secretary gave him a shot.  After recording his work she lobbied a reluctant boss.  History unfolded from there.
     Life is like that.  God blends together many things (All things work together...).  Sun Records reminded me that all I learned at Ginghamsburg with my team will get blended by holy life and a helpful Spirit.  Jesus offers hope with news of holy gifts in my/our life/lives, the promise of bringing together a diverse experience pool, and things that only seem like chance.

Back of the Bus Prayer

     My second stop was the Civil Rights Museum and the iconic Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was shot.  Standing at the sight of such tragedy and national soul wrestling sharpened my saddness that many still are not treated with equal human dignity, respect and love.
     I was so moved with Rosa Parks story, I had to physically kneel in prayer on the bus, lifting up prayers of personal confession and passion for the least, last and lost of our society.  Why?  Because there were details I never heard in school.  Details, such as, she was obediently sitting in the "negro" section and was still asked to move along with 3 other people.  All so that one white man could have a seat that he didn't ask for.  Why?  Because standing in that bus, it all seemed so senseless and yet I know we/I still count the poor, gays, people of differing color and nationality, people not like us/me with lack of love.  We've learned some, but not enough.

Rosa Parks rode a bus like this one.

     I have to wonder what injustices I am blind to.  I wonder what I need to stand up for. I noticed that Martin Luther King Jr.  lived the biblical story of God's love incarnate, in the flesh.  In observing I was reminded of a Ginghamsburg UMC story of their work of feeding Sudanese people and how it became an in-the-flesh loaves and fishes.  Faith, bible stories, and love are not abstract ideas, but lifestyle models.  It reminds me that God uses what's already in my hands, when I respond!


Little Miracles
     Today I had on my PFUMC Mission Team t-shirt with the motto, "Preach the Gospel at all times.  If necessary, use words."  My choice of shirt helped me meet William from Lower Paxtang, who is now living and working at the hostel in Nashville.  (I liked William, he thought I was much younger than I am :-) !)  It eased the conversation with the "agape" tattooed Sun Studio employee and the couple at the next table over.  Who would have thought that an action, a choice to wear a t-shirt, would bring believers together in unfamiliar places and engage strangers in conversation?
     Arriving at my hotel for the night,  (Yes, that's right a hotel, because there was no room at the inn, err... hostel, and it was 37 degrees in one spot this morning...too cold to camp.)  My phone rang.  I fumbled my phone and the call was gone.  God is good, caller ID identified that it came from my Colorado bound son.  I called back, and had a great 2 minute conversation, all because his son, my grandson Jon, had grabbed the phone and hit the "right" button.  I needed those 120 seconds and God provided.  Thanks!

     Good daytime music in a long day surprised me today.  A gift.  I was anticipating needing to hang out on Beale Street in Memphis until 8 or 9pm for good music to start.  Instead a "River Festival" by the Civil Rights Museum provided several afternoon blues and country-rock bands.  Saturday had Beale Street hopping by 5pm with inside and outside venues allowing me to revel in tunes and rally to the road for a reasonable arrival at my motel.
    A great day, a great God.

Feelings and Choices

Choices not Feelings
     I left the group, that I'd been with for 4 days, today... me heading for Nashville, TN while they drove home.  My excitement for a planned adventure turned to loneliness for a few miles (I'm a people person).  News from the homefront of my son's bumpy departure for Colorado intensified my urge to turn around and go home. What I did was choose to work my travel plans and drive on.
    Tonight I've just returned from downtown Nashville where hopping from live music group to live band was part of the plan.  I made the plan months ago.  I set aside time for a 1600 mile exploratory drive between two meetings, one in Ohio, the other in Texas.  I'm glad I did.  I'm glad I drove through my morning loneliness.  That was a choice!
    I want people to find joy like I have, so I choose to pursue a vision, a calling, and plan that includes taking people to conferences.  It includes time to drive and think.  It includes exercising my leadership in ways that feel risky and necessary.  Without following the plan, there would be no joy.
     When do you choose to pursue your choices, plans and visions even when you don't feel like it?  What happens?

