I have included an exerpt from a class so you too can hear more about Patrick's story and how God once again used ordinary people for extraordinary impact.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Legacy of Saint Patrick
The past few weeks it has been a joy to once again hear some of the content from a class I took years ago, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Part of the course includes discussion of ways God worked through history in a wide variety of ways to get Christians among the nations. One example is the story of Saint Patrick.
I have included an exerpt from a class so you too can hear more about Patrick's story and how God once again used ordinary people for extraordinary impact.
I have included an exerpt from a class so you too can hear more about Patrick's story and how God once again used ordinary people for extraordinary impact.
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Advent or Ad Vent?
As the Christmas season kicked off, I had to wonder. Once again on Thanksgiving weekend we could watch as the ad agencies unleashed a barrage of ads. Millions are being spent this season trying to convince us we cannot have a merry Christmas without more things. They tap into our fear of rejection and perhaps feeling left behind if we don't have HD, luxury, expensive rocks, and other possessions "everybody" else has, or at least desires.
For me, I have found some definite advantages to being closer to the poor category. Over 90% of the items advertised have zero temptation for me. I will be happy to just have warm water out of the faucet and perhaps a furnace in the winter.
But I certainly understand the temptations. I, too, have purchased things I rarely use. I have purchased things I probably couldn't afford.
And I am all for giving and receiving gifts. There is joy in both.
But what about Advent? I don't follow the church calendar much. But nearly everyone has some anticipation leading up to Christmas, Christian or not.
Kevin Korver from Third Church, my Iowa pastor, made a suggestion this past week. Select a hobby or something you will be doing this season. Perhaps hunting or shopping or baking or sports watching will be appropriate for you. The challenge is to invest as many hours preparing your heart for Christmas as you spend on that other activity. Can you do it? Are you willing to try? Am I willing to try?
Let every heart prepare him room...
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Seek the great desire of Nations...
As with gladness men of old....So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to thee
What Child is This? ...Let loving hearts enthrone him
Let me know how it goes.
For me, I have found some definite advantages to being closer to the poor category. Over 90% of the items advertised have zero temptation for me. I will be happy to just have warm water out of the faucet and perhaps a furnace in the winter.
But I certainly understand the temptations. I, too, have purchased things I rarely use. I have purchased things I probably couldn't afford.
And I am all for giving and receiving gifts. There is joy in both.
But what about Advent? I don't follow the church calendar much. But nearly everyone has some anticipation leading up to Christmas, Christian or not.
Kevin Korver from Third Church, my Iowa pastor, made a suggestion this past week. Select a hobby or something you will be doing this season. Perhaps hunting or shopping or baking or sports watching will be appropriate for you. The challenge is to invest as many hours preparing your heart for Christmas as you spend on that other activity. Can you do it? Are you willing to try? Am I willing to try?
Let every heart prepare him room...
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Seek the great desire of Nations...
As with gladness men of old....So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to thee
What Child is This? ...Let loving hearts enthrone him
Let me know how it goes.
Monday, 26 November 2007
The Freedom in Confession
It has been interesting reading the blog of a sister these past months. Writing things out is therapeutic in some ways. And, perhaps more importantly, there is a sense of healing and freedom in being honest about our true thoughts and feelings.
http://thepesproject.blogspot.com/2007/11/run-away-imagination.html
The healing power of confession has mostly been a Roman Catholic ritual. With Jesus as our High Priest, it doesn't require a human go-between to bring forgiveness. But still, I think it has been good for millions of people to confess to a person.
In church this Sunday, the PostSecret books were mentioned, along with a few samples. I had never heard of the book. So it was news for me. People have sent in anonymous postcards revealing secrets in their lives. They are honest. And getting some of those secrets out may prevent a suicide or two.
The books and web site are definitely not from a Christian perspective. But they reveal the huge need and, to some extent, real life of many. Without the intervention of God, we are a sinful lot with some wicked secrets. And yes, the Christians have secrets too.
