Thursday, January 27, 2005
Friday, January 14, 2005
What I am reading these days
I have been reading the book Soul Survivor by Phillip Yancy and Strength To Love A collection of Surmons by Martin Luther King. I am reminded in these books of the power of those who inspire us to life.
It is not enough to wade through life... it is important that we move through life with vigor and joy. I am setting asside Mondays for the next few weeks to do some significant reading and writting as well as vision/planning for LA InnerChange. Pray for our work here in LA. More than that... Pray for our very souls... If you don't know where to start then try praying -- Ephesians 3:14-21.
Much of our work has to do with creating paths of hope with and for our neighbors even when there seems to be little hope to be found. I am glad for this assignment by LAIC because I had slipped into a mode of too much outreach and not enough inreach.
If anyone has some comments on what has been feeding their soul lately I would be glad to hear it.
It is not enough to wade through life... it is important that we move through life with vigor and joy. I am setting asside Mondays for the next few weeks to do some significant reading and writting as well as vision/planning for LA InnerChange. Pray for our work here in LA. More than that... Pray for our very souls... If you don't know where to start then try praying -- Ephesians 3:14-21.
Much of our work has to do with creating paths of hope with and for our neighbors even when there seems to be little hope to be found. I am glad for this assignment by LAIC because I had slipped into a mode of too much outreach and not enough inreach.
If anyone has some comments on what has been feeding their soul lately I would be glad to hear it.
Friday, January 07, 2005
My frined Alan sent me this poem and it is a good reminder to my soul these days...
My friend Alan Wrote:
John,
Hope all is well as you engage the streets of the city.I just completed my first full semester as a PhD student atthe University of Texas at Dallas. I had the opportunity tobe a student in Fred Turner's (son of anthropologist VictorTurner who wrote "The Ritual Process") poetry class thissemester. I am no natural poet, but I thought I would sharesome of what I wrote this semester. I still remember theafternoon you tried to teach me the art of poetry.... -- this poem has references to Nietzsche.
Voice from the Sea Gull
She rides the sky and watches fishermen
Peaceful and free in grave contrast to me.
My will to power crushed on rocks again
And washed in salt that burns my troubled sea.
Subdued by waves of doubt that give no rest
I seek a drug to calm my angst and haltThe storm,
the hail that leaves my mind undressed.
Can truth be found to sear my wounds like salt?
Unfettered by the winds the gull confides,
³Homo ecco, ego remains the sourceof your despair.
The truth you seek abidesin God¹s design.
All life obeys His course,or breaks.
The storm that leaves your mind undressed
Results from fruit outside what God has blessed.²
If anyone like to share poetry with a friend... and maybe getr it posted on this blog... do send it to me at jawpoetry@yahoo.com
Thanks Alan
John,
Hope all is well as you engage the streets of the city.I just completed my first full semester as a PhD student atthe University of Texas at Dallas. I had the opportunity tobe a student in Fred Turner's (son of anthropologist VictorTurner who wrote "The Ritual Process") poetry class thissemester. I am no natural poet, but I thought I would sharesome of what I wrote this semester. I still remember theafternoon you tried to teach me the art of poetry.... -- this poem has references to Nietzsche.
Voice from the Sea Gull
She rides the sky and watches fishermen
Peaceful and free in grave contrast to me.
My will to power crushed on rocks again
And washed in salt that burns my troubled sea.
Subdued by waves of doubt that give no rest
I seek a drug to calm my angst and haltThe storm,
the hail that leaves my mind undressed.
Can truth be found to sear my wounds like salt?
Unfettered by the winds the gull confides,
³Homo ecco, ego remains the sourceof your despair.
The truth you seek abidesin God¹s design.
All life obeys His course,or breaks.
The storm that leaves your mind undressed
Results from fruit outside what God has blessed.²
If anyone like to share poetry with a friend... and maybe getr it posted on this blog... do send it to me at jawpoetry@yahoo.com
Thanks Alan
Monday, January 03, 2005
Jaw’s ’05 New Year Mix
Well I am back at it and spinning tunes and making mixes...
I will also be reflecting on Matthew 24 & 25...
Always Keep God in the mix -- Peace out!!!
Jaw’s ’05 New Year Mix
1. Resplendent 5:02 Bill Mallonee & Vigilantes of Love, Audible Sigh
2. Gone 3:45 Switchfoot
3. Track 12 2:57 5 Blind Boys of Alabama Spirit of the Century
4. Track 03 2:26 Blackalicious Arrow
5. Track 09 4:25 Cross Movement Human Emergency
6. Light 3:12 Apt Core #2
7. Track 16 3:23 Daniel Amos Mr. Buechner's Dream
8. Track 15 3:40 Tobby Mac
9. Track 07 1:57 RadidoHead OK Computer
10. Track 01 4:02 Steve Taylor Squint
11. Track 09 4:09 Azreil the Activist Axiomatic
12. Zombie 5:06 Cranberries No Need To Argue
13. Track 07 4:59 Lauryn Hill Un Plugged
14. Any Day 3:45 Zehnder Breathing
15. Track 01 4:08 U2 All That You Can't Leave Behind
16. Love is the Movement 5:10 Switchfoot
17. Path of Life 4:47 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
18. Track 05 2:52 SkyPark
I will also be reflecting on Matthew 24 & 25...
Always Keep God in the mix -- Peace out!!!
Jaw’s ’05 New Year Mix
1. Resplendent 5:02 Bill Mallonee & Vigilantes of Love, Audible Sigh
2. Gone 3:45 Switchfoot
3. Track 12 2:57 5 Blind Boys of Alabama Spirit of the Century
4. Track 03 2:26 Blackalicious Arrow
5. Track 09 4:25 Cross Movement Human Emergency
6. Light 3:12 Apt Core #2
7. Track 16 3:23 Daniel Amos Mr. Buechner's Dream
8. Track 15 3:40 Tobby Mac
9. Track 07 1:57 RadidoHead OK Computer
10. Track 01 4:02 Steve Taylor Squint
11. Track 09 4:09 Azreil the Activist Axiomatic
12. Zombie 5:06 Cranberries No Need To Argue
13. Track 07 4:59 Lauryn Hill Un Plugged
14. Any Day 3:45 Zehnder Breathing
15. Track 01 4:08 U2 All That You Can't Leave Behind
16. Love is the Movement 5:10 Switchfoot
17. Path of Life 4:47 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
18. Track 05 2:52 SkyPark
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Merry Christmas!!! and Merry Making...
This weekend was very satisfying. The work of love changes lives... Our lives...
Saturday we had a gathering at Kathy Henry's house (a very full house at that). Mostly people who have shared our journey in the neighborhood for the longest... I challenged people in a short devotion to consider Mary the Mother of Jesus and her willingness to allow God to radically alter the whole of her life so history could be made. Would you let God do whatever so God's good could reshape history in and through you??? And Jesus still knocks at the door of our hearts... Revelations 3...
Sunday was a gathering of LA ST. Prod. The possiblity that God has already let one generation of active members continue in their own course and opened up a new generation of new souls to journey through this community is a real possibility. What that looks like is yet to be seen. It was really good to meet both the old friends from the group and some of the folks who are looking for a context to grow in and through... MAY GOD LIGHT OUR PATH.
Monday InnerChange sponsored one of the "LA Posada" celebrations at the Cambria building. We had a blast being embraced at the heart of a this Annual Christmas celebration that we had a small hand in kindling... that has helped nurtrue a sense of community in that building over the years.
