Well, our flight to Salt Lake went smoothly. We rented our tiny car and arrived at the Prospector Square Lodge and Conference Center some time around mid-night. We got settled in, slept so-so, and had a wonderful day today with Kaleb and Claire while Jen attended the math conference. It's huge! Mathematicians everywhere!!
Our wireless connection isn't too stable, so I'll try to post pics later.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Whew! What a Weekend!!!
Great weekend!! Everyone is worn out, but pleased with how God used both VBS and the Relay for Life.
Now we're off to Park City, Utah to be Nanna and Papa while Jen is attending a conference. Will try to post some pics this week
Monday, June 22, 2009
Father's Day 2
This morning I received the lastest FAX of Life, written weekly by Rubel Shelly. He almost always writes something challenging or thought-provoking, and this week was no exception. Frankly, no matter what one's politics, I am weary of all the right-wing attack propaganda flying through cyber space. I think Rubels post, entitled Stepping Up to Fatherhood, perhaps shares more of the heart of the man who is our President than all the smear emails put together. The article is pasted below, or you can read it and other articles here.
Title: Stepping Up to Fatherhood
Date: For the Week of June 22, 2009
Yesterday was Father's Day. And I suspect several of you either heard or read some meaningful things about the importance of being a father. If you are a father, I hope you got some affirmation and affection from children in whom you have invested much love and nurture. I hope you felt it appropriate to affirm your father - and found a way to do so. To be a father is a high spiritual calling.
One day doesn't do justice to good fathers. One day certainly isn't enough for making the effort to be one. And that brings me to my point.
There is a wondrous transparency in our nation's president about fatherhood. Barack Obama had precious little time, presence, or influence from his father. "I don't want to be the kind of father I had," he is quoted as having said to a friend.
The president's father left a family in Kenya to come to the United States for his education. Once here, he started a second family - only to leave his wife and two-year-old Barack Jr. to return to Africa with another woman. While the boy left behind with his mother was bright, received an excellent education, and was driven to achieve, the man at the end of the process goes to great lengths to affirm the importance of men who are sperm donors becoming real fathers to their children.
For Father's Day 2008, the man who was running for President of the United States said this about fatherhood: "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."
For this year, the now-president added this: "We need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what's going on in their lives."
I will leave the psychologists to speculate abut the connection between one man's lack of connection to his own father and his present emphasis on the importance of being one. And this essay certainly isn't a Democratic or Republican take on his statements for the sake of partisan posturing. It is nothing more nor less than delight in hearing one prominent male leader of our world say something bold and positive about the role too many men appear to disdain.
Hard work is a good thing. Earning a living is honorable. Achieving success and recognition in a field cannot be wrong. But none of these things on which so many men have expended their energies are nearly so valuable or satisfying as the nurturing of a child to be a confident and functional man or woman - and to reap the dividend of love that comes back from that well-formed adult soul.
"Father's, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master" (Ephesians 6:4 MSG).
Title: Stepping Up to Fatherhood
Date: For the Week of June 22, 2009
Yesterday was Father's Day. And I suspect several of you either heard or read some meaningful things about the importance of being a father. If you are a father, I hope you got some affirmation and affection from children in whom you have invested much love and nurture. I hope you felt it appropriate to affirm your father - and found a way to do so. To be a father is a high spiritual calling.
One day doesn't do justice to good fathers. One day certainly isn't enough for making the effort to be one. And that brings me to my point.
There is a wondrous transparency in our nation's president about fatherhood. Barack Obama had precious little time, presence, or influence from his father. "I don't want to be the kind of father I had," he is quoted as having said to a friend.
The president's father left a family in Kenya to come to the United States for his education. Once here, he started a second family - only to leave his wife and two-year-old Barack Jr. to return to Africa with another woman. While the boy left behind with his mother was bright, received an excellent education, and was driven to achieve, the man at the end of the process goes to great lengths to affirm the importance of men who are sperm donors becoming real fathers to their children.
