I have more than once wondered . . . could it be that many of us are funtionally emergent, even if we are not so labled? But due to age, hipness factor, lingo, technology... we are not seen as such in the - here I go, watch me here - conversation ;-)
We are straddled with a traditional building, within a denom. & so are the old wineskins, by default... Frankly, much of what I read about in Emrg. is stuff I have done / espoused for years (a decade & a half). I am sure I am missing some key pieces, & don't get it, but there is an element in emer. conversation of a seeming strong need to make a "we / them", even if at times it does not exist...
Oh well, I probably just proved "I don't get it" - like the any one who turns down a opportunity to sale Amway ;-)
I have been out of or at least not doing traditional ministry for so long, I forget the proponderance of churches can seem / be tradition driven. Maybe that is the snag.
Hope this makes sense... go easy on me, I am an older white male geiser, the very picture of "the system". Sorry, did I slide into political jargon there?
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
A poem about Heaven - from a friend
An e-mail I was sent. Is cute too trite a description?
It is indeed By Grace, or Else...
A poem about Heaven
- unknown -
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
as I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
by the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
who made me sputter and gasp--
the thieves, the liars, the sinners,
the alcoholics, the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
who never said anything nice.
Uncle Bill, who I always thought
was rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
And why's everyone so quiet,
so somber? Give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He.
"They're all in shock.
No one thought they'd see you."
It is indeed By Grace, or Else...
A poem about Heaven
- unknown -
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
as I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
by the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
who made me sputter and gasp--
the thieves, the liars, the sinners,
the alcoholics, the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
who never said anything nice.
Uncle Bill, who I always thought
was rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
And why's everyone so quiet,
so somber? Give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He.
"They're all in shock.
No one thought they'd see you."
Friday, July 08, 2005
Stolen from Scot McKnight
http://jesuscreed.blogspot.com/
That alternative is this: the Christian faith or following Jesus, whichever linguistic turn you prefer, is a meta-narrative. But it is not a modernist meta-narrative that is the result of scientific research, objectivist analysis, and indubitable certainties. Nor is it a postmodernist construction, but a "proper confidence" in the work of God in and through Jesus Christ who invites each of us to walk into the story of God and become a character in God's story in this world. One could say the postmodernists have taught us that modernist truth claims might be more gently expressed today, by the Christian, as truth proclaims. One comes into contact with this "noumena," not be science but by seeing it performed by the community of Jesus, and that all of this is work of the Holy Spirit, grasped by a faith commitment.
That alternative is this: the Christian faith or following Jesus, whichever linguistic turn you prefer, is a meta-narrative. But it is not a modernist meta-narrative that is the result of scientific research, objectivist analysis, and indubitable certainties. Nor is it a postmodernist construction, but a "proper confidence" in the work of God in and through Jesus Christ who invites each of us to walk into the story of God and become a character in God's story in this world. One could say the postmodernists have taught us that modernist truth claims might be more gently expressed today, by the Christian, as truth proclaims. One comes into contact with this "noumena," not be science but by seeing it performed by the community of Jesus, and that all of this is work of the Holy Spirit, grasped by a faith commitment.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Pray for Mom - please & thanks
We are again honored to have my Mom with us. Maybe until late Aug.
Pray for her as feels that since she is unable to stay alone, in her own house, she is stupid. She knows her new limits and they slap her in her face. It is so sad. Not a matter of logic or weak faith, but very real.
Pray for her to feel at home here again. Due to her worrying, we did not tell her she was coming to TN with us until an hour before we packed her up. Thankfully, she takes it overall very well. She - praise God - knows we are doing what we think is best for her & she trusts us in that.
My brother is having a her a room built & the construction process would start to be invasive on the house & worrisome to Mom, so it was great timing to be in GA & bring her up. We are hoping it is "out of sight, out of mind" as far as construction concerns. Unfortunately, it will be new things here, or where ever she is.
