In my research while preparing for my presentation to the adults I came across an article at crosswalk.com written by contributing editor Betsy St. Amant.  It was entitled "Sex and the Christian Marriage ."  The title is a hyper link that will take you directly to the article ... but it is also reprinted here.  It is an excellent, candid and informative article that is well worth the read ... for those who are dating, those contemplating marriage, and those married, whether they are "veterans" or in the first years of marriage.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I.

"Sex and the Christian Marriage" by Betsy St. Amant

I’ve been married for almost three years now, and finally, I no longer blush bright red when the word “sex” is mentioned out loud. 

It’s more of a faint pink tinge.  

Growing up, sex wasn’t talked about very much. Not at home, not with family, and certainly not in church! There, the very mention of the word would have turned ears to scarlet and had the deacons popping antacid pills. Sure, every year the youth group did a “True Love Waits” program, but we never got down to the real nitty-gritty. We dutifully signed cards and pledged to “wait for true love and marriage” - whatever that meant.  

Many Christian youth today are in the same rapidly sinking boat. They have plenty of questions, but not enough people willing to give answers. Or worse, the wrong kind of people are giving the wrong kind of answers.  

For those getting no answers, sex turns into "This Great Mystery." Lack of information inspires intrigue and sex becomes even more appealing. The lure of the unknown consumes the mind, and much like Eve, regret blooms after one taste of the forbidden fruit.  

How many young men and women could have been protected if they had just been told that sex was not some guilty pleasure denied them, but rather, a part of God’s plan for their future marriage and well worth the wait? How many babies could have been saved if only these young girls had realized not just the negative consequences of sex outside marriage but the positive truth about sex within marriage?  

Silence Outside Marriage, Confusion Within  

After the wedding, one of the hardest things for young Christian couples to adjust to is the fact that sex is suddenly - okay! All the years of silence on the “forbidden topic,” all the years of feeling guilty for asking questions, all the years of wondering and dreaming, all the years of thinking sex as a "four letter word," suddenly diminish. Sex is expected, allowed, and not only that, but – gasp – it’s a part of God’s plan!  

During their most formative years Christian teenagers, especially young girls, are often expected to push the topic of sex aside. The good girls are the ones that sign their pledge cards, sit on their hands when dying to ask questions, and polish their purity rings once a week.  

Suddenly, we have two Christians who’ve done their best to remain pure but may be facing some challenges ahead. Because the mindset “sex is bad” has been drilled into the young woman’s mind for as long as she can remember, she finds it hard to relate to her husband physically. This creates tension between the newlywed couple. The woman creates a false sense of guilt in her head, and the young man develops insecurity – he misreads the situation and assumes something is wrong with him or thinks he is not appealing to his new wife. And what God has purposed for good between a husband and wife becomes distorted.

The couples who failed to protect their purity may be facing even greater challenges. Flashbacks from the past, unmet expectations, and recurring guilt plague this couple. Soon distance forms between the man and woman as their pasts begin to consume much of their emotional energy.  

I firmly believe that nothing makes the Enemy happier than a loveless marriage. Which leaves only one option – fighting back. Stand up for your marriage. Give your concerns, your guilt, your insecurities, your fears and your past to God. If you remained pure until your wedding day yet still struggle with your emotions and mindsets, pour out your heart to God. Ask Him to change your way of thinking to a mindset that will be honoring and pleasing to both Him and your husband.

If you made a sexual mistake in your past, you can still move on. Confess to God, ask Him to forgive you, and make it right from here on out. It’s never too late for a fresh start. God is a God of second chances. You have no excuse as to why you can’t fight back and save your marriage from the Enemy’s grasp.  

The Subtlety of the Serpent  

If the above issues aren’t a problem for you, and you consider your marriage to be on track physically and emotionally, there are still many danger signs to watch for. The old adage “Sex Sells” is unfortunately all too true.  Sex remains dominant everywhere you look. Movies, television shows, sitcoms, novels, websites, advertisements, commercials…even the “family” channels on TV promote filth in disguise. Characters in both television programs and books sleep together before they’re married and promote “casual sex.” These shows are often humorous on a superficial level (hence their draw!) but they fail to show the emotional, and usually physical, consequences of such flippant choices.  

This is obviously an extremely dangerous situation, not only to our youth of today but to married couples everywhere. How can we save our spouse from temptation from such filth when it’s everywhere? How can we protect our eyes and ears when it seems sex is plastered all over any form of entertainment? Are we supposed to never see movies? Never turn on the television set? Never pick up a novel? Never venture outside of our house?

