Mondays are not usually a preacher's friend. I heard a well known preacher once say that he had a rule..."Never write a resignation letter on a Monday." The afterglow of Sunday ( good or bad) can sometimes influence decisions on Monday. I usually try to limit the "big stuff" on Mondays... just in case I am little foggy.( No resignation letter here)
Due to fall break , and I suppose other factors, Sunday's church attendance was not stellar. However, it was a tremendous service. We dedicated the entire 75 minutes to what Christ is doing through a missions team from FCC and missionaries in Honduras by the name of Jim and Teri Riley.
We had alot of video elements,a powerful drama , an internet conference call with Jim Riley and more in the service. That all sounds good, but the potential is there for any one element to not come off well.
Well yesterday it all went well. Each piece seemed to fit with the rest, all the technology was effective, and the spirit of the services was so positive. So many had a huge part in it... I can't really name them all.
The best response came aftewards when a woman came up to me with tears streaming down her face. She said, "I need to know where I can sign up to go on a missions trip... I have to do this." I hugged her, told her who to talk to and she thanked me.
Last evening I had another note from a couple who thanked us for the service and the part that we all do to bring the Kingdom of God alive.
It was a good day... A great day. And it goes to show you ( and me ) that the numbers do not always tell the whole story.
Even though it is rainy today, and is a Monday... it is still a good day
Monday, October 22, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
"Face Down"
Many of you know that my Dad has had a real struggle with his eyes. Macular Degeneration is a difficult disease to contain, and his journey with this has been up and down.
At some points in the past year, the news has been good... stabilization and improvement. But other times, it has not been so good. Last week, his left eye completely went blind.
This week he had a procedure done which brings about the possibility of some restoration. It involved putting a gas bubble into his eye, which might push some of the blood clots aside, enabling his eyesight to improve.
What makes this particularly difficult is that as a part of the recovery he is supposed to spend 23 out of the 24 hours a day "face down." Think about that for a second. To give this bubble its greatest chance, he has to spend almost every waking moment and every sleeping moment on his face.
I really can't imagine that. My Mom and Dad are trying to take advantage of some technology that will enable him to sleep, sit, and even watch some TV ( although that is limited because of the lack of eyesight), but this still has to be a very difficult situation.
I was praying for them this morning and couple thoughts came to mind...
* This is what growing older is about. Body parts wear out. Things don't work as well as they used to... and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. You can't stop it, stall it , or suppress it... It just happens.
* This is why we all have to live as though this life is not all there is. My parents are Christians. They love God, and they love their church. Their faith is in Christ... and although they both have had fairly long lives and lots of blessings, they totally understand that "this is not all there is." Heaven awaits, and in heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, or death. (and there will be no eyesight maladies....) Whatever Dad is not able to gain back here, he will have in full living color in heaven.
* Sometimes you try things that are really difficult to handle. I thought.."Three weeks face down..." Could I do that? I love my Dad and Mom's attitude. It is going to be hard... really hard, but you do what you have to do. If this gives him some eyesight back, it is worth it.
* Last, I realized that my parents are teaching me some of life's greatest lessons in the late years of their lives. The lessons about resilence, faith, perseverance, and doing the right thing are life lessons that I need reminders on. These lessons that they are living out are treasures to me.
2007 has not been an easy year for them. You could make the case that it has been one of the toughest... but they keep plugging away. They have not given up. They look to God for strength and peace. And they are quick to run to each other's aid, no matter the cost.
I would ask you to pray for mom and dad. They really need those prayers right now.
At some points in the past year, the news has been good... stabilization and improvement. But other times, it has not been so good. Last week, his left eye completely went blind.
This week he had a procedure done which brings about the possibility of some restoration. It involved putting a gas bubble into his eye, which might push some of the blood clots aside, enabling his eyesight to improve.
What makes this particularly difficult is that as a part of the recovery he is supposed to spend 23 out of the 24 hours a day "face down." Think about that for a second. To give this bubble its greatest chance, he has to spend almost every waking moment and every sleeping moment on his face.
I really can't imagine that. My Mom and Dad are trying to take advantage of some technology that will enable him to sleep, sit, and even watch some TV ( although that is limited because of the lack of eyesight), but this still has to be a very difficult situation.
I was praying for them this morning and couple thoughts came to mind...
* This is what growing older is about. Body parts wear out. Things don't work as well as they used to... and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. You can't stop it, stall it , or suppress it... It just happens.
* This is why we all have to live as though this life is not all there is. My parents are Christians. They love God, and they love their church. Their faith is in Christ... and although they both have had fairly long lives and lots of blessings, they totally understand that "this is not all there is." Heaven awaits, and in heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, or death. (and there will be no eyesight maladies....) Whatever Dad is not able to gain back here, he will have in full living color in heaven.
* Sometimes you try things that are really difficult to handle. I thought.."Three weeks face down..." Could I do that? I love my Dad and Mom's attitude. It is going to be hard... really hard, but you do what you have to do. If this gives him some eyesight back, it is worth it.
* Last, I realized that my parents are teaching me some of life's greatest lessons in the late years of their lives. The lessons about resilence, faith, perseverance, and doing the right thing are life lessons that I need reminders on. These lessons that they are living out are treasures to me.
2007 has not been an easy year for them. You could make the case that it has been one of the toughest... but they keep plugging away. They have not given up. They look to God for strength and peace. And they are quick to run to each other's aid, no matter the cost.
I would ask you to pray for mom and dad. They really need those prayers right now.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A different kind of Sunday
Today, I took a Sunday off. Part of the plan for my return from the stroke was that I would limit the long run of preaching which I had been doing in the past.Six to 8 weeks in a row seems to be the limit right now. So, this was a day when I sat back and became a congregational member.
I went to two churches. I attended a downtown Tulsa Church at 8:30. It is always nice to viist, see how some people do things differently. The preacher is one of my favorites... he makes me think and challenges my way of preaching in some very real ways. His messages fill my soul. I am convinced that regular exposure to good preaching is vital to good preaching on my part. And there is something about hearing it in person in the context of the church, not just on the tapes or CD's .
Then I came back to FCC. I sat in the back with Pam and Joel, which was intersting. Some observations....
One, We have some sound problems. I can see how people don't want to sing, because it really does feel like you are the only one singing. So people don;t sing.
Two, people don't know exactly what to do with me when I show up and I am not preaching. Some were making assumptions that I was not well, which was not the case. Others thought that maybe I have had a set back on the health front. That is not the case. Still others took the opportunity to "talk business."
Its pretty hard to be a regular member when you are the preacher. But I also appreciate their concern and confidence. One thing I do have is a small group who allow me to be me, not the preacher.... what a blessing.
Three, Matt Thomason is good preacher... I like his heart.
It was a good day... different for sure,but good.
I went to two churches. I attended a downtown Tulsa Church at 8:30. It is always nice to viist, see how some people do things differently. The preacher is one of my favorites... he makes me think and challenges my way of preaching in some very real ways. His messages fill my soul. I am convinced that regular exposure to good preaching is vital to good preaching on my part. And there is something about hearing it in person in the context of the church, not just on the tapes or CD's .
Then I came back to FCC. I sat in the back with Pam and Joel, which was intersting. Some observations....
One, We have some sound problems. I can see how people don't want to sing, because it really does feel like you are the only one singing. So people don;t sing.
Two, people don't know exactly what to do with me when I show up and I am not preaching. Some were making assumptions that I was not well, which was not the case. Others thought that maybe I have had a set back on the health front. That is not the case. Still others took the opportunity to "talk business."
Its pretty hard to be a regular member when you are the preacher. But I also appreciate their concern and confidence. One thing I do have is a small group who allow me to be me, not the preacher.... what a blessing.
Three, Matt Thomason is good preacher... I like his heart.
It was a good day... different for sure,but good.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Interesting question...
I had a friend ask me if I would ever follow the lead of a church out east which had a series entitled, "Our Rotten Sex Life...." The question got me to thinking and doing a little dashing around the internet.
Some observations....
One, several churches have done this. There efforts have garnered some churches nationwide media attention, some have apparently not. Not all of it has been positive. ( but is that what we are looking for?)
Two, my opinion is that it is a good thing to talk about what the Bible talks about. ( Sex is in the Bible, its a gift from God. Its a good thing when done in the right place, with the right person, and with righ motives.)
Three, Squash is still squash to me. My parents love squash. I have never liked it and avoid it at almost all cost. You can cook it, bake, it, bar-be-que it. You can fry it, drown it in butter, or brown sugar... I will not eat it. ( Please, no attempts to change my mind here... It is what it is to me.)
In this case, I am not interested in judging motives... Some will say that such a "marketing" effort is wrong, innappropriate and insensitive. Others will say, " Go for it, More power to you, way to be on the cutting edge."
