The Road Less Traveled

God's Todo List or My Todo List

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isa 55:8 NIV)

            How true this is and how evident this has been lately in my life. One week I had three funerals for three wonderful men of God. Were any of these on my schedule or my to-do list? No? Did I see the funerals coming? One possibly. The weekly schedule of a pastor is filled with the unexpected. I like to reflect at the end of a week and look back on God’s weekly planner as opposed to my weekly calendar and see what He had in store for me so that I might grow as a Christian, minister to families or individuals, and mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:4).

            His to-do list for me is far beyond my thoughts and well beyond my ways. The struggle sometimes is to let him in to my schedule. I have things I need to do. I have things that have to be accomplished. I have reports that have to be done and meetings to prepare for. And just when my day or week gets behind, God brings someone or a situation forward that redirects me away from myself and what I have to do, to what He needs me to do.

            So after the week of funerals, comforting families and sharing the hope of the Resurrection, the Lord finds a new way to rearrange my schedule. I get a call from a friend working with a ministry that shares God’s word with international students to ask me if I would be willing to do a Baptism for someone before they return to their home country. So it is off to East Lansing, MSU campus. Then… I receive a call from one of our parents in our Kindergarten who would like to have her daughter Baptized before they move away the following week to another part of the country. We schedule a Baptism for that week during the school day so her friends can be a part of this glorious event. Then… another one of our school students, a fourth grader, wants to be Baptized and after talking with family and classmates, he will be Baptized that next Sunday, with his classmates a part of this event, sharing in the joy with him.

            And so another week goes by, this time with three Baptisms, and my to-do list is still there. Programs still have to be worked on, etc.; but God reminds me again that He has a to-do list for me also, His to-do list. And as I reach the end of another week, I see that God has His ways, and I had my ways. He is still reminding me that He is in charge and that the work of a pastor, of a church, doesn’t lie in the business of running a church, but in having a church running to do His business. And His business is to Baptize and make disciples. I pray that you are reminded daily that God is in charge and that you find peace and comfort in knowing that His thoughts are not ours, and His ways are not our ways. May we make our thoughts His, our ways His, and our very lives His. Here’s to your day, week, month, given over to Christ, the One who gave to us first.

Baptism joy with Kindergarten Class

What a joy to Baptize another child of God at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, Lansing, MI. Akolde is moving south and we will miss her, but before she leaves, her kindergarten class joyed with her mom, sister, parents and our principal as we all got to be a part of this wonderful work of God.

The kindergarten children sat on the floor around the Baptismal font and listened to the words of Matt. 28:18-20. And they participated by saying the Lord's Prayer with me. As those five year old children began to say the Lord's Prayer, I have to admit I was overcome by a wave of emotion. The beautiful sound of these precious children sending this prayer up to Jesus brought a tear to my eye. It may very well be one of the most beautiful sounds that I have ever heard.

We rejoice with all of heaven over one and pray that as she moves south she always remember the promise given to her by her Lord and Savior, "I am with you always." 

Jesus Carries Erik Through Surgery

We had just come back from vacation. While we weren't dreading returning to Lansing or returning to work, we were dreading the impending surgery on our "little man," Erik, who is 18 months. He needed to have a procedure on a hernia and possibly two the day after we returned from vacation. So Thursday we took him into Sparrow Hospital for his surgery at 12:30 pm, only after he couldn't eat since the night before. Ever try to keep an 18 month old from eating or drinking anything after he wakes up? (He did pretty well though.)

The worst for us was yet to come. They got him his little gown, quite cute honestly with little spaceships on it. Mom already needed a few tissues, so daddy went in to change into the scrubs because one parent had to go into the operating room with the child to help him go under the anesthetic. The doctor came and talked to us about the procedure and was wonderful with us explaining everything including the way Erik was going to be after he was put under. "It is not like he is sleeping. It is quite different, so don't be alarmed." I appreciated greatly the "heads up," but I have to be honest, it was still frightening to see him look so lifeless.

After a time waiting, around 12:30 pm I carried him into a very brightly lit room with 6 other people in scrubs waiting to attend my son. Then another two came in. It They had me sit with him in a chair and hold him while they prepared the anesthetic. The doctors, nurses, and addendants were wonderful. One kept him distracted while they began. The doctor drew a dog on a bag attached to the machine. When it was blow up with air, Erik would be out.

Well, as you can guess, he did not like the mask being placed over his face. He had been great up until this point. I recall the doctor saying, "Man this kid is strong." After about four breaths or so, he was out. He was limp in my arms. The doctor told me to place him on the surgical bed. And when I did he just laid there, not like a sleep, but different. The only thing  I ever saw like it was when I sat next to a small child lying dead in the middle of a highway, but that is a story for another time. 

The doctor took off the mask and there he lay. He told me I could give him a kiss before I left. As I leaned over I kissed his little forehead and whispered in his ear, "The Lord bless you and keep you." I wanted my little man to know that Jesus was watching over him. Then my head pulled away and small tear dropped to his little forehead. As I walked away it occurred to me that I l was leaving my little boy to a bunch of strangers.

