John's Nativity Story ...

I'm looking out the window of the sliding door to the deck onto the scene of snow falling on the trees and the pond. I can see the reflection of the lights of the Christmas tree on the glass. As I do, I'm considering my options -- do we watch "White Christmas," "Frosty the Snowman," "Home Alone," or the local weather channel? I think that Ralphie, the Red Ryder BB gun, and the "Christmas Story" might just win. Maybe it will be "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas."

I rejoice that families behave like families at this time of year. That we make and collect memories, tell the old stories, and get nostalgic over decorations, trees, and traditions. If nothing else happened, it would still be worth celebrating this outpouring of kindness once a year. But there is an amazing reality that sits just below the decorations, the celebrations, the music, and the giving.

In the Gospel of John we read ..."the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:14). The scope of what John wrote is amazing because he also tells us that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1). John has just told us that the Creator chose to live among us. That is the Nativity story distilled down to its most fundamental truth -- that God chose to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ.

I'm so happy that the other Gospel writers tell us about Mary, Joseph, the angel, the trip to Bethlehem. About the magi, about Anna, about Simeon, about Elizabeth, and about the shepherds. They gave us a way to comprehend the humanity of Jesus' birth and love the humility of it all.

I have wondered why the apostle John didn't tell us more of the birth of His Lord. After all, Jesus committed Mary to John's care ..."Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, here is your mother. From that time on, the disciple took her into his home." (John 19:26-27). John most certainly knew all of the stories that Mary hid in her heart. So why is John's Nativity story so different?

I am convinced that John knew that Matthew, Mark and Luke had given us the baby Jesus in their Nativity accounts. John wanted us to take our comprehension of the baby Jesus one step further. John wanted us breathless at the manger. He wanted us to be, like the prophet Isaiah, "undone" in the presence of the Holy One.

I love God's style. He gives us a heart message -- the story of the baby Jesus who we can all love because it speaks to our love of our own children -- and a head message that captures our imaginations. He wants our hearts and our heads, and He feeds both.

So, as you celebrate this amazing intervention of the Word into the world, hold your family especially close -- make a memory. And think about the deepest blessing of this season ... that He dwelt among us.

Keep the faith.

The Forgotten Man at the Manger ...

Christmas brings lots of memories -- family gatherings, watching "It's a Wonderful Life," "A Christmas Carol," and the "Christmas Story" are all near the top. They remind us of the blessings of family and how precious it is to spend this season with the ones we love. It's also a season to remember the One whose birth we celebrate. It is so easy to get caught up in the cards, the shopping, the decorating, the parties and figuring out exactly how far our budget can stretch that we can forget just what we celebrate.

There are moments when it does come back into focus -- when we think about that night when there was no room at the inn. That night when, in the words of John's gospel, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) I'm not sure that the Christmas creche is exactly right with shepherds, angels and wise men collecting in the stable on the same night. Matthew's gospel tells us that the wise men came to the house where the child was staying (Matthew 2:11), but I am sure that Joseph was present when Jesus was born.

Joseph amazes me -- he was asked to trust Mary who told him what must have seemed to be an impossible story. He had no visit from an angel to calm his fears or settle his doubts, and yet he stood by Mary protecting her and the Baby who would save them both. All that Joseph had was his love for Mary, and a dream (Matthew 1:20). I wonder how many of us would be willing to set aside our pride, our doubts and our hurts because of a dream that told us ... "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife ... that the child is of the Holy Spirit ... and that you shall call his name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins."

Somehow in all of our remembrance of Bethlehem, the inn with no room, the shepherds, Mary, the cattle trough, and the Magi Joseph seems to slip quietly into the background. I have come to appreciate the rare gift of humility that he demonstrates -- just do the loving and right thing even if no one sees it. But Joseph received an honor that the rest of us can only imagine -- he was chosen to protect Mary and Jesus, to provide a home for them, and to love that holy baby. What an awesome reward!

This song, written by Michael Card, is the only Christmas song that looks to Joseph and opens up the heart of that father. Think of this as an early Christmas gift -- I hope it gets you into the real Christmas spirit.

Keep the faith!

Follow me ...

