Yesterday I listened to a wonderful message by Jan Karon given at the Washington National Cathedral. Her message was, “Wrestling With And Writing From The Heart.”
If you read and enjoyed her Mitford books you probably would enjoy her speech. It is long (Over forty minutes), so you may not want to devote that much time to sitting and staring at a computer screen. If you are interested just send me a comment and an e-mail address and I will send you the address for the Washington National Cathedral site.
Today I’m thinking about people who love to read. I have always loved to read and I think everybody should read for many different reasons. Let me encourage you to read Jan’s books. They are delightful. They are not serious theology but they are filled with faith, grace and redemption. They are just good stories for people who like to read.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
Ernest Hemingway reduced his definition of courage to three words, “Grace under pressure.”
Charles Swindoll has written that Abraham Lincoln had four ways of responding to criticism.
First, and most often, he simply ignored it, calling it “petty.” Second, he answered back only when it was important and would make a difference. Third, he formed the habit of sitting down and writing lengthy letters in defense of his integrity and reputation, venting his anger and emotions…then tearing them up and never mailing them. Fourth, he always looked on the brighter side of life and kept a good sense of humor.
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE.
Charles Swindoll has written that Abraham Lincoln had four ways of responding to criticism.
First, and most often, he simply ignored it, calling it “petty.” Second, he answered back only when it was important and would make a difference. Third, he formed the habit of sitting down and writing lengthy letters in defense of his integrity and reputation, venting his anger and emotions…then tearing them up and never mailing them. Fourth, he always looked on the brighter side of life and kept a good sense of humor.
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
WORRY
Max Lucado writes good stuff. Consider the following:
When was the last time you solved a problem by worring about it? Imagine someone saying, “I got behind in my bills, so I resolved to worry my way out of debt. And, you know, it worked! A few sleepless nights, a day of puking and hand wringing. I yelled at my kids and took some pills, and—glory to worry—money appeared on my desk.”
It doesn’t happen! Worry changes nothing. You don’t add one day to your life or one bit of life to your day by worrying. Your anxiety earns you heartburn, nothing more. Regarding the things about which we fret:
*40 percent never happen
*30 percent regard unchangeable deeds of the past
*12 percent focus on the opinions of others that cannot be controlled
*10 percent center on personal health, which only worsens as we worry about it
*8 percent concern real problems that we can influence
Ninety-two percent of our worries are needless! Not only is worry irrelevant, doing nothing; worry is irreverent, distrusting God.
Monday, August 28, 2006
WHO KNEW?
Who knew? Well, just about everybody in the world except me.
Two friends and I had been to Abilene Christian College to get set up for the fall semester. On our way home (200 miles away) we would pass through the little Texas town of Stamford where an up and coming singer was performing. One friend just insisted we stop and attend his show. I didn’t want to but we finally decided to stop.
This young performer had one record that was being played on radio stations all over the country. He was on a tour that was landing him in every little town that would have him. On this particular night in Stamford he appeared at the local high school on a postage stamp size stage that barely held his small band.
The performance was good—very good. But when it was over I wanted to head on home. One friend had bought a program and he wanted to get it autographed. I couldn’t understand why but we waited and he got the autograph. He said, “This guy is going to be famous someday.”
On the program was the autograph: ELVIS PRESLEY.
Two friends and I had been to Abilene Christian College to get set up for the fall semester. On our way home (200 miles away) we would pass through the little Texas town of Stamford where an up and coming singer was performing. One friend just insisted we stop and attend his show. I didn’t want to but we finally decided to stop.
This young performer had one record that was being played on radio stations all over the country. He was on a tour that was landing him in every little town that would have him. On this particular night in Stamford he appeared at the local high school on a postage stamp size stage that barely held his small band.
The performance was good—very good. But when it was over I wanted to head on home. One friend had bought a program and he wanted to get it autographed. I couldn’t understand why but we waited and he got the autograph. He said, “This guy is going to be famous someday.”
On the program was the autograph: ELVIS PRESLEY.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
OKRA
OK, I don’t really have much on my mind today. I admit it.
If you have read what my daily blogs are about (and you probably haven’t) you know that I write about what happens to be on my mind on any given day. Today—it’s okra.
We just got back from the Farmers’ Market. We bought more than okra, but okra is what we went for. I’m sure that many of you are asking, “Why, why on earth would you go someplace, anyplace, just to get okra? We can’t stand the stuff.” We both love it! We like it boiled, but we usually fry it in corn meal. We love it but we understand that many people can’t stand it. That’s OK. I don’t think we have ever tried to serve it when we had guests. No company coming tonight, so we will have fried okra along with meatloaf. Charlotte makes a fantastic meatloaf.
My mind may be a little “foggy” today because we stayed up past midnight watching the Diamondbacks beat the L.A. Dodgers in a fifteen inning game. But I like okra even when my mind is clear.
If you have read what my daily blogs are about (and you probably haven’t) you know that I write about what happens to be on my mind on any given day. Today—it’s okra.
We just got back from the Farmers’ Market. We bought more than okra, but okra is what we went for. I’m sure that many of you are asking, “Why, why on earth would you go someplace, anyplace, just to get okra? We can’t stand the stuff.” We both love it! We like it boiled, but we usually fry it in corn meal. We love it but we understand that many people can’t stand it. That’s OK. I don’t think we have ever tried to serve it when we had guests. No company coming tonight, so we will have fried okra along with meatloaf. Charlotte makes a fantastic meatloaf.
