Janylu - It is hard to imagine my mother as a child. I wasn't there for it. Her parents had seven kids in ten years, and then ten years later along comes Janice Lucille...oops! It runs in the family! My sister has a sewing machine that my mother gave her that was her mother's. It's an antique. Of course it wasn't an antique when it was in my grandmother's sewing room. That's what happens to your stuff when you live a long time. There is a drawer in the sewing machine that used to contain threads, needles, thimbles and pins, etc...of course they're all gone now. Yet that drawer contains something much more valuable. My mother scribbled her name in it when she was a small child. She showed it to me once. Her parents, brothers & sisters are all gone now. The farm house. The sewing room. And my mom.
Preacher's Wife - A boy today might see a super-preacher in their town or church and want to be the same. We did have one super-preacher where I grew up, but I certainly didn't want to be like him. I wanted to be like my dad. Though he is a super preacher he has never been a super-preacher. Now that I have had twenty five years to think about it I think much of the reason I am in ministry today is due to my mom. She was his biggest fan. Every Sunday on our drive home there would be at least one positive comment from my mom about my dad's message. I remember her, a number of times, telling me her favorite preacher was my dad. I never heard her second guess or criticize anything he ever said from the pulpit. I never remember her sitting anywhere other than front and center. She always was smiling. Always laughed at his jokes (some she heard dozens of times; few were actually funny). Is it any wonder I wanted to be a preacher?! Darn her!
Loving Mother - I really shouldn't take the time to list everything about her 60 years in ministry or motherhood, since some of you are learning about her for the first time. Just a sketch. I tell people all the time that if I had been born in '74 instead of '64 I probably wouldn't be here. Abortion wasn't legal in '64 when my birth mother gave me up. That's when I became a Burdick. I had a college professor that used to say "People who support abortion have never had it practiced on them". Anyway, I am who I am today because of at least two women (and many, many more believe me). My first and last memory of my mother are the same. Enjoying her embrace. When I played hooky from school I used to get her to bring me McDonald's home for lunch. I know, I was spoiled. Her defense of me was always, "He's going through a stage". The baby of the family.
Inspiration - I am having a hard time deciding what to share because I don't want this to be a cumbersome flight, so allow me to land with this: At eighty my mother decided to go on a mission trip to New Mexico to work with Native Americans. When I asked her why she simply said, "Because I have always wanted to be a part of a mission trip". When she returned I asked her what she felt she contributed the most. She told me without hesitation that God had called her to the team because of one woman that needed encouragement. She wasn't Native American. She was the missionary's wife! Alone. Broken. Discouraged. God sent my mom to her. Pretty cool, huh? But then again, it wasn't the first time. God sent my mom to a lot of special people over the years. I am one. My mom is gone now, but her scribbled name remains hidden in my heart.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Last Day of January
Michigander - Recently a friend sent me one of those "you might be from Michigan if..." emails. They never get old. Though I have lived here for the last 27 years, I am not from Michigan so these are always funny because they are so true of you! "You might be from Michigan if you drink pop and cook with soda". "Oh, a sodieeeeeee!"
Dead or Alive - I don't get Groundhog Day. In Michigan, Spring begins when the garden is planted. Correct that, when it is planted for the last time. I understand why people want to believe in Ground Hog Day. That is why, in Michigan, we celebrate the Last Day of January. Regardless of how long winter lasts...no one can add another day to January! PARTY!
Blizzard Warning - Of course there is absolutely no disillusionment that spring is anywhere near. When you live here, it is the small victories. No one is discouraged that they are calling for 12-24 inches of snow for Feb. 1&2. We know they only get it right about 10% of the time anyway. So what? It's going to be cold, the ground is frozen, we already have snow on the ground, everyone has their winter clothes in use, our driving has become suited to the conditions. Who cares if we have another foot or two? It's February!!!! Time to celebrate!
Lions vs Lambs - So don't be mistaken. The only thing we are celebrating today is the end of January. (Besides there is never any mention of lions in Michigan in January!) That's enough for us. Tomorrow we might allow ourselves to think of lions and lambs (especially if the said blizzard arrives)...but we are not naive. Easter is late this year, and all of us know that it won't stop snowing until after Easter. At best, winter is half over. So we find the tension is best broken by small victories. You might be from Michigan if you celebrate the last day of January.
