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June 28, 2009, Subconscious Landmarks

So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them,

“Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you...
These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:4-8)

God wanted the Israelites to make landmarks for the future children of Israel. He also wants us to have “landmarks” in our lives. Often when we are about our daily activities, something happens that triggers a distant but fond memory. These memories are landmarks in our lives; landmarks that we have that remind us of the value and pleasure of living. Over Memorial Day weekend, my thoughts transgressed to a very early celebration back in my home town in Massachusetts. It was just after World War II and emotions were very high as there were many soldiers to be honored. But something simpler than that affected me as a six year old. At a parade, I heard my first marching band, up close from a curbside seat during the parade. Led by the older “kids” in the neighborhood, we all jumped up and marched alongside the big base drum. My heart was beating out of my chest with excitement. In fact I can feel it as I write. An experience that had slipped into my sub conscious, a landmark saved for me. Throughout our lives we are blessed with many positive landmarks. We celebrate certain ones, birthdays, anniversaries, Holidays etc, but many of the fondest landmarks are much simpler; often very personal. These are the ones that bring meaning to life.

Thought for the Week: This week, let us think back and try to remember what brought us to this point in our lives. Let us focus on the “landmark” events that shaped us to be what we are. Let us understand God’s role in the meaning of these events and how he shaped and developed us in many simple ways.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, as a nation, we are just celebrated independence, our many privileges and especially our religious freedoms. This week we give thanks for all of them. We pray that around the world, people can learn to appreciate their own faith, the love that goes along with it and appreciation of the faith of others. Amen

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June 21, 2009, Finding Others

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8,NIV) As we move through life we meet all kinds of people. Some we warm up to, some we don’t. We often cannot quite explain why, but most often it is that their behavior and operating style fit our comfort zone. This week I was experiencing a technical problem at work that was very perplexing and disturbing to myself and my customer. There seemed to be no real good explanation and I was considered an “expert.” So, I called in a guy I have known and liked for 15 years. He was not only an expert but a specialist. A person that for whatever reason fit technically and personally. A person that would help even if there were no financial gain. A person that fit. After discussing the technical issue, we talked about our work schedules. He, as a small business owner, starts the week with a prayer breakfast with his whole company. To do this, he needs to be on the road at 5 am and drive two hours. He is not only a dedicated business man but a dedicated believer. He is a “good fit” because he “...does what the Lord requires...” Often when we follow the path, we find others that fit and our lives improve. This was a great week because of my experience.

Thought for the Week: This week let us have a look around at our associates. Not the ones we meet on Sunday morning at church, but all of the others. The store clerk, barber, hair dresser or whoever- the ones we are really comfortable with. The ones that fit. Often, without us knowing, they will “fit” because of their beliefs and Christian practices. It is really great to understand where they come from.

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June 13, 2009, Perseverance

“Therefore since you have been justified through faith, we have peace with God... we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance brings character; and character brings hope. And hope does not disappoint us." (Romans 5:1-5)

The key word this week is perseverance. Somehow in our lives we search for serenity or peace. Where does it hide, or do we hide it on ourselves? Certainly we all go through phases when we are not at peace. Careers get in the way, illness occurs and the general business of our lifestyle disturbs tranquility.

When we are not at peace, who is in control? Several years ago, my daughter gave me a daily meditation book entitled “With All My Strength”. The title appealed to me and the content fit so well that I gave up reading the morning newspaper and started the day meditating. It helped me have a better day. I no longer new the baseball scores, how Tiger did or better yet, how many negative things occurred in the world the day before. Meditating gave me a level of peace at the start of the day and left me in a position of strength for the day.

So where does persistence fit in? Well, peace is illusive and hard to grasp, or even to define. The search may be everlasting. Paul’s message to the Romans is fairly clear. Throughout the ups, downs and general activity of our lives, we must be persistent in our faith and keep God in our lives. Through the grace of God, we will find the hope, peace and tranquility we desire.

My favorite poster hangs on my office wall. It shows a runner on a very long road winding off over the horizon. He has miles to go and hills to climb. The caption states that "The race is not won only by the swift, but also by those who keep on running." Somehow persistence will carry us through to the end.

Bless you all and stay in the race.

Thought for the Week: As we go through this week, let us review our long standing frustrations. The demanding boss, the developing teenager, the morning commute, whatever is in our lives. Let us pray for God's guidance on how we should help Him deal with the frustration. If He is involved, we will be less frustrated.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord, this week I give thanks for the many blessings that are present in my life: The good friends, the lifestyle, the rain and flowers of Spring. There still are many issues that need attention. I pray for your guidance and that as I work through the issues, you are with me and somehow I am doing your work. Amen

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June 1, 2009, A Positive Focus

“Flee the evil desires of youth,
and pursue righteousness, faith love and peace...
...The Lord's servant must not quarrel;
instead, he must be kind ,able to teach and
not resentful.” —(2Timothy22:24)

Forgiveness is the way of Christian life. It is not always an easy path. We Christians are challenged throughout our lives with anger and resentment. Sometimes we grow vindictive and just want to get even. Wow, what a curse. Is it possible to find peace through revenge? Absolutely not.

