Must Have Been The Stender Coming Out

We had the Kuiper kids over last night and after the boys sacked out Jackie and I decided to teach Raleigh and Sydney how to play some card games.

Out first effort was crazy eights.  After 3 long games the score was Jackie 2, Sydney 1 with Raleigh and I shutout.  Next we advanced to a game that has many names but we called in I Doubt It.  Each time Jackie would lay a card or two face down I would smirk and Raleigh would interpret my smirk as proof that grandma did not lay what she was claiming to lay and poor Raleigh would end up with a fist full of cards.  Jackie won all three rounds of I Doubt It.

Then, feeling a little guilty I think, Jackie suggests that we lay all the cards out face down and play the memory game.  This sounds like a great idea to the girls and it's even OK with me, even though I have never been able to beat even a 3 year old at that game.

Raleigh starts out but alas, no match.  Sydney is next, but alas no match.  I am next and alas, no match.  Now it's Jackie's turn and she comes up with 4 matches, getting more excited with each.  Round two sees Raleigh with no matches, Sydney with no matches, me with no matches and Jackie with 4 more.  I started looking up because I thought I heard the hallelujah music playing.

In the next round Raleigh gets 1 match, Sydney is shut out, I come up with a wild card so I get a match, and Jackie does even better than before and gets 5 matches.  By this time she is standing up, one arm waving, scanning the table and snatching, snatching, snatching up winning matches.

I pause here for effect.

Just then Raleigh and Sydney come up with a great idea.  They start moving around all the remaining cards.  Jackie spurts out, "Hey, that's not the way the game is played!"  Raleigh and Sydney, still smiling very sweetly, reply in unison, "I think it is grandma."  After several more rounds with the girls mixing up the cards between each round, no one finds any more matches, the game ends, Raleigh, Sydney and I get up to check out what might be in the kitchen, and Jackie
stays seated, counting her matches.

Eventually the girls also go to sack out and Jackie and I play a little solitaire   Jackie looks up at me (after running the deck and playing all the cards), smiles sheepishly and confesses, "I guess I just didn't want the girls to think their grandma was stupid."  Stupid?  No.  A little competitive maybe?  Ask out kids.

Stand By Me

If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

All the mountains should crumble to the sea

I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear

Just as long as you stand, stand by me.

Lyrics to STAND BY ME by the Temptations

Early last week I did a road test a third time for a middle age lady who had come here from Syria. This time she passed and after I gave her the review she told me that at the end of the week she was heading back home for a visit. “Pray for me.” she said looking very concerned. “Are you afraid?” I asked. She said she was. “Just yesterday 3 bombs went off outside our home.”

You and I cannot really imagine what that would be like, either living in conditions where people actually want to kill you with no remorse, or being safe but having family enduring that daily fear.

I follow a blog written by one of my favorite authors, Joel Rosenburg. He converted to Christianity from Judaism and although he is a tremendous advocate for the nation of Israel he also created something called THE JOSHUA FUND which raises money to provide food, clothing and other aid for Jews, Muslims and Christians in the Mid-East. They have been very active in supporting Christian pastors in Iraq. Last week he posted that after a lot of prayer over the last year he and his family would be moving that week to Israel. They had been granted Israeli citizenship but could also retain their U.S. Citizenship. Here is a paragraph from that post:

Moving to Israel during a war may seem crazy to some, but we are at peace that this is what the Lord is calling us to do. Indeed, we count it an honor to stand with our Israeli and Palestinian friends to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as the Psalmist commands. Our hearts grieve for those on both sides of the border who are suffering because of this war, and we want to serve them and care for them in any way we can. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” We trust the Lord will show us how in some small way we can serve Him in a Land still so in need of His grace and peace.

A couple of days ago I was talking to my daughter Becky who has always had a great interest in the persecuted church. A FB friend of ours know a family that was ministering to persecuted Christians in the Mid-East, I think maybe even Iraq, and he gave my daughter their contact information. They told her that their ministry has suddenly gained great credibility with the locals because when the troubles came all the foreigners left, except their family. We would think that is extraordinary but their heart response was, “how could we leave them?”

When my daughter was telling their story to a co-worker the person wondered how anyone could go to a place when they knew that both them and their children would be endangered. Becky thought about it and responded that it all had to do with wanting to share the love of Jesus and the new life that is possible in Him to a hurting people living in darkness. Whose lives are more precious?

My father use to remark that it takes a strange type of person to be a salesman. “You have to like people.” He would say that in reference to owners of furniture businesses he knew who loved to design and produce beautiful product but thought the customer was a necessary evil and the salesman an even greater evil. “I would get home from my travels on a Friday night and have a list of angry clients that needed to be calmed down because they had received a nasty response from the owner in response to a reasonable grievance."

I think the same philosophy is true for people who want to share the truth of the gospel, or to minister healing or deliverance. It is not an intellectual truth, a better way, a special formula or any program designed to produce great results. Instead you begin with this bit of wisdom from my father; YOU HAVE TO LIKE PEOPLE.