Last Thursday I visited an old friend who is now in hospice care. I had the privilege of joining more than 20 other men who know and love Lloyd. The men were all part of a Bible study that Lloyd taught for many years. The men came to minister to him, but Lloyd remained that faithful minister of grace that he has been for so long. He had a word of encouragement for each and every man there, he shared his hope for a cure, and his confidence that His Lord was waiting to say ... Well done, good and faithful servant.

Lloyd did not forget that it was grace that saved him and that it is grace that leads him home. Each time Lloyd spoke, the words of Scripture were on his lips. When you spent time with Lloyd, it was clear what a radically transformed life really is -- it is filled with grace, love, and peace. Everyone who knew him has the same description -- Lloyd is Jesus' gentle giant.

When I think about Lloyd, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's advice to the church at Corinth -- Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) This picture of a boat sailing on Narragansett bay at sunset so perfectly illustrates this -- you will note that there is a small boat being towed by the sailboat, following in its wake. For many, it has been a great blessing to ride along in that little boat following in the wake of this gentle giant.

Two days before the visit our Church Board and Deacons unanimously appointed Lloyd an Honorary Deacon. I am certain that no one has ever deserved the title more -- deacons were first appointed in the Jerusalem church to serve God's people. I don't know anyone who has been a more joyful servant.

Well done, my friend. I'm proud to sail in your wake.

Keep the faith!

New Again

Butterflies have long been symbols of rebirth and renewal -- their lives include metamorphosis changing from one form to another, sometimes appearing more dead than alive only to reveal after the final cocoon stage the magnificent creature that the Father designed. When we look at a butterfly, we can see the immense creativity that His hands possess.

Recently, I heard a song that brings into very sharp focus the One who is the ultimate model of renewal. The Lamb that was slain and sits upon the throne of heaven. It's part of an MP3 Christmas album by Sara Evans and is a duet with Brad Paisley. In this marvelous song, there is an amazing dialog between Jesus and Mary.

Always remember, because He became "new again" on Easter Sunday, His promise that He will give eternal life to all those who trust Him is something that we can believe and build our lives upon. We can become "new again" too.

Listen to the song and let His love speak to you

Keep the faith.

Richard

they that wait ...

On Columbus Day weekend, we spent an afternoon in Gloucester Harbor taking in the sights which includes a 2001 stature that honors the wives of the fishermen who have sailed out of Gloucester and never returned. It reminds all of us of the courage of these women who have, for centuries, accepted the risks, raised kids and displayed that quiet strength that's all about doing the right thing because it is the right thing. There is no movie like The Perfect Storm that chronicles their lives. Only their families know.

There is a second statue, an older statue, erected in 1923, that celebrates the courage of the fishermen who sailed from Gloucester harbor from 1623 to the present. The names of 5368 men who are known to be lost at sea, who never came home, are listed on bronze plaques that surround the statue of a fisherman at the wheel. The names tell the story of the immigrants who came to this corner of New England to make a life in the schooners and dories of Gloucester. It is a testimony of men who could pray, "Oh Lord, Your sea is so great; and my boat is so small."

Each of us faces an uncertain tomorrow. No one has been promised tomorrow, and we do not know the challenges that it may bring. Jesus told us "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33-34). He challenges us to live each day one at time and to trust our heavenly Father for the needs of today and tomorrow. It is a willingness to wait upon the Lord that gives us real strength and a confidence that even though the sea is so great and our boat is so small, His eye is upon us.

The prophet Isaiah encouraged the children of Israel at a dark time with these words. They remind us of where our sufficiency is and where our confidence must be anchored.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Keep the faith!

Memorial Sunset

This weekend we spent a lovely afternoon in Plymouth and acted like tourists. We saw the sights and took the harbor cruise which I highly recommend. As we were returning to the dock, we saw the Forefathers Memorial from the deck of the ship as it overlooks the city. After taking yet another look at Plymouth Rock, the statue of Massasoit and the statue of Governor William Bradford (one of Candace's ancestors), we took the short drive up to Memorial Park. This was the image that greeted me -- a memorial silhouetted against the sunset. The Lord is so gracious to us as He shows us the work of His hands painting the perfect backdrop for this moment.

