Giving Back

Its easy to lose the meaning of something.

There are a few phrases that I have seen, read and thought about lately that leave me confused.

One sign hanging on a restaurant exterior way said:   “Happy Hour now from 4 pm to 9 pm. “  Is it really just an hour?  Of course ‘happiness” is questionable in that setting anyway.

We have been bombarded with the “Black Friday” nonsense for several weeks by the advertisers.   The car ads are the worst ones adding to the confusion:  “Its Black Friday all month long.”   So is Black Friday one day or a series of days?

Whenever I buy an electronic device they always try to push the sale of a ‘life time guarantee’ warranty for an extra few hundred bucks.   I always pass because in my some five decades of life, there has never been any electronic device I bought that has survived a ‘life time’, with or without a warranty.

Christmas has turned into one of those confusing times of the year for many of us.  The stores would prefer we drop the religions connation’s and simply go with a new name for the day, like “Santamas”.  For a holiday purist like myself, the over commercialization of Christmas continues to ascend to new heights and the holiday season seems to be extended now to right after Labor Day.

We have been very intentional in our home to celebrate advent with our children over the years by doing advent devotions around the dinner table whenever we are together.  It’s a very high value that my wife has over the past three years in our leadership at the training college emphasized to the Cadets before they leave for their Christmas assignments.   Focusing on the story of advent must be kept alive for the generations to come.

Recently I stumbled across this growing grass roots movement called “The Advent Conspiracy.”  They have reached out to over 1000 churches in North America.  Here are some questions they are asking us to consider:  “What if we just stop? Stop the madness. Stop the frustrating pursuit of the perfect present. Stop shopping until we drop. Stop trying to “people please” through gift giving. 

What if we spend less, but give more, love more? And here’s a thought. What if we use the holidays to worship God more fully?

“We’re not trying to kill the idea of giving gifts,” said Ken Weigel, pastor of ministry development at Imago Dei Community in Portland, Ore.  “What we’re saying is that instead of buying your kid the Xbox, buy him a baseball mitt, and yourself a mitt, and actually make a commitment to your son to play catch regularly.”
Or, suggested Weigel, give a friend or family member a couple of mugs and a pound of coffee with a note that says, “This coffee is for when we sit down and talk because what I want to do this year is spend more time with you.”

The movement calls this ‘relational giving.’  It’s the center of the Advent Conspiracy’s philosophy.     Source:   http://rethinkchurch.org/article/ChristmasGiving

The direction of our ministry in the Salvation Army has been set by that famous one word our Founder gave to early day Salvationists “Others.”  We continue to stress that tradition of forgetting oneself and focusing on the needs of others.  What a perfect time during the Advent season to pick up and dust off this word again by our actions.

My kids often ask me what I want for Christmas.  I am always quick to respond.  “I want peace on earth.” They would laugh and say, “No dad, for real’s, what do you want for Christmas?”  For socks, and ties and soap and other things, I can always get what I want as an adult.  The things I really want are somewhat intangible and unattainable.

But what if I gave the gift of peace of others this year?  Instead of arguing to get my way or to point out the faults in others how wonderful and inexpensive the gift of giving peace to others would be.  All that it takes is me willing to take the step to give that instead of holding back or holding out for something in return.
May your Christmas season be filled with opportunities for you to give back, in both big and small ways.  Be intentional in and about your giving this holiday. 

Let’s get back the meaning of this all. 

There was a time when...

This blog article will date me but with the rapidly graying of the hair that is left on my head, weakening eye sight and achy bones, why deny the fact that I am aging?  I grew up in a different world when it came to the holiday season.  I suppose that is why I am a ‘holiday purist.’  I believe in taking them one at a time.

When I had graduated high school in 1977, I worked two jobs.  I was an apprentice with Berkley Repertory Theater and a full time stock clerk at J. C. Penny.  Both were great entry level jobs.  I didn’t go to college right out of the shoot but rather hit life head on.  Learning to pay rent, cooking for myself, the whole nine yards.

At JC Penny, I was on the crew that was selected to set up all the Christmas decorations.  So what you may wonder?  Well, the so what was I had to come in on the morning of what is now called “Black Friday” at 3 am in the store to set up the decorations.   That is how old school I am when it comes to all of this.  We opened an hour earlier that day, at 8 am.

There was no confusion back then.  Each holiday had a specific purpose and there was general focus.  We celebrated Thanksgiving together as families.  Then we pulled out the decorations and went into the Christmas season.

Lines are blurred across the board now days.  It’s the effects that post modernism and the push by the merchandisers that has whittled down to the masses.  We now associate Thanksgiving with that day in the way of all the ‘hot deals’.  We are encouraged to get our running shoes on and put on our pushing gloves as we all head to the malls and box stores to find the great days now available on Thanksgiving evening.

It all greatly saddens me and is actually troubling to me on so many levels.  If I speak out against it I get the label ‘Grinch’ stuck to my forehead.

