Conspiracy of Encouragement

A wretch like me

I don't generally think of myself as a wretch. But that's on my mind these days. So's grace.

When I think about God’s grace it’s bigger than anything I can think of. It’s bigger than the word, grace. “Grace” seems small to be something that big. This is on my mind because I’m preaching a 3 week series on God’s Amazing Grace.

Grace defined is basically, God’s unmerited favour.

Ask children and they probably think grace is something brief that is said at the beginning of a meal. Heck, ask an adult and they probably say that first.

The grace of God. Amazing Grace…”how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me”. I don’t normally think of myself as a wretch. Just when I sing Amazing Grace and then I know I am one. A wretch, I mean. A sinner.

A sinner undeserving, having no  redeeming qualities compared to the sin in my life and the love that God brought to bear to reach out  to me. I guess I don’t feel so bad when I compare myself to other people Oh, I’m careful to compare myself to the really bad ones - the killers, the unjust, those who harm children and old ladies. The ones who are the subject of war crime trials or who mistreat animals. Everyday those are the ones I compare myself to. So, I’m not so bad. Oh, yeah I’m selfish. I spend far too much energy considering my own preferences, joys and pains. But I’m not as bad as ‘they’ are.

But I guess being selfish and not going God’s way that’s what it is being a wretch or a sinner.

I have to admit there are also many days where I compare myself to good people, to people who are better than I am. You know, the ones who do the right things, put the needs of others first and are probably the ones Jesus would want to spend time with. The ones who I don’t stack up too well against.

Then I know I miss God’s mark. If it’s not God’s way it’s the selfish way and that’s sin.

But then I remember….amazing grace,  how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. On my worst day, the days when I don’t want to think about myself in comparison to others, or my worst week, at my most selfish that’s when God’s grace came for me, a wretch like me. That’s what a wretch is, me at my worst. That’s what makes you a wretch like me. We’re all wretched together. Welcome!

By the way, if you don’t realize it then it doesn’t’ make a difference. You and I are all selfish and undeserving. We all have as the Bible says, “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (book of Romans in the Bible, chapter 3  verse 23). We are all wretched and sad and hopeless and undeserving.

But that’s when God decided to send His Son for you and me. Wow. That’s unlike anything else anywhere else.

A man I knew once gave his life for someone else. It wasn’t’ an accident. He chose to give his life for another person who was in danger. Wow. I found myself thinking of him this week and wondered. How could he do that?  He could have saved himself. But he didn’t’. He did all he could as long as he could to save the life of another. Someone he didn’t even know. He died for them. That’s grace. That’s something beyond belief, beyond rationality, beyond everything but the grace of God.

And Jesus did that. He gave His life…God’s Son gave his life for me and you because he loves us. If that sounds vaguely familiar check out the gospel of John 3:16 (yes the one they hold up at football games) to see for yourself.

That’s mind blowing, that’s grace. And a wretch like me? I need that. I grab on for dear life.

(btw if you’re struggling to remember the words to Amazing Grace, check back later in the week and I”ll have it for you.)

God bless you big time!

 

a thought provoking quote

“How we live our days...is how we live our lives.”   Annie Dillard

As a skilled practitioner of the art of procrastination, this one hit me right between the eyes. Oh fiddlesticks, I hadn't thought of it that way! (my mom used to say 'fiddlesticks", it's a useful word)

 

 

A fanboy like me part 2, or the geek strikes back

So, I’m a fanboy. Comic books are a part of our cultural mosaic and capture the adventurous desires in a lot of us. It’s a new mythology. At least that seems to make sense or be a really good excuse. 

Coming up this spring is the movie, Green Lantern. I wasn’t a huge fan of Green Lantern during my comic book years. Really, his powers could defeated by the colour, yellow. Ooooh, there’s a tough one to beat. 

Oh there were the good Green Lantern comics done by Neal Adams in the ‘70’s when he teamed up Green Lantern with Green Arrow (had an anti-establishment hippie kind of vibe) but otherwise not a favourite. Fanboys like a good team up or a head to head battle. Who’s faster the Flash or Superman? Who’s stronger the Hulk or Thor? Stuff like that.

 But even if I’m not keen on Green Lantern, I like a good trailer. I check out the comic book movies even when I expect a so-so product. My wife just shakes her head and says “you’re seeing that one on your own”.

But in the Lantern movie, they’ve got Ryan Reynolds to play GL and he has potential to grab the fanboys’ attention since he played Wade Wilson in Wolverine (yeah, you may not know what I’m talking about and that’s okay, God loves you anyway). But in the trailer, there is a moment when Ryan Reynolds’ character, Hal Jordan (secret identities need lame names, it’s in the handbook) shows his best nerdy buddy how he can amazingly transform instantly into the Green Lantern, BAM!

