God the What?

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. I know those, but God the Farmer??? Got to thinking the other day about that. A farmer tills the soil, plants the seed, waters and weeds, and hopes for the very best crop. Isn't that what God does with us? Made us out of clay, showers us with Grace. Takes care of the "weeds" that come up in our lives. And He certainly wants the very best "us" that we can be.

Absense

It’s been several months since I’ve written anything. It all started on April 1st, no April Fools prank, but a phone call from my sister in Bay City. Our 82 year old mother had suffered a stroke, a big one. After several days in the hospital she was starting to come around, but had lost the use of her left side and couldn’t speak. What seemed worse to us is that she didn’t appear to recognize any of her children. We were told that things might get better in a few more days, so we waited.

To make a long story short, her body died on May 1st at 12:30 in the morning. My two sisters and I were there at a Hospice facility in Bay City called Brian’s House when this happened. We know that she is now in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen!

Well, the story doesn’t end there. Being executor of her estate, I and my brothers and sisters have work to do, responsibilities to take care of. One of many blessings during this time was that my mother’s financial situation was such that none of her children had to pay for any of her funeral arrangements. My folks never wanted to be a burden on their children.

I hadn’t spent this much time with my brothers and sisters since we were kids back in the 50’s and 60’s. The only difference was a younger brother, Roger, who came in to the family after I’d left home and was serving in the Navy. We all pitched in and each did tasks that needed to be done. We laughed and cried. For the oldest (me) and youngest, we heard stories that we missed either me from not being at home or for my youngest brother who hadn’t been born yet. These stories, of blessings or events, gave us information on how our life walk had thus far shaped us in who we are today.

There were times during this ordeal that it seemed like I couldn’t do or say all the things that needed to be done or said. But I kept remembering that I wasn’t alone, the Spirit of God was with me the whole time and helped me through the darkest hours. Next month we will lay our mother and father’s ashes to rest, next to my sister’s grave. Had my parents survived until this July, it would have been their 62nd anniversary. That’s still a mighty good track record.

I look forward to getting back to “normal.” I can see it on the horizon, like a ray of light shining through the cloulds, like hope of heaven and being in the presence of the Creator. Then I remember, “Don’t anticipate.” So I try to continue to be faithful each hour and day until then.

GLYASDI ~ Rocky

There is something to be said about "routine." I start my day with pretty much the same routine. I read a daily devotional from a book called "My Time with God." Really neat - is a matching of new testament and old testament Scriptures along with a devotional by someone that enhances the Scripture readings. Then I get online to read the daily email from "The Upper Room." Everyone knows how neat those little devotionals are.

Then I check out other emails and then go to the Emmaus Blog. For some time now that has seemed kinda like a waste of time. But, ya know what? It really isn't. The time I spend looking for some new post or whatever, is more time I can spend with my thoughts and my God, and listening to what He might have to say to me.

Today is going to be a great day. I get to go help a good friend and, in doing so, spend some time with my son and my grandsons. Yup, looking forward to a great day.

Hopefully, God will give you a great day too!

Peace to all.

It's been a month since Ken last posted on here - even longer for Rocky or for myself. This blog has become a part of my morning routine, but now, it doesn't even have the little "Words of Christ" piece. My thanks to whoever was providing that.

I feel something is missing here. I know for sure that Ken, Rocky, and I are not the only ones who have thoughts to share. Perhaps "Facebook" has taken the place of the blog?

I do miss it.

The following was the devotional I gave this morning at the first South County Lenten breakfast for 2011:

In 1987, Dr. Gregory Stock published a little volume entitled “The Book of Questions”. One of the questions goes: would you rather endure one day of intense suffering, or a life of low-level but long-term pain?

It then goes on to ask, what is an immunization, if not enduring short-term pain to avoid a life of crippling disease? The suffering of polio, diphtheria, yellow fever, measles, and smallpox were before my time - but some of you may have seen them.

Life itself contains its inoculations. The “terrible twos” taught each of us that the universe contained other human beings - and that we were not in charge of them. Puberty taught us that we had the power to define ourselves as individuals separate from our parents. Both processes, as you know, involve moments of anguish for all involved. Both remind us that the universe does not revolve around us. They are no different than immunizations; they just take longer.

The point is that we grow through seasons, and the seasons often involve trials; but the long-term benefit is real.

Of course, we have a choice.

We can live according to our plan: Party On, Dude! Take care of Numero Uno! Numb ourselves, live for the pleasures of the day; look what you made me do; and oh, that person had so much life ahead of them.

