On the thirteenth of October, 2017 our grandson, Noah, will be turning 16 years old. We can’t talk about it without tears in our eyes. He has been such a very special blessing in our lives. From about eight weeks old we have had the pleasure of keeping him… so, for almost 16 years we have kept this little guy almost every weekday.

We were awed as he went through the Thomas the Train stage when he (not yet able to read) could name every train car in the series. We went through the dinosaur stage when he could correctly pronounce and name all the different dinosaurs… and would correct you when you mispronounced them.

We were there for his baptism and confirmation… a great meaning and significance for me to officiate. He has been a faithful church member all his life… faithful, active, involved, learning and growing in the likeness of Christ. We are so proud of him. He has been given a gift his father nor I had… he grew up in the same community, made some really good friends, felt the love and acceptance of a community of faith in this place. Thank you PGUMC for loving our family, especially our grandchildren.

We were there when he came home from school with all A’s… receiving his first B in the seventh grade… a member of the Junior Beta Club, honors student in high school.

We were there when he tried T-Ball. He was so small the batting helmet would spin around on his head… ending up facing backward. He was so funny doing that, and looking for four-leaf clovers in the outfield or piling up dirt on second base. When he started soccer, the first seasons of that included chasing some little girl around in circles during the match… not all that concerned about scoring or soccer techniques.

One of the special characteristics for me was when he would offer these special little sayings which we turned into a Lenten study and then into a book; “The Sayings of Noah.” He was so creative, so inquisitive, so happy. Wow, we were blessed. One the special gifts Noah gives us, his grandparents, is that he will call us sometimes at night, not asking for anything, but just wanting to talk with us. I can’t begin to tell you how special that is… a fifteen year old calls his old grandparents at night… when he could be doing anything else… he shares a few specail moments with us. Yes, we are blessed.

Michael Weatherly tells what his grandfather use to say about him: “If you live to 26 you will find there is a good man in there.” I look into the heart of this young man and I know there IS a good man in there… just waiting to get out.

Soon this young man will be out there in the world preparing to graduate from high school and enter college. The whole world is out there before him waiting for him to make use of the love and support that has lifted him up all these years… family, friends, church, school, community.

For us, we are excited for him… but our heads are still spinning from the years flying by so quickly. It seems that only yesterday he was saying: “PaPaw, come see what I built. A big, big church.” Treasure your time with your kids and your grandkids. It is precious time – sacred time you can’t replace.

Happy birthday… 16th Birthday… young man. We love you, support you, honor you, admire you… pray with you… and we will always provide a safe place for you to land.

MaMaw and PaPaw

I grew up having these words being read to me on a regular basis. It is an “If” we should all make a part of our conversation and fabric of our living.

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“Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land… Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died….”
Excerpt from Deuteronomy 34:1-7

An old story imagines what happened after Moses died. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are sitting in the afterlife, when they look up and see Moses in the distance. He’s headed their way at a dead run, his long white beard flowing behind him, his robes hiked up, and his skinny old man legs flashing in the breeze. He skids to a stop in front of them, and as soon as he catches his breath, he blurts out, “I have seen it!  I have seen the Promised Land! The oath that the Holy One swore to you; He has fulfilled it!”  Their faces light up and they begin to praise God.

It’s such a great image: Moses like a little kid running up to his parents, bursting with news, and the Patriarchs, having lived, and labored, and waited long for God’s promise, hearing that it has finally been fulfilled.

Here’s an even better story: Moses has taken his place next to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They look up, and there, sprinting toward them in the distance, bursting with news about God’s faithful action on earth is…you. And you run up to them, and you catch your breath, and you open your mouth, and say…

Well, I’ll let you decide what you’ll say…

Faithful God, help me to keep my eyes open for the fulfillment of the promises you made to the ancestors. Let me never miss a single one of your blessings, and give me the grace to never stop telling people about them, in and through Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

This morning we were trying to keep in touch with our grandchildren as we watched them play soccer. Both have been playing soccer for some time now. Noah’s game was a nail biter as they won 3 to 2 in the very last seconds of the game. By the way, this is the first game they have won all season. Noah said they won because we were there. We proudly accepted his accolades. Abby, on the other hand did not receive the same lucky presence from her grandparents. I guess the rabbit’s foot got a little worn out between games. Abby’s team wins when we are not there and loses when we are… kinda makes you wonder?

