Oh How I Hate To See October Go.....

We have finally come to the end of October, I have been waiting for almost a month to share this with you. I have always loved October. Maybe it’s because I was born in October, maybe it’s because I love October weather so much, it is traditionally the month with the least rainfall and most sunshine, according to what I have heard on The Weather Channel. Perhaps it is because of the warm sunny days and the frosty cool evenings, maybe it is because of the excitement of The World Series (not that the Cubs have ever been there) or High School football and homecoming. Maybe it is because of the harvest or the excitement of Octoberfest. It could even be the thrill of seeing the annual running of “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” I guess I don’t know for sure, but all I know for certain is that I really love October and am always sad to see it go.

Which brings me to the Barry Manilow Song “When October Goes.” If you are married to someone who loves Barry Manilow as much as Karen does, you have basically two choices, make peace with Barry, or spend a life of suffering. I chose to make peace with him a long time ago. The reality is that I have always enjoyed Barry’s music. Don’t tell Karen, but I really never minded going to his concerts all that much. But, out of all of his hit songs, there has been one rather obscure song that has always been my favorite and that is the song “When October Goes.” The interesting thing about this song is that Karen was watching an interview on television with Barry one day and he was asked, out of all of his songs, which one was his favorite and guess which one he picked? No, not “Mandy!” He picked “When October Goes.” So sit back and enjoy my favorite and Barry’s favorite Barry Manilow song and when he gets to the last verse, you will understand exactly how I am feeling today!

“I should be over it now I know, It doesn't matter much how old I grow, I hate to see October go.”

Blessings
I will tell you my favorite Barry Manilow concert story tomorrow and then after that I will tell you about my adventure at the psychologists office, oh my you will want to hear about that one!

A Dog Named Lucky

There must be something about dogs here lately. God must be trying to get my attention about my little four legged friends. Maybe it has something to do with having just finished doing some reading about Saint Francis of Assisi. (the Patron Saint of Animals) Anyway, my friend Don sent this story to me and I thought that it was priceless. By the way the picture is of Rosco and Bosco. These were Karen’s dogs before Odie came along, and as you can see in the picture below, they helped to watch over Mary and keep her safe when she was a baby. Now Mary and Andrew just like to drag them around by their ears. (They said that they really don’t mind) Enjoy the story of Lucky!

A Dog Named Lucky

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.'

Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. She was terribly afraid and something made her feel that she was going to die from this disease....in fact, she was certain in her mind that it would be fatal. With fear and trembling riding on her shoulders, she called the Doctor to schedule the double mastectomy.

The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked her husband Jim, he was truly Mary's dog through and through. “If I die, Lucky will feel abandoned,” Mary thought. “He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him.” The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The appointed time came and the surgery was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated. Mary ended up being hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, and moped around, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom.

Jim did what he could to make his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to take a nap and get some much needed healing rest. Lucky stood watching over Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke up she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when she realized the problem. She was totally covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God

Blessings

Tring to Stay Warm in Ohio!

It is a good feeling to know that the difficult part of my school week is now over. My papers are turned in for this week and now, other than reading, I am prepared for my classes tomorrow. I will mention that I received the grade today for my mini sermons that I got hammered so hard over. The first was a B (that was the one nobody liked) and the second was an A-. I guess that isn’t too bad, but it does mean that I will have to work extra hard for my major sermon which I have to give next week.

It is certainly getting colder over here in Ohio. I have noticed over the years that there can be a significant difference between the temperatures here in Columbus OH and home. But that’s ok, I am ready. I have my winter coat with me so even if it snows, which it did flurry a bit this morning, I am going to be ready. The only thing that I didn’t bring on this trip is my winter hat. A couple of years ago, I splurged and got one of those fur lined hats. I think I have seen them referred to as Mad Bomber hats. When Terri’s husband Josh saw me in it, he said that he didn’t think that he could look at me without laughing. Well, most people don’t laugh, (at least not to my face) but I will say that I certainly get a lot of complements on it such as, “it sure looks warm”, or “I would like to have a hat like that.” Do you suppose that they are just humoring the old guy in the funny hat?

When you get to be my age, you stop worrying about, or caring , for that matter, what other people think. All I know is that when I am wearing that hat, my poor bald head and ears stay nice and toasty warm. And besides, I have always hoped that I could live long enough to embarrass my kids as much as they embarrassed me when they were little. Aren’t paybacks great?

Blessings

Another Sunday Night!

