I know it has been a while since I have posted anything on here, so forgive me, but I just read the first couple pages of Donald Miller's (author of Blue Like Jazz...cool dude) new book and couldn't believe it was about remembering. Here's the link. Let's hope this works....
http://www.scribd.com/doc/19148891/A-Million-Miles-In-A-Thousand-Years-by-Donald-Miller
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Remembering Past Experiences
From Vantage Point 3, Equipping Leaders, Stage 4: Process:
Remembering past experiences can be a barrier to openess in relationships. Often when leaders are challenged to practice openess with their followers, they respond by saying, "I tried that once. But what I shared with them, they later used against me." Past experiences can be quite a deterrrent to developing positive, open leader-follower relationships. Whenever a person shares something personal with another person and that person misuses that information, trust is broken. Broken trust results in feelings of betrayal and rejection and adds to one's fears and insecurities. All of these are painful in the life of the leader.
David Prior, in the book "Creating Community," warns us of the risk involved with being vulnerable as a leader, "It is costly and painful to be open in leadership; it will never be otherwise...When those in leadership set an example in openess, permission is given to others to be open - but opportunity is also given for others to manipulate and maneuver for their own ends. Because of this danger, it is important that we are committed, for strong personal and spiritual reasons, to pursuing an open style of leadership. Anything less than such a considered and consistent commitment will soon flounder."
Remembering past experiences can be a barrier to openess in relationships. Often when leaders are challenged to practice openess with their followers, they respond by saying, "I tried that once. But what I shared with them, they later used against me." Past experiences can be quite a deterrrent to developing positive, open leader-follower relationships. Whenever a person shares something personal with another person and that person misuses that information, trust is broken. Broken trust results in feelings of betrayal and rejection and adds to one's fears and insecurities. All of these are painful in the life of the leader.
David Prior, in the book "Creating Community," warns us of the risk involved with being vulnerable as a leader, "It is costly and painful to be open in leadership; it will never be otherwise...When those in leadership set an example in openess, permission is given to others to be open - but opportunity is also given for others to manipulate and maneuver for their own ends. Because of this danger, it is important that we are committed, for strong personal and spiritual reasons, to pursuing an open style of leadership. Anything less than such a considered and consistent commitment will soon flounder."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Do Not Forget the LORD
Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. 2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
6 Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. 7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.
10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 8
6 Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. 7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.
10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 8
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Holy Spirit in Our Conversations
From the book "Tell It Slant" by Eugene Peterson.
A great deal of Spirit-inspired, or Spirit-accompanied, language takes place when we do not know it whether it comes from our own mouths or the mouths of others.
So we need reminding. We need guidance. We need friends who are capable of hearing the Holy Spirit's whispers in what we are saying - and sometimes between the lines in what we are not saying.
Do you have friends like this?
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 3:8
A great deal of Spirit-inspired, or Spirit-accompanied, language takes place when we do not know it whether it comes from our own mouths or the mouths of others.
So we need reminding. We need guidance. We need friends who are capable of hearing the Holy Spirit's whispers in what we are saying - and sometimes between the lines in what we are not saying.
Do you have friends like this?
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 3:8
Monday, March 2, 2009
Remember me lyrics
I heard the song "Remember Me" by Mark Schultz on the radio the other day and thought it fit well with the blog. Here are the lyrics:
Remember me
In a Bible cracked and faded by the years
Remember me
In a santuary filled with silent prayers
CHORUS:
And age to age
And heart to heart
Bound by grace and peace
Child of wonder,
Child of God
I'll remember you
Remember Me
Remember me
When the color of the sunset fills the sky
Remember me
When you pray and the tears of joy fall from your eyes
CHORUS
Remember me
When the children leave their Sunday school with smiles
Remember me
When they're old enough to teach
Old enough to preach
Old enough to leave
CHORUS
Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God
Remember me
Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God
What does this song bring to mind for you?
Remember me
In a Bible cracked and faded by the years
Remember me
In a santuary filled with silent prayers
CHORUS:
And age to age
And heart to heart
Bound by grace and peace
Child of wonder,
Child of God
I'll remember you
Remember Me
Remember me
When the color of the sunset fills the sky
Remember me
When you pray and the tears of joy fall from your eyes
CHORUS
Remember me
When the children leave their Sunday school with smiles
Remember me
When they're old enough to teach
Old enough to preach
Old enough to leave
CHORUS
Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God
Remember me
Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God
What does this song bring to mind for you?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Money, Possessions, and Eternity
From the book "Money, Possessions, and Eternity" by Randy Alcorn:
Will we remember our lives and relationships on earth? Of course. (We'll be smarter in heaven, not dumber!) Remembrance is important to God, which is why the heavenly city has memorials of people and events of earth (Revelation 21:12-14). It's also why God keeps in heaven "a scroll of remembrance," written in God's presence, "concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name" (Malachi 3:16). The pain of the past will be gone. But memories of being together in the trenches, walking with Christ, and experiencing intimate times with family and friends will remain.
What do you think heaven will be like?
Will we remember our lives and relationships on earth? Of course. (We'll be smarter in heaven, not dumber!) Remembrance is important to God, which is why the heavenly city has memorials of people and events of earth (Revelation 21:12-14). It's also why God keeps in heaven "a scroll of remembrance," written in God's presence, "concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name" (Malachi 3:16). The pain of the past will be gone. But memories of being together in the trenches, walking with Christ, and experiencing intimate times with family and friends will remain.
