Iowa

I am Iowa: fertile and productive. 

I am strings of corn rows bending over contoured hills etched by water flowing from unknown to unknown. 

I am soil, deep and active, sticky in March and dusty in August. I am a rock in winter. 

I am rivers with sand bars and muddy bottoms, with all sorts of growing things. 

I am the stars and moon to light the path. I am the ruddy morning, bright noonday, and the purple violet evening sky. 

I am Iowa: a birthplace,  a resting place,  a living place. 

Smile More

He was smiling from ear to ear.  The journey home from Akron and the UMC Jurisdictional Conference was a two hour layover in Chicago on Saturday night.  The airport was busy, even packed in places.  It was jammed right in front of F4B, the departing gate for the last leg home to Des Moines arriving at 11:30 PM.  Alone in the crowd, I looked around for a friendly face among the people.  Most were anxious, some were quite angry about a Kansas City flight which had boarded and backed away only to find a mechanical problem.  The crew had brought the plane back to the gate and the people were de-boarded. 

Flight crews seem particularly unwilling to visit or be cordial while waiting for new instructions in the midst of a crowded airport.  That must be why he stood out.  He had unusual round glasses, ears that generously held up the spectacles, and a goofy smile that seemed to brighten the crowded hallway.  He was wearing a flight suit of some kind.  Without hesitation, I immediately walked over to the group and said, “Where are you guys flying tonight?”

The fellow with stripes on his sleeve downed the last half of a McDonald’s hamburger and impatiently motioned to the video board of departures.  Not surprised by the expected brush off I remember thinking, “Pilots eat at McDonald’s before they fly across the country?”  Not sure why that seemed funny to me, then a little scary, but it did. 

Undeterred, I turned to the young man with the smile and he began to talk.  First one topic and then another.  He asked me questions and seemed to be really interested in my response.  I quickly found he was the ring leader and everyone was in his conversation pit.  After a few minutes I realized I was in the midst of the flight crew with a discussion about where the new gate for their flight was going to be with all kinds of jokes and wise cracks one might expect.  I thought things like, “How did I get into this circle?  Why was I invited in? Why do these folks feel comfortable with me?”

In that conversation I found the young man with the big smile, which never left his face, was from Council Bluffs where I had served the church for ten years.  We had places and people in common.  I did not know his family directly, but I knew where he grew up and those kinds of things which engage people to one another.  We remarked that it was a small world after all.  He was not a pilot, but a highly regarded flight attendant.  It was easy to see everyone enjoyed flying with him.  And it was his smile that engaged and would not let go. 

As the crew got their new orders we said good bye and they left the area laughing and singing.  I shook my head pondering, “Could it be that easy?  Is a smile all it takes to engage even an unwilling anxious crowd?”  Freedman calls this a non-anxious presence.  I call it grace, and peace, and light all rolled into one.  I think the church needs to smile more.  Where and when do you imagine Jesus smiled? 

Matthew 28:16-20 The Message

^16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

^18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Wayne County Flier

Things Change in March

Things change in March.  Just as the seasons find new direction and purpose in March, so our lives have the capacity and possibility of change every year through the season of Lent.

We find as we mature that change is a constant partner in life.   Attempts to mitigate and minimize change is perhaps or first reaction. However, a time of reflection can be helpful to calm our hearts and help us realize that this new development in our lives, once we are acclimated, may lead us to an even better path.  Lent can be just such a time or season.  Lent, this time of waiting before Easter arrives, mirrors our lives in waiting for Christ to return. Lent offers a perspective, a time to heal, a time consider the past and the future.  Lent is valuable for those who are serious about reflecting the kingdom of God in their daily lives. 

My grandmother Ruth always said March is the month of mud. And so it is, and with Lent as well.  Clear as mud at times, our path forward through the 40 days of Lent can be difficult and tiring.  And yet to stay put, hunkered down in fear of what might happen, is to live devoid of faith and hope.  The greatest of gifts; faith and hope.  They are the wonder-workers of Lent.  Let us gather in faith and look forward with hope, letting go of all fear, knowing Christ Jesus, our goal and partner, will not disappoint, will not leave us orphaned in the cold mud of March.  Things change in March.  John 14.

Ode to My Teacher

My best teacher had it right; Love first, then take attendance.

I saw the girl with holes in the soles of her shoes. So did my teacher.

I saw the boy with a bruised cheek.  So did my teacher.

