Why? This is a question I ask myself sometimes as I peddle away in the monotony of desert heat called Phoenix. Why peddle through the heat of summer? Why put myself through such a sweat bath?
Well, there is always the issue of good health and the good feeling that provides. Yet, there is more to it than that. Today I signed up for my fourth Tour de Cure with the American Diabetes Foundation. My sister-in-law has diabetes. I cannot do much, but I can ride a bike and in doing so I am no longer just a bystander.
Two weeks ago I signed up for the MS 150 (Multiple Schlirosis). Another sister-in-law has MS, and I am forced to watch the progression of that disease without being able to change one thing. Riding my bike makes a difference.
This fall I will ride in the Tour de Tucson (109 miles). I chose to be a sponsor of a child receiving care through the hospital that benefits from this festival on wheels. I am healthy and this is a way I can turn my strength into something good for those who are week.
Why do I ride? I ride because by riding I can make a small difference in the lives of those who struggle. What gifts has God given you? How might they be used for the sake of those not so gifted? It is a question we a lll would benefit from asking.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Deeper
Wow...amazing how God breaks in when you least expect.
Yesterday I was talking with a friend, and it was mentioned that she was in a read through the bible in a year group. I asked, 'why?'
She responded by saying that it seemed like a good thing for a Christian to do. Again I asked, 'why?'.
It lead to a conversation about the purpose of the bible and it's importance in our lives. She being a teacher, I asked if she was preparing a test would she test her students about everything covered in the class or focus upon the most important concepts. Her answer was obvious, which led me to ask if the same philosophy shouldn't apply to the bible? Again her answer was obvious and we began to talk about the importance of the gospels as the revelation of God's design for humanity and all creation. As Lutherans we are encouraged to read all of scripture from the vantage point of the cross of grace. In other words, we might best spend the time to go deep into the gospels before we try to figure out what else is being said in the New and Old Testaments.
Fast forward to today's men bible study and an opportunity to share the above story. The result was that most everyone wanted to do it! They wanted to follow the ancient practices of the church, and slowly digest the gospel as a way of understanding the bible as a whole. Wow! Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumers of scripture they opted to be consumed by God's GRACE!
I cannot help but share what I see as a mature hunger for deeper things. I'll keep you informed as our new study will begin after labor day.
Yesterday I was talking with a friend, and it was mentioned that she was in a read through the bible in a year group. I asked, 'why?'
She responded by saying that it seemed like a good thing for a Christian to do. Again I asked, 'why?'.
It lead to a conversation about the purpose of the bible and it's importance in our lives. She being a teacher, I asked if she was preparing a test would she test her students about everything covered in the class or focus upon the most important concepts. Her answer was obvious, which led me to ask if the same philosophy shouldn't apply to the bible? Again her answer was obvious and we began to talk about the importance of the gospels as the revelation of God's design for humanity and all creation. As Lutherans we are encouraged to read all of scripture from the vantage point of the cross of grace. In other words, we might best spend the time to go deep into the gospels before we try to figure out what else is being said in the New and Old Testaments.
Fast forward to today's men bible study and an opportunity to share the above story. The result was that most everyone wanted to do it! They wanted to follow the ancient practices of the church, and slowly digest the gospel as a way of understanding the bible as a whole. Wow! Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumers of scripture they opted to be consumed by God's GRACE!
I cannot help but share what I see as a mature hunger for deeper things. I'll keep you informed as our new study will begin after labor day.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-23 A Well in the Distance
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-23 A Well in the Distance
I like this article, because it reminds me that faith is not seen but hoped for (Hebrews 11.1). Our vitality is not to be measured by world standards but by what God is doing as roots are fed. I'm curious what you might see in this article-is there a well in the distance?
I like this article, because it reminds me that faith is not seen but hoped for (Hebrews 11.1). Our vitality is not to be measured by world standards but by what God is doing as roots are fed. I'm curious what you might see in this article-is there a well in the distance?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
give It a Rest.
IInteresting...
Today I was accused of being an agent of Satan. A conversation (by Internet) between many and diverse opinioned pastors ends up sliding toward Armaggeddon.
It's a good reminder of what is happening in much of our national conversation, whatever the issue. Dan Quayle's son is running for Congress from our state, and he begins a TV ad by claiming President Obama is the worst President in the history of the USA. Hmmm... Whether you like his polcies or not, I really cannot look at history and say that Warren Harding or James Buchannan were better than Mr. Obama. Does this really aid us in the national debate over the difficult issues facing our country?
Perhaps former President Clinton was right when he told the National Press Club that our civil debate has deteriorated in part due to a lack of sleep. We are not only working ourselves to death trying to save the American dream, but we are working ourselves into a frenzy that could cripple the future of our nation.
So, please get some sleep out there. No more Late Night with Dave. No more surfing the web or playing Farmville late into the night. No more Mochas to stay awake into the wee hours. Take a nap America. Get 8 hours of sleep, and I gurantee life will look a bit better. God did really honestly have it right with his 'Dayplanner.' He called it 'day' and 'night!'. Let's try being one nation under God and get some rest!
Today I was accused of being an agent of Satan. A conversation (by Internet) between many and diverse opinioned pastors ends up sliding toward Armaggeddon.
