At the beginning of the month, Bishop Scott Jameson Jones spoke on what it means to be radical Methodists, and in his lessons, a theme that seemed to pop up was "how people can call themselves a Christian when at the same time, they don't love their neighbors".
Today my truck's battery was low (hopefully because of leaving some things on overnight - hoping it's as simple as that), and I made one phone call and someone was came by and gave me a jump (Thank you Bill!!).
I could have called others, but did I have the time to repeat a process of explain Jesus' words of love while also talking about Christian humility?
Jesus said to love one another... he didn't say that we had to like them - but to love them. And if people want to talk trash and show pride, instead of admitting their sins - so much so that they'll refuse to give to their church, find a way to hold it hostage with threats, make church a "my place, not theirs", or they can't admit that they messed up.
Saying that you care doesn't mean you get to set limitations. It means caring above and beyond yourself. It means being nice, even when nice hurts. It means looking in a mirror and seeing your own faults before others.
Take my dog, Dingo, for example. She is trained in watching, protection, and such, but only by command. Any other time, she's SO friendly that she'll lean against a person on her two hind legs just to get more love and show more love (yes, this can be annoying at times, but...).
Dingo understands when people are hurting, and she'll go and comfort them. She understands when people are being nice, even if they have a problem. She understands love.
How? Why? Beats the heck out of me.
So while people are so busy trying to climb some invisible ladder, trying to be better than others, I'll be down here with Dingo, letting people climb.
... Because the higher you climb, the more swaying in the ladder - and the more swaying in the ladder, the higher the risk of falling - and when you fall from such a height, well, "ouch!"
Love one another.
Enough, already, with the pride.
=)
Friday, February 22, 2013
no boys and their toys?
This past 24 hours has been a fun one. Really.
"Winter Storm Q" came through my area, and dropped it's snow in varying amounts around northeast Nebraska. To help out someone who lives out of the area but works in town, I had them staying in my spare room. The fellowship was great, and it was the least I could do.
I recently read about how many people in a city (I think Lincoln, but not sure) was asking the City folks if they could move snow from their driveways and such. These weren't people who just wanted the "freebee", but people with health concerns who had to make it to vital doctor visits or medical treatments.
Understandably, the City couldn't fill the requests, so many volunteers did the job. If I recall correctly, people from various churches, businesses, etc would get the requests forwarded to them, and they would go do the job to help out the citizens. So cool!
When I lived in Frontier County, we were hit with a big snowstorm, and people in Maywood and Curtis Nebraska did about the same thing. Guys with snowplows, tractors, snowblowers, etc would just show up and clear driveways. I think there was a "system" to it... businesses got cleared out; elderly and those with medical conditions were cleared; cops, firefighters, and EMTs were dug out; churches were opened up... and then it seemed to be a playtime - the guys would just plow for the sake of plowing, staying clear of the Street Depts and such for the sake of safety. People would call this a time of "the boys with their toys" going out to "play".
Now as I'm sitting here, I'm appreciative of the guy who opened up my driveway when we was clearing his folks' place out. Even though the church has someone who does it (because of the liability insurance, the church has to keep the walks and drives plowed), this means that I don't have to wait for the regular plow-guy, and it will help free him up sooner to take care of his other customers.
Admittedly, I'm not going to get all of the exercise I could have gotten by clearing the driveway myself, but it's done, and now I'm able to get out sooner to take care of other business.
But sadly, I've noticed around here that some people aren't as "open" to helping... people who have the ability to help out others will only take care of their business, and then say that it's too much work for them - while their sitting at home stewing because people are stingy. Or people who say "we can take care of this" and then suddenly become busy - sitting around telling stories at the cafe, wondering why other people aren't there (it's because the others are out plowing people out, out of the goodness of their heart).
My new Bishop has made it clear what it means to have a caring heart, to extend a love to one another, even if you don't like the person, and to help others in need.
Are we falling short? Do we need to take another look at ourselves and ask "why" we are too busy complaining, moaning, and griping, instead of lending a hand to those in need?