My mind may be a little “foggy” today because we stayed up past midnight watching the Diamondbacks beat the L.A. Dodgers in a fifteen inning game. But I like okra even when my mind is clear.
Friday, August 25, 2006
“THE WISE MAN BUILT HIS HOUSE UPON THE ROCK”
The children loved it. The teens tolerated it. And the adults smiled benignly as they looked on. Every summer Vacation Bible School brought red punch, cookies and the singing of rollicking songs like, “The rains came down and the floods came up, the rains came down and the floods came up, and the wise man’s house stood firm.” In all honesty the children’s favorite part of the song was, “And the foolish man’s house went down!” They loved the shouting, noise and drama of the falling house.
Yesterday morning I said to my wife, "I need a big breakfast I’m going to do a lot of work outside this morning.” As my wife cooked the big breakfast she said, “It looks like rain to me.” “Rain? Rain? Are you new to the area woman? It never rains here.” So outside I went. I had my tools out all over the back yard and then it happened—RAIN! LOTS OF RAIN!
You probably saw it on national television. The area flooded. People had to be pulled from cars. Flood waters come swiftly in the desert. I have always feared being seen on national television being rescued from the top of a car and being hauled into a helicopter.
I STAYED IN THE HOUSE UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED AND THE FLOOD WATERS ABATED.
This morning I said, “I need a big breakfast, I’m going out and do that work I started yesterday.” Sorry. No big breakfast this morning. You had one yesterday and didn’t do enough to earn a bowl of cereal."
Yesterday morning I said to my wife, "I need a big breakfast I’m going to do a lot of work outside this morning.” As my wife cooked the big breakfast she said, “It looks like rain to me.” “Rain? Rain? Are you new to the area woman? It never rains here.” So outside I went. I had my tools out all over the back yard and then it happened—RAIN! LOTS OF RAIN!
You probably saw it on national television. The area flooded. People had to be pulled from cars. Flood waters come swiftly in the desert. I have always feared being seen on national television being rescued from the top of a car and being hauled into a helicopter.
I STAYED IN THE HOUSE UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED AND THE FLOOD WATERS ABATED.
This morning I said, “I need a big breakfast, I’m going out and do that work I started yesterday.” Sorry. No big breakfast this morning. You had one yesterday and didn’t do enough to earn a bowl of cereal."
Thursday, August 24, 2006
THESE LYRICS CAN BE HABIT FORMING
Perhaps I should have titled this blog, “Be Careful When Allowing Workers Into Your Home.” I told you about Pete, the young Romanian who came to our house to work for a few hours. On his way out he saw our piano and said, “I will play for you”—which he did. He played Lara’s Theme. We enjoyed it. And then he left. That should have been the end of it. It wasn’t!
For over three weeks, my wife and I have been obsessed, possessed—or something, with Lara’s Theme. Almost every hour on the hour or more often, one of us breaks into song:
“SOMEWHERE MY LOVE, THERE WILL BE SONGS TO SING, SOMEWHERE MY LOVE…………” On and on it goes, humming, whistling, singing. One or the other, or both of us get out of bed in the morning singing, go to the breakfast table singing, go through the day, off and on, singing and on the way to bed we hear or sing: “SOMEWHERE MY LOVE………”
I warn you: Don’t read this and start humming the song. I can’t be responsible for what might happen.
We are thinking about electric shock. Hey, it couldn’t hurt. We’ve got a lot of stuff we would like to forget.
For over three weeks, my wife and I have been obsessed, possessed—or something, with Lara’s Theme. Almost every hour on the hour or more often, one of us breaks into song:
“SOMEWHERE MY LOVE, THERE WILL BE SONGS TO SING, SOMEWHERE MY LOVE…………” On and on it goes, humming, whistling, singing. One or the other, or both of us get out of bed in the morning singing, go to the breakfast table singing, go through the day, off and on, singing and on the way to bed we hear or sing: “SOMEWHERE MY LOVE………”
I warn you: Don’t read this and start humming the song. I can’t be responsible for what might happen.
We are thinking about electric shock. Hey, it couldn’t hurt. We’ve got a lot of stuff we would like to forget.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
GIRL MEETS GOD
Girl Meets God, A Memoir, by Lauren F. Winner is the second of two Winner books that I have read. The first was Real Sex. Girl Meets God is a passionate and thoroughly engaging account of a continuing spiritual journey within two profoundly different faiths.
Lauren Winner had a Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother. Lauren chose to become an Orthodox Jew. But even as she was observing Sabbath rituals and studying Jewish law, Lauren was increasingly drawn to Christianity. Courageously leaving what she loved, she eventually converted. In Girl Meets God, this appealing woman takes us through a year in her Christian life as she attempts to reconcile both sides of her religious identity.
This may not be a good book to wind down your summer reading with. I suggest you wait until the winter months and then curl up with it for an hour or two. Of course, some of you will never want to spend time with a book like this. It is just not your “cup of tea.” I thoroughly enjoyed it, but that doesn’t mean that you will.
