It has been a while since I posted. To any who are still checking I ask your forgiveness. It has been a busy few months as we have been in transition here at First UMC. I have many thoughts on life that I could share that come from the past 5 months. But I will share the one that is in my mind at the moment.
Change ... Yesterday I visited my chiropractor for a much needed adjustment. His adjusting tables were turned 180 degrees from where they had been. Without thinking about it I went to the table, and lay on my back. He said you are the first person not to stop with a confused look trying to figure out which end of the table their head should be and which end their feet should be. I thought about that. Perhaps the larger changes in my life were making changes like that of the direction of an adjustment table much easier to manage.
I said to Dr. Ben (my chiropractor), change is good. He agreed. He made the change so that when he is adjusting patients he uses different muscles now than when the table was turned in the other direction. Hmmm ... Maybe change allows us to utilize new skills that we never knew we had. I know that as I lay on the table I saw some things in his office that I had not seen in the previous 2 years. Maybe change helps us to see from new perspectives all that we have been missing up until the moment of change. Maybe change is good.
Of course, changing for the sake of changing is not a good idea. But Dr. Ben had purpose in his change, and it was good. But as I said it caught some of his patients off guard and confused them a little. They had to reorient their thinking about how to approach the adjustment table. Often changes do catch us off guard. We can either respond with frustration as though the change is a problem, or we can respond as though it is an opportunity.
I hope you will see the opportunities in the changes you face in your life this week.
Peace
Kerry
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Thoughts on Fear
I have been thinking about fear. Here are some of my thoughts. Never be afraid to say you are afraid. Fear is a normal part of life. Instead of hiding fears bring them out in the open. Name them. Bringing fears into the light helps you to control your fears.
It is important to be in control of our fears. Fear should never motivate us to action. When fear motivates us to act, very often the action is unhealthy and leads us in the wrong direction. Think about it. The Nazi’s used a fear campaign with the German people. Their campaign against what they named as the evil people groups, such as, the Jews, the communists, the homosexuals, the physically imperfect, the non-Aryan, etc., caused enough fear to lead the German people to kill millions of people. Fear seems often to be at the root of our human atrocities. We fear certain people groups to the point of wanting to remove them from our space. Beware of fear as a motivation in your life.
To overcome fear, embrace love. 1 John 4:16-20 says that the perfect love of God casts out our fear. Let the love of God embrace you and then let that love motivate you to act. Love is a much more powerful motivator for us. Love leads us to right and good action in life.
What thoughts do you have regarding fear?
It is important to be in control of our fears. Fear should never motivate us to action. When fear motivates us to act, very often the action is unhealthy and leads us in the wrong direction. Think about it. The Nazi’s used a fear campaign with the German people. Their campaign against what they named as the evil people groups, such as, the Jews, the communists, the homosexuals, the physically imperfect, the non-Aryan, etc., caused enough fear to lead the German people to kill millions of people. Fear seems often to be at the root of our human atrocities. We fear certain people groups to the point of wanting to remove them from our space. Beware of fear as a motivation in your life.
To overcome fear, embrace love. 1 John 4:16-20 says that the perfect love of God casts out our fear. Let the love of God embrace you and then let that love motivate you to act. Love is a much more powerful motivator for us. Love leads us to right and good action in life.
What thoughts do you have regarding fear?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Life's Lessons
So many of us think we have it all figured out. Sometimes I wish people would just get a clue and realize that I have it all figured out … Or a … ummm … well … okay, that is just a little off. But really, it amazes me how many experts there are in the world and how many believe they have it all figured out.
For example, there are millions of Americans who believe that President Obama does not have a clue how to lead the country. And more, these millions believe that they could somehow do better. The same is true for just about every presidency. But maybe it is time for us to humble ourselves and realize that we do not have all the answers.
And instead of putting down presidents and others whom we think know less than we do, perhaps we could work together instead. Instead of being critical and speaking up about those whom we think have it wrong, we should realize that we too often have it wrong. I am reminded by the band Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song, “Life’s Lessons” that just when we get proud and think we know it all that we better get ready for a fall. Some of the lyrics from the song are as follows.