There are some precautions that are easy to take. For example:  

1. Before seeing a movie in theaters, I always check out this website: www.kidsinmind.com. This site has a rating scale of 1-10 on sexuality, violence, and language. Not sure what number on the scale is suitable for you or your spouse? You can read on for a detailed account of each category. (2 religious profanity, 3 mild obscenities, 4 F-words, a woman wears a low-cut dress, etc.) This website archives movies back for literally decades if not older – so you can check out not only movies currently released in theater, but old rentals, as well.
    
   
2. Ladies, if you love reading romance novels but hate having to flip past the graphic love scenes – switch over to Christian Fiction. Christian fiction is a growing genre and provides readers with a clean version of the same romance, adventure and escape they seek. Visit my blog for a list of fantastic Christian authors of whom I am a fan:  www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com.

3. Turn off the TV! Some shows are still worth watching but to be honest, not that many. Spend that quality time with your spouse, instead. Take the dog for a walk together. Pretend to be kids again and go play in the neighborhood park. Work together on a goal or project – update a room in the house, start your spring cleaning, cook a gourmet meal, etc.

There are ways to protect your mind and your spouse’s. Filth going in will eventually come out creating painful, lingering consequences. A wife doesn’t want to wonder if her husband is comparing her to the partially or completely naked woman he saw on the big screen last night. A husband doesn’t want to guess if his wife finds him as attractive as the buff, long-haired hero in the romance novel she devoured that afternoon.  

Allowing these insecurities in your spouse is not pleasing to God. As an act of love for both your Heavenly Father and your husband/wife, watch what you put into your mind. You might think it doesn’t affect you, but it does. No one is immune to sin. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.  

One of the enemy’s greatest tricks is that of subtlety. You give an inch, he’ll take a mile. But you can beat him at his own game – with a lot of prayer and altering of your entertainment habits.  

Take these steps toward a healthier marriage today. Filter what you pour into your mind – it’ll eventually seep into your heart. Be sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of your spouse. And remember, within the constraints of marriage, sex is not a four letter word but a unique blessing from God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …” James 1:17

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As the members of Our Savior said Godspeed and Farewell to my family and me, it was difficult to do the same to such a precious family of God, with whom I have had the privilege of working alongside for the past 20 years.  Here we arrived with two children and under God’s blessing had two more.  Here ALL of our children received their Christian education from the gifted teachers and principals in our day school and in their Sunday school classes as well.  Here they were all confirmed and grew in their faith in the High School Youth Ministry.  Here we have been fed by godly pastors like Rev. Eldor Bickel, Rev. Rob Appold, and Rev. Roy Olsen, III.  Here we weekly experienced a taste of the coming kingdom in our worship services.  Here we experienced God’s blessing and guiding through the many gifted and courageous lay leaders in the congregation.  

Here the family of God prayed for me when I had emergency surgery for a tumor (it turned out to be  lymphoma) that caused a bowel blockage.  Here they prayed for my son Joel when it was discovered that he had a brain tumor at the beginning of his junior year in High School.  Here they stormed heaven’s throne room as Joel and I subsequently went through our chemo and radiation (Bexxar) treatments.  The church and our family experienced together God’s peace in knowing that no matter what the outcome of surgeries and treatments … If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all -- how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32)  As God’s children, and because God is gracious to us because of the death and resurrection of His Son, we are always in a win–win situation!  

So what does one say?  I found Abe Lincoln’s, February 11, 1861, farewell to family and friends in Springfield, IL, to be uncannily, though more succinctly, similar to what I would like to have said to God’s people at Our Savior.  Lincoln’s address was an unforgettable tribute to his friends and neighbors as he began his inaugural journey to Washington, D. C.  Known as “The Farewell Address,” he wrote, ...

“My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.  Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried.  I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.  Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.  To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.” 

I did share Lincoln’s Farewell address, but commended God’s people at Our Savior, Lansing, to His care using Paul’s farewell words to the Ephesians Elders in Acts 20:17-37.  I encourage you to read all these verses, but for the service yesterday, special emphasis was put on verse 32:  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  

We explored this Word of God and endeavored to sum it up in this brief outline of simple truths to remember:  Christ for us!  Christ in us!  Christ through us!  

As I begin a new journey in ministry in the President’s Office of the Michigan District, I pray that I will hold on to, and be shaped and motivated by, these same, three simple truths.  I pray that they will be the ensigns of the ministry that God has placed before me in the District.  May God be with me to proclaim …  

• Christ for us! …  Paul puts it best in 1 Corinthians 2:2:  For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  God loved us so much that He gave His one and only sin to pay the price for ALL people, that can set them free from sin and its consequence.  

