John 5:24

I'VE BEEN SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES AND MY HEART

2011-05-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

Regarding the elimination of Osama Bin Laden.

Proverbs 24:17: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”

I hope to post my thoughts once I sort through them myself.

GOOD NEWS

2011-02-16T18:11:00.000-05:00

What a crazy world we live in! Our elected officials are being shot at; over much of the country, police officers are being killed at an alarming rate. The unemployment rate in northeast Michigan is “down to” a little over 18%. Alcohol is too often the answer that people who are suffering are turning to. When alcohol becomes involved, relationships are too often put into second place and spouses and children become punching bags. Our children are rebelling against all authority. There must be less painful answers to the problems that we are facing than addictive behavior!

There are, Neighbors! Actually there is ONE answer; and the answer to the world’s problems is a person. His name is Jesus Christ. Notice that I didn’t say that the answer is going to church. Church attendance might help you to become acquainted with the answer but in itself will only give you temporary relief. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

This Jesus, who is God, who came to earth as a man so that He could live among us and identify with our day-to-day suffering, calls us from His throne in Heaven to look to Him and His book, the Bible, for answers to our suffering and concerns.

The Bible also tell us, “… be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times. So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do. Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit.^”(Ephesians 5:15-18)

Do the apostle Paul’s words resonate with you? Do they make even a bit of sense? If they do and you’re hurting right now, why don’t you seek out a pastor or church leader in your community and find out how you can begin the process of making the pain go away? There are no quick fixes but with the help of a good Christian leader and engaging God’s Word, you can find your way out of the pain and misery that hold you captive into a life of fulfillment. Jesus came to show us the way to a more abundant life. All that we have to do is reach out and receive Him and His love.

What Are You Waiting For?

2010-07-11T07:01:00.007-04:00

What does He have to do to get our attention? He has allowed our economy to spiral downward, He's allowed the tragedy of the Gulf oil spill to go on unchecked, people are trying to take His name out of the public view. Our children are being raised without any knowledge of the Creator, let alone the Savior of the world.

^"The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side." (Mark 8:11-13)

Today the signs are all around us; yet we ignore them and go on about our business, moaning and groaning about what a rotten hand we've been dealt. Isn't it time for us to once again acknowledge God and turn to Him for the answers that continue to drive us to despair?

Please click on the video below:

THE ENEMY AMONG US

2010-02-23T07:07:00.003-05:00

We are living in times when we wonder sometimes, "Where is God? Has He abandoned us?". (Perhaps we have abandoned Him.) We watch our young people move, seemingly rudderless, through the sea of life and wonder what the future of our country will look like when they are the leaders who make the decisions and plan the direction of this great country. We hear our current leaders tell us that our Constitution is flawed and that its designers were flawed as well; that the country that we love and that many of us have fought for, and some of our comrades in arms have died for, is "fundamentally" flawed as well and that the current administration will be about transforming our country. I don't know about you but when these two observations are coupled together, it causes me great concern. Today, our country is so polarized that it would seem impossible for us as concerned Americans on both sides of the political spectrum to ever reconcile our differences; but as a people who profess to be a Christian nation, we should understand that there is a solution to the ills that tear us apart. That solution lies in the promises of the God who has blessed us and protected us throughout our history - a history that is not particularly long as the histories of nations go but certainly one that should be awe-inspiring. For it should be apparent to all who observe our history that it simply must be more than happenstance which has brought the riches that we enjoy upon us. From the inception of this country, our founders declared that we are "endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights and among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." (Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776) I point the facts of our Declaration of Independence out, not to foment unrest, but to point out that there is a solution to the problem that our country faces today and it is important to emphasize that this solution is two-fold. I will offer the second stage of the solution first: Stage two is at the ballot box and it is time to ignore partisan politics and the tendency to put our emphasis on regional needs rather than the needs of our nation as a whole. It has been said that "all politics is local" and I agree with that in essence but I think that it is important for us to get beyond politics and get back to the heart of our Declaration of Independence which also declares that , "all men are created equal" and it is important for us to be careful not to make some more equal than others. I believe that this equality refers to opportunity, not handouts. The mantra of one of the charitable organizations that advertised on TV a while ago was to "give a man a hand up, not a handout" and there is great wisdom in that. If we simply provide for the needs of others, we enslave them. But if we provide opportunity and encouragement to those who have less than we have, they can also rise above their circumstances and share their experiences with others. That, to me, is what being an American and a Christian is all about. The first stage of the solution is more basic and that is a return to God and reliance on His promises. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV) Are we ready for healing yet? If we are, let's pray as if everything depends on God - because it ultimately does - and work as if everything depends on us. This is a message not only for the Church but for every individual who not only believes in God, but believes God. For those who don't fall into these two categories, we will pray for God's Spirit to convict/convince you as well. It is imperative that we be vigilant as we enjoy the fruits of our land. Take a look at this: IF WE AREN'T SHAME ON US.

