August Readings

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.

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




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


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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

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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.

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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.

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Career Placement Test--Sermon Recap

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

"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

**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

Stripped

"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

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

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...

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...

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

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!!

The miraculous

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 another synopsis week. My head is almost out of the water, so anticipate full text recaps soon.

The focus this week was on the miracle that took place during the feeding of the 5000. The miracle here is the fact that the boy actually gave up his lunch. To communicate this, at the very beginning of the sermon, I ate a piece of chocolate. I described it and made it very desirable to the congregation. After they were all wanting a piece, I passed around the box, and told them all that they could have some. The Box was empty. There were no treats to be had. It was an easy transition into asking,"What if the boy had eaten all his lunch on the way into town?" Then he would have been deprived of seeing Jesus work. He would have been full physically, but empty spiritually.


At the end...I had chocolates at the door for them to pick up.

Necco Messages

Due to time restraints, some weeks will be only a synopsis of the sermon rather than the full text. This is one of those weeks.

Today I passed around a container with NECCO hearts. We had pulled out the odd ones, like Email me, Marry Me etc. People pulled them out and we discussed them in terms of human love and Godly love. Lots of Chuckles and Laughs, as some said "Go Fish", "Cool Cat", "Hope" and "True Love". We discussed broken heart and loves lost, as well as dreams realized.

Simple sermon, but full of power and recollections of Valentines form the past.

Scripture Emphasis: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength...and love your neighbor as yourself.

Super-Vision

Due to time restraints....some weeks I will be giving a synopsis of sermon, instead of full text. By the way, this is one of those weeks.

Lamar Hunt Story...

What's in a name?
Credit a bouncy rubber ball for coining the name "Super Bowl."
In 1967, the game debuted as the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game." Realizing this was too cumbersome, Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt suggested "Super Bowl" after watching his daughter play with a Super Ball. It was meant to be a temporary moniker, but the media latched on to it.
"Super Bowl" appeared on a ticket for the first time in the fourth championship. The previous three games were later retroactively given the name Super Bowl as well.
Hunt died in December. The ball that inspired the "Super Bowl" remains on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Question posed to congregation is...."What if Lamar Hunt had been too busy with his day to day routine to be inspired by the bouncing of the ball?

Our issue--How often are we too consumed with our day to day that we miss the quiet whispers of God given inspiration in our own lives?

Listen....we may be surprised by what we hear.

Sharing the Load

Over the last few weeks, we have been involved in a sermon series that teaches us how to bear the burdens of others. Week one, we focused on the importance of learning peoples names. It is important to know each other by name, and calling them by that name. Imagine how comforting it is to hear someone call your name, and compare that to someone saying, "Hey you." Last week, we talked about the importance of moving past the name stage and learning how to creatively love each other. I shared a powerful story that you may reference on the website, a story that explains the need to put the needs of others above our own.

In the winter of 1998, I took my first trip out of the country. Actually, it was my first trip by plane. Many of you are aware of my friend that is a Pastor in South Korea, his name is Mr. Sang Min Choi. He invited me to preach in his home church, and I accepted. Of course, In had in mind his local church in Abbeville....not his HOME church, in a distant land.

I had never packed for a long trip, and crammed all the stuff I thought I needed into a large suitcase. I did the usual drill of loading the suitcase to capacity, and lying on top of to zip it closed. After much effort, it finally zipped and clicked into place. The day of departure was a only a few anxious winks away.

After landing in Seoul, I wound my way through the Kimpo airport and located the baggage terminal. I grabbed the monster of a suitcase and wandered through the airport and finally caught a glimpse of my friend, Choi. He had failed to inform me that I would need to carry the suitcase for a few miles through the streets of Seoul, as we looked for lunch. I lugged this heavy suitcase, all over Seoul, Korea. My friend is a small guy, but he wanted to assist. He grabbed the green monster, and immediately spoke the universal language of heaviness,"uugh." He gave it his best, carrying my load, and then...we considered the prospect of working together. Wow, sharing the burden was a great idea. The load was much easier to bear, but we had the dilemma of finding a cab that could hold us and my luggage.

