This morning I had the opportunity to take a senior member of my congregation home following knee surgery and a period of recuperation in a nursing home. She had been away for about 20 days and was very ready to get back home. She was looking forward to her normal surroundings, being back with her neighbors and friends and, perhaps most importantly, her cat.
When we got to her home she almost jumped out of her wheelchair as she looked for her cat which, in her absence, had left something of a mess...but that didn't matter at all. Suddenly this lady started to talk in a kind of baby talk as she rejoiced over seeing her cat. It was like a mother talking to her newborn baby, and a little too over the top for me.
I guess the need to have something or somebody to love is in all of us. For me, it's my wife and children. My children bring reactions out of me that nobody else can, and my love for my wife causes me to say the silliest things sometimes, things that I would never allow other people to hear. For the outside world, I must be seen as this Englishman that has it all together with a keen, if corny, sense of humor. For those I hold closest there is a love that feels so natural that I forget about myself and what they might think of me, and replace it with raw love. Watching this dear lady and her cat is another example of raw love. It didn't matter whether I was there or not, she was going to love that cat.
We have now entered the Lenten Season, leading up to history's greatest example of raw love. On that first Good Friday, Christ didn't care about what people thought of Him. Christ wasn't thinking he looked foolish, despite the crown of thorns, the sign above His head and people mockingly asking "...Why don't you save yourself?" His language was love, and He was going to speak it regardless.
As I reflect on my Christ, the sacrificial Lamb, and think about my lady and her cat I wonder if, in some small way, I heard the language of Christ today. When I am silly with my wife, just enjoying her company, is it the language of Christ? When I just love my children, perhaps one of those times when you just look into their eyes and get lost for a moment, is that the language of Christ? Pure, natural, spontaneous love...oh that we might all speak the language of Christ.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I need my coffee!
One of the problems of being a preacher is that you have to follow your own words. It would be terrible for me to preach on the evils of alcohol, and then buy a six pack of bud light on my way home. On Sunday, I challenged my congregation to give up three things for Lent. The first is a food or beverage that they know is harmful to their body, the second is a food or beverage that is their favorite and the third is a habit that they know is bad for them either spiritually or physically. In my sermon I told everybody that their choices were to be between them and God, but I did reveal that my choice of "favorite" is coffee...and I am already regretting that. I have thought about going home and brewing a pot, or getting out of my uniform and into my jeans and donning a false nose and moustache and doing a Starbucks run. I have thought about justifying my drinking a cup for medicinal purposes...but I can't think of a good medicinal purpose so all I can say is, roll on Easter.
In the meantime I will be thinking about coffee and, while I do, I will be praying. The idea is that, when we think about the things we've given up, we should pray, and our primary prayer is that of our dependence on God. As we wean ourselves off the things we think we need, we are encouraged to search God, whom we truly need. We should offer a simple prayer, a prayer prayed by former New York Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson at a fellowship of Christian Athletes event which says simply this. "Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen."
Over the next few weeks my weight may come down a little, my breath will not constantly smell like French roast and I will become a little more disciplined. But my ultimate hope, both for me and my congregation, is that I will become more dependent upon God and that His will is done in my life.
In the meantime I will be thinking about coffee and, while I do, I will be praying. The idea is that, when we think about the things we've given up, we should pray, and our primary prayer is that of our dependence on God. As we wean ourselves off the things we think we need, we are encouraged to search God, whom we truly need. We should offer a simple prayer, a prayer prayed by former New York Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson at a fellowship of Christian Athletes event which says simply this. "Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen."
Over the next few weeks my weight may come down a little, my breath will not constantly smell like French roast and I will become a little more disciplined. But my ultimate hope, both for me and my congregation, is that I will become more dependent upon God and that His will is done in my life.