2010

2010-01-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

Don't you wonder what it will bring? 2009 wasn't such a great one was it? We had a year of unremitting bad news, it seemed like. Well, bad news isn't so unusual but how we deal with difficult times is where we show our true colors. It seems to me that the Apostle Paul had the proper perspective in dealing with difficult times when he wrote, "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3b,4) It seems that 2010 will certainly provide Christians the opportunity to develop plenty of character; so we have every reason to believe that there is, indeed, hope. Many of us are unhappy with the way that the political landscape is unfolding in our country and I just want to point out that the future of the United States is in our hands as responsible voters. If you are unhappy with the way things are going in this country, then I encourage you to begin now to become involved with the political process. Identify individuals who hold onto the principles which you believe represent the best for America and then work tirelessly to get them elected. Tip O'Neill once said that "all politics is local" and the political climate that exists in our country right now should prove Speaker O'Neill's observation to be spot on. A community organizer now sits in the seat of the President of the United States. It doesn't matter whether I think that he belongs there or not. What does matter is that each one of us realize that the leaders of our country come out of our own neighborhoods, our own families, our own churches. Be on the lookout for people whom you are willing to follow in the years ahead and then do all that you can to work for their election. And remember that, "there is no authority except that which God has established."(Romans 13:1b) So we need to bathe our country and her leaders in prayer so that the path which is pleasing to God will be opened up once more.

GO

2009-10-10T18:13:00.002-04:00

This sign stands at the parking lot exit of a church that one of my pastor friends serves. It is a reminder to every Christian that our church buildings are not where Jesus has called us to be. He instructed His disciples and us to "GO" and make disciples. If we are waiting for the local bus to drop off seekers at our church doors so that we can lead them to faith in Jesus Christ, we will be found to be like the servant who buried his master's money in the ground for safe keeping. Our churches are the places that we go to learn and to be strengthened and taught in the faith but it is the world in which we live that we are to witness to God's love for us; as it is expressed in the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

IT'S OUR JOB!

