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
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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
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.
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.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, April 3, 2009
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.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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.
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.
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