QUESTION OF THE DAY

Next month I will be going to North Carolina to lead a Cornerstone Celebration which is a local church ministry focused on the mighty act of God's intervention in human history. Specifically I'll be preaching on the incarnation (Christmas), the Atonement, (Good Friday) the resurrection (Easter) and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). I also will be leading a Faith-Sharing workshop which I hope will better ground the participants in what the Christian faith means and the importance of sharing it with others.

I also will be leading the Faith Sharing workshop at our church on February 10 at 2:00 pm. This is the first time I am using this particular material so the church here in Leoti is helping me prepare for the teaching time in North Carolina. So far we have about 20 signed up here at the church. If you'd like to participate, call the church office at 620-375-4554.

But the real reason I am writing is to ask this question as it pertains to the faith:

How much difference would it make in your life if at midnight tonight you ceased to believe in Jesus Christ?


I highly encourage you to ponder that question and then I'd like to hear your comments. For those of you who will be taking the class, you have a heads up to at least one of the questions I'll be asking and addressing.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

There were a lot of responses to the last blog - interesting since it was just a bunch of miscellaneous questions (Wednesday wonderings). In light of that I thought I'd add a few more mindless(?) statements for today's cyberspace chatter:

So you want to know who Cory is? - a great guy from Larned who is active in Emmaus and Chrysalis and was instrumental in confirming my appointment to Leoti. You may better know him as Leigh Anne's (Smades) husband. (Still welcome to move to Leoti).

How bout them Cats? Both men and women basketball teams.

Kyle is about to commit himself to going to college at Southwestern College in Winfield. Had a good visit on Monday. What say you?

Do you ever watch Everybody Loves Raymond? Talk about disfunctional. Yet it's not much different than what's happening in so many families these days.

The buegill as our state fish? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

So the Europeans don't want to give an award to the authors of a book with the three little pigs because it might offend Muslims? Come on, people need to get a life.

Jesus came to simplify things. So why do we continually make things more difficult?

I'm officiating a funeral tomorrow. "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!"

Friday night means another basketball game. "Keep thoughts to self. Keep thoughts to self. Keep thoughts to self. Keep thoughts to self".

I know of a ministry need if you'll call me before Sunday. It would be extremely helpful to someone who is struggling. Call me, please. Thanks!

Have a great weekend!! See you locals in church.

WEDNESDAY WONDERINGS

I was JUST wondering:

If it snowed in Leoti for 30 days in the winter would we cancel school 30 days?

Why the boys are struggling as a basketball team.

Why people who live east of Manhattan think Salina is in western Kansas.

If Cory Stelter would consider moving to Leoti. (with family)

Why Easter is on a different Sunday each year? Jesus' birthday doesn't change from year to year. Why should the day of his resurrection change?

If there is any real reason to return to Daylight Savings Time?

Why people have cats for pets?

Why I had to pay $75 for a book for Kyle at school? What's up with that?

If anyone is tired of hearing about Britney Spears?

How anyone can call rap music? - an oxymoron - like postal service, good cabbage, or United Methodist.

What people with who are covered with tattoos will look like in 30 years. Yikes!

If it's okay to laugh in church?

JUST WONDERING!!

BREAKING CAMP!!

Last Sunday I preached a sermon entitled "Time to Break Camp" from Deuteronomy 1:6-8. As you recall God reminded the Israelites that they had stayed at the mountain long enough and it was time to "break camp", to get a move on. The mountain was not the destination, it was merely a stopping place in the midst of a journey, a time of preparation for entering the promised land.

I wonder at times if we as individuals or as the church find ourselves at a stopping place regarding our walk with Christ. And then as a result, we find ourselves stuck "on the mountain", at a stopping place with no intention to move forward. I don't believe that is what God has in store for us as as it pertains to our relationship with him and with others. Even the Apostle Paul said "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal...". Implied in those words are God's words to"break camp", to move forward, to forget the past and get on with it.

I want to challenge and encourage you all to take the necessary steps to continue the faith journey, to continue to grow in your walk with Jesus, to continue to move beyond being comfortable, maybe even complacent. The Israelites were on the move to the promised land but found themselves stuck at the base of a mountain for too long. We as Christians and as the church are on the same journey - to the promised land. But we can't get there unless we get a move on. Let's break camp, shall we?