Near the end of Abby’s game they are losing 5 to 2. On the sideline, sitting side by side, are four of her teammates, three little girls and one little boy, chanting as if cheerleaders in a low voice: “The game is almost over and we are going to lose.” Over and over and over they repeated this chant while their coach stood right next to them. He must really be focused or perhaps he was thinking the same thing. When the game finally ended this little squad cheered “Yeeeeaaaaaaaaaa”. I was with them… it was quite hot out there and I was ready to find some cool air.

It is fun to watch kids, young kids, play sports of any kind. Most of them have a completely different agenda. Some are more concerned with how they look in their uniform… this is usually the girls. Others run a little and walk a little… you know, not completely in the game. Then there are those kids that are very good and very aware of the game. They are the ones who are giving everything they have no matter what the score… winning or losing they are giving their best.

I have been all of those (except wondering how my uniform looked) over the years. When I first started playing sports, basketball in a Grey Y league in the fourth grade, I tried my best even though I didn’t know what I was doing. Over the years as I learned more about the sport I gave more of myself.

One of the things I learned in sports, something this little band of cheerleaders have yet to learn, is that no matter what, you do not give up. You continue to play, continue to hustle no matter what the score. It is called play till you hear the whistle.

That is also something we need to learn in our faith. Some of us just stand around with out heads and hearts not completely in the game. Others of us wonder how good we look in our faith. Still others fight all the way through to the end.

When we stop fighting we are giving up hope that things will ever be any different. We feel like we have already lost the game and there is no sense in putting anymore into a losing proposition.

Jesus turns to his disciples saying are you going to leave me too? Are you going to give up, quit giving your best? And they answer: “To whom can we go? You are the One who has the Word of life.” What are you chanting in your little group… the game is over… or let’s go team… Jesus is on our side. Your answer makes a world of difference.

Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us to enjoy our grandchildren playing sports and giving their best, as they see it. Help us to live a life before them that encourages them to give their very best and never, ever give up… especially when it comes to faith. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40

Recently a church youth group was on a wilderness back-packing expedition and got lost. It was supposed to be a half-day trip, so they soon ran out of water in the Texas heat. One boy especially became dehydrated and seriously ill. Another hiked miles to get help, then hiked back with rescue team to show them the location. A helicopter came and took him and this now seriously ill friend to a hospital over 100 miles away. The other hikers were provided supplies and were eventually trucked out. Fortunately, the rescue was in time – the young man’s life was saved.

Nice story, so far. Right? Here is where it gets dicey. Our young hero is now in the hospital waiting room. He calls home to bring mom and dad up to date. So far so good. The boy continues his vigil, but soon realizes a predicament – he has no money, the rest of the group is still hours away, he needs food and a place to stay. The hospital staff suggests the local shelter for the night. He calls home again.

Dad goes ballistic. He calls the hospital, gives his credit card number and insists that his son be taken care of. Put him in nearby hotel till the parents can get there in the morning. Forget this Homeless Shelter stuff. Both father and son (who happened to be 17 years old and over 6′ 4″) are convinced that such a suggestion is insane. Why? The lad responds, “Hey, I don’t have anything against homeless people. I’ve done my service projects for church at the shelter at home, but I don’t need to stay with them or have them sleeping near me. Yuck!”

