I'm Back

Howdy everyone! It has been almost a week since my last post. Time flies by super fast these days. Sunday was my 56th birthday! Fifty-six marvelous years. Wow. It doesn't seem possible. However, as my balding head attests, time has gone by.

One of the nice things about baldness is that once it has happened you don't have to worry about it. (Not that I ever worried about baldness before.) It is one of the mysteries of life. Some gene somewhere deep in the storage vault of DNA tells your head to start shedding about age 35. The next thing you know you figure that God must like shiny heads because He made so many of them. Today it is all the rage as men with a full head of hair actually try to shave below the skin barrier to get what I have been given naturally. Ain't God grand?


There is more rain in the forecast for later this week. This is a good thing. We need more fresh water so we can fill our swimming pools and hot tubs with a clear conscience.


Aragorn stands alone facing the oncoming horde of Orcs. What does he do? He runs toward them to engage them in battle. One against the horde. This scene is what makes the LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring so special to me. At this moment you knew that Aragorn had what it takes to live a noble life. He was willing to live (and die if necessary) for a cause that was greater than himself.

The amazing thing about this scene is that it is played out in every generation. Men and women in every era have faced the same situation and responded as Aargon did. In the battle of Leyte Gulf between the US Navy and Japanese Navy in WWII this scene played out before us. The Japanese Navy fleet surprised a strike force of light cruisers in Leyte Gulf. The Japanese fleet was vastly superior in numbers of ships and firepower. Surprised to realize the Japanese fleet was upon them, Lieutenant Commander Robert Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts with these words,

"This will be a fight against overwhelming odds

from which survival cannot be expected.

We will do what damage we can."

And with these words he ordered his ship to head directly toward the Japanese fleet to possibly buy time for the rest of the strike force to prepare for battle. We know what happened because against all odds, they not only survived the battle, they WON the battle.

Lord, fill us with courage to fight and not run, no matter the odds facing us.

Incidentally, FYI: The battle of Leyte Gulf was the last naval battle ever fought with battleships and destroyers. Ever since this battle took place submarines and aircraft carriers dominate naval combat operations. Now you know!


Blessings

Hoorah! We're Past Earth Day

OK. This post is going to be a little sarcastic. (Hint: Those without a sense of humor probably should skip this post.)
As I was reading about Earth Day celebrations in the local newspaper with the article detailing how different people were saving this and recycling that so Mother Earth will not grind to a halt some time in the next 5 million years, it struck me how the Filipino's are inherently more green than us here in the good 'ole USA.
Every time we flush the toilet we expend 1.2 gallons of water. What if we take our cue from the Filipinos and have the male population simply go outdoors to "water the wall?" Each trip outside will save 1.2 gallons of water. Factoring in at least twice a day (2.4 gallons saved) multiplied by 150 million males in the USA brings a conservative estimate of 348 million gallons of good, clean water saved per day! This greening of the planet takes so little effort.
Mom, just send little Johnnie outside and you will be helping Mother Earth and feel better about yourself. But wait, if we do this won't our cities smell like Manila? Well, yes, of course. But we all are asked to make sacrifices for Mother Earth. So tomorrow send your men folks outside to "water the wall" knowing you are saving 1.2 gallons of water each and every time.
This way we can save enough water that we can all take 20 minute showers each morning!

Blessings

Let the Warrior Arise

April 22, 2009. It is birthday time for a young man I have known for 19 years. This young man has walked through life with a steadfastness that is rare in our times. As a result of his resoluteness to live for his king, his heart is unmixed (the Greek word for innocence has this meaning of a heart unmixed with things that cause impurity) and he is happy and fulfilled. It is possible to be in this state of heart even when we find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty, even if we do not always get things right, and even when there is no concrete goal set before us. So, Happy Birthday Elijah! And well done for your first 25 years!

Speaking of birthdays, it is my sister-in-law has a birthday today as well. Though it is impolite to mention how old a lady is, let's just say she was my classmate in school. (This means she is still young!) She, too, is a light that shines forth brightly with the love for her king!
Happy Birthday to Colleen!

How blessed I am to have been surrounded by such awesome people my whole life.

In chapter eight of Wild at Heart by John Eldredge , there is this statement.

"Every man is a warrior inside. But the choice to fight is his own."

I love this statement. It inspires me to live for and fight for the higher, nobler cause of my king. On the opposite side of this is the sadness of observing the warrior who refuses to pick up his weapon and fight when there is a battle being waged all around him. Concern for personal safety, comfort, and ease; aversion to the ugliness of battle and blood; ignorance of the cause for battle; all produce withered, atrophied arms unfit for the fight.