Love is the only power on earth that can change an enemy into a friend. Martin Luther King
We were once enemies of God. Saint Paul
Merry Christmas... the love of God is why I celebrate...
Saturday we had a gathering at Kathy Henry's house (a very full house at that). Mostly people who have shared our journey in the neighborhood for the longest... I challenged people in a short devotion to consider Mary the Mother of Jesus and her willingness to allow God to radically alter the whole of her life so history could be made. Would you let God do whatever so God's good could reshape history in and through you??? And Jesus still knocks at the door of our hearts... Revelations 3...
Sunday was a gathering of LA ST. Prod. The possiblity that God has already let one generation of active members continue in their own course and opened up a new generation of new souls to journey through this community is a real possibility. What that looks like is yet to be seen. It was really good to meet both the old friends from the group and some of the folks who are looking for a context to grow in and through... MAY GOD LIGHT OUR PATH.
Monday InnerChange sponsored one of the "LA Posada" celebrations at the Cambria building. We had a blast being embraced at the heart of a this Annual Christmas celebration that we had a small hand in kindling... that has helped nurtrue a sense of community in that building over the years.
Love is the only power on earth that can change an enemy into a friend. Martin Luther King
We were once enemies of God. Saint Paul
Merry Christmas... the love of God is why I celebrate...
Thursday, December 09, 2004
A copy of a posting from "My New Biblical Diet Blog"
I have been very busy. So I have had less time to stop and share tangilbe meals with friends. But my discipline has made me more aware of those around me that are hungry. The irony that I start reaching for food in response to stress has added a smile to my face; Now it is another reminder to pray for my friends and not just another craving. We pray, "give US this day Our daily bread."
This year I around before the Thanksgiving holiday I prayed for Turkeys. A prayer that comes from having hungry friends. I asked a church contact that had provided Turkeys for Thanksgiving last year... they had already promised the food to others... Latter on they came through with 3 bags of food but no actual turkeys...
Now I am not talking about handing out Turkeys to strangers... but to hungry Friends and Neighbors.
Wednessday night the day before Thanks Giving... I was on the way to celebrate a friends Birthday (a Shout out to David... we are just growing older... and hopefully wiser...) ... Christy who works for APU called me up on Jude's Cell phone and said they had placed a student with an organization... that chose to support the striking Hotel and Restaurant workers in Los Angeles by providng food for the holiday. They came through for them with plenty. They had extra food and 100 extra turkeys to give out.
That same day Dan a friend and past IC intern was visiting with Kathy and Reina in our neighborhood. They were able to go and pick up 15 Turkeys. More than we needed. (I am learning that God can answer prayers without me being part of it; this is the flip side of learning that sometimes God's provision is within my power and responsibility.)
The fun part of this is the "more than enough" that was provided at the last minute for more people than I had thought of... and we still have a couple Turkeys to share... and so it goes...
Thank you God!!!
Thank you Christy for being the unplanned connection for this secrete prayer request. Thank you all who have been involved in being part of this answer to prayer.
When we know those whose needs are greater than what we have to give... it gives us a chance to learn to pray... to cry out to God!
See Isaiah 58...
and Share your food with the Hungry ; )
This year I around before the Thanksgiving holiday I prayed for Turkeys. A prayer that comes from having hungry friends. I asked a church contact that had provided Turkeys for Thanksgiving last year... they had already promised the food to others... Latter on they came through with 3 bags of food but no actual turkeys...
Now I am not talking about handing out Turkeys to strangers... but to hungry Friends and Neighbors.
Wednessday night the day before Thanks Giving... I was on the way to celebrate a friends Birthday (a Shout out to David... we are just growing older... and hopefully wiser...) ... Christy who works for APU called me up on Jude's Cell phone and said they had placed a student with an organization... that chose to support the striking Hotel and Restaurant workers in Los Angeles by providng food for the holiday. They came through for them with plenty. They had extra food and 100 extra turkeys to give out.
That same day Dan a friend and past IC intern was visiting with Kathy and Reina in our neighborhood. They were able to go and pick up 15 Turkeys. More than we needed. (I am learning that God can answer prayers without me being part of it; this is the flip side of learning that sometimes God's provision is within my power and responsibility.)
The fun part of this is the "more than enough" that was provided at the last minute for more people than I had thought of... and we still have a couple Turkeys to share... and so it goes...
Thank you God!!!
Thank you Christy for being the unplanned connection for this secrete prayer request. Thank you all who have been involved in being part of this answer to prayer.
When we know those whose needs are greater than what we have to give... it gives us a chance to learn to pray... to cry out to God!
See Isaiah 58...
and Share your food with the Hungry ; )
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Today's Mix
Here is a list of some of what I spun today on my Internet Radio show:
1. Track05 0:35 Martin Luther King
2. Track03 2:26 Blackalicious Arrow
3. NeverGive Up 3:17 KRS ONE Spiritual Minded
4. T-BoneSpeaks 0:32 KRS ONE Spiritual Minded
5. Standto the Glory 3:49 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
6. Gone 3:45 Switchfoot Gone
7. Track07 1:57 RadioHead OK Computer
8. Track01 4:02 Steve Taylor Squint
9. TheNations of the World 1:48 Animaniacs
10. TheyAll Fall Down 5:23 Grits
11. Resplendent 5:02 Bill Mallonee & Vigilantes of Love Audible Sigh
12. Track11 1:07 Hildegard Von Bingen
13. Track06 3:21 Matt Redman
14. Track01 3:52 Staind
15. Zombie 5:06 Cranberries
16. Stuckin a moment you can't get out of 4:32 U2
17. Track06 3:55 Tobby Mac
18. Track28 4:41 Rez XX
19. AnyDay 3:45 Zehnder Breathing
20. The Blind Boys of Alabama a full 30 minutes of Gospel blues
Thursday, December 02, 2004
A Prayer request From Willie
Hello Folks,
Willie has asked for prayer today.
Currently he is a temporary employee. His immediate boss wants to hire him permanently, but it has to be approved by the “powers that be” in their company.
Please pray that they would approve his hire.
The issue isn’t Willie, but that they usually work with temporary people, which is cheaper for the company.
The decision will be made Friday or Monday.
Thanks,
Jude & John... for Willie
Willie has asked for prayer today.
Currently he is a temporary employee. His immediate boss wants to hire him permanently, but it has to be approved by the “powers that be” in their company.
Please pray that they would approve his hire.
The issue isn’t Willie, but that they usually work with temporary people, which is cheaper for the company.
The decision will be made Friday or Monday.
Thanks,
Jude & John... for Willie
My Current Worship Mix
I sent a few friends a copy of my current favorite worship songs. (Let me know if you want one.) What some find surprising is the range of the kinds of music I like. I love all kinds of music... from Tazie, and Jazz, to Gospel and HipHop, from Hard Rock to Munk Music... Track # 9 from the HIPHOP Group Cross Movement is thick with our yearning for our eternal Home. What music draws your heart towards God??? The most important thing is that our hearts and affections are drawn towards God's Embrace. This is what I'll spin on my show this comming Tues.
