THANK GOD FOR KIDS!

Had a great weekend in Salina with Owen turning the big #1. All our kids were there including Brayden, our other grandson. What a wonderfult time. We are blessed, blessed indeed!

Owen and Brayden having fun together.

Gramps and Grammy with the little man.

Firing up the Kawasaki

Ah yes, Gramps and Owen cheezing it up.

Ashram - "away from work".

Just returned from Estes Park Colorado where I spoke at the Colorado Ashram. "Ashram" is a word that in India means "away from work". It is a time to spend in worship, prayer, teaching, fellowship and centering on Jesus as Lord. I spoke 4 times between Friday night and Sunday morning and had a great time - speaking on the Great Sermon (Sermon on the Mount), the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission with a healing service in between. We met at a lodge on the outskirts of Estes Park - wow what scenery! It was beautiful. I even was interrupted by a couple of elk walking behind the lodge while I was preaching. Unbelievable! God blessed us all. Thanks to Dorothy Davis from Oklahoma for contacting me to speak.

You might notice the elk in the background. It was a cow and its coat was shedding so it looks pretty shabby. There were a lot more in the area but I didn't have my camera at the time I saw them.

This is the lodge where we met. It had a wonderful meeting room, a kitchen, and sleeping quarters. Great place to meet.

Yeah, that's me preaching on the great commandment to love God and love others.

Mary Lou and I at the entrance to the Glacier Lodge. It was pretty cold at the time. It even snowed on Saturday night.

Read Psalm 8. That's what went through my mind.

WEEKEND WONDERINGS?!?!

• If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, why bother?

• How can we keep offering bail out money when we have no money?

• Does the world stop for the NFL draft?

• Is it okay for Christians to smile?

• Do all animals go to heaven or is it just dogs?

• Is moving of the devil? If only I could snap my finger and it would be done.

• Who is the lady who talks on the GPS devices? And where does she live? And what about the guy on the weather channel?

• And can it be that I should gain, an interest in the Savior's blood? Died , He for me, who caused His pain?

• How about some comments? I'm interested in what you have to say.

BEARING FRUIT!

GOD SQUAD!

What a couple of clowns!

Part of the God Squad crew at the children's Easter party.

Aimee teaching the kids about the Passover/Last supper

About 6 years ago we sensed God doing something in our midst as it pertained to the kids in our community. So by the seat of our pants we began a ministry called "God Squad" for kids ages 5-6th grade. The first year was pretty much a hodge podge of ideas that reached mostly the kids of the church. We probably averaged about 18-20. Well, as God would have it, the vision turned into reality as we now have seen the fruit of what God was up to, should we just pay attention. And because of the help of many volunteers we have been averaging between 70-80 kids on a Wednesday after school and evening that involves a meal, drama, high energy music, scripture memory, a lesson, and prayer. And the greatest thing - most of those attending now are unchurched kids who are hearing for the first time of God's love for them through His Son Jesus. So praise Jesus for His most unbelievable work. And thank you to all who have helped over the years. Carry on, good and faithful servants!

HE IS RISEN!!

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

There ain't no grave, gonna hold this body down!!

SUNDAY'S COMIN'

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"While we were yet sinners Christ died for us" - Romans 5:8

There may be mourning on Friday, but Sunday's a comin'.

HARMONIC CONNECTION

Ever seen the movie "August Rush"? The music - "It' s like it's calling out to us, except only some of us hear it". The reply? "Only some of us are listening". A great show if you are into music (even if you're not). And a good reminder that music is "harmonic connection between all living beings". The question is "Are we listening?"

These are lines from the movie and because I love music so much it caused me to think about the songs that I've loved (or at least liked) over the years. Here are a few of my favorites from various categories:

Hymns: And Can it Be, Because He Lives, Holy, Holy, Holy, How Great Thou Art

Praise and Worship: I Exalt Thee, You Are my King (Amazing Love), Open the Eyes of my Heart

Country: The Dance, Meet in the Middle, When I Said I Do, Thank God for Kids,

Rock: Takin Care of Business, Sweet Home ALabama, Your Song, China Grove,

Rap - I said "music"

There's a lot more music I like than these listed but just a little sampling. How about you? What do you like? Who's your favorite group? What's your favorite "genre"?