Several years ago our family business had a partnership issue that ended up with lawyers, claims and counter claims, arbitration and  mediation. It was an awful time and demonstrates a serious challenge that Christians need to deal with. How do we find peace when someone has done us wrong? How do we keep God at the forefront of our lives when our livelihood is being attacked?

In present times, there are people with their pay cut and their work load increased. There are several of you out of work, one after 29 years with the same company. This weekend I received a call from a good News Buddy that has taken very good care of one of his employees for 20 years; I mean with up to $ 30,000 a year in profit sharing and very liberal benefits. The employee came to him demanding half of the business. My friend’s feelings were very hurt. How do we keep the faith when fielding demands like that?
The answer is in good Christian friends, mentors, readings and prayer.

Many of us today are challenged with issues. Some have lost jobs, some have divorced, others have significant others who are terminally ill; anger, fear and resentment are fostered in this way.  How do we deal with the issues without destroying the peace in our lives.

Psalm 34: 12-14 says:
“Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.”

The Christian message is clear; we will find peace only when we have a strong enough faith to forgive and keep God through Jesus Christ at the forefront of our lives.

Thought (Focus) for the Week: This week we were asked to wear red to our church because the bright color will help us focus. Throughout our lives “focusing on the positive” always seems to be a challenge. This week, let us all focus on the great things that we have and are (friends, Spring, children etc.) and deal promptly with the negatives so that we may enjoy life to its fullest.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, our lives are full of the challenges that are placed before us. Sometimes these challenges create fear and hurts that are difficult to deal with and easy to hang on to.  Friendships and relationships become challenged.

Please help us keep the many great and positive gifts you have given us at the forefront of our thoughts and give us the power and wisdom to deal swiftly and honestly with the challenges. Amen

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May 25, 2009, Footprints

Sunday morning at a communion service in our chapel, we sang this Hymn. It always brings me to tears because it was my dad’s favorite and he often sang it as a duet with his best friend Alan. It brings back fond memories so I mentioned it to the group. As often happens in our relationship, June added that it was the anniversary of my dad’s birthday. Thanks to Gerry for picking it on a special day.

“I come to the garden alone,
while the dew is still on the roses,
and the voce I hear falling on my ear,
the son of God discloses.
and he walks with me ,
and he talks with me,
and he tells me I am his own,
and the joy we share as we tarry there,
none other has ever known."
—(In the Garden, C. Austin Miles)
(Methodist Hymnal No. 314)

The overwhelming support that we have as people of faith is certainly wonderful and one of the greatest advantages of Christianity. Often, as an A type personality, I awake before June and go jogging (now walking!) at sunrise, “..when the dew is still on the roses…” The sound of mourning doves and early robins is the dominant sound rather than traffic or other social activity related noise. Often I find myself humming “In the Garden.” Another time when it comes to mind is before a tough meeting or event. Whether a business meeting, neighborhood meeting or a hospital visit, it is great to know that you are never alone if you let Him join you. Many of you often see me with a lapel pin that is a pair of feet. They are from “Foot prints in the sand.” They are to invite conversation regarding the concept of walking with Christ every day. It is always an interesting conversation. We are blessed.

Thought for the Week: This week let us simply remember that we are never alone. Let us enjoy His presence as we walk through our lives.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, we are certainly glad that you are here for support. Often the world around us is confusing and it is difficult to understand your wishes. However, we give thanks for the role that you play in our everyday lives and the help you give to give our friends and families. Amen

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May 17, 2009, Spring-Hymn of Promise

“In the bulb there is a flower,
in the seed an apple tree;
in co-coons 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 it's season,
something God alone can see.”
(Hymn of Promise, Vs1, Natalie Sleeth, 1986)

Each spring we repeat this good news. Those of us that live in the far north with a five month winter have a deep appreciation for spring. June and I often traveled to southern England in early April and experienced their spring which is a month or so ahead of Minnesota. Ten years ago we had the advantage of a spring Easter and worshipped in a sixth century church and the London marathon. Then we returned home and experienced a second spring. That almost seems to be cheating but it is a great way to start summer. Another reason for this becoming an annual meditation is that several Good News buddies knew Natalie. They always send me warm replies of the memories of her work and friendship. Enjoy and have a great week.

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. A review of 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.

