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June 25, 2007, Live In Harmony
“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord” (Philippians 4:20)
Often when talking with singles and young married people, I state that marriage is the world’s toughest job. That may not be true, but certainly lengthy and happy marriages require a lot of work, give and take, and prayers. It is Sunday and I need to confess that we in our family did not always go to church. (Sunday was a long training run and then clean the pool.) Also, there were many times when the kids were small, that church on Sunday was our only “quiet time.” Not a very good reason for being there. Somehow, however, within our family unit, there was always a trust and a spiritual presence that held us together. Consider this analogy. If your car battery was dead this morning, you could put it on a charger and be able to get going. However, if your alternator was weak, your car would quit running in a few hours. Many of us use Sunday’s service as our time to charge our spiritual batteries. This is a good thing to do and I pray that “Good News” helps. Families and individuals with strong spirituality tend to survive. They grow while meeting life’s challenges, develop deeper friendships, and learn the value of love. Somehow we all need to carry Sunday’s charge through out the week. “And I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you have your roots and foundation in love.” (Ephesians 3:17).

Thought for the Week: Somehow we need to be sure that the weekly calendar does not overwhelm our spirituality. We can not be too busy to love each other. We all know that is a formula for tragedy. This week, let us focus on positive interaction with our friends and families.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord and Father, our lives are full of distractions. Children’s activities, work projects, and many other issues get in the way of peace and love. Somehow, we just don’t have time. This week we pray for the presence of mind to focus on your love and include it in our daily lives. Amen

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June 17, 2007, Talk the Talk
Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?
Who makes him deaf or mute?
Who gives him sight or makes him blind?
Is it not I, the Lord?
Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” (Exodus 4:10-13, NIV)

Growing up in Boston there were often what we called “talkers” on Boston common. They actually stood on milk crates (soap boxes!) and discussed political issues and their religious beliefs. As a teenager I considered them nut cases because from my perspective no one in their right mind would do that. Apparently not even Moses!

Lately I have coined the term “closet ministry”— we are there when we are needed and we all do some great work. Be proud of that because God is with us in that effort. Most of us prefer to do God’s work quietly and on our own terms. We have the belief to do that. Is that what God really wants? should we speak out more? be Evangelical? The answer to that is a definite yes! God’s answer to Moses was simply “I will be with you.” We hesitate to talk the talk in public. After all, the human resources department at work has a policy against it. We would make someone uncomfortable in the workplace. Sometimes we need to show trust and say what needs to be said. We need to go beyond our belief system and trust that God wants us to speak out.

Thought for the Week: This week let us continue our “closet ministries.” Helping others, praying for the sick, the under privileged, serving the shelters etc. We do that well. This week let us also look for the occasion when God would want us to share our faith. Let us recognize that opportunity.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord and Father, life is good for us. We have food, shelter and love around us. We give You thanks for our abundance. This week we pray for the opportunity to show our appreciation to others; We pray for the opportunity to share our faith and the opportunity to represent You in our daily lives. Amen

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June 10, 2007, Letting Go
“So if anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away...”
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NSRV)

With God’s help, we can release the past and live in the now. By accepting God’s presence in our life, we are able to release the past rather than reliving it. Holding on to hurtful memories take us down roads that lead nowhere. With God’s help we can choose new directions and turn from a nowhere destination to live in the here and now.

There is a piece of all of us that seems to need to live in the negative past. Divorced people can hold resentments for years; accident victims often resent the other driver; people frequently hold grudges against their managers in the workplace; and it goes on. It is easy to do, but in the scope of Christianity, it does not fit. Forgiveness is what leads to peace and happiness.

Today is a new day in which we can discard the baggage of old habits that limit us. We can start anew with God and through divine guidance, take control of our lives. WE need to be receptive to all the goodness that God has to offer.

One of June’s and my favorite slogans is “Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.”

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord and Father, we need You in our lives more than ever. There are so many negative issues it is often difficult to focus on Your goodness. This week we give thanks for the many blessings that You bring to our lives. The great friends that we need, the world that surrounds us with beauty, and our families that bless our lives. We thank you as our creator for our many blessings. Amen

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June 1, 2007, Enjoy Spring
“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
“God gave us eyes to see them
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God almighty,
Who has made all things well”

(All Things Bright and Beautiful vs. 4 with refrain) Words by Cecil Frances Alexander 1848), Methodist Hymnal # 177

Spring is a wonderful time of the year. We get out more, we see our neighbors, the world becomes more colorful and there seems to be an increase in positive energy all around us. It is a joyous time and we need to appreciate it every day

Today I met an associate that I had not seen in 15 months. She was glad to see me again and took time to show me her new hobby, photographing flowers and making cards. She was very enthusiastic and showed me some beautiful work .