I figure that if I am going to make a decision about what is good in this case, I ought to at least listen to the messages.
No matter what the outside looks like to me, I am interested in content... Sometimes our efforts can cloud the content. We need to be careful.
Four, In our attempts to be relevant, we all need to be careful that we do not take away from the real message. I did not say, "Do not be relevant." It just seems to me like some discretion is a good thing here.
What may work on the coasts, may not work here. God himself will judge the fruit of such efforts. I am thankful that God is able to use all efforts to share his Word to change people. That is what makes it fun to be in Owasso. There are lots of churches, doing great things, with many different approaches. I am glad that not all churches are not like the one I help lead... Many preachers and churches preach the Word. They just come at it a little different than me.
My calling is to preach the Word in the location I live in. Some like the effort, some don't don't. Some like the packaging, some don't. But my goal is that when people finish listening they will know more of the Word, and the Word will change them. ( Content and application)
I will leave the judging to Him.
So to answer his question... "Probably not..." It's not me.
Some observations....
One, several churches have done this. There efforts have garnered some churches nationwide media attention, some have apparently not. Not all of it has been positive. ( but is that what we are looking for?)
Two, my opinion is that it is a good thing to talk about what the Bible talks about. ( Sex is in the Bible, its a gift from God. Its a good thing when done in the right place, with the right person, and with righ motives.)
Three, Squash is still squash to me. My parents love squash. I have never liked it and avoid it at almost all cost. You can cook it, bake, it, bar-be-que it. You can fry it, drown it in butter, or brown sugar... I will not eat it. ( Please, no attempts to change my mind here... It is what it is to me.)
In this case, I am not interested in judging motives... Some will say that such a "marketing" effort is wrong, innappropriate and insensitive. Others will say, " Go for it, More power to you, way to be on the cutting edge."
I figure that if I am going to make a decision about what is good in this case, I ought to at least listen to the messages.
No matter what the outside looks like to me, I am interested in content... Sometimes our efforts can cloud the content. We need to be careful.
Four, In our attempts to be relevant, we all need to be careful that we do not take away from the real message. I did not say, "Do not be relevant." It just seems to me like some discretion is a good thing here.
What may work on the coasts, may not work here. God himself will judge the fruit of such efforts. I am thankful that God is able to use all efforts to share his Word to change people. That is what makes it fun to be in Owasso. There are lots of churches, doing great things, with many different approaches. I am glad that not all churches are not like the one I help lead... Many preachers and churches preach the Word. They just come at it a little different than me.
My calling is to preach the Word in the location I live in. Some like the effort, some don't don't. Some like the packaging, some don't. But my goal is that when people finish listening they will know more of the Word, and the Word will change them. ( Content and application)
I will leave the judging to Him.
So to answer his question... "Probably not..." It's not me.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Catching up
I am back!!!! I don't know if that is good news, or if it should constitute a warning.
Blogging takes time and brain power..neither of which I seem to have alot of. But today, I have a litte of both, so I am going to catch you up a bit.
Health- GOOD! The blood clots have cleared up and the tests seem to be encouraging. More scans in 8 weeks, and go from there. My energy level is up and down, which I am learning to accept and manage. The foggy feeling I have comes and goes. It seems to be related to stress and energy...It is not overwhelming like it used to be. I keep being reminded that the Dr's said, "This is a 2-3 year process" Its been 18 months.
Church- On the one hand it is really good. The people are amazing, encouraging and challenging. I could never imagine a better group of people. On the other hand, it is a real challenge. With the building on North Garnett coming along, we are knee deep in transition planning. ( kind of feels like quicksand) It is like going into a tunnel and seeing a bright light come right at you. ( Yup... that is a train!) This whole process has given new meaning to the "tunnel of chaos." But we have a good staff team and building team. I ask lots of questions and keep saying, "We need to be creative problem solvers." That is good advice, but I sometimes fall into the mode of "Let's sovle the problem" rather than, "Lets pray about this and see how God solves the problem."
Family- All are good. Pam has been going to lots of Volleyball, and I have been tagging along. I enjoy watching Abigial play, and she is really good! Joel is living here while looking for a job in his chosen career field. Lizzie and Nathaniel are gearing up for basketball, which means he is coaching 6 days a week. Lydia and James had a great launch at their church in Joliet Ill. She is doing pretty well.
What have I learned in the past 6 weeks? Good question. I have learned that I am predisposed to say "yes" to almost every request and I have to change. I have learned that what I think I am saying to people is not neccesarily what they always hear.( Especially true when people have requests or demands...) I have learned that with me looking better, people assume I am back to normal and I am not. As a matter of fact, there is a new normal, which I am not even sure about. I have learned that if I don't take the time to replenish my soul, my heart shrivels up. ( Nothing new there... but I need the reminder). I have learned that the future is bright in God's kingdom, but that I ought to enjoy it more, worry less, slow down even more than I am and work better, not neccesarily harder.
I am reading alot more. Good books on the shelf include, "The Big Idea" by Dave Ferguson, "The Truth War" by John McArthur, "The Simple Church" by Thom Rainier, and "Communicating for Change" by Andy Stanley.
Oh, I have noticed something else... I read too much "Church stuff". I am branching out into some fiction ( Pam brought home "Playing for Pizza" by Grisham), a biography or two and see if I can broaden my horizons.
I want to promise that it will not be 6 weeks between posts again...but I can't. My supsicion is that I will pick it up.
later
Charlie
Blogging takes time and brain power..neither of which I seem to have alot of. But today, I have a litte of both, so I am going to catch you up a bit.
Health- GOOD! The blood clots have cleared up and the tests seem to be encouraging. More scans in 8 weeks, and go from there. My energy level is up and down, which I am learning to accept and manage. The foggy feeling I have comes and goes. It seems to be related to stress and energy...It is not overwhelming like it used to be. I keep being reminded that the Dr's said, "This is a 2-3 year process" Its been 18 months.
Church- On the one hand it is really good. The people are amazing, encouraging and challenging. I could never imagine a better group of people. On the other hand, it is a real challenge. With the building on North Garnett coming along, we are knee deep in transition planning. ( kind of feels like quicksand) It is like going into a tunnel and seeing a bright light come right at you. ( Yup... that is a train!) This whole process has given new meaning to the "tunnel of chaos." But we have a good staff team and building team. I ask lots of questions and keep saying, "We need to be creative problem solvers." That is good advice, but I sometimes fall into the mode of "Let's sovle the problem" rather than, "Lets pray about this and see how God solves the problem."
Family- All are good. Pam has been going to lots of Volleyball, and I have been tagging along. I enjoy watching Abigial play, and she is really good! Joel is living here while looking for a job in his chosen career field. Lizzie and Nathaniel are gearing up for basketball, which means he is coaching 6 days a week. Lydia and James had a great launch at their church in Joliet Ill. She is doing pretty well.
What have I learned in the past 6 weeks? Good question. I have learned that I am predisposed to say "yes" to almost every request and I have to change. I have learned that what I think I am saying to people is not neccesarily what they always hear.( Especially true when people have requests or demands...) I have learned that with me looking better, people assume I am back to normal and I am not. As a matter of fact, there is a new normal, which I am not even sure about. I have learned that if I don't take the time to replenish my soul, my heart shrivels up. ( Nothing new there... but I need the reminder). I have learned that the future is bright in God's kingdom, but that I ought to enjoy it more, worry less, slow down even more than I am and work better, not neccesarily harder.
I am reading alot more. Good books on the shelf include, "The Big Idea" by Dave Ferguson, "The Truth War" by John McArthur, "The Simple Church" by Thom Rainier, and "Communicating for Change" by Andy Stanley.
Oh, I have noticed something else... I read too much "Church stuff". I am branching out into some fiction ( Pam brought home "Playing for Pizza" by Grisham), a biography or two and see if I can broaden my horizons.
I want to promise that it will not be 6 weeks between posts again...but I can't. My supsicion is that I will pick it up.
later
Charlie
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Its a winner
My Parents have had a tough year. Health issues seem to be pretty much on the march in their lives. Add to that some significant stress from other corners of their lives, and they can be quite stressed like days.
I am very proud of them. They are good people who want to do good by everyone. They love their family,and they love the people in their community, and church.
Dad loves to paint. The picture below is one that he finished last spring , before the worst of his eye sight failure. So this is one to be proud of.
It is picuture that my dad took while he was in the Army. He has had the photgraph for decades, and just now decided to tackle it.
It won First Place at the Lane County Fair...Which is a big deal
I hope you enjoy it.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Good times.... tough times
I find the three accounts of Jesus being baptized very interesting. Matthew 3 makes it clear that Jesus sought out John to be baptized. Why? "To fulfill all righteousness." Some people refuse to be baptized for various reasons. But boil it all down to one statement and it seems to me that if Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, certainly we should be too.