It is now Sunday night, almost 10:00PM. I have finished the major presentation that I have to give tomorrow night in United Methodist Polity class, and now I just need to write the three page reflection paper based on the autobiography of Howard Thurman (a well known African American preacher who lived throughout most of the 1900’s) At least I have some idea of the direction that I intend to go with it which is always half the struggle for me.

This week I also have a meeting with my El Salvador class. Before Wednesday afternoon, I have a book on Latin American social struggles that I need to read. Right now I am thinking that I will get the chance to start it around 1:00 PM Wednesday afternoon. That gives me 4 hours before class, which should be just about right, it’s only 139 pages.

This week on Thursday, I get to (read have to) go up to Indianapolis and have a complete psychological evaluation done. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Actually, I had to go through one earlier in the ministerial process, and it really wasn’t all that bad, but I must say it is very extensive and painfully time consuming. I have to be there by 9:00AM and I don’t expect to leave up there until after 3:00 PM. I guess the good news, is that you can take heart and know that all Methodist ministers are sane. (Ok maybe I shouldn’t go there)

I can’t believe that October is almost over. The good thing is that I have a special post coming up with one of my all time favorite songs performed by one of Karen’s all time favorite performers. It will also give me a chance to tell one of my favorite concert stories. So much for previews of coming attractions, I think it’s time to go to bed. That paper can wait until later. See you all tomorrow!
Blessings

The Great Escape

To continue with the theme of our four legged friends, Jim also sent me this video. If you look closely you will see that this is obviously a long lost relative of Odie. I asked Odie about it, but he refused to divulge any information saying that he would stand on his 5th amendment rights protecting against self incrimination! (It is one of his own kind you know!)

Blessings and enjoy:)

Odie wanted to be sure that I added this disclaimer!

No dogs were injured in the filming of this movie (only the pride of the owners)

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN..... Dont they?

I received this sequence of pictures today from my Brother-in-law Jim. I am not totally sure, but it appears from the pictures that these two churches are having a disagreement about the question of whether or not dogs go to heaven. Actually, if you look closely, you can tell that the pictures have been photo shopped, but even so, I must admit that it is an intriguing question and one which I have heard both sides of the debate many times. So what do you think? Do the animals that are a part of our family have a special place reserved for them in heaven? Or, is it because they have no souls they simply die? Or, do animals have souls? It certainly can be a source of debate. My heart tends to lean toward the story below.

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was a nice, grassy, woody area, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If He can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now." "Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road " So the old man and dog went on.

They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "Scuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable," "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" " No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final. "

The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?" "That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"
Author Earl Hamner, The Twilight Zone

Blessings

PS: One last question, If dogs do go to heaven did they go of their own "free will," or were they "predestined?" Sorry, just a bit of theological humor:)

El Salvador

I sure have been slow about posting on my blog this week. As I know that you are getting tired of hearing, school and preparations for the Commissioning process have been pretty overwhelming. One of the preparations that I have been working on is a Cross Cultural Learning Experience to El Salvador coming up in January. This week I have been busy applying for my passport and getting the necessary forms and medical information filled out.

Let me first share with you what the Cross Cultural Experience is. The administration and faculty at my seminary believe that in order to be full rounded as a pastor, one must have not only book experience, but also personal experience with cultures outside of main stream middle America. They feel so strongly, that they have made it a mandatory part of the curriculum. In other words, I don’t graduate if I don’t go. In the past few years, their have been trips to India, the Congo, Palestine, Guatemala, Russia, and South Korea just to name a few. With all of these choices, you might ask why I chose El Salvador. That is a legitimate question which can best be answered by; it chose me.

First of all, as you know I tend to procrastinate and I have been successful in putting off this trip as long as absolutely possible. This was my last opportunity to go on a Cross Cultural trip without actually postponing graduation. Another issue was money. I have been paying about $325 each semester so far (which was required), essentially banking money toward this trip. I was told by the last group that when they returned from El Salvador, they actually had money returned to them, so whooo hoooo, Life is Good! I procrastinated as long as possible, the trip would be paid for completely, plus I will get money back, What a deal!

Uhhhhhhhh Guess again! Not only won’t I be getting money back, but now I have been informed that I have to come up with another $870. So much for the best laid plans. So now, I have the additional worry of trying to come up with almost another thousand dollars, and that won’t include spending money for the trip. Are you beginning to see why I say that I am in need of a couple of miracles between now and graduation.

