Issues to ponder

Today was the last day of business at our Annual Conference. All in all it's been a pretty good conference. Some decisions that were made do not line up with how I feel, but for the most part the conference has been less volatile than in previous years.

Starting next year our new quadrennial focus is on evangelism. I have some concerns about how these next several years are going to go. I have been at meetings where folks sit around and talk about the "good old days" where you just had to have a great preacher come in for the revival and this would compel people to devote or re-dedicate their lives to Christ and our churches would be filled again.

That may have worked back in the day, and I don't want to limit God, but at the same time I really don't think that's how we reach out to those (as Dan Kimball calls them) outside the bubble. If we truly want to be about spreading the Gospel, we need to go where the people are and minister to them how they are. There are way too many things vying for people's attention...and we need to find an authentic way to draw people into the presence of God.

Yesterday there was a presentation in which someone made the comment that they were talking with someone about the lack of young people in our churches. They continued that if this trend continued then after several years, even decades, our country would be atheistic. This conclusion really caught my attention. Just because someone does not attend worship or come to functions at a church does not mean that they automatically don't believe in God. Many believe in a higher power and are searching for the pieces that are missing in their lives.

The key to reaching out to people is to somehow touch them where they are, offering them Christ. If we reach out in love as Jesus did, then maybe, just maybe people will come that are looking for that missing piece in their life.

Our Bishop really has a handle on ministering to people outside the Christian bubble. He has talked about getting out of the church walls, walking down the street, getting in touch with those around the church as well as those within the church. And isn't that what Jesus and John Wesley did? They went out to those considered outcasts and offered them truth... relationship... and love.

It's not about the number of people who "find God" in our midst, but rather it's about relationship.

My Young Reader

Today my oldest received a medal for reading. He had to read several books and then discuss them with a volunteer. And he's already looking forward to next year when he can read then receive a trophy at the end of the year.

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone...it won't be long until he's in the first grade. My boy is sure growing up.

Finally!!

I finally got to do the sermon illustration that I've wanted to do since seminary. One of my friends talked about how on Pentecost Sunday he did a visual illustration with fire and water. He talked about how he started out talking about baptism with water...and then began to talk about Pentecost and how the fire came down and rested on the disciples.

He told me how I did it and ever since then I've been wanting to try it sometime. Well, today I got my chance. I used this illustration for our Children's Moment thinking that the children would like it and thought it would be something they would remember.

After a little nervous start (I couldn't get it to light) we finally got the fire to begin burning. It was very cool! Our lay leader got this picture of it. Thanks Kim!!

I think that this is probably an illustration that will be used several times again.

Before There was Color

My oldest got his yearbook yesterday. We were looking through his pictures and he was pointing out himself on every page he was on. He'd gleefully go, "Look mom there I am again...and there's me and there's me..."

I was upstairs today looking in the closet and found a box of my old yearbooks from elementary school. I brought them downstairs to show him.

I pulled out my kindergarten yearbook and had him guess which one was me. It took him a couple of tries but he found me. We pulled out my first, second, third, fourth and fifth grade books. He got better and better at finding my picture.

He asked me questions about my teachers like "were they nice? what were they like? was your principle nice? was he smart?"

Finally when we looked through my first six years of school, he said, "Wow mom...that's pretty cool so they had yearbooks when you were in school too?"

"Yes, just like you had."

"Yeah, but that was before they had color, right? Cuz all of these pictures are in black and white. Everything is in black and white."

Yes, J, I lived before there was color...gee do I feel old.

My elementary school is pictured above...it's not super colorful but you can see it's definately not black and white.

Look Out, We May Be Choosing the Next Lineup

Yes, it's official we are a Nielsen Family. Jim got a call some time ago and signed us up to record what we watch from early this morning through next Thursday.

Watch out, if we have our say the main shows on TV will be Yes, Dear; Still Standing; Power Rangers; Law and Order; Sheer Genius among other shows.

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Days like today can draw us closer to God as well as closer to each other. We are blessed that we can gather together on a day such as this in a public place with people of other denominations and other religions and pray together.

Goodbye Scarfish

Last night was the school carnival. And once again this year our oldest won a fish at one of the games. I remember from my times in school that "pets" won at carnivals and the such do not last very long at all.

Last year's fish, Nemo lasted forever. Maybe it was because we didn't actually "win" him at the carnival but instead "won" a certificate for a free fish. We took our son to the pet store to pick out his prize. Nemo lasted forever...I thought we'd only have him a short time but I think we had him for a few months.

Well, last night we brought home a new member of the family. He was "won" and this year they didn't run out of fish but I have no idea where they got some of these. Our son had this huge goldfish but with a big gash in his tale. So, he named the fish...Scarfish.

This evening we were getting ready for bed and I noticed that Scarfish was doing the backstroke in his bowl. Already?! So, we had this talk about death and the life of fish. I think it could be because he was already injured...I'm expecting a funeral tomorrow...then sometime soon we'll go look for a new fish.

