Gourmet Day

2011-11-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

THE LORD’s (most difficult) PRAYER

(is not what you think)

In the Garden. The last night. Armed guards approaching. Judas’ voice. Jesus has prayed with bloody sweat wetting the soil near his knees, “Never the less, not my will but Your will be done.”

With monumental effort, Jesus has placed himself, his safety, his rights, his comfort, his will behind that of His Father. Though it would gain him everything, it would cost him all. The reward would outweigh the price, yet, certainly, we might all agree, this would be the most difficult prayer anyone could offer—with one exception.

To fall into the hands of a good and gracious Father is far less horrifying than to fall into the hands of a wicked man, don’t you agree? Give me a lenient Judge any day over a legalistic hard nose with a vengeful attitude. Jesus prayed in Gethsemane to a good and loving God. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus entrusts himself to One who would watch over him—even though men would do all the harm they could. Often over looked, or missed all together, was a more difficult prayer Jesus faced at the onset of his career.

“Father,” He began. Ahh. The trusted, loving, caregiver of our lives. To begin here is to begin safely. It was like calling to your Dad, when he isn’t busy, or resting, or upset, but when he is actually already looking forward to some time with you.

“What can I do for you? How can we get things around here like you want them?” What Dad or Mom wouldn’t brighten up if the kids all came running to help with the dishes, the lawn care, or take out the trash? Any parent would break into wide smiles (if not shock in disbelief)? How could even a cool hearted, ill tempered Pop help but warm inside a little at such an sincere offer of humble availability from his child?

“Just give me what I need to get the work done.” No requests for extra. Nothing personal. No excess. No interest in hoarding. Jesus simply wants what it takes to please His Father. How could a good Father refuse? What good Father would stop with the bare essentials? Jesus knew his Dad’s heart was generous. There was not need to request excess. He only needed to know what was desired and then what was required to get it done.

So far, not too tough a prayer, but the hard part comes next: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

That is a sobering prayer you may agree, but it doesn’t seem half as difficult as the Gethsemane prayer. Think again. Reword it so that the original meaning is clearer, stronger. The prayer becomes, “Do to me as I do to others.” Wow. Think this through. Do you want really God to treat you the way you treat your wife, your kids, your enemies, your hired helpers, etc.? I don’t! No way.

Jesus had taught this same principle before: “With the measure you use it will be measured to you;” “If you do not forgive your brother from your heart, your Father in heaven will not forgive you your sins.”

A sobering teaching indeed. A prayer I can’t pray easily and without some soul searching.

The greatest two commandments are here. First, love God-- “Hallowed be your name. Your will be done.”—understanding that those who honor Him, He will lift up. But understanding the second command, “ to love neighbor as self” is actually a statement. The declaration that as we treat others so we will be treated takes our breath. Who can pray such a prayer, and not flinch? I’d venture a guess--only the Son (and sons) of God.

Keeping this in mind, let’s all do a better job of loving our neighbors, our friends, even our enemies.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-11-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

In a time of distressing, discouraging, frightening news, there is some positive and good news

The good news is we are able to daily stroll, converse, sing, and work alongside the eternal and immortal.

Entrapment is suffocating and frightening. To somehow be limited to our current reality, cut off from this other dimension would be awefully bad news. Good for us then that Jesus made a connection with the unseen possible. We have access to liberation and hope...which is really good news.

But still, some may not see the value and ask, "What’s the big deal?"

The big deal is that we have access to help. There is a better way. We can follow life along a proven and safe path with the guarantee of a happy ending. Being always in touch with one who loves us unselfishly and unreservedly is hard to beat—I mean, a person who has our best interests ahead of their own ALWAYS! The big deal is that our day is not 24 hours long and our lives are not a few dozen years, but unending. Because of this new connection, time is a grain of sand on the face of a borderless landscape. Life is without end though in a temporary shell for now.

The big deal is that we can relate with the unseen in a very natural and easy way. The big deal is that as we abide in this unseen reality it changes us---we are improved; we are transformed. Like the sun tanning pale flesh, so God’s light in our daily grind changes our attitudes, actions, emotions, and relations. The end of this intercourse is peace, joy, patience, kindness, mercy, gentleness and more. It affects us like this both in how we treat others, and how we feel about ourselves.

There is more reality than what we can see. The misty limitations of our bodies limit us, but there is reality beyond what we can see, and we are not relegated to living as victims of our surroundings. It is possible for us to rise above our experiences by linking to the realities which exist above our experiential shells. Even as we brush our teeth, brew our coffee, and eek out a living, we can operate in the context of a separate continuum. We can escape all that is failing and dying! We can be rescued, and that is really, really good news, especially in the light of all the bad news of the day.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-10-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

Occupy Your Home

With Occupy Wall Street protestors enjoying the fading days of the Fall, the GOP debates measuredly marching us toward the selection of a candidate who can help the country, and the ‘underwear bomber’ suggesting there is more trouble to coming to America….what can individual men do to make a positive and powerful contribution to the country these days? Actually, there is something….go to the movies.

Too often beneficial medications are misused, guns fall into the hands of bad people (or federal government officials), and technology is turned against us, but occasionally, if far too rarely, someone does the right thing. This time it is the use of Media that actually became the tool for good it could always have been.

If you haven’t seen it…you should. If you are a Father…you must. Go see ‘Courageous’.

‘Courageous’ is Director Alex Kendrick’s best work by far, but don't take my word for it. Wikipedia noted "The film opened to mixed reviews from critics, but received rare A+ CinemaScore rating from filmgoers." the bottom line is that it's a great film.

It is also a timely word on the subject that statistics bolster as being at the root of most of America’s troubles. Whether is crime, suicide, drug abuse, or psychological disorders a failed father is part of the picture in almost all cases. Fatherhood is essential to the health of a family, a community, or a nation. Families without good fatherly leadership are ships heading for the rocks, and nearly the entire American fleet is in jeapordy.

‘Courageous’ raises a flag for us men giving us direction to the hill we must take to win our wives, our kids, our churches, and our nation. If men will be the fathers they ought to be to their children the next generation of Americans will see crime drop and less need for law enforcement, academic advances with less demand on public schools, jobs created without burdening government, thankful citizens cleaning parks, more people making a positive difference, and Wall Street greed checked by internal balances.

Is such a notion ‘pie-in-the-sky’? Maybe….but maybe not. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Go see the movie…take your family, and then muster at least as much commitment and tenacity as the Wall Street protesters and begin a new nation wide movement that is positive, beneficial, and certain to fundamentally change life in this country in the context of one generation. You can call it "Occupy Your Home".

Ps. An interesting interview with the Director of ‘Courageous’ is at this link: http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/cftoto/2011/09/29/interview-with-alex-kendrick-director-of-courageous/

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-09-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

TYRONE'S STORY

This story is true. It's about an attendee of the recent Institute for Biblical Masculinity retreat. It's about a real man.

It was obvious that Tyrone came from a difficult environment. Scarification, tattoos, the clothing, and swagger declared it clearly. The fences were also up and apparent. His heart was heavily guarded and no one was going to break in. So, we didn’t try…or maybe we did.

Love is powerful; we poured it out. Prayer is powerful; we poured it out. Environment is powerful; we upheld only Godly ideals. The seed was sown. The soil would determine the outcome.

We watched, from the corners of our eyes, inspecting for any cracking of the armor, any evidence of change. Nothing day one, day two, or day three. Day four began as all the others.

The final afternoon was literally in the last hour, the final inning, our last at bat. One by one the weekend’s young participants climbed to the lectern to answer five questions: What is your name? Where are you from? What church are you part of? What do you take away from this weekend? What does Christ mean to you now?

As Tyrone’s unit marched on stage, no one had any idea if he would even follow instructions. It was a tossup whether he’d speak or refuse and return to his seat as he had left it—bolted closed.

Three young men remained when he suddenly stepped toward the mic. It answered one of our questions. He stood braced against the podium with hands gripping each side. His voice was clear, deep, thought filled. From the giving of his name we knew that what would follow would be honest. It might not be what we wanted to hear, but it would not be pretentious. This was a strong man; a man who thought through his steps; a leader who would not be cajoled or pressured. We wondered if, however, he was a changed man.

“I don’t go to church.” He stated without embarrassment. It was a fact, just like his name. As resolute as ever, Tyrone would not be pressured even in the presence of a strong and unpretentious group of overtly Christian men . The room was in silence, awaiting his next two statements.

“What did I gain from this retreat? People who know me, know I don’t care nothin’ about men. I mean nothin’. But here, (pausing). Here, I learned how men love men.” We felt a trickle of victory. Our man wasn’t a wall after all, but indeed human, like the rest of us.

He continued, “What does Christ mean to me now?”

Looking up with a confident charismatic smile he said, “You know, when I get up in the morning, I look in the mirror. I say, “Tyrone. Your hair looks good. Your teeth look good. Your shoes look good. I like what I See. (pausing, and with a softer delivery, he continued) But from now on what I want to see when I look in the mirror….I want to see Christ.”

We erupted. Cheering and whooping and applauding, we stood as the walls crumbled and Christ marched into this young MAN’s life.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-08-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

BART AND MY PROBLEM WITH A WOMAN.

Bart (not his name) is not a real person. Bart is a Lego piece . He is, however, a friend to Roger.
Roger (not his name) is a person. He is a man we know. Roger is Bart's friend, and Roger is my friend.

I’m not sure of Bart the Lego's age, but Roger the man is in his 40s; however, he thinks of his friend Burt like you may have thought of a doll or pet during your childhood. He's a little 'youthful' in that regard. And I'm supposing you'll understand. These two are loyal buddies. In the two years I have known them, I have not seen them apart. They are inseparable.

One day a few years ago Roger showed up at one of our meetings with Bart. Bart is is the pilot of a Lego-spaceship. (maybe it is a jet plane...I'ver never been certain.). Each Sunday Roger updated me on the craft’s latest armament, and often, the details of ‘conversations’ he’d had with Bart in the course of the day or week. Bart could really be funny.

For a long while Roger was a wall flower at our meetings. Roger mostly just sat quietly with Bart and ship beside him. Except for the occasional lull when the low volume on his hand held PSP could be heard, or the rare times when he offered to answer a question from the preacher or added a personal request for prayer, he was hardly noticed. That was until recently. I don’t know what made the difference, but one day almost a year ago my eyes were opened and I saw Roger like I had not before.

I said to someone standing near me at the time, “You know, Roger is God’s greatest gift to this church. To the degree that we can love Roger well, we are truly the Body of Christ.”

From that day I noticed changes in myself. I listened to Roger better. I tried to show more genuine interest in his conversations with Roger, and I called on him to pray in one of our meetings. (He did a great job, by the way. I nearly cried at its simple sincerity.) I checked to be sure he was present at gatherings, and worried about him when he didn’t come by starting time. Roger became important to me and a gauge of how much like (or unlike) Christ we were as a fellowship. I suppose he was also a barometer of my own Christlikeness. No longer was he a nice little guy we smiled at and humored as he showed us his new toys. Roger was not a nobody, not a project, not a non-counter, he was important, he was a person, and he became a highly valued friend.

Two months ago Roger arrived at a meeting without Bart in his hand; instead, a woman was holding it! I knew her. “This isn’t good,” I thought. Right away I didn’t like her ‘kidnapping’ our dear, innocent, naïve friend. I knew we had a real problem on our hands (his hand) and my intuition proved true; the relationship led to trouble almost instantly.

I had seen this woman destroy men before. His little amount of money would go into her pockets. His health would be lost to her diseases. His heart would be ripped and tossed into the heap with the others. For all the good they accomplished, my cautions to Roger could have as equally been spoken to Bart. Like a spider wrapping victims in a cocoon, this woman separated Roger from those around him. Her web spun, she drew him all to herself until he stopped attending our fellowships. He became estranged from his familhy. A few nights ago I saw the couple in town, just the two of them—now even Bart is excluded.

The pair's flaming relationship will burn up. When it does, our representation of Christ to Roger will be shown for what it is. When Roger is alone again, He will need friendship, companionship, and someone to love him. If in those months with us we sowed true love, the genuine love, Christ-love then they will sprout in those ashes of loneliness. If we were genuine representatives of Christ, he’ll be back. If, however, we weren’t respectful, honoring, or delighted in him; if we were playing make-believe, only pretending to be his friend, then he’ll not return. Can you blame him? I mean, why would anyone with good sense want a Lego-church?

Pray With Me—

LORD,

Keep us from make believe. May we not be actors, or hypocrites, or fakes.
Make us real, genuine, sincere.
We do not want to be man-made; we want to be God-breathed.
Please, bring Roger back, and his Bart………..and… ..okay, even his girlfriend.
Certainly, she too needs true friends. With your craftsmanship we can be that to her also.

Amen.

NEWS FLASH!!! SEE A RECENT CITING OF 'ROGER' IN UGANDA! : www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com Warning!- “Bring tissues.”

NEW NEWS FLASH!!! Roger (and Burt) were with us at worship yesterday! We cheered (literally). Now, ramp up your prayers for the lady.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-08-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

A DISTANT SOMEDAY

Leadership coach Stephen Covey taught 'Begin with the end in mind'; in other words, to envision a finite point, condition, or state of being in the future. The notion was an easy fit for most Western thinkers, but not so with all cultures.

The East African tribal group we lived among did not have words for Covey's idea in their traditional vocabulary. Their future is perhaps three days ahead. Two words express anything past today, Tun' or 'Ta Tun' meaning 'someday' or 'a distant someday'. To define the future as being next week, or in a year, or in 40 years from now is too literal and something of a stretch.

Covey's activity of long-distance goal setting is difficult to translate into Kalenjin thinking. Intelligence is not the difficulty, training is. This people group has not been taught to think in 'terms' of the future. Westerners, accustomed to long distance goal setting, find that envisioning a completed project makes the entire process almost tangible before it exists. However, those not so trained, find the exercise is very intangible, fuzzy, hard to grasp, hard to believe.