We can live according to another human’s plan: Hating ourselves when we don’t meet their expectations; hating THEM when they don’t meet OUR expectations; or opening ourselves up to the learned helplessness of the abused.

These choices, among several others, make a fundamentally flawed assumption: that this life is all there is. That you only go around once. That after this life, if there is anything at all, there is reward or punishment based solely on the grade we earn for ourselves. It is all about us.

There is another choice. Listen to these passages of Scripture.

James 1:2-4: “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.”

Romans 5:3-5: “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, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.”

Matthew 5:11-12: Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

God became Christ, came down to Earth, and suffered like none of us will ever suffer to show us this: This life is just the start! If we will allow ourselves to get our vaccinations - if we will persevere through life’s lessons - if we let life be about His plan, and not ours - we will have a future that we did not earn, but that will still be greater than ANYTHING we can imagine. No other belief system in the world has that message.

As many of you know, God granted me the incredible blessing of a beautiful wife for 32 years. Terri passed away August 3d of last year, at the age of 53, as I held her hand. And I have never, and will never, endure such pain again in all eternity.

If this world is all there is, then that is a sick, cosmic joke. If this world is about justice for my actions, then my life can only be an abject failure. But if Christ is who He said He was - and I believe He is - then I have been immunized against ANYTHING this world can throw at me. I have persevered through that loss, and therefore I can persevere through ANYTHING this world can throw at me. I can continue to find joy, and spread joy. And when this life is over - because I will live for Christ, not for me - someday, I will get Terri back. Because she accepted Christ’s gift, and lived her life for Him.

Ladies and gentlemen, this Lenten season is about deciding who is in charge. It is about rolling up your sleeve. And it is about accepting God’s leadership, which - through joy, tribulation, and perseverance - will surpass the boundaries of your imagination.

Compared to eternity - it’ll only pinch for a little bit.

God Bless,
Dr Ken (how are YOU doing?) FP

There is a universal observation among parents, that when a child comes to you and says “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”; all you have to do is start listing the endless things they could be doing, like “Have you finished your home work? Have you started reading that book you have to do a report on next week? Is your room cleaned up? Did you pick up your dirty cloths and put them in the hamper, like I’ve asked for the 3rd day now?” The parent can keep the list going until there isn’t any oxygen left in the room, but the “bored” child will be long gone, having thought of something to do other any of the “top 25” listed items from the parent.

I’ve said this to my children and so has my wife, Sandi. It’s one of those things you learn through those “informative years” as your children grow and you seem to get buried by the overwhelming duties and responsibilities of taking care of a family.

Now, in our daily prayers, we usually don’t go to the Father with “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” But then again, maybe that’s how Sister Theresa got her start. For as surely as the day is long, there are plenty of things we could be doing for God, to be the hands and feet of Christ. In some circles, this is called Christian Action. It’s more than going to Sunday school, Bible study or attending Sunday services and dropping a few dollars in the plate (or bag) as it’s passed around.

Christian Action is being in tune with the world around you; in your home, work place and community. Too keep your eyes and ears open, and stepping in to help where you can with the gifts of time and talent God has entrusted to you. As it’s been said before, “You may be the only Bible people see.”

I had a conversation with someone awhile back and mentioned another person involved in a Christian project that was taking place. A comment was made, “I didn’t know that Tom* was a Christian.” The statement caused me to pause and later ponder. What in this persons eyes did they see or not see that caused them to make that statement? Could people make a similar statement about me? I did defend the statement made against the person it was directed to, since I knew a little more about the person then other, “Yes, he is a Christian and has been a loving father, husband and helps out in different community projects.” The problem here was that both individuals just didn’t cross paths enough in similar projects where they could see each other in Christian action.

So, getting back on track; are you bored? Have you asked your Father what you can do for Him? Have you kept you eyes and ears open to the world around you? Have you asked your pastor or youth minister if there is something you can do to help them (doing work for God)? Or do you do like some children do and go find yourself something to do other than the endless list of areas that deserve a higher priority? Think about it.

*The name was changed to protect the identity. Could it have been you they were making the comment about?

God Loves You and So Do I ~ Rocky

Don't know if my pc just picked up on it , or if someone re-designed the appearance of this blog - either way, it looks great.

Thank you to whoever God gave the talent to do things like this!

I want to be a butterfly!

Last weekend 33 girls attended the Flight of Hope Chrysalis Girls' Flight #41 in Kalamazoo. Amidst all the giggles during the Closing service, were real words of change, hope and love.