What do you think heaven will be like?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Understanding Leadership
From the book, "Understanding Leadership" by Tom Marshall:
The importance of remembering lies in our tendency to absolutize the present. If things are going well, I may blithely assume they will always be like that and fall into presumption or carelessness. If things are going badly, I can easily feel they will always be like that and fall into despair. Therefore, in the good times we probably need to remember the bad times and certainly in the bad times we need encouragement of rehearsing the good times.
In your need, turn towards the body for its prayers.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
The importance of remembering lies in our tendency to absolutize the present. If things are going well, I may blithely assume they will always be like that and fall into presumption or carelessness. If things are going badly, I can easily feel they will always be like that and fall into despair. Therefore, in the good times we probably need to remember the bad times and certainly in the bad times we need encouragement of rehearsing the good times.
In your need, turn towards the body for its prayers.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Friday, February 13, 2009
Celebrate Wins!!
This blog post reminds us to celebrate wins.
from GaryLamb.org by Gary
This morning as I left the gym, I had an email Libby had sent to our staff from a first time guest this past Sunday. In the email they were thanking us for our BRINGING SEXY BACK series and for doing church the way we do it. They shared some other private things about how God was working in their lives and it was a GREAT way to start the day.
It reminded me the importance of Celebrating Wins. Ministry is a thankless job. If you do this gig for the money, for the hours, for the lack of stress or because you think working in a church is easy you will VERY quickly not want to be in ministry anymore.
However every time I hear of someone giving their life to Christ, a marriage being restored, an addict getting cleaned up, etc. it REMINDS me why my family has given their lives to doing what we do. At Revolution, we are very intentional about sharing stories of life change with each other. We forward emails, share stories, and are continually letting each other know how God is working in our various ministry areas.
If you are a church leader, I would encourage you to make sure you’re celebrating wins with your teams. This is what keeps our people going. Our set-up crews don’t get up at 4:30 a.m. to set up a building because they have nothing else to do, they do it because they know it helps lives be changed. If we never share stories with them how would they know?
I think leaders we tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive. Today share with your teams a win that is happening in your ministry area. You’ll see the difference in their attitude on Sunday because of it.
from GaryLamb.org by Gary
This morning as I left the gym, I had an email Libby had sent to our staff from a first time guest this past Sunday. In the email they were thanking us for our BRINGING SEXY BACK series and for doing church the way we do it. They shared some other private things about how God was working in their lives and it was a GREAT way to start the day.
It reminded me the importance of Celebrating Wins. Ministry is a thankless job. If you do this gig for the money, for the hours, for the lack of stress or because you think working in a church is easy you will VERY quickly not want to be in ministry anymore.
However every time I hear of someone giving their life to Christ, a marriage being restored, an addict getting cleaned up, etc. it REMINDS me why my family has given their lives to doing what we do. At Revolution, we are very intentional about sharing stories of life change with each other. We forward emails, share stories, and are continually letting each other know how God is working in our various ministry areas.
If you are a church leader, I would encourage you to make sure you’re celebrating wins with your teams. This is what keeps our people going. Our set-up crews don’t get up at 4:30 a.m. to set up a building because they have nothing else to do, they do it because they know it helps lives be changed. If we never share stories with them how would they know?
I think leaders we tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive. Today share with your teams a win that is happening in your ministry area. You’ll see the difference in their attitude on Sunday because of it.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Understanding Leadership
I'm reading the book "Understanding Leadership" by Tom Marshall and thought this quote was applicable to the Power in Remembering blog.
It is at the extremeties of our strength that we run into God's strength...Past deliverance gives secure grounds for future hope. In the bad times, remember the good times. Paul is emphasizing the importance of recall - remembering our past experiences of God's faithfulness and intervening mercy. The prophets of Israel were always doing this. In the darkest days they rehearsed again and again God's saving acts. Remember how he delivered us from Egypt. Remember how he opened the Red Sea. Remember how he fed us on manna and brought water out of the rock. Remember. Remember.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)
It is at the extremeties of our strength that we run into God's strength...Past deliverance gives secure grounds for future hope. In the bad times, remember the good times. Paul is emphasizing the importance of recall - remembering our past experiences of God's faithfulness and intervening mercy. The prophets of Israel were always doing this. In the darkest days they rehearsed again and again God's saving acts. Remember how he delivered us from Egypt. Remember how he opened the Red Sea. Remember how he fed us on manna and brought water out of the rock. Remember. Remember.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Remembering the important things
After finishing my last post on new year's resolutions in the month of February, I looked at the next topic on my page and recognized what a possible resolution could be. Are you good at remembering the important things, or do you spend most of your time running from one place to the next, trying to get the most urgent things done, never stopping to look at the big picture? As I think about the important things in life, I think about what God has told us is important, which is found in the Bible. There are a lot of ways to soak up the Bible. A lot of people decide they are going to read through the Bible in one year. This usually starts on January 1 and ends around January 6th or 7th. I'm not saying this is wrong, but how can we provide the lasting importance of reading or memorizing scripture? Here is a fun way to memorize scripture that my mom sent me...
Scriptures From A to Z
A Cure for Sleeplessness
Marian Groen
Directions: Quote these scriptures when you have difficulty sleeping. You will fall asleep before reaching the end of the alphabet. The devil would rather have you sleep than quote scripture. Scriptures are from the New King James Version
A-And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
B-Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
C-Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you. I Peter 5:7
D-Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
E-Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
F-For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
G-Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38.
