Another day with the Grim Reaper

Yesterday, I stood across from a woman. Between us was the dead body of her husband of many years. She and her husband had been serving the Lord for a long time. She looked at his body with tears flowing and shouted, "Halleluiah-Thank you, Jesus." She hugged and kissed and said, "I will NOT say good-bye, but see you later." With a little time, she collected herself and then went home.

What a contrast to the usual proceedings! She did not fight with that which will not change. She accepted this event with a efficacious faith. She had peace that surpasses understanding-standing right there in front of me. The words of her prayers were personal (like talking to one she has known for a long time) and they were positively focused. More than anything else, she expressed thanksgiving. Within a half an hour of seeing the passing of her longtime spouse, she is repeatedly stating, "Thankyou, Jesus." She wasn't delusional- she was completely in touch with all that was happening around her. She had victory over death. She was the real deal.

When you run in the same circles as the Grim Reaper, you endure some powerful experiences. Death has a way of unveiling the essence of one's character and spirituality. Of all the blessing we have in Christ Jesus, the greatest is VICTORY over death. Some people don't have it, some think they have it, and some REALLY have it. Yesterday, I was blessed tremendously by being in the presence of a woman who has it.

I pray that all our faith will grow, that we continue moving beyond rhetoric to the reality, a wonderful reality found only in Christ Jesus.

Weekend Conference!

Ken Ham, Woodrow Kroll Headline Biblical Worldview Weekend
Conference in Dayton, Ohio November 17 & 18

Answers in Genesis President Ken Ham, a world renown speaker on the subject of Biblical creation, will be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Worldview Weekend Conference in Dayton.

It will be held November 17 & 18 at Ceaderville University. Ken will teach why the Bible can be trusted, why creationism is true and why evolution is false. Information about the conference is available at www.worldviewweekend.com.

Other speakers include Dr. Woodrow Kroll of Back to the Bible, actress Candace Cameron Bure (sister of Kirk Cameron), who starred in the sitcom Full House, and Mark Cahill, author of "One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven."

Each of these speakers will present extremely interesting topics guaranteed to help attendees grow in their Christian faith and gain a better understanding of how the Bible can be trusted on all subjects.

The complete conference schedule, directions to Ceaderville University and online registration instructions are available at www.worldviewweekend.com.

There will also be special breakout sessions designed just for students.

God, Me, A Stick and A Ball

Do you believe that God can reach people through sports?

I have often heard of business decisions being made on a golf course. I have also picked up on the fact that you can tell alot about a person by how they play golf.

When you are out on a golf course, you see some of the most beautiful scenery around. Golf is a slow paced, highly concentrated game involving skill, focus, and drive. There is an amazing amount of time to talk to those who are playing with you. Somehow, when you're out on a golf course, it just becomes easy to open up with one another. There are other times when you just need to go somewhere to get away from people and buildings and cars and work so you can just talk to God alone. You can honestly talk to Him for hours on a golf course and never be distracted. It's just you, God and a stick and a little ball. Simplicity at it's finest!

There are people who would say that taking a troubled person for a round of golf is a waste of time. They may say, "You shouldn't be going out playing a game all the time when you're suppose to be ministering to people." Well, I personally believe in God's ability to show up! God goes to golf courses and not only that, but He also does amazing things while He's there. You see, God doesn't show up to actually play the game itself. He shows up because we are there and He wants to be where we are. God is not stupid by any means. He knows how things are with people when they get on the golf course. They just open up and live. People become more relaxed and the atmosphere is quiet and calm. It's during this kind of atmosphere that God's voice can be heard the loudest.

So, are we wasting time when we take someone on a golf outing? I don't believe we are. I believe in God's ability to show up. I believe in God's ability to go where He is needed. I believe God will.

Sometimes we just need something to help us escape from the pressures of the world while we experience God at a very basic level......

God, me, a stick and a ball.

There is Time Now...For Tears

She looked up from her weeding-
An old man stood at her garden gate;
Somehow she felt he was needing
Someone to talk to-she would wait.

He simply stood there quietly staring
From eyes grown watery and dim.
She thought she would be a bit daring
And slowly moved nearer to him.

She saw a tear slip down his face;
A trembling hand reached to brush it away.
Quietly she stayed there in her place-
She would let him have his say.

