One Church Town is a devotional-style blog by an Iowa-raised writer living in Holland, Michigan, that blends faith, personal growth, and community. Using personal stories, spiritual readings, and vivid metaphors—such as a town with only one church to symbolize close-knit faith life— as Rommel, he explores themes like peace versus vibrancy and living with purpose.
His posts offer daily encouragement, invite deep introspection, and create a sense of companionship for readers.
Physical limitations forced me to adapt to new realities. Emotional, mental and spiritual processes took place. Each time, I grieved the losses before I accepted my new condition and moved on. Later, I enjoyed my new environments, habits, activities, and relationships that're part of a changed life. It seems that may retain memories of the past and enjoy new learnings and blessing too. Is it possible that physical limitations force me to change and grow in new, good, and important ways?
The only church in town will teach you how Abraham, Gideon, and David died at ripe old ages. I assume that being ripe means having fully experienced what life had to offer - gifted resources put to use. Maybe we'll take our life experience, trusting God, on into eternity - seems right.
Just for today...
"The unpleasant things other people say or do have no power to destroy my peace of mind or ruin my day unless I permit it . . . I suspect I may have benefited from my pain. But those benefits are no longer worth the prices . . . There is a beautiful person within me who has no need to build an identity around suffering . . . I won't waste another moment feeling sorry for myself." Courage to Change (p. 365)
"I don't have to do or fix everything." Hope for Today (p. 365)
"Suffered then; Made new - Remember then; Are now." Am I a Poet?
I went to college during the disco-dance era. Guys often met girls at parties where young men were faced with the opportunity to ask women to dance. Like many other guys, I was a reluctant to display my lack of dancing skills amongst my peers - especially the girls who I admired from a distance. John Travolta showed us how it was done on Saturday Night Fever - dancing experience could be a whole lotta fun.
After college, I moved to Tennessee where they country-western danced. They danced the 2-step and round danced to the Cotton-Eyed Joe. I was new to Knoxville, so I went to two different churches on Sunday mornings followed by dance lessons at noon. I wanted to be involved in community and meet my life partner - not knowing how to dance well was a barrier. I met my life partner there in 1981 - praise God. She was a practiced dancer who made dancing easy - she made me look and feel good. We looked like I was leading. I often didn't know the next step but I was safe with her.
Relationships are much like a ballroom dance where you can hold your partner in various ways. For me, it was great when I learned to hold her loosely with subtle, yet clear, signals as to where we were moving next. She silently let me know what she wanted to do and where to go. When it worked well, we flowed across the floor as a unit - continuous movements that didn't feel anything like work. The close intimate relationship on the dance floor seemed kind of like a relationship well done.
Unlike the dance floor, I had a difficult time maintaining close relationships throughout life. I've learned relationship building and sustaining skills along the way and now greatly value the close relationships I have. There are similarities between a good relationships and the relationship on the dance floor - a metaphor. Why not learn how to dance, go to places where people dance, and get out there on the dance floor of life?
Strangely, some churches don't allow dancing amongst boys and girls at all. They're worried about unwanted close relationship building - the threat. I hope that the only church in town will encourage relationship building. God with me, me with Him, me with them, them with me, me with him/her, and her/him with me. It seems wise to hold them loosely and work out the most important relationship with God first - be okay. Learn about Him, learn the dance, dance life with Him, dance with friends while holding them loosely, and enjoy the community at the dance party too. A dance party isn't a solemn place - you'll find happiness and joy there. Is dancing a good metaphor for the only church in town?
Just for today...
"I was a willing participant in a dance that required two partners. I felt like a victim, but in many ways I was a volunteer . . . When I get the old feelings that tells me I am a victim, I can regard it as a red flag, a warning that I may be participating in something that is not in my best interest. I can resist the temptation to blame others and look to my own involvement instead." Courage to Change (p. 361)
"... it dawned on me how much of my life had been spent wanting for others to change so I could be happy." Hope for Today (p. 361)
"I'm me; She's she - In dance; We're we." "Subtle cue; Flow apart - Hold near; Ne'er depart." Am I a Poet?
I'm lifting weights in my basement while listening to an inspiring message from one of my mentors on YouTube. I complete my stretching and turn off the TV. I kneel down, on my weight bench, in prayer and meditation. Then, I'm quiet and peaceful for a time, maybe the best part of life, then it's quickly over. Why?