Truth of the matter, is that I had all kinds of junk in my suitcase that was non-essential. Stuff that was heavy and weighed me down. I think, actually I know, that on this day, we have too much "junk in our trunk." So this morning, what is loading you down? Is it fear? Doubt? Improper self image? Pride? What is it??

Another heavy question is, "Why are we afraid to share the stuff that is in our suitcase with others?" So, instead of the preacher telling you why...I am asking you...WHY??

Response one- Maybe we think that those people have burdens of their own that are bigger. Maybe they don't need ours.

Response 2-Maybe we are prideful and are afraid to share.

Response 3- Maybe we are not even aware of our deep issues.

Response 4- I think we are afraid.

I agree, I think that all of these are reasons. Ultimately, our inability to share is often rooted in fear and issues with trust. For example, I think Pat is a great guy, but can I trust him with my story. Can I tell my secrets and can I trust him to love me after he knows, and not to leave me naked before the world.

For us to be able to bear the burden of another, as the text in Galatians 6:2-3 tells us to, we must learn to be trustworthy as a keeper of secrets. We must value people as children of God and realize that we all fall down. We all make big mistakes, and we all need grace. We should be trustworthy as a keeper of the dark stories, but also we should be able to tell our stories with others.

response 1- preacher, we have stuff in our trunks that we do not really need. We can take out the junk and fill it up with the stuff that God has for us. Then the load is much lighter.

You're right, for my trip home, I discarded a bunch of stuff I did not need. Then, I bought new luggage with wheels and handles. Kinda makes it easier...with a lighter load and being prepared for the trip.

This week our challenge is to look inward and outward. What is bogging me down? How can I let it loose? Who is worthy to share them with? Can I be trusted to keep the secrets? Can I be a giver of grace...no matter the burden?

Heavy questions...but I never said that it was easy to bear burdens. Do we dare to try?

"SHMILY"

Last week following the sermon, one of our dear parishioners...one of the brothers and sisters in Christ, told Sarah that she wanted to come up front and smack me for her. I guess that possibly there are dangers in sharing too much of your family situations and funny stories. However, I feel strongly that God speaks to us through such stories. Sometimes he yells to us loudly in the whispers of love from a spouse, children or friend. He speaks to us through our pain, as often we do not listen during the times of our lives when all is well. If we listen, we can hear him in laughter, and feel him in our tears.

He speaks to us strongly through his word. As with most other weeks, I attempt to link these two methods of revelation. This morning, join me as we revisit the scripture that we looked at last week. This is part of a 3 week series on "Bearing Burdens."

Galatians 6:2-3
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Last week we learned about the importance of taking the time to learn someones name that we did not know. I hope that we all were able to make that connection with someone new. It is powerful and comfortable to hear someone call our name. It is a vital touch point for connection and relationship building.

I am unsure if you realize this...but often I am pretty dumb when it comes to sensitivity issues. This is particularly manifest with my wife. This week however, I read something that made the light bulb get power. I heard the "ding" and said "Eureka." In other words..."by George, I think He's got it." Care to hear the story? I hope so, because you are getting it anyway.