H-Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35
I-In All your ways, acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6
J-Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
K-Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
L-Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1
M-My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
N-Nor is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
O-Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
P-Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Q-Quench not the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:19
R-Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
S-Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6.
T-Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
U-Unto You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Psalms 25:1-2
V-Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. John 3:3
W-Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Proverbs 30:5
X-Xalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool-He is holy. Psalm 99:5
Y-You are the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13
Z- Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord. Psalm 97:8
Scriptures From A to Z
A Cure for Sleeplessness
Marian Groen
Directions: Quote these scriptures when you have difficulty sleeping. You will fall asleep before reaching the end of the alphabet. The devil would rather have you sleep than quote scripture. Scriptures are from the New King James Version
A-And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
B-Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
C-Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you. I Peter 5:7
D-Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
E-Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
F-For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
G-Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38.
H-Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35
I-In All your ways, acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6
J-Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
K-Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
L-Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1
M-My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
N-Nor is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
O-Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
P-Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Q-Quench not the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:19
R-Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
S-Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6.
T-Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
U-Unto You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Psalms 25:1-2
V-Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. John 3:3
W-Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Proverbs 30:5
X-Xalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool-He is holy. Psalm 99:5
Y-You are the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13
Z- Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord. Psalm 97:8
Remember your new year's resolutions?
Do you remember your new year's resolutions from one month ago? Are you following through on these resolutions? Isn't it funny that we can forget about our new year's resolutions after one month? I have to admit that I didn't come up with any new year's resolutions for this year. Maybe I should come up with some now. Do you have any ideas for me?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Remembering who has the authority...
Who has the authority in your life?
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
Luke 7:8
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Luke 10:19
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28:18-19
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
Luke 7:8
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Luke 10:19
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28:18-19
Remembering who we pray to...
THAT WE PRAY to God in heaven is a reminder that we become part of a large struggle by praying this prayer. The thing between us and Jesus is not merely personal; it's cosmic. The God whom we have been taught by Jesus to address as "our Father" is the one who rules the whole cosmos, who speaks in earthquake, wind, and fire. Any less of a god wouldn't do us much good.
William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord Teach Us: The Lord's Prayer and the Christian Life
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/january/31.62.html
William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord Teach Us: The Lord's Prayer and the Christian Life
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/january/31.62.html
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Remembering Gary Vermeer
Gary Vermeer, 90, inventor and founder of one of Iowa’s premier farm and construction equipment manufactures died Monday.Pella-based Vermeer Manufacturing grew out of a business that Vermeer and a cousin created in 1948 to manufacture wagon hoists. Vermeer got the idea from neighbors who had to shovel corn out of farm wagons. He invented a hoist that attached to the wagon and would dump an entire load by lifting the front end of the wagon.“His reputation for invention and management is well known,” said Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.Gary Vermeer was 29 when he invented the wagon hoist in 1948. He went on to create a number of other innovations for farm and construction equipment, including the first round hay baler, the first stump cutter and a line of trenching equipment that is now sold worldwide.His motto, which became the title of a family biography last year, was “In Search of a Better Way.”Vermeer retired in 1989 at the age of 70, turning management of the family-owned business over to his son, Robert Vermeer, and daughter, Mary Andringa, who are co-chief executives of Vermeer Manufacturing. Today, the company employs more than 2,000 workers with more than $600 million in sales.The family business has a reputation in Iowa and in the equipment industry as being one of the most efficient, well-run manufacturing operations in the country. Last summer, as part of a 60th anniversary celebration, the company invited writers for farm and construction equipment trade publications from around the world to visit the “Vermeer mile” in Pella, an area on the edge of town where Vermeer manufacturing plants stretch on for a full mile. As part of that tour, the writers were shown how Vermeer has used lean manufacturing techniques to cut costs and save time. One example was the amount of time required to build a wood chipper, one of the company’s signature products. The time required to make one chipper has been slashed from 52 days in 1999 to less than three days today, Andringa told the writers.The family biography, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of the family business last summer, noted that Gary Vermeer and his wife, Matilda still live in the same modest home outside Pella that they moved into 55 years ago. It also noted that the couple’s favorite restaurants is McDonald’s.Gary and Matilda Vermeer traveled widely, circumventing the globe on three separate trips. Funeral services are pending at Van Dyke-Duven Funeral Home in Pella.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090202/BUSINESS/90202025/1029/archive
http://www.garyvermeer.com
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090202/BUSINESS/90202025/1029/archive
http://www.garyvermeer.com
Remembering Pat Tillman
Tillman's spirit very alive at Super Bowl
By Jennifer Waters, MarketWatch
Last update: 8:28 p.m. EST Feb. 1, 2009
TAMPA (MarketWatch) - Pat Tillman wasn't at Raymond James Stadium for Sunday's 43rd annual Super Bowl, but his spirit was very much alive here.
Among the Warner, Fitzgerald and Boldin jerseys that Arizona Cardinals fans were donning were a noticeable number of red-and-white shirts bearing Tillman's No. 40.
"He's the man," said Tom Rector of Phoenix, who has been wearing his Tillman jersey since 2002, the last year that the Cardinals safety played in the NFL. "He's a hero. Everyone else is a professional athlete or role model, but Tillman's a hero."
