Super Bowling!

Well, the Green Bay Packers pulled it off. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in yesterday's big game by the score of 31-25. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay quarterback) was the MVP and you can be sure that he will make a few bucks in endorsements in the coming months. Jordy Nelson, wide receiver from KSU had a great game (even thought he dropped a few passes). And Ben Roethlisberger will have to wait another year to get that third ring as a Steeler QB.

I was glad to see the Packers win, mainly because I'm a Jordy Nelson fan. -farm kid from Kansas who makes it big - I like that! I also was pulling for Rodgers who has had to live in the shadow of Brett Favre for many years. Now maybe that monkey can find another back to make its home. And to see the Packers win such a big game in the midst of all the injuries, you got to give it to them. Congrats!!

I mentioned in church that the winner would probably be the team that took advantage of the opportunites that would present themselves and was I right or what? 3 turnovers translated to 21 points - enough said! Good game though. Lot's of fun!

EXCEPT for the national anthem, the half-time show, and some of the commercials!! Come on Christina - get the words right! There is no prize for how many syllables you can pack into one word or how long you can make the song last. Yikes!! She made the dogs in Dallas howl! And talk about howling - what in the world was that 30 minutes of stuff that was defined as a half-time show? Black-eyed peas?? I get the name, for it was indeed a "black eye" for the super bowl. Maybe they are in good in concert, but yesterday it was awful!! (Yes, my opinion) - we can agree to disagree but according to all the talk on the tube, most agree with me. And last but not least, the commercials. Some were funny - the monkeys, the Dorito chips, the beaver. But do we have to keep stooping to all the sexual innuendos in these ads? Come on - if you have a good product, advertise it and maybe I'll buy it. I don't need the "skin" to entice me. Besides, skin wrinkles!!

Okay, enough for now! JUST some thoughts and comments. The game was great, hard fought and close. That's the way it should be. Until next year....................................................................

THE REAL DEAL!

Okay, I am often skeptical about those who have had "near death experiences" or have a story about "light on the other side" or some other description of heaven. However, after being encouraged (many times) by a few members of the church I sat down after lunch today and read the book Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. As I turned the pages I found myself thinking, "Yes, this is the real deal". It's not just a bunch of warm fuzzies or a bunch of wishful thinking focusing on some cosmic ray of light floating around somewhere. No, it was about heaven, Jesus, the love of God, indescribable colors, the "BIG" throne, the Holy Spirit who shoots down power, new bodies, no darkness, the reality that the devil still is messing with us, and the fact that Jesus wins - all told by a young boy who experienced these and more.

Burpo is a Wesleyan pastor in Nebraska who tells the story of his 4 year old son Colton, who found himself in the operating room facing emergency surgery as it related to a burst appendix. With the doctors offering no real hope for Colton, God chose to work in miraculous ways. First, Colton baffles the doctors and medical staff with his recovery. (Result of a praying church) Second, he baffles his parents with matter of fact stories of his encounter in heaven, spending time with Jesus, the people he saw, the colors he described, the throne, etc. Third, he confronts our heady theological approach to all that is supernatural as it relates to God. "Jesus really loves the children" Colton noted, and it is with a child like faith that I invite you to take a few hours to read this book. It will bless you and give you shot in the arm regarding the greatness of what yet lies ahead for those who place their faith in Jesus.

Yep, the real deal. Check it out!

SPIRITUAL RETREAT!!

Jerry Boden strumming for Jesus!

Worship! Both expressive and reverent!!

What a great day we had as a church body at Camp Horizon this past weekend. God blessed us with His presence as we sang, prayed, studied, discussed, ate, and had fellowship together. What a blessing! It is always a joy to get together with other believers and just take some time to be in God's presence. Our time together wasn't about church business, committee meetings, structure, politics, or polity. No, it was a time to grow in our intimacy with God. In fact, that was the theme for the day.