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May 10, 2009, Finishing Again

“It is better for you to finish now what you began last year. You were the first, not only to act,
but also to be willing to act.
On with it then and finish the job.”
—2 Corinthians 8:10-11(TEV)

In the spring my thoughts gravitate toward the good old days when my friends and I trained 10 -14 hours a week for endurance events. The camaraderie or the group, the support offered by the group when one of us was having a bad day and the feeling of spirituality in the early mornings as we traveled on our way was priceless. Last year on June’s and my 40th anniversary, many of these people came and the warm feelings were instantly present. There was an interesting bond.

As an unranked runner but former elite masters swimmer and Triathlete, there were many times that finishing a running event near the bottom of the pack was more rewarding to me than a swimming or triathlon trophy. The trophy is are a nice memento, but often become unimportant dust collectors. As an elite, you are supposed to be near the top but that really is not what it is about.

In the early 80s my friend Billy (a good news recipient) and I ran a half marathon. He finished a good half an hour ahead of me and felt great. I was not ready and thought I was going to die out there. The following year, Billy was again a half hour ahead of me but I met my personal goals and expectations. I fondly remember that day and have that finishing picture on my office wall. It reminds me that being at the bottom of the pack is not a bad thing when you are at the top of your game. The goal is personal, to be the best you can be. Neither of us won that event or our age group. Both of us were proud winners because we finished. Life is like that— when we finish what we start, we win. This year we Pickering family  is at it again. My daughter Karen, Arlene’s daughter Ashley and I will each do two sprint triathlons. We will finish an hour after the elite winners but we will be winning the real prize— family pride and togetherness. We are looking forward to setting a family standard and enjoying the day.

Thought for the Week: It is Spring, a time of renewal. God brings us flowers, green grass and warm temperatures. It is easy to be busy enjoying it all and put a few serious issues on that famous “back burner”. This week let us identify what we need to finish; who we need to help; who needs our prayers; who could use a visit. Let us complete the tasks that the Lord has put before us.

Prayer For the Week: Heavenly Father, we need your guidance on how to use your love to succeed. In our cities, our neighborhoods and the world we pray that we can find a way to contribute so that Your love will somehow “finish” the race for peace and security. Amen

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May 4, 2009, Joy
Is there joy in our lives? Let us face it, most of us have a lot more joy (positives) than negatives. Our family, friends and associates are sources of great joy. It is Spring, the grass is green; the trees are budding with leaves and Spring flowers are showing their colors. It is easy to see this kind of joy.

Many people today have a problem seeing the joys in their lives. Several of my friends and family have recently lost their jobs. Another  has a been diagnosed with cancer. There are always two sides to our lives. When we are down, it is important to remember the Lord and his place in our lives.

At a recent bible study we were talking about reading a book and quite a few of the people did not like the style but did like the message. They came across quote negatively regarding their reading experience. I was quiet and did not say my view, but I agreed and the book sits on a table unfinished. One of the men spoke out about the negativity and about the Joy found in the story. A second stated that he did not like the book but then read two paragraphs that he had underlined that gave him great JOY. They looked for the joy and some of us did not. That is typical of every day our lives. There are physical, intellectual and emotional joys in our surroundings and we need to search and pursue them using our Christian beliefs. That will give us the “strength” and “shield” mentioned in Psalm 28:7.

As Paul advised the  Romans in 15 verse 13; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15 verse 13).

Thought For the Week: Let us keep joy at the forefront of our thoughts. When challenged with life, let’s use our shield— the Lord.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, many of our friends are fighting battles. Illness, unemployment, unwanted career changes and many others. We pray for them to understand your strength and love. We pray that they may find the joy that is only available through trust in you.”

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April 26, 2009, Values
“I saw that there is nothing better
than that all should enjoy their work,
for that is their lot;
who can bring them to see what will be after them?”
—Ecclesiastes 3:22 (NRSV)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7)

Several years ago we attended the birthday party of a business man and mentor of mine. The attendees covered all areas of life and all age groups. There was a roast and the underlying theme of nearly every speaker had very little to do with money. The recipient was certainly focused on money during business hours, that’s just business. He was, however, gracious and generous with his outside activities.

The general discussions involved how many young people he helped along with their careers. Among the guests were former interns, people from help organizations that specialized in helping people who had lost their jobs and representatives from schools where he had helped out with programs and placements. Outside of business, he demonstrated a tireless generosity.

There is room in business for strong Christian values. We need to be profitable to survive and that requires good financial practices. However, we owe it to ourselves to keep Christian values in all areas of our lives and make every attempt to create win-win situations.

Jesus’ words in Luke 12 vs.15 speak to us about greed. “Take care! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Christ tells us to remember what is important as we approach our work and the people we encounter each day. We need to share and demonstrate our values every day.