Friday, February 19, 2010
A frosty Olympics
Most mornings, since the fabulous opening ceremonies in Vancouver, I have checked the Olympic medal table to see how my fellow Brits are doing. Britain doesn't have a great tradition in the winter Olympics, though we have had glimpses of glory. A bobsleigh gold in the 1950's...Men's figure skating champion in both 1976 and 1980 and at the last Olympics we won the gold medal for the women's curling. But most famously, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean gave the greatest ice dance performance in history in 1984, securing perfect marks for artistic impression, a feat that will never be equalled as the system of scoring has now changed.
I was telling my American wife about this incredible couple, and even pulled up video on Youtube which she watched with vague interest. They were marvellous, they were wonderful, but then I realized that it was also 26 years ago, and I was still having to revel in their glory. You see Britain is sitting equal 26Th in the medal count, a position we share with about 40 countries who have won...no medals at all!!!
At times I find myself living in the former glories of The Salvation Army. The stories of the match factories, the age of consent in the UK and the closing of Devils Island. There was a day when a group like the Army could really make its mark in the Western world, but in reality that day is gone. Not because The Army is not working, but because society is different and The Army less controversial. This does not mean, however, that significant societal changes are not happening elsewhere.
I received a bulletin this week, taking about The Salvation Army's work in Papua New Guinea and titles, "Swapping Bullets For Bibles." It talked about 26 year tribal battles that have taken the lives of hundreds of men, and has caused desperate mothers to smother their male children at birth to reduce future fighting forces. In the midst of these tribal wars, Captain Michael Hermuno has been working with 15 tribes sharing the gospel message. For many years he had been offering them a solution to hate, a solution to the conflict and finally, in October 2009 he was at the center of a celebration that was the fruit of his labor, and the answer to he most earnest prayer...a formalized peace treaty. A number of Salvation Army Officers attended this amazing event where, as a symbol of the change, the tribesmen handed over their guns in exchange for a Bible. The guns, bows & arrows and other weapons were collected and then burned in font of 2,000 people, most of whom had no memory of peace. Major James Cocker of The Salvation Army said, "It's amazing that this remote place has no government involvement, no police and no services, but The Salvation Army is there."
So, a war that had started about the time Torvill and Dean gave Britain it's greatest Winter Olympic memory was finally over, and the winner was Jesus. What a reminder that God is still at work, and He is still giving us victories. As for me, that displaced Brit begging for some glory...roll on women's curling.
I was telling my American wife about this incredible couple, and even pulled up video on Youtube which she watched with vague interest. They were marvellous, they were wonderful, but then I realized that it was also 26 years ago, and I was still having to revel in their glory. You see Britain is sitting equal 26Th in the medal count, a position we share with about 40 countries who have won...no medals at all!!!
At times I find myself living in the former glories of The Salvation Army. The stories of the match factories, the age of consent in the UK and the closing of Devils Island. There was a day when a group like the Army could really make its mark in the Western world, but in reality that day is gone. Not because The Army is not working, but because society is different and The Army less controversial. This does not mean, however, that significant societal changes are not happening elsewhere.
I received a bulletin this week, taking about The Salvation Army's work in Papua New Guinea and titles, "Swapping Bullets For Bibles." It talked about 26 year tribal battles that have taken the lives of hundreds of men, and has caused desperate mothers to smother their male children at birth to reduce future fighting forces. In the midst of these tribal wars, Captain Michael Hermuno has been working with 15 tribes sharing the gospel message. For many years he had been offering them a solution to hate, a solution to the conflict and finally, in October 2009 he was at the center of a celebration that was the fruit of his labor, and the answer to he most earnest prayer...a formalized peace treaty. A number of Salvation Army Officers attended this amazing event where, as a symbol of the change, the tribesmen handed over their guns in exchange for a Bible. The guns, bows & arrows and other weapons were collected and then burned in font of 2,000 people, most of whom had no memory of peace. Major James Cocker of The Salvation Army said, "It's amazing that this remote place has no government involvement, no police and no services, but The Salvation Army is there."
So, a war that had started about the time Torvill and Dean gave Britain it's greatest Winter Olympic memory was finally over, and the winner was Jesus. What a reminder that God is still at work, and He is still giving us victories. As for me, that displaced Brit begging for some glory...roll on women's curling.