I was enjoying my coffee this a.m. and thinking about my future. I was envisioning myself twenty to twenty-five years out when a new thought pressured itself into the conversation, "What will I be like in 10,000 years?"

Setting goals 10,000 years ahead! I'm comfortable setting long term projections as far ahead as the end of my life expectancy, but beyond that I've never set concrete goals or aspirations. I'm much like my African friends in this regard, and things get fuzzy.

I suppose I can compare my dilemma with that of a caterpillar. How can a worm pre-experience flight? Nose to the ground, bloated, grindingly slow movement, wrinkled and fuzz-covered; how can it begin to conjecture winged sailing on the wind, feather-lightness, a sleek colorful body? Yet, believing it or not, this is its certain destiny.

Dream ahead for a few minutes. Look beyond the end of your road. I know it is a stretch, but try. Thinking and planning for that distant someday has been practiced from ancient times. "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things." (Philippians 3:14-15)

So, this morning I began the practice of long-long-long distance planning. You try it. Go ahead, leap to a gourmet-day ten thousand years away. How old will you be? Who would you like to be there with you? What improvements would want to have realized in yourself? What will you be happy to have behind you? And then.... envision 10,000 years past that. Fuzzy, but you better believe it.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-07-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

--This is our dear OLD friend "Copper", who has brought many smiles to many faces.

THE GOLDEN (RETRIEVER) RULES

THE RULES

We’ve sold Golden Retriever puppies for almost a decade and I’ve never had even one customer fail to express their delight with a pleased smile, a soft awhhh, or occasionally, a squeal—everyone, including the tail-wagging puppy, is delighted.

These happy endings begin with an ad and a phone call. There are the typical questions: “How old are they? How many do you have? Are there any females left? Are they friendly? Etc.” After a brief interrogation callers give control of the conversation over to me as I tell them of the child-friendly temperament of our beloved pets, and their ease of training and faithful nature. When and if all their ‘facts’ questions are satisfied they’ll follow with the I’m-sold-now question, “How do I get out to see them?”

If they are using a GPS they only ask for my address. Otherwise, I have the directions down to the tenth of a mile per turn and can get them here easily and quickly. We then set a time and I make sure I’m available. Only once has a customer arrived and decided not to take a puppy home. In that case, the lady wanted a Golden; the husband/boyfriend wanted a Boxer. She was sold, but he was boss…..so, they went to ‘look’ at the boxer pups.

I encourage them to take time before deciding on ‘the one’ for them. It is a difficult choice with 8-10 golden fuzz-balls each showing and begging for attention. It is such a wonderful moment to be so loved by so many. The decision can be overwhelming. On more than one occasion customers have actually taken home two pups!

Once a choice is made, I supply the new pet owner with a list of more ‘facts’: Birth records, AKC registration documents with accompanying instructions, shot record, worming schedule, suggested diet plan, and a short list of personally recommended “Dos and Don’ts”. In the mix of the exhilaration over their cuddly new friend, these can seem a nuisance, but they are vital to a healthy puppy and a long loving relationship.

Then off they go waving, holding their prize, rushing to buy food, carriers, and bedding etc. It’s been the most satisfying little business, but there is another ‘business’ that compares. The business of God is like the experience of our customers….or at least, it should be.

THE PROBLEM

There is a problem however. The problem is the customers; those who indicate they want what God has to offer, but behave otherwise. God’s ad says, “Come to ME.” Interested customers inquire, “What is it God is offering? What’s the price? How will it be with Him?” Some want to check Him out so they ask the central question, “Can you tell me the way to find Him?” Directions are then given.

All seems well until this point. But many, if not most, misuse the directions making THEM their goal. It is odd, actually. They pat themselves on the back for their accomplishment and expect God to praise them for working so hard or so well. It’s like expecting the puppies to congratulate their potential owner for making a right turn, arriving at a stop sign, or completing the first 10.3 miles. Reward for following the rules weakly substitutes for the intended joyful celebration. Crazy stuff huh?

An even more bizarre comparison exists. Some make the journey just to arrive at heaven…with only secondary interest in seeing God. It’s like a customer oblivious to the licking , jumping, excited herd of love at their ankles falling on their knees to kiss the ground of my front yard. Yet, relationship with the loving God is commonly something less than goal of Christian living. Bizarre stuff huh?

Directions, guidance, rules, laws…they are all essential. Fail to follow my directions and you’ll miss my house. Violate traffic signs and a crash could cost your life. Break the laws of nature and failure gravity could win as you zip off a cliff. Rules, guidelines, laws are our friends, but never our end. The goal is other; the goal is relationship. This is where most of Western religion has lost its way.

As with pups, there are no only guidelines to them, there are guidelines with them. Right and left turns lead to the puppies and launch the friendship, but other dos and don’ts must be followed afterwards for the relationship to grow. The same is true with God, and so is another ingredient—time.

Time is imperative. Buy a puppy, ignore it, fail to take him on walks, leave him alone in the garage, just keep the shot schedule, the worming routine, the feeding regiment and you’ll have a psychotic pet. I’ve seen it. Goldens are relationship dogs. You MUST spend time with them on walks, talking to them, grooming them, and playing with them. Otherwise, they actually become emotionally unbalanced. I’ve seen typically gentle loving Goldens become overly nervous, fearful, aggressive, and even depressed when mishandled by owners.

OVER TIME

Oddly, the opposite occurs in the case of people and God-- it is US who become unbalanced if we don’t pursue and develop the relationship with Him.

Laws and rule following is good, but not the goal. The dos and the don’ts have a place and must NOT be ignored; however, they are merely mechanisms to Him. Time with Him is also needed. If you could describe yourself as someone who is sold on God and want Him, but you are depressed, fearful, aggressive, and worried, please talk with Him about these and with him explore how to invest more time with Him….not keeping rules, but walking, talking, resting, visiting, and living. Relationships are like fruit ripening with age. They are sweeter over time.

Customers grinning down our drive and Believers living on another plane have share these things: rule keeping, relationship, and squeals of delight.

PS. If you’d like some ideas, I have some that are working for me. I’d gladly send them to you free. Write me (Stephen) at www.goodsoilmin@gmail.com and I’ll email them to you—no charge, no solicitation, no mailing lists.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-07-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

FUN WITH NUMBERS!

Try this popular fun math game!!

You do the math and chose the correct answer (Don't peek early, but the answer is at the bottom) :

2,230,000,000,000.00
- 210,000,000,000.00 = ?

A. 2,020,000,000,000.00
B. -1

ANSWER:

A. The IRS collects 2230 billion (2.3 trillion) dollars a year.
On August 2 the US will owe an interest payment of 213 billion dollars.
So..... the answer cannot be a negative number.

There remains 2020 billion for military and social security etc. These two combined do not exceed 2020 billion. In other words, we won't default on Aug 2. The government won't collapse. The only potential danger is that those who write the checks might misapply the money and/or decide not to pay our bills.

Now, our math game probably wasn't all that much fun (sorry), but it wasn't all that complicated either, and I hope the facts now ease any worried minds and allow for your weekend to be a blessed and peaceful one. We'll be fine on August 2. You can 'count' on it. So, irregardless of your political views, relax and go have fun! America is still a great place to live, work, and play. So, go have a fun weekend!

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-07-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Our blueberries are finally ripe!! We'll pick the first ones today and oh how sweet! I'm thinking blueberry muffins, blueberry ice cream, blueberry smoothies, blueberry jelly, and well, you can imagine your own uses.

It has been a long wait. Seven years ago I dug 40 holes and put out 40 tender young seedlings, and at long last they are mature and bearing fruit. That's how we got our blueberries and it is how our society has gotten the jam it is in.

Anyone with any discernment at all can see the fruit being born of the American cultural soil. Dissention and divisions are sprouting at all levels from politics to race to religion to sexual orientations. The kudzu and honeysuckle of apathy and despair are rooting across the spirit of Americans like creeping vine. Families and communities are splintered like thistle seed by the winds of social experimentation, entertainment gone wrong, and an educational system that over reaches to where it should not and under performs where it should. In far too many ways our society is producing 'bad fruit' and that fruit reaches into the churches. In fact, it originates in them.

I've lost a few blueberry plants over the years. Some just died. Bugs? Blight? Disease? I don't know what caused their demise--they just didn't make it despite my best efforts to give them life. There have been some threats to them that I have stopped. Tent worms, Japanese beetles, and interesting groups of caterpillars that attacked one season. Weeds are another threat we've continually fought. Most recently, a vinegar spray and 6 inches of a highly acidic sawdust mulch have helped stunt the weeds (that dislike acid) while giving the berry bushes a boost (blueberries love acidic soil). Protecting them is a constant battle, but worth the larger and sweeter yield.

What's wrong with America? How is it that our good fruit is less and less? Who should take the blame for our national schizophrenia? These are the right questions, but the answer is not the worms, the beetles, or the weeds. The answer is 'the caregiver'. My blueberries are plump and ripe because I have been diligent in caring for them. Societies become unhealthy because those in charge of their nurturing fail to do so.

So, who failed? Was it government? No. Family? No. Government and family are merely people; their behaviors are fruit born of their care giving. Is the problem the church? If 'the church' is understood to be the organization(s) that meet on Saturdays or Sundays then, no again.

Where we find the problem is where we will discover the solution. Understanding the true root of the matter is vital to recovery. So, here it is...the root of the problem... is you.

You are the cause of all the trouble, all the mess, all the strife. You are the one drowning your own children, manipulating Wall Street, sending guns to drug cartels, shackling the poor into the stocks of poverty, sucking infants from the womb through steel straws! It is Y O U. .....and it is me.

Individuals comprise societies. We are not, nor can we be handled as herds or masses. In the end, nations, communities, even churches are individuals. The cause and the solution rest with each gardener.

Start with Y O U. I'll start with me. Set your own roots in good soil. Give careful attention to the rearing of your children, the nurture of your grandchildren. Pull the weeds of injustice, squash the societal insects that feed on immorality, racism, hateful speech, dishonesty, rebellion, envy, disrespect of parents, and discord and which result in societal death. Work your garden well and in a few years-- maybe a couple of generations-- we should all begin to realize the sweet and productive lives we have long hoped for; no longer will we be in the pickle we're in today.

PS. For how to start, do some heavy duty thinking about John 15:5.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-05-30T20:44:00.001-07:00

Creating Your Own Coat of Arms part III

First, my ‘Thanks!’ to Tulisha Scott for offering corrective insight regarding my Latin terms. With her help I’ve improved my word choice and sharpened the message of my Coat of Arms. I wrote Tulisha,

“I very much appreciate your input. I had just quickly done a google search on ‘Latin word for…’. So your insights are perfect. I think I’ll choose "Constans, Fidelis, Veritas" If I understand correctly, I want the noun for Truth rather than the adjective truthfulness, where as I want the adjectives in the other instances. Truth - ‘what is true’- is the foundational piece rather than ‘being truthful’. The others reflect action on the part of those assigned to this coat of arms and I like that.”

Now for this week’s selection of a center piece or the shield (which sits at the center). I have narrowed it to two possibilities. The first is an open Bible. The verse it is open to is “Go into all the world and make disciples.” The second is a scroll with the Roman numeral “V” on it. The symbol stands for the Torah or the scroll that contains the first five books of the Old Testament.

I like the “Go” passage, because missions and the mission of God has been at the center of our family, and I want that message to continue on to my descendents. However, I like the Torah Scroll since it is the center of all life and the initial launch of the message we “Go” with. So, I’m not yet settled.

Other symbols have come to mind this week which may be incorporated. I like wheat seed scattered on one side to represent the viable nature of the Kingdom of God, and I’d like a pearl on that same side to represent the immeasurable value of the Kingdom of God. There is a sun and a moon in the background to reflect the consistency and dependability of God.

Next week, I’ll share more about the color choices for everything. You be thinking too…what would you want to highlight to your descendants and why?

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-05-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

CREATING YOUR OWN COAT OF ARMS Part II
.....continued from last week's Part I.....

The Motto on my Coat of Arms has gotten my attention this week. I've narrowed it to three words. I decided to use their Latin translations because it sounds regal, fuller, ancient, and more appropriate for a coat of arms.

My motto (unless I decide otherwise before it is completed) is:

"Consistere, Fidelis, Veritas"

Translated it reads, "Consistent. Faithful. True"

Consistent, because God is consistent. He has constancy. The Sun rises and sets. Seasons come and go. Time is part of life. There is cycle, order, and regiment in all of creation. Inconsistency yields chaos. Imagine a world without consistency--chaos. Just, for a start, imagine the keys on your keyboard rearranging themselves every day--chaos. Consistency is essential.

Faithful, because God is faithful. Faithfulness is not the same as consistency. Where consistency has to do with regiment or regularity of habit and behavior based on the inner person, faithfulness has to do with relationships based on the inner person. Faithfulness is commitment to the value of others. Faithfulness expresses esteem and placing self second to another--first to God and then to neighbor. Consistency without faithfulness is empty religion. Faithfulness without consistency is hypocrisy. Combined they are love that is always there.

True, because God is true. Truth is the compass setting for consistency and faithfulness. Consistency in a lie is a dead end. Faithfulness to fraud is lunacy. Truth handled faithlessly or inconsistently is like feeding pearls to pigs-- a shame and incalculable loss. However, Consistency and faithfulness to what is true is victory, power, and life!

Because truth is foundational to the others, I place is at the foot of my coat of arms. On it everything else rests.

At the top of my coat I’ve added two branches. These are the fruit of the other elements of the coat: Hope is represented by the Olive Branch (ie. Noah’s Ark), and Peace is represented by the Palm Branch. At the intersection of Hope and Peace is “Chayim”…the Hebrew word for LIFE!

What is your motto and why? Ponder these until next week when we'll take a look at the center shield element of the coat of arms.

PS. Pray for Joplin, MO this week as they grieve and begin recovery.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-05-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

CREATING YOUR OWN COAT OF ARMS

An insignia decorating the cloak covering armor or shields in medieval times was known as the coat of arms. Stuffed full of symbolism and meaning they consisted of a shield and certain accessories. Each design included symbols unique to a person, family, corporation, or state. The idea of a designing a coat of arms for my family has intrigued me for years. As you consider this gourmet day, imagine what items you’d include in your family’s coat of arms.

