From a Taxi driver in Tortola

In January of this year, I was riding in a British Virgin Island taxi on the left side of the road through the mountains of Tortola. The view overlooking the countryside was spectacular. The temperature was perfect. The sun was shining. We had just come from a tropical beach where we enjoyed the sand and surf of this island paradise and were returning to our Norwegian Cruise on the Encore.

I recall chatting with our driver about the history of the island, the culture, and the people. At one point, the conversation turned to the church and how the world might end. Our driver asked if we had heard about this virus over in China? None of us had. In fact, I didn't even take it too seriously at the time. But he said it was bad and spreading. We quickly moved onto other topics and the virus was forgotten.

That was Thursday, January 23rd.

Fast forward to today, April 8, 2020.

It's only been a little over 2 months and today, as I write this, people from every country are staying home, self-quarantining in order to avoid catching or passing on Covid-19. This pandemic is like nothing we have experienced in our lifetimes. The world has literally come to a standstill. There doesn't seem to be an area of life it hasn't affected. Yet as grave as it seems, there are still reasons to have hope.

As we strive to flatten the curve and make it through this, it is important that we stay positive. Remember these truths as you do your part to end this pandemic.

1. Lean on God when you are troubled - Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in trouble."
2. Take your anxiety to God through prayer - Philippians 4:6 says, "“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Jesus has conquered death -1 Corinthians 15:55-57 says,
   "'O death, where is your victory?
   O death, where is your sting?'
   For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ."

That January vacation seems so long ago now. Still, I know as I watch China return to normal life, that this too, will pass. In the months to come, we will again venture to out to buy groceries, visit our loved ones in their homes, attend sporting events, and go back to church on Sundays to worship with our spiritual family. Until that day, stay home. Stay safe. And stay faithful!

My Favorite Tech Life Hacks

A Life Hack is a simpler, more efficient way to do something. Think of it like a shortcut which will achieve the same result, but sooner. Here are a few of my favorite tech Life Hacks.

Listen to your Bible

Listen to the Word

Do you use the Bible app on your tablet or smart phone? Did you know with most versions of the Bible there is an option to have it read to you? There is! Useful for when you are driving or busy doing something else. "Faith comes by hearing...!"

Speedometer

Smartphone Speedometer

The estimate to repair the speedometer in my vehicle is over $500. I had an older Android phone just laying around. You can use your old smart phone to display your speed. You don't need a plan or subscription. The GPS component in your phone will still work. Keep it powered by plugging it into a USB adapter and then into the car cigarette lighter.

Parking Reminder

Remember Where you Parked

Ever leave your car in a parking garage or large parking lot only to come back and scratch your head as to where it is? Save the confusion by taking a picture with your smart phone of where you parked. When you come back, just pull up your picture and proceed to your vehicle!

Fast Cash

Get Cash from Grocery Stores

Need cash from your bank account, but there isn't a branch or ATM nearby? Go into any grocery or convenience store, buy something as small as a pack of gum and use your debit card to get cash back. Store limits may be $50-$100, but if you need more, just buy another pack of gum. Daily limits are much more.

Immediately Access Desktop

Press F11 to show Desktop

As you work on your computer, you open more and more windows until your desktop covered. What happens when you want to get back to your desktop quickly? You could close each window one by one, but there is a much quicker way that will minimize all your windows at once.

Windows - Windows Key + D (May not work on newer Windows OS)

Mac - F11 (Press F11 again to restore all windows)

Worship with Humble Gifts to those in Need

Whether you are new to the Christmas story or you have heard it over and over, it's still the most incredible story in the history of the world. That creator God would send his own Son on a mission trip to earth, step into history, claim victory of Satan and sin, is nothing short of spectacular!

Some time after Jesus makes his miraculous appearance in a feeding trough in Bethlehem, Magi from the east show up at a house where the family is staying. The Bible states it like this:

"After coming to the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 3:11

These "Magi" or "Wise Men" had followed a moving star in the eastern sky that led them not to a manger in a stable but to Jesus.  What can we learn from their trek that we can apply today?

