15 minute nap

Drowning Man

2009-07-25T15:48:00.006-04:00

The first 39 years of my life have been primarily non-eventful. Sure, there were some landmark events that have changed, impacted and scarred me, but for the most part, life was a steady progression. For some reason, I have been blessed (or cursed) with always being successful. That seemed quite odd when I thought of it. However, it is true. Whatever I wanted in life, I usually found it falling at my feet. I had a good work ethic, a sharp mind, and a drive to succeed. I was rowing steadily down the river of life and "life was but a dream."

Well, not really. This 39th year of my life has proven to be one of much upheaval. My marriage is in shambles, my life is in flux, and I wonder each moment if God is listening or busy changing his hearing aid. Identity is a funny thing. People identify me as:
1- The Chaplain, the preacher, the Reverend, the Holy Man, the dude in the black robe.
2- The Clown, the funny guy, the one always good for a laugh, the one that can find humor anytime.
3- The Golden boy, the king, the winner
4- son, brother, husband, daddy, friend, enemy, lover, sinner and saint.

In the middle of this chaos, I am groping in the dark- trying to find the light. My heart has been ripped apart, and I have also been the ripper of hearts myself. Who am I now? I look in the mirror and I appear different. My hair is longer and curly. I have lost 25 pounds. I am beginning to like what I see. The issue is that my soul seems so dark, my heart is so mangled, my brain is so filled with doubt and I am paralyzed with fear. Who am I? The preacher with a midlife crisis? The man that cannot be satisfied? The man that longs for love so badly that he would give or give away anything to get it?

Some things have not changed. I love coffee. I love my son. Ok, maybe two things have not changed.

I feel like I am drowning. In fact, several days I have even wished that I was. U2 wrote and sang a song several years ago--written just for me.

Drowning Man

Take my hand
You know I'll be there
If you can
I'll cross the sky for your love
For I have promised
Oh, to be with you tonight
And for the time that will come

Take my hand
You know I'll be there
If you can
I'll cross the sky for your love
And I understand

These winds and tides
This change of times
Won't drag you away
Hold on, and hold on tightly
Hold on, and don't let go
Of my love

The storms will pass...the storm will pass...
It won't be long now...it won't be long now...
His love will last
His love will last...forever

Take my hand
You know I'll be there
If you can
I'll cross the sky for your love
Give you what I hold dear

Hold on, hold on tightly
Hold on, hold on tightly
Rise up, rise up
With wings like eagles
You run, you run
You run and not grow weary

...Take my hand, take my hand...
Hold on, and hold on tightly
Hold on, hold on tightly
To this love...last forever
To this love...last forever

Take my hand

The next few months will certainly continue the bashing of Richard against the rocks of life. I have never hurt this badly, never longed for so much, never felt so much passion and so much emptiness and the same time. God is doing something. I have no idea what it is. Actually, one thing I do know. He is killing me. The old man is leaving. The new man is coming. It is a process. Holy God, it is a painful process.

I am sinking, my lungs are filling. I reach up, but my hand is still below the surface. Gravity pulls me to the murky ocean floor. God, please hear me. Save me. Reach down and get me...or let me drown alone.

Summer Staff 2008 News

2008-08-03T22:45:00.007-04:00

Each Summer, College and High School students roll into Myrtle Beach and give 10 weeks of their lives to Intracoastal Outreach and ministry here along the Strand. It is always a joy to get to know them and spend time hanging out and talking about their lives and what God is showing them. It is truly a HIGHLIGHT of being a chaplain, and I am amazed that God sends so many impressionable minds into my life, and I just hope that a relationship with me has not scarred them beyond repair.

Back Row--Laura, Erin, Steph, Anna

Middle--Kelli, Alice, Conner, Lauren, Courtney

Front--Brady, Peter (Director) Shawn, Murph and Todd (Waccamaw Baptist Career Resort Missionary)

Stephanie, summer staffer from Wyoming, assisted us with worship. She did not understand my humor, but still had to listen to all my sermons. Oh, and she liked Sarah more than she liked me.

Cherie, a former staffer, hung out on our sofa for a few days and ate all our food. Cherie is one of my favorite people in the entire Easley/Pickens/Clemson area.

Murph, a staffer from Alabama, assisted us with worship. We played Wii each Sunday and had a Mario Kart a thon the Friday before his departure. We were up until 3:30 a.m. and I beat him, by 7 total points after 32 races. I just hope that my Clemson Tigers beat his Crimson Elephants by 7 in the football season opener. Oh, I am taller and more robust than he.

Laura, a summer staffer from the metropolitan city of Pelion was with us all summer in Day Camp. I never have favorites, but according to Douglas, she is #2!

Deadly Putt-Putt player and awesome singer, Kelli beat me by 4 strokes on 36 holes. This is rare and we were trying to get in a rematch. She prayed to God and a booming thunderstorm came out of nowhere.Sometimes, I wish God would ignore some prayers. Great match Kelli, and I am amazed at the skills!

Brady is good looking, talented and was a member of the LSU National Championship football team. As you can tell, women of all ages wag their tongues when he walks by. This did him no good, as I beat him in the Wii bowling tourney. It was close, but the Champ was beaten by the Wii master.

My good friend Peter is ready to be shipped to a place filled with peace and quiet. This was early on in the summer. The 2008 staff has gone now. I think he will be hanging out with us more. Peter, Putt Putt tomorrow?

July Reads

2008-08-03T21:57:00.004-04:00

Story by Steven James

The Younger Evangelicals by Robert Webber

Dark Star: Confessions of A Rock Idol by Creston Mapes

A Pagan's Nightmare by Ray Blackston

God's Blogs by Lanny Donoho

The Jesus of Suburbia by Mike Erre

READ and Email me!!

richsarah99@sc.rr.com

July at Breakneck speeeeeeeeeeed!

2008-08-03T19:44:00.006-04:00

To the faithful blog checkers--Many apologies. July was super fun, amazingly challenging and the hands on the clock seemed to move fast enough to be a fan to cool my weary brow. This is the best I can do in begging forgiveness for not posting the sermons. This will be a encapsulation of some of my life, also known as JULY 2008.

July kicked off with the Golf cart parade. We always love being a part of such a patriotic and special day. Campers decorate the carts in Red, white and blue, and drive throughout the park. One of the best ones that I saw this year had a rocket on top with dry ice shooting smoke from underneath. Several church volunteers assisted with face painting and balloon animal sculpting. I learned to do one--a snake. You blow the balloon up and it just lays there. No tying needed. We served cookies and drinks and had an amazing day!

I will talk about Day Camps next week. The sermon will be my annual recap of all things Summer Camp related.

Worship went well in July. Attendance was up, people were happy to be praising God while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Many hurting and broken people came seeking a word of hope, peace, healing and redemption. Our prayer is that by the Spirit, they found what they came seeking.

Brief Synopsis of the four July sermons are:

June 29- Inside/Outside

This sermon focused on the passage 2 Corinthians 4:5-9

You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

Thesis-It is amazing that fragile vessels, such as us, are commissioned to be the jars if clay that house the great treasure of Jesus.

July 6-Classic Freedom

On July 4th weekend, I wanted to focus on the freedoms given to us by God. The focal text was the story of the Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32.

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

I am rarely a 3 point preacher, but this week I was rare.

Thesis- God Gives us freedoms:

1-Freedom to leave home.
2- Freedom to fail.
3- Freedom to return to him.

He waits and runs to meet us, as we return.

July 13-Now/Later

Scriptural Focus was Joel 2:12

The Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Thesis- In this world of high speed Internet, fast food, fast cars, and instant gratification--why do we always postpone the one thing that really matters--repentance.

July 20--The Photograph

Focus Text-Matthew 16:13-16

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Thesis--Who do we say that Jesus is? Do we have a bad photographic image in our mind? He is far more than our limited minds can grasp.

July 27--Kingdom of Priests

Focal Passage-1 Peter 2:4-10

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced. Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Thesis: We are all priests to each other; called and equipped to minister and offer his grace to others.

June Reads

2008-06-28T07:30:00.003-04:00

No more book reviews. I will post the pics and would love to dialogue with you after you read them. Shoot me an email richsarah99@sc.rr.com we will discuss anything!!! Just Read!

Golden Oldie

2008-06-28T07:19:00.003-04:00

"I imagine myself as the most wretched of all, full of sores and sins, and one who has committed all sorts of crimes against the King. Feeling a deep sorrow, I confess to him all my sins, I ask for his forgiveness, and I abandon myself into his hands so that he will do to me what he pleases. The King, full of mercy and goodness, very far from chastening me, embraces me with love, invites me to feast at his table, serves me with his own hands, and gives me his treasures. He converses with me, and takes delight in me, and treats me as if I were his favorite. This is how I imagine myself from time to time in his holy presence."

Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)

Sermon Recap-"Sand Scribbles"

2008-06-22T22:00:00.001-04:00

I enjoy walking on the beach early in the morning or just before sunset. There are plenty of things to notice: sand, shells, shark teeth, people, swimsuit styles, lifeguards, hotels, waves, seagulls, and scribbles in the sand.

I always stand and read the scribbles in the sand. They are usually words of undying love, usually written by a drunk teenager on Senior week. I often wonder, when I read the three foot letters spelling out "I LOVE NICOLE", just who is this Nicole and why does this dude love her so much. I have never been inclined to scribble in the sand this way--guess this Nicole must be some woman, or this man must be some man.

These sand scribbles are powerful statements of emotion and love. In just a few hours, the tides wash them away--one wave at a time.

Our text this morning deals with some scribbles in the sand. Let's see how they differ from the Atlantic Ocean Coastal love declarations.

John 8
A Woman Caught in Adultery

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

I attended a worship service this week with around 100 teenagers jumping and dancing and singing praise and worship music that I do not know. I am an ancient mind when it comes to worship and have a hard time reading the screen while people are jumping up and down in front of it. I like singing but fear not being on key--when I don't know the song, I kinda whisper the words so that the youngsters do not stare at me. But, it was still a service of worship and I have to realize that I do not have the market cornered in ways to worship God. My friend, Peter used this text. I really liked it. So, I am using it this week. Notice, I did not say that I stole his sermon, but I did poach his text.

The text is familiar to most, and it contains an oft used phrase "cast the first stone." This text is powerful and still resonates deep, penetrating truth to us.

The scene has a woman that has been placed at the feet of Jesus. She has been caught in the very act of adultery. Now, you folks seem to be a super sharp group. My question for you is: "How is it that only one person was caught in the act of adultery?" If you figure this one out, please let me know.

This single person being caught in the act--exposes the schemes of the teachers of the law. The attempt was to trap Jesus. He was not caught "between the devil and the deep blue sea," but he was caught "between the law and the Pharisees" and that may be worse.

Here is the trap. The Mosaic Law states that if a virgin who is betrothed to man is caught in adultery, then she and the man should be stoned. If Jesus executed the death sentence and she was not a virgin, or unbetrothed, then he broke the Law too. Oh, and the man was not present either. So, taking a legalistic stance has consequences, even for Jesus. Hmmm, makes us wonder, huh? So, there are several chances for Jesus to break the Law.

Now, let's say that he acts as if the Law is not a big deal, a Liberal in relation to the crowd. Then they would turn on him as one who does not hold the Law in high regard.

Does not look good for Jesus. If this were a Batman episode, this would be the time where the show would end, and we would be held captive until the next show.

"Will Jesus have the woman executed and break the Law?"

"Will he free her and ignore the Law?"

Stay tuned for the answer to these and other important questions --Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.

But the story goes on and Jesus does something even more dramatic than the T.V. could ever portray.

As we are back in the scene, perhaps the woman is naked or semi-clothed. She had been caught in the "very act" and drug out into the crowd, in front of Jesus. Can you imagine the depth of her embarrassment and fear. Jesus is asked to impose the death sentence and her life hangs in the balance of the words that will come from his mouth.

She waited, they waited, and Jesus bent down and scribbled in the sand.

What?!?!?

Scholars have debated what this was all about. This is the only recorded occurrence of Jesus writing anything. What did he write? Did he write anything at all?

Some say that he wrote the name of the man that was involved with her . Doubtful, because then he would have been pulled out of the crowd and there would be no tension left in the story.

Peter Copeland jokingly said that maybe he was playing tic-tac-toe. That could not be because there are theological landmines there like: If he was playing himself and won then part of him would lose and Jesus is perfect. So that could not be. Perhaps it is a tie game--and then he is a half winner and half loser. See--I am a bit weird.

What is this scribbling about? Every eye in the room was focused on the finger of Jesus. When they were watching him scribble, what were they unable to do? They were no longer looking at the woman and her sin. Instead, they were focused on the finger of the Savior.

He then stands and says in my paraphrase, "She should die because of her sin, I agree. The one who has never broken the Law that you all hold so dear--you can chunk first."

Then he knelt again and scribbled some more.

The older men understood first and left the scene. The younger ones took longer, but they too realized that no blood would be shed that day.

The Woman is looking at the only One who could chunk a stone at her. He chose to scribble instead. The crowd wanted blood, and Christ gave His own months later to redeem sinners.

She looked into his eyes, and saw compassion. She was naked and he covered her with his righteousness. She had blown it, and he told her to try again.

"Go and Sin no more."

No tide can do anything to erase the scribble of Christ in the sand. He said to her and says to us,

"Your screw ups should not be where your focus lies. It is all about me. I took those, so that you would be free. Free from being condemned, and free from condemning. Go--and try again. When you fail, which you will, I will love you still."

Sermon Recap--"Head Scratcher"

2008-06-15T21:01:00.000-04:00

There is an old poem that says:

Everyone is strange

except me and thee.

Now that I consider it,

I am not so sure about thee.

This week, I realized that I am not so sure about me either. I observe things. That is a key component to my preaching. I look at the world, and with my odd eyes and heart, try to discern what God is doing and join him there. It is funny that I do this and often fail to notice when my wife gets here hair cut. Or, maybe God is easier to figure out than women?

Sometimes, I do run into things or people that make me scratch my head. I just returned home from a week stay in the upstate visiting with family. On Tuesday, the temp was a balmy 100 degrees and I was melting. I missed my ocean breeze and 4 hours inland, not a breeze was found. I went into a Speedy Mart and grabbed 2 bottled waters, paid the cashier and exited the glass doors in the front of the store. Looking to my right, I noticed a HUGE pile of firewood for sale. From my Wal-Mart management days--I almost flipped out! Repeat 100 degrees and they were selling--firewood, and at FULL price. A real head scratcher--wouldn't you agree.

The next day I went to a coffee shoppe. Their was a huge sign for decaf espresso. Sorry, but I don't understand. Maybe I am missing something here--for me, this is another head scratcher.

I went in a candy store named I-sugar. It was amazing and I almost slipped into a diabetic coma just by looking around. There were gummy bears and M&M's sorted by color. They even had a delicious Clemson blend (orange and white) and a yucky discounted gamecock blend (garnet and black.) There were huge sugar daddies and tiny sugar babies. We spent about 30 minutes checking out all the goods. On the way out, I spotted 8 peg hooks filled with basic sugar free candy. Made no sense--another head scratcher.

The day before returning home, Douglas and I met my sister, Amy for lunch. We arrived a bit early and went on into the Mexican restaurant and started munching on the chips and salsa. In between crunches, three preachers came in the door. You can spot preachers from a mile away. I am not sure what it is, maybe we smell funny. Once they got a bit closer, I could really see that they were preachers. They each had on polo shirts advertising their churches. They were all from different local churches and wore the logos proudly. They sat in the seat behind me, and talked loudly. So, I felt obligated to listen, quietly.

The conversation hinged around a person who was attending one of the churches and being difficult. He was requiring a lot of time of the pastor, and was quite draining. The pastor was trying to get the other ministers to take him off his hands. The conversation was not about "How can we brainstorm and figure out a way to help" it was about "Please take this dude off my hands, he is a large pain in my polo." You get my drift? Another head scratcher for me. I think I am getting a bald spot.

I was reminded of a head scratching scripture. Let's see if there is something here for us.

Luke 15

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! So Jesus told them this story:

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

The perfectly pressed polo preachers were spending too much time on the 99 to care about the 1. Perhaps the 1 that was the biggest pain was the 1 that needed the rescuing. Perhaps, we are like the preachers in that we too often forget about the Christ that goes and gets us when we wander. He carries us on his back and takes us back to the place of restoration and reconciliation. One thing that cannot be denied; Jesus cared for the marginalized and sought to find them and love them. We too often care for the cool, the hip, the people that have it all together--oh, if we could somehow focus on the ONE who cares for the one that wanders.

Christ loves us--the wandering sheep. That may be the greatest head scratcher of them all.

Sermon Recap--"Getting Older?"

2008-06-08T20:54:00.000-04:00

I had a tremendous shock to the ego this past week. In a "meet and greet" with the 2008 ICO staff, we were all hanging out and eating Ice Cream and talking to each other. We are going to be hanging out a good bit this summer and will be working as a team in ministry. There was 24 people in the room and the conversation of ages came up. It was then that I realized that I am getting older. I graduated high school in 1988. Only 3 of these "kids" were even born then. Oh my! I thought I was hip, cool and in touch with the culture around me. Now I just think I am old.

Then I am reading and stumble upon the text for the morning. It did little to cheer me.

Ecclesiastes 12

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”

Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.

Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop.

Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire.

Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

The scipture even tells us that we are aging. So, I am getting old. I did what anyone in a mid-life crisis would do. Buy a new car? Nope. Find a new wife? Nope. Get a new hip haircut? Nope.

I went parasailing. (Gasps)

You think you are shocked--you see why I did not tell my mom until we were driving home. (laughter)

Sarah did it, too. (raised eyebrows)

Douglas did it, as well. (big gasps)

It was great. Sarah and I were far more scared than Douglas. He was a superhero flying 500 feet in the air above Myrtle Beach, looking down at the waves, hotels, stingrays and jellyfish.

He has no fear to speak of. He has no self-esteem issues. He believes he can do and be anything he wants.

His parents are not so lucky.

We have baggage--we have doubts--we have fears.

Solomon reminds us to remember our creator when we are young. Life chokes away the desire to remember and appreciate. We become cynical and full of bitterness. Oh, if we could just be children of FAITH forever and trust God and enjoy the ride that he puts before us.

Before we went airborne--the captain of the boat told us to hold on and not stand up. Basically, he said to sit on our rears and fly. We did as we were told, and were launched higher than high and had a great experience.

Solomon says, "Remember," Christ says, "Follow." I say, "Dare to trust God, he may take you to places that you, in your old age, thought were impossible. Perhaps you will be changed and a great example of childlike faith will emerge.

Let me know what he does--where he takes you--how he reverts the aging process--in your life this week.

click to enlarge (notice the happy kid, mom and somewhat unsure dad)

May Reads

2008-06-07T10:12:00.004-04:00

Blackston is from Greenville, SC--my former neck of the woods and writes great stories. I want to share a funny quote from Flabbergasted, "Kudzu, if edible, would do for South Carolina, what oil did for Texas."

Usually, I do not read Christian fiction or love stories, and I loved this and the other 3 in the series that are shown below. Great summer reads!! Read Flabbergasted, A Delirious Summer, and Lost in Rooville. I give them all * * * * and half stars.

See above note!!! Favorite quote from A Delirious Summer:

"We spend vast amounts of time and energy crafting a thesis in our heads of how life should play out. Then the almighty God spends and incredibly brief amount of time blowing our thesis to bits."

See above notes!

I am a grace guy. Those who know me--know this. If you don't know this--then you don't know me. I want you to know me--so I guess you should know this. Well, now let's proceed.

This is a great, honest book about realness and real grace. Top 5 books that you should read to be stretched a bit are:

1- The Ragamuffin Gospel-Brennan Manning

2-Messy Spirituality-Yaconnelli

3-Dangerous Wonder-Mike Yaconnelli

4- Provocative Faith and Beatitude-Matthew Paul Turner

5- Divine Nobodies--Jim Palmer (See Below)

My good friend, Peter gave me this book. I loved it and give it * * * * stars.

Good book about what God is doing in Las Vegas. Interested yet? I give it *** and a half stars.

Loved the book. I then went to the 5 dollar Christian bookstore at Tanger at 501 and bought all they had. This book is not perfect--but in spirit it is pretty close. I give it * * * * and .75 stars.

Sermon Recap--The Tides

2008-06-07T09:26:00.004-04:00

As a reward for a few weeks of exemplary behavior, we bought Douglas a new game for the Wii. It is called "Thrillville." The premise behind it is that you become the CEO and designer of an amusement park. You can decide how many bathrooms you need, how many people to employ and how much insurance to take out. But the best part is that you get to design the Roller Coaster. You decide how high the highs are and how low the lows are! You decide the number of flips and twists and turns. It is pretty cool!!

Think a few moments about our lives. How often we are in a high or a low. Our lives are so much like the roller coaster, one minute--at the apex and the next moment plunging at breakneck speed to the bottom.

Life is filled with highs and lows, mountaintops and valleys. If we could only know when we would be where. Or do we really want or need to know?

The past few weeks have been filled with highs and lows for me. I get to baptize two friends this morning. They asked me to do this! It could have been anyone, but they wanted me to be the one to have a part in this outward declaration of their commitment and love of Christ. I have been ecstatic about this all week. In fact, I may have even been a bit prideful about it. They asked me--I guess I must be doing something right. Oh--but the high was about to come crashing down!!

