Category Archives: Minister’s Minute

Pastor’s writings that appeared in the Delta Optimist.

Father Knows Best

Posted on September 21, 2013 | Comments Off on Father Knows Best

FatherandsonMy dad is turning the big 6-0 this coming Sunday. I have started to notice how much he has changed over the years. I look at his grey hair and wonder how much of it I caused. I know it is hard to believe I could cause stress to anyone, but I, too, was once a headstrong and stubborn teenager.

My dad would attempt to impart his wisdom on me. At first he knew everything, but then as I began to age and know everything, he seemed to know far less. It’s odd how that happens.

In all of my teenage years, he would try to share his wisdom but I “knew” better and would go off and make countless mistakes. When I returned, he would simply help me pick up the broken pieces. I knew right and wrong, he had taught me, yet I did my own thing.

My dad’s actions remind me of God’s. God has given us the Bible. In it are things that we should and should not do, yet I still find myself breaking them. Thankfully, in the Bible there is not just a bunch of rules, or commandments, I have to follow, but there is this wonderful thing called forgiveness. God helps me pick up the pieces and says to me, I love you son, you’re still my child, I forgive you.

Happy 60th birthday, Dad!

Published in Delta Optimist August 9 2013

Photo credit Tampa Band Photos

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Posted in Father's Day, Minister's Minute

Finding Comfort

Posted on August 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Finding Comfort

FindingComfort

I recently had the opportunity to fly out to Michigan to see friends.

My flight had a layover in Dallas, Texas.

On my way to Dallas I was able to see both the fires and also the devastation it has caused, in Colorado. So much damage has happened in that area and to see past that destruction can be difficult at best.

As I was staring down from plane, it reminded me of when I was growing up.

I lived near a large forest preserve, and every few years, it seemed, the state government would have a controlled burn over the area. After the burn, I would go through the preserve along the trails and see how black and burnt everything was, but inevitably after a few months, the forest would grow and it always seemed greener.

Going through those trails, it reminded me of the many times where my life was hit by some sort of tragedy. In high school it might have been pimples, in college perhaps exams, after graduation it was paying back student loans, and most recent the death of my niece. Every person goes through hard times and whether others consider it trivial or not, it is still hard to go through.

During these times, what helps me, is my faith and the knowledge that even Jesus went through tragedies and hard times.

While I find comfort, my life begins to grow green once again.

Published in Delta Optimist July 12 2013

Photo Credit: John McColgan

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Posted in Minister's Minute