The month of May is a very busy time for families. The winter and spring activities are wrapping up. There are recitals, tournaments, and, as kids get older, there are final exams. Added to that are the church activities and the start of summer activities. These are great family times but do not always leave time to smell the roses. There used to be signs at railroad crossings that said “ stop, look & listen”. Perhaps that is a good thing to do this spring, not for trains,but for the things God has presented to us: “Who has made all things well.”

Thought for the Week: Let us simply commit to slow down a bit, listen to the signs of spring and look for the beauty that the Lord has placed before us.

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May 28, 2007, Be Happy When You Are Young
“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment. To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, power and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth....” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Recently my grand daughter was picked up at 6pm and taken to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal on the way to buy a Mothers Day gift for Mom. How many of us rush our way through the drive through, curse the length of the line and the fact that we would be held up ten minutes waiting for lunch? I certainly have done that. What is the hustle and bustle all about, the pursuit of “things” and “stuff”? We are all working our hearts out, many have too little time to look at their lives and what really matters. Yes, I realize that it is easier at my age to say slow down and smell the roses, but I pray that you do.

Recently I read about a family counseling service for families specifically designed to help them find more quality time together, to help them slow down. Many of my friends have commented on last week’s Good News as they go through the May busy period. Too many families do not have time to take a deep breath, talk or break bread together. “Be happy, young person, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart....” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Through out our lifetimes, June and I have met people that seem at peace, people that have never quite joined the “rat race” of life, people that had something that we were looking for. Well, through the last 25 years of spiritual growth, we have come close. There seems to be a strong message here that the things that bring peace, serenity and happiness to our lives are found in our spirituality and it will be found in yours.

Thought for the Week: This week, let us look at our pursuits and find the time to meditate and understand where God fits into the puzzles that are our lives. Let us be sure that our puzzle does not have a piece missing.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord, please help me locate what you want from me this week. There are many options in my life: The celebration of a “Hallmark Holiday,” the celebration of my Christian Family, Memorial Day, a round of golf, opening of fishing and many others. Somehow help me keep you in this puzzle so that there are no pieces missing. With love for you and Jesus,
Amen

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May 20, 2007, Faith and Perseverance
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him.”
(James1; 2-4 NIV)

Faith seems to be a constant challenge to us. Yes, some times we need to understand where God is in our lives. We can doubt that He is with us, we challenge His input and even knowingly violate His rules and submit to temptation. Does this make us bad people? The answer is a resounding no. As we look back at our lives we often see a trail of mistakes, moments or events that we would like to “edit or replay.” Surely we know that reliving life is not an option. But, feeling guilty or bad about these things can cause a crises of faith, low self image and have a negative effect on our future. This is true at any age. Recently I was talking to a group of 60ish guys about a pending class reunion. The subject broke down to the many things we did in our youth that we would not consider doing today. The events we talked about were items on our conscience, things we were not proud of doing. They were the acts of youth and part of growing up. Each helped develop the person that we are today. None of the events made us bad people, however, at the time there were people (neighbors, school authorities, mom/dad, friends etc.) that did not appreciate our behavior. These discretions and memories are the perseverance finishing it’s work “…so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

As we work through our faults, we learn that life goes on. God eventually works His miracles in our lives. When we lack the wisdom, He comes through for us.

Thought for the Week: When we are very busy, it is difficult to feel God’s presence in our lives. This week, let us all try to take time to understand and appreciate His contributions

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May 13, 2007, Run For The Prize
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?“
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave
so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians; 24–28 NIV)

Since the late 1980s we have been involved in two running races. It is something that June and I have done because we feel that we are contributing to society in some way. We also enjoy it because of the many people that we have met and get to support or are involved with. The race the last Saturday in April this year was no different. The winners of the money were two professionals from Ethiopia. They were special people with a special gift, they run fast. The story of the race is not about them.