• Christ in us! …  By God’s grace we are not only freed from sin’s guilt but also from sin’s power!  Joined to Christ in our baptisms (Romans 6:1-14) we have recourse to His power to overcome sin in our life.  Sin should NOT be our master.  We are enabled to live transformed lives guided and empowered by God’s Word.  
  

• Christ through us! …  Paul puts it like this in Acts 20:22 and 24: 22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.  …  24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.  Please join me, as I look forward to joining all the congregations in the Michigan District, in praying for the determination, zeal, and life that will  finish the race that God has set before us, individually and corporately, of boldly, unashamedly, continuously … testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.  (Matthew 28:18-20)  
  

Friends, without the assistance of the Divine Being – the Lord God Almighty -- we cannot succeed.  With His assistance we cannot fail.  Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for our mutual good and blessing, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.  As I pray for you, please pray for me … as together we go forward with this certainly:  He will never leave or forsake us.

Ephesians 3:20, 21:  Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,  21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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There has never been a better time to pray for those in Michigan who are in authority.  You don’t even have to live in Michigan to know that we are going through some very tough economic times.  I was recently in St. Louis and while boarding a plane the individual in front of me asked where I lived.  When I said, “Michigan,” they responded with, “Oh, I’m sorry.”  The person in back of me, hearing that brief “conversation,” commented that they were just returning from seeing their husband in Florida where he had to move from Michigan to find a job.  She was still “holding down the fort” at their home in mid-Michigan in his absence.

There’s a Detroit Free Press story that’s pretty good at explaining how the state’s economy has really depleted the state’s treasury.  It’s worth the read … http://freep.com/article/20090927/NEWS06/909270426/1322/Next-2-years-could-beeven-worse-for-Michigan-budget

When I recently had a cup of coffee with a former state employee and friend I learned that the Michigan State Constitution says the state budget needs to be adopted by October 1.  With the difference between revenue and spending estimated to be more than $2 billion … what should our great state do? 

• Do you raise taxes or cut?

• Right now, there are bills to cut state aid to public schools by $250 per student.  That would be devastating to our state’s public education program and its children.

• State revenue sharing -- funds which goes back to local units of government like cities and townships -- will be cut dramatically.  The only question is how much … and how will we get by with fewer policeman and fire fighters.

• Can the roads in Michigan get any worse?  (Unfortunately, we may find out ...)

State legislators -- all of them -- need Michigan citizens to pray for them NOW.  My friend shared the following prayer items or possibilities.  Please join me in praying for …

• Listening:  They need open ears to be able to listen with a heart that's not governed by partisan concerns.

• Decision-making:  They need to be able to make decisions without fear and with confidence that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

• Discernment:  They need to be able to see the limits of government and its ability to provide services.
  

• Communication:  They need to be able to communicate clearly with their fellow legislators, staff and especially with their constituents.
  

• Physical stamina:  They need the physical stamina to function when their tanks are nearing empty and when they'd rather be any place other than in session arguing and advocating for their position.

• Hope:  That those in authority in our state and country would find, believe in, and share the only true lasting hope and help we have ... which is in Jesus Christ our lord.

The need to pray for our legislators is NOW.  It's ALL happening NOW and will probably be incredibly tense through Thursday … or possibly through this weekend.

In order that you might pray more specifically for your State House Member or State Senator use the following links:

• Find your Michigan State House Member: http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp

• Find your Michigan State Senator: http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm

Here’s another strong encouragement:  phone or email your lawmakers to let them know that they're being prayed for.  Republicans shouldn't fear calling a Democrat's office or vice-versa. 

Think of the potential, godly influence this has for our troubled state.

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The events of 9.11, indelibly emblazoned on our minds, certainly created a storm of discouragement and doubt in our country.  Our immediate safety, long-term security, and contentment as citizens in this country were mightily challenged and called into question.  I would agree with my friend.  I don’t think those feelings of 9.11.01 have gone away.  They’ve just been reshaped.

Where can we turn to gain any certainty in life?  Where can we go in any storm or adverse circumstance of life to find true peace, strength to cope, and lasting hope?  Or is that no longer a possibility? 

We must turn to the Word of God.

An incident is recorded in Acts 27 and 28 that gives helpful insight.  A storm was raging.  The wind was blowing.  The rain was pouring down.  In spite of the best efforts of the crew, the boat was being battered and beaten by the storm.  And the morale of all 276 people on board sank to an all time low.  The Bible says in verse 20 of everyone on board that, "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."

They had given up all hope.  WOW!

OK.  So where was God?  Where was God when that storm was raging?  Where was God on 9.11?  Where is God in the storms you are facing now?

God is right there with us, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  He shares His presence in and through His Word.

