June 16, 2019 - Trinity Sunday -

This past Sunday was Trinity Sunday and whereas earlier in the week I had not intended to comment too much upon the Trinity, I changed my mind.  I did not go in depth into the Theology of the Trinity, I did more of that two years ago and the link is provided below.  I did talk a bit about two of the Creeds that have been used by the Church through the years, which is an item that traditional Disciples and Baptist don't know a whole lot about as both traditions are non-creedal.

At the end of the sermon, I took a bit of a veer into another lane and talked about our connection to places, specifically sanctuaries and church buildings... take a listen and see how I (tried to) weaved this together with heavy theology and the like.  I mentioned here the Methodist Church back in Reliance, SD; a small nondescript little building where so very many important things in my life have transpired.

Last Sunday was, of course, also Father's Day and I was very happy and blessed that Maddie and her boyfriend Brandon came over to visit for the weekend.  I am a very lucky father to have such a beautiful and intelligent daughter, she is and has always been the apple of my eye.  Thank you, Maddie, for coming to visit and for you and Brandon coming to worship.

Thank you all for swinging through this tiny corner of the Internet.  Please have a blessed day and please...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Athanasian Creed (4th or 5th Century)
1. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;
2. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
3. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
4. Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.
5. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit.
6. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is all one, the glory equal, the majesty coeternal.
7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit.
8. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated.
9. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.
10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.
11. And yet they are not three eternals but one eternal.
12. As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensible, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.
13. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty.
14. And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty.
15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God;
16. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.
17. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord;
18. And yet they are not three Lords but one Lord.
19. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord;
20. So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say; There are three Gods or three Lords.
21. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.
22. The Son is of the Father alone; not made nor created, but begotten.
23. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
24. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.
25. And in this Trinity none is afore or after another; none is greater or less than another.
26. But the whole three persons are coeternal, and coequal.
27. So that in all things, as aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.
28. He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity.
29. Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
30. For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man.
31. God of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of substance of His mother, born in the world.
32. Perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.
33. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood.
34. Who, although He is God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ.
35. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of that manhood into God.
36. One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person.
37. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ;
38. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead;
39. He ascended into heaven, He sits on the right hand of the Father, God, Almighty;
40. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
41. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies;
42. and shall give account of their own works.
43. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.
44. This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully he cannot be saved.

Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ,  the only begotten Son of God,  begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,  begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;  by whom all things were made;  who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of 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 sitteth on the right hand of the Father;  and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead;  whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Live, who proceedeth from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church;  I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.  

Arius
Born: 256 AD, Ptolemais, Cyrenaica, Libya
Died: 336 AD,  Constantinople
More About Arius

First Council of Nicaea - convened by Emperor Constantine the Great in 325. 
More about the 1st Council of Nicaea

Saint Athanasius of Alexandria
Born: 296 AD, Alexandria, Egypt
Died: May 2, 373 AD, Alexandria, Egypt
More about Athanasius

Romans 5:1-5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Results of Justification
5 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access[b] to this grace in which we stand; and we[c] boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we[d] also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Footnotes:
a) Romans 5:1 Other ancient authorities read let us
b) Romans 5:2 Other ancient authorities add by faith
c) Romans 5:2 Or let us
d) Romans 5:3 Or let us


John 14:16-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[a] to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in[b] you.

Footnotes:
a) John 14:16 Or Helper
b) John 14:17 Or among

John 14:26-27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
26 But the Advocate,[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Footnotes:
a) John 14:26 Or Helper

John 15:26 (NIV)  The Work of the Holy Spirit
26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

John 16:7-8 New International Version (NIV)
7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:

John 16:12-15 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

United Methodist Church, Reliance, SD

Part 5 - Sermon Series "A Walk Through The Book of James" - Jan 31, 2016

 This past Sunday (Jan 31st) we covered Chapter 3 in the Book of James.

James 3 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature,[b] and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters,[d] this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

The sermon wasn't quite as long as the last few and isn't too much of a time commitment so I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch the video linked below.

Highlights would include that we are not to go into a teaching position due to our egos and our desires for prestige or an exalted position, but rather, we who teach should do so out of a genuine calling to help and to educate others.  I do disagree with James on the premise that I believe all of us should consider ourselves both teachers and students.  All have something to offer to anyone and everyone.

We'll spend one more Sunday in James before moving on into the Lenten Season and focusing on all that is to transpire in Jerusalem.