I saw the bus-driver with the jar of Rolaids. So did my teacher.

I saw the coach with the bloodshot eyes. So did my teacher.

I saw the janitor cleaning toilets, not looking me in the eye.  So did my teacher.

I saw the lunch lady’s rosary clutched in her hand. So did my teacher.

I saw the administrator’s cuffs worn thin on their best suit.  So did my teacher.

I saw my teacher’s best gift for each student; and I am reminded...

Love first, then take attendance.

Holds February

Just halfway through the season of winter, holds February.

Solid as ice, frozen as the frost line 36 inches deep, without compromise or apology February brings its winter mix to bear in four fleeting weeks.  Even as the days linger briefly longer each evening, the sun has also cut a new course inches higher in the daytime sky.  We feel the fullness of the winter landscape, the load of snow under foot, and listen to the cry of the wind following old slicked up routes into depths of our souls.  But surely we do not despair.  God is present, even in the deep winter.

We take a break from moving and lean against the South facing concrete block wall of the garage as we find the sun a warming friend.  The dog would like his ears scratched and we notice the ice is melting and evaporating from the dark wet pavement on the hiway leading back into town. The smell in the air is one of winter snow but is also tinged with a spring like scent.  Yes, we can smell it, as well as see the changes taking place in our world.  We feel the warming, the melting, the frost as it begins to move.  

“Not long now,” the old timer who drops off pig starter from the Coop says about the coming of spring.  “Not long now,” you think as you notice the mud which has found its way onto your chore boots.  “Not long now,” you begin to sing as the sun drops in the Western sky with hues of colors saved only for the sight of Gods and angels.  “Not long now,” you hum as you hang your coveralls in the basement closet.  The smell of soup, fresh bread, and strong coffee overpower your thoughts and you are thankful.

And as quickly as it came, February is gone once again.  It is a month to be experienced, a month of changes, some subtle, others quite profound.  The baby arrives, one season is finding completion as another is beginning, and grandmother says a final farewell. Live well each day of February and find the glory of God in every footstep of the grand parade taking place, right in our own backyard.  Discover again who truly holds February.

Do Not Worry

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 NRSV

Do not worry.  Easy said, hard to accomplish.  I have shared this advice with persons many times over the years.  From folks caught in a bad relationship situation, or an awful illness, to a tragic accident, to not worry and remain calm is a real gift.  It seems we all worry at times.  It is how we are wired for life. 

This passage from Matthew comes to us toward the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  Now please take a second closer look at the text.  Christ tells the people to not worry about what they will eat and what they will wear for clothes.  Jesus says nothing about missed house payments or flat tires.  Jesus say nothing about running late into work or failing to get our assignments completed.  It seems the dog needing shots and the Internet fading while the stove is boiling over in the midst of a leaking roof is just not that big of a deal.  First things first.

Jesus tells us not to worry about food and clothing. Those two are pretty high up on the list of essential human needs.  And he picks these two, which we all take for granted in this society, as a way of saying, “If you do not have even these basic needs covered, relax I have got this for you.  And if you do have these two covered then you should have no real worries at all.”  Relax people and do not worry.  This is God who created the world and calms the storms.  Calm down. 

This passage is also a go ticket for the church who serves as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ for the world.  We must be out and about providing clothing and food, taking care of the basic stuff for people.  But not just some people but any person at all who shows up without food and clothing.  Boom, the church should spring into action and heal the situation. 

Should the church also fix the internet, the dog, the flat tire, or the leaking roof? Perhaps, but first things first.  Food and clothing should be free if needed, or almost free. Let’s keep the children fed and warm with clothes on the backs of our neighbors and friends, even especially the strangers in our midst.  But do not worry.  Never let worry become your partner.

Pond Report

The pond is once again full and flowing after 2.5 years of drought. It was 4 feet low this summer with a large summer fish kill. Lots of nature passing by the pond trail camera this fall and winter. Deer, fox, bobcat, coyote, mink, otters, possum, turkey, quail, pheasant, rabbits, and squirrels. Along with some stray dogs and house cats, even the neighbors buffalo herd came through one day. The pond looks healthy and alive. And consider that fact particularly in the midst of winter.

There is Hope

There is hope.  For whatever your day brings, there is hope. 

In the midst of days of sunshine, hope is easy to grasp.  When days are dark and we walk through a valley of shadows, hope can be scarce.  But make no mistake, there is hope. 

