Whoa, have I really not blogged since may?
Crazy!
A lot has happened in the past four months.
I had the most amazing experiences as the speaker to middle school kids at camp in Iowa.
I hosted my fifth annual BaconFest.
And I have been tasked with beginning a youth group at my church.
Pretty cool stuff!
I'll be attempting to be more regular in my postings. But I will probably be doing them a bit differently. I think am going to make it a bit more like a journal. You know, some place where I can work out my thoughts on the ministry, life and stuff. Not every entry will be accompanied by great fanfare or links from social media. So if you feel like it, check back occasionally to see what's going on.
I would suggest subscribing to the page so you can get updates but, so far, I haven't been able to figure out how to add a subscribe button.
Feel free to leave a related comment. But please remember, this is not a forum for your personal agenda. I reserve the right to delete comments I deem unfit for my blog. If you want to go on about other things, start your own blog page.
God bless!
Jimmy!
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
I Love to Talk!
Saturday night as I was getting out of the car my throat suddenly felt like I had swallowed a sword. I could barely talk and swallowing even water was almost impossible. I was freaked out because, if you know me, I love to talk. Talking is my thing! I'm an occasional preacher, and spend about eight hours a day on the phone at my other job. While I'm certain my wife appreciated the peace, I missed talking up my usual storm. This got me thinking of how I take little things, like the ability to speak, for granted. I just assume they will always be there. I began to wonder what else I would hate to do without. I know it would be awful if I were no longer able to see my wife's beautiful smile. And cooking/eating would be a major bore if not for the senses of smell and taste. I have so much for which to be thankful. Even my (paying) job is a huge blessing. I get to meet people from every walk of life. The company is flexible with time off so that I can do things such as speaking at camp. And I get paid. It's easy to focus on the negative, but so much better to be grateful for that which we have.
I have been reading Psalms in my morning quiet times
Here's a really cool one of thanks:
Psalm 138
The Message (MSG)
A David Psalm
138 1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.
4-6 When they hear what you have to say, God,
all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
“How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
7-8 When I walk into the thick of trouble,
keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
strike my foes,
With your other hand
save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.
Giving thanks is an excellent way of telling God how much we appreciate all he has done. And it helps us to focus on the positive.
I would love to read what "little things" for which you are thankful that you normally take for granted.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
You Just Never Know
Oh my goodness, I don't know what happened, but it seems like I blinked and 2 weeks came and went. I actually had the subject for this entry in my head a week ago but lost track of time. So anyway, A.D.H.D. aside, here we go.
A few weeks ago my wife and I were shopping at our local Farm and Fleet store. We brought our items (including a bag of Maple Bacon Kettle Chips) to the register. I got the feeling that the cashier was rather lethargic and it annoyed me a bit. But I didn't say anything. As he handed me my receipt I couldn't help but notice how he was doing everything with his left hand and moving rather slowly. I thought about the work ethic my dad instilled in me that said to never lean or appear lazy on the job and I began getting frustrated. But my dad also taught me to be polite, so I didn't say anything. And as he handed the bag to me with that same hand I suddenly noticed something... He was missing his right hand. Oh my goodness did I feel like a jerk! Granted I hadn't said anything or treated him poorly, but I had been thinking about it.
A day or so later my sister, Rosa (not her given name but that's what I call her) posted something on Facebook. It said something about how we don't know the situation of others. It went on to say that the person with whom we are getting angry might have just lost a loved one or may not be able to afford to eat today. I immediately thought back to the guy at Farm and Fleet. What an excellent illustration of the Facebook post. The cashier's situation was fairly clear. But not everyone's story is quite so evident.
In the time since, I have been trying to remember this: We don't know what is going on in the lives of others, so I need to cut them some slack. I've gone through some tough times myself. Thankfully I have family and friends that have given me the needed grace and love.
Once I understood the reason for what I had perceived as laziness, I made eye contact, smiled and said "Thank you." This should be my response no matter what. I'm not to judge who is "worthy" of grace and love. I'm to disperse them unconditionally. Maybe if I do that, people will get a better understanding of the love of God. Who knows, can't hurt!
In the words of Wayne Campbell in Wayne's World, "Be excellent to each other."
Thoughts? Have you had similar occurrences? I'd love to read about them.
God bless y'all!
