Love makes the world go 'round!
Reason number three on why we need to be connected is . . Love is the ultimate connection!
The Bible says, and this is very important, love each other! "Love is what holds you altogether in perfect unity" Colossians 3:14 NCV When Jesus was asked what matters most in life, he said, "Love God with all your heart, and love others as your self."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Reasons To Be Connected - Reason 2
"One is the loneliest number that you ever do . . . " Can you hear that Three Dog Night song? Loneliness is one of the most painful of human emotion! We all need to be needed.
Today's reason - reason number 2 - why it is important for us to be connected -- connected to God and to others, is that you and I were created for connections!
I mean think about it for a second. How many of you pay attention to brand names on your clothes, or cheer together at sporting event -- like a Yankees game, or wave your lighter or cell phone at a Tom Petty concert. In each of these incidences we are seeking the sense of connectedness. Without connections, to each other, but especially to God our Creator, life feels empty.
Romans 12:5
The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. (the message)
Today's reason - reason number 2 - why it is important for us to be connected -- connected to God and to others, is that you and I were created for connections!
I mean think about it for a second. How many of you pay attention to brand names on your clothes, or cheer together at sporting event -- like a Yankees game, or wave your lighter or cell phone at a Tom Petty concert. In each of these incidences we are seeking the sense of connectedness. Without connections, to each other, but especially to God our Creator, life feels empty.
Romans 12:5
The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. (the message)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Reasons To Be Connected - Reason 1
At Ransomville Free Methodist Church we believe that we were created for connection! Our church exists to connect all people to Jesus. In connecting to Jesus we also find it essential to connect to one another! Currently I am on the tailend of a personal spiritual retreat. One of the items that I have been reading was a magazine by Rick Warren. In the beginning of this mag he lays out ten reasons we need to be connected. I thought that these were so basic, clear, and important, that I want to for the next 10 days share with you 1 reason each day.
Reason 1 - Connections are the essence of life!
All one has to do is to look at how you and are made -- many different parts, but each connected to the other. None of our parts can live on their own - they are dependent on the "body connection". Now the body can from time to time continue to live without some of its less essential parts, but it still is still a connected unit.
What is true about the body, is true about everything else! A disconnected life is really no life at all.
1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
Reason 1 - Connections are the essence of life!
All one has to do is to look at how you and are made -- many different parts, but each connected to the other. None of our parts can live on their own - they are dependent on the "body connection". Now the body can from time to time continue to live without some of its less essential parts, but it still is still a connected unit.
What is true about the body, is true about everything else! A disconnected life is really no life at all.
1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Driving Perspective
Looking in the rear view mirror of my Chevy van, I noticed that the center metal strip of the rear doors remained a constant distance from the highway white strip. When the van went around a corner or moved, it was always the same proportional distance away. . . and then I had this thought -- is it possible to drive by simply looking in your rear view mirror?
Now I know that some of you possibly reading this are wondering, he isn't going to is he? while those of you who truly know me, know that ... oh yes he is! So I cast my gaze to where I had come from and tried to drive successfully down the road.
At first, the experience was incredible. It worked! I was driving by viewing everything from the rear of the vehicle, and then it happened. I began hearing the sound of rumbling. The kind of rumbling that comes when ones tires hit that strip on the right side of the road. And I began to have other thoughts, thoughts like, how can you know when the road ahead curves to the right or the left. Looking only to where you have been doesn't allow you to adjust to the future direction of your vehicle. How interesting!
I have now discovered that in order to successfully navigate ones course, you must look ahead to where you are going. Looking to the past helps assess that we indeed are going in the right direction, but we must concentrate our vision toward the future.
If this forward looking is important in driving, how important is it in our lives, and in our walk with God?
As we close out 2008, there is some value to look to the past, but I'm guessing it is more important to look to the future. What is your "destination" for 2009? What road or path is God putting before you? Are you recognizing that you must always cast yours forward?
Have a very happy and forward looking New Year!
Now I know that some of you possibly reading this are wondering, he isn't going to is he? while those of you who truly know me, know that ... oh yes he is! So I cast my gaze to where I had come from and tried to drive successfully down the road.