He whispered low, words she almost missed,
I wish that I had known
To teach my children more of this
Before they were full-grown.

I was so busy earning a living,
They never stood at my knee;
I wish they could be more forgiving,
For then I was too blind to see.

Our relationship now is brittle,
They have no time for me-
Just like when they were little
And never stood at my knee."

Geneva Miller


What do you think Geneva is expressing with this poem?

OHIO STATE vs. michigan

Would like to have anyone who would like to, come down to Campus Ministry on November 18th to have a time of devotional and prayer and then some great fellowship wathching the Buckeyes take care of the Wolverines. Game is at 3:30 (unless they change it to the late game). Thought we could meet at 1:00 and have some dogs and brats on the grill (weather permitting) and then spend some time sharing and some time in prayer. (not for michigan) Let me know if anyone is interested.

Intentions to specifics

Though it goes without saying that spiritual growth must be intentional, it is something to which we all need to redirected. In terms of the development of our integrity, character, and spirituality, nothing good happens by accident. We must be intentional, even purposeful, about spiritual growth. This is true at the congregational level as well as individually. It is so natural to live a reactive life. We go through our daily routines, dealing with the problems of the moment, chasing the pleasures of the day, all while time ticks by. Occasionally, we give thought to the larger course our life has taken, recognizing areas of needed change, but are quickly distracted by the daily routines, problems, and pleasures.

The great evil we face today is not something loud and disturbing. The evil we face is this culture within which we live, even thrive. It is not disturbing, it is comfortable. It is the most natural of environments. It is the purposeful product of an Evil One who does act recklessly, but rather, is very calculated and intentional. The Evil One does not panic when we think holy thoughts. He is well adept at lulling us back to that slow, steady grind, where our potential lies dormant.

The simple point I would make is this: we must follow-up our intents with specifics. We must get to that point as individuals and as a congregation where we do something. We cannot put it off! We must drill down to the basics and make a concrete change. Jon said in the sermon last Sunday, “I am sick of talk.” I can say personally that I am too sick of talk. I am most sick of my own talk. I find myself speaking to deaf ears even when I am talking to myself.

Can you relate?

Women's Connection Hayride

The Women's Connection Hayride was a complete success! We had wonderful time laughing, sharing and eating.......oh, all the yummy food. Thanks to all the women that came, all the men that watched our children, to Mark for driving the tractor, and Brandy for hosting and opening their home to all of us.

This could be a hoax, but I don't think so...

I ran across this news article today. It sounded like a hoax, so I took a look at the publisher's website. From what I could decipher (the website is written in Dutch, so I had to use a translation program), the article below is fairly accurate. And disturbing....

Controversial new Bible cuts out difficult gospel passages

A new Bible translation is causing controversy after it cut out difficult parts surrounding economic justice, possessions and money.

The new Bible version, released by the Western Bible Foundation in the Netherlands, has created a storm by trying to make the Christian gospel more palatable. According to Chairman Mr. De Rijke, the foundation has reacted to a growing wish of many churches to be market-oriented and more attractive. "Jesus was very inspiring for our inner health, but we don't need to take his naïve remarks about money seriously. He didn't study economics, obviously."

According to De Rijke, no serious Christian takes these texts literally. "What if all Christians stopped being anxious, for example, and started expecting everything from God? Or gave their possessions to the poor, for that matter. Our economy would be lost. The truth is quite the contrary: a strong economy and a healthy work ethic is a gift from God." The foundation wanted to "boldly go where no one else has gone before" by cutting out the confusing texts.

“We don't use them anyway! There's no single Christian selling his possessions and giving them to the poor."

Some of the most important passages of the Bible: the Ten Commandments, sections of Isaiah, Proverbs, and the Sermon on the Mount, contain gaping holes where the original translation urged radical actions around money, justice or affluence.

Have you noticed the library lately?

Julie Miller is doing a great job of updating Sunshine's library with some great resources. You should check it out (if you have not already).

I would like to share a thought from a book Julie asked me to read, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker. Meeker writes, "The most aggressive campaign against your daughter's emotional and physical health is directed at her sexuality."