1. Track 03 4:02 Taize
2. Path of Life 4:47 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
3. There is a Redeemer 3:13 Kieth Green
4. Track 03 4:51 Apt Core #2
5. Track 06 3:21 Matt Redman
6. Track 07 3:18 Julie Miller Orphans and Angels
7. Air 4:18 Barry Taylor Love Songs for Underdogs
8. Espiritu Santo Venga Aqui 5:42 Costarica Vinyard
9. Track 09 4:28 Cross Movement
10. Track 11 4:38 John Micheal Talbot Come to The Quiet
11. Tu Primer Amor 4:00 Giovani Aniversaio
12. Track 09 4:19 Forever After
13. Track 03 2:24 Mahalia Jackson, The Greatest Gospel singer In the World
14. Track 09 4:20 Kieth Green
15. Bargin 4:57 Rez XX
16. It is Good 4:47 Beth Meres Tree
17. Multiply Your Love 5:03 Andy Park All I Need
1. Track 03 4:02 Taize
2. Path of Life 4:47 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
3. There is a Redeemer 3:13 Kieth Green
4. Track 03 4:51 Apt Core #2
5. Track 06 3:21 Matt Redman
6. Track 07 3:18 Julie Miller Orphans and Angels
7. Air 4:18 Barry Taylor Love Songs for Underdogs
8. Espiritu Santo Venga Aqui 5:42 Costarica Vinyard
9. Track 09 4:28 Cross Movement
10. Track 11 4:38 John Micheal Talbot Come to The Quiet
11. Tu Primer Amor 4:00 Giovani Aniversaio
12. Track 09 4:19 Forever After
13. Track 03 2:24 Mahalia Jackson, The Greatest Gospel singer In the World
14. Track 09 4:20 Kieth Green
15. Bargin 4:57 Rez XX
16. It is Good 4:47 Beth Meres Tree
17. Multiply Your Love 5:03 Andy Park All I Need
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
The verb of my late Father-in-law Mark Tiersma.
The Verb of my late Father-in-law Mark Tiersma was Gratitude in all things. I am finding this a good season to practice this in the midst of chaos... and the sense that every day is a gift is gripping my soul in a deeper way than ever before.
Happy ThanksGiving to all with much love.
Happy ThanksGiving to all with much love.
- I am glad that my friend who was homeless for a few days is now renting an appartment that he can afford.
- I am glad to recieve art supplies from a stranger during a yard sale... just because what we are doing is something he wants to contribute to...
- I am glad for the hawk I got to see up close... there is wild life in the city skies... and it is not only pigeons and crows (which are also cool to me).
- I am glad for the generosity of friends who buy hats at yard sales ; ) and chose to pay much more than I ask for it... and how I was able to pass on this generosity to others...
- I am glad for neighbors who feed neighbors when they are hurt and hungry.
- I am glad for the gift of over 15 turkeys for neighbors... an answer to prayer this Nov.
- I am glad for generous churches, unions, and foodbanks.
- I am glad for old interns who visit and find themselves right back in the mix... even if it is for a day -- Thanks Dan!
- I am glad for two great new team players with us in LA InnerChange: Rikki and Kristin.
- I am glad for Doctors and all who are wise in the healing arts.
- I am glad for a loving wife and life partner... We are coming up on 10 years now.
- I am glad to make the love of God and Neighbor my highest aim.
I thank God for this and much more.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Pray More and Nothing can seperate us from the Love of God
This Week has been about getting a friend out of harms way. We all have a past... and many of us wish we could change the realities of that past... We become tired at some point at hurting others and ourselves... and those of us who find God and work the 12 steps of AA / NA also seek to make amends whenever we can... but to do that we have to be safe and stay safe... Avoiding the people, places, and things that might hinder God's work in our hearts.
One of my friends this week chose to become homeless rather than take the path of violence... I respect that. We got to share our small home with him for a couple of days... Not enough room for 3 of us in our humble home...
We recovered as much of his stuff from his old appartment... and God ansewred our prayers quickly for a new home...
We moved his stuff into storage one day and two days latter we moved his stuff into his new home.
What others intended for evil God has worked out for our good to the glory of His name and praise -- Less rent in a safer environment.
We will by God's grace seek to live, love, and return only good for whatever comes our way, in order that we may become on the inside more like Christ -- Romans 8 and Ephesians 3:14-21.
Pray that our faith will become stronger having once again gotten tested. May we grow the seeds of love and grace that can sustain us and the coming generations. May God's peace rest on all that read this...
JAW1
One of my friends this week chose to become homeless rather than take the path of violence... I respect that. We got to share our small home with him for a couple of days... Not enough room for 3 of us in our humble home...
We recovered as much of his stuff from his old appartment... and God ansewred our prayers quickly for a new home...
We moved his stuff into storage one day and two days latter we moved his stuff into his new home.
What others intended for evil God has worked out for our good to the glory of His name and praise -- Less rent in a safer environment.
We will by God's grace seek to live, love, and return only good for whatever comes our way, in order that we may become on the inside more like Christ -- Romans 8 and Ephesians 3:14-21.
Pray that our faith will become stronger having once again gotten tested. May we grow the seeds of love and grace that can sustain us and the coming generations. May God's peace rest on all that read this...
JAW1
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
We continue to find Joy in the midst of the Drag of Life
Norma called me this morning. Her son is in the hospital with a blod clot in his leg. She and her daughter both have the flu... and she is still recovering from her car accident. She so much wants life to get back to "normal". Her neighbors have poured out a tremendous amount of love in this season. She has not hardly had to cook a meal since her car accident. This is one of the strengths of our neighborhood -- its loving hospitality. She is very thankful to God for the many answers to prayer in the journey.
Kathy Henry also asks for prayer for a mystery illness... maybe caught in her sacrificail work at Clinica Oscar Romero... that is causing her considerable suffering and discomfort.
Saturday I had a very sucessful yard sale. We raised enough money to help 3 friends with thier living expenses. Pray for my formation of a business plan to start a thrift store. Also I hope to have more yard sales in the future. If you have stuff that you might like to contribute... let me know.
My friend Willie is currently living in a weekly rental hotel. He longs to be in a regular appartment by the new year. He is paying much more rent than Jude and I are to live in a space less than half than what we have... and we live in a small one bedroom apt. Prayer and any tangible help and support in this journey is welcome.
Kathy Henry also asks for prayer for a mystery illness... maybe caught in her sacrificail work at Clinica Oscar Romero... that is causing her considerable suffering and discomfort.
Saturday I had a very sucessful yard sale. We raised enough money to help 3 friends with thier living expenses. Pray for my formation of a business plan to start a thrift store. Also I hope to have more yard sales in the future. If you have stuff that you might like to contribute... let me know.
My friend Willie is currently living in a weekly rental hotel. He longs to be in a regular appartment by the new year. He is paying much more rent than Jude and I are to live in a space less than half than what we have... and we live in a small one bedroom apt. Prayer and any tangible help and support in this journey is welcome.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Worship, the only way we don't get coopted by "the World"
JAWS Favorite Worship Mix
1. Track 03 4:02 Taize
2. Path of Life 4:47 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
3. There is a Redeemer 3:13 Kieth Green
4. Track 03 4:51 Apt Core #2
5. Track 06 3:21 Matt Redman
6. Track 07 3:18 Julie Miller Orphans and Angels
7. Air 4:18 Barry Taylor Love Songs for Underdog
8. Espiritu Santo Venga Aqui 5:42 Costarica Vinyard
9. 4:28 Cross Movement
10. 4:38 John Micheal Talbot Come to The Quiet
11. Tu Primer Amor 4:00 Giovani Aniversaio
12. Track 09 4:19
13. Track 03 2:24 Mahalia Jackson The Greatest Gospel singer In the World
14. Track 09 4:20 Kieth Green
15. Bargin 4:57 Rez XX
16. It is Good 4:47 Beth Meres Tree
17. Multiply Your Love 5:03 Andy Park All I Need
I have been looking back on my life. I have noticed that what I give myself too the most ... both in terms of passion, intention, and action... that is what I worship. I have found that a centered focus on God through Jesus Christ cause me to love deeply -- Ephessians 3:14-21. When I drift on this "Practices of the Presence of God", then the quality of my love drifts as well.
