BE STILL!

I know you can't believe this but I have a little trouble sitting still. I'm what might be known as a type-A kind of guy, a little on the extroverted side. But this afternoon I took a little time to "stop and smell the roses". I took a couple of hours to try out the lawn furniture near the front door and enjoyed the beautiful day that God created (a little reading, a little praying, a lot of loafing). In fact, I'm still sitting outside marveling at how gorgeous a day it is - no wind, no mosquitos, sunny, beautiful trees, and birds singing all around me. Absolutley incredible! It's been awhile since I've been able to slow down and enjoy a day like this and I didn't want to miss out.


A verse that comes to mind is from Psalm 46:10 that says this, "Be still and know that I am God". I am once again reminded that I miss out on experiencing God or feeling His presence because I am always on the go. The bottom line - when I am too busy going here and going there, doing this and doing that, I miss out on God. Not good! I don't want to miss out. And I don't think you want to miss out either.


So why not take a moment to stop what you are doing, quiet yourself, and focus on God. I tried to link a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman to this blog but for some reason it failed. So if you'd like, google "Be Still" by Chapman and meditate on the words of the song. It will do your heart good. Shhhh........

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR!

If you havn't heard, God blessed us with our 4th grandchild this past week. Aubryn Ella Just was born on Thursday, April 8, at 10:30 a.m. in Salina. Aubryn weighed in at 6# 14 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Mom and dad (Melissa and Todd), along with older brother Owen, welcome Aubryn into their family.

Aubryn taking a nap Sunday afternoon. Our family got together and celebrated a late Easter, Kyle's 20th birthday, and Aubryn's first weekend at home.

Big brother Owen holding Aubryn. He is not quite sure what to make of it all. It will be fun to watch how Owen deals with another little one in the house. Stay tuned.

This is my favorite pic of Aubryn on day 1. Look how peaceful she looks.

(Not to mention how cute)

Gramps and Grammy with little Aubryn. It's going to be fun to spoil another little girl.

We've been so blessed to have such wonderful grandkids. First Brayden. Then Owen. Then Addy. Now Aubryn. Each time ML and I just marvel at what a miracle the birth of a child is. I am reminded of the scripture that says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14). Aubryn's birth once again reminds me of God's miraculous working in the creation of His children - yes indeed - fearfully and wonderfully made!

'BLOG THOUGHTS"

After a busy busy Holy Week I find myself a little "weak in the brain". I asked ML, "Do you have any blog thoughts?" She just laughed implying that I was on my own. That's scary, but let me reflect on some of the happenings of this past week:

• Obviously, the murder of our friend, Ann Schumacher, came as a total shock and we (and our friends) are still processing and attempting to make sense of the tragedy. The "whys" and the "ifs" will never be answered, but one thing I know, death did not defeat Ann. Make no mistake about it, she now experiences the victory of everlasting life because of her faith in Jesus Christ!

• The Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) was a true experience of God's grace at work. As people came to the Lord's table to share in Holy Communion, they first "nailed to the cross" those things that were inhibiting their relationship with the Lord. It was a powerful image to see the cross covered with purple pieces of paper signifying the request for Jesus' forgiveness and for Him to remove sin and heartache. It was a sacramental moment.

• The Good Friday service began with our focus on the cross and ended in darkness and silence. The focus was on the question "Have You Seen My Son?" asked by the mothers of James and John, John Mark, Barabbas, Judas,and of course, Mary, the mother of Jesus. Anna and Simeon narrated the drama and it only took moments for us to identify with the plights of the mothers - heartache, pain, grief, compassion, sadness, tears, mourning! One candle remained lit as we left the room. It offered a glimmer of hope.

• And then the Son rose. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!! Sunday morning began with a sunrise service at the main street park west of the church. How awesome it was as the youth led the service in word and in drama. (See Amy Nelson's blog for details). We then shared in a time of fellowship at the church - rolls, fruit, coffee, juice, even a chocolate fountain. How sweet (literally). Then came "THE MAIN EVENT!" Two worship services celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise band, video, choir, congregational singing, prayer, preaching, rejoicing - it was an incredible morning of worship. Jesus was in the house, not in the grave!! Oh that we would worship in such a manner each and every Sunday! Yes, He is risen, He is risen, indeed!!

• Oh yeah, a little family time as well. Went to my folks for an afternoon of fun (lots of it) - my 2 brothers and their families, our son Eric and wife Andrea, Brayden and Addy as well as Kyle and Molly were there. Only Todd and his wife Melissa and Owen could not be there. Which leads to my last thought.

