How might we work out your faith/life walk better in a town with only one church?
I've been part of a small community who helped me be a better person. We shared three daily readings: Courage to Change, One Day at a Time, and Hope for Today.
As Rommel, I post my daily observations, related content, and how these ideas have helped me better work out my life story.
Please join me in my discovery of how a one-church town might be good-to-great.
Do you want to do it your way or His way? Why do I do what I don't want to do? The only church in town has answers. Yet, scripture says it takes a mighty work from the Spirit of Christ to change a man's heart - his inner man. Can you believe that God's gospel truth can be found in that one short creed that Christian representatives agreed to in 325AD? That creed is surprisingly awesome.
Just for today...
"Detachment allows us to let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights, lives guided by a Power greater than ourselves." Courage to Change (p. 43)
"I wanna be true, to the man inside; Wanna be better, I choose different." Am I a Poet?
About thirty years ago, I heard a definition of wisdom that rang true to me. It's still the best definition that I've heard - I've passed it on hundreds of times. Wisdom is knowing where to go and how to get there. We might all benefit by pondering this definition for awhile. We need both the first and second parts to help us distinguish between wise and unwise paths.
Isaiah 6 recount's Isaiah's experience within the throne room of God. Meeting God would surely be a good place to start when envisioning where we're going - towards the one Who created us and spoke the Truth for evaluating the quality of our lives. The Nicene Creed, written in 325AD, gives the church a good starting place for agreeing on how we get there. Collectively, a church may behave wisely - a continual process for each individual and a synergetic process for the community within the power of the Spirit of God.
I'm thankful to have a congregation of Barred owls whose family has lived with us in the woods for at least 30 years. They do have good qualities and seem wise - I like them a lot and they seem friendly.
Barred Owl
Just for today...
"I needed love before I even knew what it was. By loving others, I learn to treat myself well." Courage to Change (p. 42)
"Woke up expecting good, yet suffered throughout - A better creature tonight, inside and out." Am I a Poet?
Winters can be long as Jeremiah Johnson (Robert Redford) shared with Bear Claw (Will Greer). There've been times in my life when living through the winter grew me - kind of like those tulip bulbs that're growing beneath the ground - preparing for their "spring up" in May. I'm told that tulip bulbs need the cold winter experience to bloom as they ought. They grow alone yet bloom together. These darker times seem necessary for real growth; yet, I can't imagine that we were meant to stay in the darkness longer.
Today is cold yet the sun is shining bright. I appreciate the winter sunshine. He cuts through the barren trees and reflects off the snow - it's brighter than July when the leaves block His rays. He ushers in feelings of thankfulness and joy. Tomorrow the snow may melt, the clouds roll in, yet my heart can stay warm as I walk humbly, thankfully, and rightly with God.
Will the only church in town experience periods of winter? I expect that they're necessary. I expect life would look brighter if we're a bit less guarded and acted out more closely to our true selves - less iniquity. Might we engage in life more fully, and express our feelings more openly, if we grew in the inevitable darkness and lived more in the Light?
Just for today...
"When I talk all the time, nothing is being added to me. I am using the same old destructive thought material that has kept me at a standstill for so long." One Day at a Time (p. 41)
"Peak through the darkness, Even a tiny ray of light - I know it'll be good, teach me to wait." Am I a Poet
The speaker offered a new way of thinking within a good life: "LIVE for today; PLAN for tomorrow; and THINK on eternity." This frame-of-mind seemed to be true with "face validity" - the kind of motto that a wise man might live by. So, I pondered the motto and shared it's meaning with 100's of people; yet, I didn't really internalize it. Why? Maybe I didn't spend most of my time living in the present reality and my thoughts tended to camp out more in the past or the immediate future. Now I can more clearly imagine what it might be like 10,000 years from now in the next life: "You where one of the people that our Lord Jesus the Christ purchased from that sin dominated old world? Wow! What was it like?"
Iniquity may be defined as a person's actions that don't match up with their thoughts, inner-man, or heart. Iniquity can lead us into a mindset characterized by shame and guilt for what what we've done and expect to do in the future. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, having paid the penalty for both our past and future iniquity, can lead a man to be truly free - Free from shame and guilt both within our own psyche and, most importantly, at the final judgement day of God.
How would this motto and perspective best work out in the only church in town? It's likely that their behavior would exhibit strengths, weaknesses, character flaws and occasional fruit that they seem to be gifted with. They'd be doers who uniquely work out what they know to be true about themselves and God in the present. Together they'd be better equipped to move forward toward a right path within God's will. Success, despite their flaws, would bring glory to their God whom they serve.
Just for today...