We want to split hairs on the various aspects of baptism which distracts from the beautiful picture it is. Paul wrote that baptism is a picture of the death, burial and Resurrection. Any believer should find it an honor to participate in those three things ( in a symbolic way.)
Mark talk about Jesus baptism and combines it with the temptation in the desert. Mark 11:1 states that God declared, "You are my son, whim I love, with you I am well pleased." Is that not what any son wants to hear from his Father, even Jesus?
The next words in Mark 1:12 are stunning. "At one the Spirit sent out into the desert and he was in the desert 40 days being tempted by Satan."
Wow- that is some "initiation" after the baptism. "At once." No press conference, no book writing for Jesus, or a book tour. No appearances on Television shows. He hears the wonderful blessing of his father and then is sent into isolation, starvation and temptation.
I find that people who are baptized just because they want to know "whats in it for me" really struggle when a period of testing and trial come their way. They can not understand why God would allow such things to happen, especially since they had gone to all the trouble to put on a robe and get in water and be immersed. They can not understand because they have a warped view of the Christian life. It still is "all about me." Sometimes it is the very testing that they hate which shapes me to thinking more about God than themselves.
The Christian Life is full of thorns.Ask Jesus, the disciples, Stephen and others who suffered for their faith. There was nothing easy about the path they chose to follow. Why should we think it would be any different for us? The Christian Life is built around statements like, "deny your self", "take up your cross daily", "the first shall be last and the last shall be first. "Love one another" takes the place of "love yourself." "Be the servant of all" replaces "look out for #1". The list could go on.
The Christian Life is a journey. And there is one goal. Here is the surprise for most. The goal is not to get to Heaven. We have declared that the goal! We talk about it, dream about it, pray about it. But the goal is simply to be "transformed into the likeness of Christ." ( Romans 8:29-- "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.") I believe Heaven is the prize at the end of the process. But God desires more for us than just getting into heaven. He wants us to be used by him to be kingdom bringers in this world. And that comes through the process of being conformed into Christ's image.
That process of being conformed to the likeness of His Son is a long one. It is not one you can just pop a pill and wake up being like Jesus. It is a process of shaping, forming, re-forming and re-shaping. It truly is a two steps forward and one step back process.
Jesus provides us with clear understanding of this when he obeys the Spirit and goes into the desert. I am not saying that his Deity was formed in the desert. He was God in the flesh from the beginning of his life on earth. But I am saying that he sends a subtle message to all of us.... "When you go through periods of trial and testing, remember that I did too, right on the heels of on of the greatest moments of my earthly life."
Jesus was successful in navigating those 40 days. You can navigate tough times in your life too. The blessings of God you have received will carry you through.
We want to split hairs on the various aspects of baptism which distracts from the beautiful picture it is. Paul wrote that baptism is a picture of the death, burial and Resurrection. Any believer should find it an honor to participate in those three things ( in a symbolic way.)
Mark talk about Jesus baptism and combines it with the temptation in the desert. Mark 11:1 states that God declared, "You are my son, whim I love, with you I am well pleased." Is that not what any son wants to hear from his Father, even Jesus?
The next words in Mark 1:12 are stunning. "At one the Spirit sent out into the desert and he was in the desert 40 days being tempted by Satan."
Wow- that is some "initiation" after the baptism. "At once." No press conference, no book writing for Jesus, or a book tour. No appearances on Television shows. He hears the wonderful blessing of his father and then is sent into isolation, starvation and temptation.
I find that people who are baptized just because they want to know "whats in it for me" really struggle when a period of testing and trial come their way. They can not understand why God would allow such things to happen, especially since they had gone to all the trouble to put on a robe and get in water and be immersed. They can not understand because they have a warped view of the Christian life. It still is "all about me." Sometimes it is the very testing that they hate which shapes me to thinking more about God than themselves.
The Christian Life is full of thorns.Ask Jesus, the disciples, Stephen and others who suffered for their faith. There was nothing easy about the path they chose to follow. Why should we think it would be any different for us? The Christian Life is built around statements like, "deny your self", "take up your cross daily", "the first shall be last and the last shall be first. "Love one another" takes the place of "love yourself." "Be the servant of all" replaces "look out for #1". The list could go on.
The Christian Life is a journey. And there is one goal. Here is the surprise for most. The goal is not to get to Heaven. We have declared that the goal! We talk about it, dream about it, pray about it. But the goal is simply to be "transformed into the likeness of Christ." ( Romans 8:29-- "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.") I believe Heaven is the prize at the end of the process. But God desires more for us than just getting into heaven. He wants us to be used by him to be kingdom bringers in this world. And that comes through the process of being conformed into Christ's image.
That process of being conformed to the likeness of His Son is a long one. It is not one you can just pop a pill and wake up being like Jesus. It is a process of shaping, forming, re-forming and re-shaping. It truly is a two steps forward and one step back process.
Jesus provides us with clear understanding of this when he obeys the Spirit and goes into the desert. I am not saying that his Deity was formed in the desert. He was God in the flesh from the beginning of his life on earth. But I am saying that he sends a subtle message to all of us.... "When you go through periods of trial and testing, remember that I did too, right on the heels of on of the greatest moments of my earthly life."
Jesus was successful in navigating those 40 days. You can navigate tough times in your life too. The blessings of God you have received will carry you through.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
First day of school
As I was walking the morning, a sudden thought came over me. Today, being the first day of school in Owasso, is also the first time in 19 years that Pam and I do not have a child going to public school. That is kind of a wierd thought. We know that life moves on, but it sure seems like it picks up speed too.
I was reflecting about this out on the street this morning. They have been a part of 4 school systems, with the vast majority of those years being spent in Owasso. They have received great educations, which prepared them for college and beyond. Two have graduated from college and the other two are attending college in Missouri and Illinois.
I thought some about what seemed to be countless first days of school, bus rides to school, concerts, ball practices and games, back to school nights, conferences, awards ceremonies, and yes, even a trip or two to the principal's office for disciplinary reasons. ( No names here).
We have been thankful for the Owasso schools, because they seem to have a good sense of educating the children, while balancing that with the need for parental involvement. There has always been an open attitude by the administration and teachers. Their doors have been open to us, and through the years we have taken advantage of the access.
What makes it possible for a child to go to public school and succeed in getting an education.( the same question can be asked of private schools.)? I am sure that there are many reasons for this. One of them has to be the desire of parents to be involved in the education of their children. We have been pretty visible parents on most levels. From Booster Clubs to Bond Issue committees , to being a room mother, to actually working in one of the schools, people know we have been interested. So did our kids.
I know I am writing with a broad brush here. Parental involvement does not guarentee educational success. Certainly prayer, conversation and involvement at home, and genuine interest as parents goes along ways. There are other ingredients as well. Making sure your kids hang out with the right kids ( whatever that may be for you) is essential. For us, ( no matter if I worked at a church or not) this would have included a peer group of kids from the church. I am already missing some of Abigail's friends who just used to pop in... Now they are off at college.
All of this does not mean your child will be a star athlete, or a cheerleader, or on the Academic All State team. But it does give them a better chance at knowing they are loved and supported, knowing who they can go to, and knowing that there are expectations regarding good decision making.
The new school year has started. Last night Pam and I decided we would wander over to the 8th grade center to .... watch the Volleyball Team thump Union. It was fun. We got to see people from the church and the community. A couple asked, "What are you doing here?"
My answer: "Its what we do..." Now we will follow our church kids... and Abigail whose college season starts next week... and the Elkins Elks ( Our Son in Law is the basketball coach there), and anyone else we can think of. We love the environment... You will see us at Owasso games... and who knows, even a concert or two.
It's what we do.... and we love it.
I was reflecting about this out on the street this morning. They have been a part of 4 school systems, with the vast majority of those years being spent in Owasso. They have received great educations, which prepared them for college and beyond. Two have graduated from college and the other two are attending college in Missouri and Illinois.
I thought some about what seemed to be countless first days of school, bus rides to school, concerts, ball practices and games, back to school nights, conferences, awards ceremonies, and yes, even a trip or two to the principal's office for disciplinary reasons. ( No names here).
We have been thankful for the Owasso schools, because they seem to have a good sense of educating the children, while balancing that with the need for parental involvement. There has always been an open attitude by the administration and teachers. Their doors have been open to us, and through the years we have taken advantage of the access.
What makes it possible for a child to go to public school and succeed in getting an education.( the same question can be asked of private schools.)? I am sure that there are many reasons for this. One of them has to be the desire of parents to be involved in the education of their children. We have been pretty visible parents on most levels. From Booster Clubs to Bond Issue committees , to being a room mother, to actually working in one of the schools, people know we have been interested. So did our kids.
