I'll be HOME for Christmas?

Well here we are, just 4 days away from Christmas. I'm truly looking forward to the service on Christmas eve and then worship on Christmas morning. Pretty awesome to think that Christmas falls on Sunday this year. It will be interesting to see how many people are here on Sunday morning because of it being Christmas. I know that many will be out of town with family and friends. That's okay because it always good to be home for Christmas if at all possible.

For my family it is hard to say what "home" for Christmas means. Where is "home" anyway? Is it at our house (which actually is the church parsonage)? Is it at my parents in Marion county with my brothers and their families? Is it at a central location in the state with my wife's family? And what about my kids? What does "home" for Christmas mean to them?

Well this year "home" will be in Las Vegas, Nevada. That's where the middle son and his wife live and on the 26th, my wife and I and our other 2 sons are heading west for some time together as a family. For that's what's really important for us. Not so much the location, but the fact that we can be together. That doesn't happen very often for us and that time is precious so whether it's Vegas, Salina, Marion, Leoti - wherever; home is where our family is.

So I pray that wherever you call home, you will have a very Merry Christmas and a most blessed New Year.

Signing out for the year 2005 - P.R.

GIVING OR GETTING?

In light of S. M.'s children story Sunday morning I wonder how many of us really believe that it is better to give than to receive? After a little reflection (ouch) I've noticed that some of the giving is not necessarily positive, you know what I mean? Some people like to give their advice when it's not advice at all but their judgment. Some people like to give their opinions without thinking through the tone in which they are said or the impact they may have on thoise who are possibly going through difficult times. Some people love to give the latest news that they've heard without ever checking out the facts. And some flat like to give others a hard time, a regular burr under the saddle, no matter the occasion. I don't think that's the giving that this time of the year (or any time of year) represents.
As far as receiving presents, compliments, pats on the backs, affirmations - you bet, we all like that. And if we enjoy being affirmed and appreciated, don't you think others do as well? Of course they do.
As we move closer to Christmas day, may I suggest that that we give of ourselves to others. Give graciously of our time, our words, our deeds. People "get" enough of the negative stuff out there. Let's not be those who perpetuate that kind of giving. But let us be observant of those around us, those who have lost loved ones, those who are struggling with cancer, those who are facing financial difficulties, those who just need a word of encouragement, even a hug. Let us make a consious effort to give of ourselves in a loving manner that best exemplifies who we are as Christians. It may be our best Christmas ever.

JUST for kids!

Okay, I'm JUST checking to see if any kids are reading this here blog thing. So I would like to offer the first 3 kids a prize for the correct answer to some questions I have as they pertain to some of the blogs I've written in the past. A few weeks ago I wrote about going to Wichita to lead some music at a spiritual event called ________ ___ ___________. What was the name of that event?
Earlier in the year I wrote about moving my middle son to a city out west. There is a song that I referred to that was the title of the blog regarding the city he lives in. What was the title?
Speaking of songs, I used a song by Willie Nelson which referred to my being gone a lot as I was preaching in various locations in September and October. What was the name of that song?
And recently I wrote of a phrase that I despise that is used a lot during the Christmas season. What is it?
Okay, you can only win if you comment on this blog. The answers must be right and you must give me your first name and last initial on the blog comment. Ready, set, go!

ANTI POLITICALLY-CORRECT HOLIDAY GREETINGS

Okay, just so you know, I despise the replacement of Merry Christmas with "Happy Holidays". I can somewhat stomach "Season's Greetings" but with much chagrin. Now it's not thatI don't want you to have a happy holiday and I'm not against a greeting that is geared toward the holiday season. It's just that the anti-Christian folks are doing all in their power to strip Christmas of its true meaning. They complain that it's offensive to those who aren't Christian. And besides, "we wouldn't want to offend anyone, would we?" Heck, you don't see any of the politically correct police getting all worked up when Christianity gets blasphemed all over the place. There is no outcry when Jesus is made fun of on the big screen or in the printed word. That's offensive to me but do they care? But if the same intolerance would happen to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, etc. there'd be all sorts of you- know -what to pay. Ah yes, hypocrisy reigns.

Well, if "Merry Christmas" is offensive - so what. Get over it. I'm offended that they're offended. My guess is that those against the phrase will be taking December 25th off from work. If they don't want Christmas mentioned, they can go to work while the rest of us celebrate the holiday. Otherwise, keep quiet.