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." This quote and the following painting are from an abstract impressionist painter Hans Hofmann. Thank you Hans.
Many people are uncomfortable with the message "I love you." There's a lot "packed" into the word "love" and it can obviously be misunderstood. What do they mean and how does the love message receiver respond? Ideally, would we be able to say "I love you" to most of the people attending the only church in town? What does that kind of love look and feel like? What's the source? Is it something you feel, a measure of the quality of the relationship, or an experienced gift of God? Is it a verb (something that you do) or a noun (something that you can fall in and out of)?
Before I was born, C.S. Lewis wrote the book The Four Loves and presented it on a radio broadcast in 1958. I've listened to this broadcast on my CD's many times. He provided four helpful definitions of love, from four Greek words, used to describe that one English word - LOVE. Four types of love in a nutshell: Storge is a normal kind of affection or familiarity that's missed when it's not present; Philia is like friendship; Eros is the romantic type of love reserved for the "couples" who are absorbed in each other; Agape is the unconditional type of love similar to the love God offers us through His Son.
Courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts
Will we truly find "agape" love within the only church in town? It requires vulnerability with the ever present risk of being hurt, rejected, or even wounded with a broken heart. Yes, the only church in town would be characterized as one where the members were free to express agape love.
Just for today...
"In the past I focused on anyone but myself . . . trying to control the disorder, discomfort, and lack of safety and security of my own childhood." Hope for Today (p. 39).
"It is unrealistic to expect everyone to like me." Courage to Change (p. 39)
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." "You shall love your neighboras yourself." Matthew 22:37 (NASB)
"I risked love, my heart broke - He picked it up, formed Us anew." Am I a Poet?
My dad and I had things in common that became apparent before he passed on to the next life. I inherited some of his physical features, picked up some of his habits, learned some of his life principles; yet, there're some traits that reflect more of our inner man. For example, we both were compelled to do cross-word puzzles, eat sardines out of the can, and find enjoyment from feeding the birds.
2023 bird feeding scene
It was the only bird feeder, that I knew of, in our "neck of the woods." I was surprised that I had a need to show you a picture with the variety of red-headed wood peckers that are often there - vanity? Yet, this picture reflects more of how the scene normally looked. I truly care for the birds that congregate there and sense this in my inner-man. It costs money, time, and space to care for them. Hawks and owls can grab them, two chickadees were crushed in the squirrel-protection device, fierce weather, and even my neglect to refill the feeders may have caused my bird friends to doubt the provider. I obviously didn't enjoy or watch them continuously. Watching birds does seem to increase my personal sense of: love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness and self-control - fruit.
I wonder what God experiences when he focuses on the only church in town? I expect that He loves His creation and receives love from their worship and praise as redeemed creatures. Are His eyes always on us?
Just for today...
"...I always compared myself to others, particularly my family members, and vowed to be better than them. I sought the elation of winning and wanted to be praised. My constant comparing and competing gradually edged most people out of my life. Ultimately I was not even good enough for myself, and attitude that led me to harsh self-abuse." Hope for Today (p. 38)
"I'm drawn to feed, God's created beings - He feeds me too; As I bend my knee and heart." Am I a Poet?
What might the only church in town look like? I asked a sketching-hobbyist friend to paint a one-church town. She responded with questions regarding what I wanted it to look like. I asked her not to bias or restrict her imagination - "Please sketch the purpose of the blog." She agreed to draw her image; yet, seemed a bit uneasy regarding how "good" it would be - would it meet my expectations? She did good...
I wonder if we'd more readily "draw" from our inner-person, soul, or heart, if we periodically did spiritual reality assessments. It seems like we'd grow in self-awareness as we pray, quietly meditate, and bend our ear toward God. Is this part of what it means to walk humbly with God?
Just for today...
"Troubles are opportunities to grow, to make us better, not bitter. Rightly used, we can learn from them not to repeat our own mistakes." One Day at a Time (p. 37)
"When in doubt, don't." Courage to Change (p. 37)
"The idea played; it formed in my soul - The hand worked it out; "wow," it's new!" Am I a Poet?
The lyrics, of the MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine," kindles wonderful images in both my imagination and inner man. What will the afterlife be like? Scripture reveals images such as God's throne room in Isaiah 6 - it seems we're given just enough to establish a confident hope.
I imagined how my future spouse would fulfill my love needs. It probably didn't occur to me that she might also be hoping that I might fulfill her love needs too. These idealized hopes likely kept us moving forward - striving for an unattainable "best." I've heard it said that insecure single people, who marry to fill the void they feel, will likely idolize their spouse. If and when their spouse doesn't fulfill their fantasy, then the idolizing may turn into demonizing?