That statement really struck me. It occurs to me that the "campaign directed at sexuality" has broader implications than just young girls. Although, I would readily admit that its impact is felt by young girls earlier and at a deeper level than boys of the same age. Allow me the liberty to modify the statement as follows:

The most aggressive campaign against emotional and spiritual health is directed at sexuality.

Is this not true? Our culture is pervaded by influences that carried to their logical end, lead to poor functioning.

What do you think? What can we do as a congregation?

Stardust and Ashes

When life gleams bright there is stardust
That glitters, trembling with delight;
In other times of dark depression
Dull ashes sift through dusk of night.

Through life both happiness and sorrow
Come along to find their place,
For they must penetrate and enter
Behind the mask of every face.

For life is filled with varied textures,
Grants not one soul perfect peace;
All must wait for God's sweet heaven
To find from sorrow all release.

All must work toward God's promise
And to that end keep struggling on;
Then He will grant eternal stardust
The darkness of ashes forever gone.

A poem by Geneva Miller

Christmas is Coming!!!!!!

I need some input and help for a Christmas program!! I found a nice little poem we could use and then throw in some narrated scriptures of the Christmas events from the Bible while we have the kids act out what is being talked about. Throw in some congregational singing of songs that go along with the story and we're on our way.

What are your thoughts and ideas PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

The poem:
Once upon a time,
A long, long time ago.
Begins the story of a baby,
That most of you should know.

His daddy's name was Joseph,
And Mary was His mom,
This babe was very special
He was God's only Son.

(Mary holding a baby, one as Joseph and others as various animals)
"What Child is This?"

Mary rode a camel,
And Joseph walked along,
While angels watched from afar
Celebrating in song.

When they arrived in Bethlehem,
The couple was turned away,
By keepers of the inn
Telling them of no place to stay.

Now Joseph- he insisted
That his wife has someplace to stay,
The keeper told him of a stable
With animals and hay.

Mary and Joseph’s journey ended
In a stable filled with hay,
It was there that Mary gave birth,
To our King on this day.

Some angels came from heaven,
And they began to sing.
To the shepherds in the fields below,
"Glad tidings do we bring!"

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" (dressed as angels, shepherds and sheep)
"The First Noel"

Word of the King’s arrival
Soon spread very fast,
The Angels told Shepherds
That a Savior was born at last.

A bright star lit the heavens,
To light the magi's way,
To the baby in the manger
Who was born on Christmas day.

"Away in a Manger" (dressed as the three kings/magi and as stars (use poster board cut in a star shape and wear it as a sandwich board -- decorate the star shape with garland)

S.O.S...MAYDAY...We could use a little help over here...

GOOOOD MOOOOORNING BLOGGERS! I just wanted to fill everyone in on an opportunity we have to serve one of our families at Sunshine.

Don and Cathy Ramey and Dolly VanDyne (parents and grandma of Kerri Davis) are moving to the Wheelersburg area from Ashland Kentucky. We are blessed as a family in several ways by this move.

Here are just two of the many ways God has blessed us by moving them to our area...

1. They have joined us as part of the Sunshine Church of Christ family.
2. We have been given the oppoptunity to help them move from Ashland to Wheelersburg.

The date we are shooting for is November 4th.

Don is also planning to do some moving before that, if you are interested, and we know you are... please let Don Remey, Jason, or me know--your service will be a blessing and greatly appreciated.

Amen!

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Cutting out all the states, he gave it to Shelby, and said, "Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today." After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map correctly fitted together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. "Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together."

Prayer Meeting

Tonight, a few folks will be gathering together to pray. It is great to see so much energy and enthusiasm among us. However, we all readily realize the ultimate drive in our congregation must come from God. I simply want to encourage you all to come. There is a great fellowship in praying together as brothers and sisters. I am convinced that the future of our congregation is tied to our ability/willingness to seek out our Heavenly Father in prayer, worship, and service. After all, it is His Church, His Kingdom, and His Will we are seeking to execute. I hope you will consider coming.