Lauren Winner had a Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother. Lauren chose to become an Orthodox Jew. But even as she was observing Sabbath rituals and studying Jewish law, Lauren was increasingly drawn to Christianity. Courageously leaving what she loved, she eventually converted. In Girl Meets God, this appealing woman takes us through a year in her Christian life as she attempts to reconcile both sides of her religious identity.
This may not be a good book to wind down your summer reading with. I suggest you wait until the winter months and then curl up with it for an hour or two. Of course, some of you will never want to spend time with a book like this. It is just not your “cup of tea.” I thoroughly enjoyed it, but that doesn’t mean that you will.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
BIRD BY BIRD
Anne Lamott is the author of the popular book, Traveling Mercies. She is author of best sellers that are of general interest but her book, Bird by Bird is a national bestseller written for those who aspire to be writers. There is a story behind the title of this book that is of value to everyone. It applies to all of life and the way we get things done.
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. [It] was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
Good advice!
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. [It] was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
Good advice!
Monday, August 21, 2006
MORAL FAILURES
If you come to my blog even occasionally, you know that Philip Yancy is one of my favorite writers. I like these thoughts from his book, Rumors of Another World:
While I was researching a book on Jesus, I could not help noticing the tenderness with which Jesus treated people with wounds caused by moral failure. A Samaritan woman with five failed marriages, a dishonest tax collector, an adulteress, a prostitute, a disciple who denied him—all these received from Jesus not the judgment they expected, but forgiveness and reinstatement.
Grace is irrational, unfair, unjust, and only makes sense if I believe in another world governed by a merciful God who always offers another chance. “Amazing Grace,” a rare hymn that in recent times climbed the charts of popular music, holds out the promise that God judges people not for what they have been but what they could be, not by their past but by their future.
Selah
While I was researching a book on Jesus, I could not help noticing the tenderness with which Jesus treated people with wounds caused by moral failure. A Samaritan woman with five failed marriages, a dishonest tax collector, an adulteress, a prostitute, a disciple who denied him—all these received from Jesus not the judgment they expected, but forgiveness and reinstatement.
Grace is irrational, unfair, unjust, and only makes sense if I believe in another world governed by a merciful God who always offers another chance. “Amazing Grace,” a rare hymn that in recent times climbed the charts of popular music, holds out the promise that God judges people not for what they have been but what they could be, not by their past but by their future.
Selah
Sunday, August 20, 2006
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK CAN MAKE
Last week the Arizona Cardinals were at the top. They were in the penthouse. They won their first game in their beautiful new stadium.
Yesterday they were at the bottom. They were in the outhouse. They not only lost—they lost big.
Well, the season hasn’t even started yet and after all, it’s just a game. Right? Right!
There’s an old saying, “It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose but how you play the game.” Ah yes, that’s it—how you play the game. I just wish the Cardinals would play the game. Hopefully they will when the season starts.
In the greater scheme of things it doesn’t really matter whether they play the game or whether they win or lose. That’s the truth!
THEN WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH?
Yesterday they were at the bottom. They were in the outhouse. They not only lost—they lost big.
Well, the season hasn’t even started yet and after all, it’s just a game. Right? Right!
There’s an old saying, “It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose but how you play the game.” Ah yes, that’s it—how you play the game. I just wish the Cardinals would play the game. Hopefully they will when the season starts.
In the greater scheme of things it doesn’t really matter whether they play the game or whether they win or lose. That’s the truth!
THEN WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH?
Saturday, August 19, 2006
BEHOLDING THE KING
Rod Cooper does a good job of developing Isaiah 6:1-8 in his message, “Beholding the King.” The “big idea” of his message is: Once we’ve seen God the King, we worship, confess our sins, and go where God sends us. Here are some thoughts from his sermon:
When the king died, Isaiah saw the Lord.
*Sometimes our world goes from calmness to chaos in the twinkling of an eye.
*But Isaiah learned that even though King Uzziah died, the divine king was still on the throne.
*God allows chaos in our lives to help us see where we put our trust.
Once we’ve seen the King, we worship.
*Like the seraphim in heaven, we need to be available to him and worship him.
Once we’ve seen the King, we confess our sin.
*The natural response when we experience God is to feel convicted as Isaiah did.
*Once we confess, God cleanses us of our sin.
Once we’ve seen the King, we go where he sends us.
*We are to respond with an attitude of gratitude, saying, “Here am I, send me.”
Clif's Comment:
I lived a long time without seeing God the way I should have. Once I did, it made all the difference—not only in the way I preached, but the way I lived. Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and ask yourself, “Am I seeing God the way I should?”
When the king died, Isaiah saw the Lord.
*Sometimes our world goes from calmness to chaos in the twinkling of an eye.
*But Isaiah learned that even though King Uzziah died, the divine king was still on the throne.
*God allows chaos in our lives to help us see where we put our trust.
Once we’ve seen the King, we worship.
*Like the seraphim in heaven, we need to be available to him and worship him.
Once we’ve seen the King, we confess our sin.
*The natural response when we experience God is to feel convicted as Isaiah did.
*Once we confess, God cleanses us of our sin.
Once we’ve seen the King, we go where he sends us.
*We are to respond with an attitude of gratitude, saying, “Here am I, send me.”