What do you think? I do not mean to pick on someone who is certainly a brave and courageous young man. But I don’t think it is proper to have an attitude that says it is all right, even GOOD, to HELP the “riff-raff” but that to actually stay overnight with them, receive the same help as them, be on the same level as they are, is dangerous and disgusting. Somewhere along the line, people hear the message that we are called to help, but then miss the part about Jesus identifying HIMSELF with those in need of that help. The real help… the help that offers the ability to overcome is brought about by people who take the time to really understand who these people are and what they are going through. Remember Matthew 25? “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to ME!” We find out who Jesus is when we find out who they are.

Dear Lord, I must admit that sometimes we have a problem with those in need of help… we wonder how they got there, what is keeping them there, are they really conning us, and even more. I don’t like thinking that way. I hope that is not part of my character. Help me, Lord to care, really care for all your children… no matter what. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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”Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.”
Job 8:8-9

 We know all the quips that vaunt the value of our experience and veteran status: “I’ve been around the block a few times.”  “This isn’t my first time at the rodeo.”  “I didn’t just get off the boat, you know!”  And of course, the ever-pervasive: “I wasn’t born yesterday!”

These statements carry certain assumptions about the nature of wisdom and human progress.  Wisdom is usually regarded as a product of longevity and associated with old age and antiquity.  But maybe the babies that were born yesterday have more to offer us than a sentimental sense of pristine innocence.   Jesus must’ve had those born yesterday in mind when he told his disciples that “a child shall lead them.”  And surely those born only yesterday have something to do with the fact that the metaphor for Christian conversion is a New Birth.

Those born yesterday haven’t learned how to waste time yet.  They insist on being fully present and completely immersed in the cares and cries of life every moment of every day.  They take nothing for granted, because they have a keen sense of how fragile and how fleeting life really is.  So they seize the day and offer the veterans among us, not so much instruction and information about life, but openness and passion for life.

The true wisdom of the ages is not information about life; it’s the inspiration to live.  The great American poet, T.S. Eliot expressed it this way:
”We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Our nation is over 200 years old, and the span of recorded human history is roughly 5,000 years.  Yet, according to former President Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative, humans are just beginning to comprehensively harness green energy; just beginning to fully embrace women’s equality; and just beginning to earnestly employ the advances in technology to connect with and to care for the millions around the globe who are living in extreme poverty under extremist regimes. Small wonder. The people who are really making the meaningful differences in the world today were only born yesterday.

Dear Lord of ancient wisdom and new beginnings, teach us how to live again today, perhaps for the first time. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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 Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, ⁴⁰but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
Mark 10:39b-40

James and John thought that the path of discipleship, their faithful following of Jesus, would naturally lead them to the celebrated “head table,” to places of honor and rightful recognition in this world. So confident are they about this future that they try to force Jesus to promise that he will save them those places of honor at the table.

Jesus summarily rejects James’ and John’s seating chart. “Headship” is not the true identity of discipleship. The way of the world, the world of head honchos at head tables, was not the way of discipleship.

Disciples are “great” by becoming “servants.” The “first” in a lineup of Jesus’ disciples is the one at the bottom of the heap, the “slave of all.” The world may judge greatness by who’s “on top,” who’s “on first.” But Jesus declares to those who would follow him, in some of the most powerful words of Scripture, “it is not so among you.”

Discipleship identity is not defined success or status, wealth or power. Discipleship identity is found in Christ, in following Jesus not just on his miraculous ministry before Jerusalem, but in following Jesus all the way to the cross. In fact, you might even say that discipleship is less about who you are, than whose you are and whom you serve. In him our identity is safe and secure . . . .from all alarm.

Jesus’ disciples live according to different “rules” than does the world. The truth is Jesus’ disciples live according to different “relationships” than does the world.

There is a long-standing tradition of having to pass a quiz at the Pearly Gates. In the more humorous versions St. Peter proctors the test. In the serious versions it is Jesus who actually asks the questions. I don’t really know anything about those Pearly Gates. But my mind often conduct theological reveries on what those questions might be.

Here is my current crib sheet for the Pearly Gates quiz. I have three potential questions, each one an identity question. I invite you to add your own.

Question #1: Show me your hands.