Being quite is a great place to be - peacefulness. Why's it illusive? I'll to be quiet and peaceful with my heart open to the Spirit of God. Yet, my mind, often filled with the cares of the world, seems crouched on the sideline, ready to pounce back in and continue running the show. These are the thoughts of: having to; wanting to; planning to; worrying about; interested in; and even whimsically entertainment - an endless stream of possibilities just waiting to be juggled around and explored. Might my "what-ifs" be replaced with "even-ifs?" If our focus shifted from trying to control and worry to trusting God "even if;" then, might we live more peacefully and make better decisions too?
The only church in town will introduce the Word of God and the opportunity to experience fellowship with our Creator too - wow. Faith in God means trusting Him to keep His Word - He's faithful. Yes, His Word lived out in us is the very best condition for both the few years I've left and for all eternity too. Yes, it's reasonable and right to replace our "what-ifs" with "even-ifs" when we're right with God in Christ. That's an infinitely better place to be than merely trying our best, on our own, to control the uncontrollable.
Merry Christmas - we have a wonderful Savior in Christ! Praise God! We're far more than okay in Christ.
Just for today...
"Serenity is: . . . accepting my many characteristics and not judging what's 'bad' or 'good' but what's useful to keep and what to release . . . honoring my feelings without aiming them at someone else or letting them run my life." Hope for Today (p. 360)
"What message does my silence communicate? Today I will try to align the stillness of my tongue with a stillness of spirit." Courage to Change (p. 360)
"What if; We'd suffer - Be His; Even if." "Courageous power; Humbly born - Abiding Christ; Forever more." Am I a Poet?
Habits, routines, honest personal reflection, relationship building, kindness, prayer, quiet meditation, showing respect, and a propensity for doing versus waiting have all worked well for me. This incomplete list helped me grow up. We'd probably agree that we've erected mental models to make sense of our lives and environments. We may not agree on just how much our models are incomplete, flawed, biased, or bent to justify what we do or believe. Upon reflection, we'd likely agree that our efforts are flawed attempts to reflect what we want to be true. Being more honest, maybe we'd walk toward our life's aim more humbly, thoughtfully, and peacefully than most?
How do I react to those whose ways, manners, physical characteristics, age, actions, beliefs, experiences, education, or aims are significantly different from mine? In the future, I hope to seek to understand them more before I attempt to "help" them understand me - Steven Covey's discovered principle. This one focus seems to enable a whole lotta other good-life stuff.
The only church in town will be a great place to meet up with co-sojourners for your life journey. You can find friends with a common aim, who're on a similar path, that you can relate to, and are in a similar stage along the path. It's important to work out your reality with others - there're many opportunities to love, and be loved by, most of the everybody. Relationships and love seem to be the good stuff in life. Good stuff is available within the only church in town - God's presence within the Body of Christ - yes, it's q mysterious and awesome truth.
Just for today...
"I would not want this person as a friend, but I do need to work with him as a professional. I don't like him... However, . . . I treat him with the same courtesy and respect I would like him to give me, regardless of whether or not he gives it. I let it begin with me and act rather than react." Hope for Today (p. 358)
"Pretend thus; Want this - Selfishly smug; Treacherous kiss." "Blow love; Ember glows - Guard lowered; Love shows." Am I a Poet?
I wonder how much of our "thinking life" is actually spent in the past (maybe 20%), engaging in the present reality (maybe 50%), or about future possibilities (maybe 30%)? Given enough time, I expect that we'd agree that it's best to live in the present where life actually occurs. If we do so, I expect our memories would be richer, and our future better lived.
A group of friends, and a book, introduced me to the benefits of living more fully in the present where life actually occurs. They introduced me to the acronym S.T.E.A.M.: Senses, Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, and Mindfulness. I practiced mindfulness by going through each of the letters when I found myself excessively reliving the past or worrying about future possibilities - I often did this on hiking trails. First, I checked my five senses. Second, I examined my current thoughts. Third, I identified my emotions. Fourth, I was honest with what I was doing. Lastly, I enjoyed the peacefulness of rightly living in the present - being mindful.
Yes, I painted this...
The only church in town will introduce you to the spiritual realities that may have previously escaped your detection. Yes, God communicates and works out life, with His creation, in the present. So... I added an "S" to the acronym, S.T.E.A.M.S., to stand for my spirit and God's Spirit relating within the veiled spiritual reality. The spirit/Spirit connection can be experienced. Why not more fully live by praying now, one-on-one with God, and together within the only church in town?
Just for today...
The Contemplative Life: "...prayer is available any time, any place. It is undetectable to outside eyes, but it bears a seed of transformation that can bring the most unmanageable situation into perspective." Courage to Change (p. 357)
"I wondered how I could pray without feeling false . . . my rigidity was a wall that hid my fear . . . Now I am gentler with myself and others. Acceptance of my self-doubts enabled me to start turning away from the "musts" and "shoulds." Hope for Today (p. 357)
"Living today; Planning tomorrow - Thinking eternity; Joy from sorrow." Am I a Poet?
