Jesus Tomb

I have been perplexed of late by a news story that is making the rounds. I can not believe that folks with brains actually think that a scientific theory can replace the faith of millions. I believe in the living Jesus Christ, not because of some historical and scientific concept but because of my daily personal relationship with a living loving teacher/savior/guide/ God. Jesus is not a concept to me. Jesus is a friend and companion. Jesus’ resurrection is real to me – not because I have to believe it and it must be proven – by faith I accept it because of my relationship with him. If we can scientifically prove something it does not require faith. Faith is the bridge between the known and the unknown. Faith is what keeps us sane. We all must believe in something beyond ourselves. Jesus works for me. Jesus loves me. Jesus is as real to me as the people I work with every day. That Jesus is alive and well does not require faith for me. It is a fact of my existence. All that Jesus can and wants to do with and for me takes faith. BUT who Jesus is is indisputable for me. No archaeological dig or news story stands a chance of changing that.

Time does fly.

A sentence I had to punctuate in Jr High School went something like: Time flies, one cannot, they fly too fast.
Time does fly. Bev had a rough 2006 which took a lot of our time, energy and resources. We are in the process of moving - and have been for 4 months. Got to finish as the last residence sold and the new owner wants to get to work remodeling it.
Today we have a virtual snow blizzard in progress. Cold and heavy rate of snow. Then add freezing drizzle.
Lots of folks have died this weekend so the week should be crazy and I plan to take time off to do this moving thing.
2007 is well under way. What do we plan to do with the valuable resource of our time/ our life? Will we see it as something that calls for us to be good stewards? We all need something to do that brings us joy, that provides us with fincances with which to survive, that helps us feel useful, that provides us with the opportunity to give and recieve love... Can we make/find/discover time for all of that? We must. God creates us with a need to rest one out of seven days. Our bodies are designed to need 7-9 hours of sleep per 24 hour period to function effectively. We must make time for ourselves so we have something to give to others.
We are called to be people who are good stewards of our resources including time and talent. We are called to be part of the human team. Let's all do our part. Let's enjoy life and share joy with all we meet. Go for it. Smile, live, love........... You are a gift and sharing your giftness is essential you, your family, your work, yur community. Yes a better world starts with you. You can do it.

Today is a day to enjoy - celebrate LIFE

Each day is a gift. That's why it is the present.
I did not invent that quote but it is a good one. None of us knows how long this life will last. Why wait until..... To follow our dreams, to develop our potentials, to risk truly living? Too many of us are living our lives on hold. If I win the lottery I will....... If I got a terminal diagnosis I would...... When I get.... I will ..... We have no guarantee of tomorrow. This day is our gift from God. God gave us minds to reason, the ability to make choices, to feel, to dream, to do.... Who are we to deny those precious gifts and say hold on? Today is our day to live, love, laugh, be joy filled - this is our moment. If we let this moment pass us by - we have lost an invaluable gift. Now is your time for hope. Today is your day to experience love. This moment you can experience peace. You can laugh at who you are and what you have done - learn - grow - be the best you anyone has ever seen. Life is worth it. You are worth it. Grasp this day.

Birthday Wisdom

Being needed gives power. Being wanted is empowering.

Reflections on my life these days

One should be thinking about independence at this time. The old phrase the tail is wagging the dog seems too true these days. I let life control me, I allow work to dominate my life, I forget to laugh. Alas! It is never too late to turn the tides or tables! Realizing the snare is half the battle.
Break the spider webs that cling to you before they become ropes that tie you or even a noose that hangs you. You/I can do it. I can be free.
Freedom takes work and requires us to be responsible - and we are able to respond so long as we are alive. God desires each of us to have abundant life. God gives us free choice nothing or no one has any right to take away what God freely and graciously gives.
Responsible living requires us to look at the idols in our lives that are commanding our attention and resources. Think about how much time you spend eating, snacking, acquiring your food. Is it time well spent? Does it bring health and well being to you? How much time do you spend listening to the radio or watching TV? Does that time lift you up and help you to be your best self? What do you do each day that strengthens your body? Mind? Soul? Connection with the universe?
What is taking your energy? What enhances your energy? What is renewing? What drags you into bad habits?
I need to pay attention to the amount of time I waste watching TV, day dreaming, eating sugar and drinking caffeine. If I control these addictions/distractions I will be a more whole and holy person.
How about you? Where can we start on this journey together? Each baby step helps and support along the way increases each of our chances at success. Join me in creating new habits, choosing life, choosing health, choosing joy and hope and love and peace!

Odd Day

Today I had a graveside 'service'. It was odd to me in that no words were spoken to address the attendees. About 15 friends and family gathered. Each seemed to spend time by the casket alone and all sat for a few moments as a group. Then they left. It seemed so empty to me. As a pastor I offered to say a prayer but the son said they wanted nothing. They grieved each independently together. I am open to many forms of good-bye saying but this one troubled me. No words of hope and comfort, no group sharing, no committal to cling to in the future. Maybe somehow that happened for them but it seemed distressing and hopeless to the outsider. I pray for each of them that they might find a spirit to assist and guide them as they deal with the loss of an important person in their lives.

More lyrics to pay attention to

Navigation: C \ Casting Crowns \ Who Am I
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earthWould care to know my nameWould care to feel my hurtWho am I, that the Bright and Morning StarWould choose to light the wayFor my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I amBut because of what You've doneNot because of what I've doneBut because of who You're
Chorus:I am a flower quickly fadingHere today and gone tomorrowA wave tossed in the oceanA vapor in the windStill You hear me when I'm callingLord, You catch me when I'm fallingAnd You've told me who I amI am Yours, I am Yours
Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sinWould look on me with love and watch me rise againWho Am I, that the voice that calmed the seaWould call out through the rainAnd calm the storm in me
I am YoursWhom shall I fearWhom shall I fear'Cause I am YoursI am Yours

Never Alone
I waited for you todayBut you didn't showNo noI needed you todayBut where did you goYou told me to callSaid you'd be thereAnd though I haven't seen youAre you still there?(Chorus:)I cried out with no replyAnd I can't feel you by my sideSo I'll hold tight to what I knowYou're here and I'm never aloneAnd though I cannot see youAnd I can't explain whySuch a deep reassuranceYou've placed in my lifeWe cannot separateCause you're part of meAnd though you're invisibleI'll trust the unseen(Chorus)