Goodbye Scarfish

So Sissy, Did You Play Your Coconuts?

I saw on the news tonight that in London yesterday they celebrated St. George's Day by showing the "Holy Grail" and having fans gather together for the Coconut Orchestra. Now I know you said you had a "conference call" but I bet you were playing your lovely bunch of coconuts, weren't you?

And I know you do like Spam-a-lot!
: ~ )

Yes, I think I see you!

Miss you!

Which Way to Go?

This Sunday I'm preaching on the conversion of Saul. I am focusing on how Saul had to lose his sight in order to more clearly see his true calling in life. It was only when he was blinded to the hatred and persecution he was perpetuating so that he could truly see the Christ in his midst.

With everything that has happened this week, I'm trying to figure out how to relate the two topics to one another.

One of the hardest Sunday's I have ever preached was on September 16, 2001. That was a rough one too. I trust that God will provide what words need to be shared with our congregation.

So Very Sad

It's been a sad day in our country as students, faculty and friends of Virginia Tech gathered to pay respects to fellow students. It's hard to know what to say after something like this happens...sometimes it's hard to know what is going on in our society...where God is in all of this.

I remember how I felt after Columbine...how sad I felt for those who'd been injured, those who had died way too young.

The Sunday after 9/11 I was scheduled to preach. I remember thinking, "What in the world do you want me to say, God? Where were you? What can I say to let people know you are near?"

The Good News in all of this is that God does walk with us through this valley and will continue to offer us God's presence, grace and love.

Hope You Had a Wonderful Easter!!

Duff and Baby Duff

One of my favorite chefs is Duff Goldman...this quirky guy who does these killer cakes. He's made so many neat kinds...and most of them don't even look like cakes. They are works of art and more like sculptures.






We watch his show Ace of Cakes on Food Network quite often. When our youngest was smaller than he is now...and when he didn't have any hair or at least not much hair, Jim made a comment that he looked a little like Duff.

So, we off and on called our youngest Baby Duff or Little Duff. You be the judge...just add a little goatee...

I Hate the Dentist!

I went to the dentist today...one of my least favorite things to do in the world. I'd rather have a million check ups at the doctor rather than go to the dentist once. Because I have inherited my dad's tartar tendency and I have TMJ I try to put off going to the dentist until the very last minute. And because of this I had to get my teeth really really cleaned.

Today I bit the bullet and went to the dentist. I had originally thought I was going to get a little cavity filled...but as it turned out, they had me scheduled for my last deep cleaning...I'm like great this'll be fun...NOT. I said something to the lady that was cleaning my teeth and she quickly went to see if I could have both done. Lucky for me (or not) they had had a cancellation and could work me in to have my tooth filled since I'd already be numbed to do so.

Good news is I'm done with my dental work for 3 months now...yes, I have to go back that often for a while to cut down on the cleaning time...bad news is now my teeth hurt...but I know that's only for just a little while.

Things that Make You Go WHAT?!

I have been reading Dan Kimball's book They Like Jesus But Not the Church which looks at how emerging generations view the church and our beliefs. Dan does some man-on-the-street types of interviews and offers a lot of food for thought on how we should be thinking about ministry today. Kimball states and I believe that we are living in a post Christian society where people are just not in touch with what is happening in the church or in Christianity. Sometimes we, who are inundated in the Christian sub-culture, forget that people around us might not understand when we talk of biblical characters or Christian events. It's almost as if we are like the early Christians seeking to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout a world who doesn't know much about Jesus or the Bible.

Not too long ago Kimball's premise was verified by the Jay Leno Show when Jay did one of his Jaywalking segments and asked people questions about the Bible. There were questions like Who were Cain and Abel? Who was Noah? What were the names of Jesus' parents? What did Jesus do? Some of the answers were almost laughable until you realized that these people actually didn't really know the answers. But, at the same time, this did not surprise me at all.

Today was another eye opener for me. The power company is replacing all of the poles downtown and it seems that our area is one of the next to be overhauled. Two men from the power company came into the office to arrange time for the power of the whole building to be shut off. The conversation went something like this:

power guy: We are replacing all of the poles downtown and we wanted to let you know when we were thinking about working around here. We need to cut the power to the entire area in order to do this. So, we were thinking of doing this this Sunday turning the power off early in the morning and for a lot of the day.

Those of us who heard this looked at each other in disbelief. This Sunday, for those who may not know, is Palm Sunday one of the major days in the Christian calendar. We celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem...and this Sunday begins Holy Week.

I'm thinking OK even if you didn't know what day it was in the Christian year, you should probably know that Sunday's a big day in the life of the church. (I mean there are a lot of people who think that Sunday is the only day we work.) We promptly told him that Sunday wouldn't work for various reasons: the organ, the elevator and handicapped lifts, lights, etc. etc.