How many times have you heard, "I've never felt this much love," or "I want to share this with the whole world"? Think back to how you responded to the two questions: What has this weekend meant to you? and What are you going to do with it? Do you still feel the love? Are you still sharing it with the world?

Please keep these 33 girls in your prayers as they continue their next steps.

Also pray for the formation of a Boys' team. The February Boys' Flight has been pushed back and tentatively scheduled for June 24-26.

FLY WITH CHRIST!

Dr. David W. Hills

The father of former Community Spiritual Director, Rev. David F. Hills, passed away Sunday. Please keep the family in your prayers.

View the obituary or sign the memory book here.

Day After

So, it's now the day after Christmas. We have all heard the story again and again and we are convinced we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. What next? In the words of a song, now...

"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere."

Weren't we told to do something like that?

New Year, New Me

It’s that time of year again and like so many other years, millions of people will be making those “New Year Resolutions.” You know what I mean, and just like me, we say that “It’s a new year, I’m going to start fresh and this year I will ….” What follows is a host of things we know or want our life to be; from losing that extra weight, improving our health by exercising more and eating better, quit smoking, getting out of debt, save more, improve our education, take a trip, volunteer more and a host of other things; improving something that we feel we need to do to make us better.

According to Wikipedia, “Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set, such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.” There are other reports with different numbers, but they are all relatively close to each other.
So there you have it, we have good intentions. However, the numbers show that we’re not too successful in accomplishing our goals that we feel will improve our life, even when I doctor encourages us to “Don’t quit trying.”

There is also a theory that all this goal setting is related to our happiness. Happy people don’t feel they need New Year’s Resolutions; therefore the majority of people (40-45% American adults) that set these annual goals may be unhappy people and they feel that by changing their lifestyle with these new goals, they will become happy and live happily ever after. (I did mention that this was a theory – and it’s not mine)

For me, I’ve found one thing that did improve my lifestyle, and it is turning your life over to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; and I didn’t have to wait until January 1st. To start, all you have to do is acknowledge “God, I can’t be the person I want to be. I surrender my life to you; show me what you want me to be.” After that, to know His will for your life you have to know about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And how will you know what Jesus would do if you don’t know what Jesus did? You need to read your Bible. Start with the book of John, then Matthew, Mark and Luke. That’s a resolution that you can start now. There is no waiting line or “Please hold” to talk to God.

What’s new for your life this year?
~ God Loves You and So Do I
Rocky Starland

Good morning, world! What a great day to wake up and praise God. I started out with the Upper Room as usual and noticed a story rather familiar to all Emmaus folks. Odd how those little devotionals seem to always be appropriate for that particular day.

I recently finished another Max Lucado book titled "In the Grip of Grace." At the end of the book, he finishes with a series of questions. A couple of those really got me to thinking, so I thought I would pass them along.

For those who are super-active in your church: Do you live in fear of never doing enough? Or, do you live in gratitude, knowing enough has already been done? The other, very similar question is: Do you do good deeds to be saved? Or, do you do good deeds because you are saved?

These are questions I ask myself often. I sometimes doubt my own motives. I pray for the latter while fearing the former. I know in both my mind and my heart, that Christ died for me and that should always be enough, but do I do things to win "points" from above?

Another point made in the book that is well worthy of note: Can you remember when you first allowed Christ into your heart and felt saved and became a child of God? What a great feeling that was!! (For me, it was when I was baptized at the age of 12 and just knew that I was "right" with God.) As life has gone along, have you experienced hardships and felt that your prayers were no longer of any importance to God and just maybe you've done things that have separated you from His love?

Think again, my friends! When you first accepted Christ, and He accepted you, didn't you feel forgiven for all you had done? If God knew of your sins beforehand, and if God knows everything that will happen until the end of time, which he does, don't you think He forgave your future sins also? He knew of them then and STILL took you as one of His own.

Ain't our God just super-awesome!!

Bungee Cords

I have been describing my current feelings as riding an emotional bungee cord, which in my reading, is typical for grieving spouses. My mood goes from peace to anxiety, joy to weeping, with very little ability on my part to control it. I usually hit both extremes part of every day.

Tonight, though, during my hospice "Grieving Spouses" workshop, I realized just how true that is...

...and that it is a source of comfort.

I had posted on Facebook a long time ago that the bond - the covenant - between Terri and myself could never be broken; but, stretched from here to Heaven, it tugged painfully. What is a bungee cord if not stretchable?

