MONDAY MEANDERINGS

Hmmm, let me see.........

• Brett Favre - not necessarily a smart decision at the end of regulation, huh?
• The Saints - soon to be the Ain'ts thanks to Indy!
• Now what????? Soon to find out.
• Why live under the Law when Jesus frees us up??
• Any Mulvanites interested in participating in the upcoming Walk to Emmaus weekend?
  
• Conan O'Brian - $45 million buyout? What's wrong with this picture?
• I love sports, however...............sports have become the god of America.
• 1970 Blue Plymouth Roadrunner - beep beep!
• My brother Rod has joined the facebook world - THE END IS NEAR!!
• My nephew Adam scored 24 points against Kapaun - taught him everything he knows.
• My grandaughter Addy is a shoo in for most beautiful baby in the world!
• Reminder - dreams without action remain dreams!
• Vision - a picture of the future that produces passion!
• I've noticed too many people attempting to be who the world wants them to be in contrast to who God wants them be.
• I think it would BEHOOVE us all to "Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10

Have a great week!! - PR

REFLECTIONS - rEfLECtioNs

As you can see, various groups gathered at tables to read and study scriptures that dealt with visioning and the role of the Spirit in that visioning (Ezekiel 37, Acts 2, and others).

It was a great day at Camp Horizon this past Saturday. Our first (dare I say "annual") spiritual retreat to seek God's face, worship, pray, study, laugh, and have just a wonderful time together. Thanks to all of you who gave up your Saturday to participate. It is very much appreciated! We gathered together, not to plan, but to enter into God's presence and we were not disappointed.

A few reflections as it relates to the day:

• If nothing else, God united us as a group of members of the MUMC who may have never otherwise gathered to discern God's will for our lives. Persons who attend all 3 services were represented, all age groups were represented, and all hearts gathered together as one to worship our Lord. What a blessing!
• There is an intentional desire to grow spiritually as a church.
• There is a desire to worship God. It was evident. Thanks Lorna for leading us in prayer and thanks Jerry for assisting on the guitar - awesome!
• I was thrilled to see the small groups where each person prayed. That's where the power is. (Even if it gets you out of your comfort zone).
• The Holy Spirit was present.
• There is an openness to new things. But as Mary reminded us, how willing are we to do what God is asking us to do? How obedient will we be?

Let us covenant to pray that God will clarify the vision He is placing before us as a church. And let us pray that we will be willing and obedient to that vision.

BURIED!

Sorry, folks. No blog this week. I'll get back to you next week!


PR

WELCOME TO 2010!

Okay, here we go. Another new year is before us. Now what??? Well, here's a few thoughts:

1. This past year I have been reminded of how much my family means to me. Now that we're closer to them, I plan to see them more (especially those little grandkids because it is my duty to spoil them).
2. I'm also reminded of the great friends we have made over the years. I never want to take them for granted and am thankful to God for such special folks.
3. Moving is never easy. Transitions can be difficult. I'm in no mood for another move anytime soon. We believe God has called us to Mulvane as difficult as it was to pack up and leave and thankfully we are beginning to see some of the fruit of the ministry here. Looking forward to what is in store for us this year.
4. My wife is the love of my life and true partner in ministry. Couldn't do it (or wouldn't do it) without her.
5. Yes, elk hunting is already on the calendar.
6. I've got to figure out how to get time to read and study. Havn't completed a book since the move.
7. Need to find a getaway place in this area. Any ideas?
8. Retiring the 6 shooter?
9. Talking less, listening more? That will take much prayer.
10. And yes, Jesus is Lord of 2010!!

There's Nothing Like Family!

We were blessed to have the kids and their families here to celebrate Christmas on Saturday. About didn't happen due to snow and ice in the Topeka area but Eric's made it here around 12:30 - just in time for big dinner - good timing! The grandbabies were a blast, but I forgot how busy little ones can be. But enjoyed every minute of it. God has blessed us with such wonderful boys - Todd, Eric, and Kyle and marvelous daughter-in-laws - Melissa and Andrea. And of course, they have doubly blessed us with beautiful grandchildren - Brayden, Owen, and Adelyn. God has graced us with a family that loves each other and loves Jesus as Savior and Lord.