8:30-9:45 pm @ the building

Throwing Out Some Ideas

I was just doing a little research looking for some ideas for worship that could involve children more, rather than just being an adult happening. I would really like to hear some of your thoughts and ideas in this regard. I'm talking about brainstorming a little bit here. Keeping in mind that the elders will make all decisions pertaining to the spiritual well-being of our congregation - they need ideas to consider that apply to our particular circumstance of having an abundance of wonderful, joyful, cheerful, happy little children in our midst. Here are just a couple of ideas I have heard mentioned:

Children's Church Deacon - Organizing children's church is a huge undertaking and also a very important one. One of the articles I was reading was written by a deacon in charge of children's church. I thought, "Hey! We could really use a deacon for this purpose!" Our children's church is good now, but with better scheduling, better materials and equipment we could have a Children's Bible Time that is excellent!

Bible School on Sunday Evenings - One of the problems we have now is rushing through the Sunday School Bible lessons, hurrying to get morning worship started and cutting the worship off to get out on time. Then we bore our children to sleep on Sunday night with nothing that interest them. We could make Sunday morning for fellowship and worship (with Children's worship) and Sunday night for Bible study (and Home groups; btw, what do we do with our children in the home groups? Bring toys???)

Let's hear some of your ideas! BRING IT ON!

Grey area

Nobody really likes the grey. It is appealing to imagine living in a world marked with clear boundaries between right and wrong, good and evil. However, it seems that such can only be found within our imaginations. Some folks will strongly disagree with my statement. I mean no offense. Nevertheless, I simply cannot make sense of a significant portion of my experience of life. Most people I know, are similarly perplexed. There are a handful of folks who diligently cling to a strict black/white view of reality. I contend that they do so by sustaining a degree of denial about all things that blantantly clash with their worldview. Denial can be maintained by limiting one's associations to a small, homogenous group and utilizing broad generalities and/or stereotypes to explain vast quantities of reality.

We tend to fear the grey! But, is the grey really all that scary? This post may sound depressive, but really I seeking to uplift. I have made some measure of peace with the grey. This peace with grey has freed me to learn things (especially about people) that was previously blockaded from my consciousness. It has enabled me to be more tangible (likeable) to people not raised within my small, homogenous group. Most importantly, it has helped me to apprehend God's presence in people, places, circumstances to which I previously was blind.

Doubt is part of the arsenal of faith. It keeps it fresh and honest. In our daring to argue and in our struggle to understand, the blood begins to flow through a tired and worn-out faith. Alan W. Jones

Don't be so arrogant as to suppose that the truth is no bigger than your understanding of it. Michael Green

A Car Full of Penguins

A man was driving down the highway with a car full of penguins. Penguins sticking out the windows, penguins coming out the sunroof, penguins everywhere. A cop pulled him over and told him if he didn't want a ticket he'd better take those penguins straight to the zoo. The man promised he would and drove off.

The next day, the same highway, the same car, the same guy, the same cop and the same penguins - only this time the penguins were all wearing sunglasses! The cop pulled the guy over and said, "I thought I told you to take these penguins to the zoo." "I did" said the guy, "Today I'm taking them to the beach."

DARRELL SCOTT TESTIMONY

I had a request from someone to add this here. Enjoy! (If that's the right word.)

Jennifer


Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:

Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Polar Bear Swim

Dad asked me to post these pictures taken at the Polar Bear Swim, for the Youth Group, hosted in the Sullivan's pool in late September. We don't know the exact temperature of the water BUT the outside air temp was 64 degrees and the nights before and after were in the 40s. So, you can imagine how cold it was. The people you see in the pictures were the only ones brave enough to get in. The others stood around and laughed, loving & playfully, at the ones that got in, with their blue lips and goose bumps! From what I saw and heard about it, everyone there had a wonderful time, in or out of the water.

Rumor has it,that a couple of the Elders will be preaching over the next few weeks. The intent is to directly communicate to the congregation their vision of our future. I understand that my father, Don Coriell, will be preaching (or talking) this coming Sunday. Now, there is yet another thing I never thought I'd see.

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One thing I hope to see continue is the willingness to think outside our typical sphere of religious behavior. We have tremendous opportunities to work with congregations around the county, especially in Minford and Portsmouth. We do not have to sponsor and totally manage every ministry with which we are involved. For instance, we have an opportunity to begin an involvement with Scioto Christian Ministries, Inc. They manage West End Day Care and the Homeless Shelter as well as some other activities. We could easily become a major player in these works. Of course, that is not standard operating procedure for an upstanding CofC. There are also opportunities to work together with congregations in Minford. I hope that we are able to be open to such possibilities.

