Voices

We heard from our son, Joel, today. He called us on Thanksgiving all the way from Liverpool, England. Homesick and missing his family he was able to speak to us and share a few moments together. It was so rich and rewarding that he purchased a phone card and called again on Saturday for a longer, more extensive call. It was heartwarming and rich to speak to him.
As I write this blog I am very conscious of the fact that the written word cannot replace the warmth and joy of the spoken word. Today in my sermon I used the illustration of Helen Keller who was once asked if she could recover only one of the senses she had lost (speech, hearing, and sight) which one would she choose. She replied that she would want to hear because it is so lonely in here. I believe that hearing the voice of someone you love is a joy beyond measure. I know to have spent the week with one of my sons and to hear from the other across "the pond" was an exciting week (I called my other son, Doug, but we have not made contact yet). Nothing can replace the excitement of hearing someone's voice.
In the Bible we have the written Word of God. It is a priceless gift from God. Yet, there is an even more priceless gift He gives us - He makes the written Word come alive when He speaks it into us. To hear His voice and to know His will for my life is to hear the Living Word of God. All of scripture cries out to us to hear the Word of the Lord. We dare not go through our spiritual lives without hearing His Voice. Nothing can replace that joy.

Thanksgiving

Today part of our family arrived. I have three sons who live in three different places. My oldest son and his wife live in NE Ohio and my youngest son and his wife are living in Liverpool, England for the year while they do graduate work. But today, my son Jonathan and his "wife" Maria came in for the week. They had flown into LA and spent two days with her folks and then her Mom, Dad, and brother brought them up to Fresno and we will share the holiday week together (although Maria's family will go back tomorrow).
I find that it is far more fulfilling to be with family than for Joanie and I to be by ourselves. Don't misunderstand, Joanie and I are very much in love and we love being "empty nesters". What we don't like is being alone. Ministry can be a very lonely experience. I don't mind being alone and enjoy the idea of solitude very much. I don't like being alone when it feels lonely - and both ministry in general and the lifestyle of California work against spending large amounts of time with others. Growing up in an atmosphere where visiting and fellowshiping together were normal occurrences, it has been hard since the boys left home to get used to not having people around the house. We are both very social creatures and enjoy the sharing of ourselves with others.
If I had one desire in my life at this point it would be to find myself in a social setting with others where being pastor was not an issue or a prerequisite. I don't mean to equate myself with Jesus, but I do have an inkling as to what he felt like at times. The crowds crush in for an official word and you seek solitude. Then you have a desire to spend time with others and they don't have time to share. It can be a lonely existence. Thanksgiving will be a special time because the loneliness will be gone and the ability to share together will be at the forefront. I am very thankful for that privilege. Amen.

Back to the Future

Life is full of difficulties. Some are real and some are imagined. Some are big and some are shadows that make you think they are bigger than they really are. Like a shadow they get smaller the closer they are to the light. Some like living in the shadows - making mountains out of molehills. I do not. I accept the reality that there are difficulties and that difficult situations need resolution. I just don't want to spend my life putting out smoldering piles of leaves when there really are houses on fire. Know what I mean?
Why do people like problems? Difficulties? Discontentment? I have never really, fully understood why people like reveling in the dusk and dredging up those things that try to drag themselves and everyone around them back to what used to be or to difficulties that are in the past. But they do. You will pardon me if I choose not to go in that direction. I was always fascinated by the movie title, "Back to the Future". The premise seemed to be that if we could go back to a pivotal moment in our past, we could change the outcome of the present and, by acclimation, the future. It was a great movie (series of movies) that I enjoyed immensely. But it was a movie. It was fantasy. You can't go back and you can't change the future by living in the past. We must go forward. For us it is "Forward to the Future" and not "Back to the Future". God, help us not to get stuck in the loop of a past that cannot be changed by dwelling on it. Amen.

Praise Gathering

I am spending the week in Indy at Praise Gathering. Three days of Ministry Council meetings and two days of Praise Gathering makes a full week. It has been great to see Maria and Jonathan - they were out in California last week to visit with her family as her Dad was installed as the pastor of the Church of God in Long Beach, Ca. She is doing well but cannot return back to work for another week. Her sternum has to heal before she can return to the Coronary ICU unit. They will continue to struggle financially for quite a while. Anyone who would like to assist them in paying doctors bills, hospital bills, regular bills while Maria is out of work, etc., please let me know! Jonathan is doing well and continuing with his graduate education. They are both still in love and planning a wedding for the spring-summer time.
Last night I spent 3+ hours in a concert at Praise Gathering. Talk about diversity! From Randy Travis to the Katinas to Steven Curtis Chapman. Wow. I am continuing to learn that style of music is not commensurate with the act of worship. I am not a country western music fan but loved listening to the Isaacs blue grass and Randy Travis' music. Message means more to me than anything else and they all had a great message. I am not sure that it is even appropriate for a Christian to worry about the packaging of the message - I think it is only appropriate to evaluate the quality and truth of the message. The packaging always changes but the message does not. I remember the disciples telling Jesus that they stopped someone who was healing in the name of Jesus because they didn't know him. Jesus rebuked them because he was not concerned about the packaging but he was concerned with the message. We do not all praise God the same way. So what? We do not all hear the same way. So what? Let's concern ourselves with message, substance, and truth and not volume, style or beat. It will change the mood of the church and help us to live out the call of God.

A Fresh Look at the Church

I am fascinated by the church. It is a beehive of activity, mostly because it is the intersection of people's lives. Lives are being lived out from birth to death in the midst of this weekly gathering of folks. Cancer, births, deaths, successes, minor concerns, major debacles - all come together in one place. They include the young and the old, the graceful and the ham-handed, the mature and the young in the faith, the hopeful and the downtrodden - all coming together to share the commonality of life in Jesus Christ. This week I have talked to cancer patients, young and old; I have shared with those serving in Iraq and getting ready to return to the War; I spoke to those going through the devastation of Katrina and those getting ready to go and help with the cleanup; I spoke with some who are struggling with personal and family problems and with those looking forward to having a family or a family addition; I listened to laughter and sadness; hope and confusion; prayers and dreams. All that in one week.
Ever since I got back from Sabbatical it has been a whirlwind of activity. Meetings to attend, decisions to be made, people to recruit, training to be done. If you don't like people, you won't like ministry in any form. But if people energize you and fascinate you - then you will love ministry. Tomorrow I will be attending a meeting of ministers from around the Valley to talk about Hispanic Ministry and starting Hispanic Churches. With the addition to our staff of a Hispanic Pastor and his vision to start a new church using our facilities, we are really hyped to take an in-depth look at Hispanic Ministry. We have such a diverse area that we live in and such a diverse ethnic city in Fresno, that having a Hispanic Ministry is almost vital to our ability to reach out to the whole community. It is creating a fresh new look at the church and at Kingdom building.
How do you view the church? Is it colored by the struggles you have been through? (I've been there) Or can you see the church with a new view, a new insight, a new perspective? The church is new every morning. Each generation adds to and changes the dynamic of the ministry it shares in that moment. Take a fresh look at the church. You may find it is more amazing than you first thought.

Life's Escalators

Life is peppered with big dreams. When I was approaching 40 years of age I took stock of my life's goals. I was married to a special woman and had 3 wonderful sons. My ministry seemed to be going well and I was about to graduate with a M.Div degree (one of my goals when I turned 30 was to get a seminary degree). What was I going to do with the next decade of my life? Two of my goals were to get a Ph.D. and to be published. Well, the Ph.D. is still on hold (two sons and their college tuitions took care of that as did a year out of ministry and a distinct lack of funds). Who knows, though, maybe someday I will be able to accomplish that one. However, on Sunday night I started down a road that will lead to the fulfillment of one of those big dreams of my 30's. During a Sunday night Fellowship Dinner at the church, I took time to tell the congregation a few of the details about my Sabbatical. At the conclusion of the report I told them about giving to Church of God Ministries a book proposal and that I was going to be given the chance to become a published author. I then took out an envelope and produced a contract from Chog Ministries for me to sign. I signed on the line over the word, "Author". What a rush. I am actually going to be published!
I don't know where you are in life. Some people stop dreaming when they hit middle age. Some young people never dream and some old folks seem to have an amazing capacity to see more ahead than they have behind. All I know is that you should never give up on your dreams. Dreams are the escalators that take you to higher places. Dreams are the colors that liven up the black and white plans of our lives. Dreams are as necessary as air and as important as water to the body. They are the stuff of life. Dream on. I still have a few more dreams to dream and goals to achieve. How about you?

