Another year is about to pass away. 2008 was a good year for my family but one that was a challenge to our country in many ways. The economy is the worst since the Great Depression. As our leadership changes in the United States in a few days we need to be praying for our country and the direction it really needs to go as we enter 2009.
On a personal note we enjoy our annual New Years Eve trip to Ottawa every year. We spend family time with my brother and his family as we usher in a new year.
Good luck to the University of Kansas today in the Insight Bowl against Minnesota.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Two Brothers
Once there were two brothers.
Growing up, they did everything together. They lived out in the country and didn’t have any neighbors close by, so they became best friends.
As adults, they chose separate careers, but remained close friends. They’d see each other at church, get together to watch football, and go over to their parents house for dinner.
The younger brother seemed to live a charmed life. He was handsome, popular, successful in business. He was a leader at church and in the community.
The older brother struggled. He had a prickly personality and had a hard time getting ahead financially. People tended to overlook him when his little brother was around.
Over time, this began to wear on the older brother. He started to feel bitter towards his little brother. When his little brother bought a huge HD flatscreen TV and invited him to come over and watch the game on it, the older brother thought his brother was deliberately rubbing his success in his face. So he turned down the invitation.
They started to grow apart.
The older brother stopped calling his little brother to see what he was up to. He started sitting on the other side of the room at church and using the exit on the other side of the building so he wouldn’t run into his little brother. He stopped going over to his parent’s house when he knew that his little brother was going to be there.
The wider the chasm grew, the more angry the older brother became with his younger brother. Everything his little brother said and did was an offense to the older brother. So much so that he decided to go to another church so that he wouldn’t have to see him at all.
His little brother was puzzled by his big brother’s behavior, but figured his brother needed some space. If his big brother needed to talk to him about something, he would come to him when the time was right.
Their parents were worried, but the older brother wouldn’t tell them what was going on. They begged him to talk to someone about what was bugging him.
He finally sat down with a trusted old friend who had known his family for years and told him why he was so angry with his little brother.
The friend listened carefully and then gave him some blunt advice. He said, “This really isn’t about your brother. It’s about you. You’re projecting things onto your brother that aren’t true or real. You’ve got something dark and evil growing inside of you and if you don’t get a handle on it, it’s going to destroy you.”
The older brother assumed that, like everyone else, this old friend was taking his little brother’s side. So he ignored his friend’s advice and continued to obsess about all the ways his little brother was intentionally showing him up.
One night, emboldened by a little too much alcohol, he drove over to his brothers house and confronted him. His little brother was hurt and confused and denied all the accusations his older brother hurled at him. This made his brother even more angry. Blind with rage, he called his little brother unspeakable names and charged him. His little brother stumbled and fell and hit his head against the brick slab in front of the fireplace. He was dead before his older brother could calm down and realize what he had done.
When their parents learned what had happened, they were heartbroken. In an instant, they lost two sons. One was put in the ground and the other was sent off to prison.
In their grief they struggled to make sense of what had come between their two precious sons, whose names were Cain and Abel.
____________________________________________________________________
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to that person; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:21-26
Growing up, they did everything together. They lived out in the country and didn’t have any neighbors close by, so they became best friends.
As adults, they chose separate careers, but remained close friends. They’d see each other at church, get together to watch football, and go over to their parents house for dinner.
The younger brother seemed to live a charmed life. He was handsome, popular, successful in business. He was a leader at church and in the community.
The older brother struggled. He had a prickly personality and had a hard time getting ahead financially. People tended to overlook him when his little brother was around.
Over time, this began to wear on the older brother. He started to feel bitter towards his little brother. When his little brother bought a huge HD flatscreen TV and invited him to come over and watch the game on it, the older brother thought his brother was deliberately rubbing his success in his face. So he turned down the invitation.
They started to grow apart.
The older brother stopped calling his little brother to see what he was up to. He started sitting on the other side of the room at church and using the exit on the other side of the building so he wouldn’t run into his little brother. He stopped going over to his parent’s house when he knew that his little brother was going to be there.