When you get a bit closer, you can see that the large figure that crowns the monument is Faith who is surrounded by statues representing Liberty, Morality, Education and Law. Candace and I were both amazed by this vision and understanding that Faith is the crowning achievement of our forefathers and it rests upon the virtues of liberty, morality, education and law. That it is not a thing apart, but the outcome. It is worth recognizing that liberty is not separated from morality, education and law. It is also compelling that these very American virtues are so intertwined.

Faith depends upon the liberty to follow your conscience; it is the outcome of a desire to know the truth (education); it is the fruit of a desire to live according to the truth (morality) and it learns from the law. Candace and I wondered if such a monument (this one was erected in the 1890's) could be built today or if political correctness would mute such a statement.

This memorial honors the Pilgrims and the faith that drove them to seek a new land where they might see the Gospel lived out. While it is a lovely thing to honor those brave men and women, we should not forget that the reward that they desired most was to hear these words when they passed on from this life ... Well done, good and faithful servant ...

Keep the faith

when you're out of step ...

While we were on vacation in Dennisport I spent some time watching sandpipers on the beach. They ran into and out of the waves as they were searching for a bit of food buried under the sand. They shared their beach with several ducks and sandcastle "architects." It didn't seem to matter to them that we were loitering about their home; they just kept doing lunch.

Unless you've been fully off the grid for the last few weeks, it's hard to escape noticing that the debate over health care has become heated with lots of misinformation from both sides of the issue. When you listen, you can't help but hear a lot of fear and frustration bubbling to the top. So much of the public debate has become rude that I wonder if anyone is listening anymore. Sometimes you feel like you've landed in a country where being gentle is considered a sign of weakness. Jesus didn't think so "... learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29

As I've watched the process, I am reminded of a group of people who were exiled from their homes and were struggling with how to live in a strange land where they could no longer sing the songs of Zion. The prophet Jeremiah gave them this word from the Lord ... This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." (Jeremiah 29:4-7)

God calls us to pray for the peace and prosperity of our nation even when it isn't feeling like home. He calls us to be about living, to be productive and to seek His blessing for the nation, especially when the politics and policies aren't your first choice. I suspect if we prayed with the same intensity that the town hall meetings have demonstrated, we'd see revival fall. Let's bring the passion into the prayer closet and see what God can do. As the old song says ... His eye is on the sandpiper, and I know He watches me.

Keep the faith

don't forget simple pleasures ...

June has been something of a disappointment weather wise -- dull, grey and rainy. It never felt like the beginning of Summer.

Well, July promises much better things. This afternoon Candace and I took a walk at Colt State Park in Bristol. Because it's on the bay, someone is always flying a kite -- or at least trying. Kite flying and summer just seem to go together -- like Astaire and Rodgers, like Martin and Lewis, Batman and Robin or Big Poppi and the Redsox.

Be sure to take at least one day this Summer to, as they sang in Mary Poppins, " ... go fly a kite." It is an opportunity to remember being a kid when Summer lasted forever and seeing your kite soaring in a blue sky made your day. But there are a few rules on kite flying. One, it's not about whose kite flies higher or longer. Two, it doesn't matter how many times the kite lands in the water. Three, it's a good day if you have functioning kite when you're done.

Next week we're heading back to Dennisport for vacation -- swimming, kite flying, taking pictures of the Cape, hanging out with my grandchildren and children, barbecue and walks on the beach. A full week with one agenda -- have fun. The simplest pleasures are the the most satisfying -- don't forget to fly a kite before September.

Keep the faith

Richard

rebuilding ...

I just returned from a week's stay in Dresden and had the opportunity to explore that city. It was extensively bombed in the final days of the second World War and spent the following forty + years as part of the former Soviet block. After the reunification of Germany, Dresden began to rebuild. The Frauenkirche (Our Lady's Church) is the jewel of that rebuilding campaign. It has been restored to much of its former glory as the pictures that I took show. Even the statue of Martin Luther has been given its proper place.

The interior takes your breath away. There is a cross made from the bent and twisted steel from the original church that is the only reminder of the darker days. It is an impressive demonstration of the desire of a community to restore and rebuild. Most of the money that financed the rebuilding came from private contributions. When you sit in that church and take in its beauty, it is hard not to think about how much all of our lives need rebuilding. It is encouraging to know what would have seemed impossible in 1945, has been done and that the city is not a prisoner of those painful times.