So then he suggests Wednesday evening. This didn't surprise me after the Sunday comment. We talked them out of that too. So we arranged a Tuesday for them to come.

But, once again, this reminded me of Kimball's book. We do live in a culture where church is something you might do maybe twice a year...where you go when you want to get married or if you want to have a special time to remember someone special. But to assume that everyone is knowledgeable of the church, the Bible or our traditions is pushing it these days. People are searching for something to make their lives complete...maybe it's time we step out of our walls and out of our comfort zones and do something different to relate the Gospel to their lives.

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is Jim's mom's birthday. She is so much more than an "in law" to me. She's more than a mom. She's a great friend and wonderful person to spend time with.

I hope your birthday is great!! We love you, Mom and wish we could be together.

Happy Birthday!

Born to Be Wild

My Harley Boys.

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy

Today was a big day in our house...we've known it was coming for a while now...especially when our oldest came home one day and proudly announced, "One of my teeth is loose." He was so excited because he's seen many of his school friends going around with big gaps in their mouths.

Over the past few weeks he's been wiggling and wiggling his tooth...wiggling it to the point that it was almost starting to gross me out. But it has been through this time that he's also come up with this rationale..."I know what the Tooth Fairy does with all the teeth she collects. She gives them to babies like J (our 6 month old who's growing tooth buds himself)." It's cool to think that the Tooth Fairy practices recycling.

Well, tonight our oldest was wiggling his tooth...he goes, look I can bend it really far down...which really kinda grossed me out. I was out in the kitchen not too long after and he came out and said, "Hey mom...look at this." In his hand was his tooth.

It wasn't long later that he said, "Hey mom can I look in J's mouth? I want to see if the tooth is in there yet."

Then he realized he was still holding the tooth. "Ah, that's right we still have the tooth...the Tooth Fairy doesn't have it yet. Maybe he'll have his teeth tomorrow."

Actually J (our 6 month old) has 2 tooth buds coming in...don't know how we're going to explain that unless our 6 year old gets a loose tooth real quick.

Oh, and according to J, the going rate of teeth these days range from $1 - $15 each. I have know other children to get $20 per tooth. J got $1. When I was his age I only got a quarter...must be inflation.

Going to Work with Mom

Friday our oldest didn't have school because it was Kindergarten registration and they needed their room for the registration process. I guess I had forgotten about that because I had no idea that he didn't have school until he climbed in the car and proudly announced, "Oh mom, I don't have school tomorrow." He says this from time to time so I responded, "It's not a holiday and we didn't know about it before I think you do have school."

He kept insisting and I said, "If you didn't have school I think I would know...I think you have to go to school tomorrow." He goes, "Mom, look in my folder and see." Sure enough there was a note that Kindergarten didn't have school.

Because I hadn't prepared for him to be out and had a bunch of stuff to do at the office I took him with me. We have a preschool at the church and the teachers said he could come down and play with the 4 year old class which gave me time to do my work. So, he went downstairs to play.

When I was taking him to get some lunch the following conversation took place:

me: So, did you have fun today with the four year olds?

J: Yeah, it was pretty fun. They were out of control.

me: Oh really? What happened?

J: Well, at first I thought that maybe being with the four year olds was a bad idea...they were running around all crazy like. I thought maybe I should've gone in with the two year olds. Then when it came time for them to clean up, they didn't do listen...they didn't clean up at all. That's not what you're supposed to do."

Why is it that he's so concerned about cleaning at church but when I ask him to pick up his stuff at home he just looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language?

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday to a man who has taught many to read...and many a parent to begin to loathe rhymes. I still remember my parents' stories of the countless readings of Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and the ever popular Green Eggs and Ham.

There was a man named Dr. Seuss
He has influenced many there is no excuse
For not learning to read when you heard his rhymes
A word made up from time to time.

There was Sam and his friend that got so many
to eat green eggs and ham I've still not had any.
The cat in the hat reeked much trouble...
And left the things to clean up in a double.

The Grinch and Sneeches taught us how to live...
how to get along and even how to give.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue
Has been my son's favorite book since he was two.

Thank you doctor for sharing your rhymes
we still read your books all of the time.
Because of your words children love to read
their love will continue to grow because you planted the seed.

By Carol 2007

Our Prayers are With You

Talking to my parents today, I found out some sad news. I had seen the story on the ticker, but hadn't really read it...then saw it on the news tonight...didn't know it would hit so close to home. Today, early this morning, Bluffton University experienced a devistating loss. While their baseball team was traveling to Florida for a doubleheader they were involved in an accident. Apparent something happened and the bus driver went off the overpass throwing the bus to I-75 below. Four students, the bus driver and his wife were all killed.

Going to school at Ohio Northern not too far from Bluffton I know how close of a community Bluffton is...this loss will be felt not only by the students but also the community. Please keep the family and friends of these students in your prayers.