Judy and I have just experienced moving. The census bureau says the average American moves once every 5 years. My wife got a new job, so we had to move to a new house that we are required to live in. It's a nice house, and all, but I kind of liked the one in which we spent the last 13 years.
We moved from a two-story house to a one-story, so, including the walk-out basements at both places, we now have about 2/3 the room we used to. That's not a bad thing. The 3 kids are out of the house. And I hear downsizing is trendy now.
We invited some friends over and showed them around. The main floor looks pretty presentable. We didn't show them the storage room in the basement with wall-to-wall boxes filled with junk. Things we don't need. Many things we don't ever use. Things we really never needed. Things that are still in the boxes we packed up 13 years ago and haven't opened since the move before this one. Judy and I have tried to set future dates and times when we will go through it. We'll see how that goes.
It remains me of the guy in the parable of the rich fool who had two many barns. He built a few more, thinking he might "need" the stuff some time. He was a "collector." Collecting is okay. All of us do it. I used to have a really nice collection of model tall ships. Trouble is, they were from an old girlfriend. They "left the harbor" once I started dating Judy. I collect cups and caps now, each with a memory attached.
But hoarding is another thing. Jesus comes down pretty hard on the rich dude, saying: "You fool! You have all this stuff, but you're going to die tonight. What good does it do you?" Or, as I was once heard in an old country song: "You never see a hearse with a trailer hitch."
Maybe I'll hire one of those professional de-clutterers to come and clean out the storage room at $50 an hour. It would probably be worth it. And maybe she knows someone who can also come and de-clutter the rest of my life so I can focus on the things that really matter. Could use a little help there, too.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
It's not where you live ...
It's official. We put the SOLD sign up yesterday. We'll be moving a few miles to the neighboring city of Minnetonka in a couple of weeks. Now its all about packing. Packing up stuff ... and memories of thirteen years in this house. We raised our kids here. Had many family gatherings and friends over. Took in a few additional people from time to time. Loved our neighbors.
One of those neighbors, Dale, came out when the sign went up. We talked about how we were going to miss the house and the neighborhood. He expressed his sadness, too, as we stood and reminisced in the 102 degree heat and humidity.
He had been through a lot. He lived alone for quite a few years after his wife died. His children were grown, so usually he had the place all to himself, until last year, after he got married again. At the end of our conversation he said, "I've learned that its not where you live, but who you live with." I immediately went in a hugged my wife and told her I loved her.
God bless all of those realtors (and ours, especially), but it's not about "location, location, location." It's about "people, people, people." The ones who live in the house with you.. The ones you invite over. The ones with which you share your everyday life. Then ones who are nearest and dearest to you.
There's a message here about God being in the home, too.
One of those neighbors, Dale, came out when the sign went up. We talked about how we were going to miss the house and the neighborhood. He expressed his sadness, too, as we stood and reminisced in the 102 degree heat and humidity.
He had been through a lot. He lived alone for quite a few years after his wife died. His children were grown, so usually he had the place all to himself, until last year, after he got married again. At the end of our conversation he said, "I've learned that its not where you live, but who you live with." I immediately went in a hugged my wife and told her I loved her.
God bless all of those realtors (and ours, especially), but it's not about "location, location, location." It's about "people, people, people." The ones who live in the house with you.. The ones you invite over. The ones with which you share your everyday life. Then ones who are nearest and dearest to you.
There's a message here about God being in the home, too.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I heard on the radio that the world is headed for another drought. Regardless of how you feel about global warming, the FACT is - its going to get pretty hot and dry in quite a few spots in the upcoming year. "Hot and dry" translates into the lack of food, which translates into severe hunger and starvation in too many places.
The commentator also mentioned that nations and non-profits will be again lining up to try to help feed people. I'm so pleased to know our denomination (United Methodist Church) will be at the forefront of this effort. Its one reason I came back to the UMC after being elsewhere on my faith journey.
Some might question the value of helping those starving people over there in __________. Others might be suspicious of motives or methodology. Many are able to just set the issue aside. Others may say we have hungry people right here in ________, which is true, and we SHOULD be helping them. The world has enough food to feed everyone everywhere. Yet, it never ceases to amaze me how people come up with reasons/excuses not to do it. Thank God for those who step up the plate (pun intended).
Things get done in this world through partnership. And it is no different when it comes to feeding the hungry. Here in Minnesota, dozens of companies donate money to pay for food staples that are voluntarily packaged and boxed up by thousands of men, women, youth and children through a non-profit named Feed My Starving Children. These boxes are shipped by hundreds of distributors to many countries. One example is the UMC, which ships containers to a dock in West Africa twice a year, among other places.
