Yesterday was a beautiful day. And yet it was a bit of a strange day. The reason it was strange is because the building that holds the Woodside Presbyterian Church was oddly quiet yesterday morning. You see, yesterday morning there were no worship services held there. No songs praising the Lord. No prayers lifting our voices to heaven. No sermon to teach us the word. Silence. Silence because the church had “Left the Building”.
Rather than the usual Sunday services the Woodside congregation took the word of God out to the community. We all left our comfort zones and “Stepped outside the Box”. Some 20 to 30 or so groups got together and served the community. Some fed the homeless while others served the unfortunate that live in tents - almost in our backyards. Men & women went into retirement homes and spent time with the residents or did yard or light handyman work. Services were held, single moms and senior citizens got much needed help around the house, food pantries were repaired and highways were cleaned up.
The group I was with held a worship service and prepared and fed lunch to a group of men and women struggling with addiction. We sang, prayed and shared with these brothers and sisters and I came away with the feeling that the Holy Spirit had definitely been in the room, working through us to reach shattered lives. However it wasn’t until later that I understood one very special moment.
At the end of the worship service we had an altar call. Four or five came forward to either accept Jesus as their Lord, or to renew their faith. That’s always very powerful to me. But what I didn’t realize was that one of the men who came forward had been resisting the call of God for some time. You see he had been struggling with addiction for quite a while and after placing his faith in God’s hands at some point, he had felt that the church, and God, had let him down. He continued to attend and participate at recovery meetings but wouldn’t open the door to ask Jesus for his help. Yesterday God used one of us to reach into his heart. It may have been a song, a prayer, a sharing of faith or maybe it was just our presence there, but Sal let the Holy Spirit in and accepted Jesus as his Lord, Savior and friend.
When we go to serve in the prison, Dan Regan and I often talk about that “one”. What we mean by that is that we aren’t greedy. We don’t need to reach 100, or 50 or even 10 men during a visit. We wouldn’t turn them down of course, but our goal is always to reach one person. And, if the Lord doesn’t will it that night, we hope that we light a spark in one person. Yesterday, we were blessed, and I hope Sal was too.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Did You Hear the One About the Christians…?
One of the great things about the Dominican Republic trips is the organizational skill that Bruce and Judy Jones bring to it. And one of the most important things they’ve learned is that those of us that don’t participate in heavy labor on a regular basis need a break from it. This year’s schedule is a perfect example. The simplified 10-day schedule was:
Day 1 – Travel
Day 2 – Construction
Day 3 – Construction
Day 4 – Construction
Day 5 – Medical Clinic
Day 6 – VBS & Beach Afternoon
Day 7 – Construction
Day 8 – Construction
Day 9 – Construction
Day 10 – Travel
After three days of construction, we need a break. Bodies that aren’t used to heavy labor tend to wear out after a couple of days, especially in the DR heat. The medical clinic is not quite as physically demanding (for those of us not in the medical field at least) and is somewhat less strenuous. Day 6 was vacation bible school and our afternoon off at the beach. VBS is one of those activities that I find myself always trying to avoid. And yet any time I end up participating I come away the better for it. This year we were performing the skit based upon “Jesus feeds the 5000”, for the kids. Somebody obviously had come across my acting resume, and yours truly was picked to play the part of Jesus. OK – maybe the fact that I was the only one with a beard had something to do with it, but let me enjoy my moment. The play, the music and the arts and crafts were all fun – and a welcome respite from the heavy labor. Next up – The Beach!
After the VBS we took a 40-minute drive to the beach. We go to a local beach, rather than a tourist beach. The drawback to that is that it is not as clean as the tourist beaches. However the lack of vendors pushing their wares on us more than makes up for that. I decided to just chill a little after we got there. I wasn’t quite ready for the water, or the sun, yet. However as I prepared to head down to the surf I came across Matthew Royer, hopping along the sand, writhing in pain. A little ways up the beach, Bob Broeze was on his side in similar discomfort. The word soon spread that one of my only phobias (that I am aware of) was present: Jellyfish! Now in Bikini Bottom (Spongebob Squarepant’s home for those not familiar) the use of jellyfish indicates pain and danger, but in a “Three Stooges” kind of way. In the real world, it’s not so funny. As more and more people were stung, I quickly decided that the water was not going to be for me today. Although I have never been stung before, I have always had a fear of jellyfish and their presence has always limited my enjoyment of the beach. I decided to find other ways to enjoy the beauty of the afternoon.
After lunch Sandy led a group of us on a walk up the beach. We looked for shells and interesting rocks. I spent some time talking with John Heller and just enjoying the walk. I wasn’t all that interested in collecting more stuff. After all, I still have a bag of rocks stuffed in my closet for fear that Michelle will come across them and think I’m becoming a collector of things like my dad. I then let the main group go ahead while I hung back and spent some personal time appreciating God’s work.
At one point I looked out into the ocean and watched as the waves came in, smashing rocks and grinding them down in the never-ending process of creating sand. To the left the beach ran along past where we had set up “camp” and continuing around, and out, to a “point”. To the right the rest of the group kept walking until they reached a place where a river ran into the ocean. Behind us, some 50 miles away, mountains rose up giving a perfect counter-balance to the beach in front of me. As I spent some time enjoying the views, two thoughts crossed my mind: (1) the bible was right, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good”. (Genesis 1:31) and (2) how could we have taken what God had created and made such a mess of things?
As I finished contemplating this I could see that Dave & Peter Richards were some way ahead of me and Kelli Regan was about the same distance behind me. I decided to take the opportunity for some quiet reflection. I spent a good 15 minutes or so strolling back to our beach site. A couple of nights earlier, in small group, we had discussed whether or not we missed quiet reflection time – being in such a large travel group. At the time I hadn’t thought it was such a big deal, yet now that I had it, I was appreciating it. I had a chance to consciously think about how much I missed Michelle, Lizz and Jimmy. They are such a central part of my life, and yet sometimes I feel as if I don’t leave enough of my energy for them. I thought about my relationship with God and how I can continue to serve him. Sharing this trip with anybody that will listen would be a good starting point.
After I got back to our beach spot, I was astounded by the growing count of those that had become jellyfish victims. But what really amazed me was how many people were still in the water. Based upon the reactions of each person that was stung, it wasn’t that the experience wasn’t that painful. It really looked like it hurt and made me wonder: How many Christians need to be stung by jellyfish before they’ll leave the water?
I spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach near the water, talking with Doug and Lisa Hoglund, Kami Schall (my DR wife) and Susan Sciarratta. We discussed religion; the trip and our families back home. As the day progressed I began to think about the rest of the week, the progress we had made and what else needed to be done. And still, Christians were being stung.
Then, just as it appeared that the day was winding down, Bob came over and recruited for a last dip in the waves. Doug, Lisa, Kami and Susan all followed Bob in. Finally I decided, “What the heck”, and raced in myself. I ran in, got through a wave or two, and dove in. As I came out and wiped the water from my face, Kami turned to me and asked, “Are you over your fear yet?” I quickly replied, “Heck no. I’m out of here”, and began to run back in. After two or three strides I felt a shocking, stinging sensation on the big toe of my right foot, followed by a series of other pains up my foot. As I hopped out of the water, in the same pain I had seen in so many others, I realized that the answer to my question was 14. It takes 14 Christians to be stung by jellyfish before they’ll leave the water.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I Didn't Want to See You Again!
It’s always fun when you meet up with somebody that you haven’t seen in a while. It could be a former classmate, co-worker, girl friend or just a former buddy – it’s great to be able to reminisce about past times and experiences. Last night however I met up with somebody and I wish I hadn’t.
Last night Michelle, Bob and I went to CFCF for one of our Wednesday night services. After we greeted the brothers as they entered the room, Bob opened the night with a prayer and then we went into some praise worship. It was then that I noticed Joe coming towards the seats at the front right of the room, near the keyboards. I first met Joe a year or two ago. Joe is a big guy and had always shown a desire to be at the church services. He plays a good keyboard and often filled in when Michael wasn’t there. At some point we had heard the good news that he had been released. Unfortunately some six months later or so, he was in the facility again. He was there for another month or so, and was then released again.
One of the rules we have is that we don’t pry into why the men are incarcerated. Since we are there to help them meet, or reconnect with, Jesus and enter into a relationship with God, it’s really not important what their charges are. What’s important to us is finding a way to keep them from coming back, through faith. Last night though, Bob asked if any of the guys wanted to give testimony, and Joe volunteered.