• Melissa is to have her baby any moment. How wonderful to talk about new birth when this week began with the celebration of new birth that is available to us because of the resurrected Christ. Knowing a new grandchild is about to be born, I like the words of the song 'Because He Lives" that say this: "How sweet to hold, a newborn baby, and feel the joy and pride he/she gives, but greater still, the strong assurance, this child can face uncertain days, because He lives".

• What a week it's been. Praise the Lord!! Prayerfully I'll have pics of a baby next week.

IN MEMORY

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANN KATHLEEN SCHUMACHER

FEBRUARY 4, 1966 - MARCH 23, 2010

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!

• I'm thinkin that a few folks need to exchange March Madness for March Gladness!

• Thoughts on the newly passed Healthcare bill? A little behind the scenes bribery? If you do this.............I'll do this. Nothing new under the sun.

• Officiated a funeral today - so what would be the point if there was no hope after the grave?

• Try reading John chapters 11-13 this week and see if you can grasp it all. Lots of layers. Work through it slowly. It will do your soul good.

• Only 6 months til elk hunting with Craig and the 2 bros. Shhhh, can you hear the bugling?

• My wife is still the babe of my life. It's about time for a date night.

• ML and I have decide to jot down our "God moments", those times that we know that we know that we know that God is present and actively at work in our midst. Why not join us and we'll compare notes.

• I work with a great staff at the church - thanks Lorna, Vicky, Amy, Tracy, and Kit for all you do.

• The Lenten journey continues. I pray I will complete the journey with Christ without veering to the left or to the right.

• Palm Sunday on the 28th. Let's not exchange our shouts of "Hosanna!" on Sunday with cries of "Crucify Him!" a week from Friday.

• Blessings to you all. Comments are always welcome.

POUR ME A CUP!

Okay, you're wondering what in the world is going on. Me too. But here's the deal. Last week M.L and I stopped by a coffee shop owned by Doug Harder, a friend of ours in Garden City. We ordered a couple of different blends, sat down with Doug, and proceeded to share in some great coffee and great conversation. It had been a long time since we'd taken the time to just sit down and share a cup of coffee together. In actuality, it was a God moment. Time with my wife and time with our friend without feeling like we were under the gun to be somewhere or do something within the next hour - priceless!

It reminded me of our vacation in Hawaii several years ago. We went on a cruise and every morning we would grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet spot on the deck, and then sit down and enjoy the view, the fresh air, the coffee, and each other. ML's sister and hubby would often join us. Ah yes, the simple things in life are sometimes the greatest.

Sadly, it's been so hectic as of late that even though the coffee has been brewed and poured, it has been "grab-and-go" - no time taken to just sit, relax, converse, enjoy each other's company. I don't think that's the way it's supposed to be. In fact, I "know" it's not the way it's supposed to be. So now what?

Well, I'm not asking you to pity me - it's my own fault for letting things get so crazy busy. I am asking you to hold me accountable, however. It's about priorities. It's about enjoying time with my wife and my friends. It's about slowing down and "smelling the coffee". It's about enjoying the simple things. It's about paying attention to the God moments that often come when sitting down and enjoying something as down-to-earth as a cup of coffee. God meets us in a variety of ways. Why not when drinking a cup of coffee?

P.S. - The coffee's on. Stop on by!

GRACE DISCOVERED!!

I just returned from assisting with what is known as the "Walk to Emmaus", a 72 hour spiritual formation weekend. I worked behind the scenes for the men's walk a week ago but was the spiritual director for the women's walk this past weekend. Wow, did God ever do His thing!


Without going into all the details, it was disheartening to listen to all the struggles, hear all of the pain and the heartache, and see all of the tears that were shed because of deep hurt that so consumed many of the women who participated in the walk. But, as God would have it, He drew them to the foot of the cross where the women were able to leave their burdens and be freed from that which had so entangled them.


And it was all because of a new understanding of grace, God's unconditional love offered to us without price. This is such a hard concept for people because we live in a culture that says we've got to "earn" it, whatever "it" is. So we work hard. We work and work and work and still feel miserable. As a result we carry more and more burdens. Then we work some more and it becomes a viscious cycle. Then insecurity sets in, rejection rears its ugly head, the pressure to measure up weighs us down. And soon we find ourselves incapacitated.


Yet in the midst of it all God offers us His grace, his love that is based upon what He has done through His son Jesus Christ, not what we could ever do. John 3:16 says that "God so loved the world that he "gave" His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life." Our response is merely that of belief, of faith in Jesus. Sin is then forgiven and burdens are lifted and relationship with God and others is restored. Why carry all that junk around when Jesus has come to take it away? In fact Jesus himself said, "Come to me, you who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest".


That's what happened in the lives of so many of the women this past wekend. They were able to respond to God's love and let Jesus remove their pain and heartache. It was amazing! Simply amazing! No wonder we sing amazing grace!!

update - that's all!

