Rest Sweet Claire Rest in Jesus!

Earth is a little darker tonight, but heaven is brighter.  Our precious little Claire Bear died in her sleep after a valiant battle with Leigh's disease.  Reading Scripture, anointing  her precious little forehead and praying with her today was sweet.  Death was calling, but heaven was lurking behind it.  You always felt the presence of Jesus in Claire's presence, but this evening it was more pronounced than ever.  

The Psalmist wrote, "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints."  Saint Claire is now with Jesus and realizing His priority of child-like faith when He told the disciples to let the children come to Him in the tenth chapter of Mark's gospel.  "For such is the kingdom of heaven."  

Sweet Claire seemed to have a lifetime of love crammed into that little  5-year old frame that most adults don't ever experience.  Her presence and personality oozed Jesus.  She touched far more people than we will ever know, but God does.  Tonight she rests and basks in the arms of Jesus, but no feeding tube, no morphine, no doctors, no oxygen, and no tears.  Just Jesus.  We long to see Him too, and one day will join you precious girl.   Rest my sweet child and sister in Christ, rest in Jesus. 

Marriage Proposal by Vancouver Air Traffic Controller

This is a refreshing audio clip of a Vancouver Air Traffic Controller proposing to his fiance' who is on an inbound flight to his airport. So very cool to hear the normally straight-laced, all business controller and pilot world show their human side.  This has to be the ultimate marriage proposal. Click on the link below, turn up your speakers and listen closely all the way through.  Enjoy something lighter and fun in the never-ending sea of pain, violence and bad news that seems to drown us each day.  

http://www.futurastudios.com/atc-marry-me.html

Parents Who Sought the Greater Good

The parents of 18-year old, Ryan Schallenberger deserve our prayers and gratitude. Ryan is the straight "A" student in Chesterfield, South Carolina (northeast) who was arrested for allegedly planning to bomb his high school. His parents called authorities Saturday, after they discovered their son had ordered 10 lbs., of ammonium nitrate through the Internet. People make bombs with ammonium nitrate. According to news reports the U.S. attorney is planning to charge the student with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a possible life sentence. Additional federal charges are expected to be brought against the teenager, who they believe was plotting the bombing for several months. Police report that they found a "hate-filled journal" the teen had written offering praise for the Columbine killers.

The AP story praises the parents but also raises concerns about the lack of response from professionals in their attempts to seek help for Ryan before discovering the ammonium nitrate order:

"We applaud these parents and we're very thankful they chose to be concerned and they chose to get involved. We feel like they saved a lot of life in our county," Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker said Tuesday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Schallenberger's parents had sought help from mental health experts even earlier in the week when he slammed his head into a wall, but the clinic offered no help, authorities said Monday. His parents took him to a hospital but he was not badly injured, said prosecutor Jay Hodge.

Schallenberger was charged with making a bomb threat and was to be charged Tuesday with possession of bomb-making material, Hodge said. The prosecutor said he would request at a bail hearing Tuesday that the teen undergo a mental health evaluation.

Education, mental health and community officials constantly counsel parents, educators, clergy, healthcare professionals and parents to be on the alert for possible warning signs of a kid who is troubled, or headed in the wrong direction. Too often parents are in complete denial and no one discovers there is a serious problem until it's too late as was the case of Columbine and last year's Virginia Tech campus shootings, just to name two of many examples. However, in this case we need to thank these parents for genuinely seeking to get help for their son and the seriousness with which they treated the discovery of the explosive ingredients. Ryan's mother and stepfather, John and Laurie Sittley, deserve our prayers. They are undoubtedly heartbroken. Who wouldn't be? Ryan also deserves our prayers and even more so, if these allegations are in fact true.

I cannot imagine the pain, guilt, and sadness this couple must feel right now, but I only hope they can find some comfort in the fact that they may have at worse, saved countless young lives from another unspeakable tragedy, and minimally gotten help their son appears to so desperately need. I pray their community will embrace them with loving, non-judging arms for doing the right thing.

