Yesterday Nancy and I drove to Akron, Ohio for my nephews wedding. Scott and Carols oldest son, Joel Boerckel married Monica Amaretti. It was a really neat wedding. Scott did a great job officiating. Joel's brother Mark was the best man. There were many touching moments.
The reception was a blast. I have not laughed so hard in a long time. Monica's family pretty much dominated the dance floor, as our side is not known for busting moves. We don't dance, but we sure can eat.
We had to get up at 4:00 today to get back in time to attend Nick Perri's funeral. I've been counseling Nick off and on for over 5 years. His death by drug overdose came as a shock. He was only 21 years old. He and Jimmy used to play on the same little league team. Nancy even babysat him a few times. Nick went to our church.
I was asked to give part of the eulogy. Here is a little of what I said.
"I had the privilege of knowing Nick Perri. We prayed together. We laughed and cried together. He trusted me enough to open his heart and share his pain. And Nick had a lot of pain. But Nick was so much more than his problems. We are here to celebrate his life and to help each other heal. But we are not here to say goodbye. We are here to say, " We'll see ya later Nick." You see, Nick is more alive right now than he's ever been. The Bible says, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Nick is with Jesus right now. He is experiencing a new life of joy and freedom. I don't feel sorry for Nick. I feel a little envious of him."
Joel and Monica began a new life. It was a celebration of each finding their true love and becoming one. It brought an end to their previous lives of searching. Monica, the bride, walked forward to be with Joel, the bridegroom, forsaking all others.
Nick began a new life. It was a celebration of him finding his True Love and becoming one with Christ. It brought an end to his previous life of searching. Nick, the bride of Christ, walked forward to be with Jesus, the bridegroom, forsaking all others.
One wedding and a funeral. We shed tears at each.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
God Sighting
Today I took my car in to be fixed. Then I started to walk to the gym. This would have been a really long walk. Mark Waltz was driving by and he stopped to say hello. He was on his way to visit a boy in the hospital. I jumped into his car and ended up going with him.
We visited Jeremy, a 16 year old who is in a coma from a car accident last night. His face was swollen and purple. He has a severe brain injury. We hugged his parents, prayed with them, and cried. The 4 of us stood next to his bed in a tight circle with our arms around each other.
His dad said a one sentence prayer, "Lord, don't let my son die."
I thought about my own kids, and the overwhelming shock and fear these parents are experiencing. There are no words. I felt ... privileged to be there.
I was plucked off the street and brought to this boys bedside. I got to minister with one of my favorite people on the planet. It was a God sighting. Plain and simple. And it felt really right.
I think God wants me to get involved in the prayer ministry, or the hospital visitation team at church. There is no such thing as a coincidence. I've been thinking about it all day. I've been thinking about Jeremy all day.
We visited Jeremy, a 16 year old who is in a coma from a car accident last night. His face was swollen and purple. He has a severe brain injury. We hugged his parents, prayed with them, and cried. The 4 of us stood next to his bed in a tight circle with our arms around each other.
His dad said a one sentence prayer, "Lord, don't let my son die."
I thought about my own kids, and the overwhelming shock and fear these parents are experiencing. There are no words. I felt ... privileged to be there.
I was plucked off the street and brought to this boys bedside. I got to minister with one of my favorite people on the planet. It was a God sighting. Plain and simple. And it felt really right.
I think God wants me to get involved in the prayer ministry, or the hospital visitation team at church. There is no such thing as a coincidence. I've been thinking about it all day. I've been thinking about Jeremy all day.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Crisis!
Yesterday morning I accidentally left the screen door open when I let Boo out. I found this out when later in the day I got a frantic call from Nancy. She said, "There is a bird flying around in our house." Actually she said, "THERE IS A BIRD FLYING AROUND IN OUR HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Immediately, I began to think of someone else to blame. I mean, a solution.
I pictured the bird pooping all over the house, Boo knocking over lamps to get it, and then catching it and leaving bird guts all over the carpet.
Boo was having a nervous breakdown, running wildly after and from the bird. Jimmy said, and I quote, "It scared the shit out of me!" Great. Another mess to clean up.
Caitlin and her friend Lauren saved the day. They got a ladder and Lauren, ninja-like, caught the bird with her bare hands. She let it go with a harrowing story to tell the other birds.
Let's review. I cause the problem. Jimmy gets scared and poops his pants. The women solve the problem. That's how it usually goes.
Immediately, I began to think of someone else to blame. I mean, a solution.
I pictured the bird pooping all over the house, Boo knocking over lamps to get it, and then catching it and leaving bird guts all over the carpet.
Boo was having a nervous breakdown, running wildly after and from the bird. Jimmy said, and I quote, "It scared the shit out of me!" Great. Another mess to clean up.
Caitlin and her friend Lauren saved the day. They got a ladder and Lauren, ninja-like, caught the bird with her bare hands. She let it go with a harrowing story to tell the other birds.
Let's review. I cause the problem. Jimmy gets scared and poops his pants. The women solve the problem. That's how it usually goes.