It seems that Joe’s problem has been a drug addiction, and all that goes along with that. According to him he has been able to stay away from drugs unless he begins drinking. After getting out the second time, that I know about, he was able to stay strong and away from bars. Then one night his new boss was taking some of his workers out for a couple of drinks after work. Joe declined a couple of drink offers before finally breaking down. To make a long story shorter (too late to be short), one drink led to a couple more and that eventually led him to buying some drugs, getting caught and being sent back to CFCF.
While I like what little I’ve come to know of Joe, all things being equal I would have rather not have seen him again. Oh if I had the chance to see him at a church service, or recovery program or something like that, I’d want to see him. But not back inside.
Last night did however teach me one very important lesson: If I’m ever out with some people and somebody I’m with turns down the offer of a cocktail – I’m not going to ask again. That second offer may just be the one that breaks a recovering addict’s willpower, and leads them on the wrong path.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those that are not familiar with the Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministry, among other activities, we go into Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF) every Tuesday night and the first, third and fifth Wednesday of each month and lead a church service. You are welcome to look up our website at www.clprm.org.
Last night Michelle, Bob and I went to CFCF for one of our Wednesday night services. After we greeted the brothers as they entered the room, Bob opened the night with a prayer and then we went into some praise worship. It was then that I noticed Joe coming towards the seats at the front right of the room, near the keyboards. I first met Joe a year or two ago. Joe is a big guy and had always shown a desire to be at the church services. He plays a good keyboard and often filled in when Michael wasn’t there. At some point we had heard the good news that he had been released. Unfortunately some six months later or so, he was in the facility again. He was there for another month or so, and was then released again.
One of the rules we have is that we don’t pry into why the men are incarcerated. Since we are there to help them meet, or reconnect with, Jesus and enter into a relationship with God, it’s really not important what their charges are. What’s important to us is finding a way to keep them from coming back, through faith. Last night though, Bob asked if any of the guys wanted to give testimony, and Joe volunteered.
It seems that Joe’s problem has been a drug addiction, and all that goes along with that. According to him he has been able to stay away from drugs unless he begins drinking. After getting out the second time, that I know about, he was able to stay strong and away from bars. Then one night his new boss was taking some of his workers out for a couple of drinks after work. Joe declined a couple of drink offers before finally breaking down. To make a long story shorter (too late to be short), one drink led to a couple more and that eventually led him to buying some drugs, getting caught and being sent back to CFCF.
While I like what little I’ve come to know of Joe, all things being equal I would have rather not have seen him again. Oh if I had the chance to see him at a church service, or recovery program or something like that, I’d want to see him. But not back inside.
Last night did however teach me one very important lesson: If I’m ever out with some people and somebody I’m with turns down the offer of a cocktail – I’m not going to ask again. That second offer may just be the one that breaks a recovering addict’s willpower, and leads them on the wrong path.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those that are not familiar with the Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministry, among other activities, we go into Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF) every Tuesday night and the first, third and fifth Wednesday of each month and lead a church service. You are welcome to look up our website at www.clprm.org.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Construction
Woodside’s purpose for the annual mission trip to the Dominican Republic (the DR) is simple: To continue to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in as many ways as possible to as many places as possible (my words, not an official church statement). We do this in the DR by various means: By worshipping together, hosting medical clinics, leading Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for the children and working on a particular construction project, hand-in-hand, with our Dominican brothers and sisters. While each one of these allows us to work towards the overall purpose, it is the construction that the trip is most closely associated with. For one thing we work on the construction a good portion of the trip (6 of the 10 days this year). It is also how the annual trip is identified. Among other years there have been the years of the San Miguel trips: the medical center, the playground dig and the water purification building. Last year, 2009, was year one of construction for a new house of worship in the port city of Haina, or, “How we took down full grown trees with machetes”. (We in the Woodside sense. I wasn’t actually there in 2009). This year was year two in Haina, or, “How the walls went up, while the rain poured down”.
Now I don’t have a lot of experience in construction, but it seems to me that they might do things a little differently in the DR than they do back home. For one thing, in the two years I’ve worked in the DR I’ve yet to see any sign of construction plans, much less a blueprint. Obviously somebody has some sort of plan figured out because the buildings go up and we don’t seem to have walls that don’t meet or windows placed at the wrong places. We did have one outer wall this year that was laid at the wrong angle. However, upon recognizing the mistake, it was rectified by the simple act of knocking it down and resetting the cinder blocks in the proper line, all within a few hours. I can only imagine the amount of time that would have been spent fixing that sort of mistake here. Another item that seems to be missing is inspections & permits. I think back to the struggles Woodside encountered prior to the construction of the new worship room. Building permits, historical site approvals, and environmental impact studies – each controlled by a different set of people with different agendas and priorities. All add to the time and cost of construction.
But the biggest difference I’ve seen is the actual workers. Between the Americans and the Dominicans, we don’t have specialists that only do specific jobs. There are no union rules saying you can’t chip in wherever needed. You rarely see eight people standing around watching one person working. Ok, maybe when us Americans have just taken a group “agua break” and we’re getting ready to get back to work. Whether we’re passing cinder blocks in a “bloc line” or wheel barrowing sand, gravel or cement. Sometimes you’re a ditch digger
and other times you’re laying and mortaring the blocks to the wall. Rebar has to be cut, bent and tied together. Sand, gravel & cement have to be mixed into concrete and then moved to the proper location. It doesn’t matter what job you are working on. The point is everybody realizes how every job is necessary for the construction to be completed. There was one time in particular when I was asked to do something that I haven’t done before. When I finished explaining that I really don’t know how to do it, the supervisor merely spent five minutes telling me what to do, watched me do it a couple of times and then he walked away. No classes, no seminars, no certifications. You learn; you make mistakes, you get it done.
And age is not much of a factor either. Our group of 38 Americano’s ranged in age from 5 (sorry Peter – five and a quarter) to 71. Sure there are some things that are a little too physically demanding for some. But I saw 10 year olds standing in a block line passing 35 lb blocks along with the adults. We tried to use common sense and split the youngest up in the lines, but they work hard – and are darn proud of it.
It’s the spirit, the desire to work towards a goal. It’s the way we worked with each other and watched out for one another. We all try so hard to keep up with our Dominican brothers and sisters. The big difference is that they are used to the heat and the conditions. They don’t seem to need as much water as we do, or as much rest time. I know from personal experience that you can over do it. And by the time you realize, it may be too late. If I had taken proper breaks two years ago maybe I would have avoided the dehydration. So this year I not only watched out for myself, but also kept an eye on others that I thought might be overdoing it.
And in addition to policing ourselves, there is always the sense that God is there, watching over us. I remember a few times swinging a block or throwing a rock just as little Peter walked by. And while I knew there was no way I could have missed him, unless God was nudging Peter aside, or deflecting the rock, each time I did miss. There was another time when I began to tire and I was carrying some rebar across a ditch. At the edge of the ditch the dirt gave away and I found myself falling. Despite the fact that it was a 3 ½ to 4 foot ditch – despite the fact that there was rebar laid at the bottom of the ditch and there was no way I could possibly come out of there without a sprained ankle, punctured leg – or worse, I came up with a couple of minor scrapes.
Would a mission trip to the DR be as memorable if we didn’t have the construction project? I would hope so, but it has become such an integral part of the trip that it’s kind of hard to envision the trip without it. However it is important for us to remember that it is merely one of the tools we use to build upon our relationships; with God and with each other. In that respect it is no more, or less, important than the other ways that we spread the word. Without Jesus, we’re simply putting up a building. With Jesus, we’re building relationships.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Now I don’t have a lot of experience in construction, but it seems to me that they might do things a little differently in the DR than they do back home. For one thing, in the two years I’ve worked in the DR I’ve yet to see any sign of construction plans, much less a blueprint. Obviously somebody has some sort of plan figured out because the buildings go up and we don’t seem to have walls that don’t meet or windows placed at the wrong places. We did have one outer wall this year that was laid at the wrong angle. However, upon recognizing the mistake, it was rectified by the simple act of knocking it down and resetting the cinder blocks in the proper line, all within a few hours. I can only imagine the amount of time that would have been spent fixing that sort of mistake here. Another item that seems to be missing is inspections & permits. I think back to the struggles Woodside encountered prior to the construction of the new worship room. Building permits, historical site approvals, and environmental impact studies – each controlled by a different set of people with different agendas and priorities. All add to the time and cost of construction.