Tillman's football record isn't as impressive as his life record, which gained star status when he gave up a $3.6 million football contract to enlist in the Army's elite Rangers after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Three years later, the 27-year-old was killed in Afghanistan in friendly fire. The incident became controversial after it was discovered that the Army covered up that Tillman was killed by fellow soldiers in the confusion of battle.
"To give that up for the country is just an amazing thing," said Scottsdale, Ariz., resident Glenn Allbritton, who bought his jersey through the Pat Tillman Foundation. "I'll do anything to help support his memory and help his foundation."
Tillman is still an institution on the practice field and around the Cardinal locker room. where his picture prominently hangs. There's a bigger-than-life-sized statue of him at the Cardinals' home field at the University of Phoenix.
"He felt like he didn't do enough in his life to warrant the type of credit he's been getting," Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson said last week. Wilson is one of only two players left on the roster who played with Tillman. "To make a life decision like that and to make a change like that, I think it really speaks volumes of his character."
The Cardinals have retired Tillman's number and have placed his name in their Ring of Honor. They've also dedicated the Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza that surrounds the stadium.
"If people just understood what it means to give up your life for your country," said Peoria, Ariz., resident Pat Kling, whose husband served in the Vietnam War. "Pat Tillman understood what it meant.
"This game is for him," she added. "I just know he's here watching us."
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7BB1F4CE52%2DFEC4%2D40B6%2D80E9%2D255341582E76%7D&siteid=rss
By Jennifer Waters, MarketWatch
Last update: 8:28 p.m. EST Feb. 1, 2009
TAMPA (MarketWatch) - Pat Tillman wasn't at Raymond James Stadium for Sunday's 43rd annual Super Bowl, but his spirit was very much alive here.
Among the Warner, Fitzgerald and Boldin jerseys that Arizona Cardinals fans were donning were a noticeable number of red-and-white shirts bearing Tillman's No. 40.
"He's the man," said Tom Rector of Phoenix, who has been wearing his Tillman jersey since 2002, the last year that the Cardinals safety played in the NFL. "He's a hero. Everyone else is a professional athlete or role model, but Tillman's a hero."
Tillman's football record isn't as impressive as his life record, which gained star status when he gave up a $3.6 million football contract to enlist in the Army's elite Rangers after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Three years later, the 27-year-old was killed in Afghanistan in friendly fire. The incident became controversial after it was discovered that the Army covered up that Tillman was killed by fellow soldiers in the confusion of battle.
"To give that up for the country is just an amazing thing," said Scottsdale, Ariz., resident Glenn Allbritton, who bought his jersey through the Pat Tillman Foundation. "I'll do anything to help support his memory and help his foundation."
Tillman is still an institution on the practice field and around the Cardinal locker room. where his picture prominently hangs. There's a bigger-than-life-sized statue of him at the Cardinals' home field at the University of Phoenix.
"He felt like he didn't do enough in his life to warrant the type of credit he's been getting," Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson said last week. Wilson is one of only two players left on the roster who played with Tillman. "To make a life decision like that and to make a change like that, I think it really speaks volumes of his character."
The Cardinals have retired Tillman's number and have placed his name in their Ring of Honor. They've also dedicated the Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza that surrounds the stadium.
"If people just understood what it means to give up your life for your country," said Peoria, Ariz., resident Pat Kling, whose husband served in the Vietnam War. "Pat Tillman understood what it meant.
"This game is for him," she added. "I just know he's here watching us."
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7BB1F4CE52%2DFEC4%2D40B6%2D80E9%2D255341582E76%7D&siteid=rss
Remembering God
We remember all or nothing. If we remember all of the bad things, we may blame God. If we remember all of the good things, we may think we don’t need God. We need to be able to talk to others with shared experiences to work through these past experiences to balance the good and bad. We have a biased memory of our past. People suffering from depression only remember the bad. We need an integration of the good and bad in God’s greater narrative. We need to get outside ourselves and seek balance in our lives. Splitting is the psychological term referring to remembering all good or all bad. Regardless of our circumstances, God has the ultimate story.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:1-5)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:1-5)
Remembering the nooma
What does nooma mean?
The name NOOMA is an English phonetic spelling of the Greek word pneuma, which is commonly translated to “spirit” or “breath”. Pneumatology refers to the study of spiritual beings, particularly the interactions between humans and God.
I received a set of nooma films for Christmas and have really enjoyed them.
Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing somethingright here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God's work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from the perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion.
http://www.nooma.com
The name NOOMA is an English phonetic spelling of the Greek word pneuma, which is commonly translated to “spirit” or “breath”. Pneumatology refers to the study of spiritual beings, particularly the interactions between humans and God.
I received a set of nooma films for Christmas and have really enjoyed them.
Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing somethingright here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God's work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from the perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion.
http://www.nooma.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Remember me
Do you think people will remember you? What will they remember about you? Stephen Covey, in his book "The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People," talks about what statements you would like to have on your tombstone.
Nehemiah constantly reminds God in the Old Testament to remember him. Remember me with favor, O my God. Remember me for this also, O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love. Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.
Does Nehemiah think that God will forget about him? Is it his way of reminding himself why he is doing these things for God?
Nehemiah constantly reminds God in the Old Testament to remember him. Remember me with favor, O my God. Remember me for this also, O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love. Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.
Does Nehemiah think that God will forget about him? Is it his way of reminding himself why he is doing these things for God?