It's a good reminder of what is happening in much of our national conversation, whatever the issue. Dan Quayle's son is running for Congress from our state, and he begins a TV ad by claiming President Obama is the worst President in the history of the USA. Hmmm... Whether you like his polcies or not, I really cannot look at history and say that Warren Harding or James Buchannan were better than Mr. Obama. Does this really aid us in the national debate over the difficult issues facing our country?
Perhaps former President Clinton was right when he told the National Press Club that our civil debate has deteriorated in part due to a lack of sleep. We are not only working ourselves to death trying to save the American dream, but we are working ourselves into a frenzy that could cripple the future of our nation.
So, please get some sleep out there. No more Late Night with Dave. No more surfing the web or playing Farmville late into the night. No more Mochas to stay awake into the wee hours. Take a nap America. Get 8 hours of sleep, and I gurantee life will look a bit better. God did really honestly have it right with his 'Dayplanner.' He called it 'day' and 'night!'. Let's try being one nation under God and get some rest!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Religious Freedom
Religious freedom is a tricky thing. People often allow their religious beliefs to blind themselves to the legitimate religious beliefs of others.
When my dad was young, living in central Pennsylvania, there would be fights between the Catholic boys and the Protestants. Today we would think this to be crazy stuff. Yet today, there are many making political hay by ranting and raving against the building of a Muslim religious center near where the twin towers once stood. Forget that the purpose of this center is to prompt religious dialog and tolerance which seems to be lacking in the shrill voices of those who oppose it's construction. My basic question is when did we in America become so bigoted that we are going to condemn the actions of an entire group for the action of few misguided fanatics?
Should we deny the building of Lutheran Churches because of our cooperation with the Holocaust of Hitler and his gang? Should we deprive the Baptist of the right to worship because there are members of the KKK hidden in their ranks? Should Congregationalist be denied their freedoms because of the trumped up Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century? He who is without sin cast the first stone!
I commend the Republican mayor of NYC and the Democratic President of the USA for putting aside cheap political gain and standing up for what this counter considers to be among the essentials-the freedom to assemble and worship without government interference!
When my dad was young, living in central Pennsylvania, there would be fights between the Catholic boys and the Protestants. Today we would think this to be crazy stuff. Yet today, there are many making political hay by ranting and raving against the building of a Muslim religious center near where the twin towers once stood. Forget that the purpose of this center is to prompt religious dialog and tolerance which seems to be lacking in the shrill voices of those who oppose it's construction. My basic question is when did we in America become so bigoted that we are going to condemn the actions of an entire group for the action of few misguided fanatics?
Should we deny the building of Lutheran Churches because of our cooperation with the Holocaust of Hitler and his gang? Should we deprive the Baptist of the right to worship because there are members of the KKK hidden in their ranks? Should Congregationalist be denied their freedoms because of the trumped up Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century? He who is without sin cast the first stone!
I commend the Republican mayor of NYC and the Democratic President of the USA for putting aside cheap political gain and standing up for what this counter considers to be among the essentials-the freedom to assemble and worship without government interference!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community
This is worthy of a read. We are not about creating churches, but people are looking for COMMUNITIES!
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-02 In These Times
The Alban Institute - 2010-08-02 In These Times
Interesting take on real hope in the midst of difficult times. Worthy of our reflection and our action. Where will you find the hope that rewrites humanities future?
Peace,
Pal
Interesting take on real hope in the midst of difficult times. Worthy of our reflection and our action. Where will you find the hope that rewrites humanities future?
Peace,
Pal
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Parenting
As a parent, I find myself constantly wondering how did I ever think I could manage this experiment in human bonding. I mean, under the best of circumstance it is a nerve-racking roller coaster ride thar never ends, and when thing s get really exciting...well, needless to say there is a reason our hair turns grey.
My children are good kids, and I know this because others say this about them. Yet when it comes to parental communication, most of the time the best I get is a 'grunt.'. I suppose this is better than some of the other things that could come my way, but as I recall in my day, even as a teen we were a bit more fearful of our parents and thereby a bit more conciliatory toward them. (I know this isn't reality, but allow me my fantasy.)
As I reflect upon this, I cannot help but make the comparison to what God must experience in relationship with us. When I think of how I treat God, well my kids behavior begins to look exemplary in comparison. Yet this God does not disown me or even ignore me, but is constantly delighting in me...what's with that?
Perhaps, by remembering this I will be a better parent. Perhaps I will be a better neighbor. Perhaps I will be a more compassionate citizen. Whatever the outcome, and I would hope for something to register, nonetheless I will continue to treasure that this God still loves me!
My children are good kids, and I know this because others say this about them. Yet when it comes to parental communication, most of the time the best I get is a 'grunt.'. I suppose this is better than some of the other things that could come my way, but as I recall in my day, even as a teen we were a bit more fearful of our parents and thereby a bit more conciliatory toward them. (I know this isn't reality, but allow me my fantasy.)
As I reflect upon this, I cannot help but make the comparison to what God must experience in relationship with us. When I think of how I treat God, well my kids behavior begins to look exemplary in comparison. Yet this God does not disown me or even ignore me, but is constantly delighting in me...what's with that?
Perhaps, by remembering this I will be a better parent. Perhaps I will be a better neighbor. Perhaps I will be a more compassionate citizen. Whatever the outcome, and I would hope for something to register, nonetheless I will continue to treasure that this God still loves me!
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