But the biggest difference I’ve seen is the actual workers. Between the Americans and the Dominicans, we don’t have specialists that only do specific jobs. There are no union rules saying you can’t chip in wherever needed. You rarely see eight people standing around watching one person working. Ok, maybe when us Americans have just taken a group “agua break” and we’re getting ready to get back to work. Whether we’re passing cinder blocks in a “bloc line” or wheel barrowing sand, gravel or cement. Sometimes you’re a ditch digger
and other times you’re laying and mortaring the blocks to the wall. Rebar has to be cut, bent and tied together. Sand, gravel & cement have to be mixed into concrete and then moved to the proper location. It doesn’t matter what job you are working on. The point is everybody realizes how every job is necessary for the construction to be completed. There was one time in particular when I was asked to do something that I haven’t done before. When I finished explaining that I really don’t know how to do it, the supervisor merely spent five minutes telling me what to do, watched me do it a couple of times and then he walked away. No classes, no seminars, no certifications. You learn; you make mistakes, you get it done.And age is not much of a factor either. Our group of 38 Americano’s ranged in age from 5 (sorry Peter – five and a quarter) to 71. Sure there are some things that are a little too physically demanding for some. But I saw 10 year olds standing in a block line passing 35 lb blocks along with the adults. We tried to use common sense and split the youngest up in the lines, but they work hard – and are darn proud of it.
It’s the spirit, the desire to work towards a goal. It’s the way we worked with each other and watched out for one another. We all try so hard to keep up with our Dominican brothers and sisters. The big difference is that they are used to the heat and the conditions. They don’t seem to need as much water as we do, or as much rest time. I know from personal experience that you can over do it. And by the time you realize, it may be too late. If I had taken proper breaks two years ago maybe I would have avoided the dehydration. So this year I not only watched out for myself, but also kept an eye on others that I thought might be overdoing it.
And in addition to policing ourselves, there is always the sense that God is there, watching over us. I remember a few times swinging a block or throwing a rock just as little Peter walked by. And while I knew there was no way I could have missed him, unless God was nudging Peter aside, or deflecting the rock, each time I did miss. There was another time when I began to tire and I was carrying some rebar across a ditch. At the edge of the ditch the dirt gave away and I found myself falling. Despite the fact that it was a 3 ½ to 4 foot ditch – despite the fact that there was rebar laid at the bottom of the ditch and there was no way I could possibly come out of there without a sprained ankle, punctured leg – or worse, I came up with a couple of minor scrapes.
Would a mission trip to the DR be as memorable if we didn’t have the construction project? I would hope so, but it has become such an integral part of the trip that it’s kind of hard to envision the trip without it. However it is important for us to remember that it is merely one of the tools we use to build upon our relationships; with God and with each other. In that respect it is no more, or less, important than the other ways that we spread the word. Without Jesus, we’re simply putting up a building. With Jesus, we’re building relationships.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Return
A few years ago a friend of mine kept raving about the ribs he was getting from a certain steakhouse that he went to. When I finally got the chance to go, I found that he wasn’t exaggerating. The service was great, the sauce was fantastic and the meat literally fell off of the bones. A few months later I went back, with a real desire for some tasty ribs. What a major disappointment. The service, the ribs, even the wine just didn't seem to be anthying more than ordinary. Maybe I just picked a bad night or maybe my memory filtered my original visit and made the experience something better than it actually was. Whatever the case, I definitely had a less pleasant return.
As I prepared for my second trip to the Dominican Republic (the DR) I wondered how it would compare with my first trip in 2008. I had such a great first experience that I was concerned that the return wouldn’t match up. I quickly realized that making this type of comparison would be a major mistake. First of all, if I were planning to make this a multiple trip experience (and I do) then I would be setting myself up for eventual disappointment. Whether a dinner, a concert or a trip you will eventually reach a point where it doesn’t measure up to a previous time. To put that into perspective: I have yet to visit the afore mentioned restaurant for a third time because the disappointing visit is more recent than the successful one. I don’t want the DR to be the same.
But there is another reason, a more important one. When you go on vacation you’re spending money to get yourself a good time; to see interesting and new sites; to have fun or maybe relax. You go to a concert or a show, and pay to be entertained. You go out to a restaurant and pay for a dinner in order to take it easy, avoid your own cooking and cleaning duties, and to be served. And that is how you measure the success or failure: How it affects you, or how you are served by the experience. The primary purpose of a mission trip is to serve. I can’t expect things to be arranged for my pleasure. People that met me two years ago aren’t likely to remember me. I know enough not to expect the comforts I have at home. In short, there is not going to be a brass band awaiting us. We are there to help build a new house of worship. We’re there to establish, or grow, relationships with our brothers & sisters in Christ – Americano or Dominicano. We are there to serve God.
I'm glad that I put myself in the proper frame of mind before I left. The weather wasn't great. We had downpours during the first three days of construction and brutally hot days the last three. The meals aren't coming from five star restaurants, although I can't complain about them. It's hard to prove how hard we work, in very hot weather, and come home weighing the same, or more, than when we left. And, as we have to do any time we go there, we have to spend much of our time reminding ourselves not to drink, or brush your teeth with the water. And how important it is, even after washing your hands, to load up on the purrell because the water you just used to wash the soap off your hands, holds the possibility of making you sick.
Yet none of that matters. What matters is the rising of the walls of the House of Worship that we're building. What's important is the smiles of the kids at the worksite, at worship or at VBS (Vacation Bible Study).
What makes you feel special is the 852 men, women and children that are seen at the all day medical clinic that we sponsor. And what justifies our time there is the 10 to 20 brother's and sister's that give their lives to Christ at the Compagna, a revival service one night on the streets of Haina.
So was this year better, or worse, than 2008? I'm not really sure. And to be honest, it doesn't really matter. I came home feeling that God blessed us, as he did in 2008, and that means we were doing his work.
Oh, and remember when I said earlier that there wouldn't be a brass band waiting for us?
It wasn't brass but they sure made us feel welcome as we left the airport in Santo Domingo.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
As I prepared for my second trip to the Dominican Republic (the DR) I wondered how it would compare with my first trip in 2008. I had such a great first experience that I was concerned that the return wouldn’t match up. I quickly realized that making this type of comparison would be a major mistake. First of all, if I were planning to make this a multiple trip experience (and I do) then I would be setting myself up for eventual disappointment. Whether a dinner, a concert or a trip you will eventually reach a point where it doesn’t measure up to a previous time. To put that into perspective: I have yet to visit the afore mentioned restaurant for a third time because the disappointing visit is more recent than the successful one. I don’t want the DR to be the same.
But there is another reason, a more important one. When you go on vacation you’re spending money to get yourself a good time; to see interesting and new sites; to have fun or maybe relax. You go to a concert or a show, and pay to be entertained. You go out to a restaurant and pay for a dinner in order to take it easy, avoid your own cooking and cleaning duties, and to be served. And that is how you measure the success or failure: How it affects you, or how you are served by the experience. The primary purpose of a mission trip is to serve. I can’t expect things to be arranged for my pleasure. People that met me two years ago aren’t likely to remember me. I know enough not to expect the comforts I have at home. In short, there is not going to be a brass band awaiting us. We are there to help build a new house of worship. We’re there to establish, or grow, relationships with our brothers & sisters in Christ – Americano or Dominicano. We are there to serve God.
I'm glad that I put myself in the proper frame of mind before I left. The weather wasn't great. We had downpours during the first three days of construction and brutally hot days the last three. The meals aren't coming from five star restaurants, although I can't complain about them. It's hard to prove how hard we work, in very hot weather, and come home weighing the same, or more, than when we left. And, as we have to do any time we go there, we have to spend much of our time reminding ourselves not to drink, or brush your teeth with the water. And how important it is, even after washing your hands, to load up on the purrell because the water you just used to wash the soap off your hands, holds the possibility of making you sick.
Yet none of that matters. What matters is the rising of the walls of the House of Worship that we're building. What's important is the smiles of the kids at the worksite, at worship or at VBS (Vacation Bible Study).
What makes you feel special is the 852 men, women and children that are seen at the all day medical clinic that we sponsor. And what justifies our time there is the 10 to 20 brother's and sister's that give their lives to Christ at the Compagna, a revival service one night on the streets of Haina.
So was this year better, or worse, than 2008? I'm not really sure. And to be honest, it doesn't really matter. I came home feeling that God blessed us, as he did in 2008, and that means we were doing his work.
Oh, and remember when I said earlier that there wouldn't be a brass band waiting for us?
It wasn't brass but they sure made us feel welcome as we left the airport in Santo Domingo.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Why Go?