I can only imagine the only church in town, that might be characterized as "the best," yet I doubt that it can ever truly exist. Personally, I've spent too many destructive hours critiquing the church, and the people in it, for not meeting my expectations. Might the attainable good church be the place where people learn to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God in Christ (Micah 6:8).
Might the "good" only church in town best be communicated as a painting? I admire those who can paint what they see or imagine in their inner person. I'm not an artist; yet, I did invest a chunk of my life imagining, planning, and painting. I understand that it's best to merely display a painting and let the viewer decide what it means to them. So, here it goes - my first public display of artwork.
Thoughts for the day ...
"Think," yet resist those thoughts that are impulsive, compulsive or reactive. Aretha Franklin has something good to say about thinking.
"Thy God of Hope; promises all joy and peace - Thy tyrant self; offers futile tries." Am I a Poet?
My third pastor selected responsive readings from the back of the hymnal. He might've inserted them in order to: support his sermon message; teach about God; confirm church doctrine; be obedient to a prompting from the Spirit of Christ; or maybe it was just what a good pastor did. Whatever his reasons, I felt an internal conflict while chanting back those responsive readings along with the crowd. I felt conflicted when voicing and repeating things that I didn't understand well. I don't remember thinking the professions untrue - I felt more like a charlatan airing things that may not be true. Sometimes I was silent - listening while the congregation recited their truth.
My personal efforts to work up love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control came up short. I couldn't conjure up the kind of fruit that God produces by trying. When the Sprit of God seems the source of fruit, produced through me, I'm more "okay."
How might the only church in town be different? Maybe the responsive readings would be interpreted or explained before being recited. Personally, I appreciate succinct statements regarding the Christian faith. I'm so thankful that a group of Christians agreed on the Nicene Creed in 325 AD - it's complete, succinct and easy to grasp - believe it.
We believe in one God, the father almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things
visible and invisible. And in one lord, Jesus the anointed, the only begotten son of God,
begotten of the father before all worlds, light from light, true God from true God,
begotten not made, being of one substance with the father, by whom all things were made. Who for us humans and for
our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the holy spirit and the virgin
Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius
Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the
scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the father. And he shall
come again to judge both the living and the dead. Whose kingdom shall have no end.
Just for today...
"We're only too ready to look outside ourselves for the reasons for our afflictions, when the real enemy is self-deception." One Day at a Time (p. 35)
"If we don't believe Him; we've got the problem - With gospel faith; heaven rejoices." Am I a Poet?
My peers were taller and seemed more coordinated. I imagined and hoped for what I might look like when I grew up - then I'd fit in and be more loved and respected. Tall, strong, riding a thundering-black motorcycle, playing the trumpet better than anyone else, and experiencing true love while being fully accepted by "her."
How might the one church in town have taught me to accept and love myself as I was - in the present? Might they have helped me to discover who I was in realty - more independent and secure - rightly related and interdependent with others.
Life clearly only occurs in the present; yet, I've spent too much time dreaming of the future and trying to make sense of the past. How could the spiritual leaders and church community have facilitated my being pulled more into the present and God's revealed Word? Were they able to share the actualities of their reality? Is it possible that they tried but I couldn't hear? Was my selfish nature so guarded and cemented that I was unable to grow until I experienced "X" years of life?
Just for today...
How do we accept our physical appearance? If you love yourself as God loves you in Christ then you're free to accept yourself and others too - just the way you are. 🤔 Sounds a bit like Jane Eyre?
"I pray for the wisdom to understand my difficulties clearly and honestly, and for the strength to do something constructive about them. I know that I can count on God's help in this." One Day at a Time (p. 34)
"Idling time away; Imagining how it may've been - Left a depression; a day missed." Am I a Poet?
I walked up to the door of my seventh-grade Sunday-school room. The girl that I secretly loved was with a friend. The friend asked me to show them my fingernails. I paused before extending my open hand and fingers with my palm facing the linoleum floor. They both broke out laughing - "you're like a girl! Guys show their nails as a fist with palm up." I was secretly crushed, likely tried to pretend I wasn't affected, yet my emotions must have betrayed my internal reality. My secret search for love was publicly dashed. I added a few plates to my personal armor to guard against that from happening again. Oh... the pain of rejection - my wounded heart!
The church where the scene played out
How might the one church in town have helped? My Sunday school teacher might have noticed a change in behavior. Someone might have realized that I had no good friends at church. As some aptly describe, I felt like I was alone on an island yet surrounded by people. My parents forced me to go to some of the youth meetings - I didn't engage. I became cynical and critical about the group that rejected me.