Many elements are possible for the design, but a few are common: a motto; one or more animals or mascots—sometimes called ‘supporters’; colors with significance; armor, weapons, crosses, crowns and the like which hold meaning; a shield sits at the center.

My ‘mascots’ or ‘supporters’ would be two animals. First, a Galapagos turtle. He would be positioned standing on his hind legs with his two front feet against the shield at center. As you face the coat of arms, he would be on your left. The left because in Biblical thinking, it is the side of the temporal or physical. The Galapagos lives long on the earth—up to 150 years. It is easy to approach (not wild) and it moves slowly, but intentionally between sea and land. These turtles are large and strong, capable of carrying an adult on their backs. I choose them because in my family I want health and longevity for each member, I want prudence and intentionality to pace each day and season of their lives, and I want them to not only care for themselves, but be stable and strong such that they can bear the burdens of others. My hope also is that the attitude of my family be relationship based—easily approached and open to those unlike themselves.

The second animal on our coat would be the unicorn, which would stand on its rear feet with front hooves leaned against the center shield. It would be on the right side since it is the side of the unseen and spiritual. The unicorn represents the values and behaviors in life that the unspiritual person does not believe can exist—like unicorns. I believe in marriages that last a lifetime—and get better over time/not worse, teens with great attitudes who respect rather than resent their parents, chastity until marriage, two year olds that obey the first time they are told to do something, husbands who lead and love and romance their wives like God loves his bride, mothers whose full attention is devoted to the rearing of their little ones, debt-free living, answers to prayer, and personal friendship with the Creator. Many think of these and other ideals as so much hooey, but not my family. We don’t believe in unicorns, or Big Foot, or martians, but we do believe in what ideals many, having never seen them, assume do not exist.

What mascot(s) would you choose for yourself and why? Next week, let’s meet again at www.gourmetday.blogspot.com and think through some of the other elements of our family coat of arms. Have a great week. See you then.

NOTE:The coat of arms pictured above was found at wikipedia.com
All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-05-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

The School of Hard Shocks

I raise a few beef steers each year to keep my pasture under control and to make a few dollars for the family. My fences aren’t worthy of what I call ‘rodeo stock’ so, I must choose docile cattle. Sometimes I misjudge.

The first week or two of every newcomers stint with us is spent in a small, but secure, coral. Stretched down the center of that enclosure is an inch wide white poly-tape laced with fine wire that carries a jolt.

The poly-tape is connected to my electric fence charger. It’s the way I train new cattle to be wary of electric fences. All of my cross fencing and most of my perimeter fences are electrically charged. Lessons learned in my ‘school of hard shocks’ generally don’t need repeating. Cattle trained in my school stay in bounds until I take them away late in the fall.

Sometimes, however, my plan fails and the result is an untrained, frightened, confused, 900 pound steer that is running away from my farm. It leaves a sinking sick feeling in my gut every time I’ve watched the steak-end of a calf disappear into the distance, because I know that if I can’t wrangle them back home, it’ll mean an early trip to the butcher and a loss to me financially.

This week I brought 4 steers home. One was a little on the ‘iffy’ side of docile, but I bought him anyway thinking he’d calm down after a few days. He probably would have too, if I’d had him that long.

All went well day and night one, but the second afternoon he managed to push through a section of my corral. Wide eyed and ears standing at attention like soldiers he took a look at me, a look back at the corral and turning like a cutting horse, bolted over the hill.

In the pasture below my house I had three other calves. I hoped he would try to join them, but to get to them he would have to break through two barbed wire cross fences and a single strand of electric poly-wire like the one in the corral. In less than a minute he ripped through both those barbed-wire fences and stood thirty feet from the other calves-- only the white poly-tape stood between him and them. Beyond the tape and those calves only a smooth wired electric perimeter fence remained between him and that sick feeling in my stomach. “Lord, stop him!” I prayed.

He stopped, and I held my breath.

Hair balls hung on barbed wire in two places, but I don't believe he even noticed. Racing adrenalin blurred his judgment, until he came to that white tape. Certainly, he wanted to join those other cattle, but not at the expense of a jolt from that tape. He’d been in class only 1 day, but the lesson had been learned.

The following evening I moved the poly-tape to allow him to join the three friends, and today he’s contentedly grazing within the borders of electrically charged poly-tape. He’s content, and my stomach is feeling great too.

The lesson? Train early. If I’d have waited to train him, I’d have never trained him. So much of the fundamental principles behind training cattle are also fundamental to rearing children. Certainly there is a parallel in this story. Begin early training your children that your yes is yes and your no (the first time you say ‘no’) is N.O. period! If you fail to train them when they are still young and under your control then when they leave the corral one day, you’ll be waving goodbye for good and your own life will sour. But if you train them well from the start then later when the hormones, the peer pressure, or youthful immaturity takes them on a wild run….they’ll have some idea of when to stop— because you’ve taught them about boundaries and the consequences of crossing them.

So, go on and give your little ones (or big ones) a little ‘shock’ every now and then when they test proper limits. Be consistent. The lesson they learn will one day save their lives.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-05-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday 2:46 EST

All is well.
Josh is home!
Feels great.
Looks great.
He's great.
9 Days of IV antibiotics and we'll be back to normal.
Thanks for praying.
Really, thanks.
Time for praise.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-05-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

Up just before 6 am.
Packed by 7.
Out the door by 7.30
Children's Hospital by 9.00
CT Scan by 9:30
Broncoscopy and Nasal Surgery for Joshua scheduled for 12 noon.
Great Doc.
Indescribable God.
Great to have one.
Indescribable to have the other.
Talking with both today.
Appreciate your prayers too.
More morning Coffee next week (or maybe later this week, but no promises).

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-04-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

MOMMA JOY

Emma is almost 3. Emma’s mom visited our home several days ago and told a story. She said, “When I’m frustrated or exasperated with Emma, I sort of groan, “Oh! Emma Joy.” The other day I did something that aggravated Emma and she said, “Oh, Momma Joy!” We all laughed, of course. It is funny how kids reflect back to us what they learn from and see in us.

As a minister, I pay attention to the families in our church. The chief measure I use to gauge the spiritual and marital health of a family is their children. Children’s behaviors are products of what they've seen and learned. Kids don’t come pre-programmed for obedience or being 'good'--In fact, it's just the opposite. Their tendency is to be rebellious and selfish. The Bible calls these attitudes, ‘foolishness’. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. Wise parents drive it far from them.

Wise children result from the prayerful and vigilant work and training of wise parents. Foolish parents cannot produce wise children; only wise parents can produce wise children. Disagree? How could thorn bushes produce apples? In nature we see the foolishness of thinking any way other, don’t we? Foolish children are the result of foolish parents.

I reviewed some statistics on parenting the other day. Nearly 90% of people in prison had foolish fathers. The rates for suicide, drug abuse, sexual addictions, depression and more were similarly linked to foolish parenting—especially foolish dads. Thorns come from thorn bushes.

Emma is sweet, but she tends, like all children, toward foolishness. Her wise parents are working hard to make her wise like them. In two or three more years their work will be bearing fruit. If they have done well the result will be wisdom, and it will bring her momma joy.

Life's busy, but keep your focus on family. Redouble your efforts to train your children and bring yourself some joy.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-04-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

Sunrise this morning was striking! I had to pause from my morning devotional reading to absorb it. I questioned, "How does the sun not burn up?" "What set it afire to begin with?" Others followed like, "Shouldn't it be shrinking? Was it once too large and produced too much heat for life? Can it become too small to properly heat us? How has it consistently produced ideal temperatures on earth for thousands or millions (depending upon your view of creation) of years?"

In the minute it took me to ponder these profound matters, the rays broke over the horizon and drew halos around the clouds. Shafts of light followed, and broadened until they met and merged into a single swath of light. In total, it took only two or three minutes for the first glow to become full day. I almost missed it.

I've missed a lot of sunrises, but they haven't been the only or most important 'misses' of my life, and there are lots of questions I haven't that I should have. How about you?

I expect there will be another chance to catch the sunrise tomorrow and more opportunities to consider it's wonder, but somethings come and go without a second chance.

Our children's lives are an example. Infant's crys in the night quickly pass. In a matter of days they are 3 months, then 6 months, then toddling, then schooling, then driving, then gone. Imperceptible as the sun's transformation from glow to full day is the time with our children. Before we hardly know how to treasure them they are gone, and often before we've asked the right questions.

By 'right questions' I don't mean the usual important wonderings about who they will marry, or what they'll become. We typically do not miss thinking about those. In fact, we think about them very much. But there are others we may never even think to ask. They are questions like: "What does my love for them tell me of God's feelings for me? For what Divine purpose is this child in my life? What do their weaknesses, disobediences, humility, pride, selfishness, spiritualtiy mirror in me or for me?" These dive deeply behind the scenes and consider what our children are illustrating for us about the eternal matters; what of the unseen are we seeing in them?

Are your children already adults? Are your infants at pre-school today, or the high schoolers away at college? No matter, it isn't too late. Oh, it may be too late to walk the crying infant, or play pretend games with the toddler, or attend their ballgames, or concerts, or take them for rides in the car or walks in the park. It is perhaps too late in the day to see the morning's first glow, but it isn't too late to ask the right questions. In fact, it is about time.

So, even if you've missed some sunrises don't fret- it won't help anyway, but do not fail to grab your coffee at break-time and ponder your life. It will be enlightening.

Have a gourmet day!

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-04-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

"And God said..." (Genesis 1:11, 20)

I placed a finger to my lips. “Ssshhh” I barely uttered. Both my sons wondered why I was waving them to follow me.

We stepped on to the deck. My ‘backyard’ (which my wife still says is our ‘front yard’) is a valley placed against a forest covered mountain; a lazy little creek separates them

“Ssshhh” I softly repeated as we tip-toed into the sunshine. We stood silently for a minute. I wanted them to discover it for themselves.

“What?” was on their faces.

“Listen," I whispered. "Listen to it.”

Benjamin smiled, “A turkey?”

“Yea, but listen to ALL of it.” The mountain forest was a chorus of chirps, squawks, whistles, and calls. A wasp buzzed nearby. The wind blew cool. The sun warmed. Morning air was crisp and fresh and clean. The greening grass, budding dogwoods, flowering dandelions, and blue sky painted a masterpiece. “Isn’t is great!” I whispered.

They nodded in agreement, and wonder.

Take a moment today to tip-toe away from the noise in your world. For a moment, forget Libya, the debt crisis, your co-worker’s unkindness, and (this one will be tough) all your husband’s shortcomings. Put them aside, for two minutes, (Really, try this, would you?) and step outside. Listen to the birds. Note the budding of a tree or flowing of a plant. Look at the sky. Feel the sun. Take it all in. There is more to life than what gets stuck in our faces every day. There are masterpieces all around.

“Ssshhh”. Just step outside.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-04-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

PARENTS! DID YOU GET GOD'S TWEET?

Anita Vogel posts an article today on FoxNews.com which should be of interest to all of us with children. It’s about the effects of Online Time on our children.

One expert. Karen Sternheimer, a sociologist who works on kids issues, says she’s concerned about those “who never have been on Facebook, MySpace, who don’t know the logic of social networking. I am more concerned in the long run that they will be left behind in the market place.” Her concerns aren't supported scientifically, but still the situation needs to be addressed. Ms. Sternheimer's hand wringing reflects the sentiment of many with online addicted kids. Parents need substantive advice.

Vogel sites a new study from the USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future which queried roughly 2000 families. They learned that families are spending 25% less time with each other over the past years. In other words twittering and instant messaging are moving Mom and Dad farther from the center of their children’s lives.

Robert Myers, a child psychologist comments that, “As far as brain development goes, playing with toys, building things for younger kids, fantasy play are much more important in child development than what you’re going to watch on a screen. They (parents) should be encouraging their kids to do other things.” The report doesn’t offer any solutions or ideas of what ‘other things’ might be. Though researchers agreed however, that parents should set guidelines, and look for ways to spend quality family time together. They say even one family dinner a week can make a difference when it comes to engaging in conversation and promoting verbal skills and the all important “face time.”

Those worried about their children managing the marketplace should read the headlines-- the marketplace is crumbling. The marketplace of ideas, the marketplace of relationships, the marketplace of goods....you name it…. is falling apart. Why? Because the people don’t know how to treat other people. They didn’t learn from their parents how to forgive, how to be polite, how to work together, how to share, how to be responsible etc.
Kids are getting texting-calluses on their twittering fingers, but are ill-equipped for dealing with people— ie. the market place.

Do you kids a big favor and set aside one evening a week for a special time of....twittering/texting/facebooking. Yep, plan a big night of “ Texting till your fingers bleed!” Make it a party. Then set a non-electronic communications theme for the other 6 nights: eat together night, play together night , work together night , be together night, talk together night, worship together night, or sing and dance together night.

I’m not an expert in psychology or sociology, and I've sent 3 tweets in my life, but my wife and I have 5 children ages 9-26, and they function well in the marketplace. Not only do we love them, but they love us. In fact, they even like us. We laugh (hard and often) when we are together. We can work together. We talk easily and on a deep, personal level (even with the 9 year old). They are responsible and have their own personal faith in God.

How have we done it? By applying (Look for "Apps From God" some other time.) a ‘tweet’ God sent long ago. He sent this message as text, “Talk about them (the ways of God) when you're at home or away, when you lie down or get up. ... and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.” It is archived in Deuteronomy 6:7.

Permit your children less on-line time and they’ll be in-line for happier, more productive lives. They cannot spend their days better than with their parents. YOU are the best investment for them now and down-the-line.

2011-03-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

My son brewed the best coffee I have had in a very long time. It was smoothe and hot and juuuuust right. Made me go 'mmmmmm' and smile. You know what I was feeling, don't you? Ahhhh.