1. Humility - The verse says, "they fell to the ground" indicating a posture of humility. Everything surrounding this Christmas story points to humility: Mary says "...the Lord...has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave..." Joseph is the humble carpenter. The shepherds are humble  caretakers of their sheep. As the Magi enter the house, their immediate reaction to the long-sought child is to drop to their knees. The Psalmist wrote, "The humble will see their God at work and be glad." Psalm 69:32 NLT. Humility is the key element to seeing Jesus. 
2. Worship - After the men fell to their knees in humility, they worshiped him. What does "worship" mean? Dictionary.com states that worship means "to show reverence or adoration to a (deity)" The Magi demonstrated their reverence toward baby Jesus in such a way to honor Him as God. As an adult tempted by Satan, Jesus would say, "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" Matthew 4:10. Our response ought to be the same in that we worship Jesus, our Lord and God. 
3. Gifts - The wise men gave their treasures to Jesus. They brought what was valuable to them in their day and presented it to Jesus. The three gifts recorded in scripture are:
1. Gold - Gold represents royalty which indicates the nature of Jesus - a king - although not an earthly one. Gold is also very valuable indicating the priceless Son of God. 
2. Frankincense - Frankincense is a fragrance many times mixed with oil and used in ancient times to anoint a newborn infant. Three people were anointed in the Bible: Prophet, priest, and king - All of which Jesus would be. 
3. Myrrh - Myrrh is a spice used in burials in ancient times. Most believe the myrrh was prophetic of Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead. 

As we humbly come to worship Jesus, the risen Christ, this Christmas season, how do we give him gifts? He is no longer a helpless babe in a Bethlehem house. But perhaps we can still give to him. We might remember the words of Matthew 25:40, "...whatever you have done for one of the least of these, you have done for me." When we give water, food, clothing, care, and love to those in need, Jesus says, we have given to Him.

Your gifts will look different than those on the first Christmas, but let them be given to those in need and with a cheerful spirit. Give to those less fortunate this Christmas season. Share with those in need. In doing so we celebrate as the Wise men did long ago. Merry Christmas.

The Holiday Juggernaut

This week an Amazon toy catalog arrived in our mailbox. That was a first.  It was a sign. A sign that the holiday season has begun.

Early Bird Sales. Veteran Day Sales. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Free Shipping! Next Day Delivery. 2 Hour Delivery!

Are you ready for the onslaught from the holiday marketing juggernaut coming your way?!

Before you launch into this holiday season, consider these:

1. Spend Only What You Have

Scripture is so clear on avoiding credit. Solomon writes in Proverbs that "the borrower is slave to the lender." What does that mean? Being a slave to anything implies giving up your freedom. When you buy on credit, you become bound by your creditors. Your freedom is compromised.

Come January, you will rest much easier if you don't have a huge credit card bill arriving in the mail.

As you plan to buy Christmas gifts, plan to use disposable income. What is disposable income? It's the money left over after you give, pay your bills, and save. What if I don't have any disposable income? Give presents that you make! Maybe you bake cookies, brownies, cakes, etc. Maybe you make something. Handmade gifts can carry very sentimental connections. Search Pinterest for ideas.

What do you give someone who has everything? NOTHING! Oh. Did I just say that?! Yes, I did. If they have everything, give to someone who has nothing. Need a suggestion? How about sponsoring a child in a third world? Let them know you will sponsor a child in their honor. Here are three reputable organizations that would love your help.

Sonlight Ministries
Compassion International
World Orphans

2. Eat Smartly this Season

I love what Keith Bradford, a Canadian who writes 1000lifehacks.com, said about Americans spending $15 a day eating out, which is about $450 a month, and about $600-$750 including drinks! His response? "You have food at home!" Hilarious. Because it's true.

This is the time of year to eat. We have candy at Halloween. Then the discounted candy after Halloween. Thanksgiving dinner. Christmas goodies including fudge, cookies, and chocolate. Parties are packed with food and drink. Christmas dinner. The list goes on. Does the Bible speak to our obsession with food during the holidays?