Thank you to the 36 folks who took time out your busy schedule to come and spend some time with the Lord and with His body of believers. God truly honored that time and based upon the response, you were "renewed", "blessed", and "challenged" to grow in your faith. Many of you mentioned how you had slipped in your spending "quiet time" with the Lord and how this retreat encouraged and energized you to be disciplined in that area of your walk with the Lord. I echo that.

For those of you who were able to attend, I pray that you will continue to be intentional in your desire to draw closer to God. For those of you who were unable to attend, I pray the same for you, that you will "draw near to God, for He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

Have a great week!!

PR

"BRUTIFUL"

I was talking with a pastor friend the other day who was going through some struggles and he used the term"brutiful" to describe what he was going through - "Ministry is brutiful. It is brutal and beautiful at the same time". Boy is he right. And yet, why should that be such a surprise? Take note of what Jesus has to say to those who choose to follow Him:

• If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:34-35)

• "....they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them." (Luke 21:12-13)

• "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mt. 5:11-12)

• "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." (Jn. 16:33)

• Yep, it's not an easy road we are traveling to heaven, for many are the thorns on the way. However, in the midst of some of the thorns, the potholes, the obstacles, the stumbling blocks, the frustrations and struggles that we all face, we are promised that we are not alone. "I will never leave you nor forsake you" Jesus reminds us. "I will carry you, I will comfort you, I will exchange your weakness for my strength, I will give you grace that will be sufficient for you to carry on."

• The promises of God are trustworthy and true. What a blessing! God is "faithful" as the great hymn reminds us. What a joy to know that we have the blessed assurance that Jesus is with us through the thick and the thin, through the victories and the struggles.

• Being a follower of Jesus has never been promised to be without its difficulties. Yes, it can be brutal at times (something to do with picking up the cross). But at the same time it is beautiful because there is victory in Jesus - there is forgiveness of sin, there is restoration of relationship, there is grace that is sufficient, there is the promise of never being alone, and there is love that is everlasting.

Keep the faith friends!

WHITER THAN SNOW!

The snow we received on Monday reminded me of a verse in Scripture. You might recall that Psalm 51 is believed to be King David's confession of his sin with Bathsheba. On the one hand, we see David confessing that he is a sinner and that God is justified in His judgment upon his life. On the other hand, we see David throwing himself upon God's mercy, all the while knowing that God can and will forgive him and cleanse him of his sin. After David confesses his sin, he cries out to God, "wash me, and I will be whiter than snow".

As I looked at the snow that had fallen, it was so beautiful, so fresh, so clean, so white. The dry brown ugly grass had been covered by the fresh blanket of snow and the lawn took on a new appearance. In the same way, we take on a new appearance, even more than that, a new life when God forgives and cleanses us of our sin. In fact, he blots out that sin, never to be remembered or held against us. I don't know about you, but that's good news!

But a word of warning, even though we are "washed, whiter than snow", it doesn't take long for us to get complacent and apathetic. Take a look around. The snow is now dirty and grimy looking. It's been driven on and pushed to the side and scooped away. If we're not careful, we who are cleaned up can pretty soon fall back into our old ways and also look like dirty tromped on snow.

Like David, it would behoove us to pray that God would create in us a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. And as we pray, let us also commit ourselves to remaining pure and clean before God. Then, just like the snow that is in the picture above, we will be a beautiful representaton of God's cleansing work in our lives.

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT THE GOSPEL!

Wow! Just finished a book by David Platt entitled Radical - Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream. I've read some challenging books as of late, some books that have been used by God to convict who I am and what I proclaim to be as a Christian. But this one may be the one that smacked me the most as it pertains to what it means to follow Jesus, especially as an American who professes to be a Christian. Platt contrasts the cultural Christianity that has taken hold in America versus a lifestyle that comes from a truly biblical understanding of "denying self, picking up the cross, and following Jesus". This includes the willingness to leave behind security, money, convenience, even friends and family. In otherwords, abandoning everything for the gospel.

