HAS PRESIDENT’S DAY LOST ITS MEANING?

Some years ago President’s Day was created by Congress. The observation of the birthdays of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were combined into a celebration of all Presidents on the 3rd Monday in February.

It is my belief that President’s Day has lost its meaning. As we approached the Day this year, the greatest mention of the day was either the President’s Day Sales at most stores or the announcement that an office or business would be closed on President’s Day.  Interestingly, a local Bank is advertising that they are open and have special financial offers as well as free coffee from a Coffee Shop that shares the building. I am not sure what any of this has to do with President’s Day or any other holiday.

Driving in the car the other day, I scanned stations and for a few minutes listened to a talk show that I don’t care much about the host's stand on issues. In the few minutes I listened, the host made a statement about why he thought President’s Day came to be. He said it was the result of the powerful lobby of the ski industry. It was his belief that they lobbied for different winter holidays to be moved to Monday so there would be an extra day of work places closed and the people could go skiing. If that allegation is true, I am not sure what that has to do with observing President’s Day or any other holiday.

Most importantly, I often wonder how much children are missing because of President’s Day. Because of today's educational pressures that teachers teach so the students can pass the State required tests, there is not enough time to teach what used to be taught on the birthdays of Lincoln and Washington. How much have we lost because we no longer have the opportunity to learn the values of the legacy from Lincoln and Washington? It has nothing to do with values, but I do wonder how many fewer cherry pies are made at the time of Washington’s birthday?

There is one bright spot. There may be others but I know of at least one State that observes the federally mandated President’s Day and also observes as State Holidays the birthdays of both Lincoln and Washington.

Yes, I believe that President’s Day has lost its meaning. What a difference it might make if Congress would remove President's Day as a Federal Holiday and return to observing the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln on the actual dates of their birth.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

CALL WAITING

There are three kinds of Call Waiting. Two are used constantly and I don’t like either one of them. The third is ignored by most people and that is the one that I like.

KIND WORDS ARE PRICELESS

“A word of kindness is seldom spoken in vain, while witty sayings are easily lost as the pearls slipping from a broken string.  -- George D. Prentice.

Above are the words that greet you as you open the web page of THE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS FOUNDATION. Because this is the first day of RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK, I wanted to share them with you.

These words are also important to me as they speak to a concern that I have about relationships with others. I fear that we are fast losing the ability to communicate with others through writing. In your Inbox each month, what percentage of the e-mails that you receive are actually letters that are written specifically to you? Now, how many of those are not business letters and are not letters from a close relative? I suspect that the percentage would be quite low. Most of the things that we receive are a part of a group mailing. Some of these FORWARDS are interesting, some are witty, some are educational, some are offensive, and some certainly are not pleasing to God as they seek to defraud, as they seek to cast a bad light on people, events and causes. I look at each one, but I do not forward them in a group mailing. If there should be something that I think a particular person would appreciate, I cut and paste and send to that person along with a note telling them that I thought of them as I read the item and that encouraged me to send them a hello. There are times when I will save one in my files for future use here on the web site or in my RAMBLINGS newsletter. When I delete them, they scatter into cyberspace like pearls slipping from a broken string. While you might find all of the pearls, these forwards have scattered and are beyond recovery in my mind.

The written word in letters and e-mails I receive, the spoken words that I hear on the phone or in person to person conversation remain with me. Sometimes I will print these emails and read them again days or weeks later as I do with letters I receive through the mail. The conversations seem to remain in my mind to play over and over again. They are important because they were written to ME, for ME. The words that people say or write to me are never done in vain; they can lift me up, they can challenge my thinking, they can bring a smile to my face or a tear from my eye. They SHOUT LOUDLY.  “I CARE ABOUT YOU.”  KIND WORDS ARE PRICELESS.

There are more than names and address in your ADDRESS BOOK; there are people. People who would love to get a letter, hold it in their hands, read it, set it aside in a special place and read it over and over again.

There are people whose names are on your Christmas Card list that wish they could hear from you more than just once a year.

There are people in Retirement Homes or Nursing Homes that you may not even know who would love to hear about the snow, rains and sunshine where you live, the birds in the trees outside your window, and the rabbit that bounces along and then stops long enough to eat from your flower or vegetable garden.

The KIND WORDS that you can share with another are PRICELESS.

Just one more thing. I admit to sending my Newsletters out in a group mailing. I did not like it when I had to change to the group mailing from sending them individually, but I had no choice.  God had blessed me by the numbers of people who requested the free newsletter. What happened was that I was no longer typing those names on a monthly basis. As I would type the name, I would think about him, her or them and offer a brief prayer. and felt closer to them. Now I feel that i am beginning to lose much of that closeness and I don’t like it.

I must also admit that I don’t send as many personal letters as I want to. I should send at least six a week, yet I have many waiting to be answered because I do not reach that number.

Would you join with me in the following:

Try to send at least one personal letter to someone each week and each week make that a different person? -- YOUR KIND WORDS ARE PRICELESS!

When something is forwarded to you in a group mailing, after you read it, would you delete it, unless you know of one person that would find it meaningful. Then, cut and paste and send along with a personal note -- YOUR KIND WORDS ARE PRICELESS!

I believe that this would be a RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS that would be most pleasing to God.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
 

LET’S TAKE A STAND--COFFEE

WHO ATE MY FOOD? -- A SHADOW AND PRINCESS STORY

AN EPIPHANY THOUGHT --

WHAT KIND OF HEADLIGHTS DO YOU HAVE?

When I began to drive in the early 1950’s, car headlights were simple things. There was dim and bright. The control was on the left side of the floorboard and you used your left foot to change from one setting to the other. Yes, there were some cars where the owner may have installed fog lights.

Today, it is not that simple as there are various kinds of lights that are seen when driving at night. I am most thankful that on many cars, the lights are on whenever the car engine is running and even more important when the windshield wipers are operating. What a great safety measure this is.

When driving at dusk, at night, or in the rain or snow, I notice that there are three kinds of lights on different cars driving toward me. On cars that do not have the automatic activation of the lights, some may have forgotten to turn the lights on; others only have their parking lights turned on. The majority of the cars have their proper lights turned on, although once in a while a driver will forget to dim them for oncoming traffic. These lights, at the proper setting, give good illumination without the glare bothering the oncoming driver. The third group is made up of a new kind of headlight. These lights are almost blinding to the oncoming driver. Some display a bright white light while others tend to be a bluish light. Both are distracting because of their brightness, in fact as far as I am concerned, distracting to the point of being dangerous.

In this Season of Epiphany, when I ask “What Kind of Headlights do you have?” I am not speaking about on your car. I am asking what kind of LIGHT is coming from you, your words, your actions, that proclaim Jesus Christ as Light of the world?

Does the Light of Christ shine forth from you like the older model cars? Sometimes the Light of Christ within you is not turned on. Sometimes it is like just having the parking lights on -- weak, feeble, not enough to get the attention of others; almost like the failure of a door to door salesman who goes to the prospective customer and asks, “You wouldn't want to buy this would you?”

Does the Light of Christ shine forth from you like the newer, brighter, almost blinding lights? Sometimes this kind of a light is so overpowering, even so abrasive, that instead of being drawn to the Light, people turn away?

I encourage you to strive to have within you the Light of Christ that is like the headlights on most cars today. May the light of Christ shine forth from you every moment that your motor is running, and that is every moment of your life. May you also ask God for the guidance to know when the Light should shine on dim and be illuminating and inviting. Then when needed, may God give you the power to know when to switch to the bright lights to give the seeker coming toward you every opportunity to walk with you in the Light that leads all who follow to eternity.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
 

VETERAN’S DAY

Twice a year we pause for special observances remembering those who have served in the Armed Forces of our Nation.

In May it is a somber celebration as we remember those who gave their lives on the battlefields of the world. It is because of them that many people of the world can live in relative peace today.

In November it is a time of joyful celebration of the victories that have been won. It is because of them that many people of the world can live in relative peace today.

Some people would ask, ”What is there to rejoice about?  Our men and women are still perishing on the battlefields of the world?" That is a question that calls for an answer.

First of all, we need to always remember and celebrate the victories, while not forgetting the sacrifices that continue today. If we remember the victories and learn from them, the celebrations will continue. Much is written about the victories in battle; however, If you talk with Veterans of all wars, there were other victories to celebrate. We need to celebrate the lives of many children, who were changed because our veterans gave them love in the midst of gunfire, hunger, loss of family members and so forth. These veterans have done this with a candy bar, a piece of gum, a pencil, a notebook, clothing, almost anything that the soldier had or that people at home has sent for the soldier to give to those who need some love and the assurance that those who were fighting in their land, cared about them and loved them.

As we again celebrate Veteran’s Day, why not check with the Red Cross or another organization to see what you might gather together to send to a member of the Armed Forces. In Honor of Veterans let us continue the victories of giving hope to the poor and needy children of the war torn areas wherever they might be?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE TV EVANGELISTS CONTROVERSY

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

There are many named days that are self serving and/or frivolous. MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY on October 25 is not one of them. This a Day that we should all take seriously and pray about being a participant.

Many choose not to participate because they don’t have time, OR they don’t know what to do, OR they feel that just one person cannot make a difference.

If you are one of those people, please take a moment to read my response to you:

YOU DON’T HAVE TIME – How much time does it take to smile at someone, or just to have a smile on your face the greater part of each day? The next person you see at the store, at work, at school, or on the street may desperately need to see a smile, and what a DIFFERENCE IT COULD MAKE if they saw your smile.

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO – Each of us have talents that could make a big difference in the life of someone. There are many, many agencies looking for people with your talents to volunteer in whatever they do to serve people. Names and phone numbers of these places are readily available. If you can’t find a place, let me know and I will try to help you in your search. Maybe you don’t want a regularly scheduled time to volunteer; then do it on your own schedule. Just look around and you can identify plenty of ways that you can make a difference. Is there someone in your neighborhood who should not be on a ladder to change a light bulb or something similar? Is there someone who lives alone and does not often have pie or cake because a whole pie or cake is too much for them to eat? Get better acquainted with those around you at home, work, or school. Learn their needs and where you can, offer to help, and YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

ONE PERSON CANNOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE – In the above examples it is one person making a difference. In larger tasks, each one additional person who joins hands in the task MAKES A DIFFERENCE in the outcome of the task.

On MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY will you at the very least pray this simple prayer?

LORD, I want to make a difference.
Open my eyes that I might see what you would have me do, And give me the strength and courage to do it, AMEN.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHERE DID THAT TREE COME FROM?

We are fortunate to have many trees on our property. The trees bring beautiful color in their growing season and then the brilliant colors of the Fall. The trees provide shade on a hot summer day and give protection when the winds blow. Some produce tasty fruits and nuts, and a few can become a nuisance, such as when the wind blows through the cottonwood trees.