A few weeks ago, my doorbell rang and the person whose finger did the pushing was a dear little older lady that came up somewhere between my belly button and chest. She had a furrowed brow (never a good sign) and looked me dead in the eye. The conversation began this way, "Richard, I am so disappointed in you." Wow--she had found my air nozzle and let my air out slowly. Or maybe it was more like a butcher knife stabbed into the heart and soul of my air-filled ego.

The issue was this. There was a person that was sicker than I had realized. I had not visited her. I had called and sent a card, but no visit. I had a bunch of reasons, one being a surgery of my own, but I had not followed up as I should. She let me have it!!

LOW in the valley was I.

I apologized, she left, I was at the sick lady's home in 15 minutes.

LOW---but then I started thinking. Can I take Pastoral care up another notch.

Because of this visit--last week I took communion to the sick that could not make it.

Funny story--I even went to Bojangles and gave it to one of our folks through the drive thru window.

Now some people may have a theological problem with that--but I do not care. I felt called by the Spirit to do it and I did it. The LOW ushered me to a NEW HIGH.

Psalm 22 is a powerful Psalm about the roller coaster ride of life. Notice the text and the mood of the author that follows.

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.

LOW

Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

Climbing higher

But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”

Falling back

Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.

Climbing Back up

Do not stay so far from me,for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.

LOW

O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.

Climbing back up

I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.
I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations. Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.

High

I am reminded of a song that I loved when I was in college. The words carried me from a valley, back up to the mountaintop.

The Mountain

I want to build a house up on this mountain
Way up high where the peaceful waters flow
To quench my thirsty soul
Up on the mountain

CHORUS:
My faith is strengthened by all that I see
You make it easy for me to believe up on the mountain
Oh, up on the mountain

I would love to live up on this mountain
And keep the pain of living life so far away
But I know I can't stay
Up on the mountain

CHORUS

I said I'd go, Lord, wherever You lead
For where You are is where I most want to be
And I can tell we're headed for the valley

My faith is strengthened by all that I've seen
So Lord help me remember what You've shown me
Up on the mountain

CHORUS 2

You bring me up here on this mountain
For me to rest and learn and grow
I see the truth up on the mountain
And I carry it to the world far below
So as I go down to the valley
Knowing that You will go with me
This is my prayer, Lord
Help me to remember what You've shown me
Up on the mountain

I cherish these times up on the mountain
But I can leave this place because I know
Someday You'll take me home to live forever
Up on the mountain

This beautiful song was written by Steven Curtis Chapman, who this week was plunged into perhaps the deepest valley he will ever see. His 5 year old daughter was ran over and killed by his teenage son in the driveway of their home. Valleys are hard and deep and cold--but still God is there.

Now, Brian and Wendy Gibson will be baptized. They will step out into this low tide and be ushered into a new high. They will have the ocean rush over their heads as the "old person" dies and they will be raised up to life anew.

A life filled with beauty and simplicity and ugliness and chaos.

But the good news of the gospel is this--HE who controls the tides, forgives us. In his low (Cross) we are forgiven. In His High (Resurrection) we are ushered into life anew.

As you walk the beach remember that as you see the rising and lowering tides.

Sermon Recap--Vintage

2008-06-07T08:42:00.003-04:00

I am a sucker for vintage stuff. Old cars, old books, old antiques (I think that means the same thing) but you understand. I have a book from the late 1800's given to me by a friend. This is a treasure because it is a collection of sermons from Charles H. Spurgeon, one of my favorites.

Just this past week, I received a text message from Peter Copeland, another friend. He had found these water bottles with our ministry logo on them. They are at least 15 years old. I am not sure what that says about the housekeeping habits at the ICO house, but I was psyched to get these vintage bottles.

We ate this week at a place in town called Burky's Grill. It has a vintage diner fell and they have great burgers and hot dogs and ice cream. Vintage music plays from Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Smokey Robinson. They even have a Classic car night--or "cruise in" a neat nostalgic experience that is a reminder of days gone by.

Jesus too was into vintage. This is evidenced by the text of the day, Luke 22:14-20.

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.

The vintage Passover meal-the meal of remembrance of the delivery of the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians. The day that God saw the blood on the door posts and passed over the residences and spared the first born, this is the meaning of the Passover feast.

Jesus makes the vintage new--as he becomes the blood that spares and the life that is taken. He is the reason for this feast--and he reminds the disciples of the sacrifice that is to come. He gives himself for them, and he gives himself for us.

This morning as we come to the table, we are reminded of the wrath of God that has Passed Over us and on to Christ. We are spared by his blood and body and this meal ushers us into the vintage mystery that is the mind and heart of God.

May we prepare our hearts to receive this gift.

Prior to benediction I told this story.

I made a nursing home visit this week and it was a bit odd. My life itself is a bit odd, but there are certain things you expect in a nursing home, and that is not what I found.

The next door neighbor on the hall beside Buddy was a vintage country music lover. He was listening to Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, George Jones, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Buddy and I had talked for a while and the music had been stopped for a few minutes. We bowed for a prayer. Just as we began, I heard from the other room:

Whiskey River, take my mind
Don't let her memory talk to me
Whiskey River, don't run dry
You're all I got, take care of me

Laughter from the congregation

I love Willie, just not in the middle of a prayer.

Perhaps we are better served with this new twist to a vintage county song:

Lord and Saviour, take my mind.
Don't let my past keep haunting me.
Redeeming Jesus, Lord on High,
You've all I've Got, take care of me.

Sermon Recap--Obvious

2008-06-07T07:29:00.004-04:00

Every weekday morning, as I travel along Ocean Boulevard en route to sub at the primary school, on about my third sip of coffee, I begin to see them. Scurrying in ant-like fashion out of the condos and hotels and ready to begin the day at 6:45. They are mostly middle age and tanned. Who are they??

Yes--the are Golfers. Easily spotted by the funny wardrobe of striped pants and plaid shirts.

This week is Harley week at the beach and there are thousands of bikers here in town, hanging out and spending money. They are easy to spot (and hear)too.

I do not ride a bike, but I wish I could get away with wearing a denim sleeveless muscle shirt or a nice pair of leather chaps. Why? I am not sure--but one thing I know is that I would feel silly.

If I really belonged to the group of bikers or golfers then I would fit in. I would not feel awkward with the odd pants or funny black bump cap.

We all want to belong. We all want to be a part. Not just a part--but an important, valuable, vital, irreplaceable part.

Sometimes I take Douglas with me on pastoral visits. I am sensitive to the environment and the patient. If they have a relationship with Douglas and would appreciate his being there, and the setting calls for it, then he may pop by with me. This past week we went to visit Buddy in the nursing home. He is in a transition stage and should be able to return home soon. Douglas and I got out of the car and I gave him instruction of what he could and could not do. He knows not to jump on the patient or the bed or run down the hall or any other fun stuff.

We walked to the entrance of the building and passed a lady with no teeth. I held my breath in fear that he would mention the obvious, "Hey where are your teeth?" But he did not--whew.

As we passed the lady with no teeth. I was taken by the wisdom of her words. She said, "Lord--that boy is beautiful, just like his daddy." I know what you all are thinking--"She must have been blind too! But that was not the case.

Douglas and I looked at her and told her "Thank-you" and went inside.

Wow--beautiful just like his father. I am sure she was talking about the outer--because my inner is not too lovely. But yet, I still try to teach him to make the message of Hope obvious.

Romans speaks to our belonging and beauty. Let's look at it a bit this morning.

And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Sounds like belonging to me. Unlike Golf and Bike riding, No funny clothing needed.

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Now that belong, we are called to be beautiful bearers of the truth.

After hanging out and visiting a bit, Douglas, Buddy, and myself prayed together. It was a prayer for healing, hope, peace. Obviously--we are all called to share that message. Obviously, we are equipped to do so. Obviously, it makes a difference in the world when we do.

In Christ we are forgiven---live (grace) obviously!!

April Reads

2008-05-12T20:47:00.007-04:00

Fairly honest book, as Groeschel speaks about the things that irk him about the entity called the church. One thing that really lights him up is when Christian people judge others. It is good for a few laughs and is a good representation of the heart of many pastors. I give it 3 stars.

So, I tried to read this a few months back and was disappointed. I was too busy comparing it to his other books instead of taking it as a work unto itself. Upon revisitation, I appreciated Don Miller and his ability to share a good story or two. Shhh, I still like Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What a lot better. I still give it 3 stars.

Pretty disappointed in this book. There were a few stories but all in all it seems to be slick marketing with not a lot of substance. I give this one 2 stars.

Scripture translated by a scholar team and creative team. It is an attempt to make the scripture speak with a different tone and spark creativity. I liked it and purchased several of the others in the series. Is it an adequate translation? No--but it does make sparks fly sometimes and as a communicator, I like that.

Interesting work, although I do not buy into everything he espouses. I do see the value in looking at yourself and asking "Why am I the way I am?" Often it reverts back to parental and familial structure. Valuable in premarital counselling and other issues. I give it 3 stars.

I am a big Calvin Miller fan. This book speaks to the value of pastoral care vs. the Mega church--CEO--approach to ministry. Get off the golf course and get into the hospital. Amen, my friend and 4 stars to you.

Sometimes I read something other than Christian material. This one was an attempt to explain why men are the way we are. Interesting, but it reduces men to a bunch of sex starved dogs. I picked up a cheap copy at Barnes and Noble, it was much different from my usual reading. I give it a 2.5 on the Jenkins star scale. Are all men dogs? Really? If you care to be critical of my reading this book, I ask that you read the first book on this list. Groeschel may not care for you, too much!

Loved It!! Loved It!! Loved It!! 4.5 stars! In the top 5 books I have read over the past 3 years.

Sermon Recap--MAP testing

2008-05-11T17:48:00.002-04:00

For the past two weeks, I have been overseeing kindergarten and first graders taking the MAP tests. My job consisted of going in each morning, equipped with a large coffee and espresso beverage, and turning on the computers. I would then log into the system and pull up the appropriate test. I would have the students names up on the computer when the arrived into the lab and give them last minute instructions. Most importantly, I maintained order and prevented cheating.

The instructions given to the kids were as follows:

1- This is not a race. Do your best and take your time.

2- No looking at your friends computer.

3- No talking during the test.

4-There will be answers that you do no know. So, Do your best and then give it a guess.

5- When you are finished, raise your hand and then your teacher will get your score.

6- Read quietly and show respect for those who are still working.

Despite the warnings of difficulties to come, the kids responded differently when they encountered a hard problem on the test. Some followed my instruction and "did their best and then guessed." One little guy actually said a bad word when he encountered division for the first time. Many sat there, staring at the screen refusing to budge until they "got it right." Some even cried because they did not know multiplication (as a kindergartner). The two week period made me think a lot about tests and trials and wondering what the bible has to say about it.

James 1 says to us this day:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Now the first part of this passage is most difficult to grasp. Troubles are an opportunity for Joy??

Some things just go great together. Peanut Butter and Jelly, Salt and Pepper, and Ham and Cheese. But Trouble and Joy--wow, almost too much to believe.

How can we be joyous when the garbage is heaped on our heads? How can we be happy when our lives seem to be falling apart?

The key is seeing that we are not to be Joyous because of the trouble. But the trouble is a chance for God to prove himself as a mountain mover.

On this Mother's Day, I am reminded of the things that my mom taught me. There were many and she taught a lot by using the word "Don't."

"Don't pick your nose!"

"Don't hit your sister!"

"Don't you speak to me in that tome of voice!"

"Don't leave the house without clean underwear."

"Don't play that music so loud!"

"Don't drink and drive!"

But in light of this verse she also taught me the following that works today:

"Don't Give Up!"

"Don't Give In!"

"Don't Give Out!"

So--what test is bringing you the chance to look back later and see that God is faithful? What are you and I doubting God to help us with?

The purpose of the MAP test is to put the kids in a national percentile and see how they measure up. Some were great--some not so great. Many were just average.

The good news of the Gospel is that although our test scores in life are "below the expectation" of the perfection of our Holy God, Jesus takes the results and makes us all have perfect scores.

Trials and Tests provide the avenue for Faith and maturity!

This morning--We awoke to thunder and lightning and torrents of rain! How interesting that on this day of preaching about trials, I have one.

We have been having about 80 people each Sunday in worship and today we have 15. But you are here and I feel that perhaps someone needs just this sermon in this intimate group.

Look at the rain falling down. It serves a purpose and it will pass, but God's love endures forever.

Sermon Recap--"The Discovery"

2008-05-11T16:09:00.003-04:00

On Monday, I received a phone call from a young lady needing a wedding performed. She asked me a few questions and I gave her a few answers. The conversation lasted about 10 minutes and concluded with an amazing piece of wisdom given by me.

"The most important thing that you need is a marriage license. There is a 24 hour waiting period for a license in SC. You will need to contact the Clerk of Court, in a city in SC by Thursday, in order to receive the license in time for the wedding. They are not open on the weekend. Sometimes, people in NC (where she was from) go just across the state line and get a license and drive down and are married here in Horry County. Remember---there is a 24 hour waiting period."

Her reply--"Yes sir, I understand."

I hate it when young people call me sir!!

So, on Friday while pulling into SONIC for our daily limeade fix, my phone rang. The young lady frantically said, "Mr. Jenkins, I have a big problem. I arrived at the office to get my license and they told me it would be a 24 hour waiting period. Since today is Friday, they will not be able to get me a license until Monday. You are supposed to marry us tomorrow--what are we going to do?"

Do you remember our conversation where I gave you instructions and told you the most important thing was the license?

"Yes--but I thought that if I brought you a receipt then you would do the ceremony. Now they are saying that they will not give me a receipt or mail it to us. I have to pick it up--and the earliest it will be ready is Monday. What am I going to do?

"I am so sorry--It could be that someone here will perform the ceremony for you--but it would be illegal to do so. I wish I could help you, but the license is the essential part. One good thing--after all this issue, I am sure that it will give you great practice for handling stress when you are married."

She laughed--and replied, "Well Chaplain, I guess I will have to have my honeymoon before the wedding."

My answer--"I hope you have a great weekend--no license is needed for that!

So this week I made a great and valuable discovery.

NO ONE LISTENS TO A THING I SAY!!

The next day, Douglas and I went to Kroger to pick up part of a surprise for Sarah's birthday. On the way there, we talked about how it would be a surprise and a secret. We walked to the bakery and picked out a small cheesecake. Just above it, was a rack of candles--so we picked a box and walked toward the checkout. Again, I took the time to talk to Douglas about the cake being a surprise. He told me he understood. We walked to the car, hand in hand. I unlocked the door, and he got in and buckled up. After getting in, I cranked the car and looked in the rear view mirror and we went over it again.

We get home, Douglas rings the doorbell. Shhh--It is a surprise, Douglas. I will hide the cake behind my back.

Sarah opens the door and Douglas says,

"Mommy, we bought you a cheesecake and a lot of candles and we are going to have it for you tomorrow."

As I said, NO ONE LISTENS TO A THING I SAY.

So, I do not have a great deal of confidence as I stand before you as your pastor. Based on this past week, "Ain't nobody listening anyway."

But, is that really a bad thing?

Let's go to the scripture and see what is there for us today.

Acts 3

Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.

Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this.

So, we see a healing, something miraculous. Peter gives all credit to God. He could have said, "Wow--look at what I just did!" Instead--all the good stuff was because of God.

The preaching event is peculiar. I spend some time getting sermons together. I hope to use correct grammar and have a flow of meaning and structure. It would be nice for some emotion to come forth from the sermon. A good sermon often has laughter and tears. Good stories remind us of our frailty and need of restoration and healing. Stories by themselves do nothing.

We go to scripture and see how God works in the lives of his people. We are reminded of his faithfulness and his precepts for his children. But the bible does nothing by itself. It is not a magic book filled with abracadabra and hocus pocus.

But something magical happens when "Word and Spirit" come together.

If anything of any eternal consequence takes place--it is all because the Spirit of God is at work.

I cannot get someone to follow through with picking up a marriage license or teach my son to keep a secret. How can I really speak words that make a difference?

How does that make me feel?

Great--It is not all about me, it is about the Word of God and the Holy Spirit working together.

Guess what? The same thing is at work in your life.

Guess what? The cheesecake was fine although the surprise was ruined. The couple will get married soon, after this little bump in the road. You will try again after failure--and will be given grace. It is all about God--now what a great DISCOVERY.

Itchy Noses--Sermon Recap

2008-04-20T19:43:00.000-04:00

This time of year, it seems that everyone that I bump into is coughing or sneezing all over me. Not sure why this happens, maybe I am just approachable and sneezeonable--but it happens. Watery eyes and itchy noses abound, and it seems that all the students at Myrtle Beach Primary are sickly.

Growing up, an itchy nose meant something entirely different. I am unsure if this saying meant the same thing up north, so I am asking for a little clarity. When I would say to my mom, "My nose is itching" her reply would always be the same. I am wondering if my mom was weird, or normal. I have my inclinations, but need a bit of wisdom here.

Northerners, If you would have made that statement to your mom, what would the answer have been?

One reply--"It means that you will soon be kissing a fool."

Another--"It means that someone would come to see you with holes in their britches."

Ok--possibly we are on to something. What about you folks that call yourself, southerners?

Answer-"It means that you would soon have company."

Well, I guess my mom was a true dispenser of all things Southern, because that was her answer.

Now, the question that I have, and this does have a point, is that why is it that whenever someone comes to our house, we always apologize for the looks of the house?

Even if we have just cleaned up, if someone comes in, we always apologize and say,"Please excuse the mess." Why do we feel like we need to be better than we are.

Why is it that sometimes we sweep everything into a closet and hope that it will not be found until we can actually get back to it?

OK--wives, what if you have swept all the junk into a closet. All the broken toys, all the piles of dirty laundry, and all the garbage that you hastily gathered is hidden. Then mother in law arrives, and walks over to the closet. You try to distract her, you tell her how great her hair looks, you offer to paint her toe-nails, anything to keep her from finding you OUT. She reaches for the doorknob anyway and.....

The scripture today speaks to the condition of our lives. It is one that makes me quake in fear.

Revelation 3

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.

Wow-it is as if Jesus has gone over to the closets of the church at Laodicea and opened it up. All the halfway mess has came crashing down. We realize that we too are in the same situation. We know what we are to do. We know what God's word says, but yet--we are content to do things are own way. The terrible part of this approach to life is that, IT MAKES GOD VOMIT.

When we eat something that makes us sick, how often do we run right back to it and try it again. Once that taste is in our mouths--we want to forget about it. A friend of mine got sick at a Cracker Barrel one day, and has yet to go back. It evokes bad memories, not to mention, his gag reflex.

If Jesus ignored that which made him vomit--we would be in such a desperate situation. But the text does not end with the vomiting experience. There is good news for you, and me. It concludes this way:

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

He has opened the closets of our lives, and became sick. But, he helps to clean us up, and invites us to begin again. He comes back, and knocks on the door--he longs to fellowship and eat with us. He longs to know and enjoy us, he longs to laugh, hold and love us.

Does your nose itch?

Perhaps he is knocking. Company is coming--will we let him in?

Sermon Recap--"Recession?"

2008-04-19T08:50:00.002-04:00

This year I have been spending quite a few hours in the primary school. This has been valuable, as I have been given many sermon nuggets and also techniques for teaching. One thing that I have learned is that kids learn anything if you put it in the form of a song. For about 3 weeks, I have heard the following song about money. There are a couple of kids here on the from row that may be willing to help, as well. (They did.)

I like money...to buy things at the store.

Money, Money, Money...I always want more.

The penny's worth one cent

The nickel's worth five

The dime is worth ten cent

The quarter's twenty-five

I like money...to buy things at the store.

Money, Money, Money...I always want more.

A building's on one cent

A building's on five

A torch is on ten cent

An eagles on twenty-five.

I like money...to buy things at the store.

Money, money, money...I always want more.

Lincoln's on one cent

Jefferson's on five

Roosevelt's on ten cent

and Washington's on twenty-five.

I like money...to buy things at the store.

Money, money, money...I always want more.

This week on my day off, I was running errands and popped in a local Starbucks. They were introducing a new coffee and I had been captivated by the ads and "had to have it."

So, I pulled out my money--to buy things at the store.

Hard to get that tune out of your head, Isn't it?

I paid and walked over to the prep area. You see my life and coffee is not complete until I put just the right amount of half and half in the cup of JOY. Wow, I love me coffee!!

Sitting just to the right of the prep area was what seemed to be Grandma, Mom and son, ages approximately 60, 38 and 6. There were stacks of Pokemon cards on the table. The Grandma asked the little boy, "Do you have all the cards?" His curt reply, "No Gramma--that is what ebay is for!!

Money...money...money--I always want more.--I sang to myself.

"So, the grandma said, there are a lot more that you need?"

"Gramma--there are so many more things that I need that I do not have."

The mom noticed that I had been smiling as I listened in on the conversation. She looked at me, and said--"now that will preach."

So---It has.

We are told from an early age that we need more stuff and must have more stuff. This stuff will make us happy. When will we learn?

Many parables deal with Money and the slippery spot that we get ourselves in with it. Luke 12 is one such parable told by Christ.

Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me."
He replied to him, "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?" Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions."

Then he told them a parable. "There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.
He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?' And he said, 'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, "Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!"

But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."

He said to (his) disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.

If life is not about stuff--then what is it about???