Yes, the Bible says the glutton, or one who over-eats, will become poor. If we "eat" all our money, we won't have any left for giving, saving, bills, etc. Paul writes in Philippians chapter 3 about people who are enemies of the cross of Christ (non-believers). He says their god is their stomach. They lack self-control and over-indulge themselves.

Jesus had 12 basketfuls left over after feeding the 5000, but he had the disciples pick up the leftovers. Why? He wasn't planning to throw them out, but had them picked up so that nothing would be wasted. My guess is that the extra food either went to other people or it was eaten later.

Save money and avoid over-eating when you go out.

• Avoid buffets and "all you can eat" offers. They just encourage overindulging. 
• When you do go out, consider splitting a meal with someone. Normally the servings are plenty for two people especially when you may get free bread or chips prior to the meal. Fill up on those and drink a lot of water. It will make you feel full and it's free. 
• Go out for lunch instead of dinner. The prices are lower and the portions are usually smaller. 
• And of course, ask for a box if you don't finish your meal. Eat what you take home the next day for a meal. Add some sides to it and save some money. 

3. Maintain Perspective on Life

The rich young ruler and the rich man who built bigger barns in the Bible were both condemned by Jesus. The rich young ruler failed to give Jesus first place in his life over his possessions. The rich man, while preparing for the future when he would "take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry" (dare I say retirement?!) unexpectedly passed away.

Jesus summed it up quite well when he said in Luke, "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." It's easy to get all wrapped up in the shopping, eating, and commercialism of the holiday season. Yet those "things" do not define who we are. We are children of the almighty, creator God, redeemed by the precious blood of His son, Jesus Christ. In other words, we are children of the King bought at a tremendous price!

Keep perspective by remembering that none of this activity was commanded by Jesus. He didn't even ask us to remember His birthday (which probably wasn't Dec. 25 by the way). We must be good stewards of what God has given to us. The implication is that we first give off the top of our finances. Whether that be to a church or a charity is up to you, but by doing so we "store up treasures in heaven."

Enjoy and celebrate this time of the year, but do it with self-control and moderation.

Share the Sandbox

Remember growing up and playing in a sandbox? Maybe you had one in your backyard that your dad set up for you. It was your own little world boxed in by 2x8's filled with pure, tan sand. You could pick up a handful and watch it sift through your hand. You could dig down deep where the sand was cooler. It would tuck itself under your fingernails and soil your knees.

Playing in the Sandbox

Then you would add toys to your sandbox. A truck. A square mold. A shovel and pail. Your creativity ran wild as you constructed the raw element up into your personal city. Sometimes you could add water to the mix and make rivers, streams, and lakes. A perfect oasis of controlled creativity.

Then a friend would come over. And they would want to play in your sandbox with you. It sounded like a wonderful idea at first. Friends always make things better, right? Maybe. Before you invite your friend to share your sandbox, it could have been helpful to lay down some rules first. Perhaps they would have looked like this.

Rules to Sharing your Sandbox

Rule 1: Give your friend room in the sandbox. They need an area to call their own too. Don't crowd them out. Give them the freedom to be as equally creative as you.

Allow your friend to make choices. Don't smother them. Someone once said about dating, "If you love someone, let them go. If they return to you, they are yours to keep. If they don't return, they were never yours in the first place." This is just as true in any relationship. Mutual friendship means both parties enjoy one another's company.

Rule 2: Don't throw the sand. The sand is meant to stay in the sandbox on the ground. Sand flying through the air can hit someone in the eye, end up in someone's hair, and deplete the sandbox of sand.

"Do everything without complaining or grumbling." (Philippians 2:14) Speak kindly to one another. Say words that build up your friend rather than tears them down. "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret." (Proverbs 11:13) Don't gossip. If your friend shares something with you in private, keep it secret. Don't go spreading it everywhere.

Rule 3: Don't bring anything other than sand in the sandbox. No grass clippings. No leaves. No dirt. The most enjoyment from the sandbox comes from just having pure, grainy sand.