For those who do not believe in God, or that Jesus holds the little ones close to him, I feel very sorry for you, for that waiting room would seem awfully lonely.

Now, I know there are many parents there who have had there children undergo more series surgeries and procedures. But it is still difficult. We had been at the hospital before with Erik for heart issues and even life threatening RSV at 7 weeks old. This was different.

I recall the doctor telling us that he will not remember this experience in the hospital. I wish he would have told me that I would forget the experience.

About an hour or so later, the doctor came out and said that everything went fine. Erik did not wake up very happy though, but by the next morning he was his normal, run around, get into things he is not suposed to, self.

I found that I needed to write this, not only to share an experience with you, but to help me express the emotions of going through this. I thank the Lord for a wonderful wife, a bright daughter, a strong little boy, and a faith in Christ that holds us all together.

 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; (Psa 55:22 NIV)

Getting Excited About the New Year

It is summer I know. People like to kick back, relax,watch some baseball, enjoy the outside. This certainly describes our family. (After this winter I never thought I would crank up the lawn mower!) But... summer is also a chance to start planning for the new year beginning in September (OK, late August). I am soooooo excited about the plans that are taking shape for our TLC (Small group ministry), our Adult Bible Classes, our new Confirmation class, new tweaks to encourage and build the family(think marriages and parenting) for the 09-10 year, the exciting additions to our our PSI (Public School Instruction) Confirmation classes, the continued growth of our Family Care Groups as we continue to grow closer to Christ and one another, as well our School Chapel Schedule that is shaping up to be filled with some wonderful people coming to share Christ with the children and in the fall the return of the Minstry Fair. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Trust me!

I enjoy the summer because it does give one time to look back over the year, evaluate, refocus and renew. But it also gets me reved up (excited) for the next year because I love to plan ahead. I pray that you are enjoying your summer. Relax now...because once September hits we are going to "kick it up a notch!"

5min's Smart Player - Ministry Tool

More DIY videos at 5min.com

How awesome would this tool be for sermons or Bible Classes? You could post the information, add extra links for more research, links for scripture passages, the sermon notes, the powerpoint screens that went with the sermons or class, etc., etc. Could be an incredible tool for posting sermons. Yes, drawbacks include equipment to produce a quality video experience, time to get all this put together and the person/persons to do it, but I know it could be AWESOME! Technology like this could really bring the Word of God right home to people. If your church is using seomthing like this, please let me know how you do it and how it is working. It definately has some real ministry potential.

If you know of another service like this let me know. We always need to keep our eyes open for ways to share the faith, spread the Gospel, and empower people with the Word. 

  5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;... 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2  Peter 1:5,8

Regina Spektor - Laughing With

What do you Regina is telling us?

Youngest Preacher

Future pastor. "Little Man" was practicing his sermon after confirmation rehearsal on Wed. May 13th. 

Translation:
Erik: "BBBB Bye, Bye" - Law - The wages of sin is death.

Erik: "Light" - Gospel - Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

Sermon Over! (Man, he's good! He knows other words, but he believes in preaching short sermons.)









(Pictures taken with iphone)

Out-of-wedlock births continue to grow

On the eve of going to another one of our Family Friendly Partners Network Meetings, where we are going to discuss ways in which the church can help strengthen marriages and families,  I read an article in CNN that states that 40 percent of births occurring today are to unwed mothers. A growing number of these are teens pregnancies which is seeing a growth in the last two years after a steady decline for 14 years. Aside from the unwanted pregnancies, there is a growing number of woman who are desiring to have children on their own without the want of a father in the picture. (In some cases, some especially don't want a father in the picture.) A number of these are lesbian woman who now also would like to raise a child.

I am sorry, but this trend is truly disturbing. In a world where a contestant for Ms. USA gets chewed up for her views on marriage between a man a woman, I realize my stance may not be popular within our nation today, but as a pastor I find it necessary to take my stand on the side of Word of God and not popular opinion.

I don't get angry about the situation. I don't want to go yell at these people. I feel sorry for these people. I realize that most if not all, would probably think my sorrow is unwarranted. But my sadness is not only for them, but their children. Anytime we decide that we know better than God and his plan, we are putting ourselves in a very dangerous place.

God in His plan intended for mothers and fathers to be part of raising children. Both bring gifts, qualities, and diversity that work toward the development of those charged to their care. Husband and wife, Mothers and fathers balance each other out. One often makes up for the others short comings. Despite what some think we are different, men and women, and those differences are celebrated within marriage and in those God given differences and uniqueness for He uses those differences for His purpose.

Mothers and fathers working together to raise a child in the way he/she should go is not only instituted by God for practical reasons, but also for theological reasons. The union of man and wife is a reflection of Christ and his bride the church. Our job as parents in marriage reflects the union of the Trinity, each having it's role in the Godhead. One is not more important or valuable than the other, but each takes part in the roles they have. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit all have the same objective, to love His children, just as the mother and father should have this same objective in mind. This is reflected in our marriages. God's plan and his love is reflected to the child through the mother and father, together. God's plan holds true for the believer and the non-believer for he has built the mother/father unit into nature itself!