After the ships arrive, a non-profit, based in Sierra Leone, trucks the food up to a French-supported hospital and feeding center. Norwegian-financed vans are used to pick up emaciated children and their mothers in nearby villages. They stay at the center for a month. The mothers are trained in nutrition by staff from the United Nations Food Programme. Because of their condition, the children eat the FMSC food for the first two weeks. Then the children "graduate" to rice, grown and brought to the hospital by local farmers through a business co-operative initiated by Save the Children. Mothers and (healthy) children return to their village where a worker supported by Catholic Charities monitors their development. Every four weeks the pattern repeats itself.
Businesses, nations, denominations, the U.N. and other non-profits working together to solve a problem and make this world a better place. It takes a village to feed a child.
The commentator also mentioned that nations and non-profits will be again lining up to try to help feed people. I'm so pleased to know our denomination (United Methodist Church) will be at the forefront of this effort. Its one reason I came back to the UMC after being elsewhere on my faith journey.
Some might question the value of helping those starving people over there in __________. Others might be suspicious of motives or methodology. Many are able to just set the issue aside. Others may say we have hungry people right here in ________, which is true, and we SHOULD be helping them. The world has enough food to feed everyone everywhere. Yet, it never ceases to amaze me how people come up with reasons/excuses not to do it. Thank God for those who step up the plate (pun intended).
Things get done in this world through partnership. And it is no different when it comes to feeding the hungry. Here in Minnesota, dozens of companies donate money to pay for food staples that are voluntarily packaged and boxed up by thousands of men, women, youth and children through a non-profit named Feed My Starving Children. These boxes are shipped by hundreds of distributors to many countries. One example is the UMC, which ships containers to a dock in West Africa twice a year, among other places.
After the ships arrive, a non-profit, based in Sierra Leone, trucks the food up to a French-supported hospital and feeding center. Norwegian-financed vans are used to pick up emaciated children and their mothers in nearby villages. They stay at the center for a month. The mothers are trained in nutrition by staff from the United Nations Food Programme. Because of their condition, the children eat the FMSC food for the first two weeks. Then the children "graduate" to rice, grown and brought to the hospital by local farmers through a business co-operative initiated by Save the Children. Mothers and (healthy) children return to their village where a worker supported by Catholic Charities monitors their development. Every four weeks the pattern repeats itself.
Businesses, nations, denominations, the U.N. and other non-profits working together to solve a problem and make this world a better place. It takes a village to feed a child.
Monday, June 18, 2012
My wife, Judy, and I went "up north" to the cabin last week. We've been doing this for twenty-one years, shortly after our first son was born. Our three now grown children learned to ride bike, fish and golf up in the Park Rapids area. It was just the two of us last week, but we still continued several traditions that included blueberries, building fires, ice cream, the Mississippi river ... and reading.
Not being interested in "Fifty Shades" or any of the other current top sellers, I opted for the non-fiction 512-page "The History of Art." I know that sounds peculiar, but you have to understand that I was the kid in elementary school who loved to read the encyclopedia just for the fun of it. Not that I became smarter than anyone else. It's just that I was no good at hockey, and video games weren't invented yet. And I really DO like to learn new things.
Another motivating factor is that my wife was an art and design major for a while in college, and I felt it was time to finally catch up on things like the color wheel, sculpture, Michelangelo, the non-singing Madonna, Pointillism, Impressionism, Expressionism and all of the other "isms." After combing chapters dedicated to Western and non-Western art from all ages, I found I was most captivated by cave art. (Insert your own "man-cave" joke here.)
It turns out that 40,000 years ago cave dwellers drew paintings on their walls, mostly in the part of the world we now call France and Spain. They lived there to escape the possibility of literally being eaten by wild animals at night, whom they also hunted by day. As far in at 1/2 mile, always beyond their living quarters, they would designate an area that was used only for artistic expression and religious purposes. The two would always go together. They mostly drew the very animals they were hunting/freeing/living with. There was a sacred quality to the drawings as they made a holy connection with them and their Creator.
I felt an affinity with them as I looked out on the waters of Fish Hook Lake.
Not being interested in "Fifty Shades" or any of the other current top sellers, I opted for the non-fiction 512-page "The History of Art." I know that sounds peculiar, but you have to understand that I was the kid in elementary school who loved to read the encyclopedia just for the fun of it. Not that I became smarter than anyone else. It's just that I was no good at hockey, and video games weren't invented yet. And I really DO like to learn new things.