So, as they say, "Sing, sing a song" (Carpenters from the 70's).

AND THE SEASON IS..........???

Just when we thought Spring had arrived, old man Winter decided to show his ugly face. So we found ourselves in the midst of a blizzard today with howling winds and blowing snow. I have no idea how much snow we received because it blew all over the place but it was enough to slow everyone down, in fact many businesses were closed. (ML was happy). But in the big picture, it was much needed moisture (we've been praying, remember?) And as the pictures show, it really is quite beautiful.

When I see snow I am often reminded of the verse in Psalm 51:7 that says, "...wash me, and I will be whiter than snow". You having a bad day? Think you've messed up so much you can never be forgiven? Beyond hope? Then read all of Psalm 51. If King David's sins were forgiven and he was washed whiter than snow, be assured that you too can be restored and renewed and purified. That's good news - even in the midst of a blizzard.

Some birds huddled under the bird feeder - Lunchtime!

This is good imagery. Has your life gone adrift (a drift)? Then why not step into the Lord's house and be drawn back to Him?

The road less traveled.

COUNTING THE COST

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" Matthew 16:24.


These words were spoken to Peter and his companions shortly after Jesus predicted his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter, as you may recall, took Jesus aside and rebuked him. "Never, Lord" he said. "This shall never happen to you". But as we know, it did.

Obviously Peter thought he was doing Jesus a favor by attempting to keep Jesus from making his way to the cross. But he failed to understand that the reason Jesus emptied himself from His Father's glory was to become like us, to take on our very likeness, and in obedience, offer himself on the cross for our sins. To do otherwise would be disobedience. And we would still be left in our sins. Yes, for Peter to follow Jesus, he must get behind him.

Was it costly for Jesus to be obedient to the Father? Yes - it cost him his life. Was it costly for Peter to follow Jesus in obedience? Yes - ultimately, it too cost him his life. But what about us? Is it really costly for us to be obedient to God as we seek to follow Jesus? That has been the discussion.

There has been no physical persecution for any of us in our study. No one has lost a job because of faith in Christ. No one lives in fear or danger because of following Jesus. Yes, a few have been made fun of. A few have some family struggles amongst each other as it pertains to going to church, being in a Bible study, or desiring to grow in the faith. But over all, do we consider it a cost to follow Jesus?

I guess I'd just like your feedback regarding costly obedience and what you think it means to "deny self and pick up your cross". Personally, when we were called into ministry we felt it was quite a cost - leaving our home and moving 12 hours away. Not sure how we would make it financially. Unsure of what the future would hold. But in the bigger picture, and as we look back, was it really a cost? We've made friends wherever we've been - Chicago, Salina, Leoti, and now heading to Mulvane. God has always been true and faithful. He has always provided. So is that a cost? And then I think of those who die daily for the faith throughout the world. Now to me, that's a cost.

So what do you think? What's your cost for following Jesus? Is there a cost? How do you understand it? Just click the comment button. I'd like to hear what you have to say.

SPLISH SPLASH!!

This past week I had some meetings in Salina which gave me the opportunity to see one of my grandsons. Owen is Todd and Melissa's little boy and they gave me babysitting duty on Sunday evening. So they left me (literally) with taking the little man for a walk, feeding him, giving him a bath, and getting him ready for bed. Do you know how long it's been since I've done that? All went well and we had a great time. The above video is his regular evening bath, which as you can see, he loves. Lot's of fun. (Oh yeah, I even made it to my meetings).

PASS THE DRAMAMINE!

Wow! What a roller coaster ride this past couple of weeks has been. By now, you (or most of you) know that we received a call from our district superintendent who relayed to us that we will be making a move the end of June. I was told on the 27th to be prepared to receive a phone call on February 28 with more details. After waiting with nervous stomachs that day we received the call. After some pleasantries I was told that the cabinet (Bishop and DS's) had discerned a change of location for us and requested we pray about a relocation to Mulvane UMC. We were to let them know by Tuesday evening. After a few sleepless nights, prayer, several tums and more prayer, we returned the call on Tuesday. We were then told that we were to have an introductory meeting on Saturday morning with their PPRC committee (the committee responsible for staff and congregation). The roller coaster ride really kicked in - up and down, round and around - tums and dramamine needed.


