IRONY

I find these to be interesting times, especially as it pertains to the Christian faith. Actually, I find these to be times filled with irony. Irony is often defined as an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated. Here's what I mean:

90 percent of people say they pray regularly, yet half cannot name the first book of the Bible.

A strong 90% of parents want their children to receive religious training, yet less than half of them take them to church or to Sunday School (much less teach their children at home about Jesus or pray with them).

Many will tell me how important Bible study is, how important worship is, how important prayer is yet do not read the Bible, go to church, or spend any meaningful time in prayer.

So what gives?? Has Christianity just become a "convenience religion" where one is comfortable with life until a time of crisis appears and then all of sudden God becomes important? Are we fine with going to church as long as there isn't anything else on the calendar that day? Do we really believe that the difference between what we say and what we do goes unnoticed by God? (Or others, for that matter?) - That's scary!

I'm convinced that God is looking for people who are sold out for him. Does that mean there won't be mistakes? Does that mean there won't be bad days? Does that mean free from struggles? No, of course not. But it does mean that we make a commitment to pick up our crosses and follow Jesus, that we deny ourselves (avoid self-centeredness and exchange it for Christ-centeredness) and move from talking about how we want to be followers of Jesus to actually following in obedience.

I know, I know - it sounds like I'm preaching but I've seen what a commitment to Christ makes in the lives of his people. I've also seen the unnecessary heartache and pain that is a result of those who say they want to follow Jesus but have yet to do so. That's not just irony, that's a tragedy.

SPIRITUAL BOOTCAMP!

I had the privilege of being the spiritual director of the latest Walk to Emmaus at Garden City and once again, God outdid Himself (as if that's possible). Four men from the Leoti area participated (all from different churches) and were blessed beyond measure. You'll have to ask them ( Kevin Larson, Chris Antonelli, Matt Ramsey, and Bill Gerstberger) about their experiences.

Emmaus is a 72 hour spiritual formation weekend that helps people come to an understanding of God's love for them through times of various talks, worship services, times of reflection, and food, fun, and fellowship. I've been blessed to observe God's working in the lives of those who participate during the weekend, as well as the weeks, months, and years that follow. Of course, Emmaus is just a tool used by God to bring people closer to him and to each other. It is not some magical weekend experience that will automatically solve all the struggles of life. I've seen the mistake of that misunderstanding. However, it DOES point to the ONE who will never leave nor forsake.

I've taken part in many opportunities for spiritual renewal and growth over the years and Emmaus is just another one of those means that God uses to extend his grace to us. It's not the only one, but it is one that is powerful and highly effective. Others are Lay Witness Missions, Disciple Bible Study, Trinity Studies, small group ministries, Stephen Ministries, prayer retreats, and on and on. Whatever brings people to Jesus is "just" alright with me.

But for this moment, the Walk to Emmaus touched the lives of many men who experienced the fact that God loves them and there's nothing they can do about it. And now, the women who are going this weekend are about to experience that for themselves. Praise God!

MONDAY MEANDERINGS

Some thoughts, both silly and serious to begin the week:

• Ever felt like Zacchaeus - "out on a limb"? (see Luke 19)

• I wonder how accountable God will hold us for having so much and doing so little with it?

• The latest economic mess will really tell us whom we worship - God or the almighty dollar.

• After further review, I once again conclude that I have three of the greatest kids in the world (including their wives and grandsons).

• Upon further further review, I have no hesitation in saying I have the greatest wife in the world.

• I am officiating another funeral on Thursday. What is the one thing you would like said at your funeral? Is that a morbid question?

• "Juxtapose" is a word - look it up.

• The men's Walk to Emmaus begins this Thursday at Garden City. I am excited to see what God has in store this time around. (Interested in going? Call me asap)

• There is coming a day when there will be no more tears and no more sorrow - and no more cancer!

• I just got a couple of shots (tetanus and Hep A) in preparation for the mission trip to Mexico next month. "Trust me, this won't hurt a bit".

• We're starting a new book in Sunday School looking at the parables from the "back side". Come check it out.

• Last but not least (and I have my views), no matter who wins the election, God will still be in control. Let us not faint nor grow weary. (Read Isaiah 41:28-31).

PART 2 - (last pics, I promise. Well........)

Sorry this post is so disjointed. The pictures and comments got all out of order and it wouldn't let me fix it. Oh, well.

As you can see, Craig, Randy, and Rod (with me in the back) are riding back down the mountain with all the goods.

It's been a couple of weeks since the big hunt but I remember it as if it were yesterday (or was it last week, or... I had a birthday so I'm getting a little forgetful). Here are a few more pics from the trip. Tayler, here's the pic you were looking for. I've got more snapshots but these are probably enough - don't want too much of a good thing.

Here is the elk I shot - 46 yards from where I was sitting. It was shot with a .50 caliber muzzle loader black powder rifle. She was good size. The meat is in the freezer as I speak.

"Can you hear me now?" Craig was way up on top of the ridge of the mountain. But alas, no cell service. I'd get another cell service wouldn't you?

God blessed us with great weather, great fellowship, and great success. Until next time....

ELK TRIP - PART 1

Well, it's time to fill you in on the hunting trip to the high country ( as if some of you haven't already heard). We left on Friday night the 12th and drove all night (stopping at a Walmart at 3:30 in the morning in Denver to pick up a few supplies - crazy). After sunup, we wiggled our way up to where we unhitched the trailer, saddled up the horses, rearranged the supplies in the pickup and rode up the 6 mile trail to basecamp. In great need of coffee by this time. We set up basecamp, went and did a little scouting that afternoon, spotted a couple of elk across the valley, rode back to camp, ate and called it a day. Slept great. I'm glad God invented sleep - it's a good thing.

Getting ready to leave basecamp to set up our hunting camp about 1 1/2 hours higher in the mountains. A beautiful day to ride.

The great white hunters on top of a ridge that overlooked much of the flat tops wilderness range where we were hunting.

The High Country Hilton where we would spend the next week. A great spot hidden in the trees with a park (meadow) to our west, a stream to our north, and mountains all around. God blessed us with great weather and a great location to camp and hunt. Stay tuned for part 2 - I'm sure you won't want to miss it. (If you just can't wait for more pics, check out my brother's blog at http://just2unjust.blogspot.com/ ).