Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Don't Miss These Olympic Events

Who has not watched the Olympics of late?  I must admit that some of the events are more exciting than others.   I am totally convinced that curling was invented by some housewives who wanted to trick their husbands into doing some sweeping.

So I am thinking of the some new events for the next Winter Olympics that might involve church folks.

Acolyte Exit Jump--Most of the altars are built up a few steps.  So as the acolytes leave, could they do a two and half twist while keeping the candle still burning.  Extra points could be awarded for a stunt off the front seats or pews as we know they are unoccupied.  A perfect score could include startling Mr. Smith who sleeps soundly each week.

Usher Free Style Figure Skating--Why could not the ushers do a skating routine that is both stylistic and functional?  Imagine the ushers twirling around the corners of the aisles graciously offering the plate to those waiting.  Loss of anything from the plates would mean points lost.  The music would be adapted for each service.  Oh and just imagine what the costumes could look like if it were held during Mardi Gras. 

Two or four Person Bobsled Parking Competition--Fill the parking lot with ice or water and see who can push the bobsled fast enough to move through the parking lot missing pedestrians and cars while ending up perfectly parked in the handicapped parking lot.  By the time they get there someone would be handicapped. 

Speed Skating--Two versions of this could be offered.  The first round could be the Sopranos rushing through the parking lot and into the choir room just in time to get their robe on and sing!  An alto or two might qualify for this competition as well.  The most exciting round would be the exit from worship through the back door, out the parking lot, and into the eating establishment to "beat the other denominations."  Again penalties would be given for those whom you knocked down, did not speak to, and whether you shook the preacher's hand.

Olympic gold medals are treasures of this world.  They represent hours and hours of dedication and discipline that focus on a very intense time of performance.  It is an honor to even compete.

Let us celebrate the accomplishments of all.  By the way, maybe we could increase church attendance if we handed out gold medals every once in a while?  Nah, I don't think Jesus would go for it!

Pray for me as I pray for you.

In the Master's Name,


Rev. Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
Lead Pastor

www.midweekmanna.com
www.stlukesimpson.org







Thursday, February 13, 2014

Eden

So it is almost Valentine's Day. 

Relationships are precious jewels in our life.  Significant other relationships are the most precious jewels that we can possess.  Sadly enough, sometimes these relationships receive the leftovers of time and energy.  May I share some thoughts with you?

Intimate relationships require work and energy.  We like to think they do not, but the reality is just the opposite.  At the end of the day when you have worked all day, you simply must find time to do some more work.  It means doing the little things.  It means taking the time to talk.  You understand this.   In our day we confuse physical proximity with intimacy.  One can be present physically and yet very far away emotionally and spiritually.

Intimate relationships require clear communication.  I urge people to make a list.   Make a list of ten ways that you are loved.  Give it to your significant other.  You are responsible for teaching them how you want to be loved.  You will hear them say, "I never knew...."  Call it a dummy sheet.  Call it a cheat sheet.  But you will call it in the end clear communication.

Identify and stay clear of people that threaten your primary relationship.   Misery loves company.  People who are miserable in intimate relationships love to bring others down as well.  If you hang out with people who constantly gripe about their significant other, you will find that sooner or later you will join the gripe club.  There are people in the world who see it as a challenge to destroy good relationships.   Just say to yourself, "I love my spouse too much to hang out with folks like this."  Guard this precious jewels as you would any other valuable asset in your life.

Cherish and nurture your friendship with your loved one.  Someone said, "It is not the lack of love that has destroyed relationships.  It is the lack of friendship."  Before you became what you are today, you were friends.  Do the things that brought you together.  Date!  Laugh! 

Learn to say, "I am sorry" and "I forgive you."  These are the most important words you can say.  Let go of grudges.  Refuse to drink from the river of bitterness and resentment.  Ask for and give the gift of forgiveness.  It will only bring you closer to one another.

Celebrate something each day!  Celebrate little things.  Celebrate big things.  Become your significant other's best cheerleader!  

Pray for one another.  For years now, Mandy and I have had prayer cards that direct us to pray for each other.  She keeps hers on the kitchen sink.  I keep mine in the bathroom.  I wonder what that says about us!  However, each day we are reminded to pray for each other.  We have a prayer book (A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie) that we each read from.  Whether we are together or apart, our prayers are one!   Let God work in your life.

Mark Twain tells the story of Adam after the death of Eve.  Adam is filled with sorrow and yet joy.  He is remembering the blessings of Eve's life.  And then he says this wonderful line,  "Where ever Eve was, Eden was."  May your  days be filled with the jewels of Eden!

Happy Valentines Day!

Pray for me as I pray for you.

In the Master's Name,

Dr. Jack O'Dell

www.midweekmanna.com
www.stlukesimpson.org

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Are You Overwhelmed?

So this week I am at a Stephen Ministries Leadership Training event.  Stephen Ministries is a wonderful expression of equipping lay persons to do skilled ministry.  Churches who utilized this system have a high degree of care.  But I have to tell you I am overwhelmed.

The system has a MOUNTAIN of paperwork and files.  I am sure that the person who developed this is a type A person with another dose or two of type A added.    The manual just by itself is 35 lbs.  There are more folders with all the subsets and color coded for your ease.  In addition to this there is the handouts and even more handouts.   We have killed a whole forest (or two!).  Being overwhelmed is paralyzing!  

What about you?  Have you been or are you overwhelmed?

For some the feeling comes from work.  The tasks just seem to stack up.  The interruptions keep you from getting some things done.  Or maybe the internal expectations of perfection weigh you down.  Then there are those who are working in places where they have not been adequately trained.   One keeps trying and trying only to find it more difficult. 

Or maybe it is family that overwhelms you.  There is not a training manual with family.  Raising kids most of the time is trial and error.  When the hard times come, it is easy to beat yourself up.  Then  the expectation from spouse can be overwhelming.  You work all day and then come home to find that the work is still to be done--housework, relationship work, etc.  Marriage is sometimes hard work.  In the good times, marriage requires time.  

Friendships can be overwhelming.  You want to care and be there for those around you.  But some friendships are just labor intensive.  Other friendships are overwhelming in the sense that you receive so much.  

But today I want to remind you of another gift that can overwhelm you.  It is the love and grace of Jesus Christ.  Grace is abounding.  It is overflowing.  God's grace meets you right where you are.  God's grace meets you with all your imperfections--warts, weight, and all.  And God's grace wants you to know that you are loved and not alone.  Spend some time and let the grace of God overwhelm you. 

I do not remember where I heard it but it makes sense to me.  Someone told me that every time this person is showering, this person would just let the water flow overhead and all over.  This is what God's grace is---overflowing, refreshing, washing, and cleansing.  Bask in the grace of God.  Let it over whelm you!

Pray for me as I Pray for you

In the Master's Name,

Jack

www.midweekmanna.com
www.stlukesimpson.org