BOWERS CHRISTMAS 2007

M.L's side of the family met for Christmas at the Best Western in Emporia over the weekend. Here are a few pics.

The "bingo table". Of course, Luke's mouth is open.

"...but we want to open presents now"

The newly engaged Keith and Cheryl - congrats!

Grandma Bowers and Bev checking out the loot.

Had lots of fun and ate waaaaaaay too much!!

JUST CHRISTMAS 2007

Here are a few pics of the Justs from our travels this past week to see our family. Check out the previous blog for Bower's pictures (M.L.'s side of family).

Little Brayden in his Jumperoo he got for Christmas.

The family at Eric's house in Topeka on the 26th.

A four generation picture of Justs.

All the Justs at dad's house in Aulne. We clean up pretty good don't we?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Hear these words of good news once again from the gospel of Luke:

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

What else could I add? Have a blessed Christmas, everyone!!

MONDAY MUSINGS!!

A few thoughts as another week is upon us:

What a great Christmas program last night at the church. The kids did great. Thanks to all who helped make it such a great evening.

We received some much needed moisture this past week. A little rain, a little ice, and some snow to top it off on Friday. Thankfully the ice wasn't as bad as it was to our east. Because of the weather 2 basketball games were postponed. Will make one up at Oakley on Tuesday night.

My folks celebrate their 50th on Thursday. ML and I are going to make a quick trip Wednesday to take them out to eat in McPherson. Will return that night. Congrats to them. See......., it can be done.

Kyle finishes classes this week. He'll be done Wednesday at noon with two semester tests in the morning. He finished his college algebra class last week. Hallelujah!

We're working on a new web page at the church. The address is www.leotiumc.com but we are having a few little mishaps. Bear with us as we work to correct the miscues.

Only a week left until Christmas. Are you ready? Not talking about shopping and presents and all. I'm speaking of your heart. It's so easy to get caught up in all the busyness of the season and before you know it, the 25th has come and gone. I hate when that happens to me- most of the time it is my own fault. So when you all get together with your families why not take a moment to read Jesus' birth accounts in Luke and Matthew before you open presents. That's what we do every year and it helps keep everything else in perspective.

If you live in Leoti or are coming to town to see family I invite you to the Christmas eve service on the 24th at 6:00 pm. It promises to be a special time.

Hope to post once more before Christmas. If not, have a most blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

"PICKEN AND GRINNIN"

Todd and Melissa came out this weekend with some of the youth group from their church (and a couple dads) to go pheasant hunting. Had a great time although it was cold and icy. Saw a lot of birds and bagged quite a few. Lots of fun. The first night saw a little video game entertainment at our house. Note the following pictures.







Ever played Guitar Hero? Neither had Melissa but she certainly got hooked. It became addictive. She's not quite ready for the expert level but look out Eddie Van Halen.

Todd ready to rock and roll with Eric Wilson in his favorite position. Ironically, Eric's mom was our neighbor in Aulne in the 80's.

Kyle and Corey playing the expert level. They were awesome with Corey taking home the high point trophy. Browniew won the "crumbs on the floor" award.

My brother Rod and his boy Evan came out to hunt with us. Craig Sheppard was our "hunting guide". Brock was the designated "pheasant gutter". A great weekend together.

LOCAL OUTREACH PROJECT!!

I'm so glad you all enjoyed my last blog which was like the Seinfeld show - all about nothing. Now for something of more import.

I've been trying to be able to post all day but had some computer gliches. Anyway, some of you know that Marge Davis has macular degeneration and it has been a real struggle for her. However, tomorrow she and Dale are going to Oberlin to be fitted with a new type of glasses that will enable her to see faces, possibly read musical notes for the piano, and give her some new focus in a world that has been quite blurry for several years. These glasses however are quite expensive - over $3,000 so many at the church wanted to help by giving a donation on her behalf. If you would like to do so, please make your check out to the church and designate it "Davis". We'll make sure it is used to help offset the expense of the glasses. We tried to get the word out over the weekend but not all were made aware so now you know.