Please pray for her / us. Please speak to her when you see her - if she comes to church. Maybe drop her a card. Give her a call here at the house...
You are her extended family here. Please give that some thot. That is no small statement, not one I make lightly.
The mega church she is a memeber of in GA - one of the denomination's biggest - continues to send her offering envelopes & that is it. No calls, visits, cards... There was a meal after dad died & a card or two. Do you sense some bitterness on my part? YES! If this lesson is wasted on me (us), woe be to us. And may God forgive any self-righteousness or unfairness on my part.
As believers, we are family, not just co-worshippers & co-laborers. This is not a "guilt you" statement, but a reminder to each of us of our duties towards each of us. We need to break even more cultural bonds and step more deeply into each other's lives, even if not invited. Yes, even if not invited (read 1 Thess.).
Pray for her as feels that since she is unable to stay alone, in her own house, she is stupid. She knows her new limits and they slap her in her face. It is so sad. Not a matter of logic or weak faith, but very real.
Pray for her to feel at home here again. Due to her worrying, we did not tell her she was coming to TN with us until an hour before we packed her up. Thankfully, she takes it overall very well. She - praise God - knows we are doing what we think is best for her & she trusts us in that.
My brother is having a her a room built & the construction process would start to be invasive on the house & worrisome to Mom, so it was great timing to be in GA & bring her up. We are hoping it is "out of sight, out of mind" as far as construction concerns. Unfortunately, it will be new things here, or where ever she is.
Please pray for her / us. Please speak to her when you see her - if she comes to church. Maybe drop her a card. Give her a call here at the house...
You are her extended family here. Please give that some thot. That is no small statement, not one I make lightly.
The mega church she is a memeber of in GA - one of the denomination's biggest - continues to send her offering envelopes & that is it. No calls, visits, cards... There was a meal after dad died & a card or two. Do you sense some bitterness on my part? YES! If this lesson is wasted on me (us), woe be to us. And may God forgive any self-righteousness or unfairness on my part.
As believers, we are family, not just co-worshippers & co-laborers. This is not a "guilt you" statement, but a reminder to each of us of our duties towards each of us. We need to break even more cultural bonds and step more deeply into each other's lives, even if not invited. Yes, even if not invited (read 1 Thess.).
Thursday, June 23, 2005
stole this quote from another blog . . .
Mike Yaconelli wrote:
Then we go to church, and we leave completely demoralized by the expert insights into the nuances of the original Greek and Hebrew, which are obviously out of our intellectual reach as laypersons; the clear and obvious principles of godly living that everyone should know, but of course, we don’t know; the unending litany of success stories that make anything that has happened to us pale in comparison. The worship band is so polished, the choir is so professional, the drama is so theatrical, and the multimedia presentation so state-of-the-art that we leave reaffirmed in our own incompetence. It is no wonder that you and I, the ordinary people of God, go to bed each night with a dull uneasiness, a gnawing ineptitude that is present when we drift off to sleep and there to greet us when we awaken in the morning.
We constantly hear complaints about the lethargy of the Church, the apathy of the congregation, the inactivity of the majority. Could it be that the collective passiveness of the church is the direct consequence of the expertise of the leadership? Could it be that the unwillingness to perform by the many is a natural response to the flawless performance of the few? Could it be that the authority of the expert has robbed the non-expert of any authority at all? Could it be that the unending parade of "heroes" has made it impossible to find the real heroes hiding in the ordinary and commonplace?
The power of the Church is not in its super-preachers, or its mega-structures, or its large institutions. The power of the Church is in its individual people whose sacrifices throughout everyday life have an authority no expert can match."
- - - - - - -
KSD adds: Amen, amen & amen. Our "successes" are our failures. We model what few can do. Excellence is used as an excuse for not being involoved orletting people serve. People are impressed, not equipped.
Are unbelievers really more impressed by a perfect show or authentic living!? Is God?
What if the "paid pros" all went away... could we DO / have church? If the power went off (electric) would be be able to have "praise & worship"?
