Nov 10, 2014 | Living Well
Out of ignorance, I have not given Veterans Day the attention I should have. Why? Maybe in the past it was my youth. Maybe it was my self-centeredness. Maybe I did not fully understand what it means. Yes, I appreciated our armed forces. But truthfully, for too long I did not give the day a second thought. I was wrong!
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 because that is the day World War I officially ended. It is a fitting date for us to honor our veterans. The main observance for Veterans Day is at Arlington National Cemetery. First, a wreath will be placed on the tomb of the unknowns. Then the commemorative ceremonies will move into the Memorial Amphitheater where the parade of colors will be conducted by veteran organizations. Dignitaries will speak. All over the United States special events and parades will be held.
If it was not for our armed services and the sacrifices made by many men, women, and families, we would not be living in a country which holds elections where we can freely vote for our leaders, have the right to voice our opinions, and have the right to defend ourselves with any weapon other than a bat. United States citizens have the luxury of choosing how we want to earn a living, what we enjoy for entertainment, where we live, how we dress, how many children we want to raise, and how we will invest our money. We live a blessed life because of the United States Armed Services.
Many have lost their lives or a loved one. Many more have suffered injuries and are learning to live with a “new normal.” My goal is to thank military personnel and veterans for blessing my life through their service whenever I get the opportunity. I am deeply indebted to you.
Aug 18, 2014 | Living Well
Are you doing many good things in your local church yet feeling unfulfilled? Are you living a comfortable life yet wonder if there is something more? Are you happily surrounded by Christian friends yet lament you are not bringing others into the church family? Me too.
Jen Hatmaker, even though she is a hard-working pastor’s wife, was dissatisfied in these ways. In her book Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity, she takes us on her journey as Jesus interrupted her normal middle class American Christian life for a more meaningful walk with him.
What was so compelling about her story is that she didn’t blindly follow her feelings. Jen’s journey to living her Christian life differently is documented with scripture that influenced her thinking. She researched modern literature and data as her heart was awakening to the Holy Spirit speaking to her. The divergent sources are referenced in the notes at the end of the book.
Periodically, Jen’s husband Brandon reveals his journey through Jen’s discovery period. Every time I read “Brandon’s Take,” I was inspired by the way he recognized God was calling him to a new way of doing ministry as God was working in Jen’s heart. They realized what was ahead was not a tweaking of their comfortable Christian life. It was a complete change.
The five phases of their transformation are the backbone of this work. At the beginning of each phase a core belief, a guiding value, and a key scripture direct our thoughts as Jen reveals her journey. Jen’s voice is compelling. She uses anecdotes, relates her doubts, and leads us through her discoveries in each phase.
This book started me thinking. How am I living my Christian life? Just maybe some tweaking of my reasoning and actions is in order. Just maybe I need to listen more intently to Jesus.
Jul 29, 2014 | Living Well
It’s the end of July, and it is hot out there. We are concerned about staying in the shade and drinking cold beverages so our bodies can regulate themselves.
Many summer activities are not about getting out of the heat, but staying hydrated as we engage in outdoor activities like going to the ball park, riding bikes, playing at the water park, or going to the lake. We are so busy having fun that we are unconcerned about the heat.
That is the rub. For us to be even slightly uncomfortable, we have to be doing a recreational activity. The same level of discomfort at church services or doing volunteer work is unacceptable.
What does this say about your willingness to do as the popular “Christian” question asks– “What would Jesus do?” I can tell you what he would do. He would worship and serve even if it is uncomfortable.
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28
I am as guilty as anyone else of demanding my comfort and fun. Oh Lord, forgive my selfishness. May I gladly and willingly serve God even if my surroundings are hot or uncomfortable. May I more often do as Jesus would do.
Jul 27, 2014 | Living Well
What activity does your family enjoy doing together? What family pastime has grown to be a tradition? When the family gets together, you are either participating in it or telling stories about it. For some families it is music, for others it is board games, and for many a game of touch football. For my family, it is a trip to the zoo.