I have begun to do some of the preliminary research on the El Salvador. It has been an area of great unrest and violence, however, much of that has settled down in recent years. I do have a good friend, Ernesto, who grew up in El Salvador and was arrested for speaking out against the government. Actually his story is quite a compelling story of God’s grace and I am looking forward to talking with him prior to leaving to get his insights.

One interesting aspect of the trip is that we are not going as missionaries, we are not going to build anything, or save anyone, we are simply going to learn and observe, to talk with the people, and to ask questions of those in power to see what we can learn about their culture and society.

Honestly, my heart tells me that this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and that what I learn will change my life and ministry forever. Unfortunately, right now my mind is running through all of the things that I have to do between now and then, such as receive a financial miracle, survive this semester, and oh yeah, complete all of my Commissioning work.

I can sure use your prayers right about now, come to think of it, I could use them on a regular basis between now and let’s say……… May!

Blessings

Out of Time...

Life sure gets busy sometimes. I bet that you are beginning to get tired of hearing that from me. Yesterday, I got here to Ohio around 1:30 pm and spent the afternoon preparing for class last night. After class, I got back to my room around 9:30 pm and finished reading the assignments for classes today around 11:30 pm. This morning I was up at 6:00 am did a little more reading and then went to class from 8:30 until 5:00. Now tonight, I have to prepare for class tomorrow and begin to work on a couple of the major assignments which are due next week.

Sometimes I think that I am getting way too old for these late nights and early mornings. Of course John Wesley would call me a wimp, he was up at 5:00 AM every morning so maybe I should work on that.

I remember my friend Ron telling me that he just didn’t have enough time to get everything done that he needed to do. I remember chastising him, telling him that it was just a matter of priority, and besides, how can you not have enough of something that you all ready have all there is of? (you may have to read that twice to get it) I mean we have the same 24 hours that everyone else in the world has don’t we? Then how on earth can we not have enough time?

Well, let me say that I dind’t know what I was talking about, It is indeed possible to not have enough hours in the day. Of course, it is possible that I could work a little more proficiently, and I suppose that an argument could be made that I procrastinate way too much.

Naaaaaaaa, I think we will stick with there just isn’t enough time.

That’s my argument and I’m sticking with it!
Blessings

Give Me Jesus...

I ran across this video the other day, which reminded me of one of the highlights of my life. When I was in High School, Moline Sr. High School in Moline Illinois, we had one of the finest High School Choirs in the country. In my Senior year we were even selected to travel to Kansas City to perform for the Music Educators National Convention, which was quite an honor.

We rehearsed and practiced for over a year to perform a thirty minute concert. Nerves were running very high and emotions were quite deep. This song, Give Me Jesus, was the last song on our program and the last song that we sang together before graduation. With the 80 voice choir all holding hands, it was one of the most difficult and beautiful moments that I have ever had in music and although I do have that moment recorded with audio only, there was no video made.

When I first saw this video of the Central Islip High School Concert Choir from New York, I was very much reminded of my experience and I thought I would share this beautiful song with you. I am not sure if we were better than they were or they are better than us, but the overall sound comes pretty close to me.

Blessings

You Need to See This!

This was sent out to all of the pastors in The Fellowship of Jackson County Clergy. This is a part of what the Catholics have done to encourage their 67 million people to vote on election day. They don't tell them how to vote although I think that they obviously get their message across. Admitedly it comes from the Catholic perspective, however, everytime that you see the word Catholic, you could just as easily replace it with the word Methodist.

It is powerful and certainly gives you something to think about. Ok, I know, you can probably get the sense from how much I like this, which way I tend to lean politicaly, and I know that there are many points which my views differ from my friends and family, but regardless, I think that we all agree that this will be one of the most important elections in our lifetime.

Be sure to get out and vote on election day!

Blessings

The Rest of the Story...

With the schedule that I have, spending Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Oho followed by Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday back home in Indiana, it is no wonder that I feel like I am living in two different worlds. When I wake up on Thursday morning, it is almost like starting a totally different week. The first thing always on my agenda is to begin to prepare for Sunday’s worship. I am not sure that there is anything that I do that is more important or takes more time than Sunday’s preparations.

This morning, however, my workload is just a little bit lighter. This Sunday is Gideon Sunday which means that someone from the Gideon Organization will be at church and share with the congregations what has been going on with their Bible distribution since last year. The Gideon’s Organization has always had a very special place in my heart since the time so many years ago that I received my first Bible, a small, red, New Testament. I still have that Bible which I so carefully inscribed my name in, “Jimmy Higdon,” so long ago.

