Of course, it was Sunday and there was snow. It happens every weekend. Still we had a great day at Central. Both morning and night services were good, good, good. God was with us!
We had a good chili cook-off too. I think I heard that Pastor Molly's was the "Most Unique Chili" and Alice Smith's was the "Most Like Mama's."
It was great to pray with the people who will be participating in the Spanish Service. We are expecting great things as this service begins this Sunday at 11 AM in the Student Center.
Monday, February 25, 2008
No Soup for you!
I love Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. Even the name sounds fun, doesn’t it? It’s “Fiesta” Chili Beef soup. How many other soups have a celebration right in their name? You don’t eat “Yippee Yahoo” Beef Barley or “Zippity Doo Dah” Chicken Noodle. But with Campbell’s Condensed Chili Beef there’s a fiesta in every can!
I have always loved Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. I think my mother put Fiesta Chili Beef Soup in my bottle as an infant. Sometimes, my dear sweet mother would place a Ball Park Frank or two into the soup and thereby creating an all-in-one yummy meal. Hot dogs and chili, what a treat! I remember making this soup in a “hot pot” in my dorm room while in college, even though there were rules about cooking in our rooms. I thought Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup was worth being labeled a rebellious, rule breaker, and worth any fine the Resident Assistants might levy on me if they discovered me and my “hot-pot.” (Typically if a college student is fined for having “hot pot,” it does not involve a cooking apparatus, as it did for me). Even after getting married, when Karla would go away for the weekend, she knew that the pantry could be without fruits and vegetables, but it absolutely needed to include at least one can of Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. Yes, I love that soup.
Or I should have written: I “loved” it. After weeks of not seeing it on the super market shelves, I was coming to the realization that something was seriously wrong. Week after week, I would run into the grocery store hoping, praying that Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup would be on the shelf, and weekly I was disappointed as I discovered that (to quote the “Soup Nazi” from the old Seinfeld show) there was “No soup for me.” It was not at HyVee, Dillions, Price Chopper, Wal-Mart or Hen House. It was not in any store.
What happened to my beloved Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup? Were the Campbell’s Soup Chefs on strike? Was there a drought in some third-world country making it impossible to produce beans or beef or some other vital ingredient in my Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup? I had to know: Where’s my soup? So this week I wrote to the Campbell’s Soup Company. I politely asked them where my soup was. I told them I had been eating it for years and years (I did not tell them about my mama putting it into my baby bottle.). I reminded them I had been a loyal customer. I told them how I could not find my tasty soup in any store throughout the Kansas City metro area.
Here was their reply:
Mr. Rob Prince, we received your message and appreciate your taking the time to contact Campbell Soup Company to inquire about our Campbell's Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. Unfortunately, this product is not currently available.
Tastes and preferences constantly change and there is only so much space on a supermarket shelf. Periodically, we look at the sales for our various products and are forced to make the difficult decision as to which products stay and which must be replaced.
Inquiries such as yours remind us that sales figures aren't the only measure of a product's value. Perhaps one day Campbell's Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup will make its way back to your grocer's shelf.
Nooooooooo! This was the worst possible news!
“Not currently available…?”
“Forced to make difficult decisions…?”
“Periodically, we look at the sales….?”
Ah ha! Corporate greed has taken away my dearly loved Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef! First the M & M Candy Company stopped making Red M & M’s and now this! Oh sure there may be more Chicken Noodle Lovers and Tomato Soup lovers, but do the powers-that-be in the hallowed kitchens of Campbell’s Soup really expect me to believe that there are more people that like Split Pea Soup or Cream of Asparagus Soup than Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup? “Only so much space on a supermarket shelf?” Are you kidding me? The grocers seem to have space for lima beans and pig’s feet and other gross things, surely the good folks at Price Chopper can make room for my tasty Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup! (And don’t even get me started on how super markets seem to have plenty of space for Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser).
What is a hungry pastor to do?
Just before my mind started devising schemes and insane plots to kidnap those lil’ “Mmmm Mmmm Good” Campbell’s Soup twins (I’m telling you I was desperate), the Lord reminded me of Jesus’ words: 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' (Matthew 4:4) I know Jesus doesn’t mention Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup by name in that verse (I think it would have been very confusing—and may have made the people in the first century a little jealous—to hear about such a tasty soup that wouldn’t be created for 1900 years) but the same principle applies: “Get your mind off your tummy and onto the things of God.”
You know that’s not a bad lesson. In fact, that’s the point of this Lenten season. That’s why we fast or give up something like burgers or chocolate or TV as we approach Holy Week. It’s to get our mind off of the things of this world, and on to the things of God. There’s still time to do just that. As we make our way toward Holy Week and Easter, make time to think about the things of God. Seek him. Seek His direction for your future, your family and all your ways. And of this you can be sure: Finding God’s favor is even better than finding a can of Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup on a supermarket shelf. David was absolutely right when he wrote: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) How true it is!