The zoo trips started when we kids were small. Mom and Dad thought it would be good for us to visit a zoo to learn about exotic animals during one vacation. Over the years, those zoo visits often turned out to be the highlight of the trip. When a quality zoo was built within forty-five minutes of home, Mom and Dad immediately bought season tickets. With the exception of the three winter months, any time out-of-town family visit for two or three days, you can bet one of those days will be spent at the zoo–if Mom has anything to say about it.
So what is the big deal about having a traditional family activity? Family members can interact in a safe setting–one which they are experiencing together and is fun. It is less likely that a family disagreement will arise as it is something that has a rhythm and rules of behavior all its own. It is a way to integrate new family members into the clan. They can be “warned” ahead of time about what to expect. During the activity they can be initiated through the telling of family stories and laughter. Then on the way home, or over a meal, they can join in the storytelling. And before long the new member feels like a part of the family.
What are you doing in your family to build traditions that make family gatherings feel warm, safe, and inviting?
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1
Jul 24, 2014 | Living Well
My mother is an amateur photographer extraordinaire. Yes, she takes good pictures, but that is not what sets her apart. She takes pictures of everything—flowers in her garden, items Daddy made, zoo animals on family outings, her paintings, and of course, family members.
Everyone in our family knows how Mom wants us to pose for pictures. We have gone through the ritual in every conceivable location—at home, on vacation, at graduations, at the family pond. All have their obligatory poses.
When Mom had surgery a few years back, my brother and I set her up with a desktop computer, printer, and scanner. Since I had to live with her for three weeks, I taught her how to use the equipment. Little did I know we were creating a scanning maniac. Over the next few months, she scanned every picture in her photo albums and those stored in boxes at the back of the hallway closet. She even scanned negatives.
A few months later, Mom had another surgery that required me to stay with her for a couple of weeks. This time I taught her how to use desktop publishing software. Before we knew what happened, the family was being inundated with themed “picture pages.” My niece received two huge notebooks of these themed pages for a graduation present. They chronicled my niece’s life from birth through graduation. Every single picture Mom had of her was duly identified and placed on a picture page.
What a legacy. We have excellent pictures of almost every important and trivial family event for decades.
Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you. Deuteronomy 32:7
Moses told the Israelites to remember their history. I feel blessed that it will be easy for my family to remember our history because Mom has preserved and labeled the family pictures from her great-grandparents through today.
Jul 22, 2014 | Living Well
Have you noticed how many beginnings do not have endings? The mess in the middle bred frustration. The project—painting the house, cleaning the living room, creating a caring relationship, writing a book—is abandoned before completion?
Initial brainstorming for a new project is exciting. Then, with the obvious roadblocks addressed, you start the project. What at first looked like a small hill now looms like a mountain. Reality and the inevitable unexpected complications make you wonder how you let yourself become entangled in the venture.
Is it time to swallow pride and bail out? Should you seek help or bite the bullet and wade through the trials as you bring the project to a polished final product? Is dealing with the mess in the middle bearable because the end is a worthy reward? How is one to know what to do?
First, pray. Honestly tell God your concerns and ask for his direction. Read scripture, and pray some more.
Making two lists helps me. First, I list rewards I expect to receive. Next, I list the costs. Can I handle the physical and emotional demands? Do I have the financial means to complete the project? Are timelines realistic for my schedule? Is the time allotment required realistic at this stage in my life? How will it affect loved ones?
Remember, even if you are sure God is directing you to proceed, it does not mean that the new project will be effortless or easy.
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 because that is the day World War I officially ended. It is a fitting date for us to honor our veterans. The main observance for Veterans Day is at Arlington National Cemetery. First, a wreath will be placed on the tomb of the unknowns. Then the commemorative ceremonies will move into the Memorial Amphitheater where the parade of colors will be conducted by veteran organizations. Dignitaries will speak. All over the United States special events and parades will be held.