Unfortunately, for me, there is something else that always comes to mind when the Gideon speaker comes, which is not such a pleasant memory for me, and that is the story about the first Bible that I did not receive. I really don’t remember how old I was, I could not have been more than first or second grade while my family regularly attended the First Baptist church in my home town. The Sunday School class which I attended, was involved in a special program, that upon completion, we were going to be recognized in front of the entire congregation and presented with a Bible of our very own. Of course this was very exciting and something which I looked forward to very much.

The big day finally arrived and my entire class, perhaps 20 of us stood in front of the congregation prepared to receive this precious gift of a Bible. I watched as the Pastor went down the line reaching out his arm to shake the hand of each classmate and handing them a Bible. When it was my turn, I remember stretching out my hand to the Pastor to receive my Bible when he looked at me, and then he looked down at his list and said, “He doesn’t get one.” He then continued on down the line.

I can’t begin to tell you how devastating that was to me. In reality, it is one of my earliest memories, and one that even to this day brings a twinge of pain. (Isn’t that strange how our mind’s work) Of course I wasn’t the only one upset, my Mother was livid and she went immediatly to find out why I didn’t receive a Bible, and maybe more importantly, why they chose to humiliate me in front of the entire congregation. The answer that she received was that I was absent one Sunday so that I didn’t qualify. My mother, arguing my case, said that they knew that I was ill, and that she and my sister had been in attendence that Sunday, and had informed the Sunday School teacher that I had stayed home with my Dad. She was under the assumption that being too ill to attend church would have been a valid excuse and exception to their ridiculous rule. My Mother didn’t win the argument.

Our family walked out the door of that church and I didn’t return to any church for more than 10 years, until High School when I became involved in the youth group of the Congregational Church which was led by my Physics teacher. Ultimately, that was the church where Karen and I got married.

As I reflect back on that day, which I tend to do every year when the Gideon speaker comes, I think about the far reaching effects of what I would now, as an adult, consider a stupid, Pharisee type enforcement of an arbitrary rule. Their actions caused a good and faithful family, who attended church every Sunday, to not only stop attending their church, but any church for many years. I sometimes wonder, if they ever reflect on their decision?

Now you may ask, what does Gideon Sunday have to do with this sad memory? I am glad that you asked. Gideon Sunday, to me, is an ever present reminder of God’s grace in my life. You see, it wasn’t more than a week or two after my humiliating experience at church that a man came to my classroom at school, walked over to me, reached out his hand to mine and said, young man, would you like to have a Bible of your very own? He then handed me this precious, red bound Bible, my very first copy of God’s word which I still have and cherish to this very day. God is good all the time, and now you know the rest of the story!

Blessings

I'm Going to Sing....

I sometimes wonder why I keep putting myself through all of this stress. Maybe I should be asking God why He keeps putting me through it. For some reason I don’t think my Homiletics (preaching) professor likes me. I told you about how after my first sermon I was really hammered by the class because they didn’t agree with my theology. And today, I went back into the lion’s den to do another 3 minute mini sermon.

I began my sermon by singing a 30 second section of a song which says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Then I went on to make my point and finally finished with the scripture: Choose today who you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Very nice. (at least I thought it was)

When it came time to critique my sermon he mentioned about how sometimes a song can be used in place of good exegetical work, (hmmmm the song only lasted 30 seconds for heavens sake) Some of my classmates ummmed and awwwed for at least that much time. Then he said, "I don’t mean Jim, but some folks just shouldn’t sing anytime." He went on to talk about a preacher that he had who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket who always sang “Old Rugged Cross” at Easter. This explanation went on for about five minutes. So a little later in class during a small group discussion a couple of my classmates commented on my song and said that I should help our group by singing the answer when our time came. I said, "uhhhh didn’t you hear the 5 minute discussion about why you shouldn’t sing in a sermon?" To which they replied, "but he said that he wasn’t talking about you." So maybe I am just being overly sensitive. We prima donna’s can get that way sometimes you know.

Anyway, I actually don’t use music very often during my sermons, but when the moment seems right, I have been known to throw in a song or two. And besides, one thing I have learned about preaching is that you can’t please everyone, so for those of you who are now quaking out of fear that my pride is injured and you will never hear me sing again, (if my Mom were still alive that would be all one of you) Naaaaaaaa, "I'm gonna sing just as long as it takes for a song to make sad, heavy spirits free. I'm gonna keep making music that carries the secret that Jesus is liberty. I'm gonna turn off the sounds that would drag people down to the pit of despondency. With the sweet happy tune He is coming soon for His children like you and me."