Dinner with the Mayor
Tuesday night I got to have dinner with the mayor of Mishawaka Jeff Rea. Well, actually Nancy got to have dinner with the mayor and I got to tag along. Nancy is the treasurer for the Commission for Women.
We met at Pasqualli Rulli's for great Italian food. The mayor came in and sat right next to me. I am proud to announce that as far as I know I did not embarrass myself, the mayor, the fine city of Mishawaka, or most importantly Nancy.
Jeff, as those of us who are in the loop call him, is a really nice guy. But more than that he is a real guy. He was just himself, which I found refreshing, and rare in a politician. He suggested I not call him a politician, but rather an elected official. Turns out the word politician is politically incorrect.
On the wall, just above the Mayors head was a large photo of the murderer Al Capone. I suggested to him that I take his picture with the gansta looking proudly upon his protege
the Mayor.
Jeff gave a nervous laugh. I think the reason he asked to be seated somewhere else was so he could talk to other people.
It was a great night. Now that I'm in with His Honor, I'm pretty much the go to guy if you need a ticket fixed, someone to disappear or a kickback. Call me.
We met at Pasqualli Rulli's for great Italian food. The mayor came in and sat right next to me. I am proud to announce that as far as I know I did not embarrass myself, the mayor, the fine city of Mishawaka, or most importantly Nancy.
Jeff, as those of us who are in the loop call him, is a really nice guy. But more than that he is a real guy. He was just himself, which I found refreshing, and rare in a politician. He suggested I not call him a politician, but rather an elected official. Turns out the word politician is politically incorrect.
On the wall, just above the Mayors head was a large photo of the murderer Al Capone. I suggested to him that I take his picture with the gansta looking proudly upon his protege
the Mayor.
Jeff gave a nervous laugh. I think the reason he asked to be seated somewhere else was so he could talk to other people.
It was a great night. Now that I'm in with His Honor, I'm pretty much the go to guy if you need a ticket fixed, someone to disappear or a kickback. Call me.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Mothers Day
Another Mothers Day has come and gone. Kind of a rough day for me. I wasn't depressed, just sad. Mom died six years ago. Hard to believe. I miss her so much. She taught me the two most important things in life, how to love God and how to love people. I am so glad I got to have her for a mom.
It was a tough Mothers Day for Nancy too. Her mom is still living, but not really. If you know some one with Alzheimers you know what I mean.
We have great memories of our moms, and we live on these. We cherish our time with them. They gave us life and then showed us how to live. They loved away a world of pain. They believed in us when no one else did, even when we didn't.
Thanks Mom. I love you.
It was a tough Mothers Day for Nancy too. Her mom is still living, but not really. If you know some one with Alzheimers you know what I mean.
We have great memories of our moms, and we live on these. We cherish our time with them. They gave us life and then showed us how to live. They loved away a world of pain. They believed in us when no one else did, even when we didn't.
Thanks Mom. I love you.
Jerry Falwell
Jerry Falwell has gone home to be with the Lord. He said some things I disagree with. He could be obnoxious. Many times I wished he would keep his mouth shut, because some of his outlandish comments gave his enemies ammunition, and as a Christian leader he didn't always represent Christ. Wait a minute. That last sentence describes me perfectly.
Jerry Falwell did a lot of good. He gave a lot of money to poor people. He paid for the education of many who could not afford it. He started a home for unwed mothers. He unapologetically preached what the Bible says.
So many people are thrilled he is dead. The guy who wrote the book "God is not Great" was on Hannity and Colmes tonight spewing hatred. The people who are accusing Falwell of hate, are being so hateful. Kind of hypocritical, dontcha think?
Jerry Falwell did a lot of good. He gave a lot of money to poor people. He paid for the education of many who could not afford it. He started a home for unwed mothers. He unapologetically preached what the Bible says.
So many people are thrilled he is dead. The guy who wrote the book "God is not Great" was on Hannity and Colmes tonight spewing hatred. The people who are accusing Falwell of hate, are being so hateful. Kind of hypocritical, dontcha think?
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
The Radish
Nancy and I went to Meijer for groceries. I found this radish and showed it to her. As we were loading the groceries into the car, I knew I just had to go back and buy it. As I placed it on the conveyor I thought the cashier was very professional, because she did not say a word.
I put it in a covered dish and brought it to Nancy's family Thanksgiving dinner where it was a big hit. Next, we were to make our appearance at my family Thanksgiving dinner. So I put it back in the covered dish.
Nancy encouraged me to think twice about this, and not bring it in. Nancy is very wise and I would do better to listen to her more often. Right after the prayer I presented it to my family with all the pride of a new father showing off the baby.
I was met with stunned silence. Not even the teenage boys laughed. They just stared with eyes wide, wondering if Uncle Tom was going to Hell. I think I heard a cricket. The eternal silence was broken by Scott who asked me, "What is our response to be?"
