Catch me!

Posted by revarant on April 15, 2013
Posted in: Faith, relationship. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

DSC_0052I have never been much of a traveler. I simply don‘t like being away from my family. A few years ago, I had to spend more than a week on the other side of the Country in school. I returned home and found my youngest son playing on the deck of his tree house. No one seemed to notice my return or even miss me enough to be looking out for my arrival. I quietly approached his tree house and just stood there with arms full of luggage for a few minutes as I watched him play. All of a sudden he saw me and took off running. Without any warning, he jumped from the top of his tree house toward me yelling…”CATCH ME DADDY!” Without any thought, everything in my arms fell as I reached up and plucked him from mid-air. “Son,”I said, “Please don‘t ever jump like that again. I could have dropped you.” Without ending his hug he said, “No Daddy, You never drop me!”

In difficult times, it is easy to worry about failure and falling. It can even be overwhelming when we realize how many people are expecting us to “CATCH” them. If we are not careful, fear of dropping everything, even the ones we love, will render us helpless. In Luke 12:6-7a, Jesus says, “What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head!” Jesus is trying to reassure those to whom he is speaking that they are not in their struggles alone. God is with them. He goes on to say that we should use our lives to proclaim our faith. He‘s suggesting that we focus on living faithfully in the small ways, trusting that God will provide the guidance and answers for the journey. In other words, tend to what we can in the best and most faithful way we can. If we let worry and fear grip us, everything will fall.

My son was right to expect me to drop everything to catch him. I always do. Jesus even says that we‘re “…worth more than a million canaries. (Luke 12:7a)” If we tend to what we can, as faithfully as we can…God will not drop us.

Why am I here?

Posted by revarant on April 2, 2013
Posted in: Prayer, relationship. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

10522507-father-and-son-playing-on-monkey-bars-at-the-parkSometimes it can be overwhelming to merge a work and family schedule, especially if you insist on being hands on in both. At times it leaves me feeling as if I am rushing from place to place…moment to moment. And it becomes frustrating when that rushing seems to have no purpose, rhyme or reason.

A few days ago, I was asked to attend an important meeting hours away during a particularly hectic week. My youngest son and I made the long drive together. I couldn‘t have been much company because I complained the whole way about having time to even make the trip. We arrived a few minutes early only to find that the meeting had been canceled without notifying me. I was NOT happy! At my son‘s request we stopped at a park on the way home. He ran off to play, while I sat on a bench complaining to God about people wasting my time. About that time, my son walks up to me smiling and ask, “What cha doing?” “Praying,” I muttered. “Make sure you tell Him thank you for giving us the greatest father son day ever!” he said as he gave me a huge hug.

2 Peter 3:11 says: “Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.” It is a reminder that God expects us to live in the moment, each moment. Each day we will find opportunities that will never present themselves again. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the act of living that fail to live in the moment. On that day I was reminded that I am here in this moment to make the most of it!

Rocking Chair thoughts

Posted by revarant on March 25, 2013
Posted in: relationship. Tagged: , . 7 Comments

Today is my annual slow down day.   Every year on my birthday at the encouragement of my wife, I slow down and just move at0 my own pace for the day. It’s one of the few opportunities when I feel I can rest and not worry about every detail.  It’s a great time to reflect and put things in perspective.  So this morning I am outside watching everyone else speed up while I rock on the porch with caffeine in hand. I find myself wondering why I let so many things crowd my mind with concerns and worries all other days of the year. Is there really that much for me to worry about that warrants missing out on life?

When I was growing up, it was always easy to tell when daddy was worried about something. He would quietly eat dinner, and then excuse himself as he took a long walk down the dirt road on which we lived. We always knew something was wrong when daddy started down the road. We all have our own ways of worrying. For me it is busy work. When I am worried, I seem to fixate on a church project or problem and then pay meticulous detail to it. Often times that detail comes at the expense of my family. Unfortunately I am usually not aware of it until I have missed something that should have been more important to me.

One night a few years ago, I was wrapped up in my worry mode work, when my young son asked if I would play with him. Looking back my response was a far too automated…”As soon as I finish.” He put his hand on mine and said, “But daddy, when you‘re like this you never finish!”  Startled by his words, I glanced down at the project on which I had been working. In a couple of hours I had managed to create a mess and complete nothing! A few days later, I asked my father if he still took long walks to think about his problems like he did when I was younger. Correcting me quickly, he said…”The walks were not to think, but to pray!”