We all have choices about rebuilding -- right now our nation is rebuilding its economy; and many are rebuilding dreams that were broken. Dresden tells us that it is possible to choose to restore, rebuild and put the bad days behind us. The people of Dresden choose to remember the beauty that was once there. That is the great message of the Frauenkirche -- that restoration is possible.

There is another Rebuilder who specializes in broken lives. Just this morning our pastor reminded us all that Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). The apostle Paul tells us that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The most amazing thing about God's rebuilding plan is that it is all about grace and mercy. He rebuilds because He loves us -- not because we deserve it, but because He chooses to do so. All He requires of us is that we choose to walk in His plan, listen to His voice, and let Him change us into the image and likeness of His Son.

Dresden shows us what men can do when they choose to rebuild. A redeemed life shows us what God can do when He rebuilds.

Keep the faith!

Richard

the chief end ... lessons from a boarder collie

This weekend we went to the Rhode Island Highland Festival. Along with big men wearing kilts and throwing heavy things, bagpipers, and musicians, there was a demonstration of sheep herding by boarder collies. The trainers take the herding instincts of the dogs and extend them so that the dogs are happiest when they are bringing the sheep to the shepherd and miserable when they don't have sheep to corral. Anyone who has spent time with a boarder collie knows that they really want to heard something! They will heard sheep, cows or children -- whichever is available.

This is a dog that knows what it was born to do. This dog is happy only when it is doing just that. The dog thrives on it's master's approval and is quite content with its place in the pack. As I watched the dog working the sheep, I could not help but remember the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism -- "What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." For generations, children grew up memorizing these words and building them into their view of the the world.

I love the directness of the question and the comprehensiveness of its simple answer. We are here to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If we had some of the persistence of these boarder collies who know what their purpose and pleasure is, we would find this world a far, far better place. The message from God's Word is also so plain and uncomplicated -- "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts." Deuteronomy 6:4-6.


Keep the faith

living in the shadow ...

On Memorial Day we went to visit Fort Adams in Newport. It sits on a piece of land that commands the approaches to Newport harbor which explains why a young nation built it in the early 1800's. Fort Adams never fired any of its cannons in anger, but was one of the nation's largest coastal forts.

This picture was taken from one of its walls that looks out over the Mount Hope bridge. You will notice that the lighthouse on Rose Island appears to be set in the shadow of the bridge and almost seems out of place. But the lighthouse (built in 1869) was there long before the bridge, and it still stands. For over 100 years, it was home to the lighthouse keepers and their families.

It would be easy to look at the size of the Mount Hope Bridge and believe that it was the "big deal" here. However, life is lived out in smaller pieces and in smaller places. The fact that the lighthouse is still standing some 140 years later and is a neat place to spend a summer's day should remind us that being faithful in the task set before us has its own grandeur.

Marriage has a quality like that -- building a home that stands strong, shelters its children, is a refuge from the storms and a lighthouse to the community counts for so much more than how grand the house is. Knowing what you are all about and faithfully doing it has a beauty all of its own. It's all about foundations and commitment.

Jesus told us about the value of strong foundations and following the path of wisdom ... "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:23-25)


Keep the faith!

Lila Grace Arrived ...

On Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:51 AM a special little lady arrived -- she is an 8 lb. 4 oz. and 21 inch answer to prayer. Her name is Lila Grace Morrison. She shares the same birthday as her big sister, Emma Lily Morrison. She reminds all of us of the promise of a new life -- none of us know what the future will bring and how she will bless this world. But we are all sure that she is a gift which will bring out the very best of her Mom, her Dad, her big sister and the rest of the people who already love her. It's funny, we don't really know her but we love her because of who she is and the hope of what she will become.

I expect that she will teach us all precious lessons. But for today, the fact is we love her for the joy of snuggling a newborn. Maybe that's the best lesson ever -- Lila can't do a thing for us, but her presence brings joy. Loving someone without expectations just because of who she is and who she will one day become makes us all better people.

Today I had the opportunity to catch a moment when Emma and Lila sat together in Dad's lap. Emma has no idea of how much Lila will change her life, but Emma does know that this is her baby sister. That really is enough reason to love her. When you are secure in your father's love, it's not hard to to love others.