I know I am writing with a broad brush here. Parental involvement does not guarentee educational success. Certainly prayer, conversation and involvement at home, and genuine interest as parents goes along ways. There are other ingredients as well. Making sure your kids hang out with the right kids ( whatever that may be for you) is essential. For us, ( no matter if I worked at a church or not) this would have included a peer group of kids from the church. I am already missing some of Abigail's friends who just used to pop in... Now they are off at college.
All of this does not mean your child will be a star athlete, or a cheerleader, or on the Academic All State team. But it does give them a better chance at knowing they are loved and supported, knowing who they can go to, and knowing that there are expectations regarding good decision making.
The new school year has started. Last night Pam and I decided we would wander over to the 8th grade center to .... watch the Volleyball Team thump Union. It was fun. We got to see people from the church and the community. A couple asked, "What are you doing here?"
My answer: "Its what we do..." Now we will follow our church kids... and Abigail whose college season starts next week... and the Elkins Elks ( Our Son in Law is the basketball coach there), and anyone else we can think of. We love the environment... You will see us at Owasso games... and who knows, even a concert or two.
It's what we do.... and we love it.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Some musings...
I am writing from Joplin. Abigail, our youngest daughter, is going to college. Ozark Christian College is getting a real gem.
I told a friend today that it seems like Abigail has been waiting 18 years for this moment. She is , a girl who loves God and her family. She also really likes the idea of being on her own... making her own decisions and ways.
I think we have been blessed. All four of our kids love God and love each other. Abigail has a great future ahead of her at OCC. She will love the Bible classes, the friendships, and the volleyball.
It was really cool to have Elizabeth drive up to spend the day here. I love the fact that all four of our kids love each other and want to share as much of their lives with each other as possible. It's a good thing.
So where do we go from here? Well, we have a great family spread out in the Midwest ( Fayetteville Ark, Joliet Illinois, Joplin Mo and Owasso - {thats Joel for a while...})
We have each other and that is alot of fun. And we have a great church who wants to grow and develop as a great influence in Northeast Ok.
So things are good...there are bumps in the road, real concerns for other family members, and curves in the road that need to be navigated. But things are still good. No matter what is thrown at us, we have to remember, "Nothing can separate us from the love of God."
On Saturday, we will drive back home. Abigail will stay here and begin the next phase of her life. As one mother said to me the other day ( she is sending her last child to college this week ), " It's what we set out to do...raise them to be good adults." That is true... and it is good to see.
New chapters full of promise for the future. It's a good way to live.
I am writing from Joplin. Abigail, our youngest daughter, is going to college. Ozark Christian College is getting a real gem.
I told a friend today that it seems like Abigail has been waiting 18 years for this moment. She is , a girl who loves God and her family. She also really likes the idea of being on her own... making her own decisions and ways.
I think we have been blessed. All four of our kids love God and love each other. Abigail has a great future ahead of her at OCC. She will love the Bible classes, the friendships, and the volleyball.
It was really cool to have Elizabeth drive up to spend the day here. I love the fact that all four of our kids love each other and want to share as much of their lives with each other as possible. It's a good thing.
So where do we go from here? Well, we have a great family spread out in the Midwest ( Fayetteville Ark, Joliet Illinois, Joplin Mo and Owasso - {thats Joel for a while...})
We have each other and that is alot of fun. And we have a great church who wants to grow and develop as a great influence in Northeast Ok.
So things are good...there are bumps in the road, real concerns for other family members, and curves in the road that need to be navigated. But things are still good. No matter what is thrown at us, we have to remember, "Nothing can separate us from the love of God."
On Saturday, we will drive back home. Abigail will stay here and begin the next phase of her life. As one mother said to me the other day ( she is sending her last child to college this week ), " It's what we set out to do...raise them to be good adults." That is true... and it is good to see.
New chapters full of promise for the future. It's a good way to live.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Giftedness vs. Character
This morning I read through the story of Samson. ( Judges 13-16). Some observations...
One, Samason's parents were deperate to have him. They prayed, they sought God, and when it happened they were surprised. They were also obedient.
Two, Samson was gifted. Many a leader has "risen to the top" by using their gifts. Leaders have to have gifts. The great thing is that all leaders do not have to have the same gifts. The diversity and variety of the Kingdom lends its self to gifts that are all over the board. Yet, God is the one who can use gifts that seem totally unrelated to weave together a tapestry of leadership that keeps His kingdom going in the right direction.
Three, Samson lacked character. When he "saw" the woman in Judges Timnah, he wanted her. He told his father, "Get her for me." ( Judges 14) The problem was that she was a Phillistine woman... part of the clan that hated God's people. Samson's lack of character introduced alot of problems into his life.
Four, Samson's life was beset with secrecy. The older I get the more I see the devestating effects of secrecy. Much of the secrecy in our lives is the doorway to deceit. Read through the passage and you will see that Samson played fast and loose with the truth, he kept things from his own family, and he dangled his sinful actions (violating his Nazarite vow) in front of others and even God. Ironically, it was the "secret" of his strength, that he did not keep, which ruined his life. But, he had a real character problem.
Lastly, his ultimate undoing was when the Lord left Him. ( Judges 16:20- "But he did not realize that the Lord had left him.") That is a sad statement.
I pray that you, ( and I) will live in the light. I pray that we will be obedient to God's commands in our lives, and realize that without his blessing, we nothing more than a shell of the person that we could be.
One, Samason's parents were deperate to have him. They prayed, they sought God, and when it happened they were surprised. They were also obedient.
Two, Samson was gifted. Many a leader has "risen to the top" by using their gifts. Leaders have to have gifts. The great thing is that all leaders do not have to have the same gifts. The diversity and variety of the Kingdom lends its self to gifts that are all over the board. Yet, God is the one who can use gifts that seem totally unrelated to weave together a tapestry of leadership that keeps His kingdom going in the right direction.
Three, Samson lacked character. When he "saw" the woman in Judges Timnah, he wanted her. He told his father, "Get her for me." ( Judges 14) The problem was that she was a Phillistine woman... part of the clan that hated God's people. Samson's lack of character introduced alot of problems into his life.
Four, Samson's life was beset with secrecy. The older I get the more I see the devestating effects of secrecy. Much of the secrecy in our lives is the doorway to deceit. Read through the passage and you will see that Samson played fast and loose with the truth, he kept things from his own family, and he dangled his sinful actions (violating his Nazarite vow) in front of others and even God. Ironically, it was the "secret" of his strength, that he did not keep, which ruined his life. But, he had a real character problem.
Lastly, his ultimate undoing was when the Lord left Him. ( Judges 16:20- "But he did not realize that the Lord had left him.") That is a sad statement.
I pray that you, ( and I) will live in the light. I pray that we will be obedient to God's commands in our lives, and realize that without his blessing, we nothing more than a shell of the person that we could be.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
WHAT IF....?
I am on vacation this week, in beautiful Chicago Illinois. Today, we venture downtown. We thought about riding the train, but it is kind of pricey, so we are driving... We will go to the Navy Pier, Sears Tower, walk ( not shop) down Michigan Avenue and wander around... Should be fun. We waited until today because the weather was supposed to be good, and it has turned out really good. ( high of 75 degrees and sunny.) I miss that about the north. In the summer the weather fronts clear out the humidity and you get a break. Of course, it all comes around in the winter with 12 straight weeks of wind, cold and snow. God has a hard time pleasing me...but then again that is not his objective is it?
Time off gets me to thinking a bit... So I write some conclusions to the question "What if?" ( Actually they are not conclusions at all, just something to think about.)
WHAT IF...churches really cared about the lost?
WHAT IF ....church members focused more on taking the gospel to those who need it than with protecting their own turf in regards to worship style, preaching style, buildings and programs? ( I guess I am sick of all the ranting and raving about who is doing what and whether it is right or not.... here I go, "ranting and raving.")
WHAT IF ... we all were willing to take a life altering risk once a year? BRIEF COMMENTARY: I mean a real risk which had the potential to go either way. Certainly it should be "God-led." But as I read more about Jesus I see him more as a revolutionary and less as a Mr.Rogers type. He was a dangerous man who called many people to take the biggest risk of their lives. I don't think there is alot of risk in accepting Christ. The ressurection settles it for me. But there is alot of risk in being an "Ambassador of Christ." That can blow away our world.
WHAT IF ... we were free to speak what is really on our mind, instead of what we think the other person wants to hear?
WHAT IF ... relationship really took precedence over programs in the church?
WHAT IF ... we really believed that Hell was real, and Jesus saves?
WHAT IF... we were committed to laugh and smile more and complain and frown less?
WHAT IF ... we woke up in the morning with ONE prayer .... "Lord this is your day... I am your child. Take me where you want, use me where you will, and at the end of the day let's both say, 'It was a good day.'
WHAT IF .... we went to bed at night with ONE thought on our mind... "Lord you were really great today."
WHAT IF .. we had time on a regular basis to ask the question, "What if?"