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks about worry. He points out that God has provided for all of nature and will also provide for us. The entire passage reminds us to be focused on being the best Christian we can be in all aspects of our lives, and these needs and problems will work out. Jesus is teaching us the importance of faithful living in the moment. He says, “Don‘t worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today‘s trouble is enough for today.”

On my sixteenth birthday, I listened to a group of doctors break the news to us that I probably wouldn’t live to see my twentieth birthday. Twenty-eight years later I’m still here rocking and realizing that my worries are keeping me from fully living my life. The worries I was full of yesterday don’t measure up to the blessings in my life everyday. We can get so wrapped up in our concerns and problems that we drown out life and God. We isolate ourselves from the spiritual guidance and answers that we need and seek.

Today in my rocking chair I’m going to count my blessings,  starting with you.  I’m also going to try real hard to remember just how much worrying is like rocking in a chair. It will give you something to do, but it won‘t get you very far.

Good luck!

Posted by revarant on March 18, 2013
Posted in: Faith in Action. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

Six or seven years ago, my youngest son climbed excitedly into my truck after school. Pulling out a beautiful handmade clover, he couldn‘t wait to show me his art work from class that day. He began to explain everything he had learned about clovers, including the fact that 08_FourLeafCloverfour leafed clovers are rare. He then asked, “Daddy have you ever seen a four leafed clover?”

I have in fact found many such clovers. My wife has suggested that if a four leafed clover was within 100 feet of me, I would find it. It may be the only real talent I have, but for some reason they seem to stand out to me almost as if God has painted them florescent green. I used to come home with my hands full of four leafed clovers. I even found one just after proposing to my wife. She keeps it in her jewelry box, beside her rings. Each time I see it, I am reminded of that night and filled with hope as I remember how much I love and am loved.

In John 12:32, Jesus foretells being crucified when he says “as I am lifted up from the earth, I will attract everyone to me and gather them around me.” Jesus‘ death on the cross bridged the gap between God and humanity. Churches have traditionally kept crosses in their worship space to visually remind us how much we are loved, and the extent to which God will go for each of us. It is so easy to take for granted God and the blessings that God gives. We need to be reminded of what Jesus endured on the cross so that we will remember that we are loved. And each time we see the empty cross, we can also be filled with hope…the hope that the best is yet to come.

I told my son that I had found many four leafed clovers, and even offered to show him the one I gave his mother when I asked her to marry me. He said, “You know they are supposed to be lucky.” I asked, “Do you think I‘m lucky?” Without hesitating he said, “Of course, I‘m your son.” And I am lucky that he is my son…and that I am God‘s. Good luck!

The lock and key

Posted by revarant on March 8, 2013
Posted in: relationship. 1 Comment

Key To My HeartHave you ever noticed how waiting for something that may or may not happen seems to make time slow down?  The waiting and anticipating tends to drag on us as we watch for something to begin or end before we feel free to move on with life.

It would be bad enough if time slowed down for every thing, but its always only for you.  The world keeps moving at it’s frantic pace, leaving us behind in our bubble of time distortion if we’re not careful.  Family need our attention, work has to be completed and problems require tending.  If we let the waiting and anticipating district us things begin to deteriorate making matters worse. We begin to worry, loose sleep and become edgy.

I’ve found this happening to me more than once over the years.  I remember one of those times many years ago in particularly.  The wait, the worry and the anticipating was keeping me awake. I tossed and turned for hours before I finally just got up. I tried everything from warm milk to counting sheep. Nothing would work, not even listing to one of my sermons (that’s usually a sure thing). In all my effort I woke my daughter. Walking out of her room she said, “Daddy; what’s wrong with you? I’m trying to sleep.”  I said, “Sweetheart, so am I, but I just can’t seem to.” Yawning as she climbed into my lap, she said, “When I’m too worried and scared you’ve always told me to pray and focus on whats right in front of me. Maybe you should do the same.”

Paul writes in Romans 14:7-8, “none of us lives unto himself; and none die unto himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die unto the Lord; so then whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Many of us try to live unto ourselves, without trusting God to guide our lives. That always leaves us feeling alone, lost, overwhelmed and scared. We need God in our lives just to survive the storms we face from day to day; and the demons that haunt us by night. Prayer is such a powerful tool in life. It helps us rely upon God. When we feel alone, prayer connects us to God. When we feel overrun and afraid, prayer assures us that God is sovereign and is our protector. When we hurt, prayer comforts us and reminds us that God is with us. God hears our prayers. The psalmist writes in Psalms 17:6, “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God, bend down and listen as I pray.” He hears and answers our cries in our prayers. As we pray, we feel his presence and power enabling us to move ahead with confidence, calming our spirits to trust that “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,…(Romans 8:28).”