Our children can bring that 'mmmmmm' smile and the ahhhh moment in other ways, like when they obey, when they share, play nice, do the right thing. We get all warm inside when they tell us they love us, when they cheerfully do what we ask, and when the teacher offers, "Your child is the best behaved child in my class. I wish they were all like her!"

Why? Simple. It is because they are extentions of us.

Children aren't pre-programmed like kittens. Kitties seem to know how a cat is to behave; kiddies on the other hand don't. (Did I hear a few "Amens!" out there?)

Children become what we train them to be. Good training results in praise from teachers and sweet temperments in both toddlers and teens. Unsatisfactory results reflect poor parenting (Not to be confused with bad parents or unloving ones.), and the result is more of an uugh moment than an ahhhh one.

How does good behavior happen? It is the critical question. The answer is simple: Like coffee, good outcomes demand knowledge and patient effort. My son's perfect coffee didn't brew itself, nor was it's lucious flavor an accident. Parent's often need some advice and an example. Debbie and Michael Pearl of www.nogreaterjoy.org helped me. Their material on rearing children is EXCELLENT and it works....just ask anyone who knows any of our 5 children.

From my own learning I'll give you 3 things to do TODAY that will help with your kids (regardless of age...3 or 33)

1. Ask each child if you have done anything to hurt them. Whatever they tell you, do NOT excuse or explain it; simply apologize and ask for forgiveness.
2. Tell them you love them. (Say the actual words...with sincerity)
3. Tell them you are proud of them. (Think of a way in which you are truly proud of them and let them know how you feel.)

Even God did numbers 2 and 3! He yelled it from heaven, "This is MY son! I love him, and with him I am well pleased!" He only left off the first one, because, well... he din't need to apologize. However, You and I likely do.

Okay, sip your coffee and consider how you're going to get busy training some great kids. You'll be feeling 'mmmmmm' and 'ahhhhh' before you know it....and deep inside, you'll smile.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2011-03-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

True Story. Very Funny. Overheard Tonight.

In a very rural Appalachian community some time back a guy, we'll call Arlin, got a call from some guy from the big city of Knoxville, Tennessee. The city guy, who we'll call 'the city guy', wanted to go on a deer hunt. Arlin set him up.

The city guy arrived with a new 4WD truck, new hunting clothes, new gun, new boots, new everything! Arlin controlled a snicker and took him out to the "hunt'n spot".

Now, it is important to understand that Arlin's uncle, Duff, had a favorite white goat he loved so much that he put a bright orange collar on it. Arlin didn't mention this to the city guy.

Within an hour shots split the crisp fall air. Arlin waited a bit and then went out to check on the first-time hunter.

"I think I got one!!" the city guy breathlessly reported to Arlin. The city guy had dutifully remained in the tree stand as he'd been told and had not yet gone to check on his trophy, but sure enough he'd hit what he aimed at.

Arlin, hiding his true emotions, thought on his feet and exclaimed, "Why you sure did! And look. It's a two-point!" About this time, Arlin's cousin came up and realizing what had happened announced, "I'll take that collar off your deer. I'm the official collar-remover up here and it's all legal and everything." Both Arlin and his cousin strained, but maintained their composure.

The men tied the WHITE tail to the front of the new truck and the city guy drove down I-75 with his 'deer', and Arlin merrily pocketed his fee.

All of us perform best in our home environment, and we're all prone to making big mistakes when we're not. We can all laugh, and we can all be laughed at. So, the moral? Practice humility, there is always someone out to get your goat!

2011-03-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gotten a tan, run a 10k race, or lost weight? Were you successful? If so, what changed you from non-runner to racer, from overweight to thin, from pale to richly tan?

Personally, I’m not much of a tan-man. A tan looks nice, but my own legs are translucent. I’m not a runner either. In fact, the last time I entered a race was the 100 yard dash in middle school gym class. So, I am no expert on tanning or running, however, I know that tanned people do NOT get their tan by sitting at home and telling themselves, "Okay body! Here we go, Tan. Tan! Tan baby, tan for me!” Merely desiring a tan doesn't darken an inch of flesh. No one looses weight by telling their excess, "Go away fat. Go. Go. Go!!!", and a subscription to Runners’ World does not a runner make. Yet, those seem to be our go-to tactics when it comes to spiritual growth.

An example? Joe determines to control his speech and makes a personal commitment before God never to cuss again. He tells himself, "I'm not going to cuss again. I won't. I won't. I won't cuss. Go away cussing. Go. Go. Go!!" Mission accomplished he does well for a few days until along comes a hammer and smashes ole Joe’s thumb flat. Before he thinks, Joe forgets his commitment and loses control of his speech. Poor Joe. Now with throbbing thumb he again pledges—even more sincerely—not to cuss again. We admire him, but we know how it will go, don’t we?

Can you relate to Joe? Control of our tongues isn’t the only place Christians fail. We fail because we tend to apply Joe’s ineffective approach to changes across the board. It's a sick circle that discourages and defeats us. The question is “What does work?”

"D60" works. Proven personally, with churches, and discipleship groups D60 is highly practical, get's right to the point, and produces immediate and long-lasting transforming results. We all need to try something better than "Tan! Tan for me Baby! Tan!". See the book "D60" at: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/d60/15167310

This spiritual exercise manual will absolutely help strengthen flabby spiritual muscles.

A download is also available. Please, share with friends.

Blessings. Stephen

Jacob and the Angel/God

2010-03-19T06:58:00.001-07:00

Sometimes Scripture isn't immediately sensible to me. This story has been one that's remained a mystery until today when I learned that in Hebrew Panim/Penim (the vowels are missing in Hebrew, so could be spelled either way) means 'face', and that Pnim means 'inside'. When we see someone's true face (not a hypocritical one), we see also what is inside of them. For example, The King noted Nehemiah's downcast face and connected it with his downcast heart.

In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with God and called the place Peniel (Face of God). With this new insight regarding the connection between our face and our inside, we see that that night Jacob saw more than the physical face of God in that humble wrestling match. In fact, in the dark night of his soul, he saw the heart of God. He saw that God wrestling with him not to kill him, not even to harm him…but for his good. God humbled him (the limp) only because it was what Jacob needed (He did not stop wrestling with God until his hip was displaced).

When Jacob sees who God is on the inside, he also comes to see how God views him. God doesn't see him as a "Jacob" (deceiver, low lifer), but as an "Israel" (prince of God)! He'd tried many times in the past, even before Jacob's birth, to tell Jacob that he was special, but Jacob doesn't really believe/get it until this darkest night in the desert.

Until we wrestle with God and men (spirit and flesh) and overcome, we will see ourselves as unworthy low-life rather than the highly esteemed sons of God. Until we wrestle with the realities of spirit and flesh we will view God as against us (imposing oppressive laws and repressive demands) instead of the one who actually fights our battles.

It's all there—old truths delivered fresh and powerful. Oh! The beauty and wonder of God's Word. May we know and handle it better and better.

Spiritual Muscle Building

2010-02-01T11:55:00.001-08:00

Spiritual Exercises for Short-Term Mission Groups

Introduction:

Mission trips create openness in many ways. Spiritually, we are often made more sensitive during our mission trip. It is a great time to take advantage of the occasion and tone your flabby spiritual muscles.

Marathon runners don't run 26 miles their first day. They build their muscles and endurance over time using a variety of exercises, routines, and diet controls. In like manner, spiritual muscles cannot be built over night. It takes a variety of exercises over time. Your mission trip can become the place for many of your members to begin a spiritual exercise program.

The exercise of four daily habits builds spiritual muscles. Just as consistent training builds muscle, and as exposure to sunshine changes the color of skin so daily exposure to God changes the spirit of a man. These DAILY spiritual habits place us in the presence of God and change those who practice them.

Rise Early.

Begin each day early. Giving God the first fruit of the day is important. Have mission team members rise half hour before the day is scheduled to begin. Because of fatigue and the likelihood that this practice is not the normal practice of team members, plan to "Walk-til-Awake".

Exercise: Our groups walk a mile together in silence before making an attempt to join in the day's spiritual exercises. Getting the blood pumping helps create an alert mind and facilitates a successful time of prayer. Silent walking also helps avoid the tendency of some members of the group to divert attention from the purpose of the exercise to them—its intent is to prepare for Spiritual growth.

Debrief: You'll have a lot to do on your first day, so simply setting the expectations and pattern for the remaining days should suffice for the first day. With everyone awake, briefly introduce the concept of Spiritual Muscle Building and then move on into your day.

Pray.

The first of the exercises is to learn to pray for increasingly longer periods of time. The idea is that time before God making the effort to communicate with Him has value. Content deepens with time, but first the habit of daily effort to pray must be developed. This DAILY EFFORT to pray is the goal of this practice.

Exercise: Begin with 10 minutes of effort. Require members to time themselves. Some will find that they fall asleep, or that their minds wander quickly. This is normal. We're DEVELOPING spiritual muscles because we don't have strong ones yet. Encourage members not to despair. When they awake or when they realize their minds have wandered, coach them to simply admit this to God (Sorry, Lord, I fell asleep. Help me do better.), and get to praying again.

Some will have an exuberant encounter with God and feel they can go on for longer, but enforce that they should pray only until the 10 minutes is complete. The purpose of these exercises is to build the HABIT of DAILY prayer. A trap lays ahead of those who would spend more time praying before they have developed this practice into a habit. They will find that they rationalize "Well, I spent 15 minutes yesterday, so I'll cut it to only 5 today." It's a game that Satan will play on them. Better, for now, to just try praying 10 minutes and then move on to the next exercise.

Debrief: After the walk and the exercise, debrief with the group asking, "Did anyone fall asleep?" That will begin the morning with a laugh at how many fell asleep. Then ask about the experiences of others. Lastly, clarify for the group again that the point of these exercises for this trip is to develop the habit of praying daily. Content and ability will come with time. The goal for now is to develop the HABIT of DAILY placing themselves before God in prayer. Congratulate them for exposing themselves to the light of the Son---already God has been changing them.

Journal.

After taking a "Walk-til-Awake" hike and a second day of trying to pray for 10 minutes, add the step of Journaling. The difference between keeping a diary and keeping a journal has been described like this: A diary is the written summary of what YOU did in the day. A Journal is the written summary of what GOD did in the day. The practice benefits because it forces us to put our minds on God. We recount the events of the day before and search them for evidence of God's hand. We begin moving through future days with an eye open wider to the workings of God in the everyday events of life.

Exercise: Ask that every member write for 10-15 minutes in their journal. Help them begin the process by offering questions they should consider while writing like:

What way(s) did I sense that God was working with me/our group yesterday?
Describe the most significant spiritual event for me from yesterday.
Why was it significant?

Debrief: Some will easily convert their thoughts to words, others will struggle. Encourage your group by helping them understand that it is not content, or amount of writing, that matters at this point as much as it is the practice of trying to re-think the events of the day and seek to see God at work in it. The HABIT of DAILY seeing God at work will change their lives—whether they become good writers or not.

Memorize.

"Walk-til-Awake" hikes may be shortened (due to time) by the third day, but should not be omitted. Prayer may be increased to 15 minutes for the second half of the trip, and journaling may become a before-bedtime activity. Memorization is a habit best practiced throughout the day. The idea is to strengthen our 90-pound weakling knowledge of Scripture muscle. Weight lifting requires multiple repetitions—so too Scripture memorization.

Exercise: Challenge the group in a significant way by making the exercise a bit difficult. On a 5 or 7 day mission trip, memorizing the first chapter of the Sermon on the Mount should not be too much. If your mission trip has a theme, a corresponding section of Scripture may be appropriate to memorize. The goal, as will all the habits, is to develop the HABIT of DAILY meditating on God's Word.

Debrief: Perhaps at lunch break while in line waiting to be served, randomly ask individuals to quote what they've learned. Include staff and adults in these exercises. Leaders should not be immune to impromptu requests from the other members of the team. This helps everyone be accountable and makes it more fun in the process.

Conclusion:

Certainly, there are more exercises which build Spiritual Muscles. These are suggested because they are easy for starters. Missionaries must develop strong Spiritual Muscles to manage the challenges of their work. Training your short-term mission members how to strengthen themselves will not only help them as they minister on the mission trip, but also when they return to their own backyard mission field.

Snow’s On

2010-01-30T06:50:00.001-08:00

Snow's on! We are covered in milky white this morning. About 6 six inches so far, with more in the forecast. At my home, there are mixed reviews.

My sons ran into it. The eight year old literally belly-flopped into a shallow drift, lay there—face down—for a good long while soaking in the glory of the moment.

Work crews, linemen, rescue teams, and Red Cross volunteers are not as exuberant. I, meanwhile, am trying to decide my personal outlook.

It is beautiful, at least viewed from inside my warm home, with hot coffee steaming around my face and hands.

Also, there's a kind of mystery in it-- who knows the trek of each snow flake from sky-high origins to final resting place on my window sill? Where is its next destination? The sea? Antarctica? The Zambezi?

For my kids, our snow holds a grab-bag of rollicking fun, laughter, and snowball fights! Donna likes looking at it. I enjoy it when I know my family only has to get in it for the fun of it. (Oh, and I might add, only when the pipes aren't frozen and the electricity is working.)

The snow, is neutral, I suppose. People, on the other hand, are quite diverse, aren't they?

The man making a living plowing snow sees relief in the form of dollars and dimes.

The man owning the snow buried parking lot sees a new bill to pay and loss of profits.

The wife seeing her husband off to work, sighs that her Saturday rest will be cut short. Breakfast will be necessary long before daylight so he can drive the snow plow and clear the streets.

The wife waiting on her husband signs in relief at the sound of the garage door lifting as he returns from a 14 hour EMT shift.

Children thrill at the prospect of play in it. Parents worry about children catching cold from it. Grandparents remember playing, and worrying, and they smile.

What we learn about people from the snow applies to all areas of life. Perspective makes a difference. A bad economy means job losses for some, but it means opportunity for others. War means defeat and victory. Unfortunately, Haiti's earthquake resulted in horrific ruin for many. Unfortunately, it meant freedom for several thousand criminals.