As I prepared to join the Woodside DR team for my second trip in three years, a number of people asked me why I was going to the Dominican Republic. While a simple answer stating that it was for a church mission trip satisfied many, it really only stated the purpose of the trip, not the reason I was going. That would take a little more time. And, since it seems that I have that necessary time right now, I guess I’ll take a crack at it. Some of my fellow travelers will recognize what I am about to write from my testimony last week. But for those that weren’t with me, here goes:
A little over four years ago I found myself back at Woodside Presbyterian Church, the church that I grew up with. When my father passed away in February of 2006, we went to the Pastor at Woodside and asked him if he would perform the memorial service for the family. Pastor Hoglund (Doug), agreed and this began my journey in becoming a follower of Christ. Occasional visits to Sunday services were followed by regular weekly attendance. Weekly attendance turned into our joining the church. Becoming a member of the congregation led to both Michelle and I participating in bible studies. We were both becoming more and more involved with the church and more importantly, were enjoying it.
Despite my growing belief there was an important part missing. There has always been a part of me that questioned people that said that God spoke to them. I always felt that people that heard God speak to them were either delusional, or justifying decisions that they were making. Then came Mission Sunday, 2007 edition.
Every year the church holds one service in which presentations are made to the congregation detailing what each of the Woodside sponsored mission trips did that summer. I believe in 2007 there were four such trips: Pittsburgh, North Carolina, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Each of the trips had wonderful presentations and there were a variety of different reasons to go on any of them. But in only one did I feel that something, or someone, was telling me to go – the Dominican Republic. I can’t explain what it was that convinced me to go. The only way I can explain it is that I had recognized, for the first time in my memory, that God was laying out a path for me. It had to be God because that is the only explanation for my illogical order of events that happened next. Immediately following the Mission Sunday service I tracked down Judy Jones, one of the leaders of the Dominican trip. I found her and told her that she could put my name down as of that moment as a participating member of the 2008 DR Trip. Then, I went and told my wife.
Fast forward now to the following year after the 2008 trip was complete and we were home. When people asked me how the trip went, my basic answer was, “It was regularly in the mid-nineties, very humid and we did heavy construction work. There was no air-conditioning and I don’t sleep well in the heat. There were continual concerns about contracting some sort of stomach virus due to the poor source of water and I struggled with dehydration one day. The sanitary facilities were somewhat lacking. In fact if I came across a gas station bathroom that looked like some of the places we used, I would hop back in my car and hold it for another 20 miles for a cleaner one. And yet, if it weren’t for my family, I wouldn’t want to leave.” There are a number of reasons that I felt this way: The fellowship – both with the team I went with, as well as my new Dominican brothers & sisters. The feeling of accomplishment of doing something that was so desperately needed (in 2008 we were constructing a water purification building), is almost impossible to explain.
But there was one specific moment that just summed it up for me and made me want to come back. I was sitting with two of my Dominican sisters when a couple of teenaged boys came by. I had seen them walk past a couple of times looking over at all of us, laughing and making comments (like teenaged boys the world over do). This time they walked over and spoke with my sisters. After a couple of minutes of conversation they appeared to have gotten whatever question they had answered, and walked away. Not speaking any more than a couple of Spanish words myself, I asked the girls what the boys had said. The one next to me said, “They asked why so many Americans came every year and worked so hard”. “What did you say”, I replied. She simply responded, “Because they love Jesus”. And that’s why I went back. For the love of Jesus.
Matthew 28:19 (New International Version)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Say a prayer for somebody today.
A little over four years ago I found myself back at Woodside Presbyterian Church, the church that I grew up with. When my father passed away in February of 2006, we went to the Pastor at Woodside and asked him if he would perform the memorial service for the family. Pastor Hoglund (Doug), agreed and this began my journey in becoming a follower of Christ. Occasional visits to Sunday services were followed by regular weekly attendance. Weekly attendance turned into our joining the church. Becoming a member of the congregation led to both Michelle and I participating in bible studies. We were both becoming more and more involved with the church and more importantly, were enjoying it.
Despite my growing belief there was an important part missing. There has always been a part of me that questioned people that said that God spoke to them. I always felt that people that heard God speak to them were either delusional, or justifying decisions that they were making. Then came Mission Sunday, 2007 edition.
Every year the church holds one service in which presentations are made to the congregation detailing what each of the Woodside sponsored mission trips did that summer. I believe in 2007 there were four such trips: Pittsburgh, North Carolina, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Each of the trips had wonderful presentations and there were a variety of different reasons to go on any of them. But in only one did I feel that something, or someone, was telling me to go – the Dominican Republic. I can’t explain what it was that convinced me to go. The only way I can explain it is that I had recognized, for the first time in my memory, that God was laying out a path for me. It had to be God because that is the only explanation for my illogical order of events that happened next. Immediately following the Mission Sunday service I tracked down Judy Jones, one of the leaders of the Dominican trip. I found her and told her that she could put my name down as of that moment as a participating member of the 2008 DR Trip. Then, I went and told my wife.
Fast forward now to the following year after the 2008 trip was complete and we were home. When people asked me how the trip went, my basic answer was, “It was regularly in the mid-nineties, very humid and we did heavy construction work. There was no air-conditioning and I don’t sleep well in the heat. There were continual concerns about contracting some sort of stomach virus due to the poor source of water and I struggled with dehydration one day. The sanitary facilities were somewhat lacking. In fact if I came across a gas station bathroom that looked like some of the places we used, I would hop back in my car and hold it for another 20 miles for a cleaner one. And yet, if it weren’t for my family, I wouldn’t want to leave.” There are a number of reasons that I felt this way: The fellowship – both with the team I went with, as well as my new Dominican brothers & sisters. The feeling of accomplishment of doing something that was so desperately needed (in 2008 we were constructing a water purification building), is almost impossible to explain.
But there was one specific moment that just summed it up for me and made me want to come back. I was sitting with two of my Dominican sisters when a couple of teenaged boys came by. I had seen them walk past a couple of times looking over at all of us, laughing and making comments (like teenaged boys the world over do). This time they walked over and spoke with my sisters. After a couple of minutes of conversation they appeared to have gotten whatever question they had answered, and walked away. Not speaking any more than a couple of Spanish words myself, I asked the girls what the boys had said. The one next to me said, “They asked why so many Americans came every year and worked so hard”. “What did you say”, I replied. She simply responded, “Because they love Jesus”. And that’s why I went back. For the love of Jesus.
Matthew 28:19 (New International Version)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Helping Out
There are so many ways that we can help each other in life. Some are simple while some are complex. Some are meaningful while some are silly. And sometimes it’s just a joy to help out somebody’s weekend.
I try to golf a bit (emphasis on the try) and realize what a frustrating game it can be sometimes. Therefore I want to take this opportunity to share a little of my knowledge. Yet rather than discuss generalizations and generic tips, I’m going to concentrate on specifics: How to play hole 17 at Northampton Country Club. While the methods may seem unconventional, the results are what matters.
Birdying the 17th Hole
The common method of playing this hole is to drive the ball 230 – 250 yards, chip/pitch onto the green, and then putt it in. The problem with that is that all to often your pitch onto the green leads to the ball running past the hole and into the rough (In which case refer to “Saving bogie”). I prefer to use the bunker to the right of the green for my second shot. Think about it. Usually when your ball goes into the trap, it stops rolling fairly quickly. In this case it allows your ball to remain even with the pin for your third, or birdie, shot.
Now most players, in exiting a sand trap, try to hit the ball about an inch or so into the sand behind the ball, and use the sand to push the ball out of the trap onto the green. Not a bad strategy, but it is hard to control the distance and accuracy of such a shot. Try the unconventional “Skull” shot at this point. Nailing the ball with the edge of your sand wedge will send the ball out very quickly. This becomes the one tricky part here. Hit the lip too low and you come right back into the trap. Too high and you’ll be over the green and out of play. You need to hit the ball so that you catch the very top of the lip. This gives two special benefits. (1) It will send the ball soaring straight up into the air, traveling a minimum distance onto the green. (2) The ball will go so high in the air that when it drops down into the cup it will invariably bounce out and roll away. By hitting the top of the lip, you will give it enough backspin so that after popping out, the ball will roll right back into the hole.
Now I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering how to play the hole if you miss the trap on your second shot.
Saving Bogie
If you have missed the trap on your second shot you will probably find yourself past the green and into the rough. After all you have lost the opportunity to have the sand stop your ball. First things first: give up on thinking about birdying or parring the hole at this point. Think about saving bogie.
You’re probably in the rough in an uncomfortable lie at this point, so you want to just chunk the ball and get out of the rough. Your 4th shot is important here. You’re not on the green yet and face a downhill shot. Not an easy choice and can lead to some frustration. The best bet is to just work on getting onto the green. Make sure you hit the ball hard enough to get past the cup, and only concern yourself with staying on the green. A long putt, maybe 45 feet, is actually preferable for, again, two reasons: (1) You will leave yourself with an uphill putt, and everybody knows an uphill putt is easier than a downhill one. (2) By being a good distance away, you have removed all of the pressure. Nobody expects you to be able to drop a 45-foot putt so you are free to be loose and easy. At this point just line it up, stroke it, and watch it drop in – Saving Bogie!