"Shmily" by Laura Jeanne Allen
My grandparents were married for over half a century. From the time they met each other they played their own special game. The goal of their game was to write the word "shmily" in a surprise place for the other to find. They took turns leaving "shmily" around the house, and as soon as one of them discovered it, it was his or her turn to hide it once more.
They dragged "shmily" with their fingers through the sugar and flour containers to await whoever was preparing the next meal. They smeared it in the dew on the windows overlooking the patio where my grandma always fed us warm, homemade pudding with blue food coloring. "Shmily" was written in the steam on the bathroom mirror, where it would reappear after every hot shower. At one point, my grandmother even unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper to leave "shmily" on the very last sheet.
There was no end to the places "shmily" popped up. Little notes with a hastily scribbled "shmily" were found on dashboards and car seats or taped to steering wheels. The notes were stuffed inside shoes and left under pillows. "Shmily" was written in the dust upon the mantel and traced in the ashes of the fireplace. This mysterious word was as much a part of my grandparents' house as the furniture.
It took me a long time before I fully appreciated my grandparents' game. Skepticism has kept me from believing in true love-one that is pure and enduring. However, I never doubted my grandparents' relationship. They had love down pat. It was more than their flirtatious little games; it was a way of life. Their relationship was based on a devotion and passionate affection that not everyone experiences.
Grandma and Grandpa held hands every chance they could. They stole kisses as they bumped into each other in their tiny kitchen. They finished each other's sentences and shared the daily crossword puzzle and word jumble. My grandma whispered to me about how cute my grandpa was, how handsome an old man he had grown to be. She claimed that she really knew "how to pick 'em." Before every meal they bowed their heads and gave thanks, marveling at their blessings: a wonderful family, good fortune, and each other.
But there was a dark cloud in my grandparents' life: My grandmother had breast cancer. The disease had first appeared ten years earlier. As always, Grandpa was with her every step of the way. He comforted her in their yellow room, painted that way so that she could always be surrounded by sunshine, even when she was too sick to go outside.
Now the cancer was again attacking her body. With the help of a cane and my grandfather's steady hand, she went to church with him every Sunday. But my grandmother grew steadily weaker until, finally, she could not leave the house anymore. For a while, Grandpa would go to church alone, praying to God to watch over his wife. Then one day, what we all dreaded finally happened. Grandma was gone.
"Shmily." It was scrawled in yellow on the pink ribbons of my grandmother's funeral bouquet. As the crowd thinned and the last mourners turned to leave, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members came forward and gathered around Grandma one last time. Grandpa stepped up to my grandmother's casket and, taking a shaky breath, began to sing to her. Through his tears and grief, the song came, a deep and throaty lullaby.
Shaking with my own sorrow, I will never forget that moment. For I knew that, although I couldn't begin to fathom the depth of their love, I had been privileged to witness its unmatched beauty.
S-h-m-i-l-y: See How Much I Love You.
Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for letting me see.

Now, this had such a profound impact that Sarah and I have adopted the practice. Instead of SHMILY we are using the #4. In our instance it means...4 keeps. To introduce the idea, I went by SONIC and took Sarah a Route 44 diet coke b the school. Douglas had early dismissal on Friday, and I picked him up. I gave the drink to another teacher, who dropped it by Sarah's room along with a note. She searched the cup, and on the bottom, in red was a #4. Douglas and I went to a movie and I was so excited that I actually "got it right", I understood, I had the "Eureka moment."

This morning we read this story because I think that it is the next step in the process of bearing the burdens of another. Last week, we learned of names....breaking the ice...(sing).."the getting to know you, getting to know all about you" process. Today we are instructed to find creative ways to let each other see how much we love them.

Now this has nothing to do with you all being so good to us. We are showered with love from the congregation often. I am encouraging you to find ways to love...EACH OTHER.

How are we to love creatively? It doesn't have to be expensive. One of the funniest ways that I have been loved creatively is that someone brought a gift by our old spot here on the campground on the day before an important procedure. I was having a colonoscopy, and this dear lady...with my sense of warped humor...brought by a four pack of Charmin. Great stuff!! I had a great laugh and felt great love.

This week, slow down a bit and think...How can I love someone here creatively. Husbands, start with your wives. Wives, you may reciprocate, as well. Then reach out to others in this assembly.

So, now that we know names, and have learned about creative loving...next week we will learn about bearing burdens. This waiting part reminds me of wanting to swim right after a picnic at the lake. Remember...if we jump in too soon, we may cramp up!

Benediction--Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding us of your love. In your word you tell us, in our lives you tell us and we still sometimes forget. Your love is strong, and you still remind us often. Our love for you, and others is weak...help us to be diligent in telling of our love. Help us to be creative, and never grow tired of loving. As your word says, "They will know that we are Christians by our love...one to another." We love you, Lord. Amen

Back to School

Last Thursday was my first day of school in quite a long time. This event transported me back to a time almost forgotten; to a place of recollection of school preparations from days gone by. I recalled having an intense discussion with my mom in the boys department of a local JC Penny. She wanted me to try on a "fabulous" pair of dark green pants. I protested with great vigor, and offered up my best defense. But, the green pants became a staple in the wardrobe cycle of the schoolboy. Other years would bring new requests for clothes, as I became much more fashion savvy. I had to own the original "Air Jordan" tennis shoe by Nike. These shoes were so tremendously ugly, oh but so much in style. I also owned a "Members Only" jacket. In Jr. High, I even strutted around the small halls of T.E. Mabry with a pair of Jordache jeans, and every other day...a pair of Calvin Klein's.