How did they do it before we had such gadgets & greatness?
How do they do in China, Haiti, India, MOST of the world...?
Then we go to church, and we leave completely demoralized by the expert insights into the nuances of the original Greek and Hebrew, which are obviously out of our intellectual reach as laypersons; the clear and obvious principles of godly living that everyone should know, but of course, we don’t know; the unending litany of success stories that make anything that has happened to us pale in comparison. The worship band is so polished, the choir is so professional, the drama is so theatrical, and the multimedia presentation so state-of-the-art that we leave reaffirmed in our own incompetence. It is no wonder that you and I, the ordinary people of God, go to bed each night with a dull uneasiness, a gnawing ineptitude that is present when we drift off to sleep and there to greet us when we awaken in the morning.
We constantly hear complaints about the lethargy of the Church, the apathy of the congregation, the inactivity of the majority. Could it be that the collective passiveness of the church is the direct consequence of the expertise of the leadership? Could it be that the unwillingness to perform by the many is a natural response to the flawless performance of the few? Could it be that the authority of the expert has robbed the non-expert of any authority at all? Could it be that the unending parade of "heroes" has made it impossible to find the real heroes hiding in the ordinary and commonplace?
The power of the Church is not in its super-preachers, or its mega-structures, or its large institutions. The power of the Church is in its individual people whose sacrifices throughout everyday life have an authority no expert can match."
- - - - - - -
KSD adds: Amen, amen & amen. Our "successes" are our failures. We model what few can do. Excellence is used as an excuse for not being involoved orletting people serve. People are impressed, not equipped.
Are unbelievers really more impressed by a perfect show or authentic living!? Is God?
What if the "paid pros" all went away... could we DO / have church? If the power went off (electric) would be be able to have "praise & worship"?
How did they do it before we had such gadgets & greatness?
How do they do in China, Haiti, India, MOST of the world...?
Monday, June 20, 2005
Fresh back from Camp
well... after my shower, I am back fresh, having spent the night at camp. The older three guys are at Boys Scout camp this week, Karissa is at Kristie's tonight & Kamron is at the Presleys tonight. Could someone get Peanut?
I will be speaking at Bancroft Thur & Fri (9 AM) - Missions Speaker. I can't wait to see what I have to say ;-) Actually, as an emergency fill-in speaker, I need to decide which way I want to go: ministry trip stories to India & Mexico, Matt 28:16-20, life in Brooklyn, NY. . . )
I will be speaking at Bancroft Thur & Fri (9 AM) - Missions Speaker. I can't wait to see what I have to say ;-) Actually, as an emergency fill-in speaker, I need to decide which way I want to go: ministry trip stories to India & Mexico, Matt 28:16-20, life in Brooklyn, NY. . . )
Saturday, June 18, 2005
My first Father's Day . . .
. . . with out Dad, who went to be with the Lord on Dec. 2, 04. It is an easy date to remember, it is one day after my 20th Anniversary.
This fatherless Father's Day makes me thankful for:
the dad I had
that I had him for so long - 43 years.
that I had a dad around at all
- so many have never had a dad on Father's Day
my five great kids
my wonderful wife
my marvelous Mom
and my Heavenly Father
Dad, I love and miss you,
Kerry
This fatherless Father's Day makes me thankful for:
the dad I had
that I had him for so long - 43 years.
that I had a dad around at all
- so many have never had a dad on Father's Day
my five great kids
my wonderful wife
my marvelous Mom
and my Heavenly Father
Dad, I love and miss you,
Kerry
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Sunday Miscel.
Good day with God's folk at church.
Nice lunch with the Seatons and Mozers.
Sweet VBS program for Kaleb & Kamron this PM,
- a VBS put on by three churches: a Ch of God, S. Bapt & U Method. churches - neat unity.