2009-09-14T19:08:00.004-04:00

Storm clouds always seem to be on the horizon in our country lately. We are so polarized in our beliefs that I wonder if we won't just come apart at the seams soon. Both sides (liberal & conservative) are convinced that they are so right that the opposition just has to be evil. Let's face it, friends, both sides - for the most part - love their country but look at it through different lenses. Many years ago a guy by the name of Rodney King pleaded, "Can't we all just get along?" It seems to me that that question is even more pertinent now than it was in 1991 when Mr. King uttered them. It is our job as Christians to not only pray for our country and its leaders but to seek to live at peace with our neighbor. This is indeed a difficult task due to the high emotions that exist on both sides and their unwavering convictions. I won't tell you which side of the fence that I stand on but all who know me and those who can read between the lines of my posts certainly know. I won't tell you in this forum because there is no opportunity for discussion and I don't want to try to shove anything down anyone's throats. I will tell you this though; I love my country and I love my God and try to live up to His commands and I challenge everyone who reads my blog to try to do likewise. My message yesterday centered around the parable that Jesus told about three men who were charged by their master to take care of his possessions while he went traveling. When he returned, two of the three men had invested his master's possessions and multiplied them. The third man took what he had been responsible for and buried it in the ground for safe keeping. The master was furious with him because he had done nothing but squander what the master gave him so he lost the little that he had. (You can read about this in Matthew 25:14-30 for yourself.) Sometimes it seems to me that many Americans are like the man who didn't improve upon what his master gave him as we simply make use of the privileges of our birth as Americans without seeking ways to improve the plight of others who have less than we do. How will God judge us when we leave this earth if we don't leave it better than we received it? These words ring in my ears each day that I moan about the circumstances that we are currently facing; "... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."(2 Chronicles 7:14) I believe that God's people are those who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and so it is up to us to become humble servants and to pray and seek God's face for the benefit out this great United States of America. Let us pray...

A Sign From God

2009-09-10T18:34:00.001-04:00

Ooops!!! He already did, didn't He?

HEROES

2009-09-08T16:49:00.005-04:00

The guy in the picture is a boyhood hero of mine. His name was Hopalong Cassidy and he was played by an actor by the name of William Boyd. Not all of the good guys wore white hats back then but you could still tell them apart from the bad guys. It seemed like they smiled a lot. They always stood up for what was right and decent. Hoppy's horse's name was Topper and unlike most of the other cowboy heroes' horses of the time, Topper was not a Golden Palomino. He was white and I suppose an Arabian. Hoppy and Topper had many great adventures and they kept me occupied for a half hour at a time on Saturday afternoons. I'm not sure why I wanted to share all of this with you except because I am so frustrated with the lack of heroes and people who can be counted on to do the right thing, simply because it is the right thing to do with no hidden agenda, today. Which brings me to a verse from the Bible that we would all do well to follow: "... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

I just don't see that many people doing the right thing just because it is the right thing to do and I believe that our country is suffering greatly because of it. Keep a watchful eye upon our leaders - both political and religious - and hold them to the highest standard. Make them be accountable for their actions and call upon them to live up to the trust that you place in them.

2009-08-29T23:29:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry to have been away from this for so long. I will have updates to it soon. Our family Marines; SSGT Dan Hagler and his wife SGT (now) Stevie. They are both stationed in Iraq. Second tour for both of them. His sister, Collene, is in Afghanistan (Army). Your prayers for them and for all of our troops are greatly appreciated. This pic was taken at the MC Birthday Ball last November.

THE WALLS ARE STILL STANDING

2009-03-12T08:17:00.006-04:00

The winds may blow and howl. They may rip and tear. They may destroy temporal things but Jesus Christ's Church will stand despite all of the violence that attacks it.

In the center of the picture, you should be able to make out the Methodist church's bell tower and roofless building. The church is on the Island of Grenada in the southern Caribbean and it was ravaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. Note that even though the roof is gone, the building still stands. I was reminded of Christ's promise that He would build His church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it the first time that I saw it and it will always remain in my memory as an illustration of the strength of the Church in the face of the violence of this world.

This past weekend, Pastor Fred Winters of the First Baptist Church of Maryville, IL was gunned down by a lunatic with a handgun as the pastor stood in the pulpit of the church at their 8:15AM worship service. The gunman approached Pastor Winters in the pulpit and the gunman and Pastor Winters briefly exchanged words and then the man opened fire on Pastor Winters. Pastor Winters apparently raised his Bible to shield himself from the gunshot but even though it seemingly stopped the first shot, three more rounds were fired before the gun jammed. Had the weapon not jammed there may have been several more funerals being observed tomorrow.