Curveballs and Life Lessons

Life never goes exactly the way you envision it will. Sure, there are times it goes better than you imagined and other times it goes worse than you feared ... But it rarely goes the way you expect. Frank Sinatra sings a song called, "That's Life!" and some of the lyrics reflect the idea that you can be on top one day and down in the dumps the next. His conclusion - that's life!
Well, that may be true but there is more to life than just the ups and downs, the successes and failures, the expectations and the surprises. Life is what you experience during the process of all these things. Someone has said that life is a journey not a destination. I don't know if that all falls together theologically (maybe it does) but I believe there is great truth in that. Spending time with members of my family this summer made me realize that life doesn't turn out like you expect. My brothers talked about the trials of their lives and how they had planned for their family situations to be different - but that they were making of life what they had been handed. Maria never planned for her heart problems. Susan and Doug looked forward to children. Joel never planned to live in Europe. Joanie and I never wanted to be so far away from our families. But life still goes on. It throws you curveballs. But I remember Jonathan as a high school baseball player always wanting the pitcher to throw him a curveball - he loved to hit them and he hit them well. When life tries to throw you a curveball don't wait until you have a better pitch or situation or partner or time frame - just hit the pitch and go on with your life. Life is lived in the moment not in the past or future. Live it all and live it now.

The Right to Privacy

I watched much of the John Roberts confirmation hearings and found them incredibly instructive. I sat amazed as Democrats who talked openly about the importance of a right to privacy in the Constitution did everything in their power to break through the judicial demeanor of the nominee in order to invade his right to privacy. Biden, Fienstein, Kennedy, Durban, Schummer, and Leahy - all concerned about the private thinking of a man who promised to do legal thinking without trying to prejudice his views with personal issues and private thinking. He would think about the Law - that was his job and his commitment. Still, it was not enough. It was as if they were playing some kind of game that he would fall into. They would trap him by baiting him into discussing things that they said they needed - and if he talked about them he would be disqualifying himself for the very position he was nominated to fill. And if he answered in ways they didn't like, they would pounce on his answers as reasons to disqualify him.
Over the course of 30 years of ministry I have watched as people have come alongside pastors, leaders, workers in the church and sought to build confidences. They have assured them of their faithfulness as friends and assured them that they would not reveal what they know. Yet, time after time, they have used what they know (usually by putting it in a different context to make it look bad) to discredit pastors, leaders, and workers in the Kingdom. How sad. Even pastors have a right to privacy. Every Sunday the preacher stands up and tells the congregation what he/she believes, is thinking, and is contemplating. Amazingly, such candor is often the same thing that is used against him to say he is unqualified. Even leaders have a right to privacy. You can keep your counsel confidential even as you keep the information shared with you about other's lives confidential. Yet, there are some who will use anything at their disposal to try and discredit even those who volunteer their time and energy in the service of the Master.
I would confirm Judge Roberts without question. I do not pretend to understand all that is discussed by the leaders at the Senate table. I am not a lawyer or legal scholar. But I would confirm anyone who realizes that the right to privacy is not there to hide your views but to assure others that their views will not be compromised by me. God bless Judge Roberts and the honorable court on which he will serve.

Reality Check for Doers

On the way home today I spent some time on the phone with a good friend of mine named Earl Wheatley. Earl and I met in college and he has always been one of the men I most admire for their spiritual wisdom and insight. For most of the last five years we have served together in national leadership for the Church of God. Earl is a native of the Atlanta area and has spent his entire ministry in the South. He has pastored two churches. His current pastorate is in Meridian, Mississippi. His previous pastorate was in New Orleans. One church is destroyed and the other is in the last town standing in the southern part of Mississippi. "South of us is a third world country", he told me today. They are becoming a staging point for movement south into a land with no electricity, water, a/c, food, toilet facilities, or standing homes. The city of Meridian (70,000) is expecting 10,000 refuges from the southern part of the state and from New Orleans. They will be walking up Interstate 10.
"We are mostly in need of basic care packages - the kind Samaritans Purse puts out". Samaritans Purse suggests that you get an old shoebox, fill it with personal items (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, washcloth, bottled water, flashlight with extra batteries, socks, ball cap, hard candy, granola bars, etc.). We will find a way to ship this to Earl and his church in Meridian (now that power has been restored to the church they are a designated Red Cross center and a staging point to go further south to the devastated communities of Gulfport and beyond). "If you send people, remind them that can have all the expertise in the world but they have no access to power, electricity, gas or the like. People in Meridian are waiting 3 hours in line for a bag of ice".
The Church of God Campground in Louisiana has become a refuge camp. They already have nearly 60 families staying there. They have the capacity for 90 families. Church of God Ministries has already sent $3,000 to help with food. I will try and raise twice that much or more through the Churches of God in Central California. Giving to the Red Cross is a great idea and I am excited to see so many doing so. However, when some of your own are on the front lines helping to minister to the human carnage that is going on in that region, give to them directly and they will help those who need it the most - right there where they are.
I don't think I have ever been more embarrassed by our politicians than I have been the last few days. Instead of pulling together to do what needs to be done they have gone to the microphones and the airwaves to politicize and criticize. May I suggest that we all stop talking about the problem and start doing something to make a difference. That is what the church is all about, isn't it? Doing instead of just talking? Acting not just speaking? Making a difference and not just making a point? People will only be helped by those who do. Let's be doers of the Word and not just hearers.

Long Journeys

Maria is finally home from the hospital and is now beginning her period of recuperation. She has a long journey in front of her (6-12 weeks) before she can make a full recovery and begin to share in the fullness of life. Her doctors are confident of a full recovery. Her journey toward health begins today - her first full day at home.
Joel and Shafali should have arrived in Liverpool, England by now. It is a long journey (some 12-15 hours anticipated) from Chicago to Dublin, Ireland and from Dublin to Liverpool. They had purchased a new laptop computer to take with them. They could do some writing and watch some movies on their long journey.
Today, Joanie and I will begin the long journey back to California (it is about 34 hours). After 4 months on Sabbatical we will be returning home. I don't know how many days it will take, but once we are on the road, anxiousness sets in and we want to get to our destination as soon as we can. It will be a good few days to release the emotions of the last week.
Long journeys. They are full of anticipation and uncertainty. They give you time to think about what is ahead (not always a good thing, I fear). They allow you time to look around and see what surrounds you. People and friends are surrounding Maria and Jonathan; new adventures, cultures, and people will be surrounding Joel and Shafali; and miles of this great country and old friends and a great church surround Joanie and I as we go home. But in all of this and in everything we face we are surrounded by two sometimes unseen things.
Hebrews says we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone on before us. I take comfort in that. The people who have held great influence on our lives are still cheering us on from the heavenly realms. And we are surrounded by the gracious presence of the Holy Spirit. No miles can separate and no experience can drive a wedge through those who are held together by the loving will of God's Holy Spirit. So, the Long Journey begins. And, thank God, we are not alone.

Prophetic Words

Last Thursday, I wrote an entry to this bloc on the subject of "Delays". It was written 5 days before I knew anything about Maria's tests or the eventual surgery. Last Saturday night, three days after her surgery and some 9 hours after they were supposed to be married, Jonathan and I were sitting in the living room and he was on my laptop catching up on reading this bloc. He came across the following lines from that posting:

Delays. Sometimes they benefit us and sometimes they frustrate us. Life is often lived in the delays; in places where we wait; in times when we are waiting on the Lord and see our futures as being "delayed" by circumstances. I wonder if God does not work just as much through and in the delays as he does in the moving moments. Israel was delayed 40 years; Jesus public ministry was delayed 40 days; Abraham's seed was delayed for years and years; Ruth's inclusion in the Jewish family was delayed by the death of her first husband; Paul was delayed from going into Macedonia and he was delayed by the imprisonment in an Philippian Jail. If you are in a delay, watch out, God is working - more than you ever think or expect!

Jonathan read them back to me with emotion choking his voice. He said, "I didn't know you were a prophet, Dad!" Well, thanks for the thought, but I'm not. But I do believe that God prepares you for what is coming. In talking to Paul and Janet Flores, Janet told me that Paul preached the Sunday before all this happened and that the sermon he preached was exactly what he needed to face the surgery of his daughter. I firmly believe that when you do what God calls you to do he works out your life in ways that help to prepare you for the uncertain future we all have. He never leaves us unprepared for the trials of life (though we often feel we are unprepared). Maybe one of the reasons people don't talk about their faith as much as they should is because you may have to live by the words you speak. For me, that is a blessing because I know that if I have to live by what I have preached or taught or shared with others (even on a blog) is God's way of preparing my life for what is ahead. And I would much rather be prepared than caught unaware!