Another motivating factor is that my wife was an art and design major for a while in college, and I felt it was time to finally catch up on things like the color wheel, sculpture, Michelangelo, the non-singing Madonna, Pointillism, Impressionism, Expressionism and all of the other "isms." After combing chapters dedicated to Western and non-Western art from all ages, I found I was most captivated by cave art. (Insert your own "man-cave" joke here.)
It turns out that 40,000 years ago cave dwellers drew paintings on their walls, mostly in the part of the world we now call France and Spain. They lived there to escape the possibility of literally being eaten by wild animals at night, whom they also hunted by day. As far in at 1/2 mile, always beyond their living quarters, they would designate an area that was used only for artistic expression and religious purposes. The two would always go together. They mostly drew the very animals they were hunting/freeing/living with. There was a sacred quality to the drawings as they made a holy connection with them and their Creator.
I felt an affinity with them as I looked out on the waters of Fish Hook Lake.
Monday, June 4, 2012
I've been traveling a lot this last month. One of the trips was to Indiana with my daughter, Elizabeth. When your 19-year-old daughter wants to take a three-day trip with you someplace, you jump at the chance. One of the things we did together along the way was see the movie "Avengers." Normally, I would not have gone, but again, I refer you to the previous sentiment.
Iron Man, the Incredible Hunk and their fellow super heroes made for an entertaining story, and the film is well-done. I would see it again (something I hardly ever do) and recommend it for your viewing pleasure.
I also recommend persons spending a little time reflecting on who their heroes are in real life. No one I know can "fly faster that a speeding bullet," but there are some pretty incredible people out there.. I think of those who serve our country in various ways. I think of paramedics and ambulance drivers, police and fire fighters. Those who serve in the military. There are myriad greater and lesser individuals making a difference in various ways.
My nomination for one of the greatest, is a man I have had the honor of getting to know from Alexandria, MN: Dr. Lowell Gess. He has spent 60+ years in Africa developing eye clinics in several countries. He has performed tens of thousands of surgeries literally giving men, women and children back their sight. When he gives his Christian testimony and says "I once was blind, but now I see" to his patients, they truly understand what it means in a deeper way.
That is the REAL world, and to me, he is a REAL super hero. The "Avengers" has made over 1 billion dollars, but I wish more people would want to see and learn about what Dr. Gess has accomplished. Two types of heroes. One is entertaining. The other is inspirational. Let's not confuse them.
Iron Man, the Incredible Hunk and their fellow super heroes made for an entertaining story, and the film is well-done. I would see it again (something I hardly ever do) and recommend it for your viewing pleasure.
I also recommend persons spending a little time reflecting on who their heroes are in real life. No one I know can "fly faster that a speeding bullet," but there are some pretty incredible people out there.. I think of those who serve our country in various ways. I think of paramedics and ambulance drivers, police and fire fighters. Those who serve in the military. There are myriad greater and lesser individuals making a difference in various ways.
My nomination for one of the greatest, is a man I have had the honor of getting to know from Alexandria, MN: Dr. Lowell Gess. He has spent 60+ years in Africa developing eye clinics in several countries. He has performed tens of thousands of surgeries literally giving men, women and children back their sight. When he gives his Christian testimony and says "I once was blind, but now I see" to his patients, they truly understand what it means in a deeper way.
That is the REAL world, and to me, he is a REAL super hero. The "Avengers" has made over 1 billion dollars, but I wish more people would want to see and learn about what Dr. Gess has accomplished. Two types of heroes. One is entertaining. The other is inspirational. Let's not confuse them.
Monday, May 7, 2012
I spent Saturday at the Festival of Nations, an annual event in St. Paul, which hosts several dozen artisans, food vendors and dancers from around the world. I have always loved this event, even before learning that Steve Heckler, one of our own at Northern Light, is the coordinator. I'm not much of shopper, but do appreciate the artisans' handiwork. I love seeing all of the people in this mini-global village, and can't help by thinking that this is how God sees the world. But, mostly I go for the food and especially, the dancing.
I grew up with parents who danced. With my German/Finnish background, that meant polkas, waltzes and such. It's great to have learned later that almost every nationality has their own folk rhythm and dance. Some are measured, some flamboyant, some quiet, some loud, all help increase one's aerobic conditioning. King David and Miriam, in the Bible, both danced joyfully as a way to celebrate their connection with the Almighty. Seems to me all of us do whenever or wherever we tap our foot, clap our hands, do the Hokie-Pokie or full-out "boogie."