Kimsey & Karter packing for camp (s) - Bancroft this week, Scout camp next
I need to decide about going to EFCA Nat Confer in Pitt., PA at month's end... have a ride, scholarship money... no houseing arrangments yet. I may room with a missinary friend. in Mexico . . .
We need to plan if we are going to IL this summer - Robin & the kids may need to go without me...
I am speaking at a camp in KY in July - plese pray
Nice lunch with the Seatons and Mozers.
Sweet VBS program for Kaleb & Kamron this PM,
- a VBS put on by three churches: a Ch of God, S. Bapt & U Method. churches - neat unity.
Kimsey & Karter packing for camp (s) - Bancroft this week, Scout camp next
I need to decide about going to EFCA Nat Confer in Pitt., PA at month's end... have a ride, scholarship money... no houseing arrangments yet. I may room with a missinary friend. in Mexico . . .
We need to plan if we are going to IL this summer - Robin & the kids may need to go without me...
I am speaking at a camp in KY in July - plese pray
Saturday, June 04, 2005
A Parable: Beligerant Bridge Builders
By KERRY DOYAL - www.GetGraced.org
"I just don't get it! Why don't they use the bridge?" the baffled and offended hardhat-wearing contractor asks himself out loud. "I mean, after all those months of hard work, the couple of millions of dollars we spent, they still refuse. I don't get it!"
"Hey moron" he yells out, with spit, "why don't ya use the bridge we built ya? Why don't you and your freaky friends use it? It's for you to use, too, ya know."
Exasperated, he pauses, sighs heavily, then draws in another breath to finish his tirade and release his pent-up anger. "How could we make it any clearer to you idiots? Don'tcha know how stupid you look wadding through the river and putting up planks to cross over? For God's sake, use the stinking bridge. That's why we built it. What's wrong with you?"
"Ya wanna know why we don't use your bridge?" the "moron" replies. "Ya really want to know?"
A pause borne of surprise is lengthened by a time of decision. The bridge builder had not expected an answer. As angry as he was, he was not sure he wanted one. Besides, he fumed, what possible sensible reasons could they offer? Smugly confident in his safe position, he sarcastically replied "Go for it."
"I'll tell ya why we don't use your bridge" the hurt-filled voice answered. "It's not because it's not a fine enough bridge for us. No, it's a great looking bridge and I am sure it will serve certain people very well. To tell ya the truth, I'm happy for them. But we don't use your bridge because we know we are not welcome on it!"
"What?" cried the incredulous builder. "Not welcome? What part of ‘open to everyone' do you not understand?"
"Saying it is built for us is one thing. Treating us like ya really want us to use it is another. We heard you while you were building it. We heard how you talked about us, about how you seemed even resentful in having to build it. Being disdained hardly makes a soul feel welcomed. Where I'm from, hatred hardly puts out the welcome mat very convincingly.
"You built a right fine bridge all right, and it cost you aplenty. No disputing that. But it seems it was paved with ill will - raw begrudging duty."
"What are you talking about?" replied the stunned contractor, a little less bold and a hint of red flushed out on his checks.
"It's real simple. You spit in the soup and then blame the hungry for not eating it. You cook up a feast - begrudgingly - invite us over but leave out the attack dogs. You say they are on chains and won't hurt us, but we've been bitten too many times already. It's hard to feel welcomed when your host seems ready to hit you."
Those words hit the contractor hard.
"I would rather wade through the slough than use your bridge. You only built it because you had to, not because you give a ‘spit in the wind' for us. If you do care for us, you have a very funny way of showing it. Crossing your bridge would mean ignoring how you bridge builders treated us people who need your bridge. I'd rather wade."
Before he knew what he was doing, the bridge builder found himself waste-deep in the water. He had an apology to make - one that were it not accepted, he would understand. Yet, he needed to go to this unlikely teacher and offer both thanks for his candor as well as regrets over his own behavior.
Even as water filled his boots, he realized that he needed to build another bridge - possibly several more. This one needed to be built differently. The plans for this span-closer called for grace, compassion, mercy, humility, sincerity, tenderness.