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
One movie I have enjoyed over the years is Secrets and Lies. It is rated 94% (extremely high) at Rotten Tomatoes http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/secrets_and_lies/ And I believe it was nominated for at least one Academy Award. The story is about a family secret that has gone on for years. Check it out some time. The movie could be a good introduction to a discussion.
As a webmaster and writer, I have seen some of the "other side" of the Web. Site visitors have come from Google searches with phrases like "never good enough", "unmet emotional needs", "emotional affair pastor", "Christian and depression", "relationship apathy", "how to stop an affair", "unfulfilling marriage", "my husband does not respect me", "unappreciated spouse", "what I do is never good enough", and many, many, more. It is all anonymous. And most likely, some of these people searching for answers and hope have never shared their situation with another person, including their spouse. I am thankful my writing has offered some hope for many. But I admit going through the search terms can be very heavy as I see the great need.
Is it time for us to confess to someone? Will we be good and trustworthy listeners?
http://thepesproject.blogspot.com/2007/11/run-away-imagination.html
The healing power of confession has mostly been a Roman Catholic ritual. With Jesus as our High Priest, it doesn't require a human go-between to bring forgiveness. But still, I think it has been good for millions of people to confess to a person.
In church this Sunday, the PostSecret books were mentioned, along with a few samples. I had never heard of the book. So it was news for me. People have sent in anonymous postcards revealing secrets in their lives. They are honest. And getting some of those secrets out may prevent a suicide or two.
The books and web site are definitely not from a Christian perspective. But they reveal the huge need and, to some extent, real life of many. Without the intervention of God, we are a sinful lot with some wicked secrets. And yes, the Christians have secrets too.
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
One movie I have enjoyed over the years is Secrets and Lies. It is rated 94% (extremely high) at Rotten Tomatoes http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/secrets_and_lies/ And I believe it was nominated for at least one Academy Award. The story is about a family secret that has gone on for years. Check it out some time. The movie could be a good introduction to a discussion.
As a webmaster and writer, I have seen some of the "other side" of the Web. Site visitors have come from Google searches with phrases like "never good enough", "unmet emotional needs", "emotional affair pastor", "Christian and depression", "relationship apathy", "how to stop an affair", "unfulfilling marriage", "my husband does not respect me", "unappreciated spouse", "what I do is never good enough", and many, many, more. It is all anonymous. And most likely, some of these people searching for answers and hope have never shared their situation with another person, including their spouse. I am thankful my writing has offered some hope for many. But I admit going through the search terms can be very heavy as I see the great need.
Is it time for us to confess to someone? Will we be good and trustworthy listeners?
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Playing the Cards You Are Dealt
One of the joys of our family Thanksgiving celebration is playing table games together. This year we played an old favorite, Sequence, and a new card game 3-13.
I only play card games a few times per year these days. As kids, we played quite often. One common theme in nearly all card and dice games is that success is a combination of skill and random chance, or some might call it "luck".
Because of the random factor, long-term enjoyment of these games may require not taking too much credit or blame for your success in any particular game. Even the most experienced players have turns when their options and chances for victory are extremely limited. And the beginners sometimes get a good hand or roll of the dice that makes victory quite easy.
Life can be that way too. And perhaps that is why these games are popular. Parts of our lives reflect our skill and choices. Other things are beyond our control, but not beyond God's control. Whatever hand we are dealt, we need to adapt and try to make the best of it.
Life may not seem fair at times. Some of the success stories, depending on how you define "success", are due to skill and wise choices. Sometimes they were dealt an easy hand with life experiences and relationships that were conducive to doing well. On the other side, not every person lacking in some way got into that situation entirely by bad choices. We have to be careful in our judgments of people, both positive and negative. Even in the most foolish of choices, most people choose what seems best at the time.
Most of us are dealt a mixed bag of circumstances and life situations. For me, some parts of my life have been a struggle. But I have had an easy "hand" in the areas of health and intelligence and some great spiritual teachers over the years. I severely lack in areas where others excel and have it easy - and perhaps vice versa. We have a great variety of personalities and sets of circumstances. We each have a unique story.