WHAT IF ... we asked the question "What if?" and it actually led to some sort of change in our life ( for the better)
WHAT IF ? Well who knows...unless you ask the question... and look for the answers.
Vacations do this to me... Sorry. But it is good for me. And better for you as well.
Time off gets me to thinking a bit... So I write some conclusions to the question "What if?" ( Actually they are not conclusions at all, just something to think about.)
WHAT IF...churches really cared about the lost?
WHAT IF ....church members focused more on taking the gospel to those who need it than with protecting their own turf in regards to worship style, preaching style, buildings and programs? ( I guess I am sick of all the ranting and raving about who is doing what and whether it is right or not.... here I go, "ranting and raving.")
WHAT IF ... we all were willing to take a life altering risk once a year? BRIEF COMMENTARY: I mean a real risk which had the potential to go either way. Certainly it should be "God-led." But as I read more about Jesus I see him more as a revolutionary and less as a Mr.Rogers type. He was a dangerous man who called many people to take the biggest risk of their lives. I don't think there is alot of risk in accepting Christ. The ressurection settles it for me. But there is alot of risk in being an "Ambassador of Christ." That can blow away our world.
WHAT IF ... we were free to speak what is really on our mind, instead of what we think the other person wants to hear?
WHAT IF ... relationship really took precedence over programs in the church?
WHAT IF ... we really believed that Hell was real, and Jesus saves?
WHAT IF... we were committed to laugh and smile more and complain and frown less?
WHAT IF ... we woke up in the morning with ONE prayer .... "Lord this is your day... I am your child. Take me where you want, use me where you will, and at the end of the day let's both say, 'It was a good day.'
WHAT IF .... we went to bed at night with ONE thought on our mind... "Lord you were really great today."
WHAT IF .. we had time on a regular basis to ask the question, "What if?"
WHAT IF ... we asked the question "What if?" and it actually led to some sort of change in our life ( for the better)
WHAT IF ? Well who knows...unless you ask the question... and look for the answers.
Vacations do this to me... Sorry. But it is good for me. And better for you as well.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Summer blogging is a challenge...
Today, I find myself in Joliet Illinois. Lydia and James live here now, launching a ministry with the Cornerstone Christian Church.
Some observations...
1. It is kind of strange for us to be making a long trip to see one of our kids. They have always been either home or close to home. Now they are 680 miles away.
2. Each moment I spend with all four of our kids, I am more amazed than ever how much God has blessed us. This summer, one is in Illinois, one is in Maine, one is in Faytettville Arkansas, and one is in Joliet. All four love God and love their families. Does it really get any better than that?
3. It gets really hot in Chicago too. 94 today.
4. Traveling is still hard on me. We spent the night in St.Louis... and headed out on the last leg of the trip Sunday morning. About 30 minutes in, I got sick... and felt terrible all day yesterday. Too much activity I guess..
5. I miss getting to preach on Sunday. Sunday was the third Sunday I have had in a row where I was not preaching... I love preaching...
Our Vacation takes us from Chicago to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma later this week. Should be fun... always great to spend time with friends and family.
Today, I find myself in Joliet Illinois. Lydia and James live here now, launching a ministry with the Cornerstone Christian Church.
Some observations...
1. It is kind of strange for us to be making a long trip to see one of our kids. They have always been either home or close to home. Now they are 680 miles away.
2. Each moment I spend with all four of our kids, I am more amazed than ever how much God has blessed us. This summer, one is in Illinois, one is in Maine, one is in Faytettville Arkansas, and one is in Joliet. All four love God and love their families. Does it really get any better than that?
3. It gets really hot in Chicago too. 94 today.
4. Traveling is still hard on me. We spent the night in St.Louis... and headed out on the last leg of the trip Sunday morning. About 30 minutes in, I got sick... and felt terrible all day yesterday. Too much activity I guess..
5. I miss getting to preach on Sunday. Sunday was the third Sunday I have had in a row where I was not preaching... I love preaching...
Our Vacation takes us from Chicago to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma later this week. Should be fun... always great to spend time with friends and family.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Curran Girls take on NYC
This week , I find myself alone at the house. Pam, Elizabeth, Lydia and Abigial are in New York City. Joel is in Maine. It is kind of strange to know that the rest of your family is on the east coast, "enjoying" HOT weather and no rain ( so far), while I am here in what is usually sunny and HOT Oklahoma, contemplating building an ark. ( No, God did not show up to me like Evan in the movie, but afte 18 days out of 22, it feels like we might need something other than gasoline powered vehicles to get around-that may help with the gas budget)
Anyway, each time a child graduates ( from HS) we have allowed them to pick a place to go as a family. We have been to Orlando and Destin, to Panama City and to Corpus Christie. For years Abigail has said, "I want to go to California." But I guess I was a party pooper and said I did not have California on my dad approved lists of places to go. Conversations continued. Would everyone be able to go ? Joel would have a job, the other two girls are married. If they could not go, could Abigail invite friends to go? ( I was not too keen on that.) Imagine this, a 18 year old girl on a vacation with her Dad and Mom. That was going to be okay , but not preferable.
So in January someone came up with the idea of NYC. Pam and I had been there the previous March. What a great time we had. The only negative is that it was 40 degrees and the wind blew like crazy. We were so cold. That was two weeks before the stroke, we were celebrating our 25th anniversary... and having a great time.
So, I said, "Why not.?" Abigial and Pam to NYC... and then it turned into a girls trip. So all the girls are there. They must be having fun, because I have not heard a peep from them since they got to the Hotel. That is great...
What's my point? I don't know exactly, except that for years I have traveled alot and Pam has stayed home, worked and managed getting the kids where they needed to be. I have been on the East Coast, the West Coast, and in between. Sometimes for a few days , sometimes for a week or more. She never complained, never griped about why she didn't get to go anywhere etc. She just did her thing. So I look at this trip as a big thank you to her in addition to a
"way to go" to Abigail.
All of our "girls" are great... and I am sure they are having fun.
And if you are wondering about Joel... well, he is at a sports camp for the third year.. He the veteran counselor, the head of the basketball program and someone they wanted very badly this summer. I have emailed him, but no reply... not surprised, He is having a blast.
And me? Not to bad really. I am not known as an "alone kind of guy,." But this time I am doing pretty good. Reading alot, writing some, and meeting with people.
I am trying to lay low for the next three to four weeks, just trying to refuel and gear up for more great things God has in store for me .
Its all good.
Anyway, each time a child graduates ( from HS) we have allowed them to pick a place to go as a family. We have been to Orlando and Destin, to Panama City and to Corpus Christie. For years Abigail has said, "I want to go to California." But I guess I was a party pooper and said I did not have California on my dad approved lists of places to go. Conversations continued. Would everyone be able to go ? Joel would have a job, the other two girls are married. If they could not go, could Abigail invite friends to go? ( I was not too keen on that.) Imagine this, a 18 year old girl on a vacation with her Dad and Mom. That was going to be okay , but not preferable.
So in January someone came up with the idea of NYC. Pam and I had been there the previous March. What a great time we had. The only negative is that it was 40 degrees and the wind blew like crazy. We were so cold. That was two weeks before the stroke, we were celebrating our 25th anniversary... and having a great time.
So, I said, "Why not.?" Abigial and Pam to NYC... and then it turned into a girls trip. So all the girls are there. They must be having fun, because I have not heard a peep from them since they got to the Hotel. That is great...
What's my point? I don't know exactly, except that for years I have traveled alot and Pam has stayed home, worked and managed getting the kids where they needed to be. I have been on the East Coast, the West Coast, and in between. Sometimes for a few days , sometimes for a week or more. She never complained, never griped about why she didn't get to go anywhere etc. She just did her thing. So I look at this trip as a big thank you to her in addition to a
"way to go" to Abigail.
All of our "girls" are great... and I am sure they are having fun.
And if you are wondering about Joel... well, he is at a sports camp for the third year.. He the veteran counselor, the head of the basketball program and someone they wanted very badly this summer. I have emailed him, but no reply... not surprised, He is having a blast.
And me? Not to bad really. I am not known as an "alone kind of guy,." But this time I am doing pretty good. Reading alot, writing some, and meeting with people.
I am trying to lay low for the next three to four weeks, just trying to refuel and gear up for more great things God has in store for me .
Its all good.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Happy Birthday!
18 months ago, I was informed that the church I serve would be celebrating 100 years of existence in 2007. Sounded like a great opportunity for a party. I mean, who does not love birthday parties?
So I made a decision. I decided we would have a party. Not just any kind of party. But a big 100th party.
The party was this past weekend, and it was a blast. People came from all over the country to celebrate 100 years of ministry. We got letters from Presidents, Govenors, Mayors and College Presidents. We viewed videos of congratulations and appreciation from many people.