Keep the faith

tulip lessons ...

The Dutch have a thing about tulips. The tulip isn't native to the Netherlands; it was a 16th century import from Turkey by way of Austria. Wherever the tulip began, it has become the singular floral symbol of the Dutch. One of the very neat things about the tulip is that it is most visible when Spring arrives. Along with daffodils, tulips are a key part of springtime in Rehoboth. Yesterday, I spotted a small tulip garden by the side of the road and had the good fortune of travelling with my camera. You can see the result of that encounter.

For all of the charm of the tulip, there is a part of its history that we are re-visiting. In the 1630's the Dutch developed a "tulip mania" and a highly speculative futures market in tulip bulbs developed. A "tulip bubble" inflated the prices of highly prized tulips to the point where in 1635 a sale of 40 tulip bulbs was recorded for some 100,000 florins. For reference, a skilled laborer would earn 150 florins a year and a ton of butter would sell for 100 florins. The Dutch called this the "wind trade." In February of 1637, the bubble broke and the prices of tulips crashed. Many speculators were ruined and the "tulip bubble" entered our financial language as an object lesson in the dangers of speculation. I will leave it to you to make the connections between the real estate and stock prices over the last few years, but it's pretty hard not to see the shadow of a tulip hanging over dot coms, IPO's, condos and mortgage backed securities.

When the Dutch forgot that the tulip is just a lovely flower, they set themselves up for great pain. When we treasure things beyond their real value, the price is always too high and the cost is greater than anyone ever anticipated. Where do we find a way to understand real value?

Jesus answered that with this compelling question ... What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? (Matthew 16:26) That question contains the real answer about value -- nothing we can gain in this world outweighs eternity with the Lord.

Once we understand that we are just passing through, it must change our priorities. Jesus challenges us to understand that what we possess is just for a moment and it's not all about us ...

As you look at the tulips over the next few weeks -- they will be gone soon -- remember to stop, enjoy their fragrance, enjoy their beauty, and remember a time when a tulip bulb sold for more than a man earned in a year. We can speculate on today's mania, or we can invest in eternity.

Keep the faith!

Sometimes it just takes your breath away ...

The other day I was listening to David Jeremiah on the radio as I drove home from work. Talk about redeeming the time stuck in traffic! He was discussing the book of Daniel and Daniel's long wait for an answer to prayer. He then started to discuss the heart of prayer and gave an illustration that is just amazing.

If you have a safety deposit box, you are familiar with the protocol for getting into it. You bring your key and are accompanied by a bank clerk who has the bank's key. Only when both keys are placed in the lock, and turned does the box open. Prayer is much like that. The Father has many good and precious things waiting for us in that safety deposit box of prayer. He stands with His key in hand, but we must bring our key, insert it in the lock and turn it to receive from Him. The book of James tells us that "You do not have, because you do not ask God." (James 4:3)

Jesus told us that "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24) I believe that the other key is described in that verse. We have to ask in His name. That's not a little bit of magic that, like a spoonful of sugar, make the medicine go down. There is something much deeper.

When Candace's Aunt Edith was struggling with Alzheimer's disease, we were granted the power of attorney to act in her behalf. We had the legal authority to sign checks on her behalf and make commitments for her. It was not an unlimited authority, we were accountable to demonstrate that the actions were always in Auntie's best interest and for her benefit. When we pray "in Jesus' Name" we are exercising a divine power of attorney. We have authority, but we are bound to do and ask according to His will and purposes and not ours.

The two keys that David Jeremiah talked about -- the Father's will and our prayer -- are tied to the same box which is opened only when we ask, as Jesus did in the Garden , "not My will, but Thine ..."

I stand amazed at the partnership that we are invited to join. We get to pray, to join our will with His, to seek His glory, and then see both Heaven and earth move. If that doesn't light your fireworks, you need to get on your knees more often.

Keep the faith.

look at the birds of the air ...

This weekend Emma, Jeremy, Jacob, Bob and I went to the Butterfly Place in Westford. You can spend some marvelous time just being with the butterflies, watching them, and letting them be what they are -- amazing creations that give us nothing but pleasure and live off nectar from the flowers. The kids enjoyed the butterflies and I had a ball watching the kids and photographing these neat fluttering flashes of color.