Life has snow days. When it does, maybe the child's perspective is the best to assume: belly-flop into a shallow drift, lay there—face down—for a good long while and soak in the glory of the moment. Anyway, most the alternatives are far less refreshing.

Faithful til the End: A True GoodSoil Story

2009-12-31T10:18:00.001-08:00

Even most non-Christians believe God hears prayer; we believe He answers them.

Central among GoodSoil's core objectives is proof that God answers prayer. We offer this recent story as another proof, in a growing line, for those who are looking (hoping) for some.

Three or four weeks ago I crawled under my truck to change the oil and filter. I had only 15 minutes of daylight, so I finished in darkness, but the truck was ready for travel to World Servants Headquarters in West Virginia the next morning. I left at 3:30 a.m. with coffee cup in hand.

164 miles from home I glanced at my gauges. The oil pressure was very low! Immediately diving into the closest exit I checked the oil level. Dry. Ugghh. Burrr, it was cold and wet and still dark. My tools were at home. The attendant said Wal-Mart was 5 miles ahead and had a garage. Two quarts of oil (which is a subtle form of robbery at those interstate stations) helped me limp to the garage. Not surprisingly, I was the first in line that morning (It was not quite 7 a.m.). The guys finished their coffee and then signed me in. 45 minutes later, one of them emerged from "surgery" carrying my oil filter. "The rubber gasket is missing on this filter. It's let all your oil blow past as you drove. The whole bottom of the truck is covered in oil. I'll put on a new one," He explained.

I agreed. They returned. I waited. They worked. Time raced. My plans for a fast-as-possible trip to and from West Virginia were posturing to become a very, very long one.

"What happened?" A gentleman, now also waiting on his vehicle, asked me. I explained in cleft-note fashion. It was early, and I really wasn't as jovial as usual. In fact, I was unusually quiet and to myself.

"Where you from?" He continued the conversation (anyway).

"Jellico, Tennessee. It's a small town near the Kentucky boarder."

"Yea. I've been past Jellico a lot. My wife and I drive that way often. What do you do there?"

I told him a little about GoodSoil. In fact, it was very little—I was still dealing with a short night and the dread of a lengthening day ahead.

The attendant waved me over to pay up. My new friend walked to the register with me, "If you can give me your ministry address, my wife and I may stop in some time on our way to Georgia."

I paid up and then scribbled my name and contact information on a scrap of paper. We shook hands and he sent me off with, "God bless your trip."

Ahh ha! I had suspected he was a Christian all along. I didn't figure we'd ever meet again.

A few days ago my phone rang, "Hi this is Martin Bell (not the real name)"…..I wracked my mind…….. "We met at the Wal-Mart.." …..Still I was at a loss…… "over near West Virginia." Bingo! I remembered.

"We're here in Jellico at your church. Is it possible we could catch you for a few minutes?"

Long story short, they drove out to the house, visited with us for about an hour and shared, "We weren't planning to come to Jellico, but for about the last 3-4 days it has really been on our mind and only a few miles from the exit Sarah (the wife, but not her true name) felt the Lord would have us stop by. So, we did, and we have a small donation." They handed me a check to GoodSoil for $400.00.

How did that happen? I certainly did not ask or intimate that GoodSoil or we had any needs. In fact, I had been only cooly cordial to Martin at the Wal-Mart. Who but God put that notion in their hearts? Who but God persistently urged them to exit into Jellico? Who but God knew our needs?

If, however, you might still think this a co-incidence, or simply a random kindness, consider this: GoodSoil Ministries has never solicited any funds, nor shared any need since its founding in 1999, and yet, over a half-million dollars has been donated to its ministries.*

Some may think it coincidence; others call it 'luck' (whatever that is); while you may have your own ideas, but I call it the actions of an attentive, gracious, prayer-answering God.

What about all those unanswered prayers or yours (AND OURS)? I don't know. God is sovereign. Some things are simply beyond us, but what's plain is understandable, and His provisions over this first decade have been more than plain—He is still involved!

More True GoodSoil Stories…..

What's more, if you'll indulge me a few more paragraphs, is that a viable church has been started in Jellico that is reaching and relating to those who were previously disconnected from Christ. It is a vibrant and real church. They are honest, raw, fresh. Anyone sick and tired of the old, cold, same-ole-same-ole; anyone hungering for REAL Christianity will find it here--I love them. Honestly-- not distracting from the many others I've been a part of-- but this is the greatest Body of Believers I've ever been a part of (not meaning most polished or sanctified, but most authentic)…..and they are increasing in number and depth of understanding.

Beyond the Jellico church, GoodSoil has held 8 missions camps and impacted the lives of several dozen of the most motivated and mature young disciples in the Body. Our Mission Camp graduates are all still young, but some are now on mission teams preparing for international mission points, others are professionals using their missions training to impact those around them; many more have served on short-term missions. We estimate that 80% of our trainees continue in missions in one form or another. Moreover, the Missions Camp youth training concept is spreading. This month members of a Christian university began discussions with us about the possible use of Mission Camp's simulated training style as an orientation-event for incoming students. I understand that the World Mission Workshop may include similar elements on its program in the coming year. Personally, I've long thought that simulated training would become a model for recruiting missionaries at younger ages. We may see it at long last in 2010.

Lastly, GoodSoil is coaching and assisting the preparation of a missionary for the region near Raja, Sudan. Zephania Kittony, of Kenya is preparing to launch a mission work in Southern Sudan-- only 50 miles from Darfur. GoodSoil had a hand in surveying this area three years ago and we have worked closely with Zephania since then. Mission Campers paid for a week of missions training for Zephania in Rwanda last summer. He is scheduled to soon retire from school teaching for the Kenya government and will be free to begin in Sudan in 2010.

The Sudan work be a very difficult work, but Zephania's zeal is high and he is capable, having established more than 6 churches in Kenya over the past 23 years. Southern Sudan has been a strategically important region for a very long time in the struggle against Islam. Even the British in the late 1800s recognized this as they fought against the Mahdi for political control of the corridor from Egypt to South Africa along the Eastern coast of the continent. Sudan remains strategic today as Islam encroaches southward from Khartoum and inland from Mombassa, Kenya; Dar Esalam, Tanzania, and Moputu, Mozambique. GoodSoil is playing a role the in strategic placement of missionaries in those regions by helping Mr. Kittony into Sudan, and having a hand in training or facilitating no less than 25 missionaries now in or planning for East Africa.

We could tell more stories of individuals who have left alcohol and cling to Christ; of those who only last week mused, "It is so much better to see money spent on Christmas gifts than drugs." ; of parents training their children in the way of the Lord; of young men leaving foolish ways and choosing wise ones; of jail floors wet from the tears of dozens of men being broken by the peaceful and marvelous Spirit of Jesus; of women clinging to their faith that Jesus' words are reliable; of quiet wars on apartment floors for the widow and orphan; of praying men faithfully gathering before the light of day to speak to God on behalf of those having rejected Him all night; of widows serving; of women loving; of men changing; of Christ transforming us all. But, for now, these will have to do.

May your New Year be the best ever!

Thanks to all who gave, who prayed, who came, who served. We love you all.

From Stephen and Donna, and for the GoodSoil Board of Directors (Mark Brazle, Stephen Greek, Mike Yates, Dwane Perry, and Kevin Bryan)

*Because our prayer-only approach (For more Google 'George Muller'.) to funding is not a method, but our ministry, we teach our trainees and interns how to appeal for funds for themselves and their ministries. The half-million dollar figure noted does NOT include the funds raised by these trainees or interns. If we did, the total funds sent by God to GSMi would be significantly greater, and no less an evidence of His answer to our (and our trainees') prayers.

2009-09-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

See the preview of my book! Just go to:

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/faith-beyond-the-rituals/7650084

2009-09-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

FAITH: Starting up a Friendship with The Almighty

Faith is scary; it is intimidating. It means obedience to whatever God wishes-- whether is easy, safe, or reasonable. When called to act in faith, the natural inclination is to look for a way out, to run and hide, or to laugh, “Surely you don’t mean it?!” I've discovered in these daunting, uncertain, sometimes terrifying occasions are the first stepping stones beyond the rituals of religion and into a friendship beyond your wildest dreams.

Certain men asked to ‘see Jesus’. His response was, “…unless a kernal of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed, but if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Do we get the message? Liturgy, doctrine, rules-keeping don't do it. Giving up, giving in, giving over to a confidence in God’s wisdom and goodness is the way to his companionship.

What do you think? Did the Prophet Daniel know God before his night with the lions like he knew him the following morning? Likely not. Obeying out of trust initiates a vital and deep walk with the Creator of the Universe....and that relationship is more than we've been told or imagined.

I speak from experience and explain in FAITH: Initiating Friendship with the Creator of the Universe. Available September 12, 2009 at www.LuLu.com.

More Blogging at www.TheMissionalLife.com/blog
All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2009-01-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

FACEBOOK FORGIVENESS

As a newcomer to the world of Facebook, and being a male, I launched into the social network without reading any instructions or directions. I just figured it out as I went; which led got me into a little trouble.

Having started up a ‘group’ (The group is “1st Monday”. Please join.) I sent an invitation and whaalaa…members!! Also, being a little old school and from the South, I thought it kind to send every new member a “Welcome!” letter. So, I started sending everyone a nice little note of welcome along with a few words of instruction about the group. Which, all this worked well for about 200 members. That’s when all of a sudden a big red WARNING popped up on my screen!

Seems I’d broken some rule and my messages were viewed as spam. Yikes! I didn’t intend it that way. But Facebook saw it that way and I’d offended the beast. Now, what to do? I instantly stopped sending out the welcome letters, yet still every time I touched the screen with a click the warning popped up. It bothered me to be considered a ‘law breaker’. I felt a little heart sick in fact. And instantly the thrill of Facebook was gone. I didn’t know if I could be on it any more or not. Honestly, I didn’t want to be on it because “they” thought I was a rotten guy. So, I turned it off and walked away for awhile.

After several hours I tried again to see if they’d forgiven me yet. They hadn’t—the warning flashed again. So, it took awhile, but I found a way to communicate with one of “them” and explained the situation, offered not to do it again, and asked for them to fix the problem. The next morning…all was restored to normal. Suddenly, the joy of Facebook was back and I felt much better!

Work matters out with whomever you’ve an issue. It may take some work, but talk to them. Communicate your mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Then let it sit with them. If they forgive you it will recharge your whole life, and joy you’d lost will return. It’s the way society is truly networked.

More Blogging at www.TheMissionalLife.com/blog
All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

Facebook

2009-01-07T18:35:00.001-08:00

I signed up last night. Within 30 seconds of clicking the button to invite friends I'd gotten my first one; within two minutes I was up to 8! Day two and I'm around 140; almost instantly finding friends I'd lost as long ago as 28 years. It's mind blowing.

This whole internet thing is mind blowing, isn't it? I mean, my son is in Nepal sending me daily notes and pictures—I remember when it took 2 weeks for a letter to cross the earth and film took at least a week to develop! Mind blowing to me…..but not to the generations under me.

The naughty little secret to all of this awesome techno-wizardry is it the frail foundation upon which it rests. The computer gurus? No. Electricity, you may think. No again. It is more fragile than either of those. Everything rest, ironically, on our being friends—true friends.

When we can no longer be global friends the whole thing will crumble. Wars, sabotage, nuclear disasters are elements powerful enough to pull the plug on it all. The thin wall between us and those is our continued friendship.

Half a century of living continues bringing me back to a core truth: it is critical to life that I love my neighbor.

2008-12-31T21:22:00.001-08:00

MIDNIGHT, PLUS 27 MINUTES

The ball just dropped in Times Square.

It’s a new day. Your shot at improving on yesterday.

It’s a new year with a new chance to improve, to avoid past mistakes, to do better than you’ve ever done before.

Imagine what a new life would mean!

Really……imagine.

More Blogging at www.TheMissionalLife.com/blog

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2008-12-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

SPACE FOR GRACE

Passed a van parked in front of a handicapped children's center. A sticker on the window had the symbol of a wheel chair on the sliding door and it read, "Please, leave extra room." Knowing that the people on board need extra space enables me to give it to them when I pull along side them.

If, somehow, we could look into each other's heart, and if we then realized that everyone wears a sticker on the inside with a wheelchair and the message, "Please, leave extra room." Wouldn't it be easy to give more space. And wouldn't we all be better neighbors, and employees, and husbands, and friends, and even enemies?

"Come to me," Jesus said, "All of you who have wheelchairs, and hang ups, and handicaps, and issues, and problems, and are outcast for whatever reasons.....I'll give you extra room."

That's grace...and we all need it. Today. Be gracious; leave extra room.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2008-12-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

GOOD INTENTIONS.....BAH AND HUMBUG!

I’ll never buy another chicken wing at KFC! Not because they were poorly cooked; not out of any loyalty to PETA, not because I’m feeling ‘green’ these days, and not due to a sudden dislike for chicken. No, my reasons are quite personal, but maybe not unique to someone my age……

Last night Daniel and I made a dash to KFC to grab a couple of bucket of wings and strips for about 15 hungry guests. The lady who helped us was courteous and efficient; even offered us a free drink because we had to wait (A whole 2 minutes! America is great.) She rang up the order. I signed the receipt and headed for the door. No problem so far.

“Daniel, I think we need another bucket. Don’t you?”

“Yeah. Probably.”

So, back to the counter. “We’d like another bucket of strips, please.”

A half-minute later the clerk, a young man this time, rang me up. "Thank you, Sir.”

Don’t know what caused me to notice, but I did. My eyes focused. I blinked and re-focused in disbelief! Quickly, I opened my wallet to examine the receipt from the first clerk, and compare--the same ERROR had occurred! Both had included a charge….or…actually, it was a sort of ‘credit’. I know they intended well, but bah and humbug on their good intentions! Normally, I’d not feel such, but this was over the top, they’d crossed a line. The last line on each receipt read, “SC DISC”. Arrrrggggghh!

