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I'm pleased by the news that our nation is honoring Rosa Parks this weekend. Her body is set to lie in honor at the U.S. Capital Rotunda. It's the first for a woman and I believe she's an excellent choice. I hope we can all continue to cherish the lesson that we must stand up for what is right even if it means going against the status quo. Thanks Rosa!
This picture was taken a few weeks ago on a Sunday morning (click it to see a larger image). It shows four of the seven families in our church who celebrated a new addition this summer. Children are the source of much joy in the life of the church and so we celebrate with these families. So also, take note of the second family from the right in the picture. Shelby is holding little Evan with Craig standing right behind her. This past Sunday we prayed for this family because they're now relocating (temporarily, we hope) to Atlanta. It's never easy to say goodbye to the people you love. Craig left two days ago to drive cross-country and Shelby caught a plane to Atlanta yesterday. No doubt, we might feel like something's missing in the days ahead and we're gonna be right. It's a tough loss for us and yet this family goes with our blessing as they establish a new home in Atlanta. May they be a blessing to others even as they have been a blessing to us. And may we create a place where the "dislocated" in our community might find a place to belong. Blessings to you, Craig and Shelby, and to your children!
Joy and I walked through the Sunset house again this afternoon. It's not like it used to be. The house was featured in the October issue of Sunset magazine. It was furnished by Tuvalu and it just happens to be here in Ladera Ranch. For a cool 5.5 million dollars, it could be yours! Joy and I attended a party there a few weeks ago and it was spectacular.
But I felt sad walking through it today. The whole of the house was in a state of deconstruction with boxes everywhere. Everything was being carried away to be sold. It's still a beautiful house but it's not like it used to be. Later in the afternoon, I opened my Bible to the book of Lamentations. As the title suggests, it's a book that expresses the lament of losing something precious. As Jeremiah surveyed the city of Jerusalem he wrote, "How lonely sits the city that once was full of people." (Lam. 1:1a) The sadness of the Sunset house is mild compared to the loss that Jeremiah experienced. This isn't the most profound observation in the world but the truth is that I don't often get in touch with feelings of sadness. And yet plunging through the first three chapters of Lamentations got me there. I'll admit it's pretty depressing reading but then I came across these words, "But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lam. 3:21-23) What a testimony in the midst of such hardship. God's steadfast love doesn't necessarily chase away the sadness but it does give us strength to endure.
This morning is one of those rare occasions when I'm actually sitting on my porch (here's the view from my chair...it's drizzling here). This blog might be titled porch pondering but it seems like the pace of things have increased over the past several months and so a quiet hour on the porch is more of a luxury. After catching up on my Bible reading, I just let myself drift in and out of prayer as I enjoyed the sound of water falling from the sky. It's so easy for me to feel like I have to hurry on to check off the next item on my "things to do" list when one of the most important things is to be centered in my relationship with Christ. That doesn't mean only solitude but I know I have to have some here and there. In contrast, last night I stopped by the local Albertson's to get milk. It just might be my last visit to Albertson's because they now have television ads blarring in the check out line. I don't want to watch tv when I'm waiting in line. As I looked around the store, I realized how overwhelmed we are today with so much visual stimulation designed to get us to buy something. This view from the porch is much different. I strongly believe we're called to connect with people and so I'm praying for my neighbors and for our friends at Village.
A few things I am thankful for: (1) Matthew has made a great start to the school year and he's even connnecting with some new friends. (2) I've been enjoying a new form of recreation, surfing. It's fun, it offers a great workout and it's a sport that is in touch with creation. (3) Joy started a new job in August and she's really liking it. She works for Tuvalu here in Ladera Ranch. (4) I'm also grateful for the talent and energy Pastor Leanne has added to our church. (5) I'm glad for the rain today and I'm glad for the new coat of wax I put on the van last week.
A few things that need attention: (1) My final project at Columbia Seminary is still in progress. My proposal was officially signed off yesterday but there's much work ahead for me. (2) I still haven't fixed the electrical problem in the upstairs bathroom. (3) I'm eager to find more ways to let this community know about the good things going on at Village Presbyterian Church. I do wonder why so many make another commute to get their spiritual needs met when there are good things going on right here in the community. (4) And right now, I need to head inside to make Saturday morning pancakes. It hasn't been done in too many weeks and so today is the day to make 'em.