I imagined a world that was envisioned for me to sell toothpaste, Chevrolets, and scrubbing agents by "Ad Men" in Manhattan. There was no escaping the overwhelming number of ad messages - they worked. Life's better when you're drinking a Coca-Cola.
It was a world of love and acceptance - freedom to be me with other like-minded people. Nobody would tell me what to do. I'd live out the good stuff and toss the mundane, boring, and self-deprecating parts into the trash. People would be as you imagined them to be. I'd find a life partner, who agreed with me, and we'd live out an unburdened good life.
Good Morning Sunshine - I thought this might be my reality? Really???
My personality and intellect tended, and tends, to move me towards the rebellious end of the the spectrum. What was my North Star that kept me going? Maybe it was my fundamental desire to be accepted, respected, and loved. Initially, I believed that the marriage relationship would fulfill those needs. Marriage can do the wonderful - it can teach us how to give and receive love. Yet, another person can't fill all the missing parts of a good and honest life.
The only church in town will communicate and work out relationships with God, and each other, through His provision in Christ. I want to be found with Him now and for evermore - work life out alongside friends too.
Just for today...
"What role do my expectations as a child play in my difficulties as an adult?" Hope for Today (p. 355)
"The more light we generate for others, the better we can see ourselves." One Day at a Time (p. 355)
"Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." I Corinthians 13:4-6 (NASB)
"Self hurt; God restore - Love heal; Open door." Am I a Poet?
In 2000, the long-hard path of education and research toward an engineering PhD chose me. Thankfully, I found ways to integrate the work and travel within an already busy schedule and family life. The studies were related to my job; so, the course work and applications came relatively easy. The travel, missed activities, job changes, and dissertation didn't come easy. Never having been known as a quitter, I persevered to be awarded the degree of PhD in Industrial Engineering in 2010. The journey took faith, passion, and discipline. My eyes remained on the prize as I took each step. I don't remember many people offering encouragement along the way - there were a lot of doubters and naysayers who advised caution and retreat.
Thankfully, I received a first-year teaching job at the University of Minnesota - Duluth (UMD). It was a wonderful experience for which I'm extremely grateful. The graduate-teaching job seemed to be a good person-job fit. After my first year at UMD, I was offered a job as "Professor" at my alma mater - Iowa State University (ISU). The job offer felt good yet it was too far from home. After 10pm one April night, I talked to my son about his job search; described my own career dilemma; and relayed how I was trusting in God's provisions and not my own. After our conversation, I left my apartment and walked to my campus office - I found the one job that might work at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). I applied that night, interviewed the next week, and accepted the job the following week. The professor and teaching career worked out - the journey required much faith. I'm so... thankful for every step along the way.
What word would you choose to describe you? I've settled in on the word "thankful." I'm thankful for each: breath; day's weather; hot cup of coffee; expression of love; faithful friend; act of kindness; suffering; person I meet; memory of how life worked out; faith realized; and the wonderful surprises of life.
The only church in town can help each of us to be more thankful. How? First, we'll learn what our Creator revealed about who we are, where we came from, how to best live, and where we'll spend eternity - "real" good stuff. Second, we'll learn how to be rid of the shame and guilt that can be relived and weigh heavy upon our backs. Third, we can learn to live more honestly within relationships characterized by love. Fourth, we'll witness other lives worked out within the reality of their faith in God's revelations.
Just for today...
"Is any of the attention I once gave to negative thinking now focused on gratitude?" Courage to Change (p. 354)
"I was told what to believe and how to believe. If I deviated even slightly from the chosen path, I was reproached and corrected . . . They wanted to show the world a perfect family. Needless to say, I didn't develop any individuality . . . I had no idea what were my likes, dislikes, needs or desires." Hope for Today (p. 354)
"Told me so; Who I was - Clunky fit; Dimmed lights." "Acting parts; Lost unloved - Pretending stank, Broke out." "Free to be; Who I am - Lovin freely; In Christ." Am I a Poet?
When I was young, I was more awkward and felt a tad outside the groups that I longed to be accepted by. I learned to find acceptance by being interesting, funny, and engaging in group situations - the "story teller." The persona I worked out seemed to help me be accepted - to feel okayer. My "style" of being might've been less problematic if I'd learned to listen to and respect others too - wanting the same for others as I wanted for myself.
George Costanza leaves on a high note.