In High School, I found a job that allowed me to miss every other Sunday service. I tried to bring order and meaning into my life without God's help. Was a right relationship with God and friends possible?
Thoughts for the day ...
"So I continued to hide and did not accept who I really was." Hope for Today (p. 33)
"Today, being humble means climbing down from the ladder of judgement of myself and others, and taking my rightful place in a worldwide circle of love and support . . . My thoughts are my teachers. Are they teaching me to love and appreciate others, or are they teaching me to practice isolation?" Courage to Change (p. 33)
"Looked for love; in a loving sort of place - hurt, guilt and shame; led me astray." Am I a Poet?
Sixth grade was the year that I felt most secure. The school had a sort of code/ethos that I understood. The teachers did a pretty good job of controlling it. The environment and behavior fit the stated and unstated code. The principal enforced the rules.
Most sixth graders knew that they better guard themselves from the hurt inflicted byother "Selfs" or they'd suffer - If they didn't learn how by sixth grade then they certainly learned it when they moved on to middle school. It's easier when you think and act like the group - do groupthink. For me, academics came easy and I was able to work in an around the rules to safely be more like the "true" me - our class was the oldest and most capable within the whole school - we were sixth graders.
The building that was once my sixth grade home
There were so many questions that I assumed that my parents, teachers, or pastor could answer - if I could just ask, sit still and learn. For me, disillusionment began in Junior High School. They didn't have all the answers and I felt on my own.
I imagine the only church in town spending less time talking about the doctrines that “we” believe and more time focusing on what scripture teaches us about Him, me, and us. There would be groups of people, within the community, that'd work out their faith together – groups that could be a bit less guarded and open among the safety of their friends.
Just for today ...
"They be who they are - yet I want them just so. When each grows his way - me and we are okayer." Am I a Poet?
I've a hard time rubbing, let alone washing, my feet - I was born inflexible. If I work at stretching for about six months, my "stretchability," is closer to normal. Six months is six times longer than the one month it seems to take for my muscles to return back to their more normal state of inflexibility.
Like many people, I was also born with a selfish sort of nature. I cooperated with others while I focused on working out a safe and comfortable life that I was proud of. Although I was primarily motivated by a need to be loved, I wanted to win in the game of life and associate with people who might help me along the way. Since humans seem to all want the same "thing," I learned to be more flexible with my interpersonal interactions and relationships.
Strangely, even the Lord Jesus the Christ's disciples exhibited selfishness and pride as they argued about who was best at the last supper before Jesus was crucified (Luke 22:24). Yes, we're prone to be selfish. On the same night of the disciples argument, He knelt down and washed each of the twelve's feet. When it was Peter's turn, he resisted this feet washing by his Lord. Jesus replied "If I do not wash you, you have no part in Me" (John 13:8). Maybe He's letting Peter know that he's clean yet needs to wash off the "dirt" of daily life to stay "clean" and rightly related to God through Him. Jesus washed Peter's feet knowing, and sharing with Peter too, that Peter would publicly disown Him three times before the rooster crowed. Yes, Peter would need his feet washed again.
Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet - Tintoretto 1548-1549
The only church in town will learn the need to live a righteous life in Christ. One that's able to bear fruit in all circumstances - they way God worked out the perfect life in Jesus the Christ. That means, for those with a nature like mine: confessing sin, washing dirt off my feet, and returning to that "right" relationship with our Holy Father through Christ.
Just for today...
"With a new and sincere humility, I asked God to remove my shortcomings . . . I want to be ready for shortcomings to be removed, and I will do what I can to prepare. I can develop a non-judgmental awareness of myself, accept what I discover, and be fully willing to change. But I lack the power to heal myself. Only God can do that." Courage to Change (p. 31)
"I washed my feet yet they're dirty again - slipped to my normal way; It's lonely and anxious on my own - why have I left my Friend?" Am I a poet?
About twenty years ago, my assigned Human Resources representative and I were discussing ongoing problems within my work group that she characterized and labeled as "stinking thinking." Then she said something like: "They need a leader to help them: remember past successes and celebrate new ones, know they're capable; feel valued; serve each other; view problems as opportunities; test new ways often; learn alongside others habitually; respect each other... - then they'll engage and be the best version of themselves together.As their manager and leader, what's your part in making this happen?"
What did I do differently? Focused on demonstrating RESPECT for all work group members in word and deed. Played together more often - a Friday afternoon paint-ball session helped build teamwork. Learned more about each group member and what/who was important to them. We solved interpersonal disputes quickly in more sustainable ways - they knew that they'd be working it out in my office, and even bring in H.R. help, if efforts stalled. There were many positive changes that we made together; yet, much of the change started with me being a better leader and manger.