If you are able to do something - anything - do it. Help get someone's groceries to their home. Take out the trash for them. open up their driveway so they can make it to an important medical treatment.
And if you own a plow, tractor, whatever - call it "a good reason to have some fun".
Yes, gas prices are high, and time is precious... but in the end, what's better? Doing the good deed, or knowing that people know how stingy someone was?
The rewards are far greater than the hassle.
For me, my "reward" came in the form of a Russell Stover's candy - they knew it was my favorite.
And my bigger reward is on my heart.
Blessings!
"Winter Storm Q" came through my area, and dropped it's snow in varying amounts around northeast Nebraska. To help out someone who lives out of the area but works in town, I had them staying in my spare room. The fellowship was great, and it was the least I could do.
I recently read about how many people in a city (I think Lincoln, but not sure) was asking the City folks if they could move snow from their driveways and such. These weren't people who just wanted the "freebee", but people with health concerns who had to make it to vital doctor visits or medical treatments.
Understandably, the City couldn't fill the requests, so many volunteers did the job. If I recall correctly, people from various churches, businesses, etc would get the requests forwarded to them, and they would go do the job to help out the citizens. So cool!
When I lived in Frontier County, we were hit with a big snowstorm, and people in Maywood and Curtis Nebraska did about the same thing. Guys with snowplows, tractors, snowblowers, etc would just show up and clear driveways. I think there was a "system" to it... businesses got cleared out; elderly and those with medical conditions were cleared; cops, firefighters, and EMTs were dug out; churches were opened up... and then it seemed to be a playtime - the guys would just plow for the sake of plowing, staying clear of the Street Depts and such for the sake of safety. People would call this a time of "the boys with their toys" going out to "play".
Now as I'm sitting here, I'm appreciative of the guy who opened up my driveway when we was clearing his folks' place out. Even though the church has someone who does it (because of the liability insurance, the church has to keep the walks and drives plowed), this means that I don't have to wait for the regular plow-guy, and it will help free him up sooner to take care of his other customers.
Admittedly, I'm not going to get all of the exercise I could have gotten by clearing the driveway myself, but it's done, and now I'm able to get out sooner to take care of other business.
But sadly, I've noticed around here that some people aren't as "open" to helping... people who have the ability to help out others will only take care of their business, and then say that it's too much work for them - while their sitting at home stewing because people are stingy. Or people who say "we can take care of this" and then suddenly become busy - sitting around telling stories at the cafe, wondering why other people aren't there (it's because the others are out plowing people out, out of the goodness of their heart).
My new Bishop has made it clear what it means to have a caring heart, to extend a love to one another, even if you don't like the person, and to help others in need.
Are we falling short? Do we need to take another look at ourselves and ask "why" we are too busy complaining, moaning, and griping, instead of lending a hand to those in need?
If you are able to do something - anything - do it. Help get someone's groceries to their home. Take out the trash for them. open up their driveway so they can make it to an important medical treatment.
And if you own a plow, tractor, whatever - call it "a good reason to have some fun".
Yes, gas prices are high, and time is precious... but in the end, what's better? Doing the good deed, or knowing that people know how stingy someone was?
The rewards are far greater than the hassle.
For me, my "reward" came in the form of a Russell Stover's candy - they knew it was my favorite.
And my bigger reward is on my heart.
Blessings!
Monday, February 18, 2013
You're who?
Today I preached on going into the wilderness - looking at Luke 4, when Jesus had his own wilderness experience, he faced trials, and the same Spirit was with him in the wilderness was the same one that led him through it.
I'm reminded of a book that I had to read in the first year of my ministry studies... and how the entire class seemed to feel the same way about the book - "what a waste".
But looking back, the book probably has been more enlightening through the memory of it than what us students gave it credit. It has served as a reminder of how people need to release whatever pains, emotions, and burdens that are weighing them down so that they can "let go and let God".
I decided that during Lent, I will "escape that which burdens me, so that I may only be burdened for God's calling". This means letting things go, not allowing another's dark to fill my voids, and reassessing my life.