Clif's Comment:
I lived a long time without seeing God the way I should have. Once I did, it made all the difference—not only in the way I preached, but the way I lived. Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and ask yourself, “Am I seeing God the way I should?”
Friday, August 18, 2006
SHOPPING IN THE DESERT
Just a few short years ago it was all desert—just as far as the eyes could see.
Today, two of the largest resorts in the state and two large shopping areas are where the desert was.
Desert Ridge Market Place is located across the street from the Marriott resort which is the largest resort in the state. Desert Ridge is about three minutes from our house. A few years ago after you crossed Bell Road and passed the little Church of Christ there wasn’t anything but desert all the way to Cave Creek. Now, it is a bustling, crowded area. Last week I had a hard time finding a parking place. I asked myself, “Is this the Christmas shopping crowd out here already?” Nope, it was just the folks out doing their thing on a hot Arizona day.
Kierland Commons is another splendid shopping area about three minutes from our house. Just a few years ago when we drove down Greenway to 64th Street we came to a barbed wire fence and had to detour. Today, the desert is filled in with homes, businesses and many other things. The Westin resort is the second largest in the state and is located across the street from Kierland Commons.
Both Desert Ridge Market Place and Kierland Commons are expanding. Desert Ridge will one day be twice as large as it is now.
I like the desert and we have plenty of it left. I like shopping and we have lots of it. Roaming around in the desert and roaming around the shopping malls are fun things to do. It’s not as much fun in the summer—but the fall is coming. O happy day!
Today, two of the largest resorts in the state and two large shopping areas are where the desert was.
Desert Ridge Market Place is located across the street from the Marriott resort which is the largest resort in the state. Desert Ridge is about three minutes from our house. A few years ago after you crossed Bell Road and passed the little Church of Christ there wasn’t anything but desert all the way to Cave Creek. Now, it is a bustling, crowded area. Last week I had a hard time finding a parking place. I asked myself, “Is this the Christmas shopping crowd out here already?” Nope, it was just the folks out doing their thing on a hot Arizona day.
Kierland Commons is another splendid shopping area about three minutes from our house. Just a few years ago when we drove down Greenway to 64th Street we came to a barbed wire fence and had to detour. Today, the desert is filled in with homes, businesses and many other things. The Westin resort is the second largest in the state and is located across the street from Kierland Commons.
Both Desert Ridge Market Place and Kierland Commons are expanding. Desert Ridge will one day be twice as large as it is now.
I like the desert and we have plenty of it left. I like shopping and we have lots of it. Roaming around in the desert and roaming around the shopping malls are fun things to do. It’s not as much fun in the summer—but the fall is coming. O happy day!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
DON’T BE A SYCOPHANT
Bill O’Reilly closes his program on Fox by saying to those who are going to send him an E-Mail, “Don’t be a bloviater.”
As I begin this blog I say to you, “Don’t be a sycophant.” Or don’t try to flatter people to just get them to like you. Don’t be a suck up! That’s what people want the United States to do to other countries just to get them to cooperate with us.
Whatever happened to truth? If the man is a dictator, a liar, a murderer—tell him to stop it! You say, “Play nice, now.” “Play nice?” “Play nice?” “Play nice with a dictator?”
HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,………
A few months ago an elder told me there were still people around who didn’t like my preaching because I called “an ace an ace and a spade a spade.” Well, how about that? What did they want me to do? Did they want me to call an ace a spade and a spade an ace? Surely not!
No, we must tell people the truth! We must not be mean spirited, over bearing or deliberately hurt people’s feelings. But we never help anybody by just sucking up and pretending that everything is wonderful when it isn’t.
Gets some moxey! Don’t be a sycophant!
As I begin this blog I say to you, “Don’t be a sycophant.” Or don’t try to flatter people to just get them to like you. Don’t be a suck up! That’s what people want the United States to do to other countries just to get them to cooperate with us.
Whatever happened to truth? If the man is a dictator, a liar, a murderer—tell him to stop it! You say, “Play nice, now.” “Play nice?” “Play nice?” “Play nice with a dictator?”
HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,………
A few months ago an elder told me there were still people around who didn’t like my preaching because I called “an ace an ace and a spade a spade.” Well, how about that? What did they want me to do? Did they want me to call an ace a spade and a spade an ace? Surely not!
No, we must tell people the truth! We must not be mean spirited, over bearing or deliberately hurt people’s feelings. But we never help anybody by just sucking up and pretending that everything is wonderful when it isn’t.
Gets some moxey! Don’t be a sycophant!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
JUST CALL IT RELIGION OR A DECISION OF THE U.N.
WANT TO HAVE A DOZEN WIVES? -----OK. JUST DO IT IN THE NAME OF RELIGION.
WANT TO ABORT YOUR BABY? -----OK. JUST SAY YOUR RELIGION ALLOWS IT.
WANT TO STRAP EXPLOSIVES ON YOUR BABY AND BLOW HIM/HER UP ALONG WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHERS? …..IT’S OK IF YOU DO IT IN THE NAME OF RELIGION.
YOU CAN DO ANY CRAZY, SCREWY, TERRIBLE THING YOU WANT TO JUST SO LONG AS IT IS DONE IN THE NAME OF RELIGION. IS THIS CRAZY, SCREWY, TERRIBLE THING REALLY A RELIGION? IT IS IF YOU SAY IT IS!