When we returned home on Sunday, the news was waiting for us. Employment is down, terrible violence in New York, a missile launch in North Korea and an earthquake in Italy. You could forget how much of the world is right if you listen to the news too often!

Then I uploaded the pictures and remembered the butterflies. As I thought about just how lovely they are, I remembered the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount (the 6th chapter of Matthew's Gospel) ... He said "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you ..." (verses 26 -30)

These butterflies don't have bank accounts; they don't have 401k's; they don't have a thought beyond the next flower and yet they fly in beauty. Jesus challenges us to see the pattern of the Father's extravagance and to trust Him with our needs, our fears and our futures. He draws our mind's eye to the beauty of a world that God said was "good." (Genesis 1) and tells us to trust the God who makes beautiful butterflies as an expression of His glory. If He cares that much about butterflies, why do we need to worry? As the old song says ... His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me ...



Keep the faith!

no eye has seen ...

On my way home from work yesterday, I noticed that the sun was beginning to set as I approached Rehoboth. Fortunately, sunset was at 7 PM and I would have time to get home, eat quickly and rush out to see the painting that my heavenly Father was creating. Remembering that the sun sets in the West, I drove to an open field that faced toward Providence. The photograph of that golden sunset was my reward. I am now starting to understand why landscape photographers are so excited about the "golden hour."

As I worked on the image, cropping away the unnecessary details this amazing verse of Scripture came into my mind. It's from the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth in the 2nd chapter, the 9th and 10th verses ... However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” -- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

As I was driving home, looking at the sun in the sky I knew that the sunset would be beautiful -- I didn't know just how lovely it would be. I think that the Father gave me a taste of how much greater His plan for eternity is than my idea of heaven.

If the sunset taught me anything, it is this -- I can't even begin to imagine the beauty that awaits those who are in Christ. The really neat part is that we won't have to rush through supper to see it! And like the sunset, salvation is a free gift of God.

Keep the faith.

Best Face Forward ...

Today we visited Castle Hill in Newport, RI just because the weather was so nice. There is an old granite lighthouse, built in 1890, that now has a flashing red beacon to signal the shore. This little lighthouse is only 34 feet tall. When you approach the lighthouse from Castle Hill, you actually stand at eye level with the beacon. What strikes you is that this is a petite lighthouse. It isn't impressive because of its size, but what does impress you is that it has faithfully signaled since 1890 and keeps on doing just that.

The first picture shows you the view from the coastline. This petite lighthouse stands proud on its promontory and faces the sea with its best face forward. When you approach the lighthouse from the trail side, the lighthouse shows its weary side. The metal work is rusting, the paint is chipping, and the mortar needs to be re-pointed. But this petite lighthouse keeps its best face forward and signals, rust and all. It wears its rust and its age like a badge of honor.

There's a great truth in this little lighthouse. When you are fulfilling your purpose, it doesn't matter if a little rust stains your paint. There is a beauty in doing what you were created for that exceeds what Hollywood can deliver. We call that beauty character , and to paraphrase an old commercial ... we get it the old fashioned way, we earn it!

Keep the faith

spring is coming to God's bonsai tree ...

Today was a taste of spring -- blue skies, temps in the 50's, sunshine and melting snow. We visited the state park at Fort Phoenix (Fairhaven) and this persistent tree caught my eye. It stands on a small patch of ground caught between boulders left by the last glacier and the river, and it is bent by the force of the prevailing winds. It can't stand straight and tall like the oaks and maples, but it stands. Pretty soon, it will bud and leaf out. I'm looking forward to coming back later to see what this sturdy little tree will do with sunshine, rain, and soil.

As I have thought about this tree which was crafted by the Hand of our Heavenly Father, I am reminded of the Japanese art form of bonsai trees. They are exquisite miniature trees, crafted over years, that express an inner vision for that tree. This tree has been crafted with His inner vision in mind and it has a beauty that comes from the Father's tender care. It is bent to His will and His vision. We are called to become the Father's walking bonsai trees -- fulfilling the vision that He has for us. The hard part of being His bonsai is that pruning is required! Jesus told us that I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. (John 15:1-4) This tree tells us to trust the Father's hand while He is pruning us. He has a vision for the tree that we can become, and He wants our lives to be fruitful.

