If you are a Star Wars fan, you recognize A New Hope as the title to the first of the many Star Wars films to be released (It was episode IV). But this isn't a post about Star Wars. It is a post about hope. In a day that finds so much bad press and bad behavior about and from evangelical Christians in the US, I have been blessed to be exposed to some real, honest to goodness, followers of Jesus that want people to know that God loves them and Jesus died for them.
Most of Missouri is dotted with small rural churches that have fewer than 50 or so regular attendees. These churches have no big church pride. They have no big budget programs. They have simple means of worship, simple facilities, and simple rural lifestyles. There is a humility about them that is missing from larger churches (even moderately larger) that have started to look on their accomplishments as something to be proud of and held up as an achievement worthy of honor. The simple people of these small churches are incredibly generous. In fact, the biggest thing about these small churches is the size of their (collective) heart.
I have recently been to a couple of these churches. They have a real desire to share the hope we have in Jesus. They live out their faith and share Jesus with people they encounter. They give to meet the physical needs of others (like food and clothing) as well as tending to the spiritual needs.
This is the Jesus I know!
It has been more than a month since I posted my Weekend Rant that got me into trouble. I have gone back to re-read it several times and can't find anything in it that I would change. It generally just reinforces the idea that maybe it's time for me to step away from organized religion and simply follow Jesus and help others to do the same.
I know! I know!
That's what organized religion is supposed to be doing.
But it's not.
With many churches in decline, it seems that the evangelical answer isn't to be better at evangelizing, but to improve at politics and social warfare. I'm not sure if religion has hijacked a political party or if a political party has taken over a religion. Either way, the morphed creature is an ugly beast. It is a beast that is quick to devour its own or any that stand up to question its motives. It has become a beast that is motivated by followers of the organization or party rather than by teaching others to follow Jesus.
The beast divides us into two groups -- those that are with the beast and those that are not. We can join the club and be a winner that hates the losers, or we can be a loser and be subjected to abuse at the hands of the winners. The beast further divides us by crying abuse and persecution where there is none; creating enemies of people that are not its enemies.
I am here to tell you -- this creature does not represent Jesus.
Fortunately, there are good people that do represent Jesus.
They are more than generous with their money, they are generous with their time and with their lives. They make personal investments into the lives of people in need.
They are simple people that live by two simple rules -- Love God, love others.
They ignore the politics of religion and the organization of religion.
They don't care about your social status.
They care about your needs.
They love God.
They love others.
They give hope.
Now that's a religion I can get behind!
John <><
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017
Summer is coming!
I know that winter isn't even here yet (at least not officially), but summer will be here before you know it!
Today is the kind of day that gets me thinking about summer. It is already above 50f (10c) degrees out and forecast to be above 60f (15.5c). I now it's not exactly balmy, but the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day for December in the Ozarks!
The "summer is coming!" warning is for those of you that plan summer kids' and youth camps. While many camp organizers don't get serious about their camp schedules until spring, some of you have already started booking for camp pastors or additional events.
That's right!
I already have three camps on my schedule for summer 2018!
I look at it as more than 700 motorcycle miles!
In any case, if you are connected with a camp and are looking for a week long camp pastor or just a night of entertainment and the Message in Magic, now is the time to contact me. Most of the summer is still wide open. I look forward to serving with you and sharing the simple message -- God loves you. Jesus died for you.
John <><
Have message.
Have magic.
Have motorcycle.
Will travel.
Today is the kind of day that gets me thinking about summer. It is already above 50f (10c) degrees out and forecast to be above 60f (15.5c). I now it's not exactly balmy, but the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day for December in the Ozarks!
The "summer is coming!" warning is for those of you that plan summer kids' and youth camps. While many camp organizers don't get serious about their camp schedules until spring, some of you have already started booking for camp pastors or additional events.
That's right!
I already have three camps on my schedule for summer 2018!
I look at it as more than 700 motorcycle miles!
In any case, if you are connected with a camp and are looking for a week long camp pastor or just a night of entertainment and the Message in Magic, now is the time to contact me. Most of the summer is still wide open. I look forward to serving with you and sharing the simple message -- God loves you. Jesus died for you.
John <><
Have message.
Have magic.
Have motorcycle.
Will travel.
Motorcycle Season -- No, it's not too cold to ride!
I know that most of my readers are not bikers, so I won't bore you all with a long motorcycle post.
Regular readers will know that I have really enjoyed riding in my retirement and probably know that I tend to ride more than most weekend bikers.