I hope you have a great weekend too!
This Sunday we're beginning a new series in First Peter. The letter is addressed to Christians scattered across Asia Minor and it's clear from the start that many are being severely tested. In 1:6, Peter addresses those who "have had to suffer various trials." It makes me wonder about the kinds of trials we face today. Are we willing to be tested in relation to our faith? What happens when our commitments are put to the test? Are we able to endure? What is the purpose of testing anyway? When I think about times of testing, I usually think back to school. My sons aren't too eager about tests these days. They aren't always excited about the preparation process. But when they bring back an outstanding grade on a test, it's a different story. It amazing how an "A" can infuse a student with confidence and a love of learning. Maybe the same thing can happen to us in relation to faith.
When you are four years old and you get a "boo-boo" on your lip, what makes more sense than putting a bandaid on it? That's what happened in our house tonight and here's the picture to prove it.
It was a good Sunday at Village, even with the rain. Pastor Leanne preached a good sermon from James 3. I'm grateful for her excellent work among us.
As you've heard for the past several Sundays, I have made a commitment to a Bible reading program that will take me "cover-to-cover" over the next two years (if you want to download the resource for your personal use, click here).
I've been reading through Jeremiah and it is striking how persistent he was in the face of much resistance. The rebellion of God's people resulted in judgment and there was nothing the people could do to turn the tide. In fact, Jeremiah advised the people to give up and so become willing participants in the exile. These are his words, "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jer. 29:4-7).
These words remind me of a phrase from an old Beatle song, "La, la, la, la, life goes on." And the Lord is with them, even in exile. This is an amazing promise. In a sense the prophet is saying, "People, don't be afraid to go, even to the most remote location. And when you arrive, put down roots. You shall return but first, seek the welfare of the city where the Lord is sending you."
Perhaps we are called to be about the same task today. How might the world might be different if only Christians dared to embody these words? Such a perspective flies in the face of those who think of spirituality as disconnecting from the world. Sounds to me like God can be found even in the mudane activities of the day. And there's more to story than this and so let me encourage you to take a look at Jeremiah 29:10-14. Read it in your everyday Bible and so be reminded that you are also a part of God's plan.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
We watched the Angel game last night. Like everyone else in California, we were aggravated by the outcome. It's too bad the call at the plate wasn't made more clearly. But my aggravation clearly quickly after hearing Mike Scioscia's comments (you might be able to find the audio here). He's a class act. I'd love to be able to handle set-backs with the same kind of grace and determination. Way to go Angels!
Today is Joy's birthday. She woke this morning to coffee made by Andrew and a birthday crown made by Mackenzie. Early morning phone calls included several serenading family members. We're glad she's another year older because she's a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and neighbor. Tonight the celebration will continue at a new restaurant in Ladera Ranch. Happy birthday, Joy. We love you!
[this picture was taken in the gardens at the Getty Museum...a very beautiful place that reminds us of our own backyard]
I love Jack Johnson’s music. He’s the rare musician who was able to capture my complete attention. I like the themes Jack writes about. His words are infused with a broad view of the world, lots of heart, and a particular disdain for the destructive force of materialism. In the song “Taylor,” Jack writes about a series of sad characters. Taylor has lost her way in the world and so too “poor old Pete” is deceiving himself. Pete “thinks that singing on Sunday is gonna save his soul” but the rest of his life is a mess. These words offer an important critique of what we might think of as “Sunday Christianity.” But what about the real substance? Is there room for redemption? I also find myself troubled by the assertion in the song “Holes to Heaven” that “there were so many fewer questions when stars were still just the holes to heaven.” Really? The ancient world was full of questions. It’s not that Christianity offers answers to every question in the world but I believe Jesus Christ is the ultimate picture of God. Jesus is better than whatever "holes to heaven" the stars might be thought to offer. To think that there were fewer questions in the ancient world strikes me as a romantic notion. Even so, I still like Jack's music. I guess I just needed to voice my disagreement on this one. There, now I feel better. Go Jack!