This year a friend and Good news recipient, Don, came with his son. A parent and child running a race together for the first time is a very special event. Don told me afterward how proud Andrew was after the race. I could tell from the tone in Don’s voice that the pride was not all Andrew’s. Each year the race announcer announces as many finishers as possible as they approach the finish line. It gives people a positive feeling to hear their name. Last year the announcer announced the name of a lady from church. When I caught up to say hello, she was with her husband. They had spent the morning walking and jogging with 4,000 others. She describes the time spent training with her husband as almost spiritual because they are alone together with a single common goal; without distractions!

The professionals also can generate some interesting stories. This year a skinny little guy from Iowa, Nick, came to run against the field of Kenyon, Ethiopian and Romanian pros. He had just decided that he would try to become a professional runner. His friends from a local college came to support him as well as his parents drove five hours from Iowa to see him run. None of us on staff had very high hopes for Nick, the competition looked awesome. To the surprise of most of us, Nick passed the second place Kenyon on a bridge ramp a mile from the finish and chased the leader across the line. His mom and dad were the proudest people in the crowd.

In 2003 at church, my friend Kevin was talking about the event. He ran it after several years sabbatical. His first words were that he was a real winner because he finished and had fun. The message is very clear, in running and in life, we want to run so that we are not disqualified for the prize.

Thought for the Week: This week we will be running through our lives. The normal schedule will keep us busy. Many of us will fall short of the goal. Many of us will accomplish our goal. All of us will be winners if we follow the rules. Let us compete in our lives as models of winners, as people of faith.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, this week life will again be flying by. Things move very fast in today’s world. It is easy to forget principles when under pressure. This week we pray for the guidance and judgment to follow your will in our daily activities. We pray that we lead by example and make those around us glad we were with them. Amen

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May 5, 2007, Spring
“In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed an apple tree; in cocoons a hidden promise:
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.”
(Hymn of Promise, Vs1, Natalie Sleeth, 1986)
This is s glorious time of the year. The northern hemisphere goes into the transition to summer. It is a time when the resolutions from New Year are long since successful or forgotten; a time of vacation planning, garden planting and the anticipation of the beauty of the warm season; a time of hope led by the visible evidence of God’s presence around us. This is a time for reflection and review of our dark side. We can review the negative forces in our lives. This is spring and we need to recover the “...hidden promise...” in our personal lives “... that God alone can see.” Through our faith and belief, our Lord will share with us the pleasures of life.

Thought for the Week: It is spring. Let us take special notice of its wonders. Smell the flowers and enjoy the showers. Let us share these positive feelings with others and encourage positive feelings around us.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father we give thanks for the reminder that we have each year that there are new beginnings. Your spring flowers, green grass, buds and leaves all are a signal for us to think about and an example of your subtle power. We give thanks for new beginnings and the opportunity to grow in our faith.

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April 29, 2007, Stress
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God”
(Philippians 4:6NIV).

Stress is becoming an American, if not a world wide, tradition; part of our lifestyle. We often go through our week wound up like a rubber band that has been twisted tighter and tighter. However, we all recognize that the rubber band eventually breaks when it is wound too tight or stressed too long; it snaps! We are certainly a higher life form than a rubber band; however we also may snap when over stressed.

This is a repeat and updated Good News from April 2002. The stress in my church life has caused me to seek out my spiritual advisor. He is a Good News recipient and a great guy. Having someone that can be used when prayer and meditation fail is part of what makes being a Christian great.

We have a way of unwinding during the most stressed of times. Mine is by writing “Good News” to people that I care about. Yours may be different; many exercise, some use meditation, often we chat with a friend or read. There are many ways to release stress. In Paul’s writings to the Philippians 4: 8 & 9, he suggests that Faith is a tool to help us.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me— put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Focus for the Week: This week let us focus selfishly on ourselves. Let’s feel the peace and presence of God in our lives. When the “stress monster” wants to control our lives, let’s read this passage and let “the peace of God” into our lives. As Christians we deserve peace.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, the world seems to be a breeding ground for stress. Every where we look there is something to worry about. Terror, hate, employment troubles, stock market woes— even severe weather. This week we pray that we may keep you and peace in our thoughts, that we have the presence of mind to make wise choices and release our stresses to find tranquility. Amen

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April 20, 2007, Learn to Receive
“I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy  because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, which He who began a good works in you will carry it on to completion….”
(Philippians  1:3-6)

It is better to give than to receive. Yes, and we all feel better when we are giving than when we are receiving. We all come in contact with persons that we know are really hurting and we ask, “How is it going?” Often the answer is OK, fine, go, etc. That answer raises the antenna on a counselor. Many of us are relieved when we hear it because now we can change the subject and avoid the real issue. On a Friday in January 1998, I was diagnosed with cancer and made aware that surgery was a good solution. That Sunday, June and I were scheduled to be greeters for a church service. God forgive me but I lied a lot that morning. Most people greet with, “Hi, how are you?” and they did not really want to hear my answer.

