Some other things to think about…

Her death reminds us that each of us and all of us are mortal. That is, we are all living-dying creatures. Death rate is still 100% planet -wide. Are you prepared for yours?

Life is short. Shorter for some than others. Some tragically short. Even so, 100 years seems short to a hundred year old. Life is short, so… make the most of it. Enjoy it. Live well. Love well.

Life events, like death and government mandates, etc… invite us to bear witness to what is important to us as Christ-followers. LL Cool Jay’s prayer at the Grammy Awards was a pleasant surprise; It should have come as no surprise at all. When did we stop praying in public?

I just heard that Whitney’s mother is rather insistent on having the funeral service at the church where Whitney learned to sing the church choir, rather than in a big stadium or hall. Some things are more important than numbers and photo-ops.

At the very least it is an opportunity for us to stop and thank God for the gift of such a beautiful voice and person.

Think about these life and death matters,

Pastor Paul

I had last seen him right around my birthday in November. He was leaving a neighbor’s house after a business meeting and I was hustling off to church. We exchanged pleasantries, I thanked him for the birthday card he’d sent (which I had not yet opened) and then announced that I must “take off” as I had an appointment at church.

I thought as I drove away, “That’s kind of weird running into him like that. We used to hang out at least once a week a few years back, and now I haven’t seen him in (several) months as we live in different towns and are busy with our lives, and, well, we really must get together sometime soon.” I opened the birthday card a day or so later and it read in part, “we really must get together sometime soon” for coffee or tea or whatever.

I’ve thought about arranging that time while I’ve been recovering from surgery. Thought about, but didn’t phone. And it’s not like I just forgot about it. I’ve seen his face in photo on the nightstand next to my bed every day. He was there when my love, Sue, was baptized at Willow Creek several years ago.

Some thoughts:

Thank God for “grace-filled” relationships that don’t necessarily fall into oblivion just because we get lazy and don’t make contact. Almost all of us would be relationally impoverished (broke) if there wasn’t a stronger bond of grace to hold our friendships together.

Conversely, why not make the contact?

You’d think that after my brother’s death a year ago last Saturday, that I would have learned once and for all, the importance of staying in touch. My Mom’s question, “Have you talked to your brother, Bob, lately?” still rings in my ears. Yeah, I talk to him every day; it’s a little more difficult for me to hear from him now; his words of wisdom and encouragement are not quite so clear. It really is a whole lot easier to communicate in the here and now.

So, why not make the contact with someone who is still here? Go ahead. Make the call. Write the… email (hardly anyone sends snail-mail anymore). AND… if you’ve failed to do so… don’t beat yourself up. Live in grace. Build grace-filled relationships (by making the contact) that can withstand the tests of time and change.

Making some contacts,

Pastor Paul

In reality (reality being that which is observable, measurable, and confirmable), there is little good to be said about procrastination. It usually results in:
only delaying the inevitable
making matters worse
making the original action more difficult
causing frustration and confusion for self and others
In addition, it usually means that the action that needs to be taken later (have you noticed that later always comes and then becomes now?), that was delayed by Procrastination, must now be faced with diminished resources that have been depleted by Procrastination. Procrastination is, after all, hard work that drains energy and creativity.

So what are you putting off?
Starting a daily time of prayer? Purposefully planning your tithes and offerings for 2012? Stepping forward to volunteer to be a part of a ministry? Making a phone call to a brother or sister in Christ that you haven’t seen in church in a while? Having a difficult conversation that you know needs to take place? Forgiving someone? Letting someone at church know how much you appreciate him or her?
The list could go on and on.

Stop Procrastinating. Do it now. And you will reap tremendous blessings in your life.

Leaving this article to finish an update on the GraceGifts Banquet that I usually Procrastinate into oblivion,

Pastor Paul

When things (think-time and money) are tight, and P-Nut looks mangy (think very small, cute polar bear) and LuLu looks, well “out of control” (think-cross between mad-scientist-hair and sheep that is long past shearer-time)… well, it’s a real blessing to have them groomed.