The nice thing about this blog is that my wife and kids don't have to hear me harp about the continued secularization of the holiday. You get to hear it all. Don't you feel blessed?

Merry Christmas everybody!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO WISH YOU ALL (BOTH READERS AND COMMENTERS) A HAPPY THANKSGIVING! WE ARE ALL A BLESSED PEOPLE AND I AM BLESSED BECAUSE OF YOU.

P.R.

I smell Turkey (not the country)

Ok, ok I'm jotting down some thoughts. Are you happy? I was just taking a break, okay? As I type away I smell turkeys baking in the oven in preparation for the God Squad meal this evening. My stomach is growling all over the place.
Now more than likely I won't blog again (sounds terrible doesn't it) until after Thanksgiving so I thought it would be good to remind you (and myself) of all the things we have to be thankful for. Think about it. Most of us have a house to live in, clothes to wear, food to eat, jobs to work at, schools to attend, and on and on. We in America make more money than most of the world can only dream about. And we have freedoms most cannot fathom. We are indeed a blessed people.
Have you ever wondered why you were born in America, why you aren't fighting just to scrounge up enough food for the day, why you don't have to worry if someone will shoot you for your faith? Purely grace folks. Purely grace. We don't don't deserve what we have. It is not owed to us as if God is obligated to us for anything. Like the song says, "God shed His grace on thee".
I am so thankful for God's blessings, especially for my family and the fact that I was raised in a Christian home. I'm grateful that I was taught about Jesus and His great love for me. And it is my prayer that I've passed that teaching on to my kids, that they would accept that love and grace for themselves (which they have) and then pass it on to their kids. I pray a prayer of thanksgiving each day for what God has given me and each day for the family he's entrusted me with. Another song says to "count your many blessings, name them one by one." If I were to do so, I'd still be counting. How about you?

BRAIN DRAIN

Sorry, too tired to write anything of great import for you to digest. Not that there's nothing to talk about....................................................

Let's go for a walk!

This past year Mary Lou and I have attempted to walk 2 miles a day which gives us a little exercise and a time to catch up from the activities of the day. Some weeks we do very well, others have been a little more difficult but we've kept at it. It's been good and it's got to a point that I miss it if we don't get our daily walk.
The same holds true for our walk with the Lord. Just as it takes discipline to walk 2 miles per day, so it takes discipline to spend time each day in prayer and reading and meditating upon Scripture. It doesn't just happen even if the intentions are good. You must actually set aside time each day or the day will be gone and you'll soon be spiritually flabby, even if you started out in good spiritual shape.
On Thursday of this week I head to Wichita to be on the "Walk to Emmaus" team. I am heading the music team and will be working with about 20 others who are seeking to assist about 25 men grow in their walk with the Lord. For some, this will be a totally new experience and will be quite a challenge. For others it will be a return to a walk that they might have once had with the Lord, but have either stopped walking or have turned and gone in the other direction. No matter the situation, it will be modeled after the passage in Luke 24 where 2 men encounter Jesus in a way they least expected and their lives were transformed. That is our prayer for the men who will be participating this weekend.
I invite you to read that passage and pray for the team leaders (of which I am one) and for the "pilgrims" who will be participating. Pray that God would stir their hearts and that they too would encounter Jesus in a most unexpected way. Who knows, as you read the passage, you too might experience Christ in a new way. If so, you can be sure your walk will turn into a run. Nothing like being in shape for Jesus, huh?

Meanderings!

JUST a variety of thoughts and observations from the past few weeks:

Why do so many people want to drink from the devil's watering holes when the living water is so readily available?

Why does an hour at the football game seem so short and an hour at church seem so long?

Why does the church so often shoot its wounded?

Why does the 18 inches from the head to the heart seem like miles?

How is it that the devil gets a foothold in a worship service at the same time that the Spirit is at work?

If childlike faith is what God desires, why do we make Christianity so difficult?

If we didn't call it "Sunday School", would more people participate?

Have you noticed the kids who are desiring to be loved in God Squad? Pay attention to the dynamics.

Did you know it's just as far to Towanda from Leoti as it is from Towanda to Leoti?

TGJ - Did you really drive to Leoti just for biscuits and gravy? Hmmmmmmmm..................