One comment on a personal note is that Maddie informed me today that she has signed a lease for her first apartment.  She'll be moving at the end of the month and it just breaks her Daddy's heart to see his little girl so grown up.  She won't be far away from the house in Omaha and very close to the Gallery so we'll certainly see her often.  I reminded her that when she was 5 years old she promised (she swore up and down very dramatically actually) me that she wouldn't leave me until she was 40.  Somehow, she doesn't feel that the agreement was binding... she will always be my little girl even when she's old and gray.

One more passage of life comes to pass...

God's Blessings & Grace,

Roy

Sermon and a whole lot of driving around the Midwest...

The last few days have included for me a great deal of driving as well as a whole lot of seeing and visiting with friends and relatives.  On Thursday morning, I drove Madeline up to the airport in Minneapolis.  She flew to Toronto to meet up with her boyfriend Yves and his family.  For the next two and a half months, she's going to be visiting with them as well as searching for a job up there in order to acquire a work visa in Canada.  Once she finds a job and gets her visa she'll be able to apply to attend college in Canada and start working towards becoming an ultrasound technician.

Maddie Karlen, July of 2015

After leaving the airport, I spent a bit of time shopping and then headed south to meet up with a couple of old friends from college, Kent and Sue Haselhorst, who live on a beautiful acreage near Spring Valley, Minnesota.  I had a very nice visit with them at their home and then we went to the local Dairy Queen and had a bite to eat.  It had been almost exactly twenty-four years since I saw them last, and it was great to see that they've aged so well.

Kent and Sue Haselhorst, July of 2015

I stayed as long as I could and returned back to Lake City about midnight, I pray it won't be nearly as long before I have a chance to see them both again.  Thanks to you Kent and Sue for allowing me to call out of the blue and just drop in on you all.  God's love and blessings to you.

Friday morning I woke up, worked out in the garage and then cleaned up and headed to South Dakota.  My aunt Silvia passed away back in February, but she didn't want her service to be held until the weather was better for her family to travel.  I arrived in Oacoma, South Dakota at my brother Merrill's home around 5 pm and had dinner with them.  Later my sister Paula came over and we visited on Merrill's deck overlooking the Missouri until my old friend Greg Powell called me to come and meet him and his wife Terri for a drink at Cedar Shore.  It was wonderful to see both of them again, I do talk to Greg fairly regularly, but it's only once or twice a year that we actually see each other face to face.  Greg promised me that they are going to make a trip over to Lake City some Sunday to come to Woodlawn for a Sunday Service.  I pray they'll be able to work it out as I'd love to introduce them to the town, and the good people at Woodlawn Christian Church.  Greg and Terri, I love you both like family!

Greg and Terri Powell, July of 2015

 On Saturday morning, we all gathered at the cemetery near Reliance, South Dakota for my Aunt Silvia's memorial and interment service.  It was a small gathering of close family and the service was conducted at the cemetery.  After the rest of us left her son Perry buried the urn and then met us all at Al's Oasis in Oacoma for lunch.  It was a wonderful time of visiting and seeing cousins that I rarely ever see and honestly only see at funerals now.  Such unfortunately, is how things seem to go when you get to be middle aged.  Silvia was the last of the 'old guard' Karlen clan, there is only my mother Rosemarie and my Uncle Elton's wife Beth remaining and they of course both married into the Karlen clan.  

Once the visiting was done and everyone needed to get started home I headed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where I met another dear old friend Kirk Jensen for supper at JL Beers.  Creath was working that evening managing the kitchen and he actually brought our food out to us at the table in order to say 'Hi' for a quick moment before having to get back to the kitchen.  I want to thank Kirk for buying me dinner, you're one of the best souls I know Kirk, God Bless you in abundance! 

I dropped several hints to Kirk that he needs to invite all of the old gang to come see him and his wife LaJean at their home near Beresford, South Dakota.  His home is about as close to the mid-point of travel distance, for the majority of us as one could ask for.  In case you didn't notice Kirk, I just dropped another hint.  LOL

Kirk Jensen, July of 2015

It was a tiring few days, but it was fantastic to see so many faces that I rarely get to see within such a short period of time.  I pray that it won't be as long between visits with all of you as it has been in the past.  Honestly, I've resolved that that won't be the case. 

After leaving Kirk in Sioux Falls, I drove back to Lake City and managed to get home just short of eleven at night.  All of this travel meant that I was a bit weary this morning during our service but it was still a great service and we had a very good attendance again this week.  God Bless all the souls at Woodlawn Christian, I really have fallen in love with this place and am so very thankful that the Lord has called us all together to serve him as partners.