"Forgive one another as Christ as forgiven you." We all make mistakes. But once an offense is forgiven, let it die. Don't bring it up again. Move forward. Erase the slate.

In your marriage, relationships, friendships, don't forget to "Share the Sandbox." You'll be a better person for it. And remember these words from Paul, "As far as it depends on you, live in harmony with one another."

Emotional Memory of 9/11 and Resurrection

American Flag with Cross Shining Through

This is the anniversary of 9/11, a horrific event in the history of our nation. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the planes hit the towers. Events like this shake our emotions so violently that they carve a lasting memory in our minds. The emotional impact of the event is what makes the memory so vivid and long-lasting.

As a Christian, there is another significant event, equally horrific, that I recall. And even though I wasn't there, it has become a permanent memory in my life. The unjust trial and ruthless crucifixion of Jesus Christ occurred some 2,014 years ago in Jerusalem, Israel. It was a case of one who was wrongly convicted. False accusations and lying witnesses convinced Roman Governor, Pilate, to turn Jesus over the Jews with permission to put him to death.

Ironically, it was God's plan all along for Jesus to die. Because without death, there could be no resurrection. Three days following the crucifixion, early on a Sunday morning, the tomb Jesus was buried in was found empty! Rumors of chicanery swirled among the Romans and the Jews, but no one could deny with any shred of proof, that Jesus had indeed RISEN FROM THE DEAD.

Jesus' Resurrection Left an Empty Tomb

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Paul in the Bible writes it this way:

"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." - 1 Corinthians 15:14

Paul writes again referring to the resurrection of Jesus with a promise to those who follow Him:

"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:22 

Just as 9/11 is remembered yearly in the United States, the death, burial, and resurrection are routinely remembered by Christians all over the world. Jesus instructed the first disciples as they ate the Passover meal of bread and wine to "do this in remembrance of me." Christian churches now make eating a piece of unleavened bread and juice or wine a central part of their worship service.

In 9/11 we remember what we lost; In Jesus' resurrection, we remember what we've gained!

Spanning the Generations at Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch & Dinner Theatre

3 dinner options were offered

A 5-star dinner theatre atmosphere was the experience for those attending KCC's monthly Lunch Bunch gathering. As attendees began arriving they were greeted by friendly young faces holding doors open. A maitre'd welcomed guests inside the lower level and was prepared to seat them at elegantly decorated tables. The waitstaff was quickly taking drink orders and passing out menus and making sure everyone felt welcome.

Young waiters took orders

This was the brainchild of KCC's children minister, Sara Blasko. And the staff were the children she works with during the year in a program called, Octane. She called it Kidz Cooking Camp. The kids, ages 9-11, not only waited on the adults, but they also spent the morning preparing the meal! Sara said,

"The kids were excited to learn how to cook, but they were really excited when the Lunch Bunch people started showing up because they actually got to seat them, and take their orders, and they were just excited to have customers to serve and that was kinda the plan of the whole thing - to teach them to serve others."

Service was top-notch

The main course was a choice between goulash,  meatloaf, or chicken pot pie. Sides dishes included side salads and green bean casserole. Choice of dessert was Oreo fluff or Shetler's ice cream. Sara explains the process of creating this menu.

"The kids arrrived at 8:00 am and we broke into three groups and then we did rotations so they would make one menu item and then they would go to the next rotation and make another menu item so each kid got to make every item that was on the menu."

The smiles were contagious

Between dinner and dessert, attendees were treated to three singing and dancing numbers by the children. The response from people was delightful. Sara shares,

"So many people came up to me afterwards and told me what a great job the kids had done and how impressed they were."

Cleaning up in the kitchen

Lunch Bunch is a monthly event at the Kalkaska Church of Christ hosted by former minister Dan Johnson and his wife, Sherry. Dan and Sherry will be moving down to Lansing, Michigan this month where Dan will be taking the job of chaplain for the Great Lakes Christian Homes. Lunch Bunch will continue this fall hosted by Jan Aten. The next Lunch Bunch is set for Tuesday, September 3rd at 12:00 pm.