Storms

As Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast and Southern United States, I realize that not all the storms that arrive in life get covered on the news or by meteorologists. Tonight we spent quite a bit of time sharing with Maria and Jonathan. They have had an incredibly difficult, emotionally, and physically draining week. Yet, in the midst of it all, they are faced with life changing questions that they feel must be answered. Bills have to be paid, decisions have to be made, life has to go on.
I learned a long time ago that decisions should never be made in the heat of the moment. When crisis hits, that's the absolute, complete, and totally wrong time to be making far reaching decisions. It is at times like this that faith takes over. You must realize that, in spite of all the issues that crash into our lives, God is still in control. As a matter of fact, God is still in control even when you think He is not in control. To have faith is to believe that God is in control when the circumstances say to us that He is not in control.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) Maria should be released from the hospital. For the last 5 days she has not been in control of much of anything. She has been poked, prodded, opened up, and sewn up. She is in control of very little. Over the next 6-12 weeks she will rest and rehabilitate in order to gain some small measure of control over her body and schedule. She is having to learn the very difficult lesson of dependence and interdependence rather than self reliance.
Are we any different? I think not. Faced with storms of life we very often have little control over the things that effect us the most. Trusting God is believing that he will make us safe even when the circumstances make us unsure. Learning to lean on Jesus is sometimes very difficult for those of us who have spent a lifetime learning to lean on our own strengths and abilities. Faith, by it's very nature, has a certain kind of abandonment to it. You abandon your personal control and depend on the hand of God to work out what you are used to working out yourself. Faith is not hard - but it is impossible if we continue to lead our lives in the same human way we always do. That's why Jesus told us it didn't take much faith (only a mustard seed size worth) to make mountains move. Abandoning your will into His requires a free-fall of your present and future into an unseen hand. It is more than just a head knowledge - it requires a real heart knowledge. And that is exactly how God determined it should be.
So, blow storms blow. Katrina has done her damage. But God brings hope and life out of the midst of rubble. And, sometimes, the greatest experiences of life are the ones that started because of the storm.

The Times They Are A Changin'

Joel just left our hotel room. We are meeting together at 8am to have breakfast before he and Shafali head back to the Chicago area for their Tuesday departure for England. It was one thing to send him off to Indiana from California. It is quite another to see the two of them head off to England for a year.
Maria is out of the ICU and is in a regular room. Her color has come back and, while still very tired, her personality has returned. She is supposed to get up and walk tomorrow. She will have a day before her family leaves. Her mom will be staying to see her through the healing period that will be 6-12 weeks.
Jonathan spent the night with Maria's brothers. They will be leaving to go back to California (they live in the San Diego area) on Sunday and he won't see them again until the wedding (whenever that will happen!). He starts back to work on Monday and has his first Seminary class on Tuesday.
Joanie and I still don't know when we will be leaving. We want to wait until Maria is out of the hospital and that should be the first of the week (if everything goes well). She will be out of work for at least 6 weeks. After that, light duty only for the next 6 weeks. She has some major adjustments to make both physically and mentally. We can't be here to help her through all of that but we hope to help her with the first steps out of the hospital before we go.
I have been squeezing in Ministries Council meetings this week along with everything else. The members of the MC have been a wonderful support. In the meetings there is a sense we all feel that we are moving toward a new direction and focus. There is a renewed sense of hope in the discussions.
All I really know is the old saying, "The only thing that is consent in this life is change". Everything in Jonathan and Maria's life and future has changed. Joel and Shafali are about to live in Europe for a year and experience monumental changes in culture and society. Joanie and I are about to head back to California changed by a summer sabbatical.
No matter who you are or what you do; no matter how much you want things to stay the same; no matter how settled you are - let me assure you of this: The times, they are a changin'! You can either enjoy change or fight a losing battle against it. The choice is ours. But the change, it is a comin'. Either get on board, get to the back of the line, or stand on the tracks. No matter what you do, count on this. The times, they are a changin'!

24 Hours

As far as I can tell, Kiefer Sutherland and his hit TV Show 24 Hours have nothing on me. 24 hours ago we were planning the final details of the Wedding of Jonathan and Maria. Joanie and I were arguing over what food to serve during the rehearsal dinner and where to get it. A few minutes later we were talking to Jonathan about wedding details on the phone when he told us they had just gotten word that Maria had to go into the hospital in the morning. This gorgeous 23 yr. old nurse who loves my son with everything she is was facing a heart catheterization and a suddenly uncertain future. Joanie and I packed the car in less than an hour and made the five hour drive from Tallmadge, Ohio to Indianapolis, Indiana in 4 1/2 hours. With less than 3 hours sleep we got up and drove to the hospital for a 7:00 admittance and an 8:30 heart cath. By 10:00 the doctor had Maria's parents, Jonathan and us in a room telling us the unthinkable. She would have to have emergency heart by-pass surgery. The wedding was off and far off from our minds. It was now a race to surgery to make sure that this special young woman would not have a massive heart attack. It was so acute that the surgeons rearranged their entire surgical rotation, made an operating room available immediately, and brought in the top heart surgeon in the hospital (St. Vincent's has a national reputation as a heart center) to perform her surgery. Before noon she was under anesthesia and by 2:00 her blood was being pumped through a machine while they stopped her heart to do a double by-pass around her main artery. By 4:00 she was off the machine, her heart had been restarted successfully, and she was being prepared for closure. At 5:00 the surgeon was in the waiting room telling us of the successful surgery and how close a call it probably was. At 9:00 we were in her room talking to Maria and having her respond through the drug haze that was keeping her from feeling the pain.
24 Hours. From wedding details to fearing for her life. The Wedding is postponed until a later date. Jonathan is now looking for lodging (he has been staying with friends until the wedding) and preparing to spend the first week of school in class rather than on his honeymoon. I am now in a hotel room in Anderson exhausted from the last 24 Hours. But grateful to God for his providential care and guidance.
So, how was your day?

The Power of Prayer

Tonight, in a phone call with my son, Jonathan, we found out that his fiancee, Maria, is going to have a heart catheterization tomorrow morning. She is 23, in great health, scheduled to get married this Saturday and will be having this surgical procedure at the hospital she works at as a nurse. Immediately, Joanie and I packed up our bags and headed out from Tallmadge, Ohio to make the 5 hour drive to Maria's apartment in Indianapolis so we can be with them tomorrow at 7am for the procedure.
Our first thought was to call folks and ask for prayer. We called Fresno, Tampa, and let the folks in Tallmadge know what was going on. Tonight we have talked with folks from around the country who have heard through the grapevine of the situation. All have called to assure us of their prayers. For many years I have been the one on the other end of the phone call assuring others of my prayers and the prayers of the church. As I have understood even in those situations, it is very different on the other end of the prayer cycle. Now, once again, I am experiencing what it means to be the recipient of others prayer focus. As I write this Maria is preparing to try and get some sleep (not very probable) and preparing for a day that may change her life and her plans for the future. Through it all the thing that is sustaining her is her faith in God's loving care and the prayers of God's loving people. It sustains her, her parents, her fiancee, and Joanie and me. Thank you for praying. It means a lot.

Delays

Sorry for the delay in posting but I have been working diligently on my book. I am on Chapter 5 and have about 50 or so pages typed. But putting so much time in on the book has limited my postings on the blog.
Joel and Shafali (My youngest son and his wife of 3 weeks) left from Tampa today to try and make a whirlwind trip from Orlando to Chicago, change air carriers and go from Chicago to San Jose, get picked up, drive 3 hours to Fresno and spend a few days at home visiting friends. Unfortunately they got delayed in Pittsburgh. They never made their flight to Chicago but Delta, the second carrier came through big time and they ended up going from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati to LA to Fresno (the Cincinnati to LA flight they were bumped up to first class) and are sleeping at the house in Fresno tonight. Hmmmm. Some delays work out well.
Since I took Joel and Shafali from Tampa to Orlando to catch their flight (we left at 5am and I got back to Tampa at 8am and had slept about 2 hours) we delayed our departure until the afternoon. We got off late but are in Charlotte, N.C. tonight and, hopefully, will make it into West Middlesex, Pa. Tomorrow afternoon. We don't want to be delayed in our desire to attend the National Association Campmeeting. Driving during the night prevented us from having traffic and work area delays - we made good time.
Delays. Sometimes they benefit us and sometimes they frustrate us. Life is often lived in the delays; in places where we wait; in times when we are waiting on the Lord and see our futures as being "delayed" by circumstances. I wonder if God does not work just as much through and in the delays as he does in the moving moments. Israel was delayed 40 years; Jesus public ministry was delayed 40 days; Abraham's seed was delayed for years and years; Ruth's inclusion in the Jewish family was delayed by the death of her first husband; Paul was delayed from going into Macedonia and he was delayed by the imprisonment in an Philippian Jail.
If you are in a delay, watch out, God is working - more than you ever think or expect!