Though tempted to tear down the old bridge, it was decided to leave it as a reminder, a sad memorial to sacrifice wasted.
"I just don't get it! Why don't they use the bridge?" the baffled and offended hardhat-wearing contractor asks himself out loud. "I mean, after all those months of hard work, the couple of millions of dollars we spent, they still refuse. I don't get it!"
"Hey moron" he yells out, with spit, "why don't ya use the bridge we built ya? Why don't you and your freaky friends use it? It's for you to use, too, ya know."
Exasperated, he pauses, sighs heavily, then draws in another breath to finish his tirade and release his pent-up anger. "How could we make it any clearer to you idiots? Don'tcha know how stupid you look wadding through the river and putting up planks to cross over? For God's sake, use the stinking bridge. That's why we built it. What's wrong with you?"
"Ya wanna know why we don't use your bridge?" the "moron" replies. "Ya really want to know?"
A pause borne of surprise is lengthened by a time of decision. The bridge builder had not expected an answer. As angry as he was, he was not sure he wanted one. Besides, he fumed, what possible sensible reasons could they offer? Smugly confident in his safe position, he sarcastically replied "Go for it."
"I'll tell ya why we don't use your bridge" the hurt-filled voice answered. "It's not because it's not a fine enough bridge for us. No, it's a great looking bridge and I am sure it will serve certain people very well. To tell ya the truth, I'm happy for them. But we don't use your bridge because we know we are not welcome on it!"
"What?" cried the incredulous builder. "Not welcome? What part of ‘open to everyone' do you not understand?"
"Saying it is built for us is one thing. Treating us like ya really want us to use it is another. We heard you while you were building it. We heard how you talked about us, about how you seemed even resentful in having to build it. Being disdained hardly makes a soul feel welcomed. Where I'm from, hatred hardly puts out the welcome mat very convincingly.
"You built a right fine bridge all right, and it cost you aplenty. No disputing that. But it seems it was paved with ill will - raw begrudging duty."
"What are you talking about?" replied the stunned contractor, a little less bold and a hint of red flushed out on his checks.
"It's real simple. You spit in the soup and then blame the hungry for not eating it. You cook up a feast - begrudgingly - invite us over but leave out the attack dogs. You say they are on chains and won't hurt us, but we've been bitten too many times already. It's hard to feel welcomed when your host seems ready to hit you."
Those words hit the contractor hard.
"I would rather wade through the slough than use your bridge. You only built it because you had to, not because you give a ‘spit in the wind' for us. If you do care for us, you have a very funny way of showing it. Crossing your bridge would mean ignoring how you bridge builders treated us people who need your bridge. I'd rather wade."
Before he knew what he was doing, the bridge builder found himself waste-deep in the water. He had an apology to make - one that were it not accepted, he would understand. Yet, he needed to go to this unlikely teacher and offer both thanks for his candor as well as regrets over his own behavior.
Even as water filled his boots, he realized that he needed to build another bridge - possibly several more. This one needed to be built differently. The plans for this span-closer called for grace, compassion, mercy, humility, sincerity, tenderness.
Though tempted to tear down the old bridge, it was decided to leave it as a reminder, a sad memorial to sacrifice wasted.
Sat AM
Stayed up late watching Spider Man II with the guys (2 AM)
good movie, but - yawn - I is sleepy
I think they gave in by having MJ run from the altar to Peter.
Yes, sweet ending, but the easy way out.
To clean / feel good of a ending.
I know, they can make up for it by having Green Gob II take out MJ in # 3...
jus kiddin' - it ain't Bat Man (aka as Dark Man)
Heading off soon to take Karissa to work
Robin & the little guys are at a home school book sale.
Big boys are z z z z z -ing. They may be paintballing later
A second church starts using our building tonight - seem like great folks.
It is an honor to share kingdom resources.
good movie, but - yawn - I is sleepy
I think they gave in by having MJ run from the altar to Peter.
