Abundant Blessings

On Death

2009-06-25T20:41:00.002-05:00

As I sit in a hotel room, waiting to attend my father's funeral tomorrow, I am struck by the news that Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson have all passed away this week as well. I can't help but wonder how we have come to define the importance and priority of these deaths. Farrah's news edged out Ed McMahon and Michael Jackson's has taken over the news completely...

But what of the other death not on tonight's news?

William Edward Shepp passed away on Sunday night, Father's Day, at the age of 84. How fitting that such a loss will now always be remembered on Father's Day. This was a man who lived his life in service to others and with unselfish love for his family. This was a man who spent years as a devoted church member and Gideon. This man lost his mother to tuberculosis when he was just a child and was raised, along with his sister, by his bachelor uncle on next to nothing. Despite this, he attained a doctorate in optometry, served honorably in WWII and married a wonderful woman. Nothing about his past was able to stop him from being the best husband and father he could be. There was no resentment about not having the things others may have had. He took all he was given and did wonderful things with it.

He was funny. He was honest. He was compassionate. He loved animals, nature and his fellow man. He was a true and a loyal friend. How blessed we feel to have had him as a dad. I thank God for him.

So should a man such as this have been on your nightly news as well? Who, indeed, should have been the headline story? This is not for me to say, for only God knows their hearts and minds. But this is the headline story for our family this evening.

Stand Up!

2009-05-22T12:58:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching Waxman from California, unable to answer questions about his cap and trade bill because he hasn't actually read it himself. He says he is depending on scientists to give them the right direction on this.

How we can continue to sit idly by and allow this to go on is beyond me. It doesn't matter if you are a global warming supporter or skeptic. It is insanity to pass bills that have not been read, and a slap in the face to every voter. It's not the first time and won't be the last. Many of our representatives are a disgrace.

I think it is our responsibility to do what we can to be good stewards of our earth. At the same time, I think we should be wise enough to realize that many people have big financial stakes in this, and will not give us the true picture. We have to take it upon ourselves to do the research into all points of view, to find the direction that is right and true. This is true not only for global warming, but for any legislation.

No longer can we count on our representatives to be looking out for our best interests. No longer can we assume they will abide by the Constitution. It just isn't going to happen. Busy as we may be, our future depends on taking the time to do the work and standing up to stop the madness. We can't wait one more day on this. Now is the time and there is no time to lose.

Star Bellied Sneetches Abound

2008-04-11T15:09:00.000-05:00

Do you remember Dr. Seuss' story of the star bellied sneetches?

I am sickened on a daily basis by the news regarding racism. It is unbelievable to me that in this day and age, we are still so completely ignorant. When I hear excerpts from Obama's book "Dreams of My Father", when I hear sermons from Reverend Wright, when I hear unwarranted and hurtful comments from Don Imus...it truly drives me to tears. It is just not acceptable from any of them, from either angle.

This is going to go on forever until we just STOP. What is past is past. We have to forgive each other, let go and move on. We have to start viewing each other as fellow seekers in this world and help each other along the way.

I have a beautiful nephew who is 1-1/2 years old. My sister and brother in law adopted him at birth from a completely unselfish mother who wanted the best for him. He is black. They are white. I do not want him to have to grow up in a world where the subject of their skin colors would even be something he'd think about. Guess what? He doesn't think about it now. He adores them. They adore him. Why do we have to teach him anything different? Why?

God forgive us.

Take It Back

2007-11-05T16:23:00.000-06:00

The war is not in Iraq. It's right here, being fought against corrupt politicians on both sides. This presentation reminds us of what it's all about, and why we need to take it back from the corrupt while we can. It is our country. It is not theirs to buy and sell.

Thank you, artist Michael Israel.

The Autumn Child

2007-10-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

"MY CHILD OF AUTUMN

He was born in the spring. He blossomed with smiles and joy. He was like a small flower at the back of the garden bed, struggling to get its’ share of the light. His illness could have broken his spirit, but it did not. His smiles and his joy overcame it all.

In the summer, he played and grew and experienced it all. The sun burned him at times, but he was soon healed. He believed in each day, needing no reason.

Then came the autumn. He is the child of autumn. The smiles are not as frequent now, as the leaves change and the cool winds begin to blow. Something is changing. The faith he once had turns colors and eventually falls from the tree. We try to stop autumn from coming to him, but it is not ours to stop.

