Yearly Archives: 2006

I’m working on a sermon for this Sunday.  Jumping into the Sermon on the Mount. 

So, I’m rereading Dallas Willard’s “Divine Conspiracy”, a great book on the whole sermon.  Here is his approach to the beatitudes:

The Beatitudes simply cannot be “good news” if they are understood as a set of “how-tos” for achieving blessedness.  They would then amount to a new legalism.  They would not serve to throw open the kingdom — anything but.  They would impose a new brand of Phariseeism, a new way of closing the door.  (p. 106).

If at first you don’t succeed, consider other alternatives – like asking someone to help!

The cow jumped over the moon – a photoshop special!

Measure twice – cut only when you have to, a crowbar can make a lot of things fit!

Close only counts in girls, grenades and horseshoes – except for relatives, nothing closer than a brother or sister!

Can you add a few???

There is a reading called “one solitary life”.

Someone was going to use it in a mail out.  Author unknown.

In my Good Friday service message I mentioned that here was an author!  James Allan Francis.  Born in Nova Scotia.

Now she can attribute the quote.

As a good librarian, I’m happy.  Small things . . .

I’ve learned over the years to feel deeply for those I minister to.  While I see the positive as well as the realistic, I’m not often overcome.

But today I sat in my car and cried – not long – but still I cried.

This past year my brother died of cancer.  These last twelve months have seen others struck down with various illnesses.

But today, I heard a report that was not encouraging.

Three years ago I swam with my father-in-law across a river.  He didn’t make it.  I felt totally inadequate as the family asked me to spearhead a good portion of the funeral service.

But today, I sensed that same inadequacy – unable to change events and yet called to participate.

Five years ago my wife was close to death.  We prepared wills and stood close to each other and cried.  The sting of death was closer than ever.

But today, I felt a lash upon my heart and I wish I could protect others from the hurt.

God, bless us all this night!