Are they dirty and wet? Or did you keep your hands clean? If your hands are clean, the gates refuse to open. The Incarnation means God came down. How far down? All the way down, even to the point where Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, the filthiest parts of the body in the first century mindset. You don’t wash anyone’s feet without getting your hands dirty and wet. Holiness is not keeping your hands clean, but getting your hands dirty and wet in serving those Jesus loves. The mark of a clean heart? Dirty hands.

Question #2: Show me your scars.

Do you have any battle-scars from our mission sorties in the world? Tell me your scar stories. In the words of Canadian composer and lyricist Leonard Cohen, “Children show scars like medals. Lovers use them as a secret to reveal. A scar is what happens when the Word is made flesh.”

Question #3: Show me your Facebook friends.

Are all your “friends” just like you? Or do you have friends that don’t look like you, don’t think like you, don’t worship like you, don’t sit where you sit at the table? Or is your Facebook page just one long look in the mirror?

We are to be discernible disciples of Jesus who live by the polities and protocols of another world, a world where our identity is secured and protected by our Lord.

Dear Lord, I know full well that my identity is found in you, as the Wesley Covenant proclaims: I am Yours and You are mine. But my hands are to clean, my scars are few and my facebook looks more like me than the calling of your heart. Dirty my hands by sending me out in service. Scar me as I live out your Word, and surround me with all your people. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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(Jesus said) “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32

It has always been a source of amazement to me to hear about the ridiculous things people will believe.

Not so long ago, while I was standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, I noticed people buying tabloids. Some of the more sensational headlines were these:

• “Dinosaurs Honked Like Buicks”
• “WWII Bomber Found On The Moon”
• “Woman Gives Birth To A Two-Year-Old Baby”
• “Adam & Eve’s Bones Found In Asia”
• “Eve Was A Space Alien”

Because these stories were in print, a great many people seemed to think they were true. On the plus side, those stories probably don’t do too much damage.

The same cannot be said about the other lies people believe.

All too often people put their trust in human wisdom and earthly agencies. Many times these same people find themselves being let down, hurt and without any person or idea worthy of their trust.

If you have found it more and more difficult to trust anyone — to be anchored in any kind of truth — may I suggest you try trusting the Lord?

For thousands of years, He has made it a point to always tell the truth. He wants people who have been disappointed elsewhere to know they can trust Him who has loved us enough to send His Son to ransom us.

Skeptical? If so, let me tell you trusting God is a wonderful way to live a day or spend a life. Trusting God gives a solid and secure sense of security. How could it not do that? After all, you are leaning on Someone who won’t let you down.

And believing that is certainly more meaningful than believing dinosaurs honked like Buicks.

Gracious Lord, help me to keep my faith focus on Your Son, Jesus, who is the Way, the real Truth, and the Life. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve 

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He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:29

The weatherman tells me there are some storms hitting parts of our country. It won’t be the first time; it won’t be the last. Even so, that remark on our local news reminded me of another storm that took place several years ago.

A submarine had just returned from a rather long, very secret mission. When the captain of the sub came ashore, he was asked, “Did you suffer damage in the storm?” The officer was surprised at the silliness of the question. He shot back, “Man, don’t you know because of where we travel we don’t even know if there is a storm?”

It was true. That submarine had been traveling so far beneath the sea’s surface it had reached the area known as “the cushion of the sea.” At that depth the waters are never stirred by what is happening on the surface.

Every person who lives in this sinful world has seen some kind of storm in his or her life. It may be a major storm like cancer or family problems. It may be a minor whipping of the waves caused by a sore tooth. Whatever your storm, no matter how much you are being rocked, let me tell you there is a place where you can be protected.

The Father who has sent His Son to live, suffer, die and rise has promised to keep his children safe — so safe the waves of life can have no lasting or permanent effect. Yes, I know it seems you are being rocked and buffeted, but when all is said and done the Lord will bring you through spiritually unscathed.

