R & R

ML and I are taking a couple of days to catch our breath following the move and all the transitional stuff. Taking time to "Be still and know that I am God" and time to spend with each other. Praying that God will direct our path as husband and wife, mom and dad, gramps and grammy, and ministers of the gospel.

Staying at a Bed and Breakfast owned by some friends of ours. Great place!

32 YEARS AND COUNTING!!

Believe it or not, Mary Lou and I will be celebrating our 32nd year of marriage this Thursday, August 20. Wow, where does the time go? But let me tell you all this, every day has been a blessing to be married to Mary Lou. For her to put up with me once again proves that God is a God of miracles (Careful with the comments).


Mary Lou, I love you with all my heart. Can't wait to see what the next 32 years have in store for us.

WEDNESDAY WONDERINGS!

Just wondering...

• Do sacred cows really make gourmet hamburgers?
• Did God create humidity or is it a result of "the fall"?
• Did Kevin F. really run a half-marathon on purpose?
• What does "relevant" mean when people talk about the church?
• How do you define "worship"?
• Is facebook a good thing?
• If my grandkids will learn and sing the great hymns of the church?
• If my love for good coffee is a vice or a habit?
• If anyone can truly understand "agape" (unconditional) love?
• If we really can be silent so we may hear the whisper of God?
• Where our country is heading?

Just a few thoughts. Lots more running through my mind. What's on YOUR mind?

CHANGING OIL!

As you know, everything in life is a sermon illustration. Yesterday, I found myself changing the oil in my car. You know, 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. It got me to thinking - we as Christians should be doing the same. Every so often it would "behoove" us to do a little spiritual maintenance. Just like a car's engine that gets full of sludge and slime, dirt and grime, our lives get messy with all sorts of junk. Busyness, wrong priorities, anger, bitterness, frustration, anxiety - on and on. These things begin to take hold of our lives and it's not long until our productivity, effectiveness, witness, and impact for Christ is reduced. Needless to say, "it's time for an oil change". Confession and repentence are 2 of the great spiritual engine cleaners that can keep us running smoothly for Jesus. As a result, "the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor. 5:17). And we all know how much better a new clean engine runs than one that has been neglected, run down, and ruined because of bad maintenance. So, if you feel bogged down, it might not hurt to check your spiritual dipstick. You might be due for a spiritual oil change.



Have a great week!!

"JUST" US!

Wow! We've been in Mulvane almost a month now. It's hard to believe! We are slowly getting settled but still have a lot to do. We don't have anything on the walls yet but we're getting there. The pics above are of the house with a rock with our name out front. One of our neighbors made that for us. Ironically his wife grew up only about 6 miles from me or so. Small world.

Things are busy at church - meeting new people all the time. I am trying my best to take it slow but for those of you who know me, it's hard to pull in the reigns. Mostly I am trying to observe, listen, evaluate, pray, pray, and pray. I have lots of idea but there is plenty of time to address them at a later date.

It's been great having ML at home. Hopefully it can stay that way. We'll see. One thing for sure, it's weird being so close to things - stores, restaraunts, family, etc.. But I think we'll manage.

Had the privilege of going to Leah Rankin's wedding on Saturday at Winfield. A wonderful Christian service. Steve (her dad) officiated and did an awesome job. He only cried 2,3,4,5 times or so. That a boy, Steve.

God is indeed good. I pray you are experiencing Him to the fullest. Have a blessed week!

"AWAY FROM WORK" - THE ASHRAM

Just returned from the Kansas Christian Ashram at Sterling where I was the Bible teacher for the week. I used a theme of "greatness" - The Great Sermon, The Great Commandment, The Great Commission, and The Great Life. It was a "Great" time! "Ashram" is a Hindi word which means away from work and the concept was transferred to a Christian time for spiritual retreat by a former missionary to India, E. Stanley Jones. At the Ashram, an evangelist, a Bible teacher, a youth leader, and a children's leader work with the various ages of those who attend to offer some Christian teaching, Christian fellowship, and just some plain old fun together. It was a real privilege to work with Todd ( my son), Mary Beth, (my sister-in-law), and Kevass (my brother in Christ) for the four days together. It was also a great time with my wife, ML, and little Owen (grandson) and Melissa (daughter-in-law). The pics below show some of what was going on. It was a blessed time. Hope some of you can go next year.

Mary Beth with the kids as they told us about Joseph. She did such a great job!

Grammy (Mary Lou) with little Owen. Can't tell they are having fun, can you?

Todd teaching the youth during one of the their sessions. Uses his hands to talk like someone else I know.

Kevass Harding was our evangelist teaching us about Godly character - Obedience, joy, patience, and self-control. He was awesome!

Notice, my mouth isn't open. Thus a miracle occurred at Ashram! (no comments Jo)

GETTING SETTLED

Just a quick update. I have some pics I want to show and some things to talk about but time does not allow this morning.

• God is good! He remains faithful even in the craziest of times.

• Thanks to all you Leotians for your help in the transition and for the wonderful sendoff a couple weeks ago. (A formal thank you is coming)

• Thanks to all of you from Mulvane who have so graciously welcomed us. It is deeply appreciated, more than you know.

• God is definitely at work. I've had some great conversations with some folks, churched and unchurched. We better fasten our seat belts.

• We finally have our utilities straightened out. Wow - what a hassle. But we're good to go.

• And yes, JESUS IS LORD!!

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

Well, it definitely has been a moving experience. Something I don't want to do in a long long long time. We arrived in Mulvane around 9:45 pm on Tuesday evening. Had to unload the aquarium at the church - yes, the fish all lived. The truck came Wednesday morning a little after 8. Finished by 1:00. Then the process of unpacking. Still looking for things. Couldn't find a black belt so I went to Dollar General and bought one - (had to help with a funeral on Thursday). Couldn't find coffee either- woe was me! But overall, the move went great and the movers did a fantastic job. Nothing damaged.