A few weeks back, Bob and Elaine Moody and I went to Charleston for a Doctor's appointment. I drove them down and we stopped at Burger King to get a salad because we could not find a Wendy's. We did not have enough "gap" time to go into a "sit down and have someone serve us" establishment. Bob ordered his Chicken sandwich and Elaine and I ordered a grilled chicken salad. We got to the table and opened the salads. I looked all in the bag and in the packaging for a fork. There was none to be found.

I walked back to the condiment station and scanned the area: ketchup, mayo, mustard, napkins, spoons, knives, lids for the drinks, coffee stirrers, sugar, creamer, splenda, equal, and sweet-n-lo, but NO FORKS!!

I walked up to the counter and asked for a fork.

"I am sorry, was the reply from the cashier, we are out of forks."

For one of the rare times in my life--I was almost speechless. But that did not last long.

"Well, Perhaps you could tell me how I am to eat a salad without a fork?"

"Oh, we will go to the store and buy some."--She said.

"I am sorry, but we are en route to a Doctor's appointment. Perhaps we could get something else.

She allowed us to trade in for a non fork item!!

The point is that all the stuff we think we need in out lives are like the salad. The look good and make our mouths water. Jesus is like the fork--he is the only way that we can truly enjoy any of it at all.

Rich Mullins sings about stuff and the things we think we need in his song, "My One Thing."

"Everybody I know says they need just one thing

And what they really mean is that they need just one thing more

And everybody seems to think they've got it coming

Well I know that I don't deserve You

Still I want to love and serve You more and more

You're my one thing

Save me from those things that might distract me

Please take them away and purify my heart

I don't want to lose the eternal for the things that are passing

'Cause what will I have when the world is gone

If it isn't for the love that goes on and on.

Our challenge as believers is to always remember that Jesus is all we need. I ask that as we sing our closing hymn, we pay close attention to the words and look how diametrically opposed they are to the "Money" song I shared earlier.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I’d rather be His than have riches untold;

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:

Than to be the king of a vast domain,

Or be held in sin’s dread sway;

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;

I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;

I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;

He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;

He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;

I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

So, the good news for Christians is that perhaps a "Recession" isn't really all that bad after all.

Sermon Recap--"The Moment of Truth"

2008-04-19T08:13:00.002-04:00

Throughout history there have been many party games and game shows that focus on some sort of Truth. There was the popular game--"Truth or Consequences" and "To Tell the Truth", we even played "Truth or Dare" as kids and young adults. There is a new game show on now that is called "The Moment of Truth." The premise of the show is that the contestant has been hooked up to a lie detection device and asked a lot of questions. All they have to do to win a ton of money is to have there answers revealed before a live and national audience. The more answers that they truthfully complete, the more money they make. These are terrible questions like, "Do you think you are a better mom than your own mother?" Guess who is asking the question---that's right, it is the MOM. I cannot even watch this show because it makes Sarah ask me a bunch of questions that are foolish and often unanswerable--plus, I am not getting any money for it!!

Some of the TRUTH questions that have caused the most havoc on the show are:

Have you ever had sex to move up on the job?

Have you ever cheated on your wife?

If you knew you could cheat on your wife and get away with it...would you?

Do you regret breaking up with your last boyfriend?

If he wanted you back--would you leave your current boyfriend?

Does your mom meddle too much in your marriage?

Do you hate your mother in law?

Have you ever stolen anything from work?

Just watching these people squirm and sweat and lose their friends, family, and reputation for a few thousand dollars is beyond reason to me. Most of the contestants stop when they win 100,000 bucks. After taxes that is 50,000 and after the divorce it is 25,000 before lawyers fees. TRUTH is we are a GREEDY society.

Jesus speaks to us about truth when he says to us in John 14 the following:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus defines himself as the TRUTH, the WAY, and the LIFE. Thomas is involved in a "moment of truth" when he is face to face with Jesus. Jesus tells Thomas that he does not need a GPS to get to heaven--as a follower of Jesus, his life and eternity is secured. Jesus will return and secure all those who are his.

Think about all the cross road decisions, moments of truth that we see in the scripture:

Adam and Eve in the garden

Noah building the ark

Abraham and Isaac at the altar

Daniel in the lions den

David and Bathsheeba

The woman at the well

Peter denying Christ

Some made great decisions in the moment of truth and some did not.

Now--think about your life, as I think about mine. Each day we too encounter moments of truth. Opportunities in life to walk as Children of TRUTH and LIFE that know the WAY through the pitfalls and landmines. Sometimes we navigate them easily, and sometimes we stumble.

This too is a moment of truth. This is a time to realize how sinful we are, but yet how gracious Christ is. He calls to us this day:

If you confess, I will forgive.

If you believe--I will increase your faith.

If you listen, I will speak.

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE---In me, all things are possible.

Readings for March

2008-04-05T09:24:00.004-04:00

1- Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church by D.A. Carson

Carson presents a conservative argument and explanation of the Emerging Church movement. If you are reading Books by McLaren, Burke, and the rest of the leaders of this movement--it is always good to read something that is being volleyed back from the opposite side of the net. Carson brought up some very valid points, and I see this as a good read. I give it 3.5 stars.

2- The Shack by William P. Young

I usually do not read Christian fiction. No, I am not being a snob or anything, I just never really got into it. My father in law has been talking about Christian fiction for years, and I still avoided it. Maybe I need to listen more? Sorry Gramps!

This one was sent to me by a great friend and since I value his opinion, I was morally obligated to read the darn thing. Especially since he would ask me how I liked it!!

The first 10 pages, I was angry that he sent it--but then I fell into it and LOVED it.

So, thanks Scott! You will find things that make you mad, and you may have some theological issues depending on your "stances". It is a book that makes you think, and that is something that is lacking in many of our lives. I give it 4.25 stars.

So, Scott--I am looking for something that starts horrible and ends well to recommend for you!

Sermon Recap- "Exposed"

2008-04-04T20:56:00.005-04:00

Some of my sermons could not be preached at the First Baptist Church, or First Methodist Church, or while wearing a formal, black Genevan Gown in the First Presbyterian pulpit. Each week, I try to share my life and attempt to find out what God is saying to us all through those events. This week, has been a bit awkward.

I visited my mom this past week, and not too long after arrival, I noticed a large knot. It kept getting larger and became throbbingly painful. I knew that I needed to go to visit a local doctor, but since I did not have one of my own, the urgent care clinic was my destination.

Now this seems like a pretty simple and straightforward story, but from the sermon title, you will quickly understand that this was not a pleasant experience for me. The bump was in a "sensitive" spot, below the waist that generally is not viewed by a lot of people. If you need more info, it was front side, below waist, awkwardness. Now, we are on the same page. See, I told you this sermon would not "fly" at a formal church. (Laughter erupts)

So, once I get in the room, I tell the nurse what is going on. Her reply, "Oh my!" Just what I was thinking myself. She said, "The Doc will be right in to check that out."

He came in and move me to a surgical area. He did what docs do with lumps in that area, and then he called the nurse in to help with the gauze packing and taping. He gave me instructions, gave her instructions and left the room.

I could hear the buzz of the fluorescent lights as the awkwardness enveloped us.

She said, "I see that you are from Myrtle Beach, What brings you here?" I felt like she was wanting to make small talk. Although I was in no mood for talking at all, especially after the shot I had just received. I explained that I was visiting my mom and that she was so happy to be spending time with my 6 year old son. Hoping this would end the small talk, but quickly finding out that the person gawking at a place ungawked at often was quite the chatterbox.

"So what do you do, at the beach?"

I sighed and replied, "I am a chaplain."

"Well, let me ask you a question chaplain--Do ya mind?"

Since I was being held captive, I had no choice--"No, that is fine, go ahead."

"Well, I was married for 30 years and my husband cheated on me. We divorced and a year later he got prostate cancer. I think he got what he deserved. Yep, I think God punished him because of what he did. What do you think, Chaplain?"

Now, I am in trouble, she has me in a precarious situation. Before I tell you my response, I ask you, "What would you say?"

Well, the scripture speaks to us about things such as this. In the form of a Narrative, we learn about the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us. Let's look closely and see what there is to learn.

Luke 10: 38-42

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The nurse that was patching me up, was a Martha. Her idea of rightness with Jesus was being busy doing good things. Martha was expected by the society in which she lived to be about working and preparing. She became indignant when Mary was comfortable sitting in the presence of Christ. A relationship with Christ is not about DOING, it is about BEING. We are to BE His.

On the way home from the upstate, a jeep passed me going super fast. It had written on the back and sides, "My soldier is coming home today." I am not sure of the drivers name, but she reminded my of Mary. With every part of her being she longed to be in the presence of the ONE who loved her. He was hers, and she was his. It is all about the BEING!

Now, BEING in Christ should lead to an outpouring of DOING. But we can never base our worth to God on how faithful we are. If that is the case, then our salvation is a work. That would make the work of Christ on the cross to be insignificant. But if our relationship with God rests firmly in our BEING one that Christ redeemed...now that is where TRUTH stands.

Because we are redeemed, then our lives should reflect love, grace and forgiveness. But because of Christ death, when God looks at us, He sees Perfection. Jesus blood, covers us, he took the wrath of God for us. See...it is all about BEING his.

So, what did I tell the nurse? What I just told you, in a simpler form. Relationships are never easy, we all fail each other--even when having the greatest and best of intentions. Sickness is an effect of living in a sinful and fallen world, and that God is not a scorekeeper. If God did keep score, none of us would be spared. Jesus already paid all that debt for his children.

I went back in a few days later. The lady was a different person. She seemed to be free from her anger. When she patched me up after the doc checked me out, she said, "Where do you preach, Chaplain."

I answered her, wondering what was next.

"I will check you out when I come to the beach," was the reply.

The Gospel--the Naked truth of the love of Christ--is the only way to "expose" us to the lavish love of God.

That, my friends is Good News.

Easter Sermon Recap--Look it's a ___________!

2008-03-24T19:19:00.001-04:00

Easter Morning brought great crowds again to the Apache Pier. We served communion to 500 people on this windy and chilly Easter morning.

This past week, I was part of a teacher brigade that took Autistic children to the Ripley's Aquarium. I am not sure how many of you have spent any time there, but it is a very neat place. We wandered from exhibit to exhibit checking out the horseshoe crabs, sharks, sting-rays, eels, and turtles. One of the most beautiful sections is the section of "Rainbow" fish. Kids stood there with their mouths agape as they watched the brilliant yellows, bright blues, and vibrant golds and silvers dash about the tank. There was even a fish with a Clemson orange fin, that he used for defense. It was amazing standing beside the children and watching them take it all in.

One of our little ones yelled out at the rest of the crew, "Look, it's a TV!!" The entire group then traded in the amazing display of nature for a digital image on a 50 inch screen. Missing the real for something else, I wonder if that ever happened in the scripture?

John 20:11-18 reads this way:

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels sitting at the head and foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying.

“Why are you crying?” the angels asked her.

“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don't know where they have put him.”

She glanced over her shoulder and saw someone standing behind her.

It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him.

“Why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener.

“Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”

“Mary!” Jesus said.

She turned toward him and exclaimed, “Teacher!”

Amazingly, exactly what Mary was looking for was right beside her. She allowed the frustration and anxiety of the moment to keep her from immediately recognizing Christ.

On Thursday, my 5 year old son dyed Easter eggs in his class. His egg was the best! No, I am not making this up, the teacher actually told me. The egg was perfect, colored purple on one side and red on the other. He was so excited. He was running around the class showing this prized egg to all his friends. He held it a bit too tightly and....the shell cracked. He wailed, he cried. The world was over, "Humpty Dumpty" style. His two teachers tried to calm him down, to no avail. Douglas said, "This is horrible, I guess we have to cancel Easter." (Laughter all around)

The teachers had informed me of the story, and I wanted to try to make everything OK. Sometimes I seem to make things worse, but I keep trying. When we all arrived home, I asked Douglas to show me his egg. He acted like he was going to cry again. I asked him to tell me what happened.

"Dad, my egg was the best and I broke it. This is bad, we have to cancel Easter!"

"Douglas, let's look closely at this egg. Can you help me?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Lets pull this broken shell off the egg. I will get it started, is that OK?"

"OK, Dad, Can I help you?"

"Sure"

We pulled off the cracked colored shell and I got down a small plate from the cupboard. I dusted the bottom with salt and pepper and we ate the egg together.

"This is yummy, Dad"

"Do we need to cancel Easter, Douglas?"Things seem to be OK."

"Here Dad, have another bite"

So, here we are about to approach the table of Christ this morning with broken lives. He calls to us and reminds us of how nothing is beyond his repair. What is broken in our lives? Relationships, Marriages, finances, our career, our relationship with God, all of these---can be made new.

This morning, as you look over the ocean to the horizon, you see the sun peeking out. Another reminder from God, that he makes all things new.

May we prepare our hearts to celebrate the mystery of Communion.

Easter is not over!! Christ says to us, "This is my body, broken for you. He whispers on this chilly morning, "This is my blood poured out as ransom for all who believe."

Happy Easter! He is Here, my prayer is that we are able to recognize Him.

Sermon Recap--Who we are and what we do

2008-03-09T20:13:00.011-04:00

Sorry for the extended layoff from bloggerdom. Many legitimate reasons, none of which you care to hear.

I cannot possibly type in 4 weeks worth of sermons, so I will providing a general overview of the sermons on the nature and function of the church.

Week 1 was an emphasis on worship. This is the primary function of the church. Many seem to place the focus on evangelism, but in my opinion the most important function of the body of Christ is to be a community centered on worshipping God and living a life of enjoying that relationship that we have been graciously given. All other functions of the church flow from our life of worship. Missing worship(the primary) chokes life for the other functions(the secondary). Those functions are fellowship, evangelism, discipleship and ministry.

What do we think of when we hear the word, worship? So many facets play into the makings of a "service of worship."

What kind of music is a question that people ask? Some churches sing Psalms only, some love the old hymns, some like contemporary music, some chant, some like praise and worship. Some churches have full choirs, some use praise teams, some have bands, some have piano only, some have only an organ, some have both. Some churches play hand bells, some play harmonicas and banjos. We use a karaoke machine. Some churches play no music--only using their voices to worship God.

What about the setting in which the service is held? Some churches use colors to signify the "season" of the church year, while some worship areas never change. Some burn incense, while some do not. Some allow children into the assembly during the sermon, while others banish them to another area of the building.

What about the sermon? Some are full of hell fire and damnation, while others are full of warm fuzzies. Some sermons are expository, while some are topical. Some sermons are narrative in nature and some are not.

So--what is worship anyway. What is the church?

The church is those whom Christ has redeemed from their sins. We are the ones who have been called by the spirit from a life of darkness into a marvelous light.

The church is NOT a building--but are simply--broken people in the process of being molded into the image of Jesus.

Worship is the act of gathering together and focusing our attention on God. We focus on the blessings of salvation and life eternal. We focus on the needs that God meets each moment. We focus on our sin and need of confession and forgiveness. We sing praises to God. We look into the scripture for a word from him. We partake in the sacraments and experience the mysteries of God. God is worthy of worship even if He has done nothing at all for us. But, oh...he has done so much!

Only by being a people of worship, can we become a people of fellowship, evangelism, discipleship and ministry.

The second sermon dealt with discipleship. We are to make disciples. How is this done? I used event from school the previous week. There is one child where positive affirmation is what makes her behave correctly. When she is doing the right thing, I give her a Skittle. It is amazing what someone can be taught when they want something. I have taught her to say, "Go Tigers" when she gets and orange one and "Boo Gamecocks" when she gets a red one. But the best part is that by using these skittles I have taught her table manners and proper classroom procedures too.

Many Christians need affirmation and encouragement too. We must find ways to find people doing good things and give them praise. It is an amazing tool.

The other side of teaching/discipleship was also proven this week. There was a little guy who would not let me hold his hand when we entered the hall. He would yell and scream and cry every time I grabbed it. But, if I did not have his hand, he would run down the hall at breakneck speed. So what did I do?

I tried to be gentle and kind and rational and lavish him with love and praise. None of this helped. So, he flopped in the floor and I accidentally stepped on his hand. (I PROMISE IT WAS NOT ON PURPOSE.) The tears flowed and after wiping them off, I was able to explain to him that that would not happen if he would just walk down the hall in an orderly manner. I was not there to hurt him, I only wanted to help him. Guess what? No other issues this week after that "stepping" experience.

Some people need a step experience in the disciple making process. We know who we are to be, we know when we are flat out disobeying God, and sometimes an attitude adjustment is necessary. But before that is delivered, we better have the proper relationship with that person.

What is the proper approach? Well, some ministers and church folks spend too much time stepping on people. Some give out skittles all the time and never say anything negative. I think the proper approach is an attempt to do both.

In my ministry, I am a skittle person, but there is time that if I have the relationship with the individual, I will be able to do a little stepping. However--I must be willing to have a little stepping applied to my life too. That is the hard part.

We, as the church, should be in the process of helping someone grow as a follower of Christ and also be in the process of being discipled ourselves.

Another function of the church is fellowship. It is interesting that many churches place a premium on fellowship. Every night of the week is another opportunity for a meal, or a small group gathering, or a softball game. These are great things, but great care must be placed that fellowship is not a "primary" instead of a secondary. One of my favorite pastors, Rev. Henry Stanford, once said in a sermon, "It is a shame when we can pack out a gym for an ice cream social and only have 5 people here to visit the lost and sick." The title of his sermon was "Keep the Main thing the Main thing." I understand the point--he is saying that evangelism should take a more important place than fellowship. I think it should be worship as primary, and all of the remaining 4 as equal parts-if we are taking the mathematical pie chart approach.
Fellowship is a funny thing. You cannot force it, it is impossible to make it happen. When we first were married, I would join Sarah's family at a Holiday function. It was always nice, but afterwards her aunt would ask everyone to gather in the formal dining room to talk. We were all in a large circle looking at each other and it was a most awkward experience. Fellowship was wanted, but it often is a natural outpouring of relationship--not something that can be forced and manipulated.
What is the key to fellowship? I think it rests solely on the fact that we are family. Not in the everyone is related (Old West Va. Joke) kind of way. But we are all a part of the body of Christ. We are all great sinners in the process of becoming saints, and we need to have joy in the fact that we are not alone in the journey. Money is of no consequence, looks do not matter, size of house, educational status, talents or lack thereof is inconsequential. We are equal recipients of His grace. Oh, if we ever forget that---we almost deserve to be kicked out of the family.

Evangelism is something that scares folks to death. Evangelism is not just about going door to door, or yelling on the street corner. It is not about leaving tracts in the bathroom stalls. Who would want to pick them up there anyway. It is not about leaving a "tip" tract on a table with a measly dollar in it. What is evangelism about? SIMPLY THIS...tell the story of Jesus to people that you have a relationship. Just tell them what Your relationship with Christ is like. Be honest, talk about the confusion, talk about the frustration, talk about your times of doubts and questioning. I think they will be surprised by your honesty. But remember, to talk about the miracles that He has worked in your life. Remember to give hope, and tell of the joy and peace that He also gives.
I had a 2 hour phone conversation with a great friend the other night. We talked about this and that for about 15 minutes and then He asked a question about doubting. I shared openly about times of struggle in my own life--and how Christ always met me at that point. I told the story of Grace--and the Spirit used the conversation to do mighty things. Don't peddle Jesus like you are selling a used car. Be honest and listen more than you talk.

Ministry is the last function of the church and thinking about it always brings a chuckle. Coming from a Baptist background, I always heard the word pronounced in a holy and overly revered and exaggerated way, "Menustreee." As in, you are such a fine young man, have you ever considered going into the "menustreee." But I have come to realize that ministry does not depend upon a seminary degree or an abbreviation in front of the name, such as Rev. or Dr.

Ministry is reaching out with love and compassion. The key aspect is that we, as the church, seek to do this in the name of Jesus. We are not to be involved in helping others so that they will think well of us, or speak good things about us. Nor should ministry be an "outreach" opportunity to build or pad our church roles. Ministry is walking beside someone in faith and reaching out to them with the compassion and love of Christ.

What are some examples of ministry that have impressed me lately? Well, I am so glad that you asked!

1- A local church has an outreach to single mothers each year. This church gets cosmetologists and hairdressers to come in and give a day of pampering for these "forgotten" ones in our society. They gets a new hair style, pedicures, manicures, and massages. But most importantly, they realize that God cares for them and the church does too. I like this...a LOT!

2- One of our youth groups that came to do a day camp here a few years ago impressed me, as well. On a rainy day, they went to the Laundromat and gave out rolls of quarters. The message--"God loves you."

3- Some churches tutor in the inner cities, and have instituted a mentoring program. Some churches help with rebuilding projects, some actually visit and care about their elderly.

4- This week, people stuffed eggs for our Easter egg hunt. They could have "ranted" against the non-Christian pagan traditions of egg hunting, but instead they were available and made a difference with their smiling faces and warm hugs.

5- After a cookout this week on the pier, we were cleaning up and had discarded all the remaining food. As soon as it had hit the trash can, one of our maintenance guys walked up, hungry and ready for his lunch. Uh--Oh!

A lady here this morning, pulled out the 2 hot dogs that she was going to take home, and gave them to him. AWESOME STUFF!

The key to ministry is to look for your gifts and then try to pair them up with needs around you.

I ask that you join me in prayer about "true ministry"--we may be surprised where God leads us.

~~~What can we do to minister to the Hispanic community? We must remember that Jesus often put great attention and love on those that were considered to be "outsiders" by the establishment.