God, spare me from such a fate as this. I do not want to be found on the sidelines when there is a battle to be fought.

Lord, give us courage and let the warrior arise!

Blessings

Stained Glass

It is so beautiful right now. The sun has one more hour to strut its stuff here before blessing the other side of the world. After two days of clouds and much needed rain the sunshine broke through bringing refreshing rays to this guy who hails from the land "where the skies are not cloudy all day." As I write this the weather news has radar showing that in about 2 hours another round of clouds and rain can be expected here. So I will enjoy the beauty of the moment.

Well, I am now down to the last 2 days of my puzzle. It is going so easily now. People are coming out of the shadows to "help" now that it has gotten easy due to the lack of options left of the table. So I have to chide them for coming to my rescue when the light at the end of the tunnel is as big as the sun shining outside. Where were these friends when it looked impossible to complete?

On another note, a different kind of beauty is seen in the lives changed from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. I had the opportunity to visit this week with a man who struggled for 26 years trying to overcome his addiction to alcohol. Today, he is finding that his life isn't wasted and that there is purpose for his life. He is even falling in love with people whom he has known for many years. This man is as beautiful as the stained glass found in the Cathedral of Notre Dame. How joyful it is to watch this change occur.

Another burst of brilliant sunlight!!!!

Can God not be good? I don't think so because it is not in his nature. Lord, let me live up to my nature which you have place within me. Let your goodness and beauty be seen in and through me.

Blessings!

The Tease in the Tea Parties

Reflections on the April 15th Tea Parties.
The Tea Parties were a great success in giving people a voice of dissent. There were many reasons why so many people showed up to the Tea Parties. It struck me how diverse were the objections of the people. Because there were issues ranging from the policies of President "O" to the 'bailouts' begun by President Bush, it held a little bit of something for everyone who were mostly on the the losing side of the past election.
Only a few of the participants really voiced the true reason for the Tea Parties. That reason being: The federal government going beyond the legal powers it possesses through the Constitution. This is at the core of the protests and the frustration of so many people. If this is true (and I believe it is) then this is not a President "O" problem. This problem has been around longer than our current President has been alive.

Now the seeds of the future demise of the Tea Parties were sown on April 15th at the Tea Party events. The seeds which will produce the demise of the Tea Parties are the Republican Party. Let me explain. Name the practical difference between the Democratic and Republican Parties. I know what the two parties say they stand for (and at least the Democrats act on what they say they stand for) but when we look back the last 20 years, the only real difference between the two parties is described like this. The Democrats desire to kill something quickly while the Republicans desire to kill something slowly. It is akin to having both wrists slit (Democrat version) verses having only one wrist slit (Republican version.) Either way, death comes.

The Republican party says they for limited government. Yet, where have the Republicans limited government when they were in power and had opportunities to do so. The problem seems to be that Conservatives who hold to a Constitutional view of government try to link up with a Party that does not in itself hold to a Constitutional view of government. This brings us back to the Tea Parties. The Republican Party is (and will be) at the Tea Parties for one reason only - to get back in power so they can go the same direction as the Democrats (only at a slower pace.) Why would anyone at the Tea Parties even dream of the Republican Party getting back in power?
Those at the 2009 Tea Parties, if they are coming in the spirit of the original 1773 Tea Party, will not look to the Republican Party but look to a new party that will act as radical as the signers of the Constitution no matter the cost. This is the only way the change which the Tea Party dissenters are looking for will come about. Expecting it to come through Republicans in power will only bring demise in slow motion.

So my fellow compatriots - let us look elsewhere to a new party. Why waste time and effort on a party that has left the Constitution as surely as the Democrats? Spend your effort in bringing forth a viable new party. When you do this you will really be embracing the spirit of the 1773 Tea Party.

Amazing, Inspiring, Spirit Lifting

This is two videos in a row. This one is going in my archives as there is inspiration written all over this one. You get to watch a dream become reality right before your eyes. Watch this. Enjoy this. And be inspired!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Blessings

Adventure Supreme

Do you have 36 minutes to spare? The following link is a fascinating look into history. It is real video of the great sailing ship Peking going around Cape Horn. The year is 1929. Warning: Once you begin you will not want to quit!

Since I have not mastered the linkage art of this craft you will have to type in the following URL instead of simply clicking on it. It is still worth the effort.
http:video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1184583933122407708&hl=en
and enjoy.