Parents, educators, youth leaders, friends of students and others connected to teens, please take a cue from the Sittley's courageous act. This is responsible parenting! I would rather someone be completely off base about a potential act of devastating violence, than to stand beside the hospital beds, or gravesides of potential victims lamenting, "If we had only known."

This should be a wake-up call to anyone (parents, coaches, teachers, etc.,) who relate to children and teenagers in any capacity. They need our love, encouragement, and listening ears. They also need us to be responsible and objective so one day they will be able to do the same with their own children and succeeding generations.

Eyes of Faith

There's a great story in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings. In the 6th chapter, the prophet Elisha sends word to the king of Israel regarding the Arameans who were at war with Israel. The king of Aram kept trying to catch Israel off guard but every time he attacked, Elisha warned the King of Israel who was prepared for them. The king of Aram finally tracked Elisha down in Dothan and sent his forces to surround the city and capture Israel's prophet. By morning Elisha's servant walked outside and saw that an army of chariots and horses had surrounded the city. He cried out to Elisha, "Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?"

Elisha replied, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." And the Bible says when he opened his eyes he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Elisha went onto pray and God struck the Aramean army blind. Elisha had spiritual eyes, but his servant didn't.

Now I know the skeptics and cynics among us are going, "Please don't tell me you actually believe this happened?" Sure do! In fact, I know people who see stuff like this all the time. Okay, maybe not on as big a scale as chariots of fire, but they still see the hand of God, or His activity and involvement in our world. Believe it or not, there are people who profess to follow Christ that doubt this still happens. Amazing the number of people who profess belief in a living God, but think He stopped miraculously moving in our world after the Apostles died. If you read and follow Scripture doesn't that just make you laugh? Because if it's true then we're wasting a lot of time in prayers of intercession, times of fasting, meditation and prayer. These 21st Century folks are just as blind as Elisha's servant. I see God's hand every day and I shudder to think how many times I miss it because of periods of spiritual blindness.

Do you see God in your world, family, work, life and play? Our church has many human shortcomings, but one thing I can say with confidence rooted in experience, I regularly see the hand and signs of God moving within our faith community. Too many times God has revealed His faithfulness, comfort, protection, provision and care through the lives of my fellow strugglers and our little faith community.

It's tempting to criticize (I hope this didn't come off that way) the skeptics and doubters, but what if we treated them the way Elisha treated his servant? What if we spent more time praying for their spiritual vision, or relationship with God than trying to argue whether or not we've actually seen this stuff, or that it still happens in our world? Give thanks to God if you've got one of these individuals in your life. Ask Him to show you how to relate to them. Ask Him to give them eyes to see and faith to believe. Of course faith is believing in what we cannot see, but it sure does help when you can see the activity and hand of God in your life. Don't expect people without faith to see with eyes of faith. Ask God to help them see. He does it because He has helped me develop eyes of faith.

Midweek Ramblings

In no particular order or priority. Just observations, ramblings and tidbits. And yes, that's the famed Gaffney Peach, not a posterior pose. Won't be long before our sweet SC peaches are here. A trip up 85 is in order. Okay here's the junk:

Anybody see the VW commercial with Bobby Knight interviewing a classy Beetle? Hysterical, he ends up throwing his chair. Apparently the "General" can laugh at himself.

Starbucks has started this new marketing thing after noon in all their stores. Say what they want, I've heard the corporate mantra, it's about saving money. They no longer offer a mild, bold and decaf drip brew. You get your choice of the featured coffee ("Pike's Place" I think right now). So for the latte, cappuccino, machiato and frap crowd things are the same, but those of us who prefer a robust, bold, drip cup of coffee in the afternoon are left to order an Americano, or shot of espresso. Then again, those of you who love McDonalds or Dunkin' Donuts coffee are immune. It's not worth burning my Starbucks card, but it is a downer. Hey, they even changed the cups to brown for this promotion. Mistake, but what do I know! Bring back the green siren Howard, please!