Dead or Alive - I don't get Groundhog Day. In Michigan, Spring begins when the garden is planted. Correct that, when it is planted for the last time. I understand why people want to believe in Ground Hog Day. That is why, in Michigan, we celebrate the Last Day of January. Regardless of how long winter lasts...no one can add another day to January! PARTY!
Blizzard Warning - Of course there is absolutely no disillusionment that spring is anywhere near. When you live here, it is the small victories. No one is discouraged that they are calling for 12-24 inches of snow for Feb. 1&2. We know they only get it right about 10% of the time anyway. So what? It's going to be cold, the ground is frozen, we already have snow on the ground, everyone has their winter clothes in use, our driving has become suited to the conditions. Who cares if we have another foot or two? It's February!!!! Time to celebrate!
Lions vs Lambs - So don't be mistaken. The only thing we are celebrating today is the end of January. (Besides there is never any mention of lions in Michigan in January!) That's enough for us. Tomorrow we might allow ourselves to think of lions and lambs (especially if the said blizzard arrives)...but we are not naive. Easter is late this year, and all of us know that it won't stop snowing until after Easter. At best, winter is half over. So we find the tension is best broken by small victories. You might be from Michigan if you celebrate the last day of January.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Red Monday
Cyber Monday Steals - Lot's of traffic out there today. Really slows everything down. Even with construction halted the detours are annoying. Must everyone be out there at the same time? Thankfully shopping can be done anytime day or night...midnight, 4:00 AM...just like in the stores!
Some Crazy Good Buys - Unfortunately, shopping online doesn't offer the defense against impulse buying that in store purchasing does. You really should need something to shop for it. Then when you find what you need with the price greatly reduced, it is a blessing. But buying something you don't need because the price is good is just plain nuts. Crazy good buy!
Super-Duper Walmart - Online, stores list thousands of items beyond what you can actually find on their shelves. Direct from the manufacturer, your purchase is brokered by your big brother and best friend. How can Target cover five movie titles on my son's Christmas list? There is no way you can find these titles in your neighborhood store. But because they are close as family, they get it done.
Family First - Those who know you best know what you like, what you need and what you would enjoy. Take into account all three. This still leaves room for surprise and spontaneity. That is what makes Christmas giving fun. Move beyond the want to include need & joy. That is exactly what the first Christmas was all about. They wanted a Deliverer but received so much more.
Some Crazy Good Buys - Unfortunately, shopping online doesn't offer the defense against impulse buying that in store purchasing does. You really should need something to shop for it. Then when you find what you need with the price greatly reduced, it is a blessing. But buying something you don't need because the price is good is just plain nuts. Crazy good buy!
Super-Duper Walmart - Online, stores list thousands of items beyond what you can actually find on their shelves. Direct from the manufacturer, your purchase is brokered by your big brother and best friend. How can Target cover five movie titles on my son's Christmas list? There is no way you can find these titles in your neighborhood store. But because they are close as family, they get it done.
Family First - Those who know you best know what you like, what you need and what you would enjoy. Take into account all three. This still leaves room for surprise and spontaneity. That is what makes Christmas giving fun. Move beyond the want to include need & joy. That is exactly what the first Christmas was all about. They wanted a Deliverer but received so much more.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Faith Promise 2010
More or Less - Is it possible to give less and be more generous? Absolutely. It happens all the time. Much of the time it has to do with a persons income. One recently retired, has usually (in my world), taken a sizable cut in pay. Often they continue to grow in their generosity though actually giving fewer dollars. Perhaps a family goes from two incomes to one, or one of the two incomes takes a drastic reduction. I must mention the sad circumstance when job loss occurs. But how encouraging it is for the Believers when the commitment to stewardship and financial partnership shines through...even though the actual dollar amount may be less.
Less is More - Another way people give more generously is when expenses increase. Medical bills can mount quickly and family budgets are squeezed. New additions to the family can add expenses in a hurry. Children grow up and go to college, sometime two at a time! College bills can limit a persons giving yet not spoil the generosity. Expenses not only limit the funds but challenge the resolve. Amen?
More with Less - As far as I can remember, only two times in Scripture were God's people commended for what they gave. Both instances were due to the parties giving out of their need. Great generosity was seen against the backdrop of income/expense of living. What a challenge for us in 21st century America. Yes, unemployment remains high. Nest eggs continue to shrink. Expenses loom large and unpredictable. But, really? Partnerships in ministry and missions will continue to thrive because God loves a cheerful giver. Do you love to give? It really has nothing to do with your circumstances, neither income nor expense, because if you love to give you will continue to grow in your generosity and cheer!