Attached please find the video of the sermon, it was a continuation of last week's sermon and again I went the route of writing nothing down prior to the delivery.  There was no manuscript, no note cards, nothing written down nor even rehearsed.  I had formulated in my mind what I wanted to talk about and then I just started talking.  The only problem for me when doing this is I have no idea how long the sermon is going to be.  Also, I have to make sure and have it recorded as there is no manuscript to publish here or to place into my file of past sermons.

I pray that this blog post finds you all well and richly blessed.

In His Grace and Constant Care,

Pastor Roy

Installation Service - Woodlawn Christian Church

This past Sunday marked my official installation as the settled pastor here at Woodlawn Christian Church.  It was a great service and I thank Julie Gibson for coming and assisting with the event.  Julie is on the Regional staff and worked with the Search Committee for all the many years that it took for the search process to come to completion.  The church endured a much longer process than normal and Julie's kind assistance and guidance has been richly appreciated by everyone here at Woodlawn CC along with myself.

I was pleased to have a number of my family and friends make the trip to Lake City for the service.  My brother Merrill and his wife Karen, Susan Gillies (Past Executive Minister for the American Baptist in Nebraska), Kathy Brown (my late mentor Jesse's wife), Bob Molby (my current mentor) with his wife Marcie, my mother-in-law Mary Alice, Gail Ann and both Madeline and Creath were able to come as well.

Above is the video of the sermon which I gave during the program, and below is a video of Creath playing a violin solo of 'La Folia' by A. Corelli.

It was a wonderful service and I want to thank everyone at Woodlawn Christian for their faith in me and for calling me to come and reside and serve alongside them as their Pastor.  Thank you to Julie for all that she's done and thank you to Susan, Kathy, Bob, Marcie, Merrill, Karen, Mary Alice, Gail, Maddie and Creath for all their love, assistance and support.  Special thanks to Creath for playing his violin for the church.  Everyone was blown away and just loved his playing, they're all anxious for him to come back and play for them again.  Next time I will try and get him the music for the hymns that we'll be playing when he's here so he can be prepared.

May this blog post find all who read it fully blessed and well in our God's love and abundance.

Remember to "BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE TODAY"!

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Roy

Vacation Bible School and Sermon from July 5th 2015

This week we are hosting the Vacation Bible School for the Lake City Community.  It's a fantastic week with all these little people running around the building.  There is nothing more rewarding than teaching and working with young children.

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that is helping out with VBS, in so very many different roles!  It is amazing to see and I'm so impressed and proud of all the great work and dedication to the youth here in and around Lake City.  What a wonderful place and such incredible people!  God Bless you all!

God Bless the little ones they are so precious.  Tonight in the first class that I taught (the 1st & 2nd Graders) one of the girls asked me if they got to keep the Bibles we were reading I told her no they were just for the class.  I then asked if they all had Bibles at home, all of the children did with the exception of the little girl who asked if they got to keep the Bibles.  I asked her if she wanted one and she vigorously shook her head yes and said yes she did.  So I gave her a Bible of her own to take home.  I like to tell everyone to "be a blessing to someone today", but today I have to say this little girl was my blessing.  She reminded me just how precious a Bible is to have.  Later I saw that she was clutching that Bible tight to her chest and she held it like that until her parents came and picked her up.  God Bless her always.  

I've attached the manuscript for the July 5th sermon for anyone who wishes to read through it.  Gail did record the sermon on her phone, but I forgot to have her download it for me before she left to go back to Omaha.  I'll try and get it this weekend and add it to this post.

In His Love & Care, 

Roy

Sermon July 5^th, 2015

Woodlawn Christian Church – Roy Karlen

First off, I was pleased to see so many of you make it to the Community Worship Service last weekend in the town square. It was a beautiful day and I thought it was a great day of worshiping with our fellow Christians here in Lake City.


It's going to be a busy week this week with Vacation Bible School going on and then next weekend is, of course, my formal installation service here at Woodlawn CC. We'll have a few special guests coming to be with us hopefully that day. My mentor the Rev. Bob Molby will be here with his wife Marcie, also my late mentor Jesse's wife Kathy will be here. Kathy will have with her, her sister Susan who is the past Executive Minister for the American Baptist in Nebraska. We'll also have my daughter Maddie and for the first time our son Creath will be here in Lake City. Creath will be playing his violin for us so that will be a treat. My older brother Merrill and his wife Karen are also making the trip, so I get another chance to harass my big brother from the pulpit, that's always fun for me. So make sure and be here next week to welcome all of these fine folks. You will also want to remember that we're having a potluck after the service, and you can never go wrong coming to church when there's a potluck.