Some say that worship is easy... not for me... I get easily distracted from the main point of focuss... I have found that I need support in the journey... Fellowship, good supportive tools, Like Don Postama's Book "Space for God", and I need Music...
Today I am feeling a call back to worship. We can serve a lot of small and insignificant wants and desires... or we can worship with our lives the God who made us.
If you are worshipping God, then your love will grow and overflow... If you find yourself inwardly blocked and tied up somehow... figure out what has to change... You can not worship and then not love... without the meaning of your worship becoming hollow; You can not love with out drawing from the source of love -- That is the point of Worship.
Matthew 25, Isaiah 58, Eph. 3:14-21
I plan to spin The above worship songs tommorrow and to continue to reflect on this call in my heart.
1. Track 03 4:02 Taize
2. Path of Life 4:47 Ruth Naomi Floyd With New Eyes
3. There is a Redeemer 3:13 Kieth Green
4. Track 03 4:51 Apt Core #2
5. Track 06 3:21 Matt Redman
6. Track 07 3:18 Julie Miller Orphans and Angels
7. Air 4:18 Barry Taylor Love Songs for Underdog
8. Espiritu Santo Venga Aqui 5:42 Costarica Vinyard
9. 4:28 Cross Movement
10. 4:38 John Micheal Talbot Come to The Quiet
11. Tu Primer Amor 4:00 Giovani Aniversaio
12. Track 09 4:19
13. Track 03 2:24 Mahalia Jackson The Greatest Gospel singer In the World
14. Track 09 4:20 Kieth Green
15. Bargin 4:57 Rez XX
16. It is Good 4:47 Beth Meres Tree
17. Multiply Your Love 5:03 Andy Park All I Need
I have been looking back on my life. I have noticed that what I give myself too the most ... both in terms of passion, intention, and action... that is what I worship. I have found that a centered focus on God through Jesus Christ cause me to love deeply -- Ephessians 3:14-21. When I drift on this "Practices of the Presence of God", then the quality of my love drifts as well.
Some say that worship is easy... not for me... I get easily distracted from the main point of focuss... I have found that I need support in the journey... Fellowship, good supportive tools, Like Don Postama's Book "Space for God", and I need Music...
Today I am feeling a call back to worship. We can serve a lot of small and insignificant wants and desires... or we can worship with our lives the God who made us.
If you are worshipping God, then your love will grow and overflow... If you find yourself inwardly blocked and tied up somehow... figure out what has to change... You can not worship and then not love... without the meaning of your worship becoming hollow; You can not love with out drawing from the source of love -- That is the point of Worship.
Matthew 25, Isaiah 58, Eph. 3:14-21
I plan to spin The above worship songs tommorrow and to continue to reflect on this call in my heart.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Stand with us in praying and supporting our friend Randa -- thanks.
Randa has just found out she has breast cancer. This means that she gets to stay with us longer... it also means that she has to wait on her dreams. And so it goes... Here are her own words and a mailing address where notes of encouragement can be sent ; )
Greetings once again from Los Angeles.
I had intended this newsletter to be the one where I explain to you all the details of when I would be moving to India and what I would be doing there. I am learning once again that we are not in control of our lives and must rely on the Lord for wisdom for each day.
In my routine medical check-ups before leaving for India the doctors found breast cancer. Within 48 hours all my plans have changed. I have met with the surgeon and will be having a lumpectomy on November 24th (the day before Thanksgiving). After the surgery they are expecting 6 weeks of radiation and possibly chemotherapy (this depends upon what they find when they do the actual surgery). With this in mind I will be delaying my move to India.
My mom & two sisters will be coming for the surgery. They will stay with me until Nov. 30th. At that time I will move in with my friend (and also my boss), Sue Lloyd. I'll stay with Sue until I leave for India, which is tentatively set for late August at this point. Since I'll be able to work while getting the treatments the wisest decision seems to be to stay in LA and continue to work with InnerCHANGE.
I would appreciate your prayers. It looks like the cancer is contained in one mass and has not spread to the lymph nods. A lumpectomy will take only the mass and the surrounding tissue. They will also be doing a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy which means they will follow the path internally that the cancer would have traveled to my lymph nodes and take samples of these to check for cancer. If cancer hasn‚t infected these first few lymph nodes it will mean that it hasn‚t traveled outside of the immediate area.
I have always loved reading the Old Testament, especially the books of Israel‚s history. Many times Israel was surrounded by enemies who outnumbered them and the situation seemed impossible. Cancer is a huge "enemy" and from the first day of hearing that I had this disease I felt assured that the God of Israel is my Lord and Protector. He will fight this enemy and I will come out of this fight victorious. Prayer is the weapon that will conquer cancer and I would appreciate your joining me in this stand of faith in God‚s power to deliver me.
P.O. Box 26427
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Blessings, Randa
Greetings once again from Los Angeles.
I had intended this newsletter to be the one where I explain to you all the details of when I would be moving to India and what I would be doing there. I am learning once again that we are not in control of our lives and must rely on the Lord for wisdom for each day.
In my routine medical check-ups before leaving for India the doctors found breast cancer. Within 48 hours all my plans have changed. I have met with the surgeon and will be having a lumpectomy on November 24th (the day before Thanksgiving). After the surgery they are expecting 6 weeks of radiation and possibly chemotherapy (this depends upon what they find when they do the actual surgery). With this in mind I will be delaying my move to India.
My mom & two sisters will be coming for the surgery. They will stay with me until Nov. 30th. At that time I will move in with my friend (and also my boss), Sue Lloyd. I'll stay with Sue until I leave for India, which is tentatively set for late August at this point. Since I'll be able to work while getting the treatments the wisest decision seems to be to stay in LA and continue to work with InnerCHANGE.
I would appreciate your prayers. It looks like the cancer is contained in one mass and has not spread to the lymph nods. A lumpectomy will take only the mass and the surrounding tissue. They will also be doing a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy which means they will follow the path internally that the cancer would have traveled to my lymph nodes and take samples of these to check for cancer. If cancer hasn‚t infected these first few lymph nodes it will mean that it hasn‚t traveled outside of the immediate area.
I have always loved reading the Old Testament, especially the books of Israel‚s history. Many times Israel was surrounded by enemies who outnumbered them and the situation seemed impossible. Cancer is a huge "enemy" and from the first day of hearing that I had this disease I felt assured that the God of Israel is my Lord and Protector. He will fight this enemy and I will come out of this fight victorious. Prayer is the weapon that will conquer cancer and I would appreciate your joining me in this stand of faith in God‚s power to deliver me.
P.O. Box 26427
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Blessings, Randa
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Feeling the Blues
We all have days like this... and none of us want to have days like this.
Hear are the facts:
My Dad is in the hospital because what they thought was Cancer, adn then TB in the lungs is not acting like either... so he has moved into being a mystery diagnosis... and they are trying to figure it all out... Think Limbo.
My mother-in-law affectionately know as "MeM" or Arlene went to the hospital with an irregular heart beat. She is stressed out because her husband just recently passed away.