~~~Should the church leave social issues to the Government, our should we be impacting these situations with the "hands and feet of Jesus?"

~~~What are your ideas? I would love to hear from you!! richsarah99@sc.rr.com

Sermon Recap-"Check Again?"

2008-02-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

This week was a break from the routine, as I spent several days in the upstate of SC. Douglas and I left out on Wednesday morning and returned around lunch time yesterday. Tuesday evening was a whirlwind of packing a few things for Douglas and me. As I was going out to load the car, Sarah asked about a few things for Douglas, I replied, "already packed." She responded, and I noticed a hint of sarcasm as she said, "I am so glad that I have a husband that can take care of himself and our son and I do not have to worry." I continued to take the few things to the car and came back in to pick up my hanging clothes. I had done the proper mental check, running through the clothes and necessities.

Underwear--check.
T-Shirts-check.
Shirts-check
Orange Tie- Check
Geneva Gown-check
deodorant-check

I started moving to the car with the remainder of the stuff and a little voice whispered, "Check again."

I did and I had forgotten to pack my pants. Hmm, that would have made for an interesting funeral.

While at my moms, I grabbed my electric toothbrush and slapped some toothpaste on it. I gave my teeth a big brushing and admired their sparkling whiteness in the mirror. Finishing the job, I looked for the cap to my toothbrush. It is a little plastic piece that slides over the bristles. I looked on the shelf, under the sink, in the sink and all over the bathroom. Glancing over to the lavatory cabinet, I saw my blue towel and resting on top of it was my TOOTHBRUSH. I had spent all this time brushing my teeth with my mom's toothbrush. Uggh, that is disgusting.

So, you see. There are things in life that we think we have under control, but in reality--we need to check again. The church is no different. Perhaps we are fooling ourselves and are walking around pantless and with unclean mouths? Could that be possible?

Thursday was a super emotional day as I made a trip to the Rehabilitation center to visit a friend from my childhood and youth. I shared with you last week about his life and situation. He taught me in church for many years and took the time to take me fishing and bowling and was a great example of sharing Jesus through relationships. On Christmas, mom would make sure she picked him up a little gift from me, Soap on a Rope or a little bottle of Old Spice.

Years pass and mental faculties diminish. He had a wreck a few weeks ago and his Drivers license was revoked. He was severely depressed and walked into his basement and found a pistol.

Placing it under his chin, he steadied his grip, and pulled the trigger.

Fast forward a few weeks and I re-enter the story. The receptionist gave me the room number and I made my way to the second floor. The door was wide open to the room and I entered. It was a semi private room and I looked over to the other side and did not recognize anyone around the patients bed. I turned my focus to the remaining bed in the room. The occupant of bed #1 was also a stranger. I leaned over, and verified the name on the hospital issued ID bracelet. Surprisingly, I had the right room. It was my friend.

I leaned closer and grasped his hand. Above the breathing machine, I could hear him rattle and wheeze. He struggled with the restraints and had uncovered himself by kicking his legs. The diaper was in need of a change. I stayed for a little while, and offered words of encouragement and hope. "Keep fighting...Don't give up...God is not through with you...thank-you for teaching me about Jesus...thanks for the fishing trips."

I offered a prayer and left the room with a dark empty soul. Just a few hours earlier, I had felt so very alive and now I achingly longed for that feeling again.

I entered the elevator and could not wait for the door to shut. I needed to be alone with my thoughts. A hand reached inside the closing door and I was joined by another man about my age. He slid to the back of the elevator and I stayed to the front. We did not speak as we zoomed toward the ground floor. Each of us, however, sighed quite loudly.

Stepping out into the dusky evening, I felt a nudging again. I just wanted to get in my car and leave, but instead, I spoke.

"Being in a place like that sure makes the outside world look a lot different."

"You're right, Do you have a family member here?" He replied.

I explained the reason for my visit and noticed that he had a cross on his shirt with an advertisement for a local church.

"I know this sounds odd, but can I pray with you?"

There in the parking lot of a rehab unit in Spartanburg, SC, two strangers had prayer. We looked again to God for comfort and hope. I wanted to be alone--God wanted me to be a comfort.

As a church, we too need to look again at "why we do what we do." Over the next five weeks we are going to be looking at the church and the parts that make us who we are.Those 5 actions are: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism. I ask that you join me in prayer as we seek to know the answer to the question: Are we "as we should be" or are we pantless?

Look around--God has been doing some great things here over the past 2 years. Many new people are coming and there is a warmth that most churches would die to have. Perhaps we are being called to examine what God is doing among us more closely. If we pray and communicate, we may see God moving us to another level, a new ministry, a new phase. Be prepared for CHANGE. That word causes problems around here. I promise you, we will not make changes just for the sake of change. But we must be willing to follow the nudges of the spirit in our lives.

Check again. We may be surprised what we find.

Sermon Recap (Super Bowl Sunday)- "Foolish"

2008-02-04T19:53:00.001-05:00

So, is there anything interesting on TV tonight? (Laughter from the congregation)
How many of you are watching the game? (About 75%)
How many are watching the commercials? (About 82%)

Well, for those of you real football fans, and for the ones that just pretend to be one Sunday a year, this is a pretty big deal. The Patriots are undefeated thus far with a record of 18 wins and 0 losses. There is much conversation about if this team is one of the best ever, they have a pretty quarterback and a wide receiver that has the speed of Nike. For the past six weeks, sports commentators have pontificated and postured concerning the merits of this juggernaut from New England. Rumor is that the Patriots have attempted to secure the patent on the phrase 19-0 and also the phrase "The Perfect Season." To me all this attention is quite foolish.

For one who appreciates the English language and the power of words, the idea of a "perfect season" is foolish and impossible.

What does perfect mean?

Does it mean undefeated?

Does it mean meet all challenges and survive unscathed?

Does it mean winners of some football games?

Perfect means--Without error, no mistakes, no "oops", no "I did not mean to's" , and no "I'm sorry's." Perfect means flawless, without blemish and spot.

I have watched almost all of the Patriot games, and none of them have been perfect. There are always a few overthrows or dropped passes. There are a few fumbles and some missed tackles. There are false starts and holding penalties and a few personal fouls. Missed field goals and shanked punts; I think you understand. The term "perfect" is being used a bit too foolishly and loosely.

Paul talks a bit about foolishness in this mornings scripture passage in 1 Corinthians beginning with verse eighteen.

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say,"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus.

For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD."

We think we know things, we think we have a grasp on things, the Patriots think they are unbeatable. Most of the media have already crowned them CHAMPS. Remember, even IF they win, they will not be perfect. Watch tonight, enjoy the game and see the flaws that are there in both teams.

Football is a sport built on the premise that if you lift weights, condition your body for speed and agility, memorize the plays, and execute--then success will usually follow.

Sadly, we seem to think the same thing about our relationship with God. If we go to church, read the bible, pray, and do nice things then we will gain an advantage in the eyes of God. Foolish indeed.

Just this week, I went to the post office. There were three empty parking spaces and I whipped the land yacht into the middle one. I went inside and checked the P.O. box and sat back in the car and began to open up the mail. Sometimes I do this, I could wait until I get home, but I often do not. BAM!! A little old lady opened up her car door and smacked the fool out of my car. I immediately raised up and prepared to get out and let her have a piece of my mind. I saw her then, shuffling her wobbly legs slowly, as she squirmed between the small space between our cars. She was unstable and could barely see. I waited on her to clear the front of my car. I wanted to blow the HORN. But I found myself backing up and driving away, angry at God. He always seems to teach me stuff, I guess that is good, but sometimes I wish my ignorance and Foolishness was not so obvious.

Perfection and Christ are synonymous. We try to earn the good spot with God. We think he keeps score when we do good things and pass up the bad. The good news of the Gospel is that in Christ we are forgiven--even if we blow the horn at old women.

We have been given the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Christ!

Imagine if God showed up tonight and gave the Lombardi Trophy to the Giants. Not after the game but before. We know that will not happen because God is a Dallas Cowboy Fan. (Laughter)If God gave the trophy to The Giants without playing that would be grossly unfair.

Now what if the game was played and the Giants were terrible but in the end they were given the trophy anyway? "Not fair--they need to work for it--they must earn it", perhaps you are thinking.

But this morning we come to the Table of Christ to experience the mystery of salvation. We have tried to play the game, and fail all the time. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are given the gift of immeasurable worth. We are given an identity in Christ, we are adopted into the family of God, we are given abundant life here and eternal life in the loving presence of the King.

New England is not perfect, neither are we---oh, but Christ was, is and will always be! Our only Wisdom and Hope is in him. Any other thinking is foolish.

***FYI***

New York Giants 17
New England Patriots 14

Sermon Recap--Long Division

2008-02-01T19:32:00.001-05:00

This morning as I look out at the experienced faces in this room, I see people that grew up before the age of political correctness. Now, don't get me wrong, I try to temper my words and be open minded and look at issues from all sides--but there is something super comforting about people who have the ability to cut right through the junk and say it like it is.

Wal-Mart had an annoying habit of calling problems by a more positive name. Whenever there was an issue the Management Staff would always call them "opportunities." I immediately thought, "Yeah this is an opportunity alright and it is looking more and more like an opportunity to get fired."

One manager even had a light way of letting people know that they were about to be fired. He would call them into the office and look them in the eye and say, "How would you like to have unlimited free time but limited income?" The first part of the phrase was enticing, but the latter sent chills down the back that was followed by a marked increase in performance.

Depending on how you want to look at it, the church has plenty of problems or opportunities. We can all tell stories about failures in OUR CHURCH, issues that are painful and leave us scarred. In my twelve years (wow) of ministry, I have been involved in business meetings that were anything but Christ-like, heard sermons that sounded like they could have been delivered at a Klan rally, and have seen a church almost split over carpet and stained glass windows. The first church I served as Youth and Children's pastor, an aged senior pastor was fired at the age of 60. His wife was in bad health, he was at the age where securing another pastorate would be difficult, and he was losing his eyesight. Needless to say, he did not see the termination coming on that Wednesday night following the "Prayer Meeting." The second church I served one of our college girls did what many of us did in college. In her case, a pregnancy occurred. News spread throughout the community at breakneck speed over the telephone. Guess who was the main "town crier" via telephone? The pastor's wife. Breaks your heart doesn't it? If it doesn't, it should.

The church at Corinth was no different. Often we hear people say, "I wish we could just go back to the days of the early church and everything would be ok." Please!!! We need to realize that the People of God have always been a broken and rag tag gang. Just look at what Paul is dealing with in this mornings passage in the first chapter of 1 Corinthians beginning with verse ten.

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!

The word had reached Paul, not via email, text or phone--the letter had arrived or a personal visit from the household of Chloe. In our hearts we can hear the gist of the conversation, "Paul-those people at the Church are the biggest bunch of ___________ that we have ever seen. Congregation answers--Hypocrites

The error in this church still happens today. The emphasis was being placed on the theology of a leader or pastor. Peter had a faction, Apollos had a faction and Paul even had some claiming his name. Think about our churches today- We often identify ourselves with the theology or church government structure of a denomination. Inside those individual denominations there are battles. In the Baptist church there is a strong battle between Calvinists and Arminians. Seminary leadership seem to be worried too much about having people follow their "right" way and buying their books than focusing on the MAIN thing. We often attend a particular church because of the pastor. I hope that you come here because I preach a Message of Grace and Truth that exalts Jesus.

You, dear people, would have no difficulty finding another church to attend. They are everywhere! In Myrtle Beach everywhere you look you see a WINGS, a restaurant, a golf course or a church. Yet, you come here! I hope that it is not because of me being exalted too high in your eyes. Listen--I am amazed that Christ chose me, and uses me to make a small difference in His kingdom. I am reminded of a song that I sang a decade ago in church by Steven Curtis Chapman called the Miracle of Mercy. The words are so true and speak to the condition of each of us.

If the truth was known and a light was shown
On every hidden part of my soul.
Most would turn away, shake their head and say,
"He still has such a long way to go."
If the truth was know you'd see, that the only good in me
is Jesus, oh it's Jesus.

If the walls could speak of the times I've been weak,
when everybody thought I was strong.
Could I show my face if it weren't for the grace
of the one who's known the truth all along?
If the walls could speak they'd say, that my only hope is the grace
of Jesus, the grace of Jesus.

But, oh the goodness and the grace in Him
He takes it all and makes it mine and causes his light in me to shine
and he loves me with a love that never ends.
Just as I am, not as I do
Could this be real, could this be true?
This could only be a miracle
This could only be the miracle of mercy.

Churches sometimes get things right. I was mentored as a young kid by an older man. He turned my need to achieve into a challenge to learn the scripture and complete books in our Missions classes, called Royal Ambassadors. After I expressed interest, he walked me down the hall to the Pastor's study. I accepted Christ, kneeling on worn out yellow green carpet on a Wednesday night. This mentor also taught me in Training Union (bible study) for years and continued doing so for 30 plus years. He took me fishing alongside the Broad River and afterward picked ticks off me. He made a difference.

This past week, I received a phone call. This same man walked into his basement, grabbed a pistol and shot himself. He had lost hope and was ready to end the recent struggles that had robbed him of his freedom and health. He lived and faces a battle still today. Pray for him. Pray for Me. Pray for Each other.

Oh--It is good not to put your hope in anyone--no matter how "good" they seem to be. I am not saying that we no longer need to be subject to accountability either.

We can choose many things. We choose our friends, our clothes, our homes, our spouses, our cars, but we don't choose our family. We are intertwined and engrafted into the mysterious body of Christ. We have to keep striving to be ONE in Him.

Long Divisions have to end, we must forgive as we have been forgiven. He is the head, he is the Lord, He is our reason for being. He died for us--having full knowledge of our failures and selfishness. He knows it all and loves us...still.

You can't be serious!

2008-01-23T03:08:00.000-05:00

During the Christmas visit home, I found something that made me laugh. I felt the need to wax sermonic or at least nostalgic for a bit and share it with you.

Most of us have senior pictures. They are a part of our high school legacy. This little gem was taken in 1988, at the time I was eighteen years old and had the world by a string. As I look at the picture, several things jump out at me. THE YELLOW TIE--not too sure about the yellow tie. Looks like I may be thinking of attending GA. Tech. Next is THE HAIR. Oh my, I needed to see a barber in the worst way. If you look closely, you can see the curl extends all the way to the back flip. Then I see the BABY FACE. No wrinkles, or thought lines--I was totally oblivious. The LION RING--that was my thing back then. Finally, THE SMIRK. There is a little smirk there, the reason was that me and 10 other close friends were leaving school after the pictures for a day of blowing off steam at Lyman Lake. Also known as my house, where no parental figures could be spotted.

Take a few breaths...Turn around a few times...cut a few classes...go on some dates...feel your heart flutter...eat bad mexican food...read a few books...drink tanker trucks full of coffee...and 20 years roll past and then your wife, who was nowhere on your mental map in 1988 takes a picture and the NOW digital camera reveals:

Another picture that is vastly different, but in 20 years will be equally as embarrassing.

Sermon Recap--Far and Near

2008-01-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

I have been popular this week. Isn't it great to be needed and wanted? All this time, I thought that "the powers that be" in Washington, D.C. did not need me at all. I thought that they were in a land far away and had no use for the common serf named Richard. But oh, was I wrong!! This week, I received "personal" recorded messages from John McCain every twenty minutes. Perhaps that is why he won the primary. You see, Mike Huckabee did not bother to call. Some pastors are super political. They will tell you how to vote and act like Jesus was a republican. I am not one of those people. It seems that John Kerry knew that, because he called too. His very important message for me was that Obama is not a Muslim radical, but a Christian who lives his beliefs daily. Good Info for me, I guess...oh and Mitt, I am a Morman but that does not matter, Romney called me too. Now, I realize that after all the elections are over, things will return to the norm. But for a few phone calls, it was semi-exciting to be wrong.

During the Old Testament--God was viewed as the "Holy Other" who would appear on the scene and display great power and might. He was in the Pillar of Fire, the Plagues, and the flood. He was the God that was far away--but when He came near--his power was greatly displayed.

We spoke about the Incarnation during Advent, the God of Heaven--coming down to earth and dwelling among His people. Today in our text--we see God manifest Himself again, in a form that is most uncommon.

Luke 3 :15-22

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

John speaks with tremendous power and authority. Jesus is described as one who would purge the floor and separate the wheat from the chaff. John was not an "Ear tickler" but one that warned of the wrath and judgement of God and the need of repentance. He fits in the mold of the Old Testament prophet, and prepares the way for the Kingdom message of Jesus.

On one of these days of preaching and baptizing--Jesus comes forward in obedience to God. In this setting, I am not going to get into the HOW's and WHY's of this baptism. I am available afterwards or anytime to discuss possible reasons and mode of baptism used here. In this interdenominational setting--I do not see those conversations as pertinent to the sermon.

The point today is that the Spirit of God came down that day. Not in the form of thunder and lightning--although that would have surely made people high tail out of the Jordan River. You can almost see them saying to each other, " Wow, I repented just in time--Here comes God to let Loose His Holy Hammer of Judgement." But instead, a dove descends and the voice of God is heard. The KJV says, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The Southern translation is.."Son, you done good !"

God surprises us in the different ways He impacts our lives. Last night, at a 65th birthday party, I was able to experience the love of God in several meaningful ways. God was there in laughter, he was there in hugs, he was there in stories, he was there in Bob Pearson (the birthday boy) as tears of joy choked his words away. God was there as a video montage was played showing the life of a man, now on the backside of the Hill, growing up, having kids, losing hair, gaining weight but living just the same. God among the living--that is good news.

I made a pastoral call this week to the home of a man dying. He has liver cancer and the prognosis is dark. He has no energy and can barely speak. He knows that Jesus is walking the road with him, and he is resigned to the fact that soon the hill will be unclimbable. He waits for a miracle--but knows that death will most likely be the answer to the prayers that he prays. As I held a grown man, with his head on my chest, God was there, among the dying, and that is good news.

We act as if we understand God. If we are honest we admit that we are only kidding ourselves. Donald Miller writes in a book that I wrapped up this week, the following quote that fits the sermon perfectly, "I probably know as much about God as a baby knows the physics of the mobile above his crib."

Preachers expound the Word of God so that we can attempt to know the unknowable. God reveals Himself to us in scripture, and most fully in Jesus, the Son, who obeyed. May the winds of His Spirit illuminate our lives and may we see Him, as He shows Himself to us.

January Reads

2008-01-15T10:54:00.001-05:00

* * * *

The Gospel According to Starbucks-By Leonard Sweet

This book was a gift from a good friend that thought that I would enjoy it. I enjoy Leonard Sweet, and his writing style. I recommend this one. It made me think about why I love coffee so much and why it is always better with conversation and friends. I finished this in line at the DMV. My stress level remained semi-manageable and I smiled for my license renewal picture.

* * * *

To Own a Dragon-By Donald Miller and John MacMurray

I am a big fan of Donald Miller and his style of writing. He is a great storyteller and is a master at combining pain, humor and spirituality. This is a book about growing up without a father. Several lines are memorable and quote-worthy. This book will find a nice snug place on my bookshelf beside Blue like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What.

* * *

Things We Wish We Had Said- By Bart and Tony Campolo

This is another Father and Son book that is a series of letters that reflect thoughts on parenting and childhood. It is hard to be a parent, and this book shows often how the actions of parents are often misunderstood and underappreciated. Sometimes, a gracious magic occurs and the Dad gets it right. I like that part, as it gives me hope.

Since I read two father and son books--I felt I should include the obligatory pics that I love!

Things that make me laugh: Am I weird?

2007-12-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

click any image to enlarge

American Creativity

2007-12-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

Christmas Planning

2007-12-15T11:29:00.000-05:00

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Merry Christmas to Me!

2007-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Due to the copious amount of time spent decking halls, eating goodies, and playing Santa, I will not be typing in sermon recaps until 2008. I will put in a few song lyrics and funny Christmas comic strips. Sorry to disappoint you, but I have some beef stick to eat!

November Reads

2007-12-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

I am not a "small group guru", but I really appreciated this book. Myers made me think a bit, and that is sometimes a good thing.

***

This is just a funny little Christmas book, courtesy of Peter Copeland. He is a great guy, but people make fun of him because he is a Gamecock fan. Please pray for him. He leaves for a mission trip to Nepal this month. At least he will not miss the USC bowl game.

***** silliness factor alone

OK, little known fact: I sang southern gospel for several years, and I love Michael English and his soul filled voice. This is his story--a long and winding one--and the grace that restored him. The book is not super theological, but if you love Michael English and happy endings, then pick it up!

****

I really appreciate McLaren and his willingness to stand on the fringes. For many, he is too liberal, but they are missing out on a prime conversation between Christ and culture.

****

Christmas stress

2007-11-26T20:34:00.000-05:00

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Sermon Recap-- No...Really!