The wider the chasm grew, the more angry the older brother became with his younger brother. Everything his little brother said and did was an offense to the older brother. So much so that he decided to go to another church so that he wouldn’t have to see him at all.
His little brother was puzzled by his big brother’s behavior, but figured his brother needed some space. If his big brother needed to talk to him about something, he would come to him when the time was right.
Their parents were worried, but the older brother wouldn’t tell them what was going on. They begged him to talk to someone about what was bugging him.
He finally sat down with a trusted old friend who had known his family for years and told him why he was so angry with his little brother.
The friend listened carefully and then gave him some blunt advice. He said, “This really isn’t about your brother. It’s about you. You’re projecting things onto your brother that aren’t true or real. You’ve got something dark and evil growing inside of you and if you don’t get a handle on it, it’s going to destroy you.”
The older brother assumed that, like everyone else, this old friend was taking his little brother’s side. So he ignored his friend’s advice and continued to obsess about all the ways his little brother was intentionally showing him up.
One night, emboldened by a little too much alcohol, he drove over to his brothers house and confronted him. His little brother was hurt and confused and denied all the accusations his older brother hurled at him. This made his brother even more angry. Blind with rage, he called his little brother unspeakable names and charged him. His little brother stumbled and fell and hit his head against the brick slab in front of the fireplace. He was dead before his older brother could calm down and realize what he had done.
When their parents learned what had happened, they were heartbroken. In an instant, they lost two sons. One was put in the ground and the other was sent off to prison.
In their grief they struggled to make sense of what had come between their two precious sons, whose names were Cain and Abel.
____________________________________________________________________
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to that person; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:21-26
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Today's Prayer
Oh Lord, You're Beautiful
Keith Green
Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
And when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Chorus:
I wanna take Your Word
and shine it all around.
But first help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well.
Help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to You.
Oh, Lord, You're wonderful,
Your touch is all I need,
And when Your hand is on this child,
Your healing I receive.
Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear,
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burned with holy fear.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Keith Green
Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
And when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Chorus:
I wanna take Your Word
and shine it all around.
But first help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well.
Help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to You.
Oh, Lord, You're wonderful,
Your touch is all I need,
And when Your hand is on this child,
Your healing I receive.
Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear,
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burned with holy fear.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
Christmas...the day we celebrate the birth of the Savior...the One who was rejected by men...the One who came from heaven to earth to give his life a ransom for your sins and mine...the One who is now in heaven preparing a place for his followers...the One who is coming again to take us to be with him in heaven forever. How can we ever thank God and the Son of God enough for so great a salvation?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Allison's Graduation
Were back from our quick trip to Oklahoma for Allison's Graduation and Christmas with our parents; and our trip to Texas to get motels and caterers lined up for the wedding in February. We had a great time with the Carroll Family and enjoyed our time together. We got home about 1:30 this morning after grocery shopping at Walmart in Emporia. My head hit the pillow about 3:00 a.m. and was up early to begin cooking Christmas cookies and caramels. Freezing rain and snow is here....it definitely looks like Christmas. For my food buddies that read this blog on a daily basis I had some of the best fried chicken I have ever ate at Babes Chicken House in Burleson. What a meal.
God the Life of the Soul
This amazing quote from Tricia McCary Rhodes in her new book, Sacred Chaos: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life You Have.
"Sometime I think of the hours and days when I have shunned the Lord's indwelling presence through ignorance or neglect or willful rebellion, and I grieve. But I understand better now that no matter how unsacred the space within me seems to be, God's desire to make himself at home there far outweighs the waywardness of my heart. He will win. His mercies, new every morning, remind me that though I can never make myself worthy of his presence, I am freely received and fully accepted by the Beloved.
God himself has come to make our souls a haven for holy communion, a place of personal retreat--for rest or rejuvenation or desperately needed restoration--no matter the circumstances that swirl about us. This is both our hope and our destiny, for as Saint Augustine said so well, "The soul is the life of the body, and God is the life of the soul.'"