The reason that I've brought this incident up is that while I was contemplating the events of Sunday, March 8, it occurred to me that the Bible that Pastor Winters held up against the bullets that were used against him did indeed protect him from the first shot, but in the end he died.

How often do we lift up the Bible by itself to ward off the evils of this world without going to its Author for instruction, comfort, healing and power? Every Sunday morning I declare that the Bible that I hold up before my congregations is the Word of God for the people of God and while I sincerely believe that declaration to be true, the Bible itself declares Jesus Christ to be the Word of God. Jesus is the Word Incarnate and while the Bible is God's verbal revelation of His loving acts done on behalf of His people, it is the Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ, who saves us from our sins. I feel that too often the people of God trust in the inanimate object that we call the Bible to deliver them from evil while forgetting that Jesus Himself instructed us to pray to the Father to deliver us. I am beginning to realize that for many Christians the Bible is lifted up to have the same sovereignty as God.

God reveals Himself to us through His written Word, the Bible, but more importantly He has revealed Himself to us through His Son Jesus Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit. I have no doubt that the Bible has been and will continue to be used to draw many - myself included - to the truth of God's love and desire for us to spend eternity with Him; but I am equally convinced that many Christians have elevated the Bible to be equal to or even superior to its Author.

Hebrews 4:12 declares "... the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit , of both joints and marrow, and able to judge thoughts and intentions of the heart." Let us always take care to use the Bible as an instrument of revelation rather than one of devastation.

Pastor Winters lifted up his Bible and today we have every reason to believe that he is looking into the face of the Author and as he was met at the gates of heaven heard "well done, good and faithful servant." Will you be welcomed similarly because of your faith in the Word Incarnate, or will you hear "...depart from me, accursed one, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels" because in the process of your religiosity, you failed to lift the Creator above the created. Use His Word to strengthen your faith and to draw others to Christ but please don't worship the Book and forget the Author.

THE VOICE OF THE TURTLE

2009-02-25T16:21:00.003-05:00

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. (Song of Solomon 2:11-13 KJV)

How I miss Ernie Harwell reading those words each year on the opening day of the baseball season. Today was that day; at least for the exhibition season and my Tigers won 5-4 over my Atlanta Braves. Don't know exactly why I like the Tigers so much but I first went to a game at Briggs Stadium in 1952 and have been hooked ever since. Virgil Trucks was the pitcher that day and that is really all that I remember about the game. There have been hundreds since at Briggs Stadium, then Tiger Stadium and finally Comerica Park. What sweet memories! But, in all honesty, I think that the most treasured memories that I have of Detroit Tigers baseball is listening to it on a crystal radio that I built myself with the antenna wire clipped to a piece of water pipe in our upstairs dormer bathroom for better reception. I had a tiny little earphone to listen to it on. My mind's eye could visualize every pitch and every crack of the bat put me right on the field with the action. Now, I get to listen to the games on my laptop computer because I'm off in the northern hinterlands of Michigan where NASCAR is king - very few baseball broadcasts. By the way as I look out our window, I see snow flakes the size of quarters. O, goody! More snow. ;-( Tonight is Ash Wednesday so I guess that I had better start getting ready for our service. Be blessed during this Lenten season and look for ways to enjoy where God has place you. As Spring unfolds I know that I won't have any trouble doing the same.

BE A LIGHTHOUSE

2009-02-17T23:48:00.002-05:00

As I was looking through the pictures from our recent vacation, I ran across this one which reminded me of the importance for Christians to be lighthouses to their non-Christian friends and acquaintances. "Huh?" You might say. Well, a lighthouse guards the shoreline of the seas and oceans and gives warning and guidance to ships as they approach the land mass. Jesus calls us to go into all the world and make disciples and teach them to obey His commands. If you think about it, that really is similar to what the lighthouse does for the ships. We are to show people the way and warn them of the pitfalls of life that could result in a permanent life shipwreck. In addition, we also can be a sanctuary for people to come to and take refuge in in times of trouble. Are you letting your light shine into the world and trying to help people find their way to the path that leads to God and eternal life?