So you think you know it all; But you're headin' for a fall; Ooh to make it back again you'll have to crawl and step back; Take a look around; Are your feet still on the ground; Can we find you in the section of lost and found.Never think you got it figured out; 'Cause when you do you begin to doubt; It's time for you to open your eyes …
Maybe it is time for us to move from our self-focused know it all blindness and open our eyes to realize that we all have a lot to learn and we all have room to grow. In fact, I don’t have it all figured out. Let's figure it out together as we trust God together.
For example, there are millions of Americans who believe that President Obama does not have a clue how to lead the country. And more, these millions believe that they could somehow do better. The same is true for just about every presidency. But maybe it is time for us to humble ourselves and realize that we do not have all the answers.
And instead of putting down presidents and others whom we think know less than we do, perhaps we could work together instead. Instead of being critical and speaking up about those whom we think have it wrong, we should realize that we too often have it wrong. I am reminded by the band Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song, “Life’s Lessons” that just when we get proud and think we know it all that we better get ready for a fall. Some of the lyrics from the song are as follows.
So you think you know it all; But you're headin' for a fall; Ooh to make it back again you'll have to crawl and step back; Take a look around; Are your feet still on the ground; Can we find you in the section of lost and found.Never think you got it figured out; 'Cause when you do you begin to doubt; It's time for you to open your eyes …
Maybe it is time for us to move from our self-focused know it all blindness and open our eyes to realize that we all have a lot to learn and we all have room to grow. In fact, I don’t have it all figured out. Let's figure it out together as we trust God together.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Climb That Ladder?
Recently a very good friend of mine told me about her evaluation at work. She is in a professional career that pays her more than she currently needs to live on. She is content working 40-45 hours per week and having a life outside of her career.
She is not interested in further advancement. She does not want to do more education except that which would keep her up to date in her field. And she does not want to serve on any committees in her company during off work hours. If she did some of these things she could be making a lot more money and she would climb the ladder in her profession.
She certainly has the gifts and talents to go further, but she is choosing not too. Instead she wants to spend time with her family, pursue a hobby or two that is different than her career, and enjoy the life she has outside of her career. Is she nuts?
I don't think she is nuts. In fact, I think it is nuts to sacrifice hobbies, family, and the enjoyment of life for a career and for advancement in that career.
In 2010, choose carefully what you will sacrifice on the alter of your career. Advancement in your career in itself is not a bad choice, but make sure you check out just what it will cost to advance. Then think as though you were at the end of your life. Was the sacrifice worth it?
Seek Peace and Pursue it in 2010 - Be at peace within and be a peace maker with others.
She is not interested in further advancement. She does not want to do more education except that which would keep her up to date in her field. And she does not want to serve on any committees in her company during off work hours. If she did some of these things she could be making a lot more money and she would climb the ladder in her profession.
She certainly has the gifts and talents to go further, but she is choosing not too. Instead she wants to spend time with her family, pursue a hobby or two that is different than her career, and enjoy the life she has outside of her career. Is she nuts?
I don't think she is nuts. In fact, I think it is nuts to sacrifice hobbies, family, and the enjoyment of life for a career and for advancement in that career.
In 2010, choose carefully what you will sacrifice on the alter of your career. Advancement in your career in itself is not a bad choice, but make sure you check out just what it will cost to advance. Then think as though you were at the end of your life. Was the sacrifice worth it?
Seek Peace and Pursue it in 2010 - Be at peace within and be a peace maker with others.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The end of the world?
I have been hearing about the end of the world again. Again? Well this is not the first time in my lifetime. The last big one I remember was Y2K. Anybody still have a generator they are trying to sell from that one ... or have water and canned food in your basement? (Sidenote: If you do it is time to give it away.) Check out this website for some of the predictions throughout history about the end of the world ... it is an impressive list.
http://www.bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm
In any case, more and more is showing up about 2012 and the Mayan calendar, among other 2012 predictions. The end of the world as we know it (That was a good song by R.E.M. by the way). Some of us will run with fear and do everything we can to save ourselves. Others of us will be indifferent and think nothing of it. After all, predictions have come and gone and the world is still here. Right. So relax and do nothing. Still others are unsure of what to think or do about it.
Let me offer my opinion.
1. Don't worry - after all, no one really can predict the end of the world. For me i go with what Jesus said, that is, no one really knows when it will all end (Matthew 24:35-36). Have faith that God will do what God will do and that God loves you and me and the world.