Yes, sweet ending, but the easy way out.
To clean / feel good of a ending.
I know, they can make up for it by having Green Gob II take out MJ in # 3...
jus kiddin' - it ain't Bat Man (aka as Dark Man)
Heading off soon to take Karissa to work
Robin & the little guys are at a home school book sale.
Big boys are z z z z z -ing. They may be paintballing later
A second church starts using our building tonight - seem like great folks.
It is an honor to share kingdom resources.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Just stuff - life
Karter's baseball team is 4& 1. Kimsey's is close to that, I think
Yes, they are having fun . . . winning is lots of fun.
Karissa is working lots of hours this week - making bucks
Karter helped friend move & got $80 - good stuff
Robin works from dawn to dusk & gets squat
well - we share, so I guess that counts
I can not imagine being married to a mate I couldn't trust.
I never even think in terms of "do I trust her?"
Nor, I feel certain, does she. I am a blessed man . She did okay
May each of you be even half as blessed as I am with her.
YO - 'Vette - I drove up tonight & Robin was ... ready ... cutting the grass. I thought of you. For the record, I had cut some earlier & then cut some tonight until dusk.
Yes, they are having fun . . . winning is lots of fun.
Karissa is working lots of hours this week - making bucks
Karter helped friend move & got $80 - good stuff
Robin works from dawn to dusk & gets squat
well - we share, so I guess that counts
I can not imagine being married to a mate I couldn't trust.
I never even think in terms of "do I trust her?"
Nor, I feel certain, does she. I am a blessed man . She did okay
May each of you be even half as blessed as I am with her.
YO - 'Vette - I drove up tonight & Robin was ... ready ... cutting the grass. I thought of you. For the record, I had cut some earlier & then cut some tonight until dusk.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Thanks Lord
Mr. Not So Handy Man here... thanking the Lord for His grace. I replaced the motor on the dishwasher. Minimal hassles, no real extra surprises, had patience to deal with small spaces... & it seems to be working - no leaks or nuthin' ;-)
Thanks Lord & Robin for helping / praying
I respect those who do this kind of a thing for a living. We would starve if I had to.
Thanks Lord & Robin for helping / praying
I respect those who do this kind of a thing for a living. We would starve if I had to.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Friday, May 13, 2005
Braggin' on My Bro & His Wife
My brother Kevin & his wife Kathy have come for a visit - us & Mom. He is doing a stand up job of taking care of Mom's affairs, house, business...
Kathy made a great statement about marriage. One of her / their kids - all adults now asked her if she ever tired of Dad (Kevin)? She said "yes, but she was sure he got tired of her too. Welcome to the real world of marriage." SUCH honest, uncommon wisdom. Working through, waiting out those times is often all that separates broken & surviving / thriving marriages.
Kathy made a great statement about marriage. One of her / their kids - all adults now asked her if she ever tired of Dad (Kevin)? She said "yes, but she was sure he got tired of her too. Welcome to the real world of marriage." SUCH honest, uncommon wisdom. Working through, waiting out those times is often all that separates broken & surviving / thriving marriages.
Monday, May 09, 2005
This week: Baseball, NY, Scouts, Mom . . .
Karissa heads to NY with the Drama Club to see shows
She has tickets for Julius Caeasar with Denzel Washington
We are jealous / excited for her
Kimsey & Karter are in baseball,
though the new fields in town are not ready . . .
any one know why?
Kimsey's team has not had one practice & will not this week
First game ... next week
"Hi, I'm your coach. Can you Pitch? Here's the ball"
For the record - not his fault
Kaleb is an official Boy Scout, having finished Webelows
Kamron is a Cub Scout
They are also in AWANA
Column due this week
Kimsey & Karter may be on a Scout trip / hike on App. Trail this weekend
Mom is still up with us
My brother Kevin may be coming up Thur. with Kathy
(s h h h ... don't tell Mom)
God is good, faithful, merciful, patient & forgiving
She has tickets for Julius Caeasar with Denzel Washington
We are jealous / excited for her
Kimsey & Karter are in baseball,
though the new fields in town are not ready . . .
any one know why?