Azaleas are busting all over here in SC. Between the Azaleas and magnolias it's beautiful. Thank you God for painting the Spring picture. It's replete with your beauty and grandeur.

Watched portions of the Democratic debate, or discussion Wednesday night. Glad I DVR'd Law and Order and a Seinfeld rerun. Just think we've got six months of this stuff to go. Endless political ads, point and counter point, urban legends, and people from both sides trying to woo our vote. Study the candidates, pray and ask God to guide and be open to what He says.

A pediatric allergist was on the Today Show this morning warning those of us who have seasonal allergies to watch out for tree and grass pollen. I learned that when we come home in the peak pollen season we are covered in the dust and should take a shower before bed and get out of our clothes immediately, especially if we've done an outdoor activity or worked in the yard. Or you could just pop a Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec.

Watched a fascinating show on Discovery Channel about the men and women who watch the skies tracking space junk and asteroids headed near earth. Pretty scary what's floating around out there. Is Discovery Channel great or what?

Heard John Eldredge Monday night. He spoke in Spartanburg. He's on a 10-day tour promoting his new book, Walking With God. Classic Eldredge. Gets better every time I hear him. He's a mystic, poet, storyteller and masterful teacher. Loved his challenge to the church for promoting the non-biblical heresy that is big here in the South: "If it happens it must be God's will." Go John, I'm with you. Far too long God has been getting credit for stuff that is just not biblically Him!

Just when I think about complaining about the price of gas, I'm reminded of the danger the average Iraqi or Kenyan experiences just trying to get groceries. It's life or death for them. I need to hold my tongue and keep an eye on the global perspective. We are indeed blessed in this land called America.

Lessons From Augusta

Whether you play golf or not, you can learn some valuable life lessons from The Masters and Augusta National. Congrats to Trevor Immelman and his weekend win to become only the second player from South Africa to earn the coveted green jacket. Every Spring thousands descend on the luscious and demanding course built by the legendary Bobby Jones. Jones was undoubtedly the greatest golfer to never turn pro, but his passion for the game was unmatched. The gentleman Jones retired from championship golf in 1930 with a dream to build a golf course like no other. The dream was realized when the first tournament was held at Augusta National in 1934. The sheer beauty of Augusta is something that can be appreciated by golfers and non-golfers alike.

By and large golf fans are a well-mannered lot and mindful of golf etiquette. However, at The Masters it seems to be even more pronounced than any other professional tournament, or event. For example, at many tournaments you can spot fans running between holes to get a better glimpse of the action, or one of their favorite pros. Not at Augusta. Running is prohibited. At many tournaments fans have to be quieted with signs held by officials along the course, but not at Augusta. At some tournaments fans don't seem to be as considerate of others as they hurry by, or bump into other fans en route to their favorite spot. At the Masters people from all over the world gather and treat each other with respect. Augusta just seems to raise the behavior bar of expectations placed on fans and players. It also raises the bar in sheer beauty and attention to detail. Spectators are also provided with everything (from signage, handouts, an abundance of volunteers) they need to enjoy the experience.

Last year a friend of mine went to his first NFL game. He has been a lifelong fan of his beloved team. Imagine waiting most of your life to go to a sporting event you dreamed about and followed as a kid? My friend will never go back. He couldn't believe the number of people who were drunk, loud, and offensive in their behavior. Not at Augusta. Yes, alcohol is served, but you don't see drunk people. No one yells or screams. People cheer and applaud, but offensive and obnoxious behavior is just not tolerated.

I know many view the Masters as the tournament of an elite and exclusive private golf club. That's another discussion. I'm simply focusing on the dynamics surrounding the tournament not the private club. But what lessons can we take away from this historic tournament for life and churches?