For those off you that think they are “special” and can just drive, pitch and putt for birdie. Let’s look at it another way. A birdie like that will provide you with a “nice birdie” comment from your partners. You’ll move onto the 18th hole and that bird will be forgotten. However I’ve gotten 4 to 6 weeks out of #17, and aren’t bragging rights what golf is all about?
Enjoy your next 18, and…
Say a prayer for somebody today.
I try to golf a bit (emphasis on the try) and realize what a frustrating game it can be sometimes. Therefore I want to take this opportunity to share a little of my knowledge. Yet rather than discuss generalizations and generic tips, I’m going to concentrate on specifics: How to play hole 17 at Northampton Country Club. While the methods may seem unconventional, the results are what matters.
Birdying the 17th Hole
The common method of playing this hole is to drive the ball 230 – 250 yards, chip/pitch onto the green, and then putt it in. The problem with that is that all to often your pitch onto the green leads to the ball running past the hole and into the rough (In which case refer to “Saving bogie”). I prefer to use the bunker to the right of the green for my second shot. Think about it. Usually when your ball goes into the trap, it stops rolling fairly quickly. In this case it allows your ball to remain even with the pin for your third, or birdie, shot.
Now most players, in exiting a sand trap, try to hit the ball about an inch or so into the sand behind the ball, and use the sand to push the ball out of the trap onto the green. Not a bad strategy, but it is hard to control the distance and accuracy of such a shot. Try the unconventional “Skull” shot at this point. Nailing the ball with the edge of your sand wedge will send the ball out very quickly. This becomes the one tricky part here. Hit the lip too low and you come right back into the trap. Too high and you’ll be over the green and out of play. You need to hit the ball so that you catch the very top of the lip. This gives two special benefits. (1) It will send the ball soaring straight up into the air, traveling a minimum distance onto the green. (2) The ball will go so high in the air that when it drops down into the cup it will invariably bounce out and roll away. By hitting the top of the lip, you will give it enough backspin so that after popping out, the ball will roll right back into the hole.
Now I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering how to play the hole if you miss the trap on your second shot.
Saving Bogie
If you have missed the trap on your second shot you will probably find yourself past the green and into the rough. After all you have lost the opportunity to have the sand stop your ball. First things first: give up on thinking about birdying or parring the hole at this point. Think about saving bogie.
You’re probably in the rough in an uncomfortable lie at this point, so you want to just chunk the ball and get out of the rough. Your 4th shot is important here. You’re not on the green yet and face a downhill shot. Not an easy choice and can lead to some frustration. The best bet is to just work on getting onto the green. Make sure you hit the ball hard enough to get past the cup, and only concern yourself with staying on the green. A long putt, maybe 45 feet, is actually preferable for, again, two reasons: (1) You will leave yourself with an uphill putt, and everybody knows an uphill putt is easier than a downhill one. (2) By being a good distance away, you have removed all of the pressure. Nobody expects you to be able to drop a 45-foot putt so you are free to be loose and easy. At this point just line it up, stroke it, and watch it drop in – Saving Bogie!
For those off you that think they are “special” and can just drive, pitch and putt for birdie. Let’s look at it another way. A birdie like that will provide you with a “nice birdie” comment from your partners. You’ll move onto the 18th hole and that bird will be forgotten. However I’ve gotten 4 to 6 weeks out of #17, and aren’t bragging rights what golf is all about?
Enjoy your next 18, and…
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
One Reason for Hope
Woodside has a number of special services during the year. Naturally there are the Christmas, Easter and other holiday services. But there are also other special days. There is Mother’s Day & Father’s Day, when the women and men, respectively, participate in the services more than usual. There is the Sunday that the children have their drama, and Senior Sunday when the High School Seniors say “so long” to the congregation as they head off to new adventures.
And then there is my favorite of the additional special Sundays: Youth, or Confirmation, Sunday. Every year the ninth graders in the senior high youth group have a 12-week study to prepare them for their confirmation. It is capped off with Confirmation Sunday. On this day each of the youths steps up in front of the congregation and reads their “Statement of Faith”. They often attempt to be funny (and many of them succeed), but most importantly each of them ends up explaining what it means to them to walk with Jesus, as well as the road they have taken so far to get there.
The groups are so large that they usually split the statement of faith readings in half. Half of them read them at the Celebration Service and the other half at the Classic Service (although they all attend both services). As an added bonus this year, the confirmation class pushed Woodside’s total membership above 600. Every year is always a little different, and each is special. One year I remember there being a lot of emotions shared; one year the kids were especially funny. This year had a great combination of humor and sincerity.
The reason I enjoy it so much is that it is a great example of what is right with the world today. So much is always made of the troublemakers and the negative actions, that the positive influences by so many kids are overlooked. They have their cliques, but the hatred sometimes seen in many such rivalries is not evident. It’s not that they are perfect youngsters (they are teenagers after all). They might not do things as we would like them to all of the time, and they certainly make mistakes (of course, so do we adults – God knows we make mistakes). It’s just that their love of Christ and the respect they show for each other is so refreshing.
And many of them aren’t embarrassed to discuss their faith with peers that are not part of the Woodside Family. That was something I struggled with as a high school student. I think it’s great when friends come to visit a service, or come to a youth group night, or attend a youth group event – and then continue to come back.
I’ve also seen a focus on the relationship with Christ, over and above the focus on religion, and I think that’s great. I joined the 21st century a few months ago and got myself hooked up with Facebook. One of the things I like to do is to glance at the “Religious Views” section of the profile and see what people enter. I see a number of Christians, some Presbyterians, a Methodist or two, but my favorites came from my three nieces and my daughter.
My youngest niece (with the exception of baby JJ) writes, “Jesus rocks my socks off”. My middle niece states, “Jesus saves”. My eldest niece explains, “I call it a relationship with Jesus Christ”. But my daughter wrote my favorite, “Music is my passion, Jesus is my life”. This serves a s reminder to me. It’s not about religion, it’s not about church and it’s certainly not about me. It’s about Jesus, and what he did for us. It’s good to be reminded of that once in a while.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
And then there is my favorite of the additional special Sundays: Youth, or Confirmation, Sunday. Every year the ninth graders in the senior high youth group have a 12-week study to prepare them for their confirmation. It is capped off with Confirmation Sunday. On this day each of the youths steps up in front of the congregation and reads their “Statement of Faith”. They often attempt to be funny (and many of them succeed), but most importantly each of them ends up explaining what it means to them to walk with Jesus, as well as the road they have taken so far to get there.
The groups are so large that they usually split the statement of faith readings in half. Half of them read them at the Celebration Service and the other half at the Classic Service (although they all attend both services). As an added bonus this year, the confirmation class pushed Woodside’s total membership above 600. Every year is always a little different, and each is special. One year I remember there being a lot of emotions shared; one year the kids were especially funny. This year had a great combination of humor and sincerity.
The reason I enjoy it so much is that it is a great example of what is right with the world today. So much is always made of the troublemakers and the negative actions, that the positive influences by so many kids are overlooked. They have their cliques, but the hatred sometimes seen in many such rivalries is not evident. It’s not that they are perfect youngsters (they are teenagers after all). They might not do things as we would like them to all of the time, and they certainly make mistakes (of course, so do we adults – God knows we make mistakes). It’s just that their love of Christ and the respect they show for each other is so refreshing.
And many of them aren’t embarrassed to discuss their faith with peers that are not part of the Woodside Family. That was something I struggled with as a high school student. I think it’s great when friends come to visit a service, or come to a youth group night, or attend a youth group event – and then continue to come back.
I’ve also seen a focus on the relationship with Christ, over and above the focus on religion, and I think that’s great. I joined the 21st century a few months ago and got myself hooked up with Facebook. One of the things I like to do is to glance at the “Religious Views” section of the profile and see what people enter. I see a number of Christians, some Presbyterians, a Methodist or two, but my favorites came from my three nieces and my daughter.
My youngest niece (with the exception of baby JJ) writes, “Jesus rocks my socks off”. My middle niece states, “Jesus saves”. My eldest niece explains, “I call it a relationship with Jesus Christ”. But my daughter wrote my favorite, “Music is my passion, Jesus is my life”. This serves a s reminder to me. It’s not about religion, it’s not about church and it’s certainly not about me. It’s about Jesus, and what he did for us. It’s good to be reminded of that once in a while.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tournament of Champions
This past weekend we held the first Annual Woodside Adult Ping Pong Tournament. While the event participation was somewhat light, the competition was fierce. There were a number of good matches leading up to the semi-finals and finals. In the end it was the women of Woodside that ruled the day, showing the men that if we weren’t taking them seriously, we should have. There was one particularly humorous site during the championship match, and I wish we had gotten it on camera, where the two finalists were battling it out while a half of dozen defeated men watched from the sidelines.