So - the bungee cord I am riding is not a torture device; it is a lifeline, provided by God when He blessed our marriage, and guaranteed not to break if I do not cut it. Like a bungee cord, the bounces will dampen with time; and eventually, I will be pulled up to peace and safety, where I can say, "that ride was terrifying at times, but I did it!"

And then I will enjoy the party for all eternity.

All of our Christian relationships are like that - ESPECIALLY our relationship with Christ. The saints that have gone before us are minding the safety lines; all we need do is love, and savor the moments of joy that the ride provides us. My Grandmother and Grandfather; Terri's Mom; and many others are adding strands of strength to that holy cord that keeps me from falling.

So, two words of advice:

First, keep your hands off the scissors. The pain of the ride is NOTHING as bad as the pain of cutting loose and free falling.

Second, Christ has asked his disciples to hand out extra cords. I've got plenty; you want one?

God Bless,
Ken

Butterfly Wings

There are scientific studies that support the proof that “…a butterfly’s wings flapping in Brazil can cause a tornado in Texas..”; and all this is related to something call the “Chaos Theory.” In a nut shell, this all comes down to; small and what might seems like insignificant things can have major effects on the outcome of a complex sequence of events. In the “butterfly” case, the air pressure from the wings flapping can cause minute changes in air currents and when mixed with other atmosphere changes, well, it has an effect on the weather.

You know me; it got me to thinking about our Christian living. Each day we interact with people; face to face, on the phone and now via “the net” (Face Book, email, Chat rooms, Instant Messaging). All this communicating with other people (and this doesn’t have to be up close and personal, people can view us from a distance watching facial expressions and body language) will leave some sort of impression. It’s these impressions that we categorize and file away in our minds is what I’m thinking about.

When you categorize, you have to put a label on it, for example – guitars (duh). You can put them in order by the manufacturer, like Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, etc. From this point you could go further in separation to another identifier like acoustic or electric and on and on; do you see my thinking? If you came up to me and said “Fender” my mind goes straight to the file in my mind and opens it to a plethora of information with images of a Stratocaster, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Charlie Fritsche, wammy bars, all different colors, etc.

Now, if someone were to say “Christian”, what comes to mind? Does your file have many names of people who bring comforting emotions to your mind, or would it contain people who are walking contradictions of the model Christian – Jesus Christ?
So, back to where all this started; the very tiniest wrinkle on your face, be it from a smile or a frown, or the tone in your voice can have an effect on someone you might not even know is watching or listening to you. We all file stuff away and ponder their meaning from time to time and form opinions that affect our lives. Does your life reflect your adoration for the living-loving God whom wants “none to perish”? How will your “butterfly wings flapping” affect someone today in some way?
God Loves You and So Do I ~ Rocky Starland

Carol Baldwin

Carol S. Baldwin, 66, of Niles, entered into eternal life on August 19, 2010, in her home with loving family by her side. Carol was born on December 8, 1943, in Benton Harbor, MI, to Fred and Mary Personette. She married Ollen Baldwin on September 6, 1963, in Buchanan, MI. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Ollen; a son, Robert Baldwin of Niles; two daughters, Leanne (Eric) Rakowski of Niles and Lorie (Troy) Hudgen of South Bend; four grandchildren, Krystal, Troy Jr., Andrew and Allison; and her sisters, Yonda (Roger) Lear of Baroda and Helen Steinke of Benton Harbor. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Fred Personnette; and by her sister, Arlene Bigelow. Carol was a kind and loving person who liked to help others. She was a nanny for two sets of families over the years. She loved to sew for her children when they were young, and for her grandchildren who loved getting new pajamas every Christmas. Carol loved to bake and decorate cakes. She made many wedding, graduation and birthday cakes for friends and family over the years. Everybody loved "Mother Baldwin cake." It was the best. Carol was a member of First United Methodist Church in Buchanan. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Praise Team, and served as chair for the memorial funds. She volunteered at RAM Love and was member of the Emmaus community. Carol was a very kind and giving person who will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 23rd, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Funeral services for Carol will be Tuesday, August 24th, at 10:00 a.m. in First United Methodist Church, 123 S. Oak St., Buchanan, with burial to follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Memorial contributions may be made to the following: First United Methodist Church, 123 S. Oak St., Buchanan, MI 49107; or to Hospice at Home, 2626 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville, MI 49127 Those wishing to sign her guestbook may do so by visiting www.swemfuneralhome.com.