Trees are also interesting in that we sometimes discover a tree growing where we know that we have not planted one. Then we ask, “Where did that tree come from?” Sometimes we can answer the question by saying that the winds blew the seed and it landed there; other times the birds receive the credit for dropping the seed, and then there are the times when we have buried garbage that contained seeds.

There is one more interesting way that these trees appear. We know that at the base of the tree trunk, suckers often grow. These suckers grow from the roots of the tree that are just below the top layer of soil. This is easy to understand. Then there are times when these same trees will shoot up a distance away from the tree or even from roots of a tree that has been cut down years before. It is hard to imagine that these roots can remain for a period of time, and a new tree will shoot forth from the root.

Maybe this can help us to understand the references to the “Root of Jesse” as is found in Isaiah 13 and other places. Jesus was “of the house and lineage of David” and David was a descendent of Jesse. From David to Jesus, not much is heard of this lineage; yet the root remained alive, and from that root arose a new shoot -- Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Not only do those tree shoots help us to understand this, they also challenge us to be diligent in our Bible Study and in going into all nations teaching and baptizing in the name of Jesus. We sometimes pass off accounts of the Church of Jesus Christ surviving after years of nothing being heard of it behind the Iron Curtain, in China, and in other lands where Christianity has been outlawed and persons who believed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were persecuted and even killed. Yet the roots remained. When the Iron Curtain was lifted, the church came forth from the roots; the same in China, and we hear of the same thing happening in other countries where Christianity is not welcome.

There is still the ever important area of these roots and our youth. For some reason, over the years we have backed away from taking seriously the planting of these seeds and the growing of these roots in the lives of youth. While athletics are demanding more and more time, the church is providing less and less. How can roots grow if they are not properly fed?

The next time you see a new tree shooting forth, instead of asking, “Where did that tree come from?” ask yourself, “Are my roots strong enough to survive if my rights to freedom of religion are taken away?” Then ask another question, “Am I doing as much as I can to help the youth and others strengthen their roots?” May we be the water and the fertilizer that the roots of our faith and the roots of the faith of others may survive--regardless of whatever attacks may seek to destroy our faith.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 1, 2007
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP WEEK
 

This is the beginning of Christian Leadership Week. You probably will not read anything in the paper about it, talk shows will ignore it, except some of the religious talk shows, and it may not have been mentioned in your church this week.

THE ISRAELI FARMERS MISSED THE FIRST STEP!
 

The Toledo Blade carried an interesting story in the Religion Section on September 8, 2007. The headline read, "Israeli farmers coping with requirement to stop work." The problem arises because the Ultra-Orthodox Jews still follow an ancient Old Testament law that requires them to stop working their fields for a year, every seventh year. This began with Rosh Hashana at sundown on September 12 and continues until Rosh Hashana in the fall or 2008. This is known as a Sabbatical year.

The problems are real. Many of the companies that buy spices are ultra orthodox and will not buy these spices during the sabbatical year. For the ultra orthodox farmer, the profit margin is so low that they can’t afford to go a year without the income from their fields. Some non orthodox merchants go along with the sabbatical year because they do not want to lose the business of the ultra orthodox Thus the sabbatical year has become an economic issue versus a religious issue, but it should not be an issue at all.

If my understanding of the Old Testament is correct, along with the command that the land lay fallow every seventh year is the promise that God will provide. This is where I believe these farmers missed the first step and why they are having problems today.  If we go back to the interpretation of the dreams of the seven fat cows being devoured by the seven lean cows and the same with the stalks of corn, we remember that God said that during the seven good years the people were to put aside enough to last them through the seven lean years. Therefore, if they are going to observe this ancient law, they must take the first step of preparing for it in the six preceding years.

While Christianity has long ago understood that Jesus abolished many of these laws, this does raise some questions and makes a point. The point is that doing God’s will takes work. For these ultra-Orthodox Jews, they seem to have forgotten the work they needed to do to prepare and should not expect anyone to support them in something that God has given them directions for implementing. The question that it raises is this. Sabbaticals still exist.  In the church, elected officials, presidents and professors of Seminaries and other Higher Education often take a sabbatical year or maybe a shorter period of time. My problem with this is that many who take sabbaticals also miss the first step. A sabbatical is not something that is earned or given, it is something that a person chooses to do as a part of his or her Christian Life. If that is the case, then the person who seeks a sabbatical should prepare in the preceding years to have the resources available to exist during the sabbatical time. It seems to me to be wrong to take money given for the Mission of the Church to provide Sabbaticals that are often in some wonderful vacation spots overseas.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

LEST WE FORGET

Today marks another somber observance of the event that few people believed could ever happen. Yet it did. In New York, Washington D.C. and rural Pennsylvania there will be services of remembrance for those whose lives were lost. These services will be held LEST WE FORGET those who died either as victims of the crashes or as rescuers.

While we remember that terrible day, we will be reminded that the threat continues for another attack, the kind, the time and the place are unknown. Many people will not forget 9/11 and they will not ignore the possibility of another attack. At the same time they will heed the advice of Homeland Security Officials, they will be cautious as they carry out their normal life patterns.

Many have called theses attacks Satanic. That may well be as the attacks showed no love, no compassion, nor respect for innocent human lives. LEST WE FORGET, the shocked, bereaved people of the world turned to God seeking His Strength and Comfort. The people of the world have done this over and over following each attack in whatever nation it occurred. Even before calls for retaliation sounded, people were praying.

LEST WE FORGET, Satan is still active today, not only in the attacks that continue to take place but also those that are promised to come. Satan is active today in your life and in mine. Satan does not want us to turn to God in prayer and he rejoices when people respond to the call of the terrorists to join them.

LEST WE FORGET that even as powerful as Satan is, God has defeated him. If we ask God and put our trust in Him, He will protect us from Satan. If we ask God and put our trust in Him, he will lead us to help someone escape from the hold that Satan has on that person.

LET WE FORGET, I hope you would join me in daily praying Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayer or at least these words. ”Let thy Holy Angel have charge concerning me that the wicked one have no power over me.”

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE BIG TEN NETWORK:

WE PAY SO THEY CAN PLAY;

NOW WE HAVE TO PAY SO WE CAN WATCH THEM PLAY!

A hot topic of conversation around here is the decision of the BIG TEN Football Conference to televise many of their football games on their own Big Ten Network. Unfortunately for the fans here in Northwest Ohio, and probably other places, most of the providers of cable and satellite services chose not to add this network to their packages.

Even if every cable and satellite service carried this network, I would still have a problem with it. I believe that it is wrong to have to pay so they can play, and then we have to pay to watch them play. I don’t have a problem with paying to enter the Stadium to watch them play, but I do have a problem with making those who are not able to get a ticket to the game pay for the privilege of watching them play.

Every Big Ten School depends on money from people for their existence and growth. Most of them are supported through taxes paid by all residents of the State, while all of them continue to seek larger and more donations every year.

I pay so they can play through the taxes I pay to the State of Ohio.

I could pay so they can play if I responded to appeals for donations from the University or affiliated groups.

I pay so they can play as I purchase products that provide individuals and corporations the income and ability to make such huge gifts.

TO THE BIG TEN:

Are you teaching the student athletes to take as much as they can from anyone they can, no matter who they deprive, as long as the money flows in?

Are you teaching the student athletes that they have absolutely no reason to feel bad if they deprive people of some of the joys in their lives? Here I speak of the people who cannot afford ANY kind of cable or satellite reception, or those who are terminally ill and find joy in watching their favorite team. To put it bluntly, are you teaching that as long as you bring in the money, don’t worry about who you hurt?

Are you teaching the student athletes that on the collegiate level it is no longer a game, but a business that MUST show a profit?

Are you willing to reconsider this decision and once again give to  ALL who support you with their taxes and their donations so they can play,  the opportunity to watch them play without having to pay?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

LABOR DAY -- “WE CAN’T HAVE OUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO.”

I have some real concerns about Labor Day; not the Day itself, but the observance of it. In my RAMBLINGS FROM RON Newsletter (which is free, just send me an e-mail requesting it) I feature a different web site each month. In the last issue I suggested a site dealing with the History of Labor Day and suggested that people look at it and other sites as they prepared for Labor Day this year. I also included a comment that deals with trying to “have our cake and eat it, too.”

To explain the above, I raise these questions.

Why do people, who march in Labor Day Parades, watch and applaud as the parade passes by or present and/or listen to Labor Day speeches, and then stop at one of the “Mega” or “Super” stores on the way home to buy products made in foreign countries?

Why do businesses who rely on the labor force of our nation, choose the less expensive labor of other nations to provide their materials, parts, products and profit?”

If you are thinking that here is another appeal for keeping employment here at home, you are wrong. Even though I strongly believe in buying American products produced, grown, or made by Americans, there is a much more serious problem that as Christians we cannot ignore.

A major accomplishment of the Labor Movement was to assure workers of a living wage and safe, working conditions. There has not always been victory in this cause, as there are still far too many deaths in mines and in other fields of dangerous work. At the same time, there has been success in getting rid of the shame of sweatshops and inhumane and degrading low wages, even though some still exist hidden in the dark corners of our cities.

Sadly, we hear reports of these inhumane conditions existing in the very countries that ship so many products to our stores. We hear of businesses owned by celebrities who have sweatshop like conditions for their employees in other countries. We find American businesses and business people profiting from those conditions that the American Labor Movement sought to stamp out.

When I say “you can’t have your cake and eat it, too” by using that old phrase I am saying - -

You can’t applaud, cheer, fight for and support the Labor Movement today IF on the way home you are going to buy a product that comes to our stores out of the very system the Labor Movement sought to destroy. You can’t have it both ways, you have to make a choice!

What do these Words of Jesus have to say about this, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me.” Read St. Matthew 25:31-46 and remember that Jesus said these words not only to those who did good but also to those who did not. Think about what Jesus says the consequences are for those who did not do the right thing.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

MY LAWN LOOKS NICE AGAIN

Throughout the world the weather has been unpredictable and often destructive in recent years. Some people observe the destructive weather and wonder if there is a message from God involved. That is a subject for another time.

CRACKERS OVER THE KEYBOARD DAY, AUGUST 28

Yes, that is what my calendar of special days lists. I can’t even begin to imagine what is supposed to be celebrated on such a day. At the same time, I can see a THOUGHT to share with you under this theme.

It is well known that cracker crumbs cause problems with keyboards. So why do they do it?

It is well know that crossing the yellow line while passing another vehicle can cause death or injury to the people in the car that you cannot see. So why do they do it?

It is well know that reacting in anger can cause broken relationships, harmful injury, and even arrest. So why do they do it?

It is well known that God is offended when people take His Name in vain. So why do they do it?

It is well known that peoples' lives have been ruined when others said something harmful about them that was not true. So why do they do it?

You can add a lot of other “So why do they do it’s” to this list.

Maybe they do it because they only care for themselves and are not concerned about others.

Maybe they do it because they are distracted by other things and don’t realize the harm they can cause until it is too late.