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

October is always one of those months for me that reminds me of Willie Nelson's song "On The Road Again." This October is no exception. I just returned late last night from leading some renewal services in Larned (No they didn't check me into the hospital). It was a great three days. Tiring, but great, as people each night responded to the invitation to be renewed and refreshed regarding their relationship with God through Christ. Sunday I leave for Towanda (between ElDorado and Wichita) for another three days and nights. I pray the people are prepared for God to work in their lives just as the folks in Larned were prepared. The next couple of weeks I will be back and forth to Wichita in preparation for the Walk to Emmaus event which will be held the last week of October. I am leading the music team with my brother Rod and Kevin Fruechting, one of the guys I used to sing with at Aulne. That will be a blast. The first weekend in November I will be going to Moscow (KS, not Russia) to lead another series of renewal services.
So, as you can see, these are busy days. But they are exciting days as I witness what God is doing in the lives of his people. It is humbling to me to be used in such a way that I can work with kids, youth, and men and women in various locations and settings and proclaim God's love, forgiveness, restoration, and renewal. The real blessing is that I am just as encouraged and revived as those to whom I'm preaching or teaching. Isn't that JUST the way God works?!?

PROUD OF MY KIDS!

My wife and I have been blessed to have three great kids, all boys as many of you know. It's hard to believe that two of them are grown up and gone while one is a sophomore in high school. But time slows down for no one. I often talk to parents who can't wait for their kids to leave home but that has not but the case for us. We loved having our kids at home and love it when they come back home. It was and is always our intent to be involved in their lives - at school, in sports, in music, in the pursuing of a vocation, hunting, fishing, watching football, whatever. Of course, the church and our faith played a major role in our lives together and still does. This is what enables us to be united as a family when it comes to celebrating the good times as well as going through the most difficult of days as was the case these past few months with Todd's situation. I'm proud to say that even during the darkest of days I've seen my kids be faithful to Jesus and stand firm in the faith. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. For those of you who are still rasing kids (when do you stop, anyway?), pray for them daily. Place them in God's hands. You can't control their actions nor can you control their choices but your prayers can influence them and God will honor the integrity of your heart. He's honored my heart's desire for my kids and He will do the same for you. To Him be praise!

Nothing new under the sun

Isn't it interesting that the focus of the tragedy of the recent weeks pertaining to the hurricane has turned into a blame game? The local government blames the state government who blames the federal government who blames the alignment of the stars as the problem. Of course you get the religious folks who claim it's God's vengeance against an evil and sinful city. And then there are those who blame the welfare system, the penal system, the political system and on and on we go. So in the midst of the bickering and the pointing of fingers, people, no matter their color, no matter their socio-economic status, no matter their religious background, no matter their political stances - have died. And all folks want to do is say - "It wasn't my fault". Sounds familiar doesn't it.
Remember the account in Genesis when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? God wasn't fooled. He knew they disobeyed. But Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Same ole same ole. Instead of acknowledging the wrong and confessing their disobedience, Adam and Eve blamed someone else and ran and hid. Do you ever wonder what would have happended should they have confessed their sin and repented instead of trying to pass the buck?
Don't you suppose everyone made some mistakes when it came to the response to Hurricane Katrina? And don't you suppose we'd all be better off acknowledging our faults rather than trying to blame someone else for them? And in that confession, don't you think that healing and restoration would take place which would sure go a long way in reaching out and meeting the needs of those who are in dire straits? The bottom line is when no one takes responsibilty, everyone suffers. People have suffered enough, don't you think?

Katrina response

Okay - we have a disaster of biblical proportions as a result of the wrath of hurricane Katrina which has wiped out New Orleans, much of Mississippi and Alabama. So now what? We have thousands and thousands who have nothing but the clothes on their back. Nowhere to go, nothing to eat, nothing to drink, missing friends and relatives, not to mention thugs and looters rampaging the city of New Orleans. Chaos and confusion seem to reign supreme with only a hint that some order is now being restored. The victims have used words like lost, scared, afraid, frustrated, mad, furious plus several I can't mention on this site. So now what?
Does living here in Leoti leave us with the response that there is nothing we can do? I mean really, what can we do? Oh, we can send money (and we'll do that). We can put together survival kits. And of coures, we can pray. But do you think that maybe, just maybe the Lord might be challenging us to step it up and send some folks down to the area of need? Jesus said in Matthew 25 to those who gathered before the throne of God, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, and I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Later Jesus said "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Surely the people affected by Katrina are the same as those mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 25. And surely we have a responsibility to do something, to put our faith into action. I'm not real sure what I'm asking in this blog, but I feel impressed to go and help. Not to just send a check, but to go and assist in feeding , clothing, caring for the needy as a result of this disaster.
Anybody out there thinking the same thing? Like I said, I don't know for sure where this will lead, but I believe God is wanting us to step it up. Are you with me? Give me your thoughts sooner than later.