By the time a person gets to the end of the book, Platt challenges you to a one year experiment: 1) Making a commitment to pray for the entire world (he offers methods to do so), 2) Making a commitment to read through the entire Word (all of Scripture) 3) Sacrificing money for specific purposes (caring for the poor, the less fortunate, the sick and needy, etc.) 4) Making a commitment to spend time in another context (cross cultural, a place you've never been before (and not necessarily a safe place), 5) Making a commitment to multiply community - realizing the gobal purpose of Christ was never intended to be accomplished by individuals but by the church (not the building, programs, etc.)

I'm looking to take this challenge, not necessarily Platt's challenge, but the challenge of the gospel and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It's time to get serious about the gospel - for our sake and for the sake of others. What say you??

LOOKING BACK - MOVING FORWARD!

It's hard to believe that we are closing out another year. 2010 is soon to be a memory while 2011 is knocking on the door. In light of that, I'd like to take a moment to reflect upon a few of the happenin's of this past year plus look ahead to what I pray is going to be the best year ever. So here goes:

• Absolutely blessed with a wonderful wife, children, and grandchildren. Rejoiced with the birth of Aubryn Ella in April to Todd and Melissa in Salina. Had the privilege of dedicating Addy (Eric and Andrea's girl) to the Lord at church in May. The little boys, Brayden and Owen are so much fun. Kyle (#3 son) is doing well at Southwestern and has himself a great girlfriend, Molly. Me? I have a great girlfriend as well - my wife and best friend Mary Lou. So blessed, so very blessed!

• Also blessed to be serving at Mulvane UMC. I'm not going to lie, the transition has not been the smoothest. Change is never easy, for both the church and for the pastor. However, God has been doing His thing, working in and through the body. I've had the privilege to baptize many many person, receive dozens into the membership of the church, officiate multiple weddings and funerals, (both are opportunities for ministry), laugh with many, cry with many.

• Many have lost loved ones. Marriages have struggled, some have fallen apart. Cancer has impacted multiple families. Sickness, old age, surgeries, and other health issues have caused much heartache in the lives of people. Over and over again I am reminded of the hope that is found as a result of faith in Jesus Christ in those who face times of difficulty.

• Still trying to sort out all the dynamics that led to the death of our dear friend in western Kansas. Just a reminder that we can't answer the "why" questions.

• Am reminded of the reality that friends are friends forever, even when we are separated by miles and miles.

• Overjoyed that God gave us a vision at the church - "Inviting ALL to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ". Now, will we live it out or just have a nice statement to hang on the walls and print in the bulletin?

• Some nice time away to catch my breath and refocus - ML and I in Dallas with the Rankins, Colorado with my hunting buddies, a day here, a day there with my wife. Good way to avoid burnout.

• God blessed me with some opportunities to preach and teach and lead worship in other places - (Walk to Emmaus, preaching revivals, Old Settler's Day, Baccalaureatte, etc)

• Wishing I'd have said something when I should have or not said something when I shouldn't have. Also, pushing the "send" button is not recommended unless you are clear that what is "sent" will be fully understood.

• Praying for wisdom, not just knowledge. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Always learning that, aren't we?

• Lots and lots of meetings. Productivity? That's the evaluative part.

• Too many sleepless nights. Can't shut off the mind. That must change and it will.

It's been a great year but I'm glad it's behind me. Now for what lies ahead. I love the verse in Isaiah that says, "God is doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it?" I'm excited for what God has in store for me and my family and for the church that I serve. There are some people who are stepping out on faith regarding their future. You will hear about that in the months to come. There are others who are afraid to take the step of faith needed to help them understand what God seeks to do in their lives. If that is you, don't wait to find out "God's will for your life". That often is an excuse to hold back and not act upon what God is doing right now. Seek to discern what he desires for you TODAY. Then act upon it. Fasten your seatbelts. The ride into the new year is about to begin!

JOY TO THE WORLD!

"GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST"

On a night some 2,000 plus years ago the lives of some shepherds on a barren, rocky hillside outside of a little town called Bethlehem were forever changed. For those who always found themselves looking up to see the bottom, something happened - something heavenly (literally). What was just another boring night watching over some sheep that probably didn't even belong to them turned into an encounter with angelic messengers from God and ultimately God Himself. Good news was offered and received. Great joy was seen on the faces of the sheep watchers. A newfound giddy was found in their giddyup! Leaving the sheep behind, the shepherds hightailed it to town and met God in the flesh, the Savior who was Christ the Lord! All of a sudden these lowlifes became evangelists telling everyone what they had seen and heard. And what was a ho-hum night on the ouskirts of town for no-names on a hillside was replaced by transformed lifes who glorified and praised God for a night where he came to them as a baby, just as the angels told them. I pray that you all experience the same transformation, the same joy and the same amazement this Christmas. God has come in the flesh in the person of His Son Jesus. Join with the shepherds in glorifying and praising God.

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!!

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!

I would sure like to be where this guy is (see above picture). Beautiful sunset, out by himself, away from all the hustle and bustle, just taking in God's creation. Ah yes, a little time of reflection. But since I'm here and not there, I'll just have to take a moment or two to reflect upon a few thoughts that are bouncing arounnd my head on this day. Feel free to respond with your own thoughts if you so desire.

• Yes, I realize you are tired of hearing about deer hunting or seeing deer pictures but what I wouldn't give to just take a week and go walk the woods, sit in the evergreens along the pasture, or lean up against a hedge tree and watch the deer, coyotes, bobcats, quail, or whatever else comes along. Good stuff!! Just me and God and His creation. Yep, good stuff!

• For you Mulvanites, I hope you were able sense God's presence in worship yesterday in the various services. Each was unique and the variety of songs and styles of music gave us a wonderful opportunity to experience the "Good news of Great Joy" that the shepherds felt that holy night so long ago!

• Reading The Forgotten God by Frances Chan - Reversing our tragic neglect of the Holy Spirit. Why are we so scared of the Holy Spirit? Why do want to talk about God and Jesus yet avoid talking about the Holy Spirit? I tell you what, I NEED the Holy Spirit just to make it through each week. Why would I settle for the $100 when the million is there for the taking (actually receiving)? Come Holy Spirit, come!!

• Just wondering - would we rather leave Jesus in a manger as a baby then have him grow up, die on a cross, be buried, rise on the 3rd day, ascend to heaven, and then have the audacity to ask us to follow him - to take up our cross and follow him? Isn't Jesus more manageable when he's lying in a manger trough?

• Someone said there ought to be a degree offered for those who want to Major on the Minors. Hmmm..........

• Kudos to ML and Amy Nelson who kept it together long enough to play and sing for Jenny Schaar's funeral this morning. Awesome job! More importantly, your gifts brought great comfort to the family.

• So how are you doing this Advent?? Preparing? (How?) Anticipating? (What are you anticipating?) Expecting? (Again, what are you expecting?) It's hard to stay focused isn't it? Keep at it. Emmanuel is soon to arrive.

• Grandkids are so much fun. ML went to Topeka this past week to see Brayden (our 3 year old) in his first Christmas program. (I saw the video). He goes to a pre-school at a church in Topeka. He was all excited, all dressed up, and ready to sing the songs with the others. The problem? He didn't sing a word. He clapped, he rang bells, he looked awesome - just didn't sing. After the program Mimi (ML) told him that he did a great job but asked why he didn't sing. His answer - "I was being quiet". (Just like the teacher had told the kids prior to the program.) Don't you just love it??

• Another thought (or question) - Could it still be Christmas without a tree, candy, the opening of presents, a meal at the relatives, or a candlelight service? Just wondering.

• Getting ready to go outside and clean a few more windows. Our open house is this Saturday from 2-5 pm and you are all invited! Yes, ALL are invited...... So, with that in mind, I bid you farewell. I'm sure I'll have more time to ponder as I spray on the windex. Hope to see you all Saturday!!