Yes, there was some stinking thinking going on within me that was strangely reflected within the group's interactions, behaviors, and performance together. I started with "me" rather than attempting to craft plans to fix the problems that I could identify with "them." The resulting changes in what we did, and who we were, were worthy of the transformation investment. I became a better leader, manager, and person as a result of the growing that we worked out together - in community.
The only church in town will easily find fault within each other as they worship, praise, learn, grow, serve and walk side-by-side. Real change and growth will occur when they internalize the value of the slogan "let the change begin with me." The gospel will offer the opportunity for each person to be a new creature in Christ - the intended version of you. Then each person, and the group as a whole, can be free "in deed." (Galatians 5:1).
Just for today...
"I watched, monitored, controlled, and exercised my need to feel hurt. I felt self-pity, embarrassment, superiority, resentment, and anger. All of these took obsessive turns filling my mind and heart. I wondered why I indulged in these draining behaviors and emotions, which only resulted in further misery for me." Hope for Today (p. 30)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 1 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
"I listened and heard; We did and lived" Am I a Poet?
A fellow group member read from the Courage to Change daily reader which I've partially quoted below. They made the claim, that they realized that their repetition of "advise," to those that they cared about, was really a thinly veiled attempt to fix, manage, and control the person whom they "cared" for. The repeated messages implied that they didn't trust the "subject" with their own life. Their relationship was like a co-dependent entanglement that stunted needed growth for both parties.
When I heard her share, I was quickly convicted of a self-defeating behavior. Why did I continue attempts to drive home my messaging? They may have missed what I said so I repeated it in a slightly different way or tone? They didn't seem to receive it well so I made the appeal a bit more persuasive? They didn't give me the feedback that I expected so I repeated? Yes, I was attempting to fix, manage, or control them and they likely tuned me out. I expect that their options were to remain co-dependent on me or to act the "rebel" and reject me and my messaging. Strangely, I frequently acted out the role of the "rebel" when confronted with efforts to control or manipulate me.
What did I truly want for those I cared for? Did I want them to live protected lives, like in a "zoo," or to live freely in the "jungle" of the actualities of real life? Are the controllers imagining the freedom of others like a sort of Tarzan - out of control and heading for disaster?
The only church in town will value people moving from dependence, on their care givers, to capable-independent adults. Clearly, moving from dependence to independence is good, yet we aren't complete on our own - the only church in town will profess the value of living in community. The community that God offers, in-Christ, has been essential for this rebel's transition from a self-protecting/promoting one to a fruit-bearing life. I'm free from the bondage of my old self in Christ - I will not to live in a self-protecting "cage" again. Why would I strive to cage another?
Just for today...
"If I repeatedly make similar suggestions or ask prodding questions again and again, I am probably trying to control. If I am satisfied only when the other person responds in a way I consider desirable - agrees with what I've said or takes my advice - then I know I've lost my focus." Courage to Change (p. 29)
"I have no right to deprive anyone else of the challenge of meeting his own responsibility." One Day at a Time (p. 29)
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
Once upon a time, I made an effort to be a more generous person - I saw people in need, throughout my travels, yet; I didn't have the resources or will to give them. I reasoned that I was most likely to help needy people if I was prepared with USA currency in my wallet. So, I began the habit of carrying four or five twenties for gifting. My habit lasted for about a year; yet, I didn't give away many $20 bills.
Carrying the money didn't open my eyes, heart, and habits enough to recognize, decide and go through the process of giving cash to help alleviate needs in a loving way. My effort to give money was about as clunky as that last sentence. Maybe it was because my eyes primarily were focused on me - self?
Although that experiment didn't last, it did teach me more about myself and how I might better work out my life. I believe that my heart is good and that people, in general, know that I care about them. Yet, I've got to be true to who I actually am.
This reminded me of the purpose statement for this blog:
Those who know me well might describe me as a life-long learner who values honesty and integrity. A story teller who loves working out his life with and through other people. As I progress through life, I continue to appreciate both my strengths and flaws. I know that I need to work out my life alongside other pilgrims in order to be a good actor in this epic story of life. Yet, the idea of being an actor is detestable. I wake up each day purposing to be the man I truly am. Ohh... to work out every minute within God's will - bearing fruit.
The only church in town will help you work out you natural talents and gifts in community. There, you will hear about the Spirit of Christ that indwells His "believers." He produces fruit within those who are His. You can't work, or try, to muster up that kind of fruit through your own efforts. Yet, you can truly bear His fruit of: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-in a way that will be unique to the person you were created to be. That's the good stuff in life that I expect we'll all hunger for after our first taste.