2007-11-26T19:42:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, while on vacation in Savannah, GA we decided to take a diversion out to Tybee Island Lighthouse. It was about a 30 minute drive or so away from the historic area of Savannah, and we had walked all over that area and was looking for something to do. In no time at all, we were staring up at an old historic lighthouse. Sarah asked me, "You want to go on a tour of it?" I quickly said, "Why not." Upon entering the lower level, I began looking for an elevator. Sadly, there was none to be found. 178 spiralling steps awaited us, as we wound our way to the top. Every 20 steps or so, brought us to a nice window, and I always made sure that Douglas looked out at the lovely view. Truth of the matter is...I was stalling for strength. We made it to the top and then Douglas and I went out and snapped a few pictures. Sarah was a little timid of the height, but it was a good experience. We made our way back down and I was proud of my achievement. 178 steps x 2 = a lot of steps and I thought that I deserved to sign the book of lighthouse climbing accomplishment. My ego was deflated as I saw the following inscription, "Melba Jones 82 year old quadruple bypass survivor." So much for my grand achievement!! No....really, that is the truth.

The next day I felt as though someone had hit me in my thighs with a baseball bat. I wanted to call up Melba Jones and ask if I could borrow some Ben-Gay, but I was afraid that she didn't even need it after her victorious climb. I thought back to the years, not too long ago, when I would play basketball for hours, and be quite good at it. I was a little sad at the lack of shape of my body.

(A dear lady in the second row said, "See Richard, you should come and join our exercise class!) Of course, the whole place erupted!

Not only did this looking back at the way I used to be make me bummed out a bit, but it also reminded me of a craft that we did in Sunday school. Now, I am not too crafty..so please forgive me.

This is one of those little crafts that remind us of those things in which we are thankful. This Thanksgiving, I decided to look at the 5 or so things that "fill out my turkey." Mine are pretty basic things. I am thankful for Football. I know, it is silly, but it brings me a lot of joy. I watch a lot of it, probably too much. Yesterday afternoon, Douglas sat down beside me while I was engrossed in a game. "Daddy likes to watch football--but Douglas likes to watch movies." I have a feeling that he will get the bug pretty soon. We all have amusements that bring us joy. These are neat gifts--little diversions that help us get by. Food is my second feather on my turkey. I really do not think that I need to say a whole lot more here. Family and Friends are on the next feather--wow, family can be difficult at times. Just this morning, I asked someone how their trip home went. The reply, "about three days too long." I think the trip home for them was only four days. You know the funny thing, we get on our families nerves too. It works both ways. But what would life be like without out family and friends. Although a lot of life is filled with frustration, we can also recall the times when we were encouraged and helped by people that really cared about us...deeply. Fun is something else that I am thankful for. (Addressed to the lady on row two that busted me earlier) I am so glad that we laugh here. Many preachers see the sermon as their time to "speak truth", but I see it as our time to share truth. I just love the fact that this is your time too, and that we can laugh and appreciate each other! The last feather on my turkey is Freedom. We live in a country that allows us to practice our faith openly. We can worship and sing and preach and testify and wear Christian T shirts and have bumper stickers on our cars and....you get the picture. I am thankful to live in the USA and realize that many have sacrificed to give me that freedom.

Guess What? My turkey is colorful and somewhat creative. The words even alliterate--some preachers love to have alliteration in each sermon. But really, my turkey is worthless. The things that we are thankful for are all nothing compared to the cross of Christ. All we are, and ever will be is because of His love for us. The relentless, pursuing love of Christ--now that is something to be thankful for!

In the scripture reading for today, we are able to read together. I will read the first part and each of you can follow by saying, "His faithful love endures forever." Notice how God moves throughout history...faithfully.

Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.

5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.

13 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.

14 He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever.

15 but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.

16 Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness.His faithful love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.

So...for the Turkey (us) to be complete, we need to remember, His faithful love endures...forever.

Communion followed and is there a better place to focus on God's faithful love for His people?

Clemson win total by Douglas--Sponsored by Tybee Lighthouse

2007-11-24T22:22:00.000-05:00

Clemson 23

USC 21

I was eating a turkey sandwich when the field goal went through.

"What does Turkey taste like Daddy?"

"Right now son, it tastes like FRIED CHICKEN!!"

How 'bout them Tigers!!

Myrtle Beach Turkey Prep

2007-11-21T10:11:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine sent me this little idea about turkey preparation. Since we live at the coast and healthy living is so important, this will be our plan for tomorrows festivities. Perhaps you will want the "soon to be famous" recipe.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.
2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, and position the foil carefully? (see attached picture for details)
3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.
4. Smile, Laugh and eat up!

Clemson win total--Sponsored by Unconditional Love

2007-11-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Do we still love him, Daddy?

Son, He is wearing orange, of course we do! Dropped pass and all!

BC 20

Clemson 17

Our little Savannah Vacation

2007-11-19T16:33:00.001-05:00

Tybee Island Lighthouse--178 steps to the top

Going Down

What goes down--once was up!

I ain't scared of no stinkin' bear!

Room with a view

Preoccupied with the potatoes at Clary's Diner

Sermon Recap: Back to the Primary (school) -- Matching

2007-11-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

I hope that you have enjoyed the sermon series that we have been dealing with over the last few months. This "Back to the Primary" series was inspired by my time working with a little autistic boy at the primary school. There are primary/basic things that we have learned about our faith, but yet we so quickly forget.

My little fellow at school has many difficulties in learning. His educational process is filled with many baby steps followed by MAJOR celebrations. Over the past few months, he has learned to sign for a chip, a cookie, and juice. Occasionally, he even asks for chicken during lunch. Not a great deal of understandable communication is happening.

He has the ability of matching pictures. I can place twelve pictures out all over the table, and he can match each one correctly. I am fairly impressed by that, considering that a few days a week, I have a hard time matching my socks. The problem comes in when I lay the twelve cards on the table and then have objects for him to place on those pictures. For example: there is a picture of a pencil on the table, and I give the student a real pencil. He does not know that the real pencil matches the picture. He has no grasp of the concept of pencil. Matching, at a more advanced level is very frustrating for him, and me.

The new job responsibilities that have been given to Sarah and I have kept us busy lately. We are, and will continue to be the chaplains here at Apache, but there are other duties that keep us moving. Many Sundays, after worship, I visit another church along the Grand Strand. Not too long ago, I walked in a rather large local church. There were people at the door to greet me, the Worship order had a welcoming section in it, and during the announcements the Lector extended greetings as well. The music was amazing, and the sermon was warm and encouraging. After the Benediction, I exited the front door and was second in line to meet the pastor. I introduced myself, and shook his hand. After a lukewarm handshake, he abruptly cut off the opportunity for dialogue and went to the next person. I had the feeling that he REALLY had somewhere he needed to be, and my wanting to meet him was just something that he HAD to deal with.

The kicker of the whole event was that I received a form letter from the church the following week. I will paraphrase the paragraph that made me laugh!

"It was great to have you in Worship this past Sunday. Next time you visit, find the pastor and introduce yourself to him. He would love to meet you. We are a friendly church, and YOU are important!"

You know, things just did not seem to match up, as they should.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Paul urges the Bride of Christ to an imitator, a copy, a close match--to the way God loves.

Compare the way I was treated by the Clergy man, well-educated, carrier of a Doctorate, and wearer of a Genevan Gown to the event that happened to me--less than one hour ago.

I have a few vices. One thing--I love to eat! As if you did not know that already! One of the other vices that I will disclose to you is that I love coffee. I visit a Starbucks at least 5 days a week. This past week, they began the Christmas marketing season, and are featuring a Christmas Blend that I do not like. It is spicy and fruity and I just do not care for it. I like my coffee bold and strong. Kinda like the cowboys make in the campside peculator. (Laughter from the congregation) There is a super friendly young lady behind the counter there. Her name is Jordan. Today, I was trying to figure out a way to get a cup of coffee that I would drink. I asked for a decaf coffee with two espresso shots. She asked, "Why are you doing that?" I explained my dislike for the Christmas Blend, and she listened.

"If you have a few minutes, I will be glad to French Press you some." Now, for you non coffee aficionados, that means she was going to take the time to make me an individual cup of coffee. She took 7 minutes to take care of me. On this Sunday morning at 8 am, she took the time to make sure that I knew that I mattered. I was important, and welcome to come there anytime.

I have no idea if she is a believer in Christ. She may not even like her job. But on this day, she was a minister to me. That cup of coffee and the Holy Spirit have empowered me to preach to you today. I needed the caffeine and the ending to the sermon. Isn't it interesting how God always provides us just what we need, when we need it.

This week, I am going to share this sermon with her and encourage her to keep blessing others. Service to others often opens up avenues for conversation. I am really looking forward to that!

Are we going the extra mile? Or do we treat others as if we have somewhere more important to be?

The question for me is: Do I give that Pastor another chance?

The answer is: Did Christ give me another chance?

We all have times where we disconnect and are so inwardly directed that we miss the divine chances to dispense grace to hurting people.

When my little guy at school messes up his matching, we start over. Sounds gracious to me!!

Closing Prayer:

Father, please keep molding us and making us until we are images of Christ Jesus, our redeemer. We have wronged others, and we have been wronged. Teach us to forgive, serve, and begin again. Amen

Clemson win total-Sponsored by Starbucks

2007-11-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

Clemson 44

Wake Forest 10

"Daddy, Who is leading the Heisman race?"

"Son, it looks like whoever is playing the Gamecocks that week."

Last Week--McFadden sets SEC record for rushing

This week- Tebow 7 Touchdowns

My sesame street personality quiz--Surprised?

2007-11-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times.

You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained

You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun.

How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

http://www.blogthings.com/thesesamestreetpersonalityquiz/

Clemson win total--Sponsored by Ratchet and Clank

2007-11-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

Free Poster from GameStop--Super Neat surprise for Douglas

Clemson 47

Duke 10

"Dad, Look at #5 from Arkansas running all over the field."

"Douglas, we might as well look at him, that is all the Gamecocks are doing."

McFadden 323 rushing yards

Felix Jones 174 rushing yards

WOW!!

Sunday Morning Recap--Easter Followup

2007-11-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

This past Easter, we took up a missions offering for three college students. They were each taking part in mission trips to different parts of the world. Tasha Sutherland, gave a recap of her time in Uganda.

We have committed to sponsor her, as after graduation, she will be beginning a lengthy mission term in the Dominican Republic.

Enjoy the pics and the website!

www.amanibabycottage.org

Calvin and Hobbes--The best comic series ever.

2007-11-03T22:04:00.000-04:00

click to enlarge

October Reads

2007-11-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

Making Sense of the Church by Spencer Burke

My good friend Peter gave me this book. He likes USC and I thought it would have a lot of pictures in it that needed coloring. It didn't and I liked this book. Usually I read books and pass them along. This one will have a place on my shelf and will make new friends and see me naked daily. Unless Peter wants it back. **** 4 stars

Through Painted Deserts Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road (Paperback) by Donald Miller

I loved "Blue Like Jazz" and "Searching for God knows What" was my favorite read this year. So, I bought this book. I went into Barnes and Noble and paid FULL RETAIL for it. Guess what? I did not like the book. I read about half of it and just could not get into the mood. Maybe I need to read it while on a road trip, while someone else is driving. ** 2 stars

This is another of the postmodernist books I have been reading. I think I have 2 more to read, but I am going to put them off for a bit. Seems they all are saying the same thing. Valid points made--but not really super fresh and inspiring for me. *** 3 stars

Mealtime Habits of the Messiah 40 Encounters with Jesus by Conrad Gempf

This is not a book about eating like a Jew. It is a great group of narrative accounts of the life of Christ and his interaction with "unclean" people. Great book and I am searching for another of his books, "Jesus Asked." **** 4 stars

Clemson win total--Sponsored by Halloween Express

2007-10-30T20:18:00.001-04:00

Clemson 30

Maryland 17

"Daddy, I cannot see the Gamecocks in this weeks BCS poll, but I see Clemson."

"Seeing is Believing, Son. Seeing is Believing."

Sermon Recap--Unmasked

2007-10-28T20:30:00.000-04:00

This week our worship area was decorated with black drop cloths and spiderwebs. Many Jack-o-Lanterns, ghosts and ghouls were on the walls, as well as a few Vampires, werewolves and Frankenstein monsters. The previous night was our annual Halloween Bash at Apache, and with another event on Wednesday--the decorations had to stay up. I decided to work the sermon around the decor. Here is the attempt:

It sure looks a bit different in here today. Actually, I have never preached in such an environment. I have been in churches with million dollar Tiffany windows, preached in some with clear windows, preached in places where one other person understood English, but never have I preached in a place decorated for Halloween. Last week, after the sermon, Carl Van Zandt reminded me that this would be the decor. I decided that it would be a good idea to use the season of Haunting and Witches to teach a point or two that we all need to hear again.

The church does a great job of telling people the things they cannot do. No drinking, No smoking, no cussing, No Harry Potter, No Rock Music, No Mexican Food (I think I heard that before), No this and no that. No Halloween...it's demonic and all that jazz.

Instead of boycotting this stuff of werewolves and vampires, today I wanted to look at Halloween as a metaphor for life and the games we play daily with ourselves, others and God.

What were some of the things you dressed up as as a child? (Answers were: princess, cowboy, cheerleader, ghost, witch. One man said that he dressed up as a girl scout troop leader and another man had dressed up as Salome. Never would have pictured that one!!)

Today, I have brought a few masks with me. Pardon me while I slide one on. (Place Spiderman mask)

When I was a little boy--I just loved Spiderman. In fact, I still do. Sliding this mask on makes me want to fight the enemy and jump up on this table and spin my web. One thing that I loved about Spiderman was the fact that when trouble would come he would always know it. His "spider-senses would tingle" and he would be able to avoid the issue most of the time. We all want to be something. I wanted to be a hero. I wanted to be special. I wanted to be anyone except Richard, and that is a shame.

Ladies still try to be the princess. They want to be beautiful and desired and noticed. Little girls want to be lovely and that is often emphasized more than intelligence. Sad, but look at the boom in cosmetic procedures in the United States. We are just not satisfied with who we are.

The second mask I have today is.....(Unveil Zorro eye covering).

That is right, I wanted to be Antonio Banderas. (Big Laughter)

As a little fellow, I would lay in bed and watch my black and white T.V., and this sword wielding man would carve a Z in the pants of the bad guy, or in the skirt of a lovely lady. Now, he was cool. I never understood why no one figured out who he was, since only his eyes were covered. He even had a cool voice and was super mysterious.

The mask that we use the most is the mask of ....(unveil blank face mask).

We hurt, and we keep it in. We are dying inside and the outside is a blank smile. This mask really shows the fear that we have of being authentic, real, not fake...true to ourselves.

This morning Rudy Cogle sang a familiar song for us during our offering time. "When He was on the Cross, I was on His Mind." Amazingly powerful, grace empowered words..."He knew me, yet He loved me." Now, that is the gospel. Good news for mask wearing cowards like us. Christ sees through our disguise and loves us still.

All this stuff around us trying to scare us, not just boogers and cobwebs, but heavy stuff like wars, and disasters, and murder and poverty and drug addiction and much, much more. What is the word of God for his people today. I struggled with several passages, but I just kept coming back to a verse we will look at again during the Advent season.

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

So familiar--I know it by heart, but yet at times, it is as if I never heard it. As I say it again, allow it to move you and cast away those things that are scaring you today.

Fear Not!! For Behold...I bring YOU!
Good News that will be like no other.
It is not just for you, but for all people.
This day, God wraps flesh around himself and comes near.
He is your rescuer, redeemer, and hero.

So, take off the masks and walk in the light that casts away the darkness.

If you care to try on these masks before you leave, then come on up. I just ask that we leave all our masks at the foot of the cross today. That is where evil has been conquered...now and forevermore.

If I were an M&M...

2007-10-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

Forgive Me

2007-10-23T14:55:00.000-04:00

No sermon recap this week due to lack of time for typing. I will be better next week, maybe, perhaps, hopefully.

I do want to let you know that we had 178 people in Worship Sunday. All I can say is "Wow!" It is great when 2 people show up to worship--it is tremendous when 100 people more than you plan for show up!!

Please check back, the recaps will pick back up next week. Please check out the prayer list--we have many sick people here at Apache and in our extended community.

Clemson win update by Douglas-Sponsored by Grands bisquits

2007-10-21T21:25:00.000-04:00

Clemson 70

Some directional school 14

Have you heard about the new ride at the South Carolina State Fair?

It is named the Commodore Surprise. You start out High and then sink like a lead boot! Who knew Lionel Richie's old group was so talented?

Vandy 17

USC 6

Fortune Cookie from Saturday

2007-10-15T16:13:00.001-04:00

*** God looks after you especially.

Yes, because I surely need it!!

Sermon Recap-Back to the Primary (school):Unclean

2007-10-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

Over the past month or so, I have come to a jarring realization. Three year olds are just nasty little creatures. I just do not recall Douglas being disgusting as a little one, but I realize that often parents are jaded. This is similar to the fact that all babies born naturally look like trolls. I was so proud that Douglas did not look like one--until I looked back at his baby pictures. There looking back at me was a little troll. But at least he was my troll!!

I see from the looks on your face that you may not agree with me. But each morning as I walk into class, I am greeted by kids around a table with food all over their faces and in the floor. After they finish eating and are cleaned up they come forward to the carpet for the "formal" instruction time. Kids sneeze and stuff flies everywhere. When you and I sneeze, we have great decorum and control. A three year old handles sneezes in terms of the Richter scale. Green stuff goes flying and ends up on the person beside them and in their hair and all over everything.

Then we have dirty diapers, and then lunch. Lunch is extraordinary mess on a grander scale. Then we head to the playground. This week, the child that I shadow started licking the playground equipment. Yuck!!

The scriptures talk a good bit about clean and unclean. Today, we encounter a crazy, unclean man and a story that is hard to forget.

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

Mark 5:1-13

So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. With a shriek, he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit." Then Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" And he replied, "My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man." Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place. There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. "Send us into those pigs," the spirits begged. "Let us enter them."

So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

This story is filled with uncleanliness. Jesus was in a "Gentile" village. Non Jewish people were considered to be defiled. Jesus met a man filled with an evil spirit. Possession was also a sign of being unclean. The demoniac lived among the dead. There were tombs all around him. You guessed it, another sign of uncleanliness.

Jesus cast out the demons into swine--UNCLEAN creatures!!

As you came in today you were given a rock. The demoniac was so numb to life he would cut himself with stones. This may have been the only time that he actually felt alive. He had no interaction with normalcy. He was uncontrollable, unliked, unkept, and unclean.

The Gospel impacts his life. On this day, God in the flesh passes through and he is never to be the same. In Christ--he and we are new creatures. We are no longer unclean-for God looks at us and sees the righteousness of Christ.

The demoniac did not need to beat himself up any longer--he was changed. This raving lunatic that had been the talk of the town was still the talk of the town. Now however, it was for different reasons.

Now you would think that the crowd would have been overjoyed to have Christ in their midst. He had cast out the demons of the town loon and maybe life could now return to normal. Instead, the crowd asked Jesus to leave the town and leave them alone. Hmmm, isn't that odd.

You and I are healed, redeemed and freed from the shackles and chains of sin. We have a new purpose and mission in life, but so often forget that we are FREE. Look at that rock in your hand. Today it represents those things that are holding you back from being free. Do we dare choose to keep cutting ourselves with the rock when Christ beckons us to give it all to him.

In sixth grade at a talent show at school I sang a song before the crowd. I have no idea why I liked the song so much. But looking back on it 26 years later, I can appreciate the words more and more. In fact, I think the demon possessed man would appreciate it too!

Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
And are you tired of spinning 'round and 'round?
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
And at the feet of Jesus lay them down

Chorus:
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts and broken toys
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy

Verse:
He never said, you'd only see sunshine
He never said, there'd be no rain
He only promised a heart full of singing
About the very things that once brought pain

Repeat Chorus

And He will turn your sorrow into joy!

Today when you leave this service, I want you to take that rock and chunk it far out into the ocean. Feel it leave your hand, watch it spin and fly through the air, and hear it splash down into the surf. Jesus wants you to give Him your fears and doubts and sickness and broken dreams. Remember that he has move our sins as far away as the East is from the West. Cast those problems into the sea of Forgetfulness.

Now, I do not want to look out and see you trying to find the rock in the bottom of the ocean. Once you give it to Christ--let him keep it! When you think of it this week--remember, it is gone! You chunked it, he grabbed it and you carry it no more. Those rocks are heavy, but Christ gladly takes them--because they are burdens of HIS children.

**Great conversations and prayers after the service. It seems that many were freed today. Let's pray that they keep it that way.

Sermon Recap-Back to the Primary (School) "Teachable Moments"

2007-10-08T14:54:00.000-04:00

Another sermon delivered on a smurfingly lovely day on Apache Pier

This is the third week of a sermon series focusing on events from the Primary school. This is a good place to start, because we have things (ideas and theology, precepts and opinions) that were learned and formed early on in our educational process. Many of these foundational principles have been forgotten and are in need of revisitation and as my Grandma used to say, "I need to learn you a thing or two." Guess what, I need to learn too!

Have you messed up this week? I mean really messed up--royally well? Maybe it was not even a big mess up, but you still have issues.