At first, the experience was incredible. It worked! I was driving by viewing everything from the rear of the vehicle, and then it happened. I began hearing the sound of rumbling. The kind of rumbling that comes when ones tires hit that strip on the right side of the road. And I began to have other thoughts, thoughts like, how can you know when the road ahead curves to the right or the left. Looking only to where you have been doesn't allow you to adjust to the future direction of your vehicle. How interesting!
I have now discovered that in order to successfully navigate ones course, you must look ahead to where you are going. Looking to the past helps assess that we indeed are going in the right direction, but we must concentrate our vision toward the future.
If this forward looking is important in driving, how important is it in our lives, and in our walk with God?
As we close out 2008, there is some value to look to the past, but I'm guessing it is more important to look to the future. What is your "destination" for 2009? What road or path is God putting before you? Are you recognizing that you must always cast yours forward?
Have a very happy and forward looking New Year!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Giving In?
My father-in-law has a tendency to latch on to a phrase (or a joke) and repeat it for an extended period of time – each time saying it as if it were the first time. Right now it is an old German phrase – “Too fast old, too late smart”
When I was much younger, if someone were to get in my way, or challenge me, I would rise to the occasion and meet the challenge, letting the pieces land where they will. Over the years I have grown and matured a bit to realize that strength is not always in meeting the challenge head on, but sometimes it is in knowing when to give in.
These thoughts flooded in on me as I read these Proverbs today - "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." (16:32). The point is made in the opposite way in Proverbs 25:28, "Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is a man who has no control over his spirit."
Humility, submission, servant hood, acceptance of God's will--characteristics which our macho culture dismisses as weakness, but which are the epitome of strength. Only the truly strong can walk away from a fight when he could win it. Only the truly strong can humble themselves to get down and wash the feet of others, as Jesus did the disciples.
The toughest job any of us will ever have to do is to submit ourselves to another. I guess that makes Philippians 2:5-8 all that more significant.
What today does God want you to submit to? Giving in to His will isn’t weakness, it is an incredible display of strength!
When I was much younger, if someone were to get in my way, or challenge me, I would rise to the occasion and meet the challenge, letting the pieces land where they will. Over the years I have grown and matured a bit to realize that strength is not always in meeting the challenge head on, but sometimes it is in knowing when to give in.
These thoughts flooded in on me as I read these Proverbs today - "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." (16:32). The point is made in the opposite way in Proverbs 25:28, "Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is a man who has no control over his spirit."
Humility, submission, servant hood, acceptance of God's will--characteristics which our macho culture dismisses as weakness, but which are the epitome of strength. Only the truly strong can walk away from a fight when he could win it. Only the truly strong can humble themselves to get down and wash the feet of others, as Jesus did the disciples.
The toughest job any of us will ever have to do is to submit ourselves to another. I guess that makes Philippians 2:5-8 all that more significant.
What today does God want you to submit to? Giving in to His will isn’t weakness, it is an incredible display of strength!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Out of the Box!
Many times, life, real-authentic-messy-authentic life, doesn't fit into our neat little boxes.
On a special night in 1995 the world of my family was altered forever with the placement of a new foster child – an 8 week old girl. Several years later we had the great pleasure to adopt her into our hearts and family. When it came time to give her a name, we decided to just tack “Lowery” on the end of her given name – she now had 5 names. Her name goes from side to side on her birth certificate.
When we named her, we didn’t pay close attention to a hyphen that was placed between her birth surname, and her new surname. Many years later, my daughter came home from school angry. When I asked her what upset her, she explained that in school when her name was called, it was called under the “M’s” for McMillan, not the “L’s” for Lowery. “I’m not a McMillan, Dad, I’m a Lowery”. So we hired an attorney and had the hyphen removed.
Recently we received a phone call from the middle school guidance counselor who called to inform me that they had notified my daughter’s teachers of the change, but they had one more issue. In the school’s data system they use first name, middle initial, last name for each student, so what initial of her 3 middle names did we want to use. – Life didn’t fit their boxes.
My father is 82. A while ago he purchased genealogy software to help him put together our family history. As he began this task we soon discovered that the software doesn’t fit our family – they don’t have categories for us (I hear you snickering . . .). My father has been married four times, and has children by three of them. June’s grandson was living with her at the time of their marriage, and after their marriage, my Dad, adopted his new grandson . . . so my father’s grandson is my brother . . . see what I mean?