A few weeks ago my wife and I were shopping at our local Farm and Fleet store. We brought our items (including a bag of Maple Bacon Kettle Chips) to the register. I got the feeling that the cashier was rather lethargic and it annoyed me a bit. But I didn't say anything. As he handed me my receipt I couldn't help but notice how he was doing everything with his left hand and moving rather slowly. I thought about the work ethic my dad instilled in me that said to never lean or appear lazy on the job and I began getting frustrated. But my dad also taught me to be polite, so I didn't say anything. And as he handed the bag to me with that same hand I suddenly noticed something... He was missing his right hand. Oh my goodness did I feel like a jerk! Granted I hadn't said anything or treated him poorly, but I had been thinking about it.
A day or so later my sister, Rosa (not her given name but that's what I call her) posted something on Facebook. It said something about how we don't know the situation of others. It went on to say that the person with whom we are getting angry might have just lost a loved one or may not be able to afford to eat today. I immediately thought back to the guy at Farm and Fleet. What an excellent illustration of the Facebook post. The cashier's situation was fairly clear. But not everyone's story is quite so evident.
In the time since, I have been trying to remember this: We don't know what is going on in the lives of others, so I need to cut them some slack. I've gone through some tough times myself. Thankfully I have family and friends that have given me the needed grace and love.
Once I understood the reason for what I had perceived as laziness, I made eye contact, smiled and said "Thank you." This should be my response no matter what. I'm not to judge who is "worthy" of grace and love. I'm to disperse them unconditionally. Maybe if I do that, people will get a better understanding of the love of God. Who knows, can't hurt!
In the words of Wayne Campbell in Wayne's World, "Be excellent to each other."
Thoughts? Have you had similar occurrences? I'd love to read about them.
God bless y'all!
Monday, April 21, 2014
How Much it Too Much?
Not to name-drop, but I was pretty stoked that one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, tweeted back to my response to his tweet. Unfortunately I am terrible at presenting a clear and intelligent point within the limitations of 140 characters. But that's not my point.
Yesterday was Easter Sunday. Easter is the most important day in Christian faith. I love everything about the day, the hope, the renewal of life, the time with my church family, and how gorgeous my wife looks in her Easter finest.
But this year was different. I don't know if it's just because I am more aware or if the world really has taken a sharp turn. This year, amid all of the wonderful aspects of the day, I found my heart breaking. This year I couldn't help but notice all of my unchurched friends, and even some that have been brought up in church, posting things on various forms of social media that I found to be offensive. I found the "Zombie Jesus" jokes and cartoons in particularly disturbing. Considering the current zombie trend in television and movies, this is not okay. Zombies are portrayed as mindless, soulless beasts bent on feasting on the flesh of the living. As Christians, calling Jesus a zombie should piss us off! (Yes, I typed a slightly offensive word and ended a sentence in a preposition. That should be some illustration of how angered this makes me.)
Why is it that if someone speaks against other religions they are considered hateful and intolerant, but Christianity is fair game? Not long ago I saw a picture someone had posted where Jesus and Santa Claus were riding a dinosaur while UFO's were shooting from the sky. I told the person I found it offensive and they basically called me a whiner. Yet when word got out a while back that there was to be an episode of the cartoon South Park featuring Muhammad, they creators of the show received death threats and were protested. Why the double standard?
I understand that the Bible warned us this would happen.
1 Corinthians tells us:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For the most part, I kept silent on the offensive posts, but I did call out one friend and he totally didn't get it.
I would really like to hear your opinions on this. First, have you seen the things I've mentioned or similar? If so, how did you respond? If not, how would you respond?
I really want to turn the other cheek, but dang, they both are getting pretty tired!
Yesterday was Easter Sunday. Easter is the most important day in Christian faith. I love everything about the day, the hope, the renewal of life, the time with my church family, and how gorgeous my wife looks in her Easter finest.
But this year was different. I don't know if it's just because I am more aware or if the world really has taken a sharp turn. This year, amid all of the wonderful aspects of the day, I found my heart breaking. This year I couldn't help but notice all of my unchurched friends, and even some that have been brought up in church, posting things on various forms of social media that I found to be offensive. I found the "Zombie Jesus" jokes and cartoons in particularly disturbing. Considering the current zombie trend in television and movies, this is not okay. Zombies are portrayed as mindless, soulless beasts bent on feasting on the flesh of the living. As Christians, calling Jesus a zombie should piss us off! (Yes, I typed a slightly offensive word and ended a sentence in a preposition. That should be some illustration of how angered this makes me.)