"Sometime I think of the hours and days when I have shunned the Lord's indwelling presence through ignorance or neglect or willful rebellion, and I grieve. But I understand better now that no matter how unsacred the space within me seems to be, God's desire to make himself at home there far outweighs the waywardness of my heart. He will win. His mercies, new every morning, remind me that though I can never make myself worthy of his presence, I am freely received and fully accepted by the Beloved.
God himself has come to make our souls a haven for holy communion, a place of personal retreat--for rest or rejuvenation or desperately needed restoration--no matter the circumstances that swirl about us. This is both our hope and our destiny, for as Saint Augustine said so well, "The soul is the life of the body, and God is the life of the soul.'"
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Graduation
Congratulations to Allison Carroll on graduating from Oklahoma Christian University today at 2:00 p.m. We will be there to celebrate with you. You will make a great elementary teacher! By the way...the wedding is only 70 days away.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Welcome Home Craig
It's great to have Craig home from NYC for a few days. I love to sit and listen to his stories of New York City and school. I now know how my grandmother must have felt when I told her stories about my travels growing up. She would listen to every word. Enjoy the time off Craig....it's great to have you home.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Three Trees
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: " I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. " I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world! The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.
Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain. The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said.
The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. " I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. " This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain. The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said.
The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. " I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. " This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
What Has Christmas Become?
Has Christmas become more about buying all kinds of STUFF, so we can give that STUFF to others who already have a lot of STUFF who will be giving us STUFF that we may not need?
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Ultimate Gift-Part 3
What can we do to make this Christmas the very best? Here are four special gifts we can give.........
One is to worship Christ more fully than ever before. We get so busy and forget the precious gift that Jesus gave for us. During this time of the season, make worship a priority.
Second, spend less. Don't go in debt. Don't rack up credit card bills. Don't over extend financially where you are so stressed out as you start the new year.
Third, give more. Give more of your time and energy to helping those around you. Less about satisfying your own desires and m ore about touching the lives of others.
And last, let's show our love during this busy holiday season. Don't honk at the guy that stole your parking place. Be nice to the cousin who you might not care to be around but really try to show him you care.
The holiday season can be a trying and confusing time. One that you wish could pass quickly. But it could be a time that many good things could happen for the cause of Christ.
Let's show Christ and others what the holidays should be all about.......Worship, Sacrifice, Giving to others and Loving more. Christ did that for us and we can shower these on others this holiday season.
“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!” Isaiah 53:3-4
One is to worship Christ more fully than ever before. We get so busy and forget the precious gift that Jesus gave for us. During this time of the season, make worship a priority.
Second, spend less. Don't go in debt. Don't rack up credit card bills. Don't over extend financially where you are so stressed out as you start the new year.
Third, give more. Give more of your time and energy to helping those around you. Less about satisfying your own desires and m ore about touching the lives of others.
And last, let's show our love during this busy holiday season. Don't honk at the guy that stole your parking place. Be nice to the cousin who you might not care to be around but really try to show him you care.
The holiday season can be a trying and confusing time. One that you wish could pass quickly. But it could be a time that many good things could happen for the cause of Christ.
Let's show Christ and others what the holidays should be all about.......Worship, Sacrifice, Giving to others and Loving more. Christ did that for us and we can shower these on others this holiday season.
“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!” Isaiah 53:3-4
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Storm
Debbie took this picture on the way to Church Sunday morning. When we left the house it was 58 degrees when we hit the clouds the wind shifted out of the north and it was 36 degrees. It's 5 degrees right now with a windchill of 15 below.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas Open House
Today is the day. Our annual Christmas Open House for the employees of USD 420 Osage City. Debbie has planned for this party all year. We have cooked for two weeks and look forward to a packed house of 140 individuals today. Should be a fun day.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Ultimare Gift-Part 2
Ever think about the special gifts Christ has given you? When Christ came to this world He came with a purpose. He wanted us to have a relationship with Him.