Blessings

The Unilateralist

Congratulations to President "O" for giving the Naval forces permission to use force if necessary to rescue the American merchant captain held hostage by Somalian pirates. A giant thanks and kudos to the Navy for their precision rescue of Captain Richard Phillips. Our president was right in his decision. However, it is ironic that this right decision goes against everything our President professes to believe regarding international relations. After spending 12 months blasting President Bush for his unilateral "go-it-alone" policies and promising a "change" from this style of engagement, when it came right down to time to act, President "O" chose exactly the same policy! Clearly this was not what President "O" desired. It is desirable to have others backing you up when a tough decision has to be made. But there are times when the international community will withhold their support and blessings (for whatever reasons) and the only alternative to doing nothing is to become a Unilateralist.

A similar scenario is unfolding in Afghanistan where President "O" is pushing for a build up of troops. Involving the international community in this project (NATO in particular) has been met with a broad yawn by the Europeans who said yes but will commit only 500 combined troops. So what will our President do? It looks like we will be acting alone in this build up. My how easy it is to criticize policy only to find yourself following the same course 12 months later.

Perhaps President Bush was not so "evil" in pursuing a unilateral policy after all. But then I'm sure the unilateral policies of President "O" are more justified because, after all, he is much better able to persuade leaders to follow him than President Bush ever was. The double standard in all of this is that Bush's policies were said to be employed out of arrogance whereas President "O"'s policies stem from necessity.

In this matter Bush, the Unilateralist is now joined by "O", the Unilateralist.

Easter Night

Wow! What a day this has been. The disciples are roused into action by women already at the tomb and back again with the report that He is gone. Running to the tomb, finding it empty and returning home to ponder what has happened and the possible implications of the empty tomb. Then here comes Mary Magdalene again with the news that she SAW Jesus and TALKED with Him. Now the whole day has past and you are left alone to wonder about the days events. I wonder what was going through the minds of the disciples that first Easter night.

Life comes at you fast. Jesus - don't leave home without Him!

It rained this morning at 7:00 AM. Great, we needed the rain so very much that no one seemed to mind that once again an Easter Sunrise Service was held inside. I have often thought it strange to hold a Sunrise service inside a building when the intent is to have it outside. I know the logic of Texans is that no one will show up in inclement weather so it is better to hold it indoors and get more people to attend. Yet very few come to a Sunrise Service because of comfort.
Coming from God's Country (aka Kansas) I am used to Sunrise Services being held on absolutely gorgeous mornings to miserable, nasty mornings when snow and ice ruled the landscape. In all cases, those who came out to the Sunrise Service did so knowing the weather was what it was. That is what I appreciate about those who attend a Sunrise Service outdoors. They attend knowing full well what is the weather condition. And in spite of the weather (and not because of the weather) they seem to enjoy the simplicity of the outdoor service.
Indoor Sunrise Services are about as attractive as a three-legged dog and don't attract anyone not already planning to get out of bed for a silly thing such as a Sunrise Service. So next year, if it rains, put on a raincoat, grab an umbrella, or just stand bare chested like they do at football games in freezing temperatures, do anything but "stay comfortable at all costs."

Every year I enjoy watching the Masters golf tournament. This year was no different from the other years as I am always awestruck at the beauty of the Augusta National Golf Course. Other golf courses have their charm - but Augusta National has beauty that is endless! This is one of the intangibles that makes this tournament the best in America. Golf played amongst Azaleas, Dogwoods in bloom, Magnolia and Pine trees - can't get any better than this. But then again, golf played on a cow pasture with real buffalo wallows, sand greens (not traps) and buffalo grass fairways, no trees but lots of wind is not bad place to play either. Quinter Municipal has its own unique charm and beauty only a 'prairie lover' could enjoy!

Blessings!

Let's Go Counter-Culture

Four down and forty-seven to go (D.C. included.) Add Vermont to the list of states (Iowa, Connecticut, and Massachusetts) that has lowered the standard of marriage to include single-sex couples. The day draws closer to that point where the Church separates itself from societal norms and becomes counter-culture! Perhaps at this intersection will we find true transformation instead of the tired make-over of a society that is not too interested in putting make-up and perfume on just to look good.