I have always loved Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. I think my mother put Fiesta Chili Beef Soup in my bottle as an infant. Sometimes, my dear sweet mother would place a Ball Park Frank or two into the soup and thereby creating an all-in-one yummy meal. Hot dogs and chili, what a treat! I remember making this soup in a “hot pot” in my dorm room while in college, even though there were rules about cooking in our rooms. I thought Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup was worth being labeled a rebellious, rule breaker, and worth any fine the Resident Assistants might levy on me if they discovered me and my “hot-pot.” (Typically if a college student is fined for having “hot pot,” it does not involve a cooking apparatus, as it did for me). Even after getting married, when Karla would go away for the weekend, she knew that the pantry could be without fruits and vegetables, but it absolutely needed to include at least one can of Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. Yes, I love that soup.
Or I should have written: I “loved” it. After weeks of not seeing it on the super market shelves, I was coming to the realization that something was seriously wrong. Week after week, I would run into the grocery store hoping, praying that Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup would be on the shelf, and weekly I was disappointed as I discovered that (to quote the “Soup Nazi” from the old Seinfeld show) there was “No soup for me.” It was not at HyVee, Dillions, Price Chopper, Wal-Mart or Hen House. It was not in any store.
What happened to my beloved Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup? Were the Campbell’s Soup Chefs on strike? Was there a drought in some third-world country making it impossible to produce beans or beef or some other vital ingredient in my Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup? I had to know: Where’s my soup? So this week I wrote to the Campbell’s Soup Company. I politely asked them where my soup was. I told them I had been eating it for years and years (I did not tell them about my mama putting it into my baby bottle.). I reminded them I had been a loyal customer. I told them how I could not find my tasty soup in any store throughout the Kansas City metro area.
Here was their reply:
Mr. Rob Prince, we received your message and appreciate your taking the time to contact Campbell Soup Company to inquire about our Campbell's Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup. Unfortunately, this product is not currently available.
Tastes and preferences constantly change and there is only so much space on a supermarket shelf. Periodically, we look at the sales for our various products and are forced to make the difficult decision as to which products stay and which must be replaced.
Inquiries such as yours remind us that sales figures aren't the only measure of a product's value. Perhaps one day Campbell's Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup will make its way back to your grocer's shelf.
Nooooooooo! This was the worst possible news!
“Not currently available…?”
“Forced to make difficult decisions…?”
“Periodically, we look at the sales….?”
Ah ha! Corporate greed has taken away my dearly loved Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef! First the M & M Candy Company stopped making Red M & M’s and now this! Oh sure there may be more Chicken Noodle Lovers and Tomato Soup lovers, but do the powers-that-be in the hallowed kitchens of Campbell’s Soup really expect me to believe that there are more people that like Split Pea Soup or Cream of Asparagus Soup than Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup? “Only so much space on a supermarket shelf?” Are you kidding me? The grocers seem to have space for lima beans and pig’s feet and other gross things, surely the good folks at Price Chopper can make room for my tasty Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup! (And don’t even get me started on how super markets seem to have plenty of space for Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser).
What is a hungry pastor to do?
Just before my mind started devising schemes and insane plots to kidnap those lil’ “Mmmm Mmmm Good” Campbell’s Soup twins (I’m telling you I was desperate), the Lord reminded me of Jesus’ words: 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' (Matthew 4:4) I know Jesus doesn’t mention Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup by name in that verse (I think it would have been very confusing—and may have made the people in the first century a little jealous—to hear about such a tasty soup that wouldn’t be created for 1900 years) but the same principle applies: “Get your mind off your tummy and onto the things of God.”
You know that’s not a bad lesson. In fact, that’s the point of this Lenten season. That’s why we fast or give up something like burgers or chocolate or TV as we approach Holy Week. It’s to get our mind off of the things of this world, and on to the things of God. There’s still time to do just that. As we make our way toward Holy Week and Easter, make time to think about the things of God. Seek him. Seek His direction for your future, your family and all your ways. And of this you can be sure: Finding God’s favor is even better than finding a can of Campbell’s Condensed Fiesta Chili Beef Soup on a supermarket shelf. David was absolutely right when he wrote: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) How true it is!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Snow, Snow Go Away!
Why does it always snow on Sundays? More than a few strong and hardy people made it to Central yesterday-- and the Lord was with us as we continued in our Stories from the Upper Room Series. If you were afraid of the slippery roads and stayed home, check out our website and listen in to the sermon on our Advocate from John 14:15-31.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Feaste of St. Valentine
Tonight begins the first of three performances of the Feaste of St. Valentine. It will be a great night, I am sure. The cast and crew have put in many hours of work to make this a success. I'm looking forward to it!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Numbers Numbers Numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers. Here are some numbers that I’ve seen this week.
68,095 dollars. That was what my little “fun-filled vacation” in St. Luke’s Hospital cost. Of course, that does not include the emergency room at Shawnee Mission Medical Center (I think that bill was around seven grand), doctors, technicians, and I don’t know what all. Wow! For you non-math whizzes that figures to nearly 10,000 beans a day—and I thought a day at Disney World was pricy.