Whatever hand you are dealt, I hope you can choose to make the best of it. We cannot change the past. But we can make choices today and in the future. Give thanks for those parts of your life that have been relatively easy. And don't forget to thank God and any individuals that helped you along the way.
For any immediate family reading this, I am thankful for you and that a large family has consistently gotten along pretty well all these years. In that area, we got an easy "hand".
I only play card games a few times per year these days. As kids, we played quite often. One common theme in nearly all card and dice games is that success is a combination of skill and random chance, or some might call it "luck".
Because of the random factor, long-term enjoyment of these games may require not taking too much credit or blame for your success in any particular game. Even the most experienced players have turns when their options and chances for victory are extremely limited. And the beginners sometimes get a good hand or roll of the dice that makes victory quite easy.
Life can be that way too. And perhaps that is why these games are popular. Parts of our lives reflect our skill and choices. Other things are beyond our control, but not beyond God's control. Whatever hand we are dealt, we need to adapt and try to make the best of it.
Life may not seem fair at times. Some of the success stories, depending on how you define "success", are due to skill and wise choices. Sometimes they were dealt an easy hand with life experiences and relationships that were conducive to doing well. On the other side, not every person lacking in some way got into that situation entirely by bad choices. We have to be careful in our judgments of people, both positive and negative. Even in the most foolish of choices, most people choose what seems best at the time.
Most of us are dealt a mixed bag of circumstances and life situations. For me, some parts of my life have been a struggle. But I have had an easy "hand" in the areas of health and intelligence and some great spiritual teachers over the years. I severely lack in areas where others excel and have it easy - and perhaps vice versa. We have a great variety of personalities and sets of circumstances. We each have a unique story.
Whatever hand you are dealt, I hope you can choose to make the best of it. We cannot change the past. But we can make choices today and in the future. Give thanks for those parts of your life that have been relatively easy. And don't forget to thank God and any individuals that helped you along the way.
For any immediate family reading this, I am thankful for you and that a large family has consistently gotten along pretty well all these years. In that area, we got an easy "hand".
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Thanksgiving Exercise - Flash Movie
A few years ago I created a little interactive Flash movie related to Thanksgiving. For me it is good to periodically spend a little introspective time. This exercise looks at our attitude of gratitude, or sometimes a lack of it, in various areas of our life.
It is not a test. You may find it helpful. Printing or sharing the results is entirely optional. But it could be used to help others pray for you. Use the Print link on the Flash movie rather than your browser's printing for best results.
I have the thankfulness movie on a few different sites. Here is one:
http://www.rtimehas.com/life/ThanksgivingExercise.asp
It is not a test. You may find it helpful. Printing or sharing the results is entirely optional. But it could be used to help others pray for you. Use the Print link on the Flash movie rather than your browser's printing for best results.
I have the thankfulness movie on a few different sites. Here is one:
http://www.rtimehas.com/life/ThanksgivingExercise.asp
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Celebrate Spamersity
This year I got to experience some truly unique Minnesotan things at the State Fair. The Sausage Sisters (keep it clean) were back with a Norwegian type of sausage that included lefse, if I remember right. I did like their Puff Daddy and Thai One On from previous years more though.
I was entertained by the Spamettes singing several songs about Spam. The Spam Curds were pretty good too.
People love to make fun of Spam - as millions of cans are sold each year. Many people doing the teasing haven't even tasted this variation of ham.
Besides the humor and musical talent, one of the things I enjoyed about hearing the Spamettes was that they sang with joy and pride - even as the product is perennially misunderstood and ridiculed.
So it's just a can of ham... But what about us? Many of us have been misunderstood, teased, and ridiculed. It can really hurt. Our life experiences have a big influence in how we can handle these situations. Do the opinions of others accurately describe, and perhaps determine, our identity? From where or from whom does our identity come?
What is our view of ourselves? Often it is very similar to the way we think God views us. How do you think God views you?
He is firm and righteous, yes, but also patient and merciful. He loves us with a passion and wants what is best for us, which may include saying "No" or "Not yet". And most of all he wants a loving, intimate relationship with him where we are partners with him in his mission.
