Coming Together Without Coming Apart

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

These are certainly unusual times, and this pandemic has affected us in so many ways. As I sat to write this, I started to enumerate the problems it has caused, but why? You know the extent of the problems. After a while, it becomes overwhelming. That isn't why I decided to resurrect this blog. Internetspirations has always been about encouraging people, and so I am writing now to do just that.

I know it is hard living within the same rooms day after day, some of us alone and without company. We feel disjointed, sometimes feeling that we are coming apart at the seams. But I have good news for you: God has you right in His hand, and His love for you is genuine. Centuries ago He gave us assurance of His love, breaking down the walls of isolation. He cares about each of us, individually, and He stands at your side even during lonely times.

Hebrews 10 talks about "not giving up meeting together," but in the midst of an event where we can't meet, it is important that we tap into other ways to keep in touch with each other. Back in the Apostle Paul's day, he could not have possibly imagined the resources we have today. With Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Facetime and all the other popular social media tools, we can still "meet together" without actually being in the same place. And we can still reach out by telephone to those less than savvy with computer skills. To that end, Paul's encouragement to spur one another toward love and good deeds is still great advice today; perhaps more than ever.

So, for today, take a moment to think about those you know who are isolated and living alone. Give them a call or send a text just to check in with them. Share a memory or a laugh with them if you can. Post a photo of you with them, and tag them with a message about how you are looking forward to that approaching day when you can get together again. If for no other reason, just let them know you are thinking of them.

In this way, you can minister powerfully to friends and family. You will become the presence of love, just as Christ loves us. Demonstrating your love and concern goes a long way in boosting the morale of others. Encourage them, talk with them, listen to them, and be compassionate. In so doing, you will encourage one another, and we will come together, instead of coming apart.

Minister to others, and you will find your spirits lifted as well.

A Time for Change

Tomorrow begins the season called Lent, which is an interesting time in the Christian tradition. Lent is when we prepare to make changes, in preparation of meeting the Joy of Easter. Rebirth. New Life. We prepare to meet Christ, and the life of love and joy he has for us. But some of us are facing some difficult times. In order to get to that day of rebirth, we know that some changes need to be made, and that is not always and easy thing to do. You hear about people "giving up something for Lent." For many, it is a ritual they go through; they give up smoking, or fast food, drinking... but making the connection to something spiritual isn't obvious. So consider this: During Lent, start making those difficult sacrifices that are keeping you from Joy. This is a season designed to lead you into life and Joy. God made you as an amazing, whole creature. It is only our human foibles that keep us from joy. Make those moves to become healthier. Make changes in your relationships that will foster a happier life for both. Make changes in the things you can, learn to accept or change your own attitude in the things you cannot move. We are siting on the Eve of Joy. Take the next six weeks to plant the seeds of happiness in your heart. Then you can meet Christ as He intended you to be: Whole, Joyful, and Blessed.

Rising From The Sand

Something Different: Back in 2006 The Orange County Register offered a writing contest every once in a while to its readers. Artist Craig Pursley would create a painting and readers were to submit a short story to go along with the illustration. Here is one from June, 2006. I titled it "Rising from the Sand".

They were Fate and Determination, and they fashioned their latest works from the sands of time.

"This one will be the leader of their Army..." said Fate, the one dressed in crimson and blue. "And perhaps more."

"He certainly has the intensity for it," agreed Determination as he put the finishing touches, with a pat to the shoulder on his latest work.. His white shirt was trimmed in the same loyal blue.

Along the shore sat a myriad of others they had fashioned to fulfill the dream. Together, you could imagine Fate and Determination as two young boys building a sand fortress. But make no mistake; their purpose was a far higher calling.

Fate surveyed the shore as he took in the results of all their labor. There was one who would be the first woman to take up arms named Margaret Corbin. Over there was the author of the Declaration document, Jefferson.

Their profiles dotted the landscape along that long shore. Alexander Hamilton. Patrick Henry. John Adams. Mary Hays McCauly. There were Crispus Attucks and Henry Knox. They were made in all shapes an sizes, backgrounds and color. Their numbers seemed few, but destined to grow. The Architects of the dream continued their work along the shore.

"The success of their endeavor," said Determination, "is that they never forget the values for which they stand: Freedom, Equality. Courage. Respect. They will need them all to survive the ages."

"They will never agree," said Fate. "The very thing you supply to them can also make them stubborn, and they will make compromises that will please some and infuriate others."

"True," replied Determination. "But from the beginning they showed tremendous potential. Our Father has given them the ability to dream, and as long as they do, some will hold on to the ideal, and fight for the causes that are just. They will build a nation dedicated to the Liberty of the the Human Spirit. As long as they dare to dream, eventually all will know Freedom."

One by one, Fate and Determination completed their work on the original cast of patriots. Tomorrow, they would begin work on the future generations; the ones who would continue the cause. Decade following decade, generation after generation, the two would continue to fashion the patriots of America.