It is the little things that get to me... Today I went to pick up a donation for a yardsale on Sat. but the person who offered the donation was called away by her job and thus was unable to pass on the donations.
I heard a lecture today that talked about slavery and the Killing fields of the Sudan. Good content with hope in very dificult times... it made all my personal pain seem so petty... and yet I have to be real with God and not ignore my heart.
Got to go to a meeting this evening. Which is both good and bad. The hours won't be wasted... but tommorrow I think I need to spend some extra time in prayer.
My mindset was punctuated with the blues last night and I could not get to sleep because of a large "Ghetto Bird" (a Helicopter) buzzing arround our neighborhood until 2am in the morning. There was a "manhunt" going on looking for someone who had a gun... this also made parking impossible... and so it goes...
Everybody gets the blues sometimes...
Hear are the facts:
My Dad is in the hospital because what they thought was Cancer, adn then TB in the lungs is not acting like either... so he has moved into being a mystery diagnosis... and they are trying to figure it all out... Think Limbo.
My mother-in-law affectionately know as "MeM" or Arlene went to the hospital with an irregular heart beat. She is stressed out because her husband just recently passed away.
It is the little things that get to me... Today I went to pick up a donation for a yardsale on Sat. but the person who offered the donation was called away by her job and thus was unable to pass on the donations.
I heard a lecture today that talked about slavery and the Killing fields of the Sudan. Good content with hope in very dificult times... it made all my personal pain seem so petty... and yet I have to be real with God and not ignore my heart.
Got to go to a meeting this evening. Which is both good and bad. The hours won't be wasted... but tommorrow I think I need to spend some extra time in prayer.
My mindset was punctuated with the blues last night and I could not get to sleep because of a large "Ghetto Bird" (a Helicopter) buzzing arround our neighborhood until 2am in the morning. There was a "manhunt" going on looking for someone who had a gun... this also made parking impossible... and so it goes...
Everybody gets the blues sometimes...
Monday, November 08, 2004
Fragmenst on Character Growth for Mel and others
Growth comes from focussing and learning what is within our power and responsibility. That is part of what makes the "Serenity Prayer" such a helpful prayer.
My friend Mel is going to be sharing with a group of JR. high youth about Character growth and development. There are key ideas that I have found useful to point out to my younger friends that have helped them learn to make better choices...
I will be adding some of those comments as I think of them on my blog for her and others. Feel free in the comment section to add your own.
We are creating history every day by our choices. We Live with the history we create for ourselves and others for the rest of our lives. Learning to make good choices is key to having a good life.
A good life contributes in a positive way to the life of others.
It is a sad thing to grow old and fail to grow wise. It is sad to be an old fool...
My friend Mel is going to be sharing with a group of JR. high youth about Character growth and development. There are key ideas that I have found useful to point out to my younger friends that have helped them learn to make better choices...
I will be adding some of those comments as I think of them on my blog for her and others. Feel free in the comment section to add your own.
- Growing on the inside is the most effective way to improve the quality of your life, because you live with yourself 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Who you are is what you share with someone else in every relationship.
- The content and quality of our lives are built on the content and quality of our rleationships with God, ourselves, one another, and our environment.
- There is pain in the process of learning, but the pain is worth it... Remember when you learned to ride a bicycle... the diziness, the falling, and the triumph... and anyone who has learned to ride a bicycle can ride further and faster than they can run...
- Who bennefits from learning??? You Do!!! Who bennefits from not Learning???
- Do you want to learn enough to choose what you want to do to make a living; or do you want to be doing what someone else tells you to do?
- Timing is everything... Practice is a key way to be ready for the right momment and opportunity... Example... a great batter in baseball knows when and how to swing the bat... and it is not every day that the bases are loaded and you get to be at bat... Either you are ready or you are not...
- Our capacity to Give and Recieve Love depends on our Maturity in Character (I Cor. 13, II Peter 1:3-11). There are no short cuts to growing in Character.
- Poor communication skills will lead to a lonely life. Good communication skills will open the door to many friendships.
We are creating history every day by our choices. We Live with the history we create for ourselves and others for the rest of our lives. Learning to make good choices is key to having a good life.
A good life contributes in a positive way to the life of others.
It is a sad thing to grow old and fail to grow wise. It is sad to be an old fool...
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Drag when...We are on the verge of new beginnings
Recently Jude went to visit her mom in Visalia. Her mom was ever so glad for her being there with her ... her car broke down three times while she was there.
As some of you know Norma -- who is close to our community -- had been out of work and on disability for months and had just gotten reassigned to a job she could do in the LA School System... and now her accident has her sidelined again... now in pain and seeking to continue to persue what God wants to bring through this... her car was totaled and she isn't sure where she is going to get the money for a new one...
Willie had his ATM and Pin Number Stolen and his Bank account cleaned out of the little that was in there... Yes we have corrected this but we are still working through the paper work... When it rains Willie can't eat at home because water leaks from the roof on to his electric stove.
Paul's car is dieing and he too needs a new car...
Jude's Cell phone has stopped working...
Our computer printer has died and we have yet to get a new one...
In November/December the LA team is going to be lead through a community discernment process to set out on some new dreams together. We have come to a time of closure on some old ones... The Cambria Appartments for example (See our web-site)... are completely in the hands of the tennants and the non-profit corp they have started... and the board that they elect...
There have been an exponential increase in annoying events as we move towards this time... pray for God's guidance and peace in the midst of seeking what new things God would have us do.
As some of you know Norma -- who is close to our community -- had been out of work and on disability for months and had just gotten reassigned to a job she could do in the LA School System... and now her accident has her sidelined again... now in pain and seeking to continue to persue what God wants to bring through this... her car was totaled and she isn't sure where she is going to get the money for a new one...
Willie had his ATM and Pin Number Stolen and his Bank account cleaned out of the little that was in there... Yes we have corrected this but we are still working through the paper work... When it rains Willie can't eat at home because water leaks from the roof on to his electric stove.
Paul's car is dieing and he too needs a new car...
Jude's Cell phone has stopped working...
Our computer printer has died and we have yet to get a new one...
In November/December the LA team is going to be lead through a community discernment process to set out on some new dreams together. We have come to a time of closure on some old ones... The Cambria Appartments for example (See our web-site)... are completely in the hands of the tennants and the non-profit corp they have started... and the board that they elect...
There have been an exponential increase in annoying events as we move towards this time... pray for God's guidance and peace in the midst of seeking what new things God would have us do.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Pray for Norma
Hello Folks -- The LA team is requesting prayer for Norma, who was in a car accident yesterday on the way to work. Norma is a single mom from Honduras who has been involved with our team for some years. She was an intern with us two years ago, now lives in the neighborhood near Kathy, and desires to be full-time with our team here. She recently led an entire family network to the Lord.
Anyway, she has no broken bones, but she is in extreme pain and can hardly move or breathe because everything is painful
.
Thanks for your prayers for our Friend and co-worker for the Kingdom.
Jude for the LA team
Anyway, she has no broken bones, but she is in extreme pain and can hardly move or breathe because everything is painful
.
Thanks for your prayers for our Friend and co-worker for the Kingdom.
Jude for the LA team
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
THE MEMORIAL MESSAGE FOR MARK TIERSMA
Born: February 14, 1924 Death: October 6, 2004
Service: October 12, 2004 Officiating: Rev. George G.Vink
Scripture: John 11: 17-26
Message: “DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?”