67,595 dollars. That’s how much our insurance paid. Whew… I am glad for health insurance. While 500 dollars out of our pocket (so far) is nothing to sneeze at (or blow a head gasket over); it’s a whole lot better than 68,000 smackeroos!
276 years ago (next Friday) the most famous person in my family tree was born: George Washington. The rumor is that somewhere on my mama’s side of the family we are related to old George Washington’s mama, Mary Ball Washington. Who knows if it’s true or how we are related? It’s President’s Day Weekend, so I thought you might be a little impressed.
13 years ago (on Saturday) my little Ben was born. I know for a fact that I’m related to him (and his mama). The only thing that Ben has in common with George Washington is their wooden teeth (that’s not true) and their ability to chop down a cherry tree (that could be true).
52 people will be leaving one month from tomorrow for a mission trip in El Salvador. Besides working on a church building we will be holding dental clinics in some public schools, leading VBS like gatherings, and participating in some Jesus film showings. I hope you are praying for this trip and the people who are going. Be looking in the worship folder for supplies that we will need to take with us that you can help provide.
4 ties I have yet to wear for missions. I finished wearing my Royal’s tie on Sunday (if you were counting, I wore that lil’ beauty four weeks in a row), and now have a KU, K-State, Ohio State, and my own tastefully eloquent Michigan tie to wear. For those who may be unaware, people paid 200 bucks for me to wear those ties (compared to staying in a hospital, that’s a bargain). The 200 hundred dollars helps pay for the building supplies for our mission trip. And yes, you read that right; I paid 200 of my own cold hard cash for the privilege of wearing my own tie.
24 hours (actually less than that) until Valentine’s Day. Please use this as a reminder. You may recall that last year I waited too long and ended up purchasing two dead Wal-mart tulip plants for my wife, Karla. Bad idea. I’ve planned better this year, and I hope you will do the same. Because when those potted plants hit you on top of the head… it hurts! (Just kidding, my wife has never hit me with a potted plant. Maybe she has wanted to—but her self-control has heretofore always won out, thankfully!)
24 hours (actually less than that) until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. Can summer be far behind? I haven’t been this excited for a Spring Training since 1985 (the year after the Tigers won the World Series.) Unfortunately, that year didn’t work out so well for my Tigers, instead a team with guys named Balboni, Biancalana, Iorg, Quirk, and Quisenberry won the series—anybody ever hear of those guys? (Can you believe that I used the word “heretofore” in the last paragraph? What was I thinking?)
38 days until Easter. Are you praying for a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or family member that you can invite to Easter Services? Quite possibly, heretofore (I’m using that word so much you’d think I was a lawyer), your friends and loved ones have not expressed interest in things spiritual, but through prayer (maybe even fasting), God can soften their hearts. Everyone you know should celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus!
That’s all the numbers I know. So, I will “86” this email, and as Smokey (or was it Bandit?) used to say, “10-4, Good Buddy!”
68,095 dollars. That was what my little “fun-filled vacation” in St. Luke’s Hospital cost. Of course, that does not include the emergency room at Shawnee Mission Medical Center (I think that bill was around seven grand), doctors, technicians, and I don’t know what all. Wow! For you non-math whizzes that figures to nearly 10,000 beans a day—and I thought a day at Disney World was pricy.
67,595 dollars. That’s how much our insurance paid. Whew… I am glad for health insurance. While 500 dollars out of our pocket (so far) is nothing to sneeze at (or blow a head gasket over); it’s a whole lot better than 68,000 smackeroos!
276 years ago (next Friday) the most famous person in my family tree was born: George Washington. The rumor is that somewhere on my mama’s side of the family we are related to old George Washington’s mama, Mary Ball Washington. Who knows if it’s true or how we are related? It’s President’s Day Weekend, so I thought you might be a little impressed.
13 years ago (on Saturday) my little Ben was born. I know for a fact that I’m related to him (and his mama). The only thing that Ben has in common with George Washington is their wooden teeth (that’s not true) and their ability to chop down a cherry tree (that could be true).
52 people will be leaving one month from tomorrow for a mission trip in El Salvador. Besides working on a church building we will be holding dental clinics in some public schools, leading VBS like gatherings, and participating in some Jesus film showings. I hope you are praying for this trip and the people who are going. Be looking in the worship folder for supplies that we will need to take with us that you can help provide.
4 ties I have yet to wear for missions. I finished wearing my Royal’s tie on Sunday (if you were counting, I wore that lil’ beauty four weeks in a row), and now have a KU, K-State, Ohio State, and my own tastefully eloquent Michigan tie to wear. For those who may be unaware, people paid 200 bucks for me to wear those ties (compared to staying in a hospital, that’s a bargain). The 200 hundred dollars helps pay for the building supplies for our mission trip. And yes, you read that right; I paid 200 of my own cold hard cash for the privilege of wearing my own tie.