Maybe they do it because they do not understand that to love your neighbor is to help and befriend him or her in every way.

Maybe they do it because they have no idea of how God wants them to live.

For whatever reason, we, like St. Paul, do the things we should not do and don’t do the things we should. Let us always remember that just as the repair service is there to fix our keyboards, God is there to repair our sinful life.

PLEASE, DON’T EAT CRACKERS WHILE WORKING AT YOUR KEYBOARD!

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHY DON’T I DO THAT FIRST?

Are you like me? When I come into the office to begin to write, there are always a few things on my desk waiting to be taken care of. It may be a few bills that I need to pay. It may be a list of letters or e-mails that I need to answer. If may be a few pieces of paper that I need to file. Always, not seen but there, nonetheless, the two articles that I try to write six times a week for this web site. I will review the letters and e-mails that I need to answer, and possibly select one for a reply. My usual action then is to put it down with a promise that I will write the two articles first, and then the replies. Night after night, by the time I finish writing the articles, it is too late to write the letters.

Today I again thought about an e-mail for which an answer was long, long overdue. As I reviewed the message I had received, this time I thought, “Why don’t I do that first?”

This time I did write the reply first. It only took a few minutes. If it should happen that I am not able to complete both articles tonight, it won’t be because of the few minutes spent on the reply.

Maybe this should be a motto for other activities in our Christian life. We all know that the encouragement from God’s Word is to give to our tithe to the work of the Lord before spending the rest for other needs.

If God expects that kind of a financial response, it should follow that He also expects a percentage of our time and talents. As you read the following statements. I use the word “I” not to refer to me, the writer, but to you, the reader. As you read, honestly ask if any of them apply to you.

I don’t have time to study the Bible.

I don’t have time for daily devotions.

I don’t have much time to pray because as soon as I begin, I fall asleep.

I don’t have time to send a personal letter or an e-mail; all those cute things I forward should be enough to keep in touch.

I have talents that the church could use, but I don’t have time to offer them.

I don’t have time to talk to my friends about God; by the time we cover the gossip and recent events, we have to get on with our other obligations.

Now add your own “I don’t have time sentences.”

Consider how much time any one of these would take. Most of them do not take much time at all. Then ask yourself, WHY DON’T I DO THAT FIRST?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHY I DON’T PRAY FOR RAIN

It may sound strange for a Pastor to say that he does not pray for rain, but I do have a reason for it. When I share the reason with you, I hope you will not only understand why I do not pray for rain, but you might also find some help for your own prayer life.

Certainly every pastor who has ever served a rural parish can attest to the fact that more prayer requests come in to ask for rain than for anything else. I understand this as the farmer’s income for living depends on the growth of the crops planted in the fields. When the rains don’t come, the income is not there and this is crucial for the farmer.

In the early days of my ministry, I did respond to those requests. At times, the response of the people was not what I expected. Some would complain because they had an outdoor event planned, or a farmer had cut hay the night before and needed to have it dry so he could bale. The response that made me change my thinking was when I responded and prayed for rain, and it did rain for three or four days, the next Sunday the same people would request that I pray that that rain would stop. I began to wonder if God was saying to me and those who made the prayer request, Please make up your mind.

Ever since then when I have been asked to pray for rain, I give a comment that produces a smile, and I hope also teaches a lesson and then I explain. The comment I give when someone sees me and I asks that I pray for rain, I respond. "I am in sales; not production." It is my hope that this response will remind them that our purpose is to be the sales people who take the good news of the Gospel to others and leave the blessings to God for Him to provide them as He pleases. I then explain that I will not pray for rain, but I will ask God to send favorable weather upon us. Even the days of rain and the days of sunshine we place in God’s Hands and receive those gifts as He chooses to provide them. Let us also remember that God can choose to use the weather in teaching us how helpless we are without His freely given gifts. Can this also remind us how helpless we will be in Eternity if we do not accept His freely given Spiritual Gifts?

In our prayers we sometimes pray for specific things. Maybe we should pray in such a way that we allow God to grant us that which He knows that we need. In this way we can even receive the answer to a prayer that we had no idea we needed to offer.

Lord, we pray for favorable weather.

Lord, we pray for the ability to face each health issue that presents itself to us.

Lord, we pray that you might send us to respond to the needs of another without even knowing that the need exists.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

BE AN ANGEL DAY, AUGUST 22nd

When I saw on the calendar that August 22nd was “Be An Angel Day,” I wondered what the people were thinking when they named the day. I really have no idea what is implied, but it did lead me to some thoughts. Now I think it is a good idea.

First of all, it reminds us of the existence of angels. Many people don’t even think about the existence of angels, even though we read about them in the Bible. If you pray Luther's Morning or Evening Prayer, you are praying these words, “Let The Holy Angel have charge concerning me....”
Secondly, being an angel could lead us to find out what angels do. The Bible tells us they brought messages from God, sometimes directions for what they should do, and other times warnings against what they have been doing. There were also times when angels brought comfort or answered questions of the faithful.

Third, it can lead us to ask what do angels look like today? This is possibly one place where Hollywood and Television have it right when the people playing the role of an angel look just like other people. You ask, why these actors do not wear white robes? The answer is simple. From what we can tell, robes were the type of clothing people wore in those times. If you recall, there were times when the people did not know they were talking to angels; they thought they were just people until after they had parted from each other. It was then that they talked about if that was an angel that had been among them.

Do people see angels today? That is a question I can't answer with facts. I believe that they do. I believe there are angels among us who are there at the right time with the right answer or help that we need. I believe that there are angels who test us, to see what our response is to the need they present. I remember a Seminary Classmate telling some of us about his drive across the many states from his home in the Northwest to the Seminary in Iowa. He talked about driving one of the (at that time) lonely stretches of highway. Often you could drive many miles without meeting another car. On his drive, he came to and passed two people hitchhiking. A few miles down the road he thought that he should have stopped and given them a ride. He turned around and went back. They were nowhere to be seen. My friend did not see another car. As it is in these wide open spaces, there was not a crossroad or even a path in those miles. The people just were not there. My friend was convinced that these people were angels, sent by God to test him, to see if indeed He would respond to the need of “one of the least of these.”

I believe that angels do exist and that they are among us. I believe these servants of God have touched the lives of many people. I believe that they have had an impact on my life.

I also believe that God uses people like you and me to be in the role of angels from time to time. No, we are not the Holy Angels, we are still sinful man and sinful woman, yet God wants to use us, -- yes God does have something He wants us to do.

BE AN ANGEL DAY.   I kind of like the idea.  If it would turn out to BE AN ANGEL EVERY DAY, that would be wonderful. The next time you see someone and a thought tugs at your heart, why not pause and say a short prayer:

Lord, is there something you want me to do for this person?

If so, help me to understand what it is I am to do.

Yes, Lord. I am willing to be one of your angels today. AMEN.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

I THOUGHT I HAD IT FIXED

Heavy rains came to Northwest Ohio.  Other areas have had heavier amounts of rainfall, but the six inches we received at our home caused enough problems for me. This is one of those storms where several inches fall within an hour or two. Several years ago we had such a storm and our basement filled with water. Fortunately, this is all ground water with no sewage involvement and is somewhat common when you live in flat terrain as we do. What a mess!  Many loads removed by the weekly trash pick up and much scrubbing and cleaning.

We contacted a different plumber and he made the needed corrections that would move the water out of the sump pump pit faster. A few years went by and no further problems. I thought I had it fixed, so we turned the plain basement into a comfortable living space for hobbies, canning, sewing and so forth.

Well, this morning we found out that I didn’t have it fixed, as the heavier rains came, and the improved plumbing could not keep up. Six inches of water--but this time not as much damage. Most things were in plastic boxes and off the floor. A couple of rugs are drying and we don’t know if they are beyond saving or not. The laminate floor will probably have to be replaced. We will try something else and again I will say, I think I have it fixed.

You may be wondering why I take your time to read this. Others have had worse experiences with floods, tornados and hurricanes. You are correct in thinking that way.

My purpose in telling you this is not to gain your words of support. My purpose is to hope you might remember this story or your similar story and relate it to your faith.

I was tempted = the rains came.

I sinned = the water came into the house.

I prayed and asked for forgiveness = I used the rags and the mops.

God cleansed me of my sin = I cleaned up the basement.

Everything was okay, I THOUGHT I HAD IT FIXED.

BUT NO!

I did ask God to help me to change for the better = I called the plumber to make changes

I was tempted again = the rains came again.

I sinned again = the water came into the basement again

I prayed and confessed again = I got the cleaning supplies ready again.

God cleansed me again = I cleaned the basement again.

Everything was okay again, I THOUGHT I HAD IT FIXED.

It may happen again. I may get tired of cleaning, BUT God will never tire of cleansing me.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHAT KIND OF LAUGH DO YOU HAVE?

THE TWIN CITIES TRAGEDY --
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? PART 5

The tragic collapse of the Interstate Bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul has captured the attention of a multitude of people. Tragedies take place all too frequently and each is important; each deals with people who suffer. As I write these THOUGHTS, it is not my intention to overshadow the loss of life, the pain or injury and sorrow, or the economic loss because of the disruption of traffic patterns. My purpose is to look at these events and see what we can learn from them as we walk with God. I must also add that the information I have comes from the news media and from forwarded e-mails. Some of it may not be correct.  Even so, I will still use it if it leads me to a THOUGHT I want to share.

ADDITIONAL DIVERS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN TO SEARCH FOR THE LOST was the theme of many news reports that gained quite a bit of coverage. Following that announcement and repeated reports of the danger from all the the underwater dangers, the news reports seemed to fade away. It is strange that we could see story after story and picture after picture of the collapsed bridge, but when additional divers arrived and recovery efforts were underway, seldom a picture or a story. The same type of coverage seems too evident regarding the most recent mine disaster.

Why is this? Does the media determine what we are interested in? Do people want these stories to go away because they don’t want to be reminded of the fact that tragedy can happen to anyone at anytime? Do we want to put aside anything that interferes with moving forward to achieve what many call the “Good Life?” Whatever the reason, it is only a matter of days or weeks before both the bridge collapse and the mine explosion will be forgotten by all except the families directly involved, either as families involved in the event or by being inconvenienced by the after effects of the tragedy.

This same thing happened at a Cross and three days later at an empty tomb. People talked and talked about the Crucifixion of Jesus and then again about His Resurrection. As time went by, those who believed and rejoiced talked about it less and less while those who did not believe continued to try to remove that belief from the lives of people.

Now back to the scene of the bridge collapse. Even though there is no longer the massive press coverage, the divers are still there. As weather permits, they go to the darkness of depths of the Mississippi, seeking those who are lost. Those bodies may be trapped by the large pieces of the bridge that have fallen or other unknown items at the river bottom. Some of these large objects may not be secure and could move at any time, placing the divers in peril. It is possible that some of the bodies may have been carried away by the current and may be lodged in other debris farther down steam. For the divers, the only thing that is important is finding the lost. At great risk they continue to seek. We need to thank them for this by daily remembering them in our prayers.