Dear Arlene, Peter & Thea, Jude & John, Brenda & Carlos, Ben & Janine, brothers, sisters, family and friends,
As you know, Mark, your husband, father/heit, brother, fellow believer, did not view death as a friend to be welcomed! He wanted to live! He deeply desired to have more years with his friend and wife of 59 years. He wanted to delight in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He saw life as good, as something to be relished. He enjoyed being among the living. Here too he demonstrated a world & life view consistent with what he had been taught from God’s Word. Death, whether it comes slowly or quickly, despite all attempts to the contrary, remains the enemy of life!
We heard the Psalmist(116:15)say it. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Years later, the apostle John would hear a voice from heaven say, “Write:Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” (Rev. 14:13a) But, the blessing is based on the truth of what we read in John 11 as he tells us the encounter between Jesus and the Lazarus family. To be blessed, you’ve got to “die in the Lord” or be one “of his saints.” We bury those we love with the good confidence that they will rise again! We read that too at the graveside from I Corinthians 15.
That’s the truth of Paul’s writing to the Corinthian church. Then we will be vindicated in our faith! Then we will experience the joy of being with Jesus, never having been beyond His power to redeem! Death is strong, but Jesus is stronger! He never lets us go! Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! The comfort in death is what comes when we confess our belonging to Him! It’s what Mark confessed and it’s what we heard again as we laid his bodily remains in the earth. I recall our Adult Ed. Class’ discussion on comfort (trooste) when with a twinkle in his eye as well as a strong voice he leaned forward and recited,“…that I belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ!”
If there was someonewho wanted to do what the song “Find Us Faithful” is all about, I suggest it was Mark Tiersma. Did you hear it? “May all who come behind us, find us faithful.” A kind and gentle man of faith gave his testimony to family and friends. His words were consistent with his deeds. Originally a somewhat shy person, he desired more and more to let others know that he had a purpose in life which included making sure that they knew the truth of Jesus’ claim, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Believing it leads to a full life, here and now, and then in dying, to a realization that the dying is a final journey that all must make, but those who “die in the Lord” don’t really die but go from this life to another! Mark is with his Lord, his Redeemer. He was more than confident of that certainty, and as he said his farewells, wanted to make that clear to all.
The question we must now ask is the question that Jesus Himself asked his friend Martha, “Do you believe this?” Do you? Do I? Will you imagine hearing Mark ask you? Whether in the language of his newly-loved country, “Do you believe this?” or that of his schooling, “Geloof gij dat?” or that of his mother tongue, “leauwe jo dat?”
Jesus came to his friends to comfort them. They weren’t expecting a resurrection from the dead. Lazarus was dead and already buried. His sisters were grieving. In the midst of her grief, Martha chastises Jesus for not being there to prevent Lazarus’ death and assurances of his eventual rising weren’t good enough for this outspoken sister! It’s almost as if you can hear her, “I know….I know…don’t tell what I already know….”and we see the patience of Jesus as He deals with her. A patience with people that some like Mark exemplify more than others.
Jesus follows it with one of the wonderful, powerful “I AM…” statements.
It’s not the traditional comfort stuff that Jesus is giving this griever. Jesus wants her to believe in Him! When one with Christ in faith, then death still means life! Bodily death, whether caused by cancer, heart failure or a car accident, cannot end the new life that is yours in Christ. In Christ, you can live forever. Let’s ask it again, “Do you believe this?”
The new life we have in Christ, does not come just at the end of life. It’s new life in the way we farm our fields or the way we treat our cows or love our family. When, in the language of John 3, we are “born anew,” we have passed from death to life. But, that doesn’t happen without believing in Jesus!
Mark believed it! Arlene believes it! Do you? It’s a rather grandiose claim isn’t it? “I am the resurrection and the life!” We’re so inclined to respond with, “Yes, but….” while struggling with the realities of life. How do we explain God’s inactivity when we suggest He could get involved and stop some terrible things? How do we make sense of a world where families feud over finances while losing the most important relationships? We cannot, and we will not.
Walter Brueggemann in a great sermon talks about our being governed by “Yes, but.” He suggests it’s our proud capacity to control or our fearful need to control that makes us resist God’s power for newness, and as such it becomes an act of atheism. We limit or box God in, the God who came in His Son and said, “I am the resurrection …”and went on to raise His friend Lazarus. “Do you believe this?”
Mark Tiersma, husband, father, brother and friend, believed and wanted you to know it. Yes, tears came when we talked about his dying, even weeks before his actual final breath. He wanted to live longer, not being too quick to think of himself as old! After all, what was being 80? He was willing to do what needed to be done, not as a denial of the truth that he believed, but as an affirmation of the joy and goodness of life! So too, we grieve best, when we shed our tears but go on with life! We share the memories, while also affirming life by living as those who believe that God cares about how we live it. He gives us life to live it to His glory. He gave Mark unique gifts that have impacted us all in some ways. Do we thank Mark, or thank God? What do you think Mark would have us do?
Mark spoke of his Lord, and in the stillness of the night, would be caught singing to and about his Lord. Imagine it again would you? Hear Mark’s voice, “There is a Redeemer….God’s own Son…”followed by, “Thank you, O My Father…..” We sang it. “Do you believe it?”
Martha answered, “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God….” and then called her sister Mary. Jesus is deeply moved by the death of Lazarus and how it affected Mary and the others. He knows the pain of death, the separation it involves, weeps, and raises Lazarus! “Do you believe this?”
As we go from this time of remembrance, let’s not forget that question that Jesus puts to all of us, not just Martha! Do you believe His claim?
Believing it made all the difference in life and in death for Mark. It can for you too! Believe it and be living it! Believe it and find comfort. Believe it and make sure your life shows it so that those who come behind you will also find you faithful. Then too, you will hear from the Lord Himself, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Amen.
Service: October 12, 2004 Officiating: Rev. George G.Vink
Scripture: John 11: 17-26
Message: “DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?”
Dear Arlene, Peter & Thea, Jude & John, Brenda & Carlos, Ben & Janine, brothers, sisters, family and friends,
As you know, Mark, your husband, father/heit, brother, fellow believer, did not view death as a friend to be welcomed! He wanted to live! He deeply desired to have more years with his friend and wife of 59 years. He wanted to delight in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He saw life as good, as something to be relished. He enjoyed being among the living. Here too he demonstrated a world & life view consistent with what he had been taught from God’s Word. Death, whether it comes slowly or quickly, despite all attempts to the contrary, remains the enemy of life!
We heard the Psalmist(116:15)say it. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Years later, the apostle John would hear a voice from heaven say, “Write:Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” (Rev. 14:13a) But, the blessing is based on the truth of what we read in John 11 as he tells us the encounter between Jesus and the Lazarus family. To be blessed, you’ve got to “die in the Lord” or be one “of his saints.” We bury those we love with the good confidence that they will rise again! We read that too at the graveside from I Corinthians 15.
That’s the truth of Paul’s writing to the Corinthian church. Then we will be vindicated in our faith! Then we will experience the joy of being with Jesus, never having been beyond His power to redeem! Death is strong, but Jesus is stronger! He never lets us go! Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! The comfort in death is what comes when we confess our belonging to Him! It’s what Mark confessed and it’s what we heard again as we laid his bodily remains in the earth. I recall our Adult Ed. Class’ discussion on comfort (trooste) when with a twinkle in his eye as well as a strong voice he leaned forward and recited,“…that I belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ!”