Winter is coming for him soon. It will be cold and bleak. He will feel very alone in the frozen world he has chosen. Have the very roots frozen? Will he survive this winter to bloom for us again in the spring?"

Mother Teresa and Allergies

2007-08-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

It's been months since I've posted. I've had lots of ideas running through my mind, but the motivation to put them down just wasn't there. I've felt dried up physically and spiritually. My previous mindset of constantly seeking God's truth was not even there. Some call it depression, anxiety or "dark night of the soul". In my case, it was allergies. Really.

Seriously...we get some pretty big pollen down here in Texas:) Chronic physical problems can definitely sap not only your physical energy but your spiritual energy as well. I prayed it would improve every day. I missed God. I missed the urge to do artwork. I missed just feeling "normal" for one day.

Last week, I was finally given the right medication to nip the allergies in the bud. Overnight, I felt like myself again. I wanted to do something creative again. I wanted to connect with God again. It was such a huge blessing just to have a normal day!

This week, the media is all over the story about Mother Teresa having periods of doubt and disconnect from God. This seems to come as quite a shock to many, and some seem to be reveling in it. I was not shocked at all, and found it almost inspiring....this woman was every bit as human as you and me! She asked God those questions, too! I'm not the only one who sits around and wonders....what if I'm interpreting this wrong? Why can't I "feel" God's presence as much today? Will I always feel like this? How long is this going to last? Why can't I get the joy back?

Whether it's allergies or "dark night of the soul", it happens. We must accept that it is a part of being human, and perhaps Evil's way of trying to divide us from God permanently. We must hang tight and pray and wait for the new day that will come.

For Troubled Times

2007-04-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

This past few months have been difficult ones, with some personal illnesses and a tragic loss of one of my son's close friends. Sometimes it is hard to overcome, when a lot happens at once.

This week's tragedy at Virginia Tech added to it As I struggle with accepting the realities of this world (sometimes beautiful realities and sometimes heartbreaking), the classic Simon and Garfunkel song comes to mind:

"When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can't be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,
When you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I'll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pains is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down."

Whether intended or not, to me it could be as if Jesus himself was singing this to us. I believe he proved that he was willing to make any sacrifice for us; to "lay himself down". I thank God for a friendship and love that can conquer any evil this ol' world has to dish out.

Love ya-

Demanding Integrity and Respect

2007-04-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

If someone was to ask you what the most important qualities would be in a friend, what would you say? My guess is that among those qualitites would be integrity, honesty, loyalty; someone who would be there for you whether you were a millionaire or whether you were completely broke. Someone who would be there with you to "hold your hand" through life's storms. Isn't this the kind of friend we all want?

So what has happened to our people, our nation, our corporations and our world? Are we the kind of people we would want to "hang around" with? Are we the kind of nation other nations look up to? Are our corporations ethical and demanding of integrity? More than ever, I would have to say not even close.

This week's uproar about Don Imus and his radio show bring some of this to light. Do we expect someone with his media power to show some integrity and respect of others? Do we expect it from any of the media in general? No, I don't think we do. We have settled for less and we have accepted much less.

In response to the Imus story, Rosie O'Donnell seems to feel that the "thought police" are coming, and free speech is being infringed upon. Please, Rosie...what can you be thinking? Free speech does not mean that corporations have to pay people to be on the radio or television, spouting off racial slurs, hate speech, conspiracy theories or anything else they care to rant about. Free speech means you can definitely do this in your front yard, but no one is obligated to actually pay you for it!

Few would argue about the lyrics of today's rap music and the way it celebrates crime, degradation of women, racism and more. So why are we accepting it? Why do we not have enough self respect to insist on better? To demand better?

The same applies to our politicians and business environment. I think we have become so used to putting up with the dishonesty and disregard for the will of the people that we feel we have to accept it. No, we do not! It is time for us to demand more, in every area of life. To those whom much is given, much should be expected. Of course, they will make mistakes and be all too human, but we should at the very least expect our leaders to be making every effort to be people of good will and integrity.

I implore everyone to take a stand starting today...people of any race, religion or political party. Do not accept this culture for one day longer. It is time to be the type of friend you want to have. It is time to be the kind of coworker you would like to work next to. It is time to expect and demand the same from those around you. Stand up. Be all you can be and encourage others to do the same...

In peace and love-

Where is the Focus of "The Secret"?

2007-02-19T14:50:00.000-06:00

Last week, a few business friends brought "The Secret" to my attention. They were big fans of this New Thought presentation and were excited that it would be discussed on "Oprah" for the second time.