The same thing applies to those who are still trying to bring back the lost who have been trapped by Satan and are not able, on their own, to escape from their imprisonment in sin. Some have even been carried away from the still waters to the turbulence that only Satan can provide. Even in the darkest days of tragedy, of man’s inhumanity to man, God’s divers are still there. There are still people who risk friendships, who risk economic security, and in some parts of our world, risk their lives, as they continue to take the lifeline of Jesus and His Love to those entrapped in sin.

I thank God for those divers who risk their lives to bring back those bodies from their captivity in the waters of the Mississippi.

I thank God for those people of faith who take risks to bring back those who have wandered away from the Love of God and are now in captivity to Satan.

There are enough divers searching for the lost bodies. May they find them soon.

There are NOT enough Christians searching for the lost sheep. May you join with me and other believers, as we need to find them soon.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE TWIN CITIES TRAGEDY --
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? PART 4
 

The tragic collapse of the Interstate Bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul has captured the attention of a multitude of people. Tragedies take place all too frequently and each is important; each deals with people who suffer. As I write these THOUGHTS, it is not my intention to overshadow the loss of life, the pain or injury and sorrow, or the economic loss because of the disruption of traffic patterns.  My purpose is to look at these events and see what we can learn from them as we walk with God. I must also add that the information I have comes from the news media and from forwarded e-mails. Some of it may not be correct. Even so, I will still use it if it leads me to a THOUGHT I want to share.

WE DIDN’T HAVE THE MONEY was reported by the news media as the reply given by Highway Department officials when asked a question similar to “Why was bridge maintenance not up to date?” The individual went on to indicate that there was plenty of money for new construction but not enough for maintenance.

It is not my purpose to argue if the lack of funding did or did not make a difference. I only want to ask what can we learn from this tragedy? I do have some questions concerning moneys allotted for new construction and keeping old construction up to date and safe.

Who makes the decisions as to how the money is allocated, and does political pressure have a strong hand here?

New construction benefits business and industry more than the passenger traffic. New construction does not face the opposition of land owners because these land owners are usually farmers or residents who are unfortunate to live in the path of the new construction. Whereas, maintenance and/or rebuilding a present structure brings cries of outrage and political pressure from business and industry who will suffer a temporary loss of business while the reconstruction is taking place. Can you even begin to imagine the cries of outrage that would have come had I-35 W been shut down and replaced? By the way, can you imagine the President flying to the Twin Cities and offering financial aid if the bridge had been safely shut down?

Then is all new construction really needed?  Here where I live, two new exits and entrances to the Ohio Turnpike have been added in the past few years. Each has a major industry near it that relies heavily on truck transportation. In both cases, the entry and exit from the turnpike saves about ten miles one way for each trip and none of this through city traffic. In an earlier THOUGHT, I had written about the millions of dollars being spent to make US 24 a four lane highway between Toledo, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana to make this Fort to Port Highway a safer highway. The same safety result could be achieved if everyone obeyed the speed limit and for those who choose not to obey, the Highway Patrol's carefully watching.

No one wants to take the blame for the bridge collapse and I am not sure that any one person is responsible. If we speed or refuse to obey other traffic laws, if we use cell phones while driving or other distractions, then maybe we do need new highways to protect others from us, even if other bridges collapse. If communities are threatened by business, industry and political pressure to provide new construction or they will move away, well maybe we need new construction even if bridges collapse.

WE DON’T HAVE THE MONEY!  I don’t understand it. The Commandment “Thou shalt not kill” includes doing anything that might harm someone. The bridge fell down for some reason. If it could have been avoided, it would have been worth every cent and every mile of new construction not built. Maybe our biggest problem is that we can point with pride and say, “See what we built.” After maintenance and repair, I wish we could point with the same pride and say, “See what didn’t fall down.”

How do I relate this to God’s Word. We have been given talents in life. We make the decision how to use them. People see our WORKS, both good and bad, but they don’t see God’s GRACE within us as God daily reconstructs us. As we ask in faith, He wipes away our sins. Isn’t it neat to think that God constructed you once and daily wants you to come to Him for maintenance?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE TWIN CITIES TRAGEDY --
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? PART 3

The tragic collapse of the Interstate Bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul has captured the attention of a multitude of people. Tragedies take place all too frequently and each is important; each deals with people who suffer. As I write these THOUGHTS, it is not my intention to overshadow the loss of life, the pain or injury and sorrow, or the economic loss because of the disruption of traffic patterns.  My purpose is to look at these events and see what we can learn from them as we walk with God. I must also add that the information I have comes from the news media and from forwarded e-mails. Some of it may not be correct. Even so, I will still use it if it leads me to a THOUGHT I want to share.

The LONG IGNORED INSPECTION REPORT SHOWING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS is something we are all in need of learning from.  I am referring to television news reports stating that some years ago Inspectors filed a report of a need for repairs to the bridge that collapsed.

The first thing that is important to say is that I do not know if the report is true or not. Before I accept it as fact I have to ask these questions:

Who released the statement?

Was the statement released on the basis of an official document in the person’s hand or was it released to throw suspicion of fault on others?

Are the items listed in the document really the cause of the collapse?

These questions need to be asked every time we hear someone blaming someone or saying something negative about someone.

The second important consideration is, Regardless of whether the information in the report is the cause of the collapse or not, the question still remains, Why were these statements or signs of potential danger ignored? We dare not rush to judgment here because we probably have done the same thing under different circumstances:

Have you ever had a serious ache or pain that indicated major future health problems and then ignored the warnings?

Have you ever heard severe weather warnings that included not to drive on certain roads and then ignored the warnings?

Have you ever looked at your gas gauge and saw the indicator on E and ignored the warnings?

Maybe none of the above seem as serious as the bridge collapse, but even these could result in tragedies. But what about the next one?

Have you ever heard or read the Words of Jesus, “Nobody comes unto the Father but by Me,” and ignored them? If you have ignored them, you still have a chance. Referring to the Rambling Thought for yesterday, your twinkling of an eye has not yet arrived.  There is still time to make the corrections in your life that will lead you away from Eternal Death to the joys of Eternal Life.

Possibly the most important thing we can learn from the Tragedy in the Twin Cities is that we can’t wait until tomorrow to respond to warnings concerning either our spiritual or physical life because tomorrow may not come.

GOD’S PEACE SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE TWIN CITIES TRAGEDY --
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? PART 2

The tragic collapse of the Interstate Bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul has captured the attention of a multitude of people. Tragedies take place all too frequently and each is important; each deals with people who suffer. As I write these THOUGHTS, it is not my intention to overshadow the loss of life, the pain or injury and sorrow, or the economic loss because of the disruption of traffic patterns.  My purpose is to look at these events and see what we can learn from them as we walk with God. I must also add that the information I have comes from the news media and from forwarded e-mails. Some of it may not be correct. Even so, I will still use it if it leads me to a THOUGHT I want to share.

The SUDDEN DEATH of those in this tragedy leads me to reflect on two different thoughts. I certainly join with others in prayer for the families in this time of sorrow.

People have a tendency to not think of death. They hear or read the words that St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians -- “in the twinkling of an eye, we shall all be changed” -- but think they need not worry about them for years to come. The people who died did so in a twinkling of an eye as the bridge went down. The same thing applies to heart attacks, storms, floods, traffic accidents, murders and what are often called unexplained causes. Out of this Tragedy in the Twin Cities, may we learn that tomorrow or even the next minute we may not have the chance to turn to our Loving God.

The other thought relates to how we react to those who mourn. On January 24, 1965, people around the world were able to watch via television the funeral service for Winston Churchill. On that same day a Pastor, friend of mine, conducted a funeral service for a long time church member. The television cameras allowed us to see the great crowd of people. Seventeen people attended the service for the long time church member. I am sure that many people will be present at the services for those who died in this tragedy and this is as it should be. I am also sure that there will be services in many places where there will be very few who will come to support the families. This is NOT as it should be.

Can we learn from the Tragedy in the Twin Cities that we may not have the opportunity tomorrow to accept Jesus as our Savior?  May we learn that when there is a death, no matter who the person was, no matter how the death took place, there are families mourning, hurting in sorrow, and God wants you and me to give them comfort and hope, not only in the first three days after death, but in the weeks, months and even, years to come.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE TWIN CITIES TRAGEDY --
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? PART 1

The tragic collapse of the Interstate Bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul has captured the attention of a multitude of people. Tragedies take place all too frequently and each is important; each deals with people who suffer. As I write these THOUGHTS, it is not my intention to overshadow the loss of life, the pain or injury and sorrow, or the economic loss because of the disruption of traffic patterns. My purpose is to look at these events and see what we can learn from them as we walk with God. I must also add that the information I have comes from the news media and from forwarded emails. Some of it may not be correct. Even so, I will still use it if it leads me to a THOUGHT I want to share.

THE IOWA DEBATES --
THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION THAT WAS NOT ASKED

I did not watch the Republicans debate on Sunday Morning, August 5, 2007 and probably will not watch the Democrats debate on August 19, 2007.

The question that was not asked is: “How important is God in your life and how important would He be in your decisions as President?” I suppose that a couple of the candidates might say, “Not important at all.” Many would say "Very important and/or I rely on God for guidance."

My response to answers like that would be that it is a politically correct answer but not acceptable to God. The only acceptable answer for God would be one of your action of not being present for and not participating in the debate because you have chosen to ‘REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY.”

I would ask ABC why they chose the normal Sunday Morning times of Worship to present this debate. Is it because they do not care if they offend God as they tempt people to skip worship?

If you watched the debate and did not attend worship, is it because you wanted to hear promises from candidates that for the most part will not be kept? Wouldn’t you rather hear promises that will not be broken?

As you read this, you may say, “What difference does it make? We do all kinds of other things on the Sabbath? You might even be correct if you say that your Worship Service is more entertainment than anything else.

God said, “If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments.” Yes, that does include, “Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy.”

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

HANNAH’S SOCKS

The Toledo media has been airing and printing a story concerning Hannah’s Socks. You can read the story by going to WTOL.com or The Toledo Blade.

It is an interesting story that begins two years ago when Hannah was four years old. It was Thanksgiving and she was standing by her mother who was helping to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the homeless. Hannah was watching a man who had just come to the line for his dinner. She told her mother that the man must have cold feet because his shoes had holes and he was not wearing socks. She told her mother that she wanted to give the man her socks.

The mother could not do anything about it then, but she also did not forget about it. The next day she took Hannah to the store and bought numerous pairs of socks and she and Hannah took them to various homeless shelters to give to those who needed socks.

The story did not stop there. A year ago Hannah collected socks and others joined her so that the man’s feet would not be cold. This year Hannah’s Socks became a recognized charity. Collection points were set up, and a Picnic was held where people brought socks, made donations and enjoyed food and entertainment. The goal went from wanting to give one man her socks to a hoped for 10,000 pairs. The final results are not yet in. Hannah is now six, but what a lesson we can learn from her!