The point is that in 1998, we needed to take from the church more than we could give. Oh yes, we gave them financial support, but that is not what I mean. I needed prayers to cover my fear. June needed prayers to cover her tears. The kids and grand kids also needed spiritual support. The support was not for the weekend but for an extended period that lasted most of 1998. The good news was that “…He who began a good works in you will carry it on to completion…” The support was available through our Christian community.

In 1998, the Pickering family was blessed; that was the year we learned to accept the support and prayers from our friends in Christ. We learned to receive the benefits that are available to all, that unfortunately, some are too proud to receive. We need to remember, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” We are welcome and it is OK to take and receive.

Thought for the Week: This week let us recognize when we need support. Let us stop and pray about it. If there are any real bad moments, let’s call a friend in Christ and ask for help. The friend will be grateful. Also, if we have a great week, let’s hope that we get a call from someone that could use our support.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord and Father, this week we offer our prayers for peace and understanding in the world. We had terror on a college campus that put our nation in mourning and outraged many. However, as a nation, we seem to accept much worse on a daily basis in the Mid East. This week we pray somehow for the understanding and that we, in some way, can contribute to the spreading of your love throughout the world. Amen

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April 14, 2007, Compassionate Leadership
“...He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” (Isaiah 49:10).
In the 60s, an international company I worked for had an engineering manager who ruled the roost by fear. Two or three times each year he would lay off someone and then the next week warn a few others that they could be next. The department output would increase for a while. He kept control of all projects, decisions and empowered no one. There was no compassion in the department or the company. Great things did not happen for them and the company no longer exists.

What does a person, boss, parent, pastor or whatever, have that makes a great leader? Henri Nouwen says “It is compassionate authority that empowers, encourages, calls forth hidden gifts and enables great things to happen.” It seems that leaders that have great accomplishments have compassion. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). Yes, it is clear that compassion, forgiveness and caring are strong components of success.

Thought for the Week: This week we will all have opportunities to be compassionate. We may be tired, short tempered or busy. However, let us focus on being compassionate.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, we are caught up in a busy world. There is too little time and too many things to do. Pressures to make the fast decision, reaction or remark sometimes lead to a lack of compassion. Please, help us concentrate on your place in our lives. Help us be compassionate and forgiving in all of our activities. In Jesus name, Amen

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April 7, 2007, Positive Reinforcement
“... let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 8-11, NIV)

In my high school years of football, our coach was a negative motivator. It seemed that everything we did was wrong. The best complement we ever received was a “good job, but....” The criticism after the “but” was all that most of us ever remembered. None of us believed that we were very good and we were not having any fun. In 1956, three of us quit the team to go to private schools for a variety of reasons. There was a large article in the local paper about how significant a loss it was to the local high school team because they lost some great players. All three of us were really surprised at the compliments given to us by the coach. At my new school, I found my way to a swim coach named Al Houston. Al was a caring man, a positive motivator and would have two or three swimmers at each Olympic games. Receiving positive motivation was a wonderful experience. The team all felt good, worked hard, we liked Al and each other. We were also the best team in the northeast. We learned to care about excellence, not letting each other down and generally care about each other. This is a strong message. We are in challenging economic times right now and there is a lot of negativity in the world. Each day we read and see bad news. To stay positive we need to follow the lead of Christ and demonstrate our love and caring. We need to show our fellowship toward others.

Thought for the Week: This week we will have the opportunity to be negative. School teachers will have a mischievous child, salesmen will lose an order, the weather may not be good... and we will want to whine. When that happens, stop and meditate, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” Let us all have a positively great week.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, the world is full of bad news. Downsizing is rampant in the work place. Terror and war threaten our tranquility. This week we pray for those with negative ideas, those with aggression toward humanity and their victims. We pray for them and the opportunity to influence with them in a positive way. Amen