Nerdy buddy is like “whoaaa!”

 And Green Ryan Lantern goes, “I knoowwww!”

 

 There, that’s it! He’s a fanboy too and I’ve got to like that. He’s one of us. Like Hiro Nakamura in HEROES was on TV. (Sorry I digress into fanboy territory again. If you don’t’ know who that is it’s okay, it’s a different DIFFERENT world)

 But what I’m saying is…it’s cool to find someone who you identify with. Actually, it’s beyond cool, it’s what some people spend their entire lives seeking. Someone, who ‘gets’ them. Someone who doesn’t judge them, but gets them and accepts them and understands.

One friend like that. 

A spouse.

A family member.

Someone you resonate with in artistic things, sports, music, whatever. 

You can't beat it.

Now consider this, Jesus gets you. The Creator of the universe gets you even if no one else does.

He even gets this fanboy. I don’t necessarily think Jesus is a fanboy. Not sure he’d like a comic book movie. I think He just might. He was a great storyteller and some comic books tell great stories. But I know He gets me.

And He gets you too. Spend some time quiet with God today just being you. He's good with that.

And maybe you and Jesus can go see the Green Lantern movie this summer.

Or maybe for you it's some movie with a lot of talking, feelings being shared, nothing blowing up. You know like girls like.

A fanboy like me

Yeah, I admit it I’m a fanboy.

If you don’t know what a fanboy is you’re probably not a comic book veteran and lover of that genre of movies. Fanboys grew up on comic books. When I talk about comic books I’m talking superheroes, barbarians and sci fi. Not like Archies and stuff. Those are for girls and those not serious about comic books. (sorry nothing personal, if that was you) That’s what you bought your little sister so she wouldn’t bother you while you looked at X-Men, Spiderman or Batman.

 Grew up reading comic books, even had a comic book shop for 3 years! (major fanboy) Loved certain comic book movies, hated other ones. The fanboys were mostly boys. Yes there are girl fanboys, but sadly few. Which is also why fanboys don’t get a lot of dates in their early years. It’s a geekiness factor.

 Fanboys love a good comic book movie. One that captures the spirit of their favourites - heroes and villains.

Oh, and fanboys loved the Star Wars series. The earlier series, not so much the later ones that prequeled episodes 4,5, and 6. I remember being in a packed Odeon theatre in downtown Guelph in 1982 when the first trailer for Return of the Jedi came on.

We didn’t know it was coming. It caught us all off guard and the THEATRE WENT NUTS! I don’t remember the movie that was playing but I remember the reaction when we saw that trailer. Light sabers flashed, those flying motorcycle things sped through the trees (that was new) and Jedi WAS COMING. The theatre jumped in excitement. There was an amazing feeling of electricity in that theatre. Even girls were excited. (no offense)

 Oh, but fanboys didn’t like the Ewoks, not at all.

Fanboys differ on what’s a good comic book movie but not much. As far as I can tell they pretty much universally hated the Fantastic Four movies, Daredevil and Batman Forever (1997, you may not remember it, but don’t try…Arnold Scharzenegger as Mr. Freeze, I can’t help but shudder). They like X-Men 1 and 2 and not so much 3 (killing off the wrong characters is a no no).  Then there’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine --  oh yeah, they liked that one, some literally howled on seeing the trailer.

 “To be continued” (fanboys hate that in a movie)

 

A fanboy like me

Yeah, I admit it I’m a fanboy.

If you don’t know what a fanboy is you’re probably not a comic book veteran and lover of that genre of movies. Fanboys grew up on comic books. When I talk about comic books I’m talking superheroes, barbarians and sci fi. Not like Archies and stuff. Those are for girls and those not serious about comic books. (sorry nothing personal, if that was you) That’s what you bought your little sister so she wouldn’t bother you while you looked at X-Men, Spiderman or Batman.

 Grew up reading comic books, even had a comic book shop for 3 years! (major fanboy) Loved certain comic book movies, hated other ones. The fanboys were mostly boys. Yes there are girl fanboys, but sadly few. Which is also why fanboys don’t get a lot of dates in their early years. It’s a geekiness factor.

 Fanboys love a good comic book movie. One that captures the spirit of their favourites - heroes and villains.

Oh, and fanboys loved the Star Wars series. The earlier series, not so much the later ones that prequeled episodes 4,5, and 6. I remember being in a packed Odeon theatre in downtown Guelph in 1982 when the first trailer for Return of the Jedi came on.