I'm reminded of so many videos, music clips, and movie lines that I can use, but in the end, it's not about that - it's about taking care of me so that I can do that which I need to do.
So if a person's attempts to drag me down frustrate them, "bless their hearts."
I'm reminded of a book that I had to read in the first year of my ministry studies... and how the entire class seemed to feel the same way about the book - "what a waste".
But looking back, the book probably has been more enlightening through the memory of it than what us students gave it credit. It has served as a reminder of how people need to release whatever pains, emotions, and burdens that are weighing them down so that they can "let go and let God".
I decided that during Lent, I will "escape that which burdens me, so that I may only be burdened for God's calling". This means letting things go, not allowing another's dark to fill my voids, and reassessing my life.
I'm reminded of so many videos, music clips, and movie lines that I can use, but in the end, it's not about that - it's about taking care of me so that I can do that which I need to do.
So if a person's attempts to drag me down frustrate them, "bless their hearts."
Sunday, February 10, 2013
To reassess
Sometimes you have to stop and reassess your life.
Sometimes you aren't happy with what you find.
Sometimes it might even greatly upset you.
But isn't God's grace amazing?!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Worth the hassles
I've got the sniffles. Probably got them from my older granddaughter as we went out on our "Date Day", having lunch and riding the Merry-Go-Round.
I'm also feeling beat up... my body still aches from all of the driving I did over the past week, including fighting with the weather as I went from point to point to point.
But it was worth it. I had time with my favorite ladies, and am working on planning more time this Spring - maybe even Liberty coming to Grandpa's for a few days, and giving mommy & daddy a couple of days of "vacation" (minus Abigail, which she'll have to wait until she's not so "dependent" on her mommy for meals).
Repeated Merry-Go-Round rides, lunch, watching Liberty run through the Kids' Play Area, holding my new granddaughter Abigail, the time, the visiting... Yeah, it was well worth it.
At a recent event, I chatted with a fellow clergy that was telling me how (they) were wanting to move so that they could be closer to family. Right now, they have about a two hour drive.
Two hours? I've give just about anything to be only two hours away.
But after driving 1280 miles in the five days in a vehicle that needs a serious "remodeling" (you'd think that a Blazer would have enough interior room - don't be fooled. Ugh. (LOL)), I don't regret any minute.
The exhaustion is finally leaving my bones. The sniffles will pass. The truck can even be washed to get all of the road salt off of it. Because the one thing that matters in it all is my time with those I love.
That's my priority.
I'm also feeling beat up... my body still aches from all of the driving I did over the past week, including fighting with the weather as I went from point to point to point.
But it was worth it. I had time with my favorite ladies, and am working on planning more time this Spring - maybe even Liberty coming to Grandpa's for a few days, and giving mommy & daddy a couple of days of "vacation" (minus Abigail, which she'll have to wait until she's not so "dependent" on her mommy for meals).
Repeated Merry-Go-Round rides, lunch, watching Liberty run through the Kids' Play Area, holding my new granddaughter Abigail, the time, the visiting... Yeah, it was well worth it.
At a recent event, I chatted with a fellow clergy that was telling me how (they) were wanting to move so that they could be closer to family. Right now, they have about a two hour drive.
Two hours? I've give just about anything to be only two hours away.
But after driving 1280 miles in the five days in a vehicle that needs a serious "remodeling" (you'd think that a Blazer would have enough interior room - don't be fooled. Ugh. (LOL)), I don't regret any minute.
The exhaustion is finally leaving my bones. The sniffles will pass. The truck can even be washed to get all of the road salt off of it. Because the one thing that matters in it all is my time with those I love.
That's my priority.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Old age is fun? (Revised)
It was pointed out to me that I'm already a GRANDPA.
This flashes so many images in my head.
First, the image of the conversation that this came up. It was probably one of the most eye-opening conversation I've had. It has been a basis for some of the current learning I'm doing, as well as how I teach.
