I've Been There!

Computers are great, but we've all had those days when we'd like to throw the machine out the window!

Food Musings

My last Sunday at Cortez . . . with my girls!

Is there anything better than a plate full of green chile beef enchiladas?

Okay, okay! A BIG bowl of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream smothered in chocolate syrup and sliced bananas!!!

Change

Stuck!

Translated Into Life

The story is told of three preachers discussing the various translations of the Bible and the respective merits of each. One liked the King James Version best because of its formality. Another favored the New American Standard because of its closeness to the Greek. The third insisted on the New International Version because it was so easy to read.

A wife of one of the preachers spoke up. She said simply, "I like my mother's translation the best."

The three men expressed surprise. They did not know her mother had translated the Bible.

"Yes, she did," insisted the wife. "She translated it into life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."

We all need to do more "translating" of the Bible into our lives. The examples we set before our children and others tells them how we translated God's word. We need to live a Christian life before our children instead of telling them to do it.

The Real Heroes

My hero doesn't wear a cape; he doesn't have an "S" blazoned across his chest. My hero doesn't don a helmet with a star, or wear shoulder pads, or give life to "Romo-mania." My hero isn't a legendary rock guitarist, or a moviestar, or a Wall Street mogul. My hero wears a uniform (of the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, or Coast Guard . . . take your pick) and has bravely voluntered to serve in defense of his (or her!) country.

Today is Veteran's Day. Sadly, I often think of it as the "Forgotten Holiday," because too little obeservance is made of it. Oh sure, there is a parade here and there, and there are public programs of different sorts, but does Veteran's Day rise to the level of Thanksgiving in the conscience of people, or even Labor Day?

The men and women who serve in our military, who put their lives on the line so our freedoms remain deserve our the heights of our respect. They deserve all the recognition that we can bring to them and every honor that we can bestow. Let our appreciation go much deeper than some 30-minute parade or some passing reference.

Another lament: in a similar vein, Memorial Day has been reduced to picnics and homemade ice cream, and we've lost sight of the countless heroes who have not merely put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms, but have paid the ultimate price for them.

Today or Eternity? Which is More?

An appeal: visit the Manuelito Navajo Children's Home website. Remaking the site has been my work over the past couple of weeks. It is nothing flashy, but it provides a lot of information about MNCH. The Home has been blessing the children of the Navajo Nation for nearly 50 years. Please pray that we may continue to minister to those in need. If you can help us in our service, check out the website and see how you can be involved. We can use your help.

____________________

Perhaps you have heard the story told by Sigmund Freud.

He told of a man who became shipwrecked and stranded on a remote island. Upon discovering the man, the natives of the island declared him to be "King for the Year." The man, while shocked, was excited about his newfound forture, until he began to wonder, "Where are all the past kings?"

To his horror, he discovered that once a king completed his year rule, he was exiled on a desserted island, left there to die.

The man, never a quiter, and quite resourceful, used his year rule not to live in luxury, but to prepare for his exile. He discovered the island to which he would be exiled. He sent a steady stream of workers to the island, commanding them to build a palace, and storehouses, and to provide all the comforts necessary for a life of ease. He commanded that servants be housed on the island and those who would serve as companions. At the end of his year-long reign as king, his intended exile had been transformed into a comfortable home.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6.19-21; NRSV).

What is your life focus? On what are your present energies being expended? Are you living for today, immersed in the pleasures of this world, or are you looking forward to the life to come? A life focused on the moment, solely concerned with what today can bring, is a life that in the end will forfeit the fullness of eternity to come. A year of luxury, or an eternity of fullness? Which is more?

What Is a Home?

(I found this wonderful statement in a 40-year old publication of the manuelito Navajo Children's Home. It was authored by Ernestine Schuman-Heink.)

What is a home?

A roof to keep out the rain? Four walls to keep out the wind; floors to keep out the cold? Yes, but home is more than that.

It is the laughter of children, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship.

Home is first school and first church of young ones, where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness.

That is home. God bless it.

I'm Back!

In case you were wondering, I haven't wandered into oblivion. I have had a very busy and complicated past few weeks. Time does not permit me to elaborate at the present, but in time, I will comment on what has been happening with me.

A quick update: I am transitioning into a new job and home. I have been hired by the Manuelito Navajo Children's Home to serve as the Director of Development & Church Relations. The Manuelito Home is located in Gallup, New Mexico. I am finishing up in Cortez over the next few weeks.

By the way, an explanation on the title change to my Blog. I no longer reside on Fillmore Street, but I am about 200 feet from old Route 66.