Cynda Carson

Cynda passed away suddenly Sunday morning, July 4, 2010 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born August 27, 1941 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Donald and Joy (Rosier) Carson. She was a graduate of Gull Lake High School class of 1959 and retired from the Van Buren County Intermediate School District where she was a secretary. She was a member of the Lawrence United Methodist Church and currently a member of the Berrien Springs United Methodist Church. Cynda also served in the Kalamazoo Area Emmaus community as well as a member and past Worthy Matron of the Paw Paw-Lawton Chapter #256 Order of Eastern Star. Surviving are a cousin, Phillip Gray of Kalamazoo and many dear friends who will truly miss her.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 at the Berrien Springs United Methodist Church, 310 W. Mars St. with Rev. Cindy Parsons officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bread of Heaven Food Pantry at the Berrien Springs U.M.C. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.

http://www.timeformemory.com/fh_obituary.cfm?obitid=33766&fhid=343&locationid=357#condolence

Dee Tyler

Delos ‘Dee’ Tyler

HOLLAND, Mich. - Delos ‘Dee’ Tyler, 86, formerly of Cadillac, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010.

Dee was born in Cadillac in 1923 to Jennie and Clement Tyler.

He is survived by his wife, Dona; three children, Kirk (Sue) Tyler, Heidi Tyler and Heather (Mark) Torrance; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be at at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 at the Holland First United Methodist Church, 57 W. 10th St., Holland, Mich., with visitation at 2 p.m.

Memories and photos may be posted online. Go to http://www.lakeshorememorial.com/. Click on Delos Tyler and then Enter. Memorial contributions may be made to UMCOR Haiti Relief Fund or Hospice House of Holland.

4th day

Wow - I actually made it to a Fourth Day group this morning. Have to admit - it's been quite a while. Lots of excuses, but that's all they are - excuses.

I truly enjoyed the short time we spent together over breakfast. What a great group of Christians! What a great Savior! He shines through in each of them.

Seen Him lately?

And now a new season

Well, I'm out of the desert place. Terri is singing in Heaven, and we celebrated her life yesterday.

Now - what is this place?

It looks so familiar. The landscape seems so familiar; the people are all people I know.

My amazing two sons, Matt and Jeremy, are here.

Oh yeah - I'm the unknown.

Half of my heart has been amputated. But yet - I am still loved; grace still abides; and my salvation keeps me going.

I guess I'd better start exploring this place... a bit scary, but I imagine there will be fun.

God Bless,
Ken Franklin

The Desert Place

This is a part of the Bible I never thought I'd relate to.

The Sad Psalms.

The ones David wrote when he was running for his life.

I am in a place of suffering. I am in a chair at the bedside of my one true love, while she lives the last hours or days of her life.

She is breathing shallowly. She no longer has he strength to close her eyes completely as she sleeps. On the rare moments when she communicates, she is distant, but not confused. Thank the Lord, the medicines have stopped her pain and vomiting. She can no longer eat or drink because the tumor has closed off her stomach outlet.

I promised her when she entered Hospice that I would not let her suffer. We also have promised each other "No cutting in line" to Heaven - no suicide.

So instead, I have placed myself in a vulnerable place for the last, and worst, temptation of my married life on this planet.

If I let her linger here, am I letting her suffer? If I give her enough pain medicine to stop her breathing, am I usurping God and murdering her?

Then the Holy Spirit hugs me. There is no dilemma. Terri is not suffering. I am. And I am not alone.

This is the desert place, I will stay in it, and the Lord will deliver me. Under the inevitable suffering, there is peace. This season will end with Terri rejoicing and dancing in the presence of our Savior. I will grieve, supported by hundreds of friends. And I will Persevere. (there's talk 14 again.) I will press on toward the prize of serving God on this planet, and then embracing Terri again after a season.

My friends keep saying "you are so strong", sometimes followed by "you don't have to keep up a brave front." I. Am. Not. Strong.

I am uplifted.

The tears flow. I cry out. And I know it will get worse. The strength my friends see is the Lord's. If you see this as my strength, then I am not being an adequate disciple. I want people to see God's strength, and yearn for it. Because THEN Terri's life - and Earthly death - will be an Alleluia to the Lord.

This morning, Terri awoke and needed to use the bathroom. I went to get the wheelchair; but she said, "No. I want to walk." which meant shuffling as we held each other, like so many slow dances we have shared.

It felt so good. I told her so. She agreed.

An oasis in the desert place.

God Bless,
Ken