Oblivious to the Obvious

I'm having trouble with my vision today.

No, not the kind that talks about where we're headed as a church body. The kind where there are fuzzy spots in my eyesight.

I've been having some issues lately. I've only had these tri-focals for about six months and there is a place in the middle of my right eye that is fuzzy. But today it seemed like I'd taken a severe turn for the worse.

I'm getting old...

Yes mother, I know what that makes you...a beautiful and younger-looking-everyday grandmother...

Halfway through a meeting today I was having trouble focusing on the person in front of me because of the distraction. So I took the offending spectacles off thinking I would see better without them. One glance with my good eye and I quickly discovered a well placed fingerprint in the middle of the right lens.

I really am losing it. It took me six hours to figure that detail out.

When we're oblivious to the obvious our human frailties should lead...to more laughter!

Loving Kindness

I've been in what has seemed to be non-stop meetings all day long while trying to work on Sunday. That's life sometimes for a pastor...or for whatever it is that you do!

Right now I'm enjoying the refreshing feeling of fresh air after a rainstorm of activity. As I look toward this weekend's message, I'm grateful for the people who are in my life because they remind me of why I do what I do. Jesus Christ loves us with an everlasting love and we are drawn to Him by His loving kindness. Jesus is the kindest person. As cultures get ruder and cruder, it is so refreshing to be with people...and be the kind of people who exemplify the love and kindness of Christ.

It makes non-stop meetings with some of the most loving and kind people you've ever met refreshing and uplifting! The people of Faith are awesome!

Cell Phones and Motor Vehicles

I met with the Banducci's Faith Journey Group last night. What a great bunch of people. All of the couples were in their early 30's except for one who were of "experienced age." The wife said that the reason why she and her husband come to the group is to get their weekly laughs. Yes, they laugh a lot in that group. It's nice to see happy people doing life together!

As I was driving back I needed to call home. Previously my wife had told me a nifty little shortcut to accessing the number I want in my cell phone directory. (Okay, it's something that has always been available on cell phones, but I've just figured it out the last couple of days.) So while I was sitting at a light, I focused on trying the new trick that would shorten my dialing time.

It took longer than I thought...

A LOT longer.

You know that whole societal malady and scourge of people who talk on their cell phone while behind the wheel of a lethal weapon we call a motor vehicle and function with complete and total oblivion to their surroundings while doing so? Remember what you said out loud (like they could hear you) in your anger and complete disgust at how stupid and insensitive that person was to you and the rest of humanity? How many times have people like that frustrated smart intelligent beings like you and I?

For a brief moment, I was that guy...

No, not the intelligent one...

I was fiddling with my phone and looked up. All five cars ahead of me in line were long gone. I couldn't see them, whether they had gone right, left or straight. I quickly looked up in my rear view mirror to see a fellow in an older pick-up truck...with a gun rack...on my tailgate, too close to maneuver around me.

I made the hemi in my Dodge pick-up useful at this point (I know, all you fellows should pause and make the appropriate man-sounds here). The fuel cost for my sudden acceleration probably ran me $1.25. No, I didn't bake the tires, but may have lifted one of them off the ground when I made a right at the corner. I'm thinking to myself, "I have just ticked off a guy in an older truck with a gun rack. My actions have endangered my life."

I have nothing against guys in older trucks with gun racks. Sometimes I've wanted to be that guy, especially when someone is near me, driving while talking on their cell phone...

Now you get it...

Alexander Pope is credited with saying, "To err is human, to forgive divine." The Apostle Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

I've been that guy Paul wrote about way too many times in my life. So have you. I'm so glad that there is divine forgiveness for sins against humanity like driving while using a cell phone...and sins of our flesh that rail against God. I'm reminded that Paul says, "The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ out Lord" (Romans 3:23).

The fellow in the old truck with a gun rack? He passed me with some violence at the next light, diving into the left turn lane. I've never been so happy for a green light...

Wow, he really SHOWED me...how silly we all are sometimes, when all the while we should be a little more focused on receiving and appropriating the greatest gift of all...