Interesting that right in the middle of the storm recorded in Acts 27 and 28 God gives a sure word of comfort.  A word of HOPE!  Keep reading …

Acts 27:  21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.  22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.  23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’  25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.  26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Everything did not clear up at once.  The storm did not immediately stop and the ship was not magically transported to a sun-drenched island where umbrella drinks were waiting for passengers and crew.  No.  Something better was given:  HOPE.

We may not have an angel come and speak to us BUT we have a more sure Word given to us in the Holy Scriptures.  Listen to our God speaking through Isaiah in Isaiah 41:10:  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Read and listen to God speak to you again in Isaiah 43:2:  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Well we should remember Psalm 34:17 and 18 in our most difficult times:  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.  The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Paul Harvey includes in almost everyone of his broadcast, “And now, for the rest of the story.”  The rest of this story is found at the end of Acts 27 and beginning of Acts 28.  The ship did make it to the island of Malta, where, although shattered to pieces by the waves, everyone made it to shore safely.  Paul was able to minister to a people way on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea who had never heard the message or experienced the power of believing in Jesus crucified and risen. For the next three months Paul shared the message of this new life.  During that time he also met the chief official of the island, Publius, and was able to heal his father.

Interesting, isn’t it.  If it weren’t for the storm and the shipwreck, the people on the island of Malta might never have had a chance to experience the power of Jesus Christ.  Although it appears that many have reshaped their feelings and gone back to “life as usual”, certainly many had the opportunity on 9.11 and in the days and weeks that followed, to go to Bible believing, Bible proclaiming churches and hear the only message of sure HOPE.  We may not always remember it at the time, but like Paul, we can have faith that in all things God will work for the good of those who love Him.

May we continue to be encouraged, especially in the troubled times in which we live, by the words of a shipwrecked, spared, Apostle Paul:  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  …  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  …  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31, 32, 35, 37-39)

In the midst of terror and all the other storms of life ... hold fast to our only sure HOPE, Jesus and the rock solid foundation of God’s Word!

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It is, in the big picture, an unnatural event … one that God never intended.  Life was meant to be perfect – not that we know what this is – except that it was to be an unending, intimate fellowship with God.

The parents of the human race, Adam and Eve, blew it, of course, by sinning in the Garden … and death, the consequence of sin, entered into the once perfect world.  That death, physical and eternal, has been passed on to all humanity, as Paul writes, “sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

We live in a world that is still haunted by the enemy of final demise, the inherited fatal downfall of the human race that reveals our decisive culpability -- death.

This great enemy is ugly; it is unnatural, ultimate separation!  No getting around it!  No compromise, no smoke and mirrors!

But, of course, we try. 

Just as we endeavor to diminish the guilt of sin … “everyone does it”; “at least I’m not as bad as …”; “no bodies perfect” … we attempt to mask the terror of death.  Funeral homes advertise their services for anyone and everyone as “celebrations of life.”  They suggest themes … if the deceased was a golfer, then golf clubs, and golf towels and balls of where the golfer has played are on the casket or on a display nearby.  If the deceased was into gardening, then watering cans, rakes, hoes and hoses, and a sun hat are arranged.  If the person who died was into fishing, pictures and brochures of favorite fishing camps or expeditions, along with nets, rods, reels, and creels adorn the funeral home.

As Joni Erickson Tada once wrote, “We are kidding ourselves when we romanticize death as the beautiful climax of a life well lived.  It is an enemy.  It is an even greater enemy to the unbeliever, for death then becomes his threshold to hell (that’s nothing to celebrate)!” 

Isn’t it interesting that the Author of Life, Jesus, who came that we “might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10) is the one who most talks about hell.  He made it abundantly clear that rejecting Him, His Word, and the message of salvation that He brought would result not in non-life, but in the misery of hell and God’s abiding wrath. (John 3:36)

He didn’t mince words.  Why?  Because He cares.  Because He loved and loves us so much that He wants us to know the truth, believe the truth, be set free by the truth, and see the unseen by faith.

Martin Luther writes,

“The great art and power of faith consist in seeing that which is not seen and in not seeing that which is nonetheless felt, aye, which oppresses and depresses a person; just as unbelief sees only what it feels and does not at all like to cling to that which it does not feel.

Therefore God does not confront faith with trivial things but with such things as all the world cannot bear, like death, sin, the world, and the devil.  For all the world is not able to stand up against death but flees from it.  But faith stands fast and battles with death, which devours all the world, and gains the victory over it and devours the insatiable devourer of human life.