ISRAEL NEEDS TO GET BACK OVER THE BORDER AND STOP DEFENDING THEMSELVES. THE UNITED NATIONS HAS MADE A DECISION AND THE LORD KNOWS THEY COULDN’T POSSIBLY BE WRONG.
WE HEAR ABOUT THE STUPID DECISIONS THE UNITED NATIONS MAKE AND WE SAY, “THAT’S STUPID AND WILL HAVE DISASTEROUS RESULTS. BUT IT HAS TO BE OBEYED BECAUSE THE UNITED NATIONS SAID SO.
THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE QUESTIONED ABOUT SOMETHING YOU ARE DOING, JUST SAY, “IT’S MY RELIGION.” IF THAT DOESN’T WORK, SAY "THE UNITED NATIONS TOLD ME TO DO IT."
YOUR MATE, BOSS, FRIEND WILL JUST HAVE TO SAY, “WELL, OK!”
WANT TO ABORT YOUR BABY? -----OK. JUST SAY YOUR RELIGION ALLOWS IT.
WANT TO STRAP EXPLOSIVES ON YOUR BABY AND BLOW HIM/HER UP ALONG WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHERS? …..IT’S OK IF YOU DO IT IN THE NAME OF RELIGION.
YOU CAN DO ANY CRAZY, SCREWY, TERRIBLE THING YOU WANT TO JUST SO LONG AS IT IS DONE IN THE NAME OF RELIGION. IS THIS CRAZY, SCREWY, TERRIBLE THING REALLY A RELIGION? IT IS IF YOU SAY IT IS!
ISRAEL NEEDS TO GET BACK OVER THE BORDER AND STOP DEFENDING THEMSELVES. THE UNITED NATIONS HAS MADE A DECISION AND THE LORD KNOWS THEY COULDN’T POSSIBLY BE WRONG.
WE HEAR ABOUT THE STUPID DECISIONS THE UNITED NATIONS MAKE AND WE SAY, “THAT’S STUPID AND WILL HAVE DISASTEROUS RESULTS. BUT IT HAS TO BE OBEYED BECAUSE THE UNITED NATIONS SAID SO.
THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE QUESTIONED ABOUT SOMETHING YOU ARE DOING, JUST SAY, “IT’S MY RELIGION.” IF THAT DOESN’T WORK, SAY "THE UNITED NATIONS TOLD ME TO DO IT."
YOUR MATE, BOSS, FRIEND WILL JUST HAVE TO SAY, “WELL, OK!”
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
DARK DAYS
W A R!
These are troubling times. The world is a mess. All over the world, people are hurting.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
GOOD WORDS. DON’T JUST READ THEM—BELIEVE THEM!
These are troubling times. The world is a mess. All over the world, people are hurting.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
GOOD WORDS. DON’T JUST READ THEM—BELIEVE THEM!
Monday, August 14, 2006
THE WEEKEND TAKES ITS TOLL—EVEN IN RETIREMENT
“Monday morning blues,” lack of energy, near exhaustion—no desire to mount up and ride. Why? You say, “It’s natural. Weekends are hard on us. We pack so much into them. We wear ourselves out. We have another long work week facing us. It’s natural! "
IN RETIREMENT?????
You see, my problem is: when I was working, I looked forward to Monday morning. I had a lot of enthusiasm. I wanted to get back to the office and look over the visitors cards and make plans for contacting them. I wanted to get the week off to a fast start. Oh, I know that most ministers take Monday off because they are exhausted after Sunday. I was always exhausted, too, but I was energized by the prospects of what the new week held for me. I didn’t want to put things off until Tuesday. I took Friday off after my messages were planned and the week’s tasks had been completed.
Now, in retirement I have no messages to plan, no visitation program to run, no fights to referee, no office to administrate. I plan a few sermons but Charlotte doesn’t want to hear them. I could go visit somebody but nobody really wants to see me. I try to boss Charlotte but she doesn’t pay any attention.
My total responsibility this week is ME.
Man, I am already exhausted!
IN RETIREMENT?????
You see, my problem is: when I was working, I looked forward to Monday morning. I had a lot of enthusiasm. I wanted to get back to the office and look over the visitors cards and make plans for contacting them. I wanted to get the week off to a fast start. Oh, I know that most ministers take Monday off because they are exhausted after Sunday. I was always exhausted, too, but I was energized by the prospects of what the new week held for me. I didn’t want to put things off until Tuesday. I took Friday off after my messages were planned and the week’s tasks had been completed.
Now, in retirement I have no messages to plan, no visitation program to run, no fights to referee, no office to administrate. I plan a few sermons but Charlotte doesn’t want to hear them. I could go visit somebody but nobody really wants to see me. I try to boss Charlotte but she doesn’t pay any attention.
My total responsibility this week is ME.
Man, I am already exhausted!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
CARDINALS WIN
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ARIZONA CARDINALS FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST GAME IN THEIR NEW HOUSE!
THEY DEFEATED THE PITTSBURG STEELERS, DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS, 21 TO 13.
THIS WAS A PRESEASON GAME, BUT A WIN IS A WIN.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!
THEY DEFEATED THE PITTSBURG STEELERS, DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS, 21 TO 13.