Hannah has taught us that we don’t need to be concerned about all the problems of the homeless; just take one little piece and do what we can. Then let someone else provide the shoelaces and on and on. It may not be the homeless, it may be some other cause that you can do something that would provide for one thing. Contact your favorite charity and ask:  ”What is one item that you use a lot of during the year and how much do you use?” If they give you a list, select the least expensive and start there. Ask your friends, local churches, and employees at businesses to join you. In doing so, you and those who donate develop a relationship with the charity and your gift allows the charity to use the funds saved for other needs.

If Hannah can do it, I think you can also. Is this SOMETHING THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

FLIES AND WASPS ON THE WINDOW SCREEN – PART 2

Yesterday I wrote about the flies and wasps on the window screen. I mentioned how they tried to find a way out and how they would sometimes fall victim to the cats.

Today I switch to what is on the outside of the screen. This time in place of flies and wasps, there are the moths that gather when it is dark outside and the light is turned on inside. Now the reverse takes place; these moths want to come inside while the flies and wasps wanted out. Princess and Shadow, our cats, are just as interested and try their best to get those moths. They seem to be frustrated when they pounce on the moth, only to have the screen stop them. They will sit there and look as if to say, “What happened?” They will sit there and try again and again with the same failure. The only way they can get those moths is if I remove the screen. If I do that, out the window they go and since they have never been outside, who knows what will happen to them. They are too much a part of the family to take the chance.

This reminds me of a friend that I met 49 years ago in September. I only knew him a year, but he made an impression on me. When I entered my first year at the Seminary, like all other Seminarians, I became acquainted with the staff of custodians. One of them became a friend to almost every student. He was so thankful to work at the Seminary and gave evidence of that through his hard work, his doing the extra things for the Seminary, the staff, and the students. He was thankful because he was accepting a second chance for a good life.

Every Seminary student participated in a program of basic training as a Chaplain in a Nursing Home, a hospital, a Mental Health facility, or a prison. The students in classes before mine who went to the prison on a regular basis became acquainted with this man. As visit after visit took place, a bond grew between this man and the students. In time this man was released on parole with the condition that he accept a job as a custodian that was offered by the Seminary. He was not only on parole, but he was also a recovering alcoholic. In addition to the Seminary job, he was hired to clean at some places where he was trusted and highly valued.

He would talk with us and tell us about the temptations that he faced each day and how the Seminary and AA were so helpful in turning his back against the urge to drink again. In the last week before his parole was up and he would be a free man, he had a meal with some of us. He was excited and promised to tell us how it felt to be free when we would see him the next week. He was looking forward to going to his sister's on the weekend for her birthday, and she was equally as happy as he that the parole would be lifted.

That was the last time most of us saw or talked to him. He was to be released from parole on Monday. The screen of God’s love had been there through the Seminary, AA, the parole officer, others who employed him, and many friends. Then someone removed the screen and out he went.

On Monday, the day he was to be removed from parole, we received word that he was back in prison. A couple of the Seminarians who had been closest to him made the long drive to the prison to see him and let him know that we still cared. It was a sad story. He had tried so hard and without his knowledge, someone removed the screen. It was a nice gathering at his sister’s home UNTIL someone thought it was time to celebrate the freedom that would come in two days. This someone, removed the screen by lacing the punch with bourbon. As I understand it, when he tasted it, he put it down. But then this person and possibly others encouraged him by saying, that little bit won’t hurt you.

The screen was down. It was not long before he got into a car and the police noticed him speeding. As they gave chase, he crashed into a building. Physically he was not hurt, but who can measure the mental and spiritual hurt, who can measure what he lost by returning to prison and spending more and more years behind bars.

I won’t open the screen and let the cats out.

When someone you know faces temptations, whatever they might be, please don’t open the screen by encouraging them and saying a little bit won’t matter, or even worse, God won’t care just this once. Keep the screen closed.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

SOMETIMES I LEAVE A TIP, SOMETIMES I DON’T

The simple task of leaving a tip has sometimes been a problem for me. It has become even more of a problem as I now see Tip Jars or signs such as “Tips are appreciated” prominently displayed in so many locations.

Here are some things that bother me about tipping.

When I go out to eat, I am expected to leave the same tip for those who give excellent service and those who provide extremely poor service. Sometimes I leave a tip, sometimes I don’t.

When I eat at a self serve style restaurant, I am expected to leave the same tip for a person who may, at the most, refill my coffee cup. Sometimes I leave a tip, sometimes I don’t.

When I stop for an ice cream cone, there is the Tip Jar. If I don’t leave a tip about the same size as the cost of the cone, it gives the impression that I am not treating the person fairly. Sometimes I leave a tip, sometimes I don’t.

Today, many who have jobs with high salaries expect tips. In convenience stores where the clerk does nothing except total your bill, there is the sign, “Tips appreciated.” In both of these cases, I never tip.

I understand that there are some very low paid people and that tips make a big difference. In fact, tips often move these people from among the lowest paid to receiving above average income.

What I don’t understand is why I am the one responsible for rewarding some for the poor service that I receive.

I don’t understand why if I have a bill for $100.00 and you have a bill for $10.00 and we both get the same smile, the same service, why am I expected to leave a tip ten times the size of yours?

It would be wonderful if the business owner would build into the prices the amount needed to raise the employees wages to equal what he or she would receive in tips. Then it would be the responsibility of the business owner to deal with those whose service is often poor public relations.

To be real honest, Sometimes I leave a tip. MOST of the time I don’t---- the service is not worth it.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT?

I’M WATCHING THE GAITHERS

As I write the RAMBLING THOUGHT, the GAITHER HOMECOMING HOUR is on my TV screen. As one who has neither cable or a dish, I feel fortunate that there are four stations where I can receive these programs. In fact WLMB, a Christian Station In Toledo, airs these programs a minimum of seven hours a week.

Why do I take this space to write about this program? It is because I enjoy it so much and want to share it with you. I really enjoy this style of Gospel Music. It is alive and the lyrics are always meaningful and usually easy to understand.

But there is more than music. There is always comedy mixed in. It maybe the combination of the Bluegrass Music of the Lewis Family along with the wild and funny antics of Little Roy Lewis. It may also be the stand up comedy and music of Aaron Wilburn, as well as the ongoing interactions of the regular cast of famous Gospel Singers. Then there are the talented groups such as The Easters, the Isaacs, and the Martins. When these groups sing a cappella, I almost become spellbound. There are also the great singers of yesterday, today and those who will achieve greatness tomorrow as well as inspirational music that comes from the piano when the late Anthony Burger sits down to play. As a plus, there are often guests such as Larry Gatlin, and the late Boots Randolph.

There is another reason that I use this space for the Gaithers. There are very few programs on any Channel, other than the religious channels, that would receive a passing grade from God. If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that many programs that we watch, because of their content, lead people away from God. It is my desire to be led to Him and not away from Him.

There are a couple of other programs that I watch that have a high entertainment value, plus the message of Jesus and His Love.

If there are programs that are of high interest to you, please let me know so that I can enjoy them also.

If you can’t locate the Gaithers in your area, then I suggest their CD’s and DVD’s. I only have one or two but I really enjoy them.

I’m watching the Gaithers and I invite you to watch them also.

TERROR ALERT

After 9/11 decisions were made to send troops to eliminate terrorism so that freedom loving people of the world would be safe. Later the decision was made to send troops to Iraq to eliminate terrorists threats to our nation. It appears that at great cost of lives and dollars, neither venture has worked. Possibly the only benefits have been to those who profit from wars.

It is not my purpose to debate if the actions and decisions in both of these continuing conflicts are right or wrong. My purpose is to ask, “What are you doing about the TERROR ALERTS?”

The Senate has just finished a debate that everyone knew in advance would be a waste of time and expense. Protests and petitions abound. Rallies for and against are widely reported in the media. TERROR ALERTS, threats and actual destruction take place all over the world and lives of those innocent people, not involved in battle, are lost.

“What are you doing about TERROR ALERTS?” You might say, “Nothing, what can I do?” You can PRAY. Some people think that it would not do any good, that it is a waste of time. It can do some good and it is not a waste of time.  God has promised that.

There are probably some terrorists that are not fully committed to the cause --  PRAY FOR THEM. Pray that God would give them the courage to walk away or to get a message to someone about what may be planned.

There are many innocent people who know things about terrorists but are afraid to speak up. PRAY that God would send His Holy Spirit upon them that they might have the courage to inform authorities of these events
.
There are terrorists in many places in our nation. PRAY that they and other terrorists might make a mistake and reveal their plans and actions.

PRAY in any way that you can that the terrorism of evil would be overcome by the goodness of God’s love.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE, ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE

A NOTE FROM RON - Within the following RAMBLING THOUGHT I will make reference to Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayers as well as to a Devotion that I wrote for July 13, 2007 based on Galatians 5:16-26. This Devotion carries the Title, ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. If you click on them when they are mentioned, you will be taken to that page.

On July 13th, I wrote a Devotion under the title of ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE based on Galatians 5:16-26. Do you remember these words, from a song by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, that were made popular by Bing Crosby? - "You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative."

I SAW IT, BUT I DON’T BELIEVE IT!

It was a beautiful morning as I was parked in the Mall Parking Lot while drinking a cup of coffee. Some of you know that as I observe nature, people and everyday activities, I discover so much of God’s continuing love and man’s continuing rejection of that Love.

Well, it happened again this morning. A beautiful, bright red, new convertible with the top down was driven into the lot and parked just a row over from me. How it brought back desires of the past to own a bright red convertible, and like the driver of this car, enjoy the cooling breeze.

I watched the driver get out of the car. It was then that I saw what I don’t believe. As the driver walked toward the mall, the driver turned, faced the car and pressed the remote to lock the doors. Now tell me, why would you lock the doors when the convertible top is down?

It is kind of ridiculous, isn’t it? But wait a minute. Is it any more ridiculous than what many people do in Church every Sunday morning?

As an example, what about people who go into a church and pray within the words of The Lord’s Prayer “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others, Lead us not into temptation...” This can be just as much of an automatic reflex as locking a convertible when the top is down. In this case, the locking is the request to be kept from temptation, while the top down is the very fact that so often we do not even consider what sin might be in our life. The driver goes forth confidently because the door is locked not realizing that what is valuable is vulnerable. When we resume our daily life with confidence after this prayer, we do not realize that we are also vulnerable because we have not confessed our sin and maybe have not even recognized it.

The car is subject to theft and damage. We go forth from prayer to buy a lottery ticket, to anticipate the next sexually suggestive scene of a soap opera or most TV shows, to enjoy the talk shows where they attempt to shove aside faith and Christian beliefs to advance their own code of social and acceptable conduct.