Is not faith, which can hold its own against such mighty enemies and attain the victory, an almighty and unspeakably grand mater?  Therefore St. John well says 1 John 5:4:  “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”  Not that this is done in peace and undisturbed quietness, for it is a battle that is waged not without wounds and blood.  Aye, in this battle the heart feels sin, death, the flesh, the devil, and the world so severely that it thinks it is surely lost, that sin and death have won, and that the devil has gained the upped hand.  It feels little of the power of faith.”  Not that this is done in peace and undisturbed quietness, for it is a battle that is waged not without wounds and blood.  Aye, in this battle the heart feels so severely that it thinks it is surely lost, that sin and death have won, and that the devil has gained the upper hand.  It feels little of the power of faith.”

As surely as hell is the worst outcome of this life apart from Jesus, so eternal life is the best.  It will be the experience of every believer in death but especially after Jesus returns again to this globe in glory.  In the new heavens and the new earth the hardships, battles, sicknesses, and temptations that we encounter now and are a part of real, everyday life, will no longer even come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17)  John reminds us in Revelations 21:4 that in heaven, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  That’s why, as the Apostle Peter writes, “in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

So what?  So what if death is real, and hurtful, and ugly?  So what if even the death of a Christian is greatly mourned and lamented?  Peter continues in the very next verse from that above (2 Peter 3:14), “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this (final victory in Christ, and the new heavens and the new earth) make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”  Death, for the Christian, is a reminder of perfection lost, of sin’s relentless curse, of separation from our loved ones, and of our spirits from our bodies. 

But death also serves as a fourfold “call” ... 

First, to the serious of sin;

second, to the only hope that we have to be delivered from sin and death – through the sin forgiving, death conquering, life giving death and resurrection of Christ.  Only through faith in Christ can we confidently assert,

Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

Third, to how we should live now;

And finally, to share our faith, what we have believed, known and experienced to be true, with others!  If only unbelievers could see the unspeakable horrors of hell.  That will be the consequence for everyone who treats God with indifference and contempt in this life.  Our unbelieving relatives, friends, and acquaintances have only this earthly life to hear the good news of Jesus.  They have only this lifetime, through the Holy Spirit’s work and power, to respond to Christ’s work and invitation. 

I hate death.  I hate its reality.  I hate its prospect for loved ones … and even more what it does.

I thank God, however, for the certain hope of life beyond the grave – of being with believing loved ones again, of especially living in the presence of God and of the Lamb forevermore.

I praise God that eternal life -- through the awesome grace of God -- is already mine (John 17:3; 1 John 3:14); and that when I face death, and walk through the valley of the shadow of death, it will not be alone.  It will be with Him who has been there, overcome it, and shares His victory with me.

I am awed by the blessed privilege and responsibility of sharing the completed work of salvation in Christ so that others too may no longer fear the great enemy.  Rather they can have and enjoy life now, look forward to its eternal end, and share this victory with others. 

May God bless and keep us in His heavenly peace.

PM

I've been trying to post about our vacation along the way and since we arrived at Still Waters (what we call our camp/property) but they don't "publish" or "upload" or whatever you would say.  I think the problem is that I've had pictures attached to the posts and the band width or speed of the internet connection has not been able to handle the photos.  (Seems I've had the same problem with Twitter these days as well.)  I plan on rewriting those posts ... and trying to find a different way to post the pictures.

In the mean time ... I will keep bloging on things that I want to write on.  It is relaxing to me and enjoyable ... and therefore will be a part of my vacation.

The next post will be on death ... NOT because I have a morbid preoccupation with it.  During the Michigan District Convention I returned home to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, to do the funeral for a friend, elder of the congregation, and a tireless worker in the kingdom.  As I was being driven home and finishing the meditation for the funeral, I began thinking about how much I hate death.  It is an enemy ... the great separator of family and friends here on earth, the separator of one's body and soul (spirit) as well.

I've seen this enemy close at hand ... the death of grandparents, uncles, aunts, of my father-in-law, and others that I've loved greatly within my congregations ... and I have mourned greatly.  With Pat I've faced the possibility of death, or of greatly altered life, when son Joel has his brain tumor (with surgery and treatments) and I faced my lymphoma diagnosis (with surgery and subsequent treatments).

There is no doubt that God was with us, that all the promises of God's presence and peace are real.  But God is sovereign and He has His purposes and plans, that for the child of God are ALWAYS beneficial and good.  Both Joel and I would tell you that we would not wish our diseases/treatments on anyone.  But, neither would we trade them.  God has made them work for awesome good within our lives.

God is faithful!  God is good!  God does keep all the promises of His Word.  And somehow, it seems, that through difficulties in life, those promises and His presence become more real ... more "alive".  God is an ever present help in trouble ... and Jesus will forever remain the resurrection and the life.

So, mind you, I have no irrational fear, no bitterness, towards death.