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With regard to the idea of building a new facility, an open mind is needed here as well. Currently a large majority of our congregation's yearly expenditures is inwardly focused. I would love to see the day that the majority of our funds are distributed to needs outside of ourselves. I personally think that is a tremendous indicator of a congregation's heart. The building of a major facility would definitely postpone such an achievement. The Saddleback Church (Rick Warren, Purpose-Driven fame) grew for 15 years to over 10,000 people before they built their building. Don't get me wrong, I am not against a new building, I am simply calling us to consider all possibilities.

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What are your thoughts?

What say you?

The Men's Gathering was a great success! At least, that is my opinion. There are some great challenges in our near future. There will be significant changes in some of our activities, possibly even in our worship assemblies. The theme was "Moving Toward Excellence". The Elders stood up and leveled the challenge, first, to themselves, then to us. There was a lot of "out of the box" ideas being tossed about. A major building project may be in our near future. More than anything else, I love the spirit of expectancy, the common attitude that great things are in our future. Never before, have I heard that kind of talk from so many in such a public manner. It truly was a watershed event.

The greatest thing of all is faith. Not just personal faiths, but a community-shared faith - a Sunshine faith. The positive expectations are not hinged in ourselves but in God. We are looking to God for direction, energy, and success!

What is your perspective?
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It is time Christians were judged more by their likeness to Christ than their notions of Christ. Lucretia Mott

The time is at hand.

It is finally here. Today begins the Sunshine (formerly known as Leadership Retreat) Mens Gathering. I feel this is a success even prior to its commencement. I am eager to hear what our Elders have to say about where we are and where they see us going. I look forward to seeing ones not usually involved in such discussions getting an opportunity to participate. I (and others) have been praying for God's presence among us, that more than anything else, faith will grow among the members of our congregation, for we are limited but God is limitless.

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Here is a great link to save in your Favorites folder - The Christian Standard. The current lead article is entitled, Is the Church Getting Too Involved in Politics? Darrel Rowland. Check it out.

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Another quote:
Christianity is not collection of truths to be believed, of laws to be obeyed. Christianity is a person. Christianity is Christ. Oscar Romero

When I think of Christian beliefs, I am thinking of them on two dimensions. One is simply what it is that is believed. The second has to do with the degree of impact that belief has on the whole of the believer's life. For instance, I believe that I would be better off if I stopped drinking pop. However, my belief is not sufficient to rally the discipline necessary to overcome the desire and habit of drinking another Pepsi. The prime issue for me is not so much a matter of information as it is integrity. I pray that God would guide me toward integrity.

Quotes

The following is a few quotes from a book I am currently reading, The Jesus Proposal: A Theological Framework for Maintaining the Unity of the Body of Christ by Rubel Shelly & John O. York.

True Christianity is a transcendent commitment. It cannot by achieved through our own desire to live right, to be good people, or to share what we have with others. It is not going to church or being baptized. Membership in a church organization or a religious denomination is not enough. The personal relationship with Christ is the only core around which religious life can exist. Former President Jimmy Carter

The Church of Christ is not an institution, it is a new life with Christ and in Christ guided by the Holy Spirit. Sergei Bulgakov

The Church is nothing but a section of humanity in which Christ has really taken form. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Biblically the church is an organism not a organization- a movement, not a monument. It is not a part of the community, it is a whole new community. It is not an orderly gathering; it is a new order with new values. Charles W. Colson

Looking for an Experience?

I read something yesterday that contrasted the primary values of the modern and postmodern worldviews: modern - rational, postmodern - experience.

That sure makes a lot of sense to me! I started to write a post elaborating on it, but it got long, and it occurred to me that no one really cares about the ruminations of my mind, so it's back to this:

What did you think about the message Steve delivered Sunday morning? Personally, I was moved by the affirmation of who we are, coupled with the challenge to be open to others different than us. Steve could have been a gymnast, he has great balance.

This Thursday is another prayer meeting. We are going to have them every Thursday! The time is 8:30 to 9:30pm at the building. Everyone is invited. You can participate actively or passively. We have been having some great experiences (no blowing winds or shaking rooms but good experiences nonetheless). Please come and see for yourself.