Miscellaneous Thoughts for the Day
    Thanks to the PFUMC team for their willingness to make choices that can change the world.  Thanks for sharing life with me.  What a gift!  (Hey did any of you take any pictures of the group?)
    Staying in a hostel is an experience in culture, life and adventure.  It's also a bargain.  I like both.
    What Nashville country western bar bands taught me about worship leadership.  The best band was like a good worship leader, they engaged all of us in the place and got us involved with our voices, hands and hearts.  I saw several other bands that played well but they didn't connect.  The best band was comfortable with their gifts, leaving them able to focus on their relationship with the audience.  That made the difference.  The others just seemed to be working too hard to entertain leaving those houses almost empty.  The first band's place was elbow to elbow with strangers exchanging smiles and howdies.  A little thing.  A huge difference.
    Tomorrow is Memphis, TN and I'm hoping for some blues, music that is.  10,000 Joys on your journey.

   
   

Missional Community Following Jesus

   What does it look like to radically follow Jesus?
   Our little learning group spent several almost 3 hours talking about that tonight after a ten hour day learning from other followers who have instructive perspectives,  motivating experiences and practical experience living Love.
    Our thoughts about radically following include lives that are filled with acceptance, hope, love, service in ways that share life.  We talked about new friends we met who through service in a neighborhood gathered 400 new followers of Jesus in a little more than a year.  We dreamed dreams of focusing our lives with bringing people to life celebrations and growing ourselves and others in Koinonia groups, and serving with our God given passions and gifts.  We debated what ideas might be top priority and we agreed to support one another along the way and invite others on the journey.
     I know that nights like this are a true joy.  I love seeing God at work in our lives.  I value being able to share ideas and fears in a group that loves whether or not they agree.  I hunger for more people who know Jesus' love and joy in ways that give life.
    What does it look like to you, to radically follow Jesus?

     "Look, I'm making all things new!"
     I'm traveling with four others, all of us seeking to learn about what we hold most important.  All of us finding exciting things, intriguing things, curious things, frightening things.
     What I notice in myself is that without time to reflect, talk, pray, and muse the new looks more frightening.  When I start my day in conversation with my creator and listening, then things come into better focus and with greater calm.  Then I can learn and grow.  Then new becomes a gift!
    What do you do with new?  Is it a gift, a threat, or something else?
   

On the Road Learning

     Welcome to Ginghamsburg Ohio.  I'm with 4 other followers of the Way from Palmyra PA.  9 hours on the road makes for much conversation that has time to go deep... to wander... to wonder.  What a gift. 
     Today we start the Ginghamsburg Change the World Conference and we're all looking forward to it.  I want to know how others follow Jesus, how God is at work in many places.  It helps me be faithful and grow.
    Whenever I travel, especially with others... mission trips... conferences... retreats... road trips... I find new life, in new ways, with new excitement.  What helps you grow and learn?

Apostle or Mutineer?

    What would you change about church?  What would make it better?  Richer?  More Welcoming?  More inviting?  More... whatever?  Who have you told?  (If you haven't told anyone, when are you planning to tell someone?)
     "Mutineers" is how someone recently told me about ideas and a passion to press forward in following Jesus.  "The mutineers are ready to meet and work."   I think they meant... no holds barred,  bold, risky, whatever-it-takes, outside-the-box faithfulness.  We're ready to be bold for Christ.
     I think the "mutineers" are tired of baby sitting a past that has lost it's Jesus passion.  I think they have seen a vision of how God wants us to live as Jesus' Body (that's what the bible calls the Church-- check out Ephesians 4 or 1 Corinthians 12).
    I think they have decided not to be held hostage by fears, the past, bullies, "what-ifs", and more.  They have decided to follow Jesus, no matter what!
    What a blessing to hear that from another disciple.  What a gift that this follower of the Way is willing to act on their passionate faith vision with love.   The scripture says "perfect love casts out fear" and mutineers (the bible calls them Apostles--people with bold vision and action for the future... spiritual entrepreneurs, if you like) are ready to live beyond fear with Jesus' life-giving love.
     Are you ready to be a "Mutineer"?  (er... apostle?)   Tell somebody.  Act with an infectious love.  Live boldly as a follower of Jesus, loving neighbor, stranger and enemy.  Let someone know about the mutiny that will change the world!
10,000 Joys  Dave