Why is it that if someone speaks against other religions they are considered hateful and intolerant, but Christianity is fair game? Not long ago I saw a picture someone had posted where Jesus and Santa Claus were riding a dinosaur while UFO's were shooting from the sky. I told the person I found it offensive and they basically called me a whiner. Yet when word got out a while back that there was to be an episode of the cartoon South Park featuring Muhammad, they creators of the show received death threats and were protested. Why the double standard?
I understand that the Bible warned us this would happen.
1 Corinthians tells us:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For the most part, I kept silent on the offensive posts, but I did call out one friend and he totally didn't get it.
I would really like to hear your opinions on this. First, have you seen the things I've mentioned or similar? If so, how did you respond? If not, how would you respond?
I really want to turn the other cheek, but dang, they both are getting pretty tired!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Not Okay, Yet
Greetings,
Some interesting thoughts that I want (or probably need) to share. I've always been pretty transparent so why change now?
I've been going through some junk with my eyes. I was born with congenital glaucoma. In the past I was extremely vigilant about my eye care. I went to specialists regularly and did an excellent job at taking the necessary medications to keep them under control. But then came money issues. I'll spare you the details, except to say that I haven't been properly caring for my eyes. In the past year I have seen steady degeneration in my vision. So I finally sought treatment. For a minute things looked like they were going great and that everything would be better. During that brief period it was easy for me to be positive. I had no problem telling people how I had put the situation in God's hands and that I was willing to trust Him no matter the outcome.
But then things didn't go as smoothly as they originally appeared to be headed. Suddenly the answers that seemed to be miraculously headed my way didn't pan out in the ways I had expected. Perhaps I misread some of the signs. But either way I must admit that I'm disappointed. I've been attempting to mask my disappointment and push through. I tell myself that the words I said a week ago are still true. And I really do believe it. But that doesn't stop me from currently feeling sad, frustrated, and quite a bit scared. I don't want to go blind! Even as I type this I tell myself to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding" (Psalms 3:5.)
Here is the thing. For a change, I'm not running away. In the past I might have rebelled by crawling in to my own personal pity pit. I probably would have skipped church and church-related activities. But this time I have realized how dumb those decisions were in the past. First Corinthians 12 tells us how we are one body. I've really been allowing that one to roll around in my brain this week. I got this strangely weird and very cool image:
Imagine a body having a broken leg. It doesn't just lay in bed until the leg gets around to mending. The arms grab a pair of crutches in order to help the body continue to move as necessary until the leg is strong enough to resume its assigned role.
I went to church yesterday. I think I did a decent job of not wearing my emotions on my sleeve. But at the same time, when asked, I was honest. I shared with at least two arms, Karen and Mark, how I was feeling. These friends didn't tell me I was dumb for feeling that way. (Funny thought, just as with crutches, if we rely on armpits we're going to be in a great deal of pain; it's important to share our struggles with those who won't put us down for feeling the way we do.) Instead, these arms shared the load and promised to pray. And they built me up with words of encouragement. They didn't chastise me for my past failures in getting treatment (which an armpit would do.) They had compassion. I was again reminded how God is in control. And even if things go differently than I would like, I am part of a body. I'm still working through my feelings as far as my eyes are concerned. But I know that with God, and the body of Christ, everything will be okay.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed- Deuteronomy 31:8
Some interesting thoughts that I want (or probably need) to share. I've always been pretty transparent so why change now?
I've been going through some junk with my eyes. I was born with congenital glaucoma. In the past I was extremely vigilant about my eye care. I went to specialists regularly and did an excellent job at taking the necessary medications to keep them under control. But then came money issues. I'll spare you the details, except to say that I haven't been properly caring for my eyes. In the past year I have seen steady degeneration in my vision. So I finally sought treatment. For a minute things looked like they were going great and that everything would be better. During that brief period it was easy for me to be positive. I had no problem telling people how I had put the situation in God's hands and that I was willing to trust Him no matter the outcome.
But then things didn't go as smoothly as they originally appeared to be headed. Suddenly the answers that seemed to be miraculously headed my way didn't pan out in the ways I had expected. Perhaps I misread some of the signs. But either way I must admit that I'm disappointed. I've been attempting to mask my disappointment and push through. I tell myself that the words I said a week ago are still true. And I really do believe it. But that doesn't stop me from currently feeling sad, frustrated, and quite a bit scared. I don't want to go blind! Even as I type this I tell myself to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding" (Psalms 3:5.)