THIS WAS A PRESEASON GAME, BUT A WIN IS A WIN.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
TWO HUNDRED FIFTY MILES FOR A KRISPY KREME DONUT?
The closest Krispy Kreme to the Valley is in Las Vegas.
All eight Krispy Kreme Doughnuts stores in Arizona were unexpectedly closed Friday.
I remember well the day the first store opened in June 1999 at Arizona Mills mall in Tempe. About 100 people lined up outside the small shop as early as 4 a.m. on opening day.
Because I am diabetic and don’t need all of that sugar, I had almost stopped eating Krispy Kreme donuts altogether. There was a shop just about three minutes from our home at Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Rd.
NOW THAT KRISPY KREMES ARE GONE FROM THE BIG VALLEY—I WANT ONE, OR TWO!
The more I think about it—maybe Krispy Kremes belong in “sin city.” That means there’s just one more temptation that’s at least 250 miles away.
All eight Krispy Kreme Doughnuts stores in Arizona were unexpectedly closed Friday.
I remember well the day the first store opened in June 1999 at Arizona Mills mall in Tempe. About 100 people lined up outside the small shop as early as 4 a.m. on opening day.
Because I am diabetic and don’t need all of that sugar, I had almost stopped eating Krispy Kreme donuts altogether. There was a shop just about three minutes from our home at Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Rd.
NOW THAT KRISPY KREMES ARE GONE FROM THE BIG VALLEY—I WANT ONE, OR TWO!
The more I think about it—maybe Krispy Kremes belong in “sin city.” That means there’s just one more temptation that’s at least 250 miles away.
Friday, August 11, 2006
PAYING ATTENTION
I like these words from Philip Yancey’s book, Rumors of Another World:
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father,” promised Jesus. “And even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Yet sparrows still fall to the ground, as do the hairs from chemotherapied human heads; and of sixty leatherback turtles born, only two or three survive. A sovereign God who wills against his ultimate will, who superintends a universe of a hundred billion galaxies and yet lavishes intimate attention on its tiny creatures—how do I comprehend such a God? Sometimes I rail against the mysteries and sometimes I accept them. As a starting point, I take for granted that a creature’s proper response to God is humility. Accepting creatureliness may require that I, like Job, bow before a master plan that makes no apparent sense.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father,” promised Jesus. “And even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Yet sparrows still fall to the ground, as do the hairs from chemotherapied human heads; and of sixty leatherback turtles born, only two or three survive. A sovereign God who wills against his ultimate will, who superintends a universe of a hundred billion galaxies and yet lavishes intimate attention on its tiny creatures—how do I comprehend such a God? Sometimes I rail against the mysteries and sometimes I accept them. As a starting point, I take for granted that a creature’s proper response to God is humility. Accepting creatureliness may require that I, like Job, bow before a master plan that makes no apparent sense.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
SUFFERING
During almost fifty years of ministry I found suffering to be the most difficult thing I had to deal with. What can you say or do for those who are suffering? I read everything I could put my hands on that even slightly related to this subject. Many of those books are still on my shelves and I refer to them often.
This morning I read a message by Joni Eareckson Tada, who is severely paralyzed and has been for years. I want to relate to you four points she made about suffering:
EVERYDAY IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITY, EVEN FOR THE SUFFERING. (2 Peter 3:8) Sheila Walsh sings: “O Lord, you’ve given me this day. Don’t let me waste a moment of your precious time.”
THE SUFFERING CAN INVEST THEIR LIVES IN PRAYER. Tada is sometimes confined to bed for long periods and finds prayer a way to deal with her suffering.
THE SUFFERING CAN IMPACT THOSE AROUND THEM. (2 Cor. 4:16-18)
THIS IS THE WAY WE ALL SHOULD LIVE. (Ps. 90:12)
I realize this would be simplistic, silly and offensive if I was the one making these remarks. However, coming from Joni, they speak to the heart. I’m not suggesting that there is something magical in her comments and that suffering becomes easy. No, suffering is tough and always will be, but her remarks seem helpful. I hope they are helpful to you. If you are not suffering now—you have been or you will be.
God bless you as you live for HIM.
This morning I read a message by Joni Eareckson Tada, who is severely paralyzed and has been for years. I want to relate to you four points she made about suffering:
EVERYDAY IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITY, EVEN FOR THE SUFFERING. (2 Peter 3:8) Sheila Walsh sings: “O Lord, you’ve given me this day. Don’t let me waste a moment of your precious time.”
THE SUFFERING CAN INVEST THEIR LIVES IN PRAYER. Tada is sometimes confined to bed for long periods and finds prayer a way to deal with her suffering.
THE SUFFERING CAN IMPACT THOSE AROUND THEM. (2 Cor. 4:16-18)
THIS IS THE WAY WE ALL SHOULD LIVE. (Ps. 90:12)
I realize this would be simplistic, silly and offensive if I was the one making these remarks. However, coming from Joni, they speak to the heart. I’m not suggesting that there is something magical in her comments and that suffering becomes easy. No, suffering is tough and always will be, but her remarks seem helpful. I hope they are helpful to you. If you are not suffering now—you have been or you will be.
God bless you as you live for HIM.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
A POOL IN ARIZONA
Not everybody in Arizona has a swimming pool—it only seems like they do.