I am reminded of a story by Colonel Abraham Davenport (1715-1789).  He was serving in the Connecticut legislature during ‘New England’s Dark day” on May 19, 1780. The was an abnormal darkening of the day sky over the New England states and parts of Canada. The darkness was so complete that candles were required from noon until midnight, when it finally dispersed and the stars could be seen. In that day of deep religiosity, many feared the end of the world and the second coming. Some members of the Connecticut legislature were even moving for adjournment to be with their families as Christ returned.  Colonel Davenport rose to his feet saying:

“This well may be The Day of Judgment which the world awaits; But be it so or not, I only know my present duty, and my Lord’s command to occupy till He come. So at the post where He hath set me in His providence, I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face, no faithless servant frightened from my task, but ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; and therefore, with all reverence, I would say, let God do His work, we will see to ours. Bring in the candles. I choose to be found doing my duty.”

Life is filled with smooth and rough roads, clouds, storms and dark days. Sometimes we forget that we are not left alone to fend for ourselves. It is then that life seems to overwhelm us day and night and we often forget the task at hand. God is always with us, and always willing to hear our cries. For us to experience that presence giving peace and courage for tasks at hand we must stay active with God in prayer. As we stay with in prayer, focused on what’s immediately in front of us with God…problems are solved, needs are met,  work completed, answers given and people’s lives changed.  Prayer has been, is still and always will be the lock to our nights and the key to our days. So we pray and keep working.

 

Counting that counts

Posted by revarant on December 13, 2012
Posted in: Perseverance, Prayer, presence, relationship. Tagged: . 2 Comments
mason jar

click on this image and minimize the page that opens as you read this blog. Be sure to turn your speakers up.

It has been a long year.  In fact it has been several long years of one thing after another.  Each time we over came one crisis or problem another seems to appear.

This past week was no different.  In the midst of what should be a joyful time planning family reunions, celebrations with friends and family time…I found myself overwhelmed.  This week an aunt was hospitalized, our home flooded again, one child caught the flu, one was injured needing surgery, and one’s much anticipated return home was delayed by the weather.  All this on top of the usual holiday clamor and chaos.

Sitting in one of many medical waiting rooms this week I just about reached the point I wanted to boycott the remainder of the holidays. I sat there thumbing through Facebook on my phone, when I saw a shared post about filling a mason jar with notes about good things that happen during the year, and reading all the notes during the holidays as a way of remembering how blessed you really are.  It began to remind me of the chorus in the old song “Count Your Blessing.”  In just a few moments the lyrics began filling my heart and I found my self singing…

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Singing, I realized I had forgotten the second verse.  As I went looking for it, I found myself reflecting over the blessings of this past year. Starting in January.  With no effort all these forgotten blessing came rushing back to mind.  About the time I reached March’s blessings, I was slapped in the face by verse two…

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  There are times when it is easy to be thankful, and then there are the the times when it seems unnatural to give thanks in “everything”. Life is filled with painful and devastating things that are hard to face. Yet Paul’s words remind us that God is with us, and has promised to never leave us. When we really count our blessings, not stopping at the usual things for which we are accustomed to giving thanks, the good really does out weigh the bad. I realized that about the time I found verse three…

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

As sat there counting my blessings my heart felt lighter and the tightness in my chest disappeared.  Even my sorrows reminded me that I was alive and surrounded by those I needed and who needed me. Not being an outwardly expressive person, my own tears surprised me and I sang the last verse…

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I went directly to the store to looking for a mason jar not wanting to wait until January to start writing my blessings down.  I came home with a case of extra large jars.  I want to make sure to have enough to hold all my blessings for the coming year.  The song is right…

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Watch Me Daddy!

Posted by revarant on November 30, 2012
Posted in: relationship. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

I was a young child when playgrounds began appearing at fast food restaurants. The first such playground in our community had a HUGE rocket slide. You reached the top by climbing a ladder inside the rocket. At the top, you could see everything just before you slid down the winding slide.

My friends and I were so excited as we watched this rocket being built. We talked for weeks about how much fun it would be. I‘m not sure I realized how much I didn‘t like heights until I climbed out on top of the rocket for the first time. I immediately began insisted that my mother come and get me down.