1. Raise the bar of respect and common courtesies and people will respond accordingly.
2. Don't tolerate obnoxious, loud, boisterous, cutting behavior.
3. Create an environment where people of all walks of life are welcomed and respected.
4. Attention to detail is noticed and appreciated.
5. Your presence should make your community and world a better place.
6. There's no substitute for genuine hospitality.
7. An army of cheerful and helpful volunteers speaks volumes.
8. Trust people and they will trust you.

Life lessons can be found in any setting. Augusta provides many if you'll look beyond the golf!

Out of Control Cheerleaders Should Get Time

Did you hear about the Central Florida high school cheerleaders who invited a fellow cheerleader over, then held her against her will, and proceeded to beat her up while recording it to post on the Internet? I’m not making this up. According to the NBC Today Show report:

For 30 minutes, six girls ganged up on a classmate, slamming her head into a wall and taking turns pummeling her and videotaping it all to post on the Internet. And when they were arrested and were being booked into juvenile detention, they joked about not being able to go to the beach, a Florida sheriff said Tuesday on TODAY.
The vicious attack in Lakeland, Fla., was supposedly in response to slurs and insults the victim had posted about them on MySpace. But the alleged online comments are no justification for the attack, Polk County, Fla., Sheriff Grady Judd told co-host Meredith Vieira.

“I don’t have the specifics of those comments, but there is nothing our victim could have said on the Internet that would have caused that kind of beating,” Judd said.

“Cyber-bullies” are becoming a major problem on the Internet. This is the extreme form. The video (which I have chosen not to post) clip shown on television isn’t even the first beating according to the rest of the story:

“Officials released three minutes of the 30-minute video that show two of the girls taking turns screaming obscenities at the victim between attacks with their fists, while the others watched and taped the attack. They also challenge the victim to fight back, which she does not do on the video.

“The beating you’re seeing is the second beating,” he said. “She was knocked unconscious prior to this video clip.”
The 16-year-old victim suffered a concussion, and has hearing loss in her left ear and some loss of vision in her left eye, Judd said. Her face is obscured in the video and her name is being withheld.”

The Sheriff is recommending that all of them be tried as adults. Now there’s the first sane thing I’ve heard in all of this. If there was ever a case for signs of an emerging generation out of control with no boundaries, responsibilities, accountability and no moral compass this is it.

Too many parents are in the dark on their kids’ Internet behavior. This isn’t one, or two isolated students that fell through the cracks. This is a premeditated and organized beating by a group of students with one goal in mind, to inflict physical harm and inject emotional/character injury by posting it on the Internet. Put aside the fact that what they did is a felony for a moment. The complete lack of judgment and arrogance it took to plan, follow through and plan on posting something like this and thinking you wouldn’t be caught is mind-numbing. It shows we are producing some really ignorant youth in America. Very few thugs and criminals have ever been accused of being smart and this crowd is no exception.

Mom’s and Dad’s get active. If you allow your children to have My Space, Face Book, or similar accounts make a point to know what’s out there. For help on Internet safety go to http://www.isafe.org/. And by all means applaud, encourage and support the overwhelming number of students in America who aren't doing drugs, beating people up or living without values. There are some great kids out there, unfortunately we don't get to hear about many of them because of stuff like this.

Hoops of Hope

Austin's story is incredible! Don't miss this American kid who wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself and challenged others to do it. To learn more about Austin and this amazing ministry go to: http://www.hoopsofhope.org/index.php

"Ichabod" On the Threshold

There's a great story in tucked away in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 4. Samuel has already been called by God as Israel's prophet. The prophet Eli is very old, his evil and wicked sons have died in battle with the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant (the presence of God) was captured by the Philistines. Upon receiving the news, Eli falls over backward in his chair and dies. The wife of one of Eli's sons gave birth upon the report and in verse 21 it says: "She named the boy Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel"-because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. She said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."