2. Do something - Be a part of building the kingdom of God. how? Love your neighbor. Love God. Be Christmas people (give yourself away to someone in need). Be present in a place of pain. Pray for someone ... especially for your enemy. In doing these kinds of things you are preparing yourself both for your own end of life and for the end of the world.
3. When trouble comes don't just try to save yourself - help someone else. And if the end of the world does come. Be at peace knowing that you are in the hands of a gracious God who will help you into a joyous eternal life.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
http://www.bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm
In any case, more and more is showing up about 2012 and the Mayan calendar, among other 2012 predictions. The end of the world as we know it (That was a good song by R.E.M. by the way). Some of us will run with fear and do everything we can to save ourselves. Others of us will be indifferent and think nothing of it. After all, predictions have come and gone and the world is still here. Right. So relax and do nothing. Still others are unsure of what to think or do about it.
Let me offer my opinion.
1. Don't worry - after all, no one really can predict the end of the world. For me i go with what Jesus said, that is, no one really knows when it will all end (Matthew 24:35-36). Have faith that God will do what God will do and that God loves you and me and the world.
2. Do something - Be a part of building the kingdom of God. how? Love your neighbor. Love God. Be Christmas people (give yourself away to someone in need). Be present in a place of pain. Pray for someone ... especially for your enemy. In doing these kinds of things you are preparing yourself both for your own end of life and for the end of the world.
3. When trouble comes don't just try to save yourself - help someone else. And if the end of the world does come. Be at peace knowing that you are in the hands of a gracious God who will help you into a joyous eternal life.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Can't we all just get along?
Great question ... I first heard it about 18 years ago from a guy named Rodney King. He was speaking in regard to his own arrest (brutally beaten by police officers), and he was speaking to the riots that ensued in Los Angeles.
We have so many differences. And sometimes those differences cut us off from each other because we do not like the differences. But if we could only get past them maybe we could learn from each other.
Recently I read a brief article from Os Hillman. He wrote regarding Jesus' interaction with a Samaritan woman. You can read the story in the Bible in John 4. Hillman writes, "Jesus interacted with his culture and especially those who thought differently than He. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well it was much like a Christian speaking to a Muslim or a Jew speaking to a Palestinian. Jesus built a relationship with the woman instead of taking an adversarial position."
Why do we have to take the adversarial position? Why can't we affirm each person for who they are and still disagree about some ideas and beliefs? In fact, I think we can disagree and still love one another.
I hope you and I will choose this path of love and embrace in spite of the differences.
We have so many differences. And sometimes those differences cut us off from each other because we do not like the differences. But if we could only get past them maybe we could learn from each other.
Recently I read a brief article from Os Hillman. He wrote regarding Jesus' interaction with a Samaritan woman. You can read the story in the Bible in John 4. Hillman writes, "Jesus interacted with his culture and especially those who thought differently than He. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well it was much like a Christian speaking to a Muslim or a Jew speaking to a Palestinian. Jesus built a relationship with the woman instead of taking an adversarial position."
Why do we have to take the adversarial position? Why can't we affirm each person for who they are and still disagree about some ideas and beliefs? In fact, I think we can disagree and still love one another.
I hope you and I will choose this path of love and embrace in spite of the differences.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Rodanthe, Skeptics, God, and 9/11
Last week my wife and I spent a week with some friend’s in Rodanthe, NC. We finally watched the movie Nights in Rodanthe this week. The movie was good with some underlying good messages about life and what is important in life, but that is just a side note.
While on vacation I had plenty of time to do some reading. I took two books along with me. One is called Letters to a Skeptic. The book outlines a series of letters between a father and his son. The father is skeptical of his son’s faith in Christ. The son is a professor of theology. It was great to get reconnected to some of the reasons why I believe that Jesus Christ is the way to God. The book reminded me that I do not have all the answers to why awful things happen in this life, but that, as I am more convinced than ever again, God is at work in the world seeking to bring good even though there is much that is bad.
Ironically, the other book I grabbed was written by a friend of mine, Artie Van Why, called That Day in September. Artie wrote about his September 11, 2001 experience as he was working across the street from the Twin Towers in New York that day. Reading this book and hearing Artie’s view of God’s presence that day and in the days to follow, coupled with reading the other book, helped me to come to even deeper faith in God.