WE'RE BACK

2009-02-10T21:47:00.003-05:00

I was always led to believe that there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but here we see off the coast of Bonaire N.E. that there is actually a private yacht there. This particular ship's name is the Octopus and she is the private yacht of Paul Allen of Microsoft fame. She's 414 ft long and has a full time crew of 60. She carries a 40 ft submarine as well as a 63 ft tender and has a flight deck to accommodate a helicopter. Amazing what money can buy, eh?

We spent a week cruising in the Caribbean on the Caribbean Princess and visited the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica and
St. Thomas. The sun burns were minor and we had an overall great time. Cruising is the perfect vacation for me as when the ship leaves the dock, you are disconnected from the world and can do nothing about anything that you leave behind so you may as well begin enjoying it from the first minutes. We had a few glitches at the start because the ship had been in dry dock for 3 weeks having some updates done and she wasn't quite ready for passengers when the day of the cruise arrived. We spent a week (actually 6 days) in the Caribbean and then returned to San Juan, P.R. and then flew into Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In Florida, we managed to visit with friends that we had met on a previous cruise vacation as well as a few church members who were within comfortable driving distance. We would have liked to visit even more but Florida is an awfully long state! We saw alligators (on Alligator Alley, of course) as well as egrets and herons. We were amazed to see signs along some of the roads warning of panthers in the area just like the deer crossing signs up here. On Thursday when we were to leave Florida, it was 35 degrees in the morning and we had to scramble to find somewhere to purchase sweatshirts as we hadn't packed any warm clothes. I brought a cold home with me and it's starting to leave but I could have done without it entirely. It is good to be back home. Coming home is what makes vacations special. Thanks for your prayers.

BON VOYAGE ;o)

2009-01-23T05:16:00.006-05:00

It is finally here! Today we leave to begin our vacation. The countdown to this day began on July 4, 2007 when we booked this cruise. (What else do people do to celebrate the birth of our country?) We fly into San Juan, PR and sail to the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Dominica, Grenada and St. Thomas. We will then spend several days in Florida when we return visiting friends and church members (or not!) See you when we return. Pray for safe travel and a relaxing vacation for us, please.

SAD MORNING :o(

2009-01-14T08:00:00.004-05:00

God gives us animals for companionship and joy. We have never been without a pet of some kind in the house. This morning when Carol went in to greet our little Parakeet, Boo-Boo, she found him lying in the bottom of the cage expired. Boo isn't in this picture but the guy in the middle could be his twin. He was just a beautiful, brilliant yellow with a little bit of green on his back and belly. Boo never seemed to warm up to me like other parakeets that we have had but always seemed to enjoy harassing me by dive-bombing my head as he raced around the room airing out his feathers. He would, however frequently land on the sofa arm next to Carol and run up and down her arm and peck at the keys on her laptop or electronic Yahtzee game. Sometimes he would chirp at the top of his voice and just annoy the living daylights out of you and other times, he would sing along with the music on the stereo. He liked classical music; especially John Philip Sousa marches and to show that there is no accounting for taste, he also liked Barry Manilow. Since we are leaving on vacation in nine days, there won't be a new pet in the household soon but I'm sure that we will give in to the desire to nurture and enjoy another one of God's creatures before 2009 is too far gone. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." (Matthew 6:26) When we take an animal into our homes and domesticate them, we stand in God's stead and accept the responsibility to love and care for them. I hope that your pets are well this morning and that if you have a dog or cat who goes outdoors, you are especially attentive to their well-being on these frigid mornings. It is 10 degrees below zero here this morning.