I understand that it is the inevitable result of sin.

It's just that I hate it!

Please read the next post (above) ... and let me know what you are thinking.

And thanks for your patience ...

PM

November 10, 2004

Mr. Joel D. Maier
2573 Ayrshire Dr.
Lansing, Michigan 48911-6489

Dear Joel:

Greetings from Fort Wayne, and Grandma and Grandpa Maier!  We’re sorry that you weren’t able to attend yesterday’s banquet in Lansing, but grateful that you’re feeling much better after your visit to the hospital and reception of the intravenous nourishment.  The Lord be praised for this blessing!

Your not being present with your family and friends at the banquet is simply a part of the whole trial that God has permitted to come into your life at this time.  We’re sure that the questions have arisen in your mind:  “Why?” “Why me?”  This is very understandable, and we all wonder about the same thing (Why Joel?).  In our consternation it is well for you, and us all, to remember the words of Jesus, who said – and His statement is applicable also to a situation like yours – “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this,” John 13:7 (NKJV).  For the present, however, we have the magnificent assurance penned by the apostle Paul, Romans 8:28, that “All things work together for good to those who love God.”  This must be our confident trust under all circumstances, even when we cannot fathom our Heavenly Father’s dealings with us at a given troubled time.

Through your faith in our Savior Jesus, kindled already when you were baptized, you have been and are wholly righteous in God’s sight, your sins have all been forgiven.  Our Heavenly Father has loved you with an everlasting love.  Already in eternity, before there was a world and there were people populating it, He chose you to be His own dear child, His beloved son, the apple of His eye.  He determined that you would live on earth to His glory.  For this reason nothing but His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you can exult with the Psalmist David, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

All of our Heavenly Father’s loving concern for you means also this, that, painful as your ordeal at times may be, God will never give you more of suffering than you are able to endure.   Therefore, never give in to the evil of discouragement.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13:  “God is faithful, who will not allow you to e tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”   This is the apostle who experienced a “thorn in the flesh” (we don’t know what this serious affliction was), which the Lord saw fit not to remove from Paul.  Instead, He gave him the power to go on in his ministry despite his plaguing problem, granting him this guarantee:  “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” 2 Corinthians 12:9.  Paul found this divine promise to be true and declared in the following verses:  “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast of my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities … for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I an strong.”

Elsewhere Paul wrote, “I can do all things through (literally, in union with) Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.  Your faith in Jesus will enable you daily to make the same triumphant exclamation!  That loving God pledges to you:  “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.  Again:  “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10.  Again:  “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me,” Psalm 50:15.  What mighty, blessed assurances of the Word of God!

There is one difference, we may add parenthetically, in Paul’s situation and yours.  Whereas Paul had to continue dealing with his thorn in the flesh, yours will – God granting His benediction – have a terminus in due time.  When all your treatments are finished, by His grace your health will thereafter be fully restored, with the terrible, debilitating cancer banished forever from your body.  We all give thanks to the Lord for this!

Our prayers and those of many, many other persons known and unknown to you are with you each morning and evening.

With much love,

Grandma & Grandpa

pm

They have also taken a few hours and days off to have some fun. Take a look ...

(Biggest cutthroat, 3rd from the left, is 16")

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
                    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
                2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
                    night after night they display knowledge.

They went to Montana at the end of May because summer jobs were scarce here in mid-Michigan and because they were both selected to work as volunteer counselors during teen week at Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, MT.  Camp Mak-A-Dream is the international camp for the Mak-A-Wish Foundation. Joel had been the recipient of a "wish' from the Mak-A-Wish Foundation after his brain tumor surgery and subsequent treatment his junior year in High School. He is also currently enrolled in the Family Life Ministry program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, concentrating in the Child Life Specialist area ... and serving at Camp Mak-A-Dream is very special to him. James, having lived through Joel's cancer treatments and my lymphoma treatments found the opportunity to serve equally exciting.

Please keep them in prayer during this week!  We look forward to seeing them soon.

Dear Members of Our Savior, Family, Friends and Prayer Partners,

My brother Walter shared the following verses with me in a recent encouraging email:  “I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.  Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.”  Psalm 116:1-2 

I do love the Lord and continually thank Him for His forgiving grace and tender mercies given to me “a selfish sinner saved by grace and humbly seated at the foot of the Cross” (as my South African friend and brother in Christ Rev. Mandla Khumalo always signs his letters).  Over the last number of months I have spent time in prayer, and thank God for your prayers, regarding my nomination for the Office of President of the Michigan District.  My prayer was for God’s continuing mercy and grace to be evident in my life and the life of my family, and that His will be done regarding the nomination and the election.