Just for today...
"I cannot give to anyone else something I don't have. I learn to love myself enough to seek my own healing. When I can love myself as I am, I'm better able to accept the human limitations of all God's other children." Hope for Today (p. 28)
I've often thought about my progression through life as if on a baseball diamond. 0-22 gets me to first base; 23-45 gets me to second base; 46-70 gets me to 3rd base; and 71-?? gets me home. Much of my behavior seems to want to delay stepping on third base. I'm working hard to improve my flexibility, mobility, strength, mind, and activity to delay stepping on that bag - why?
Someone, who I loved, recently stepped onto home plate and they're gone now. My memories remain; but, they're gone. They'd even lost much of their memory before they stepped onto home plate. What's there to look forward to on that straight path from 3rd to home plate?
I've been told that I should avoid lists within this blog; yet, I'm again compelled to list the most important parts of life that I look forward to during that final stretch. Here're my top 12 in alphabetical order:
Accepting love from care givers and offering love too.
Enjoying the meal God's set before me rather than merely discussing or learning about it.
Fellowshipping with God in Christ more continuously.
Focusing my mind and heart on actualities rather than fiction.
Interacting peacefully - forgiving and apologizing as needed.
Investing in good living and God honoring initiatives.
Loving the Lord my God with all my heart mind and soul and loving my neighbor as myself.
Meeting the present reality with thankfulness.
Moving my aching body where God and I will.
Offering my hope, life lessons, and assets to others.
Praising God.
Remembering the faithfulness of God.
Let's keep the end in mind.
Just for today...
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith..." 2 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)
In the 1980's, my grandmother shared a guide that she found helpful and supportive of the good life that she planned to work out in her latter years. She may've been questioning the reliability of the author's advise when she shared it with me - I remember being more than a tad skeptical. I do know that she walked to the mailbox, about a mile round trip every day, to stay in the necessary shape to live alone in her farm house. I expect that she wanted to pass on her passion and commitment for staying physically well and active throughout life - she gave me her underlined copy with her name written in the front - I doubt she bought another copy.
Paul C. Bragg claimed he had the secrets for living the good healthy life yet his credentials and claims are suspect. His reality doesn't seem to warrant being the object of a man or woman's faith.
The only church in town will introduce you to their Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ - the Messiah. He has the the credentials and the power of resurrection - a restored relationship with God that will last forever. I hope that He is, or will be, the object of your faith.
Just for today...
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8:14-17 (NASB)
Trying to: elongate my spine, strengthen my "core," stretch all those muscles, perform new exercises, and adapt to my lumbar-caused pain seems never ending. Once, I felt like I'd lost my way and needed encouragement from my physical therapist. She was serious when she told me that she didn't want to hear "I can't" anymore - she wanted to hear "I can." She directed me to keep a log of what I did, how long I did it, and how much "new" muscle pain or "old" nerve pain I felt. This cause-and-effect analysis was meant to record how long I was doing my suspected cause of pain and what I did to alleviate it - a clearer look at the reality of my condition and coping methods too.
It's true that my body's getting older and will likely require periodical adaptations in order to move and live as I wish to, or need to, without assistance. Yet, I don't want my "body" focus to be my primary focus. I don't plan on giving up yet I'd rather not try so hard. I hope to develop a physical fitness routine that will sustain me throughout the next 20 years.
Over the last 25 years of my personal and work life, "try" has been and evil word in regards to personal commitments. I prefer to focus on what you or I commit to actually do. It seems that the same idea applies here.
The only church in town will focus more on who we are and what we do than our physical condition. Yes, they will focus on the condition of our souls. Strangely God doesn't ask us to "try" to be a better person either. He asks that we receive His provision for our past misdeeds and trust Him to change our inner-person to be more like the ideal that was displayed in the life of His Son. They call it the process of sanctification that He works out in us as we abide in Him - He does the heavy lifting.
He's a really good Father. I'm so... thankful that He did a great work for and within me. The only church in town will focus on our being who we are in Christ with little emphasis on trying to be something we ain't.
Just for today...
"I found that I was overly interested in others because I had such a low opinion of myself." Courage to Change (p. 25)
"Bad habits and compulsions cannot be conquered by determined resolutions or promising ourselves that we won't go on doing this or that . . . I stopped trying to force myself to eliminate my faults when I found it didn't work." One Day at a Time (p. 25)
"I was raised to be industrious and goal oriented. Today I am discovering what play means." Hope for Today (p. 25)
Our '22 Subaru's car manuals are at least 3" thick. I've looked at them a few times - they're helpful. Normally, I'll go to a search engine to find: my windshield wiper lengths, the right light bulb, or how to replace the cabin air filter. Yet, sometimes I need to learn about the car and I'm not really sure what to ask. Then, I go to the manual to learn about the car - often I'm surprised of what I didn't know or ask.