Priorities

I went to the library to work on the book yesterday and was going great guns when the library started to fill up with teenagers who were coming in after school. Surrounded by young high school kids, they began to do what young kids do - talk and carry on. Now, I was much more interested in finishing what I was writing and concentrating on the creative act. They were much more interested in one another and the creative interaction that goes on between carefree young people. Who was right?
I sat and watched them for a while. They were happy, full of themselves, and were doing the one priority that was most important to them - relating to one another. I listened as the volume in the library increased as others, mostly adults, who had been talking quietly, increased the volume in order to continue their conversations. The librarian came over and tried to get the kids to calm it down, but to little success. I guess you could say they were in the wrong because it was a library and they were supposed to be quiet. There was a part of me that felt that way. But there was also a part of me that was happy they were in the library and at least one of them was doing some homework.
Ah, priorities. Most of the conflicts in the church (and in life) come from differing priorities. One person believes fervently that this issue is the most important issue in the life of the church. Others have differing opinions. People look at the pastor and point out what he is not doing (or what is not happening in the life of the church) and they say he isn't doing the job. Meanwhile he is working hard but with differing priorities. Who is right?
I'm not sure that's the right question. Unity in the church is based on several things. Neither of which is that we have the exact same priorities. As a matter of fact, the Body is made of people gifted by God with differing priorities - they are called spiritual gifts. Unity is based on the fact that we all do our part to accomplish God's priorities and not just complain that others aren't doing what we think is the most important priority. Our differing priorities are not bones of contention, they are building blocks of God's vision for the church. So, let's all do our part to help accomplish what needs to be done. If you see something that is important and not being done, do it - don't complain about it not getting done. If you see something happening, join in and make it work.
Ultimately, I got written what I needed to write and the kids got done what they needed to do. The library still is standing, the world is still revolving around the sun. I must always keep in mind that what others have as a priority may not be my priority - and that's OK.

To Whom Should We Listen

I am astounded by those who are listened to in our society today. We seem to revel in the information that is expressed by people who, beyond a singular talent or ability, would never be listened to at all. Let me give you a few examples.
Tonight, MSNBC has a program where Rita Cosby will have an in-depth interview with Amber Frye. You remember Amber Frye, don't you? She is the "girlfriend" of convicted murderer Scott Peterson. Let's see now...The reason we listen to her is? Because she was duped by a guy who was a world class liar? She found out about who he was a turned the guy in? She is a former stripper? No offense, Amber, but why should we continue to listen to you? The trial is over. You have nothing more to tell us. But we continue to be fascinated by you.
Here's another. Tom Cruise. Why should we listen to Tom? Because he has been married and divorced twice and is about to get married for a third time? Because he has become a spokeperson for a cult group called Scientology? Because he can't act (OK, maybe he can act a little)? Because he is rich? Good looking? No offense, Tom, but you are so out of the mainstream of human life on this planet that you have nothing to say to those of us who live normal lives.
The Media. Why do we listen to these guys? They have had hour long programs all over the cable channels talking about the death of Peter Jennings. He has been treated as though he formed world opinion and changed people's lives. He has been eulogized because he was a newspaper man, journalist, and anchor man. Hmmm. Married and divorced four times. He spent most of his life outside the U.S. He was terribly hard to work for by all accounts of those who have been eulogizing him. Forming world opinion? Maybe, but I doubt he had near the affect that his colleagues think he did.
Any Sports Figure. Take your pick. Gary Sheffield (nobody would pay any attention to this guy if he couldn't hit a baseball - and that affects us how?), Rafeal Plamiero (he had one chance to make a statement and change lives in front of congress and he lied), Kenny Rogers (all he did was physically accost a couple of cameramen - he should be in jail not on the front page). Barry Bonds, Terrell Owens, Ricky Williams (please), and a host of others. If you want to listen to a sports figure, try Jim Kelly who lost his son, Hunter, to a debilitating disease this week and has worked tirelessly for the disabled; Lance Armstrong because he defeated cancer and is affecting people's lives with his story and his courage (I know, he has been married, divorced and is dating Cheryl Crow but I will give him a break-he's earned it); Dan Marino, voted into the Football Hall of Fame this week who is a terrific Dad and has helped to build a Children's Hospital and who, through his Foundation and charitable fund raising, has donated more than 4,000,000 to this cause (the Marino's have a special needs child).
To whom do you listen? Movie stars and rock stars have little to contribute. Politicians and Interest Group representatives rarely tell the truth - they only try to represent their point of view without regards to the truth. Even preachers have their own agenda and cannot always be the source of truth they claim to be. So, to whom do you listen?
When I go into the pulpit I read from the NIV version of the Bible. During this Sabbatical I have heard pastor's use a variety of versions. I think I will stick with the NIV. Largely because it is a translation done by a group of scholars. This group checked themselves and their conclusions against a variety of research, scholarship, and thought. And that leads to a better, more rounded understanding of how to translate the scriptures. I think that is good advice. Listen to more than one voice. Certainly, we must listen to the voice of God. But how does the Holy Spirit speak? He speaks through the Word, prayer, preachers and teachers, problems and pain, understanding and confusion. He speaks in a variety of ways through a variety of voices. And that's the way it's supposed to be. Don't listen to a single voice (even your own). God has given us the ability to hear from Him through many different avenues. Choose them wisely. There are always voices wanting to get our attention. I John 4:1 says, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." Wise advice. To Whom Do You Listen?

What is Anger?

Let's talk about something we don't talk about all the time. Let's talk about anger. First of all, anger is an emotion and, by nature, has neither a positive or negative connotation. What you do with your anger makes all the difference. Paul admonished us to "be angry but sin not" - recognizing that anger is all about how you use it or don't use it that creates our impression of it. Jesus got angry in the Temple. God has gotten angry. So did Moses, David, Peter, Paul, etc. So, what is anger anyway?
Anger is what happens when the communication connection is broken. This can happen intentionally or unintentionally. Once communication is broken, anger results from the conclusions one makes absent any direct understanding. For instance, a husband gets angry at his wife because she forgets their anniversary. Absent of any direct understanding of the reasons why, she begins to assume that he doesn't really care about the relationship or, even worse, about her. Feelings of anger get mixed with hurt feelings and they grow exponentially to the point where she doubts the security of their love and marriage. By the time the husband gets home he gets a full blast of her anger and is back tracking on his heels until he can try and patch up the problem.
Anger is also what happens when we are faced with an injustice. The World Trade Center, children being molested and killed by sexual predators, the murder of a pregnant woman by her husband and the body of the woman and baby dumped into the Bay, the degradation of a person of color by someone who is white just because they are of color...These are things which create in us a sense of anger created by an injustice.
How do we deal with our anger? Here is the key question. In order for our anger to be assuaged we must learn how to communicate what we feel without creating the same kind of destruction, injustice, or disrespect that caused us to be angry in the first place. While there is a place for "an eye for an eye" that place is not in anger. To respond in anger to someone who is angry with you or at you does not solve the dilemma. Again, we must communicate rather than hold our emotions inside and allow them to blow up in a rage.
I just listened to a program about Jackie Robinson, the great Brooklyn Dodger baseball player, who endured the prejudice of a nation and won them over. In order to accomplish that goal he had to hold his anger and find constructive ways of responding to it (usually this was in the form of beating the other team and gaining a certain amount of revenge against their anger towards him).
Our problem with anger is not expressing it but it is in how we receive it from others. We hurl it back at others rather than deflecting it away from us. At Joel and Shafali's reception, a woman from the VFW came into the hall as we were cleaning up and began berating us for taking down the flags and plaques that had been on the wall. We tried to tell her that we had permission from the VFW to do what we had done. She was unable or unwilling to hear that and continued to ply us with her anger over our "disrespect". She returned three different times to express her anger. Each time it became more and more pointed. She spent some time in the hallway weeping over what we had done. While I'm sure the alcohol she had consumed was, at least, partially responsible for her emotional state, I was fascinated to see how all those who were there (mostly the Klecka family - Shafali's mother, brothers and relatives) handled themselves. They did not lash out at her but tried to diffuse the situation. After the woman had left the hall, I went over into the bar and tried to make sure that those who were the patrons of the VFW knew that we had not done anything out of disrespect. They were grateful for the sentiment and apologized for her attitude. I wonder if they would have done that if we had berated the woman when she spewed her anger at us? I think not. Everyone gets angry. How you handle it can make all the difference in the world.