Monday, February 15, 2010
All Over The World
This weekend I was introduced to a thing called Skype. For those who don't know, Skype allows you to get on the computer and, with the use of a web cam, talk face to face with anybody around the world. For a foreigner like me, this might prove to be a very exciting new part of my life as I keep up with my family and friends in England.
My Sister and Brother-in-law have recently adopted a little boy named Robert. I have been very keen to see this little boy, my new nephew, so this technology is going to allow me to do something I thought I would never be able to do...watch my nephew and, hopefully my other niece and nephew, grow up. At the same time, it allows my sisters to watch my children develop and grow and it gives the cousins a chance to interact. To me, that is a very exciting prospect.
When I left England in 1991, I left parents who were middle aged and sisters who were in their early twenties thinking they would be around forever. When my Dad passed away in September, 2008 and I saw my sisters and my niece and nephew for the first time in three years I realized that I was in danger of really missing out. We get together as relative strangers once every few years and, by the time we've caught up with one another, its time to leave. Now, thanks to Skype, I feel we can truly keep up with one another and watch each others children grow...what a blessing.
On an unrelated note, Annie (the subject of my last post) was promoted to glory yesterday. She passed away at about 12:15PM on Valentines Day and now is at peace. Out prayers go out to her family who will miss this dear lady, and to our congregation which will feel her loss greatly. As my 5 year old son Christian remarked, Miss Annie has a new body now.
My Sister and Brother-in-law have recently adopted a little boy named Robert. I have been very keen to see this little boy, my new nephew, so this technology is going to allow me to do something I thought I would never be able to do...watch my nephew and, hopefully my other niece and nephew, grow up. At the same time, it allows my sisters to watch my children develop and grow and it gives the cousins a chance to interact. To me, that is a very exciting prospect.
When I left England in 1991, I left parents who were middle aged and sisters who were in their early twenties thinking they would be around forever. When my Dad passed away in September, 2008 and I saw my sisters and my niece and nephew for the first time in three years I realized that I was in danger of really missing out. We get together as relative strangers once every few years and, by the time we've caught up with one another, its time to leave. Now, thanks to Skype, I feel we can truly keep up with one another and watch each others children grow...what a blessing.
On an unrelated note, Annie (the subject of my last post) was promoted to glory yesterday. She passed away at about 12:15PM on Valentines Day and now is at peace. Out prayers go out to her family who will miss this dear lady, and to our congregation which will feel her loss greatly. As my 5 year old son Christian remarked, Miss Annie has a new body now.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Another Saint, ready to go home.
I have spent much of the past two days visiting and thinking about a little old lady called Annie. At 90 years old, Annie spent many of her formative years during the great depression, and her young adult years while the world was at war. She mothered several children despite difficult circumstances, raising them in a loving and Christian environment.
I have known Annie for almost 6 years, a small part of her life, yet in those 6 years I have observed so much in her that is both desirable and admirable. Annie is a very quiet lady, sitting in her regular Church seat on the back row. She had been struggling with cancer for years, yet she never seemed to complain despite what must have been tremendous pain and discomfort.
Despite her attending The Salvation Army for many years, I was the Officer privileged to enroll her as a Soldier (member) of The Salvation Army. When I asked her if she would be interested, she said "What can you do with an 85 year old soldier?" My response was, just be you. By being Annie, she was able to touch many people. Her gentle spirit and her absolute drive and resolve never went unnoticed. I remember the day that I took Annie and fellow Soldier Mildred out to lunch. She looked at me and said, "We are so excited to have you all to ourselves." Even the Captain needs to feel special once in a while, and Annie and Mildred made me feel special that day. Then, just two days ago, as I sat by her hospital bed she looked right through me and said, "Thank you for coming, you don't know how much that means to me..." yet, as I looked into her eyes I thought, perhaps I do. Again, she made me feel special.