SUCCESS!!

I mentioned in the last blog that I was going hunting and as you can see, it was a good day. An 11 point whitetail less than a half-mile from the house where my wife and I first lived over 33 years ago. My son was about 10 yards from me videoing the whole thing ( I didn't know it at the time). My reaction after the shot was pretty funny. My nephew was about 1/8 of a mile to the west. It was great to be with those guys and they were very helpful with regards to processing the meat which happens to be in my freezer. ML is not too sure about the meat. Stay tuned.

It was good to get away for the day - beautiful weather, great comraderie, and success. Yep, a good day. I've told people that even if I would not have brought home a deer, just being out in God's creation is worth it. There's something about getting out in the cold brisk air, walking through the woods and the pastures, setting back against the trees, seeing deer, coyotes, birds, etc. - ah yes, refreshing!

And now, of course, it's all about the story. It gets better every time I tell it. And believe me, I told it a few times. I really wanted to put the picture up on the big screen at church but it didn't quite fit into the Advent theme. But it was considered a "joy" during our prayer time when we lifted up joys and concerns. The most fun came on Sunday evening when we had an early Christmas gathering with a bunch of the uncles, aunts, and cousins on my mom's side of the family. I just happened to have pictures. And stories. And then my 16 year old niece joined in by telling me to go look in her car. Yep, the antlers of a 9 pointer. Another good story. And then my cousin and uncle came late. Why?? Because they'd been deer hunting.

Lots and lots of stories. Lots and lots of fun. And as I mentioned to a few folks earlier, much jocularity. It was a great weekend, rather deer to my heart. Get it?

Have a wonderful week. God is good!!

NOT MUCH!

Sorry folks. I've been buried this week so no words of wisdom or much of anything else. However, going hunting with my son on Friday so maybe I'll get inspired for the next blog. Beware, Bambi's daddy!!

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD!

JUST a note to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!! As blessed as we all are, my prayer is that we would offer our thanks to God not so much for what He has done for us and given us, but for who He is - the God who has seen fit to love us so much that He would give us His one and only Son, that whoever will believe in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that's a reason to be thankful!

Bless you all. Have a great week!

THE LIGHTER SIDE!

I love this picture of Jesus laughing. I have a print of it hanging in my office at church. After all, Jesus said he came to offer us life, abundant life. And how can there be life without a little laughter? I mean really, there are so many pictures of Jesus with such a stoic look on his face, as if he never had any fun, as if he never laughed. He had to laugh. Just look at the disciples he chose to follow Him. And look at us? Pretty funny. Think about it:

• "Hey Peter, I'm supposed to build my church upon you, the rock. Seriously??"
• James and John - sons of thunder? More like sons of blunder.
• So, Saul tells the folks in Damsacus that he saw the light. Their reply, "So did Hank Williams, not too good an ending to his life, huh?"
• Elijah, you're a real piece of work. Fire from heaven, defeat of the prophets, and you tuck your tail and run from a woman. Cinch it up mister!
• Baseball in the Bible - Genesis 1:1 speaks of the big inning.
• God's name? Harold - Our Father who art in heaven, Harold be thy name.
• Or is it Andy? Andy walks with me Andy talks with me.....
• Joshua on the day the sun stood still - "I thought this day would never end."
• Rick, why did you leave your mic on when you left the sanctuary?
• PR, fyi - the cows are getting out!
• By the way, make sure the correct song is cued up for church. For some reason, beans and a campfire didn't seem to be theme for the day.
• Oh yeah, since Christmas is coming, make sure the tree is securely fastened in the stand. It kind of takes away from the mood when it falls during communion.
• And when a kid says his neighbor is old and has white hair like you, just go with it!

Don't take yourself too seriously this week. Laugh a little, It's good for the soul!!

LUKEWARM??