Marge is so excited and I am excited that we can be of help to her. Thanks for your help!

Keep checking!

Don't worry - I'm thinking.......................................... hmm........................... okay................... what do you think about......................no, wait a minute.........................not that............................how about when..................................

I'll get back to you.............................

FAMILY FUN!!

Have you ever played Wii? It's an interactive video game and as you can see ML and her sister are boxing (on Thanksgiving day). I've never seen my wife get so excited about punching somebody's lights out. Loved every minute of it.

Here you see ML and little Brayden at Eric and Andrea's house in Topeka. He's really grown hasn't he? Grandma had a great time.

And here you see the little man sitting on Grandpa's lap. He's quite relaxed and at peace with the world. Sure enjoyed him. Hopefully it won't be so long before I see him the next time. Actually it will be at Christmas. He JUST might get a present or two.

Had a great time with all our family on both sides. I'm truly blessed.

BRAYDEN BOUND!!

Okay, here's the deal. We're heading out on Thursday to catch up with some family for Thanksgiving. First to Newton for a get-together with M.L.'s side of the family. Then that night we will stay at Todd and Melissa's in McPherson. The next morning we will go to my folks for a dinner around noon or so. That evening/night we will head to Topeka to see the little man (and Eric and Andrea). I've not seen him since August so we have a little grandpa/grandson time to take care of. Looking forward to it.

So, you all have a great Thanksgiving holiday. And be careful that you don't forget to offer thanks to the Lord in the midst of the busy weekend (see my Pastor's Corner in the Standard).

Blessings. P.R.

WHO IS THAT MUSIC MAN??

I was told this morning that if Kyle didn't know what to do when he got out of school he could always be a traveling salesman (aka Harold Hill).

Kyle and Remy
(Professor Hill and Marcellus)
Kyle and Jessica
(Professor Hill and Mrs. Paroo)

Dustin, Kyle, and Remy

(Charlie the angry salesman, Hill, and Marcellus)

What a great job by the cast of The Music Man. It was wonderful entertainment and the hard work sure paid off. Tori (the director) deserves a lot of credit, especially in light of some of the "extra stress" that was handed to her. I hope a lot of you were able to attend. It was well worth the time and the money.

Great job Kyle! We're proud of you!!!

MONDAY MUSINGS

By the way, did I tell you I'm going to be grandpa....again? May 23 is the due date. Todd and Melissa the parents to be.

Speaking of grandkids, check out Todd's blog and click on the video of Brayden (www.toddjust.blogspot.com ) Sounds like his dad... and has he grown or what??

Is the devil working overtime to destroy marriages or what?? How do you suggest we help those whose relationships are in trouble?

Kyle is the lead role in the Music Man this weekend. Come out and see him and the rest of the cast if you get a chance. Should be a blast!! (Trumpet blast).

How does Scot McKnight have the time to blog as much as he does? I have not a clue. (See www.jesuscreed.org )

Men's group on Friday mornings at 6:30. It's a great time. If you've missed lately, come on back. We eat a little breakfast and chew on the Word.

Teresa and Kevin - great job Sunday morning!

Anybody go to the Toby Mac concert on Saturday - how about a report?

Anyone have 2 k-state/missouri football tickets for sale? Let me know asap.

Pray for rain!!

Have a great week - P.R.

EMMAUS (pt.2)

After returning home from Garden on Sunday I am convinced that God uses a "plethra" of methods to draw his people to him through special and powerful ways. Obviously the Walk to Emmaus is one of them. In my prior post someone responded in a way that suggested the walk as being a prerequisite or and additonal work that must take place to get "closer to the gates of heaven". Far from it. Yes, it draws us closer to "Him" but JESUS is the only "gate" and faith in him allows us to enter. The Walk is merely one of many tools used by God to grow in our relationship with Christ. Disciple Bible Study, the Ashram retreat, small group bible studies, Promise Keepers, Women of Faith, etc., etc., are all used by God to draw us closer to him in faith. Praise God for the ways he helps us grow and the ways he "fires us up" for him. Would I like everyone to go on the walk? Sure! But it's by far not the only way people can draw close to Jesus. I'm for whatever God chooses to do.