24 hours (actually less than that) until Valentine’s Day. Please use this as a reminder. You may recall that last year I waited too long and ended up purchasing two dead Wal-mart tulip plants for my wife, Karla. Bad idea. I’ve planned better this year, and I hope you will do the same. Because when those potted plants hit you on top of the head… it hurts! (Just kidding, my wife has never hit me with a potted plant. Maybe she has wanted to—but her self-control has heretofore always won out, thankfully!)
24 hours (actually less than that) until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. Can summer be far behind? I haven’t been this excited for a Spring Training since 1985 (the year after the Tigers won the World Series.) Unfortunately, that year didn’t work out so well for my Tigers, instead a team with guys named Balboni, Biancalana, Iorg, Quirk, and Quisenberry won the series—anybody ever hear of those guys? (Can you believe that I used the word “heretofore” in the last paragraph? What was I thinking?)
38 days until Easter. Are you praying for a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or family member that you can invite to Easter Services? Quite possibly, heretofore (I’m using that word so much you’d think I was a lawyer), your friends and loved ones have not expressed interest in things spiritual, but through prayer (maybe even fasting), God can soften their hearts. Everyone you know should celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus!
That’s all the numbers I know. So, I will “86” this email, and as Smokey (or was it Bandit?) used to say, “10-4, Good Buddy!”
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ties for Missions
Yesterday was my last day wearing a Royal's tie. If you haven't noticed, I've worn the same tie the last four weeks because people paid $200 each week for our mission trip supplies. I still have to wear a KU tie, K-State tie, and awful of all awfulness an Ohio State Buckeye tie. I even paid $200 mself to wear my own University of Michigan tie.
I suppose it's not too late-- if you have a special tie and are willing to give $200 for missions I am willing to wear it (maybe... nothing too crazy or my wardrobe warden -- that is, Karla, might rejected it.)
I suppose it's not too late-- if you have a special tie and are willing to give $200 for missions I am willing to wear it (maybe... nothing too crazy or my wardrobe warden -- that is, Karla, might rejected it.)
Another Good Day at Central
Yesterday was a good day! Many folks were helped in discovering that in the midst of their "no way situations" God will make a way. I think I am going to like this Lenten series of Stories from the Upper Room. This week we will be looking at the end of John 14, and the exciting announcement from Jesus about "another Counselor."
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Ash Wednesday Recap
The Ash Wednesday Service last night was a really good service. Some of our folks had never been a part of such a service, and I think it was extremely meaningful.
Have you decided on something to fast during the 40 days of Lent? If giving up chocolate or soda is not your thing... how about fasting sports or TV or fasting from complaining or anger or spending too much money. Use these days to come up with a way to focus on what it means to follow Christ and follow his example of being a servant.
Have you decided on something to fast during the 40 days of Lent? If giving up chocolate or soda is not your thing... how about fasting sports or TV or fasting from complaining or anger or spending too much money. Use these days to come up with a way to focus on what it means to follow Christ and follow his example of being a servant.
A Sweet Week
The old song says, “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before….” I won’t dispute the lyrics, but I must admit that this week has had some goofy twists and turns in that ever growing sweetness.
Sunday was the Super Bowl. I didn’t have a horse in the race, so I really didn’t care if the Giants or the Patriots won the game. (When you root, root, root for the Detroit Lions, you come to the conclusion that even if all the other horses die of the plague and yours in the only horse in the race, somehow your old grey mare will still find a way to mess it up.) I enjoyed the commercials, the half time show, and most of all, the snacks at the party I attended. Who cares about football? Pass the Crunch-N-Munch.
On Monday, I attended my first basketball game in Phog Allen Field House on the campus of the University of Kansas. (Well, the first since my being the pastor at Central. I attended one game in 1988 when the Jayhawks had a kid name Danny Manning playing for them. I wonder what ever happened to that team.) The Jayhawks squeaked out a victory over the Missouri Tigers (they won by 19 points), and I heard more Rock, Chalk Jayhawk chants in more ways than I thought possible. There were fast “Rock Chalks,” slow “Rock Chalks” and nearly cult-like and eerie “Rooooooock Chaaaaaaalks.” Hmmm… maybe “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” really means “Worship the Spaghetti Spaceship.” In any event, I had a wonderful time. Sorry MU fans.
Tuesday was both Fat Tuesday and Super Tuesday. I guess you could say it was a “Super Fat Tuesday.” But it wasn’t all that super or fat for me. Usually on this day in Michigan, we would eat pazckis (pronounced Punch-keys). The story is that the Polish immigrants that settled in the Great Lake State would take their extra lard and use it up before Lent by making pazckis, which are a type of jelly donut. I couldn’t find any pazckis in Kansas. (Maybe that was best. My new diet doesn’t allow for pazckis, cookies, or practically anything else that tastes good.) So I didn’t get fat on Tuesday, and the lack of an open Kansas primary is not very super in my opinion.