I was a bit familiar with it, but had never seen it. I watched several segments of it on Google Video, but because of its' focus, I chose not to watch the remainder of it.

Don't get me wrong. I am making no judgements about the people involved or their motives. I just have some serious concerns about the approach that was taken with it. In describing the Law of Attraction, a very big emphasis is put on money and "stuff". Although the teachers of "The Secret" were happy to explain further on Oprah that riches were not necessarily monetary, the presentation itself makes that a very big focus. Film footage shows a genie and a lamp, a young woman focusing on getting an expensive piece of jewelry, talk of new cars, vacations, homes, etc.

One of my friends said that she doesn't have any problem with it, because the philosophy fits very well with her Christian beliefs. I have no doubt of that. Where I see a problem is that many viewers are not going to be coming at it from the same place that she is. They may have little Biblical knowledge, or none at all. They may see it as a magic formula to get "stuff".

The presentation emphasizes the importance of being grateful and thankful every day for all that you have. That's great, except they never quite zero in on who that gratefulness is directed to. The "universe"? The "source"? Are we reluctant to name God for fear of not being as marketable?

I feel it is making a big mistake to fail to thank the One True God for your many blessings. To fail to ask for His will is also a real problem.

In looking at it from a Christian point of view, we can take a look at the Lord's Prayer:

"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name"
Yes, HE is to be honored and acknowledged in all things. This is key.

"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"
We ask for His Kingdom now, but it must be His will, not ours.

"Give us this day our daily bread"
Our wants and needs will be met. He knows what they are and what is in our best interest.

"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us"
We can live each day in a positive way, knowing that we are forgiven, but we must do the same for others.

"Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil"
We'll be drawn to things or distracted by thoughts that are not in our best interest. That's why we must pray for His will to be done, so these things can be resisted.

"For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever"
We cannot lose sight of where our abundant blessings and love come from or we will not be on the right path. God's best can be ours, if we acknowledge him and have faith in all things.

"Amen"
Indeed!

Love ya-

Lessons Learned

2007-02-08T11:42:00.000-06:00

You know those lessons we are always learning throughout our lives? The ones that are so unpleasant to go through, but you know you have learned something from them? And the days where you want to throw up your hands and say, "Enough already! Haven't I learned enough lessons???"

No doubt, it is tough to go through these times. For me, anxiety problems have been an issue off and on for years. It's really hard to see how anything productive can come out of that, especially if you're having an anxious day.

This morning, I received an email from a good online friend who was suffering with a day of sudden and accute anxiety. I could feel exactly how she felt, just reading her desperate words. I was able to respond in a way that many people could not, because I truly knew exactly how she was feeling. Only living the experience can allow you to relate to someone's problem in that way.

Just minutes after replying to her, I received this verse in another email:

"

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NRSV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ."

Wow....abundant blessings, indeed!

Love ya-

New Year of Redemption

2006-12-31T14:58:00.000-06:00

I finally had a chance to sit down and watch "A Christmas Carol" starring Kelsey Grammar this week. This is the musical, and a few of the songs are so moving that I am always brought to tears.

"Let the stars in the sky
Remind us of man's compassion.
Let us love till we die,
And God bless us, every one.

In your heart, there's a light
As bright as a star in heaven
Let it shine through the night,
And God bless us, every one.

Till each child is fed,
Till all men are free,
Till the world becomes a family,

Star by star up above
And kindness by human kindness
Light this world with your love,
God bless us every one."

May we begin 2007 by keeping the lamp lit and letting our light shine:

"In your heart, there's a light
As bright as a star in heaven
Let it shine through the night,
And God bless us, every one."

Love ya!

Adam, the Original Control Freak

2006-10-30T15:13:00.000-06:00

I think one of the most difficult things about leading a Christian life is “giving it up to God”. I don’t think I can think of a single person who doesn’t struggle with that to some extent.

I thought about it this weekend when my daughter called home from campus. She was so frustrated because a few of her friends were making decisions she felt were leading them down the wrong path. She couldn’t understand why this kept happening, when she prayed for them so often. I tried to help her understand that we have to accept God’s will and God’s time in these things. It might be ten years before that person turns around, but He knows when the time is right for them.

I feel her pain. I pray constantly for our fifteen-year-old, who has found wiccan to be a wonderful alternative to Christianity. It has been so upsetting that my anxiety level has been high, but I realize that anxiety is my lack of letting God work in His way. Just like my daughter, I confess I would love to see this problem go away now, not in five years. But maybe a longer struggle will give him a stronger faith later....that is something we cannot know.