Friday came - we drove to Newton and stayed with ML's sister and then on to Mulvane the next morning for the meeting. In the meantime, our PPRC committee was called to have a meeting with our DS for a "consultation" meeting - "what if" scenarios. So needless to say, they knew something was up. More dramamine needed. We met with the Mulvane PPRC and it was a wonderful meeting - very informative and productive. There were no red flags on our part nor were there any on their part and as a result we will be making the move to Mulvane at the end of June. We then toured the parsonage (ML is pleased) and returned home that afternoon/evening.


That then left us with the gut wrenching task of making the announcement to the church on Sunday morning. Thankfully, God blessed us with his presence and it was a good time of worship (not that anyone remembers). We participated in holy communion which left nothing at the end of the service but to make the announcement. I almost made it through without having to regroup. But I make no apologies for the emotion because it identifies a strong tie between us and the people of Leoti. That will never change. What will change is the pastor and style of leadership and that's okay. God uses us all in a variety of ways. What will not change is God's unending love, mercy, grace, and presence in the midst of his people.


So - we have 4 months to go. And yes, there will be days where we go up and down and all around. But be assured - God will be riding with us all - all the way!

ASHES TO ASHES

This coming Wednesday, Christians all around the world begin a time of serious reflection that focuses on our own mortality and our need to confess and repent of our sins before a holy and righteous God. This time of the Christian year is known as Lent and begins with Ash Wednesday and goes on for 40 days until Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). This does not include the Sundays during the time period.

At our church we will hold an Ash Wedneday service which will include the reading of scripture, the singing of songs, and the imposition of ashes as a reminder of our own human limitations, for the simple reason that we are called to focus on our need for a savior as well as the extent (the cross) Jesus went to offer us salvation. During the next 40 days we will read a daily devotion entitled The Sanctuary for Lent, share together in the community on Wednesdays having a lunch and devotion together at the various churches, will share in a Seder service on Maundy Thusday, and participate in a Good Friday service. All of this is to prepare us for the great celebration of Christ's resurrection, the fact that sin and death has been destroyed.

I want to encourage all of you to slow down and take a good look in the spiritual mirror this Lenten season. What is it that you would like to offer to Christ during these 40 days? Your time? Your diet? Your spiritual disciplines? Your health? Your family? Your priorities? Be honest. In doing so, you can be sure that God will meet you in a new and intimate way during the 40 days. And when Easter morning comes, you will sing Victory in Jesus with a renewed vigor and gusto. In the meantime, remember.....Ashes to ashes............................

"THE MOVIES"

Now I'm not a real movie kind of guy. I have trouble sitting still for 2 hours but on occasion I actually take a little time to kick back with my wife and watch a movie. (Usually rent a dvd. Rarely go to the theatre).

This past weekend I actually watched a movie with ML 2 nights in a row. Friday night we watched a show called Nights at Rathande (sp?). A good one for valentine's weekend. And then we gathered with about 30 folks at church and watched Fireproof. A great show dealing with what it takes to make a marriage work. I mentioned the movie before on an an earlier blog (as did my son Todd, on his blog).

Both of these movies dealt with broken relationships within the context of marriage. The first movie came to the conclusion that it was best to get out, that there was somebody better than the one with whom the vows were exchanged, and that within one weekend a person could get to know another person so well that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Hmmm. Now I liked the move, just didn't agree with its answer to the problem.

Regarding Fireproof, the reality is that marriage is hard work and things don't just fall apart overnight nor do they get fixed overnight. I appreciated the fact that God was a necessary componant to the restoration of the relationship in the movie. And I thought that it was evident that just buying flowers does not a relationship make. One thing I must mention however is that sometimes it doesn't always work out. Sometimes the ending is different than what takes place in the movie. And it's not because God was not desired as a part of the solution. Sadly, that's the cold hard facts of life when one person will do whatever it takes and the other won't. Thankfully God can still work in those situations. I've seen it many times.