Faith Promise - Our congregation gave over $51,000 to missions last year. Not bad for a small fellowship. Yet we gave less than we did the previous year...or was it more? Good question. I have no doubt that this church will continue to grow in our generosity because we are made up of cheerful givers. Circumstance can not stop cheerful givers. Therefore, we will continue to excel all the more in the grace of giving. That's a promise!
Less is More - Another way people give more generously is when expenses increase. Medical bills can mount quickly and family budgets are squeezed. New additions to the family can add expenses in a hurry. Children grow up and go to college, sometime two at a time! College bills can limit a persons giving yet not spoil the generosity. Expenses not only limit the funds but challenge the resolve. Amen?
More with Less - As far as I can remember, only two times in Scripture were God's people commended for what they gave. Both instances were due to the parties giving out of their need. Great generosity was seen against the backdrop of income/expense of living. What a challenge for us in 21st century America. Yes, unemployment remains high. Nest eggs continue to shrink. Expenses loom large and unpredictable. But, really? Partnerships in ministry and missions will continue to thrive because God loves a cheerful giver. Do you love to give? It really has nothing to do with your circumstances, neither income nor expense, because if you love to give you will continue to grow in your generosity and cheer!
Faith Promise - Our congregation gave over $51,000 to missions last year. Not bad for a small fellowship. Yet we gave less than we did the previous year...or was it more? Good question. I have no doubt that this church will continue to grow in our generosity because we are made up of cheerful givers. Circumstance can not stop cheerful givers. Therefore, we will continue to excel all the more in the grace of giving. That's a promise!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Person Jesus Knows
Knowing You - I am reminded of the old joke about the college hosting a parents weekend. The campus bar posted a message in the student mall that read "Bring your parents by for lunch this weekend, we'll act like we don't know you." After reading the post, the campus chaplain also posted, "Bring your parents to church on Sunday, we'll act like we do know you." I told you it was old.
License Plates & Jesus Fish - Did you hear about the church in Warsaw, Ohio that is being picketed on Sunday mornings? Evidently the local "adult" club's owner and dancers are attending each week (across from the parking lot) protesting the church that has been doing the same to them for four years. "Tommy George, the owner of the club, and his employees decided to attend the church because they were fed up. George says the church's pastor, Bill Dunfee, and his congregation have bothered the club's weekend patrons. He says they come armed with bullhorns, signs and video cameras for posting customer's license plate numbers online."
That's Not Going To Be Good For Business - "The church pastor, Bill Dunfee, calls George a parasite and says seeing the protesters outside the church has strengthened the resolve of his flock." Is it just me...or don't you know this guy is including them in the morning attendance numbers?
That's Not Going To Be Good For Anybody - Did you check with your congregants before you started your protest? At least announce it? Perhaps someone in your church had begun an intentional relationship to introduce Jesus. "Ah, yea, that is why my license number showed up on the list." Was Jesus writing license plate numbers in the sand when he knelt down? Perhaps. But it wasn't the numbers of those "caught", but the numbers of the self-righteous. His message for all who stay around to listen is: "Go and sin no more". Too bad only one stayed to hear his words.
Bars and Churches - Are both filled each weekend with the same kind of people. People that Jesus know: Sinners. Parasites. Protesters.
License Plates & Jesus Fish - Did you hear about the church in Warsaw, Ohio that is being picketed on Sunday mornings? Evidently the local "adult" club's owner and dancers are attending each week (across from the parking lot) protesting the church that has been doing the same to them for four years. "Tommy George, the owner of the club, and his employees decided to attend the church because they were fed up. George says the church's pastor, Bill Dunfee, and his congregation have bothered the club's weekend patrons. He says they come armed with bullhorns, signs and video cameras for posting customer's license plate numbers online."
That's Not Going To Be Good For Business - "The church pastor, Bill Dunfee, calls George a parasite and says seeing the protesters outside the church has strengthened the resolve of his flock." Is it just me...or don't you know this guy is including them in the morning attendance numbers?
That's Not Going To Be Good For Anybody - Did you check with your congregants before you started your protest? At least announce it? Perhaps someone in your church had begun an intentional relationship to introduce Jesus. "Ah, yea, that is why my license number showed up on the list." Was Jesus writing license plate numbers in the sand when he knelt down? Perhaps. But it wasn't the numbers of those "caught", but the numbers of the self-righteous. His message for all who stay around to listen is: "Go and sin no more". Too bad only one stayed to hear his words.