My prayer for these woman considering this incredible responsibility is, please, please, look to God's Word for advise. I realize that there may be a pain for some feeling empty without a child. I know there are those who really want to have a child and they grow older without any prospects in the near future. I can not understand what you might be gong through, but I do deeply sympathize. I would plead with you not to take matters into your own hands.

I don't know why God has placed this burden upon you in this matter. I do not know why God places the many different burdens all of us deal with, but I do know that ..."in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)  Being called according to His purpose means to follow His way, not ours. It is hard, but when our desires are in conflict with God's, we need to take that back seat and trust that He knows better, for He truly does. It is not easy, but through prayer, fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ and His Word, we can get through it.

And for those who find themselves in positions that are beyond your control already due to a decision made, unfortunate circumstance, a sin, there is always forgiveness. God can even take our mistakes and work them for His greater good. Look at King David. See Abraham. What about Peter? Take Saul, who became Paul. And the list goes on and on. We are not exempt from sin and error, but we have a God, who in Christ Jesus, has conquered these sins on Calvary's cross, we simply need to go to Him and ask for that forgiveness. Then through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can begin again.

As the old hymn writer suggests, "Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer." You have that great friend in Jesus, go to him. Look to His Word for answers and for peace. Call upon Him in the day of trouble and He will deliver you. These are not trite words, but words of promise, of truth and of comfort from the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords himself. Look to him for answers. He will not steer you wrong.

Jason Taylor, NFL Player and Dancing With the Stars Celebrity - Family More Important than Money

How refreshing it is to see a story like this. Jason Taylor, who played almost his entire career with the Miami Dolphins before being cut and picked up by the Washington Redskins, opted to walk away from more than $7 million dollars, yes that's right, to be close and spend time with his family in South Florida. John Clayton, Senior writer for ESPN writes, "The Redskins released Taylor when he told them he wouldn't participate in the offseason workouts because it was more important to spend time with his wife and kids, who weren't moving north to be with him during the season. He's also resisted two lucrative movie deals because it would cause him to spend time away from home."  You truly don't see this anymore.

I have always been a big fan of Jason, and now my respect for his has just tripled. Please take a few moments and read more of this wonderful short article. You will not be disappointed.

So as a Miami Dolphin Fan, I say welcome back brother. We have missed you. Looking forward to seeing take down some QBs.

As a father, husband, and pastor, I tip my hat to you. You are investing in something more precious than money. You have discovered one of the most valuable commodities in life, wife and children, family. I pray that your example inspires other players and future generations of young men and women to find what really matters in life. Mr. Taylor, you are a man of courage and integrity. Sacrifices in life for money give short term payoffs, but sacrifices for family leave great wealth for generations. (Now if we could just get back that brother-in-law of yours...)

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28 

New Star Trek Movie - Sci-Fi Pastor (Trekker) to IMAX on Opening Night

Yes... I have my ticket for one of the first showings of Star Trek, in IMAX. I can't wait! Yes I am a Trekker, (This is the appropriate term see here.) Star Trek, Star Trek the Next Generation, Star Trek Voyager, Star Trek Enterprise, and yes even, Star Trek Deep Space Nine. I am hoping that this movie revitalizes the franchise as well as awakens the big screen and television of the wonders of space exploration in Science Fiction. We seemed to have forgotten about "out there" other than Keanu Reeves and his band of aliens set on coming here to destroy the world... but I digress.

Come back here for information and review following the movie. Check out Rottentomatoes.com for more information on the new movie. And remember... "Live long and prosper."

To my best friend Rance, pastor in Minnesota, I miss going to these with ya brother. (Maybe some day we'll take our boys.)

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one."

Future American Idol Winner

Our "Little Man" Erik, now 15 months, loves to sing. It all starting with daddy walking with Erik and singing. I would sing a note and he would open his mouth and say "ahhhh." Not a real note, but for him it was singing. We have done this for a long time, months actually. Now when we do this and I vary the pitch, his voice goes up and down to try to match my voice.

Then something strange happened just yesterday. I noticed as we walked out into the garage, I hit the button to raise the garage door. Well, he started to make his "aaahhhhh" sound. I didn't think much about until this morning when he did the same thing. I realized that he heard the sound of the garage door going up and it's pitch. He was trying to match the pitch of the garage door with his voice!

As I stopped to listen, it occured to me that the garage door does have a pitch, a constant note that sounds as it goes up and down. Little did I realize that in trying to get him to sing and teach him to love singing, I was also helping to develop his ear. He is starting to recognize not only sounds, but that sounds have pitches. He is beginning to find music in the world around him. What a joy! Maybe he can teach me to stop and hear things that I had never heard before.

Now I have a child who sings along with garage door. What's next? The garbage disposal? Truly the music of God is all around us. We just need to listen with the ears of a child.

 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
 burst into jubilant song with music;
Psalm 98:4 

(By the way, I don't watch American Idol. Just thought it was a catchy title.)