Once we are in a right relationship with God, the Holy Spirit helps us not only have a right view of God, but also a right view of ourselves - who we are and who we can be. The words of others still matter a little bit. And they can still hurt some. But there is both power and peace when we can ignore the opinions of others and focus on how God sees us. That is whose opinion matters.
Be who you are. Nobody else can do it better. Whether you feel you are somewhat average or feel very special, be assured you were created for a special role in God's plans that only you can fill. If you are a rather unique creation coming out of Southern Minnesota or some other place, celebrate your uniqueness. Celebrate diversity. Celebrate Spamersity!
I was entertained by the Spamettes singing several songs about Spam. The Spam Curds were pretty good too.
People love to make fun of Spam - as millions of cans are sold each year. Many people doing the teasing haven't even tasted this variation of ham.
Besides the humor and musical talent, one of the things I enjoyed about hearing the Spamettes was that they sang with joy and pride - even as the product is perennially misunderstood and ridiculed.
So it's just a can of ham... But what about us? Many of us have been misunderstood, teased, and ridiculed. It can really hurt. Our life experiences have a big influence in how we can handle these situations. Do the opinions of others accurately describe, and perhaps determine, our identity? From where or from whom does our identity come?
What is our view of ourselves? Often it is very similar to the way we think God views us. How do you think God views you?
He is firm and righteous, yes, but also patient and merciful. He loves us with a passion and wants what is best for us, which may include saying "No" or "Not yet". And most of all he wants a loving, intimate relationship with him where we are partners with him in his mission.
Once we are in a right relationship with God, the Holy Spirit helps us not only have a right view of God, but also a right view of ourselves - who we are and who we can be. The words of others still matter a little bit. And they can still hurt some. But there is both power and peace when we can ignore the opinions of others and focus on how God sees us. That is whose opinion matters.
Be who you are. Nobody else can do it better. Whether you feel you are somewhat average or feel very special, be assured you were created for a special role in God's plans that only you can fill. If you are a rather unique creation coming out of Southern Minnesota or some other place, celebrate your uniqueness. Celebrate diversity. Celebrate Spamersity!
Even Me - GNFI Meeting
I attended a great teaching Saturday night sponsored by Good News for Israel. The man gave new insight into the role of the lamb, passover, the priests, and much more. Much Jewish symbolism is used in the Bible to describe Jesus. Good News for Israel is one organization helping Christians understand their Jewish roots. It adds depth to the meaning of many things in the Bible. http://www.gnfi.org/event/annual_meeting_2007.htm
I enjoyed the official presentation. Enjoyed may not be the right word. It was enjoyable, but also very meaningful. Perhaps the strongest statements came after the presentation. The presenter told a bit of his personal story. After a background of drugs and prison and other things, God was now using him in mighty and unique ways to impact thousands.
There are some pastors and ministry leaders that are quite proudful. But the vast majority I know are quite humble. They are thankful for the accomplishments. But they are very aware of their own struggles and shortcomings.
These ministry leaders join me in feeling humbled and sometimes a bit overwhelmed by the thought that God is using "even me".
A couple of posts ago I mentioned God's desire to work through those who are available to serve his purposes. God can use you to impact eternity. After all, despite all my failures and shortcomings, God is using even me.
I enjoyed the official presentation. Enjoyed may not be the right word. It was enjoyable, but also very meaningful. Perhaps the strongest statements came after the presentation. The presenter told a bit of his personal story. After a background of drugs and prison and other things, God was now using him in mighty and unique ways to impact thousands.
There are some pastors and ministry leaders that are quite proudful. But the vast majority I know are quite humble. They are thankful for the accomplishments. But they are very aware of their own struggles and shortcomings.
These ministry leaders join me in feeling humbled and sometimes a bit overwhelmed by the thought that God is using "even me".
A couple of posts ago I mentioned God's desire to work through those who are available to serve his purposes. God can use you to impact eternity. After all, despite all my failures and shortcomings, God is using even me.
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