Francis MacNutt in his books on healing and deliverance emphasizes that we need to remember that the sickness or the evil spirit, as ugly and detestable as they are, are not the same as the person being ministered to. We need to separate the two. In reflecting on the long and successful ministry he had in healing and deliverance he said that many people told him the most powerful thing they experience while being ministered to was not a particular prayer or word of console but rather the sense that here was someone who actually loved and cared for them.

Many times a wound caused either by a trauma or sin or exposure to the occult results in a person's reluctance or inability to trust the one willing to help.  They don't believe that God can love them and they don't believe that other people can really love them either.  In these cases the wound needs to be healed, the sin needs to be repented and the occult activity needs to be renounced.  Then after the house is swept clean the Holy Spirit must be shown in to repair, restore and rebuild what was lost.  This may take time.  We might be willing to do that for family but what will drive us to do that for others?

I've written awhile back about what is a common thread among successful missionaries and evangelists.  They have a heart for the lost.  They have a great love for a certain people, land or nation.  They lay in bed at night praying for the lost.  The works of the enemy actually makes them mad.  And yes, they trust in God's provision and timing and they are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The song by the Temptations was a love song.  The world can fall apart but it won't matter because I know that even in all that distress you will stand by me.  We can also see it as someone who trusts that God will be with them no matter what else happens in life.  Through all these trials and tribulations He is standing with me.  

And finally we can see that as a call for us to stand with those that need us now.  For people who need God's love because they are sick or hurt or living in darkness.  For people who are being driven from their homes because of hate that comes straight from the pit.  For the missionaries and aid workers and their families who are risking their lives because of their love for these people.  And finally, for God's chosen people, many of whom are also living in darkness but are threatened with extinction simply because they are His chosen.   

My Explaination To A Priest On Why He Failed His Driving Test

OK, he wasn't quite a priest yet.  Thursday Andrew (not Andy) leaves to complete his senior collegiate year at St. Thomas Seminary located in St. Paul, Minnesota.  I guess there are still 4 more years of priest prep to go for him.

Before we began our drive Andrew (not Andy) was very concerned about the number of points he could receive and still pass.  "How many points did I get?" Andrew (not Andy) asked after completing his parking maneuvers.  I told him he passed with just 3 points against him and that those points do not carry over into the driving portion.

"How many points can I get on the driving part and still pass?"  inquires Andrew (not Andy).  I tell him that 25 or fewer points are passing and that 26 or more will mean that he has to retake the exam, unless he fails for doing something really bad which also means a retake.

The young priest to be is progressing fine at the beginning of the drive.  His traffic checks are pretty good although not perfect and a couple of times he stops a little pass the required stop lines.  Then we get to busy 28th street and as we are approaching a red light just before the freeway Andrew (not Andy) is doing 40 with no clear indication that he sees the light or is going to stop.  This prompts my urgent request for him to stop which he does with a nice little squeal of the brakes.

Andrew (not Andy) tells me he is sorry for that and we go on, but not very much further because we happen to be about a half mile from where we started and his action means that we return to base without completing the route.

I tell Andrew (not Andy) that most driving mistakes, like missing traffic checks or going a little pass a stop line are like venial sins.  You can get a lot of them and still pass.  Big mistakes, like going through a stop light or having the examiner stop one from going through a stop light are like mortal sins.  They're bad.  Real bad.

I can see the light bulb go off in Andrew's (not Andy's) face.  "Oh, I failed the test?"  to which I reply; "I must confess you did."

Your Shorts Are Too Tight!

A young lass from a road test wanted to get her driver's license before having surgery to remove her gall bladder. I asked what the gall bladder did and she said that it acted as the body's filter. I then made up and sang her the following ditty;

The gall bladder's gone

my filter's wiped away

I'm free to let loose

in what ever I say.

For example . . .

And then I provided her with a couple of examples, evidently none of which was very funny.

Later on I was contemplating what it would be like not having to filter out what is really going on in my mind. Not that it would be a good thing because I am the type of person who likes to come up with quick and witty sayings and sometimes things get through my filter and I end up embarrassed and perhaps offending someone. But that's the point. Wouldn't it be nice to get a freebee every now and then and just blame it on your gall bladder?

My uncle Jack used to remark after saying something off color, “Pardon my french.” I could say that as well but I think it just might be better to blame my gall bladder instead of the French. They've suffered enough misunderstandings without me adding to their depression.

Friday I was on a test and the young woman and I were stopped at a light. On the back window of the mini van ahead of us were stick people and these were kinda strange so the girl explained that they depicted a zombie family. “See, they have two zombie adults, two zombie kids and three zombie pets.” Just then a guy is walking across the street in front of us who has an exaggerated limp and he is kinda dragging one foot along stiffed legged after the other and normally I would have thought, “Oh you poor guy” but instead I blurt out to the sweet young girl, “Oh my gosh, what are the odds, a real life zombie!” She laughed and I still apologized but now I have a back up plan; “Sorry, been having a little problem with my gall bladder lately”.