God forbid that the name "Ichabod" would be written on the threshold of any church today! It would mean that God's glory has departed. But we all know churches where God is not being glorified. And most of us have been in one or more of these churches for a period of time. It may have not always been that way either. There are many but here are just six examples of things I believe rob God of His rightful glory:

1. Churches that have sold their soul to numbers. Everything from budget, attendance and baptism are privately worshiped. They may say otherwise, but their conversations and attitudes reveal they have chosen to use the all too human Wall Street approach (Bottomline: P&L, Stock Value, Number of Investors, etc.,) instead of God's Word to measure what He is doing.

2. The absence of prayer beyond the obligatory meal/offering blessing and the token one that begins meetings, or worship. When meaningful (confessional, heart wrenching, toiling) prayer takes a back seat, or becomes a token effort, mark well the replacement of God's agenda with the human agenda. And even under the most honest of efforts the human agenda is flawed at best. When churches cease to allow God to penetrate their hearts in prayer He no longer sets the agenda. And God's agenda, where He is at work, is ALWAYS without prejudice and has the ultimate goal of His glory at heart!

3. Divisive, mean-spirited, self-righteous and self-appointed watchdogs of truth who cloak their evil deeds in spiritual language all for the sake of gaining control and having their say. These type of folks often use the language of "love" or doctrinal purity to accomplish their evil deeds. Even the well-intentioned can be wooed by their charms and confusion to accomplish division in God's church. Private meetings, hallway conversations and things done in secret aside from the Body at large are the norm for this group. I don't know many seasoned pastors and Christ-followers who have not experienced the vitriol of these evil doers at some point in ministry. The framework for their deeds and motivation can be seen in the trumped up trial and false accusations against our Lord during the week of His passion.

4. When buildings and Holy possessions are valued above God, prayer, and worship. There's nothing wrong with nice, practical and functional facilities to accomplish God's work and worship. But beware when leaders, members, and churches are more enamored with their building or latest capital campaign than they are the work of God in the hearts of men and women. A great question for any church undertaking a massive capital campaign is to ask: How will we glorify God through this facility and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community? A trivial or obligatory response such as "worship" won't do. We should fill a page or two, with tangible ways this facility will bring glory to God through worship, missions and ministry. And we should fill another page with how the building represents solid biblical stewardship. In other words, can we get by with a functional and nice fixture, but not the top of the line trimmings so we can put those funds to use elsewhere in the cause of Christ? The danger is not the facility, the danger is letting the facility become a protected and prized golden calf.

5. Worship is about us. When every song, hymn or chorus is about us, our needs, our wants, our state. When God's Word does not "drive the bus" of worship. In other words, everything should revolve around the biblical text that points us to God, not our interpretation of it, or worse yet, our pet concerns. Do we leave worship asking, "Oh Father, were you pleased with our offering of worship today?" Or, do we leave with our worship scorecard in hand keeping grades on the message, praise band, choir, people who prayed, length of the service, etc.?

6. When conflict or complaint is more prevalent than unconditional love. Jesus said that we would be known by our love. So how is your church doing in that area? Are you known right now as a loving church that accepts people despite serious human flaws, sin and dysfunction? Are you so captured by the love of Christ that you can't help but display that toward others, even those who seek to wound, hurt and curse out of their own personal pains of the past? Jesus told us that we must love as He has loved us. He loved sacrificially. Are we really making sacrifices for each other? Are we in the words of Paul, giving preference to one another? Or is our personal agenda or pain more important? I understand that humans have conflict, disappoint each other, honest differences, and even get jealous. But despite those all too human components, we who are Christ-followers agreed when we accepted Jesus' free offer of grace that we would model our lives and conduct after Him. We agreed to demonstrate the same grace and forgiveness toward others that He has so lavishly bestowed on us. How about this. Would you say that the current state of your church, leadership and the various relationships is modeling this kind of love, forgiveness so as to "build up" the body? Or would you have to admit there's an absence of unconditional love? If it's the latter, it's never too late to start practicing unconditional love. Get on your knees first and receive God's, then begin with others.

Here's hoping and praying that your church and mine are never in a position to even remotely consider having to change the church sign, or threshold to read: "Ichabod". May our lives and churches be living testimonies to the glory of God! Amen.