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12.22.2009…..6:48am

December 22, 2009 in Journal with 5 Comments

Yesterday, my friend Alva Carter Jr. went way out of his way to be bestow great grace. I was right. God is up to something around here. I cannot afford to not be part of it. Later, after meeting with the Baileys about the Wednesday funeral, Fred and Delores Eichenberger invited me over for dinner and MNF. Dinner was great but MNF was laughable. Tisha called while I was there; she and the kids safely made it to her sister’s in Rockwall. For that I am grateful.

Allen McKinney, the associate minister at 16th & Pile, has coordinated an effort to supply needy families with meals for Christmas. Yesterday I went to Albertsons and picked up a turkey and sides to deliver to a family here in Clovis. They lived in a neighborhood I had yet to visit. Life there is hard, much harder than I would have imagined. They invited me in and were very grateful for the food. The mother even gave me a hug.

It felt good to cross the tracks, bestow grace though a simple meal, and yet not ask myself, “I wonder how they got like this?” It doesn’t matter how or why. What matters is that they are in need, and this Christmas they will have something to eat.

In the past I’ve been resistant to the Bible’s teaching on social justice because I was fearful that “a social gospel would produce social sponges.” I even used Jesus’ own words to substantiate my resistance (John 6:26-27). It’s funny though that Jesus knew all this and he did it nonetheless. So shouldn’t we?

12.21.2009

December 21, 2009 in Journal with 2 Comments

I just posted an announcement about my desire to journal in an effort to find the fulfillment of Colossians 3:3. I think I’m going to entitle this “The Get Lost Project.” Yes. I like that a lot.

The time frame on this project is 2010, but I’m going to try to hit the ground running by getting started in 2009. There’s no sense in waiting. I want to gather momentum.

Today I was to start a week of vacation. Our family was planning to head to the Metroplex for a few days before Christmas. Tisha’s sister lives in Rockwall. Of course, our other family, the Gappas, live in Dallas. Too, we still have a lot of friends there from our time in Frisco. I wound up, though, sending Tisha and the kids along without me. I’m staying in Clovis to officiate a funeral on Wednesday. I’m going to meet up with Tisha and her family in Houston late Wednesday night.

My plan, now, is to use the time reading, reflecting, as well as getting ready for a funeral. I sense I really need to add margin to my life. That’s “margin” not “margarine.” (That’s for you Brian Nicklaus!) I hate not being with my family, but things happen for a reason. I’ve squandered too many opportunities to grow spiritually of late. I think my family will appreciate it in the end.

Last night I spoke about the importance of passing on the gifts of Forgiveness, Faith, and Friendship. These are invaluable gifts that, consequently, don’t cost a dime! Gotta love that!

In all seriousness, though, such is the nature of grace. We bestow God’s grace through our own actions, passing on from one generation to another the graciousness of a God who gives us what we don’t deserve. I love how Paul equates the immense generosity of the Macedonian churches with grace granted by God (2 Corinthians 8:1ff). Grace is “the gift that keeps on giving.” Literally.

One who’s become a rock solid friend here approached me last night saying, “Man, I needed that.” He really made my day. Of course, as I spoke about friendship, he, along with others, was in view. I hope he sensed it. I think he did.

There is the potential to create something great here at 16th & Pile. Strong bonds are being formed. I think that’s the way Jesus would have it.I’m gratefully that God is letting me be a part of it.

Well, it’s lunchtime here in NM. After lunch I’m to meet with the Darrell’s family to iron out details for his funeral. Please pray that I’m able to say the right things!
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