For Father's Day 2008, the man who was running for President of the United States said this about fatherhood: "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."
For this year, the now-president added this: "We need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what's going on in their lives."
I will leave the psychologists to speculate abut the connection between one man's lack of connection to his own father and his present emphasis on the importance of being one. And this essay certainly isn't a Democratic or Republican take on his statements for the sake of partisan posturing. It is nothing more nor less than delight in hearing one prominent male leader of our world say something bold and positive about the role too many men appear to disdain.
Hard work is a good thing. Earning a living is honorable. Achieving success and recognition in a field cannot be wrong. But none of these things on which so many men have expended their energies are nearly so valuable or satisfying as the nurturing of a child to be a confident and functional man or woman - and to reap the dividend of love that comes back from that well-formed adult soul.
"Father's, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master" (Ephesians 6:4 MSG).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
Today was wonderful as we gathered to worship and to celebrate all our dads. We're experimenting a little with our assembly order... basically doing announcements first and saving written prayer requests to be shared in shepherding groups (adult classes) after worship.
Brice did a wonderful job of sharing the story of Jairus, leading us to see him as a dad who brought Jesus to his family. Here's what the morning looked like:
Brice did a wonderful job of sharing the story of Jairus, leading us to see him as a dad who brought Jesus to his family. Here's what the morning looked like:
We’re Marching to Zion
No Tears in Heaven (v 3 of ...Zion)
No Tears in Heaven (v 3 of ...Zion)
Welcome, Family News and Greeting
Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus
Shout Hallelujah
Responsive Reading: Colossians 1:15-17
You Are Holy
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Still
Prayer (final refrain of Still)
Communing as a Family with a Father Who Loves Us
Here in this Place
You Have Been Good
Offering
Invitation to Children’s Church
I Am a Sheep
Sermon
Good to Me
Jesus, Draw Me Closer
Jesus, Draw Me Closer
Days of Elijah
Shepherd’s Blessing
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Various
Our youth minister, Kyle, and some of our teens are in SF this week working in an inner city mission effort. You can check out some of their daily experiences by clicking here.
Jennifer has posted some recent pics of the family having lots of family fun. Click here to see a few in her blog and here to see more. Here's a sample to get you motivated.
Amber has also posted the latest about Little J on their blog. Click here.
Virginia has once again been more than generous for my birthday and Father's Day. A few years back she agreed to me getting a new bike (my idea). Last year she got me an IPod Touch (her idea), which I've really enjoyed ... more than I actually thought I would. Well, this year she's outdone herself, although she will benefit from this year's gift as well. Well, to cut this suspenseful story short, last Thursday we went down and bought a wide screen HD TV. We're not usually "cutting edge, latest thing" people, but this one is so new that the Comcast HD box software does not yet fully communicate with the TV. It works OK, we just have to jump through some hoops each time we use the TV. And the picture... wow!!! If you're old enough to remember the transition from black and white to color TV, and how impressive that was, well, this is even more impressive a change. Come by and watch something with us.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Uno...Uno
Today was a special day at church. As we gathered for worship, we had numerous guests, some first-timers, and the Bryant family had little Mason with them for the first time. That kiddo went through more than usual to make his appearance in this world, and he still has a kidney issue, but he is a sweetie!!
Brice introduced a summer series in which he plans to look at how people (in Bible times and now) have been changed by meeting Jesus. Great job, Brice! In our worship we focused on that old, old story of Jesus, telling it to one another once more as we sang and prayed and communed.
Brice introduced a summer series in which he plans to look at how people (in Bible times and now) have been changed by meeting Jesus. Great job, Brice! In our worship we focused on that old, old story of Jesus, telling it to one another once more as we sang and prayed and communed.