Okay, enough rambling. Take some time this week and pay attention to relationships. Watch what's happening. Observe whether God is welcomed or rejected within those relationships. And in the process, acknowledge that life is not a reel deal, it's the "real" deal! Include the Lord - he's got an Oscar in store for you.

THE ASSIGNMENT!

Okay, with the assumption that no one was sleeping at the end of the church service this past Sunday I want to remind you of your assignment for this week. If you recall, I asked you to attempt to complete this sentence next Sunday - "This past week, this is what I believe God was up to". In other words, "I saw God working ...................................".

This is in context of the "Experiencing God" series that I am currently preaching. So, with the 1st of 7 realities focusing on the fact that God is always at work around you, what is it that you see God doing? And once that is determined, how are you going to respond? As I said earlier today, let's compare notes at the end of the week (month, year).

On a different note, I am currently sitting in a hotel room in Wichita getting ready to read some papers for some meetings I have the next couple of days. I hope that I might see God at work in the midst of said meetings. I'd better pay attention, huh?

If you are reading this outside of the Leoti community, what's God up to in your neck of the woods?

What say you??

A "SUPER" SUPER BOWL!

Holmes makes the game winning catch to beat the Cardinals.

Well, the Cardinals couldn't quite pull it off yesterday losing to the Steelers in the last minute. But, wow, what a game, going down to the wire. That's what the Super Bowl is supposed to be - "Super".

I've always been a Warner fan and was hoping he would win it all and then call it a career. What a story that would have been - winning 2 Super Bowls separated by 9 years. But it was not meant to be. As they say (whoever "they" are), it is what it is. Thankfully, Warner understands that.

Because Warner is a Christian and is not afraid to live out his faith, the Christian community jumped on the bandwagon to support him, as if it was ordained by God for the Cardinals to win. After all, wouldn't that just show everyone that God rewards the faithful? But the Cardinals lost, Warner lost, and the probability of him returing to the Super Bowl is minimal. Hmmmmmmm.

The point of all this "pontificating" is that Warner would have loved to win the game but didn't. Is his life over? Was the season a failure? Was he a failure? Should he crawl into a hole? NO! Warner knows there is much more to life than winning football games. And he knows that his character, his demeanor, his integrity, and his faith will be observed in the way he responds to this most recent loss. And if you watched his post-game interview, he was most gracious for the privilege of being able to play with his teammates in one of the better games ever played in a Super Bowl.

Win or lose, Warner understands the bigger picture. He gives glory and honor to the Lord who has given him the opportunity to play a game that most people only dream about. He has carried himself well and if we are paying attention we will realize that he may have lost a football game, but he won in the game of life - real life.

EXPERIENCING GOD!

Tonight we begin a study focused on "Experiencing God:How to live the full adventure of knowing and doing God's will". Now once again I reference the questions of many:

What is God's will?

How do I know?

Can I know?

Does it matter?

Although knowing and doing God's will does not come as a result of this study (a relationship with Christ leads to that), I do believe that the next 12 weeks will help each one of us come to a better understanding of what God is doing and how we can enter into his plan. So, for those of you in the study, fasten your seatbelts. For those of you reading the book apart from the study, be serious about what you are reading, and for those of you struggling with knowing and doing God's will, why not be intentional about pursuing what it may mean for you? You just might find that God has something in store for you that only God himself can do.

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!!

"JUST" had to show a pic of the little grandson Owen who was at our house this past weekend!

Okay - a few thoughts to ponder:

• With all this wind we've been having it's no wonder so many of the early pioneer women comitted suicide. It's enough to drive you crazy!

• Go Cardinals! Go Kurt Warner! Wouldn't it be awesome if they won?

• JoAnne Seaton is how old???? Yikes!!!!!!

• Pray for me. I really need a secretary soon!

• I like the verse in Scripture that says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength". However, I've noticed a lot of Christians lately who look all worn out, seem stressed and full of anxiety. And their faces express no joy whatsoever. I think the Bible verse says it all - they have no strength, no get up and go, no initiative because they are attempting to find joy in everything but the Lord.