If there was someonewho wanted to do what the song “Find Us Faithful” is all about, I suggest it was Mark Tiersma. Did you hear it? “May all who come behind us, find us faithful.” A kind and gentle man of faith gave his testimony to family and friends. His words were consistent with his deeds. Originally a somewhat shy person, he desired more and more to let others know that he had a purpose in life which included making sure that they knew the truth of Jesus’ claim, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Believing it leads to a full life, here and now, and then in dying, to a realization that the dying is a final journey that all must make, but those who “die in the Lord” don’t really die but go from this life to another! Mark is with his Lord, his Redeemer. He was more than confident of that certainty, and as he said his farewells, wanted to make that clear to all.
The question we must now ask is the question that Jesus Himself asked his friend Martha, “Do you believe this?” Do you? Do I? Will you imagine hearing Mark ask you? Whether in the language of his newly-loved country, “Do you believe this?” or that of his schooling, “Geloof gij dat?” or that of his mother tongue, “leauwe jo dat?”
Jesus came to his friends to comfort them. They weren’t expecting a resurrection from the dead. Lazarus was dead and already buried. His sisters were grieving. In the midst of her grief, Martha chastises Jesus for not being there to prevent Lazarus’ death and assurances of his eventual rising weren’t good enough for this outspoken sister! It’s almost as if you can hear her, “I know….I know…don’t tell what I already know….”and we see the patience of Jesus as He deals with her. A patience with people that some like Mark exemplify more than others.
Jesus follows it with one of the wonderful, powerful “I AM…” statements.
It’s not the traditional comfort stuff that Jesus is giving this griever. Jesus wants her to believe in Him! When one with Christ in faith, then death still means life! Bodily death, whether caused by cancer, heart failure or a car accident, cannot end the new life that is yours in Christ. In Christ, you can live forever. Let’s ask it again, “Do you believe this?”
The new life we have in Christ, does not come just at the end of life. It’s new life in the way we farm our fields or the way we treat our cows or love our family. When, in the language of John 3, we are “born anew,” we have passed from death to life. But, that doesn’t happen without believing in Jesus!
Mark believed it! Arlene believes it! Do you? It’s a rather grandiose claim isn’t it? “I am the resurrection and the life!” We’re so inclined to respond with, “Yes, but….” while struggling with the realities of life. How do we explain God’s inactivity when we suggest He could get involved and stop some terrible things? How do we make sense of a world where families feud over finances while losing the most important relationships? We cannot, and we will not.
Walter Brueggemann in a great sermon talks about our being governed by “Yes, but.” He suggests it’s our proud capacity to control or our fearful need to control that makes us resist God’s power for newness, and as such it becomes an act of atheism. We limit or box God in, the God who came in His Son and said, “I am the resurrection …”and went on to raise His friend Lazarus. “Do you believe this?”
Mark Tiersma, husband, father, brother and friend, believed and wanted you to know it. Yes, tears came when we talked about his dying, even weeks before his actual final breath. He wanted to live longer, not being too quick to think of himself as old! After all, what was being 80? He was willing to do what needed to be done, not as a denial of the truth that he believed, but as an affirmation of the joy and goodness of life! So too, we grieve best, when we shed our tears but go on with life! We share the memories, while also affirming life by living as those who believe that God cares about how we live it. He gives us life to live it to His glory. He gave Mark unique gifts that have impacted us all in some ways. Do we thank Mark, or thank God? What do you think Mark would have us do?
Mark spoke of his Lord, and in the stillness of the night, would be caught singing to and about his Lord. Imagine it again would you? Hear Mark’s voice, “There is a Redeemer….God’s own Son…”followed by, “Thank you, O My Father…..” We sang it. “Do you believe it?”
Martha answered, “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God….” and then called her sister Mary. Jesus is deeply moved by the death of Lazarus and how it affected Mary and the others. He knows the pain of death, the separation it involves, weeps, and raises Lazarus! “Do you believe this?”
As we go from this time of remembrance, let’s not forget that question that Jesus puts to all of us, not just Martha! Do you believe His claim?
Believing it made all the difference in life and in death for Mark. It can for you too! Believe it and be living it! Believe it and find comfort. Believe it and make sure your life shows it so that those who come behind you will also find you faithful. Then too, you will hear from the Lord Himself, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Amen.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Back to work and the intensification of Life.
Life and Death pushes us when we realize that what we all have now will be released. I have started by simple things. Cleaning out clutter that I have had trouble getting rid of before. Stuff does not seem very important to me right now. There is a line in a Mark Heard song that haunts me, "Nobody gets a second chance to be the friend they meant to be." I am impressed by my Father-in-law who while he left us earlier than we wanted... still was able to go on without regrets.
It is hard to not drift in thought sometimes. Those who know me will smile at this comment because i have always been easily distracted... but now it is more true... but this is not all bad... I am distracted by life. I see the child walking through my building with a smile or a tear in his eyes. I see the pigeons whirl and fly. I hear more, see more, witness more... and this too is a gift... like waking from a dream and realizing how much has always been going on... and so it goes...
It is hard to not drift in thought sometimes. Those who know me will smile at this comment because i have always been easily distracted... but now it is more true... but this is not all bad... I am distracted by life. I see the child walking through my building with a smile or a tear in his eyes. I see the pigeons whirl and fly. I hear more, see more, witness more... and this too is a gift... like waking from a dream and realizing how much has always been going on... and so it goes...
Sunday, October 10, 2004
In Jude's own Words about her Father's passing on to glory...
Hello Friends -- My dad was “promoted to glory” (in the words of my mother) on Wednesday October 6, 2004, after 80 faith-filled years on this earth. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. In the last couple of weeks, around 5:00 AM, he would wake up singing the Dutch hymns he grew up with.
His favorite song in recent years was “There is a Redeemer by Keith Green.” The last verse reads:
When I stand in glory
I will see his face
And there I’ll serve my King forever
In that Holy Place.
Jude
Funeral Info:
Monday October 11, 6:00-8:00 PM — viewing at Miller Memorial Chapel
1120 W. Goshen, Visalia, CA 93291 (559)732-8371
Tuesday October 12, 10:00 AM Graveside service at Visalia Public Cemetery (next door to Miller’s)
Tuesday October 12, 11:00 AM Memorial Service at Visalia First Christian Reformed Church
His favorite song in recent years was “There is a Redeemer by Keith Green.” The last verse reads:
When I stand in glory
I will see his face
And there I’ll serve my King forever
In that Holy Place.
Jude
Funeral Info:
Monday October 11, 6:00-8:00 PM — viewing at Miller Memorial Chapel
1120 W. Goshen, Visalia, CA 93291 (559)732-8371
Tuesday October 12, 10:00 AM Graveside service at Visalia Public Cemetery (next door to Miller’s)
Tuesday October 12, 11:00 AM Memorial Service at Visalia First Christian Reformed Church
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Passing on to Glory
Three of Mark's Favorite Bible Passages:
John 11:25&26
Job 19:25&26
Isaiah 40:31
Lord Teach Us To Number Our Days
I am returning to My Father-in-law's farm. He established the place. He is at the end of his days with us. He has assured us that he is confident in the promises of God through Jesus Christ.
We will miss him because of his love for life & family, his faithfulness in even the small things, and the courage with which he faced both life and death. I am honored to have recieved in prayer a blessing from such a man. He took the time to bless all of his children.
Pray for us in this season of deep running currents of feelings and the start of a new chapter for all of us.