Recently the popular late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel ran a satirical piece in which he was mocking the media across the country who was trying to introduce the term “Brown Thursday”.  He mockingly said it already has name, its called Thanksgiving.

I will always be a holdout for Thanksgiving.  I have so much to be thankful for in my life its worth at least taking one day, brushing off all the other holiday hype and be singled focused.

The Christmas lights and tree go up the next day.   As it should be.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers and friends.

Clearing the pathway

"Beating around the bush", is something that I find as I age I do not like to do.  Perhaps its because I realize my time is running out, so to speak.  I do not like to waste the moments given to me.  When a situation rises I like to cut right to the chase and deal with the matter.

Some people might think that is abrupt.  Others may think its tactless.  Even others may agree with my tactics and become brave enough to give it a try.  What's weird is that usually thinking about confrontation chews me up on the inside.  Going down the path of exhortation is more of my daily journey now.

Often times the work I am involved in is messy.  Expectations get muddled.   Focus becomes blurred.  Whats' real is often mixed in with fantasy or worse, when its spiritualized and cloaked in "God speak."  My current job is to help others confirm their call.  That's serious, deadly business in a way.  I am dealing with holy matter here.  God's chosen.  Those whom He has called.  I am called along side with my team to add the confirmation.  Or to deny it.

Helping someone to face the need to be honest about their situation can be draining.  Because it always caused me to look inward.  The one finger point out and three pointing back at me sort of thing.

When it comes to my own heart and my own sin I found its best to be completely honest with God about it and with myself.  Its really pointless for me to even any attempt at running away from God.  I have spent way to much time with the stories of the Old Testament prophets to know that resistance is futile.

St John of the Cross, the 16th Century spiritual guide understood that both the intellect, memory and will are all 'faculties of the soul.'  That there is a need for the seeker of God to be instructed in all of these in order that purification of the soul can begin.

He writes, "The same has to be done for the other two faculties, memory and will.  They must undergo a purification relative to their respective apprehensions in order to reach union with God in perfect hope and charity."  (from The Ascent of Mt. Carmel)

What he is driving at here is the need to go deeper.  Memory must be looked at.  The will must be broken.  There is a process of clearing the pathway to the depths of our soul.  It begins with an honest examination.  When we are honest with our sin and short coming.  That we learn not to dance around the matters of the heart but rather allowing God to make straight the paths in our inward parts.

Removing debris in my own heart only begins when I am honest with myself and when I allow others to be honest with me.  Spiritual exhortation goes beyond the small talk of 'scripture coasters' but rather seeps into the recesses of the places God really wants to clear out.

My favorite phrase these days is simply:  To him/her who has ears to hear...listen.

More than just a hired hand

The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. (John 10:13 NLT)

I was sharing with some of our cooking staff the other day some of the jobs I used to do before I became an officer.  When I was in high school I worked for a pizza restaurant that served fancy Italian dinners besides pizza.  My job was officially dishwasher though I bused tables and did food prep.  Each night near closing time, the cooks would haul back to me a huge pot we affectionally  called "Big Bertha."

Bertha was used to cook sauce all day long.  Early in the morning the cooks would put this pot on the stove and allow the pizza sauce to percolate all day long.  When the pot came to me it was my job to get it cleaned and ready for the next day.  It always took 15 minutes or more to clean this thing.  At the bottom of the pot on average there would be a two inch thick crust of tomato sauce that would need to be scrubbed away.

It was a frustrating pot to clean but that was my job.  I stuck to it each night.  If I didn't, I would be out of a job.

I have never forgotten "Big Bertha" for she taught me many lessons that stick with me until this day.  One of the main lessons is that of being persistent.  Not turning away when things get difficult or adversity comes my way.

There is a danger in 'professional ministry' to begin to work at this work merely as a job or means to an end.  The divine call can quickly fade when all of the lights are not shining on you any more and things get dark and difficult.

I currently work with individuals who have given their lives up to God.  Full surrender.  "Here am I my Lord, send me."  Hand to the plow and no looking back.

But that doesn't mean perfection comes instantly upon them or that no doubt never enters into their minds if they did choose the right way.  That's part of the process.

I have had many "Big Bertha" pots handed to me in my three decades plus of service as a minister.  I have wanted to run away.  I have doubted if this was God "really" was calling me to.  I often didn't "feel" good or right or holy or whatever in those dark moments.

But I am not a hired hand.  I do not do this work because of job security and the chance to roam the world.  Each day I look at the covenant I made and signed with God so many years ago and am reminded that this work I am involved in is truly His work.

Through thick and thin God continues to make a way in my life.   And so when another "Big Bertha" situation comes my way, I seek for divine guidance and strength to make my way through the tasks that lie ahead.

Here we gooooo!

Today marks the start of my eighth year at the College for Officer Training in the Western Territory.  I have been reflecting about this over the past few weeks for several years.