But we also worshipped God. After all, it really was His party. What made it so good was the fact that many former ministers, members, and friends came as well. We worshipped God with southern gospel, contemporary worship songs, hymns, preaching, testimony, and alot of hugs and love. It was not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Lots of people worked hard on the weekend. There was a centennial team that planned, prayed and executed the plan and prayers. And it was flawless!
Three people were amazing... Ben Killion and Jim Schnorrenberg were the leaders of the team. 18 months ago, I knew that I could not plan this and lead it. ( that was before the health problems). So I asked them to lead it out. They were so willing. They did exactly what I asked them to do... "put a team together and let's have a party." I could not have been more pleased with thier leadership.
The other person is our Worship Minister, Tim Tibbles. He worked so hard to have an orchestra, 100 voice choir, band, for Sunday morning. And the services were great. Saturday night he and some others put together a Revivial worship service , again involving many different people that shared the talents and gifts.
I think the one of the best things about the weekend was that there was something for everyone. And I can't count how many times people said, "This has been so great."
Why was it great? Because God is great. And God has been great to this church for 100 years. We have had ups and downs, great victories and a few defeats...but consistently God has been there every step of the way.
I said my part of the message that this weekend is just a "comma" , not a "period." ( thanks to Gov. George Nigh and my friend Jerry Whited.). I love that picture because the best is yet to come.
Lots of people are tired, there is alot of clean up to do, but I think everyone would agree that it was a great party.
So I made a decision. I decided we would have a party. Not just any kind of party. But a big 100th party.
The party was this past weekend, and it was a blast. People came from all over the country to celebrate 100 years of ministry. We got letters from Presidents, Govenors, Mayors and College Presidents. We viewed videos of congratulations and appreciation from many people.
But we also worshipped God. After all, it really was His party. What made it so good was the fact that many former ministers, members, and friends came as well. We worshipped God with southern gospel, contemporary worship songs, hymns, preaching, testimony, and alot of hugs and love. It was not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Lots of people worked hard on the weekend. There was a centennial team that planned, prayed and executed the plan and prayers. And it was flawless!
Three people were amazing... Ben Killion and Jim Schnorrenberg were the leaders of the team. 18 months ago, I knew that I could not plan this and lead it. ( that was before the health problems). So I asked them to lead it out. They were so willing. They did exactly what I asked them to do... "put a team together and let's have a party." I could not have been more pleased with thier leadership.
The other person is our Worship Minister, Tim Tibbles. He worked so hard to have an orchestra, 100 voice choir, band, for Sunday morning. And the services were great. Saturday night he and some others put together a Revivial worship service , again involving many different people that shared the talents and gifts.
I think the one of the best things about the weekend was that there was something for everyone. And I can't count how many times people said, "This has been so great."
Why was it great? Because God is great. And God has been great to this church for 100 years. We have had ups and downs, great victories and a few defeats...but consistently God has been there every step of the way.
I said my part of the message that this weekend is just a "comma" , not a "period." ( thanks to Gov. George Nigh and my friend Jerry Whited.). I love that picture because the best is yet to come.
Lots of people are tired, there is alot of clean up to do, but I think everyone would agree that it was a great party.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Funeral Directors, Preachers and death
I am part of a "profession" that deals with death on a fairly regular basis. Just today, I visited with a trio of sisters whose 82 year old mother has suffered a series of strokes and is near death. After 25 years at this, I pretty much know what to do, what to say and what not to say. There are times I get surprised, but not oten.
I have been very blessed because I have not had to deal with death in an intense way, at least personally. All my siblings are alive, my parents are alive as are all of Pam's . I have wondered from time to time what it would be like if one of my close family members died. Who do I turn to? Who helps the preacher get through something like that?
That was brought home this morning by a phone call I got at 7:30 AM. It was one of my closest friends... a guy named Steve. He called to let me know that his mother passed away last night. She had cancer, had been up and down, in and out of the hospital and had struggled for a while with this.
What makes it more interesting to me is that Steve is the best Funeral Director around. He is a close friend. But professionally he is the guy that I would trust completely. When people ask, I say, "Mowery's..." It automatic.
I thought this morning, "Who does the funeral director turn to when his mom dies?" I mean, he deals with this all the time. He is well connected in our community. He is loved and respected by many. So who does he call?
I am sure he called his pastor. But I also know he called me. I don't deserve a medal. I am sure that he called other friends to. But we just have the kind of relationship where we call each other, and lean on each other in tough times. We also have a great time together as well.
And it makes me remember... Preachers and Funeral Directors need friends too. We need people to lean on. We need people that will let us cry when our loved one dies... who will laugh with us when we need that... we need someone we can call.
Steve is that guy for me. I have several others in the church, and one other who lives out of town that I could call. This morning's phone call from Steve made me thankful that I would have several calls to make if one of my parents died. It also made me happy that I am that kind of friend for Him.
We are normal people with normal kinds of needs. We are around death alot, but when it reaches deep into our lives, we need good friends too.
I have been very blessed because I have not had to deal with death in an intense way, at least personally. All my siblings are alive, my parents are alive as are all of Pam's . I have wondered from time to time what it would be like if one of my close family members died. Who do I turn to? Who helps the preacher get through something like that?
That was brought home this morning by a phone call I got at 7:30 AM. It was one of my closest friends... a guy named Steve. He called to let me know that his mother passed away last night. She had cancer, had been up and down, in and out of the hospital and had struggled for a while with this.
What makes it more interesting to me is that Steve is the best Funeral Director around. He is a close friend. But professionally he is the guy that I would trust completely. When people ask, I say, "Mowery's..." It automatic.
I thought this morning, "Who does the funeral director turn to when his mom dies?" I mean, he deals with this all the time. He is well connected in our community. He is loved and respected by many. So who does he call?
I am sure he called his pastor. But I also know he called me. I don't deserve a medal. I am sure that he called other friends to. But we just have the kind of relationship where we call each other, and lean on each other in tough times. We also have a great time together as well.
And it makes me remember... Preachers and Funeral Directors need friends too. We need people to lean on. We need people that will let us cry when our loved one dies... who will laugh with us when we need that... we need someone we can call.
Steve is that guy for me. I have several others in the church, and one other who lives out of town that I could call. This morning's phone call from Steve made me thankful that I would have several calls to make if one of my parents died. It also made me happy that I am that kind of friend for Him.
We are normal people with normal kinds of needs. We are around death alot, but when it reaches deep into our lives, we need good friends too.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Assuming Postive intentions
Several years ago, our church staff watched a DVD from Southeast Christian Church. One of the main points the preach of this church with a large staff made was that we have to "assume positive intentions" with each other. The idea is that if we give people the benefit of the doubt, and assume that they did something that affected us adversely, that it was done with no malice or hurtful feelings. At least as a starting point, that helps us maintain our cool, and helps us realize that something just happen. I have not always been the best at this... but I am trying more to take a deep breath and wait for a while before reacting.
This came up today with a particular situation at our church. Apparently someone, not really knowing the rules about email communication within the church, sent out something soliciting business. This person is a relatively new to our church.
Some members of the church got the email and sent notes back asking that they be removed from the email listing that got them this solicitation. That is okay. No problem in my mind. But it seems that is possible that some of the communication was bit testy in nature. Our office got some phone calls and even a couple emails as well, wondering how this could happen.
It caused a bit of a twit for some people. I understand that... I really do. But sometimes our reaction to things like this can cause more harm than we intend. The person who did this was genuinely upset , thinking that they had really messed up.
I called them and talked with them today. I assured them that from my vantage point this was an honest mistake... we don't want people using the membership email to solicit business. But I think thier mistake was done with positive intentions. They had been encouraged by other business associates to do something like as a way to touch their sphere of influence. They believe in their business and its potential to really help people.
Inexperience in the church world kind of caught them here... That is what I think.
The one thing that the Devil likes to do is take innocent little things like this and blow them up, thus derailing someone from their service in the church, and/or giving them reason to think that this is not a place of love and grace. Boy, is he good at that!
I hope that will not happen in this case. This couple serves in several areas. They are fairly new to the church, and one of them is fairly new to the faith. Certainly no one would want a negative reaction to an honest mistake to be the thing that derails them....would they?
I know our church pretty well, and I am assuming postive intentions of those that reacted as well. I know that love is the order of the day.... and that people in general would understand if they had all the information and knew that it was taken care of.
We have a great church, with lots of new people. Sometimes it is a bit messy, but thats okay. Whats most important is that people know that even in our church, mistakes are made every day and we move on. And as I said in my last post, sins are committed every day, and we confess and ask for forgiveness, and God moves on. Psalms says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your trangressions from you." Psalm 103:12
Aren't you glad that applies to you? I know I am glad it applies to me.