Just got back from meetings in Salina and the Men's Walk to Emmaus - very powerful as usual! God met the guys right where they were at and opened their eyes and their hearts to a new relationship with Him. Board of Ordained Ministry meetings the last 2 days in Salina - some great candidates for ordination this year -exciting. Got to play with Owen for a moment as well - nothin like being a gramps! Heading to Garden City Thursday morning for the Women's walk (I'm the spiritual director the walk and ML is on the music team). Keep us in your prayers. Gotta go! Bless you all!!!!

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!

• I kind of feel like Willie Nelson this week - "On the road again". Leaving Thursday for Garden City for the Men's Walk to Emmaus weekend. Finish up on Sunday afternoon and then head to Salina for a couple days of meetings. Come back to Mulvane for Wednesday to "catch up" a little. And then return to Garden City to direct the Women's Walk to Emmaus through Sunday. I spoke about focus last Sunday - dare I say I need to stay focused??

• I'm loving the Winter Olympics. Some day I'm gonna go ( no, not to compete - unless it's curling - ha!).

• Unbelievable blog by Amy Nelson (amynelsonmon.blogspot.com) last Sunday morning. She had no idea what I was preaching that day but our thoughts were identical. Pretty cool how God works. (Take a look at her blog from Sunday). By the way, Amy is no relation to Willie.

• Jerry - all I can say is this - "flexibility brother, flexibility".

• So many songs, so little time!

• If you could see one thing take place in the church, what would it be?

• I find out a year ago on the 20th that we were moving to Mulvane. Wow! What a difference a year makes!

• I have 2 wonderful daughter-in-laws whose birthdays are this month - Melissa's is today, Andrea's was on the 4th. They are a blessing! My boys done good!!

• My wife finished up with the taxes today. She deserves a gold medal for her work! I'm thinkin a date night would be good (or how about a cruise to Hawaii?)

• Still excited about the 1980 hockey win over the Soviet Union. Do you believe in miracles? Yes!!

• PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW!!

GOING FOR THE GOLD!

Well, here we go again. Another Winter Olympic games is upon us. Personally, I love the winter games much more than those in the summer. The downhill skiing, the giant slalom, the ski jumps, the speed skating, the bobsledding, the luge, and yes, even a little figure skating does the soul good. These events, as well as the others I failed to mention, are incredible to watch. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually be one of the athletes. What a rush!

It is amazing to me that these athletes spend thousands upon thousand of hours preparing for a few minutes of competetion with the hope of taking home the gold medal. And with the Olympics occurring only once every four years, one slip, one false move, one fall can mean the difference between the possibility of bringing home a medal or just chalking it up to "the experience". And yet, the reality is that only a few ever get the chance to stand on the podium. So what's the deal? Why bust it when the odds are so slim to medal? And why jump right back into training when it will be 4 years before the next winter games?

It has to do with passion - the passion to win within their respective sport. The passion to prioritize life to do whatever it takes to be in shape. The passion to grunt and groan, to push the limit, to train day in and day out. The passion to do the best and be the best. The passion to keep on keeping on even in the midst of danger (so unfortunate for the luge athlete from Georgia).

Could you imagine the impact the church would have on communities and the world if we had the same kind of passion for the gospel and for others to know and experience Christ as athletes do for the Olympics? Maybe it's time we follow the example of our athletic friends, discern and develop our passion, and not only do whatever it takes to get in shape, but stay in shape. The prize awaits!

WEEKLY WONDERINGS!

I WONDER....

• If Spring is coming?
• If Peyton is having nightmares?
• If the Saints are acting like saints?
• If anyone under 40 ever heard of the Who?
• If anyone cares about pro basketball?
• What the thorn in Paul's side was?
• If it's possible?
• If not, why not?
• How we can help the family who lost their children in the fire?
• What we should study in the men's Bible study?
• Why people only take the dollar bill when the million is available?

• What if........................?
  

NO EXCUSE!

COLORADO SNOW

KANSAS SNOW

I've been reading from the book of Romans the past few days and was reminded of God's revelation of Himself in nature. Hear these words, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20).

Maybe we can't "see" God like we see each other, but we can see and experience all He has created. As a result, we find ourselves having no excuse in believing that God Himself exists. His creation speaks loudly! The beauty and awe of all that surrounds us shouts out that there is a Creator. As you can see in the pictures above, the snow, the trees and the shrubs all reveal Someone beyond ourselves. Indeed, His invisible qualities become visible. What we don't always understand becomes more comprehensible. And ultimately it all points to God.

What is it in God's creation that reveals Himself to you? I'll bet you can't limit it to one example.

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?