There's always life...

Though most all the leaves have fallen from our trees, other plants are just now showing their beauty. This particular plant, a type of "mahonia," is in a flower bed near the entry to our house. That means that during the dead of winter, when you walk toward the house, you see these "candles" lighting up the area. In a place where there's way too much grey, it's a wonderful relief.

It also serves as a reminder that even though so many things look dead around us, there's still life. And that life is beautiful. I began to reflect on this again as I pondered the most recent news telling women not to have mammograms or do breast self-checks while in their 40's, that there's no compelling reason to do so, and in fact it's better if they don't. As I heard the reports and read the articles about them, I wanted to shout, "Tell that to all the women I know who have been in their late 30's or early 40's, found breast cancer, and fortunately got it treated!"

Of course this falls in line with an earlier "study" that told men there was no reason to do a psa test to check for prostate cancer, that most guys don't die of it anyway. Again, tell that to those of us who found we had it, and without getting it treated would have succumbed to it an an early age.

While I'm not prone to buy into many of the conspiracy theories that abound, I've got to assume in these cases that it has everything to do with a) money, and b) a lack of respect for life. I've been warning the folks in our congregation about this for years. When you don't respect life in the womb, then start devaluing life as people age, it's only a matter of time until our society rids itself of all the people who don't fit some group's profile of "perfect." What a tragedy!

Compare this to Jesus' words in John 10.10: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." God is into life! That's why he sent Jesus. As we trust him with our own lives, not only do we gain real life now and forever, but we get to pass on that good news to all those around us, especially those who are caught up in the culture of death.

Choose life. Celebrate life. Give the gift of life to those around you!

Blessings,
Bill

Going Again Pt. 2

The IT guys on staff rock! They got me set up so that I can use an app
on my phone and drop in thoughts here and there as they come to me. That
last post was just a test. Fortunately, it worked.

Currently I'm most excited about experiencing more deeply what it means
to walk in the Spirit. I'm convinced that when it comes to spirit-filled
living, most of us have barely scratched the surface. To live life filled
with God's grace and power is the best! So if you happen to read this
blog, I'd love to hear what you are finding in your own walk in the Spirit.

Have a blessed day!

PB

Going again

This is better than tweeting!

The heavens declare the glory of God

When I look at what God has created, I'm reminded of the words of David: "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?" (Ps. 8.4) Truly, "the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork." Considering all the beauty he has created, it's remarkable that he cares about you and me!

Over the fourth of July, Betty and I had the opportunity to spend time in Central Oregon. Among other places, we visited the "painted hills" just outside Mitchell. This picture doesn't begin to do justice to the overwhelming beauty of the landscape, but at least it gives a hint. As we approached the main section, the colors were so varied and striking that Betty was convinced someone had come in at night and spray painted all of them. In truth, someone had: God!

One more time I was speechless in beholding God's creation. Amazing. Then to think that he cares about me, and each one of us individually, makes it even more amazing. What a God he is!

As we continue through the course of this Summer, my hope is that you take time to "smell the flowers," drink in all God has put before you that help you see him, and his marvelous created order. As you do, take some time to give thanks!

The Lord is on our side...

The last few weeks have been particularly challenging. As I have pondered the "why" of my emotions, I am certain it has to do with the journey I've been on myself with prostate cancer, and the thoughts and feelings that has triggered. If you've "been there, done that," I'm certain you can relate.

So why have the last couple of weeks been particularly heavy for me? Because it seems as though the list of people I know who are fighting the same kind of battle is increasing exponentially. Betty and I pray for each one every day, and our list just keeps growing. Add to this the fact that at this very moment, in spite of all he has been doing, one of the guys has seen his colon cancer spreading exceptionally fast, a young mom with three beautiful kids just found out she has breast cancer, and a father of two healthy young kids has found he has prostate cancer. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

I must say, if I were to allow myself to sink into the flesh, it would be overwhelming.

That's why God's Word is so powerful, particularly at times like this. When I find myself beginning to feel the sting of defeat, I find great solace in God's Word, like Psalm 124:

"'If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,'let Israel now say - 'if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.' Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the flowers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

That, my friends, is THE answer: our help is in the name of the Lord! It is true that in the world we will have trials. But it is also true that we can rejoice, because our God has overcome the world and all it can throw at us! Praise God!

What a concept!

Today I had the privilege of doing the memorial service for Paul Johnstone, a wonderful man who was the second principal of our school, Cornerstone. Paul came to us as a teacher, and left as a Principal to serve in numerous schools around the world. He left this world much sooner than any of us were ready for (62 years of age). What a lot of life he packed into those 62 years!

In talking with Joanne and his girls, among the many wonderful things they said about Paul, one thing really stood out. They said he was always "current" in his relationships, having no regrets or unfinished business in any of them. Indeed, moments before he died of a blood clot that went to his heart, he had sent Joanne a message at school telling her he "loved her endlessly," and loved his girls madly as well. Interestingly enough, he just "happened" to visit all his girls in February, being home for a short time from his school in Eritrea, Africa. Wasn't God good? In man ways that would have made little difference, because he made sure to communicate his fondness continually.

What a concept! Current in all his relationships. Wow, is that ever something to ponder. It made me stop and consider myself just how "current" I am, "caught up" in communicating my love for my loved ones, making sure there's no significant unfinished relational business. How about you? Are you current, caught up?

One more time I'm impressed by the brevity of life. Though we don't know what tomorrow holds, we know who holds tomorrow, and that brings us comfort and peace. But how much more we could have if we were to make certain our relationships with those we love were "current."

God bringing anyone to your heart?

Blessings,

Bill

A new season...

There's something about Spring that always brings a sense of joy and refreshment, at least to those of us in the Pacific Northwest. The beauty of the trees and flowers is awesome, like these in our backyard. But we also have the sense that we are entering into a new, fresh season.

This last week we came through another celebration of Easter. One more time it was remarkable. At least for us in our church, it was so very uplifting, positive, and refreshing. You couldn't help but leave with the feeling that something great was just around the corner.

We are so blessed at our church with so many people who want to be a part of what God is doing. As day by day goes by, we see that more and more. The hundreds who turned out Saturday to spruce up the grounds was in and of itself nothing short of phenomenal. And we won't have time to catch our breath. All sorts of exciting, new things are ready to roll out. God is good!

Have you thought about what new and fresh things you might do in your life in the Spring and Summer just ahead of us? Have you considered an area of ministry God might have for you, perhaps one you've never gotten around to before? If not now, when?

May you be blessed as you enjoy the life God has for you!

Bill