Clint Eastwood Theology

I've mentioned many times that I can relate to the way Clint Eastwood responds to various situations, especially those times when he feels there is a need for vengeance. In those times its "shoot now and ask questions later". Ever feel that way? When you just want to fire off at the mouth or do something to cause someone pain or heartache because they've caused pain and heartache in your life? Yeah, me too. And I know that the Lord says, "Vengeance is mine" but it sure would feel good just to help Him out just a little bit.
I feel a little bit that way right now. Some of you know why I feel that way. However, it may feel good to take things in my own hands but in the bigger picture it would just cause more problems. But, boy I would sure like to have a little say, a little control over the situation.
But maybe that's the problem. It's out of my hands, it's out of my control. And that's the feeling of powerlessness that I hate. I want so much to do something and I can't.
But God can. I know that in my head but it can sure be a struggle in my heart from time to time. Ultimately it comes down to faith in God that he will be true to who he is and will be faithful to what he says. He will never leave nor forsake. He is in control. And as Paul said, "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." So now it comes down to either believing or not believing, letting God be in control or grabbing my 6 shooter. What will it be, Rick? (What is it for you?)

County Fair

I just wrote an article focusing on the fair for the paper but thought I would also jot a few more thoughts here for you to think about. We have a food booth which is a great money maker. Do we not also have spiritual food to offer for those who are hungry for God - whether they know it or not? We have an informational booth in the community building. Do you suppose we can offer transformation as well as information? Many of you have entries in the fair - either in 4-H or in the open class? Will the end result be a reflection of the time and effort put into your presentation? The fair is a busy time. Patience is needed, character will be observed by those watching. Will we as Christians conduct ourselves in a way that will reflect Christ living in and through us or will we embarass Him by what we say and do this week? Just a few thoughts to chew on while eating a corndog and riding the ferris wheel.

Catch And Release

Well here we go again. Another one of our boys is getting married this weekend. Where did the time go? It seemed like just yesterday that Eric was climbing on the kitchen counter, making faces in the bathroom mirror, eating watermelon on the dining room carpet, playing He-man and Skeletor with his brother Todd. Wow! What happened? Now he's all grown up, lives in another state and time zone, and is getting married on Saturday.
I often wonder if we did a good job raising the kids. Will they make it on their own? Will their values reflect a love for God and for neighbor? Will they live out the faith that we tried to instill upon them? We laid the foundation. Will they build on it or seek another? When they were little, we made ourselves available to catch the kids should they fall. Not that we don't attempt to do that now. However, the time comes when you must let go. I'm not talking removal from their lives, but the willingness to release them to this thing we call real life. It's hard to see your kids fall, maybe get hurt, and struggle. But that's how they learn, that's how they grow and mature.
So Saturday, once again we let go, sending another one of our kids out into the world to begin a new journey called marriage. I have no doubt he'll make it. I have no doubt his new wife will be by his side, no matter what. We are passing the baton on to her as it now becomes her responsibility to catch him when he falls and to help him back up just as we did these past 2 decades. Pray for us. Pray for Eric and Andrea. It is much appreciated.

Consequences?

Did any of you follow the Kenny Rogers fiasco the last week or so? To refresh your memory, Kenny Rogers is an all star pitcher for the Texas Rangers who decided he did not want a TV cameraman to do his job so he threw an angry fit, smashing the camera, sending the cameraman to the hospital. I watched the film several times and Rogers was not provoked in any way, just having a bad day I guess.
For his antics, the baseball commissioner fined him $50,000 and suspended him for 20 games. Of course, he appealed through the union which meant he was still eligible to play the all-star game last Tuesday. The decision to play was now up to Rogers.
I thought to myself that this would be a good opportunity for Rogers to ask for forgiveness and out of respect for the cameraman, his family, and the game, graciously bow out. However, he chose to play the game because he "deserved" to be there. According to his thinking, his off the field antics did not have any bearing on his on-field performance therefore he should play.
Now I'm 100% for forgiveness when a person repents. That's the Christian way. Yet, there are still consequences when one is forgiven. If I were to run a stop sign because I was in a hurry and seriously injured somebody, even if I asked for forgiveness and promised to never run a stop sign again, I still would have to pay the price for injuring another person - probably jail time, a finanacial payout, etc.
Personally, I lost a lot of respect for Rogers. His integrity took a hit in my opinion. Yes, he did apologize but he would have made a much greater impression upon people, especially kids, if he would have repented and stayed home from the all star game and if would have just owned up to the penalty by the commissioner.
Interestingly enough, I find it ironic that he gave up a homerun to the National League - poetic justice maybe? We'll see what comes of the appeal. Consequences? Stay tuned.