It JUST doesn't get any better than that!!!

Little Addy jumping for joy!

Owen playing us all a song on the guitar.

Brayden hamming it up for the camera!

FOOD, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Had a lot of fun last Saturday at the parsonage open house. So glad so many of you were able to come. It was a good day to get into the spirit of Christmas!!

My sister-in-law Janelle, youngest son Kyle, and his girlfriend Molly. They decided it was their job to make sure the food table was properly guarded and all plates kept full of goodies.

Candy, John, Deb, Barbara, and Janet solving all the world's problems.

Wait a minute! Didn't we just see Barbara and Candy in the previous picture?? We also see Bethany, Joe, and Mike eating, drinking, and making merry!

Ah yes, the table was loaded with all sorts of meats and cheeses, crackers, vegatables, dips, and drinks. Notice the first little sign - "Elk Meatballs". They were a big hit. If Candy wouldn't have eaten so many there would have been enough for everyone.

On a more serious note, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I pray that you will experience the love of God who gave His One and only Son that we might have life, abundant life, both now and for eternity. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Friday it is my prayer that we will join the angels as we lift our voices together singing, "Joy to the World, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King".

THOUGHTS (or something like that)!

Yes, indeed! This is me after a crazy Tuesday. Just getting home tonight and thinking about what to write. Not too sure. We'll see what transpires..........................


A funeral yesterday. A funeral tomorrow. Praise the Lord for eternal life by virtue of faith in Christ!

Speaking of the funeral yesterday, you Leoti folks caught my emotions off guard. Nothing like driving 275 miles so I could cry in front of you all.

The elk has finally found its home in our freezer. Now to serve it for our open house on Saturday (wink,wink).

It's funny how many people read this here blog. You must have too much time on your hands.

This Sunday will be the big Christmas Sunday! You don't think I'll be stoked?

I live right next to Wichita and all the stores but would rather just get on the internet and order stuff and be done with it.

My Grandson Owen pulled down the Christmas tree, lined up all the gold ornament balls, and proceeded to smack them around the house with a plastic golf club. How funny is that?

How about a sermon series focusing on country song titles? (Achy breaky heart, Ring of Fire, Lookin for love in all the wrong places, Giddy up go, Paper Roses, Heaven's just a sin away, etc...) That series could last all year.

I still like cherry pie (In case you were wondering).

Someone needs to give Kevin Clark spell check for his computer. It would behoove him to at least spell the words correctly if he is going to pontificate or bloviate.

Hints for a present for Mary Lou??? Shhh... don't tell her.

God is still doing His thing! Aren't you glad??

PONDERING!

Seems like the blog may have gone its course. Very few comments as of late. Maybe I'll put it to rest. What say you?

MONDAY MEANDERINGS

Some thoughts for you to ponder - some serious, others....well....................

So, if Tiger Woods has nothing to hide,what's the deal?

Tomorrow is December and today is around 60 degrees?

Saw all the grandkids last week. It doesn't get any better than that!

Have you seen the MUMC church commercial yet? All I want for Christmas is.......

I'm surprised how many people know very little about Advent.

Facebook! What do you think about the social network?

MTV - it's absolutely worthless and has no redeeming value whatsoever and yet so many of our kids watch it. Parents, do you realize what's on that channel?

Notre Dame just fired their football coach. What will KU do?

Tim Tebo - Now there's a class act!

Read a devotion this morning that suggested a simpler Christmas. Good idea, don't you think?

So many songs, so little time.

Jesus is still Lord!!!!

SO MUCH, SO MUCH, SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Once again we gather together this week as friends and family to celebrate the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us from our heavenly Father. So often we take for granted all that we have but it is my prayer this year that we will be intentional about offering our thanks to God for all His many provisions.