• Tomorrow is the presidential inauguration. Will we pray for Barak Obama or will we just gripe and complain? Time will tell, won't it??

• Tomorrow I also get some new glasses. They will do me little good if I don't put them on and open my eyes. (Do I sense some sermon illustrations)?

• Have a great week!

CRUISIN'

Well, we're back from the wedding and cruise. Returned late Saturday but I still feel like I'm on the water today - weave, weave, weave. I'm heading to Wichita for 3 days of meetings so I don't have much time to write but here are a few pics of the trip. Deeper thoughts next time.

ML and I the last night on the ship.

Kyle, Irwin (the waiter) and Matthew at dinner.

A Carribean sunset. Wow!

Overlooking Cozumel, Mexico.

On the Mississippi at New Orleans. Delta Dawn, what's that flower you've got on?

HAPPY 2009!!

This is my last blog for '08 (are you cheering)? Anyways, we are taking part in a destination wedding this weekend and won't be back until the 10th. My niece is getting married on a cruise ship and we are heading to Cozumel on Monday. So here's to you and yours for a most blessed 2009. God's blessings and see you next year!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”- Isaiah 9:6

God bless you all this Christmas! - P.R.

A SPECIAL INVITATION

Just a reminder that you are invited to attend a special Christmas eve candlelight service at the church on the 24th. We will have 2 services - one at 6:30 pm and one at 11:00 pm. So if you are having a meal with your family during the early service, why not come out for the the late service? Likewise, if you have a family gathering that night, why not bring the family to the service at 6:30? Either way, we'd love to have you come out to celebrate the birth of our Lord on Christmas eve. Hope to see you Wednesday night.

WHAT IF......................?

What would have happened if it had been three wise women instead of three wise men?

They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought practical gifts.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Did a woman write this?

THUMBS UP!!

I'm not really a movie person - It's hard for me to sit still for that long - however M.L. and I went and saw the movie Fireproof last Saturday night and I would highly recommend it. My son Todd already blogged about it a few weeks back so I won't repeat his words. I will say that it addresses the struggles that husbands and wives have in their marriages and provides ways couples can "fireproof" their relationships. I will suggest that you go see it or order the dvd which will come out in the end of January. We will probably show it at church in the little theatre room. Check out the website to see the movie trailer at http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/.

Have any of you seen it? What are your thoughts? It's interesting to see what others are saying - both those who liked it and those who weren't interested in being "preached at". I'd like to know your opinion.

TUESDAY TEASERS!

As the month continues to fly by I thought I'd just throw out (or up) a few things for you to comment on. (I know, you are not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition). Some of these thoughts are based upon conversations I've had recently, and some, well they're just random.

• Why do we spend so much time decorating and making everything look so nice and pretty when Jesus was born in a cold, drab cave or cattle stall and placed in a feed trough?

• Is the shopping season really worth it when people are willing to trample a man to death just for a "good deal?"

• Personally, (and it's me) I can hardly stomach going into a store after coming back from Mexico. I don't need anything.

• I know this is controversial, but what do you think of "Calling in Gay" Day?

• Do you remember Santa's workshop on ABC in Wichita as a kid? Well, it's back. What I appreciated about it was "Santa" (Henry Harvey) always kept the real meaning of Christmas at the forefront of his show.

• Check out randomshirts.com and click on the turkey leg icon on the right side. Then see if you can find my son Todd standing on his head with a drumstick in his mouth. The first kid to tell me which column and how many rows down will get a prize from P.R.

• Little Brayden went to see Santa - was not a bit happy about it. If I get permission from his mom and dad to show the pic, I'll show you. It's priceless.

• Just a thought - If you look at it in the right light, how can there be any darkness?

See ya - PR

HERE COMES #3 (GRANDCHILD, THAT IS)

Well, the rumor is true, Andrea is with child and is due June 13, 2009. Little Brayden will be welcoming a little brother or sister into the family. What are your bets? A boy or a girl? Odds are it will be a boy. Either way, we just pray for a happy and healthy baby, just like the other two grandkids.

We had a blast with Brayden and Owen this past week. They are really taking on their own personalities. What a blessing they are to us.