We didn’t know it was coming. It caught us all off guard and the THEATRE WENT NUTS! I don’t remember the movie that was playing but I remember the reaction when we saw that trailer. Light sabers flashed, those flying motorcycle things sped through the trees (that was new) and Jedi WAS COMING. The theatre jumped in excitement. There was an amazing feeling of electricity in that theatre. Even girls were excited. (no offense)

 Oh, but fanboys didn’t like the Ewoks, not at all.

Fanboys differ on what’s a good comic book movie but not much. As far as I can tell they pretty much universally hated the Fantastic Four movies, Daredevil and Batman Forever (1997, you may not remember it, but don’t try…Arnold Scharzenegger as Mr. Freeze, I can’t help but shudder). They like X-Men 1 and 2 and not so much 3 (killing off the wrong characters is a no no).  Then there’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine --  oh yeah, they liked that one, some literally howled on seeing the trailer.

 “To be continued” (fanboys hate that in a movie)

 

What do you remember?

My Aunt Wilma died yesterday. She was over 80, well 80-something years of age.

I'm not really good with ages of people. When I was an older teenager I used to tell people my sister was 14. That went on for a bunch of years. I'm just not good at keeping track!

My aunt raised five kids, cared for numerous grandchildren, one husband and so many of us others. I remember her well. But there's one thing in particular that stands out for me. She made a wicked apple pie. Oh, she made all kinds of great pies -- blueberry, cherry, lemon... People used to buy her pies at the roadside stand where she and Uncle Ken sold fruit, veggies and flowers. But she also sold preserves and pies that sold out over and over again. 

For me, she made the best apple pies in the world. I still compare every apple pie to hers. I loved my mom's apple pies and my mother-in-law's apple pie is great. But Wilma's apple pies...incomparable. 

As a young man I lived next door. Every year she'd ask , "Jimmy, what do you want for your birthday?"

Easy, an apple pie.

Thinking about her has made me think about other close people and what stands out for me about them. I remember many things but often there's a leading 'thing' that sticks in my mind about each.

My Uncle Angus, used to buy those red, white and blue rubber balls. As he walked to work in Washington DC, if he saw kids playing in the street he'd toss them a ball. He told me, there's nothing like a ball. It's fun and teaches hand/eye coordination.

Cousin Stanley, Wilma's oldest son, once knocked me flat. I don't hold a grudge. We were in a baseball game at the annual MacIntosh-Fife reunion. (Our family descended from the MacIntosh clan.) I was quite a bit younger, guarding first base and didn't think about being in the way. Stanley was bigger, stronger, older, and running hard for the bag. He got there and I ended up in a daze flat on the ground. I can still remember him smiling down at me, shrugging and saying, "Sorry". 

Uncle Art always made the kids laugh. He and Aunt Mildred lived 8 hours from us on St. Joe's Island near Sault St. Marie. As we left after a visit when I was maybe 10, he waved his red polka dot handkerchief and dabbed at his eyes as if he was crying. Little sister and I laughed and laughed. 

Remembering is cool. 

Who do you remember and what do you remember about them? 

Enjoy.

 

 

 

we think we know

Throughout most of my school years I was pretty good in math. Not necessarily an A+ student but better than average. I could count on good marks in math. For me it was simply a matter of memorizing some formula and applying it. Didn't really enjoy it just did the mechanical work and got right answers.

I had quit school after 4th year of high school. Got a job, started one of many career paths. But I also planned; under pressure from my parental units, to finish my 5th year through a combination of night school and correspondence courses while working. Took 3 years. 

Well, one year after having left school I walked into this 5th year math class. Sat down, the teacher assigned a bunch of work and we students dove in. He also assigned kids to do the various questions on the blackboard (we didn't have whiteboards then only the prehistoric black ones).  I was so pleased he didn't pick me to do a question because I took one look at the questions and didn't remember how to do any of them!

In the year away I'd forgotten all my formulas and methods. I think I had deleted all my mental files on math. I sat. I waited. I prayed he wouldn't ask me a question.

After a very long hour, we got a break. I walked briskly to the office and transferred to history.

I thought I was good at math. I thought I'd get an easy A out of that class. I thought I knew. 

Flash forward to last week. My daughter is in grade 6. Her teacher gives the class a problem and after some struggles helps the students to see how to achieve the solution. Then she asks the students to challenge their parents to do the same problem. 

The teacher even sends an email warning us parents of what's coming. My wife and I look at the problem.  I'm not worried, I'm good at math. I'm....better than average...I'm....hmmm how do you figure that out?