Personally I am so grateful for my family - my parents, ML's parents, my brothers and their families, ML's siblings and families, my wife (so very thankful), my boys and their wives (no, Kyle does not have a wife), and of course, the grandkids. What a blessing to have such a great family.

As I mentioned in church yesterday, I am so thankful for good friends, for this great country, and for the church (the body of Christ). I am thankful for the opportunities I've been given to minister in many areas of this state (as well as this country) and am so blessed to have met so many wonderful folks. I'm also so appreciative to be able to experience God's creation - in the flatlands of Kansas to the high mountains of Colorado to the humidity of Mulvane (trees grow where it's humid). The evidence of a Creator is all around us to be sure.

But most of all I'm thankful for Jesus who gave his life on the cross for me and for you that we might live in right relationship with our heavenly Father. I'm thankful that I don't have to earn God's love but by responding to his grace (his unconditional love) by faith, I am assured life, abundant life both now and for eternity.

And yes, for that my heart gives thanks.

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP!

Michael W. Smith acknowledging the Lord as the One who is worthy.

(Sorry about the quality- phone picture)

Leading us in worship - a great night!

Had the great privilege to go with a group from church to the Michael W. Smith concert last night at Central Christian Church and I was NOT disappointed. We had VIP tickets and got there early (thanks Jerry). The result - front row seat for our group. Unbelievable!! I've been craving a worship service like this for some time and we were led into the throne room of God with both outward expressive songs as well as "on your knees, reflective praise" to the Lord. I absolutely loved "Agnus Dei" which comes from the book of Revelation - "Alleluia.... worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb, Amen"! Worship - ascribing to God all that we are and all who we are to the One who is worthy. And that's what we did - we worshipped the Lord - all 5,000 or so of us as one body lifting up the name of Jesus. How sweet it was and continues to be. If you get a chance, pick up a copy of "A New Hallelujah" either CD or DVD. It's well worth the money. In the meantime, "I feel it, I feel it, I feel it in my bones and I just don't think I can hold it anymore..."

MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE!

Well, an unbelievable elk hunting trip in the Rockies. All five of us were successful. That never happens. We arrived on Thursday the 29th after fighting a snow storm from Limon to Denver. Some parts of Denver received between 20 -30 inches of snow. But we made it safely. There was snow where we hunted (and camped) and it was quite cold but it worked out great for the hunt. And the beauty of the mountains - God outdid Himself once again. It was indescribable. No wonder we sing "How Great Thou Art!"

Below are a few pics.

This was the view outside our tent each morning! How cool is that?

The crew - Tyrone, Mike, Dennis, Craig and me.


Craig cheesing it up laying on the hide of his bull elk. He shot his on Tuesday evening.

I had an antlerless license. I shot this cow at 7:45 am on Monday morning.

HIGHER GROUND!

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2


Gearing up for a mountain top experience. Time with God, His creation, and good friends. Full report to follow. Blessings to you all!

STILL WALKING!

Just completed another Walk to Emmaus - Men's Walk #95 in Wichita. As always, God did His thing, opening the eyes of men who all of a sudden found themselves in the presence of the living Christ. And what a joy to be a part of another walk. From the send off on Thursday to the closing on Sunday, I was able to observe God's Spirit work in such a way to bring about healing, wholeness, and transformation in the lives of men of all ages.

Thanks to all who worked behind the scenes. Thanks to the sponsors of those who attended. Thanks to the team, both lay and clergy who showed what it meant to offer and live out God's unconditional love. Thanks to the community who showed the support as well as those who prayed throughout the weekend. And thanks for allowing me to be the community spiritual director. I am very appreciative to you and humbled by your support.

And now it's time for the women's walk #96 this weekend. You go girls!

De Colores!!

ALL ABOUT GOD!

These past few nights I have been speaking at a church in Newton - a time of renewal and restoration. What I've really enjoyed is the various methods and styles of worship that has taken place. Sunday night the praise team from Mulvane, Leap of Faith, led the time of musical worship. They did an awesome job leading us into the throne room of God. What a blessing!