He Has Made Me Glad
Anywhere with Jesus
Welcome and Greeting
The Great Redeemer
That’s Why We Praise Him
Prayer
Tell Me the Story of Jesus
Reading: Acts 10:36-40,43
In Christ Alone
Communion: Blessed by His Story
There Is a Redeemer
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Let Me Be a Sacrifice
Offering
Children’s Sermon and Invitation to Children’s Church
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Sermon
In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified
Family Matters & Shepherd’s Prayer
In Christ Alone (final vs only)
Oh... and the title of this post? We had a fund raiser lunch for anyone from church who could make it at Unos restaurant. They donated 20% of everyone's bill to our Children's Ministry for VBS. Pretty cool!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Competing Quotes
We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today. (A. W. Tozer)
Sounds like a principle we should implement... yet there is this other seeming "truth" about us.
When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice. (Otto von Bismarck)
Hmmmm...........
Sounds like a principle we should implement... yet there is this other seeming "truth" about us.
When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice. (Otto von Bismarck)
Hmmmm...........
Monday, June 08, 2009
Quotes
Here are a couple of quotes from Brennan Manning, author, speaker, friar, priest, and contemplative.
"When God turns away from us because of selfishness, it is not rejection. Rather, it is an invitation to follow Him to a place we would rather not go."
"When God turns away from us because of selfishness, it is not rejection. Rather, it is an invitation to follow Him to a place we would rather not go."
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Grads
Yesterday was Senior Sunday, that day each June when we honor and say nice things about our graduating high school seniors. We had 5 this year, and Kyle did a great job talking to them and including the rest of us during his sermon. Here's what the morning looked like.
Lord, I Lift Your name on High
Victory Chant
Victory Chant
Welcome and Greeting
A New Anointing
Prayer
Reading: Micah 7:18-19
Lord, Reign in Me
Reading: Amos 5:24
Jesus, Flow Like a River
Communion: Remembering His Love for Us
Why Did My Savior Come to Earth
The Nails in Your Hands
Offering
Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church
There’s a Stirring
Honoring Our Grads: Shepherds
Sermon: Kyle
Prayer for Graduates
Lord, I Give You My Heart
Lord, I Give You My Heart
Family Matters & Shepherd’s Prayer
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Quote and a Bonus
"The turning point in our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is." -- Patrick Morley (courtesy of Heartlight)
Wow... what a lesson to learn!!
Now for the bonus! Jen posted a short series of brief video clips of her recent ultrasound, showing the little girl growing within her. Click here to check it out.
Wow... what a lesson to learn!!
Now for the bonus! Jen posted a short series of brief video clips of her recent ultrasound, showing the little girl growing within her. Click here to check it out.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Question for the Day
What do Brigham Young, Andy Griffith, Marilyn Monroe, Pat Boone, and Morgan Freeman all have in common with the Beatles' Sgt Pepper album?
They all had their official beginnings on the first day of June.
Brigham Young - 1801
Andy Griffith - 1926
Marilyn Monroe - 1928 (actually born Norma Jean Mortenson)
Pat Boone - 1934
Morgan Freeman - 1937
The Sgt Pepper album was released in 1967.
?
?
?
Brigham Young - 1801
Andy Griffith - 1926
Marilyn Monroe - 1928 (actually born Norma Jean Mortenson)
Pat Boone - 1934
Morgan Freeman - 1937
The Sgt Pepper album was released in 1967.
Blooms
A year ago Easter we had a bunch of Easter Lillie's in the auditorium at church, and the lady who provided them gave them away following the service. She gave Virginia one, and we brought it home and enjoyed the blooms until they faded and fell. At that point Virginia transplanted it into a larger pot outside, and we pretty much forgot about it. Well, this spring it started to grow, then to bud, and finally... well... look for yourself!!
Below is a closeup shot. Lot's of beautiful and delicate blossoms. And, you have to understand that neither of us are blessed with particularly green thumbs.
And... the Easter lily with the most beautiful flower in my garden. :-)
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