Little Owen is really getting around, crawling here and there, pulling himself up on anything that will support him. He'll be walking in no time.

Brayden loves his toys and loves to show them off to us. He is walking and running all over the place, definitely keeping his mom and dad hopping. Wait til his little brother (or sister) is born - whew!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

After coming back from Mexico I can't help but count my many blessings. In fact, they are too many to count. In reality, I have all I need (a big difference from want). I have food, shelter, clothing, a house to live in, a wonderful family who loves the Lord, great friends and a wonderful church in which I am called to serve. For some reason I have been the recipient of God's grace and mercy - neither of which I deserve. Out of gratitude I offer my thanks to the Lord. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

ON TO SALTILLO!!

Our day was a little different today. We worked until about 1:00 and then left for Saltillo around 2:00. We went to a variety of stores downtown and then to the market followed by a big meal at a (yeah, you guessed it, a Mexican restaraunt). A great day! Leaving for Laredo in the morning. Will stay there over night and then back to Leoti on Saturday. See you then!!



Mary Lou at one of the first stores we visited in Saltillo - a Christian based store. I bought an awesome stole for my robe here.

The cathedral in Saltillo - an unbelievable old, beautiful, and ornate church.

Shad and Elmer putting the finishing touches on some shelves they made for one of the children's home.

Fletch and Matt gathering some hardware to wire (add an outlet to) the grass hut at the compound - electrifying!!

CASA HOGAR de le MONTANA - #3

Another good day - worked hard, digging trenches, running water lines, electric lines, painting, sealing house walls, visiting the village below the children's home, etc.. Heading to Saltillo tomorrow. Probably no blog. Maybe no more this week? Thanks for your prayers



One of the homes in the village where some of the women were selling some of their crafts.

A couple of the kids down in El Higo - the village. Happy, happy, happy!

Ryan and and Mary Lou working on the sewing machines. They finally figured them out and got them to work. Industrial strength. Power, power, power.

BUENOS NOCHES!!

We had a great day today - everyone worked hard, got a lot done. Great time eating supper with the kids from the dormitories up the hill. Enjoyed some wonderful worship afterwards.
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A few of the kids at supper time - the girl on the right didn't want to be in the picture but....

Fletch and one of the boys arm wrestling - guess who one?

Mary Lou and Gina painting the wash house. They got it done in no time.

Talk to you tomorrow????

WE'VE ARRIVED - (ALL IN ONE PIECE)

Hallelujah! - We made it to the mission site south of Monterrey around 3:30 today. The trip went fine with only a few stops by security here and there. We got settled in, did a few small things to get ready for tomorrow, ate a great supper, had some devotions, and are calling it a night. To be sure there will be stories to tell.



This is a small village located just below where we are staying. We hope to interact with the folks throughout the week. Only around 75 live here. Quite poor.

These are the "dorms" we are staying in. The girls on the left, guys on the right. As you can see, the terrain is quite rocky with a lot of mountains (Sierra Madre).

This is inside the compound where we stayed outside of Laredo last light called Stepping Stones ministry. They were very gracious. Slept well (long day of driving). Left for mission site around 8:30 this morning. Tomorrow we get after it. Pray for us and those we come into contact with.
Hope to post tomorrow - PR

GOING SOUTH!!!

10 of us are heading south to the Sierra Madre Mountains near Ramos Arizpe, Mexico (about 12 miles north of Saltillo) for a mission trip this coming Sunday morning. We are leaving Leoti at 4:00 (yes, a.m.) heading for Laredo where we will spend the night. We will then get our work visas at the border and ride another 4 1/2 hours to the work site on Monday. The rest of the week we will be assisting with the construction of housing for underprivileged children in the area. You can check out the website at www.chmmexico.com.

Please keep the following persons in your prayers: Greg Fletcher, Matt Crays, Wade Bangerter, Ryan and Gina Mazanec, Kevin Larson, Elmer Clymer, Shad Mehl?, and Mary Lou and me.

I will try and post pics and updates throughout the week (provided there is internet access). Otherwise we'll see you on the 23rd.

Adios!