Last night, a group (whom I've known for years - Bob and the boys) led worship. Their instruments included a keyboard, a lead guitar, a bass guitar, and 2 trumpets. Awesome music. Far different than Sunday night, but a blessing just the same.

Tonight, some of the members of the church where I am preaching will lead worship. Believe it or not, they are a bluegrass band. How cool is that? I will follow with a little music of my own on the guitar.

Tomorrow I will be speaking at Southwestern College and you can be sure a praise team from the college will lead us in worship. And the rest of the week I will be involved in the Walk to Emmaus in Wichita where yet another style of worship will lead us into the presence of God.

I say all this because it's all about God, not about us. And to experience God through a variety of means is so exciting to me because God is a big God who doesn't get worked up about style near as much as we do. His desire is that we worship him, that we focus on him, that our attention be given to the One who is worthy - God alone.

So, as I meander my way through this week, I find it an awesome time to be serving the Lord. And as much as I enjoy the worship that is taking place, I can only imagine how pleased God is when our focus is upon Him. Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!!

Monday Meanderings!

• Only 23 days til elk hunting - but who's counting?
• Fall - the best time of the year! Without question.
• Jesus is still Lord! No matter what "stuff" we face.
• Meetings, meetings, meetings................................
• In ministry, what if....money was no issue?
• Vision - a picture of the future that produces passion. So what's your passion?
• My family. #1 in my books!
• I've only got to see 1 high school fball game. Mulvane has only lost once. Not sure I have any more open Friday nights - how sad is that?
• 1 year older last Sunday - boy do I feel it!
• Victory in Jesus! Sorry devil, that's just the way it is.
• Christianity is personal but it is not private! Thus the need for the church.
• Get to see the kids and grandkids this Saturday -oh yeah!
• One of these days......................................................................

VIVE- AGAIN!

Currently setting in our room at a B&B in Hugoton. Preached the first of 3 nights at the UMC. A wonderful evening. Good turnout and good response at the invitation. God blessed our time together and I see no reason why He won't do the same the next 2 nights. Pray for me and the church here in Hugoton that God would "re-vive" (or bring life again) to His church. Much appreciated. Thanks!

The theme for the week - "I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, and God made it grow". (1 Cor. 3:6).

The 3 sermons - A call to maturity, A call to unity, A call to priority.

ONWARD!!

The devil is working overtime lately but here's the deal, "The grave is empty and the victory is in Jesus!" Time to put on the spiritual armor and get after it!




"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11.

GRANDBABY #4 ON THE WAY!!!!

Here we go again! Todd and Melissa gave us the green light to announce to all of you that we are going to be grandparents again. The big O (Owen) is going to be a big brother the end of April of next year. So what will this little one be - a boy or a girl? Remember, little Adelyn broke the string of Just boys. So will it happen again? What do you think?????

Owen having a laugh with gramps and grammy.

Adelyn content setting on grammy's lap.

What can you say???

We are so blessed! God is so good to have given us such great grandkids. And now another one in 2010 - can't wait!!

I WONDER....................

Yeah, it's kind of strange, but have you ever thought about the "rest of the story" when it comes to some of the Biblical characters or stories in Scripture? For example, I talked about Zaccheaus yesterday in Luke 19. I wonder:

• How much money did he return to those he ripped off? How did the poor respond to him when he gave them money?
• What was the first thing the blind man saw after Jesus gave him his sight? How did he know what it was?
• Did Peter ever attempt to walk on water again?
• How many people really think John the Baptist was a "Baptist". Was he an independent, North American, or Southern Baptist?
• What happened to Jesus' earthly father, Joseph? He kind of disappeared after Jesus was born?
• If Noah ever ate fish after his ordeal with the "whale"?
• If Adam and Eve ever sat down and asked, "What would have happened if we repented"?
• What Timothy would say was the greatest thing he learned from the apostle Paul?
• If God gets a kick out of people like me who ask these silly questions?

What are your questions??????????