I am reminded that God doesn’t always fit in our boxes. How can the infinite be contained by the finite? He can’t! Our world measures success by popularity, by wealth, by influence. God measures by obedience, faithfulness, and faith. God is always about taking the foolish things of this world.
What about your life doesn’t fit neatly in someone’s box? What about your relationship with God is outside the box? Take time today to celebrate Life!
On a special night in 1995 the world of my family was altered forever with the placement of a new foster child – an 8 week old girl. Several years later we had the great pleasure to adopt her into our hearts and family. When it came time to give her a name, we decided to just tack “Lowery” on the end of her given name – she now had 5 names. Her name goes from side to side on her birth certificate.
When we named her, we didn’t pay close attention to a hyphen that was placed between her birth surname, and her new surname. Many years later, my daughter came home from school angry. When I asked her what upset her, she explained that in school when her name was called, it was called under the “M’s” for McMillan, not the “L’s” for Lowery. “I’m not a McMillan, Dad, I’m a Lowery”. So we hired an attorney and had the hyphen removed.
Recently we received a phone call from the middle school guidance counselor who called to inform me that they had notified my daughter’s teachers of the change, but they had one more issue. In the school’s data system they use first name, middle initial, last name for each student, so what initial of her 3 middle names did we want to use. – Life didn’t fit their boxes.
My father is 82. A while ago he purchased genealogy software to help him put together our family history. As he began this task we soon discovered that the software doesn’t fit our family – they don’t have categories for us (I hear you snickering . . .). My father has been married four times, and has children by three of them. June’s grandson was living with her at the time of their marriage, and after their marriage, my Dad, adopted his new grandson . . . so my father’s grandson is my brother . . . see what I mean?
I am reminded that God doesn’t always fit in our boxes. How can the infinite be contained by the finite? He can’t! Our world measures success by popularity, by wealth, by influence. God measures by obedience, faithfulness, and faith. God is always about taking the foolish things of this world.
What about your life doesn’t fit neatly in someone’s box? What about your relationship with God is outside the box? Take time today to celebrate Life!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Must Have Been The Fumes!
I can't believe it has been since the middle of August when i made my last post - it must have been the fumes. I mean, after all, my bike does run a little rich. Honesty is one of our core values here at RFMC and I need to let you know that the fumes are really just an excuse . . . well actually the fumes have nothing to do with it.
The fact is I just have been so busy with other things that I let the blogging thing go by the wayside. Not that I haven't been on my computer, or that I never had a thought about the need to blog -- no the truth be told, I chose other things as greater priority in my life.
Sometimes the same thing happens in our daily walk with God. We don't consciously decide not to have a relationship with him. Our lives become crowded and hectic, and other priorities slide in. Soon we lose perspective. Then it is only as we look back that we see how far away we are from where we thought we should be.
Where are you on your journey? What priorities in your life have been pushed aside? What items need to be restored to your life?
The fact is I just have been so busy with other things that I let the blogging thing go by the wayside. Not that I haven't been on my computer, or that I never had a thought about the need to blog -- no the truth be told, I chose other things as greater priority in my life.
Sometimes the same thing happens in our daily walk with God. We don't consciously decide not to have a relationship with him. Our lives become crowded and hectic, and other priorities slide in. Soon we lose perspective. Then it is only as we look back that we see how far away we are from where we thought we should be.
Where are you on your journey? What priorities in your life have been pushed aside? What items need to be restored to your life?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day Three -- 2008 Bike Trip
Last evening while in Altoona, PA, I went to see the Indiana Jones movie. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this movie as Harrison Ford is quite a bit older -- maybe I was expecting him to chase guys around with a walker, but the movie was good. I give it an 8. As I was leaving the theatre and went to start my bike, there was no start! The battery was near dead. The only people left in the parking lot were two teen girls.
I think I gave them a little pause, if not an outright scare. Late at night. Two teen girls alone in the parking lot, and this 50 something biker dude comes over and asks them to help out. They were more than gracious and I was able to get the bike started and get back to my room.
Once at the motel, I hooked the battery up to a charger and hoped for the best.
Today as I hooked up the battery, and then loaded my gear. I quietly said a prayer and turned the key -- it started!
I then looked for a Suzuki dealership, cued in the GPS and off I went in my search. Now it may seem to be a pretty sweet deal except that the sun was brightly shinning and I could not see nor hear the GPS. Another fact is the address was wrong in the phone book, and thereby I was searching in all the wrong places.