Unimaginable Anguish

I have been reacting to the story of Susan Torres and her family. This 26 year old mother of a 2 year old has been in the midst of an extraordinary battle between life and death. She contracted cancer some months ago. This aggressive form of melanoma struck her brain and she suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. In the normal course of things she would have died as a result of the hemorrhage - a condition that left her brain dead. One factor complicated this situation and caused her to become national news. She was pregnant at the time of her hemorrhage. Her husband was faced with the most agonizing of decisions. He chose to quit his job, sit by her side in the hospital room for the last months, and await the time when the baby might be born alive and healthy. This week, with her body functions decreasing rapidly, doctors delivered the 1lb. 13 oz. Infant by caesarian section. The infant (named Susan after her mother) is only 32 weeks old (full term is 40 weeks) and has a 25% chance of contracting the cancer that killed her mother. According to reports, people from around the world have responded by donating $400,000 for medical bills incurred by the family during this tragic time.
Amazingly there has been no outcry. She was given last rites by the Catholic Church just prior to life support being removed. Her parents did not sue nor did her husband take them to court. No media attention was focused on the feud between families because there was none. No lawyers went in front of the news cameras to explain their legal position. The governor of Virginia was not called into the situation and the U.S. Congress passed no legislation aimed at keeping her or the baby alive. How different from the Terry Schiavo case. And I've been wondering why?
Is it because a baby is worth more than a brain damaged adult? Is it because being in a persistent vegetative state has less value than being pregnant in a brain damaged state? Is it because the end justifies the means? Is it because there is life at the end of this rather than just death? Is it because we don't know what to do with the medical knowledge we have when it comes to the ethical questions about life and death? Or, is it because families come together at times of great stress and anguish and make horrendous decisions together rather than get into a public spat about what should be a private matter?
When my parents died my two brothers and I sat down at our parents home and decided how to divide the contents of the home. There was no arguing or complaining. In sadness we sat down as brother and as a family and took whatever we really wanted as a keepsake and divided the rest by lot (sounds like the second chapter of Acts, doesn't it?). That's what families do. When the tough times come, they learn how to come together rather than finding ways to split apart. I cannot imagine what it took for Susan's husband, Jason, must have gone through to decide what and how to do. But he did it with his family in support and lending him whatever comfort or help they could. I know this because there was no spat, no fighting, no arguing. Just a couple of grandparents caring for the 2 yr. old (Peter) while his Dad sat next to his Mom waiting for the unimaginable day when his brother would be born and his mother would die.
I don't know what little Susan will grow up to be but I do know she has a chance to become who and what God intended her to be because the family has given her that chance. No lawyers, reporters, judges or politicians. Just her family. And that's the way it should be. Amen.

When The Foundation Cracks

Our visit to Ground Zero was a very moving experience. Seeing this 20 acre scar in the ground and reliving the pictures from TV in your mind as you stand there is incredible. One of the oddities of Ground Zero today is the building that is dark on the left of the picture. This is the Duetch Bank Building. It survived the carnage of September 11. Like most of the buildings that surrounded the Plaza, all the windows in the building were blown out. But the building survived. At least, it is still standing. Survival might be too strong a word.
It seems that the upper floors of the building survived without any significant damage. However, the lower floors were damaged significantly by the towers falling and the intense heat of the fires that raged on following the collapse. While the upper floors can still be used, the lower floors cannot. And, of course, when your foundation is cracked, the building is not safe. The reason the building is wrapped with black material is that real point of the story. You see, one of the major pieces of transportation in NYC is the subway system. The World Trade Center actually had two stops underneath the buildings. It took months and months to get the subway system up and running from Uptown to Downtown. It was a vital link in the way people get around in a city that has millions of people trying to get around a very small island. The picture at the right is the subway exit at the observation area for Ground Zero. You can see how many people line the streets (and if you can see well, the streets are full of cars). The problem for the Bank Building is that if you implode it, the subway underneath will be damaged and you will have the same issues as you did when the Twin Towers came down. So, what do you do?
Well, the demolition artists are not going to destroy the building and bring it down in a heap. Instead, they are dismantling the building piece by piece. Starting with the top floors (the undamaged, stable floors) they are carefully taking down the whole building. It will take them months and months to do it. But it will save the city untold problems in the long run. Imagine, dismantling a perfectly good top half of a building just because the bottom floors are fragile and the subway goes underneath!
Too many people (including many who go to church) are living lives built like the Duetch Bank Building. It's not just that their foundations are cracked, it's that they have built successful lives on cracked foundations. To look at the their lives, they look to be healthy from all appearances. But down below, in the heart and soul, the building is unsteady and will, eventually, have to come down. The danger lies in how it comes down. When someone turns their lives completely over to Jesus Christ (not just the upper floors but the whole building) God will tear down the old structure and rebuild it on a lasting foundation. Often, he is able to preserve the good parts of your life and place them back into your new life. Not all is lost when the Grace of God recreates your soul. However, if you allow your life to come crashing down it will not be just your life that will come down but all those others who pass underneath your life, like the subway under the Duetch Bank Building, that will be affected by your fall. Your life affects so many other lives. How you live it makes all the difference. And how you build - and who builds it - will determine whether it will last or crash down on your family, job, friends, and church. Jesus said in Matthew 6:47-49:
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

Living Out of a Suitcase

OK, I confess. I have finally grown tired of living out of a suitcase. I have grown weary of packing and repacking the trunk. My hanging clothes in the back seat look like rejects from the dry cleaners and I have stuff in bags that I cannot find. The vagabond life is fun but there has to be a better way to handle all the "stuff" that you have and that you accumulate during 3 months on the road. When we get to Florida (probably on Saturday night) it will be good to unpack everything and organize it better than it is. This has been the longest stint with everything still in the car (or at least major portions of it) during the Sabbatical. Ah, if only the van hadn't been in such bad shape. It would have made the traveling portion much easier!
I have learned how to get along with much less than what I do at home. It is amazing how much stuff we have that we really don't need. I have managed to get along without all the extras that seem to crowd our lives. Maybe there is something to this simpler lifestyle idea after all. It is good not to be in the "rat race" to accumulate more stuff.
What can you do without? What has become too necessary to you? If you stepped back, what could you live just fine without? Jesus managed 3 years without a t.v., computer, car, wardrobe, living room furniture, and deodorant. Maybe the simpler life will make our lives, well, simpler to manage, live, and enjoy. Think about it.

Growing Up

Everyone wants to grow up when they are little. Just ask a child how old they are and they will increase their age by 1/4, 1/2, or "almost". When you are being treated as a child you want to be seen as an adult. At my Uncle Warren's funeral I mentioned all the times Susan (Warren and Margi's daughter) and I would have to sit at the "children's table" because their wasn't enough room at the "adult's table". Every teenager wants to be an adult and, more importantly, be treated as an adult. However, growing up is hard to do.
Both my boys are going through the joys and pains of becoming an adult. Joel is dealing with visas, loans, foreign currency and going overseas. Jonathan is dealing with blown head caskets (Sorry Doug, but the car motor is now shot and will be taken to be sold for parts), new motors, paying for classes, and setting up a new apartment in Indianapolis. In addition, both are having to do all the preparations for a wedding (Joel's is passed but...) and the joys of transitioning between being single and married. And neither of them has enough money to do any of the things they are preparing to do. Do you ever have enough money to do the things you are preparing to do? I think not.
No matter how you slice it, growing up is hard to do. As a father my natural instinct is to jump in and try and save the both of them. That is neither wise nor feasible. Everyone has to face these trials. They never come easy when you are the adult and have to make the final decision. Everyone may wish to be an adult, but there are some times it is just plain tough to grow up. I thank God that I am an adult and have gone through these trials. I sure wouldn't want to go through them again. Now I get to revert back to my childhood. I think I'll go play some games on the computer. Ha! Take that adulthood!

Being Refreshed

After a week of intense activity surrounding Joel's wedding, Joanie and I spent a day doing, well, nothing-just getting refreshed. There is a great deal that goes on when you do "nothing". For instance, today I got up around 9:00 or so. That meant that I got about 7 or 8 hours of sleep (we went out last night and ate a late dinner and caught an even later movie - one that ended around midnight). After getting less than 4 hours sleep the previous two nights and then driving 5 hours + to get back to Indiana, I was very tired. So, after checking emails and doing some reading and basic work on the computer, I took a nap. Is there anything more refreshing than a nap? What a joy. Don't tell me that doing "nothing" is not enjoyable!
After getting up from my nap I read about fantasy football. Ah, what a joy. It's almost football season. Players are reporting to summer camp. Preseason games are on the horizon. And the Fantasy Football Draft in fast approaching (If any of the folks who play Fantasy Football are reading, Draft Day is planned for Labor Day Monday). Fantasy Football has become a wonderful diversion from the hustle and bustle of ministry over the years. It may seem like nothing to read about football, but it refreshes me.
Doing nothing is what rejuvenate the body - we call it sleep. It refreshes the soul. As a matter of fact, the body requires what is called REM sleep. Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is the deepest part of sleep that we enter just prior to waking up. While sleeping (i.e. "Doing nothing") our bodies are active and are refreshed by doing REM sleep. It seems that "doing nothing" is really doing something. Today, Joanie's Dad spent the day in bed. He wasn't feeling well. He had a cough, sore throat, and the general "blahs". Said he took a nap and got some extra rest. When we saw him this afternoon, we asked him if he was feeling better after his nap. He said he was. We didn't asked if he enjoyed "doing nothing". We knew that rest is not really doing nothing. It is providing health to body, soul and mind. It's not that taking a Sabbatical is doing nothing. It's just that doing "nothing" helps refresh the soul. It's kind of like taking a nap. You wake up refreshed and ready to go. I feel like I am waking up from a long nap. I have begun to feel refreshed. I feel like I am about ready to go.

