Johnny

See that man over there? That’s my friend Dan. Around here we call him Preacher. He doesn’t usually look so sad. Most the time he’s Mr. Outgoing. But, three months ago, he preached Johnny’s funeral – his grandson, Johnny.

Twenty-one years old, hit by a drunk driver.

He told me he was just on the phone with his son; Johnny’s dad.

“My boy said; ‘Dad, I have some bad days…’”

Preachers’ eyes squeezed shut; water leaked from under glasses. A strong tattooed arm groped. I grabbed. We held hands right there in the front yard, unashamed. He weaved a bit, then, steadied by our grip he continued….

“Dad’, he said, ‘I have some bad days…and the rest, the rest – well, the rest are horrible.’”

He removed his glasses with one hand and wiped his eyes with the back of the other. “Life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” He said – his preacher kicking in…

I placed a hand on his shoulder. He continued.

“278 kids from Johnny’s high school were at the funeral.


I told them: ‘I want to tell you three things:


One; you don’t have to be old.’ And I pointed at my Grandson Johnny.


Two ‘you don’t have to be sick.’ And I pointed at his casket again...


‘But…you do have to be ready.’ And I pointed at all of them.


Now you find someone to hug. And if you can’t find someone, I’ll hug you.’


After it was over my daughter-in-law said. ‘Daddy, someone over there wants a hug.’


I looked and there was the longest line; kids, that, just, wanted, a hug.”

After crocodile tears and a bear hug. He composed himself and rambled on about other things for awhile. His cheeks dried and his quivering voice steadied. The conversation rolled back around to his grandson.

I eased into the question, unsure if I should even ask… “You mentioned being ready. Do you know about Johnny?”

“My wife and I wondered – his parents too. We prayed for an answer.”

He stood a bit taller, his eyes twinkled a bit brighter and the first hint of a smile crossed his lips.

“It was about 4:30 in the morning. I was sitting in the recliner – couldn’t sleep. My wife walks into the living room. ‘I saw Johnny. And he looked sooo good.’ He was holding an envelope; the big manila type. It was folded. He looked at peace. A word was written across the front of it. He didn’t say a word. But, I could read the word…”

Now his back was straight and his mouth was bent, into a toothy grin. His eyes twinkled as he breathed the word…

“FORGIVEN.”

“We think God in His mercy was letting us know. It’s still hard. We don’t blame God. He didn’t put that man behind the wheel. But that blessed assurance knowing Johnny’s in heaven makes all the difference.”

** You can know that you're forgiven. I've already prayed for you and would be happy to pray with you. Just let me know.**

I pray today you are hugged by the Lord of Life. Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)


For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14)


Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah (Psalm 39:5)
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Final Destination

“This is our gate.” We look for a spot with two empty seats side by side. “How about there?”



My wife and I claim our seats and wait for the boarding call. We’re leaving Florida sun to find warmth in the heart of a Minnesota winter – the warmth of life; a new grandson.


Normally small talk is what happens here. But rolling tears changes everything.

She sat by herself across from us. She looked uneasy.

“Headin’ back to cold country?” I figured I’d break the ice.

“Yeah, we were on vacation but I…” She stares out the window. Tears start to flow. My daughter’s husband; mmmmyyy son-in-law." She stopped, looked at us and then away. "He committed suicide."

Sniff. Deep breath. “He’s…was 29. I’m going home to help my daughter and the kids – three of them.”

Silent prayers offered fast. Words offered soft and slow. Words that felt smaller than small-talk; inadequate, forgetful. A prayer, a hug, a tear and she was off to board the plane – she in her seat and we in ours.

I wondered about the weight she carried in her heart. Could this jet carry such a heavy load? But above the clouds we flew. The aircraft didn’t seem to notice the burden, nor did anyone. I know I watched. A few seats up she sat staring out the window. I watched and prayed for her daughter Jessica who will undoubtedly wrestle guilt, shame, anger and sorrow to name a few. I prayed for three children filled with unanswerable questions. And I prayed for this mother and grandmother to find strength and wisdom to be strong for them all.

We landed. We went our way – she went hers.


Our flights were the same. Same airport; same departure gate; same landing strip; same baggage claim; but our destinations were worlds apart. We were flying high excited to celebrate life. She was hovering toward a mournful death. We were moving toward a beginning she was headed to an ending. Soon she would shed tears of pain and we would shed tears of joy.


But maybe we’re not that far apart; us and her; me and you. Maybe the only thing that separates us is time. Maybe next time – should we meet again, she’ll be flying high and we’ll be carrying the load.