When you look at the nation and all of what's going on with Detroit, Wall Street, and Main Street, it's important to remember that Spring will come. We will not continue in the current winter forever, and that all of this is about restoring us to His vision. Psalm 30 verse 5 says weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. We all can get focused on today's troubles and forget that troubles pass. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6: 34), Jesus told us Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This persistent little tree has not given in to worry -- it just keeps growing and bending. It keeps on letting the Father craft it into that final work of art. Spring will come, and I can't wait to see what the Father's bonsai looks like with its coat of green leaves.

Keep the faith!

the orignal lighthouse ...

A lighthouse has only one purpose -- to shine a light that will guide a ship safely into harbor. It is there to rescue those who are lost and need to know the way home. We're living at a time with rescue plans for banks, auto makers, insurance companies, Freddie Mac, brokerage firms, people with impossible home mortgages, and people who are out of work. It's easy to look to Washington for a lighthouse, but where does Washington look for a light that will bring this nation safely home?

There's a great gospel song, The Lighthouse, that reminds us that Jesus is the lighthouse. He told us that He is the truth, the life and the way. He also promised that He would never leave us, nor forsake us. He is that lighthouse that never goes dark and always leads us home.

Sometimes we forget that compassion wasn't invented in the New Testament -- Psalm 72 tells us that He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence ... The prophet Zephaniah wrote ... At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time, I will bring you home ...

There's a family style between Jesus and the Father -- they are both filled with compassion, they both seek after the lost and the oppressed and they are both in the lighthouse business.

Keep looking at the original lighthouse ... He will bring you home.

sit or soar ...

So much of life is about the choices that we make -- we can sit on a rock and talk about the weather, the temperature of the water, the wind, the sun, and how we just don't feel like flying anymore. Or we can spread our wings and fulfill the purpose that we were born for. Until we climb off the rock we cannot know the joy of soaring.


Each one of us is a unique creation of our heavenly Father -- He made each of us with gifts, talents and abilities. When we sit on the safety of that rock, we forgo the joy He prepared for us. There is a marvelous scene in the movie Chariots of Fire in which Eric tells his sister that " ... God made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure." What a marvelous way to live our lives, looking forward to knowing that we are exercising the gifts He planted in each of us and feeling His pleasure as we soar on eagle's wings.

We need a new perspective -- are we living our lives sitting on the rock or are we soaring? When was the last time you chose to soar and felt His pleasure?


Keep the faith

only on the green light ...

In the town of Dighton there is a old bridge that crosses the Taunton River and leads you into the town of Berkley. Its a very old and very narrow bridge and can support only one lane of traffic. When you cross the Berkley Bridge you have to wait until your traffic light is green. The spot is is pretty, but when you're in a hurry it's easy to forget to look at what's there.

Our lives can be so much like the Berkley Bridge -- there are times when we have the green light and can get on with the next thing. Then there a moments when we're facing that red light and simply have to wait. So much of the quality of our lives is tied up in what we do when we're waiting. Do we grumble about waiting? Do we ignore the red light and take foolish risks? Or do we savor the moment -- enjoy the scenery and take that little mental holiday? Are we too caught up in getting somewhere that we can't deal with a red light on a one lane bridge?

The next time that life sends you to a one lane bridge and the light is red, don't look at your watch -- look out your window and see the river! You'll be glad you did.

Keep the faith!

once there was a spider ...

Over the last few days I've had several conversations about bailouts, stimulus packages, problems with the Congress, questions about where all of this is going and are we confident that real progress will be made. Clearly no one really knows what's contained in all 1800+ pages of the stimulus bill. It leaves me, and many others, I'm sure, puzzled.

Then I remembered this photo of a little spider (click on the image to see it full screen -- it's a wee spider!) that was spinning a web in the heart of this flower. That spider had no certainty that its next meal would show up, that the flower wouldn't be picked, that the rain wouldn't wash its efforts away or that a bigger spider wouldn't move in. It simply went about its business of spinning its web in a place where lunch happens. I trust that the little guy made it.

There is a lesson for all of us here -- get on with the business of life in spite of all of its uncertainties. If we wait until we know how it will turn out or until everything is perfectly safe, life will pass us by. The flower will be gone; the day will pass and we will miss all of what is right. We need to be in the moment just as that little spider was in its moment -- just as purposeful and just as confident that there was nowhere else to be.

