Invited

Today, our family read about the following teaching of Jesus while remembering Advent. I love this teaching as it reveals the character of God. The following is Matthew 22 1Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4“Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ 5“But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.9Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. 13“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”  God has lovingly prepared a banquet to share and celebrate. He has sent out, and is sending out invitations- rejecting His invitation hurts Him and even enrages Him. Might sound cruel, but as a Dad- if my son laughed, mocked or rejected my life's work gift and invitation for him to share in that special gift- I could relate to being deeply hurt to the point of being angered by my son's ungrateful rejection of my love.  But God (the King) furthers His invitation to the corners of the streets- showing no favor, yet desiring to bring more people in to the party. Notice that Jesus goes so far to include "the good and bad" in his parable! (To me, I love that) Widespread Love Yet being invited and coming to the party includes arriving prepared- The invitation is to a wedding party, and the King wants you to come prepared. Maybe that was mentioned in the invitation? God has sent you and I an invitation to join Him not only for a banquet party called Heaven, but on Mission here on earth. Jesus has brought that invitation, and it includes how to come prepared and how to live now- reflecting His image.  So- this Christmas Season, I want you to know that you're invited-

I'm glad I don't work for Michael Scott

  Ya, I’m referring to the Office character, and to be sure, I’m definitely not referring to the local Mr. Scott in my town.  If you’ve ever seen an episode of the Office, I’m sure you know exactly what I’m saying.  Michael Scott is a train wreck of a boss, but yet a lovable type of guy who happens to be hilarious.   Funny yes, but not someone I’d want to work for.

  My wife and I are fortunate to work for small companies.  For both of us it’s been a breath of fresh air beyond the corporate arena where often times employees get lost in the shuffle.  Maybe down the road we will find ourselves in a more corporate position, but not in this season of life.

  One thing that both my wife and I share are great bosses.  Both of our bosses are very different, and we have an appreciation for both of them.  I think that I can admit that I appreciate a boss who shines in the little things.  Little pick me ups or pats on the back type of stuff, but don’t get me wrong- a new car bonus would be sweet as well!  

  I’ll give you two small examples that my wife and I have appreciated from the past year.  On a recent friday night, my wife and I were out to dinner with our son and a close friend.  We happened to run into her boss and his wife at the restaurant, and they stopped by our table while leaving.  We had a nice friendly chat, her boss spent time talking with our son, and then as they were leaving he said, “Put dinner on the company card.”  And they left.   And we ordered another round of desserts!  (Absolutely joking)  A simple act of appreciation, but a gift we unexpectedly enjoyed.

  Earlier this year, my vehicle was leaking fluid and I discovered that my water pump needed replaced.  The repair was slightly above my experience level, but my boss encouraged me to attempt it.  Not only did he offer advice, but he helped me after dinner one night, and even put parts back together the following day while I was out of the office running a call.  Again, a simple gift of lending a hand that helped me out.

  Living as a boss in a great responsibility, often a 24 hour duty.  Maybe you’re a boss, supervisor, manager or team leader.  I think the fast pace of work, and the burden of duty can often skew our vision of relating to those with us.  So, I challenge us to take a second and reach out in a simple way to connect with your team or a co-worker.  Give the gift of a cup of coffee, or a sweet cinnamon crunch bagel from Panera.

  Take time to show a little appreciation and share life- it may make the workplace a bit more bearable.

Shout outs

Shout outs-   Have you ever noticed that most shout outs are lame?  Like the shout outs given at the overrated awards ceremony that make me want to vomit? 

  Today I feel like a have a shout out worth proclaiming.  I’m throwing a shout out to my parents- Chuck and Missy.  Last Friday was Grandparents Day at my son’s school; a day filled with crafts, snacks, silly songs, and poems for appreciating Grandparents.  I appreciate my Mom and Dad taking an afternoon, and making the necessary adjustments in their schedule to make it happen.  Their efforts and support really made Landon’s day, and he was proud.

  But really, this shout out goes beyond an afternoon in October at an elementary school.  My parents have a long track record of support, self sacrifice, investment, long days/nights, and schedule adjustments.

  I can count (on one hand) how many events my Mom and Dad haven’t been able to attend and support me in my life.  While I was growing up, they made crazy efforts to be with me, showing up to give their support.  Sometimes they supported me beyond what I expected them to, and looking back there were times I would of have them rested!!  Ya know, take a night off!!

  Support came in many different forms, everything from soccer games and hundreds of practices, thousands of dollars and weekend trips- to loud band practices in the back room, and sparsely attended shows in upper rooms.  Support for youth group trips, concerts, and late nights out.  