Remembering your home town
What was it like growing up in your home town? I have many good memories of my home town of Greene, Iowa. It's close to orange and blue for those of you wondering. Just kidding. Here are some thoughts from my dad about the wonderful small town of Greene, Iowa:
I certainly think back to growing up in Greene and all of the good people that I came in contact with. There were never any thoughts of violence or fear for your safety. It was Greene, Iowa where everyone knew everyone and looked out for each other, especially for each others’ children.
After Jesus healed the demon possessed man in Luke 8, he tells him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
I certainly think back to growing up in Greene and all of the good people that I came in contact with. There were never any thoughts of violence or fear for your safety. It was Greene, Iowa where everyone knew everyone and looked out for each other, especially for each others’ children.
After Jesus healed the demon possessed man in Luke 8, he tells him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Remembering Nile Kinnick
I'm currently reading the book "Nile" about the University of Iowa's only Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick. Here is a portion of the story from the back cover of the book:
Nile is a story about a young man who played football in the late 1930's. But it is more than a sports story. The nation was stil recovering from the Great Depression and on the cusp of the greatest war in the history of mankind. One athlete, in particular, understood the historical significance of the moment. Many people who knew Nile Kinnick sincerely believed he would have been one of our nation's greatest leaders. Unfortunately, the country never had the opportunity to witness what this promising young man may have achieved. The story tells of Kinnick's life from high school to his ill-fated flight near Trinidad during WWII. But it's also a story that touches on the lives of his Iowa Hawkey teammates. They became known as the "Ironmen" because there were very few players on the 1939 team. After two losing season in 1937 and 1938, the University of Iowa hired Dr. Eddie Anderson to coach the football team. he was relentless in his pursuit to have the players in the best physical condition of any team in the nation. Many quit. But those that remained made history.
This story reminds me of the vine and branches from John 15:
The Vine and the Branches
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
This inspirational story also brings to mind one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
And another passage, Philippians 3:12-14:
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
*Nile Kinnick's grandfather was governor of Iowa.
*A substitution rule during Kinnick's era forced him to play most of the game because if you left the game, you couldn't return to the game until the following quarter.
Here is a quote from the book "Nile" - "We often have a tendency to think something in our future will enrich our lives beyond expectations, and change everything. But the reality is, it's our efforts that alter our destinies."
*Athletic scholarships didn't exist during Kinnick's era.
*Kinnick was All-Big Ten in football as a sophomore, 3rd team All-American in football, starting catcher in baseball, second leading scorer in basketball. He dropped basketball and baseball to work on academics and apply for a Rhodes scholarship.
*He memorized the Gettysburg Address for a seventh grade speech contest and was still able to recite it in college.
Nile is a story about a young man who played football in the late 1930's. But it is more than a sports story. The nation was stil recovering from the Great Depression and on the cusp of the greatest war in the history of mankind. One athlete, in particular, understood the historical significance of the moment. Many people who knew Nile Kinnick sincerely believed he would have been one of our nation's greatest leaders. Unfortunately, the country never had the opportunity to witness what this promising young man may have achieved. The story tells of Kinnick's life from high school to his ill-fated flight near Trinidad during WWII. But it's also a story that touches on the lives of his Iowa Hawkey teammates. They became known as the "Ironmen" because there were very few players on the 1939 team. After two losing season in 1937 and 1938, the University of Iowa hired Dr. Eddie Anderson to coach the football team. he was relentless in his pursuit to have the players in the best physical condition of any team in the nation. Many quit. But those that remained made history.
This story reminds me of the vine and branches from John 15:
The Vine and the Branches
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
This inspirational story also brings to mind one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
And another passage, Philippians 3:12-14:
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
*Nile Kinnick's grandfather was governor of Iowa.
*A substitution rule during Kinnick's era forced him to play most of the game because if you left the game, you couldn't return to the game until the following quarter.
Here is a quote from the book "Nile" - "We often have a tendency to think something in our future will enrich our lives beyond expectations, and change everything. But the reality is, it's our efforts that alter our destinies."
*Athletic scholarships didn't exist during Kinnick's era.
*Kinnick was All-Big Ten in football as a sophomore, 3rd team All-American in football, starting catcher in baseball, second leading scorer in basketball. He dropped basketball and baseball to work on academics and apply for a Rhodes scholarship.
*He memorized the Gettysburg Address for a seventh grade speech contest and was still able to recite it in college.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Remembering 8 years of George W. Bush
What are your memories of George W. Bush as president?
November 2000 - senior in high school, staying up to watch the election results and working on my scrapbook for government class
9/11/01 - freshman in college, clear skies, Bush visiting ground zero
November 2004 - senior in college, stayed up late to watch the election results
Faith based initiatives
Giving to poorer countries
Establishing a new democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan
Christianity Today has an article on Bush's Faith-Based Legacy - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/february/5.44.html
November 2000 - senior in high school, staying up to watch the election results and working on my scrapbook for government class
9/11/01 - freshman in college, clear skies, Bush visiting ground zero
November 2004 - senior in college, stayed up late to watch the election results
Faith based initiatives
Giving to poorer countries
Establishing a new democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan
Christianity Today has an article on Bush's Faith-Based Legacy - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/february/5.44.html
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The power in remembering life is short
Take a walk through the cemetary.
Notice the names that are familiar.
Notice the date of birth and death on each tombstone.
Notice the dash between each date.
Notice how short life is compared to eternity.