This came up today with a particular situation at our church. Apparently someone, not really knowing the rules about email communication within the church, sent out something soliciting business. This person is a relatively new to our church.
Some members of the church got the email and sent notes back asking that they be removed from the email listing that got them this solicitation. That is okay. No problem in my mind. But it seems that is possible that some of the communication was bit testy in nature. Our office got some phone calls and even a couple emails as well, wondering how this could happen.
It caused a bit of a twit for some people. I understand that... I really do. But sometimes our reaction to things like this can cause more harm than we intend. The person who did this was genuinely upset , thinking that they had really messed up.
I called them and talked with them today. I assured them that from my vantage point this was an honest mistake... we don't want people using the membership email to solicit business. But I think thier mistake was done with positive intentions. They had been encouraged by other business associates to do something like as a way to touch their sphere of influence. They believe in their business and its potential to really help people.
Inexperience in the church world kind of caught them here... That is what I think.
The one thing that the Devil likes to do is take innocent little things like this and blow them up, thus derailing someone from their service in the church, and/or giving them reason to think that this is not a place of love and grace. Boy, is he good at that!
I hope that will not happen in this case. This couple serves in several areas. They are fairly new to the church, and one of them is fairly new to the faith. Certainly no one would want a negative reaction to an honest mistake to be the thing that derails them....would they?
I know our church pretty well, and I am assuming postive intentions of those that reacted as well. I know that love is the order of the day.... and that people in general would understand if they had all the information and knew that it was taken care of.
We have a great church, with lots of new people. Sometimes it is a bit messy, but thats okay. Whats most important is that people know that even in our church, mistakes are made every day and we move on. And as I said in my last post, sins are committed every day, and we confess and ask for forgiveness, and God moves on. Psalms says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your trangressions from you." Psalm 103:12
Aren't you glad that applies to you? I know I am glad it applies to me.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Mistakers or sinners?
THIS IS NOT MY IDEA! But it is good. Andy Stanley talks about the difference between "mistakers" and "sinners" . Think about it... How many times have you done something WRONG and just passed it off as a mistake.
I didn't wear my seat belt- that was a mistake. ( not really- I decided not to wear it and disobey the law.)
I let some information slip to someone that I am pretty sure will pass it along. Big mistake. ( not really- how about gossip as a possibility?)
I harbored some thoughts in my heart. They led to hateful actions toward someone. It was a mistake ( Not really- Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.) Matthew 12:34
I think we do a big diservice to ourselves when we don't call sin what it is - SIN.
Here is why. ..
We are never told in the Bible that God will forgive mistakes. He forgives sin. ( Psalm 103:3)
We are never told to confess mistakes. We are told to confess sins to each other ( James 5:!6)
We are never told that mistakes will find us out. We are told that sin will find us out. ( Numbers 32 :23)
When I think of the things that I do that are wrong as mistakes and not sins, I am basically saying, "Hey, I am who I am and I don't need forgiveness. I just need to do better."
And we miss out on forgiveness, the blessing of confession ( leading to prayer and accountability ) and we think we are getting away with it. We are not, because God knows the difference between a sin and a mistake. His son did not die for mistakers, but for sinners.
Interesting idea... I guess I am a little ashamed at how often I just blow it and call it a mistake. It suggests to me that I need a dose of biblical reality.
Just something to think about.
I didn't wear my seat belt- that was a mistake. ( not really- I decided not to wear it and disobey the law.)
I let some information slip to someone that I am pretty sure will pass it along. Big mistake. ( not really- how about gossip as a possibility?)
I harbored some thoughts in my heart. They led to hateful actions toward someone. It was a mistake ( Not really- Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.) Matthew 12:34
I think we do a big diservice to ourselves when we don't call sin what it is - SIN.
Here is why. ..
We are never told in the Bible that God will forgive mistakes. He forgives sin. ( Psalm 103:3)
We are never told to confess mistakes. We are told to confess sins to each other ( James 5:!6)
We are never told that mistakes will find us out. We are told that sin will find us out. ( Numbers 32 :23)
When I think of the things that I do that are wrong as mistakes and not sins, I am basically saying, "Hey, I am who I am and I don't need forgiveness. I just need to do better."
And we miss out on forgiveness, the blessing of confession ( leading to prayer and accountability ) and we think we are getting away with it. We are not, because God knows the difference between a sin and a mistake. His son did not die for mistakers, but for sinners.
Interesting idea... I guess I am a little ashamed at how often I just blow it and call it a mistake. It suggests to me that I need a dose of biblical reality.
Just something to think about.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Busy times
It has been an extremely busy couple of weeks for me, and our family.
In the last month, I have had three major funerals ( I suppose every funeral is major...), but two of them were of young men who died at the hands of cancer. Another was an elderly lady. Each of them took alot out of me.
In addition we have been going through a mini series on our Building For Christ :Finish Campaign. It has been more than just preaching... The lead up work to it has been demanding, as have answering the questions.
I also have attended three graduations. Joel's was at OSU...Way to go big boy! He is looking for a job.... Abigial's high school graduation was last Thursday. Once again, the Curran kids left their mark on the graduation ceremonies. Abigial and her friend Whitney sang the Rascal Flats song, "My Wish" at the commencement. She said she was not nervous. And she did not look like it at all. That is amazing especially since she sang in front of 7500 people. They were amazing! And of course we have been so proud of her accomplishments in high school. All of our kids either sang, spoke or prayed at the graduation ceremonies... That is pretty cool.
Then James Summers ( Lydia's Husband) graduated from Ozark Chrsitian College. He is such a fine young man... we are proud of him and his desire to serve the Lord.
Now, on top of that we are dealing with the emotions of James and Lydia moving to the Chicago area. It is hard to let them go, but we know that God has a plan for them. In three months Abigial will be at Ozark. Joel will be off on his career... and Lizzie and Nathaniel are busy making their life in Fayetteville Ark.
So it will soon be Pam and I. No dogs, cats, or fish... just Pam and I. I think we are looking forward to it...but we know that it will demand some adjustments for both of us.
On the church front, we have had some interesting things happen. We invited Woody Wilkinson to come on Wednesday Nights to share with us on some study of Isalm, Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. He is amazing... a man of both great knowledge and a great spirit.
The interesting thing is that we have advertised this on our marquee. It has caused a bit of a stir. The Marquee says, "I want to know about... Mormonism ( Or Jehovah's witnesses.). Last week, the phone rang several times at the church. It was people wanting to know more about the topic of the week. On Wednesday night, several men from the Mormon church showed up, as did a woman with 4 children. She talked with Woody afterwards...but the men did not. They quiet sat and listened. One man seemed to be deep in prayer during the presentation.
This morning ( after we had changed the marquee to Jehovah's Witnesses) I received a package from the local Kingdom Hall. There was a note attached, bascially saying that if we wanted to know more, we needed the right materials. ( Thank you). The note was very kind, even complimentary of our desire to know more about the Jehovah's Witness. It even mentioned their appreciation for our using their name on our marquee. I don't know whether they will send anyone Wednesday night or not... but I have found out something... People read the marquee!!!
By the way, in the middle of all this I went to the Nureologist... She said I am doing well... see you in 6 months. That is good news.
God is good, even in really busy times and times of transition
In the last month, I have had three major funerals ( I suppose every funeral is major...), but two of them were of young men who died at the hands of cancer. Another was an elderly lady. Each of them took alot out of me.
In addition we have been going through a mini series on our Building For Christ :Finish Campaign. It has been more than just preaching... The lead up work to it has been demanding, as have answering the questions.
I also have attended three graduations. Joel's was at OSU...Way to go big boy! He is looking for a job.... Abigial's high school graduation was last Thursday. Once again, the Curran kids left their mark on the graduation ceremonies. Abigial and her friend Whitney sang the Rascal Flats song, "My Wish" at the commencement. She said she was not nervous. And she did not look like it at all. That is amazing especially since she sang in front of 7500 people. They were amazing! And of course we have been so proud of her accomplishments in high school. All of our kids either sang, spoke or prayed at the graduation ceremonies... That is pretty cool.
Then James Summers ( Lydia's Husband) graduated from Ozark Chrsitian College. He is such a fine young man... we are proud of him and his desire to serve the Lord.
Now, on top of that we are dealing with the emotions of James and Lydia moving to the Chicago area. It is hard to let them go, but we know that God has a plan for them. In three months Abigial will be at Ozark. Joel will be off on his career... and Lizzie and Nathaniel are busy making their life in Fayetteville Ark.
So it will soon be Pam and I. No dogs, cats, or fish... just Pam and I. I think we are looking forward to it...but we know that it will demand some adjustments for both of us.
On the church front, we have had some interesting things happen. We invited Woody Wilkinson to come on Wednesday Nights to share with us on some study of Isalm, Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. He is amazing... a man of both great knowledge and a great spirit.