  I don’t think any of us would proclaim our parents to be perfect, as none of us even throw that label on ourselves.  My parents; however, got it right more often than they got it wrong.  They also challenged me, and spiritually guided me and provided a solid atmosphere for me to grow up in.

  SO, in conclusion to my shout out-  Mom and Dad I’m thankful for you both and your continued support!!

  I look in the mirror as a parent and want to be supportive of my son, and I challenge you to do the same.

Pay more attention

I'm studying Hebrews 1 and 2 today, preparing for some small group stuff.  Chapter 2 starts off with quite a statement, actually it's a whole paragraph statement.
  "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?   This salvation, which was first announced by the the Lord, was confirmed to us by  those who heard him.  God also testified to it by signs, wonders,  and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will."  Hebrews 2:1-4 (NIV)

Let it remind us of these things-  Pay attention- use discernment,  There is a Great Salvation- and it has been confirmed through generations!  God has confirmed His Gospel, and continues to confirm it by some crazy means- sometimes in ways that you and I cannot explain, and often in ways beyond what "we think" God should do.

A Tribute to Mr. Martin

  I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Martin by way of work.  Being a client of mine, I visited him twice a year or so, and we typically carried on a great conversation.  Mr. Martin recently passed after a full 92 years on this planet.  In our short times together, I developed a deep respect and connection with him, and his wife  (who passed away nearly three years previous).

  I appreciated the fact that he and his wife had shared 60 years of marriage- and still had fun together.  She had become nearly blind so he helped her out quite a bit, and she still had plenty of zip and humor, so it seemed to work well!  Mr. Martin went to the Y every day to swim, even at 90 plus years old.  He never looked to be 90, and always was fit for an older man.  I always laugh when I remember him telling me of his daily swim work out followed by his visit to the sauna to "Sweat it out".  

  One day, at his house, I was admiring a very old picture from WWII.  Mr. Martin  went on to tell me of his reflections of his service.  I was floored as he told me of his memories of D-Day, and actually being on a ship at Normandy.  That conversation will always be a treasure to me.  Mr. Martin recalled to me that his ship had no idea of the mass attack that was about to be launched.   As their ship arrived closer to Normandy, he remembered the ocean suddenly being covered with naval vessels as they converged at once on the beach.  His ship eventually was hit, but was able to be salvaged and he survived.

  I don't often meet people that were at such pinnacle points in our world history.  Mr. Martin's experience and stories were so valuable and rich.  I'm thankful that he shared a piece of his experience, and his life with me.

Rememberance

"To Have and to Hold;  In sickness and in health;  For richer or poor;  To Love and to Cherish;  To honor and protect;  For better or for worse;  Till death do us part."

  Odds are if you are married, you and your spouse exchanged some version of a vow.  It may have contained some or none of the above, but none the less- a vow.  If you're a hipster, you may have created a super awesome, heart wrenching, emo- dashboard confessional vow that forever rocked the world!  Or you may have gone old school or traditional.
  Why do we not step back and remember our vows?  (And when I say "we" I'm pointing my huge pointer finger right in my own face).
  Mighty big words up there in that vow, mighty easy to say on that special day- mighty tough to live on a measly fall day and the dishes need done.  Mighty tough to live if we don't pause and remember.  Pause long enough to let our vows challenge us.
  How I need to pause, remember, and let my vows challenge me.  How about you?

Julia Johnston

Today I was introduced to a song writer that has penned over 500 songs. Pastor Wes Humble referred to Julia Johnston in a sermon he preached mid-Augus 2011. The song he shared is called "He Ransomed Me", it's such a great lyric! I've never heard it sung, but reading it aloud is good enough, and I would like to pass it on:

There’s a sweet and blessed story

Of the Christ who came from glory,
Just to rescue me from sin and misery;
He in loving-kindness sought me,

And from sin and shame hath brought me,

Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.

From the depth of sin and sadness
To the heights of joy and gladness
Jesus lifted me, in mercy full and free;
With His precious blood He bought me,
When I knew Him not, He sought me,
And in love divine He ransomed me.

By and by, with joy increasing,
And with gratitude unceasing,
Lifted up with Christ forevermore to be,
I will join the hosts there singing,
In the anthem ever ringing,
To the King of Love who ransomed me.

Hallelujah! What a Savior,
Who can take a poor, lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set me free!
I will ever tell the story,
Shouting glory, glory, glory,
Hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.

"When I knew Him not- He sought me."

Have a Great Day!!