We have had an exciting week at the primary school. On Friday, Sarah got a knock on her door and Douglas was standing beside his teacher. His class had been looking in the new aquarium that had been set up to help the kids have responsibility in caring for animals and understanding how they live. Douglas, while looking down into the fish tank, SPIT into it. A big oops on his part, or as they say in school, "A Bad Choice."

His dad had taught him the fine art of spitting. We do not do this often. But usually when we look off the side of the pier--we spit and watch it sail in the breeze until it hits the water. I see that you ladies look disgusted--so I must ask the men, "Did your Dad teach you to spit?" (Almost 80% of the males were multi-generational spitters) My flaw in teaching Douglas to spit was the necessary direction of "when and where." He did not get in trouble in this instance...I did.

This week our kids went out to recess. I was watching my 3 yr old autistic child like a hawk. He ran around and played and climbed up the slide and slid down several times. He made another climb up and I waited for 20 seconds and he did not come down. There were several teachers on the large playground equipment where he was hidden from my view. I just knew everything was fine. Another 15 seconds passed...and no little guy. I walked around the equipment and he was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. I was frozen, unable to move, my mind raced but I stood heavy legged and still. Then I was startled to my senses and took off looking for him.

It is of no use to call out his name. He does not recognize or respond. Once he stops running he never stops. I went over to the other playground and scanned quickly for a stocky kid with tight braids. No such luck. I ran into the classroom to see if he happened to be there. I prayed that he was playing in the toilet. No such luck.

I walked out of the classroom and turned around and there he was in the tight grasp of the school disciplinarian. "You're fired, Mr. Jenkins," she said with a wry smile. I told her what had happened. She saw the sweat pouring out of my head and heard the shaking in my voice. "Mr. Jenkins, we are all in this together. Another staffer saw him running wide open through the lunchroom with no plans on slowing down. Everything is OK, you are doing a great job with him, just be careful. Guess what? A kid got away from me one time, too." I took a deep breath and FIRMLY grasped his little hand. We walked back out to the playground.

Jesus was one who took advantage of teachable moments. In a familiar story that is often shared on Easter or the week following--he teaches the right point at the right time.

John 21 (New Living Translation)
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was.

He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said.

So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.

None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.

Teachable moment--The disciples tried it their way and failed. After being a witness to the resurrected Christ and following His direction...amazing things happened. Often the emphasis of this story is on the huge amounts of fish caught and the net not tearing. Now, that is true and amazing. But this time, as I read this story the part that jumped out at me was the fact that Jesus gave them credit for the catch.

Now, if that had been you or I, we would have bragged and said, "I thought you were Sons of Fishermen. It is good that I called you to be a fisher of men, because you all are lousy fisher of fish. Look at what I did, I told you where they were and you caught them. You do not even need a depth finder with me around. Look at me. Look at Me. Bow down to me!!

Amazingly, the story does not end there. Not only does Jesus give them credit for catching the fish--he cooks breakfast and serves them. This is far more than a breakfast, He is teaching a valuable lesson about serving his flock. If the resurrected Christ can serve, if God in the flesh can serve, if out loving Saviour can serve---then certainly we are to serve as well.

When I walked back to the playground, one of the teachers was letting another one of the aides "have an ear full" about propping a door open. We had received several emails about making sure all the doors were closed, and the only way that my little guy could have escaped so quickly was to run in this propped open door. It only took a second, and he had escaped. Blame was being thrown around.

I walked over to the culprit. I looked at her and said, "The door should not have been open, but if I had been watching more closely--the propped open door would have been irrelevant.

Now-I do not have a Messiah complex. I am far from being Christlike-much less Christ. But in this teachable moment, I realized that she knew her mistake. She shared responsibility, but most of it was mine. She needed grace, I had been offered some by the administrator inside the school, and now it was my turn to extend some.

Jesus gives us credit for the good and takes our sin. We get his righteousness and He took the wrath of God on our behalf. Why are we so quick to take ALL the credit and pass ALL the blame?

I guess none of you will ask me to babysit for you. Your kid will know how to spit--if I do not lose him.

Isn't it good that Christ came to seek and save those that were lost? Thanks be to God.

I can't even look!

2007-10-06T14:28:00.000-04:00

Clemson 23

Va Tech 41

September Reads

2007-10-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

Stories of Emergence: Moving from Absolute to Authentic

* * * *

My pleasure reading has almost stopped. I enjoyed this book, and have read a lot of emerging church stuff over the last 3 months. I have about 6 more to knock out, and at the rate I am going, January 2009 will mark completion.

Sermon Recap--Back to the Primary (school)-Recess

2007-10-01T12:40:00.000-04:00

This is the second sermon of a series called "Back to the Primary." There are some basic things about our faith that we need to remember. We have learned them--but somewhere along the way have forgotten. This series has been inspired by the time I am spending in the Primary school shadowing a three year old.

Looking out over this group, I have an idea that most of you had the same feelings about school and education. So the question for you this morning is: "What was your favorite part about school ?" The entire crowd answered..."Recess."

Just what I had anticipated!!

My job of watching my little guy is a lot of fun. In fact it is pretty easy in the rectangular confines of the classroom. The real challenge occurs when we venture outside to the playground area. This is a fairly small area, but it is not totally enclosed. If I lose sight of him for just a second..he could be anywhere on the primary school campus.

In the middle of the playground is a huge combination piece of equipment. It is one of those big climbing things with 4 or 5 slides, a walking bridge, and other fun and colorful attractions for little ones. My little dude likes to run away from me and play the "you cannot get me" game. He gets on the far side of the equipment and looks at me and laughs. He is a non verbal child--no speaking--but he can laugh with the best of them.

Now I love trickery and aggravation. I prefer to be on the giving end of the process. West Virginia lost in Football on Friday evening, and Saturday morning, Alan Gordon and Jenn were walking past my place and I just had to open the door and give them a hard time. I knew that I should not do that, but I just had to do it. Guess what? This morning he ran right up to me to return the favor.

Friday morning was a normal morning--running around trying to get everything ready for school. I grabbed a pack of peanut butter crackers and Douglas and his book bag and everything else I needed. He was snug in the car seat and we took off. I could not find my crackers. I felt in the seat, between the seat, under the seat...all while driving down Kings Hwy. I asked Douglas if he had my crackers, and he answered, "No."

I pulled over and parked and we ran into Krispy Kreme for a coffee. I know what you are thinking. No, I did not get any doughnuts....just coffee. I looked in the back seat, still no crackers. Before school is the only time that I can eat breakfast and it looked like the stomach would be growling.

As we were pulling into the school, Douglas said, "Look Daddy what I have. Can Douglas eat Daddy's crackers ?" I could not help but laugh. He had hid those from me all the way down the road. He had put them in his pocket when we went in Krispy Kreme, and watched me look all over the car for them. A great job of hiding--wouldn't you say?

We all do a lot of hiding. It seems so fruitless to play hide and seek with an all knowing God.

Genesis 3:8-13

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”
Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”
“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

Hiding from God, naked and ashamed, they attempted to cover up. We still do the same thing today.

He made us to have fellowship with Him. He wants us to worship and enjoy Him forever.

Do we enjoy God? Or do we spend a lot of time trying to cover up our authentic selves from Him? Guess what? He knows us already.

This past week I was talking to someone and asked them if I could pray for them. The reply came and was meant to be humorous--but also spoke to a deeper truth. "I am sure that God has much more important things to worry about." In effect, they were saying, "I am not sure that my stuff matters or that I matter to God.

We have a little guy in our class that is so smart. His issue is impulsive and aggressive behavior. We were walking out to recess and I had my pupil with my right hand and the impulsive child with my left. Mr. Left hand and I had a conversation. Well, actually it was mostly me talking--but he was a captive audience.

"Now when the door opens, we need to let the other children go out first. I want you to have a lot of fun on the playground. No pushing, wait you turn and make good choices." His reply-"Yes sir."

The door opened-he jerked free, ran past the children and up the slide. The class that we share time with was already playing and He knocked three children down and ran to the slide and down he came with much joy and satisfaction.

The parent in me boiled. "I just told him not to do that. I gave him step by step instructions and even told him why it is good to make good choices--and He did the opposite."

My Spirit groaned as I realized that I too am impulsive. I, too, react without thinking of others. I am the impulsive little boy that hides from God.

He clothed Adam and Eve with a sacrifice and He clothes us with the righteousness of Christ.

Because of that grace, I challenge you to come clean with God...and ENJOY HIM. I release you to play this week, squeal and run and chase after the one who loves YOU, and longs to spend quality time with you, slow down long enough to hear His laughter and let him catch you.

The Face Says it all...

2007-09-30T21:34:00.000-04:00

Clemson 3

Ga. Tech 13

Sermon Recap: Back to the Primary(school)--Lunchtime

2007-09-25T16:33:00.000-04:00

Picture in honor of Amy Jenkins Maxton-lover of all things smurfy.

This is the first week of a sermon series titled,"Back to the Primary-Things we knew already but have forgotten." Hope you all enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the preparation time.

For our 3 year olds at the Primary school, one of the best parts of the day is lunchtime. At 10:20 we begin the process of degermification. We take our little ones to the bathroom in shifts and then sanitize them. We do not use a pressure washer or anything like that, the item used is a miracle gel. To be honest, I do not buy into the whole antibacterial deal. Not to long ago I heard a comedy routine with George Carlin. He talked about his childhood and how his mom would let him play in the sewer drains in New York City. He then went on to say that he never gets sick. He credits this to all the strong immunity his body built up over time. On the other end of the spectrum is the way we attempt to keep our kids healthy and ungermed. A squirt of the magic gel, a little rubbing and then they are off to get in line.

We have an appointed line leader--this is a position of mere title. The problem we have is that our line of six, three year-olds is not really a line. It is a part snake and part stampeding bull and it seems useless to get them in the appointed places. We have one little girl with a limp. She always moves to the left. We are supposed to stay hugged against the wall on the right side of the hall. She bounces about to the left--I steer her back to the right. As soon as she gets lined back up, off to the left she pops again.

We find our spots at the table. My little guy is always impatient and wants his food, NOW!!! He does not talk, but he lets me know that he is hungry and does not want to wait on the assistant to warm it up. His mom sends the same thing for him to eat everyday. No, really...everyday. He has chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes. He never eats the potatoes, but inhales the chicken. I make the sign language symbol for chicken--he never makes the sign and I give him the chicken anyway.

The little boy across from me at the table has anger issues. He is super smart, but oh my!! If he does not get his way it is chaotic. He throws himself in the floor and throws whatever he has across the room. He gets so angry he jerks all over and he loves to push people. At lunch, he just sits there, super still and never eats a thing.

We have one little girl that is super messy. Chocolate milk goes everywhere and food is all over the people that sit beside her. She needs to wear a bib, but it would never stay on the entire 30 minutes. I made sure the second day I was there to always have someone sitting between she and I.

This motley crew of three year olds share a table 4 days a week at school. Food is important for them, just as it was for the people in the scripture today. Often times we forget how many stories there are in the bible that are about food.

John 6:30-34

They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

The people wanted a sign. Show us a sign and we will believe. Moses showed us and we followed him. What are you going to do, Jesus?

I just love the hint of sarcasm in the voice of Christ. My loose translation is..."Let me tell you something--Moses did nothing. My Dad did that, and guess what He is still offering you something but this is much better than before.

I am enough to fill you forever. The manna was a daily portion, my portion is for a lifetime and then on into eternity.

They wanted some of what he had to offer then. Give us that bread EVERYDAY!! Reminds me of my little guy with the chicken. It is the same everyday, but it fills him. Are we satisfied with Jesus. Is he enough? Seems like we always want more when what we really need is right here.

This morning we are coming to the Table of Christ. Is His body (bread) enough? Is His blood (the cup) still sufficient for you and me? Maybe we long for something more exotic and dynamic--but the reality is that nothing can take the place of Christ in our lives. We try to fill the "God shaped void" and we find ourselves gorged, but empty.

In this time of silence before coming to the table--ask God to show you what has gotten you off track. Don't fool yourselves. We are all in the same boat here. We have not given God our whole heart and we rarely love our neighbors as ourselves.

Remember--He is enough for whatever you are facing..yesterday, today and tomorrow.

**While serving over 115 people Communion, I said to one gentleman, "The blood of Christ given for You." His reply, "I am so glad to have a place at his table."

Guess what? There is room for another---care to join us?

Clemson win total by Douglas--sponsored by Rooms to Go

2007-09-24T21:10:00.000-04:00

Clemson 42

NC State 20

Quote- "But Daddy, what about our good friend Sammy?"

Reply- "It's OK son, He's used to losing to Clemson."

"How bout them Tigers!"

Clemson win total by Douglas--Sponsored by Yamaha Golf Carts

2007-09-16T19:03:00.001-04:00

click to enlarge

Clemson 38
Furman 10

"Daddy, I think I need to get more Clemson stuff."--Douglas

Worth Repeating--Sermon Recap

2007-09-16T17:30:00.001-04:00

For the past three weeks I have started to become acclimated to my new part time job at Myrtle Beach Primary school. My job is to shadow a three year old autistic child. I am there for half a day on M, Tu, Thu, and Friday. I really enjoy it, but it has presented several challenges.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the repetition of each day. For primary and elementary school teachers, life is similar to the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day. Every day is the same routine, doing the same things, saying the same things and teaching the same things. For the last week, we have been reading the following book.

Douglas, our five year old and resident children's literature specialist will assist me this morning in the reading of Brown Bear, Brown Bear--What do you see? (This was a non practiced event and I have great fear not knowing what He will do when He has a microphone in his hand. He had the book 90% memorized, he messed up in a few places and sighed and put his head down. He then got the right word and kept on working through the book until he completed the task.)

Now what is the author trying to teach children in this little tale?

(Audience Answers) He is teaching about different animals. He is trying to teach about different colors. He is teaching repetition and basic words. He is also encouraging interaction between teacher and student.

When this book was written there was an intended purpose, and you all have done a great job of picking up on it.

This morning, our scripture passage speaks of purpose as well.

John 20:30-32 states for us:

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

This certain book of scripture in many ways encapsulated the intended purpose of the entirety of the biblical Canon. We have these stories so that we can come in contact with Jesus. After the contact, then the intent is that we will Believe. After believing, then we will live empowered lives by the Spirit.

At school we spend a lot of time reinforcing positive behavior and keeping of rules. My little guy runs me around that room all morning long. He slides back to the sink and turns on the water. I get him out of that situation and start to clean up, and then in a flash he is up front in a cabinet pulling stuff out and throwing it all on the floor. I toss the water filled paper towel in the trash and run up front, and.....he runs to the back for the sink again. Now I could just make him sit in the chair beside me while I clean up, but he will never learn if I do not give him some freedom.

I have been able to get him to understand that he cannot throw things in class, except for a little cloth baby doll. The flipping and throwing of things is one of the few things that calms him down. My strong hand on his shoulder or chest is the other. Often he only needs to realize that I am there, and then he calms down and settles in to the routine. He is a little dude trapped inside himself, unable to tell others what is going on. Imagine the frustration involved in his daily routine.

Over the next several weeks, we are going to be looking at "Primary School" aspects of scripture. These are things that we know, but often forget. C.S. Lewis even spoke of preaching in this way. He said that our primary task as ministers is to remind people of the timeless truths that they have learned but forgotten.

When I was in 3rd grade, I had to learn my multiplication tables. I did great with them except for 6x4. I know, it was simple memorization--but for some reason I just could not get that one. As hard as I tried to make it that way, 6x4 was not 26.

From a spiritual standpoint, we too know the basics. We have memorized the answers, but when the hard times come and the crisis of belief sets in....often we answer 6x4 is 26. The reality is that 6x4 is 24, and that God has made promises to us that have been, are and always will be true.

What has you agitated today? Have you gotten yourself worked up by believing in your ability to solve your own problems? Are you unable to verbalize the hurt and anger that you have inside? Perhaps this morning, We need to be reminded of the gentle hand of God, on our shoulders reminding us of his presence.

The next few weeks will show us the Basics and then we will look into the more technical. One of the great things about Douglas and his reading was not that he did so well. He did a great job, and as his Father, I am proud of him. But I am most assured of the fact that when he messed up, he kept trying and finished his task.

God has a task for us, and although we often mess it up, I am sure that He is so very proud of us for persevering. I am excited about sitting on the carpet in God's classroom, and invite you to join me. By the way, don't be late...or you will need a hall pass.

Nurturing my Inner Redneck

2007-09-15T08:29:00.000-04:00

This morning at 6:15, I hopped in the KIA and took off to find a strong cup of coffee. The waitress handed me my "To-Go" and called me "Sugar", I just love that. I scooted toward the Pavilion Parking Garage for South Carolina's Largest Garage Sale.

Lots of People with Lots of Junk-- I love ebay, but it has killed the Old Time Jockey Lot. Now it has pretty much turned into vendors hawking wares with no real "finds" to be found.

There was a Native American musician playing some kind of blowing flute deal as Rednecks were nudging people with elbows, hips and wagons. Bojangles vendors were selling biscuits while most of Myrtle Beach was still snoozing or just getting in from clubbing. What song was the guy playing? The Sound of Silence--by non Indians, Simon and Garfunkel. I passed on the CD.

Here is the run down:

Coffee-1.25
Tip- .75

Parking Meter 2.00
Chicken Biscuit 3.00

Raffle Ticket for High School 5.00
My Pavilion Final Season T Shirt 2.50

Sarah's Pavilion T Shirt 2.50

Putt Putt Ad shirt for Douglas 4 @ 1.00 each

Grand Total--21.00

Nurturing my Inner redneck---Priceless.

Now, for lunch...an RC Cola and a Moon Pie!

Meet Mercury

2007-09-13T20:02:00.000-04:00

Douglas has names for each of our vehicles. The mini-van is "Rocket" from the animated series, Little Einsteins. The black convertible is "Shadow" because it sounds cool. Shadow is being replaced, as overnight I have turned into an old man. Due to our promotion and the need for more driving and schmoozing, the Shadow is being sold.

I did not intend on purchasing this car so fast, but it fell smack into my lap. So, meet Mercury, the Grand Marquis that will be paid off in less than a year. The dealer actually is a member of one of our sponsoring churches, and while there I helped him do his bible study homework. We continue to be amazed how God provides for us.

Now I walk out of the house and see a mini-van and a land yacht, and I do not look like "Mr. Incredible" in either of them. I figured since we eat dinner at 4 every night and play putt-putt it was time to get the badge of old age. Stay outta my way, I make WIDE TURNS!!

Clemson win total by Douglas--Sponsored by Apache Pier

2007-09-09T19:11:00.000-04:00

Clemson 49

La. Monroe 26

Quote: "I think La. Monroe could beat Fla. State."-- Tommy Bowden

All quotes from the mind of the photographer.

Look what I found-Sermon Recap

2007-09-09T15:09:00.000-04:00

This past week on the news there was an interesting story about a piece of property in the fastest growing area for new house builds in our area. Property prices are through the roof and some couple had bought their piece of Earth. It was time to dig down and lay the foundation and guess what they found? Artillery shells from WWII. Not quite what they expected.

Now you all know how I am, and if you don't, well you will soon. When I hear things like this it gets me thinking about other digging stories and how it all applies to our life in Christ. If we did down deep into our past we often find things far worse than artillery shells. These are the things that often hold us back and keep us from being who were created to be in Christ. I just read this past week that our self image is almost completely formed by the time we are in the second grade. Now I have not done a lot of follow up research on this, but it sure seems about right. Many of our parents and teachers had good intentions but let's face it, they each made mistakes. Sarah and I try to breath and speak confidence into Douglas so he will believe that he is special and important and can do anything he sets his mind toward. Yet we are not perfect and we pray that those mistakes made by us will be covered in grace and he will have a healthy self image. Many of us still hear the voices of an authority figure in our past saying words like,"You are stupid, You are no good, You are not as pretty as ________, you will never amount to anything, I wish I had never had you....etc."

The sad part is in many of these situations, those people are not even alive anymore so that we can clear the air and start over again. The voices from the past can be haunting if we keep listening to them. When you look in that mirror, what is your first thought? Negative? Artillery shells indeed!

I read another story about digging this past March. It made me laugh and smile.

(AP) Matt White, a journeyman pitcher trying to make the Los Angeles Dodgers, could become baseball's first billionaire player. It has nothing to do with his arm. He owns a rock quarry in western Massachusetts. White, who has appeared in seven big league games in nine professional seasons, paid $50,000 three years ago to buy 50 acres of land from an elderly aunt who needed the money to pay for a nursing home. While clearing out a couple acres to build a home, he discovered stone ledges in the ground, prompting him to have the property surveyed. A geologist estimated there were 24 million tons of the stone on his land. The stone is being sold for upward of $100 per ton, meaning there's well over $2 billion worth of material used for sidewalks, patios and the like. Of course, that doesn't factor in the expenses involved in processing the stone and transporting it for sale. "It sounds bogus even saying those numbers," White said. "I'm just a small town guy trying to get to the big leagues. It's beyond comprehension."

So, there is a positive digging story! But the scripture tells us about more ground and raising and identity.

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Identity is a fragile thing. Do the voices tell you that you are no good and that God cannot love you, care for you and use you? Do they tell you that you are not worthy of the lavishing love of God? Good!! The gospel is that we are not worthy, we are not deserving. But, if we are buried with him we are raise again to the newness and fullness of life. Christ, in the great exchange on the cross took all our sin and GAVE us his righteousness. We are his children not because we deserve it or merit it, but because he claims us as his own.