The interesting thing is that we have advertised this on our marquee. It has caused a bit of a stir. The Marquee says, "I want to know about... Mormonism ( Or Jehovah's witnesses.). Last week, the phone rang several times at the church. It was people wanting to know more about the topic of the week. On Wednesday night, several men from the Mormon church showed up, as did a woman with 4 children. She talked with Woody afterwards...but the men did not. They quiet sat and listened. One man seemed to be deep in prayer during the presentation.
This morning ( after we had changed the marquee to Jehovah's Witnesses) I received a package from the local Kingdom Hall. There was a note attached, bascially saying that if we wanted to know more, we needed the right materials. ( Thank you). The note was very kind, even complimentary of our desire to know more about the Jehovah's Witness. It even mentioned their appreciation for our using their name on our marquee. I don't know whether they will send anyone Wednesday night or not... but I have found out something... People read the marquee!!!
By the way, in the middle of all this I went to the Nureologist... She said I am doing well... see you in 6 months. That is good news.
God is good, even in really busy times and times of transition
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Big Crowds..
Preachers are often conditioned to think that big crowds are a validation of worth and significance. We go to meetings and get asked the question , "How's it going?" That is code for "how big is your church," or "are you on the rise or decline", or "are your offerings up or down, "and are the people behind you or are you getting creamed by some hypercritical person or persons.
The answer is usually, "Things are good." We try to be as vague as possible. If we are growing and things are going great, we don't want to sound egotistical. If things are going bad, we don't want to whine.
But it goes beyond Sunday morning attendance. For instance, today, I spoke at two events that were not well attended. One was the Tulsa area Ministers Fellowship. We combine with the local Church of Christ preachers for lunch once a month. One of the guys asked me to talk about the stroke and some lessons that I had picked up through this last year or so. So I showed up. Problem was that most of the guys that attend it did not. There were only 3-4 guys from Christian Churches and about 10 from the Cof C. That is a pretty low crowd. We ate, someone lamented about the lack of attendance ( after all, we are all preachers), and then they turned it over to me. I talked for about 30 minutes. Then we did something special. They put me in the middle of a circle,laid hands on me and prayed. It was a very powerful moment for me. And so meaningful. Most of the guys I did not know, but the encouragement of those moments were very important to me.
Then I had to scoot to a graveside service in Tulsa. I did not know what to expect. I did not know the lady, but her sister, who I had not seen in 10 years or so, called me and asked me to do the service. Davida was 90 years old. Never married. She has two sisters, one in her mid 80's, whose husband passed away 25 years ago ( no children), and another sister in her early 80's who has never been married. They did not live here, but in the OKC area. But she wanted to be buried in Tulsa.
So I went not knowing what to expect. It was the smallest service I have ever done. There were 4 people there. 2 sisters, one cousion and a sorority sister of Davida's.
Prayer, scripture, obituary, remarks and prayer. Took about 15 minutes ( that was me stretching it a bit). But then what happened after was so cool. The two sisters and the cousion and sorority sister started telling stories. That went on for 30 minutes. Then as we left the younger sister said, "That was a great service... I hope you stick around so you can do mine some day." ( I hope so too.)
I thought about both those events on the way home. Both were small in numbers, but powerful in impact. They were personal. They were spiritual moments of encouragement . They were both uplifting. And they both were important.
Sometimes its not the big gatherings that produce the most important moments. I like that about God.... What did Jesus say? "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I will be also."
I like that about God. He wants everyone to be saved... He would love Heaven to be populated with people from every nation, tribe and tongue. But it is not the number that counts. It's the soul.
Good lesson for me to remember as well.
The answer is usually, "Things are good." We try to be as vague as possible. If we are growing and things are going great, we don't want to sound egotistical. If things are going bad, we don't want to whine.
But it goes beyond Sunday morning attendance. For instance, today, I spoke at two events that were not well attended. One was the Tulsa area Ministers Fellowship. We combine with the local Church of Christ preachers for lunch once a month. One of the guys asked me to talk about the stroke and some lessons that I had picked up through this last year or so. So I showed up. Problem was that most of the guys that attend it did not. There were only 3-4 guys from Christian Churches and about 10 from the Cof C. That is a pretty low crowd. We ate, someone lamented about the lack of attendance ( after all, we are all preachers), and then they turned it over to me. I talked for about 30 minutes. Then we did something special. They put me in the middle of a circle,laid hands on me and prayed. It was a very powerful moment for me. And so meaningful. Most of the guys I did not know, but the encouragement of those moments were very important to me.
Then I had to scoot to a graveside service in Tulsa. I did not know what to expect. I did not know the lady, but her sister, who I had not seen in 10 years or so, called me and asked me to do the service. Davida was 90 years old. Never married. She has two sisters, one in her mid 80's, whose husband passed away 25 years ago ( no children), and another sister in her early 80's who has never been married. They did not live here, but in the OKC area. But she wanted to be buried in Tulsa.
So I went not knowing what to expect. It was the smallest service I have ever done. There were 4 people there. 2 sisters, one cousion and a sorority sister of Davida's.
Prayer, scripture, obituary, remarks and prayer. Took about 15 minutes ( that was me stretching it a bit). But then what happened after was so cool. The two sisters and the cousion and sorority sister started telling stories. That went on for 30 minutes. Then as we left the younger sister said, "That was a great service... I hope you stick around so you can do mine some day." ( I hope so too.)
I thought about both those events on the way home. Both were small in numbers, but powerful in impact. They were personal. They were spiritual moments of encouragement . They were both uplifting. And they both were important.
Sometimes its not the big gatherings that produce the most important moments. I like that about God.... What did Jesus say? "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I will be also."
I like that about God. He wants everyone to be saved... He would love Heaven to be populated with people from every nation, tribe and tongue. But it is not the number that counts. It's the soul.
Good lesson for me to remember as well.
Monday, May 07, 2007
THIS AND THAT....
Some thoughts about this and that...
On Saturday May 5th, we journeyed to Oklahoma State University to watch Joel recieve his degree. We have been so proud of him. He has worked hard for four years to get to this point. He had some scholarship money, but he worked 30 plus hours a week for the last 3 1/2 years to be able to make it to this point. That fact alone makes me very proud of him. He maintained a 3.0 grade point average, and graduated in 4 years. That takes alot of dedication and work.
Joel is a great young man...everyone says that about him. We are blessed to have him in our lives. Now, if you want to pray for him, pray for a good job for him. That is the next big step.
On Sunday May 6th, I shared the vision for the building of our new campus on North Garnett. It is something that I was not comfortable with, but I felt like ( along with others) that it was the right time and right place to do it. So it was Building for Christ: FAQ's. The response from almost eveyone was overwhelmingly positive! I am finding people want to know. And they want to know that there is a vision for the future. Our church is full of people who really do want to make a difference.
We have seen God work in some really significant ways at FCC. Each step in this process has seen the need for a lot of faith. Our leaders have been faith filled believers who know that what we are attempting is far beyond us. We can not do it... but God can.
I think there is a constant lesson before me. Attempting great things, means leaning on someone besides myself. God is my help and my strength.
Rain.... boy are we getting rain. Thunder, lightening, rain and more rain. People complain about it... just as they complained for the last two years when we were getting no rain. It all makes me wonder if God doesn;t just put his fingers in his ears and go, "WAH WAH WAH WAH..."
It sure is green.... and I like green
On Saturday May 5th, we journeyed to Oklahoma State University to watch Joel recieve his degree. We have been so proud of him. He has worked hard for four years to get to this point. He had some scholarship money, but he worked 30 plus hours a week for the last 3 1/2 years to be able to make it to this point. That fact alone makes me very proud of him. He maintained a 3.0 grade point average, and graduated in 4 years. That takes alot of dedication and work.
Joel is a great young man...everyone says that about him. We are blessed to have him in our lives. Now, if you want to pray for him, pray for a good job for him. That is the next big step.
On Sunday May 6th, I shared the vision for the building of our new campus on North Garnett. It is something that I was not comfortable with, but I felt like ( along with others) that it was the right time and right place to do it. So it was Building for Christ: FAQ's. The response from almost eveyone was overwhelmingly positive! I am finding people want to know. And they want to know that there is a vision for the future. Our church is full of people who really do want to make a difference.
We have seen God work in some really significant ways at FCC. Each step in this process has seen the need for a lot of faith. Our leaders have been faith filled believers who know that what we are attempting is far beyond us. We can not do it... but God can.
I think there is a constant lesson before me. Attempting great things, means leaning on someone besides myself. God is my help and my strength.
Rain.... boy are we getting rain. Thunder, lightening, rain and more rain. People complain about it... just as they complained for the last two years when we were getting no rain. It all makes me wonder if God doesn;t just put his fingers in his ears and go, "WAH WAH WAH WAH..."
It sure is green.... and I like green
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