I was often talking when I should've been listening, understanding, and growing. Where did I miss the lesson that it's better to first understand than to be understood (Steven Covey)? Did I talk to much in an effort to be respected and accepted? The acronym W.A.I.T. would've been helpful for me in conversation: Why Am ITalking?
When the word of God is read in the only church in town, might we listen rather than seek to find ways to invalidate "The Message" or to bend it to fit our imagined reality? The message will likely conflict with our self concepts of how the world works best for us. Many of us construct, an operate within, an elaborate "house of cards," virtually erected, through our imagination and mental gyrations - reality is a better place to actually live.
Just for today...
"I will not yield to my compulsion to go on talking after I have made my point - and what I say will have a direct relevance to the subject of the meeting." One Day at a Time (p. 353)
"Walls are disappearing, and love and community are growing and expanding." Hope for Today (p. 353)
"What's next; Too silent - Had ta say; Tension eased." "Me focused; What's the cost? - Felt better; Learnings lost." Am I a Poet?
I was one of the youngest kids in my first-grade class and I grew, in stature, a little slower than most kids. I hoped to be tall, like both of my parent's younger brothers; yet, it seemed like tall wasn't going to happen for me. Unexpectedly, I grew to over six-foot during high school and throughout my freshman year of college too. My physical height seemed to effect my identity. Shorter people let me know that I was lucky to be respected "merely" for my exceptional height.
My physical height shrunk along with my flattening spinal discs. I might grow in height if my surgeon fuses more discs together by fusing my spine with metal rods like they did L4/L5 on December 3rd, 2009. If they do, I'll be a bit taller; yet, I'm not so naive to think that my identity will change. I've better learned who I am and I'm okayer with me and my defects too.
Our true selves are likely the ones that we'll work out throughout all eternity as opposed to the changing self who adapts to current needs, capabilities, situations, environments, rule sets, groups, and the opinions of others. I'm so thankful that the Word of God reveals that I'm "far" better off aligned and positioned with "That Than Which There Is No Greater."
The only church in town will share news of our true identity for this life and for all eternity too. Yes, our true identity can be found in the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. They'll read the scriptures and trust in the unseen realities that can be worked out in both this life and the eternal one to come - the "real" good life.
Just for today...
"I can risk being my true self with family members and allow family members to risk being themselves with me." Hope for Today (p. 352)
"Resentments mark the place where I see myself as a victim . . . I will love myself enough to release myself from the closet in which resentments keep me locked." Courage to Change (p. 352)
"Ain't the same; Me and you - Each adds; Livin true." Am I a Poet?
Advanced mathematics was available to me throughout my education. However, much of my time "doing math" was spent attempting to receive good grades rather than working to understand mathematical proofs based on fundamental axioms. The better way was to: follow my teacher's guidance towards understanding the why(s); working more examples than I wanted to; and applying this structured way of thinking to real-life applications. This mathematical structured thinking became an integral part of my mind.
As a graduate teacher, I encountered varying degrees of understanding regarding the application of mathematical equations, principles and practices. Some of my students were from other countries where they learned to solve math problems using different methods - I had a difficult time verifying their work. So, I required them to show their work according to methods that I, the teacher, understood. I directed them to Kahn- Academy for examples that we could mutually understand.
In or about 2012, I committed to completing all of the math courses on Kahn Academy from addition through differential equations. I scheduled one-to-two hours per day over the course of three or four months. I was surprised at how I more easily understood and integrated the various subjects that took me 16 years to initially learn.
The only church in town will be a place of instruction, understanding, practice, and the application of good-to-great life principles and truth. There will be math guys, like me, and non-math folks, like most of us, who'll enjoy growing together. Community is much more capable than any one member.
Just for today...
"I don't have to understand everything . . . feel threatened by the future . . . feel guilty about the past . . . feel alone . . . take responsibility for other people's choices . . . give up my hope and dreams." Courage to Change (p. 351)
"What coping behaviors do I use to soothe my pain? Are they really helping me?" Hope for Today (p. 351)
"They need you; We've got power - Loved and loving; We're in Christ." Am I a Poet?
I went through a period of brokenness - the situation overwhelmed me. I needed help. I was withdrawing and isolating from the problem(s). Thankfully, a caring friend suggested that I meet with a group of people who deal with similar life battles. They'd helped both him and others he knew. I went, I felt understood, the environment was comfortable, and I grew to become a better man alongside others. I actually received love and offered love too.
Even though the people within the group come and go as their needs change - I truly love them and experience love too. I wish other groups were like that. Strangely, as I grew towards being a more fully-functioning human, most of the groups that I'm a part of seemed to improve too. Yes, we rub off on each other and perceive situations differently as WE grow.