New Youth Pastors Announced

Dear Friends,

Realizing that we were losing Pastor Brian and Barbara Eno to our state denominational office, last December we began our search for a new youth pastor. This adventure led me across Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska and Arizona. With all that said, I'm pleased to share with you that we realized that God had brought someone to us already. Out of our congregation, Scott and Alice Stair have agreed to become our new youth pastors.

Pastor Scott has previously served as youth pastor in three churches in Arizona. His last youth group was nationally known for its vibrancy and growth while flowing out of a new church plant. I believe that you will find him to be a person full of energy who loves Jesus and students with all of his heart. His wife Alice is a Registered Nurse at Immediate Care Mountain View Medical. She currently plays the synthesizer on the worship team on Sunday mornings and have experience leading worship in youth settings.

Yesterday at Faith is was a privilege to introduce them to the congregation for the first time in this new capacity. Their first official day as Youth Pastor's will be May 11th (yes, I know, Mother's Day).

I want to take a moment to thank some special individuals who helped us through this time of transition. Troy Dimmitt and Doug Moore did an outstanding job leading Friday Nite Hangout. Carol Donadio and TJ Paterson stood in the gap by leading worship on Wednesday nights at youth service - no small undertaking! There were others who helped along the way who made significant contributions, for which we are all grateful. As I conclude, I am personally indebted to Donnie Waite who has served as our Interim Youth Pastor. He led Wednesday nights, halftime at hangout and was the ring-leader on our student missions trip to Bridegtown over Spring Break. He has also done an excellent job on Sundays with our "transition" time in service and we look forward to Donnie continuing to use and develop his gifts. We are in his debt.

It takes a lot of people following Jesus Christ with their time, talents and treasure in order to have high quality ministry. We are so blessed that the people at Faith have been faithful in these areas! I'm excited about our future and truly believe that the best is yet to come!

Blessings,

Pastor Mike

Status Quo

I met with my wise friend over lunch today. The last time I saw him was in February, which was way too long. I like being with him because he makes me think about my walk with Christ from different perspectives. He's become a necessary part of my Faith Journey Adventure.

I met this morning with my men's group, 'Pastor's Posse.' The group has been meeting together in some form or another since 2001. I am the only surviving member of the original group that started this, which is helpful since I'm the leader. But as I look back over these past six and a half years, I'm amazed at how this group of men that I've met with have transformed life at Faith. Those who have moved through for the most part have become integral parts of the leadership at the church we attend.

It matters.

This morning was our first in our new study through the book, "When Heaven Invades Earth" by Bill Johnson. The material seems fresh to most of our guys, challenging them in the area of miracles as part of the normal Christian life.

Boy do we need for miracles to be normal...

I'm looking forward to the days ahead as we read through some challenging thoughts and perspectives. While the book is a little outside of our 'box,' it rattles the cage of any complacency in the Christian life because we've become comfortable in our faith.

Comfort should have more to do with what we sleep on and less to do with our relationships. Without some tension, relationships will wain and die. A vibrant, living, breathing, walking talking relationship with God...and others should cause us to want more.

Oh that we would lead lives that are never satisfied with our own personal status quo...

Withdrawals

A couple came by my office today to tell me that they want to get married. They were giddy and somewhat unknowing, the general looks and attitudes I get when people tell me this great news.

They are both senior adults...

I'm in my second day of a caffeine fast. I'm trying to get off the stuff and my brain is screaming for relief, having addiction withdrawals.

Oh for a piece of chocolate...or a mocha from the coffee stand...

One situation lasts forever (or is supposed to), the other for a few days. Why is it all I can focus on right now is that my head hurts so bad that my eyes are crossed?

If only I would invest as much time in those relationships that last a lifetime, I'd be so much farther along...

Wineskins

We had another great day at Faith yesterday. More came to Christ and a great number were refreshed by God's presence in the place. I haven't heard about anyone being healed yet, but Monday isn't over. I'm excited about how we are "experiencing authentic faith" these days. It is always a bonus when we feel God's nearness as we come to worship Him together!