Transitions

I cannot begin to tell what this week has been like. My youngest son is married and off on his honeymoon and I am writing this blog from the apartment that Jonathan and Maria have rented for themselves once they get married on August 27th. Jonathan made the comment tonight at dinner that he is now the only Frymire unmarried! Five weeks and that will no longer be true.

Joel's wedding was a wonderful day. In spite of raindrops and thunderstorms, power outages and misplaced jewelry, nervous brides and strange VFW women, the wedding and reception went off without a hitch. Mark and Debbie Klecka are wonderful people who have raised an incredible daughter who is now my daughter-in-law. They have marvelous children at home that were incredibly impressive with their politeness, gentle spirits and gracious hospitality. We were blessed to stay with them and receive their friendship and fellowship.

Imagine, my baby boy is now married. He was so impressive during the ceremony. Strong vows said with incredible conviction; mammoth tears as his Grandfather talked of having a great cloud of witnesses that look upon us (Hebrews 11) and that the crowd now included his Grandmother; joyous laughter as he received from Micah a stone from Fresno - taken from just outside the classroom where they first met more than a decade ago. Under enormous pressure to plan a wedding, finish the last of his undergraduate classes, apply for loans and visas to go to England, and pack up a house and move it to Illinois for storage, Joel was the consummate gentleman and sweet soul. He is married. What God has ordained has now come to pass. And one of my commitments to God has been completed.

When my sons were young (we didn't quite have the chance to do this with Doug) I made a commitment to God. I promised God that I would raise them to the best of my ability; that I would teach them about God and try and give them a good Christian example that would influence them for Christ (I said that very thing at both their dedications); I committed my resources to their education and fulfilled a commitment started by my father to pay for their college tuition (we still have a few payments left - any donations are always appreciated!); and to prepare them to be men who would honor their mother and learn how to treat their wives. This commitment is now complete with Joel and in 5 weeks will be fulfilled with Jonathan. God has been faithful. He has honored my vow. He has blessed my family. I am grateful to serve a God who can do such things. Amen and amen.

Courage

We often misuse the word courage. We apply it in sports events or public life. We deem people courageous for telling the truth or undergoing public or newspaper scrutiny. Courage has become a catchword for doing the right thing. I can't help but wonder if doing the right thing should be a matter of conviction and belief rather than a matter of courage. Courage is something quite different, I think.
Courage is taking your convictions and beliefs and being willing to put everything you have on the line for them. We met some friends of ours back in May at a movie theater (The Simpson's). They were getting ready to go to Romania to become missionaries. They have been lay leaders in their congregation. Now, they are putting everything they have and are on the line. I listened to one of the presentations at Campmeeting this year. It was a recognition of missionaries Stan and Marion Hoffman. They have spent their lives in Africa sharing the gospel with thousands and tens of thousands. They have been in the midst of civil war and been surrounded by revolutionaries with guns pointed at them. They have not only survived countless attacks but have flourished in their ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit. They have returned to the North America but have left their children and grandchildren behind to carry on the work of the Lord. Their book, "Amid Perils Often" is a powerful story of courage and faith.
As I stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg I looked out over an area that held 175,000 men who fought against one another. Most fought for ideals, beliefs, convictions. These convictions were so powerful that they raced at each other with abandon and sacrificed their lives for the cause. The picture at the right is a picture of one corner of The Wheatfield at Gettysburg. It is the area in the distance that has yellow flowers blooming across it. It was written that you could walk across The Wheatfield at the end of the battle and never touch the ground, because there were so many dead bodies lying there. The other picture is Joanie standing at the top of the ridge that made up the left flank of the Union army on Little Round Top. Confederate soldiers stormed this spot coming from the trees that are behind her in a failed attempt to come up the ridge and secure the high ground for the South. At the height of the battle, the Union soldiers holding this position, led by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, were out of ammunition. The Alabama regiments of General Longstreets Corps were about to charge again. Chamberlain ordered his men, the 20th Maine, to fix bayonets and charge down the hill. In a feat of courage seldom matched in a battle filled with courageous moments, the men charged down the hill, sacrificing life and limb, and turned the tide. The Union won the day. What courage! Not fake courage or supposed courage. Real courage. Like the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, they put their lives on the line for what they believed. That is courage. Let us not misuse the word.

A Week Like No Other

This will be a week like no other in our lives as parents. This week our youngest son will be married. It seems hard to believe. I remember that we brought him home from the birthing center just hours after he was born. How long ago was that? Last week? Two weeks ago? Where have the years gone?
I know exactly where they have gone. They have gone into countless books we have read together. To games and plays that I attended just to watch with pride the grand development of a brilliant and gentle young man. The years were spent visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Tampa; in countless trips to Anderson for Campmeeting and college; playing police officers in my office in Florida; times spent in the basement in New Albany; years spent around the table in Fresno playing games; and one glorious Saturday morning eating breakfast with a hundred other Boosters and knowing that all my sons where there and Boosters together.
I know exactly where they went. They have gone into trips back and forth to school and off to practices and rehearsals; in times at McDonald's and happy meals played with; in collecting comic books and X-Box games; reading in the car; decorating Christmas Trees; cooking together in the kitchen; in the joy of watching his face on Christmas morning for, even today, he has never lost the joy of Christmas in his heart.
I know exactly where they went. They were spent in all night vigils in the hospital; in gathering around the bed as Grandma "slipped the surly bonds of earth"; in tears of pain and hugs of healing; in Graduation celebrations and Red Barn plays; in Byrum Hall glory and Chorale magnificence; in kisses that chase away the darkness and bind us with a love no distance can break; in moving from buzz cuts to fades and from glasses to contacts; in one last trip together to Illinois with a truck full of what you own as you store it away and get ready for your life ahead with Shafali.
I know exactly where they went. They went into all the dinners I bought for the mountain of friendships he made over the years. They went to meeting countless friends he has made in his life. They went to all the times he made me laugh with joy at his improv troupe or his comedic acting. They went into the dedication service when he was but a baby and I placed him into the arms of God. They went into communion shared, baptism witness, prayers at the altar, and worshiping the Lord together.
I know exactly where they went. I just wish I could do them all over again. Except, I know the years ahead will forge just as many memories as the ones behind. And if I have to choose I choose the future. For there is no limit to what God can do with a young man whose heart is yielded to God and whose spirit is touched by His hand. Wherever the years have gone, God has given more ahead. God bless you, Joel. If you and Shafali have half the blessings in your life that you Mother and I have experienced in raising you, then your life will be full and filled with the kind of joy that one can only hope for. I love you, son. Have a great week.

Love forever,

Dad

Activity and Rest

If the purpose of a Sabbatical is to rest and be renewed, then I think I can call this Sabbatical an unqualified success. We had a wonderful week with my brother Toby (at right) and his wife Linda. In the course of things, I got to spend some significant time with my other brother Scott (at left) and his three children. And for the first time in several decades I got to see my brother Toby's three grown children. What a joy! We ate well, slept late, saw and experienced much, reminisced for hours and days, saw other members of the family, and enjoyed it all. Just a few glimpses:

• We went to the Constitution Center in Philadelphia and saw a wonderful presentation about the Constitution. We spent hours looking around the exhibit hall seeing and reading about the history of the Constitutional Convention and the history of the Constitution itself. The picture at the left is the only place in the Constitution Exhibit Hall where taking pictures is allowed. It is in a room with life size bronze statues of the signers of the Constitutional Convention were displayed. Joanie and I got ours with the president of the Convention - Guess Who? That's right, George Washington. His 6'4" stature easily outdistanced himself from everyone else in the room. We could have spent many hours going through the hall. We tried to go and see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but the lines were too long and we had already seen them on previous trips when we lived in Pennsylvania. We did get a few shots of Independence Hall, however.
• A Phillies Game with fireworks going off directly over our heads (even the paper casings were falling on our heads - it was amazing), Dinner with the whole family (we wished our boys could have been there but Toby, Linda and Scott are coming to Jonathan's wedding in August) at the place where Toby and Linda met 25 years ago, visits with family members, my Uncle Warren's funeral, a visit to the cemetary where my parents and grandparents are buried, and a look at the Atlantic Ocean (in the background above - my cousin lives on the beach block in Ventnor, N.J.) made for a full week. And, oh yeah, several Philly Cheestakes were consumed!
• Tomorrow I get to preach for Doug in his church here in Talmadge, Ohio. He is doing a great work here. He and Susan (a fine preacher in her own right!) have been here for nearly 15 years and have made great relationships and have a great impact on the church and community. I am so very proud of the two of them. They are both amazing people. What an honor to have them as part of our family.
• The boys are preparing for the big week next week. Joel is still taking classes at Anderson, packing up all his belongings for storage for a year, planning all the last minute details that are part of a wedding ceremony, and generally going crazy with everything he has to do. Jonathan isn't far behind. A fender bender yesterday (with Maria and her mother in the car) has not made things smooth for him. He continues to search for a job that will enable him to go to Seminary and work full time. Pray for him as he plans his wedding, a new apartment, and all the preparations for life without Joel and with Maria. Times do change.
• We are nearing the 3/4 way of our Sabbatical. While I have enjoyed the rest and relaxation involved, I am starting to get antsy to return to work. I will use August to get back in the swing of things as we prepare to head back to California the day after Jonathan and Maria's wedding.