I didn't know that most guys only ride a few thousand miles each year and generally only need to change their oil once per year.
This was my odometer reading when I pulled into my garage on Saturday (it was right at freezing when I started out in the morning).
I got my motorcycle endorsement on 2/27/2016. On the 28th, I bought my '06 Vulcan 900 Classic. It had 18,780 miles on it. It took me 21 months and 10 days to put 30,000 miles on her. I expect to have over 32,000 by the time 2/28/2018 rolls around.
Keep an eye out for old retired guys on motorcycles -- even during the winter!
John <><
Regular readers will know that I have really enjoyed riding in my retirement and probably know that I tend to ride more than most weekend bikers.
I didn't know that most guys only ride a few thousand miles each year and generally only need to change their oil once per year.
This was my odometer reading when I pulled into my garage on Saturday (it was right at freezing when I started out in the morning).
I got my motorcycle endorsement on 2/27/2016. On the 28th, I bought my '06 Vulcan 900 Classic. It had 18,780 miles on it. It took me 21 months and 10 days to put 30,000 miles on her. I expect to have over 32,000 by the time 2/28/2018 rolls around.
Keep an eye out for old retired guys on motorcycles -- even during the winter!
John <><
Friday, December 08, 2017
Brain work
Many years ago I was at NATCA National HQ for a pre-convention Constitution Committee meeting. Coming back from a break, one of the members was working on a puzzle of some sort. I asked about it and she introduced me to Sudoku.
To be fair, she did warn me, telling me that I may end up hating her for it.
I have completed many puzzles since that day, and yes, I have cursed her more than once over the years. I have shared these devilish puzzles with others and have no doubt earned a few curses myself.
Recently, I have started solving these maddening little number puzzles once again. Some of the more difficult ones can really challenge the way you think and solve problems.
So what do you do for brain work?
Just wondering...
John <><
To be fair, she did warn me, telling me that I may end up hating her for it.
I have completed many puzzles since that day, and yes, I have cursed her more than once over the years. I have shared these devilish puzzles with others and have no doubt earned a few curses myself.
Recently, I have started solving these maddening little number puzzles once again. Some of the more difficult ones can really challenge the way you think and solve problems.
So what do you do for brain work?
Just wondering...
John <><
Thursday, December 07, 2017
Thursdays are for thanksgiving!
It is Thursday, right?
I actually had to check my phone to make sure. Yep! It's Thursday.
I had just settled down with my pot of coffee and was thinking how much I enjoy coffee and quiet time in the morning. The past couple of weeks have been weird and I have had several morning appointments or obligations that have robbed me of that quiet time. So this morning I was really looking forward to it.
When I checked my phone to see what day it was, I noticed a couple of messages.
Odd. I didn't notice them earlier when I took my phone off of the charger. Who could be texting me at 7 in the morning?
Ha!
My baby sister wanting to know if I'm up. She's on the road for work and says I should call her!
Now that's a grand way to start the day! Coffee and conversation with my kid sister is a way better start to the day than just quiet time and a lifeless computer!
We managed to talk for a little while before she had a work call coming in and needed to go.
That was quite the unexpected treat.
It's funny how a few moments of conversation with a particular person can really lift your spirits. I still get my quiet time today, but it's different now. If you were able to see me, you wouldn't notice anything different about the day. I'm still sitting on the love seat with a cup of coffee on the end table next to me and my laptop on my lap (naturally), but I feel so much different. The early morning visit did more to wake me up and set a positive outlook for the day than coffee (even this really good Ethiopian coffee) could ever do.
Today's thanksgiving is for quiet time and for unexpected contact from someone very dear to me.
Thank you, baby sis. You have made my day!
Hey, reader! Maybe you could make someone's day with a simple text message or phone call.
If you're some guy's kid sister, give him a call. He will love it!
John <><
I actually had to check my phone to make sure. Yep! It's Thursday.
I had just settled down with my pot of coffee and was thinking how much I enjoy coffee and quiet time in the morning. The past couple of weeks have been weird and I have had several morning appointments or obligations that have robbed me of that quiet time. So this morning I was really looking forward to it.
When I checked my phone to see what day it was, I noticed a couple of messages.
Odd. I didn't notice them earlier when I took my phone off of the charger. Who could be texting me at 7 in the morning?
Ha!
My baby sister wanting to know if I'm up. She's on the road for work and says I should call her!