One thing Christ brought us was Freedom. Jesus came to set us free from sin. We were held as captives but He came to set us free from the bondage of false realities, addictions, destructive behaviors, relationship problems...you name it, He took it all away.
Second, He gave us the gift of forgiveness. Jesus paid it all. He brought forgiveness to those that trusted and believed in Him. During this busy holiday season maybe we can offer that same forgiveness to others. Anyone holding a grudge? Any bad relationships? This time of year would be a good time to say I'm sorry for those careless words or deeds. Forgiveness is a great gift.
Third, Jesus brought light to a dark world. We lived in darkness until the Light of the World entered this place. We can and need to be that light today to those around us. Those searching for something positive and worthwhile in their lives. Light is powerful and can be that path to a great change in the lives of many individuals.
(More to Come)
One thing Christ brought us was Freedom. Jesus came to set us free from sin. We were held as captives but He came to set us free from the bondage of false realities, addictions, destructive behaviors, relationship problems...you name it, He took it all away.
Second, He gave us the gift of forgiveness. Jesus paid it all. He brought forgiveness to those that trusted and believed in Him. During this busy holiday season maybe we can offer that same forgiveness to others. Anyone holding a grudge? Any bad relationships? This time of year would be a good time to say I'm sorry for those careless words or deeds. Forgiveness is a great gift.
Third, Jesus brought light to a dark world. We lived in darkness until the Light of the World entered this place. We can and need to be that light today to those around us. Those searching for something positive and worthwhile in their lives. Light is powerful and can be that path to a great change in the lives of many individuals.
(More to Come)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Ultimate Gift-Part 1
This time of year is exciting. The holiday music, the beautiful lights, great food and time spent with family and friends. But with all the excitement, it's a difficult time for many people in the world. The Christmas season is one that draws many non-churchgoers back to church for special services and programs.
A sermon I heard recently talked about this special time of year and the many challenges we encounter during the holidays.
The question was raised, "how would Jesus like us to celebrate during this time of year"?
How have we celebrated? By looking at the consumerism and the materialistic side of Christmas. The American people spent $450 billion dollars on Christmas gifts in 2007. I think we have a serious problem if we feel that Christmas should be totally about getting gifts and not giving what truly needs to be given to people during this busy holiday period.
In John 3:16, "for God so loved the world He gave us His Son". That was the ultimate gift. How can we pass that gift on during the next few days...................
(More to Come)
A sermon I heard recently talked about this special time of year and the many challenges we encounter during the holidays.
The question was raised, "how would Jesus like us to celebrate during this time of year"?
How have we celebrated? By looking at the consumerism and the materialistic side of Christmas. The American people spent $450 billion dollars on Christmas gifts in 2007. I think we have a serious problem if we feel that Christmas should be totally about getting gifts and not giving what truly needs to be given to people during this busy holiday period.
In John 3:16, "for God so loved the world He gave us His Son". That was the ultimate gift. How can we pass that gift on during the next few days...................
(More to Come)
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Christmas: A Call to Remember
Christmas: A Call to Remember
In his book, A Room Called Remember, Fredrick Buechner tells about the great snowfall in New York City in the winter of 1947. At first it seemed no different from any other snow storm. The flakes gently floated down without any wind to drive them. All day they fell. Gradually the sidewalks, parked cars and buildings were covered with a blanket of white. Streets became slushy. Shopkeepers were out with their shovels trying to keep clear a path to their doors. And the snow kept falling. The plows couldn’t keep ahead of it. Consequently, the traffic nearly came to a standstill. Businesses closed early and people did their best to get home before nightfall.
By the next morning bustling New York was a totally different city. Abandoned cars were buried. Nothing on wheels could move. Skiers glided gracefully down Park Avenue. The most striking transformation, however, was the silence. The only sounds were muffled voices and the ringing church bells. People listened because they couldn’t help themselves. And our world rarely listens anymore—whether in New York or Toronto, London or Los Angeles, Sidney or Singapore—unless a crisis of sufficient magnitude thrusts a wrench into the wheels of our highspeed, technological society and forces us to a standstill.