In essence, I see again that God is at work in the world. And in humanity we have the capability to do incredible good … stopping to help a dying man on the streets of New York while there is danger all around … as well as the capability to do incredible evil … hijacking airplanes and flying them into buildings at the cost of thousands of lives just because of blinding hatred.
No I do not have answers for the horrors of a day like 9/11. Still I can cling to my hope that God is at work in a world with tragic events just like that, and that God is bringing about good in this world.
Thank you to my friend Artie for writing so masterfully your experience … a painful one I am sure. Yet through it all, you have offered me again deep insight into the person of God and have helped to renew my faith in God’s work in the world.
While on vacation I had plenty of time to do some reading. I took two books along with me. One is called Letters to a Skeptic. The book outlines a series of letters between a father and his son. The father is skeptical of his son’s faith in Christ. The son is a professor of theology. It was great to get reconnected to some of the reasons why I believe that Jesus Christ is the way to God. The book reminded me that I do not have all the answers to why awful things happen in this life, but that, as I am more convinced than ever again, God is at work in the world seeking to bring good even though there is much that is bad.
Ironically, the other book I grabbed was written by a friend of mine, Artie Van Why, called That Day in September. Artie wrote about his September 11, 2001 experience as he was working across the street from the Twin Towers in New York that day. Reading this book and hearing Artie’s view of God’s presence that day and in the days to follow, coupled with reading the other book, helped me to come to even deeper faith in God.
In essence, I see again that God is at work in the world. And in humanity we have the capability to do incredible good … stopping to help a dying man on the streets of New York while there is danger all around … as well as the capability to do incredible evil … hijacking airplanes and flying them into buildings at the cost of thousands of lives just because of blinding hatred.
No I do not have answers for the horrors of a day like 9/11. Still I can cling to my hope that God is at work in a world with tragic events just like that, and that God is bringing about good in this world.
Thank you to my friend Artie for writing so masterfully your experience … a painful one I am sure. Yet through it all, you have offered me again deep insight into the person of God and have helped to renew my faith in God’s work in the world.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Random Thoughts
In my last blog ... too long ago ... I promised that I would share thoughts from the Leadership Summit. Here they are:
1. From Bono (lead singer U2): Some of U2's best work happens when we do not know what we are doing. I could dialogue a while on this thought, but to keep it short ... Maybe we should not worry about it when we do not know exactly what we are doing or how we will get through this next thing.
2. Chip and Dan Heath: Focus on what is working well in a time of change ... study the bright spots and clone them. In this they suggest that leaders should not wring their hands over the problem or weak areas.
3. David Gergen had many thoughts that I found helpful but to narrow it:
A. Do not let a crisis take away the time needed to stop and think about the crisis and time to consider the best course of action. Too often we run ahead and act because we think we have to, when in fact the best course of action may be to slow down and collect ourselves and our thoughts so we can better act. I agree.
B. Be straight when you make a mistake ... Maturity is being willing and able to come to grips with your dark side ... Admit that your life is a mess - Admit your sin. I think that is great advice ... In other words, transparency is a good thing for leaders.
C. If you want to go fast, go alone ... If you want to go far, go together. Again, great advice ...
More to come later ...
1. From Bono (lead singer U2): Some of U2's best work happens when we do not know what we are doing. I could dialogue a while on this thought, but to keep it short ... Maybe we should not worry about it when we do not know exactly what we are doing or how we will get through this next thing.
2. Chip and Dan Heath: Focus on what is working well in a time of change ... study the bright spots and clone them. In this they suggest that leaders should not wring their hands over the problem or weak areas.
3. David Gergen had many thoughts that I found helpful but to narrow it:
A. Do not let a crisis take away the time needed to stop and think about the crisis and time to consider the best course of action. Too often we run ahead and act because we think we have to, when in fact the best course of action may be to slow down and collect ourselves and our thoughts so we can better act. I agree.
B. Be straight when you make a mistake ... Maturity is being willing and able to come to grips with your dark side ... Admit that your life is a mess - Admit your sin. I think that is great advice ... In other words, transparency is a good thing for leaders.