Now that's a grand way to start the day! Coffee and conversation with my kid sister is a way better start to the day than just quiet time and a lifeless computer!
We managed to talk for a little while before she had a work call coming in and needed to go.
That was quite the unexpected treat.
It's funny how a few moments of conversation with a particular person can really lift your spirits. I still get my quiet time today, but it's different now. If you were able to see me, you wouldn't notice anything different about the day. I'm still sitting on the love seat with a cup of coffee on the end table next to me and my laptop on my lap (naturally), but I feel so much different. The early morning visit did more to wake me up and set a positive outlook for the day than coffee (even this really good Ethiopian coffee) could ever do.
Today's thanksgiving is for quiet time and for unexpected contact from someone very dear to me.
Thank you, baby sis. You have made my day!
Hey, reader! Maybe you could make someone's day with a simple text message or phone call.
If you're some guy's kid sister, give him a call. He will love it!
John <><
Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Faces; Is anyone whom they seem to be?
I have mentioned (on many occasions) that I am a slow learner.
Take faces, for example.
We see faces and we identify people by the distinct features of their faces and how they look.
Sometimes, faces can tell us how people feel -- happy (smiling), sad (crying), angry (tense and red) -- but some people tend to hide emotions better than others. We wear our masks like a second skin and show ourselves to be what we think people want or expect us to be. Often times, we are nothing like the person we exhibit to others.
I guess that's okay.
I don't need to share my problems with everyone and I'm not really interested in knowing everyone's problems. But we all need people that we can be honest with.
As I've gotten older (ugh! I hate that phrase), I've started to see through the masks a little more often and realize that most of us are hiding something. Many have hurts and struggles that nobody else knows about -- not even the people closest to them.
Many years ago, I received a call early on a Sunday morning. It was a young man from my Sunday school class telling me that his wife was leaving him.
They were in church every Sunday. Their faces and dispositions didn't show any marital strife to the casual observer. They appeared to be like everyone else.
But I had to ask myself, "How did I miss this?"
The masks!
At some point it occurred to me -- they appeared to be like everyone else!
Was everyone wearing a mask and hiding their hurts?
Isn't church supposed to be a place where we can be free of judgment and open about our struggles?
How is it that church people feel alone, suffer alone, and add loneliness to their lists of hurts?
I had a recent conversation with a young man that spoke about the false relationships found in churches. One of his complaints about churches was that people seem to care, but you know that they really don't.
Hmmm...
It has been said (and usually attributed to Plato), "Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
A friend recently told me that I was the only one on a ministry team that ever called to ask, "How can I pray for you?"
I think I need to do that more often and for more people.
In life's battles, people need to know there are others that will stand with them for a while; that they are not alone. They need to know that there is a place of rest; a sanctuary -- even if only for a moment. And they don't have to share the details of their journey if they don't want to. I just want them to know they are not alone -- You are not alone.
My contact info is available.
You can send me a message via comment. I moderate comments so just mark it as personal or mention that you don't want it posted. I know I'm just a guy at a keyboard in a virtual world, but even so -- You are not alone!
John <><
Take faces, for example.
We see faces and we identify people by the distinct features of their faces and how they look.
Sometimes, faces can tell us how people feel -- happy (smiling), sad (crying), angry (tense and red) -- but some people tend to hide emotions better than others. We wear our masks like a second skin and show ourselves to be what we think people want or expect us to be. Often times, we are nothing like the person we exhibit to others.
I guess that's okay.
I don't need to share my problems with everyone and I'm not really interested in knowing everyone's problems. But we all need people that we can be honest with.
As I've gotten older (ugh! I hate that phrase), I've started to see through the masks a little more often and realize that most of us are hiding something. Many have hurts and struggles that nobody else knows about -- not even the people closest to them.
Many years ago, I received a call early on a Sunday morning. It was a young man from my Sunday school class telling me that his wife was leaving him.
They were in church every Sunday. Their faces and dispositions didn't show any marital strife to the casual observer. They appeared to be like everyone else.
But I had to ask myself, "How did I miss this?"
The masks!
At some point it occurred to me -- they appeared to be like everyone else!
Was everyone wearing a mask and hiding their hurts?
Isn't church supposed to be a place where we can be free of judgment and open about our struggles?
How is it that church people feel alone, suffer alone, and add loneliness to their lists of hurts?
I had a recent conversation with a young man that spoke about the false relationships found in churches. One of his complaints about churches was that people seem to care, but you know that they really don't.
Hmmm...