A special thanks to all you Leotians for helping with the boxing, packing, loading, and house preparation for the Howards. You are and always will be a blessing. You will never be forgotten. Please make the Howards feel as welcome as you did us.

For you folks in Mulvane, thanks for all the hard work for the painting, the new dividing wall, the food, the warm welcome and for seeing that any needs that we might have are being met. It is deeply appreciated. We are slowly getting thing unpacked but it will be awhile.

It is so great to be a part of the church, the body of Christ, that no matter where we are, we are a part of the family of God. Stay tuned. Hope to do a better job of updating. Blessings to you all!

TICK, TOCK!!

Time is ticking away. Only a few days left to do a months worth of work. Thanks to all of you who are praying for an extra measure of grace during these days. Believe me, it is needed. Have to go.. I'll keep you posted.

PASS THE ROGAINE!

Okay, I'm beginning to pull out my hair. The move is 2 weeks away, a garage sale just completed, we're in the thick of VBS, a wedding to officate this weekend, boxes to pack, the last "this", the last "that" etc. etc.. So needless to say, the blogging is minimal. How can you beat last week's anyway? The little princess!!

In the midst of it all the Lord is good, He sustains, He provides, He gives strength. So, knowing that, I keep on keepin on - "pressing on" as I said Sunday morning. So here's to a good couple of weeks in Jesus! (I covet your prayers.)

GRANDBABY #3

God has blessed us once again as we are the proud grandparents of our first little grandbaby girl named Adelyn Anne Just - daughter of Eric and Andrea and sister of Brayden.

Adelyn was born June 4 at 2:11 p.m. - 8# 6 oz., 21 inches long and is doing fine.

Thank God for kids!!

BABIES, BOXES, & BROKEN TEETH!

Okay, so this is a little wierd, but that's what moving will do to you. Yesterday was such a great day in worship as we celebrated Pentecost. The Spirit was truly present. But today is Monday and I could use a little Pentecost even as I write. All this leads me to the letter B. (Told you this blog is wierd).


First, and most important, is the fact that I am going to be a grandpa again come this Thursday. Grand "B" aby #3 is on the way - a girl! Eric and Andrea are scheduled to be mom and pop Thursday in Topeka barring Andrea going into labor before then. So keep them in you prayers if you would. Gramps and Grammy will be heading to the big city the end of the week.


Which leads me to the 2nd "B". Saturday I was eating breakfast and felt something strange in my mouth and I knew it wasn't bacon. Sure enough, half of one my back molars on top broke. That's what happens when you don't brush (kidding). Anyway, I am scheduled for a crown or a tooth to be pulled on Thursday in Salina on the way to Topeka. Is that crazy or what??


Now, for the 3rd "B". Boxes, boxes, boxes! Will it ever end? My office at church is a shambles and the basement of the house is close behind. We are trying to keep the upstairs somewhat respectable. The move is scheduled for Tuesday the 30th. We plan on taking a load to Mulvane a week or so before. We'll see.


So, "B" praying for us if you would be so kind. Time is getting short. Bless you all!

P.R.

(p.s. - go to Todd's blog and vote for his ugly backyard. Click on yard D when it directs you to vote - thanks)

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!!

First of all, I want to thank all who prayed for me on Friday when I preached at the Memorial service at Annual Conference in Salina. I truly felt your prayers - no doubt about it. Thank you! As far as the rest of Annual Conference, all went well. Debate was civil. Worship was good. The ordination service was wonderful. The KfUMR banquet was a blessing. And the fellowship throughout the week was great. However, I did come home exhausted! Now, a few thoughts:

• One month until we move. Our house is beginning to be a mess. Boxes all over the place. It looks like the 29th of June is the move date. (Maybe the 30th)

• Kyle leaves for Dallas on Friday for the summer. Keep him in your prayers - traveling mercies, as well as a great summer of learning and growing in the Lord.

• Anticipating the birth of a granddaughter within a few weeks. Pray for Andrea (and Eric and Brayden). Can't wait!

• If you are having trouble with the church's website it may be because of the browser update. Those who have updated to Explorer 8 are not able to open the links for some reason. We're checking on it.

• Check Todd's blog (toddjust.blogspot.com) and vote for him to get a new landscaped backyard. He's leading the vote. Help him win it.

• Does anyone read this blog?

• NBA playoffs? Again, does anyone care??

• Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus everyone. Have a great week!!

THE "ANNUAL" ANNUAL CONFERENCE

I leave in the morning for Salina where I will be attending the Kansas West Annual Conference in which I am a member. It will be a busy week as I attend a Board of Ordained Ministry Meeting at 1:30 tomorrow until?? The evening will be the clergy session which will get us started for the conference. Wednesday morning I will have to drive to Wichita to pick up Kim Reisman, our speaker for the Kansans for United Methodist Renewal banquet. I am in charge of the banquet which will be at Grand Ave UMC around 5:30 pm. Should be fun.

Thursday will be busy as we begin debating the various ammendments to the Church's constitution being proposed by General Conference. Pray that all will be civil and that God's will be done. There will also be great plenaries with Bishop Schnase speaking several times. I am looking forward to that. In the evening will be the ordination service which is a great milestone for those who have been working through the process.

Friday morning at 11:00 am I will be preaching for the Memorial Service at the conference. If any of you are in the area, I invite you to come. The rest of the day will consist of the setting of the appointments by the Bishop followed by whatever business we need to do to finish the work of our time together.

Please keep me in your prayers. It is a busy week. Pray that God will be pleased with us as we gather to "conference" together.

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.