This Monday morning at the Michigan District Convention in Ann Arbor I was elected as the new District President to succeed Pres. Bill Hoesman.  Any call that comes from God’s people is both a humbling and honoring experience.  This call is, perhaps, more humbling than honoring.  I sincerely ask for your continued prayers for faithful, humble, completely God-dependent service to our crucified and risen Lord and Savior, as I will officially begin to serve in this new capacity beginning October 1.

To the members of Our Savior who have been so supportive and patient with me (I was going to write “for these last few months” and realized the following truth …) during my tenure at Our Savior since my installation in early December, 1989, I am most thankful and remain humbled by your love.   You are amazing, and have been and always will be our family.  Although we will be on vacation the next number of days, you remain in our prayers and we long to be with you upon our return.

I know that the OSL Bd. of Directors, and in particular the Chairman of the Congregation, Dennis Sohn, and Chairman of the Spiritual Life Team (Elders), Alan Broskey, will look forward to informing you about the process and plans to continue uninterrupted ministry at Our Savior in the near future as well as the calling of a new Senior Pastor.  Most importantly, we should all be confident in, and dependent on, the encouraging and directive words of Jesus:  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

The Apostle Paul’s advice in Philippians 4 is equally exciting, instructive, and assuring:   Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!   Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.   Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This was just a quick email to keep you informed and to seek your continued prayers.  May God’s peace continue to be upon us all.

Sincerely,

Pastor David P. E. Maier

PS  The Installation Service for all the elected offices in the District will tomorrow evening, June 30, at 6:30 pm in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity on the campus of Concordia University, Ann Arbor.  Synodical President, the Rev. Dr. Gerry Kieschnick, will be preaching.  You are ALL invited.  An ice cream social will follow.

I just wanted to say, I think the blog is a great way to communicate to the our Savior Congregation and other family members and friends. I really do enjoy writing and posting and have missed it. Thanks for your encouragement to blog via email, Twitter (I'm still trying to Twitter when there is a moment), and the phone. I look forward to writing some blog entries in the very near future.

Thank also you for all your prayers regarding my nomination for the Michigan District Presidency.  The election will take place sometime this morning. Join me in praying God's will be done. I know, for certain, that you don't want to do something unless God calls you to it.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

-- PM

Being accessible is more than just a responsibility in the ministry, it is a key part in any position -- professional or personal -- of fostering, building, maintaining ... relationships.

To that end I recently read a blog post by one of Our Savior Lutheran School's illustrious graduates.  His name is Justin Thorp, and he works in Washington, D.C., and is intimately involved with the development of the world wide web.  Really cool stuff.

Justin recently wrote a blog post that challenged my thinking entitled, "Being Accessible..."  (The tite of the post is a hyper-link ... just click it and you will be taken to the post.)

I would like for you to read it also. 

I then want you to think about it's implications for ministry ... and family, and church, etc.

I will greatly look forward to your comments and the discussion that we might have. 

I left Justin a comment about the implications of his post for ministry, and he wrote back a very thoughtful reply that again challenged me.  Please read Justin's article ... and leave him a comment also.  He is an impressive and wonderful young man!

Blessings on your day!

PM

But there are emails to check and answer (when it works), twits to tweet, Facebook to keep up, IM's to instantly message on, ... and Oh, yeah, the home or office phone to answer, SKYPE on your computer, cell phone calls, etc.

Communication ... presents some amazing challenges for just about everyone.  If your not careful ... the devil can be in these details.

Priorities and discipline seem to be in order.

An excellent article, rather Blog post, to read is entitled: The Tyranny of the Urgent:  An Effort at Breaking Bad Habits.  The title of the post is a hyper-link.  Just click it and it will take you directly to the post.

It is well worth the read!

Tell me what you think ... and leave a comment for the author as well.

Sincerely,

PM

We must remember that our heavenly Father already knows what we need (Matthew 6:32) in every area of life.  And the advice Jesus gives next is worthy of full allegiance and adherence.  But first ...

Sometimes what helps me is to do a little exercise that someone encouraged years ago.  At the END of any day just sit and write down everything you did.  EVERYTHING; every detail.  And then apply the following scale developed by Richard Foster:

    1 - Essential
    2 - Important but not essential
    3 - Helpful but not necessary
    4 - Trivial

First, thank God for how much actually did take place in your day; how much you did accomplish; how God was watching over you and leading you ... awesome!  (Yes, I know there are days when we just sort of get nothing done ...)  Even in the 'lack luster days' I think you will be amazed at ALL THE DETAILS.  But, if you are like me, you will also notice how much time you spent (using the scale above) on unnecessary and trivial things.  Normally, I also see that what I would classify as 'Essential' or 'Important' neither received the amount of time it should have nor the priority status necessary.