I was thinking that when faced with such a wonder of nature that hilarious laughter would be appropriate. Not so. Ben later remarked that he had never witnessed so awkward a moment. In the annuls of family history it has become known as the Silent Thanksgiving.
I didn't make the radish. God did. I just showed it to everyone who came to our house and made inappropriate jokes about it.
Ben and I put it on ebay. I figured if people would buy a grilled cheese sandwich with the Virgin Mary on it for thousands of dollars, then I ought to be able to make a fortune with a well-endowed radish. But it was not to be. Ebay removed it.
Ben and I mailed it back and forth to each other for months. Long after it rotted and was just a flaccid shadow of its former self.
I'm no longer allowed to accompany Nancy to the grocery store.
Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and other drugs can numb the pain of life temporarily, but can also numb the joy of life permanently.
Alcohol and other drugs take you farther than you want to go and leave you there longer than you want to stay.
Alcohol and other drugs keep you from being a participant in your own life.
Alcohol and other drugs turn you into someone you don't want to be, who does things you never thought you'd do.
Alcohol and other drugs convince you that you don't have a problem, and everyone else does.
Alcohol and other drugs create chains that are so light you can't feel them, until they are so strong you can't break them.
Alcohol and other drugs take you farther than you want to go and leave you there longer than you want to stay.
Alcohol and other drugs keep you from being a participant in your own life.
Alcohol and other drugs turn you into someone you don't want to be, who does things you never thought you'd do.
Alcohol and other drugs convince you that you don't have a problem, and everyone else does.
Alcohol and other drugs create chains that are so light you can't feel them, until they are so strong you can't break them.
The Return of the Word of the Week!
The word for the week is simply a look at words that I like. They are fun to say. I would like to see them used more in our world. So get right on that, people.
This week's word is...OODLES. It means a great or large quantity. This is a special word to me because my mom used to say it. "There were just oodles of birds in our yard today!"
I invite you to make up your own definition of the word and use it in a sentence.
This week's word is...OODLES. It means a great or large quantity. This is a special word to me because my mom used to say it. "There were just oodles of birds in our yard today!"
I invite you to make up your own definition of the word and use it in a sentence.
Father God
Maker and Master of the universe and all that is in it. You blow my mind. You are all powerful, not just really powerful. You have all the power there could ever be without limit.
You are just and holy. A God who hates sin. We would be wrong to only speak of Your love, without also pondering Your fury. Forgive me for trying to make You into a god that is tame. Since I can't wrap my brain around You, or reconcile all of Your characteristics, I found it easier to just ignore those parts of You that made me feel uncomfortable.
At that point I created an idol, and quit worshipping You.
Why would I expect that I, a created and finite being, could ever have You all figured out. Lord, help me to accept the mystery of You. When You don't make sense to me, the problem is not with You.
You are the same yesterday, today and forever. You are the same God, Old and New Testament. You are not a pot luck buffet where I pick and choose what I want.
I accept You as You are, just as You accept me as I am.
In the just and holy name of Jesus, So be it.
You are just and holy. A God who hates sin. We would be wrong to only speak of Your love, without also pondering Your fury. Forgive me for trying to make You into a god that is tame. Since I can't wrap my brain around You, or reconcile all of Your characteristics, I found it easier to just ignore those parts of You that made me feel uncomfortable.
At that point I created an idol, and quit worshipping You.
Why would I expect that I, a created and finite being, could ever have You all figured out. Lord, help me to accept the mystery of You. When You don't make sense to me, the problem is not with You.
You are the same yesterday, today and forever. You are the same God, Old and New Testament. You are not a pot luck buffet where I pick and choose what I want.
I accept You as You are, just as You accept me as I am.
In the just and holy name of Jesus, So be it.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Took a break
............................. Samuel........... Ben............. Micah........... WestonI took a break from blogging. A lot has been going on. Recently Ben came to visit for about ten days. We had a great time. We got to spend a day with Jim and Kathy and their boys. Ben enjoyed being with his cousins.
Dear Lord
You are my Master, Lord and Savior. My Father and Friend. I'd be a fool to go through one more day without You. I long to know You. I want to walk with You in ever deeper levels of intimacy. I want to know Your Heart.
Lord, may I fall in love with You anew this day. Let me be aware all day long that I am in Your Presence. When I spend time with You I cannot remain unchanged.
You are working in me, disciplining, refining, healing. And I so need it.
Thank You, that even when I forget You today, even while sinning, You will be loving me just as much then as You are right now while I pray these words to You.
That is love! When faced with such love, my response can only be love, worship and... joy.
In Jesus Name I pray, So be it.
Lord, may I fall in love with You anew this day. Let me be aware all day long that I am in Your Presence. When I spend time with You I cannot remain unchanged.
You are working in me, disciplining, refining, healing. And I so need it.
Thank You, that even when I forget You today, even while sinning, You will be loving me just as much then as You are right now while I pray these words to You.
That is love! When faced with such love, my response can only be love, worship and... joy.
In Jesus Name I pray, So be it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)