C. If you want to go fast, go alone ... If you want to go far, go together. Again, great advice ...
More to come later ...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
THE Relationship
Last week I attended the Leadership Summit put on by Willow Creek. I wrote down lots of quotes and I will share some of those in future blogs. But coming away from it I feel it was a homerun event for my life for 2 reasons. One is personal and relates to personal internal changes and personal life goals. I will not share these with the world, but I have shared them with my wife. In any case, I say this to say that leadership requires first self-leadership. I encourage all to look internally and find something that needs change and work toward making the change.
The second life changer for me was on a broader scale. I remembered the reason why for saying yes to the call I felt from God to enter pastoral ministry. In essence, yes to the call did not come because from a desire to do some big ministry thing or because of an internal need to give pastoral care to people or any other ministry reason you might think of. Rather, I remember the incredible grace filled relationship that I found with God through Jesus Christ and the deep desire to let others know about it. Leadership and ministry and all the things we do therein are only tools to point us toward God and a relationship with God through Christ.
I hope you have found this relationship.
Peace
The second life changer for me was on a broader scale. I remembered the reason why for saying yes to the call I felt from God to enter pastoral ministry. In essence, yes to the call did not come because from a desire to do some big ministry thing or because of an internal need to give pastoral care to people or any other ministry reason you might think of. Rather, I remember the incredible grace filled relationship that I found with God through Jesus Christ and the deep desire to let others know about it. Leadership and ministry and all the things we do therein are only tools to point us toward God and a relationship with God through Christ.
I hope you have found this relationship.
Peace
Friday, July 31, 2009
Great Friends on a Great Ride
The past week brought me some great memories and fun. I come away from that time refreshed and filled with peace, happiness, and joy. I spent my time riding the roads of New Jersey and Pennsylvania on my Victory motorcycle. I ask myself as I end that trip what made it so great.
First it was great because we were riding. That is always fun. But more, somehow with all the rain all around us we managed to stay pretty dry throughout. My friends like to give me credit for the weather because they say I am somehow closer to God than they are, but we all know better. So I say, “Thank you God!” And more, although there were one or two close calls, we all stayed upright on the bikes. It is always good when no one goes down. Again, thank God!
But more than riding, staying upright, and staying dry the fun along the way made our trip great. The practical jokes played on each other knowing it was okay to pick on each other made it fun. It is always good when you can have fun with each other knowing we are all enjoying it and knowing that no one intends anything malicious. Good times and good friends having fun and enjoying the ride of life together made it great.
And that is the best thing … good friends who are not anxious with each other but who are simply enjoying life with each other. My friends looked out for me. When I was tired and needed a break we all stopped. When I was feeling the need to take it slower, no one complained. I am so grateful for friends like Steve and Ed who were riding with me, for friends like Tom and Dan who brought our golf clubs so we could enjoy golf together, and for Foxy and Pat, Tracy and Coach who opened up their cabins for us and welcomed us, fed us, and had fun with us.
I thank God for great friends on a great ride. I hope you have some great rides in life with great friends.
First it was great because we were riding. That is always fun. But more, somehow with all the rain all around us we managed to stay pretty dry throughout. My friends like to give me credit for the weather because they say I am somehow closer to God than they are, but we all know better. So I say, “Thank you God!” And more, although there were one or two close calls, we all stayed upright on the bikes. It is always good when no one goes down. Again, thank God!
But more than riding, staying upright, and staying dry the fun along the way made our trip great. The practical jokes played on each other knowing it was okay to pick on each other made it fun. It is always good when you can have fun with each other knowing we are all enjoying it and knowing that no one intends anything malicious. Good times and good friends having fun and enjoying the ride of life together made it great.
And that is the best thing … good friends who are not anxious with each other but who are simply enjoying life with each other. My friends looked out for me. When I was tired and needed a break we all stopped. When I was feeling the need to take it slower, no one complained. I am so grateful for friends like Steve and Ed who were riding with me, for friends like Tom and Dan who brought our golf clubs so we could enjoy golf together, and for Foxy and Pat, Tracy and Coach who opened up their cabins for us and welcomed us, fed us, and had fun with us.
I thank God for great friends on a great ride. I hope you have some great rides in life with great friends.
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