Before we go any further this morning, let's go before the Lord in prayer;

We desire your presence with us O God.

Still our restless spirits, that with quiet minds and reverent hearts we may hear your voice and worthily worship you.

Prepare our minds and hearts O, God, that through your Word, read and proclaimed, Christ may come to dwell within us, and ever rule over our thoughts and affections as Lord of our lives.

AMEN

The scripture that we're going to be looking at today is found in the Gospel of Mark in the 6^th Chapter. It immediately follows a series of miracles that Jesus has performed and it's followed by the story of the death of John the Baptist. The story of John's death highlights for us just how dangerous this being a new voice was in these times. After the story of John's death, there are more stories of miracles.


Let’s go now to the Gospel of Mark;

Mark 6:1-13 Revised Standard Version (RSV)

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

6 He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

The Mission of the Twelve

7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

Jesus is in the first few lines of these verses, the hometown boy who's come back to town and the folks back home still see him as he was before. Isn't this the carpenter? Some translations say 'just' the carpenter. Isn't this the guy who we had make that table for us and one of the legs was too short? We grew up with this guy, what and who does he think he is now? And why can he do miracles and not the rest of us? What made him so special that God has favored him above all of us who grew up with him.

In the canonical writings there really isn't much about Jesus growing up other than a little bit in Luke's gospel. But it would seem by what Mark is telling us here that the folks in his hometown hadn't considered him as anything special prior to now. Isn't this just the carpenter and aren't his siblings here with us? Where did he get this wisdom and this power to do miracles?

We tend to have a hard time seeing people differently once we've gotten used to seeing them a certain way. An easy illustration of this would be parents and their children; it's difficult for us parents to see our children as grown adults and not think they still need us to tell them how to do things. I know for me as a father I still have a tendency to think of my kids as much younger and less capable than they really are. Sometimes it's easier for folks who have a bit more distance to see just how wonderful of an adult they might be.

Certainly, a prophet has a difficult time being appreciated in his own hometown, much less among his family and in his own home. We humans often have a tough time seeing what is right there in front of us all along.

Also here, we have no small amount of jealousy this guy wasn't special growing up? Why is he so special now? And why did God favor him over me anyways?

There just isn't the faith in him here where he grew up that is needed to see his work come to fruition.

Now let's look at the next section of this scripture, Jesus is sending his disciples off to the surrounding villages to heal and perform miracles. But get this, he tells them to not take any supplies or provisions along for the trip. He goes so far as to tell them that they are not to even take along an extra set of clothes, just the ones on their backs. And let's not forget the part about no money! He wants them to be entirely reliant on the help and generosity of those whom they are going to aid.

He is telling them to have faith that their endeavor will be supported and welcomed. They are to step forward into the darkness and uncertainty that lies ahead and believe that all will be well and God will ultimately provide for them through those that they encounter on their journey.

Have you ever been in a situation where all the odds seemed against you but you had absolute peace. You had peace because you had faith and an understanding that God would see you through. No matter what lay ahead you would prevail with God's support and love.

Now, I have to confess to you all that my wife Gail has a much stronger sense of faith than I or almost anyone else that I know. I want to tell you all a little story about our daughter Madeline or Maddie as we generally call her. Madeline was due to be born in December of 1994; over Labor Day weekend of that year my son Creath and I went up to South Dakota to visit my family. Gail wasn't able to go along as she was forbidden by her Doctor to travel. While we were there Gail called very early one morning to tell me that she was in the hospital and that the baby was coming. Her water had broken while she was asleep and she had called her mother to rush her to the hospital.

The baby was coming over three months early, well I immediately jumped in the car and drove as fast as I could back the 360 miles to Omaha. When I got to the hospital the contractions had slowed down but the baby was coming, there was no stopping that.  Maddie was born on September 5^th, which was Labor Day that year. She was so small that the Doctor handed her back with just one hand to the Doctors and nurses behind him that were there waiting for her.  