Wednesday was Ash Wednesday (make a note to attend the service next year if you were not here last night, it was really terrific!) and we also had at least two whole of inches of snow that “buried” the city and caused all the area schools to close. Two inches of snow closes the schools? Are you kidding me? Why in my day… (Oh my I was about to sound like my mom recalling days of waist high snow and sub zero temperatures in which she walked to school uphill, both home and back, as a girl). I think my son Ben’s “Snow Day School Ritual” of putting a spoon under his pillow and wearing his pajamas inside-out the night before must have worked because I have never heard of school being canned for two inches of snow. (By the way, I am not sure where Ben learned of this ritual and I do not know the significance of the inside-out jammies or the spoon. I am slightly worried that I have a closet witch doctor living in my house. ) We were then faced with the decision of what to do about our Ash Wednesday Service, I made the call that Ash Wednesday trumps two inches of snow twelve hours before the service. So in spite of our inclement weather policy that would have had us canceling the service, since the powers that be at the Shawnee Mission schools are “snow fraidy cats,” we had the service. As they say in Hollywood, “On with the show…” I am glad we did too. What a service!
Wednesday I also officiated at the funeral for Henry Langstaff. Henry was a great guy, who loved the Lord. He is walking on the streets of gold where presumably they don’t have two inches of snow and they never cancel worship services.
What is in store for the rest of the week, I can only guess—but I know this—God is in control, and as you grow in the Lord it is sweeter each and every day—whether you eat a paczki or not.
Sunday was the Super Bowl. I didn’t have a horse in the race, so I really didn’t care if the Giants or the Patriots won the game. (When you root, root, root for the Detroit Lions, you come to the conclusion that even if all the other horses die of the plague and yours in the only horse in the race, somehow your old grey mare will still find a way to mess it up.) I enjoyed the commercials, the half time show, and most of all, the snacks at the party I attended. Who cares about football? Pass the Crunch-N-Munch.
On Monday, I attended my first basketball game in Phog Allen Field House on the campus of the University of Kansas. (Well, the first since my being the pastor at Central. I attended one game in 1988 when the Jayhawks had a kid name Danny Manning playing for them. I wonder what ever happened to that team.) The Jayhawks squeaked out a victory over the Missouri Tigers (they won by 19 points), and I heard more Rock, Chalk Jayhawk chants in more ways than I thought possible. There were fast “Rock Chalks,” slow “Rock Chalks” and nearly cult-like and eerie “Rooooooock Chaaaaaaalks.” Hmmm… maybe “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” really means “Worship the Spaghetti Spaceship.” In any event, I had a wonderful time. Sorry MU fans.
Tuesday was both Fat Tuesday and Super Tuesday. I guess you could say it was a “Super Fat Tuesday.” But it wasn’t all that super or fat for me. Usually on this day in Michigan, we would eat pazckis (pronounced Punch-keys). The story is that the Polish immigrants that settled in the Great Lake State would take their extra lard and use it up before Lent by making pazckis, which are a type of jelly donut. I couldn’t find any pazckis in Kansas. (Maybe that was best. My new diet doesn’t allow for pazckis, cookies, or practically anything else that tastes good.) So I didn’t get fat on Tuesday, and the lack of an open Kansas primary is not very super in my opinion.
Wednesday was Ash Wednesday (make a note to attend the service next year if you were not here last night, it was really terrific!) and we also had at least two whole of inches of snow that “buried” the city and caused all the area schools to close. Two inches of snow closes the schools? Are you kidding me? Why in my day… (Oh my I was about to sound like my mom recalling days of waist high snow and sub zero temperatures in which she walked to school uphill, both home and back, as a girl). I think my son Ben’s “Snow Day School Ritual” of putting a spoon under his pillow and wearing his pajamas inside-out the night before must have worked because I have never heard of school being canned for two inches of snow. (By the way, I am not sure where Ben learned of this ritual and I do not know the significance of the inside-out jammies or the spoon. I am slightly worried that I have a closet witch doctor living in my house. ) We were then faced with the decision of what to do about our Ash Wednesday Service, I made the call that Ash Wednesday trumps two inches of snow twelve hours before the service. So in spite of our inclement weather policy that would have had us canceling the service, since the powers that be at the Shawnee Mission schools are “snow fraidy cats,” we had the service. As they say in Hollywood, “On with the show…” I am glad we did too. What a service!
Wednesday I also officiated at the funeral for Henry Langstaff. Henry was a great guy, who loved the Lord. He is walking on the streets of gold where presumably they don’t have two inches of snow and they never cancel worship services.
What is in store for the rest of the week, I can only guess—but I know this—God is in control, and as you grow in the Lord it is sweeter each and every day—whether you eat a paczki or not.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Ash Wednesday Service
Looking Forward to Wednesday Night's Ash Wednesday Service. We will meet together as we begin the season of Lent. Plan on being part of this meaningful service for the whole family.
Surprise, No Surprise
That yesterday was a Super Sunday... no suprise.
That the Giants beat the Patriots... surprise.