For those who accept this gift, this identity, this newness, this fullness we must puss back the voices that tell us to perform, conform and do the dance for acceptance. This is something you and I need to tell ourselves often. Daily may not even be enough!!

There is nothing I can do to make God love me more. There is nothing I can do to make God love me less.

That is the definition of grace that I learned form the Brennan Manning classic, The Ragamuffin Gospel. The church and the world often makes us perform for approval. Jesus has done all the performing that is necessary! Our works should not be approval seeking, but they should be a "thanks" to God for his grace.

This week, dig deeper and find out what the voices are saying. My prayer is that you will know exactly what to tell them when they speak. That is more valuable than billions worth of rock and much more lasting and stable.

A Forwarded Email--Sometimes they are good!!

2007-09-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Clemson Win Total by Douglas---Sponsored by SONIC

2007-09-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

Clemson 24

Florida State 18

Quotes from the Game: "They beat us again, Dadgummit." Bobby Bowden, FSU Legend

"That is 4 out of 5 for us. Who's Daddy now?" Tommy Bowden, Clemson Coach

All quotes are from the mind of the photographer.

On a Pedestal---Sermon Recap

2007-09-02T16:40:00.000-04:00

I am usually not a preacher that rants and raves about things. I try to keep my head clear and stay on a fairly even keel. This week, the sermon is a little different. I do however think that it is needed and necessary.

This past week I was listening to the radio and the 20 second news report came over the waves. There was a wreck backing up traffic, a senator who was not gay that was gay, and a blurb about the war on Terror. The nice little radio voice then gave me the best news of the Day, Cameron Diaz is 35 years old today!

I am not sure when our society took such a marked turn to emphasis of celebrity. Now it seems that Ryan Seacrest is everywhere telling us what so and so is wearing, dating or doing. Paris Hilton is everywhere, and she has not really done anything that matters except star in a movie on the internet with bad lighting and be born to rich hotel moguls. She actually makes 75,000 dollars just to make an appearance at clubs for parties. In some cases the price is closer to A QUARTER OF A MILLION! Lindsey Lohan is in and out of rehab, Brit Spears is a train wreck that we cannot help but watch, and the list goes on and on.

I have a few vices, none of which I am proud of, except my coffee addiction. I love good coffee, strong coffee with Espresso and Starbucks does it best. About a month ago, I had a message on the side of my cup as part of their "The Way I see it campaign." Each week the message changes and it is there to spark thought and encourage conversation about issues. The real plan is to get you to hang out and buy more coffee and strudel and music and then get hooked, but the message is on the cup regardless.

This message was spot on and had to be shared:

Many people lack a spiritual belief system and fill that void with obsessions about celebrities. The celebrities are raised to the rank of gods, and these earthly gods will always fail the expectations the masses have set for them. The cycle runs thusly: adoration turns to obsession, obsession turns to disappointment, and from disappointment it is a just a short emotional jump to contempt.-- Donna Phillips, Claremont CA

I do not know who Donna Phillips is, but she is right. The issue is not just about movie stars.

I love sports and the landscape of athletics is littered with idols. If we elevate people to the position of God we will be so disappointed. Poor Mike Vick, Poor O.J. Simpson, sports is a real issue as it comes to idolatry.

What about religion? Now I fear to say this because you all may revolt and toss me off this pier to the sharks, but what about preachers. Do we idolize them too, do we make them celebrities and give more credence to their message of Christ than another? Think about it. Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, Hagee, Fallwell, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer and the list goes on and on. Is the Gospel from their lips of any greater worth? Last week I could not help but chuckle when I saw Mr. T preaching on TBN. No, I do not normally watch TBN, but I was flipping and there it was staring me in the face. I just kept waiting on him to say, "I pity da fool that rejects Jesus," but I must have missed it.

This week I conducted three funerals. I though about titling this message, "You Can't spell funeral without Fun", but decided against it. Last Sunday was my Grandmother, midweek was a middle age campground resident that died in her sleep and yesterday was an 18 year old that died in a car accident on her first day of college. Families torn apart with grief, burdens and raw emotion.

This I know to be true; the hope in each of these situations is not Paris Hilton, Lohan, Spears, Vick, Graham or Hinn. The only Hope for these families is Jesus. The scripture speaks to our hope and it does not talk of celebrity.

The Hope of the Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

Jesus is the hope at death and in life. Our hope is not because of our merit, good looks or family. Oh, that is wrong...it is all about family. We are His children, not because we deserve it, but because he loves us enough to die for us. He gave each of these families strength enough to keep pressing on...and believing.

He is the only celebrity worth talking about. He with no implants, no makeovers, and no shameless self promotion. He is our reason for being, he is our hope, he is our peace, he conquered death, hell, and the grave. Where is CNN when you need them?

So, Who are you raising up on the pedestal? It may shock us if we really take the time to analyze and answer.

August Readings

2007-08-28T19:38:00.000-04:00

I have been able to read a lot in August. No wonder I am in such a good mood. This much reading is a rarity, and has been a lot of fun.

* * * *

Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church (The Leadership Network Innovation) (Paperback) by Mark Driscoll

* * *

Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation (Paperback) by Sarah Cunningham

* * *

Faith of My Fathers: Conversations with Three Generations of Pastors about Church, Ministry, and Culture (Emergentys) (Paperback) by Chris Seay (Author)

This book is from the xxx church group. A good book that speaks about the addiction that is never talked about. These folks are not just flapping their gums, they are at Porn Conventions making a difference for Christ. Interested yet? Guess what? They even take wives along for accountability. I give this one

* * * * *.

Never stick your tongue out at Mama : and other life transforming revelations

Picked this one up at the local library. Should have left it there.

* *

by Max Davis

Sermon Maker, The (Hardcover) by Calvin Miller

Good book about preaching and touching the congregation. Need more preaching books like this. Many sermons are heavy on the Theology and light on the stuff that life is made of. Miller talks about a combination of the two.

* * * * *

Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Cover Image May Vary) by Rob Bell

I like this book, especially the middle section about Grace. It reminded me a lot of the Brennan Manning Classic, The Ragamuffin Gospel. Sometimes Rob Bells choppy writing style is aggravating. I think his NOOMA film stuff is great. Check it out at http://www.nooma.com/

* * * *

The Complete Live and Learn and Pass It on: People Ages 5 to 95 Share What They've Discovered About Life, Love, and Other Good Stuff (Hardcover) by H. Jackson Brown

Simple little book that can make you think. Good Bathroom reading---if you are inclined to pondering things while sitting.

* * * *

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality And Spirituality (Hardcover) by Rob Bell (Author)

I especially enjoyed the beginning and the end of this book. See note on Rob Bell above.

* * * *

Career Placement Test--Sermon Recap

2007-08-28T06:43:00.000-04:00

In the Fall of 1984, I was sitting in Freshman English in a small classroom in Inman, S.C. Standardized Tests were given out and we answered about 200 questions, in hopes that we would begin thinking about our futures. As a Freshman, I was not thinking a lot about anything, unless it was girls, and that job did not pay too well.

After thinking about the test and carefully answering each question, I turned it in. Mr. Burns, the bearded English prof said, "Thanks, Mr. Jenkins," and off to the computer tabulation center it went.

About 6 weeks later the results came back. What was the proposed course for my future? Well, here goes:

1- Crime Scene Investigator- Now this is before the barrage of TV series about murder and figuring out whodunnit, only Jack Klugman, as Quincy was doing this well at this time. I was encouraged at the prospect of this career. I liked Quincy, he lived on a boat and that helped with the ladies.

2- Writer

3- Teacher

Now I am sure that some of you are surprised that I did not score well in the preaching area. Now that I think about it, you may not be surprised at all. Some of you may be saying, "Ahh, so that explains his problem." I did some research about the CSI work and decided I was not interested in all the Math and chemistry needed to succeed in this field. I have a few friends that are math nerds. I like them, in fact I like them a lot, but my mind just does not work that way.

It is funny though how I have not been able to escape dealing with death and dying. As a minister it happens all the time. People often ask about my congregation and what kind of people I work with. I reply, "From Womb to Tomb." The past three weeks I have dealt heavily in death and it seems to be everywhere I look.

Several weeks ago, I got a call from my uncle concerning the declining health of my Grandmother. I grabbed 5 days worth of clothes, a few books, and my Funeral Garb. You see, I even have special clothes to "Marry 'em or Bury 'em." The Geneva Gown is black with ruffles sleeves and looks very formal and solemn. I though black had a slimming effect, but somehow I think it does not apply with me.

The drive of 4 hours to the upstate of SC is one that I enjoy. Especially when I am alone. My mind takes me many places and often I get lost in the music and memories and wake out of my Daze around Columbia, SC. The car is a place where I clear my mind and has been the birthplace of many sermons. I do not do it much anymore, but I have been known to drive around and get lost and end up in the middle of nowhere. But, I drive still.

On that trip home, I thought a lot about my Grandmothers life. She was married over 50 years to my Pop. (There is a story about him on down in the blog--Check it out) In ways, she never recovered from his death. She lost 2 sons to tragedy and illness, and spent her life in a hard working but simple manner. If anything would make me lose my faith, it would be to lose my son in a tragedy. I guess that is one of those fears of mine that borders on the irrational, but the shroud of death is there. Although she suffered all that loss---she never lost her faith.

A stroke had left her unable to walk and becoming less able to talk and interact. I entered the hospital room and approached the bed. I grasped her hand and moved toward her ear, "How you doing, sweetie?" She was barely able to get out the reply, but it still came, "One Day at a time, Richard, One Day at a Time." The voice of a fellow walker on this road of life spoke from my soul, "Aren't we all, Grandma....Aren't we all." A day later, she stopped eating and drinking.

I spent about 5 days there. What does one do when death is coming? What is there to do beside one who cannot even talk anymore? I told Grandma that she was the best Strawberry Cake maker ever. I touched her face. I dipped a little mouth sponge on a stick into mouthwash to give her a fresh mouth. I helped nurses change a diaper and give a bath and realized that she once gave my Dad a bath and changed diapers too.

Her last remaining son is only 5 years older than me. He was a late gift to them. I have a pic of my Dad in a Graduation gown holding his little brother. Now that is a surprise! He has not had an easy time. Being raised by aging parents, competing with stories and memories of brothers that are dead. Dead people don't make mistakes, and sometimes his were magnified. The past few weeks have brought us closer. I have been able to meet his new wife and share a meal in their home. We were able to pray together and encourage each other and tell a few stories that brought smiles. Even her death has been a source of unity and reconciliation.

Driving to the hospital one morning, a little pup ran full speed out in front of me. I dodged to miss him and He kept running. Where to...? He was running toward a graveyard. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw gray hairs peeking through the red on my goatee.

I drove past a telephone pole that my buddy, Brent Blackwell ran his camaro into in 1986. It was in front of a mortuary. He lived, but the pole was still crooked.

I grabbed a paper and read about death. Local, State, National, and World....death.

We seem so separated from God, we seem so seperated from each other. We seem to be trapped by our fears and problems. What is our Hope? Is there an answer?

Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One evening, I looked over and my grandmother was playing with her wedding band. I couldn't help thinking that she was thinking about my Pop. I thought about their love and a deeper love as well.

Because she is His Bride--Death has been conquered
Because Death has been conquered-She has no need to fear
Because she has no need to fear--She has peace
Because she has peace-she is longing for him.

Because she longs for Him--He comes to get her
He comes to get her--because she is His bride.

Years ago at the lake, Grandma would call me or Amy and ask us to meet her at the fence. She would make me Strawberry Cake or make Amy a chocolate pie. There were more calls to Amy than me--but who's counting! We would reach over the fence and reach over to get the prize, a gift of her love.

Christ would meet my Grandma on Friday evening. She was wrapped in His righteousness as she entered into heaven. Jesus met her at the gate and ushered her in. He reached across and offered the gift of healing and restoration---and she will never be the same.

No matter what you are struggling with today, Jesus is there to meet you at the Fence and offer what you need. I have a feeling that if he can conquer Sin and Death and Hell...you are a piece of cake. Not strawberry, that is all mine...but you are a piece of cake. Reach out, he is there for you!!

Things I think about

2007-08-27T19:27:00.000-04:00

If you see a self help book reduced to half price should you buy it?

I saw two Baptist churches side by side the other day. The names were Happy Home Baptist and Christian Fellowship Baptist. I bet they split over the color of carpet.

Thief

2007-08-22T16:39:00.001-04:00

This Guy stole my book. Not really, but this is the book that I wanted to write. The sad part for me is that he wrote it better than I would have. The good part is that you can read my book and I can work on my new book. Unless Donald Miller steals it too! So, the question for you is...

"Who wants to borrow my book first?"

Not sure if an Apology suffices...

2007-08-14T18:49:00.000-04:00

Bubble gum with Nazi sticker sold in Israel

Roll Bubble Gum's surprise sticker turns out to be of swastika wearing Nazi officer.
Reuters
Published:
08.14.07, 08:21 / Israel Jewish Scene

An Israeli woman was astounded to find a tattoo- sticker of a Nazi soldier inside a pack of bubble gum she had bought at her local store, Maariv daily reported recently.
"A surprise awaits you," said the "Roll Bubble Gum" pack, showing a picture of a pink wrapper alongside what it said was the sticker, which showed a Nazi officer in uniform and wearing a swastika armband.
Some suggested that the sticker was of "Red Skull", which is the name of a Marvel Comics villain, who is the enemy of Captain America.
Marvel featured three Red Skull villains in its comics, the first two were Nazi agents and the third a communist.
The newspaper quoted Orna Gutman, 23, as telling its website the pack's label was in Arabic and English and stated the gum was made in China but did not name the importer.

Sermon Recap- Holding the Reins

2007-08-12T21:30:00.000-04:00

There are many different styles and approaches to preaching. The most popular style is the Expository approach. In this approach the preacher usually preaches through a book of the bible and breaks it down, verse by verse, paying special attention to original languages, word studies, cultural dynamics, and attempting to make the leap from a time long past to our present day situations. I like this approach, especially for churches filled with people that are lacking in basic biblical knowledge. The problem that I have with this kind of preaching is that often it is repetitive. If you have heard one exposition of The Adam and Eve story, then you pretty much have it and know where the preacher is going. There are essentially no surprises.

Another approach is the topical sermon. I am not a big fan of this approach because often it turns into soapbox preaching. Often a preacher will pick a sin to "rail about" for the week and find a lot of "proof texts" to substantiate their views. Popular topical sermons deal with homosexuality, divorce, alcoholism, and abortion. Often these types of sermons neglect the systematic whole of the scriptures and reduce the bible to a book of do's and don'ts.

Some very creative preachers act out the biblical story in a first person account. These ministers are extremely talented and imaginative. This technique is effective if used sparingly. A problem with that approach is that often a lot has to be added to a biblical account to make the presentation flow. This could pose as a danger, but often these dramatic monologues show the emotion of the characters involved and turn the scripture into much more than mere words on a page.

There are other approaches as well. My approach is a hybrid version. I think that is is very important to listen to what God is saying in your life. Often we walk around, paying little or no attention to the quiet voice of God. We need to notice the gentle pushes and amazing things that happen in our lives. My goal is to tell my stories and encourage you to tell your story. These touches of God, these Holy experiences, in light of the total scripture are often the things that let us know that we are not alone.

Six weeks ago, I went to the urologist. Sarah and I both have control issues.(Laughter) Now before you laugh too much, I know that some of you do too. We are all compelled to control and often times we are so good at it that we are blind to it and others are as well. So, I made an appointment for a surgical procedure, and gave my fine, caring doctor a one week window to work with. He gave me a date for the procedure, and I gave him money. I lined up someone to preach for me, and Sarah contacted her parent to keep Douglas. Everything was great until two days before the surgery...the receptionist called. "Mr. Jenkins, I know that you were scheduled for surgery on Thursday, but the Dr. will not be in that day. We need to reschedule you for the next week. Tuesday will be your day."

Let me tell you all, sometimes it is hard to be a Christian. Guess what, sometimes it is hard to be a Chaplain too. Many things flashed through my mind to say, and none of them were biblical. I had made all these plans, and I had secured a preacher, and I had planned to Go to my Moms the next week and I had already decided what I was going to read in the bed after my procedure and I...well you get the picture.

I was riding the horse named Life and I was holding the reins tight. I expected my life to go in accordance to my will and the way I yanked those reins. Guess what? God taught me a valuable lesson. He kinda sounded like Kenny Rogers, "You gotta know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em.

The plans changed and I went to visit the family a week early. I had the best time with them that I have had in years. It was laid back and non stressful. I was only there a brief time but was able to have good conversations with several family members and we just loved being together. It was time to let go of those reins that I HELD SO TIGHT. It is funny how God knows us better than we know ourselves.

On the way home last Sunday, I stopped at my usual pit stop area off Clemson Rd in the heart of Columbia. I grabbed my coffee and got ready to pay. I was in such a good mood and so thankful for what God had done that I told the cashier that I would pay for the paper that the lady behind me had in her hand. The lady asked, "Well, do you want the sports section or something?" "It is just for you, and remember God loves you." Now I do not normally do that kind of stuff. In fact, I am not sure why I did it then. I got back in the van and headed up the road.

Sarah called and told me that worship went well. Before I could tell my story, she told me this:

"Richard, we were in Plantation Pancake house about 5 minutes ago and Billy Ray(one of our regular folks) came by and paid for my breakfast. Oh, he paid for Peter and Deena's too. (They had helped with services in my absence.) Isn't that something?"

Now at the same time that I bought a paper my family was being provided for. Now I am not one of those TV preachers that treat God like a cosmic ATM. But it is funny how those tokens of Good will come flying back at us.

So in the instance, God spoke to me reminding my that I can pick up the reins of my life and make a difference in the lives of others. our lives are here to give away...not orchestrate. Our friends and family and neighbors are gifts, not to control...but to cherish.

I shared 2 other stories, but will not type those.

Scriptural emphasis was---

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all Thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths. PROVERBS 3:5

I used this text within the past 3 months---but evidently God planned for a revisitation!

The Follies of a Foley

2007-08-09T13:48:00.000-04:00

The catheter was removed today. I am gradually getting more comfortable (odd word choice) with the process. Our bodies are all "fearfully and wonderfully made," at least that is the way the KJV puts it, and mine is closer to the fearful than the wonderful. Of all the places in the world to have scar tissue build-up, I happen to have it in my urinary tract. So, I ask the urologist what causes such a thing, and he gave me several possibilities:

1-Rough Sex--For some reason, this is not the one I am leaning toward. Surely he was being a funny Urologist!

2-STD--Squeaky Clean here!

3-Trauma due to sports injury--Now were on to something!

4-Born that way--Maybe, but why would it first manifest itself at the age of 33?

So, I am leaning toward my days of umpiring baseball and the wildness of pitches coming from the arms of 12 year olds.

The bad news is that this procedure is repeated usually once a year.

This is the fourth time that this procedure had been performed.

The first time, the catheter was TOO WIDE. Very painful. Removal of the too wide catheter was even more painful.

Second time--Catheter was too small. Passed blood clots for three days. Removal was easy.

Third Time--Just like the three bears, "Just Right." I moved around a good bit and bled a fair amount. Removal was a cinch.

Fourth Time-No moving around, perfect fit, minimal bleeding. Had a scare this morning though. When the nurse attempted to drain the water out of the balloon that holds the catheter in the bladder, the water did not come out as it normally does. Usually it is a pull of the plunger and the bulb deflates and "out comes the catheter." Today a few drops would come out and then she would start over and then a few drops more. Viewing this from above, I had way too much time to think. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, as I envisioned the outcome of a partially deflated balloon being pulled through the place where a partially deflated balloon should not come. I took a deep breath, the nurse made a deep pull, and no reconstructive surgery was needed. All is Well!!

Although she made numerous threats to yank my catheter while I was down, Sarah was a very good nurse.

So, gentlemen..."Be nice to the wife, you never know when you may be in a situation where she has the upper hand. Oh, never mind, they always have the upper hand."

Skipping Church

2007-08-06T18:54:00.000-04:00

No church for me this week. I took a quick trip to Lyman, S.C. to visit family. Douglas and I had a great time and Sarah enjoyed being alone for a bit. I had originally planned to take the trip this week, but my surgery date was changed. I had already secured a guest speaker, my good friend Peter Copeland.

During the worship hour I was in the middle of my drive home. I loved being able to listen to my music very loudly. The IPod holds 5000 songs. I think that it has 1200 that Sarah likes and I hate. There is also 1600 super high quality songs that I appreciate and that she despises. The remaining 200 songs we agree on. So, I put on the stuff that I liked and in the 4 hour drive I went through about 100 songs or so. These were the favorites of the trip.

Eleanor Rigby-Beatles
Lady Madonna-Beatles
Red House-Jimi Hendrix
Hey Joe-Jimi Hendrix
Brand New Day-Sting
One-U2
Mysterious Ways-U2
Hallelujah, I love her so-Ray Charles
Taking It to the Streets-The Doobie Brothers
You shook me all night long-AC/DC
I'm on Fire-Bruce Springstein
There will come a Day-Faith Hill
Not enough love in the World-Don Henley
Boys of Summer-Don Henley
Sunset Grille-Don Henley

So, I missed church and listened to AC/DC and the Doobies. Instead of the lyrics to "You Shook me all night long", I want to share the words of Rich Mullins, one of my favorite lyricists. Enjoy, and feel free to share how much you like or dislike my music. Sarah always does.

Well, I am a good Midwestern boy
I give an honest day's work if I can get it
I don't cheat on my taxes,
I don't cheat on my girl
I've got values that would make the White House jealous

Well, I do get a little much over-impressed
'Til I think of Peter and Paul and the apostles
I don't stack up too well against them I guess
But by the standards 'round here
I ain't doing that awful Lord,

it's hard to turn the other cheek