Two are taken (the chosen) and two are left behind (the forsaken). You think I’m being a bit dramatic? You ain’t seen (or more precisely heard) drama until you’ve spent some time with Lola (one of the forsaken) in the kitchen after Geri has left with the chosen ones. Her theatrics begin with a constant whining (think-high-pitched, smoke-detector-range shrill, valley-girl whining). And by constant, I mean Apostle-St. Paul-pray without ceasing-constant.

It does, however, come to an end after some time (think-time standing still like when you’re stopped at a red light, a police car pulls up behind you and you can’t remember if you got the tail light fixed and the light takes forever to turn green-time). The whining stops, only to be replaced by howling (think-baby coyote all alone in the dessert crying for his momma howling). The point is… Lola misses the other dogs.

I know that feeling of missing someone you love, don’t you? It wells up within us precisely because the people we miss are loved by us. Jesus came into this world, lived the perfect life and died a tragic death for all of us forsaken.

Because He loves us and didn’t want to spend eternity without us.

After His death, He came back to life and then departed for heaven to make it ready for us and is waiting for just the right time to return for all those who are trusting in Him. Trusting in Him turns a forsaken one into a chosen one. Do you know that you are chosen? If you do know that, what about the people who are near and dear to you? You wouldn’t want any of them to be left behind when Jesus comes again, would you? All laughing at howling and whining set aside… would you?

So, share the love of Jesus with someone you love today.

Waiting for Jesus and/or the dogs to return- whichever comes first,
Pastor Paul

Agreed… this may not be the good news the world needs. Although we do need some good news.

• Both the Saints and the Bronco lost (bad news for me, anyway).
• The Packers are “one and done” (bad news… just kidding).
• Chicago houses lost value again last year. Bad news.
• Foreclosures up. Bad news.
• I can’t master the Remote well enough to avoid all the bad news.

However; I have been able to garner some (less controversial) good news.

Stem cell research in Pittsburgh shows real promise that some day may lead to medication that slows the aging process. Good news for the knees and hips that have not yet been replaced.

Good news: I can increase my testosterone up to 41% which will boost my energy level for better workouts and “brighten” my attitude toward life in general.

Good news-Joe Montana (legendary football player and one of my personal heroes) is still alive and doing well, in part due to “Joint Juice”. According to the TV info, this has lead him not only to feeling like throwing the football, but also trying stuff like fancy sword fighting, table tennis and maybe even bull riding.

OK… enough with the bull. Here’s some really, really, really good news:

God has shown up in human history to connect with messed up people like you and me.

God wins. Evil loses. You and I… and whoever will trust their lives to the care of the Savior who died and rose again… WE WIN TOO! Good News!

Aren’t you glad that the Good News we have can’t be reversed, erased or negated!

Going to read a book and get ready for Sunday.
Pastor Paul

Well, despite my fervent prayers and refusal to think negatively… the pain and stiffness did not “get better” and, in fact, got steadily worse (though it did not affect my batting average and golden glove play last summer). About 6 weeks ago, I went back to the sports orthopedic doc to discuss options.

Suffice it to say that neither my sports career nor preaching career is over. Good news, right?? The doc also prescribed some pain meds so I can sleep through the night. Good sleep; hip feels better. The only downside to the medication is that it leaves me in a “fog” until noon the next day, which explains why, this morning, after setting my garbage containers by the street; I failed to close the gate to the back yard. Later, when I took the dogs out, they were not “foggy” and it was clear to them that I had left the gate open so that they could finally explore the neighborhood.

It took a few minutes to realize that they were not in my sight (noon was still a few hours away). When I came around to the side of the house and saw the gate wide open and no dogs anywhere… my heart jumped into my throat.

“Panic” would be an understated description of the my state of mind as I sprinted down the side walk, through the gate and headed in the direction I hoped was correct. I spotted three of the four directly ahead. I would make physical contact in seconds, if they stood still.

BeBe considered it a game of chase. The faster I ran, the faster she ran; the faster she ran, the faster I ran; the faster I ran… you get the idea. She’s fast and can make cuts that a healthy Matt Forte cannot make. I’m proud to say that even in my Sunday dress shoes I was able to catch her in less than five minutes and only went down to the concrete once (no serious injuries except the ego). Thankfully, all four were safely returned to the yard within 7 minutes.

