Posts

Fool!

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  It is interesting to watch how people drive.  What goes through our minds as we motor along?  Many things definitely impact our driving habits.  Our hopeful destinations influence how we move from place to place.  Are we out to buy urgent supplies or are we enjoying a random adventure?  Our journeys are also shaped by how we view other drivers.  Do we see them as fellow seekers or as competitors getting in our way?  Our perception of time affects us as well.  Do we have the need for speed or is getting somewhere safely of paramount importance?  Finally, our knowledge, familiarity, and comfort with each path is essential.  Have we been down this road before? Knowledge and awareness in life are crucial. Do politicians stay focused on integrity and serving people, or are they motivated by looking good, winning arguments, and getting re-elected?  Do church leaders center their activities on sharing the good news and discerning God’s will, or are they more concerned with successful capi
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Hallowed

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  Everyone wants to be someone else at least sometimes.  Halloween is a great time when we can dress up, act like someone else, and hide behind make-up or a mask.  Possibly we want to impress someone with a fancy costume?  Perhaps we want to scare the socks off of someone we owe?  Maybe we want to express a part of our personality that we otherwise like to keep hidden?  Armchair psychologists apply here please:) All hallows eve precedes all hallows day, or all saints day.  Sadly our culture focuses too much on the fun celebration of Halloween.  We tend to neglect the important  aspect of remembering the great saints who have gone before.  Don’t get me wrong, Halloween is a blast. In fact I would guess that many of the saints are thrilled that we enjoy ourselves every October 31st.  It is sad not because we have fun, but because we may miss many great lessons that the saints can teach us.  There is little honest reflection on what it means to be a saint. Jesus said, “Blessed are you whe
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What do you want?

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  “What do you want me to do for you?” asked Jesus of blind Bartimaeus in Mark chapter 10.  Bartimaeus responded, “My teacher let me see again.”  What would you ask for if Jesus asked you the same question?  If you could have one wish granted by Jesus what would it be?  Would it be for money?  Would it be for fame?  Would it be to be forever young?  Perhaps it would be that your team would  win a World Series or Super Bowl?  One famous wish was that of George Bailey in “it’s a Wonderful life.”  He wished that he had never been born.  He was then shown how special he was.  What would you like Jesus to do for you?  My guess is that most people would respond that they want something healed in their lives, either physical or emotional.  “Lord if you could just fix this in my life, then all would be okay.”  Some I think would wish to see a loved one just one more time. Of course I reflect on this because of Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus is today’s Gospel lesson.  Bartimaeus found
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Just Right!

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The trees explode with rich colors as Autumn begins.  October is what I call “Goldilocks” weather.  It is not too hot, not too cold, but JUST RIGHT .  There is nothing better than a nice Fall walk through the woods.  The air is crisp and cool.  Fallen leaves form a beautiful carpet that crunches beneath our feet as we trod down some majestic path. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  (Romans 1:20 NIV) In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul explained that God’s power can be seen in creation.  He pointed out that no one has an excuse to not know the Lord through what we observe.  Paul begged us to open our eyes and soak in God’s wisdom.  Sadly, in our day and age, we can get lost in arguments over creation versus evolution, both of which are actually true at the same time.  It seems more absurd to believe that the universe i
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Garage Sale

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A good garage sale makes Summer so special.  It is always exciting to shop in someone else's garage.  There is a great charm to looking over a table of books near a lawn mower.  Many people wait all year to find that one of a kind bargain.  Classic toys, antique clocks, and old vintage record players may be found.  A comfy couch is a great get, although sometimes you have to borrow a buddies truck to get it home.  The hunt is always the best part.  On the other side of the sale is the host.  Lots of work goes into putting on a garage sale.  The seller often has mixed emotions.  Perhaps there is an item they are sure will sell but doesn’t.  Maybe the things they thought would not move are gobbled up right away.  And every good host needs to haggle well.  A garage sale highlights the need to let go of things.  Human beings are hoarders by nature.  People usually own way more stuff than needed.  A good purge is frequently in order.  A garage sale can clean out the house and help oth
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Forgive and Encourage!

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  Is there someone you need to forgive in life?  Is there someone who needs your encouragement?  Maybe you need to feel the gifts of forgiveness and encouragement.  When asked how to pray, Jesus reminds us of the central importance of forgiveness. He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.  Give us each day our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And lead us not into temptation." (Luke 11: 2-4 NIV) Saint Barnabas was an inspiring early apostle whose feast day is celebrated on June 11th.  Upon learning about Jesus, he responded with excitement and great devotion.  Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36, 37 NIV)   He also took Christ’s teaching to forgive others seriously.  After Saul’s conversion to become Paul, Barnabas was one of the
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Link

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The first team I was proud to be a part of was my second grade soccer team.  I liked my fellow teammates.  It was fun playing the game with them.  The coach was passionate about the sport, an excellent teacher, and he obviously cared about us.  I had a clear role on the team as a goalie.  It was truly fulfilling.  We won the league championship and I got my first trophy.  Our parents gleefully cheered for us as we received them.  There is something wonderful about being a part of a special team.   There are common characteristics that special teams or great organizations possess.  First, the mission of the group is clear, worthwhile, and benefits others.  Second, good teams and organizations have tremendous leadership.  The leaders are passionate about what they do, can teach/ communicate well, and care about each individual in the group.  Third, the group is made-up of people with high integrity.  They work hard, go the extra mile, communicate well, and care about each other.  Lastl
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