Karen Kovalcik defeated Anthony Mannarino in one semi final match, two games to one. I made it to the other semi final match and found myself facing the opponent that had been declared numerous times to be the favorite in the tournament. And even though most of that pre tournament talk had come out of her own mouth, I found that she was able to back it up with a fierce defensive game that nullified my offensive one. Sharon Ziemer proceeded to beat me, handily, in a best of three games series that placed her up against Karen for the finals.
The championship match ended up between a pair of opponents that had remarkably similar games. I was amazed at some of the volleys they had. Improbable shots were countered with impossible returns, which were sometimes concluded with what could almost be considered miraculous finishes. While Sharon beat Karen in two straight games for the championship, the defensive duel was riveting, and quite a show.
I’d like to thank those that helped put this together, those that loaned us their tables, the participants that put on quite a show and especially Dave Wollman. Dave wasn’t available to compete, but he gave a good seven hours of his time, and the use of his truck in helping me pick up, and then return, all of the tables.
As the day ended, I was happy to know that I had 365 days until the next tournament. I’d better get practicing now.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Karen Kovalcik defeated Anthony Mannarino in one semi final match, two games to one. I made it to the other semi final match and found myself facing the opponent that had been declared numerous times to be the favorite in the tournament. And even though most of that pre tournament talk had come out of her own mouth, I found that she was able to back it up with a fierce defensive game that nullified my offensive one. Sharon Ziemer proceeded to beat me, handily, in a best of three games series that placed her up against Karen for the finals.
The championship match ended up between a pair of opponents that had remarkably similar games. I was amazed at some of the volleys they had. Improbable shots were countered with impossible returns, which were sometimes concluded with what could almost be considered miraculous finishes. While Sharon beat Karen in two straight games for the championship, the defensive duel was riveting, and quite a show.
I’d like to thank those that helped put this together, those that loaned us their tables, the participants that put on quite a show and especially Dave Wollman. Dave wasn’t available to compete, but he gave a good seven hours of his time, and the use of his truck in helping me pick up, and then return, all of the tables.
As the day ended, I was happy to know that I had 365 days until the next tournament. I’d better get practicing now.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Disappointed?
Last night the Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministry (CLPRM) was blessed with the opportunity to take five guests to a service at CFCF. Two of them were back for return visits and the other three were first timers. The early nervousness that most first timers into the prison feel was quickly removed by the raw power of the Holy Spirit in the chapel. From my own experience, I can imagine the emotions flowing through them as they worship with the guys. The night rushed by, as usual, and following our normal routine of praise, prayer, share, message and the altar call we finished in the parking lot with our weekly closing prayer underneath I-95.
On the way home we got to talking about what an experience the services at CFCF are. Later, after I dropped our guests off, I thought about the rare times that I came away from a CFCF service disappointed. There was the time when Dan, Cliff, Pat and I went in without Bob, Royce or Michael. We got so psyched up because it was the first time we were going to do service on our own, and the night ended up being such a downer. Oh, wait…that’s right. They had an armband count that night and we never got in. Well I do remember that the first two times Dave had a guest pass were less than memorable. The second time he went, Kelli and I were with him and…and there an armband count that night and we never got in. But the most disappointing night I had should have been the best of all. Nobody else was available to go in, and Bob gave me an out. He said he’d understand if I didn’t want to go in by myself, but I was more than ready. And why was it so disappointing? If you guessed there was an armband count that night and I never got in, well give yourself a silver star.
I have never had a night at CFCF, when we have had a service, which was disappointing. Oh sure, there are nights that are better than others, but I’ve never come home wishing that I had spent my night differently. And then I took it a step further, and thought about worship services at Woodside. I’ll occasionally miss a service if I’m traveling, but apart from that I don’t like missing worship. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember a disappointing service since I came to Christ. I’ve come to understand that it’s not the service. It’s not the pastor. It’s the fact that I am there, listening to the word of God and soaking up the Holy Spirit that makes the difference.
It is for this reason that I like sharing my experiences with people outside of church. I want others to have that same feeling, that same relationship, that same love that I have come to have with God. I want others to join me. As a child of God – A friend of God.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
On the way home we got to talking about what an experience the services at CFCF are. Later, after I dropped our guests off, I thought about the rare times that I came away from a CFCF service disappointed. There was the time when Dan, Cliff, Pat and I went in without Bob, Royce or Michael. We got so psyched up because it was the first time we were going to do service on our own, and the night ended up being such a downer. Oh, wait…that’s right. They had an armband count that night and we never got in. Well I do remember that the first two times Dave had a guest pass were less than memorable. The second time he went, Kelli and I were with him and…and there an armband count that night and we never got in. But the most disappointing night I had should have been the best of all. Nobody else was available to go in, and Bob gave me an out. He said he’d understand if I didn’t want to go in by myself, but I was more than ready. And why was it so disappointing? If you guessed there was an armband count that night and I never got in, well give yourself a silver star.
I have never had a night at CFCF, when we have had a service, which was disappointing. Oh sure, there are nights that are better than others, but I’ve never come home wishing that I had spent my night differently. And then I took it a step further, and thought about worship services at Woodside. I’ll occasionally miss a service if I’m traveling, but apart from that I don’t like missing worship. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember a disappointing service since I came to Christ. I’ve come to understand that it’s not the service. It’s not the pastor. It’s the fact that I am there, listening to the word of God and soaking up the Holy Spirit that makes the difference.
It is for this reason that I like sharing my experiences with people outside of church. I want others to have that same feeling, that same relationship, that same love that I have come to have with God. I want others to join me. As a child of God – A friend of God.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
And The Name Is...
The naming of a group is important. How will we be identified? Will it match the group personality? Is it cool? And when you take a number of small groups and try to come up with a name that fits the consolidated group, it’s that much harder.
A few months ago Woodside moved towards the “Cluster” concept. This involved combining five small groups into one cluster. This “cluster” would help with Sunday morning fellowship, and hopefully work together towards achieving common goals: Small enough to be manageable, but big enough to be able to complete the job. One of our early challenges has been to find a name that would identify the group.
Tonight we got together as a Cluster and had a family movie night. Pizza, soda, friends and a showing of “Where the Wild Things Are”. The movie was, to say the least, different, unusual, and not what I expected…but an enjoyable movie nonetheless.
We also used this opportunity to select our Cluster name. We presented 6 different names that were nominated by members of the study groups. I called out each nomination and we would see which got the most positive reaction. The first couple received a smattering of applause. Another brought a raised hand (Kami: We can’t hear a raised hand) and two others were met with silence, although I believe Pastor Doug responded enthusiastically to one (he was the only one). Then the last name came up. A thunderous roar spread through the Vineyard. The dead stirred, the living took notice. We are now no longer “Scott’s Cluster Group”. We will now, and forever, be known as “Woodside’s Warriors”!
Say a prayer for somebody today.
A few months ago Woodside moved towards the “Cluster” concept. This involved combining five small groups into one cluster. This “cluster” would help with Sunday morning fellowship, and hopefully work together towards achieving common goals: Small enough to be manageable, but big enough to be able to complete the job. One of our early challenges has been to find a name that would identify the group.
Tonight we got together as a Cluster and had a family movie night. Pizza, soda, friends and a showing of “Where the Wild Things Are”. The movie was, to say the least, different, unusual, and not what I expected…but an enjoyable movie nonetheless.
We also used this opportunity to select our Cluster name. We presented 6 different names that were nominated by members of the study groups. I called out each nomination and we would see which got the most positive reaction. The first couple received a smattering of applause. Another brought a raised hand (Kami: We can’t hear a raised hand) and two others were met with silence, although I believe Pastor Doug responded enthusiastically to one (he was the only one). Then the last name came up. A thunderous roar spread through the Vineyard. The dead stirred, the living took notice. We are now no longer “Scott’s Cluster Group”. We will now, and forever, be known as “Woodside’s Warriors”!