We share this flight together, you and I. We’re all headed to the same landing strip…Death. The only difference that separates one from the other is what’s on the other side. Will the destination be Eternal Life or eternal damnation? One word decides. It’s stamped on the ticket. The ticket is our heart. It’s written in blood; the blood of God’s Son.

The word?...Forgiven.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHOTOBUCKET.COM
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Simple Life

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Has the thought “what difference does it make?” ever crossed your mind?

Well, it has mine. I wonder if my life matters – if it makes a difference. Does my existence help or hurt the planet – or does it not make any difference at all? I’m just one in billions upon billions. My input whether small or great is still small in the big scheme of things…right? So, what difference does it make? Why even try? Does it even matter? Who cares?


And to top it off – I know me. And that knowledge ain’t so pretty. I know the blunders, the downright disasters I’ve made in my short time on this earth. My contribution if added all up may amount to nothing and maybe worse than that maybe the place is worse than before I showed up. Maybe my being here has made things worse instead of better. So what’s the point?

You may have never had this conversation – but I have. Just did. Actually, that’s why I’m writing here in the dark, instead of sleeping.

And like always, I talk to God. Ask questions, seek answers. I wish I could hear Him better. But I ask and trust that He can figure out a way to get through and show The Answer.

Tonight as I wondered about the insignificance of my life. I thought of The One that indisputably has made the most difference of anyone who ever walked the planet. Whether you believe or not; whether you call yourself a Christian or not; no doubt about it Jesus is the undisputed champion of difference-makers on the planet.

This One Man changed the world. He lived a simple life, surrounded by simple folk. He came with a mission to change His world and yet He was never too busy to stop. In about 33 years of walking dusty streets He was ready to lay down His life and say “It is finished.” He completed His work.

As a child we sang, “The B-I-B-L-E yes that’s the book for me. I stand alone on The Word of God the B-I-B-L-E.” God’s Word with skin on is the Man, Jesus. All The Book is written of Him and in a miraculous event The Word became a living breathing being in the flesh – Jesus.

I’m a half-a- centurion and still wondering what I wanna be when I grow up. I certainly haven’t accomplished what I think I shouda-coulda-woulda. Why not? Life happened.

So where’s the answer? If Jesus is The Answer then the answer should be found in Him – right?

Since I can’t find sleep, I’m trying to find The Answer.

Jesus, how do I make a difference? How do I matter? How can I say at the end of the day… “It is finished; I’ve run my race; I‘ve done what I’ve come here to do?”

I see the worn old weathered band on my wrist barely readable in the dark; W.W.J.D.

The verse: Be imitators of Christ whispers in my mind.

Eyes fall back on words just written… He lived a simple life, surrounded by simple folk. He came with a mission to change His world and yet He was never too busy to stop.

He made a difference. His life mattered. And what did He do? He kept His life simple, manageable, and He stopped to keep it that way.

I can do that. We all can do that.

• Simply be – live inside our means financially and inside our world socially. A simple life with peace is great wealth. The best way to change the world is to change our world. Simple doesn’t mean easy, it may be hard, but it will be strong and stable.






• Stop the clock and be. We are a human-beings not a human-doings. Be with your family, be with your friends, be with your employer. That might take a splash of cold reality in the face – stop texting, e-mailing – tweeting – face-booking... Be present.






• Love is spelled T-I-M-E. And isn’t that what the B-I-B-L-E is all about? The Word made flesh? He put on skin. That which is Eternal put on T-I-M-E to be a human-being with us...

Immanuel = God with us.

You do matter. You are important. You can make a difference. No matter where you are or where you’ve been – you can change your world – for the better. And if you want you can start right now. The Greatest Difference-Maker of all times is ready and willing to help you change your world.

* I’ve already prayed for you – if you’d like, I’d be happy to pray with you.*

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Whirlwind

And God was not found in the whirlwind but in the quiet still small voice. Yet the appreciation for the quiet was birthed from the noise of the wind. So I’m thankful for both the wind and the quiet for each is a path leading to Him.

I’m exhausted – I think. December was December, Christmas and the whirlwind of activity it brings. January and into February was the birth of a grandson which involved a cross country flight to watch and wait and celebrate. Then after returning home for ONE day a 2,600 mile road trip for work. I’m exhausted – I’m pretty sure.

I returned home to our peaceful quiet little community late Sunday night. Before the dust settled; before I had my bags unpacked, before breakfast the next morning, my door bell rang. I was met by folks with hands full of notes.

“Glad you’re back…I took minutes for you…and this is what should go in the newsletter.”

I said. “Hi, thanks, um, you want some coffee?”

Nominated as Secretary of the R.A.C. Committee (not even sure what R.A.C. stands for – something to do with Recreation for our park) I’m responsible for keeping notes at the meetings. Also, I volunteered to write the bi-weekly newsletter. While I was away these privileges fell to others who were all too eager to relinquish the reins once I returned. Did I mention I’m plumb tuckered?