The driver left the car open to thieves and vandals. It is so easy for us to leave our lives open to welcome the destruction that Satan can cause.

Sunday after Sunday people attend worship services and when they leave, how different their lives are than during that hour in church. I have seen it. I don’t want to believe it, but it is true.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

FATHER'S DAY

What did you give on Father’s Day? No, sons and daughters, I am not asking you. The question is for Fathers.

Dad’s – if your children were in the room with you, did you look at them and recall some wonderful memories? If your children now live away and could not be there, did you in your mind see them as little again and wish they were there with you?

Dad’s – as you thought about your children what did you think about?

Did you wish that you would have given them more of your time when they were small? I wish I would have.

Did you wish that you would have loved and hugged them more? I wish I would have.

Did you wish that you would have given them better advice and taught them additional concepts that would have helped them in life? I wish I would have.

Did you wish that you would have prayed with them and for them more often and been more faithful in sharing with them the story of Jesus and His Love? I wish I would have.

There are certainly many other things that you wish you would have done, and so do I.

It is not too late. That is why I ask, “What did you give on this Father’s Day? There is still time to make those wishes come true.

Just one more thing. There are Big Brother Organizations that need you to be a father figure for a child whose father is not available because of death, illness, serving in the military and even desertion. What you can give will not only help you but will cause a child’s dreams to come true.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

VINEGAR DAY

Yes, according to the list that I consult, today is Vinegar Day. My first thought was “Why would anyone want to celebrate Vinegar Day?” It took just a few minutes of thinking about vinegar and my thoughts changed to “Why not?”

Vinegar has many uses. It is used in home canning. It is used in salad dressing. It is added to water for cleaning floors and windows. It is added to food to bring out a wonderful flavor. There are many more uses that I am sure many of you could add, but this is enough to show vinegar has many uses. In case you are interested, and even if you are not, my favorite use of vinegar on food is to take a big scoop of mashed potatoes and put on plenty of butter. Cover that with fresh cooked spinach and dribble vinegar over the pile. Then kind of mix it all up, take a forkful and enjoy.

In many homes when vinegar is purchased it is kept in the back corner of a shelf or in a utility room closet. People know where it is, but seldom need to use it. Maybe this is because they don’t realize how many uses there are for vinegar.

Does that remind you of something else? In many homes the only use for the Bible is to be placed on a table or at the end of a bookcase shelf. In case someone would need it for something else, they know where it is, but they seldom need to use it. Maybe this is because they don’t realize how many uses there are for the Bible.

On this VINEGAR DAY, find that jug of vinegar, dust it off, and think of the way it might be used in your life. While you are doing that, why don’t you get the Bible, dust it off and consider how many ways it can be used in your life.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

RUTH BELL GRAHAM

A Child of God, 1920 - 2007

Many are sad as they have learned of the death of Ruth Bell Graham. Much has been said about her: Born in the Mission Fields to Missionary parents. One who desired to be a Missionary herself. She married Billy Graham. Mother of children. Dedicated to the ministry of Billy Graham. Leader in outstanding Christian Service to many and varied types of people.

FLAG DAY

Today is Flag Day. When I run some errands later, I hope that I see many, many flags that people have flying in front of their homes and businesses. My neighbor has erected a flagpole and what a joy it is to look over there and see that flag flying each day.

I hope you will take time to search the web and discover facts and stories about the flag that maybe you have forgotten or have never known.

Instead of writing about the flag I want to encourage you to do something about the flag. Here is a project for an individual or a group The group might be a veterans organization, a church group, maybe a Scout or 4-H or other youth groups, and maybe just a bunch of neighbors and friends --Any kind of a group.

THE GOAL: To help as many people as possible to be able to display an outside Flag by next Flag Day.

WHAT DO YOU NEED? You need IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY to find ways to encourage people to display the flag. It might be through letters to the Editor; it might be through clever slogans or posters. It could also be by one line statements that you slip into your conversations. The best way of all is by the pride you show in displaying the flag at your own home, apartment, or condo.

WHAT WOULD THE COSTS BE? Not a cent, as there is nothing to buy and nothing to sell, only something to give. You give your thankfulness for living in a nation of Freedom when you and a growing number of others fly the flag that represents that freedom.

Just one more thing. When you fly that flag, please consider flying the Christian Flag right along with it.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHAT HAPPENED TO HONESTY – IN SPORTSMANSHIP?

I do not attend local sporting events so these comments are based on the college and professional games that I watch on TV. As an additional disclaimer, my comments do not apply to all sports. As an example, golf is probably a sport where it is the most difficult to be dishonest.

I have always believed that the responsibility of a coach was to not only help each player achieve the most from the talents the player has, but also to help that player become a well rounded citizen and achieve in the world outside of sports. At one time, I enjoyed watching as many TV sports presentations as possible. That is no longer the case, and here are examples of my reasoning.

In baseball, the umpire calls a strike or calls a player out at one of the bases. The player argues. The coach argues. The pitcher and the catcher know that it was not a strike, but do they say something? NO. The fielder knows that the foot was not on the bag or that the tag was missed, but do they say something? NO.

In auto racing, a driver deliberately bumps another driver causing that driver to crash. The official does not call it deliberate. The driver knows that it was done on purpose but does the driver say something? NO.

In football, a spectacular catch is made and the official calls it a completed pass. The opposing coach challenges the call with the belief that the ball hit the ground before it was caught. The review is made and because of inconclusive evidence the call stands. The receiver knows that he trapped the ball and did not catch it, but does he say something? NO.

Often after these situations and many other examples that could be shared, the broadcasters will state that the call the official made was wrong. At times the newspaper and TV reports will say that had the decision of the official been correct, the outcome of the game would have changed.

If parents try to teach their children to be honest, to play by the rules, why do we accept this kind of behavior and hold these teams, coaches and athletes in such high esteem? Is honesty only acceptable if it is in our favor? Whatever happened to: “It is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game?”

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHAT WOULD DETECTIVE SERGEANT JOE FRIDAY

SAY IF SOMEONE SAID,
“WAS IT TUESDAY? OR WAS IT WEDNESDAY?”

Pastors hear many conversations over the years. I have heard and been included in many groups of friends where the conversation concerned a person who had just passed away. Mr. and Mrs. A are talking to Mr. and Mrs. B about Mr. C who died two days ago. Mr. A. is telling Mr. and Mrs. B that he had just talked to Mr. C on Tuesday, then Mr. A pauses, turns to Mrs. A and asks her, “or was it Wednesday?” At this point Mr. and Mrs. A discuss what they were doing Tuesday and Wednesday so they can figure out when Mr. A talked to Mr. C. My question is, ‘WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?”

Mr. A, in saying that he talked to Mr. C, is simply trying to prove that Mr. C was alive either three or four days ago which is rather obvious as everybody knows that Mr. C died two days ago. What Mr. and Mrs. B really want to know is, ”What did Mr. C have to say?” It really does not make any difference which day it was. Sometimes I wonder if Mr. A. is just trying to impress Mr. and Mrs. B. about how busy he and his wife are.

At other times I would like to quote Detective Sergeant Joe Friday, Badge 714 of DRAGNET, who is given credit for the phrase, “Just the facts, Ma’am.”

This kind of a stumbling response bothers me even more when I hear people give “was it Tuesday or Wednesday” kind of answers to political or religious questions. We can’t give answers for the purpose of impressing others as to what we do or what we think we know, we can’t give answers designed to what they want to hear, if it is not a correct answer. How many politicians have raised millions of dollars with Tuesday - Wednesday types of answers? How many pastors have sent people away with false hopes? Some would say, What difference does it make as long as the people feel good.

It does make a difference. Like Joe Friday, I say Mr. or Ms. Politician, just the facts, please; the same with you, proclaimer of God’s Word.  Just the facts, please. The facts are what I need. It might hurt to hear them, but they are what I need.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

I LOVE BANANA SPLITS

Today and tomorrow are BANANA SPLIT DAYS according to my calendar. The third job that I ever had was as a Soda Jerk at the Hollywood Ice Cream Store in Benson, an area at that time the west edge of Omaha, Nebraska. I was fifteen when I started and I really liked making banana splits, but I enjoyed eating them even more. To slice that banana length way and place it in the boat. Then one scoop each of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Add to that the three toppings and the nuts and for you I would add the whipped cream and the cherry. I preferred not to have that part on mine. When you were about finished, in the bottom of the dish was the most delicious part. The melted ice cream from the three flavors mixed together from the remainder of the three toppings. Nothing could be better, I thought then and I still do.

Of course there is a lesson in that. God needed a bigger dish than a banana split boat. He made it and called it the Earth. It took far more than three items to fill it so he took people of every nationality, every color and every creed and placed them in the Earth, slowly but surely. He began with two and called them Adam and Eve. As the dish, called Earth, filled, He added toppings of love, sharing, peace and worship. God knew that as all of this melted together, it would be something very special. For some reason, one person in the boat did not like to share and did not want peace. This person finally was able to throw out peace and for good measure got rid of love also. That beautiful dish called Earth was now ruined just a surely as my banana split would be ruined if two dips of ice cream would be removed.

We know that Earth continues a downward spiral because peace and love have been removed. We know that, because we live here.

Celebrate banana split day and as you eat that still enticing dish, think of what you can do to help bring peace and love back to earth.

HAPPY BANANA SPLIT DAY. If you have one, think of me.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

OUR BLACKTOP WAS RESEALED AGAIN

Every two years we receive a card from the paving company informing us that it is once again time to reseal our blacktop driveway. Because I want to keep my driveway in good condition, I send the card back accepting their price and wait for the crew to arrive. When they come, they do a great job. First they trim the grass from the sides of our long and circular blacktop; they follow this with a blower so that the surface is free of dirt and grass; next they inspect all cracks and fill them with the materials that bind the blacktop back together; and finally they spray on the black sealant. When the job is finished, what a remarkable change. The dirt, the cracks, the weeds along the edge, and the dirty gray/black color is gone. Now we see a glistening black that covers all of the imperfections that were there. As the crew leaves, I know that in two years we will receive another reminder to have it resealed again. In addition, in a few days we will receive a large bill for the work they did.

PROMISES

On the DEVOTION page for today I have written on the PROMISE of Salvation that God gave to Abraham.  As I wrote, I began to think about PROMISES today.  A PROMISE should be something that when it is stated, it should be kept. Then I think of promises that I have heard that have not been kept. So many promises seem to be just words with no meaning. Unfortunately, some of these broken promises really can hurt people.

As examples:

Parents have you ever promised something to a child just to get the child to quit bothering you? If so, did you always fulfill that promise?

When you have attended a visitation at a Funeral Home, have you ever told a grieving family member that you will visit them at their home next week or next month? Did you make that visit?

When you have sent a Birthday Card or a Get Well Card to someone who is elderly, or who lives alone, or is in a Nursing Home, have you included a note saying that you will stop by to visit them? Did you make that visit?