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I Want Our Country Back
It’s time to take back our country. Time to send a message that our government is there to serve us; not to rule us, or even take care of us; but to serve us. There are a number of specific areas that I want to address today:
Item 1: Get your hands out of my pockets! I’m tired of seeing the government taking our hard earned money and redistributing it in ways that I wouldn’t consider if I had the choice. Why should I have to support a Louis Armstrong Museum in New York ($150,000); a bike trail in Minnesota ($700,000); or a river walk in Massachusetts ($1,000,000)? I’m not saying that these places can’t, or shouldn’t, be built. But if they are so desired, let the people who desire them pay for them. If people don’t want to spend their money on a particular item, then don’t build it. If it’s illegal to be a corporate embezzler it should be illegal, or at least immoral, to be a government embezzler.
Item 2: Let the free market system work. The more the government dips its fingers into the free market system, the more it screws it up. The system is supposed to have it’s ups and downs; winners and losers; successes and failures. When we decide to save a company from itself, we have corrupted the system. We have rewarded failure and made the playing ground uneven for the competition. Look at the auto industry takeover. At this moment Toyota is going through a difficult time, and it has a tough time ahead to make itself whole again. But how many have wondered this? Would the government be taking a different course if they weren’t majority stockholders in two of Toyota’s chief competitors? I hope that they would treat a GM recall the same way, but isn’t it a conflict of interests to even be in this position?
Item 3: Be careful with Healthcare. A majority of the people in our country are generally happy with their healthcare. There are problems, I agree. But to take the course to remake the system with no definite understanding of what the results will be is foolhardy. A private company can take such risks, with their own money. Our government does not have the right to do so. Please don’t roll the dice and bet the house that this plan will work. Fix the system, one part at a time.
Item 4: Are we a Socialist Country? No, and we probably won’t become one tomorrow either. But we are closer to being one now than we were 25 years ago. And we were closer then, than we were 25 years before that. And so on. We are getting closer and closer, and one day we will all look up and wonder, “How did that happen?” And in theory, Socialism isn’t terrible - in theory. However theory doesn’t hold up in the real world. Entrepreneurs work hard to reach the rewards that are out there. Lazy people work as little as they have to in order to survive. As you take away incentive, you take away desire. The more you redistribute the wealth, the less reward there is for those who have the desire, to strive for more. And the less incentive there is for others to want to work harder.
Item 5: Who is running our country? I believe that our founding fathers created our government based upon the idea that they were there to serve the people. Citizens left their farms and businesses and served as representatives in the government. They did it knowing that it had to be short term so they could get back to providing a living for their families. Now we have lifetime politicians. Many of them have never worked in private industry, much less run them. Yet now we put them in a position to make the decisions that can destroy the institutions that have made this country great. Public service should be that: a service, not a career path.
Is our country perfect? No. But it’s better than most others. Is capitalism, or a free market perfect? No. But remember what Winston Churchill said about capitalism vs. Socialism: “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” I’ll take the blessings over the miseries any day.
There are many who want to disparage President Obama on what he is doing. I believe he is actually doing a great thing for our country. There is an old saying, which even though not truly science, rings true here for me. The saying is, “If you throw a frog into boiling water, he will jump out, but if you increase the heat of the water slowly, he will get accustomed to the increasing heat and eventually get cooked”. This country has been slowly being cooked in the waters of Socialism. Thank you President Obama, for throwing us into the boiling water. It’s time to jump out of the pot and be free again.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Item 1: Get your hands out of my pockets! I’m tired of seeing the government taking our hard earned money and redistributing it in ways that I wouldn’t consider if I had the choice. Why should I have to support a Louis Armstrong Museum in New York ($150,000); a bike trail in Minnesota ($700,000); or a river walk in Massachusetts ($1,000,000)? I’m not saying that these places can’t, or shouldn’t, be built. But if they are so desired, let the people who desire them pay for them. If people don’t want to spend their money on a particular item, then don’t build it. If it’s illegal to be a corporate embezzler it should be illegal, or at least immoral, to be a government embezzler.
Item 2: Let the free market system work. The more the government dips its fingers into the free market system, the more it screws it up. The system is supposed to have it’s ups and downs; winners and losers; successes and failures. When we decide to save a company from itself, we have corrupted the system. We have rewarded failure and made the playing ground uneven for the competition. Look at the auto industry takeover. At this moment Toyota is going through a difficult time, and it has a tough time ahead to make itself whole again. But how many have wondered this? Would the government be taking a different course if they weren’t majority stockholders in two of Toyota’s chief competitors? I hope that they would treat a GM recall the same way, but isn’t it a conflict of interests to even be in this position?
Item 3: Be careful with Healthcare. A majority of the people in our country are generally happy with their healthcare. There are problems, I agree. But to take the course to remake the system with no definite understanding of what the results will be is foolhardy. A private company can take such risks, with their own money. Our government does not have the right to do so. Please don’t roll the dice and bet the house that this plan will work. Fix the system, one part at a time.
Item 4: Are we a Socialist Country? No, and we probably won’t become one tomorrow either. But we are closer to being one now than we were 25 years ago. And we were closer then, than we were 25 years before that. And so on. We are getting closer and closer, and one day we will all look up and wonder, “How did that happen?” And in theory, Socialism isn’t terrible - in theory. However theory doesn’t hold up in the real world. Entrepreneurs work hard to reach the rewards that are out there. Lazy people work as little as they have to in order to survive. As you take away incentive, you take away desire. The more you redistribute the wealth, the less reward there is for those who have the desire, to strive for more. And the less incentive there is for others to want to work harder.
Item 5: Who is running our country? I believe that our founding fathers created our government based upon the idea that they were there to serve the people. Citizens left their farms and businesses and served as representatives in the government. They did it knowing that it had to be short term so they could get back to providing a living for their families. Now we have lifetime politicians. Many of them have never worked in private industry, much less run them. Yet now we put them in a position to make the decisions that can destroy the institutions that have made this country great. Public service should be that: a service, not a career path.
Is our country perfect? No. But it’s better than most others. Is capitalism, or a free market perfect? No. But remember what Winston Churchill said about capitalism vs. Socialism: “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” I’ll take the blessings over the miseries any day.
There are many who want to disparage President Obama on what he is doing. I believe he is actually doing a great thing for our country. There is an old saying, which even though not truly science, rings true here for me. The saying is, “If you throw a frog into boiling water, he will jump out, but if you increase the heat of the water slowly, he will get accustomed to the increasing heat and eventually get cooked”. This country has been slowly being cooked in the waters of Socialism. Thank you President Obama, for throwing us into the boiling water. It’s time to jump out of the pot and be free again.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Christmas 2009 – Part 1 in a three part series - Traditions
I love Christmas. Always have, and can’t imagine ever not. I like the presents (especially the looks when people get something they really like), the decorations, the lights, the songs and the joy. And of course, especially since I became an active Christian, the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.
One thing I’ve always enjoyed are the traditions that I associate with Christmas: Traditions that I had growing up as a child, traditions that I have with my family as a grown-up (some which are continuations from my childhood) and traditions I have with friends. There are four major ones that I can think of in the time leading up to Christmas.
The Hunt
Every year, a couple of weeks before Christmas, myself, Michelle, Jim, Liz and Kirsten (Lizzy’s best friend for those who are not familiar with “Lizzy’s World”) pile into the two family cars and head off to Jug-Hill Farms to pick out a Christmas tree. Sometimes the hunt seems to take forever and sometimes, like this year, we seem to find that perfect tree almost immediately. It doesn’t have to be a full day drawn out hunt. It’s just the activity, done together, that makes it so important to us.
The Shopping Night
One night, some years ago before Christmas, I went to the mall with some friends of mine. We had a drink and then, as we headed through the mall to another establishment, we each decided to pick up a few Christmas presents. The next year, we got together and decided to go out again. While sitting in the second establishment (alright, a bar) we realized that once again we had each bought gifts. From this unplanned activity a tradition grew. Now, some 26 or 27 years later, most of that original group, with a few additions, meets a couple of weeks before Christmas and effectively does the same thing. We meet, have a drink and a sandwich, head to the mall and buy at least one gift for someone on our Christmas list, and then go out for a couple hours after that. The one rule is that you must buy a gift! It doesn’t matter what. In fact one year one of the guys said he was already finished his shopping. He was a regular but it didn’t matter: Rules are rules. He ended up buying a pack of gum for a family members stocking stuffer. Another year we expanded the group, significantly. However, since none of them would follow the simple rule, they weren’t invited back the next year. They’re still buddies, they’re just not invited on this night.
Due to closing of various establishments over the years, some of the locations have changed but the tradition has survived. I think I’ve missed one year in all that time.
Baking Day
A weekend, or so, before Christmas Liz and I carve out some time and spend the better part of a day baking cookies. We stick to three of my mom’s specialties that I took over when she passed away: Tollhouse cookies, chocolate cookies, and rolled sugar cookies in Christmas shapes. They are not fancy cookies - I don’t think we’ll be winning any baking awards, but it’s fun and it’s something we do together every year as a father-daughter activity.