A Tribute

My Uncle Warren passed away last night. He is the last surviving member of my father's immediate family. He was the youngest of four children that included my father and his two sisters. Over the years, Uncle Warren lived the closest (just a few hours away in Ventnor near Atlantic City) and we spent more time together than with any other member of the family. He had an infectious laugh and a sensitive disposition. He loved me, kissed me every time I saw him, and encouraged me. When I went to the hospital to see him on Thursday he cried when he saw me and cried when I left. I loved my Uncle Warren.
On Tuesday we will gather for his funeral. His pastor is out of the country and won't be back for several weeks (he's in Iceland) so I will be conducting my Uncle's funeral. Just two months ago, when we started our Sabbatical, Joanie's Uncle Ray died suddenly and we attended the funeral. It certainly has been providential for us to be near our families while they have gone through the loss of a loved one.
I am again struck by the fragileness of life. I left the hospital knowing it would probably be the last time I ever saw Uncle Warren. But I had no idea he would be dead in less than 2 days. He lived 83 years - a good, long life. But death always comes too early. So, maybe we should live our days with joy and fullness. They are, as the Psalmist says, but a few short years and then they are gone.
God bless you, Uncle Warren. Rest in peace and enjoy your reward. Amen.

The World Wind Tour Continues

We barely caught our breath from being in NYC and then down at the Jersey Shore (to visit my 83 year old uncle who is hospitalized), when we took off today for the historic district in downtown Philadelphia. What an incredible area. We saw Independence Hall, Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's gravesite, visited a Quaker Meeting House, and viewed the Constitutional Museum - what a fantastic day! To top it all off we had a Philly CheeseSteak and will be going to a Phillies Game tonight. Tomorrow it's a dinner with both my brother's and their families. For those of you who read this and have your family living in the same city or nearby you, I am jealous. This is the first time I have seen my brothers in five years and only the second time we have been together in the last 10-15 years. I haven't seen my brother Toby's children since they were young - and all three of them are now graduated from college and into their careers. If you live close to your family, count your blessings. I know it can be hard to divide up your time and holidays going to and from family, but if you are in my shoes, you learn to appreciate the joy of being together. I am glad to have had this time to spend a week with my family. It has been so long. Enjoy your family. Give them a hug and a kiss the next time you see them and enjoy the moments. They may not always be there.

Subways and Big Cities

By now the tragedy of the bombings in London have been all over the news. Hundreds and thousands of lives changed in the midst of doing nothing more than going about their daily routines. Innocent people caught up in the deadly ranting of fanatics. How could it not remind me of the tragic events of 911. This picture was one I took last night as a lark to be able to show folks that the subway in NY is still active and packed even at 11:00 at night. I could not have imagined how eerie a sight it would be to realize that Joanie and I had been in a subway only hours before the bombings in London took place. We live in a dangerous world - a fragile world. Our only real hope is in the life that is to come rather than the life that is now. Tragedy does not strike eternity. That's why the Book of Revelation says that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. The fragility and temporariness of this life will not go with us into the next. There we get to experience the fullness of God - and nothing can break the power of God in his fullness. Amen.

Visit to Ground Zero

It's very late and we just got back from NYC. What an incredible adventure. This is a picture from Ground Zero. You may recognize the cross from pictures in the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center. It was moving and emotional to be there. I will write some more about our trips to Gettysburg and NYC later. Tomorrow Joanie and I are going to Atlantic City. My Uncle Warren, who is nearing 90, has been hospitalized and it may be the last chance we get to see him.

Off to the Big Apple

We are off to New York City today. Joanie and I hope to spend part of the day at Ground Zero. We are going over to Trenton, N.J. and pick up the train that will take us into Penn Station. From there we hope to go to Times Square and see if we can pick up tickets for a Broadway Show matinee this afternoon (Joel suggested "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"). Joanie and I have spent some time in the City before on vacation years ago, and it is quite an experience. Nothing like the Big Apple. We will let you know how it goes.

At Gettysburg #1

What an incredible weekend we had in Gettysburg. For the better part of three days Joanie and I got to spend anywhere from 4-10 hours each day on the Gettysburg battlefield. It was incredible. I took some pictures and will use them to discuss our trip and the meaning of the things we saw.

Here I am at the one spot I most wanted to go. It is the marker for the 20th Maine and locates the spot where my hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, held the ground on the far left flank of the Union position on top of Little Round Top. Without his courage and the courage of his men, the fate of the Battle and, indeed, of the Civil War would have been vastly different. I was weeping as Joanie took the shot. It was quite moving.

All I could think of was the fact that I have a debt of gratitude to all those, living and dead, who have paved the way for me and my family to live the kind of life we live. How fortunate I am to live in nation where people didn't just talk about what they believed or compromised what they believed but who fought and died for what they believed. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courage and actions. I stand on his shoulders today whenever I preach, speak freely, live in liberty, teach equality, and drive across state lines without incident or problems or fear. How great it is to live and die free.

Onward Christian Soldiers

In a very emotional moment, the General Assembly of the Church of God took time today to honor those ministers of this Movement who have died over the previous year. Men like Rollo Swisher and Clarence Roper, both of whom served in the same District in Central Cal that I now serve in; Howard Kernutt who I will miss seeing at the Senior Adult Retreat in 3 Rivers; Ray Cheeks with whom I served for four years on the Ministry Council and who died suddenly without warning after a church service; friends and mentors of mine like Wayne Stout and Bob Boyette. I keep noticing how many more of these names and faces I recognize over the years. Even one of my classmates from Anderson College was among the names of those who had died (Jim Fearnow). As each name was called a picture of the minister was flashed on the screen with the years of ministry emblazon on the picture and the widow or family member would come forward carrying a white rose with the name of their departed family member on it. At the front of the auditorium were a large group of young people (emerging leaders) - young men and women who feel a call from God to serve Him with their lives. They were carrying red roses with either their name on it or one of the emerging leaders across the nation who have indicated at a recent Youth Convention that they feel a call to ministry. The two would exchange roses and hugs. It was very emotional as we honored those who were now gone from the scene by celebrating those who are being called onto the scene. Following the service, two booklets were handed out. One with the pictures and names of the deceased ministers. The other booklet had the names of emerging leaders - those whose names were on the red roses. Those widows and family members will be praying for them. By the way, the emerging leaders list included Lacey Marshall, Rebekah Filer, and Karrah Sentman (all of whom I pastor). Kevin Stiffler, my former Youth Pastor and friend was on there as was Keah Kendall from Exeter and Corey Stocksdale, whom I pastored in New Albany. The ministry of Jesus Christ moves on from generation to generation. As long as we are faithful to share the Gospel, God will be faithful to use us to reach the next generation. What better way to honor those who have gone on to heaven!

In an Instant

We were on our way to IHOP for a late night snack after the evening service at Campmeeting. Sitting at the traffic light in front of Wal Mart, we were discussing the events of the day when all of a sudden the horrific sound of crashing metal shook all three of us in the car. It seems that as a car was moving across the highway at the traffic light on the way to Wal Mart, another car, coming the opposite way from us on the divided highway, never stopped for the light and went plowing into the unsuspecting car. No screeching breaks. These two cars just crashed into each other at a high rate of speed and ended up piled and crushed together at the front bumper of a truck that was just sitting at the light. Both cars had young children in them. One car had two kids under 5 in the back seat. The other had two children, one under 5 and the other about 10 years of age. In the truck was a mother with her very pregnant daughter. The two cars appeared to be totaled. The children were distraught but not seriously hurt (thank God for car seats that held them all and kept them strapped in). The adults seemed more dazed than physically injured. The police and ambulance workers were on the scene immediately. Joanie and I stayed briefly to provide any help necessary and left when the professionals got on the scene.
All I could think about was how life can change in an instant. This is a fragile existence we lead. You can't live in a bubble and you can't control some things that come crashing in on you. Life can change in an instant. Not just for the negative, but the gospel clearly states that life can change for the good in an instant, as well. The receiving of Jesus Christ as savior can change people's hearts, minds, habits, future, and present. It can change a person over night; in a flash; in the twinkling of an eye; in an instant. If your life is in need of change, remember: Jesus Christ is in the change business. You need not way for an accident to come crashing in to change your life. You can kneel and feel the love that has changed the world and can change your life...in an instant!