Round Three -- Knock Out Punch

There are lots of times in life when it looks like evil wins, when bad people triumph, when dishonesty, lying and cheating have the upper hand.  That's frustrating!  These last hours of Jesus' life also look like evil wins.  That's why a bigger perspective on life is important.
     Imagine a boxing match.  Round one was Jesus' ministry.  Evil was being driven back, good was winning, people were being healed, and lives were being changed for the better.  Life was winning over death... light over darkness.  Round two is at the cross and now it looks like evil is back with a vengeance and is winning big-time.  It appears that death is going to have the final say.
     There is still round three to come.  That's the story of Easter, of the bible, of Revelation, of Life... when it looks dark, like a cancer diagnosis, a marital breakup, a job loss or no job to be found, then there's still round three.  In round three there's a knock-out punch to death.  In round three life wins over death.  In round three there is HOPE!
    That's the journey of faith, knowing that in following Jesus there is always a round three.  It doesn't make the second round go away or get all warm and fuzzy.  It does give us hope to work our way through the dark times, the struggles, the moments when we feel hopeless.  It gives us a confidence to share that hope with a friend on the journey. 
     I don't know what round you are in.  I can speak with confidence that round three will come.  There is Hope!  Where are you.  Comment and ask for someone to remind you of hope, listen to your pain, or walk with you/pray with you through round two.  I'll look forward to hearing from you.  

Phones, Calendars and Staying Focused

    Within two week's time my laptop, netbook and smartphone all died!  And in one of the busiest times of my year.  Yikes!
     Through the momentary panic, the priority searching and the frustrating reconfiguration, I was reading and telling and the story about Jesus' suffering as a part of the bigger picture.  The bigger picture being God's willingness to take on the human condition, live, struggle and die so that I might actually understand how much God loves me.  Now there's an interesting juxtaposition!
     I had to stop and think about what's important.  I had to refocus priorities.  I had to reallocate resources.  All of this to get life back together.  Then I noticed... Jesus chose what was important, focused on priorities and reallocated all his strength, just to say, "I love you."
   My phone list and my web favorites aren't the most important thing to me.  The most important thing is the relationships and friendship web they represent to me.  My tech-tastrophy became a learning journey about God's love.   The invitation of the moment was as much, if not more, to value the relationships and people God values, as it was, to recover the data that goes with those relationships.
    How about you?  Is love in your smartphone?  Is care a part of your data base?  Are love and caring held captive or set free by the tools you use? 
    My prayer for myself and you is that love stays more important than all the other stuff of life.  And while I'm working on that, I'm going to keep on following the Master of Love, and learn.  And you?  What will you do?

Insights Courage, Cowardice & Grace

I'm learning about grace right now as I follow the last day of Jesus' life and Peter's journey.  What I'm seeing is that Peter wanted to be honest, faithful, on mission and courageous.  He tried, showing up at Jesus' trial and mingling with the soldiers at the courtyard fire.  He fell short.

I'm thinking I might do the same.  I can see Peter's courage, and I can feel for his cowardice.  I too want to do many honest, faithful, on mission and courageous things.  I too fail.  I want to show my wife love with time and attention and yet I let my schedule get too busy.  I want to challenge those on the Way with me and yet I get to worrying about reactions, words, my own cost.  I want to love my kids and grandson in all the right ways, and yet I sometimes get caught up in my own agenda.  I want to follow Jesus too, and yet I hesitate, stumble, balk and whine, just when I thought I was past all that.

I'm learning to trust the power of a Love that is bigger than me and anything else, but I need help, grace, in that journey.  I'm learning to love others less selfishly, and I need help, grace, in that too.  I'm learning... well, lots is in process.  I wonder what you're learning these days?  Where do you find help?