The only church in town will have groups and friends who you can grow and walk through life with. Yes, you can come closer to whom you were created to be. Yet, most importantly, you can become right with your Creator and begin to walk rightly with Him - that's the relationship that lasts.
I hope that you enjoy todays "Just for today..." readings. They're but a sample of those that helped me both during my time of need and today too. I'm thankful for each of these writers who've shared a chunk of their reality and victory.
Just for today...
"How could I turn my will and my life over to the care of God? . . . It felt so scary to think that I was out of control . . . I wondered what absolute surrender would feel like, and how I would know if I was doing it? . . . He said that turning our will over is like dancing with a partner. If both try to lead, there is much confusion and little forward movement. . . . But when the partner is willing to relax and let the other partner do the steering, the couple flows easily across the dance floor." Courage to Change (p. 350)
"Changing myself is such a big job that it keeps me fully occupied . . . I don't let myself get discouraged. Perfection never really has worried me because I know it's unattainable. Instead, I'm thrilled with the small, daily changes I can make in my attitudes and actions." Hope for Today (p. 350)
"This one day I can easily cope with, if I have not frittered away my energies on destructive emotions, and if I do not provoke antagonism by criticisms, complaints and reproaches." One Day at a Time (p. 350)
"Lonely solitude; Paths unknown - Preacher maps; Believers follow." "God met; Narrow path - Truly secure; His way." Am I a Poet?
There was an older guy, who worked for me, that had a difficult time solving his problems with his computer models - he was modeling changes to parts that our company produced. He'd spend hours trying to figure out his problems by himself with much wasted time and angst. He was spending too much time per project - he needed to either improve or move on to another type of job.
I remember meeting with him, in his office, to discuss the types of problems that he had. Some were dealing with infrequent exceptions to the design process that had special causes. Some were due to his methods that were different than the ones that he was trained to perform. Some were due to misconceptions regarding the Computer-Aided-Design process. Some were due to terminology that he didn't understand. Some were due to actual design issues that he didn't have to consider when he was drawing with paper and pencil. Some were due to a sort of uneasiness with his ability to perform his job with a computer that was forced upon him - he felt less capable and valued by the group.
We better understood each other after we met a few times in his office. We came up with a solution that included retraining on a few modules. We worked out arrangements, with three other designers, to ask for help when needed - he came to them with the problem clearly defined. "Timing" rules minimized his propensity to spin his wheels while "hoping" for a solution. The process included: 1st, take a few minutes to identify and clarify the problem; 2nd, review the training material; 3rd, seek help from one of the three available designers depending on their specialty; 4th, call the software company help desk; 5th, come to me, his manager, to both alert me and to ask for additional support.
He followed the new process and his performance and attitude improved - problem solved. Yet, I'm not sure what the main cause of his problem was. Was help gained by being understood, valued, and being restored to a fully engaging group member - the Hawthorne effect? We learned a lesson together - I became both a better person and manager in those few weeks.
Those attending the only church in town will learn that God listens to prayers and requests even though he knows about all situations in advance. For those who are right with Him, He will either fulfill the request or give in accordance to His will. His will is supremely better and right in His timing. He cares for us, His creatures, and has plans for both this life and our eternity to follow - scripture says so.
Just for today...
". . . answers came not from books, but from mutual caring and thinking out loud with someone you felt comfortable with." One Day at a Time (p. 349)
"If I'm not careful, I overwhelm myself with all the various things I could change and I become paralyzed by inaction. It helps to pray for knowledge of exactly what God wants me to change at any given moment." Hope for Today (p. 349)
"Hopelessly caught; Sticky web - Cocoon forms; Help me God!" "His appears; Love felt - Fantasies lost; Eternity unveiled!" Am I a Poet?
Did I need to perform to be loved? I didn't seem to match the "ideal" person that "we" wanted to be. And, it seemed my parents were pushing me toward something better than what I was capable of being or best suited for. I wanted to be loved but close relationships remained elusive.
Growing up, I was smarter than the average kid. My dad had a respectful job and my needs were met. We had a bigger boat and newer car than most. They took us on vacations - four states away and to Canada too. They volunteered and supported our boy scouts and girl scouts activities. They taught us to be thrifty and capable. They made sure we went to church and were prepared for college. They did their parenting job well. My inner man wanted to love and be loved. Not merely do and receive loving actions; but, to actually love and be loved. Does love like that require the intervention of God?
The only church in town will be a place where people learn to love themselves gracefully as God loves us through Christ. These loved people will be more capable and free to love others within graceful relationships. People will learn the grace that's the undeserved favor of God. The indwelling Spirit of God will testify of this wonderful loving truth..