Once upon a time, I purchased a new dishwasher and installed it myself. I actually gathered the family and we took turns reading the manual. We actually learned what all the buttons did and how to most efficiently, and effectively, load the dishwasher. It was such an odd thing to do, as a family, that most of us still remember the day we learned about the dishwasher. I still load the dishwasher the same way that we learned that day.
Are we so self reliant that we don't need to learn from anyone else - even the designers and manufacturers of the products that we purchased to serve us? Our bodies didn't come with a manual and much of the stuff inside me remains a mystery to me. I don't even know the vocabulary for most of my inner parts let alone how they actually function and interact. It seems that some of us don't like to be taught anything unless we're forced to.
The totality of this blog is as thick as my Subaru manuals. What'll I do with the completed book? Will I print it to sit on a table at my memorial service unread? Is my manual so different than everyone else's that it won't be applicable? The writing process and results have certainly been helpful and joyful for me - it's helped me to be more grounded in reality.
The only church in town will study and apply the manual for living out a good and righteous life. I've learned that the manual writers were directed to write according to the Creator's wishes. He wishes that we know enough about Him, and what's going on inside of us, to seek, trust and be rightly related to Him. Why? So that we can be free from the penalty and power of sin, bear fruit, enjoy loving relationships, and live out a right relationship with God throughout our days under the sun; "now and forevermore."
Just for today...
"I will dare to be myself . . . I will be honest with myself as I do so - I will not pretend to feel what I do not feel or to want what I do not want . . . I can only learn to love myself if I am willing to learn who I am." Courage to Change (p. 24)
My lower-back pain, caused by pinched nerves and sore muscles, has been real and personal. The pain taught me to behave in a way that I "think" works for me. I feel the results and compensate in a manner that I expect best relives the discomfort while allowing me to do what I want to do. Yet, sometimes a muscle will be sore from my stretching, exercising, or doing what I do - then I tend to stop and wait to feel better.
When my routine doesn't work anymore - I ask a doctor for help. They may perform an MRI to observe the hidden reality. They show me the amount of spinal stenosis, disc bulging and protrusion, positioning, arthritis formations, damaged parts, and joint wear that naturally occur over time.
In January 2024, my back surgeon recommended that I try epidural shots and physical therapy to help restore me to active duty. I was hopeful for the shots but had little hope for the therapy. I was discouraged - I wanted the surgeon to just fix me and restore me to "normal."
My physical therapist spoke a new reality to me from different perspectives. She coached and encouraged me to change my routine, habits, and understanding of how my body actually works. She shinned new light on the reality of my body, routines, habits, and physical condition. I trusted her.
I expect that we'd all agree that self reflection at the beginning of our morning and at the end of the day would be good for us. It's likely that we'd also agree that looking at our lives from different perspectives would help too. Imagining a reality, that's different then what's actually going on, might provide some temporary mental comfort; yet, reality wins in the end.
Self reflection and a desire to know and understand reality is a wonderful human capability that we can choose to exercise or ignore. The only church in town will encourage you to see reality from multiple perspectives within community and more importantly from the "Light" of God - our creator.
Just for today...
"I choose to accept the reality of my life. I am moving in a healthy direction, growing ever more able to live a good life and to love those I meet along the way." Courage to Change (p. 23)
Meet my favorite pants. They're old, frayed, stained, fit right, sturdy, unlabeled, and drab. I can do most anything wearing these pants; though, they aren't welcome where people expect me to "dress for the occasion." I've purchased replacements; but, they didn't seem the same. I like that old and familiar heavyweight-duck-canvas cotton and the stains and frays too.
Will there come a day when I must get rid of the pants? We all know the answer although I sometimes pretend otherwise.
I wonder where my old pants will go today? Will I put them in the Aquatic Center locker to wait while I swim? Will they participate in replacing the faucet and trying again to fix the Impala's power seats? Will I put a nicer shirt on and wear them to my men's group tonight? Will I hang them up next to my dress pants - NO! They don't have to look nice - I like 'em just the way they are.
You may feel a need to dress up, to be a better version of yourself, when you attend the only church in town. Yet, God is graceful and desires a relationship with you just as you are - humble, honest, okay and unpretentious. Remember, He is the one Who created you as you are. He makes no mistakes and has offered the way to atone for your sin defects through our Lord Jesus the Christ's sacrifice.