I shared some on the principle of wineskins. I have written about this before but it is worth looking at again. Wineskins are what were used in Bible times to create, well, wine. Grape juice would be poured into these flexible containers made out of animal skins. Over time the juice would ferment, turning into wine. As this process would commence the containers would expand, eventually drying out their outsides and causing them to nearly crack. The point is, you can't put new wine into old wine skins because you would end up with a huge mess.

In my study of past revivals and their effect on local churches where they did not originate is somewhat startling. The churches who had new, spiritual wineskins that were ready for such a season responded well. Those who were not ready for a move of God burst all over the place and not in nice ways.

Yup, a mess...

I've known churches whose doors literally closed because a pastor came back from some revival meetings somewhere and tried to put something on their local congregation that they had no capacity for.

I'm pleased to share that I believe what is happening in our midst is filling new wineskins that have been prepared for such a time as this. While there are some awesome visitation's of the Spirit going on around the world right now, we are not transferring anything from anywhere else. What is going on is God's presence moving remarkably among us.

So, what now?

It's a great question! Keep praying and pursuing Jesus. Pray for people to come to know Christ and for healings to take place. Bring people who need to know Christ to church. Keep your focus on Jesus.

Are you picking up a theme here...?

We've prayed and prayed and prayed. We've tried to follow Jesus in everything. And now this remarkable season of His presence. This could very well be a season in your life that you will not soon forget!

Decision Time

For all those at Faith who read this blog, we have a very important decision to make in the week ahead concerning filling an associate pastor role in our church. Please be in prayer about this vital matter! We want God's best fit for us.

Blessings,
Pastor Mike

More Than a Job

It's great to be home!

Usually is it kind of an adventure to get outta town for a couple of days and this week was no exception. I very much enjoyed being away at our denominational state conference in Portland (see previous posts this week). Being with friends, having great services and outstanding training sessions invigorated me.

It was marvelous to see Brian Eno, our former associate pastor at Faith, who is now the Next Generation Director for our state denomination. He gave plenty of announcements, led a training session, led prayer over the new licensed and certified ministers and generally ran around making sure things were done. He did a great job. When looking at him last night handling that vitally important prayer assignment, I couldn't have been prouder. Everyone at Faith should be so proud too.

That guy made me cry...and it felt good. Don't worry, I'll regain my 'manhood' when I pour some concrete this weekend...

Getting away tends to help me appreciate what I have at home. And seeing friends who have recently departed makes me sad...and then exceedingly happy because I can see them fulfilling God's will for their lives.

I was thinking this week about my Faith Journey Adventure. Okay, I think about it ALL the time. I am truly a work in progress, just like the rest of us. I remember when I was called into the ministry. I sensed God leading me to a place that I did not want to go at first (sound familiar?). But when I submitted my will to His, everything changed. I used to think that my value and identity came from my profession, just like the rest of the American male population. I've known for many years that this kind of thinking is a fallacy, but have to admit that it's hard work getting deprogrammed from this cultural scourge. Obviously, my identity and worth come from Christ.

What I'm about to share is flowing out of my sabbatical last summer. This week I was really able to pin down and specifically write in my journal the fact that I'm a pastor because the profession is the tool that God is using to change...me. For years I had this turned around, that my total value was that I was a tool that God used to change others. My worth was all about having better meetings and making better people.

It's so easy to forget that it's not about me and all about Jesus.

Duh...

I have a passion and fire for what I'm doing. It's Thursday and I'm already chomping at the bit to preach my guts out this weekend. But that isn't the point of the story. God is continuing to write my story. Sometimes it's sad because I try to take control of the pen...but He is the author and finisher of my faith.

I am being perfected by following His will for my life.

I wonder how many of my friends (everyone - not just clergy) have thought about their lives this way? We think about our jobs and place in life like they are merely means to an end. Perhaps instead we should think of those things as God's way of bringing meaning so we can be victorious at the end?

New Platform

I've been enjoying this time at our state denominational conference the past couple of days. I'm incredibly pleased, amazed and wondrously blessed by the changes that have been made to bring our group out of the 20th century and into the 21st. However, none of this would be possible without our previous leadership who paved the way for deep change.