Bars and Churches - Are both filled each weekend with the same kind of people. People that Jesus know: Sinners. Parasites. Protesters.
Friday, July 23, 2010
To Believe Or Not To Believe
Do You Or Don't You - Belief stems from an original desire. Do you want to believe? If you want to believe, chances are you will find much to support your premise along the way. If you don't want to believe, you will not be disappointed by the amount of material to enable your disbelief. What's your desire?
Yours, Mine, Ours - Isn't it something how right we can be? I had a visit this week from a candidate wanting my vote. Second only to theology, is my desire to debate politics (I am kidding of course). He wasn't interested in what I believe the state government should do. He didn't come to my door to invite me into his circle of advisers. He came to my door to assure me that he was right. The trouble is... I don't care. I know that seems harsh. But I really don't.
God Is Dead - It is always shocking when you hear someone say this. But you can't deny that there is usually much in the person's world to support their claim. Who am I to argue with them? Emptiness, guilt, despair, hedonism, folly, ignorance, broken relationships... do you get the feeling the list could go on and on? What in their life rejects their belief? They are sure they are right. Trouble is I don't care.
He Was Dead - The message of the Followers. The belief of the First Century Christians. The proposition of every sermon in the first few chapters of Acts. Fortunately, the first disciples cared. Purpose, forgiveness, peace, joy, wisdom, restored relationships... the list does go on and on. Death is a harsh reality. Yet life was given over and over and over again.
What's It Going To Be? - I want to believe! I haven't been disappointed. Every turn seems to provide a different view of what I hope. Each day provides support for what I feel. All roads point to what I know. Do I care? Will anyone else?
Yours, Mine, Ours - Isn't it something how right we can be? I had a visit this week from a candidate wanting my vote. Second only to theology, is my desire to debate politics (I am kidding of course). He wasn't interested in what I believe the state government should do. He didn't come to my door to invite me into his circle of advisers. He came to my door to assure me that he was right. The trouble is... I don't care. I know that seems harsh. But I really don't.
God Is Dead - It is always shocking when you hear someone say this. But you can't deny that there is usually much in the person's world to support their claim. Who am I to argue with them? Emptiness, guilt, despair, hedonism, folly, ignorance, broken relationships... do you get the feeling the list could go on and on? What in their life rejects their belief? They are sure they are right. Trouble is I don't care.
He Was Dead - The message of the Followers. The belief of the First Century Christians. The proposition of every sermon in the first few chapters of Acts. Fortunately, the first disciples cared. Purpose, forgiveness, peace, joy, wisdom, restored relationships... the list does go on and on. Death is a harsh reality. Yet life was given over and over and over again.
What's It Going To Be? - I want to believe! I haven't been disappointed. Every turn seems to provide a different view of what I hope. Each day provides support for what I feel. All roads point to what I know. Do I care? Will anyone else?
Friday, June 25, 2010
Set In Bronze?
Hanging On - Recently, I attended a wedding in Chicago. It was genuinely an amazing day! Memories were definitely made. One memory will live forever for the group of us who shared this particular moment. While standing outside the church building, where the wedding took place, our group couldn't help but notice the statue of St. Paul that hung out over the entrance forty or fifty feet over head. What was he up to?
Waving Them In - Our group jumped to immediate conclusions as to what he was doing... Of course we were in a very spirited mood. It is hard to tell what the arm is doing since it is frozen in time. Was he waving his community in? Okay, we'll go with that. "All are welcome here." Didn't Jesus say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses"... oh, wait "Come to me you who are weary and burdened..." What did St. Paul say? "By meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you - I, Paul, who am timid when face to face with you, but bold when away."
Study Your Bible - If Paul was perched outside our building he would be reminding us all to study our Bible. We know that each finger represents one Bible discipline, the middle finger reminds us to study it. Maybe that is what Paul is doing.
At A Crossroad - He is overlooking an intersection of two busy streets. Perhaps he is just mimicking what he has seen going on there. As someone pointed out once, Christians need more hand signals at their disposal when driving. "One way to Jesus" doesn't really work.
Frustration, Disillusionment, Rejection, Desertion - I suppose most of us would give St. Paul some latitude in this area. He did have his share of disappointments in ministry. He didn't always respond with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, though I am sure that was the goal he "pressed on toward". He didn't always do what he should do, but he always ended up with his do do. I am so glad what we do isn't set in bronze when we do it!
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