Remember the importance of bringing glory to God in our short time here on Earth.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Notice the names that are familiar.
Notice the date of birth and death on each tombstone.
Notice the dash between each date.
Notice how short life is compared to eternity.
Remember the importance of bringing glory to God in our short time here on Earth.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Random Remembering Quotes
Remember your dreams.
Memories are wonderful, but do you live your life differently because of them?
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
You must learnt to listen, (remember), and obey God, especially in a society where it's easy and expected to do what is most comfortable.
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
Remember to keep pursuing Christ.
Remember that we are not alone.
Remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Memories are wonderful, but do you live your life differently because of them?
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
You must learnt to listen, (remember), and obey God, especially in a society where it's easy and expected to do what is most comfortable.
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
Remember to keep pursuing Christ.
Remember that we are not alone.
Remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Remembering that we are all still growing
I came across this book review about Kirk Cameron's book, Still Growing, and thought it might be applicable. http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review-still-growing-by-kirk-cameron.php
Here is how he describes his life at the pinnacle of his fame:
I received 10,000 letters per week, mostly from girls who wanted to meet me, touch me, marry me. I had a fan club that sent out a variety of keepsakes—photos, Tshirts, buttons, even a pillowcase with my picture just the right size for girls to kiss my fabric-y likeness as they drifted off to sleep. Weird.
Wherever I went people catered to me. Limousines carted me off to the next gig. Waiters comped my meals. Flight attendants whispered, “Mr. Cameron, why don’t you come with me?” and escorted me to first class. Once off the plane, people laid down a red carpet and greeted me on the tarmac with military-like fanfare.
When I arrived at a party, everyone sat up and took notice. The room buzzed with not-so-quiet whispers: “Isn’t that Kirk Cameron?” The adoration was obvious in the body language, facial expressions and eagerness of those around me. All of it baffled me beyond belief. I was in the midst of a phenomenon I felt I had no hand in creating.
I had everything the rest of the world craved—money, fame, fortune, any girl I wanted. I admit, I liked that part. What 16-year-old guy didn’t want girls to melt when he walked in the room? And I certainly wasn’t complaining when Domino’s Pizza offered me a million bucks to be their ad boy.
If I didn’t have something, it was only because I didn’t want it. I was a devout atheist, livin’ large, hanging out with the beautiful people.
Years later when people asked about that time in my life, I defined it like this: Imagine a world where whatever you want is given to you as quickly as possible. When you walk into a room, all the adults smile at you, talk nicely and say, “What do you want? Okay, I’ll give that to you.”
Everything in your life is carefully placed with the intent to make you happy. If you aren’t happy, no expense is too great in order to fix the situation. As far as you can tell, you are the center of the universe. Everything revolves around you, your schedule, your dreams and wishes. You are more important to adults than other kids are. “Why is that?” your little mind asks. And the only answer you can come up with is that you are very, very unique.
Here is how he describes his experience in how he became a Christian:
A month after my first visit to her church, I dropped my friend off at her acting class in the San Fernando Valley. As I pulled away, something flashed through my mind: I’m part of the ultimate statistic: 10 out of 10 people die. I’m going to die one day. If it were to happen in the next 10 minutes—if I were to get in a car accident and die—what would happen to me? The thought overwhelmed me. I felt smaller than a speck of sand.
I pulled over to the curb and turned off the engine. If there is a God and a heaven, there’s no reason He should let me in, I told myself. I had gotten past the intellectual barrier to God, but I knew there was a bigger stumbling block that stood between me and my Maker. It was not intellectual, but moral.
I knew that because of my prideful attitude and the way I had intentionally ignored—even denied God—especially in light of the good things He had given me, I wouldn’t go to heaven. Instead of loving God, I had mocked the Giver of all that was precious to me. Deep in my gut, I knew my arrogance and selfishness were an offense to God. Without ever having read the Bible, I intuitively knew that I was a walking violation of the first and greatest commandment: I had failed to give the Creator due honor and respect.
I was sure that if I died on Van Nuys Boulevard that day, God would be perfectly justified to exclude me from heaven and instead give me whatever I deserved.
I wanted to pray, but didn’t know how. Closing my eyes—hoping no one was watching—I muttered, “God, if You’re there, will You please show me? If You’re real, I need to know. And would You please forgive me for the things I’ve done that are wrong? I don’t want to join a religious cult or believe in a fairy tale, but if You’re there … I want You to change me into the person You want me to be.”
Here is how he describes his life at the pinnacle of his fame:
I received 10,000 letters per week, mostly from girls who wanted to meet me, touch me, marry me. I had a fan club that sent out a variety of keepsakes—photos, Tshirts, buttons, even a pillowcase with my picture just the right size for girls to kiss my fabric-y likeness as they drifted off to sleep. Weird.
Wherever I went people catered to me. Limousines carted me off to the next gig. Waiters comped my meals. Flight attendants whispered, “Mr. Cameron, why don’t you come with me?” and escorted me to first class. Once off the plane, people laid down a red carpet and greeted me on the tarmac with military-like fanfare.
When I arrived at a party, everyone sat up and took notice. The room buzzed with not-so-quiet whispers: “Isn’t that Kirk Cameron?” The adoration was obvious in the body language, facial expressions and eagerness of those around me. All of it baffled me beyond belief. I was in the midst of a phenomenon I felt I had no hand in creating.