I mentioned that I was reading this book by Francis Chan entitled Crazy Love. This is not a book for the faint of heart - Chan smacks you right in the face with an urgency for the church in America to step up and be the biblical church, not some American construct of what we want the church to be. I want to reference chapter four - People of the Lukewarm. Chan seeks to awaken the church from it's slumber lest it become lukewarm and is spit out of Christ's mouth (Rev. 3: 16). Take note of Chan's thoughts and questions:

• Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live?
• Do you see evidence of God's kingdom in your live?
• Would you describe yourself as totally in love with Jesus Christ? Or do the words half-hearted, lukewarm, and partially committed fit better?

Lukewarm people:

• Attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" should do.
• Give money to charity and the church - as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.
• Don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin.
• Call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.
• Rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. (Hmm, how does this statement relate to our vision statement?)
• Guage their morality or "goodness'"by comparing themselves to the secular world.
• Do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.
• Probably drink and swear less than average; but besides that, they really aren't very different than your typical unbeliever.

I think you get the point. Thoughts? Comments? And to think, this is only from one chapter. Read it if you dare.....then let's talk!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

JUST a few thoughts on this Thursday:

• The devil still likes to mess with us doesn't he? Yesterday I had several things on the schedule - a meeting with a person to talk about the faith at noon, time with the children in the afternoon to talk about communion and Christ's invitation to all of us to respond to his love, and then a membership class in the evening. And of course, I get the flu during the night on Tuesday. Isn't that just like the devil to step in to attempt to keep us from doing ministry? Bottom line - I stayed home all day yesterday until the membership class and God gave me the strength to facilitate that group (17 of them). God is good.
• Wow! I forgot how much work it is to take care of little kids. ML and I were in Salina on Sunday evening and Monday to help take care of the grandkids - Owen and Aubryn. Full time job. But lots of fun, lots of fun.
• Last Sunday God really blessed us with His presence. I finished the sermon series that focused on the vision that God has given us - "Inviting all to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ". I spoke on the truth that "It's all about Jesus". Think about it! If we leave Jesus out of the mix we are just merely being religious and we know that Jesus didn't come to introduce a new religion. He came to offer a new relationship - a huge difference. And based on the response Sunday, there is a real desire for that relationship.
• I would ask that you pray for marriages in our community. The devil is working hard to destroy families. Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of those who are struggling. Pray they will look to Jesus for healing and restoration. Nothing is too difficult for God so let's covenant to pray for the marriages that are under attack.
• Are any of you out there tired? I don't know, maybe it's just because I have been sick, but I'm tired. Some of it is the fact that there are so many folks going through such difficult times - heartache, pain, sickness, etc. It might be good just to lay down and take a nap. What say you?
• I had a "first" happen to me last week. I officiated a wedding on Thursday evening because the couple was going deer hunting over the weekend. Priorities, you know!
• I'm going to the KSU/Texas game this weekend. The bad thing? It starts at 7:00 pm so it will be very late getting home. I'm very grateful we are turning the clocks back an hour on Saturday night.
• So, how serious will we be about living out the vision God has placed before us? Will we be intentional about inviting others to experience a transformed life that comes by placing faith in Jesus? Or will it just be a nice 6 week sermon series that we will forget about and move on to something else? The truth be told, God will hold us accountable. Let us respond in obedience.
• Need prayer? Let me know. Have a great week!

JUST US!

Saturday we had a little family get-together here in Mulvane. Todd, Eric, and I celebrate birthdays in October so we had a little birthday party. Right after lunch we went to a local park and had our pictures taken by a woman from our church. She did a great job, especially working with 4 grandbabies and the Kansas wind. Thanks Chele.


Here's the four grandkids. ML is holding Addy. I am holding Aubryn. Brayden is in the middle and Owen is on the right. They are a blast to have around. And to think - 2 boys and 2 girls! Pretty amazing!

Yep, here we are - Just us! All together at one time - a miracle. Todd and Melissa are on the left with Owen and Aubryn. Eric and Andrea are on the right with Brayden and Addy. Kyle is in the middle between ML and Andrea.