I laughed. (Better than tears.) Daniel laughed. Donna laughed. Our guests laughed, and you’re probably laughing too. I’m happy, I suppose, to spread a little Christmas cheer. Ho, ho. Nooooo!

God bless and boycott KFC!!! (Just pulleting your leg.)

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2008-12-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

SAVING THE MASSES, BUT NOT.

On a walk today, I mused about my recently deceased Mother.

So much I wish I had said. More that I wish she knew. Regrets. Failings. Short-comings; all of them mine.

Saving the world, building empires, serving the great masses we can fail at our primary mission—the loving and blessing of those nearest us. But failures are just that--failures. Nothing alters the past. We have only today and perhaps, tomorrow, to do better.

Who should I notice today? Who might I be overlooking as I gaze upon the masses? "My wife and my children," is my heart's silent reply. And certainly, obviously, they are the PRIMARY mission of my life.

So, to avoid regrets, failures, or short-comings I will love and bless them today…and tomorrow….and the next day....BEFORE and IN PREFERENCE TO the great masses. We should all lay aside our empires, step down off our stallions, and think this through very carefully.

If we'll sit in the sand box with our children, or stand beside our wives at the kitchen sink, and listen sincerely and caringly to their hearts I believe we will have no regrets. I have a hunch that putting family first, will ironically and ultimately, somehow, lead to saving the masses and the building of empires.

At least, this is what I thought and prayed about today on my walk.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2008-03-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

HUMILITY

We easily recognize the actions of humility, but what might be the words of humility?

The words of arrogance aid our understanding of the words of humility.

Words we think (or say) when we're arrogant are:
"I give", "I do" and "I am".

Opposite to them are the words of humility:
"I need", "I can't" and "Would you"

Come to think of it...Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14.

Compare and contrast their words:

The Pharisee who was arrogant said,

"God,
I give (a tenth). I do (fasting). I am (better than these others types.)"

Then the Tax Collector said,

"God,
I can't (do right). I need (forgiveness). Would you (have mercy on me)?"

May God help us all because we can't, and we need, for God to give, and do because He is "I AM".

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-10-30T06:34:00.001-07:00

FIRST FROST

If only you could sit where I now sit, and see what I am seeing: a glorious Fall. Out my huge picture widow is our mountain, decorated in burgundy, gold, olive, yellow, and rust; highlighted in blotches of shadow and rays of sun; and this morning…laced with white frost! What a magnificent way to begin my day. What a sweet ingredient to my morning coffee.

The cup I’m working on now is actually my second, however, it is the only one I’ve enjoyed. The first is lost. I don’t know where I left it, but somehow between making it and getting our six year old ready for school, the cup and I misplaced one another. So, I’m on cup number two…which is actually going to be cup number one. Though this may sound like a one time occurrence, the truth is that more and more that I’m forgetting little things.

Noticed more grey hair in the mirror over the last few months too. Yuk. This week the boys and I were sighting in my bow. After a few shots, I noticed some discomfort in my left shoulder-- that didn’t used to happen. I can’t any longer focus (with or without glasses) on anything small that is closer than two feet. Anymore, I am exhausted by 10 p.m. What’s happening to me? I mean, hey, I’m only HALf a century old! “Old!” Did someone say, “Old.” Yuk. Yuk. Yuk.

That last line is open for interpretation as being either a groan of disdain or a laugh at the truth. You, and I, must determine which it will be. As for me…I suppose I’d say that I’m laughing through the pain.

There is glory in the Fall. Frost can be just another part of it, but we all know that frost is only the beginning. We know that, even given the ruse of global warming, it is going to get colder over the next months. Winter is on the way. Aches, forgetfulness, graying hair are the telling frost of our personal winter. But until it comes, I’m living in my Fall and I don’t want to miss even one moment of it.

So, this morning I hugged and kissed on our son while dressing him for school. I decided to throw caution to the budget and encouraged my wife to enjoy a special outing with the kids. I stepped out on the porch and soaked in the cold air, wet foggy mist and noted the lingering odor of…..yes, this is true….a nocturnal visitor with four legs, a black coat, and a white stripe down his back! What a magnificent way to begin my life today. What a sweet ingredient to my morning coffee.

To those at or beyond a half-century…”Yuk.” or “Yuk, yuk, yuk” is your choice. To the rest….when you are where I am, I hope you’ll see what I see: a glorious Fall.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-08-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

ON THE ROAD BACK HOME

How Dad's should feel when returning from being away.

Back home again
with kids and wife and dogs.
The journey's ended
and I pause now to blog...

..to reflect on travel, on men,
and return to family.
To present my view of how
things surely ought to be.

Their running toward me now.
Lots of hugging and kissing
and telling me what all
I've been missing.

The news is coming
from each of the kids
like popcorn popping
out of the lid.

Ones had a fall
and cut their knee.
The other is sharing
good news with glee.

The wife is as charming
and as beautiful--it's true!
As the first day we met
in the years of our youth.

House still goes, "Creeeek and craaack,"
as before I left.
"Sounds like my bones,"
I laugh to myself.

The weather's a tad warmer
in fact its too hot,
But Winter will come soon
and we'll wish for this lot.

Not much has really changed
while I've been away.
Only me, on the inside,
and I like it that way.

Out here on the porch
the place feels just right.
The morning is calm
after a sound sleep last night.

Hot coffee in hand,
sweet jelly on bread,
bills to be paid,
and letters to be read.

Certainly, it's better to be back
than out on the road alone.
Hot coffee's always best
when it's taken at home.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-07-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Encouraged by Kids

Perhaps, along with your coffee this morning, you'd like a little evidence that all is not lost these days. Maybe, like me, you'd enjoy some good news.

For myself, it is encouraging just to see boys buckling their pants up above their underwear, kids obeying their parents, bad guys getting just punishment, and anyone being patient in a long line.

If you are the same, then today is a good day for you, because I've got some good news!

Earlier in June a dozen teens invested a week working and learning in our community. Specifically, they worked hard at producing a positive video. Yep! No cursing, no porn, no bad attitudes, no criticism, no sarcasm...just good positive values and optimism!

Their production also involved the creation of a website in which much of the behind-the-scenes work was monitored. You can see it at www.goodsoilministries.org/mediamissions

The video is not availabe on the site yet, but should be eventually. It is an incredible result given that these teens did all of this in only 6 days, and that's some good news to be encouraged about.

PS. If you'd like to learn about how to get a copy of the DVD send me an email at smeeks@goodsoilministries.org

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-06-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

What if Church were..

….Coffee together. Talking at leisure about the kindness of God who paints rainbows after storms, sunrises after nights, and mountains around valleys?

…. Dinner at the theater, where we enjoyed delicious food, served by candlelight. Where every element of the meal, and even the table décor, intentionally held symbolic meaning and truth. And where the actors illustrated what it means to love God with all one’s heart, or what it is to be a living sacrifice.

….A ballet and full orchestra portraying the love story of God romancing his bride.

… Watching a movie together (Of course with popcorn and sodas!), then meeting afterwards in small groups where someone skilled at leadership and wise about life helps us see in it lessons for our lives.

….An art show where paintings depict truth through sculpture, photography, on canvas, and fabric. And then auctioned to provide assistance to families caring for AIDS orphans.

….A poet’s conference where the authors read their works to us. And we listened. And the crowd walks away saying, “I’m so glad I came. That really helped me understand some things in my life better.”

….or….

What if Church were .... real?
... honest?
.... sincere?
... and simple?

....What if this Sunday your Church slept in till 11a.m., enjoyed a slow, leisurly day at home, as families, with Dad's reading portions of God's word to their children. What if the gathering for worship was postponed until 4 p.m. What if everyone brought some simple dish to share with all the others, and everyone enjoyed laughing and visiting and eating the Communion as part of the meal? What if it were all done to illustrate the hope of Believers to banquet with God?

Would you go? I would.
A lot of us would, I think.

Maybe you should start one like that and I'll bring coffee.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-04-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

THE VALUE OF COFFEE TOGETHER

Do you drink alone? Is the quiet repose accompanying a cup of hot Joe as important to you as the drink itself? Solitude has its value, but so does good company.

As deeply satisfying as a moment of silence--especially in today's busy, noisy, demanding world--is a strainless visit with a friend.

My friend is my wife. She drinks tea, actually, but it isn't important. Whenever we can, we steal a moment out on the porch swing, or on the couch, or at a cafe'. Our favorite 'dates' are spontaneous rondevous at no-name restaurants around a shared dessert and coffee (or tea). Priceless to us both.

Take or make a half hour this week. Brew the coffee. Find a quiet corner of the house or the town and get together with your mate to talk and to listen to one another. Time together is gold--wieghed by the minute. Invest much and often.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-04-23T05:55:00.001-07:00

FOR THE BIRDS

Your Morning Coffee is on late. Sorry. Slept in. Sometimes it is just necessary to get a little extra shut-eye, to lounge in peaceful luxury and rest.

Waiting on coffee to brew I’ve been watching two birds on the rail outside our big window. The bird feeder is low and they’re fighting over the seeds.

The larger one is making threatening runs at the smaller. He, the big one, is actually standing inside of the feeder on a tiny mound of seed. Outside, however, on the hand rail itself, are seeds and husks scattered by sloppy eaters. The smaller bird persistently sneaks up close to the main feeder and nibbles on these scattered crumbs. It has been a constant war the whole time I’ve been waiting on my coffee...a silly little war.

“Why are you fighting?” I asked.

They didn’t reply.

I’m no Dr. Dolittle, but I’ll venture an answer on their behalf. “You little fellas don’t believe do you?”

“I have twenty-five pounds more bird seed in the house that I plan on putting in the feeder when it is empty. When that is gone, I’ll be buying more at the store--they have twenty-five hundred pounds. Then, when their supply is gone, they'll order from a supplier who has twenty-five tons of bird seed. When the supplier is low he will buy again from the farmers who produce twenty-five million pounds a year, and, since it is Spring, the farmers are already planting next year’s harvest!”

“Why are you fighting? Why don’t you trust me? Why are you worried about so little a scrap of food? Aren’t you worth far more than a couple of sparrows? Seek first the Kingdom and righteousness.”

If only the World believed and obeyed…it would put an end to our silly little wars and we could all rest a little better…leaving war for the birds. If only…

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-04-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

Have you had your “Morning Slow”?

Put on the brakes you’re already moving too fast. Take a deep breath. Deeper. Hold it a second. Now. Let it out s..l..o..w…. Ahh. Again. Breathe slowly, and pay attention as the air rushes away. Control your thoughts. Reduce your heart rate. Relax. Savor this moment. It's your “morning slow.”

There. Good. This is how I like to start my week, but it’s tough. Busy thoughts wrestle to the surface, push themselves to the front, and draw me back into the hustle of life. People interrupt. Demands rush in before I’m ready. The clock ticks. But, I resist them and I most of the time I am able to enjoy my morning slow.

Beginning the week this way may not add dollars to the bottom line. I wouldn’t venture to propose that it makes one healthier or a better person. For me, it does seem to put things in perspective; take the pressure off for a few more minutes, lighten the load, let me stretch my nerves and give my spirit a deep cleansing breath before facing another week of pounding demands and responsibilities.

Slow. It is how everyone should begin the morning. Only one thing better than a slow start is a slow start and hot coffee.

Got your coffee? Had your “slow”? Great. Have an excellent week.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-04-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

NAME CALLING

Have you paid attention? I mean to the names?

When I was a kid coffee was called “coffee”. That’s it. Except for company names like Folgers or Maxwell, or euphemisms like “Joe” we simply knew our coffee as “coffee”. Descriptors like “black” and “sweetened” or “with cream” sufficed, and we knew or needed little else. But times have changed haven’t they?

Today’s coffee menu lists a number of coffees like latte’, mocha, cappuccino, and a greater number of blends that sound so yummy! Swiss mocha, Butternut Vanilla café, Hazelnut Rum latte’, Southern Butter Pecan Cream mocha.

Indeed they sound inviting, but I’ve found that most often they promise more than they deliver. Too strong (Yes, there is such a thing), burnt (Yes, again. You can burn coffee.), I’ve had to pour almost entire cups down the drain because the stuff was so terrible I couldn’t stand it. Leaves me terribly disappointed, not to mention four or five bucks poorer, and I vow never to try that again.

Butternut should have a fairly near flavor to a buttery nut, wouldn’t you think? Names mean something, or at least they should. That applies to coffee, but not solely so, and not only coffee houses are guilty of failure to deliver.

Father. It’s a name. Mother is too. Son. Daughter. Employee. Manager. Assistant. Minister. What describes you? What do people think of the product?

Some of us wear a label that’s often been served up too strongly and its burned a lot of people. Christian. Word has gotten out too. People aren’t returning for more. It’s a shame. Christian is actually the most delightfully, sweet and fulfilling experience ever to exist, but unfortunately, the cooks have ruined it. Most buyers have never tasted it the way it was meant to be.

This week, think about the names you wear. Do a better job of them. And if you’ve tried one of those fancy coffees and been disappointed, maybe you need to get back plain old Folgers or Maxwell House. If you’ve tried religion and found it promising more than it delivers, maybe you need to get back to pain old Jesus. He’s good to the last drop.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-04-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

FOG

Fog’s on this morning. Visibility is perhaps 120 feet. There’s a mountain out there too, but for now, all I see is the shadow nearby trees and a bank of gray-white mist.

How thick is the fog around you? How far ahead can you see?

When you were younger, could you see yourself graduating? Getting married some day? Beginning your career?

Now days what do you envision ahead? A special vacation this summer? Building a new home? Children graduating? Retirement in just five more years? Growing old together?

How far ahead are you looking? Is it far enough? If you’re focused on the shadowy trees nearest you, you are missing the mountain. You’re living in a haze. You need clarity.

The sun will come up today. Don’t know the exact time. Depending on where I am, it’ll vary by a few seconds, minutes...even hours….but the sun’s on its way, and when it rises, the fog will clear. The mountain will appear. It’ll put the trees in perspective.