That we had a great time praising the Lord, dedicating babies, digging into his word, and celebrating communion... no surprise.
That Pastor Kevin made it nearly through two worship services while very sick... surprise.
That John Hall our Worship and Arts intern stepped in and did a great job at the end of the second service... no surprise.
That the Giants beat the Patriots... surprise.
That we had a great time praising the Lord, dedicating babies, digging into his word, and celebrating communion... no surprise.
That Pastor Kevin made it nearly through two worship services while very sick... surprise.
That John Hall our Worship and Arts intern stepped in and did a great job at the end of the second service... no surprise.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday should be Super!
I'll be wrapping up the sermon Series: Operation Disciple: The Inner workings of a Disciple. It's family Sunday -- so our grade school children will be worshipping int he sanctuary. We will also celebrate communion together. I heard that they are playing a football game in Arizona in the afternoon this Sunday too. Our youth have two parties planned for the Big Game.
What a deal!
What would you do with $850,000? Buy a new house, car, and Rolex watch? Invest it? Tithe on it? Give it away? Send your pastor on an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii? (I like the way you think!) Well, that could have been my dilemma by the end of the day, because according to an e-mail I received yesterday from a minister in the Republic of Benin, I am the recipient of an ATM credited account of $850,000. All I have to do to receive that boat load of money is send in my bank account information and a $98 processing fee and the 850,000 smackeroos will be mine! WOW! What a deal!
If my math is correct, I would stand to make a profit of $849,902 from that $98 investment. While I would love that to be true, excuse me for being a wee bit skeptical. Maybe I shouldn’t be such a cynic. I just read the story of Howard Schultz, who in 1987 decided to buy a small chain of coffee shops for four million dollars. Maybe you’ve heard of these stores, they are called Starbucks. Well, five years after that initial investment, Starbucks stocks went public and old Howard made 273 million real bucks in one day. Not a bad payout for a four million dollar investment. Still, my ninety-eight dollar investment in an ATM account doesn’t seem to be the same kind of opportunity. Just what exactly is an ATM account, anyway? And why is a minister of the gospel offering such a deal? Most of the preachers I know don’t have that kind of loot. (Present company included, I assure you!) Why does the good Reverend Maxwell Bello of Benin need my bank account information in Kansas? I’ve never been to Benin. I’ve never heard of Benin. Sniff. Sniff. I smell something rotten in Denmark (or Benin to be more geographically correct).
My guess is that these scams work because people wish and dream that they could strike it rich one day—without work and with little effort. “Somehow if I can do nothing and still get rich quick that would be really cool,” they wish upon a star. Presumably, the notion of a windfall for the low, low price of $98 is too much of a temptation. So they dutifully send in their 98 buckaroos and bank account numbers and the next day (“Surprise, surprise,” Gomer Pyle) they discover that they are not only missing their 98 dollars but everything else that was in their savings account.
The old adage is true: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I know of only one completely and totally too good to be true story. Here it is: Jesus Christ gave up the glory and splendor and majesty of heaven for an old rugged cross for you and me. It’s unbelievable but true. While we were unlovable, God loved us. It’s unbelievable but true, that God daily pours out his love on me and you. It’s unbelievable but true, that God longs to be in relationship with people like us. John Newton called it “Amazing Grace.” The Apostle Paul put it this way: But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved! (Ephesians 2:4-6). And there is even more good news; we don’t even have to send in a $98 processing fee to receive it. Wow! What a deal!
If my math is correct, I would stand to make a profit of $849,902 from that $98 investment. While I would love that to be true, excuse me for being a wee bit skeptical. Maybe I shouldn’t be such a cynic. I just read the story of Howard Schultz, who in 1987 decided to buy a small chain of coffee shops for four million dollars. Maybe you’ve heard of these stores, they are called Starbucks. Well, five years after that initial investment, Starbucks stocks went public and old Howard made 273 million real bucks in one day. Not a bad payout for a four million dollar investment. Still, my ninety-eight dollar investment in an ATM account doesn’t seem to be the same kind of opportunity. Just what exactly is an ATM account, anyway? And why is a minister of the gospel offering such a deal? Most of the preachers I know don’t have that kind of loot. (Present company included, I assure you!) Why does the good Reverend Maxwell Bello of Benin need my bank account information in Kansas? I’ve never been to Benin. I’ve never heard of Benin. Sniff. Sniff. I smell something rotten in Denmark (or Benin to be more geographically correct).
My guess is that these scams work because people wish and dream that they could strike it rich one day—without work and with little effort. “Somehow if I can do nothing and still get rich quick that would be really cool,” they wish upon a star. Presumably, the notion of a windfall for the low, low price of $98 is too much of a temptation. So they dutifully send in their 98 buckaroos and bank account numbers and the next day (“Surprise, surprise,” Gomer Pyle) they discover that they are not only missing their 98 dollars but everything else that was in their savings account.