Kimsey's team has not had one practice & will not this week
First game ... next week
"Hi, I'm your coach. Can you Pitch? Here's the ball"
For the record - not his fault
Kaleb is an official Boy Scout, having finished Webelows
Kamron is a Cub Scout
They are also in AWANA
Column due this week
Kimsey & Karter may be on a Scout trip / hike on App. Trail this weekend
Mom is still up with us
My brother Kevin may be coming up Thur. with Kathy
(s h h h ... don't tell Mom)
God is good, faithful, merciful, patient & forgiving
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Missing Ken - 2/22/99
Six years ago today, my brother Ken died of hopelessness.
Not skirting the issue, he took his own life - one shot to the chest with his .22 pistol, in his living room, on his recliner. With divorce immanent and life catching up with him, despair and depression took their toll. A toll that is still being taken on us.
I miss him. Not as much as his dear daughter, son and wife. Not as badly as my dad & mom. Maybe not as badly as my other brother (they buddied around more). But I miss him too. And I regret all he has missed - his son's wedding, dad's death, niece & nephew's birth...
It is easy to speak of suicide as a selfish act. No doubt, it is. It is also an act of irrational despair, despondence, guilt, shame and anger. Selfishness almost seems to assume more rationality and intentionality than was present.
I asked my brother Kevin, who was heading to the cemetery, to tell Ken hello for me & kick his headstone. He understood. Ken would too.
We love you Mom, Diana, Rachel & Kenneth and are so sorry.
Not skirting the issue, he took his own life - one shot to the chest with his .22 pistol, in his living room, on his recliner. With divorce immanent and life catching up with him, despair and depression took their toll. A toll that is still being taken on us.
I miss him. Not as much as his dear daughter, son and wife. Not as badly as my dad & mom. Maybe not as badly as my other brother (they buddied around more). But I miss him too. And I regret all he has missed - his son's wedding, dad's death, niece & nephew's birth...
It is easy to speak of suicide as a selfish act. No doubt, it is. It is also an act of irrational despair, despondence, guilt, shame and anger. Selfishness almost seems to assume more rationality and intentionality than was present.
I asked my brother Kevin, who was heading to the cemetery, to tell Ken hello for me & kick his headstone. He understood. Ken would too.
We love you Mom, Diana, Rachel & Kenneth and are so sorry.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
First Words, First Light
How fitting. God's first recorded words in Holy Writ are: "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:3). As we embark on a New Year, we do well to turn to the light, let our light shine, walk in the light and worship Him who is the light.
Let us, in concerted effort with and in subordination to God, work to dispel darkness and disperse light. God saw & still sees light as good. Fellowship with Him - who is the Light - separates us from darkness. On this first day of a new creation of a new year, ler us purpose to be people of light.
Genesis 1:3 "And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning-the first day."
Ephesians 5:8 "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
(See John 1:1-10; Eph. 4:17-24; 5:8-14; Matt:5:13-16; 1 John 1:4-10)
Let us, in concerted effort with and in subordination to God, work to dispel darkness and disperse light. God saw & still sees light as good. Fellowship with Him - who is the Light - separates us from darkness. On this first day of a new creation of a new year, ler us purpose to be people of light.
Genesis 1:3 "And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning-the first day."
Ephesians 5:8 "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
(See John 1:1-10; Eph. 4:17-24; 5:8-14; Matt:5:13-16; 1 John 1:4-10)
Haven't Posted All Year
He was & He will be - faithful.
He is & He shall be - forgiving.
He gave & He shall give - mercy.
He is & He can only be - GOOD.
He is & He shall be - forgiving.
He gave & He shall give - mercy.
He is & He can only be - GOOD.
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