My guess is that Annie made a lot of people feel special. I could go on about my encounters with her and still miss many but I will not, except to mention one other thing that makes her stand out...her quiet yet determined spirit. Quite frankly, a lesser woman would have succumbed to this terrible disease before now, but her determination to keep going was truly amazing to watch. It was a selfless determination, perhaps a brute stubbornness to keep going, but it is a journey that surely is soon to end. Don't worry about Annie, her place in heaven is secure. She has been a good and faithful servant, and I will always thank God for placing Annie in my life...as the lady who made me feel special.
I have known Annie for almost 6 years, a small part of her life, yet in those 6 years I have observed so much in her that is both desirable and admirable. Annie is a very quiet lady, sitting in her regular Church seat on the back row. She had been struggling with cancer for years, yet she never seemed to complain despite what must have been tremendous pain and discomfort.
Despite her attending The Salvation Army for many years, I was the Officer privileged to enroll her as a Soldier (member) of The Salvation Army. When I asked her if she would be interested, she said "What can you do with an 85 year old soldier?" My response was, just be you. By being Annie, she was able to touch many people. Her gentle spirit and her absolute drive and resolve never went unnoticed. I remember the day that I took Annie and fellow Soldier Mildred out to lunch. She looked at me and said, "We are so excited to have you all to ourselves." Even the Captain needs to feel special once in a while, and Annie and Mildred made me feel special that day. Then, just two days ago, as I sat by her hospital bed she looked right through me and said, "Thank you for coming, you don't know how much that means to me..." yet, as I looked into her eyes I thought, perhaps I do. Again, she made me feel special.
My guess is that Annie made a lot of people feel special. I could go on about my encounters with her and still miss many but I will not, except to mention one other thing that makes her stand out...her quiet yet determined spirit. Quite frankly, a lesser woman would have succumbed to this terrible disease before now, but her determination to keep going was truly amazing to watch. It was a selfless determination, perhaps a brute stubbornness to keep going, but it is a journey that surely is soon to end. Don't worry about Annie, her place in heaven is secure. She has been a good and faithful servant, and I will always thank God for placing Annie in my life...as the lady who made me feel special.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Let it snow...
Never in my life have I experienced the kind of weather that has come our way this winter. I thought the storm of December 19th was big, but the blizzard of this past weekend was as amazing as anything I have ever seen before. Stuck at home...yet again! No Church...yet again! And then there is the promise of up to 12 more inches today and tomorrow, will it ever end?!? To add irony to this most fascinating winter, I heard that Vancouver - host of the 2010 Winter Olympics - has had its warmest winter in decades, causing the usually perfect winter sports location to be in a panic over the upcoming spectacular.
Back to Fredericksburg. By the end of this week, my children will have been at school for one short day in two weeks. When I broke the news of yet another storm front coming through, they jumped with joy at the prospect of more days off school, more snow to play in, and more family time.
You know, these days are frustrating in their own way. Two weeks away from Church is very frustrating to me, a closed Thrift Store is very frustrating (and a little worrying) to me, and my children missing two weeks of education is frustrating to me yet, during this frigid period, we have created life long memories. The memory of walking to Denny's in the middle of a whiteout, the memory of making their first snow igloo, the memory of days in, doing things together. Perhaps God realized what I needed the most, some real time with my wife and children so we could play, cuddle and create memories.
Back to Fredericksburg. By the end of this week, my children will have been at school for one short day in two weeks. When I broke the news of yet another storm front coming through, they jumped with joy at the prospect of more days off school, more snow to play in, and more family time.