My parents still live in the home that I grew up in. I was up there (Seattle area) a couple weeks ago to interview a marvelous couple for our open associate position at Faith. Since the last time I'd been up, my parents had the house remodeled.

Oh my goodness, I didn't know where I was for a little bit!

All new doors, molding, wainscoting, kitchen cabinets and appliances, along with fresh paint made that place look like something completely different than I grew up in. There's nothing like getting an update to lift your heart and soul...

I remember back to our old table in that house. It was round with two leafs that made it oblong. It had brown Formica on it.

Yes, it looked exactly like brown Formica...

I remember when that table moved out and the new oak table and chairs moved in. I noted that it coincided with all of us kids moving out of the house.

Smart people my folks.

When our previous leadership came into office, I didn't know what was going to happen. As it turned out, our superintendent changed out the proverbial table. It was time. That Formica, while serviceable, just didn't look right anymore. He hauled the Formica out and bought a big, beautiful table made out of teak. It's handsome, extremely sturdy and attractive. And then our new superintendent of one year added a table setting, candles, lights, cloth napkins, napkin rings, lace tablecloth, new silver service, new china, new crystal, new table service, new, new, new.

You get the picture.

I often stop and take time to think about change that I'd like in my life. My problem is that too often I go for the stuff on top of the table before starting with the platform, first. You can dress up the old table all you want and it's still an old table. Everyone sees it, how ugly it is or how wobbly it is. Get a new table and all everyone sees is the stuff that's on it. It makes everything else better.

I'm thinking that my 'platform' is Jesus and that the tableware are what he's doing in my life. If my 'platform' is getting ugly, it's because I've neglected it. I've allowed the place I function from to turn from relationship to religion.

Jesus isn't about religion. He's all about relationship. The vibrancy in my walk with Him depends on where my heart and head are when it comes to being conformed daily to His likeness. I can think of no better way to live.

Floaties

I had an interesting experience, one that I've had in the past and will probably become more numerous in the future. While at our state conference I called a staff member and asked them where they wanted to have dinner tonight. The response was a well-known restaurant in a national chain.

I just didn't know where it was...

My staff member remarked that it was just across the highway from the hotel. So I'm thinking that we would drive out from the hotel, get on the freeway overpass and find it near Tigard (we're staying in Lake Oswego). So we drive out to the light leading out of the hotel parking lot. I look up and there it is, the restaurant from the famous chain. It was directly across the street from the hotel. I could have walked. No, I should have walked. It would have helped to walk off the humiliation. I had looked at it and looked at it but never realized that it was there.

Sometimes I amaze even myself...and I'm getting a whole lot more amazing all the time!

As I was thinking about this little episode, I thought about our emphasis this year at Faith on having a healthy body, soul and spirit. Sometimes the very things/areas/habits/whatever we need to work on are right in front of our eyes, but we just don't see it. Sometimes 'floaties' get in the way, those little thing-a-ma-jigs that we see when we're fiddling around with our peripheral vision. Nothin' like watching an eye floatie to burn up a work day, wasting someone else's nickel. But then again if we give one moment's notice to such things that hold us back from being all that we were created to be, aren't we wasting God's nickel?

You know, sometimes we just need to "Ah ha" moments to see what is right in front of us. The best ones happen when God reveals them by His Spirit. It makes us happy when that we've heard from God...thereby balancing the effect of the humiliation when the obvious is pointed out...

The worst? When everyone else is pointing it out and we won't have anything to do with the truth...

Yes it hurts. But the sooner we deal with the floaties, the more pain we'll avoid later. And by the way - be careful when you point out the obvious flaws of others. If you don't do it right you're likely to draw blood when the plank in your own eye takes you friend's head off when you look sharply to the left...

'Thingy' Going on Over at Faith

I'm still processing yesterday's service at Faith. What an incredibly awesome manifestation of God's presence that we experienced. For those who were able to access the message I sent out that morning (which literally went up-preached due to time), I hope that you enjoyed it. I'll be using parts of it this weekend to continue us on course in our new series.

I believe with all my heart that we are on the precipice of greater things to come. I am also convinced that part of that process is an individual and corporate spiritual renewal. As we draw near to God, He will continue to draw near to us.