Now, I'm sure all of you can do the math but Maddie was coming into this world at 25 weeks term rather than the normal 40 weeks. Twenty one years ago this wasn't a good thing, Gail and I had already lost one child at 22 weeks and I'll be honest I was scared out of my mind. All the hospital staff was obviously concerned as well, but there surrounded by all this chaos, fear and frayed nerves laid Gail, absolutely, serene and assured. She told me not to worry that everything would be fine, I wish I could tell you I believed her completely... she said God would get us through this and that this child would be just fine.

Creath visiting Maddie in the NeoNat Unit.

Well Maddie came into this world at only 2 lbs 2 ounces, but a stubborn little girl from the get go. She gave us a lot of scares, actually she gave me a lot of scares, Gail always believed that everything would be fine... and it was. Maddie came home the day before Thanksgiving she was so small that we gave her baths in a mixing bowl, and not a large mixing bowl either. She was home for a short time before having to go back into the Neonate unit with RSV. She was very, very, very sick and honestly the doctors knew they were losing her. But Gail had faith, everything would be fine.

Maddie was so sick that they were giving her nebulizer treatments with albuterol with 15 minute intervals between treatments. There was no doubt that she was dying, but Gail remained stoic and professing that everything would be just fine.

Maddie's doctor came to us and said there was a drug trial that they wanted to put Maddie into. A new potential treatment for RSV that they wanted to know if we'd let them use on Maddie. Well, of course when you're in a drug trial you never know if you're getting a placebo or a real drug.  We said okay, honestly we didn't have anything else to do, she was dying right there before our eyes. Gail though again was unwavering in her belief that it would all be all right.

Well, they immediately started Maddie on the treatments and almost like magic she started to improve. She literally bounced back from death's door and lo and behold she recovered. Later we learned that she did indeed get the real drug and not a placebo. That drug which I don't remember the name of was shortly the standard treatment for babies with RSV and has saved many lives. One of the first lives it saved though was our own little Miss Maddie Kaye Karlen.

The fact that we just happened to be there when this drug trial was going on is to us no small miracle.  Certainly, Gail's great faith in her God for His provision and great care was well founded.  Maddie made a rapid and complete recovery, though she did have lung damage due to the RSV and her premature birth.  Thankfully, she outgrew this damage as she grew older and today her lungs are as good as gold.

Faith is a difficult thing, to step out and carry on even though the situation looks hopeless is not something that comes natural to us humans. Most of us let fear take over and we start to doubt... fear is normal and it's impossible to say that even the faithful don't suffer from fear. Faith means in spite of your fears and in spite of what should be normal human doubt, you place your faith in God and you go forth. Knowing that ultimately this world can only throw so much against us and that no matter what might come God will bring us through.

Even in those situations where it seems that the world has won, it really hasn't because God's Kingdom is bigger than the world. Now back to our scripture verses, I'm sure that the disciples all thought "what in the world is he trying to do to us, no food, no money, we're going to perish". But none of them did, at least not yet. In the end, of course, nearly all of them paid the ultimate price for witnessing for our Lord. Of course, we know that even in death their faith has saved them. The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Church in Rome:

Romans 8:33-39 Revised Standard Version (RSV)

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; 34 who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For thy sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In the end, it all works out, faith even into death.  For not even death can separate us from the Love of our God. I forget the name of the movie, but I remember this line from it; “it will all work out in the end and if it hasn't yet worked out, then it's not yet the end.”

In the end it all works out, we are called to journey through the darkness of life with the knowledge that the light of our God awaits us on the other side. We have faith that nothing in this world or beyond can change that truth.

But while we're on this journey of faith, let us never forget that we're supposed to be witnessing and helping others along the way.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,

Help us to be ever mindful to not be judgmental of others. But let us be ever mindful of living our lives as a reflection of your love for each and everyone. Please forgive us for our failings and guide us daily to a better understanding of you and the path that you wish for us to walk in your creation.

We pray this in Your Holy Name.

Amen

The Ides of March

Well, yesterday after Church we had a million errands to run.  It was a constant run, run, run until evening it seemed.  Luckily, for me anyways we did stop for a while at one of my favorite places 'Half Priced Books'.  This week I only purchased two books, but I managed to find both in the bargain section so I was pretty pleased with that.  The first book is by Diana Butler Bass entitled 'Christianity After Religion'.  Some of her work was part of the ELM curriculum, but I haven't read any of her books for a while now so I'm curious to read this one.  The other book is a bird of an entirely different feather entitled 'The Suffering of God' by Terence E. Fretheim.  The book focuses on the 'God of the Old Testament' and the Forward for the book was written by none other than Walter Brueggemann.  Brueggemann lavishes much praise onto the writing, and you really can't get much better than that for a book concerning the Old Testament.  This morning I started the book by Fretheim as just last night I finished one of the books I have been reading a book entitled 'The First Parish' by J. Keith Cook.  This was a very interesting little book with a good deal of great information.  I picked it up a while back at a book sale at a Church in Lincoln.  It was written in 1983 so it's discussion of technology was entertaining, but most of the book is still entirely applicable and well worth reading.