I had everything the rest of the world craved—money, fame, fortune, any girl I wanted. I admit, I liked that part. What 16-year-old guy didn’t want girls to melt when he walked in the room? And I certainly wasn’t complaining when Domino’s Pizza offered me a million bucks to be their ad boy.
If I didn’t have something, it was only because I didn’t want it. I was a devout atheist, livin’ large, hanging out with the beautiful people.
Years later when people asked about that time in my life, I defined it like this: Imagine a world where whatever you want is given to you as quickly as possible. When you walk into a room, all the adults smile at you, talk nicely and say, “What do you want? Okay, I’ll give that to you.”
Everything in your life is carefully placed with the intent to make you happy. If you aren’t happy, no expense is too great in order to fix the situation. As far as you can tell, you are the center of the universe. Everything revolves around you, your schedule, your dreams and wishes. You are more important to adults than other kids are. “Why is that?” your little mind asks. And the only answer you can come up with is that you are very, very unique.
Here is how he describes his experience in how he became a Christian:
A month after my first visit to her church, I dropped my friend off at her acting class in the San Fernando Valley. As I pulled away, something flashed through my mind: I’m part of the ultimate statistic: 10 out of 10 people die. I’m going to die one day. If it were to happen in the next 10 minutes—if I were to get in a car accident and die—what would happen to me? The thought overwhelmed me. I felt smaller than a speck of sand.
I pulled over to the curb and turned off the engine. If there is a God and a heaven, there’s no reason He should let me in, I told myself. I had gotten past the intellectual barrier to God, but I knew there was a bigger stumbling block that stood between me and my Maker. It was not intellectual, but moral.
I knew that because of my prideful attitude and the way I had intentionally ignored—even denied God—especially in light of the good things He had given me, I wouldn’t go to heaven. Instead of loving God, I had mocked the Giver of all that was precious to me. Deep in my gut, I knew my arrogance and selfishness were an offense to God. Without ever having read the Bible, I intuitively knew that I was a walking violation of the first and greatest commandment: I had failed to give the Creator due honor and respect.
I was sure that if I died on Van Nuys Boulevard that day, God would be perfectly justified to exclude me from heaven and instead give me whatever I deserved.
I wanted to pray, but didn’t know how. Closing my eyes—hoping no one was watching—I muttered, “God, if You’re there, will You please show me? If You’re real, I need to know. And would You please forgive me for the things I’ve done that are wrong? I don’t want to join a religious cult or believe in a fairy tale, but if You’re there … I want You to change me into the person You want me to be.”
Remember who this life is really about
(from the Bravehearted Gospel by Eric Ludy)
Question: Who is this life really supposed to be about?
I can assure you, this life is not about me, it's not about you, and it's not about anyone else out there strutting around on this great, big celestial ball. Rather this life is all about the one who covers Himself with light as with a garment, stretched out the heavens like a curtain, laid the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, makes the clouds His chariot, and walks on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:2-3)...This life is all about Jesus Christ.
Question: Who is this life really supposed to be about?
I can assure you, this life is not about me, it's not about you, and it's not about anyone else out there strutting around on this great, big celestial ball. Rather this life is all about the one who covers Himself with light as with a garment, stretched out the heavens like a curtain, laid the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, makes the clouds His chariot, and walks on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:2-3)...This life is all about Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Conquering Fear
It was all I could do to keep my hyper, hormonally-charged bony teenage bottom seated on the bench. With every rebound, steal or basket we made, I would bound to my feet, clap, wave my arms and hoot and holler.
Our point total soared to 92, 94, and then 96 points. We scored again with less than 30 seconds left in the game and a season-long team goal of scoring 100 points in 24 minutes of play was within reach.
The other team missed. We snagged the rebound, whisked the ball down the court.
And then, it happened.
Thirty five years later and I still shudder in remembering coach Newberry’s words: “Third team; get ready. You are going in.” The knocking of our knees was the only sign of life.
Coach bellowed “timeout,” walked the bench, and individually lifted us by the jersey to reinforce his intent. For five young boys – the prospective fear of failure had made cowards of us all.
Jesus’ disciples could have related. Fear was in their DNA. The sea belches and they wake the Master from His sleep. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Calming the waves, Jesus tugs at their jerseys: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
In another instance, Jesus scoots atop the water. Once more, the disciples quake with terror. Jesus says, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
This time, their response is different. In faith—not fear—they tug at Jesus’ shirt, dragging him into the boat. No longer freaked by the supernatural, truth is in the boat—and “immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21).
If fear can be a monger, faith can be a cure.
If fear has got you in its claws; what leap of faith might God be asking you to take? Is there someone you need to lovingly confront--speaking the truth in love. Is there a situation of some perceived risk that in response to prayer God would have you confidently pursue?
Or is this the day that are to trust in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to communicate the message of Christ to a friend or loved one? Fear not. Take the step of faith and leave the results to Him.
My teammates and I lacked faith. That day, by necessity, we were obedient. We followed a coach who made it clear that our time on the sideline was through. It is time you listen to Jesus—the Master Coach.
We executed the play to perfection—scored the 100th point—and our team burst into celebration. The moment of fame passed so quickly; the lesson of faith—not fear—remains with me today.
Our point total soared to 92, 94, and then 96 points. We scored again with less than 30 seconds left in the game and a season-long team goal of scoring 100 points in 24 minutes of play was within reach.