Thought for the Week: As Christians we need to keep our principals in focus. We need to keep our positive attitudes and demonstrate them in our daily lives.

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April 19, 2009, Spring

“Crown Him the Lord of peace, Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease, And all be prayer and praise"
—words by Mathew Bridges, 1851

Spring is a wonderful time of the year. Short winter days are replaced with warmer and longer evenings. Spring bulbs emerge from the ground with green sprouts, color returns to the woods, parks and our own yards. It is a time when the wonders of God brings peaceful thoughts to us all. We also live in a world surrounded by fear. Terrorism, anger, financial problems and many other crises fill our world along with the wonders of spring. I do not know about you, but I ponder the why of it all. Where is our “peace on earth”?

Spring shows us how close it is and that God is trying to bring it to us. What is our best way to participate in having a peaceful world? The message in another hymn, “...let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” gives us a hint. If each of us does our part, we can influence the world.

Thought for the Week: Each week we encounter negativity. There are angry drivers, frustrations in the workplace and certainly opportunities to be frustrated in our family lives. We can chose to be anxious or at peace. This week when given the chance, let us demonstrate our Christian and peaceful side. Let it begin with each of us.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, each week we see negativity around the world. We as people seem to have very little control over it all. This week we pray that we may lead by the example of Christ, we pray that our living example may contribute to a better world

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April 13, 2009, Special Edition, HappyEaster

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
(James 1:12 NIV)

In our seemingly endless search for tranquility, we always seem to “want what we want, when we want it.” Waiting seems like an impossible task. We seem to want our victories to come via the easy route. That is rarely a reality of life. Life is not a sprint, it is an endurance event, a marathon.

Many of you know of my amateur career as an endurance athlete, a Triathlete, swim, bike and run. Just to get to the starting line in a race takes hours of practice, mostly alone; sometimes in pain; often in bad weather conditions. However, in most races there are over thousands participants! That's correct, thousands. This is generally true of most endurance events. What for? Why do people do that?

Let me summarize the feelings that occur during a typical Triathlon. There is anticipation and excitement standing on the beach during the national anthem. There is generally a feeling of spirituality during the blessing. In all my races, there was a period of fear at sometime during the swim. Boredom, pain, doubt and an entire array of other feelings occur during the bike ride and run. Then comes the finish, the approach to the finish line.

The finish line of an endurance event generally has a crowd of 10,000 to 50,000 spectators. Enthusiasm and positive energy seem to radiate out of the crowd to be absorbed by the competitors. When discussing this with my fellow racers, we universally agree that the feeling of finishing, the pride, the accomplishment and of course, just being done, are very special. Many of us have never crossed the finish line without tears of joy in our eyes.

As a grandfather and senior citizen, I can look back over the years and see the parallels between racing and life. Life is full of challenges, fears and excitement. Consider James 1: 2-3, “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.”

Let’s remember live our lives as Christians, be patient, meet our challenges and look forward to receiving our “crown of life.”

Focus for the Week: We are all living through trying times. There is too much to do, too much work, not enough playtime. However, we have God and through Him we have our Christian friends. This week, let’s look toward the future knowing that patience and perseverance will bring us tranquility and happiness.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord and Father, this week we simply pray that we may do your work better here on Earth. We pray that we may greet others with Love, understand their views and find a way to lead them to You. Amen

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April 5, 2009, Peaks and Valleys
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God ... And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, ...”
—(Romans 5:1-4, NIV)

Life is full of peaks and valleys. It is very human to take credit for the peaks and blame something else for the valleys. It is hard at times to identify with our own "piece of the action" when there is pain.

It is often hard to appreciate the lessons learned through the suffering process. We look to our faith more often when we are in a valley than when we are at a peak. Many people that visit our churches come through crises. Divorce, illness, grief, loneliness etc. are among the common reason for a visit.

I have personally never greeted someone that told me that they had such a great week that they came to say thanks to God. However, one of the beauties of our faith is that we recognize God’s role in helping get us to the next peak. We recognize God’s role in getting us to the final peak.

Each peak gives us a reason for a stronger faith, the lessons learned in the valleys gives us the “... perseverance, character; and character, hope” that carry us through out our lives.

Thought for the Week: This week let us recognize if we are in a peak or a valley. Let us recognize the lessons we are learning if it is a "valley" and give credit to those things that helped make it a “peak.” Either way, let us give thanks to God.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, we are in a confused world. Many people are concerned about their future in tough economic times. There is war, fear, terror that seems to dominate the news. Certainly there are many needing a “peak” to help them out. This week we pray that through your Son Jesus, we all may find a peak and a way to share your Love with someone. Amen

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