You know, these days are frustrating in their own way. Two weeks away from Church is very frustrating to me, a closed Thrift Store is very frustrating (and a little worrying) to me, and my children missing two weeks of education is frustrating to me yet, during this frigid period, we have created life long memories. The memory of walking to Denny's in the middle of a whiteout, the memory of making their first snow igloo, the memory of days in, doing things together. Perhaps God realized what I needed the most, some real time with my wife and children so we could play, cuddle and create memories.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Snow and Earthquakes
In scripture, David stands out as one of the true great men. He was the man after God's own heart, the defeater of Goliath and Israels greatest King. Yet, this man went through a period in his life where he wandered from God, slept with a married woman, got her pregnant and had her husband killed. One day, the Prophet Nathan challenged David on this point and David, realizing his sinfulness, wrote Psalm 51 - a most amazing Psalm. In verse 7 of that Psalm, David recognizes the power of God's forgiveness as he wrote, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7 MKJ)
On Sunday morning I looked out of the front window of my home to see a world that was the purest white. Every house, every tree every, every inch of ground was a beautiful white. By Sunday morning the snow had stopped and the sun shone down creating a picture perfect image. By 2PM I had dug out our driveway and prepared for a trip to Maryland for a National Capital Band event. By this time our neighborhood had been ploughed, a number of cars had driven on the road turning the snow to different shades of dirty. Over the next few days, or by the end of this cold snap, the snow will continue to disappear, the piles of snow will turn black and the world will start to look like itself again.
In many ways, this image represents the way God works in our lives. The world is less than perfect but, if we ask for forgiveness like David did in Psalm 51, God will wash me, cleanse me and I will be whiter than snow but...unless I continue to ask for forgiveness for my sins, my old self will start to re-emerge and the cleansing is lost.
The change in landscape in Haiti could not be a greater contrast to what I just described. In this instance the devastation is a horrible reminder of the consequence of the fall of man. It would take a Bible study to explain how the great flood plays into what has happened in Haiti, but this devastation is a reminder that we are but frail people living in a frail world. Sadly earthquakes, hurricanes, famines are called "acts of God" yet the reality could not be further from the truth. I don't for one minute believe that this earthquake was in any way an act of God, but I do believe the acts of God are now going on. The acts of God are seen in the Methodist Church that is raising money for relief. The acts of God are seen in operation blessing at they work to help the victims of this horrible disaster. The acts of God are seen in The Salvation Army workers who are trying to feed 1,000,000 victims EVERY DAY!!! Please believe that God is in Haiti and that, through the work of the faith based groups, not only will people be physically nourished but they will be Spiritually nourished. Make that your prayer for Haiti, a country where Voodoo is rampant, that God is honored and that lives are saved in His name.
On Sunday morning I looked out of the front window of my home to see a world that was the purest white. Every house, every tree every, every inch of ground was a beautiful white. By Sunday morning the snow had stopped and the sun shone down creating a picture perfect image. By 2PM I had dug out our driveway and prepared for a trip to Maryland for a National Capital Band event. By this time our neighborhood had been ploughed, a number of cars had driven on the road turning the snow to different shades of dirty. Over the next few days, or by the end of this cold snap, the snow will continue to disappear, the piles of snow will turn black and the world will start to look like itself again.
In many ways, this image represents the way God works in our lives. The world is less than perfect but, if we ask for forgiveness like David did in Psalm 51, God will wash me, cleanse me and I will be whiter than snow but...unless I continue to ask for forgiveness for my sins, my old self will start to re-emerge and the cleansing is lost.
The change in landscape in Haiti could not be a greater contrast to what I just described. In this instance the devastation is a horrible reminder of the consequence of the fall of man. It would take a Bible study to explain how the great flood plays into what has happened in Haiti, but this devastation is a reminder that we are but frail people living in a frail world. Sadly earthquakes, hurricanes, famines are called "acts of God" yet the reality could not be further from the truth. I don't for one minute believe that this earthquake was in any way an act of God, but I do believe the acts of God are now going on. The acts of God are seen in the Methodist Church that is raising money for relief. The acts of God are seen in operation blessing at they work to help the victims of this horrible disaster. The acts of God are seen in The Salvation Army workers who are trying to feed 1,000,000 victims EVERY DAY!!! Please believe that God is in Haiti and that, through the work of the faith based groups, not only will people be physically nourished but they will be Spiritually nourished. Make that your prayer for Haiti, a country where Voodoo is rampant, that God is honored and that lives are saved in His name.
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