When people get older a lot of them tend to lose their ability to filter things out and they readily express what ever is at the front of their brains. My father stayed at a wonderful place the last years of his life and one day after a visit I stopped in one of the lounge areas to watch a women with a piano lead a group of mostly female residents in singing old time religious hymns. Undeterred an old woman I was standing next to in the back kept suggesting names of other, shall I say, more bawdy tunes. I still don't know if these tunes would have been for her enjoyment or if she had one baggy eye on me.

There is in our family a classic line that now will be remembered in more ways than one:

“Your shorts are too tight!”

The only explanation for the last time I heard that punch line (right in the middle of a funeral Mass) must have something to do with a malfunctioning gall bladder. But life is like that. You laugh, you groan, you claim your exemption and go on from there.

Suicide

Suicide

It was at last a familiar voice

that plucked the sign of Spring

of hopes so grand the season's end

was startling

They came, they came

they never stopped

did beckon at the door

he gave them all they ever asked

they always wanted more

Perhaps it was a father's taunt

craved hunger for a friend

who entered in and never left

and caused the end

Perhaps it was a mother's thought

replaced with wild eyes

that comforted the inner boy

he so despised

We saw the man a child

the child then a man

and then were never quite so sure

again

He heard the voices every day

and even gave them names

would often quote their vicious rants

an easy game

And then despair came to the front

to whisper in the ear

now is the time you silly goat

to end your fear

You've known me when they crowned you king

and wrote your name across the sky

ours is a friendship forged with trust

so would I lie?

The clown wiped off his makeup

placed the rubber nose just right

then heard the voices laughing

as he seized the night

Joy

Wouldn't it be nice that in this world filled with sickness, stress and conflict your life was one full of peace, happiness and joy? Looking at your particular circumstances or what is happening in this world you probably don't believe that it is possible to actually be filled with joy. Oh sure, maybe a little happiness here and a touch of satisfaction there, but to be really filled with joy?

One Christian religious leader recently presented a list of things you can do to have joy in your life. On his list were suggestions such as work for peace, respect nature, help the poor, give yourself to others, don't complain, don't force your religious views on others, don't judge and finally, keep Sunday as a family day. I thought it rather odd that missing from his list were the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the true source of joy in a Christian's life. 

Yes, his was a discussion of things you can do and that is all well and good. But scripture presents joy as something brought about as the result of a relationship with God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22) It is a fruit, a result of being connected to a sacred and living vine and as such it proclaims the true essence of it's maker.

There is a kingdom of darkness where there is no lasting joy and there is an eternal kingdom filled with joy. The two are in conflict. The eternal kingdom is not merely a place we long for, a pie in the sky hope, a pin prick of light that beckons us onward. It has come in the person and presence of Jesus and it will destroy all the enemy strongholds.

Isaiah 9 described it's promised coming. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light . . . You shall increase their gladness; they will be glad in your presence . . . For you shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders . . . For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 55:12 predicts it's ultimate fulfillment. For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Romans 8 also speaks of God's ultimate intention for us and creation. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Joy then is not a matter of the conditions around us. We are not waiting for a Savior to come and for the revealing of His kingdom. He has come to us and in us and we are part of His plan for His creation here and now. We have entered His kingdom by faith but we also need to walk in faith and trust that His plans are just and true. Joy comes in spending time with Him. Joy comes in having a relationship with Him. Joy comes in seeing the world through eyes of faith.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.  I Peter 1: 3-9

Dear friends, this is as real as it gets.  You are going through nothing that is beyond the power of the grace of God.  He made you, YOU!, with a capacity for great joy.  Spend time with Him in prayer and in the Word.  Praise Him even in the midst of your pain and confusion.  Listen to the leading of His Holy Spirit.  Let Him be the Lord of every part of you life.  May your tears be turned into tears of joy.  May His peace be with you always.

Joe Cool

My First Selfie!

After moving to Holland my commute changed from North/South to East/West.  Now I'm heading East into the sun in the morning and West into the sun on the way home.

Right now it's not so bad because the days are long and I don't have to leave that early or return yet into the setting sun.  But the days will come so I figured I had better get me a pair of sunglasses

Looking at myself in the mirror after my purchase I thought, "Hey, not so bad.  You've still got it old man."  Later that evening I even wore the sunglasses into Lowe's (must have forgot that I had them on).

The next day on the last leg of a road test a car passes us on Clyde Park Avenue.  I could hear it approaching because it was a beautiful day and our windows were down and there was some loud "screeching" throbbing from the passing vehicle.  In the vehicle were two young men who were loudly singing along with the screeching, bobbing their heads, and as they passed by the guy in the passenger wags his finger at us, in tune I'm sure if there was a tune, not to be mean but because he knew he looked so cool - sunglasses, special music, beautiful day.

Which made me chuckle thinking how cool I thought I looked strolling through Lowe's to buy 3 more gallons of 10X paint for our deck.  Lucky I didn't trip over anything in the semi-darkness because then pride really would come before my fall.

P.S.  I took about 6 selfie shots.  The ones with smiles just don't give off the right vibes.