daily life as life goes on . . .

I’ve watched a few people lately.  Mostly aged and beyond the life of their spouses.  Their will to live is depleted. 

While this is a testament to their relationship with their spouse, there is an unfortunate side.  Family and friends may desire to encourage and support the loved one – but they too become discouraged.  They are drained emotionally and wonder how they can place a spark back in another’s life.

There is an old phrase – “let go, and let God.”  Never have I heard a tougher prescription.  If we could save our loved ones from pain, sorrow and hopelessness, we would gladly take their places.  But we cannot.  We can come alongside – we can lift weary hands – but we cannot become their life for them.

So, I pray for God to give marathon strength to each one.  And that they would have radical gratitude in their lives.  That they would see God more clearly, love God more dearly and follow wherever God is leading.  And in some cases that leading is closer to heaven than to earth.

Now, if we would just let go, and let God!

The building came down today!  Kehrer’s Appliance’s has been in Kinderlsey for 50 years.  And today the final remains were placed in the ground – or at least, taken to the waste management facility on the edge of town.

Brian and Diane Kehrer, owners, are friends of ours for over 30 years.  In fact, our trusty Maytag washer was bought in their store over 30 years ago – and it’s still running.  the feelings are mixed on Brian and Diane’s part.  On my part, I also sense an end to an era. 

Right now our town is in the midst of changes – and these very visible deaths just remind us that a new resurrection is soon to come.  What has been, will be replaced – and we pray for the better.

Thanks, Brian and Diane, for your service to this community.

This past week saw two stalwarts of the Christian faith pass on to a greater reward:  Sam Stoesz and Bob Kuglin.

I knew and respected both of these men.  Bob was a feisty, conservative evangelist who traveled the globe to bring the message of Jesus wherever he could go.  He compared himself to a devil’s egg.

Sam was a practical theologian who studied the history of our denomination, explained how to bring in members and was a gentle soul.  His daughter, Gloria, was around my age.  When I visited in their home I always felt at home.

Now, I suppose, I and others of my age are becoming those stalwarts who will be considered mentors and teachers.  May we always seek to seek God more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly – whatever our personality, disposition or rank in life!

There was a time today where I referred back to a sermon preached on Sunday.  And not even one I preached. 

This sermon talked about how we keep ourselves here on earth – we don’t easily consider setting aside whatever holds us back from heavenly living.  Instead we keep things alive in our lives that really should be dead.

The apostle Paul talks about everything being considered trash, rubbish, garbage, dung – more than just being set aside.  Actually considering them less than anything!

So, what holds us back?  Why do we live here and not there?

Want a good sermon?  Check out Pastor Ryan Lee’s sermon from October 9, 2011 called “Why here and not there?” on our church website (www.kindersleyalliance.com) under the sermon tab (be patient – it takes a few seconds to bring up the sermon listing – but it’s well worth it!).