Such a list exposes how what we thought was important in our lives does not appear to be when closely examined.

God knows everything about us.  He knows the very number of hairs on our head ... all the way to the very number of the days that are still in our life.  He knows the details, even the trivia ... and yes, He is concerned about them.  So let God deal with it.  He is aware and He cares!

What God asks and encourages, however, is that we place Him at the top of our priority list.  Number 1!

And when we do -- through His constant influence and grace -- He promises to take care of EVERYTHING in our lives.  Matthew 6:33 assures, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 

What is Jesus promising?  That anything/everything that is important to the support of this body and life ... is His priority.  So don't lose focus, and DON'T WORRY! ... "about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

God is asking, encouraging, motivating, nudging ... that we focus on Him first! ... not all the details that normally preoccupy our life.  Give Him your best; trust Him with the rest ... all the other small stuff in life.

Here's what I've learned ... AND AM STILL LEARNING:  when you reduce your list to one priority, one detail -- and it’s God ... drawing close to Him, spending time with Him in His Word and also in conversation (prayer) FIRST -- every other detail falls into place.  Not always right away ... but always.  God IS faithful!

May I encourage you, that where God has not been sought first in your life ... repent.  Confess it before a gracious God as sin!  Call a spade a spade.  Then, in faith, receiving the blood bought forgiveness and righteousness of Christ, live confidently, boldly, differently ... keeping Him first ... in the strength that He also supplies. 

I truly believe that if we would keep at this every day and give all the small stuff of  life over to God – we would have a clearer and more effective focus in our lives.

I'm looking forward, in union with Christ, to the privilege of keeping Him first again.

Blessings,

PM

So thanks for your encouragement ... and patience.

PM

We started camping there in our "L & L Bean 4 man pup-tent," but quickly outgrew that with 2 dogs, 2 children, and Pat and myself sharing the tent (in no particular order of importance). We since have camped in a cabin tent borrowed from the Youth Group (Arlington Heights, IL), a borrowed pop-up tent camper (that seemed like the Ritz Carlton compared to the pup-tent), our own pop-up tent camper purchased from the sale of two sets of black lab puppies, and finally a hard sided camp trailer.  With electricity, a well, and an outhouse with the best view in North America, it has become a place our family cherishes, especially when the Arenz's are there and other family members visit.

Early Breakfast (fresh trout and eggs) at camp.

Our children have always loved "Still Waters" (what our friends and we have named the property) and the whole camping experience ... especially the stories, laughter, and devotions around the evening camp fire (when the fire danger is low and the Forest Service permits).  The boys especially love the hiking in the valley, the fishing, the inner-tube floats down the river, the food (everything tastes better outside), the views, the sunsets, etc., etc..  From little on they've talked about living our there, working our there, whatever ... as long as it could be "out there."

Late this past Memorial Day Monday evening I returned from a quick trip out to Big Sky Country. Using a free ticket from Northwest Airlines I arrived in Missoula last Friday, was picked up by a dear friend, was given the use of their Jeep, and late afternoon began to set up camp for the boys.  I had to "shock" the well with bleach, get the outhouse "going" (no pun intended), get everything else "hooked up," and figure out a gas and electrical problem (solved in about 5 hours).

Why?  Because dreams do come true.  With a lack of decent paying summer jobs in Michigan the boys determined that they were going to go to Montana and see if they could generate some work there.  They have, with more sure to come.  Clearing land, cutting trees, piling up brush, etc., their's will be a summer of hard labor ... in God's great out doors.  They will also have a phenominal time working together, fabulous fun recreating together, and make a life time of memories.  Both Joel and James were also selected by Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, MT, (the international camp for the Make-A-Wish Foundation) to serve as camp counselors during Teen Week, July 1-8.  What a blessing that will be for them and they will be for the kids at Camp.

Some have asked whether we are worried about the boys being out west this summer.  We trust them completely! ... but there are always concerns when using a chain saw and with the wild animals present -  grizzly bears, mountain lions, etc. (both have been seen on the property).  (The boys have also assured us that they know judo, karate, and a few other 'eastern' words, and that it is the lions and bears that should be afraid. This is NO comfort to Pat and I.) This is why we pray and commend them to God's care ... for their travels, their work safety, and their continued growth in the Lord.  We invite you to do the same ... and are already grateful for your prayers in their behalf (and ours). 

We are already looking forward to joining them for our family vacation in July.  That will be a great reunion ... with the Arenz's coming in from the state of Washington also.

Having purchased some steel-toed work boots last night and packing soon to begin, they will leave this weekend.

Big Sky Country ... here they come!

PM