Except, perhaps, as Buechner points out, at Christmas time when it’s hard not to stop and listen. Business increases to a frenzied pace. Canned carols blast out over the din of traffic. Bells jingle. Red-robed Santas freeze in Chicago, while their counterparts fry in Melbourne. Then, suddenly, night falls on Christmas Eve. The last shop closes. All the hullabaloo stops. Everything is silent—for one brief day.
This year don’t miss the silence. Take time to listen. Be still and hear the true message of Christmas which, above all, is a call to remember that God has not forgotten us, but is vitally involved in the affairs of mankind. Two thousand years ago he came to earth in person to save us from our sins.
So as Christmas rapidly approaches, may I encourage you to pause for just a moment and hear God’s Word: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’"(Matthew 1:23).
And again, "An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’" (Matthew 1:20).
One of the great tragedies of our time is not that God has forgotten us, but that we have forgotten him.
Richard Innes
In his book, A Room Called Remember, Fredrick Buechner tells about the great snowfall in New York City in the winter of 1947. At first it seemed no different from any other snow storm. The flakes gently floated down without any wind to drive them. All day they fell. Gradually the sidewalks, parked cars and buildings were covered with a blanket of white. Streets became slushy. Shopkeepers were out with their shovels trying to keep clear a path to their doors. And the snow kept falling. The plows couldn’t keep ahead of it. Consequently, the traffic nearly came to a standstill. Businesses closed early and people did their best to get home before nightfall.
By the next morning bustling New York was a totally different city. Abandoned cars were buried. Nothing on wheels could move. Skiers glided gracefully down Park Avenue. The most striking transformation, however, was the silence. The only sounds were muffled voices and the ringing church bells. People listened because they couldn’t help themselves. And our world rarely listens anymore—whether in New York or Toronto, London or Los Angeles, Sidney or Singapore—unless a crisis of sufficient magnitude thrusts a wrench into the wheels of our highspeed, technological society and forces us to a standstill.
Except, perhaps, as Buechner points out, at Christmas time when it’s hard not to stop and listen. Business increases to a frenzied pace. Canned carols blast out over the din of traffic. Bells jingle. Red-robed Santas freeze in Chicago, while their counterparts fry in Melbourne. Then, suddenly, night falls on Christmas Eve. The last shop closes. All the hullabaloo stops. Everything is silent—for one brief day.
This year don’t miss the silence. Take time to listen. Be still and hear the true message of Christmas which, above all, is a call to remember that God has not forgotten us, but is vitally involved in the affairs of mankind. Two thousand years ago he came to earth in person to save us from our sins.
So as Christmas rapidly approaches, may I encourage you to pause for just a moment and hear God’s Word: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’"(Matthew 1:23).
And again, "An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’" (Matthew 1:20).
One of the great tragedies of our time is not that God has forgotten us, but that we have forgotten him.
Richard Innes
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sooners Play for National Title
Great game Saturday night as the Sooners won the Big 12 Championship. OU plays Florida for the NCAA Title on January 8.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Healing Rain
Healing Rain
Michael W. Smith
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long.
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain
And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
To be washed in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...
Michael W. Smith
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long.