Second is the fact that I'm a grandpa for the second time now, so along with Paulette's, that make FIVE grandchildren or step-grandchildren.
I remember once counting the pictures of all of my cousins on the wall of my paternal grandparents' living room once. I'm the oldest of the 16 grandchildren they had. And now, here I am, realizing that I'm up to FIVE grandkids. Now, I'm looking for a comb to keep next to my chair (a memory I have of my one grandpa).
>> edit note - I originally thought I was the oldest of 27 - that's what I get for typing my Blog in the later hours (old guys should get to bed at earlier hours) and that I can't remember much (another sign of old age?) =/
Thanks to my brother for catching this - at least we figured that "maybe" I was counting Grandma & Grandpa's children and spouses.
Third, I'm going to be seeing my newborn granddaughter soon. In the time there, I'll be taking my other granddaughter out for lunch or shopping or something. It's something we've sort of started a habit of doing - our pizza date. But each time, my older granddaughter is more independent... she can open her own box, or push the cart, or get her drink. Time flies, and she's growing up fast.
Then, all of these things come "crashing" in on me when I see my eye doctor or medical doctor. This body part is old. That section of my body is worn. But I'm only 48...
But I'm a Grandpa! Stuff happens, and being a grandpa makes everything worth it!
Or when I interact with other kids, whether at my churches or in the communities I serve or just walking through a shopping mall - there seems to be a different sense of "pride"... I'm a grandpa, and I can give a child a look and make them smile, or reassure them that they're not in charge, but the parents are, or just realizing how enjoyable life can be when watching a little kid laugh.
Yeah, I'm getting old. The years have been good to me, and some years weren't as good as others, thanks to all of the food I ate, but in my new life, I'm enjoying getting older. It's that "circle of life", and now I can play with my grandchildren, spoiling the living heck out of them, and send them back home with all sorts of stories of what their parents did (or maybe I'll use that one as a "trump card" LOL)
But yeah, this is fun. It's fun to be where I am. It's fun to think back to all that I've been through. It's fun to look ahead, wondering what tomorrow might bring.
And yes, it's scary as well. But I'm also the protective grandpa - the one that has the pictures of my granddaughter cuddled close to me - for these are the pictures that I will show any young gents who have an interest later in life. I'll just pull out the pictures, point to how I've got my granddaughter tucked close to me, and remind them that the arm that's holding the child is the same arm that can do serious damage.
Nope - not threatening anyone. Just making sure nothing happens along the way (insert evil laughter here)
Yeah... If being a grandpa means being old, then look out world, because I'm gonna enjoy the ride!
This flashes so many images in my head.
First, the image of the conversation that this came up. It was probably one of the most eye-opening conversation I've had. It has been a basis for some of the current learning I'm doing, as well as how I teach.
Second is the fact that I'm a grandpa for the second time now, so along with Paulette's, that make FIVE grandchildren or step-grandchildren.
I remember once counting the pictures of all of my cousins on the wall of my paternal grandparents' living room once. I'm the oldest of the 16 grandchildren they had. And now, here I am, realizing that I'm up to FIVE grandkids. Now, I'm looking for a comb to keep next to my chair (a memory I have of my one grandpa).
>> edit note - I originally thought I was the oldest of 27 - that's what I get for typing my Blog in the later hours (old guys should get to bed at earlier hours) and that I can't remember much (another sign of old age?) =/
Thanks to my brother for catching this - at least we figured that "maybe" I was counting Grandma & Grandpa's children and spouses.
Third, I'm going to be seeing my newborn granddaughter soon. In the time there, I'll be taking my other granddaughter out for lunch or shopping or something. It's something we've sort of started a habit of doing - our pizza date. But each time, my older granddaughter is more independent... she can open her own box, or push the cart, or get her drink. Time flies, and she's growing up fast.
Then, all of these things come "crashing" in on me when I see my eye doctor or medical doctor. This body part is old. That section of my body is worn. But I'm only 48...