I think the “control freak” syndrome is a major factor in the decision for many to become agnostic or atheist. I believe many atheists find it asking too much to believe in a God that would have them give up the power.

Isn’t this true for many New Age, wiccan and pagan followers as well? Meditation, channeling, spells and rituals all give the sense of control.

Adam was clearly the first “control freak” when he could not pass up a chance at having the knowledge that God possessed. With all that he had, there was still that element of control that God had not shared with him.

The more conscious we become of this, the more we can work on letting go of the control and allowing God to take us the way He would have us go. It’s like the “ropes” exercises, isn’t it? It’s like closing your eyes, falling back and having the faith that you will be caught.

Hungry, Lost and Frightened

2006-10-13T17:48:00.000-05:00

I will admit that when I read some of the things written by popular writers such as Sam Harris, it's hard for me not to feel some anger. I am saddened that he feels the way he does, but at the same time, I am angered at the many, many people he may be leading farther and farther away from their path home.

I just read a wonderful post on this subject by Pastor John Piper on his Desiring God website. His understanding and compassion for these writers is something many of us could learn a lesson from. I hope you'll take a look at his article here. I would imagine that if I were such a writer, I would get much more out of a conversation with Pastor John than I would ever get from someone quoting Bible verses at me, in an effort to refute my claims.

Now that I have read his post/article, I hope I can learn to react to this type of anti-Christian material with love and prayer for those who are hungry, lost and frightened, instead of saying, thinking or doing anything that might chase them even further down the wrong path.

Love ya-

What Your Congregation Wants You to Know, Part 2

2006-10-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

More thoughts to consider...

#5- Ask for help and prayers when you need them. I think a lot of pastors tend to hold back from doing this. Maybe they feel they should be there for the congregation and not vice versa. But your congregation wants to be there for you, too! Give them that, and it will be enriching for them and for you. It will also remind them that you have problems, just like anyone else.

#6- Be sure you and your staff handle personnel transitions gracefully. A poorly handled transition can do serious damage to your congregation practically overnight. One of the biggest problems I have personally seen in these cases is the lack of communication with the congregation regarding the change. It's important that they feel informed and have a contact person they can go to if they have further concerns and questions.
Ken Godevenos has a great article to check out on this subject, "Managing Unpleasant Staff Departures". Of course, if we do our best in advance, hopefully no departures will ever have to be unpleasant.

#7- Involve more people in short term volunteer projects. This is an area where I think almost every church could improve drastically. Most churches have a handful of people who end up being the same volunteers for everything (until they burn out). This is obviously not good for them, but it also ensures that others will be less likely to get involved. They know it's going to get done by someone.
Another part of the problem is that many people are reluctant to commit to joining a committee ("I don't have time for more meetings....") or a regularly scheduled project.
If you establish a volunteer coordinator at your church, they can keep a running list of people who are willing to be called upon for individual tasks. That sign up sheet should be available every Sunday for new visitors and volunteers to add their name to. The list would be strictly used for those who say they would like to help in some way, but cannot be part of an ongoing effort. This list could be utilized by your staff and leaders for all kinds of needs, such as someone to take a covered dish over to a member who just got home from the hospital, or someone willing to pick up the youth from camp....just that one time.
Some of these "one time" volunteers will undoubtedly find themselves called to get more involved as a result. Others may find that this system works for them, and will be active by doing those one-time things, but doing them often.

Hoping some of these ideas might be of help. Pastors, we do appreciate you so very much!

Love ya-

So Who Do We Want to Blame Today?

2006-10-04T18:03:00.000-05:00

I certainly couldn't say it better myself, so I am not going to try...

I hope you'll get a chance to read "What if Foley Were a Democrat" by Benjamin Shapiro. From the title, as you would guess, he points out how differently this has been treated by Democrats, referencing similar incidents within their own party. However, he is quick to point out how the Republicans have failed in taking this as seriously as they should have, while professing to be the party supposedly dedicated to values.

Go read and see what you think. Then we need to start thinking about where to go from here...

Love ya-

What Your Congregation Wants You to Know, Part One

2006-10-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

"Tips for a Pastor"

I read a lot of blogs written by pastors. I understand the many issues, personalities and responsibilities they are called upon to give their time to each and every day. There is no doubt that it is a demanding life for them and for their families.