This "Back to School" experience has been quite different. Since I am only taking 7 upper level English courses, I know that my time there is brief , yet filled with purpose. I am here to learn, and begin the alternate certification process for teaching secondary English in South Carolina. With much excitement and timidity, I went a few days early to Coastal Carolina University to scope out the situation. My friend, Jimmy, a recent graduate, gave me the necessary tour of the campus. I found out where to park, and even walked to my classes a few days in advance to prevent being late. I was beginning to feel like this would be a fairly simple adjustment process.

After my first class, I walked to the coffee shoppe. The house of caffeine addiction is housed in the Library. I think this is a great idea. Perhaps, they should put turnstiles at the entrance so that it appears that the Library is actually getting some traffic for academic reasons. Anyway, I made my way to the coffee shoppe and was greeted by a super friendly, customer service oriented barrista, in her early fifties. I had my book bag slung over my shoulder, half cocked...just like the cool students. She looked at me, and after I placed my order asked, " Are you a new professor here." After answering her question, I left...with my head hung low. (Perhaps I just looked intelligent???) (Much Laughter)

My Adolescent literature class was the first of the day, and I entered and scoped out my seat. I did not sit too close to the front, because the last time I was in college, I missed a ton of classes. I wanted to sit near the back so I could blend in. At this juncture, as it was prior to the coffee house deflation experience, I hoped that I actually looked similar to the other students. I found the desk for me. It was a little small, but compared to the Korean Airlines seats...they were VERY ROOMY. After the other students found their way to class (some were late...I assumed that they did not scope out the class location prior), the teacher said that we needed to play a game together. Since we were going to be spending a great deal of time together, we needed to know each other. We were a community, and were working together on a journey of learning to appreciate adolescent literature. So...the game began.

She started with the first person on the opposite side of the room. Person # 1 said her name, then person # 2 said the name of Person # 1 and their name. Person # 3 repeated the process...and so on. I was person number 16 or so, and I am sure that you are curious as to how I performed on my first test? I made 100. I wrote down every ones names and read them back when it was my turn. Now you understand why I needed the coffee!!!

Dr. Osbourne was very profound in her statement about community. If she had been wearing a Genevan gown, she could have been a Presbyterian clergy member, delivering the Sunday address. We too are a community, a people of faith, gathering together today with a common purpose. She got me thinking about the power of being called by name.

Back in the days of the "Air-Jordans" and Jordaches, there was a fabulous sitcom on television. Reruns today always make me laugh, and I have a hunch with this crowd...that you laugh too. The show centered around a bar. The theme song went something like this:

Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you've got;
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
And they're always glad you came;
You want to be where you can see,
Our troubles are all the same;
You want to be where everybody knows your name.

Hmmm, sound like a church doesn't it? But the sad part is, often the local bar is much more friendly than the people of faith. Look around...who do you not know? This group of people has a core group of 30 that are here each week, and then another 35 or so that change each week during the off season. During the summer, our attendance is over 100. Imagine... if we knew the needs of each, and could openly share our wounds together?

Now, I see from the fear on your face that you think that we are going to play the name game. The gospel is "good news" and I have some good news for you. Grace will be extended if you, on your own get to know someone new today. Why does this matter? The text for today takes us to the answer:

Galatians 6:3-4
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

We are to bear each others burdens. Next week I am going to work more with this passage. But if we do not take the time to know someones name, then it is very unlikely that we will actually care enough to bear their burdens. So, just like in elementary school, we will start with the basics. Today, we will learn new names. We may have to ask again next week, but today...we will try.

Closing hymn

Prior to benediction: I took Sarah with me to school on Friday. I needed to go by the bookstore and pick up a few things. This served two purposes: I wanted all the young girls to know that i was married already and that they should leave me alone, and I wanted Sarah to feel old too. (much laughter)

Names...so important. I am glad that God knows ours, and has them written upon his heart. I am glad that we know his, and that he forgives us...when we confess those failures to him. His Son had a name too..." and at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Benediction