The old adage is true: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I know of only one completely and totally too good to be true story. Here it is: Jesus Christ gave up the glory and splendor and majesty of heaven for an old rugged cross for you and me. It’s unbelievable but true. While we were unlovable, God loved us. It’s unbelievable but true, that God daily pours out his love on me and you. It’s unbelievable but true, that God longs to be in relationship with people like us. John Newton called it “Amazing Grace.” The Apostle Paul put it this way: But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved! (Ephesians 2:4-6). And there is even more good news; we don’t even have to send in a $98 processing fee to receive it. Wow! What a deal!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Back in Kansas
It's good to be home and good to be back in the blogging world once again. Karla and I enjoyed the time away at the COK conference. We renewed some friendships, were able to rest and relax, and had some meaningful meetings and conversations about pastoring in these days.
I am feeling pretty well (not quite 100%) but pretty well, and will be resuming a full schedule.
Sunday was a good day.... we have such a great church! I really liked the Youth Sponsored Spaghetti Dinner (Yum!) last night and Pastor Padraic preached a fine message.
I am feeling pretty well (not quite 100%) but pretty well, and will be resuming a full schedule.
Sunday was a good day.... we have such a great church! I really liked the Youth Sponsored Spaghetti Dinner (Yum!) last night and Pastor Padraic preached a fine message.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A wake Up Call
Karla and I will be leaving tomorrow for a conference. So I may be out of the "blogsphere" for a while. If I can, I'll keep on blogging from time to time. The conference is on a cruise ship-- so there will be meetings and rest and sun and hopefully recuperation. I really hope that when we return I'll be able to resume my regular (albeit modified) schedule.
One of the "wake up call moments" of the brain hemorrhage is my realization that I have to make some life style changes. Diet and exercise will be a part of that, but also I am having to come to terms that days off are important, and maintaining a healthy balance of work and rest is important. All of my doctors (especially "Doctor" Karla) are insisting that the pace in which I have kept may not have caused the hemorrhage but did not help the situation. So I will be grappling with some of those areas in the days ahead. If even the Lord needed rest on the seventh day, we are foolish to think that we do not need it. It's a lesson I am learning. Unfortunately it took a brain explosion to teach it.
One of the "wake up call moments" of the brain hemorrhage is my realization that I have to make some life style changes. Diet and exercise will be a part of that, but also I am having to come to terms that days off are important, and maintaining a healthy balance of work and rest is important. All of my doctors (especially "Doctor" Karla) are insisting that the pace in which I have kept may not have caused the hemorrhage but did not help the situation. So I will be grappling with some of those areas in the days ahead. If even the Lord needed rest on the seventh day, we are foolish to think that we do not need it. It's a lesson I am learning. Unfortunately it took a brain explosion to teach it.
The Minister became the "ministeree"
Before this last month, my only other stay in a hospital was 32 years ago. I had a really bad tummy ache. Everyone said it was just a tummy ache. Turns out it was a ruptured appendix. So following its grand explosion, I spent ten days hanging out in the hospital and eating McDonald’s burgers (a treat back in those days). I think my mom felt bad about the whole tummy ache diagnosis and, since I was a tad spoiled anyway, and since I was a tad picky on my eating habits, she brought me yummy burgers to eat instead of the awful hospital food. It wasn’t too bad of a deal. For my troubles, I got lots of burgers, a little scar on my side and an autographed picture of Al Kaline (think of him as the Detroit Tiger’s version of George Brett). It’s hanging in my office to this day (the picture of Al Kaline, not my ruptured appendix).
My most recent hospital stay was for a week following the worst headache of my life. As you know, my noggin, like my appendix, had a grand explosion too, also know as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I didn’t get an Al Kaline autograph or McDonald burgers or a scar for my troubles this time around. Karla did bring me a club sandwich from the Cheese Cake Factory one night. I am still a tad picky in my eating (and maybe a tad spoiled) and since I had grown sick of the hospital food (the shoe leather covered in gravy was a little too unappetizing), my lovely bride found me something better to eat. It’s another reason why I love her.
She wasn’t the only one to show me kindness. Not by a long shot. Not a day has passed that I haven’t received a get well card or a thoughtful e-mail telling of family prayer times on my behalf. Moreover, we have consumed many wonderful meals that folks from the church brought into our house during my recuperation. Some wonderful ladies even paid no attention to Karla and her ridiculous rule of “no desserts” and brought cookies, cakes, brownies, ice cream and pie anyway. Thank you for not listening to that silly, silly rule! (I am neither a doctor, nor the son of a doctor, but I say a good way to overcome bad pains in one’s melon is to fill the tummy with yummy treats!)
One family in the church provided our entire Christmas dinner. They made the whole deal. Karla heated it up and brought the ham, sweet taters, beans and yummy cake (and I don’t know what all) into my room at St. Luke’s Hospital. We turned my bed into the buffet line and we had a glorious Christmas dinner. Others secretly passed along money to Karla to help with the extra expenses that we were incurring. And some sent along gift cards to restaurants so that she would not have to take time cooking.