Just for today...
"How great is the human need for a scapegoat, someone or something to blame for our disappointments . . . at least part of my unhappiness is due to the way I reacted . . . nothing can work damage to me except myself.'" One Day at a Time (p. 347)
"I had to deal with my old resentments . . . It took discipline and courage to stop pushing every adult away . . . I can love them for who they are, instead of who I think they should be." Courage to Change (p. 347)
"I wasn't really aware of myself . . .When I learned to love the person I found - myself - I started to perceive and love myriad qualities in the people around me." Hope for Today (p. 347)
"She smiled; We laughed - The touch; Melding hearts." "Must keep; Pretend lover - Fades away; Under cover." Am I a Poet?
I've tried to feel better by eating more, imagining a better place in time, replacing the old with the new, or merely exercising towards an Apple-watch goal. You likely have similar whims that you'd add to your list.
Watch this YouTube video at your own risk - ain't giving you the link
When I'm seeking pleasure to make me feel better, I know my relationship with God isn't right - "trouble" has crept into my life once again. I sense those disquieting feeling as I kneel down to pray in quiet meditation. These inordinate desires melt away and I begin again to experience love joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control anew - fruit of the Spirit of God.
The only church in town will preach, teach, and work out God's Way for living the good life. They won't suggest self-actualization or pleasure seeking. Walking honestly and humbly with your righteous God is the best way to live. An inherently unrighteous man, like me, can't live a good life out on his own. We must be positioned with Him in Christ by the power of God - living within the body of Christ.
Just for today...
"I used to think that being good to myself meant eating whatever I wanted, buying anything that caught my eye, sleeping only a few hours a night, and avoiding any activities that weren't fun or exciting. The trouble was that consequences were very uncomfortable, and when I let myself think about it, I felt I was wasting my life." Courage to Change (p. 342)
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they, too, have their story." One Day at a Time (p. 342)
"Serenity is the sure knowledge of God's unconditional love for me. It is an acceptance of myself that flows from God's approving embrace." Hope for Today (p. 342)
"Be happy; Why be sad? - Whose ta blame; If yer bad?" "Eroding hearts; Soul's lost - Christ redeemed; Bore the cost." Am I a Poet?
My parents brought me to Sunday school for about ten years. Neighbors brought me to summer-bible camp, after I accepted Christ as my savior, when I was about eight. I actively read the four gospels after a period of brokenness in 1980. In 1981, I actively engaged in bible study with Bill Job's "ekklesia" in Oak Ridge, TN. I'm so thankful for all of my teachers, mentors, co-sojourners, and friends along my faith-building journey. One key learning was that God knows our hearts - the condition of our hearts makes all the difference.
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB)
"And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, 'Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?'" Matthew 9:4 (NASB)
"For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God." 1 Corinthians 2:11 (NASB)
I am so thankful for my faith and the opportunities that I've been given to share the realities of my faith with others. I especially appreciated the nine years where I served as both a 3rd-4th and 4th-5th grade Sunday-school teacher. And, I currently appreciate my close friends in-Christ while leading a group of faithful men within Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
Bible cover gift from my 3rd-5th grade class
The only church in town will lead people to accept God's gracefully given gift of redemption - the Way for our hearts to be reconciled with God. They'll read that our hearts are seen by God as white as snow due to Christ's redeeming payment for our sin debt. Yes, they'll share the good news that our righteous God cleanses us from our sin-death penalty through the sacrifice of His Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. He knows me with a cleansed heart - praise God!
Just for today...
"I was sure there had to be somebody in this world who would understand my every mood, always have time for me, and bring a smile to my face . . . my fantasy showed itself to be no more than a shadow. Reality presented a different picture entirely . . . What was I doing with their love? It seemed to me I was brushing it aside for that one imaginary person, or worse, not noticing it all." Courage to Change (p. 340)
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice." Meister Eckhart
"Were the challenges and losses in my life actually gifts God had chosen carefully for me so that I might grow spiritually? I knew it to be so, and I felt simultaneously humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude for the nature of God's love for me." Hope for Today (p. 340)
"Preacher extols; Bent and broken - Thank you Lord; Light has woken." Am I a Poet?
Life's taught me that I don't know what's best in many or most situations. The best is often applying something that seemed to work well in similar situations. It's especially likely that I'll choose a suboptimal course of action if it: involves something that I'm comfortable with; allows me to apply a skill that I've developed; if it uses the tool(s) at hand; brings positive attention towards myself; pleasures me; or is consistent with my limited knowledge. Actually, I think that I'm a good decision maker. Yet, I'm prone to make biased-suboptimal decisions while hoping for a cloudy picture of what the best future might hold.