Everybody on our street has one.
There was a time when I thought that everybody who owned a pool was rich. Therefore, I never thought I would own a pool. Since I was going to be a preacher I knew I would never be rich. I believed the old deacon’s prayer: “Lord, give us a preacher. Give us one humble. Give us one poor. You keep him humble Lord, we’ll keep him poor.”
I also had always heard that pools were a lot of trouble but a lot of fun. It’s true they can be a pain, but they are not as much trouble as I thought. It’s also true that they are a lot of fun. They are more fun than I thought.
In some parts of the country it costs a lot of money to heat a pool—not in Arizona!
I used to think, “The brethren don’t want me to have a pool because most of them don’t have one.” Well, moving to Arizona took care of that.
So…….if you will excuse me for awhile, I think I’ll go for a swim.
Everybody on our street has one.
There was a time when I thought that everybody who owned a pool was rich. Therefore, I never thought I would own a pool. Since I was going to be a preacher I knew I would never be rich. I believed the old deacon’s prayer: “Lord, give us a preacher. Give us one humble. Give us one poor. You keep him humble Lord, we’ll keep him poor.”
I also had always heard that pools were a lot of trouble but a lot of fun. It’s true they can be a pain, but they are not as much trouble as I thought. It’s also true that they are a lot of fun. They are more fun than I thought.
In some parts of the country it costs a lot of money to heat a pool—not in Arizona!
I used to think, “The brethren don’t want me to have a pool because most of them don’t have one.” Well, moving to Arizona took care of that.
So…….if you will excuse me for awhile, I think I’ll go for a swim.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
RANDOM THOUGHTS
1. Save the whales. Collect the whole set.
2. A day without sunshine is like . . . night.
3. On the other hand . . . you have different fingers.
4. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
5. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
6. Remember: half the people you know are below average.
7. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
8. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
9. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
10. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
11. I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
12. I intend to live forever -- so far so good.
13. Borrow money from a pessimist -- they don't expect it back.
14. Quantum mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of.
15. Support bacteria -- they're the only culture some people have.
(Taken from Preaching Today)
2. A day without sunshine is like . . . night.
3. On the other hand . . . you have different fingers.
4. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
5. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
6. Remember: half the people you know are below average.
7. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
8. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
9. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
10. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
11. I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
12. I intend to live forever -- so far so good.
13. Borrow money from a pessimist -- they don't expect it back.
14. Quantum mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of.
15. Support bacteria -- they're the only culture some people have.
(Taken from Preaching Today)
Monday, August 07, 2006
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Clif’s Blog was closed yesterday.
Except for a few days vacation, I have only missed writing a blog two or three times. When that happened I received inquiries wanting to know where the blog was.
Yesterday was Sunday. When I was a kid, everything closed on Sunday. “Closed up tighter than a jug.” No groceries were bought, no gas was sold, and no prescriptions were filled. You had to plan ahead or you went without.
Then one day a few grocery stores and gas stations started staying open. It was front page news! That’s all anybody talked about for awhile. We debated whether or not the owners would end up in hell. We argued that the customers would probably go to hell too. As a teenager I didn’t have a clue. It looked like to me that we might all go to hell.
It wasn’t long until everything was open on Sunday. Hell? Maybe. But who cared, we had never seen it. It probably was just something made up by preachers to scare people.
Oh, by the way, back to why I didn’t write a blog yesterday. It had nothing to do with yesterday being Sunday.
I forgot!
Except for a few days vacation, I have only missed writing a blog two or three times. When that happened I received inquiries wanting to know where the blog was.
Yesterday was Sunday. When I was a kid, everything closed on Sunday. “Closed up tighter than a jug.” No groceries were bought, no gas was sold, and no prescriptions were filled. You had to plan ahead or you went without.
Then one day a few grocery stores and gas stations started staying open. It was front page news! That’s all anybody talked about for awhile. We debated whether or not the owners would end up in hell. We argued that the customers would probably go to hell too. As a teenager I didn’t have a clue. It looked like to me that we might all go to hell.
It wasn’t long until everything was open on Sunday. Hell? Maybe. But who cared, we had never seen it. It probably was just something made up by preachers to scare people.
Oh, by the way, back to why I didn’t write a blog yesterday. It had nothing to do with yesterday being Sunday.
I forgot!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
PETE THE LITTLE, WIRY, ROMANIAN
He was scheduled to arrive between 10:00 and 12:00 A.M. He came between 1:30 and 2:00. He burst into our home like a summer monsoon in Scottsdale. He talked, talked some more, worked, played music, sang, and left talking.
Pete was supposed to be at our home for about two hours. He stayed five.
We didn’t mind having him but we were trying to leave for dinner.
Finally, he was leaving. He saw our piano. He said I will play for you. He played music from Dr. Zhivago and of course music from Romania.
We have had other workers in our home this week beside Pete. They didn’t talk much and when they did it was in Spanish (which I don’t understand). They didn’t sing, and they didn’t play the piano. They may have danced, but I didn’t see them. I think they were too tired to be entertaining.
Thanks for coming by Pete. Better late, than never!
Pete was supposed to be at our home for about two hours. He stayed five.
We didn’t mind having him but we were trying to leave for dinner.