That child, that grieving family member, and that sick, lonely or elderly person may have been deeply hurt if you did not keep your promise. This is not a guess on my part; this is what I have been told on numerous occasions--how much it hurts.  If you have made promises and not kept them, I wish you could have stood with me at a bedside and heard the person say, “_____________ said she was coming to see me, but she hasn’t.  Do you know if she is okay? I'm worried about her since she has not been here.” These words were accompanied by tears gently sliding down this caring face.

As God’s people, let us be sure that we are going to keep a promise before we make one. By the way, this applies to promises that we make to God as well.

May our PROMISES never cause hurt and sorrow because we break them.

May our PROMISES always bring the joy and LOVE of Christ because we keep them.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WHAT DID THE CHILDREN LEARN IN SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS WEEK?

If you would ask children what they learned in Sunday School this week, an ever-growing number of them would probably say, "Nothing." That might be a proper answer, but not a correct response.

With the start of the Summer months, an ever-growing number of children are denied the opportunity to attend Sunday School during these months. A Summer Worship schedule is enacted so that Worship will be at an earlier hour. Sometimes an early and late service are combined at a time that is satisfactory to most worshipers. As a result Sunday School is "on vacation" until September. In places where there is not Sunday School during the summer, the answer "Nothing" may be a proper answer, but not the correct one.

Without saying a word, we are teaching our children a very damaging lesson when we eliminate Sunday School during the summer. Here is what I believe we are teaching:

We are teaching them to disobey two Commandments, "Thou shalt have no other god’s before Me," and "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy." We are saying that our leisure needs are more important than our Spiritual needs. People often ask why youth seem to disappear from the church in their teen years. It seems to me that we are teaching them that God is not that important when we cancel Sunday School for the summer. As a result, if they have something better to do on the Sabbath, even if it is sleeping late, why not do it?

We are teaching them that it is okay to do Christian Service as long as it does not interfere with our enjoyment of daily life in the world. Often the reason given for not having Sunday School is that the teachers need a vacation. Certainly, it is right that a teacher might be gone for a Sunday or two while being away on Vacation, but I don’t recall any time where God called someone to serve Him and then said "just do it when it does not conflict with your daily schedule."

We are teaching that being a Christian is not any different than belonging to any other organization. It is as if we are teaching: Pay your dues, Come to meetings once in awhile, and Help out when you can. This teaches salvation by WORKS which is in total opposition to Scripture.

Will you do what you can to be sure that in future years your church continues to offer Summer Sunday School, or if you do not have it now, to make it available next year? We have such little time to share our faith with the children. Let us not waste it. Let us make sure that they can see how faith drives us to tell them the story of Jesus and His Love. Let’s make sure that as we teach, the children will know that we are teaching because it is a joy to serve God.

How does this verse fit with Not having Sunday School in the Summer: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, For of such is the kingdom of Heaven?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE SIMPSONS AND SPRINGFIELD, MINNESOTA

I want to publicly congratulate the officials and people of Springfield, Minnesota. Recent news reports state that they have said No to an invitation to be among the Springfields eligible to have the title of the honorary Hometown of the Simpsons. From the comment that I read, it seemed that these fine folks wanted nothing to do with associating their name with those who live the life style of the TV Simpsons and soon to be Simpsons of the movies.

NATIONAL PEN PAL DAY

Today is National Pen Pal Day. It might even be International Pen Pal Day, but my calendar didn’t say that. I never had a Pen Pal. I wish I would have had one. I can remember classmates talking about letters they received from Pen Pals, and it always sounded interesting. Some Pen Pals lived in other countries and others a State or two away. Some Pen Pals wrote to one another for a lifetime.

MAY FLOWERS

I can’t let the month of May end without writing about the flowers that grow in May after the April showers. What a joy to see the flowers that my wife just planted receive a drink of water and in a very short time lift their heads and spread their petals. It is almost as if they are preening themselves and saying to us, "Look, see how beautiful I am."

It is equally thrilling to look for those plants that emerge year after year. To watch them break through the hard soil, to see the green foliage contrast with the earth tones and finally to see the color that brightens the eyes of the beholder even more.

These May flowers are more than just something to look at. If we don’t hear them speak to us, we miss so much. No, they can’t speak English or any other language, but they can say so much.

At one church, when talking with some members, I commented on the well constructed flower beds on the property. I did not mention the sad looking contents of the flower and weed bed. The people probably knew what I was thinking. One said to me that there was a lady who had taken it upon herself to care for the flower beds. She and some of the church trustees brought in excellent soil. She purchased a few plants and when people saw what she was doing, they purchased some additional plants that she suggested. The rest of the task was in her care. She would come and water as often as needed. When people came to church on Sunday morning there was not a weed to be seen and the shrubs always looked as it they had a trim for Sunday Morning.

I could not understand why the flower beds looked as neglected as they did until I was told that the poor health did not allow the lady to do this labor of love anymore. That was sad. The flowers were speaking to all who passed by. While the lady was giving the flower beds the tender, loving care, they were saying, "Come on in, here is a place where the weeds of sin will be taken away, where you will receive the Living Water of Life and where there is one who will watch over you and respond to your every need." Those voices of Praise are silenced and the drooping flowers in the dry soil, surrounded by weeds, have an equally important message - "Keep on going, don’t bother to stop, there is not anyone here who cares."

Are the flower beds around your church inviting people to come in or are they sending them on their way? Could this be "SOMETHING THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO?"

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

MEMORIAL DAY

Today is the traditional Memorial Day. I don’t remember what year the change was made to have Memorial Day the last Monday in May. You can call me old fashioned but I miss having Memorial Day on a different day of the week each year.

WHO CHANGED THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "COMIC?"

In the COMICS section of the May 27th issue of the DEFIANCE CRESCENT-NEWS, was a very meaningful comic strip. It was "BC" by Johnny Hart. In this strip, The cartoonist pays a Memorial Day tribute to those of the past who have provided us with many enjoyable moments.

At home we called them comics or sometimes we asked where the section was that had the "funnies." After church on Sundays, my sister and I would walk a block to Grund Pharmacy. While dad would be buying his weekly supply of cigars, my sister and I would each be allowed to pick out one comic book, or as we sometimes called them "funny books."

Even then, when comic books cost ten cents each, some of them were no longer funny books. Dick Tracy, Superman, Batman and Robin and those of you who might be collectors could list many more that were available in the late 40’s.

Today, they are still called COMICS but someone has changed the definition of the word, COMIC. Today in the Comic Book Section or in the comic strips in the paper we can find violence, we can find allusions to various lifestyles, we can find great publicity for various medical concerns, we can find ongoing soap operas in print. I am proud that our local paper, DEFIANCE CRESCENT-NEWS still carries just comics, the funnies.

I am not arguing that these non-funny publications should not be printed. That is freedom of the Press. I am suggesting that our papers might want to have all the "funny" strips in one place and the rest in another, and have them in two separate places on the display rack where they are sold.

Let us let the comics be FUNNY and let’s call the rest something else. Any suggestions for a name for the non-funny group?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

I WISH YOU A POWERFUL PENTECOST!

“I wish you a Powerful Pentecost,” Bishop Reginald Holle would tell members of the Michigan District of The American Lutheran Church. He did this year after year. He would tell us that just as we wish people Merry Christmas or Happy Easter, we should also wish them a Powerful Pentecost. I have a feeling that Bishop Holle was disappointed that his campaign for a Powerful Pentecost never caught on.

While I never did make an effort to spread the idea, it is evident that the thought has stuck with me over the years or I would not be writing about it now. It seems that the older I get, and the more THOUGHTS and DEVOTIONS that I try to write, the better and clearer I see the role of the Holy Spirit in my life of faith.

I wonder what would happen if each of us prayed that the power of the Holy Spirit would take over our lives and lead us.

I wonder what would happen if we allowed the Holy Spirit to set the limits on what we can do as God’s Children rather than living within the limits we set on ourselves.

I remember sitting at the table at my grandparents farm home. There were six of us eating at the table. My grandmother had fried eggs and probably had potatoes, toast and so forth. The eggs had just come from the nest and the food had been prepared on the cook stove. We passed the salt and pepper around . My grandfather took the shaker, tipped it and shook and shook that shaker. Finally, in a little disgust, he said, “I know there is pepper in here and I am going to get it out and he started shaking the shaker again. I don’t know if it was my sister or me, said, “Grandpa, you are shaking the salt shaker.”

We are "shaking the wrong shaker" when we try to legislate and negotiate everything from peace to lifestyles. We can shake and shake and shake to little or no avail. It is only when we take the shaker marked Holy Spirit and let the Spirit have free reign in our lives, that the world will ever find peace.

How blessed I am to know that the power of the Holy Spirit is with me. I want you to have that same Blessing. That is why I wish you a POWERFUL PENTECOST!

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

LAWS CAN BE REPEALED

Many times I have no idea where the subject for my THOUGHTS come from. That is the case with this one. I started thinking about the laws that are either being debated or have been recently been voted on by local, state, and federal elected officials. Some decisions have received great support while others have been received with shouts of complaint and even disbelief.

The usual response is that the decision was made, and now we have to live with it. This should not be the response of Christian People if the action infringes on the legitimate rights of the people. Laws can be repealed.

The interesting thing to me is that usually the only ones who believe that laws can be repealed and act on their belief, are those who propose an issue and are defeated. In this case, the vote says it is the law that this will not be enacted. It might be a tax levy or something else. In most cases the issue will be on the next ballot and the next one until it is passed. Then the law that said “No” is repealed.

It happens the other way also. The elected officials of a county enacted a law to increase the local Sales Tax. The voters placed an issue on the next ballot to repeal the tax increase, and it passed. Similar actions are rare but they do take place at all levels of government. The most well known is probably Prohibition.

The point of this THOUGHT is not to speak against any one issue. Rather, it is a call to action for Christians who are interested in the political process; a call to step forward and assist those who want to respond to laws that are in opposition to that which is pleasing to God.

To be silent is to approve.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

WORTHLESS KEYS AND WORTHLESS PRAYERS

Are there such things as worthless keys and worthless prayers? I believe that there are. Most people would agree that there are all kinds of worthless keys in drawers, boxes, toward the back of a shelf, or in a box of odds and ends. These are the keys that you have no idea what they are for, but you don’t want to throw them out. You know that if you do, the next day you will find something that is locked, and one of those worthless keys would have opened it. As to the prayers, most people would say that there is no such thing as a worthless prayer. After all, we have been taught that no prayer is too small, no prayer is unimportant, and therefore no prayer is worthless.

SOME CHARITIES ARE DOWN RIGHT RUDE!

I was privileged to spend the last seventeen years of my ministry, before retirement, as a Fundraiser for the Filling Memorial Home of Mercy. Filling is a Lutheran-related Home for the Severely and Profoundly Mentally Retarded Children and Adults, located at Napoleon, Ohio.