Accidents happen. Cancer spreads. The eyes and ears loose their abilities. Time marches on. Loved ones are no more. The fog burns off, life becomes clearer, and everything gains perspective. There is a mountain out there, as yet unseen, but there, and the sun is racing your way. How far ahead can you see?

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-03-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

DAWN'S SOFT LIGHT

The howling winds of March are giving way to April’s lamb’s breath. The world is very still here this morning….soft…even the light is soft.

If it were too bright, it would be terribly offensive, however, just now, it is entering quietly, slowly, softly. It is welcoming and comforting. Perfectly suited for my sluggish start.

There are times for bright lights. Stadiums require lights powerful enough to turn the night into day. Night shift highway construction units, deep mine operations, and of course, entertainers, all welcome bright lights. But this morning, I’m hugging my slow, grey, sluggish early morning light, because it goes well with the rubbing of sleepy eyes, wake up stretches, yawns, peeks out the window to see what the night may have left, or what the day may be delivering, and, of course, with sips of hot coffee.

I certainly prefer a gentle wake up to a rough shake. Don’t you? Neither blaring nor sparing, soft light is moderate. It’s easy on us. Beacons serve us in times of search. Candles massage and calm our emotions. Night lights quell our fears. Reading lights relieve strain on the eyes. And soft light smilingly welcomes us back from the lightlessness of our night to prepare us for the day ahead. We all need soft light.

A few will receive this morning’s soft light smile, welcome the kindly start, and seize its peaceful power before the day’s storms. However, many will sleep through it. Others will rise early enough, but fail to see. A number will notice, and then forget.

‘For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness”, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.’ *. Jesus is soft light. The calming end to a howling, dark past. A warm welcome. A smiling usher. A perfect new start. A gentle wake up to a whole new life. Power for the day’s storms.

We all need Soft Light. If you’ve never seen it, you should get up and have a look. If you’ve become so busy you haven’t paused to savor it, slow down long enough to enjoy it again. If you’ve seen it, don’t forget or fear when the light around you is darkness…Dawn’s Soft Light is racing your way.

*2 Corinthians 4:6
All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

UNDER AGE DRINKING

My personal “Thanks!” to Elaina and Rae, university students visiting us this week. They're reesponsible for today’s blog title and thought. They’re also coffee drinkers!!

At breakfast I asked when they began drinking coffee. Rae was 12 and Elaina 10. My parents taught me that coffee was an adult beverage and that as a child, I wasn’t old enough. However, I’ve strayed from their standards. My children, as young as 8, have all been served creamy sugary coffee. Elaina called it "under age drinking."

We agreed that our parent’s apparent enjoyment along with the attractive aroma of brewing coffee drew us at first. We also agreed that taste was not initially a drawing card. (Actually, not one of us liked the taste.) We discovered that we did, however, like what drinking coffee represented more than we disliked its taste.

We drank it because we thought it would make us more grown up. Being like those we admire, gaining the acceptance of those we love, inclusion in the circles to which we aspire motivate us to reach beyond our comfort zones.

Lots of habits are begun in this way. Peer pressure or peer acceptance drive most teens to try their first beer, forfeit their purity, break rules, ignore caution. The negative consequences seem worth the potential gain. Love and acceptance are prizes of supreme value, but are they always worth the consequences?

If coffee were toxic like the venom of a snake, I’d never take another sip. So I ask myself, "Is there anything I’m "drinking" that is poison? Any relationships I’m pursuing irrespective of consequences? Any habits I enjoy, any course of action I follow, or any evils I tolerate which are distasteful, harmful, or toxic to my life?"

When it comes to coffee, I think we’re all safe in acquiring a taste for it, but not all life’s options are so innocuous. No all of them deliver what they promise. Coffee didn’t make me an adult. It didn’t cause my parents to love me more. A Budweiser doesn’t make skinny teen boys into muscular good looking atheletes or give developing, pimpled teen girls perfect skin or figures. What I take into my life has consequences.

The hard facts are that negative consequences are averted by caution. Responsible actions lead to positive rewards. Loving acceptance of others delivers in kind. Who I am-- not what I wear, who I know, where I live, or what I drink-- makes me accepted or loved.

Ponder these thoughts throughout your week and as you drink deeply, also drink well.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-03-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

THE MAN IN THE CUP

Even more strange than a "lady in the water" is the man in my cup! Never fails. He's in there every morning. If I show, so does he. Look in your cup. You'll see him there, looking up, staring you in the face.

He questions, "What will you do today? Will it be good or bad? Will you make a difference or be made different?"

To be honest, my days are usually planned with good-willed activities, though, in practice, I often fail. I contribute to matters that I don't consider 'good'. I hurt feelings. I let people down. I choose for myself rather than for others. I look away when I shouldn't and don't when I should. I intend good, but deliver less than I intend. I'm sure you can relate. Everybody can.

And to the question, "Will you make a difference or be made different?" I can only respond, "Sometimes."

Sometimes I make a difference. I help a person in need. I lift a load. I make someone laugh. I console. I advise. I correct. I admonish. Sometimes I'm helped. I'm aided. I laugh. I am comforted. I am corrected. I'm improved, worsened, or changed. Every day is different. Some days I am different and at other times I'm a difference maker.

But, may I here point out something very central, very crucial, a mystery, a truth easily overlooked?

Popular philosophy concludes that circumstances dictate my challenges and options, but ultimately, and in largest part, the day's outcomes depend on me. While I understand that perspective, I disagree. There is another component.For me, how I behave, how I respond, what I say, how I invest today's hours is of course affected by circumstances, but neither determined by them nor solely left to me. There is another influencing factor; in fact, it is the chief determinant. The greatest force in my life is the man in the cup who bears my image...or more accurately... whose image I bear.

My "Likeness" is looking me in the eye every morning, knowing my thoughts, my intentions, my failings, my plans and limitations. Without fail, He's here, and I know I'll face Him again tomorrow. This is a powerful insight that produces monumental effects. Anyone who understands what I'm saying knows it is true. Because of Him, my actions, even my thoughts, are weighed in the knowledge that He'll is present at coffee, at lunch, and at bedtime.

Out of a desire to look him in the eye without a blink, without shame, without having done bad, brought disgrace, defamed or defrauded, I'm empowered to live differently. Knowing He is here generates a deep and powerful incentive to reflect what's honorable, to prefer a clear conscience, to serve selflessly, to live with gratitude. Beyond this, the knowledge that, even when I "deliver less than I intend", he'll still be here, intensifies my desire to please Him, to be like Him, and one day, to be with Him. His presence changes me, and though it's no secret it is a profound mystery.

So, bottoms up. Drink deeply of the cup that bears His image and receive a necessary filling for the day ahead of you.

"For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man..." --Romans 8:3

"But we all...seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image little by little..." --2 Corinthians 3:18

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-03-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

COFFEE HIGHLIGHTS

When I was very young, maybe 5 or 6, my dad took me for coffee. It was the highlight of my life.

Now, to be honest, I didn’t actually drink coffee. Dad drank coffee; I was considered too young, so I drank hot chocolate instead. It wasn’t even good hot chocolate. The waitresses made it by dumping a packet of powder into boiling water. Once though, I got real hot chocolate!I know it was real because the marshmallows were real, not those tiny white chalky marshmallows, but yummy, gooey, melt in your mouth ones. I’ll never forget that cup of chocolate, and I’ll never forget those early mornings with my dad.

My brother and I loved those times with Dad so much that we'd leave notes on his work clothes asking (begging) him to wake us and take us with him. He used to rise around 3 a.m. and leave for his first coffee stop around 4 a.m. Dad had lots of friends at the coffee shop. They all knew his name. I always felt he was some short of ‘big shot’ . I was proud to be with Dad in the coffee shop because it made me happy. It made me feel important and safe.

My father died when I was 19. I miss him. I can only imagine how delightful it would be to take him to coffee one morning this week. I’d give almost anything for the opportunity. But, things change. People pass on. They move. They leave us. Life is not static.

Since life is surely uncertain, I’m writing this morning to suggest that each of us invite one of our parents (or both), or one of our in-laws, or a sibling out for morning coffee. Due to tomorrow's uncertaintly, take a few extra minutes one day to listen more closely than usual, to really see them, and to savor them. When you're out, avoid a powdered, dumped-quickly-into-hot-water visit. Instead, brew up a cup of rich, full flavored, melt-in-your-mouth-and-remember-for-a-lifetime memories.

Make them feel happy, important and safe. Make it the highlight of their life and it will be one for you. Drink up and I’ll see you Monday!

PS. I’d really enjoy hearing from some of you on how your memory making went this week. I’ll be taking my mother out for coffee and pastries!

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2007-03-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

Coffee's hot. It's raining. Spring's on the way, but winter's holding. I enjoy mornings like this. Know why?

I like them because they're softer than bright chirpy mornings. I like them because they're calmer and slower. Rainy cool mornings delay the day's entrance; they're like a shoulder massage or good stretch before the heavy lifting. And something else...they make the hot coffee more satisfying.

If we could just view all life's 'rainy days' with such welcome, we'd never think of a bay day, or hurt, or loss, or dissappointment as a waste. Even hurricane's have a calm at the center. If we could only find the calm in our storm, the diamonds in our coal, the roses midst our thorns, the peaks around our valleys we'd be much more grateful, more joyful, less distressed and more at peace.

But it's hard to maintain or even conjure up such a positive outlook. I know. I struggle with it too. I complain. I take it out on others. I wallow in my "poor me's". But, along the way, I've found power to over come them. Though they still rattle my cage on occasion, they don't topple me. I draw strength from knowing the truth, the facts, the future.

The truth is that my rainy day isn't eternal. My winter's cold isn't without end. My Friday's camping trip isn't ruined because my Monday is cloudy. My life isn't over because today there are problems (Yes, even if they were to be life threating ones.).

"Why not?", you ask.

Good question.

Right question.

Because I understand the truth: the rain will pass, winter will give way to spring and then summer, Friday's very likely to be different than Monday, and life isn't limited to the moment between birth and death. There are such a things as sunshine, as spring, as dry camping and as eternity.

Because I know the rain will pass, I choose not to worry about it, but find a way to enjoy the momentary change in my routine. I hug a cup of coffee. Listen to the patter on the roof (Yes, I have a metal roof on my home. It's wonderful to hear the rain against it.). Look out my window and take advantage of the time to slow down, warm up and relax. When life's a struggle, debts choke, health fails, friends forsake, love's lost it's a damp, cold day. The truth is comforting--these momentary struggles are connected to eternity. They're a shoulder massage, a stretching exercise to remind us that more is to come; not more pain, but more living, more joy, more goodness, that their are better things ahead!

Allow your struggles to slow you down, focus your priorities, open your eyes and make all that's good and stable in your life more satisfying, more appreciated, more valued. I enjoy my coffee more when it's rainy. I hold my family closer when life's tough. I appreciate my work when the bills come due. I am grateful for meds when health is poor. But when meds fail, work's inadequate, family is gone and hot coffee isn't enough to cheer my heart, I remember eternity and like watching falling rain out my window, I think of the showers of joy to come. Thank goodness the rain passes. Thank God he provides hope beyond the here and now.

I'm ready for spring. I'm ready for camping. I'm ready for today's work, I'm ready for eternity, and believe me when I say, "There is nothing so comforting as eternal security....not even hot coffee on a rainy day."

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2006-08-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Something of a more personal nature today....

Coffee is best when my world is well. Today, I'm enjoying a moment of 'my-world-wellness'.

After months of work and a late night/early morning, Caleb, my second son, launched his E-book The Science of a Champion. Seeing it online was a treat for the whole family. I'm enjoying my coffee today as I again click-through it.

You can share in the excitement (even create a little) if you'll visit his site and/or recommend it to a student or teacher you think may use the material in preparation for their science fair project.

The location is www.science-fair-champion.com .

I don't know how to load the pictures or I would. For now, you'll just need to go directly to the site and see it for yourself. While there, celebrate the fact that we have hope for the future when we have young people stepping into our shoes....and doing a better job than we have/could have done.

That should offer YOU a little 'my-world-wellness' to go with you Joe today.

Thanks for passing his site info along. www.science-fair-champion.com

A Proud Poppa, Stephen

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2006-08-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

MY SECOND LOVE

Can I share a secret with you? Coffee isn’t my favorite hot drink.

I’ll allow a moment for that to sink in, while I concentrate on dodging the tomatoes and old fruit being tossed at me just now.

Okay, I enjoy coffee...A LOT!, but I have a second ‘love’ – Chai.

Now, I'm not talking about your typical USA style chai. I'm certainly not meaning that overly sweet stuff from Seattle. Yuk! Double Yuk! No. the chai I savor is original stock. It comes from East Africa—home of the finest highland teas in the world…and where I first sipped a steaming cup of milky-sweet chai.

As much as it may incense some of you purists and coffee-loyalists to learn that I have another favorite, in the grand scheme of life, it really isn’t an important matter—is it? We all have our favorites and our preferences. Some like one while others choose the another, and it is okay with us all. Our drink choices and preferences don't really amount to a hill of coffee beans do they?

But are there some things that aren’t up for grab?. Think about that.

Life. Is life up for grabs, or is it a matter of choice…like coffee or chai?

Marriage. What about marriage? Can I switch my commitments in mid-life for a more spicy drink when I grow weary of the tried-n-true?

Spirituality too. Is it for me alone to take it or leave it as when I choose my favorite hot drink?

Is there the possibility that some things aren’t up for grabs, aren’t totally up to my discretion, aren’t for me to decide? Are some things always true, or always good, or always best? Are there things that are fixed; they just are what they are, and to debate them is…well…sort of silly--like boxing your shadow or wishing upon a star--senseless, a waste of time?

I can debate coffee and chai with you and have a convincing argument, as well as a lot of fun, but I can’t debate some matters without taking on a more serious countenance.