Tomorrow is Passover. I'm looking forward to the Seder meal we will be having at our church. I remember my first try at a Seder meal. We had never cooked lamb before and so got out the old Betty Crocker cook book to see how it was done. We noticed that lamb was to be cooked 45 minutes. No sweat. With one hour to go before the meal in goes the lamb. 45 minutes later out comes the lamb - totally uncooked on the inner 80% of the meat! We had not noticed the directions called for 45 minutes per pound! Praise God for microwave ovens. Still, we started late by 45 minutes while waiting for the rest of the meat to cook.
As I recall this episode of life from 25 years gone by, I remember the reactions of those in attendance. Most thought it humorous, but some were upset that they did not get to eat on time. Their night was ruined because they ate at 7:15 PM instead of 6:30 PM. And it is pretty hard to have fellowship with someone who is angry over something which you had a part in. Praise God for those who have the ability to laugh! Now that I am older and wiser on such things, I know it really isn't worth getting upset over spilled milk or late Seder meals. Now if I can just remember this when I am "in the midst" my next disaster.

One mile down the road. A couple with no running car, no jobs (income), no home (sleeping in a borrowed 5'x6' tent). You are the appointed one to tell them to move off the property on which they are squatting. What do you tell them to do? What do you do?

Blessings!

Set Apart for a High Purpose

Now that the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled Iowa law unconstitutional regarding marraiage, thus making way for homosexuals to marry in the same manner as heterosexuals, is it possible that we are only a few years away from the church and state certificates of marriage being two seperate documents? As Iowa joins Massachusetts and Conneticut allowing homosexual marriages to be identical in definition to heterosexual marriage, will the Church say there is a standard it upholds which transcends secular state standards? In other words, will the Church say the State or Scripture is the source for defining marriage. It will be interesting in the years ahead to watch the Church rise higher if she chooses Scripture. If, on the other hand if she chooses not to choose between State or Scripture, she becomes increasingly irrelevant to our society.

For the naturalist among this blogs reader. Want to see a newly hatched baby eagle raised in the nest until it flies off to glory? Go to http://www.suttoncenter.org/ Click on the Live Bald Eagle Nest Cam. This is a live feed camera so you are watching what is happening right now. Note: If it is night time you will not be able to see anything!

I went to the Valley View H.S. track meet on Thursday. I went to see the opening 2-mile race as two of the runners come to CTC's youth group. Eight laps! By the end of lap three the field of runners had separated into two groups. Group one were the runners who enjoyed running two miles. Group two were the runners who obviously were running this race because the coach told them to do so. Guess which group was in front of the other? This is so much a glimpse of life. It is amazing how much more 'gusto' we put into our effort and how much more we get accomplished when we enjoy what we are doing. Enjoyment and a sense of purpose give us fuel to move forward when tough times arise before us. So if you are reading this and need a pick-me-up, then I encourage you to "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will ..." (If you do not know the end of this verse you will have to look in up for yourself. Hint: it can be found in the book of Psalms.)

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. Looking forward to a great day.

The Reward of Longevity

Nineteen years ago today (April 1) my wife and I along with our two daughters drove our Mazda GLC and Ryder truck up the drive and began the marvelous adventure of pastoring a small but great group of Believers gathered under the name of Cross Timbers Church. Where the years have gone by is hard to fathom. Yet the calendar doesn't hide the fact of the passage of time. (Neither does the balding head of this writer.)

A milestone is set to occur in this journey of pastoring CTC. This year will mark a first - from birth to HS graduation. I have been here at CTC long enough to see Abilgail Davidson born and now (in two months) graduate from High School. This is a feat few pastors witness because we do not stick around in one place long enough to see both the birth and graduation of the individual. Thank you Lord for this great honor. And thank you CTC for putting up with me for such a long time!

It's almost finished. The puzzle I have been working on for 4 months has now gotten to that critical mass stage where there are fewer pieces unattached than are attached. This is good news. Now instead of rejoicing in getting 3 pieces per day put together I am picking up steam and finding it easy to get 6-7 pieces assembled per day. This makes me almost giddy as I can sense the day when the mocking will cease. After having the puzzle out for about a month people who pass through the house on a regular basis began commenting on the lack of progress being made on the puzzle. There were the open comments on my inability to advance. There were the looks of bewilderment at the puzzle seeming to go weeks without anythings being done to it. Even the Hospice flower deliverer - (every two weeks on Thursday) looks inside the door to gauge the progress. Yes, she too regularly makes a comment or two. But soon, and very soon, it will be over. And the completed puzzle will stay on its table for two weeks until all the mockers, including the Hospice flower lady, (in fact I will invite her in just so she can see it up close and personal) will see the completed puzzle. Oh, the sweet music to the ears of hearing the mocking replaced with congratulations.

And then we tear the puzzle apart and start all over again on a new one!

Blessings.