I've heard many people tell me about being raised in a church environment where dancing was not allowed (along with other things, like lipstick and playing cards). What a pity. At any church with which I am involved, it not only will be tolerated, but encouraged. So, as the song says: "I Hope You Dance" ... even if it only to "put your right foot in and shake it all about." You'll be happier for doing so.
I grew up with parents who danced. With my German/Finnish background, that meant polkas, waltzes and such. It's great to have learned later that almost every nationality has their own folk rhythm and dance. Some are measured, some flamboyant, some quiet, some loud, all help increase one's aerobic conditioning. King David and Miriam, in the Bible, both danced joyfully as a way to celebrate their connection with the Almighty. Seems to me all of us do whenever or wherever we tap our foot, clap our hands, do the Hokie-Pokie or full-out "boogie."
I've heard many people tell me about being raised in a church environment where dancing was not allowed (along with other things, like lipstick and playing cards). What a pity. At any church with which I am involved, it not only will be tolerated, but encouraged. So, as the song says: "I Hope You Dance" ... even if it only to "put your right foot in and shake it all about." You'll be happier for doing so.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
I'm happy that Northern Light Church will be partnering with Inspired Prayer Ministry, a group Kenyans who will be meeting in our building at least once a month starting in May. I met with them at our site about two weeks ago to show them the facility and talk about schedules. IPM is group of women and men who pray for newly immigrated Africans in their homes in the Twin Cities area. Once a month they gather for worship together and that's where we fit in.
Being a busy pastor at two suburban churches, I was happy I could "squeeze in" a little time to talk with them about their ministry, building needs, etc. While locking the door after we finished, one of their leaders said "we should pray about this." I thought to myself: "Well, of course they want to pray. They are a PRAYER group!" I was ready for a little perfunctory prayer and thought we would all soon be on our way. But NOOOOO way! This is a fervent group who take their prayer seriously. Many blessings and petitions were covered as we held hands for several minutes, including prayers for myself and NLC.
It's important to be reminded that not all people approach their spirituality alike.
I learned my lesson, a while back, when traveling in Sierra Leone. The driver prayed for a safe trip before we got in the van.. When we got a flat tire, way up-country, he prayed before we got out and repaired it. Once repaired, he thanked God in prayer before we got back in the van. And he again thanked God in prayer when we finally arrived. Not only would have I probably not have prayed at all, but would have cussed quite a bit when the tire went down.
What if we all prayed like our Kenyan friends? What a difference it could make. I think I don't pray as much as I should partly because I think can often just rely on myself.. I don't think being self-confident is necessarily a bad trait, but I should probably avail myself of holy "possibilities" more often than I do.
The IPM leaders have said they will be attending our worship for time to time. They will be meeting on Saturdays, but will sometimes join us on Sundays. It should be interesting, because I know they like to sing a dance before the Lord in worship for extended periods of time, too. Praise God! Let's hold hands and do it together.
Being a busy pastor at two suburban churches, I was happy I could "squeeze in" a little time to talk with them about their ministry, building needs, etc. While locking the door after we finished, one of their leaders said "we should pray about this." I thought to myself: "Well, of course they want to pray. They are a PRAYER group!" I was ready for a little perfunctory prayer and thought we would all soon be on our way. But NOOOOO way! This is a fervent group who take their prayer seriously. Many blessings and petitions were covered as we held hands for several minutes, including prayers for myself and NLC.
It's important to be reminded that not all people approach their spirituality alike.
I learned my lesson, a while back, when traveling in Sierra Leone. The driver prayed for a safe trip before we got in the van.. When we got a flat tire, way up-country, he prayed before we got out and repaired it. Once repaired, he thanked God in prayer before we got back in the van. And he again thanked God in prayer when we finally arrived. Not only would have I probably not have prayed at all, but would have cussed quite a bit when the tire went down.
What if we all prayed like our Kenyan friends? What a difference it could make. I think I don't pray as much as I should partly because I think can often just rely on myself.. I don't think being self-confident is necessarily a bad trait, but I should probably avail myself of holy "possibilities" more often than I do.
The IPM leaders have said they will be attending our worship for time to time. They will be meeting on Saturdays, but will sometimes join us on Sundays. It should be interesting, because I know they like to sing a dance before the Lord in worship for extended periods of time, too. Praise God! Let's hold hands and do it together.
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