The waves of history beat against the shore. Some who were built for greatness stood strong against passing tides. Sadly, some were washed away once their work was completed. But for most, their work will prevail, and millions will know and thank God that thanks to Fate and Determination, they lived in Freedom.

And on that summer day, by the hands of the two architects by the shore, the land of the free and the home of the brave rose from the sands of time.

Reflections of a Full Christmas Moon (Or, Why Santa isn't a Lie)

This morning I woke up about 5:00 am to the light of the full Christmas moon shining on my pillow, and I suddenly understood.

You see, the light of the moon is just a reflection. From it's place in the sky today, our moon fully faces the bright sun, and then in turn reflects that light down to us here on earth. It never doubts the source of its light. The moon simply takes it in, and reflects some of it back, giving us a beautiful full moon.

This Christmas, I think I have seen more and more articles about children who have asked their parents if Santa Claus is real. Most of the stories have told of the great disappointment children learn when they are told that there is no Santa, but that the gifts actually come from them. One story in particular told how a child was so distraught at the news, that he wrote a scathing, profane note to his parents telling them he hated them for lying to him, and that he would never believe anything they ever told him again.

The thing is, the parents really blew it, because they actually didn't lie to the child until they told him Santa wasn't real. He is real, and I want you to know why I believe it.

The question has always been a popular one in Christmas lore: the story of how Virginia O'Hanlon wrote to the New York Sun to ask if Santa is real is one of the most well known. Editor Francis Church responded to the girl's letter saying the now famous phrase, "Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus," and the story became famous.

Two days ago I attended a funeral service officiated by my long-time friend, Ned Beadel. during the service, Ned told the lesson of faith centered around Charles Blondin, a famous French tightrope walker who crossed the expanse above Niagra Falls on a rope several times, one time even pushing a wheelbarrow. Blondin's fans who witnessed the event exclaimed they had complete faith that Blondin could cross the rope all day long without mishap. So Blondin challenged them: If your faith in me is that strong, then who will cross with me riding in the wheelbarrow?" Not a single volunteer came forward.

We all profess our faith. We say we hold fast to our beliefs. Yet when we get called out on the depth of our convictions, do we have the understanding and conviction to follow through on that faith?

Santa Claus is what we in the USA call St. Nicholas, a saint identified by the Catholic church. Like soon-to-be-sainted Mother Theresa, Nicholas was a real person, who was an early church Bishop, and know for acts of charity, one time providing the dowry for some poor girls so they could get married. Through the years Nicholas has become the patron saint of children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and even repentant thieves and prostitutes.

So it comes easily that Saint Nicholas plays such a vital role in Christmas. Christmas is a holiday filled with laughing children, drinking, and exchanging money for goods. We lament the "greed" of the holiday, and track the financial impact of relentless Christmas shopping on our economy. Many retailers actually rely on Christmas buying for their success.

But, here is the thing: Saint Nicholas came about his acts of charity as a reflection of his faith in Jesus Christ. He gave a gift to young girls in need. The feast of his sainthood is celebrated in the middle of the advent season, December 6. And in the spirit of that great, giving man, to this day we give gifts to our friends and neighbors: sometimes even to people we really don't like! We give in the spirit of Saint Nicholas. That spirit that brought Nicholas sainthood continues to live in us, even if we don't fully understand it.

So when parents are called to jump in the St. Nicholas wheelbarrow, and explain to their children if Santa Claus is real, they falter... they fail to step up and explain their faith. There is so much about Christmas we fail to understand!

Grasp and understand what you truly believe. Be completely consumed by your faith, and act accordingly. There is so much to be gained. The joy you will feel is immense!

All of the lore of Santa, all of the tales, can be valuable lessons for children, if we let it. Nicholas was a man of faith. Tell his story. Teach children the value of complete faith, of reflecting the love of Christ in acts of generosity and charity. Teach them the value of building a lifestyle of giving. Let their generosity reflect Christ, as the full Christmas moon reflects the sun.

Tell them the truth about Santa Claus. His spirit, his faith in Christ, can be in every one of us. Santa Claus is real.

Press Your Own "Like" Button

"As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.

Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil. Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up. But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God."
—John 3:14-21

This is a world that lives by the "Like" button. We look for approval. We want to be popular; some even seek fame. At one time or another, most of us find ourselves in situations where approval by someone matters: That proposal you are making to a company for a big sale, or that job interview. If we are not careful, we find our own opinion of ourselves becomes measured by our acceptance of others.

But God has a message for all of us: He loves us, unconditionally. That's not to say he approves of everything we do. But regardless of our activity, the scriptures repeatedly tell us that he holds us very dear.

Yes, there are many in the world who deny him. They reject his love because it interferes with their own pursuits. But know this: whether or not you believe in him, He believes in you. The most direct message communicating this is John 3:16, shown above. But as you dig deeper into the Bible, time and time again he offers compassionate love and opportunity for us to come to him.

For man, this is not a easy thing to understand. When someone denies us or rejects us, we usually turn away from them. Families become torn apart, friendships fade, business relationships end, and are seldom renewed. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."