Blessings

“Does God Still Speak to People?”

Have you ever wondered whether or not God still speaks to people as he did back in Biblical days? I know that my answer is that yes he definitely does. The problem is that we aren’t willing to listen, and when we do receive a miracle we are too willing to credit it to “good luck” rather than to divine providence. My friend Don keeps me busy with stories and emails, and this is one that I thought you should all read.

A young man had been to Wednesday Night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does God still speak to people?' After the service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'God...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.' As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.

He shook his head and said out loud, 'God is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again came the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. 'Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.' This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street .. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, 'Okay, God, I will.'

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. 'Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.'

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?'

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.' The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.'

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?' The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.

Does God still speak to us? Does He still answer prayers? Oh yes, He definitely does. My prayer for you is that sometime this week, you allow God to work through you and like the man in the story, that you become the answer to someone else’s prayers!

Blessings

What Once Was Lost...

As I was preparing to let you know what I have been thinking about today, I had the distinct feeling that maybe I have been whining too much. I hope that isn’t the case, but I haven’t decided if today’s post is whining or not. I will let you be the judge of that.

Karen’s Brother Jim sent an email today and one of the accompanying video links was about Radio Controlled airplanes. Well, since this used to be a real passion of mine, I decided to check out the link and see what it was about. For the next 7 minutes I watched amazed as a Radio Controlled, 4 engine, 6 foot wingspan, B29 Bomber took off and was flown quite masterfully. What made this even more exciting was the model of the Bell X-1, (the first plane to break the sound barrier, piloted by Chuck Yeager) tucked underneath the B-29’s wing. The B-29 released the X-1 which coasted down over the runway, when all of a sudden the rocket engine was ignited and the plane shot immediately 200 feet in the air. It was really a remarkable sight, and as someone who has had a little bit of experience with both RC airplanes and model rocketry, I understand how technically difficult that was to pull off.

The next thing that has had me thinking stemmed from a conversation that I had this week working with the Cub Scouts on their "God and Me" program. We were talking about the stars, and I mentioned to them about how the Andromeda Galaxy was the furthest object that can be seen with the naked eye, approximately 2.5 million light years away, and how right now Jupiter was so easy to see in the night time southern sky and that Venus was easy to see in the western sky right after sunset.

Both of these got me to thinking about how much I miss some of the things that I have given up over the past four or five years as I have struggled to answer God’s call. I am frequently asked if I miss my Chiropractic practice which I can easily answer No. I miss the people but not the work. But I realize that there are things that I have missed very much. I have missed the freedom to go to the mountains and to Myrtle Beach each year, I miss going out on Sunday afternoon’s to the flying field with the guys and flying radio controlled airplanes. I miss the quiet hours spent in the backyard with my telescope wondering what was happening on earth 2.5 million years ago when the light that I was seeing left the Andromeda Galaxy, and I miss the hours spent in my workshop making things from wood like Mary and Andrew’s Crib. (Shopsmith called it sawdust therapy)

On the other hand, I also know how richly I have been blessed. I realize that there is nothing on earth I would rather be doing, and I pray each day that God allow me to continue on the path that He has set for me. I guess that maybe it is ok to whine once in awhile, I certainly know that the Israelites sure did their share of it when they were wandering in the wilderness, which is how I feel sometimes. But in spite of what I may feel that I have lost in this journey, I know in my heart that I can count as a gain.

Blessings

PS: Maybe I will go ahead and haul out my telescope tonight and watch Jupiter's moon Ganymede disappears into eclipse by Jupiter's shadow. Anyone want to join me?

Can I Borrow $25?

I spent time this afternoon with a very precious person. We talked about life and what makes life special. When I got home I read an email sent to me by Don, who does a good job of forwarding to me those things that just seem to arrive at the right time to put life into perspective. I hope that you don’t find yourself in this man’s position.

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard every day for such childish frivolities.' The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's' questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00, and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep, son?' He asked. 'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy. 'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' He yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, and started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. 'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled. Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied. 'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.' The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love. If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

How much do you make per hour? Is there someone in your life that could really use an hour of your time? Are you willing to give that hour to someone who needs it? Is it that child next door who only has a mother or a father? Is it the elderly person living down the street or in the nursing home? Could it be someone living right in your own house? Each of us has an expiration date, and the day will come when we will no longer be able to share those hours with those who are important to us.

Who needs an hour of your time today?

Blessings

Tragedy and Heartbreak...