I once taught a graduate class on forecasting with mathematical models. It involved identifying causal and non-causal data related to key outcomes, weighting historical data, measuring trends, discovering seasonality, and the testing of these time-series models with both historical and current reality. There was always the underlying concern that these data were not recorded accurately or precise enough. A good model's helpful for planning within varying: environments, materials, Geopolitics, competitors, and the actual behavior of the people involved. Sometimes it seems difficult, if not impossible, to do "good" enough. Our omniscient God knows - but I, his creature, do not - "A man's got to know his limitations."
Most of us believe that a virtuous life is better than a non-virtuous one; but, we might stray and vary between season and conditions. I value honesty and integrity while others plan on lying as necessary in an effort to achieve a more favorable outcome. Insecurity can cause us to live cautiously within ever-changing environments. Situations and related decision making is rarely black-and-white - our situations are often cloudier and greyer with spots of sunshine peaking through.
God's trustworthy and He cares for each of those who trust in His big-loving hands. This you'll hear within the only church in town. We can trust Him for the stuff that's outside our control and influence. When trusting God, we're more likely to live out a restful, peaceful, and hopeful life. A life that appreciates the past, lives in the present, and trusts God for the future. It's a wonderful thing to walk through this life, and eternity, within the favor of God - in Christ. You can fellowship with your Creator and Father now.
Just for today...
"I found it relatively easy to make a decision to turn over my will and my life to God. However, I didn't have any idea how to actually do it." Hope for Today (p. 338)
"Speculating on other people's attitudes and motives is a waste of time and effort. To search out the reasons for my own is a voyage of discovery!" One Day at a Time (p. 338)
"Meditation is higher spiritual awareness . . . a quiet place . . . beyond my thoughts . . . attention on the present day only, leaving the past and the future alone." Courage to Change (p. 338)
"Will control; Not so much - Influential push; Fell down." "Chaos pressed, Peace lost - God held; Big hands." Am I a Poet?
I'm told that my motives for much of what I've done, and thought, came from a desire to please, or even be like, my father. I discovered that this was at least partially true after my dad passed away. For example, I discovered I no longer had a desire to fish. Fishing seemed purposeless without sharing the "best" experiences with my dad. He seemed to like hearing those stories and freely express positive emotions directed toward me. Yes, the fishing and story telling were part of my ongoing search for his love and approval. In truth, people weren't capable of fully meeting my needs. I even bought this shirt mainly because it looked like one I remembered him wearing - I didn't wear it..
Like many, I've enjoyed much of Bruce Springsteen's music since my college years. His songs resonated with some life experiences - deep down in my soul I felt his albums "Born to Run" and "Nebraska." I was surprised to hear that much of what he did was an effort to be like his dad and to win his approval. You can hear the music, drama, and story worked out in his Netflix NYC play "Springsteen on Broadway." He tried to return to his roots but it wasn't the same.
My dad was my first idea of who God must be like. Sadly, he was merely a good man with strengths and weaknesses. I was discouraged when I discovered his flaws and didn't receive the love and acceptance that I longed for. Did I deserve his love? I was placing my hopes in the wrong place. I am thankful for the other people who introduced me to my Lord and Savior - Jesus the Christ. I am so... thankful that people in Christ worked out their love by sharing their faith and hope in our Father our Creator.
Come to the only church in town and learn about the Way. If you know the Way, then might you share the reality of your Father in Christ with those who are lost?
Just for today...
"I was setting goals that others wanted me to achieve . . . My decisions were based on what others wanted so I could make them love and accept me . . . I thought if I said and did everything my parents wished, I would finally earn their love and attention." Hope for Today (p. 337)
"Not one thing has ever improved as a result of my mental criticism. All it does is keep my mind on someone other than me . . . What would happen if I took my list of criticisms and applied it, gently, to myself?" Courage to Change (p. 337)
"Dad knew; He had - Acted like; Needed him." "Disillusion fell; Looked out - God loved; Christ saved." Am I a Poet?
Each new class began with great expectations. I imagined the best from the syllabi and believed the instructor's opening arguments and impassioned pleas. I willed to diligently study, stay curious, apply truths, and be a better, more capable, version of me. The instructor, me, and classmates could live up to my expectations. My idealistic expectations were unrealistic - I expected too much from us all.