Play Ball!

As many of you know I have been umpiring Little League baseball two nights a week, 2 games per night. I hesitated to do so at first because nights at home are few and far between but to be honest, I have enjoyed it. I wouldn't want to do it for a living but I can handle it for a month or so.
It's been interesting to see the responses of the coaches, the parents, the kids to the "preacher behind the plate". Questions like "Can a preacher miss a call? Can I yell at the ump? If so, what can I call him? " to name a few. Hey, believe it or not, I've missed a call or two. And if you know me, you know that I'd yell at the ump so I expect to be yelled at. However, I seek to be consistent in my calls. More than that, I want the kids to learn and I've found myself having to be careful not to coach, but stick to calling balls and strikes. That's difficult for me. (However, I offer a little advice to the batters or runners under my breath). What can it hurt?
One of the main reason I try to imvolve myself in comunity sports or events is that it allows me to enter into the world and lives of others. It allows others to see me in a different context, to see how I act, how I respond to various situations. And it's nice when the kids around town know me as "the ump" or "Serengeti Eddie" (VBS), or Kyle's dad. It evens the playing field and gives me a better opportunity to live out the gospel without even saying anything "religious".
Jesus said we are to be in the world but not of the world. The baseball field is a part of that world and if being yelled at behind the plate gives me a chance to share Christ's love, than bring me a batter, for it's time to play ball.

Mission Minded

This past week provided us with a great opportunity to help those in the community who were affected by the high winds Wednesday night. Trees were down, limbs and branches were everywhere. It was a mess. Much to my delight several guys from the church saw fit to give of their time on Thursday to help remove limbs off of roofs, vehicles, and from yards and streets. It was a great day and people of the community were extremely appreciative. We did not do it for money, nor did we do it for recognition. However, people take notice when they receive unexpected help with no strings attached. (Reminds me of grace)
Sunday I mentioned that it seems silly to fly over the mission field to get to the mission field. The mission field was right here in town on Thursday (as it is every day). Thanks to Greg, Shad, Antonio, Gabe, and Josh for your labor of love. Mission accomplished - at least for one day.

Intercession

Romans 8:26 says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express". That verse has taken on more meaning for me this past week in light of some situations and circumstances that face me and my family. I've always prided myself in being able to stay under control, of being consistant in my faith in spite of that which goes on around me. But in reality, that is a weakness because I can tend to rely too much upon my own strength (or lack of it) to think I am in control (when I'm not). This verse has been of great value to me because I think I know what to pray, yet I don't. I think I know how to pray, but I don't. I want to pray, yet at times I can't. Thankfully the Spirit is fully aware of what goes on in my life, in your life as well. And because of that He knows fully what to pray for, how to pray, how to intercede on my behalf with "groans that words cannopt express". That does not mean I am to give up praying or attempting to, nor does it exempt anyone from praying for me. But it does lessen the pressure to think that it is all up to me. Therefore, even when I struggle to pray, I am assured to know that the Holy Spirit is intereceding on my behalf, and on the behalf of others. I don't know about you, but I need that reassurance.

Hey Baby let's go to Vegas!

Just returned from Vegas this week after moving the middle son out there for his job. By the way, it's a long way to drive. Everything went fine. The truck caused no problems and I kept the wheels between the white lines on the road (1,279 miles). When we got there, it was 102 degrees but we wanted to get the truck unloaded so we sweat it out. But don't forget - it's a DRY heat. Began to help get things put away, went to the local target and bought some household items and then went to the grocery store and got the necessary goods to get started. (A little more selection than Mel's). Yes, we did end up going down to the strip. Don't tell me people don't have money. It was being spent like it grew on trees. Restaraunts, shows, casinos, hotels - you name it. And people from every nation under the sun. Wall to wall people, young and old, male and female. I remembered why I likes the slower pace of the small town. HOWEVER, what a huge opportunity for outreach, for a church plant, for being creative in ministry. Even out where Eric lived, it seemed that the potential was endless. It's intriguing to me to think about because new ideas and change are hard to come by in established communities, established churches. We can get in ruts because of the way we've always done things and because of that we lose our fire, our desire think anew, to think of ways we can offer the gospel in fresh and exciting ways. This summer I'd like you to help me think of ways we can not change the message, but the possibility of changing the way we "do church" so we can be more effective. I'm open to any and all ideas. If it takes a trip to Vegas to get us to think differently, maybe we can go on a road trip - you up to it? Give me your thoughts.