It has been said (and usually attributed to Plato), "Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
A friend recently told me that I was the only one on a ministry team that ever called to ask, "How can I pray for you?"
I think I need to do that more often and for more people.
In life's battles, people need to know there are others that will stand with them for a while; that they are not alone. They need to know that there is a place of rest; a sanctuary -- even if only for a moment. And they don't have to share the details of their journey if they don't want to. I just want them to know they are not alone -- You are not alone.
My contact info is available.
You can send me a message via comment. I moderate comments so just mark it as personal or mention that you don't want it posted. I know I'm just a guy at a keyboard in a virtual world, but even so -- You are not alone!
John <><
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
Religion and Politics
Over the years, I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I don't know how anyone can call themselves a Christian and vote democrat!"
Most of the time, the basis for the statement has been a singular issue that gets put into the broader context of morality. I have, on numerous occasions, defended both my politics and my religion.
Even recently I have been accused of letting my politics influence my religious beliefs.
I can assure you that the opposite has always been true -- my religious beliefs influence my political views.
It has only been in the past couple of decades that I have shifted from a moderate republican to a moderate democrat. I'm really more of a moderate independent with libertarian leanings (but let's face it, that's a moderate democrat by anyone's standards). That shift has come from a growing compassion for others and economic responsibility based on my religious beliefs.
Now, turn about is fair play. It is time for Christians to explain how they use morality as a yardstick and vote for the morally repugnant people that are in office as republicans.
Yeah.
I'll wait.
John <><
Most of the time, the basis for the statement has been a singular issue that gets put into the broader context of morality. I have, on numerous occasions, defended both my politics and my religion.
Even recently I have been accused of letting my politics influence my religious beliefs.
I can assure you that the opposite has always been true -- my religious beliefs influence my political views.
It has only been in the past couple of decades that I have shifted from a moderate republican to a moderate democrat. I'm really more of a moderate independent with libertarian leanings (but let's face it, that's a moderate democrat by anyone's standards). That shift has come from a growing compassion for others and economic responsibility based on my religious beliefs.
Now, turn about is fair play. It is time for Christians to explain how they use morality as a yardstick and vote for the morally repugnant people that are in office as republicans.
Yeah.
I'll wait.
John <><
Monday, December 04, 2017
How Does a Retired Guy Take a Day Off?
I was warned by an older cousin that there are no days off in retirement!
No sick days. No holidays. No vacation days.
You're retired.
I guess if I want a day off from retirement, I'll have to get a job!
Having said that, I did take a day off from posting yesterday. It was a good day for that.
But I'm back.
I've been doing pretty well on limiting my social media/computer time. Removing several apps or notifications from my phone has helped a lot. In fact, I sometimes go days without remembering to check my e-mail.
I still need to work on a way to interact with people more frequently. Maybe I'll take a spring class at the local JuCo. I wonder if I can plan a class schedule around the spring baseball schedules. I'd hate to miss class for a motorcycle ride and a ballgame on a regular basis! I could take an online class which would be fine for learning and something to do, but not so great on the interacting with people thing.
I guess going to school would count as a day off from retirement -- not that I need a day off.
I could hangout at the McDonald's with the morning coffee group or find another place for morning coffee and gossip. Or I could join a gym and maybe meet some people that way.
Any suggestions, friends?
It's December 4th and we're looking at another near 70f (21c) degree day in the Ozarks. After the front passes through later in the day, we'll be back to more seasonal temps with daytime highs in the mid 40s (7-8c).
I realize it is another brutal Monday, but I hope you manage to enjoy your day. I'll go through the daily ordeal of having to find something to do. This retirement thing with no days off is pretty painful!
John <><
No sick days. No holidays. No vacation days.
You're retired.
I guess if I want a day off from retirement, I'll have to get a job!
Having said that, I did take a day off from posting yesterday. It was a good day for that.
But I'm back.
I've been doing pretty well on limiting my social media/computer time. Removing several apps or notifications from my phone has helped a lot. In fact, I sometimes go days without remembering to check my e-mail.
I still need to work on a way to interact with people more frequently. Maybe I'll take a spring class at the local JuCo. I wonder if I can plan a class schedule around the spring baseball schedules. I'd hate to miss class for a motorcycle ride and a ballgame on a regular basis! I could take an online class which would be fine for learning and something to do, but not so great on the interacting with people thing.
I guess going to school would count as a day off from retirement -- not that I need a day off.