A few things came of this (nearly) tragic event:

• I gained a deeper appreciation for safety. Check, re-check and then check it again. Then repeat.
• My labored breathing, that lasted for some time, accompanied by a good deal of coughing and bending over… leads to the realization that I MUST take measures to get back in shape; Sooner rather than later.
• As I hobbled into the office I was faced with the reality that my hip is not “getting better”. Now, my faith, informed by Scripture, tells me that God could heal my hip; He is, after all, God. But my vain refusal to accept reality is not the same as faith. Sometimes God uses pain to remind us to address things that need addressing.

God really does work all things together for good for those who love Him… Romans 8.
All Things. Even escaped dogs can lead to greater understanding, appreciation and awareness.

Hugging the dogs, still hobbling, checking the gate,
Pastor Paul

But I went for the Triple Steak on account of the commercial I keep seeing on TV. It appears (to me) on the TV add, that for a few meager dollars ($5.46 in reality), I can get three (what appear to be thin sliced filet mignon) steaks in a flour tortilla, smothered in cheese.

There was a good supply of cheese in the tortilla wrap. However, the steak was more akin to shredded roast beef than steak. Kinda’ disappointing. Don’t get me wrong… it was good. I had to go back today just to make sure I wasn’t wrong. Good again and I did manage to woof it down both times well within the 5 minute (self-imposed) time period. Still… it wasn’t quite as advertised.

Here is something that is just as advertised:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is the fulfillment of that advertisement.

• He is given unto us and we can trust Him with the government of our lives.
• Jesus is a wonder of a counselor. His counsel is perfect for life.
• Jesus is almighty, evidenced by His victory over death.
• Jesus is the compassionate care of the Father for us.
• He brings us a Peace that passes all human understanding.

Just as advertised.

Oh, join us on Christmas Eve. The services, 7 and 10:30PM will be as (I have) advertised them. Candles, Carols, Communion and an experience you will remember.

Truth in Advertising,
Pastor Paul

Lighting makes it possible to read.

Lighting on the cross in the sanctuary casts beautiful and interesting shadows. One photo of these interesting shadows serves as our “branding” here at Grace. Cool.

Lighting makes it possible to see the expressions on the faces of the singers and players in the Praise Band, as well as the expressions of the preacher.

Lighting in the parking lot provides safety and a welcoming atmosphere.

Lighting on the side of the building and shining through the windows lets the community know that something is going on at Grace.

Bringing the lights down for Evening Prayer Services, or Christmas Eve Services, sets a unique atmosphere and makes it possible to spotlight a person or thing on the platform or in the chancel area. Bringing the lighting up for services like Easter Morning really adds to the joyous celebration of the day. I love lighting.

So back to the 100 watt-er’s I’m staring at now. They’re going into the chandeliers in the sanctuary. In each of the four chandeliers, there are 7 100 watt lights directed downward to light up the seating. 6 of those 28 lights are out. It makes a real difference in the illumination.

To replace bulbs in the chandeliers is not an easy proposition. Planks are laid across the pews and a 20 foot step ladder is placed upon the planks. The some brave (fool-hearty) soul (initials “PP”) climbs up and changes out the bulbs. Then the planks and ladder are moved to the next chandelier and the process is repeated. I like to do this when I’m alone, ’cause it tends to make people nervous and I don’t need that kind of nervous, negative vibe.

So I’m thinking about people and lighting things up. Some people “glow”. Like the Thanksgiving Eve Service. The testimonies really “lit up” the place; Praise God!!!

If you are a Christ-follower, your light is vital to your brothers and sisters in Christ as we gather together (Hebrews 10:25)… Sunday mornings, 8:15 & 10:45 in case you forgot or didn’t know. It’s like the missing 100 watt-er’s when you’re not there.

It may take some effort to make it to church, but make the effort; Others need your light. It may take some effort to share Jesus with friends, family and co-workers; make the effort; they need Jesus.

Going to change bulbs,

Pastor Paul

Pastor Paul Cutler encourages us to “keep going” by citing examples from the film industry and the Bible.