NATIONAL SMILE MONTH

I don’t know who establishes these months dedicated to a specific cause, action, or idea. I have never paid much attention to them when I have heard them listed on radio or read the list in a remote part of the paper. Since I have started looking at them for ideas for these THOUGHTS, I have discovered some of them deserve our attention.

At a quick glance at NATIONAL SMILE MONTH, my first impression was everyone smiles; why do we need a month for this? Then I began to think about people and, YES, there are some people who do not smile, at least not in public.

There is the "I am so miserable, and if I don’t smile, people will know it," kind of a person.

There is the "I want to be left alone, and if I don’t smile people will leave me alone" kind of a person.

Then there are those people who have no respect for themselves, who really don’t like themselves, and they don’t smile because they don’t want anyone to accidentally like them.

These are sad situations. As Christians, we should not allow this to happen.

No, we can’t force people to smile.

But, we can smile at them, We can make it a point to talk to them. We MUST love them – for the Lord has said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Everybody needs a smile. Be sure to take a bushel of smiles with you wherever you go so that when you give a smile to someone, you have another ready to give to the next person.

It is a frightening fact that a smile you give could not only change a life, it could very well SAVE a life.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

NATIONAL BACKYARD GAMES WEEK

National Backyard Games Week is May 21 - 28. I do not know who or which group is responsible for designating this week to highlight Backyard Games. I do know that when I saw this listing on the calendar, it brought back wonderful memories. It also brought some questions to my mind.

THE TRIDENTINE MASS

I read an article in the paper that stated the Pope has some thoughts on the status of the TRIDENTINE MASS. As often happens to me, I read an article and when I want to write something about it, I can’t find it for the exact quotes.

While serving Montclair Lutheran Congregation in Denver in the late 60’s, I had an excellent relationship with the Pastors of all neighboring denominations. We cared for and about each other, and it was a sad day when one of the congregations held a last service and closed their doors for the last time. It wasn’t many weeks before there were many cars in the church parking lot and along the side street. It was not on a Sunday Morning; it was Sunday evening. None of the Pastors in the area had any idea of what was going on.

Some years before this, the Vatican Council was held and many changes were made within the Roman Catholic Church. One of the most significant was that the Mass would now be in the language of the people and not in Latin. It was a struggle for many members of the Catholic Faith to accept this new style of Worship. As time went by, an order was issued by the Vatican that a priest could no longer offer the Mass in Latin; it must be in the language of the people. Some could not accept this order.

Now we have a church that is for sale and a group of people who want the Tridentine Mass (The Mass that is in Latin in which the priest is facing the altar and the congregation has very little participation). The other clergy and I found out that people who wanted the Tridentine Mass not only found a vacant church for sale, but they also found a priest who also believed that it was wrong to deny the people the Mass in Latin. This priest traveled many miles each week to secretly serve these believers. Week after week we saw more and more cars as people flocked to this Mass.

Now back to the article I was reading. The Pope is giving hope to the people that the TRIDENTINE MASS may once again be a proper form of Worship in the Catholic Church. He also made the statement that not all of the rulings that were enacted after the Vatican Council were true to the intent of the Council.

Not as a Lutheran, but as a Christian, I salute the Pope for making it possible for the faithful to find the peace that they seek by worshiping with the Latin language.

To me this is a step in the right direction, to help people find the quiet peace, yet majestic wonder of Worship, that served them well for centuries. It is far better to go back and reclaim that which touched the hearts of people rather than to follow today's trend of "what can we do to entertain them?" Worship is not something to enjoy – it is a verb that indicates we are doing something. We are giving God praise and at the same time seeking His forgiveness and guidance.

My thanks to the Pope for setting aside the whims of the world and opening the doors to the TRIDENTINE MASS for those who find this Mass their most meaningful way of worship.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

ARMED FORCES DAY

Today is armed Forces Day. Unfortunately, this day does not receive a lot of Press coverage in advance. It should. When we compare the celebration of Armed Forces Day to Memorial Day or Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day falls short. It should not be that way.

WHERE ARE THE FLAGS?

When I drive to Defiance, I pass a section of box stores that have been built and opened in the last few years. In the same area are new banks and motels as well as businesses that have been there for many years. One thing struck me as I drove – except for the banks and one box store, there were no United States Flags. I wonder why that is.

ASCENSION DAY -- SOME ASK, WHAT IS THAT?

Yes, today is Ascension Day, a major Festival in the Church Year. To my thinking, it is a tragedy that so few people know when Ascension Day is and why it is important. To add to this, the Church Year Calendar that most denominations use has changed the name of the following Sunday from the Sunday after the Ascension to the 7th Sunday of Easter. Even more disappointing to me is that fewer and fewer congregations offer either Ascension Eve or Ascension Day Worship Services. The reason given for dropping these Services is that fewer and fewer people were attending. Whatever happened to "Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them?"

THE MAY 15TH GAS OUT -- DID IT WORK?

There have been many e-mails, text messages and even radio and TV News reports in regard to a movement of protest against high gas prices. The request was that on May 15th no person should purchase gasoline. It was said that this would send a message to the oil companies as they would have no income on this day. Did it work? I don’t know as there are still many hours left of the 15th as I write this. Possibly you will have seen some late news reports as you read this on the 16th or after.

NYLON STOCKINGS DAY

It would be interesting to know what was the first thing that came to your mind when you read the title of this THOUGHT. My guess is that no matter what you were thinking, you were probably not even close.

MOTHER’S DAY

Mothers have given so much but ask for so little.

Mothers ask God to help them raise their child, then cry when the years pass so swiftly and the child goes to that first day of school.

Mothers teach their children to be independent, then worry when the apron strings are cut.

Mothers teach their children to be ladies and gentlemen, and then feel the hurt if the child does not act like a lady or a gentleman.

Mothers teach their children about Jesus and take the child to church and Sunday School, but discover they cannot believe for them.

Mothers need time away from their child, but when they do get away, they can’t wait to get home to be with their child.

Mothers are a unique gift from God. They have been given gifts, challenges and responsibilities that often seem overwhelming. They have also been given a heart filled and overflowing with love, a tireless body that does the “Mother Work” even in sickness, and the ability to see things in a child that others cannot see.

Thank you God for this gift that you have named MOTHER.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE BIRDS HAVE BEEN REAL BUSY

Shadow and Princess have been having a great time watching the birds, and so have I. Nest building seems to be continuing as new species arrive. This whole subject of nest building interests me.

It amazes me how the birds can so quickly select the right materials they need for the nest, and it raises these questions:

When they bring the materials to the place where they are going to build, how do they keep the first pieces from falling to the ground while they go to get the next pieces?

Because of the above question, do you think they wish they could get prefabricated nests?

How many trips do they have to take to get all of the material there? Do you think they are happy they don’t have to buy gas for that many trips back and forth?

How do they know what size to make the nest, and where in the tree or the bush will be most sheltered from the weather and predators?

Why do they always pick the bush that you want to trim next?

Why is it you can leave to get groceries, and when you return home there is a nest above the light fixture on the front porch? You know it was not there when you left. Do they hire another bird to follow you and come back and tell the other birds how long they think you will be gone?

Why is it that when the eggs hatch and the birds grow and leave the nest, they don’t clean up the mess, but leave an abandoned home to deteriorate?

Why is it that birds can do so much, and we have trouble taking the Word of God to a friend? Do you think it is because building a nest is more important? I don’t.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

THE FOG

The fog was very dense again. It was almost impossible to see beyond 100 feet. Even though fog may present danger to drivers and cause schools to close for the day, fog does give us another opportunity to grow in our Life in Christ.

There are dangers on all four sides as we seek to travel through. From the back we have no idea if a car is approaching at a rate of speed that will make it impossible to stop when coming up behind us. From both sides there is always the danger of vehicles entering the road from a driveway or another road. Ahead there may be a slower driven car, or even a car stopped near the side of the road that you may not see until it is too late.

As you prepare to enter the fog, you know that there are blessings as well as dangers ahead. The blessing is that when you make it through the fog, the visibility will be good, the sun will be shining and driving will be much safer. Even though you may have been hesitant about facing the dangers in the fog, once you are in the blessings of the sunshine, all, of the dangers are forgotten.

In daily life we face fogs that we call by different names. It may be a time of financial problems, it may be a time when illness or death brings great stress, it may be a time of problems within the family or it may be many other things. We face them, they are real, they are there. We know that if we move to resolve the situation that there may be many dangers. We might face ridicule. We might lose long-standing friendships. The family may be disrupted. It may cause a drain on already tight financial circumstances. You move forward cautiously, seeking to avoid every danger and when the problem is resolved, you proceed into the sunshine of life until you confront the next fog in life.

In our Christian Life we face the fog of sin that veils the wonders of Eternity from us. We must travel through this fog where the dangers of Satan lurk trying to keep us from continuing through. Nonetheless we continue on confidently because we are not alone. Our God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us through this fog we also call, life. Even though we may get lost in the fog, even though we may have some bumps and bruises, when we draw near, we will hear the voice of Jesus saying, "Come unto me."

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK:
LET US GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF RESPECT

I have worked as an educational aide in the library and on the playground at our school for 19 years.  What you said is so true.  RESPECT is so important.   Carol

05/10/2007

IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

"It’s not the gift, it’s the thought that counts" is a phrase that you may have used or heard many times. It is not only in terms of gifts that the thought counts, it also applies to our Christian Daily Life.

Possibly you have struggled over what "something" God wants you to do. Maybe you have planned and planned how to invite someone to church, or planned how to change your lifestyle so it would be more pleasing to God, or even how to help a friend learn to see that things he does are offensive to God.

As much as you have planned, you may be among the many who feel guilty because you did not carry out the plan, or you started, but it did not move forward fast enough, and you gave up. Don’t be discouraged. "IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS." The point is that you tried.

Now don’t be congratulating yourself, say you have tried, and forget about it. "IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS" can have another interpretation that has a far greater chance of working than all of the planning you can do. This time instead of "It’s not the Gift it's" you replace it with "It’s your reaction to."

Let me explain from an event in my ministry. For this story I will use the names of Albert and Mary. Albert and Mary were not related but were both members of the congregation I was serving. Albert had passed away and Mary was in the hospital. It was my practice to call every day on each member who was hospitalized. When there was a funeral, I wanted to be with the family when they went to view for the first time and to be with them at the close of visitation.

It was about ten miles to the neighboring city where the hospital and funeral home were located. Mary had been doing fairly well the day before so it was my plan to be with Albert’s family and then stop to visit with Mary on the way home. When I was just a few blocks from the hospital, I had a brief thought that I should stop and see Mary. It was my unwritten rule that I would never be late for a family at their time of first visitation, yet I had that thought. Without hesitation, I made the hospital visit. As I walked into the room, Mary’s family was there. One asked if I would have a prayer. As I offered a short prayer with my hand placed on Mary's head, she passed away.

All of my plans were good, but not good enough. I have found out so often as I did with Mary, "IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS."

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.