We all know that life is filled with mountaintop and valley experiences. Why not pursue and experience the mountaintop when you can? There are always plenty of valleys out there.

I am so thankful for what God did in the lives of the women this past weekend. It was awesome to see him work in their lives and am excited for others to hear the stories.

Never apologize about an experience with God. Never!

Have a great week!

ANOTHER AWESOME WALK!!

Just returned from participating in the Walk to Emmaus at Garden City. It's always amazing to see what God does during those 72 hours together. Actually, it's miraculous.

It was humbling once again to be on the team. I was blessed to work with some unbelievable guys led by Steve Mayo (Lay director) and Tod Anthony (spiritual director). And then to observe God's work in the guys from the first day to the last was great - especially watching the guys from Leoti.

Thanks for praying for us all. Now our attention turns towards the women who will be attending this Thursday - Michelle Sheppard, Teresa Clark, Kendra Perry, Marilyn Wilbur, and Cindy Crays. Please keep them in your prayers. They are about to meet God in a new and exciting way.

How about some thoughts from some of you who attended who are reading this here blog? Love to hear from you.

You locals - ask Kevin, Jason, Craig, Gary, or Matt about their experience. See what they have to say.

De Colores!!

BY THE WAY, DID I TELL YOU.........

I'm going to be a GRANDPA -AGAIN!!!!! Congrats to Todd and Melissa. We are super excited as our little Grandson Brayden will have someone to play with soon. Melissa is due the 23rd of May. (Kyle graduates the 17th. Should be interesting). This is an answer to prayer. Yep, I'm going out to order my cane and hearing aids today. You know how it is being a grandpa and all.

Other excitement - Thursday the 18th kicks off the fall Walk to Emmaus in Garden City. We have 10 people from Leoti going plus a couple of us working the team. Be in prayer for Gary Wilbur, Jason Perry, Craig Sheppard, Kevin Clark, Matt Crays, Todd Schumacher, and me as we head to Garden tomorrow at 4:30. Can't wait to see what God has up his sleeve. (Does God have sleeves - or even arms for that matter?)

If you want to read a great blog, check out jesuscreed.org. Scot McKnight is a friend of ours from Chicago. He'll make you think.

Have a great weekend. Stay tuned for grandbaby and Emmaus updates.

Signing off...........................

P.R.

BITTERSWEET

I was saddened to hear of the death of one of my best friend's mom, Ellie Zerger, this past week at Marion. Actually, she died on my birthday, October the 4th. It was totally unexpected and was a shock to us all.

In the picture you see Reuben (Ellie's husband), and Julie and Tim, great friends from high school. I made a red eye trip to Marion Tuesday afternoon to spend a little time with them. It was a great evening although I wish it could have been for a different reason. It had been years since I'd seen them so we had a little catching up to do. Talked about our great times in school and especially the great times at their house where Ellie was more than hospitable. Needless to say, I never went hungry when I was at their house. She was such a great person and always treated me as one of her own. I am grateful I will see her again by virtue of our faith in Christ.

It's too bad that we seem to let time get away from us to the point that we don't stay in touch like we should. But, as is the case with good friends, when we do get together it's as if we have not missed a beat. Such was the case on Tuesday evening.

My prayers continue to go out to the family. I'd ask you to keep them in your prayers as well.

HMMMMMMMM..........

In case you are a person who likes to ponder.....................................


The Cubs will never again win the World Series. Never!

The Chiefs?? 10 yards rushing against the Jaguars? Are you kidding?? Larry Johnson should pay ME to watch him.

The Wildcats? Come on Josh Freeman. Maybe a little emotion? You had a chance to be a hero.

Hillary Clinton?? Enough said.

USC? Sorry for chuckling.

NBA and NHL?? Who cares?????

The WCHS Indians - can't expect to win when padding out only once a week and not practicing when the whole team is available to do so.

Network television - I've seen better stuff in a garbage dump.

Hallelujah, the wind has finally died down. Wow!

Awesome fall harvest - don't forget the Lord of the harvest. It's not about us.