We try multiple methods. It's not that complicated. It's grade 6 math!

My daughter comes home. She issues the challenge. My wife takes her up on it. She turns to me. I remember that I have to go in the basement and clear my throat.

I CAN"T DO IT! I don't know how to solve the problem.

I thought I knew. I ...oh my wife figures it out. 

They explain it to me. Oh, that burns. 

I think I know a lot of stuff. I'm wrong. Sometimes children understand and I don't.

I guess the one positive here is that humiliation, sorry I meant humility is a godly trait.

 

 

some place special

We fulfilled the dream of a lifetime for my honey last night. We watched the Montreal Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs IN the Bell Centre IN Montreal. For anyone who isn't sure, that's the National Hockey League. We (especially she) have been wanting to make the trek to Montreal for a game since our 10th anniversary, we're now married 17 years.

Finally we're here.

 

We've seen Montreal play before in other towns, seen them win in other towns but being here is so different. We spent time in the Canadiens Hall of Fame and remembered historical moments we've seen with the Habs...the '93 Stanley Cup, the final game at the venerable Montreal Forum in '96, Saku Koivu's return to the game after battling cancer, the 10 minute standing ovation for an aging embarassed Rocket Richard, his state funeral not long after that - so many powerful moments. Moments that come stronger because you're IN Montreal IN the Bell Centre. 

Last night we experienced the electricity of the Bell Centre with it's packed 21,273 seats (some teams in the states can't fill their arenas, my Canadian pride shows as I say  in Montreal they definitely FILL the seats and passionately). When the Habs score and we leap to our feet and cheer, no wait it's more like a howl of delight...it's amazing. Being here is definitely different. Singing the Ole Ole song, the sea of red jerseys, chanting "Carey Carey" as Price stopped everything the Leafs could throw his way...even the respectful homage given to Pat Burns who died this week. Wow, being there yesterday was special.

You may be a Leaf fan who feels the electricity in Toronto, or a Detroit fan who feels it in Hockeytown or a fan of whatever team and feel the electricity in the home town. That just reflects what I'm saying, place is important. Being there is important.

Being there. Places are special in so many ways.

What places are special for you?

A city, a bench in a particular park, a house, a school, a mountain or beach? Maybe a place from your childhood, teen years, or from your courtship. Did you go somewhere with your mom or dad? Was there a place you went siblings, friends or where you first encountered God?

We have such strong memories and feelings associated with places. I like that. 

I remember taking garbage to the dump with my dad as  a young boy. I was very excited because it was a "man's job". I was not just a kid anymore because I got to help with this important job. And the fact that it smelled bad made it even better.

It's funny, I've taken our daughters to help at the dump. They put up their windows, pinch their noses shut and don't even want to get out of the car! Tougher to bond with little girls.

Places are special. 

There is a theology of place, that says that God is found more easily in some places. The ancient Celts called them thin places. Places where somehow heaven and earth were closer, where the presence of God was more tangible. I know, I know, God is omnipresent. He's everywhere all the time. But that's not to say that some places aren't special.

This week or this month, what about going to or even thinking about some place that has significance for you? Who knows maybe there'll be a hockey game there!

 

Thought provoking quote to a new week:
"We may think God wants actions of a certain kind, but God wants people of a certain sort." - C.S.Lewis

Inspiration

Well, okay, big time God inspires me. I read the Scriptures, spend time in silence and prayer getting centred with God and it really inspires me.

Look at the sunset, sunrise or the bank of clouds that rolls in. Wow.

The busyness of life climbs into your head and you get stressed, frustrated, tired, or whatever. But then some of God gets your attention. It only takes a little of God too. He is so much more, so much beyond, so much bigger, so much yeah....God.

Take a second, see the smallest part of the wonder of God. The fall colours, an unexpected animal, the laugh of a child...or you know what's really cool? Seeing what God has done in someone's life. I heard a friend today talk about where he's at with God, what he's been through including the hard parts. He's come to the realization that it all really boils down to God's love. Not business success, not stuff, just the love of God.

Yeah, God's love is where it all starts. Then it gets busy and we forget. But then if we get it. If we really get beyond the stuff, we realize it all ends with God's love too. 

Wide    

(more than the biggest screen tv)

Long

(beyond the duration of fame or success)

High 

(above any new toy or technology, including Apple stuff)

Deep

(with more depth and meaning than words can ever convey)

God's love.                         (dig Ephesians 3:17-19, that Paul guy he knew)

And when you get focused on God's love that's inspiring.