Monday get the newsletter written and printed. Go to grocery store…(I did. But I forgot to get toothpaste – I’m out. And I forgot to get the parts for the toilet – it’s broke.)

Tuesday get newsletter passed out, visit, visit, visit, answer same questions and tell same story a thousand times. “How was your trip? When did you get back? How’s the baby?

Wednesday…

Today is Wednesday I think. I’m sitting at this table writing, and you’re sitting at yours reading. My wife isn’t here. She walked to Bible study at the Clubhouse. I usually never miss. If I’m here – I’m there. But not today, I just didn’t have it in me. A room full of folks and smiles and hugs – too much today. Sitting here watching the grass grow, the birds fly and the windmill spin is just about all I can handle.

The windows in this room are open just a little. Can you hear that? Birds. They’re singing. What a beautiful sound. Did you see that? The blinds hanging over that open window swayed just a bit. And did you feel that gentle breeze that caused the sway? Nice.

Sitting here doing nothing after all the something I think I feel God.

The trees and the breeze and the grass and the sun and the shadow and the noise and the quiet, His creation, His handiwork, His presence presents His presents.

If not for the whirlwind I may never have appreciated this simple place of quiet rest.

And God was not found in the whirlwind but in the quiet still small voice. Yet the appreciation for the quiet was birthed from the noise of the wind. So I’m thankful for both the wind and the quiet for each is a path leading to Him.

Where are you today? I don’t know much but I know this: Wherever it is. God is there.

Oh and guess what… I don’t feel so tired anymore.

(P.S. In case you’re wondering. We have another bathroom to use while the above mentioned is out of order. And we found a spare tube of toothpaste. But thanks for asking.)

** Tired? Trapped? In a whirlwind? Having trouble finding God in the midst of any of it? If you’d like I’d be happy to pray with you. And since you’ve read this – consider yourself prayed for. I talk to God about you. I pray my writing will be His and He will touch those reading. I pray The Word will speak through these words **

Remember, I love you and more importantly Jesus loves you.

People Get Ready

People Get Ready - Jesus is coming...soon.

Are you ready?

You can be.

You can know.

Now.

Today is the day, we don't have tomorrow.

It's not too late...yet.

But

 One moment from now...

may be your first breath in eternity ~ where do you want to take it? 

Are you ready?

Are you sure?

Let's pray.

Dear Jesus, there's a whole lot I don't know. But one thing I do know... And that's that I don't have it all figured out. I know there's got to be more to life than this, though.

And I need help.

If You can, and if You’re willing, well then, I'm going to take a leap of faith and ask You to help. I admit I've sinned. Will You forgive me for that? And since I’m being honest, You should know that I’m going to sin again – will You forgive me for that too?

If You’ll help me, I'll try to live my life for You from now on.

But, I need help, so I'm counting on You to lead the way.

Because quite frankly, I'm not sure how all this works and I don’t know if I can do it;

but I want to make a change, I want to be ready for eternity.

So, if You'll take me as I am - here I am.

I believe.

Thank-you Jesus.

Amen.

If there's anything I can do - please don't hesitate to contact me. I've already been praying for you & will love to pray with you. You are loved. 
***

Innocent Child

We’ve been in Minnesota for 18 days. Six more until we fly back to Florida. Forecast: cold – below zero cold.

I’m glad we were here for our grandson’s birth. Although, I wish it’d been warmer. The Minnesota kids are supposed to have babies in warm weather; like Robins in spring. They just don’t listen.

The birth of a child is a miraculous event we never want to miss. And it was so nice to see the family. But now, I’m cold and tired and ready to go.

We traded comfort and cozy to enter a cold and icy Minnesota winter; to help and witness the birth of a child.

Here we have no home.

Jesus, you did this. You left there to come here. Why?

You must have longed for the comfort of Home.

Is that why You often slipped off alone – to call Home?

Is that what caused You to rise early and stay up late?

Why would you do it?

Why leave the warmth of a love filled heaven to witness – no, more than witness, to be; the miraculous birth of a Child?

Why would you come to a world so cold?

We came for a visit to help and to witness the birth of an innocent child.

But You came for us, for me.

And I’m not innocent, at all.

How could You do it?

I held the spike.

I drove the nail.

Why would You choose to come?

Choose to die?

Why trade your innocence?

For my guilt?

So you too can be innocent. As you weathered the cold to welcome this new born child into your world ~ I did so to welcome you into Mine.

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John 3:1-21



1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”



3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”



5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.



10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.



16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.



18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

**