But I'm a Grandpa! Stuff happens, and being a grandpa makes everything worth it!
Or when I interact with other kids, whether at my churches or in the communities I serve or just walking through a shopping mall - there seems to be a different sense of "pride"... I'm a grandpa, and I can give a child a look and make them smile, or reassure them that they're not in charge, but the parents are, or just realizing how enjoyable life can be when watching a little kid laugh.
Yeah, I'm getting old. The years have been good to me, and some years weren't as good as others, thanks to all of the food I ate, but in my new life, I'm enjoying getting older. It's that "circle of life", and now I can play with my grandchildren, spoiling the living heck out of them, and send them back home with all sorts of stories of what their parents did (or maybe I'll use that one as a "trump card" LOL)
But yeah, this is fun. It's fun to be where I am. It's fun to think back to all that I've been through. It's fun to look ahead, wondering what tomorrow might bring.
And yes, it's scary as well. But I'm also the protective grandpa - the one that has the pictures of my granddaughter cuddled close to me - for these are the pictures that I will show any young gents who have an interest later in life. I'll just pull out the pictures, point to how I've got my granddaughter tucked close to me, and remind them that the arm that's holding the child is the same arm that can do serious damage.
Nope - not threatening anyone. Just making sure nothing happens along the way (insert evil laughter here)
Yeah... If being a grandpa means being old, then look out world, because I'm gonna enjoy the ride!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Good service goes a long way. Bad service goes farther.
I recently stayed at the Kearney, Nebraska Wingate Inn for a Conference. While I was there, the service was great, and even after I left and forgot some items in my room, the service was spectacular... they had put the items in box and shipped it to me (which I have to pay for, but it was my fault that I forgot the stuff). They also had the box to me within a few days. Nice!
While I at the Conference, our Center had such great service - everything from wifi connection to seating to finding a restroom. Awesome!
So now when I want to "get away from it all", any guess where one of my first choices would be?
In contrast, I'm sitting here waiting for my contact lenses that were ordered nearly a month ago. Because I have an odd eye, I have to wait a little longer, or so the story goes. Yet if I was to order from the 800Contact company, the price would have been nearly the same, and they were in stock.
I could understand certain issues, but the attitude of the people that work at the clinic leaves a lot to be desired.
Even tossing up a hand when asking "what" when they were waiting on me one day. =/
When people give good service, it needs to be mentioned. The positives need to be brought up, and those who do something nice, even if it's their job, need the praise and affirmation.
At the same time, when something isn't right, it helps if something positive can be brought up, but also to nicely bring up to the proper people - maybe to the person who may have done something wrong, for they may not have realized it - that something isn't right. After all, people shouldn't be looking to ruin a business, and by not saying something, you're just as guilty of hurting a business... if they don't know there is a problem, they can't correct it.
Always say something positive. You can be part of the problem, or you can be part of the solution. Or you can make someone's day =)
While I at the Conference, our Center had such great service - everything from wifi connection to seating to finding a restroom. Awesome!
So now when I want to "get away from it all", any guess where one of my first choices would be?
In contrast, I'm sitting here waiting for my contact lenses that were ordered nearly a month ago. Because I have an odd eye, I have to wait a little longer, or so the story goes. Yet if I was to order from the 800Contact company, the price would have been nearly the same, and they were in stock.
I could understand certain issues, but the attitude of the people that work at the clinic leaves a lot to be desired.
Even tossing up a hand when asking "what" when they were waiting on me one day. =/
When people give good service, it needs to be mentioned. The positives need to be brought up, and those who do something nice, even if it's their job, need the praise and affirmation.
At the same time, when something isn't right, it helps if something positive can be brought up, but also to nicely bring up to the proper people - maybe to the person who may have done something wrong, for they may not have realized it - that something isn't right. After all, people shouldn't be looking to ruin a business, and by not saying something, you're just as guilty of hurting a business... if they don't know there is a problem, they can't correct it.
Always say something positive. You can be part of the problem, or you can be part of the solution. Or you can make someone's day =)
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