I picked up a book at Annual Conference this year from the bargain table titled "Choosing the Amusing, Finding Humor and Joy Beneath the Rubble of Life," by Marilyn Meberg. The premise of the book is that it is always good to laugh and that if we are open to the humor, we can find it even in the most difficult circumstances.

Well, yesterday I had that opportunity. Two of my favorite people are Leslie, my Massage Therapist, and her mother Debbie. For many years now they have given me a Pumpkin Pie for my Birthday. I can say without a doubt that these are the best pies that I have ever had in my life. I am not sure what kind of spices that they use, but if I were a condemned man, for my last meal I would request Debbie’s pumpkin pie.

Yesterday, Leslie gave me one of these wonderful masterpieces and I have to admit that I almost didn’t make it home without pulling over and sampling a piece. Probably the only thing that stopped me was the fact that I didn’t have a knife, and I didn’t want to deal with the mess that digging in without a knife might have caused, although I did contemplate the scenario in my head.

When I got home, the first order of business was to sit down and eat the first slice of this magnificent creation, a few minutes later, I was out the door, taking Communion to a parishioner.

A little while later, I returned home to the most devastating sight that I have ever witnessed. In the middle of the kitchen floor was the pie pan, no pie, just the pie pan. As the horror of the situation began to come to me, I turned to see my dog, (or should I say Karen’s dog) Odie sitting beside me looking especially guilty. Suddenly the full reality struck me. Odie had gotten up on the table and had eaten my precious pie. My beautiful, scrumptious, once a year pumpkin pie! The shock was almost overwhelming, then it dawned on me, recalling the time that he had eaten an entire 1lb bag of M&M’s that perhaps I had better get him outdoors fast.

Moments like these are defining moments in ones relationship and our call to forgive is put to the test. (of course, I am not sure that we are Biblically called to forgive the dog who ate our Birthday Pie)

In case you are wondering, Odie is still alive this morning. I didn’t kill him and neither did eating an entire pumpkin pie. And, as in all things, I try to learn lessons from “beneath the rubble of life.”( I certainly think that this situation would qualify as the rubble of life.) The lessons learned would be to make sure that I put my pie up higher next time, and the second is to eat a bigger piece when I get the chance.

Ok, I am sure that there is a deeper theological lesson in there somewhere, I’m just not ready to think about that yet.

Blessings

PS: Yes, I do remember a similar situation that happened many years ago, actually I have tried to block it from my mind, but maybe I will share that story at Thanksgiving. Or do I tell the one about Ben? So much to tell… so little time…..

The Impending Storm

As I prepare to listen to the 2nd Presidential Debate, I am struck by something of great concern to me. A few weeks ago, we here in the Midwest experienced a tremendous wind storm that in reality paled in comparison to the effect that it had on Texas. I believe that we as a society are facing an impending storm every bit as real and very much more powerful today. This will be a storm not created by polarized air masses, but by the ever increasing polarization of our society. Just as a thunder storm is precipitated by the collision of two opposing air masses, one warm and one cold, the storm that I perceive approaching will be caused by forces equally as powerful and certainly much less predictable.

Every where that one looks in our society, polarization and its effects can be seen. Politically, we are divided into red states and blue states, Republican and Democrat, and conservative verses liberal. We are further politically divided by pro-war and anti-war, those who would leave our troops in Iraq and those who would bring them home now. We are divided by issues of homosexuality, abortion, bigotry and race. We face the issues of illegal immigration and border security, those who would build an immense wall to keep out the “undesirables,” and others who would welcome all who will come. Our churches are also divided into conservative verses liberal camps, each one flooding our mailboxes and airwaves in an effort to garner support for their particular beliefs and doctrines. We find that it is no longer enough to love our God with all of our minds and souls and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves, we must also pass certain litmus tests of our faith. Each of these tests as well as others are considered by some to be a prerequisite in order to verify that we truly are Christians. Even within our own churches the battles rage over contemporary verse traditional services, hymns verses praise music and even pews verses chairs.

It would be my desire for our society and church to focus on the areas in which we find agreement and then work to reconcile on areas of disagreement. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Reconciliation and forgiveness have always been difficult, however, today they have moved beyond difficult to critical. The world is in a financial crises, we have major powers amassing military forces, atrocities of terror pulling at the very fabric of society, nations hovering on the brink of what could be nuclear war, and ancient local animosities and hatred threatening to become global threats capable of killing millions of people and poisoning millions more.

The opening words spoken by Jesus as he began his ministry are: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:15). It is time to step forward in faith, and it is time to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. It is also a time to rediscover, even reimagine our faiths, for we cannot send the message of truth into the world if we do not get and understand the message for ourselves.