We will miss him because of his love for life & family, his faithfulness in even the small things, and the courage with which he faced both life and death. I am honored to have recieved in prayer a blessing from such a man. He took the time to bless all of his children.
Pray for us in this season of deep running currents of feelings and the start of a new chapter for all of us.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
The new Fad diet -- "The share Your Food with The Hungry Diet"
The share Your Food with The Hungry Diet
I could lose a few pounds and I live in a city where there are plenty of hungry people who would be glad to share my food. so I had the radical idea drift in my head... or was that a Biblical thought... I could split what I would eat at each meal or fast a meal and eat less calories... and share the calories that I really don't need around my waist with a hungry friend.
I will let you know here how it goes... Let me know if you are joining me in this... and let's start a whole new diet craze.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Gratitude and Staring Intnetly into Space...
I am in a season when I know that human life is not permanent. Every Day is a Gift. It is sad that it has taken me the death of many friends, the death of my grandmother, and now the struggle for life against cancer of my father-in-law... to finally take to heart the scriptures that say things like, "Lord, teach me to number my days".
Each day has become more valuable. Each moment of time is a gift. I find myself staring at trees, clouds, and sunsets more often... watching birds and watching children at play. There is a deeper joy found here...
I am not an old man... there is much I hope to still do in the world... but I am finding the tools to enjoy life more... and the first step for me is to not take any of it for granted.
This book, A Grace Disguised was key to opening my eyes again as I have walked through grief. I am finding that there is beauty in the sunsets of life... and a gift even in grief itself...
I also am finding a greater desire to share life with others in a more tangible and direct way...
Sunday evening I decided to drive with Jude to the ocean just to be together and to watch the sunset. We should have done this many more times than we have. I want to continue to proclaim the God of all life; I want to serve others as God intends faithfully and full of love; I want to realize life and the miracle it is while I live it.
This past Friday evening a friend caught me missing the forest for the trees... Another friend was sharing about his trip through Guatemala... and he had underestimated the cost of the trip by saying he only spent so much money to see all this... when he had put 10K miles on his car... I missed for a moment the wonder in his eyes at the landscape and the Mayan ruins he had seen while my mind was crunching numbers... Thankfully we went back to the landscape and the trip, rather than back to the dollars and cents... We live in a world of wonders that is as close as every heart beat... Learning to pay attention, and encouraging others to do the same is part of my life's work.
Each day has become more valuable. Each moment of time is a gift. I find myself staring at trees, clouds, and sunsets more often... watching birds and watching children at play. There is a deeper joy found here...
I am not an old man... there is much I hope to still do in the world... but I am finding the tools to enjoy life more... and the first step for me is to not take any of it for granted.
This book, A Grace Disguised was key to opening my eyes again as I have walked through grief. I am finding that there is beauty in the sunsets of life... and a gift even in grief itself...
I also am finding a greater desire to share life with others in a more tangible and direct way...
Sunday evening I decided to drive with Jude to the ocean just to be together and to watch the sunset. We should have done this many more times than we have. I want to continue to proclaim the God of all life; I want to serve others as God intends faithfully and full of love; I want to realize life and the miracle it is while I live it.
This past Friday evening a friend caught me missing the forest for the trees... Another friend was sharing about his trip through Guatemala... and he had underestimated the cost of the trip by saying he only spent so much money to see all this... when he had put 10K miles on his car... I missed for a moment the wonder in his eyes at the landscape and the Mayan ruins he had seen while my mind was crunching numbers... Thankfully we went back to the landscape and the trip, rather than back to the dollars and cents... We live in a world of wonders that is as close as every heart beat... Learning to pay attention, and encouraging others to do the same is part of my life's work.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Where Prayer might lead us.
The Rev. Cecil Murray, who just retired from the First African Methodist Episcopal of Los Angeles (FAME), is quoted in the LA Times as saying< "Sensitivity to the effects of prayer... was born in me. Each of us perhaps has a calling. That was mine." I find it refreshing that someone who publically is known as an activist and pastor -- Understands very well the importance of prayer. This Church was started by a tough faith filled Woman named Biddy Mason.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Standing at the Door.
My father-in-law, Mark Tiersma, is completely confident in his life being in the hands of God. He told us as a family that he has entursted Jesus Christ with his whole life. He is fighting cancer. Jude right now is with her family helping to care for her father. They have had an amazing reltionship of love and trust. Jude told me that her father never made a promise to her that he did not keep. She is profoundly shaped by her father in many ways.
We as a family are not ready to let go of such a man. While Mark has clearly pointed us as a family to Christ... the anchor of his soul.
We welcome your prayers in this season. We ask you not to ask too many probing questions. We will inform you about what is going on as we are able. Here we can inform you all at once as we know more.
Right now the doctors do not agree... some say we should just have hospice care at home... other's say we should try some other treatments.
Pray for discernment.
I am here in LA continueing our work here. Jude is teaching this quarter... starting on Monday... on top of her other responsibilities.
Pray in the end through all that we walk through that God will root us in His love: Ephesians 3:14-21. What a privelege to know such a love.
We as a family are not ready to let go of such a man. While Mark has clearly pointed us as a family to Christ... the anchor of his soul.
We welcome your prayers in this season. We ask you not to ask too many probing questions. We will inform you about what is going on as we are able. Here we can inform you all at once as we know more.
Right now the doctors do not agree... some say we should just have hospice care at home... other's say we should try some other treatments.
Pray for discernment.
I am here in LA continueing our work here. Jude is teaching this quarter... starting on Monday... on top of her other responsibilities.
Pray in the end through all that we walk through that God will root us in His love: Ephesians 3:14-21. What a privelege to know such a love.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Here is my play Mix for Tues 9-17
1. Track 02 3:53 Julie Miller Orphans and Angels
2. Track 02 3:38 Johnny Cash
3. Gone 3:45 Switchfoot
4. Track 04 2:56 O Brother Where Art Thou
5. Living in the Land of Palm Trees 3:26 Zehnder A Broken Train of Thought
6. Track 07 9:27 Martin Luther King
7. Track 02 3:49 U2
8. Alienated 2:17 Rez XX
9. Track 01 4:02 Out of the Grey
10. Another Day in Limbo 4:30 Mark Heard Satelite Sky
11. Track 20 5:39 KRS ONE
12. peacemaker 4:28 Marie Brennan Whisper to the Wild Water
13. Track 03 4:51 Apt Core #2
14. Tu Primer Amor 4:00 Giovani Aniversaio
15. They All Fall Down 5:23 Grits
16. Track 12 2:57 5 Blind Boys of Alabama Spirit of the Century
2. Track 02 3:38 Johnny Cash
3. Gone 3:45 Switchfoot
4. Track 04 2:56 O Brother Where Art Thou
5. Living in the Land of Palm Trees 3:26 Zehnder A Broken Train of Thought
6. Track 07 9:27 Martin Luther King
7. Track 02 3:49 U2
8. Alienated 2:17 Rez XX
9. Track 01 4:02 Out of the Grey
10. Another Day in Limbo 4:30 Mark Heard Satelite Sky
11. Track 20 5:39 KRS ONE
12. peacemaker 4:28 Marie Brennan Whisper to the Wild Water
13. Track 03 4:51 Apt Core #2
14. Tu Primer Amor 4:00 Giovani Aniversaio
15. They All Fall Down 5:23 Grits
16. Track 12 2:57 5 Blind Boys of Alabama Spirit of the Century
Sunday, September 12, 2004
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