Finally, he was leaving. He saw our piano. He said I will play for you. He played music from Dr. Zhivago and of course music from Romania.
We have had other workers in our home this week beside Pete. They didn’t talk much and when they did it was in Spanish (which I don’t understand). They didn’t sing, and they didn’t play the piano. They may have danced, but I didn’t see them. I think they were too tired to be entertaining.
Thanks for coming by Pete. Better late, than never!
Friday, August 04, 2006
PILGRIM HEART
Darryl Tippens is provost of Pepperdine University where he is also professor of Early Modern Literature. He is the author of essays on literature, film, spirituality, and contemporary culture. Darryl has written a book, Pilgrim Heart, The Way OF Jesus In Everyday Life, which will bless your life.
This book invites readers to consider afresh the way of Jesus in light of practices that have proven to transform lives for two thousand years. These include friendship, Sabbath rest, hospitality, confession, forgiveness, listening, discernment, singing, creating and experiencing the arts and telling stories.
A long time friend recently gave me a copy of this good book. When I began to read it I was lifted up and then cast down. I found it easy to read, but hard to live out the message in everyday life. After reading a few chapters I had to sit it aside and a do some soul searching. It’s easy to preach about Jesus, but not so easy to live like him.
After a few days I picked up the book to resume reading. The inscription on the inside cover caught my eye: To my best friend, Clif. I am now reading again with renewed enthusiasm. It’s good to have best friends. Two of mine are Jesus and Paul Covey.
You should read this book and then give a copy to a friend. You both will be blessed!
This book invites readers to consider afresh the way of Jesus in light of practices that have proven to transform lives for two thousand years. These include friendship, Sabbath rest, hospitality, confession, forgiveness, listening, discernment, singing, creating and experiencing the arts and telling stories.
A long time friend recently gave me a copy of this good book. When I began to read it I was lifted up and then cast down. I found it easy to read, but hard to live out the message in everyday life. After reading a few chapters I had to sit it aside and a do some soul searching. It’s easy to preach about Jesus, but not so easy to live like him.
After a few days I picked up the book to resume reading. The inscription on the inside cover caught my eye: To my best friend, Clif. I am now reading again with renewed enthusiasm. It’s good to have best friends. Two of mine are Jesus and Paul Covey.
You should read this book and then give a copy to a friend. You both will be blessed!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME, BOYS AND GIRLS
“There’s no fool, like an old fool.”
The old man got into the recliner on his knees facing the back of the chair. As he was leaning on the back of the chair talking to the person in the next room, he put all of his weight on the back of the chair and it reclined sending him forward toward the floor. Miraculously he was able to recover before he went headlong onto the stone floor.
Accidents happen like a storm over Arizona. Out of the blue they come and sometimes they are devastating.
Why did the old man climb into the chair on his knees, looking over the back instead of reclining like he should? Who knows? “There’s no fool, like an old fool.”
And I thought I could ride the bucking bull at Harold’s Corral.
The old man got into the recliner on his knees facing the back of the chair. As he was leaning on the back of the chair talking to the person in the next room, he put all of his weight on the back of the chair and it reclined sending him forward toward the floor. Miraculously he was able to recover before he went headlong onto the stone floor.
Accidents happen like a storm over Arizona. Out of the blue they come and sometimes they are devastating.
Why did the old man climb into the chair on his knees, looking over the back instead of reclining like he should? Who knows? “There’s no fool, like an old fool.”
And I thought I could ride the bucking bull at Harold’s Corral.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
FAILURE
From My Reading:
“I’m continually amazed with my own failures. But the wonder of it all is that God keeps working on me and through me anyway. I’m convinced He’s worked more through my failures than my successes. I’m so grateful the Bible is packed with failures who became champions of the faith: the Peters, the Davids, the Moseses, the John Marks, and the Jonahs. Their stories show me that God isn’t looking at our achievements, but at us—and that even my failures can be used for His ultimate glory.”
Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat
“I’m continually amazed with my own failures. But the wonder of it all is that God keeps working on me and through me anyway. I’m convinced He’s worked more through my failures than my successes. I’m so grateful the Bible is packed with failures who became champions of the faith: the Peters, the Davids, the Moseses, the John Marks, and the Jonahs. Their stories show me that God isn’t looking at our achievements, but at us—and that even my failures can be used for His ultimate glory.”
Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
MISSED MY CALLING
I thought the message was clear: “Go be a preacher!”
It’s hard to believe I could have missed it so badly. The message must have been: “Go be a plumber!”
The plumber came to my house today. He was from Christian Brothers Plumbing. After he quoted me the price for the job I wanted done, I heard the message clear as crystal: “Brother, you missed your calling.”
Oh well, I’m sure I received more joy from preaching than I would have plumbing.
But on second thought, maybe not. Those Christian Brothers looked pretty happy on their way to the bank.
It’s hard to believe I could have missed it so badly. The message must have been: “Go be a plumber!”
The plumber came to my house today. He was from Christian Brothers Plumbing. After he quoted me the price for the job I wanted done, I heard the message clear as crystal: “Brother, you missed your calling.”
Oh well, I’m sure I received more joy from preaching than I would have plumbing.
But on second thought, maybe not. Those Christian Brothers looked pretty happy on their way to the bank.