That’s because the Lord is always ready to help. Indeed, He is helping — helping and holding on to you, because you, my friend, never know when that next storm will hit.

Heavenly Father, grant me the grace and faith to bring my problems and concerns to You. Further, let me have the confidence to know You can still the storms of our lives and bring us safely through. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy….
Phil. 1:3-4a

You are not going to believe this. Sometimes I think I am not supposed to leave the house… or at least not be out in public. Today Shirley and I headed for Greensboro to pick up Noah and Abby, come home and let them help with decorating the Christmas tree, go out to eat with them and Stephen and Joy for Joy’s birthday dinner, and then head out for Tanglewood for the light show.

I want you to be proud of me that I got through lunch without incident. Then I made the BIG mistake of going with Shirley to Belk. She talked me into it by saying “I want to buy you a new sport coat.” Fell for it hook, line, and sinker. We are walking around in the men’s department when a couple of ladies came up to me and said: “Come here! What size are you? You look the same size as Jerry.” She did not believe I wore a 38 coat, a 40 or a 42. She had me try on this coat. Held the button in the front. Rubbed the shoulders and the back to see if the coat really fit. I am standing there almost speechless. Shirley is rolling in the floor. Finally these ladies thanked me for being the model and apologized. They laughed and walked off.

We looked some more bought a coat and as I was standing in the aisle some former members from Pleasant Garden UMC came up. It was Sharon, her daughter Crissy (whom I married to a fighter pilot – who is now deployed in Iraq) and Crissy’s two children. We are standing there talking, catching up on all the family stuff – Jimmy is now a Major and should be home in February… and as we are talking Morgan steps over to the rack of overcoats and pushes on the rack. Ever heard of the domino effect? Yep! About four racks of coats had hit the floor before we could even take a step. As Crissy is apologizing, and the clerk is picking up the coats, the two ladies from the former coat fitting episode came by and said: “It is his (my) fault he is bad.” They were joking, of course, and it was funny.

It was one of those days when you meet old friends, new acquaintances, and laugh at the circumstances of the day. Be thankful for those days

Dear God, I thank you for the things we can laugh at and the people we can laugh with. Especially today, I thank you for the love of a mom who can pick up her son and hug him when he has just made a big mess.  Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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“Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.”
Excerpt from Psalm 27:7-14

The most beautiful part of my home church, Mayodan Methodist Church, was the great Christ Window over the altar. Oh, it was a captivating picture of Jesus. Kindly face, outstretched arms, glowing flowing robes: to me, this window had it all and said it all. It probably helped to form some of my earlier understandings of who Jesus was and what He was about.

There was only one problem with the Christ Window: nighttime. Each evening, as the light began to fade, Jesus’ face would also fade. Of course, all stained-glass windows fade as the light behind them does. In this window, as the light faded, the face disappeared. And this would happen a good half hour before the rest of him disappeared, leaving behind a black hole surrounded by glowing white robes. Early on it was spooky.

As I got older, I stopped wondering about that window, and actually came to appreciate the transformation. At last I began to see this picture (face and all) as a pretty good symbol of how I understand Jesus—or don’t. Some days, the light streams through and I can see, clear as day, who He is: Glowing Jesus, Open Arms Jesus, Forgiving Jesus, Come-Unto-Me-My-Yoke-Is-Easy Jesus.

Other times, it’s like the sun has gone down early. His face disappears. I lose track of who He is. What kind of Savior says things like, “I have come not to bring peace but a sword”? What kind of Friend is forever calling me “Ye of little faith” and “viper”? What kind of God promises to come back soon and then stays away for a couple of thousand years—and has He stayed away, or am I just missing something?

The truth is that His face, his presence, is always there with us… even when we cannot see the face. The problem is our seeing not his presence. Remember He is always with us… and will never abandon us… NEVER!

Lord, I know you don’t hide your face from us… but sometimes our seeing is dim. Continue to reveal yourself and give us the grace to reveal you to the world. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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