CIRCUIT RIDING

2009-01-12T10:39:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had a very pleasant experience. I am part of what we call a clergy cluster group which meets regularly to share what is going on in our ministry and to support each other in times of trial and celebrate with each other in times of joy. Anyway, yesterday our clergy cluster did what we call a pulpit exchange with each of us preaching at the church of one of the other pastors. I traveled down to the Tawas City United Methodist church which is about 90 miles from Hillman so it was quite a long day with the snow and ice covered roads but it was well worth the stressful drive. The people of the Tawas church were very hospitable and I enjoyed them immensely. Pastor Brooks of the Harrisville and Lincoln churches came up and spoke at the Hillman and Spratt churches in my stead and from the feedback from the people of both of my churches, my situation here may be in jeopardy. (Not really, but they said that they really enjoyed him.) It's good to wander outside of the box once in a while and get a little change from the same-o, same-o. We can get stuck in a rut sometimes and begin to take too many things for granted. I even discovered that some pastors get invited out to lunch after worship. ;-)

As a result of the experience, and in conversation with others in ministry, I think that I will be making some changes in the way that we worship in the months to come. Nothing drastic but I have some ideas. Please be in prayer for me and for the churches that have to put up with me as I experiment.

Psalm 23 - NOT FOR DEATH BUT FOR LIFE

2009-01-08T21:59:00.005-05:00

Have you ever really considered the words to the 23rd Psalm? We prayed it last week as part of our funeral service and someone sent me an email that so succinctly explained the Psalm that I thought that it was worthwhile sharing:

* The Lord is my Shepherd = 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 paths of righteousness = That's guidance.
* For His name's 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 anointest 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.

Face it; the Lord is crazy about you and wants a relationship with you. That's the whole reason for Jesus being born on this earth and dying for our (your) sins. Before another minute goes by, won't you please invite Him onto the throne of your life. Don't wait for tomorrow for tomorrow may never come.

BTW, today (January 8) was the 74th birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley. Some things that I remember about Elvis:
His appearance on the Ed Sullivan show.
Newspaper headline: "Elvis Trades Blue Suede Shoes for GI Boots"
Elvis marries Priscilla Beaulieu
Coming home from the service and hearing Elvis sing "In the Ghetto" on my AM car radio
Seeing him in concert at Olympia Stadium (Detroit)
Turned down an opportunity to see him in concert at the Silverdome on New Years Eve
Hearing about his death while visiting a brother in Longview Texas at the movie theater with my nieces.

GOODBYE, DEAR FRIEND

2009-01-03T08:14:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Garnet Tripp's (right) life yesterday with a wonderful gathering of nearly 300 people at the Hillman United Methodist Church. Garnet will be missed tremendously, not only in his church family but also in the community. His decades of work with the Boy Scouts impacted many young men's lives. The women of the church and the community hosted a wonderful luncheon after the funeral service and I guarantee you that no one went away hungry.

Today, we return to life as normal and look for alternative ways that our church can touch the community and make a difference for and through Jesus Christ. We had a fine example in Garnet as to how to mix faith, family, and community into our life. Now it is our responsibility to go and do likewise.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T06:57:00.003-05:00

May you seek and recognize God's presence in everything you do!

THEY'RE TAUNTING ME!

2008-12-31T16:34:00.004-05:00

Ever since rifle deer hunting season ended, I've been seeing them everywhere. This one, of course, is before the snow flew - November 17th but I was too close to a residence and in my car so she survived. Her younger sister, however, didn't a week later. Anyway, everyplace I drive right now, I have to brake for 1-5 of them crossing the road in front of me. Today I drove from Hillman to Rogers City, to Lachine, to Hillman, to Alpena, to Hillman. I had three different "close encounters" amidst the blowing snow and the icy roads. The first one was an approximately 8 pt. buck by himself! I was travelling to visit different folks in the church or to find items for the church. Had success on the visitation but the shopping venture turned up a goose egg. No biggy but I like to make my gas count for more than a safe trip. I did have lots of time to think as I drove though and that was a good thing as I'm still working through the words that I think that God would have me speak at Garnet's funeral on Friday. I'm getting there but I want it to be a cut above my normal because Garnet Tripp certainly was a cut (or more) above normal.