All of this is to say, the minister became the “ministeree.” (I am sure that is not a word, but you know what I mean). Since my little brain hemorrhage the tables have been turned and the people to whom I have ministered to and with the last couple of years have reached out in wonderful ways and ministered to me and my family. I think old Martin Luther would be proud to see “the priesthood of all believers” in action, ministering in such a wonderful way. You know, it’s true: we should all be ministers—whether you have an ordination certificate hanging on your wall or not. Our calling as “Christ follower” means we care for one another and think of ways to share and show the love of Jesus. And many, many people have done that for me these last four weeks.
So thank you Central Nazarene. Thank you for ministering to me. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for being such a great place to serve. Karla and I are leaving for a conference tomorrow. OK, the truth is that the conference is on a cruise ship… so, I’ll have a few meetings with other pastors of churches similar to ours and hopefully there will be a little more recovery and rest and sun and sea, and I will return completely ready to join you in ministering once again.
My most recent hospital stay was for a week following the worst headache of my life. As you know, my noggin, like my appendix, had a grand explosion too, also know as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I didn’t get an Al Kaline autograph or McDonald burgers or a scar for my troubles this time around. Karla did bring me a club sandwich from the Cheese Cake Factory one night. I am still a tad picky in my eating (and maybe a tad spoiled) and since I had grown sick of the hospital food (the shoe leather covered in gravy was a little too unappetizing), my lovely bride found me something better to eat. It’s another reason why I love her.
She wasn’t the only one to show me kindness. Not by a long shot. Not a day has passed that I haven’t received a get well card or a thoughtful e-mail telling of family prayer times on my behalf. Moreover, we have consumed many wonderful meals that folks from the church brought into our house during my recuperation. Some wonderful ladies even paid no attention to Karla and her ridiculous rule of “no desserts” and brought cookies, cakes, brownies, ice cream and pie anyway. Thank you for not listening to that silly, silly rule! (I am neither a doctor, nor the son of a doctor, but I say a good way to overcome bad pains in one’s melon is to fill the tummy with yummy treats!)
One family in the church provided our entire Christmas dinner. They made the whole deal. Karla heated it up and brought the ham, sweet taters, beans and yummy cake (and I don’t know what all) into my room at St. Luke’s Hospital. We turned my bed into the buffet line and we had a glorious Christmas dinner. Others secretly passed along money to Karla to help with the extra expenses that we were incurring. And some sent along gift cards to restaurants so that she would not have to take time cooking.
All of this is to say, the minister became the “ministeree.” (I am sure that is not a word, but you know what I mean). Since my little brain hemorrhage the tables have been turned and the people to whom I have ministered to and with the last couple of years have reached out in wonderful ways and ministered to me and my family. I think old Martin Luther would be proud to see “the priesthood of all believers” in action, ministering in such a wonderful way. You know, it’s true: we should all be ministers—whether you have an ordination certificate hanging on your wall or not. Our calling as “Christ follower” means we care for one another and think of ways to share and show the love of Jesus. And many, many people have done that for me these last four weeks.
So thank you Central Nazarene. Thank you for ministering to me. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for being such a great place to serve. Karla and I are leaving for a conference tomorrow. OK, the truth is that the conference is on a cruise ship… so, I’ll have a few meetings with other pastors of churches similar to ours and hopefully there will be a little more recovery and rest and sun and sea, and I will return completely ready to join you in ministering once again.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Another Day, another doctor
Went to another doctor today-- a neurologist-- who also thought I was coming along nicely. I will see her again in a month. She said the headaches from the brain hemorrhage should be ending soon. Yippeee!
I need to say how well the pastors of central have stepped in-- and done a great job in my absence. We have a great pastoral team at Central and they have proved it this last month!
I need to say how well the pastors of central have stepped in-- and done a great job in my absence. We have a great pastoral team at Central and they have proved it this last month!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A Great morning at Central!
Oh it was wonderful being at Central this morning. Great Worship. Great to be in the pulpit. Great seeing the tremendous response to God's word in both services. It was just great!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Tomorrow is only a day away!
I really think God is going to do something great at Central tomorrow. Not simply because I am preaching (I can't wait!!!), but because of all that has happened: brain hemorrhage, still headaches, still fatigued, yet... God will get the glory!
I haven't preached in what seems like forever... and I am so excited to be with the folks of Central and to see what God has in store. We are going to have a great day. I know it!
I haven't preached in what seems like forever... and I am so excited to be with the folks of Central and to see what God has in store. We are going to have a great day. I know it!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A Good report
I went to the neurosurgeon today and the report is that I am improving. The nurse practitioner was surprised at how well I was doing. I am not. To God be the glory great things He has done! They say a couple more weeks and I'll be good as new (or at least good as before). God is so good!
I'll be preaching on Sunday... I can't wait. It seems like I haven't preached since last year!
I'll be preaching on Sunday... I can't wait. It seems like I haven't preached since last year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
