Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
There was a glitch in the system
The place where I get my haircut has a computerized record-keeping system. When I walk in the door, I am asked for my phone number. The number is entered into the system and they are immediately provided with the information needed to give me the same luxurious haircut I get every time I go.
I prefer a “luxurious” haircut and I suspect you do, too.
Their method is quick, efficient and sophisticated. I have found it to be a no-fail system which helps to explain why I am considered, by far, the second most dashing man living at our address. (I’m the only man living at our address but let’s not get hung up on small details.)
…Anyhow, I got my haircut on Monday, however, there was a slight glitch in the system. Instead of providing my usual information, other slightly-more-creative instructions—as shown in the photo—were accidentally given to the very capable stylist who did my hair.
If nothing else, I think we can agree that the uniquely artistic flair of the style is certainly to be appreciated.
By the way, it’s possible I may be wearing a hat to our special services at church this weekend.
Do not live in fear
The phrase “do not be afraid” appears 70 times in the New International Version of the Bible.
God does not want us to live in fear.
This does not mean: “be reckless” or “go ahead and take unnecessary risks.” However, it is good and important for us to not allow fear to rob us of life.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Monday, March 29, 2021
If we are willing, there is hope!
There is a poignant scene in the Terminator 2 movie in
which John Connor, who is about 10 years old, makes a somber observation about
human nature. He is speaking with the Terminator and they are watching two
young children play. The behaviors of the children reveal something troublesome
about human nature. Their exchange goes like this:
John Connor: [pensive] We’re not gonna’ make it, are we? …People,
I mean?
Terminator: It’s in your nature to destroy yourselves.
John Connor: Yeah, major drag, huh?
Sometimes, when I look around and consider the things
people do and say, when I think about the positions people are taking on issues
and the way we are treating each other, I can almost start to feel like young John
Connor. And, believe it or not, I tend to be a fairly optimistic person. (Especially
if this post is not the primary factor in making that determination.)
John’s sentiment seems plausible: “We’re not gonna’ make it, are we? …People, I mean?”
Fortunately, my faith in Christ and my acknowledgement of the Bible as an authoritative source of truth, bring me hope. I write the previous sentence sincerely and seriously.
Obviously, I do not know in a specific way how the future will unfold. I do not know how good it will be or how bad it will be.
But I know it is possible to live with hope and not despair.
Please consider this passage:
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed….
“…That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and 16-18
If we are willing to see it, if we are willing to seek Him, there is hope!
Doctoring up a pizza!
The excitement is at a fever pitch around our house when I
get out a frozen pizza and begin my magical process.
It involves “doctoring” the pizza with additional mozzarella cheese, bacon bits, garlic, tomatoes, a little Elmer’s glue around the edges and, of course, tears of joy.
The tears add a pinch of salt.
Nadia and Rachel feel a sense of wonder as it all comes together in a culinary experience that thrills, inspires and delights the senses on every level. Lucy and Finley feel this sense of wonder, too, but it usually means they just scratch themselves…on every level.
If only you could smell it, even now, through the digital screen. Ahhhh! It is going to be delightful!
Bon appetit!
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Friday, March 26, 2021
The wonderful, mysterious beauty of music
This may not be typical.
I realize everyone will not be able to relate to this post but perhaps some of you will. One of the most extraordinary gifts God has given us is music. For me, it’s not just that certain songs move me deeply and bless my heart in inexpressible ways but some pieces of music can actually, for a moment, treat the difficult, stressful issues of life in such a way that they are gone from my mind. Forgotten.
It may brief, but the mess and struggle are replaced with profound, overwhelming beauty and joy. I don’t even know if it is normal but there are small sections of certain songs—a lick by a horn section, the beginning of a guitar solo, vocals harmonizing, a line in the lyrics—for which I have to make sure no one is looking at me when I hear it because I’m embarrassed that I have tears in my eyes.
Grown men, are not supposed to be that easily moved with emotion. Especially when they are dangerous ninjas.
Thank you Lord for the mysterious, wonderful, staggering, glorious favor you have extended to us through music.
Where Are You Looking For Jesus?
You’re
invited to our Easter services!
First
Church of God
4600 W.
111th Street
Oak Lawn,
IL 60453
Easter Service times: Saturday, April 3, 5pm;
Sunday,
April 4, 9am or 11am
#ThankYouForSharing
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Get up!
It’s actually pretty easy to give up.
That’s why it is impressive when a person can face obstacles, set-backs, troubles, heartbreak and serious dilemmas and still keep going.
“For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up…” Proverbs 24:16
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