No, I likely will not actually wear these pants to a Sunday Morning Service. And, I do enjoy cleaning up and wearing pants with fewer defects when worshipping, praising, learning, and fellowshipping together. Yet, it sure is great to know that I'm loved by Him - just as I am.
Just for today...
"What we pray for may not be what is best for us. We are only able to see a little way, and our vision is clouded by our present situation and daily happenings and distractions." One Day at a Time (p. 22)
"I focused on the character defects of those around me. My need to be perfect fed into my preoccupation with others . . . I am still learning to treat myself with gentleness, kindness, and love. I'm still learning that I cannot change those around me, but I can change how I treat them - with dignity and respect." Hope for Today (p. 22)
"When I found him on the floor, I still didn't help him into bed. But I did put a blanket over him before stepping over his body and going to bed myself. This, to me, was detachment with love." Courage to Change (p. 22)
Thankfully, my back surgeon recommended Celebrex, epidural steroid injections and therapy, rather than surgery. I hoped to return my body to a more normal "I can go an do what I want to" state. The Celebrex worked as expected, the injection process was relatively easy with questionable benefits, and the therapy was a real surprise.
"What physical therapist would you recommend in my home town?" They didn't have a recommendation - they gave me a prescription for either four or six weeks and said we'll meet again in four months. I took a look at the therapy room in the Aquatic Center, where I'd been swimming for about two months, and scheduled an appointment with the only therapist there.
After meeting with the young-woman therapist for two weeks, my interactions and results surpassed my expectations. I didn't choose her, I chose the location and facility. I trusted her and did, pretty much, everything she told me to do. "We" worked on limitations that affected me throughout most of my life. I was so optimistic - "Yahoo!"
If I were to have selected a therapist from a candidate lineup, I likely wouldn't have selected her. I might've looked at age, sex, height, personality, education, experience... I'm so thankful that I came in with a need, was honest in every interaction, sought to understand before being understood, listened to her diagnosis rather than my own related thoughts, and trusted her. Yes, I didn't want to be naive; so I tested her a couple of times and each time her response confirmed that she was capable and had my best interest at heart. She's a human with limited understanding but I relied on her to get better. She sought to understand me better and set expectations of a sustainable solution that might work with my habits, preferences, life style, and hopes for the future.
Whose your daddy?
I especially liked her direct style of communication and therapy interventions during our 1/2 hour appointments. She appeared to be committed to helping me regardless of my responses and peculiarities. I'm so... thankful for her. Maybe, when I grow up, I can be more like her? 😊
The only church in town's object of faith will be their Messiah, their Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ whose great sacrificial work provides the way to a righteous relationship with God our Creator and Redeemer. There's a lot packed into that sentence. Why not go to the only church in town and learn more about what's really going on within the rest of your life and eternity too?
Just for today...
"It is only by taking offense at what others do that I will be afflicted with resentment. If I feel that what I am doing is right, I will not be dependent on the admiration or applause of others." One Day at a Time (p. 21)
"I could never tell the difference between what was and was not my business. I felt I had to take care of everyone around me until I couldn't stand it any more." Courage to Change (p. 21)
I was driving home from work and saw a boy crash his bike rather badly on the sidewalk. I felt a strong need to stop and help him but I didn't. Strangely, my conscience stung and my inner-man hurt by not coming to the aide of another person who was hurting. In what other ways might I be unconsciously hurting myself?
When I obsessively think - I hurt myself. When I neglect to tell another what's on my heart - I hurt myself. When I'm so comfortable with what I already know, or believe, to the point of no longer being curious - I hurt myself. When I ignore a person who looks my way - I hurt myself. When I stay in my La-Z-Boy recliner instead of going and doing - I hurt myself. When I don't listen to understand those who might help my physical or mental health - I hurt myself. When I develop routines and a schedule that doesn't allow for me to care for others - I hurt myself. When I neglect relationships - I hurt myself. When I ask for seconds on a food serving that'll likely contribute to poorer health - I hurt myself. When I'm not thankful and content - I hurt myself. When I don't love me or my neighbor - I hurt myself. When I'm not quiet and listening within my relationship with God in Christ - I hurt myself. When I'm not truthful about me - I hurt myself.
So, why do I hurt myself? The cause is likely something to do with my being a self-centered pleasure seeker by nature. Yes, I hurt myself when I indulge in my self-focused promotion and selfishness. The only church in town will share God's solution that promises real freedom from the tyrannical leadership of self - they call it the Gospel truth.
Just for today...
"I cannot hurt others without hurting myself." One Day at a Time (p. 20)
"Anger is the punishment we give ourselves for someone else’s mistake.” Unknown
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