Random Shots of the Speedway

Gasoline Alley and the Track

Here we are on a bus. Not an exciting shot except the bus takes you out on the track and you get to see the 500 from the drivers point of view

The Brickyard

Yes, this is why they call the Indianapolis Speedway the "Brickyard". Originally the whole track was made of bricks. Now this one foot section next to the finish line is all that remains.

Caught in the Act

Hmmmm. Sharron shopping. How unusual!

Louisville Skyline View

The Louisville Skyline as seen from across the river in Indiana. This was our view as we stopped at a park on the Indiana side to do some devotions as a group.

Devotions at the River

One day we spent down by the Ohio River across from Louisville and took the opportunity to divide into groups for a time of bible study and devotions. Here is Shawna and Karrah sharing and studying together.

Conner Prairie

This is the group at Conner Prairie which is a living historical museum. We visited the villages that make up Conner Prairie and span about 100 years of development. The folks in period dress only talk to you as though it is still the 19th Century.

Indianapolis 500 Museum

Here is Joel and Shawna striking the pose at the 500 Museum.

IYC Nashvill Trip Summer of 2004

These are not from this summer but from last summer. I found a few of our IYC trip to Nashville last summer. This one is Jonathan, Sharron and Karrah at the Indianapolis 500 Museum. The other is a shot of the girls as they gather outside the museum. Enjoy!

Without Traffic

We traveled through Atlanta last night. There was hardly anyone on the road. We passed construction sites without any slowing down (other than the speed limit). Of course, we were driving through Atlanta at 1:00 in the morning! What a difference from trying to do the same during the day. Bumper to bumper traffic. Slow downs at most entrance points to the highway as incoming traffic congested the already congested lanes. What took us less than an hour last night would have taken us anywhere from 1-2 hours during the day.
I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when he talked about taking the high road, the one less traveled, the road to righteousness. It is not as crowded as the one that leads to destruction. There are fewer people merging onto it from their former lives. The road of sin seems to be the "right" road because it is so heavily traveled. But after going through Atlanta at night I can assure you that it is a much nicer drive when the road is less traveled and not nearly as crowded. No road rage, no near accidents, no quickly putting on the brakes - just a smooth ride to get you to your destination.
What road have you been traveling on? If you find yourself on the road of sin you will rarely find yourself alone. You will take consolation in the fact that you are one of many. It will seem to affirm the path you are on. You may not like traffic but there is something affirming in it (Maybe that's why Eve ate the apple and wanted Adam to eat some, too. Maybe that's why Adam ate what Eve offered - sharing in sin affirms that you should be in sin). If you have not been traveling on the road of righteousness you may want to give it a try. Ask Christ to put you on His road. It's not as crowded but the destination is much better.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Another Moving Day

Well, the sabbatical is moving toward the halfway point and tomorrow represents another moving day in our vagabond existence. We will be leaving Florida for a trip back to Indiana. It has been so nice to be here. Dad and Tina are incredible hosts and we have felt like we were home, not visiting. Dad has lived in this home for over 25 years and it is the only home the boys have ever known for him. It is the place where Joanie and I intend to retire. It feels like home in so many ways. The folks here in Tampa are wonderful for us. We gathered with 5 other couples and some of their grown children to watch "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour II" the other night. It was a lot of fun. They are so generous to include us. Several of them are going on a cruise for their 50th birthday and Joanie and I are just on the north side of 50, so it is a nice group to relate to.
We will probably head north and take our time. We don't have to be in Anderson until Friday so there is no great rush. Eric and Lisa have offered their home to us at any point this summer. We have already spent several days with them and will probably do it again on the way back. It will be great to see the boys again. They are spending some significant time together this month, realizing that they will not be able to do this after they both tie the knot. Can I tell you what a joy it is to have your children love each other as much as Doug, Jonathan and Joel all do. I am so blessed.
I talked to folks at Fresno yesterday and today. I heard Bob Liddell did a great job preaching last week. That a boy Bob! I hear Filer is doing a bang up job too. What a blessing to have such wonderful men in the congregation who are following God's call. Talked to Doyle, Sharron, Jason, Shy, and Lisa over the last couple of days. What a great team! Thanks, guys, for all you do and for who you are. I love you all.
Well, I will write again on the way to Indiana. Special hellos to Bill and Ryan who are coming home for some R&R. Wish I could be there. Special thanks to Missy who is so faithful at reading this blog and replying to it. Love ya, gal! Bye for now.

PJ

The Healing Balm

I love to laugh. Surely this comes as no surprise to most anyone who knows me. When my son, Joel, was in High School his friends in the Drama Department always loved when I showed up for a performance. I was a one man audience. One young man, Ray Cooper, called me the "Happy Laughing Man". My laugh is loud, it is an outburst, and it is ongoing. I love to laugh. After church today we went to lunch with the pastor of the church we attended (Tom Bates and his wife Carole). We have been friends for years. It is a friendship I have always enjoyed and cherished. Over lunch we told stories and laughed. And then we laughed some more.

On the other hand, I spent some time on the phone with some of the members of the Church Pastoral Team back in Fresno. We talked of our lives and they shared some of the issues of concern that always take place in a church setting. It is the first time I've called the staff and asked about church concerns since I left Fresno nearly 7 weeks ago. (Aren't you proud of me?) I noticed that there was a lack of laughter as we talked about issues. Things became more serious. I understood why it was so, but it was in such contrast to the laughter at lunch. And so, I began to wonder if we laugh enough. And my answer is, no.

We see the serious side of life all too easily. The drama of living is always there. There are so many things about life that aren't funny and there is nothing to laugh at or about. However, as I have been reading the Bible this summer (and yes, I have been reading and praying) I cannot help but notice the emphasis on parties that are all over the Word. In the O.T. there are festivals, feasts, and special celebrations. In the Gospels Jesus spends so much time with the non-Pharisaical class eating and celebrating that they begin to question his sobriety and spiritual discipline. I don't know how you imagine Jesus but I am pretty sure he had a hearty laugh.

Working with people will either make you sour or cause you to laugh. I don't think Jesus was a sour man so, therefore, he must have had a great sense of humor. I think some of the campfires that he shared with the disciples were full of laughter. I am convinced that if we are to be like Jesus we have to learn how to laugh a little more. I know, the Cross wasn't funny and neither were the floggings. But Palm Sunday sure seems to be a blast and I think some of the times in Mary, Martha and Lazarus' house must have been a real hoot. We have to learn to laugh more. The saddest people I know are the ones who have allowed the pain of life to crowd in so far that they can't see the laughter for the tears.

Folks, laugh more. Not at people but with people. Experience more joy (You may have to turn off the news and cancel the paper but that might not be all bad). In the past 7 weeks I have experienced a real healing balm. I have laughed more than I have cried; chuckled more than I have been frustrated; guffawed more than I have been sad. If you are hurting, laugh some more. It truly is God's healing balm.

Making Holes into Wholes

I have been faithfully writing this summer. I am nearly finished with two chapters of my book. As I was writing tonight I spent some time reflecting about a statement that the late Dr. Samuel Hines once said. In sermon development you should "turn your holes to wholes". When he said that he was talking to preachers about preaching the whole counsel of God (being a series preacher rather than just preaching isolated, disconnected texts and themes from week to week). It was great advice. I wonder if it might not be great advice for you too?
We live such fragmented lives. While Joanie's mother lived with us my wife had too many jobs. She was a mother to her boys, a wife to her husband, a daughter to her father, a nurse to her mother, a teacher to her students, a pastors wife to the congregation, etc., etc., etc. It became excrutiatingly difficult to manage which role she was to have at the moment. Her life had holes in it - but not much of a whole to it. If a sabbatical has had any affect on me during these first six weeks it is to allow me the time and focus to turn my holes into wholes. You ever feel like that? Feel like you are just a series of holes? You are one thing at work, one thing at home, another at the store, something at night, another during the day, etc., etc., etc.? If believing in Jesus Christ is to produce anything in us it should help us to become whole persons. After all, one of the great blessings of salvation is that the holes in my life are forgiven and I am allowed to integrate the spiritual dimension of my life into the social, physical, and mental aspect of my life. The result is that, in Christ, I am allowed to become a whole person.
So, come on up out of the holes you have dug for your life and find the joy of being a whole person. Wouldn't it be great to be just one person instead of so many others? Welcome to the life of salvation.

The serious shot at the AU rock. The fun one is in an earlier post. 

Maria being pinned 

Opening Graduation presents 

Joel sitting with his future in-laws (Mark Klecka is on the left and Debbie Klecka is on the right)