God gave us some sunshine and blue skies and it got up to around 15 degrees. At those temps, the snow stays crisp, white and bright. A nice day to be in the car. Each day through His presence and through encounters with the people in the two churches, I understand more and more why He has placed us here. Emmanuel!!! Love to all who read this. See you next year.

THE JOYS AND HEARTACHES OF MINISTRY

2008-12-30T18:34:00.003-05:00

This has been quite a week so far. One of our lifelong members passed away suddenly at home Sunday evening and I have been scrambling trying to cover all of the bases to make sure that his memory is honored as appropriately as is possible. Garnet served as mayor of our little village for 32 years. He was instrumental in getting the water and sewage systems in place. He was a retired school teacher who gave every day everything that he had. At one time he served on the fire department and the emergency medical team. He led the scout troop that met at our church for over 3 decades and was an Eagle Scout himself. He still worked a part time job in a local manufacturing shop and was the local and church historian. He was a gentle man who was a gentleman. Or was he a gentleman who was a gentle man? Actually, both statements would be true, I guess. Carol and I believe that he was the first person to come over to the parsonage when the movers arrived and introduce himself and offer his service to us. This ex-Marine served his country in the military during the Korean War but served it as a civilian and Scout his entire life. Garnet Tripp will be sorely missed in this community and in our church family. Well done, good and faithful servant!

THE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS

2008-12-28T20:38:00.002-05:00

I think that it is a sad fact of life that even for the Christian, it is somewhat of a relief when the busyness of the Christmas holiday is behind us. The meals have all been prepared and consumed. The visits and guests are in the past. The ads on TV reminding us of how many shopping days remain are gone. Now, maybe, we can set aside some personal time to meditate on what this holy day really means to us. What it means that the Son of God gave up His Godly prerogative and took on human form to live among us and finally to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins on the altar of the rugged cross on Calvary. We are told that as He lived among us, Jesus was tempted just as each of us are tempted by the evil one, by our own flesh, and by the things of this world. Yet in all ways, He was sinless. He did not give in but remained faithful to the Father. He knows how difficult it can be for us and He is ready and willing to provide His Spirit, the Spirit of strength to all who call upon Him for help in our times of temptation. Gaze into the manger that is stored away in the memory banks of your mind and see the Christ Child full of love and forgiveness and call upon Him to make sense of your life and to fill the voids that are left by worldly disappointments. Maranatha!

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

2008-12-25T08:07:00.004-05:00

Christmas on the Net - The History of Christmas

I found the above article about the history of Christmas on the web and thought that some might be interested in reading it.

Carol and I have just finished opening our gifts this morning and I think that it was a very unusual Christmas morning for both of us. We were both thrilled with everything that we received!

I think that we were doubly thrilled with the Christmas Eve candlelight services at the two churches. Even though the weather was horrid, attendance was really good at both churches and we got to learn a little more about the traditions of the two churches - For instance, the Spratt church has for years received communion by simply coming up as they feel ready and taking the elements from the prepared table, consuming them and spending some time in meditating on the miracle of the Lord's Supper that they have received. It was really a spiritual time for me as well. At the Hillman church, little four year old Cole decided that he wanted to assist the pastor so as the offering was about to be taken, he came up and stood next to me and we presented the offering to the Father together.

As I said, the weather was absolutely abysmal with about 4" of new snow falling during the 4 1/2 hours that we were involved with worship at the two churches which are 15 miles apart. I have to admit, though, that it looks beautiful outside. Right now snow is falling lightly and the yards are covered in nearly 3 feet of it. That's OK though. I don't have to go anywhere today except to a nursing home for a short visit and to the Episcopal Church in town to help with serving a dinner to those who have no one to celebrate with today. Total driving will be less than a mile so that won't be stressful at all.