The following tips deal with observations made from personal experiences as well as issues I’ve read about from pastors around the USA. I hope there might be something you’ll find helpful here.

Some of you might feel I am stating the obvious. That may be true in your case, but I assure you that these points may not necessarily be obvious to others.

#1- Accept the fact that you cannot be all things to all people. Pastors can be called on to be a counselor, a bookkeeper, a doctor, a public speaker, a maintenance person and much more. Any reasonable person must realize you cannot fill all of these roles, much less excel in every area. Try to focus on where you feel best equipped to serve, and then...

#2- Delegate, delegate, delegate! It’s hard to say no, but when you have said you will take care of things, be sure it gets done. Many of you might think to yourselves, "Yes, I said I’d check into that, but don’t they realize I have two district meetings, a sermon to prepare and a funeral on Friday?" No....what they see is that you promised to take care of something and it isn’t getting done. Delegate it.

#3- What about those sermons? Where did yours come from? A big topic of debate online has been the use of "borrowed" sermon material, or even the practice of using others’ sermons word for word. Many different opinions have been expressed, but the bottom line is how you are presenting it to your congregation. Personally, I have never had a pastor cite any source for a sermon...never. However, I have had a pastor who not only preached other people’s sermons word for word, but inserted his and his family’s names into the anecdotes (and then went on to the council about the 30 hours he spent each week writing it). This came to my attention quite by accident, but I can’t tell you what a huge disappointment it was. I would have completely understood if he felt he needed these resources and cited them in the bulletin or at the start of the sermon. But to present it so blatantly as your own....it was just dishonest. I cringed every time I heard him preach after that, knowing that the cute little story he just told about his son never happened at all. Is that how you want your congregation to feel? Be honest. A simple blurb in the bulletin is all it would take, i.e. "Today’s sermon was inspired by the original message of Rev. John Smith, St. John’s Lutheran".

#4- Respond. Always respond to your calls and emails coming in with an idea or concern. Do not let it go. It may not be a priority to you, but you can be sure it is to them. Don’t let those emails and calls sit unanswered. If it’s a matter of time, go back to #2- delegate! If it is an issue you don't feel like addressing....deal with it! Pray on it and respond to it instead of doing that "denial" thing. But be sure to keep up on responding. It is very disheartening for someone to feel their concern or idea isn’t important.

I hope a few of these have been helpful to you in some way. Part Two will continue later this week.

Love ya-

It's Definitely Friday...

2006-09-29T16:37:00.000-05:00

You can tell it is Friday by the depth of items I am now posting...

Thought of the Day:
I have insomnia, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

Quote of the Day:
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. - Henry Van Dyke.

Toon of the Day:

Have a great weekend!
Love ya-

Peace Like a River

2006-09-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

When I read a book that can bring me to tears, it is a rare and special thing. That was the case when I recently read "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger. (Listed in the column to your right, for more information or purchase.)

This was my book club's choice this month, and by far the best book we have read together. Everyone found spiritual truths and life lessons all through the book which were presented as this close little family goes through tough times and tougher decisions. The ending was both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, but our entire group found it very satisfying.

I hope you will have a chance to read "Peace Like a River" soon. It's one you are not likely to forget!

Love ya-

Opportunity Wasted

2006-09-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

I love reading blogs. I have a big list of news, theology and Christian blogs that I review every day. It's fascinating to get different viewpoints on news, politics and religion.

One thing that has been disappointing is how nasty some of the posts and reader comments can get. I was just reading one on Joel Osteen and the "prosperity gospel" yesterday, and it was so incredibly judgemental....mostly from people who have never even seen one of his sermons all the way through, much less visited his church.

I am not saying I agree with Joel's approach. I am saying that Christians have a HUGE opportunity to share their faith online, and this kind of bitter approach is probably not a great way to do it. I think it's important to discuss current trends in the church, and the prosperity approach is certainly worthy of discussion. If we have a problem with that type of preaching (and I do), it seems like the constructive discussion would be to site why we have a problem with it and what some solutions might be, instead of attacking the people. Who knows? Maybe they would even take some of those suggestions to heart, if they were offered in a positive and loving way. But I doubt they would take any suggestion to heart when it came from a blog that was completely trashing them and their ministry.

Ben Witherington's blog had an excellent post on "Blogging Etiquette" here. I hope you'll get a chance to read it.

We truly have abundant blessings, and one of them is the opportunity to share and learn from each other via blogging. I hope that I can use this opportunity in a most constructive way.

Love ya!