Upon finding the Suzuki service center (which is actually in Bedford) Carlos was more than helpful in getting me rigs for dinnerht into the shop and testing the system. Come to find out I am grounded on three of my three stater ports (not a good thing)! No parts in stock. Was able to locate one and have it over-nighted and tomorrow at about 10am they will install it and have me back on the road!
So I went down to get gas at the nearby Sheetz and sat down at a table with Mike and Paul (Honda riders) and spent the afternoon in conversation with them. Pray for me as tomorrow we are meeting for coffee and donuts while the bike is being repaired.
Tonight am camping at Sleepy Hollow Camp Ground just down the road from the bike shop. Had a small campfire, and roasted some hot dogs for dinner. Have spent time today reading the Word and now blogging and just catchiung up on some reading.
Tomorrow is bike repair and breakfast with the boyz. Travel to Washington DC to have dinner with BT's girlfriend. More tomorrow as the saga continues -- the Lord willing!
I think I gave them a little pause, if not an outright scare. Late at night. Two teen girls alone in the parking lot, and this 50 something biker dude comes over and asks them to help out. They were more than gracious and I was able to get the bike started and get back to my room.
Once at the motel, I hooked the battery up to a charger and hoped for the best.
Today as I hooked up the battery, and then loaded my gear. I quietly said a prayer and turned the key -- it started!
I then looked for a Suzuki dealership, cued in the GPS and off I went in my search. Now it may seem to be a pretty sweet deal except that the sun was brightly shinning and I could not see nor hear the GPS. Another fact is the address was wrong in the phone book, and thereby I was searching in all the wrong places.
Upon finding the Suzuki service center (which is actually in Bedford) Carlos was more than helpful in getting me rigs for dinnerht into the shop and testing the system. Come to find out I am grounded on three of my three stater ports (not a good thing)! No parts in stock. Was able to locate one and have it over-nighted and tomorrow at about 10am they will install it and have me back on the road!
So I went down to get gas at the nearby Sheetz and sat down at a table with Mike and Paul (Honda riders) and spent the afternoon in conversation with them. Pray for me as tomorrow we are meeting for coffee and donuts while the bike is being repaired.
Tonight am camping at Sleepy Hollow Camp Ground just down the road from the bike shop. Had a small campfire, and roasted some hot dogs for dinner. Have spent time today reading the Word and now blogging and just catchiung up on some reading.
Tomorrow is bike repair and breakfast with the boyz. Travel to Washington DC to have dinner with BT's girlfriend. More tomorrow as the saga continues -- the Lord willing!
Day Two of the "Bike Trip"
"Listen to the sound of the falling rain" . . . is the song that flooded my thoughts as I woke today. The rain was so kewl hitting on the fabric of the tent -- it almost seemed like a lullaby, so I turned over and catched a few more rays.
Now in this situation, one is faced with a momentous decision. Do I sit the day in the tent, or do I pack up my things and head out into the rain threatened reality of my world? I decided not to let a little water keep me down and headed out. Where to go?
I decided to retrace my steps along Rte 6 and hook back up to Rte 219. What an incredibly beautiful ride. The road winds along shoulders of lush forest geen, the smell of rododendrum tree blossoms pungently fragranting the air. All of this ocurred of course while riding through rain. What a wet day.
I am having a little difficulty with the bike not starting. I'm not sure if the problem is the new battery I purchased before leaving, or some other item. Came over to Altoona PA because another biker said it was the closest Suzuki place available.
So here I am in Altoona drying out from the day. The Suzuki dealership is not open on Sundays so I will have to wait to contact them in the am in order to have the bike checked out.
Alive and well in Altoona -- where do they get these names?
Now in this situation, one is faced with a momentous decision. Do I sit the day in the tent, or do I pack up my things and head out into the rain threatened reality of my world? I decided not to let a little water keep me down and headed out. Where to go?
I decided to retrace my steps along Rte 6 and hook back up to Rte 219. What an incredibly beautiful ride. The road winds along shoulders of lush forest geen, the smell of rododendrum tree blossoms pungently fragranting the air. All of this ocurred of course while riding through rain. What a wet day.