My own sons were never like that. The only thing they ever insisted from the top of a slide was, “WATCH ME DADDY!” They may have taken their time climbing up a large slide, but they quickly moved beyond their discomfort and took off. I was never able to get beyond my fears enough to enjoy slides. But my sons always enjoyed the prospect of fun more than they feared the heights.

In Matthew 14 (verses 22-33), the disciples are out in a boat on the lake when Jesus is seen walking to them on the water. Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk toward Jesus. Eventually, Peter‘s fears overwhelm his faith and he begins to sink. We often make much of Peter‘s failure, forgetting that he was the only one brave enough to get out of the boat. It may not have been pretty, but at least for a few steps, Peter walked on water. None of the other disciples could ever say the same.

We like to talk about doing things, especially when we will have more time or more money. Sometimes it may just be fear that holds us back. We can never move forward in life or faith unless we stop making excuses and cry out “Watch me DADDY!” No one would every get married, have children, buy homes, go to school or take new jobs if we did not take risks.

The Advent season is a great opportunity to reach out to that old friend whose been on your mind.  Stop waiting for a better day that may never come and find the time to patch a relationship today.  Join that study group, volunteer and touch someone’s life now.  The fast approaching New Year is the perfect time to step out in faith to do something or become a part of something that is larger than yourself.  If we wait until there is a better time, we’ll never do anything.  Don’t let distractions and fear keep you from living a life that makes a difference now and tomorrow.  Get moving!

No one ever walks on water without first getting out of the boat!

A Really Good and Faithful Servant

Posted by revarant on November 22, 2012
Posted in: Faith in Action, Prayer, relationship. 4 Comments

me, Joey Parler & Kevin Jenerette
at my wedding.

I grew up with a great guy in High School.  He was part of our eclectic circle of six friends that made life fun.  Kevin was just a good

person, a really good person. Even as a teenager he was wise beyond his years. He was the type of person that could not be pressured, and would not pressure.  Knowing who he was and Whose he was allowed him to stand fast in that identity without being arrogant or judgmental.  When Kevin was with us, we were all better people.  His influence stayed with us and with the march of time we found ourselves growing into better people. Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  That’s how I remember Kevin.

His presence changed the dynamic of any group for the better.  When I found myself struggling as I recovered from an accident, Kevin would show up and brighten everything.  It was not possible to be depressed in his presence. Any celebration was better when Kevin arrived.   It was as if his goodness was contagious. He just seemed to bring out the best in people. I often thought he had all the characteristics I wanted to have; confidence, intelligence, patience and humor. I realized years later I was developing those gifts each time I was around Kevin. I was becoming the man of faith I am today.

Kevin lived his life true to his faith, true to his identity in Christ.  Because he did, people like me were changed in his presence.  That is what Christ has called us all to be and do.  We should live our lives not conforming to the world around us, but in such a way that the world and people around us are conformed to an identity in Christ.

Earlier this week I received the unexpected word that Kevin had taken ill with a poor prognosis.  Just hearing those words made my world feel somewhat colder and darker.  I found myself thinking about all those Sunday afternoons we spent playing basketball, and how he would sing to himself each time he body checked me.  I thought about the times we cruised the old Conway mall or the “grass patch.”  I can still hear his voice singing at my wedding or calling me “Mel-sie” each time he saw me with that smirk on his face.  I remember how much fun we had making movies for drama class with his state of the art Commodore 64. Most all I remember how easy and enjoyable it was to be around him. Even then he was already the kind of man I am still trying to be.

Just a few hours ago the world lost the best man I have ever known and my heart is broken as is everyone’s who has ever known Kevin or his wife Caren. Even so, I have found myself telling my children about Kevin and smiling with each memory.  That’s what James Barrie meant when he said, “God gave us memory so that we may roses in December.” Paul actually speaks to the same thing in Philippians 4:8-9, “…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me, everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”  Each memory allows me to celebrate who Kevin was and allows God to tend to my heart.  Even my memories of Kevin are making me a better person.

Tonight I am reminded of several things.

First we know not when our time will end, so we should live each moment as testament to our faith so others may follow.

Second, each encounter we have with anyone transforms them.  We must decide if we want that to be a good or bad thing.

Thirdly, be thankful.  I’m finding it hard to be thankful this Thanksgiving, but I know I should be. I have many reasons to be; family and friends who need to know how thankful I am for them, a God who loves me in spite of me, and a life that has been touched by one like Kevin.