Yesterday of course was the 'Ides of March', and unlike Caeser, I managed to survive the Day without incident.  Like I said, we spent almost the entire day running around doing errands.  So, in hindsight I was fortunate to survive.  There is nothing like shopping for clothes with a 20-year-old young lady and her mother.  At least I got to go to the bookstore and we went to 'Five Guys' for a late lunch/early dinner.  I'd never gone there before and now I know what all the fuss is about.  The burger I had was very tasty and the fries are great as well.  The place was a bit noisy for my old ears, but the food was worth tolerating the racket for a spell.

 Last week Maddie's car decided it wanted to start acting up and so I missed a few nights of workouts in order to spend them going to check out used cars in the area.  Finally, on Saturday morning I managed to locate an older car that is in good condition and within the budget allowed.  So now, Maddie has a different car an older one for sure but a bit newer than her last vehicle.  This one is in nearly perfect condition inside and out and looks very sharp for its age.

After all of the running around we came home and I changed and ran to the gym to get in a workout.  I truly hate working out on a Sunday, but today I have a commitment in the evening and I didn't want to miss another workout.  The session went very well and I was pleased, especially considering how messed up my workouts have gotten in the last couple of weeks.  It seemed that there was always something which I had to attend to that altered my schedule.

I do have somethings brewing in the search for a permanent pulpit though of course I cannot share the particulars here.  Hopefully, there will be some news to report in the coming month or months.  Please, pray for guidance for me and all of the Search Committees out there looking for the right minister for their congregations.  It's all in God's good timing and being patient is being faithful.

God's Great and Abundant Blessings upon you all.

In Christ,
Roy

A quick road trip and Roy's ramblings...

This week Maddie started a new job, working at a new business in town called the 'Kolache Factory'.  Of course as the name implies, they make Kolaches and very tasty ones at that.  Maddie was originally hired as a cashier, but they quickly discovered that she (thanks to her mother) has a real knack in the kitchen.  She's been transferred over to baking and her new boss just loves her.  So far, she's had a 100% turnout rate for her baking (many of the kolaches break open in baking).  Today she made meatball kolaches and again had a perfect score, her boss was so thrilled he dubbed her 'the meatball whisperer' and said from now on if she's at work she is making the meatball kolaches.  Apparently, the meatball ones are extremely tough to make and all the rest of the cooks have multiple failures in each batch.

I'm extremely proud of how hard she's working, she has been going in at 3 am and a couple of days she worked until 3 pm.  She's a hard little worker and she tells us that she just loves this job and working with baking.  Of course, she's excited because she's getting a lot of hours and will have more money to save up to travel to Canada again soon to see Yves.

Today I picked Maddie up from work at eleven and we drove to Sioux Falls to help Creath do his income taxes.  Once we finished that I took Maddie and Creath out to supper and then Creath had to get to work so Maddie and I set off back to Omaha.  She told me on the way home that Yves band has been offered a chance to open for another band on tour.  If they take the offer they'll be touring not only Canada and the USA but also over in Europe.  They're both very excited as it could be a big opportunity for Yves and his group.  He and his band are also planning on coming to the US soon to meet with the producer who is putting together a cd for them.  They're all excited about this as well as apparently he's a big name and has worked with several groups that went on to be well-known and popular bands (of course I've never heard of any of them). Who knows, Maddie may find herself with a rockstar on her hands, at any rate he plays a very mean guitar.

Today marks three months until my 55 and one-half birthday, and since I've not been training towards any particular event or date lately I decided to train towards that date.  And with that I have set my sights on May 22, 2015, by which I will strive to have dropped 20 to 30 lbs of body weight, and be in as good as, or better shape than I was at less than half of my current age.  Age is as I constantly say, just a number, and no reason for us to give up on being healthy, strong and active.

Well, it's getting late and I better get going, so with that I'll leave you all with this prayer.

God's Love & Blessings to you all,
Roy


O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore thee,
a heart to delight in thee,
to follow and to enjoy thee,
for Christ's sake.

(Ambrose of Milan, c 339-397)