I am having a little difficulty with the bike not starting. I'm not sure if the problem is the new battery I purchased before leaving, or some other item. Came over to Altoona PA because another biker said it was the closest Suzuki place available.
So here I am in Altoona drying out from the day. The Suzuki dealership is not open on Sundays so I will have to wait to contact them in the am in order to have the bike checked out.
Alive and well in Altoona -- where do they get these names?
Day One of Bike Trip
Today (actually it was yesterday, but this is the first i've had to be on the computer) began my annual bike trip. Decided I would post to my blog day by day - well allmost. . . .
The day began by loading my belongings on the bike and securing them into place. As I was laboring, my brother David arrived on his bike. While he patiently waited I still had a few items left to process before I could pull out.
We then headed to Knead the Dough for breakfast together. Coffee, my brother, and great conversation -- it doesn't get any better than that! We had a tasty fair of steak, eggs, homefries, toast, and for desert, one of KTD's special cinamon rolls. Wow!
After breakfast we stopped to fuel up at Porter Country Mart, and then on to visit with George Bell before leaving town. When we arrived Miguel was there and they had been playing backgammon. If you know what the rules are for rolling doubles, please call George and give him the official scoop. After prayer we headed out to ride along Rte 18. We stopped at Brown's Berry Patch to unload some of the coffee and while there David sprang a leak -- his bike did rather! Bad spot on the gas tank and it was leaking pretty bad.
We headed for David's home rather than riding on. At the house we spent some time just talking and I suggested that David call a "bone yard" to find a used tank.
From there I launched back out and went south on Rte 98, and then connected with Rte 219. I decided that I knew where Rte 219 started, so let's see where it ends! I traveled down Rte 219 to Rte 6 and went into the Allegany National Forest and tried to hook up with my cousin Nancy Stolt who was to be camping in Cook's Forest. I never was able to find them, so I picked a camp site for the nite and set up the tent. Across for the camp there is a restaurant called "Trails End" where I had the most incredible burger! As I retired for the night, the first drops of rain began to gently fall.
On the whole it was quite an auspicious day for the first of this bike trip. The weather was great, and the scenery was exquisite.
As I reflected on the day, I was made aware of how many times we think we have a handle on the direction and effect of our day, but then we spring a leak, or we fall off a deck, or --- you fill in your blank ......................... The good news is, I don't have to completely understand, or be in control -- God is!
Can you simply today "be still, and know that I am God"?
Keepin' the shinney side up!
The day began by loading my belongings on the bike and securing them into place. As I was laboring, my brother David arrived on his bike. While he patiently waited I still had a few items left to process before I could pull out.
We then headed to Knead the Dough for breakfast together. Coffee, my brother, and great conversation -- it doesn't get any better than that! We had a tasty fair of steak, eggs, homefries, toast, and for desert, one of KTD's special cinamon rolls. Wow!
After breakfast we stopped to fuel up at Porter Country Mart, and then on to visit with George Bell before leaving town. When we arrived Miguel was there and they had been playing backgammon. If you know what the rules are for rolling doubles, please call George and give him the official scoop. After prayer we headed out to ride along Rte 18. We stopped at Brown's Berry Patch to unload some of the coffee and while there David sprang a leak -- his bike did rather! Bad spot on the gas tank and it was leaking pretty bad.
We headed for David's home rather than riding on. At the house we spent some time just talking and I suggested that David call a "bone yard" to find a used tank.
From there I launched back out and went south on Rte 98, and then connected with Rte 219. I decided that I knew where Rte 219 started, so let's see where it ends! I traveled down Rte 219 to Rte 6 and went into the Allegany National Forest and tried to hook up with my cousin Nancy Stolt who was to be camping in Cook's Forest. I never was able to find them, so I picked a camp site for the nite and set up the tent. Across for the camp there is a restaurant called "Trails End" where I had the most incredible burger! As I retired for the night, the first drops of rain began to gently fall.
On the whole it was quite an auspicious day for the first of this bike trip. The weather was great, and the scenery was exquisite.
As I reflected on the day, I was made aware of how many times we think we have a handle on the direction and effect of our day, but then we spring a leak, or we fall off a deck, or --- you fill in your blank ......................... The good news is, I don't have to completely understand, or be in control -- God is!
Can you simply today "be still, and know that I am God"?
Keepin' the shinney side up!
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