What's on your mind?

Since I will be out of town the next week or so I thought it would give you a chance to put your thoughts out there for the world to see. Joys? Concerns? Would you like to vent or just make a comment? Here's your chance. I'm interested in what you have to say. See ya!

Piano players galore

Did any of you go to the piano recital held at the church last Monday evening? Other than the squeaky toy/shoe, it was great. Joyce is to be commended for teaching all the kids. But now that I realize we have such great talent, I am expecting some of you to play for church. You could play for a special, it could be a part of the praise choruses, or even playing some of the hymns - your choice. You could plays solos or duets. Now I want to encourage all of you to keep practicing, do not quit. You'll never be sorry for the hard work and effort you give. Personally, I look back and regret that I didn't keep up with my piano practicing. Thankfully I kept up with the guitar. So keep it up and I'll be contacting some of you or you can contact me and I'll get you scheduled. The first one that offers to do so gets a large shake at the dairy king - just let me know.

Funerals and memorial services

I just got back to church this afternoon after officiating at Ron Moyer's memorial service and I am emotionally spent. I'd rather bale hay all day long. There is something about spending time with a person and with their family, experiencing the ups and downs, seeing the laughter as well as the tears that takes it out of a person. Those of you who were at the service know how difficult it became for me, but how do you not become emotionally involved with people you care about? How do you not shed a tear or crack a voice after sharing in some of the most intimate times with a family? As a pastor I have been told that you have to remove yourself from the emotion. I understand that to a point, but if that is truly the case, I guess I fail in that department. The joy is knowing that death does not have the final word. As the apostle Paul says, "where, O death is your victory? Where, o death is your sting But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Can I get an Amen!?

A Great Mom

Today is mother's day and I must say that I would not trade the mom I have for anyone else in the world. If there ever was a saint, she is one. Growing up, mom was as loving and caring as anyone I had ever met, yet she was firm in discipline, setting boundaries regarding the way I should act and the way I shoud speak. She was sure to see that I grew up loving Jesus, praying for me daily -truly a prayer warrior. She still is, and without her prayers I would surely have bounced from ditch to ditch on the bumpy road of life. She kept me going as a kid and continues to keep me going as an adult. But it's the behind the scenes things about my mom that most people are unaware of. her notes to the sick, to those in need, her telephone calls, her reading to hospital patients when they might be in a coma, and of course, her prayers. My brothers and I are blessed to have the mom we have, and now, my boys are blessed to have a mom (my wife) who loves and prays for them the same way my mom did for me. Coincidence? I think not! God led me to a woman just like my mom. How great is that?
Some of you know my mom. I'm right aren't I. What about your mom? Any words to share?

Rewards on earth

Not that I'm trying to bribe you to read this blog or anything, but the first youth from LUMC, 18 or under, gets $10 from me. But you must respond on the blog page with your first name and first initial to your last name. Amazing isn't it? - just like grace.

National Day of Prayer

Okay, so we have several events taking place this week here in Leoti. A prayer walk around town on Sunday the 1st, a youth rally Wednesday night, a prayer time on Thursday morning followed by a breakfast, and a gathering around the flag pole at noon on Thursday. Will we pray, will we merely socialize, will we be a witness to the community - what do you think will happen? Do you think anything will happen? Do you want anything to happen? Since you don't have to put your real name in response, what do you really think of the national day of prayer - what do you think, youth? - young adults? - parents and grandparents? Will you attend? I will be there and would love to see as many as are able to come and pray for the town, the community and the country. Who knows, maybe God will hear our prayers and heal our land?? Give me your thoughts. Be honest.

Stuff

Recently I preached a sermon concerning the problem people have when it comes to deciding what is a "want' versus a "need". When it comes down to it, I have all I need - a good family, food, shelter, clothes, I love my job (most of the time) and a good relationship with the Lord. So why do I fall into the trap of thinking I "need" more stuff? Is it societal, cultural, or what? Like the Diamond Rio song - Stuff (stuff) stack it on up...got to build a bigger place so I can move in More Stuff. What say you??