Here is the thing. For a change, I'm not running away. In the past I might have rebelled by crawling in to my own personal pity pit. I probably would have skipped church and church-related activities. But this time I have realized how dumb those decisions were in the past. First Corinthians 12 tells us how we are one body. I've really been allowing that one to roll around in my brain this week. I got this strangely weird and very cool image:
Imagine a body having a broken leg. It doesn't just lay in bed until the leg gets around to mending. The arms grab a pair of crutches in order to help the body continue to move as necessary until the leg is strong enough to resume its assigned role.
I went to church yesterday. I think I did a decent job of not wearing my emotions on my sleeve. But at the same time, when asked, I was honest. I shared with at least two arms, Karen and Mark, how I was feeling. These friends didn't tell me I was dumb for feeling that way. (Funny thought, just as with crutches, if we rely on armpits we're going to be in a great deal of pain; it's important to share our struggles with those who won't put us down for feeling the way we do.) Instead, these arms shared the load and promised to pray. And they built me up with words of encouragement. They didn't chastise me for my past failures in getting treatment (which an armpit would do.) They had compassion. I was again reminded how God is in control. And even if things go differently than I would like, I am part of a body. I'm still working through my feelings as far as my eyes are concerned. But I know that with God, and the body of Christ, everything will be okay.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed- Deuteronomy 31:8
Monday, March 31, 2014
Makes Scents
I love coffee shops!
I especially love the small independent shops; the ones where the machines are, at times, too loud to hear my conversations. This morning I was in one such shop.
I especially love the small independent shops; the ones where the machines are, at times, too loud to hear my conversations. This morning I was in one such shop.
I met with a couple men from church for a coffee, Bible study, and prayer. It was a fantastic time and I highly recommend any dudes that are free on Monday mornings to join us. I left spiritually refreshed and energized. And I left smelling of freshly roasted coffee.
I love that smell! As soon as I got in the car I noticed how strong the scent. It got me to thinking.
I love that smell! As soon as I got in the car I noticed how strong the scent. It got me to thinking.
I was reminded of how many of us go to church on Sunday to get our weekly pick-me-up. A lot of times we leave ready to conquer the world. But sadly, like the scent of freshly roasted coffee, our drive to influence the world for Jesus often fades after a day or two.
Church is great! Please don't read otherwise. I love gathering as the body of Christ. But when we seek God, devote time to reading of the Word and prayer daily, the scent of God's presence stays with us.
How great would that be?
How cool would it be if in the same way you could tell that someone had spent an hour and a half in a coffee shop people could smell, hear, see Jesus on us all day every day?
How great would that be?
How cool would it be if in the same way you could tell that someone had spent an hour and a half in a coffee shop people could smell, hear, see Jesus on us all day every day?
For the past eight months or so I have made the effort to devote time for a personal quiet time. That phrase used to intimidate me. My brain told me that if I didn't have an amazing, supra natural experience where I spent hours in the Bible and angels sang to me, that I had failed. But then I started reading a chapter or so each day and spending a couple minutes talking/listening to God. Now, just as I crave that first cup of coffee in the morning, I crave my time with God.
I believe I carry His scent throughout the day.
And I don't ever want it to fade!
I believe I carry His scent throughout the day.
And I don't ever want it to fade!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Jimmy: The Spoiled Brat
I was blessed as a child. Not just because I was in a loving environment, but also because (not saying this to brag,) we were also pretty well off financially. If my mom and dad ever struggled to pay the bills or put food on the table I was never aware. At Christmastime in our home the stack of presents spilled out from the tree and occupied half of the family room. I got pretty much anything I requested as gifts. I was not very accustomed to the word "No."
Why do I tell you this? Because I still struggle with receiving "No" with grace. Last year, when my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I asked God to take it away and give him more time. It was an honest request. My dad was the most selfless, caring, kindest man I have ever known. Why should he have to suffer? But he still died. And I learned something... In the midst of our sorrow God was still there. I didn't rebel. I didn't say "God's not listening so I'm not going to waste my time talking." I kept attending church. I kept surrounding myself with the family of believers. Our lead pastor, Thomas, prayed with me and shared words that gave me great comfort. I'm paraphrasing because this is the way I remember them speaking to me:
Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Heaven there is no sickness, no suffering, no pain. Your dad my not have been healed in the way we would have liked, but he is in Heaven. He IS healed. He is with Jesus.