Well, gotta go play with my presents for a while. I wish anyone who reads this the holiest and merriest Christmas that you have ever had. Merry Christmas!!!

LET IT SNOW!? :-(

2008-12-21T16:50:00.003-05:00

OK, now this is getting ridiculous! It seems like it hasn't quit snowing since somewhere around the 4th of December. I am so glad that we decided to purchase a snow thrower back in October. Even with that, I've had to do the drive twice a day on all but a couple of days since it started. At least today is the first day of winter so there is an excuse for the weather. Another consolation is that it is 40 deg. warmer than it was yesterday when we got up. Of course, along with winter weather comes Christmas and this morning we had children's Sunday School Christmas programs at both churches. This Christmas season is a bit warmer for me because of the message that our wonderful children and their teachers brought to us. Christ became a little more real to me because of their message. I pray that all who read this will also find the real Jesus during this holy season and open their hearts to Him.

I'm Back

2008-12-17T07:48:00.005-05:00

It has been a long time since I last posted anything here and I apologize. Not sure that anyone missed it; but who knows. Since my last post, we were transferred from St. Clair Shores, MI to northern Michigan where we are now serving two churches 15 miles apart - Hillman & Spratt United Methodist Churches. We have been welcomed warmly by both churches as well as the community. Now, I am looking forward to the day when it stops snowing. After all, Winter starts in 4 days. I sure am glad that we decided to purchase a snow thrower back in October. The pics above are of the Spratt church (before & after Sunday School classrooms were added this Spring and Summer) and the Hillman UMC. The wintry pics were taken when we came up to look at the two churches on March 16. Will try to be more faithful in posting here.

Sunday Worship

2007-04-29T18:59:00.001-04:00

Were you here or someplace similar to it this morning? Church gatherings are where people of faith come together to share with each other how God has been involved in their lives during the past week. It's a place where we are loved and hope to be able to be open and transparent with each other. It's more of a hospital and retreat for individuals who are involved in the real battles of life rather than a showplace of perfect people. If you are not involved with a church family, I encourage you to get plugged in and find out how much strength you can receive from brothers and sisters who share your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The United Methodist Churches of Hillman and Spratt would be blessed to have the opportunity to welcome you into our fellowship.

2007-04-27T19:55:00.000-04:00

God is Good!
It's here, my friends! The newness of Spring has finally arrived. The flowers are up, the grass is getting green, the birds are chirping and the daylight is with us much later into the night. What a marvelous expression of the
Resurrection of Jesus and His love for His creation and His created! Enjoy this new season of life and of this year. Allow God to show His goodness to you by bowing your hearts to Him. May He renew your heart through His grace

2007-03-20T23:59:00.000-04:00

We had our Spring Choir concert of our cooperative parish on March 11.Five choirs participated. It was a wonderful time of sacred music - some traditional and some contemporary. I must confess that I am partial to the traditional hymns for regular worship but enjoy some of the contemporary for hymn sings.

More Spring!

2007-01-06T19:10:00.000-05:00

What'd I tell you, there are daffodils and hyacinths popping up in the flower beds today.

Spring Time!

2007-01-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

El Nino is really trying to lull us to sleep; making it seem like there will be no winter this year in Michigan. It's currnetly 52 deg. in St. Clair Shores! Normally at this time of year it would be around 20 deg. with at least 8-10" of snow on the ground. I guess the people in the Denver area know that it's winter but it sure is hard to tell around here. The people Up North who depend on skiers, snowmobilers and ice fishermen to make a living have to be really hurting this season.

This Sunday we're welcoming 8 new members into the church! what a marvelous work God is doing here. It's a slooow, plodding process but I think that the ship is turning around. We have such a magnificent facility that I just can't believe that God wants it to just lie unused and unneeded. If you are a praying person and are reading this, won't you please pray for us?