Hard to bless when others curse you
Oh Lord, it's hard to be a man of peace

Lord, it's hard, oh it's hard, You know it's hard to be like Jesus
Don't you know it's hard, oh it's hard, Oh Lord, it's hard to be like Jesus

And it's hard to step out on them waves
Hard to walk beyond your vision
Oh Lord, it's hard to be a man of faith

Lord, it's hard, Lord, it's hard, Oh Lord, it's hard to be like Jesus
Don't you know it's hard, oh it's hard, Oh Lord, it's hard to be like Jesus

Well, His eye's on the sparrow
And the lilies of the field I've heard
And He will watch over you and He will watch over me
So we can dress like flowers and eat like birds

And it's hard when your soul had been stripped bare
Hard to lift your eyes toward Heaven
Oh Lord, it's hard to be a man of prayer

Lord, it's hard, oh it's hard, You know it's hard to be like Jesus

Maybe I should have attended church before driving back?

Reading for July

2007-07-31T17:10:00.000-04:00

I have had a lot of time to read this month. 5 star is top rating.

Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion (Hardcover) ****
by Sara Miles (Author)

God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It (Plus) by Jim Wallis (Paperback - Aug 29, 2006) *****

Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott Hahn and Kimberly Hahn (Paperback - Aug 1993) ****

I would love to dialogue with you after you finish these. All are books that make you think, and stretching the gray matter is never a bad thing.

Quote for thought

2007-07-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

"Your life and my life flow into each other as wave flows into wave, and unless there is peace and joy and freedom for you, there can be no real peace or joy or freedom for me. To see reality -- not as we expect it to be but as it is -- is to see that unless we live for each other and in and through each other, we do not really live very satisfactorily; that there can really be life only where there really is, in just this sense, love."

Frederick Buechner

Lessons from Day Camp

2007-07-30T10:49:00.000-04:00

**I thought that this site was ending, I had gotten out of the habit of posting and writing. Then I looked on the Apache Campground website and tadaa, there was a link to the chaplain's sermon site. Just what I needed...accountability. So, the site lives on!!

This past Friday marked the end of our Summer Day Camps at Apache. We had six weeks of VBS type activity for kids between the ages of 4-12. Groups came from KY, GA, TN, NC, SC and AL to share the Good News of Christ with our vacationers here in Myrtle Beach. This Summer has taught me several things of varying importance, and I am thankful to have the chance to share.

1-Kids love to Run and do stuff that is messy and nasty. If it involves sand and water and disgusting things, then they are all into it. Even the prissy ones get into it quickly.

2- Boys do not usually like dancing and music. I have told Sarah for years that my fear of dancing is hereditary. She still isn't buying what I am selling.

3- Cheap cookies are pretty tasty. Stale cookies are not.

4- There are many varieties of ready mix lemonade. Some are really good and some are terrible. There is very little middle ground here.

5- If you mix orange gatorade and lemonade, a new flavor is created..called YUCK!

6-Limbo keeps kids mesmerized and has about 15 minutes of high quality entertainment value.

7-Sometimes we learn a lot from observing. Several weeks ago, day camp was getting started and a boy kept riding by on his bike. He would not enter the ministry area, only riding around ignoring us. The Youth leader asked me what I thought about the kid, and I replied, "Be patient, he will be back by." He zipped past several more times but began to look in to see what was going on. Tuesday was a repeat of the previous day with the rider noticing that I was looking at him. Wednesday got him off his bike and he hid behind a huge support column on the perimeter of the Day Camp area. He had some poppers in his hand and would look under the pier at us and then throw a popper in our general direction. He was saying, "Notice me...I am here, Do you see Me?" He through another popper and one of the youth workers ran over and said, "You can't do that here. You are distracting us. Stop doing that." The kid dropped his head, got on his bike and sped off. By the way, I did not see him the rest of the week.

3 Weeks later a different boy came up on a Tuesday and rode his bike under the pier during the day camp. This is not allowed, as a kid could be injured and it is distracting. He saw that a group was under there and his usual area of bike tricks had been taken over by a group in yellow shirts that were doing crafts with kids. He inched closer on the bike and checked out the situation. He hung out until snack time and then left. The entire time was spent on his bike scooting from station to station. The next day he zoomed up as snack time was beginning. I asked him if he knew exactly when it was snack time? He said, "no man, I just woke up." I invited him over to eat cookies and drink lemonade. The group loved on him and he got off the bike and stayed a bit. Before he left, I challenged him to get there in time for the entire day camp which started at 10am. Thursday morning, Douglas and I headed off to grab a bite of breakfast before Day Camp. We swung by to drop off our registration notebook at the ministry site. It was 9:20 am and the kid was there already! "Is this early enough for you," he asked. His smile and mine spoke volumes and God whispered to me. "See Richard, love makes a difference. If my church would just focus on the can do's instead of the can't do's, the world would see that a life of faith is a powerful transforming thing."

I wonder this morning about the kid with the poppers. I wonder this morning about the kid that came to Day Camp early. He has gone now back to Ohio to be a son, student and brother. I wonder about the youth groups that came here to minister. I wonder about the 225 kids that came to Day Camp this Summer. I wonder about the 4 weeks that we had free because no church came. It only takes 10 people to lead a Day Camp. I wonder if you have a Church that would like to help. I wonder if you have a youth or middle schooler that God is going to call to ministry through a Day Camp at Apache. I wonder about a lot of things...what about you?

Random pictures that make me Smile

2007-07-15T14:01:00.000-04:00

Stripped

2007-06-10T13:59:00.000-04:00

"I was suddenly faced with my naked self, open for affirmations and rejections, hugs and punches, smiles and tears, all dependent simply on how I was perceived at the moment." Henri Nouwen

Your Tag is Showing

2007-05-11T19:13:00.000-04:00

This past Friday, it was Golf day. I say this like it is a great time of fun and relaxation, but the truth could not be farther from the truth. I have not played a round of golf since Sarah and I have been dating. SO...that means 7 years married plus 2 years dating, that makes 9 years. Oh, I did not play in seminary either, and there was one year of seminary that I did not know Sarah...so that makes at least 10 years since I have played a round of golf. Thursday evening, I had to get ready. We hopped in the convertible and zoomed to Dick's Sporting Goods. I had to pick up balls. Looking through the brand names...I was impressed with the story that they spoke of...Titleist...Top Flite...and the one that I could not pass up...Pinnacle. While I was there I grabbed a beautiful Clemson hat that fit me just perfect.

The alarm buzzed at 5:30 am for our 7:30 Tee time. I was dressed for the part of recreational golfer: Nice colorful Madras Shirt, loose fitting shorts, and my spiffy new hat. I addressed the ball on the first tee, with my eye firmly staring at the pinnacle logo, I rared back and swung with all my might, straining to see the ball bounding hop after hop down the middle of the well manicured fairway. My vision is impeccable but I struggled to see exactly where the ball ended up. My worst fear was realized....I had missed the darn thing. Hmmm...if this was the PINNACLE, I was in big trouble. A tough pill to swallow for one as competitive as me. I prayed for rain....and God left me out there to take a beating! Dressing the part was not enough, I was a fraud, not a golfer.

This past week I spent time substituting in a classroom and noticed the shirts of the first graders. Three jumped out at me...as if God was yelling, "LOOK HERE IT IS!" There was a little girl (who I had noticed the other 2 times that I had been in the class) who was the outcast. She was rarely spoken too, and always was timid. She wore a shirt that said, "I am having a bad day" and the back said, "I need a Hug." The class trouble maker was wearing a shirt that said, "If you mess with me, I'll get even." Another kid was wearing a shirt that said, "99% Perfect."

My prayer is that I wish that we all were honest enough to wear our feelings on a t-shirt for each other to see. Walking into the worship service this morning...what would your shirt say? Perhaps..."My marriage is in the toilet." Maybe..."I have a drinking problem, or I am addicted to porn." Some would say, "I am a failure as a parent, or sometime I do not believe in God." Oh, but we sure do a great job of turning our shirts inside out so that people cannot see who we really are.

But what a shame that is,because if you and I were wearing the same shirt....then we could help each other. Instead we play the game of...Everything is just fine. Then nothing is ever improved upon and bettered.

James 5:16 says to us, "Confess your sins one to another, and pray for one another. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person availeth much."

To negate the scripture we realize that it does not say...Keep your sins away from other people and forget about the needs of others. Prayer does no good anyway.

Trust is hard, but we are commanded to do it. It is for our own good. Will you try it? Will I try it? Do we dare?

Good Friday (Death) and Easter (Life)......Bad News and Good News

2007-04-28T13:11:00.000-04:00

Christians have identity in the odd space between death and Life. Our hope is built firmly on the DEATH of Christ, but we are raised to new LIFE because he too, was raised from the dead. This past week, Sarah has been heavy in Spirit due to a situation at her school. Her take on the event is included below.

In my class at school, our kids are living in some very difficult family situations. Its the kind of things that make me more appreciative everyday for the childhood I had, which would be dream-like for some of the kids in my class. Anyway, last week it was brought to a unbelievable and sickening point. The news paper described it this way ...

"Myrtle Beach police found several hungry children living in a filthy hotel room on Thursday with no parent in sight.

Officers responded to the Sea Banks Motel at 2200 South Ocean Boulevard after a resource officer at Myrtle Beach Middle School told police one of the children had not been in class since Monday, according to a police report.

Police found the girl, 12, and her 7-year-old brother in the hotel room with several unidentified adults, the report stated.

Dog feces, dirty clothing and trash was scattered throughout the room.

There was no food and the children were wearing dirty clothes, the report stated.

The girl said she had not eaten a full meal in about a month.

It was unclear if an arrest was made in the case.

A representative from the Department of Social Services took custody of the children."

When he was still at school we knew things seemed worse for him, but we had no idea it was this bad. As a result of being in the custody of DSS, he is now in a different school in the district.

Please pray for me, for the other teachers who taught these two kids and for these two kids. I don't know the sister, but the boy is so smart, absolutely loves art class and just needs love and affirmation. Our class just isn't the same without him.

In situations such as this and the recent VA. Tech massacre, we are often numbed. Why do we fear feeling this pain so much. Usually this is the place where we can actually hear God speak...in our isolation and hurt. Each day in some countries hundreds of people are killed in bombings, wars and turmoil. We ignore it, and we should be ashamed. We ignore the issues that we read in the paper from the U.S., and sadly if I had read this story, without having the link to the child...I may have breezed right past to get to the comics. Father...forgive us. We have sinned.

Our world is a place for evil to roam, but the story below tells us again that often following DEATH...there is LIFE and in this case and the case of our Salvation...there is NEW HOPE.

NICKEL MINES, Pa. // As a morning mist burned off the surrounding pastures, four children hurried up the long driveway carrying lunch pails. The smallest boy skipped.
They were headed to a place where they had not been since a gunman changed their lives in October: a real schoolroom.

Monday, Amish children who survived the attack that killed five of their classmates began classes in a new schoolhouse, named New Hope Amish School.

"I think the day is sort of a bittersweet day for the community," said Herman Bontrager, a member of a liberal Amish sect and a spokesman for the organization that collects and disburses funds for the victims. "There's the excitement and enthusiasm about having a new school facility for their children, but it's also a stark reminder of what they lost."

Exactly six months before, early on the morning of Oct. 2, Charles Carl Roberts IV, a local milk-truck driver, rushed into the one-room West Nickel Mines Amish School. He ordered the adults and boys out and opened fire on the girls before taking his own life. Five girls died and five were seriously injured.

Fathers of the victims and other community members razed the old school a week after the attack and began construction on the new one, just a few hundred yards away, in January.

Monday morning, horse-drawn buggies and vans carrying students and parents pulled up the school's driveway, passing several police vehicles that guarded the school.

Two boys with thick blond hair cut straight across their foreheads chatted with police officers. Leaning on scooters, the boys gawked at the throng of cameramen, reporters and photographers who gathered in a parking lot some distance away from the school.

Other boys threw off their jackets as they ran into the schoolyard. They leapt into the air tossing basketballs and hanging onto a basketball hoop.

The small school, which is covered by rose-colored brick and yellow siding, is more secure than most Amish schools, Bontrager said. Encircled by a fence, it is set back from the road and surrounded by homes.

"No trespassing" signs mark all approaches to the school. The Amish community has issued a public statement asking members of the media not to approach them.

Learning resumes

Teacher Emma Mae Zook, 20, will preside over the classroom, just as she did in the old schoolhouse. About a week after the shooting, she began teaching students who were not wounded -- 15 boys and one girl who ran out with her brother -- in a nearby garage.

Three of the injured girls returned to school in the fall, although some have had to miss class time due to rehabilitation or surgeries. A fourth girl, Sarah Ann Stoltzfus returned to school just before Christmas. Despite a serious head wound, she is doing well in school, Bontrager said.

The youngest victim, Rosanna King, 6, remains in a semicomatose state although she appears to be improving, he said.

"She has shown some signs of physical improvement, enough so that they have decided to pursue some more aggressive physical therapy," he said, adding, "The prognosis still looks like major, long-term disability."

She currently breathes without a respirator; although, she is dependent on a feeding tube, Bontrager said. That the young girl lives is remarkable, since her injuries were so severe, he says.

It is uncertain why Roberts opened fire on the girls. He arrived with objects that suggest he was preparing to barricade himself inside the school and sexually assault the girls. In final messages to his wife, he indicated that he felt guilt over molesting young relatives decades ago, although the relatives did not substantiate those claims.

The Amish publicly expressed forgiveness of Roberts, who was not Amish, and reached out to his widow and children after the shooting.

Members of the community have drawn on the support of one another, Bontrager says. Many of the victims, their families and classmates have sought counseling, as have rescue workers who responded to the shooting.

Forgiving, moving on

Teacher Emma Mae Zook's sister-in-law, who was at the school on that October morning, gave birth last fall and named her baby after one of the victims, 7-year-old Naomi Rose Ebersole, Bontrager says.

His organization, the Nickel Mines Accountability Committee, has collected more than $4 million in donations for those affected by the shooting. The money is being used to cover medical bills and counseling. Trusts for the long-term care of the injured girls will be set up, Bontrager said.

Despite the large quantity of money that has been donated, the new school was built to the same modest standards of all Amish schools. There is no electricity, and toilets are located in separate outhouses. A simple jungle gym, at least one picnic table and a baseball backstop sit in the schoolyard.

At 8:30 Monday morning, the school bell rang, and the boys left their game and ran inside accompanied by several parents.

Bontrager thought that the day would begin with Bible readings and prayer. "I'm sure it was all very focused on thanksgiving for those who are there and for their lives and the buildings," he said.

The Amish community is grateful for the outpouring of support from the outside world, but anxious to heal in private, he said.

He added that the Amish are surprised that so many outsiders have remarked on their ability to forgive. "The Amish reaction is that's what you have to do if you try to follow Jesus, and you don't just do it once. Sometimes you do it 70 times seven times."

We are people of the Resurrection, we are people of New Hope, we are people who forgiven...hmmm 70 times 7, that probably is a LOW number.

Happy Easter every day!!

You Can't Always Get What you Want...

2007-03-25T19:47:00.000-04:00

Many apologies for the delays in posting last few weeks sermons. I have good intentions, but...that sometimes does not equal results. I promise that I will do better...but I am not sure when. (Smile)

Brief synopsis:

03-11-2007 Observations, Questions, and Answers

03-18-2007 Bad Company

04-01-2007--Palm Sunday--Did not preach, as we were on vacation in Raleigh, NC.

Sermon recap for 03-25-2007 is listed below...

This past week, I spent a day shadowing a 3 year old in a child development class. He was very well behaved, and I think that it helps that I am a large man. It is something when you have to pull out all means of available intimidation tactics to control the behavior of a three year old. My job was pretty easy, just keep him form hurting himself or others. All things considered, it was a great day, especially since he took an extended nap from noon until 2:15. He woke up just in time for a walk out to the bus. Whew....grace comes in unexpected ways.

This little fellow had an awful habit. We went out to the playground and he mistook it for a buffet. Yes, you heard me correctly...he ate while on the playground. He walked out, grabbed a hand full of sand and popped it right in his mouth. My response...was to dig my fingers in there and scoop it right back out.

In wise, teacherly fashion, after making his mouth minty fresh...the lecture came. I drew back from my extensive research and parenting skills and quoted the famous philosophers, The Rolling Stones. Son, You can't always get what you want. The lecture did no good....as in 5 minutes, I was completing the procedure again. Scoop, cleanse...and lecture.

So today we are older and wiser than my little sand eater, but we often gravitate toward things that hurt us. We follow a long line of sand eaters, or forbidden fruit eaters. David gravitated toward Bathsheeba, and God was there to scoop him up afterwards.

The woman caught in adultery was drawn to harmful things as well, but let us not forget the roles her suitors played in the act.

Jesus played in the sand there, and told her to go and sin no more. In Paraphrasing...he said to the stone carrying judgers, "Hmmm, I smell hypocrisy...what about you. In the light of your own sinfulness, perhaps I should be taking aim at you."

This Lenten season we focus on the Christ that gave it all for us. He took the stones for us. He died in place of thse who desrved to feel the wrath of God. We still sin, and he still forgives...ask him!

Not often do we find wisdom from a Rock and Roll song, but.....

You can't always get what you want.
You can't always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes, you just might find...
You get what you need.

We need Christ, not Sin.
We need Love, not Hate.
We need concern, not indifference.
We need support, not condemnation.
We need Jesus, he does not need us.
I need you, and you need me.

If we eat sand...we need a toothbrush.
If we sin...we need a Savior!
That sounds like the Gospel to Me!!

Known For...

2007-03-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

For those of you that have not joined us for worship before, I want you to be aware that we go about things a little differently here. What I mean by this is that often I will engage the congregation during the sermon and get input from them. Why do I do this? The answer is quite simple. It is to keep you awake. No, not really. The real reason is that if you all are included in the sermon, then you will have ownership in the process and hopefully it will be easier to remember and draw strength from later on in the week. The purpose of the sermon is not so that I can extrapolate nuggets of wisdom, and that you can be enamored with my vocabulary, theological discourse, or elaborate diction. The purpose of the sermon is that we will be reminded of the truths of God, and find tools that we can put in our packs to help us in the journey of faith. So, join me for a few moments, as we learn from each other, at this time...and in this place.

Each of us calls a certain place "home". Perhaps we have always lived there, or maybe we have moved many times. As we think about the place that we call home, I want us to consider the thing that the town is known for. An example is when you think of Venice, images of gondolas and romantic boat rides come to mind. What is it about where you come from that is important?

(Congregational input begins here) Greer is known for BMW manufacturing, although one time it was textiles. Recently George Clooney made a movie there. Lexington is known for BBQ. Thomasville was known for furniture production, but a lot of that is now done overseas. Gray, Maine has a monument for a confederate soldier. This is the only confederate soldier buried in the New England states. (Many other people shared their stories about their home town, and then I began again.)

In a town named Gaffney, SC they are known for a huge water tower of a peach. Gaffney has many peach farmers that provide succulent juicy fruit to the town. As an homage to those hard working farmers, the Peach Tower was built in the early 1980's. It took five months to design and mold the steel for the project. A foundation containing 10 million pounds of concrete had to be poured. One and one half miles of welds had to be made, requiring that welding rods had to be delivered to the site by the ton. A stem 12 feet long and 18 inches in diameter was added to the top. A huge leaf, 60 feet long, 16 feet wide, and weighing 7 tons was applied to one side. A huge cleft along the entire height of the "peach" was created through false work steel paneling applied to the sphere of the tank. This monster of a peach is the claim to fame for the town, as it is right off the interstate. If you are ever on I-85 in the upstate of SC, you will see it and be amazed. Locals even laugh at it a bit. From certain angles, it looks a bit odd and obscene. But yet, that is the monument of Gaffney, South Carolina.

In our text for today, Jesus speaks of Jerusalem. Let us look to the scriptures as we see what they are know for.

Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'

So, much worse than the Gaffney peach...Jerusalem is known as the place that murders and stones the prophets. During this Lenten season, where we focus on the sacrifice made by Christ, we are reminded of the pivotal role of Jerusalem, and the mission of Christ. In the next few weeks, we will revisit Jerusalem, and focus on the statement made by Christ. He had a work to do, and on the third day...he finished that work.

What is Myrtle Beach known for? The answer depends on perspective. When I was Senior in high school, it was known as the place where graduates pilgrimage to blow off steam before entering college or the work force. For many snowbirds, the beach is a place to escape the harsh northern winters. For many golfers, Myrtle Beach is a place for the endless search for 300 yard drives and below par scoring.

What about Apache? What are we known for?

What about our hearts, what are they known for?

I pray that we are known as ones that Jesus was actually able to scoop up, like a hen gather us, and protect us and allow us to grow and mature. Just like those chicks would be dead without the hen. We too are in the same condition without Christ. As we grow to maturity, my prayer is that we are known as those who scoop up others that need nurture and protection.

Jesus is known for the scars that he bore for us, he is known for the reappearance on Easter morning, he is known as Saviour and Lord.

From BBQ, to Peaches, to Murderers, to Furniture...what are we known for?

Leftovers

2007-02-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him.(It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money* to feed them!" Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" "Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

This is the same text as last week. I wanted to use the same text to show the variety of ways a text could be used. Again, this is a synopsis of the weekly sermon.

Began by engaging the congregation about leftovers. Many talked about how their mothers made use of leftovers and even disguised them so that they would be eaten.

Spoke about the leftover baskets. Which serve as a great picture of the gracious love of God. Many were fed that day, but there was and still is enough for many more.

We celebrated communion, and in the closing prayer expressed the desire to share our lunches and our lives with others. We do this...because there are leftovers aplenty!!