I could hangout at the McDonald's with the morning coffee group or find another place for morning coffee and gossip. Or I could join a gym and maybe meet some people that way.
Any suggestions, friends?
It's December 4th and we're looking at another near 70f (21c) degree day in the Ozarks. After the front passes through later in the day, we'll be back to more seasonal temps with daytime highs in the mid 40s (7-8c).
I realize it is another brutal Monday, but I hope you manage to enjoy your day. I'll go through the daily ordeal of having to find something to do. This retirement thing with no days off is pretty painful!
John <><
Saturday, December 02, 2017
Goals
There is definitely a benefit to setting goals or facing a self imposed challenge. I wrote about an exercise goal a week or so ago and am still working on the daily habit.
Yesterday we were out much later than I was expecting and didn't get home until a little before 11pm. I had been my plan to get some cycle time in while watching the TUF Finale. The fights were still on when we got home, so I changed into some shorts and finished my daily commitment at around 11:30.
I have noticed that I am walking much slower than I used to walk. I think there are two major things that contribute to this.
First -- I am much heavier than I was before.
At my last go at healthy weight loss, I actually lost about 25 pounds by just eating better before I even started regular walking. That means I was quite a bit lighter when I started walking last time.
Second -- By the time I quit regular daily walks, not only was I 50 pounds lighter than I am now, I was in pretty good shape. I had been mixing a little running and walking and covering 4-5 miles daily. I was generally close to a 4 mph pace, which is stepping out nicely for walking. Today, I'm lucky to make 3 mph for a two mile walk.
Simple steps.
That's what I told myself then.
That's what I'm telling myself now.
Diet for weight management.
Exercise for health.
Be well,
John <><
Yesterday we were out much later than I was expecting and didn't get home until a little before 11pm. I had been my plan to get some cycle time in while watching the TUF Finale. The fights were still on when we got home, so I changed into some shorts and finished my daily commitment at around 11:30.
I have noticed that I am walking much slower than I used to walk. I think there are two major things that contribute to this.
First -- I am much heavier than I was before.
At my last go at healthy weight loss, I actually lost about 25 pounds by just eating better before I even started regular walking. That means I was quite a bit lighter when I started walking last time.
Second -- By the time I quit regular daily walks, not only was I 50 pounds lighter than I am now, I was in pretty good shape. I had been mixing a little running and walking and covering 4-5 miles daily. I was generally close to a 4 mph pace, which is stepping out nicely for walking. Today, I'm lucky to make 3 mph for a two mile walk.
Simple steps.
That's what I told myself then.
That's what I'm telling myself now.
Diet for weight management.
Exercise for health.
Be well,
John <><
Friday, December 01, 2017
Welcome to December!
Whew!
I, for one, am happy to put November in the history heap!
Let's move on!
I have been informed that today will be a day of putting up Christmas decorations. I've never been a Clark Griswold kind of guy when it comes to decorating. I suppose this year's Christmas decorations will be similar to recent years with some simple indoor stuff and a wreath on the door.
Truthfully, Chris does most of the decorating. my job is hauling the boxes from the attic and taking care of the heavy lifting.
I suppose it is time to get into the holiday spirit.
I'm not really a Scrooge about the holidays, but neither am I an all about Christmas kind of guy. I'll be listening to classic rock instead of Christmas music right up until Christmas Eve or so. I'll not be wishing for a white Christmas, even though a little winter weather isn't going to make it difficult to get to work on time.
I am looking forward to getting together with the kids for a holiday visit the week after Christmas.
And I'm looking forward to 2018! What will the coming year hold for us?
It's December!
Let's do this!
John <><
I, for one, am happy to put November in the history heap!
Let's move on!
I have been informed that today will be a day of putting up Christmas decorations. I've never been a Clark Griswold kind of guy when it comes to decorating. I suppose this year's Christmas decorations will be similar to recent years with some simple indoor stuff and a wreath on the door.
Truthfully, Chris does most of the decorating. my job is hauling the boxes from the attic and taking care of the heavy lifting.
I suppose it is time to get into the holiday spirit.
I'm not really a Scrooge about the holidays, but neither am I an all about Christmas kind of guy. I'll be listening to classic rock instead of Christmas music right up until Christmas Eve or so. I'll not be wishing for a white Christmas, even though a little winter weather isn't going to make it difficult to get to work on time.
I am looking forward to getting together with the kids for a holiday visit the week after Christmas.
And I'm looking forward to 2018! What will the coming year hold for us?
It's December!
Let's do this!
John <><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