But I am here to tell you that in spite of any rejection you have felt, or for that matter, have dished out, God understands. And hear me on this: He loves you anyway.

There is much inside of you that is good. Now, you can choose to let those rejections tear down your mood and opinion of yourself. My own mother had tremendous self-esteem troubles, and often told me she just would rather stay at home in bed under the covers, that come out and face a judgmental world.

God wants you to see in yourself the vast and intense beauty of the person he created you to be. There is much to be done in the world, and if you let yourself rise above the judgment of others, then you can begin to see a better you. If you seek out that person, you can make the changes that will completely change your attitude.

Personally, I can tell you from experience that I have seen this change in me. I have done some very unforgivable things in my life. I have hurt others, sometimes unintentionally, but no excuses: I blew it. But what is to be gained if I wallow in it? Shall I commit to living the rest of my life imposing punishment for it? Why? I cannot change the past. But I can learn from it, and try to live a wiser future.

Make that change. Give yourself permission to find joy. Pursue your passions, and help others do the same. Press your own "Like" button. There is much there to appreciate.

Thoughts for a Tough Month

Just because they say some people may now marry whomever they want, it doesn't mean YOU have to. If you have a problem with it, then marry heterosexually. Live life according to your principles, but don't expect everyone else to jump on board. That's called freedom.

The Bible tells us to not allow ourselves to be double minded. But your principles are yours, and the nation has to forge its own to accommodate all of its citizens. I have my beliefs, but I also understand that what goes down in Washington isn't always going to agree with me.

The fight we need to fight is one to preserve this system, so that we may all worship and believe as we choose, and stand united with the common ground of being Americans.

If you really want a fight, then fight those who would undermine the authority of constitutional law with another set of laws that do not recognize the rights of all. Do not let Sharia law set a foot down in this land.

And it is time to stop bowing to terrorists and cowards. Do not give them the satisfaction of being able to frighten you. Have faith. Pray for peace. Walk in love, instead of fear or hatred, or prejudice.

Yes, we all have our issues... our flags to wave and drums to beat. Things need to be better. But we can do it. We can meet any crisis, with God's help.

Count the Blessings of Life

Romans 12:11
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

I woke up this morning to a usual sound. I've been blessed to have them all my life. Mockingbirds. Living first in the hills above Los Angeles, and now in Orange County, the song of the mockingbird reaches every suburban corner.

Now, I know they can be noisy. They try every sound they can come up with to do whatever the reason birds chirp. Sometimes repeated "check marks." Other times loud scolding. Immediately following, they sing complicated ditties that repeat and then go into variations.

I lay in my bed and thought "What a blessing." Then I listened deeper. Other birds joined in song. There was silence beyond. No traffic noise. "Blessing number two and three," my waking brain added. Number four was a light snoring. My little Yorkie, Mattie, lay sleeping soundly at the foot of the bed. This little dog, who came to live with us a year ago after being rescued from a puppy mill, was enjoying her luxurious new lifestyle. A far cry away from cement floor cages hosed down occasionally by rough, uncaring workers.

As I lay there, I thought that I could just coast and count blessings all day. My love, Gwen, next to me. My canine pal Bentley Bones, nearby. My house, my bed, this pillow... the list went on and on. I thought of Bing singing "Count My Blessings Instead of Sheep." Instead of going into slumber, I thought this was a great way to wake up.

Gradually the morning opened up to coffee and toast. There on my kitchen counter lay the program from a memorial service I attended yesterday. Michael, who died of cancer last month, looked up from the page with the smile we all enjoyed so much during his life.

Michael was a man who knew how to be a friend, and always created more of them. On the surface, he fastidiously worked his station at our favorite restaurant serving the customers he loved. He barked orders to the bartender when cocktails weren't just right. He hugged and kissed the ladies and greeted the men with "Hey Stretch." He extolled the benefits of a health food product for which he was a distributor. He was both professional, and a rascal. At 69, Michael had more life in him than most other people I know.

His favorite word was "yes." Sales convention? "Yes." More wine? "Yes." Skydiving? "Absolutely. Pick a date." He swam 100 laps daily, and exercised at the gym regularly. He mentored young folks naturally. He was always clean, always friendly, always organized.

Like all of us, Michael had a history, but instead of letting it stop him, it motivated him to be more open, more focused, and above all, a man who counted his blessings. Was he in pain? Yes. Did he ever let people know? Never, though we knew he was.

I looked around the room at his memorial. It was standing room only. People packed the room to mourn their loss of Michael. He brought people together, made them feel good, and helped more than we will ever know. He was the ultimate server. A man who found blessings with everyone he met.

Some people minister to others more than a thousand sermons. They remind us that a person lost is really a person just around the next corner. We never really lose them: they remain with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, and in the way our lives were changed by their presence.

Michael taught us all to be grateful for the things in our lives. Notice the chirping of birds and the smell of a fresh breeze. Know that there is always hope, and that we can all change our lot in life by changing ourselves.