Hope endures.  Hope fulfills.  Hope outlasts, outworks, and outshines everything our human hands can produce.  Hope is to the brokenhearted as a cool drink of water is to parched soil.  Hope brings energy, focus, new life.  Hope offers a sight unseen; it is the stuff of dreams. 

We only dare hope in something outside ourselves, for only something outside of our own striving can offer that greater vision of better days; a better way.  We carry foolishness and immaturity with us as a child.  We carry our inflated self-ego and competitive fire as a young adult.  We carry our fears and our mortality as golden adults.  And yet we find hope for our weariness and hope for our challenges in every stage of our life.  Every journey is accompanied by hope.  For hope is from God.

Hope is a gift.  We receive hope like a bowl of food at the supper table.  We take our share and pass along the fullness of God for another to receive.  We receive our hope from God and we feast in joy.

We seem to struggle along with a lack of genuine God given hope.  We stress over the silliest things, we fail to be obedient, and easily become hurt and belligerent because we do not see hope as our partner in the journey.  If we did have hope, we would not treat our neighbors in poor and uncaring ways.  With hope we would see the path open before us to move our brothers and sisters, even the ones we struggle to love, to a new position of importance in our lives.  We are not called to like everyone, but we are called to love just about everyone.  And in that loving, we will treat others with at least as much respect as we would want our own selves to be offered.   And it all begins with a gift of hope from God.  It begins with an Easter Story.  It begins with a death, and a resurrection.  There is hope.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1 NRSV

In my experience, the Kingdom of God is a condition of our hearts.  It is not a political reality where we enact rules and laws to promote certain behavior and limit others.  It is my belief the kingdom of God is found by the opening of one’s life to a God who loves unconditionally and completely.  The Kingdom is not found through toeing the line and being found right, or perfect in our doctrine or practice, because this kingdom is not like others which are man-made.  This new kingdom is without blemish.  It yields non-stop with patience, love, hope and joy. This kingdom of God, which is found in the heart of the one who is willing to follow Christ into the difficult places to love, requires Jesus Christ at the center, at the very core, to teach and instruct the student into the ways of compassion and wisdom.

Hate speech, which has become pervasive and accepted as normal in our culture, is not allowed in the Kingdom of God.  To speak with vengeance toward another, to blame and cause another to stumble through the uttering of words is hate speech, regardless of our righteous positon or level of competence on the topic.

Actions which are used to cause others pain are not allowed in the Kingdom of God.  Hands to oneself please, children of God.  We should have learned this lesson as a child, yet it appears we did not.  Parents are pleased when children make good choices.  God is no less a good parent in this.  Again, the disposition of the heart is the key.

The Kingdom of God feasts upon true religion, a warming of the heart toward God and one another, instead of a reliance upon creeds or conventions to provide security or positon.  The Kingdom of God is so pure, so holy, that we cannot defile or cause the kingdom to fail.  It is without equal, nothing can come alongside the kingdom to overshadow or rival the Spirit.  It needs no protection from our kind.  Rather all we can do is to offer ourselves, just as we are, to be transformed and redefined into a new and whole person. 

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.”  Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose.  Be made clean.”  Mark 1:40-41 NRSV

Fly of the Day

ORANGE ROBIN

Umpqua #6 Curved Hook

Orange #8/0 UNI Thread
Marion County Peacock Hurl
Natural Deer Hair Wing
Light Dun CDC Puffs
Burnt Orange Ice Dub
Brown Rooster Neck Hackel
Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails for Head Finish

A Christmas Story

I was at the Almost Free Shop a couple weeks ago when a young woman came to the ladies and quietly shared her husband was home from the military and she was hoping to find a Christmas tree for him.  I had noticed that Christmas trees do not hang around very long at the shop and as much as everyone wanted to help, I had my doubts that there would be one available.

However, the word spread through the shop and our women went to work and in just a few minutes they had found a suitable tree from the back room, a tree stand that fit the tree, and a big bag of decorations and lights.  Another of our workers came bringing a nice wreath to add to the small mountain of decorations.  The young woman was almost in tears out of a humble appreciation.   Our women declared the tree and decorations to be, “almost free,” meaning there was no payment accepted for this transaction.   Now I was almost in tears.

Having just seen God work in an amazing way I started back across the street to my office.  As left the shop and began to cross the alley, a car pulled up and another family from the church began to pull bags from the car and carry them into the shop.  I stopped to help. 