It is my prayer today that we seek reconciliation and peace, not the peace that the world gives, but the peace that passes all understanding through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

A Perfect Day

As I sit back this evening relaxing, I am reminded of the song from one of Terri’s favorite movies, “Legally Blond,” titled “A Perfect Day.” I spared you the music video although I looked it up on You Tube and I have to admit that I was tempted. Today has truly been a perfect day. Anytime that I can spend the day with Mary and Andrew is good, but when you combine that with the playground at McDonalds, and then Huber Farms, I am not sure that it could have gotten any better.

Huber Farms brings back many memories for me. I was first introduced to Huber farms by my brother Phil, and I remember taking my Mom down there as well as Karen’s mom and Dad. It is a place that simply represents and symbolizes family at it’s best.

Birthdays can sometimes be a little melancholy, especially when I reflect back on those who have gone before me and finished their race of life. It is a wonderful feeling to see Mary and Andrew and to know that they are enjoying the same things that I did, and to know that maybe someday they will take their kids and grandkids and tell them about how their grandma and grandpa took them to feed the animals and pick out the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch

Blessings

Free at Last!

Wow, what a week this has been. I feel like a ten ton weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I already shared with you in earlier posts how difficult school has been this past week, and then after getting back home, I was kept pretty busy preparing for Billie’s funeral. Saturday, I wasn't able to post on my blog because I spent most of the day up in Indianapolis at the unification meeting between the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church and the South Indiana Conference. We are now officially the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. After arriving back home from the meeting, I went to a totally awesome hog roast. The best part is that I got to take a couple of pounds of that scrumptious meat home with me. Unfortunately, I still had our church's Charge Conference (annual business meetings) hanging over my head.

Now for those of you who are not United Methodists, and for some of you who are, Each year we Methodist pastors are required to fill out a couple of volumes of paper work as part of our connectional process which is part of what makes us "United," and when you have 2 churches as I do, that’s right, double the paper work. Unfortunately, paper work has never been my strong point, and even more unfortunately, one of my weak points is procrastination, so when you combine volumes of paper work with procrastination, you end up staying up most of the night before the paperwork is due, and that’s what I did last night.

The good news is that I just returned home from the Charge Conference and all of our work is done and has been turned in. In addition, I had the opportunity to see some of the folks from Trinity and First Church that I haven’t seen for awhile which is always very nice. I also had an opportunity to have a brief conversation with our District Superintendent (my immediate boss) who invited me to lunch, which is always pleasant, but also a bit stressful as well LOL.

Anyway, as of this moment, I am caught up. There isn't anything major hanging over my head, well at least that is due this week, I know I'm procrastinating again. In addition, tomorrow is my Birthday whooo hoooo, so my plan is to take Mary and Andrew down to Huber Farms to feed the ducks and the bunnies and llamas, and the horses and the deer, and go down the big slide and bounce on the giant inflatable bouncing thing and most important of all, take Mary and Andrew on the Hay Wagon out to the Pumpkin Patch and pick out the perfect pumpkins. I know, I know, you’re jealous aren’t you? :) Well, you are all invited to come along, but you had better dress warm because it can get pretty cold in the pumpkin patch this time of year!

Blessings

Get Away Jordan!

I am not sure if you all would consider it coping out, I hope that you don't think that it is, but you might notice that I have discovered "You Tube" and all of the great songs and videos that are available. The things that I like to share with you are my precious memories and the things that have great meaning to me.

The song today is one of both Karen's and my favorites by the Gospel group "The Dove Brothers." I officiated at Billie's Funeral today and funerals always get me to thinking about what types of things I would or would not want at my funeral.

My thought of a perfect funeral would be a true celebration, with uplifting music, stories and laughter (I have certainly done enough stupid things for people to remember)

Anyway, this song, "Get Away Jordan" would be a prime example of what I would consider excellent funeral music.

Enjoy!

Blessings

Roses Will Bloom Again... Just Wait and See!

After the challenges and difficulties of the past few weeks, today I turn my attention to the upcoming visitation and funeral for Billie Alexander. When I woke up this morning I couldn’t get this song, Roses Will Bloom Again, out of my mind. We had the opportunity to see Jeff and Sherry Easter in concert a few years ago, and it was such a great blessing. They have actually written and produced several of my favorite Gospel songs, certainly including this one.

