Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HALF BAKED

A historic insult used to use the words "half baked." Today I stepped back in history not to use those words to insult someone--though a case might be made to apply those words to me this morning--but to describe the muffins I started to bake. I spooned the last of the 1-point Weight Watchers muffin batter into their baking cups and popped those puppies in the oven. That's when our excavator decided to detach our propane tank so he could excavate. And BTW, it wasn't like I didn't know he was going to do that. The muffins weren't even half baked. Our neighbors, who are always home, weren't. So much for popping my secret weapon in the weight loss war into Evelyn's oven. So at Mark's suggestion, I put them in the freezer. We'll see what happens later today when the gas is back on and I put the half bakes back into the oven. Should prove interesting, if not edible. Sometimes we come up with half baked schemes to live in obedience to the Lord Christ. He tells us to love God wholeheartedly and to love others with the same kind of self-love we lavish on ourselves. Those are tall orders. I'm praying for the grace to live them--even as my half baked muffins sit in the freezer. How about you? June 29, 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010

Twisters and Twisting the Truth

June 7, 2010 Savage winds and a tornado cut paths of destruction and death through NW Ohio over the weekend. Warning sirens were too late for some, and grief stands among those who thought they would be standing yesterday to receive their diplomas at Lake High School. Twisters: one more reminder that we live in a world spoiled by sin and marred by death. The Bible speaks of twisting truth. "Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom" James wrote in his short letter (James 3:13, The Message). When truth is twisted, both speakers and hearers are damaged, not unlike the buildings and lives left in the wake of a tornado. No comparison? People have been deceived by themselves and others through twisted truth. That deception can take men and women straight to the grand deceiver's pit--from where lies originate. Seek Him who stated it plainly: "I'm the truth" (Jesus Christ in John 14:6). Only He can deliver from the devastation of both twisted truth and tornadic winds.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Faith Made Sight

June 1, 2010 Today we received the news that our friend and adult Sunday School teacher, Dick Hopkins, has experienced the wonder of his faith made sight. We've known Dick for about 30 years; we just reconnected with him and his wife, Deb, a few short years back. It has been a blessing and a journey in rethinking some of our theology. Now, however, we grieve our collective loss, especially for Debbie, his wife and true soul mate. How grateful I am today that we have a hope that transcends this life! We look forward to seeing our dear brother again. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of eternal life. Thank you, Dick, for your faithful teaching. We'll see you soon, brother. Mark & Kathy