And finally, live each moment as if it were your last.  Part with each person as if you will never meet again.  Leave the impression on everyone’s heart that reflects how you would like to be remembered. Each interaction may be the epitaph we write for ourselves in their hearts and minds when we’re gone.

Kevin (May 24, 1970-November 21, 2012), you are already missed my friend.  I’m sure even now you are hearing from the mouth of our Lord;  “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord (Matthew 25:23).” My prayer is that I can follow your example so that we meet once more.

Like jumping off a bridge

Posted by revarant on November 6, 2012
Posted in: Faith, Faith in Action. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

As a child, swimming in a creek near our home was one of our favorite summer pastimes. All of my friends loved to jump off the bridge into the deep end of the creek. Not being able to swim, my father always had to jump with me causing me much grief from the other kids. Daddy tried everything to teach me, and I continued to swim like a rock. No matter what method or even how often daddy tried, he always wound up fishing me out after my failed attempt. I became so discouraged that I started looking for excuses not to go swimming with all my friends.

One day my father took me to the top of the bridge and said, “Son, you know everything you need to know to swim, you‘re just afraid to let go of me.” After some talking and lots of “fatherly persuasion” he convinced me to jump off the bridge alone, promising to be waiting in the deep end to help me. Just before he jumped into the water he said, “Son, I promise.” I can still feel my heart racing as I closed my eyes and hesitantly took that first step off the bridge‘s guard rail. It turned out to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

We often let fear and past failures hold us back in life. Many times we know what our hearts are leading us to do, we are just too fearful to let go so the fun can begin. In Matthew 14, the disciples see Jesus walking on the water. Peter feels led to join Jesus on the water, and allows his faith in Jesus to give him the courage to step out of the boat. It doesn‘t go perfectly. Peter winds up sinking into the sea only to be fished out by Jesus. But for a few moments Peter also walked on the water. He made other mistakes, like lopping off the ear of a priest‘s servant when Jesus was arrested (John 18:10) and even denying knowing Jesus while Jesus was on trial (Matthew 26:69-75). Peter could have let fear of failing again hamper his faith and ministry. Instead he kept trying, and became a foundational teacher and example of faith.

There are times when we need to stop dreaming and start walking. There are times when we simply must follow the spiritual pull on our hearts, trusting God‘s promises and put our past behind us. The real joys of faith and life will never be found standing on the shores, but out on the water where Jesus is. Often times it simply takes the first step, almost like jumping off a bridge. Mistakes do slow us down, but they don‘t have to take us out of the game.

Mountains out of Mud Holes

Posted by revarant on October 30, 2012
Posted in: Looking Deeper, Love, relationship. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

Everyone has their own idiosyncrasies and habits, even children. Sometimes they can be very frustrating. Eight or nine years ago, I noticed a particularly annoying one in my then three-year old son. Every time we walked out of the house to go anywhere he would go straight to the side of our home and pour water into a mud hole he had made. He then stirred it around before he would get into the car. He repeated this ritual when we returned. You could not get him to alter his routine no matter how late we were or even where we were headed. It was absolutely infuriating when he did not listen to me. I tried everything a parent could…including covering up the hole, only to have him make it again.

My wife finally convinced me that I was simply missing something. She encouraged me to move beyond his right or wrong behavior and understand why this was important to him. We decided to walk through his routine ourselves. We poured water into his mud-hole, and stirred it. Dozens of earthworms came to the surface. He had been catching earthworms from other parts of the yard and putting them in his hole as pets. All the behaviors that infuriated me was in his young mind necessary to care for his pets.

In the eighth chapter of John, a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus as a means of testing him. According to the law the woman should have been stoned to death. Jesus simply said, “Let the sinless among you, go first: throw the stone.” He then bent and started writing in the sand with his finger. Slowly all those around dropped their stones and walked away. I remember hearing my father preach from this passage. He always wondered if Jesus began listing the sins and bad habits of all those angry men as he bent to write in the sand. In any case, it is a reminder that none of us are perfect, and people generally do things for a reason. We are much too quick to jump to judgment. Each time we do…temporal (and eternal) relationships are placed in jeopardy. It also blinds us to our own short comings. That‘s what Jesus was implying when he spoke about not to worrying about the speck in your neighbor‘s eye while there is a log in yours (Matthew 7:1-5).

My son had been asking for a pet. I kept telling him that he was not old enough to responsible take care of a pet. He was simply trying to show me that he was responsible… sometimes even more than I was. A little understanding and less judgment can help us all not make mountains out of mud holes.