I don't know what revival/renewal/that 'thingy going on over at Faith' will look like in the days ahead. I'm reminded that we shouldn't put those kinds of parameters on what God by His Spirit will do. I've done a lot of research on revivals of the past and note that each one had its own wineskins. The secret is that Faith has its own too. We can only fill the new skins up with new wine that flows from the heart of God for our church, homes and community. We must not ask for, nor pursue the anointing of another. We need what Jesus wants for our church. Our only expectations should be pursuing Jesus, the presence of God, salvations and healings. Everything else is...well...the surprises of Jesus. I think He's got things pretty well under control!

Real One

I'm writing from Portland tonight, that foreign-from-Central Oregon city that rests at the junction of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Tonight was the first adventure of this year's Summit, our annual state conference for the denomination that Faith Christian Center calls 'home.'

What a great start to a bunch of meetings!

Our speaker tonight and tomorrow evening is Zollie Smith, our newly elected National Home Missions Director. He serves the United States for our denomination in this capacity. Of greater note, he is the first black man to serve in an executive capacity as part of our national fellowship, duly elected by our predominantly white constituency. However, I want to note that we elected a good and godly man who happens to be black. I believe with all my heart that this is truly all that matters. There is no quota system in heaven and there is no room for one in the Church, whether race, color or sex.

But hey, I love to hear a black preacher and Zollie lit it up tonight...

Black pastors have a wonderful cadence in their preaching, one that is different enough that it makes it really interesting for all of us boring white guys. Pastors of color also pause in their rapid-fire cadence when "they get it going," which in their home church is code language for, "You respond out loud with your support of the message here." Common terms are, "preach it!" "come on," "yeeeesssss," and "glooooory hallelujah!" I love it. It's a beautiful thing to see a pastor and their church working in sync with one another, one preaching the message and the congregation...repeating the message back. Kind of makes you wonder if they're getting it a little better than the white folks...

As I was listening to Smith preach, I couldn't help but think to myself that I would be just as enthralled hearing someone from Great Britain preaching. Those guys sound so regal and formal. The richer the Saxon accent the better. Somehow the difference makes them sound more interesting. Or when someone from China, Korea, France or the Ukraine (like we had in January of this year at Faith) comes to your church to preach, and begins by praying for the message in their native tongue. It seems like the whole world comes to a standstill for those few moments, somehow adding a level of holiness to the moment.

All of this reminds me of who we are in Christ. The Bible says that we are 'new creations,' that our past way of life has passed away and a new one has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Philippians 3 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and 1 Peter 2 tells us that we are a 'royal priesthood' and a 'holy nation.'

Yes, from the perspective of Scripture, not of this world...

Have you ever thought about our lives in Christ being like that foreign culture that captivates our attention - that if we are truly functioning like the Scripture says that the words we share would draw people to Jesus by way of the Spirit?

The secret to an attractive Christian life is by being a real one.

Footholds

Saturday is going to be a blast! It will be loooooow 70's and high sun!

Can I get a 'witness?' Hallelujah! Yes, YES, Amen!

Our men's group at Faith has a golf outing this weekend at the Crooked River Ranch Golf Course. Yup, the place I played last week (April 2, 2008, "The Healthy Soul"). I stunk it up and didn't even care - that's how good of a day it was. There we were among the wild goats, miscellaneous ground hogs, squirrels and piles of deer scat. Not to mention the holes along the Crooked River Canyon, where many a perturbed-at-life-golfer has tied their worries and sorrows to an old golf ball and kissed them good buy with a well-placed driver...

Everyone needs an old golf ball and driver from time-to-time, even non-golfers.

Just finished another book yesterday, one on my list on the right. It was Bill Johnson's, "Strengthen Yourself in the Lord" (Destiny Image, 2007). The material goes on a journey with the life of King David of Israel and how God helped him to pull himself together in the face of uncertainty, conflict and certain defeat. We need to have this kind of mechanism in our lives, that no matter what comes our way that we're able to rise above the circumstance.

I know what you're thinking. You know people in your life who are overly positive, which sometimes is completely repulsive because you want them to be depressed right along with you...