ML and I are so blessed with our kids, their wives, and the grandkids. We love them dearly and are very proud of each one. But the greatest blessing is knowing that each one of the boys and their wives have made Jesus their Lord and Savior of their lives. They are all involved in their local churches and are serving in various ways. To know that we are not only family on this earth, but that we will always be together in eternity because of our faith in Christ is truly a reason to rejoice! So, praise the Lord for family! And "double" praise the Lord for helping us come to grips with what Joshua proclaimed in Scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

"....AND THEY RECOGNIZED HIM!"

A milestone was reached this past weekend as 41 women completed the 100th "walk" of the Bread of Life Community Walk to Emmaus in Wichita. What an incredible story to think that over 3,000 men and women have taken part in the 72 hour spiritual journey with Christ from all over the state of Kansas (and other states as well). For those of you who are unaware of the Walk to Emmaus, (in a nutshell) it is a Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon gathering of men (one weekend) and women (the next weekend) who come together to be challenged, restored, renewed, and encouraged in their faith in Jesus Christ with the intention of not only strengthening individuals, but strengthening the local church.


As one who has been involved in countless walks and am now the community spiritual director, I have seen lives and churches transformed as a result of what God has done through the Walk to Emmaus. And as is always the case, this happened again these past 2 weekends. Men and women experienced God's grace in ways never before experienced. They experienced God's love through times of fellowship, times around the table, various talks given by both laity and clergy, times of worship, and times of invitation to the Lord's table. And to hear the testimonies of those who participated - well, once again God did His thing. What a blessing!



I am so thankful for those who were sensitive to the Holy Spirit back in 1987 to charter the wallk in the Wichita area. I am grateful for their persistence, their energy, their patience, their endurance, and their love for the Lord to see that this movement would carry through and carry on. And yes, here we are - 100 walks later. Incredible!



As I mentioned last week, I am seeking to discern those areas that I need to set aside because of my busy schedule. And to be honest, I was considering stepping down from my role in Emmaus. But God affirmed to me through various circumstances and through the voices of many people this past weekend that I am to continue to lead the Bread of Life Community. I have experienced God's working in my life through Emmaus. I have seen lives - men and women - transformed because of Emmaus. I have seen and experienced what Emmaus can do to transform the life of the local church as well. So, with that being said, I commit myself to serving the Lord in this capacity until the Lord tells me differently.





To you who have gone through the walk - De Colores!! To you who will be participating on the future, let me know your desire and I'll be sure and get you a sponsor for the next walk or one down the road. The next walk? 2011 in Garden City, Kansas. Men's walk - March 3-6. Women's walk - March 10-13. Looking to experience God? Take a walk - a walk to Emmaus.

THIS AND THAT!

Hi folks. It's been a little while since I've been able to do this here blog thing. Busy as all get out! Since I returned from the high country I've hit the ground running. A couple of funerals, several meetings, preached a 3 day revival, was sick, my mother-in-law's 80th, my 52nd, did this, did that. But, God has been faithful. Very thankful. Here's a few thoughts. I encourage your comments.

• I began a series preaching on the vision that God has given our church - "Inviting ALL to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ". Last week I preached on being very intentional about us inviting others to church to experience God and what He has in store for them. This week I will speak on the invitation offered to ALL!. Stay tuned.

• Enjoyed getting together with ML's family in Marion on the 2nd for her mom's 80th birthday celebration. A good time was had by all. Lots of fun- games, food, laughter, food (did I already say that)? We too often take family for granted. It's God's blessing!

• Just bought another couple of books by Francis Chan. Crazy Love and Forgotten God. Pick up a copy of each. But beware - you will be challenged and convicted. Good stuff.

• Watched K-State get hammered by Nebraska last night. Wow! Big time F on the fotball grade card. Still shaking my head (thus the neck ache).