This morning, sip you coffee. (I’ll be having chai.) Let’s both think about what’s up for grabs in life. Hope you’ll carefully ponder my thoughts, before you reach for more tomatoes and old fruit.

Thanks for your time. I do hope your day is a great one!

2006-08-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

BAD COFFEE

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start, and that you are or already have enjoyed a cup of rich flavorful coffee. I, unfortunately, am not.

It is true--there is such thing as ‘bad coffee’. In fact, I’ve, on occasion, endured a cup just for the sake of cordiality, but today I just tossed it in the trash. I admit too that I’ve brewed my fair share. Nobody gets it right every time. Today, the hotel workers failed… big time!

Creamer, extra sugar, even flavored syrups aren’t effective coffee-repair kits. A truly bad cup of coffee is always a bad cup of coffee. It may be an almond cream cup of bad coffee, or a sweetened bad cup of coffee. At best it is a bad cup of flavored coffee.

When I spoil a pot of Folgers or JFG I am disappointed, but not very. However, when I spoil a pot of Honduran or Rwandan coffee I feel a little sick with disappointment. It isn’t so much that the foreign coffees are rare, but more that in how they were delivered.

My sons traveled to those countries and brought these coffees to me with their own hands. I didn’t purchase them, they were gifts from my sons. Though I certainly enjoy the smoothness of those coffees, it isn’t their taste that saddens my spirits when I spoil them—it is the loss of something special my sons brought me. So, when preparing them, I use special care.

Oh, I usually try to ‘doctor’ them with extra sugar, or hot water or something, but still, they’re ruined. Best thing to do is start over, which is what I usually do in the end. I grind another round of beans and brew a second batch, only more carefully. I try to learn from my mistake and avoid it the second time.

Ever brewed a bad day? Over cooked a relationship? Realized you’d spoiled things? Everybody has. Apologies help. Flowers and gifts may assuage anger. Resolutions are a right direction, but nothing actually takes away our failures. Best thing is to learn from them and start over.

Yet, some mistakes are bigger than others, just as some coffees are more special than others. If I break the company truck, that’s bad. If I loose the payroll deposit, that’s worse. But when I break my wife’s heart, or if I disrespect my child, that’s far worse. It’s the lose of something special. Relationships are special. Things can be replaced. Relationships, like hand delivered coffees, are gifts from distant places, and should be handled with special care.

Start fresh today. Go back to your special relations and begin to brew a fresh relationship with them. The reward is worth it. Smooth coffee and smooth relationships—take care to serve both.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2006-07-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

COLD COFFEE

It’s time to pay my bills. I often bring a cup of coffee to the desk with me as I arrange my receipts, account due notices and check book. Most often I finish the bookkeeping, but not the coffee.

The coffee grows cold as my attention (and nerves) are swayed by the accounting matters. So, though the idea was a good one, I miss the moment and am caught up with the stress and demands of life's realities. Coffee is not all that’s missed because of ‘reality’.

Kids grow up quickly. First steps. First tumbles. “Dadda!”,“Momma!”. T-ball and soccer matches. Squeaking voices and budding beauties. Graduation and…..gone. Just gone. Cold coffee while we watched TV, worked extra hours, talked on the phone, drove to and fro, bought houses, argued, fought, divorced, remarried, sought personal significance, and paid the bills.

Youth and health flee like steam curling off the cup. We spend it on late nights, early mornings, hectic weekends, long work hours and entertainment. It gathers around our wastes, on our thighs and backsides. We ache, walk less, groan more often, avoid sweating, take the elevator and hire someone else for the hard jobs. Pills, clothing, supplements, memberships and New Year’s resolutions only mask the real problem – gain without pain. Bills and thrills have received our attention, rather than investment in the things which could have brought us deep gratification--but can no longer. Cold coffee. No steam. Missed opportunity.

Life ends one day. In an instant or from a lonely room we recount the days, assess our selves, wish for just one more sip of steaming hot coffee.

Bills must be paid. We can’t spend every hour at the gym or track. However, we don’t have to miss out on that hot cup of vacation sitting on our desk. Sip while you work. Sip while you play. Pay attention to the weightier matters. How can you know which ones are weightier? They’re the ones you’ll want to have a chance at once you cannot again. Reality, in truth, is not in the present; it is in the cup.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2006-06-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Airports and Sunrises
By
Caleb Meeks

(Enjoy taking coffee this morning with my 18 yr old son as he anticipates departure for a summer in Mozambique, Africa. SM)

Three more sleeps and most of us will be heading to the airport! Wow, I love airports! As soon as I walk into one I can just smell adventure and travel. I love seeing the hodgepodge of people bustling about: there goes the business man rolling his briefcase at breakneck speed; there is the old, gaudy, rich woman followed by an enormous car of suitcases; there goes some of the hitchhiker type striding with their head back, thumbs tucked in the backpack strap, and fanny-pack intact; then there is an Indian family (the mother and daughters in full regalia) scuttling along as if all seven were a single body; here come the captain, the co-pilot, and three stewardesses all walking in a row…quite at home with it all; and there is the oblivious janitor slowly cleaning away in his own world. I enjoy hearing the sound of foreign languages over the intercom and imagine how fun it would be if I understood everyone in the boarding line…I wonder if they are talking about me? Just think, God loves all of these people, knows them by name, and has a plan to save each one.

Another thing I love is to fly. The feeling of inertia on my face, legs and chest an the idea of how massive this machine is as it takes to flight thrills and baffles me. But soon human ingenuity is dwarfed by looming storm-clouds as they toss our toy plane up and down. Electric blue spider webs dance in the dark mists below and I know we are in God’s hands-- a terrifying, but safe place to be.

I enjoy a cup of hot tea or coffee during the early morning hours as I watch the sunrise. When light spreads her wings, the expanse is set ablaze, clouds turn to golden spires and vapor to amber fields. I hold my breath and thank God for this gift just for me.

Let us glorify God even in the journey, let’s listen to him, talk to him, seek his face, and love his people as we travel.

God, teach us to love as you do.

May the Lord bless you, keep you, and give you peace.

“If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.”

Psalm 138:8-10

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2006-06-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this with your coffee.

God has again moved in response to our prayers. He is marvelous beyond description.

Go to www.gsmi.blogspot.com for the story.

--SM

PS. Sorry it has been so long since last posting. Summer is very busy for us.

All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks

2006-05-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

PHROID: "TOUGH TALK"
"Faith is the evidence of things not yet seen"

Enjoy your morning coffee and chew on this one.

PS. If you can't read the script, it says:

"Phroid, do you believe in The Feeder?"

Phroid replies, "I don't know. Smack, smack, swallow. I've never seen him."

2006-04-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

THE CUP

Some cups hold coffee; others hold meaning.

Coffee cups come in all sizes, some are silly, some plain. There are cups received for service, in remembrance of events, in celebration of happenings.

My children have given me cups. I keep them on bookshelves, on my desk, and store in boxes with other treasures.

We use our metal cups from Kenya when we drink our hot African Chai. Someone gave us a dozen ceramic promotional mugs which help us serve large groups of guests. My most used cup is a plain white one with a crack in it. I like the crack. It is my favorite.

Cups hold coffee, tea, or even cold drinks, but for some of us they hold meaning.

My wife once bought a cup-decorating kit. The kids used it to make a personal cup for grandpa. It became his instant favorite because is reminded him of them. A few years later, they gave him a different one with the phrase “We love you!” written along the inside lip so he’d see it every time he took a sip. A new favorite had arrived.

What’s incredibly important to one person may hold little value to another. I once had a cup that my children gave me. I loved it. It felt good in my hands and to my heart. A visitor to our home dropped it and it shattered. They apologized, but they didn’t share my sense of loss. That cup has special meaning for me; it didn’t for them. Some cups are that way—they have special significance.

This past Easter Sunday we celebrated a cup with special significance and meaning.

Jesus said, “Take this cup and drink it.” It was wine. It was a token – a symbol.

Jesus said, “This is my blood of the covenant.” It sounded….it still sounds…bazaar! What did He mean?

Later, that same evening, he talked about that cup again. His second conversation added to the understanding of the first. He prayed “May this cup pass from me.”. He was praying about his death that would occur that night….that hour!

Pain. Shame. Ridicule. Rejection. Suffering. They were in His cup. Bitter stuff to swallow.

“Let it pass—if possible, but, if not, then let it be.”

“This is my blood of the covenant” meant, “This is the extent of my commitment to the covenant. This is the level to which I’ll go for God’s will. Shame. Ridicule. Loss. Death…even a bloody one. If that’s what it takes, it’s what I’ll give.”

“And when ever you drink this cup” —your personal cup of suffering, loss, scary dose of walking on faith – “remember me.” Recall what I’ve done. Everything is not too much…when necessary.

Truly, some cups hold meaning.

2006-04-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Good medicine and "Good morning!"

For this week I thought I'd lighten up our coffee session with some coffee-humor. This was sent to me a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

"A Grandmother was surprised by her 7 year old grandson one morning when he had made her coffee.

She drank what was the worst cup of coffee in her life. When she got to the bottom there were three of those little green army men in the cup.

She said, "Honey, what are the army men doing in the coffee?"

"Grandma," he said, "It says on TV- 'The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup!'"

I'm traveling this week and haven't had time to compose anything of my own, but am working on next weeks' topic of "Coffee Cups". Bring yours and we'll visit.....see you then.

2006-04-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

WHAT DADS SHOULD DO

“The first shall be last.”

First up in the morning. First to step on a creaking floor. First to test the chilly air, turn the shower knob and wait for pipes to warm. First to see the sun. First to think through the day, to worry about bills coming due, kids growing up, and duties to fill. It’s what Dads should do.

First to the coffee pot, then to the coffee cup. First to sit still, absorb the moment and treasure the silence. First to go to God. First to say a prayer, read the Word, confess sin, cast cares. First to admit fault, to acknowledge failure, to plead for wisdom, to try again. It’s what Dads should do.

First to say, “Good-bye”. First to seize the day. First to run the race, to lead the way, to face the world. It’s what Dads should do.

First among friends. First to lend a hand, loan a tool, leave a tip. It’s what Dads should do.

First responder. First one called. First line of defense. First to rescue from danger, protect from harm, offer assurance, deliver hope. It’s what Dads should do.

First one on Mom’s list. First coach to sons. First hero for daughters. First to defend nations. First to try. First to fail. First to bridge chasms of the unknown. First to break the dew. First to chart the uncharted. It’s what Dads should do.

First to call it a day, to turn it back over to God, to ‘hit the hay’, to fall asleep on the couch or in the chair. It’s what Dads do when they’re...first up in the morning; first to step on a creaking floor; first to…..

(No offense intended to Moms by emphasizing Dads. Your 'firsts' are also valued..highly...--Stephen)

2006-04-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

DAFFODILS:BRAVE OR IMPATIENT?

Spring is an exciting time around the farm. I’m buying calves, ordering baby chicks. Seed magazines liter the coffee table. Occasional warm days set birds to song, bees to work, and trees to bud.

My wife and I were enjoying a cup of coffee yesterday when she looked out the window and commented, “Look at how early the flowers come out. ‘They’re so…” She searched for the word. “They’re so brave.”

“Impatient.” That’s how I was about to complete her sentence. “They’re so impatient.” Shucks, the little rascals are suffering--like the rest of us-- from cabin fever!

Poets have long euphemized winter as death and spring as life. Maybe that’s why daffodils are overly zealous; they’re eager for life. Perhaps that’s why they bravely risk everything against the hope of spring’s coming. That’s why I live as I do.

Because I believe in Jesus’ coming and a new life, I sometimes find myself at odds with the dying system around me. Living this way can be risky business: Martyrs, for example! Like yellow daffodils in a gray world, living in anticipation of eternity is noticed. People misunderstand. Jesus said, “The world will not know you, it didn’t know me.”

Is such living “bravery”? No. For myself, honestly, I’m not a risk taker; I’m a risk avoider. In spite of possible late freezes, daffodils aren’t risk takers; neither are they brave. They’re just anxious to live and they’re exuberance is rooted in a solid assurance: Spring is coming. Jesus is too.

Winter is passing. Spring is coming. Live bravely, with impatience for “…these light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

SUNSHINE AND SHADE

2006-03-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

Sip your coffee. Give it time to stir your mind. You should be fully awake for today's thoughts -- Stephen

This morning, the sun is illuminating a singular mountain amidst seven others. Why is that? Does that mountain deserve more sunshine? Is there a specific need or reason? Is tomorrow’s light scheduled; its shadow determined or merited? Who knows, but God?

Does blessing mean favor? Maybe, but not always.

Is hardship rebuke? Can be. Can’t too.

So what do we surmise when bright rays pour upon prayers for a new job, a house contract, a marriage partner, yet shadows hover, even darken, around sick children, suffering saints, and world wars? Is it compensation or consequence? Is it a just happening or do some things just happen? Does either indicate the feelings of God or has he gone away?

Does blessing mean favor? Maybe, but not always.

Is hardship rebuke? Can be. Can’t too.

Who knows, but God?

Higher means higher. Other means other. Not our own means not our own. His ways are higher, other, not our own. A culture that increasingly prides itself on respecting the thoughts and opinions and decisions of others should certainly value and respect God’s personal decisions, reasons, purposes. Yet, it doesn’t. Even Christians roll eyes of disgust, shake their heads, and sigh in exasperation. It is the wrong response.

The mountains wait upon God’s morning light, trusting His timing and wisdom. Rejoicing in both sun and shade. Learn from the creation. Rejoice in God when the sun shines on you, and rejoice that God is, when it doesn’t. Rejoice that occasionally God’s sun shines on all. Rejoice also that He does not treat us as our sins deserve; that our troubles are momentary; that there is a tomorrow of no tears, no death, no dying.

In the day of cloud and mist wait upon the Lord. Trust in his unfailing love. Rely on his wisdom. Revel that he is loving and merciful. Know that he is near in both sun and in shade. Tomorrow will be different, and there is no night there.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, Rejoice!”

Now, take another long sip, and think awhile on this one.