Might we expect less from others and appreciate actualities? Many of our community problems seem rooted in our inordinate expectations for them and us. God doesn't expect much from the old nature we were born with. He revealed that we are only good when positioned with Him and He is the only being who can restore our relationship. Yes, He provided the Way to erase the sin barrier between He and we. Might there be a place where we could appreciate life as it is, imagine veiled reality together, and allow each the freedom to grow as gifted together? The only church in town would be that place.
Just for today...
"It's unrealistic to expect perfection from an imperfect being in an imperfect world. The only perfection I can hope to attain is to be perfectly imperfect." Hope for Today (p. 335)
"Everyone who plays a part in our lives offers something we might learn. Other people can be our mirrors, reflecting our better or worse qualities. They can help us to work through conflicts from the past that were never resolved." Courage for Change (p. 335)
"Expected much; Got different - Graceful eyes; Saw better." Am I a Poet?
The weather's going to vary. We might try to control it by moving to a new spot on the globe; yet, it'll vary there too. We can influence the weather we experience; but, do we really control it?
We're better able to plan for weather variation in our homes. We may look at the short-term forecast and plan accordingly. Many change their home's environment using: a thermostat with heat and cooling source(s); a hygrometer to start up the humidifier or dehumidifier; or reported pollen counts to decide to filter the air or close the windows. Some people don't like it the same way and want the weather within the house to vary too. Settings are agreed to by compromise or directed by those with authority. The weather never seems to be quite right.
We try to build homes that are sustainable under all reasonable weather expectations and don't require excessive effort to control them. We may change the way we dress to better fit how we want to be. Maybe we'll choose to work in the morning, go to either the air-conditioned mall or beach when it's hot; or travel during periods of weather that's not to our liking. Maybe its better to accommodate the weather rather than judging it an attempting to control it. Maybe we could minimize our opinions about the weather and appreciate the natural variation - that sounds good to me. Yet, I'm going to heat, cool, and filter to adjust for the extremes that may disrupt my life. I'll dress to accommodate the weather - go with the flow.
How about choosing to be thankful for each day's weather and refrain from judging it to be good or bad? I'd like to live my life accommodating and appreciating variation. That'd be better than working never-ending cycles of measuring, judging, controlling, and deeming it to be either good or bad. And, I'd treat other community members in a similar way. Engage in their lives and enjoy each other without trying to fix, manage, and control them according to what I expect is best for them. They won't all be my friends; but, I intend to offer grace, mercy, love, and respect to each.
The only church in town will be thankful for the grace, forgiveness, and love that God pours out on us through our Lord Jesus the Christ. Church people will work out a similar, albeit clunky, graceful heart within their relationships too - mirroring how God loves them.
Just for today...
"Being an adult was looking good on the outside and not feeling what was going on the inside . . . The first thing to go was the control over others - it simply doesn't work . . . Today I can risk being myself. I don't have to live up to anyone's image." Courage to Change (p. 334)
"Today I can put the past where it belongs and focus on taking care of myself. I needn't wait for someone to do it for me." Hope for Today (p. 334)
"This self-imposed struggle to control the uncontrollable is certainly not rational." One Day at a Time (p. 334)
"There it is; Now it ain't - Bouncing along; Loosely free." "Grab on; Hold fast - Steady now; It's gone." Am I a Poet?
It's a special thing to be in a relationship where both: have similar aims and each other's best interest at heart; communicate honestly and respectfully; and are known and cared for. When sharing is balanced, good friends grow together and enjoy each other's presence. I'm so thankful for growing alongside close fiends.
I hope you enjoy these three friendship quotes from C.S. Lewis's book "The Four Loves." I've listened, and enjoyed an audio version of this book at least a half-dozen times.
“Friendship ... is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .”
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
“I have no duty to be anyone's Friend and no man in the world has a duty to be mine. No claims, no shadow of necessity. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
The only church in town will be a group that contains many friends that make up a better whole. They'll share a common aim, hope, and experience - together. Each friendship is a good story within the epic saga of life.
Just for today...
"I lugged my childhood grudges into adulthood . . . All I really needed was to be heard. Then I could let go of some ugly feelings." Hope for Today (p. 333)
"I will learn . . . to recognize my errors, to see the roadblocks of self-will and self-righteousness I have been putting in my way. Then I will no longer insist that a thing is impossible because I have been unable to accomplish it." One Day at a Time (p. 333)
"Many of the things I had once thought of as virtues - taking care of everyone around me, worrying about other people's lives, sacrificing my own happiness and prosperity - turned out to be the causes of my misery!" Courage to Change (p. 333)
"He refers to; I recall so - We scale walls; O'er solid footholds." "Friendship session; Mutually strong - Liven and lovin; Ain't wrong." Am I a Poet?
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