The Apostle Paul told us to do all things as unto the Lord. I wonder if we really apprehend that statement -- that all of our lives are to be lived for His glory and to bring praise to His name. It means that we don't work for the people who sign the paycheck, but we work to honor the One who was a carpenter and redeemed us. We do all things for the One who told us that we were not to worry about tomorrow and to let each days troubles be sufficient for that day. He told us that we were not to worry about what we would eat or what we would wear because our Father already knows what we need; He also promised us that He would never leave us nor forsake us.

There is a great gift in knowing that we are to live life one moment and one day at a time. There's a great song that tells us to "keep doin' our best, pray that it's blessed, and Jesus takes care of the rest!"

Keep the Faith!

It really is amazing ...

I've had the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China on two occasions. This was taken on my second visit in October of 2007. When you see it there are two things that simply amaze you -- its immense size and how rugged the landscape is. As far as you can see, the Wall is there winding its way up and down the mountains and valleys. Then it hits you. The Chinese who built the Wall did so with hand tools, wheelbarrows and backbreaking labor. You cannot help be be in awe of the achievement.

When I think about the financial troubles that the nation is facing, they do seem smaller when you consider accomplishments like the Great Wall. I am also mindful, that the present situation will be resolved one job at a time just as the Wall was built one brick at a time. This is a time that we all need to be patient about the time and the process of recovery.

We also need to remember that the Lord is the One who raises up nations and provides for His children. We can get so caught up in what we will do, what Washington will do that we forget that without His favor we are not able to fix things. Remember to pray for our President, our Congress, our Governors and State Legislators. They need wisdom and discernment.

Ducks in A Row ...

I wish I could tell you how many times that I've been told to "get my ducks in a row" or that "all of my ducks are in a row." I've always wondered if the ducks would care about rows. This morning I found the answer to that puzzlement. Apparently these ducks decided that getting into a row was warmer.

This was taken at the settling pond next to the Swansea junior high. I've driven by it more times than I can count, but today I brought my camera along. Because the camera was there, I stopped long enough to see what I've failed to see so often. We all need to practice seeing. There are so many other things that we need make the effort to see. Pray that the One who created all with just a word will open the eyes of our hearts to see the marvels of His creation and to see the wonders of His grace.

It's great to use the camera as a tool to see, but prayer is the tool that lets us see Him.

Emma, Papa & a Kite

It's still January, but we've already started to plan a summer vacation -- once again, we will be blessed with the opportunity to spend two weeks with the kids and grandkids on Cape Cod in July and August. There is nothing better than short pants, grandkids and kites on a July day on the beach!

When I consider how many people are without work and are losing hope, I know how precious it is to be held in my Father's hand. We can be sure that He does not slumber or sleep, that no sparrow falls without His notice, and that He has plans to prosper us, and not to harm us. Keeping our eyes on Him, on His love, and His faithfulness is our real peace.

Keep the faith!

Richard

Spring Will Come ...

These flowers were in a Botanical Garden at the University of Munster, Germany.
The picture was taken in September of 2008 while attending a conference. It's now the end of January, and we've had more than 30 inches of snow so far this winter. I haven't seen my driveway without ice and snow for weeks. While there have been days with dazzling sunshine, it has been hard to remember flowers. Remember the look and smell of flowers, remember the extravagance of God in His creation, then smile.

Sakonnet Point, Little Compton, RI Dec. 30, 2008

These are three views of the beach and lighthouse at Sakonnet Point taken on a clear, sunny, and windy day in December of 2008. It is so easy to forget the amazing scenes all around us -- remembering to look ensures that we will capture the moments that take our breath away.

Candace's Brothers, Sisters, and Spouses

Here are Candace, Priscilla, Lisa, Bill,and John with Richard, Bill, John, Vickie and Claire -- photo taken on Saturday, December 27, 2008. It is a rare opportunity for all of the Shaw kids to get together when someone isn't getting married.

Welcome!

I've decided to start a blog as a home for family photos and news. From time to time, I will post new photos and share what is happening with our family and friends. I trust that you'll find this to be a worthwhile visit.