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain
And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
To be washed in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Howard Dodd Obituary
Howard Dean Dodd, 75, of Topeka, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008 surrounded by his loving wife and family. Howard was born August 15, 1933 in Clovis, NM. He worked for the AT&SF Railroad from the age of 18 until his retirement in 1987 when he was assistant superintendent of the Topeka shops. Howard was an active member of the Central Church of Christ in Topeka and a former elder of Highland Park Church of Christ. Howard married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Bomar of Bovina, TX, Oct. 15, 1951, in Clovis. They recently celebrated their 57th anniversary. Howard is survived by Doris; his sister Joyce Dodd Jones of Clovis, NM; son Wesley Dodd (Teresa) of Monument, CO; son Bradley Dodd (Sandra) of Austin, TX; daughter Melissa Dodd Eskilson (Kurt) of Topeka; and daughter Lori Dultmeier (Jim) of Topeka; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Alicia Dodd Thompson (Tyler); Jeremy Dodd, Shannon Dodd; Eric Dodd (Kylie) and sons Nathan and Tate; Amy Dodd Peterson (Eric), daughter Mackenzie and son Ian; Kevin Dodd (Tanya) and daughter Avery; Brooke Eskilson Patterson (Wade); Blake Eskilson, Alek Eskilson; Justin A. Dultmeier (Danae), son Tyson and daughter Alexis; and David A. Dultmeier. He was preceded in death by granddaughter Jennifer R. Dultmeier and grandson Nathan Dodd. Howard will lie in state after 2 p.m. Friday, December 5. The viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave., Topeka. The funeral will be December 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Central Church of Christ, Huntoon and College in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Bible School, International Headquarters, P.O. Box 2169, Cedar Park, TX, 78630-2169; by phone at 800-311-2006, or online at http://www.worldbibleschool.net/.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Howard Dodd
On Tuesday morning the Central Church lost a special family member. Howard Dodd passed from this life into his eternal reward with his Heavenly Father.
Howard was a man of faith and integrity. He was a man that loved his Father and loved the Central Church. He was a man that loved and cherished his family and loved his wife with all his heart.
When Howard talked, you listened. He was a man of great wisdom. I loved his stories of New Mexico that he shared with me. He loved to travel and enjoyed sharing stories about the places that Doris and he had visited.
I am thankful Howard gave the opening prayer a week ago Sunday night. I always enjoyed hearing Howard pray for the congregation. That last prayer - I will always remember.
We will miss Howard immensely.
We will miss his calm demeanor, his caring attitude and his loving spirit.
Howard, thank you for touching my life in a special way. You will never know how many you influenced in such a positive way during your 75 years on earth.
Enjoy your eternal home with our Father.
I know you are flying high this morning with the angels!
Howard was a man of faith and integrity. He was a man that loved his Father and loved the Central Church. He was a man that loved and cherished his family and loved his wife with all his heart.
When Howard talked, you listened. He was a man of great wisdom. I loved his stories of New Mexico that he shared with me. He loved to travel and enjoyed sharing stories about the places that Doris and he had visited.
I am thankful Howard gave the opening prayer a week ago Sunday night. I always enjoyed hearing Howard pray for the congregation. That last prayer - I will always remember.
We will miss Howard immensely.
We will miss his calm demeanor, his caring attitude and his loving spirit.
Howard, thank you for touching my life in a special way. You will never know how many you influenced in such a positive way during your 75 years on earth.
Enjoy your eternal home with our Father.
I know you are flying high this morning with the angels!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship!
I shall not want ----- that's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters -----that's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul ----- that's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --that's Guidance!
For His name sake ----- that's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death--that's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection!
For Thou art with me ----- that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -----that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies------that's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil ----- that's Consecration!
My cup runneth over ----- that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life----that's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -----that's Security!
Forever ----- that's Eternity!
I shall not want ----- that's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters -----that's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul ----- that's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --that's Guidance!
For His name sake ----- that's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death--that's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection!
For Thou art with me ----- that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -----that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies------that's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil ----- that's Consecration!
My cup runneth over ----- that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life----that's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -----that's Security!
Forever ----- that's Eternity!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Silent Sermon
A church member, who previously had attended worship services faithfully,for years, stopped going. After a few weeks, the minister decided to visit him.
It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the minister's visit; the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone, then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth, of the burning coals around it.
As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in worship, next Sunday.'
We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.
It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the minister's visit; the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone, then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth, of the burning coals around it.
As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in worship, next Sunday.'
We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.
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