Fast forward to February.
Thomas preached on the portion of the book of Mark 5, and the story of a woman who has been suffering with a bleeding issue for many years. The woman had tried everything. She had exhausted her finances seeking a cure. Finally, she heard about Jesus. And she heard that He would be in the area so she sought him. Mark tells us that the woman told herself "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed. So she reached out and touched his robe and immediately the bleeding stopped and she was healed. It's a great story and if you haven't read it, check it out Here.
After the message, we had a chance to pray for one another. I prayed with/for some of the members and it was great. But during the closing song I felt a burning in my eyes and my heart started beating rapidly. I have been struggling with eyesight that has been rapidly degenerating. I rarely drive at night because of it and am scared that I may have to give up driving all together one day. That coupled with the fact that I can't afford insurance to get the treatment I should probably be receiving all came to a head in that moment. So I asked Thomas if we could pray specifically, as a body, for the healing of my eyes. When the song ended we did just that. I was a wreck! I even cried. I know that the God who made me is capable of giving me perfect vision. I have participated prayer time when people have been healed. This time, when we were done, my friend Erik asked "Do you see a notable change?" Sadly I had to tell him and the church that I did not.
So what does that mean? Has God stopped listening to me? Does he hate me? Is he trying to tell me that he doesn't care?
NO!
Those are the lies of the enemy! I still believe, and will continue to ask for healing. But God isn't Santa Claus. He is the Lord of my life. And he is far more wise than I. So i will continue to follow him. I will press in against the storm. And the results may not ever end up being to my liking. But my life is not mine. I have given it over to God. All I can do is live for him to the best of my ability.
Maybe there is hope that I'll stop being a spoiled brat yet.
Why do I tell you this? Because I still struggle with receiving "No" with grace. Last year, when my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I asked God to take it away and give him more time. It was an honest request. My dad was the most selfless, caring, kindest man I have ever known. Why should he have to suffer? But he still died. And I learned something... In the midst of our sorrow God was still there. I didn't rebel. I didn't say "God's not listening so I'm not going to waste my time talking." I kept attending church. I kept surrounding myself with the family of believers. Our lead pastor, Thomas, prayed with me and shared words that gave me great comfort. I'm paraphrasing because this is the way I remember them speaking to me:
Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Heaven there is no sickness, no suffering, no pain. Your dad my not have been healed in the way we would have liked, but he is in Heaven. He IS healed. He is with Jesus.
Fast forward to February.
Thomas preached on the portion of the book of Mark 5, and the story of a woman who has been suffering with a bleeding issue for many years. The woman had tried everything. She had exhausted her finances seeking a cure. Finally, she heard about Jesus. And she heard that He would be in the area so she sought him. Mark tells us that the woman told herself "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed. So she reached out and touched his robe and immediately the bleeding stopped and she was healed. It's a great story and if you haven't read it, check it out Here.
After the message, we had a chance to pray for one another. I prayed with/for some of the members and it was great. But during the closing song I felt a burning in my eyes and my heart started beating rapidly. I have been struggling with eyesight that has been rapidly degenerating. I rarely drive at night because of it and am scared that I may have to give up driving all together one day. That coupled with the fact that I can't afford insurance to get the treatment I should probably be receiving all came to a head in that moment. So I asked Thomas if we could pray specifically, as a body, for the healing of my eyes. When the song ended we did just that. I was a wreck! I even cried. I know that the God who made me is capable of giving me perfect vision. I have participated prayer time when people have been healed. This time, when we were done, my friend Erik asked "Do you see a notable change?" Sadly I had to tell him and the church that I did not.
So what does that mean? Has God stopped listening to me? Does he hate me? Is he trying to tell me that he doesn't care?
NO!
Those are the lies of the enemy! I still believe, and will continue to ask for healing. But God isn't Santa Claus. He is the Lord of my life. And he is far more wise than I. So i will continue to follow him. I will press in against the storm. And the results may not ever end up being to my liking. But my life is not mine. I have given it over to God. All I can do is live for him to the best of my ability.
Maybe there is hope that I'll stop being a spoiled brat yet.
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