As I think about what Mike, Jordon, Bailey and their family will be going through in the next days, weeks and months ahead, sometimes it is difficult to look to the future with the assurance that roses will indeed bloom again. However, we have been given a promise that we can hold on to in these hard times. God has indeed promised us that just like the Spring, roses will bloom and the resurrection will come. The challenge for us, is to wait with hope and assurance.

I told a story a few weeks back about Dr. W. A Criswell, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas Texas, who said on one occasion that while on an airplane flight, he found himself seated beside a well-known theologian. He desperately wanted to start a conversation with this man and after awhile they did begin to talk.

The man told Dr. Criswell about how he had recently lost his little boy through death. Dr. Criswell listened intently as the man told his story: He said that his son had come home from school with a fever, they weren’t overly concerned, they just thought it was one of those childhood things… but it was a very virulent form of meningitis.

The doctor said we can not save your little boy. He is going to die. And so this seminary professor, loving his son as he did, sat by the bedside to watch and wait and be with his son.

It was the middle of the day and the little boy whose strength was going from him and whose vision and brain was getting clouded said, "Daddy, it’s getting dark isn’t it?" The professor said to his son, "Yes son it is getting dark, very dark." Of course it was very dark for him.

He said, "Daddy, I guess it’s time for me to go to sleep isn’t it?"The man said, "Yes, son, it’s time for you to go to sleep."The professor said the little fellow had a way of fixing his pillow just so, and putting his head on his hands when he slept, and so he fixed his pillow just right, and laid his head on his hands, and said, "Good night Daddy. I will see you in the morning."

He then closed his eyes in death and stepped over into heaven.

Dr. Criswell said the professor didn’t say anymore after that for a very long time. He just looked out the window of that airplane staring out into the deep blue sky. After awhile he turned back and he looked at Dr Criswell, with tears streaming down his cheeks he said... "I can hardly wait till the morning."

Roses will indeed bloom again and morning will come... Just wait and see!

Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3)
Blessings

PS: As I was preparing this blog, I learned that Sherry Easter who sings in the video was diagnosed with, and battling Breast cancer. Our prayers go out to her as well!

I Know the Bible is Right!

I just love this song and I had to share it with you! Actually it was used as an example of not the greatest theology, but I love it anyway, so ignore what some would construe as bad theology and go ahead and smile.

To quote Larry the Cable Guy, "Now thats funny I don't care who you are!"

Blessings

Joys and Concerns

JOYS!

It is now one hour and thirty minutes from the start of my last class for the week and as of this moment, I am finally caught up. I just finished a three page paper on Liberation Theology, actually I was a bit of an over achiever on that one. The requirement was only one page, but since I read the book, I felt like I had more to say than just one page worth, and besides, this class is pass/ fail anyway, so I am not overly worried about being graded too harshly on writing more than the professor wants, and yes, I have been graded down for writing too much as well as not writing enough in the past three years, some professors you just can’t make happy.

Actually I had several very big assignments due this week. For Monday, I had a five page Homiletics paper due on The Holy Spirit and Preaching which was actually a good paper to write. I wrote mostly on my first experiences as I came to Crothersville and came face to face with the tragedy of Kati Coleman. Then for Tuesday, in addition to going to class, I had to prepare for a 20 minute presentation for today on the churches role in slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War, its title was "A House of Faith Divided". Then this morning I got up early to begin writing the 6 page paper on the book, As if the Heart Mattered, A Wesleyan Spirituality.

I must say that it feels good to have these things done, now all I need to do is go to class, and drive 4 hours home. I think I can handle that!

CONCERNS!
I have shared my Joys and my concern is for Billie Alexander’s family. Billie had a massive heart attack on Sunday afternoon and never regained consciousness in spite of the excellent work of the paramedics, doctors and nurses. The visitation is planned for Thursday between 4:00-8:00 pm and the funeral will be Friday morning at 10:00 at Voss Chapel in Seymour. This will be a difficult funeral for me. I just loved Billie, and Jordon and Bailey put a smile on my face every time I see them. I hope that you will join me in praying for this family, May our church family and extended family be for them the light of love and hope in this dark time.

Blessings

Digging Out

Hello Everyone!

I haven’t forgot about my blog, I have finished one 5 page paper on Spirituality in Preaching, I have completed my 20 min oral presentation on the effects of the slavery issue on the church leading up to the Civil War, I have only 3 more pages to finish on my paper on Wesleyan Spirituality based on the book As If The Heart Mattered and then one page to go on Liberation Theology and I will be back to normal and I can tell you what I have been doing!

Blessings