• Preached a 3 day revival in Peabody. Aulne joined forces. God was in the house. Great participation and wonderful response to the "invitation" to come and leave the junk of life at the foot of the cross. Had the opportunity to pray with many folks - many issues. The time was sweet. Unfortunately, the third night is really when you get a feel for what is going on in the lives of the people. Need to take a few more nights. I plan to do a follow up after the first of the year. Thanks to ML and some of the Mulvanites who showed up Monday evening. (It was a nice b-day present). Also stayed at my folks 8 miles up the road during that time. That was special.

• Praying for some friends who are going through cancer. It really stinks. However, God is faithful. Will we be faithful to support and pray for those who are struggling? Will we be the church or just "go to church"?

• ML and I went with a sunday School class from church today to the Carriage Crossing in Yoder for lunch. Wow, I am still stuffed - fried chicken, mashed potatos, corn, home made bread, coconut cream pie. Oh yeah! Not to mention some great fellowship. Thanks to the Crusader/Phoenix class.

• A couple of dear saints from the church passed away and I officiated their funerals these past 2 weeks. We have all been blessed and impacted by the lives of Mary Croft and Dolly Pittman. Thank you Lord for their lives.

• I could use your prayers. Trying to sort out those things that are merely "good" in contrast to those that are "best". I can't keep this pace and remain effective for the kingdom.

• I'd appreciate your thoughts on any of the above or anything else because I am trying to determine if this blog is something that needs to continue or go into hibernation. Let me know.

• Have a great week!!! Blessed art thou!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH!

Just returned from the annual (give or take) elk trip to the high country. As always, God outdid Himself regarding the beauty of the area. The weather was great. The scenery was awesome. And the time away was priceless.

It was a little tough on me as I arrived in the mountains with a head cold. And for the first time, I succumbed to the altitude and got sick for the first day or two. However, that did not keep me from getting around to climbing the ridges to pursue the elusive big game animal known as "the elk". It took me a few days to get my feet under me but it was worth it.

The elk were definitely active. If you've never heard a bull elk bugle, you're missing out. They were getting after it, trying to impress the ladies. Here's the kicker. The rest of the guys got to see the show ( the elk running here and there, etc.). Me? I was always at the wrong place at the right time - in other words, I didn't get an elk, nor did I ever see one. But my brother has it all on video so the proof is in the puddin'. Hopefully I can get some of that to show on a future blog.

As I have mentioned before, if I get an elk, great!. But even if I don't, it's till great!! The joy is being up in God's creation away from the hectic pace of the everyday activity of life. And this year I especially enjoyed the time away with my brothers, Randy and Rod, and my buddies, Craig and Bill. The fellowship with them on the drive to and from the mountains, riding horses here and there, walking the ridges, sitting around the fire, scouting the mountains and the meadows, eating the good grub, and laughing and carrying on was fantastic. You can't put a price on that.

God blessed our time. He kept us safe. He watched over our families and friends while we were gone. He met us in the midst of His creation. Until next year...................................

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!!

Just a few thoughts before I make my way west for the annual elk hunt:

• Casting Crowns concert last Friday evening. Not just a concert but an incredible worship experience. Their music is deep. Check it out!!

• Football season has begun. I love it. But, I wonder how much time I'll waste watching a game when I should be doing something productive. I know, I know...priorities.

• Reading Christian Atheists by Craig Groeschel. Ouch!! (But good stuff)

• Think about this statement - "God is not fair". Do we really want God to be fair? If so, what are the implications?

• David Crowder band - "Afflictions eclipsed by glory" from the song O, How He Loves Me.
  Meditate on that awhile. Wow!

• Jesus was more concerned about people than rules. Crazy, huh?

• In the midst of working on the budget for the upcoming church year. How will we balance faith and actual resources on hand? What do we believe God is asking of us? What steps of faith will be needed to join God in what HE is doing?

• If we are the body...........................

• Getting ready to experience God in His great outdoors. Elk hunting with my brothers and buddy Craig in the high country of Colorado. You all have a great week and I'll catch ya later....................................................................maybe.

• JESUS IS LORD!!