Two Sides to Every Coin

I've not posted anything in a few days...Vacation Bible School, upcoming Summer activities, getting ready for this vacation; it's been a very busy few weeks. But we've been in the Florida panhandle enjoying the beach for the past few days and will be here until Thursday morning.

I have really needed a little time away to just relax my mind and spirit. I have so enjoyed the beach, the surf, the waves, the sand, the sun, the beauty of it all. How very tranquil, beautiful, soothing.

Then yesterday I got word that the worst thing in the world that could happen to any parent has happened to two very dear friends. Joyce & John Vance's only child drowned while scuba diving with her husband in Cancun. She leaves behind her mom and dad, her grandmother, her husband, and two small children. Wow, what could be more tragic? My heart breaks for their loss.

Yes, she is in a better place. Yes, she is with Jesus...and all that is awesome. But parents aren't supposed to bury their children! Small children need their mommy!

How am I supposed to enjoy a vacation when I know my dear friends are reeling from this blow!

But I am reminded of the temporality of life for all of us and I'm reminded that God the Father saw His Son murdered for the sins of the world.

So as we grieve with John and Joyce, let us not grieve as those who have no hope. Let us hold them up and remind them of God's love. God's love is the greatest gift we can receive. Do you have it?

Two things we can do to make this world better

As you probably know, I ride with the Patriot Guard. We had a funeral escort yesterday from Jacksonville to Mayflower. As a result and once again, I have become very concerned with the state of oblivion some drivers, or maybe people in general, find themselves.

Example 1: People so busy talking on their cellphone they don't know in what lane they are traveling, how fast (or slow) they are going, and certainly have no idea what is going on in the world outside their car. HANG UP AND DRIVE!

Example 2: When you see a long line of motorcycles in front of a hearse...THAT'S A FUNERAL PEOPLE! This also applies to a long line of cars with their lights and/or flashers on!

Here is what you do.

1.) If you are meeting them on a two lane highway or city street pull over to the right and wait (and turn the radio down!)
2.) If they are on the interstate and you are trying to get on, either (a.) if possible and not dangerous...speed up and get in front or (b.) wait until they have passed and fall in behind, if you need to pass--no problem--pass in the lanes to the processions left.

Here is what you don't do

1.) Think you are so much more important than those in the procession and break into the procession to (a.) get on the interstate or (b.) get off the interstate. Just wait a minute, show some respect for goodness sake!

WHY?
1. Basis human kindness
2. Respect for fellow human beings
3. Safety for yourself and those on the road with you.
4. And also safety for yourself because one of these days you're gonna tick the wrong person off and they may seek to do you harm!

I apologize (a little) for this rant, but please receive it in its intended context...loving correction and/or education.

We need to open our eyes and see that there are other people inhabiting this orb with us. We need to see outside ourselves and see people like God sees them. Love unconditionally, care about them, share with them what you have...especially if it is spiritual peace!

Love ya'll!

ME FIRST!!!

One of my favorite sayings, usually while attending the State Fair or Riverfest, is.."It takes all kinds to make a world". Certainly there are differences in people, but for this entry I will stay far away from the exterior. I'm more interested in behavior. I have come to the conclusion that rudeness is about the most annoying thing anyone could express. Pushing ahead of you in line whether it be in traffic or in line, refusing to yield the right of way (even when there is a particular road sign instructing them to do so), and then just basic rudeness in interacting with people.

I have never worked in the food service industry but I know several people who do or have and most of them say that church groups are among the worst customers. What a shame! But they/we come in and rearrange the furniture, disrupt the peace, tip lightly or not at all, and expect perfection and superhuman service. I have long held the opinion that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their waiter.

The Bible tells us in Romans chapter 12..."not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think"...vs. 3. In verse 10 we find the instruction, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;"

"Giving preference to one another", wow, does that go against what comes naturally to us?

Whatever happened to the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I try to practice that, but to be honest. It seems to be a one way street most of the time. However, if the truth be told, I could probably improve my attitude and think more highly of others too. As a matter of fact, that's a good project...care to join me?

Who do you blame?

I was relating the following story to a buddy and he (through his laughter-induced tears) said I had to post it on my blog. So here goes...

For reference sake, I have an old 1990 Chevrolet pickup that I love. It has 204,000 miles on it, the air seldom works, the driver's window hangs, the paint is flaking off, and it uses nearly as much oil as it does gas. But I love it. It is special to me. It was built the same year I entered the full-time ministry. I keep thinking Chuck Foose or X-ibit will show up and give it a starring role in "Overhaulin'" or "Pimp My Ride" but nothing yet...

Anyway, did I mention I use a lot of oil? I don't change the oil regularly as I add a fresh quart to the top every few days, but I thought it might be prudent to change the filter as it had been awhile.

I went to a local auto parts store and bought the oil and filter and planned to do the deed before it got too dark. Something happened to change my schedule (I have a wife and two daughters you see), well it got dark. No problem, I have a trouble light. I located it and pulled it out to the street where I parked, the bulb even worked! I got my drain pan, my crescent wrench and went looking for my filter wrench... 30 minutes later...sweating and exasperated...I find it. Now to begin.

I crawl under the truck from the front, locate the drain plug and remove it, so far so good. All I found was the strap-type filter wrench I use on my bike (a two-handed job) so I crawl out and enter from behind the front wheel for better access. That wasn't even too bad (righty tighty--lefty loosy). However, in shuffling around I hit my trouble light which either shorted out the switch or the bulb..whatever, all I know is instant darkness.

I crawl out and go find a flashlight to finish the job. I get everything reinstalled and push everything (including the drain pan) out from under the truck to the curb where I can pick it up and put it away neatly.

Crawling back out (armed only with a flashlight) I go around to the front of the truck to begin pouring in the new oil. Concentrating on what's under the hood, not whats on, or at, the curb (and did I mention that it's beginning to sprinkle?).

At any rate, I stepped on the rim of the drain pan and managed to send warm, nasty oil all up onto the right leg of my jeans (the ones with the large rip in that very knee). So now I have this oil running down the outside of my pants leg, inside my pants leg, and into my right shoe and, in addition, all over the street in front of the truck. Now I have a mess. I sloshed around, probably killing my grass, and finished adding the oil to my truck.

Remember how long it took to find the filter wrench, well at least in the search I did find that I had half a bag a kitty litter left over from a previous spill, so I found that and distributed it onto the street portion of the spill. I put away all my tools, wiped down the side of the truck, wiped off the bottom of my shoe and shut the garage door. I took off the shoes and pants I was wearing and put them in a trash bag with the empty oil cans, wiped down my leg and headed to the shower. Imagine my wife's expression as I come walking into the house from outside wearing only my bvds!

Why did this happen? Was God spanking me for being a bad boy? Was the devil trying to steal my joy? I contend that when God chastens His children, they know why. As for the other explanation, I don't know ... its possible, but I also know that bad things just happen on this sin-cursed earth on which we live. Why else would babies get sick, would good people have traffic accidents, and why else would good young men be killed in war.

I don't know about you, but I'm about ready for the Lord to come back and take us away from all this...plus, I'll bet we won't have to change the oil in anything in heaven!

Have a great day!!!