As I carried the last bag I asked, “What you are donating today.”  The reply was, “we are bringing in some decorations we are not going to use this year.”  It was a Christmas tree, some decorations for the tree, and a nice wreath.  I was stunned, as the tears began to fill my eyes again.  Under my breath I said a quick prayer which ended with, “But God, now I think you are just showing off.”  

Freedom and Responibility

One of Our Neighbors at South Fork

I am a gun owner.  I own three guns: a pistol given to me from my father-in-law, an old Winchester 22 rifle I got from my grandmother when I was a kid, and a shotgun I bought to get rid of skunks and possum.  I keep no guns in the parsonage.  I keep the guns apart from the ammunition.  Separate places, hidden places. 

When I was younger I used to hunt some; rabbits, birds, deer. Not so much anymore.   Now I only shoot the occasional offending animal who might be carrying rabies at the farm and engage in some friendly target shooting; what a friend calls a little “plinking.”  I am safe.  I am careful.  I am discrete.  I care about nature and hold a deep regard for the fragility of life.  I consider the right to bear arms a fundamental freedom.

 

What I do not consider a fundamental part of our freedom is the right to bear military weapons without a special permit or need to carry such destructive force.  Automatic and semi-automatic weapons have no place in our homes.  We should not be able to purchase and stockpile such weapons at will.  Our laws have gone too far in offering carry permits to almost anyone. I believe no real good will come from allowing to own and carry heavy weapons. 

The events of the past few weeks underscore my thoughts on this topic.  From unfortunate accidental and self-inflicted shootings to the event of horror in Las Vegas, as a nation we seem to have lost our minds.  Folks who harm themselves or engage in mass shootings are mentally ill. There is no reason to work to find the reason why the man in Las Vegas shot all those folks, because there is not a reason which is reasonable.  There is simply no answer good enough for us to say, “Yes, I can see why someone would do such a thing.”  Our mentally ill are invisible in our midst.  We must change our focus because our neighbors are clearly in pain.

In addition, I believe we must move toward some kind of gun control, because right now we are out of control and my heart grieves the needless loss of life.  I am not suggesting to round up all the guns in the world and throw them in a pile, like some book burning from the last century.  Instead I am suggesting the process of gun purchase be slow and careful, and making military weapons hard to purchase, very hard.  And persons who ask to carry in public must be able pass very detailed checks. 

Freedom holds responsibilities.  Mental Illness is a clear and present danger.  We are called to join together and follow the example of Jesus Christ in how we live with our neighbors in peace and love.

Weekly Study Notes Leading to Sunday October 08

PERSONAL DAILY STUDY

This week we study Ecclesiastes 3.   You may recall the passage begins with the declaration that “for everything there is a season.” The first section of the reading is familiar however we will go further and consider the good words which follow.  I am confident there is a message for us today with the conflict and division we experience. 

In addition we will read from Luke 12 about learning to not worry and how we ought to focus our lives into the things of God.

Monday: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A time for everything.  Do you know what time it is today? Right now?  How has the season changed for you in the past months? Days?  Which of these seasons have you found fruitful in the past few hours?

Tuesday: Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

• What does the author say is the best thing workers can find from their toil?  Do you agree? Why?

Wednesday: Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

·         This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.  What can we learn about God from these two verses?  List the qualities of God.

Thursday: Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

·         This passage is a bit darker in tone and even is sometimes quoted to make a case for the spirit of our pets going to heaven.  Verse 22 may be the key verse in this section. 

Friday:   Luke 12:22-34

• What does this passage teach us about worry?  Instead how should we present ourselves in relation to the world around us?  What is the “Father’s good pleasure/”

Saturday:  Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

·         Take time to read the section again and let the scripture speak to you.   

• What does this passage tell us about God?
• What should be our response?

Sunday:        Reflect and Worship

Sermon Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

Sermon Title: “Turn, Turn Turn”

SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE

Icebreaker:  Share something nice about the change of seasons.

Opening: Name a God moment from this past week

Read: Ecclesiastes3:1-8, 14-15

Study Questions to Ponder:

• When do the seasons change? Who is in charge of this?
• Why are opposite activities needed in different seasons?
• Share about the anxiety created by changing seasons.
• What season are you experiencing today?  Why?