That's not the nature of what's up with David.

If you read the Psalms, David could get bummed out and depressed. He often asked God to wipe his enemies from the face of the earth. Doesn't exactly sound like one of those, "Happy all the time" folks. Remember, the old English term "smite" is found a good number of times in older translations of the Bible in the Psalms...

One of the secrets of David's life is that he remembered what God had done for him. He remembered the stories passed down through his family. He remembered the oil dripping down the brambled locks of his shepherd-boy head. He remembered slaying a giant while his brothers and nation hid in horror.

He remembered...that the testimony of God was true and was a foothold to lift him out of whatever pit he found himself in...

Last week's golf game was a blast and I've already noted that my prowess on the links was severely lacking. In golf it is that one shot that brings up back. I was on the ninth hole and pulled out a low-profile three wood that I've hit a total of five times. A nice swing, an elevated tee and a 290-yard-straight-as-an-arrow shot, and suddenly I'm dancing before the Lord...and every other person on the golf course who could hear my whoops and hollers and were thinking, "Look at the ding-a-ling over there. He must have killed a ground hog with his nine iron. Way to go guy!"

Oh yes, I remember...

Remember the Word of God and what it testifies about the acts of God. Remember the testimony of God among your family and friends that have been passed on to you. Remember most of all what the Lord has done for you. When your day of difficulty comes (and it will), you'll find a foothold to lift yourself out.

This Sunday, April 13th

Hi Friends,

This weekend at Faith will feature brief reports from our student missions team to Bridgetown Ministries in Portland (over Spring Break) and one from Jeff & Tamara Stringham who led a missions trip to Tijuana Mexico with their business, Central Oregon Roofing. The Stringham’s went back to a project we’ve sent teams to on two other occasions. Here is a link through Missionaries Art & Joyce Stoneking’s website. Scroll down until you see “IGLESIA BETANIA -Colonia Arboleda, Tijuana, Mexico” where Pastor Jorge and Rosa Ramirez are, and you’ll see pictures of the project, our teams and the new roof. Very exciting!

http://www.artstoneking.com/contact.html

We’re beginning a new series of messages this weekend from 2 Corinthians 3. The series is titled, “Walking Through the Open Door.” The main thrust is that we are to constantly be moving ahead in our lives in Christ. The Spirit leads us through open doors of growth and understanding. This weekend we’ll be having a look at how we represent Christ in our world today. I’m pleased to share with you that Ebo Elder, former world champion boxer and television show, “Contender” participant will be with us the weekend of Fathers Day on June 15th. We’ll be having a big event, with a barbecue and Friday Nite Hangout apparatus set up for EVERYONE. Please plan now to invite your friends for this special weekend! Here is a YouTube link for Ebo:

http://www.youtube.come/watch?v=uEp0iaPxSrE

See you Sunday!

Bigness

Two inches of snow on the ground this morning at the Johnson house.

Someone forgot to tell the weatherman that it's April 8th! Let's get real - I've seen snow here in Bend on the Fourth of July...twice. Both times the weather in the afternoon that day was driving toward 80. Such is the beautiful place that we live!

I have to admit, while it is at times a nuisance, I really do like the snow. I know I can complain about it with the best but in the end it really is a pretty neat phenomenon. I like snow best at night, after a long day at work and no one is out on the roads because it's just plain nasty out. When the commotion of the city dies down, if you listen hard enough you can hear it snow. Yes that's right. The longer you listen the more of a roar the sound snowing makes...

Listening to it snow reminds me of something majestic about the Creator. This is going to sound strange (okay, weird) but I'm able to grasp God's sovereignty when I have this kind of experience. The sound it makes is something that I cannot control - it is bigger than myself; I can do nothing about the enormity of of...snow. I know the Bible says that I can pray, have faith and move mountains, but how can I move the universe?

I've never known someone who moved the universe (besides God), but I have heard about a guy who stopped it. In order to defeat their enemy the Amorites, Joshua called on God in front of his people and asked for the sun to stand still. Here is what chapter 10 of that book says,

12 On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:

"O sun, stand still over Gibeon,
O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,

as it is written in the Book of Jashar.