Christmas Eve
Since Liz sings in the Higher Ground band, we usually go as a family to the 9:00 Higher Ground Christmas Eve service. Hearing Liz, and the others, sing and experiencing Pastor Doug’s typically memorable Christmas Eve service is the perfect ending to the “pre-Christmas Day” period.
This year I decided to try to spice things up a little. Fulfilling another of my minor traditions (buying at least one gift on Christmas Eve Day) I stopped at TD bank to get a couple of gift cards. While there, I saw this great hat. Now I recognize that in some ways I have failed as a father. I’ve written before about how I find it impossible to truly embarrass my daughter in front of her friends, yet I continue to try. This year I decided that after we sat down and Liz and the band began to sing, I would put the hat on in the middle of church. Since we were sitting in the second or third row, she was sure to see it. What I didn’t count on was the fact that it is not nearly so difficult for me to embarrass my wife. As I pulled the hat out of my pocket, Michelle promptly advised me that if I put that hat on my head during the service, she would divorce me. Given the fact that it was Christmas Eve, a couple of our Woodside brothers and sisters behind us witnessed the exchange (and acknowledged it), and the look on Michelle’s face told me she was serious, I put the hat back in my pocket. I did however pop it on my head immediately after the benediction, thus skirting Michelle’s declaration. Upon approaching Liz and her friends, all I got was an “oh daddy” from Liz and high fives from her friends, thus continuing my failure.
We’re home from church now. The wrapping is all done, the stockings are hung by the chimney (with care) and we’ve put out milk and a cookie for Santa. The only thing left to do is enjoy a late glass of wine and then head for bed.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
One thing I’ve always enjoyed are the traditions that I associate with Christmas: Traditions that I had growing up as a child, traditions that I have with my family as a grown-up (some which are continuations from my childhood) and traditions I have with friends. There are four major ones that I can think of in the time leading up to Christmas.
The Hunt
Every year, a couple of weeks before Christmas, myself, Michelle, Jim, Liz and Kirsten (Lizzy’s best friend for those who are not familiar with “Lizzy’s World”) pile into the two family cars and head off to Jug-Hill Farms to pick out a Christmas tree. Sometimes the hunt seems to take forever and sometimes, like this year, we seem to find that perfect tree almost immediately. It doesn’t have to be a full day drawn out hunt. It’s just the activity, done together, that makes it so important to us.
The Shopping Night
One night, some years ago before Christmas, I went to the mall with some friends of mine. We had a drink and then, as we headed through the mall to another establishment, we each decided to pick up a few Christmas presents. The next year, we got together and decided to go out again. While sitting in the second establishment (alright, a bar) we realized that once again we had each bought gifts. From this unplanned activity a tradition grew. Now, some 26 or 27 years later, most of that original group, with a few additions, meets a couple of weeks before Christmas and effectively does the same thing. We meet, have a drink and a sandwich, head to the mall and buy at least one gift for someone on our Christmas list, and then go out for a couple hours after that. The one rule is that you must buy a gift! It doesn’t matter what. In fact one year one of the guys said he was already finished his shopping. He was a regular but it didn’t matter: Rules are rules. He ended up buying a pack of gum for a family members stocking stuffer. Another year we expanded the group, significantly. However, since none of them would follow the simple rule, they weren’t invited back the next year. They’re still buddies, they’re just not invited on this night.
Due to closing of various establishments over the years, some of the locations have changed but the tradition has survived. I think I’ve missed one year in all that time.
Baking Day
A weekend, or so, before Christmas Liz and I carve out some time and spend the better part of a day baking cookies. We stick to three of my mom’s specialties that I took over when she passed away: Tollhouse cookies, chocolate cookies, and rolled sugar cookies in Christmas shapes. They are not fancy cookies - I don’t think we’ll be winning any baking awards, but it’s fun and it’s something we do together every year as a father-daughter activity.
Christmas Eve
Since Liz sings in the Higher Ground band, we usually go as a family to the 9:00 Higher Ground Christmas Eve service. Hearing Liz, and the others, sing and experiencing Pastor Doug’s typically memorable Christmas Eve service is the perfect ending to the “pre-Christmas Day” period.
This year I decided to try to spice things up a little. Fulfilling another of my minor traditions (buying at least one gift on Christmas Eve Day) I stopped at TD bank to get a couple of gift cards. While there, I saw this great hat. Now I recognize that in some ways I have failed as a father. I’ve written before about how I find it impossible to truly embarrass my daughter in front of her friends, yet I continue to try. This year I decided that after we sat down and Liz and the band began to sing, I would put the hat on in the middle of church. Since we were sitting in the second or third row, she was sure to see it. What I didn’t count on was the fact that it is not nearly so difficult for me to embarrass my wife. As I pulled the hat out of my pocket, Michelle promptly advised me that if I put that hat on my head during the service, she would divorce me. Given the fact that it was Christmas Eve, a couple of our Woodside brothers and sisters behind us witnessed the exchange (and acknowledged it), and the look on Michelle’s face told me she was serious, I put the hat back in my pocket. I did however pop it on my head immediately after the benediction, thus skirting Michelle’s declaration. Upon approaching Liz and her friends, all I got was an “oh daddy” from Liz and high fives from her friends, thus continuing my failure.
We’re home from church now. The wrapping is all done, the stockings are hung by the chimney (with care) and we’ve put out milk and a cookie for Santa. The only thing left to do is enjoy a late glass of wine and then head for bed.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Christmas 2009 – Part 2 in a three part series
We’re home from church now. The wrapping is all done, the stockings are hung by the chimney (with care) and we’ve put out milk and a cookie for Santa. The only thing left to do is enjoy a late glass of wine and then head for bed.
Even as an adult (and I use that expression loosely) I’ve always found it difficult to sleep Christmas Eve. The thrill of Christmas morning has always awoken me early and made the hours from 4 am till 8 am drag by. But this year, for some reason, I sleep through. I woke up around 7, lay in bed for a while and then got up to start the day and wait for the rest of the house to rise.
We cut back a little this year and tried to be a little more reasonable. I guess maybe the Dave Ramsey study did some good after all. But it was as much fun as ever opening presents, especially watching the others enjoy what they received. The two special moments were widely different. Lizzy’s reaction to the “Snuggie” that we got her was disappointing, to put it mildly. We gauged her look to be an “Are you kidding” look at first, but soon realized that it was actually a “You have got to be kidding” look. She was not as happy with the gift as we thought she’d be.
The other moment has to be prefaced with a Thanksgiving moment. We went to my brother Dave’s for Thanksgiving this year. My two young nephews, Nathaniel & Dawson, showed us their Nerf Dart guns. Liz, Jimmy, John (my brother-in-law), my brother, the boys and I spent over an hour of the day running around the house shooting each other (and the wives) with the nerf darts. We had a blast, and I guess Santa noticed because the last gifts Liz, Jim, John and I opened were matching Nerf Dart Six Shooters. We shot each other, we shot at targets, and we spent the day shooting. Not exactly in the Christmas spirit, but we did have fun.
Dave, Holly, the boys and my new niece Jillian were coming over on Saturday, Boxing Day, so I sent off an e-mail to Dave and advised him to bring the boy’s guns with them. We were all set to surprise them the next day when they arrived. However, they turned the tables on us by bursting into the room toting nerf machine guns. We found out quickly that we were out-gunned. The rest of the day was fun as all of us (except Michelle, Holly & Jillian) spent our time in one extended shoot out.
The highlight of the battle came when Lizzy’s friend Chrystal came over for dinner. With a little help from Holly & Michelle, Chrystal was led in through the garage where she was promptly ambushed by all of us.
This had been one of the most memorable Christmas day(s) in a few years. We had a blast playing together, enjoyed two nights of great dinners, a roaring fire, a nerf gun battle that will not be forgotten and I was able to watch all three of my favorite Christmas movies over the two days: “A Christmas Story”, “The Muppets Christmas Carole” (my favorite version of the classic) and “Die Hard”. I know what you’re thinking but face the facts: There is Christmas music, decorations, Christmas party (slightly interrupted) and numerous comments of Frosty, Rudolph and Santa and his ho-ho-ho’s. It’s a Christmas movie. Deal with it.
Top that off with the love and fun of being with at least some of my family, and I have to give this Christmas 4 stars.
As the end of the Christmas weekend wound down, it was time to prepare myself for a busy week, and another Tuesday night worship service at CFCF.
Say a prayer for somebody today.
Footnote: And by the way; there isn’t a morning where Lizzy is eating her breakfast and doesn’t have that snuggie wrapped around her.
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