Share Your Personal Plan: to Worship, Study, and Serve this week

Closing with Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide For the Week Leading to Sunday October 01, 2017

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - Green

PERSONAL DAILY STUDY

This week we study Galatians 5 and 6.   This passage contains the Apostle Paul’s writings on Christian freedom. The free will to make our own choice is theological bedrock.  We build our lives upon and around this ability to choose our own actions.  We can choose with wisdom or we can choose poorly.

We will also take a look at Luke 6 to consider a motive for our decisions based in extreme love.

Monday: Galatians 5:1-12

• What appears to be taking place for Paul to be so concerned about freedom? What must some people be trying to teach the folks?

Tuesday: Galatians 5:13-15

• How does Paul suggest our freedom should be put to good use? What is the great commandment?

Wednesday: Galatians 5:16-26

• Take time to consider the list of the works of the flesh verses the works of the Spirit.  Note the ethical counseling offered in verse 25 and 26.

Thursday: Galatians 6:1-10

• This passage again offers ethical standards for us to follow. How can you see Christ in these ideas? Why are they difficult for us to follow?

Friday: Luke 6:27-49

• To love with extreme passion calls us to a new place in our discipleship? What would it mean to love our enemy? Can you follow one who offers this as our path? 

Saturday: Galatians 5:1-15

• Take time to read the section again and let the scripture speak to you. What does this passage tell us about God?  What should be our response?

Sunday:        Reflect and Worship

Sermon Scripture: Galatians 5:13, 14

Sermon Title: “Real Life Freedom”

SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE

Icebreaker:  Share a time when you felt free.

Opening: Name a God moment from this past week

Study Questions to Ponder:

• Why is Paul concerned with freedom?  What is to be gained or lost?
• How do you describe your freedom in Christ Jesus?
• Describe a church which can love in extreme ways.
• What is the golden rule?

Share Your Personal Plan: to Worship, Study, and Serve this week

Closing with Prayer and Blessing

Dead People Don't Speak

People encouraged me to speak.  I held powerful positions in the church, I should speak up.  Some suggested my silence was violence. They said, I was hurting others by holding back my voice. 

I have realized in the last few months that dead people do not speak. Now I was not literally dead, but my heart had been deeply wounded and I understand my silence on some topics has not been for lack of care or concern.  Rather, I had lost my voice and could only shake my head in sorrow. 

I am healing and regaining my voice.  What I say may not be pleasant to some.  Others may weep with me, or still others may find refreshment in my sharing. I only have what is in front of me; my own experience.

The lie of our culture is certainty. As a scientist and as a clergy I learned to be certain.  And God is on the side of certainty.  This is wrong.  Science requires certainty.  And yet historically certainty holds back new scientific discovery.  In my experience, certainty is a hallmark of individuals with personal agendas.  They are certain of many things; never mind the details and possibilities.  Jesus did not teach certainty. Instead Jesus offered friendship and peace with our neighbor, especially our enemies.

I find I am uncertain about just about everything, except God.  I find strength in the ability to question assumptions without discarding.  Strength comes from honoring our enemies into hearing their story.  Strength is in carefully holding persons, even the prickly ones, to a higher place of grace which neither divides nor passes judgement.  And to attempt all this without becoming anxious or infected.

If this is where the church is headed, a place where we dialogue and care for one another as we learn from each other, then I am in.  If however, the church is headed down the path of supporting competing individuals who are certain of their certainty, then I am out.  Not out of the church, just out of that dialogue where power is the real meat on the table and grace is just something said before fighting begins over the scraps in an attempt to fill personal goals. 

My spirit has been wounded, even unto death.  And the valley of dry bones has been my dwelling place. I had lost my voice.  But I have a taken time to rest by still waters.  Today I have less need to build a proper fence around my ideas.  As I let go of certainty, and cling to faith, I find my voice re-emerges.

So the next time you begin to chew on someone for being silent, pause to consider your position of certainty.  Consider your willingness to listen and your need to control.  And then reach out to one who may not be breathing because, dead people do not speak.

Today's Sermon

Had fun with the sermon today.
Preached from John 15, "I am the vine and you are the branches."  We learned three big lessons for all children of God.
1. We MUST stay connected.  Hold onto the rope. Sacraments, prayers, singing, group study, and working together connect us.
2. We MUST allow pruning. When we bear fruit we will be pruned so we can bear more fruit. 
3. We MUST bear fruit. No exceptions. See 1 Corinthians 12 for a nice list.

My Morning Office

Thoughts For Sunday March 26

Fly of the Day

Some interesting creatures on the lip of the drying cup.