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!

Joshua 10:12-14 NIV

Whoa.

I don't know who Jashar was and frankly, really don't care. What I do care about is that the "bigness" of God is completely, entirely and wholly beyond my comprehension. That some guy a long time ago prayed and the sun and moon stood still boggles my mind.

But God made it happen...

Somehow knowing that makes all the big problems I face in this life seem utterly insignificant.

What a safe place to live this life...

Traits Worth Receiving

Two spots today.

The Johnson family curse strikes again!

At mid-morning I stood in front of the mirror in the bright lights of a restroom and noticed once again that I have obtained excellence in a family affliction that has been passed down from father to son.

I have two food spots on my shirt from a previous eating mis-adventure...

My father's closet is full of shirts like these. In all modesty, while I have a ways to go to catch him in quantity, the quality of my staining ability is unsurpassed.

I'm so frustrated. I think I'm going to buy a set of rain gear to wear at meal times. While I may stand out, the return on my clothing allowance will allow me to buy some better quality stuff...without the tell-tale family trait.

I'm so glad that the traits the Father passes down are for my benefit and not my consternation!

Oh yes, the nice shirt I wore to church yesterday? The one that I was wearing for the second time? I stained that one too...curry sauce from the new Indian eatery that I discovered.

Bummer.

Pop, I'd love to blame this one on you but lying has never been one of our family traits...

The Healthy Soul

I'm multi-tasking right now, just like so many of you have done all day long. I'm writing this blog while listening to a conference call from our state denominational office. In a couple hours I will continue this multi-task time by being with one of the men in our church, walking together, talking about life and God's goodness...and golfing.

As I like to say, "It's a ministry...!"

Actually this man taught me a lesson a few years ago. He called me and asked me to go golfing. I replied that I was too busy. I had this thing over here and another 'thingy' over there. I was important because I was busy, busy, BUSY.

Isn't that one of the big lies in our culture today...having a cell phone and activity makes us important?

I'll never forget my friend's response to my rejection. He said, "It [the work] will be there when you get back."

I went golfing.

The man speaking on the conference call talks about taking time to replenish our soul. While many cannot go golfing during their work day (and yes, I get to make up the time somewhere), a person who replenishes their soul on a consistent basis is generally a physically and emotionally healthier person who is more productive in their work and relationships.

How do we do this? How do we take time outs for achieving a healthy soul? Here are some simple ideas:

1. Covet your devotional time. Authentic connection and pursuit of the King of kings and Lord of lords will transform you spiritually. When you give your day to God, all things are possible!

2. Do something physical. Go for a walk before or after work. Use the stairs at work. Learn to do isometric exercises in your office chair.

3. Start a journal...or heaven forbid, a blog. Writing sets our heart and brain in motion, even if we are analytical in orientation. Pray for 'God-thoughts.' You're more likely to have them when you're looking for them. Write these things down and other observations you're having about life. It could make you a better person and likely strengthen your relationships.

4. Get around positive people. Negative people suck the life out of you. If you are forced to be around negative people all day, they will eventually drag you into their abyss. Balance these ill-fruited individuals with people who actually smile.

5. Work at your important relationships. Family completely matters. So do those individuals in your life that are easy to be with. And they will want to be with you...if you give more than you take. One of my favorite phrases is that we, "Invest in what is eternal. People are eternal."

6. Keep your accounts short. Stay in right relationship with others. Be diligent in this area. You won't regret it!

7. Do something from time to time that is out of the ordinary, out of the box. So I'm going golfing today. I went twice last year. I'm a lousy golfer. But I like being with a friend and getting some exercise. Sometimes a stress reliever can be hitting a little golf ball directly into the woods! Consider going on a vacation on the spur of the moment. Get to the end of the street and say, "Right or left," and then go the way your heart leads. You'll never know what kind of adventure you can find unless you venture out without getting our 'bun tied too tightly' in a knot.

8. Don't take yourself too seriously. Enough said.

There are obviously many more ways to refresh your soul and you might even add to these! But the point is, get healthy. You'll never regret it!