The other team missed. We snagged the rebound, whisked the ball down the court.
And then, it happened.
Thirty five years later and I still shudder in remembering coach Newberry’s words: “Third team; get ready. You are going in.” The knocking of our knees was the only sign of life.
Coach bellowed “timeout,” walked the bench, and individually lifted us by the jersey to reinforce his intent. For five young boys – the prospective fear of failure had made cowards of us all.
Jesus’ disciples could have related. Fear was in their DNA. The sea belches and they wake the Master from His sleep. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Calming the waves, Jesus tugs at their jerseys: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
In another instance, Jesus scoots atop the water. Once more, the disciples quake with terror. Jesus says, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
This time, their response is different. In faith—not fear—they tug at Jesus’ shirt, dragging him into the boat. No longer freaked by the supernatural, truth is in the boat—and “immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21).
If fear can be a monger, faith can be a cure.
If fear has got you in its claws; what leap of faith might God be asking you to take? Is there someone you need to lovingly confront--speaking the truth in love. Is there a situation of some perceived risk that in response to prayer God would have you confidently pursue?
Or is this the day that are to trust in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to communicate the message of Christ to a friend or loved one? Fear not. Take the step of faith and leave the results to Him.
My teammates and I lacked faith. That day, by necessity, we were obedient. We followed a coach who made it clear that our time on the sideline was through. It is time you listen to Jesus—the Master Coach.
We executed the play to perfection—scored the 100th point—and our team burst into celebration. The moment of fame passed so quickly; the lesson of faith—not fear—remains with me today.
What You Thinkin’ About?
C’mon now. You are thinking about something. You know you are.
Something’s stirring; something’s churning. Those wheels are cranking within your mind.
What is it? What you thinkin’ about?
Your financial state? Worry of an economy that stinks? A portfolio that is in the dumper? Prospects of a lay-off? The mounting pile of bills due?
Maybe it’s a challenge in your relationships? You can’t quite shake-off that recent bout with your spouse? Is it a child? Your teenager—perhaps. Incredulous, you say. Can a dad’s intelligence really slip that much by the nanosecond?
Or are you thinkin’ about how lonely you feel? No one seems to understand. Isn’t there someone for me? Anyone who would even care enough to ask?
God cares—at least about what you are thinkin’.
The Israelites had been exiled. Jerusalem was no more.
Rather down in the dumps, the author laments: “Just thinking of my troubles and my lonely wandering makes me miserable (Lamentations 3:19, CEV).
“I cannot find peace or remember happiness (3:17, CEV).”
The author says remembrances of such devastation are analogous to eating gravel or having your face rubbed in the dirt.
You’ve been there. You know how it feels. You might be there now?
But then, it happens. His mental pictures changes, alluding to a certain power in remembrance—at least in a focus upon the right sort of things.
“Then I remember something, (3:21, CEV),” he writes.
“But this I recall (3:21, AMP).”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (3:22-23, NIV).”
And in a remembrance of the unchanging attributes of the Lord, he is filled with expectation and hope.
God cares— even about “what you thinkin’?”
Something’s stirring; something’s churning. Those wheels are cranking within your mind.
What is it? What you thinkin’ about?
Your financial state? Worry of an economy that stinks? A portfolio that is in the dumper? Prospects of a lay-off? The mounting pile of bills due?
Maybe it’s a challenge in your relationships? You can’t quite shake-off that recent bout with your spouse? Is it a child? Your teenager—perhaps. Incredulous, you say. Can a dad’s intelligence really slip that much by the nanosecond?
Or are you thinkin’ about how lonely you feel? No one seems to understand. Isn’t there someone for me? Anyone who would even care enough to ask?
God cares—at least about what you are thinkin’.
The Israelites had been exiled. Jerusalem was no more.
Rather down in the dumps, the author laments: “Just thinking of my troubles and my lonely wandering makes me miserable (Lamentations 3:19, CEV).
“I cannot find peace or remember happiness (3:17, CEV).”
The author says remembrances of such devastation are analogous to eating gravel or having your face rubbed in the dirt.
You’ve been there. You know how it feels. You might be there now?
But then, it happens. His mental pictures changes, alluding to a certain power in remembrance—at least in a focus upon the right sort of things.
“Then I remember something, (3:21, CEV),” he writes.
“But this I recall (3:21, AMP).”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (3:22-23, NIV).”
And in a remembrance of the unchanging attributes of the Lord, he is filled with expectation and hope.
God cares— even about “what you thinkin’?”
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Remembering the old man and the storm
Last night I watched a Frontline documentary about an old man from New Orleans who didn't want to give up his house after Hurricane Katrina. Many of his family memebers lived in New Orleans before the storm, but are now scattered across the United States. They wanted to return to normalcy and for them that meant that their entire family would be back in New Orleans. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/katrina/view/
What does remembering normalcy mean for you?
We traveled to New Orleans a couple months after Hurricane Katrina to help a group that was providing food and ice to those that needed it after the storm. It was amazing to see the destruction and the need following the storm. It reminds me of Isaiah 61:
The Year of the LORD's Favor
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed." I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
What does remembering normalcy mean for you?
We traveled to New Orleans a couple months after Hurricane Katrina to help a group that was providing food and ice to those that needed it after the storm. It was amazing to see the destruction and the need following the storm. It reminds me of Isaiah 61:
The Year of the LORD's Favor
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed." I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
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