I haven't done the math all the way but this means a few things for me:

I have been involved in the training of nine sessions of Cadets
There have been over 300 people that have come on campus to be trained since that time.  Not all of them made it to the starting line but a good majority have.  Thats almost half of the active officer statistics today in our territory.
I have been through two accreditation renewal processes.
I have worked with two other training principals as their assistant.  Both went on to become Divisional Commanders
I am the only staff officer left from the time I started in 2006.
This is the longest I have ever lived in one place in my entire life. (we did move a house over - the view was just too tempting!)
Two of my children have graduated from PV High Schools, one starts her junior year next week (she was in the 4th grade when we moved here from San Diego) One graduated college, got married and moved to New York.  The other did TV & commercials and is working consistently in a trade.
Many changes have been made to the facilities - new apartments, refurbished offices, classrooms added, library redone, new paint, add ons to quarters, new carpet, 'smart boards',.
Staff has increased while the budget has pretty much  remained even.
Crestmont Council is stronger than ever with some terrific men and women working side by side with us here, guiding this ship.
New curriculum has been added with an emphasis in recovery ministry, EDS (emergency disaster service)
Cadets (students) have been sent to places for training we have not ventured into in decades.
The  Cadet population has gone from 30 to over 100 living on campus in those 8 years.
Countless people have come to know God through the ministry of the Cadets

I am sure if I give this more thought the items on this list would grow.

What I have noticed in my time here is that there are people who embrace this experience and those who resist it.  That is all part of the process.

So today we start another round.  And even before these new Cadets cross the threshold of Crestmont, I ask myself the question, "Who is ready to step across the threshold next year?"  Who is ready to follow, serve and repeat after Isaiah, "Here am I, my Lord, send me."?

God bless the Heralds of Grace and the Disciples of the Cross.  Stay humble.  Thirst after righteousness.  Study to show yourself approved.  Serve The Lord with a glad heart.

In the mundane

"Pastoral work...is that aspect of Christianity that specializes in the ordinary." ~ Eugene Peterson

There are two words that I have been mulling over in the past two months:  longevity and humility.  To be able to stick at a task for some time takes a great amount of grit and fortitude.  Unfortunately many have been conditioned to bail out when times get tough or the tasks seem beneath them.  "I am greater for this" can sometimes be a huge stone the trips the spiritual giants amongst us.

We get antsy.  We begin to look for more greener and grander pastures instead of really keeping focused on the ground God has placed us to till and massage.  Its probably the biggest temptation an officer faces.

My current position within the Salvation Army forces me to do quite a bit of personal introspection.  I am asked for vision and direction a lot, whether it is from the Cadets, the staff, or the board.  I am the only officer on staff that gets the privilege of being reviewed 360 degrees from Crestmont Council.  My goals and vision are often taken under the microscope.  I have to be very intentional in seeking where we should be going and think out the process of how we get there.

This year the words of longevity and humility keep coming up in my thoughts when I am either still or active.  Perhaps longevity because I have started my eighth year at Crestmont (9 sessions now I will have been involved in some manner of the training.)  Humility because each day I am reminded the task I have been called to do is way over my head and I need daily grounding to get things done.

Most work in a pastoral setting is mundane.  We train individuals not to go to particular locations or even for specialized tasks.  Our curriculum is centered towards general matters, which leads often to the comment, "They didn't teach me that in training college."  To be fair, there is only so much one can soak in during a 22 month period.  I remember I must have been sick or asleep the day I was taught how to open and operate an Ice Arena.  That was missing from my training in 1980-82.  (see Kroc Center 101...non existent in the catalog in 1980)

Our task is to get these folks ready for the ordinary.  Its really how God works best.  Day in and day out.  Finding the rthymns of life in 'four four time' (see A River Runs Thru It.)

Honor the every day.  Seek to make it as long as you can and do so with a humble heart.

I know these two words may begin to get stuck in the crawl of Cadets as they will probably hear it over and over too many times this coming year.  But I am not saying the words for them.  I am saying them for me.  I am listening for the whispers of God in the mundane and focusing on the grace I can find in the ordinary.

A new good addiction - try it

I have a new addiction:  I keep adding bible reading plans from the digital version of the scriptures found in "You Vision".   I started a comprehensive reading plan when I was on a silent retreat in May.  I loved the title of the plan:  Eat this book.   Its actually a command given by God to the prophet Ezekiel. (plus its a great title of a wonderful book written by Eugene Peterson)

So for my quiet time each morning I am reading through the Bible with a psalm.  I am using the New Living Translation (for the version smug ones out there - you ought to try it - it makes the word pop to life in a devotional reading.)  I read a short devotional from the Life Application bible.  I read a chapter of Proverbs a day.  And then I close off my reading time with a devotion from Billy Graham's classic - Day by Day.

I like what Dr. Graham has to say to me today:  "Some time ago a policeman asked me what the secret of victorious living was. I told him that there is no magic formula that can be pronounced. If any word could describe it, I would say surrender. The second word I would say would be devotion. Nothing can take the place of a daily devotional life with Christ. Your quiet time, your prayer time, the time you spend in the Word, is absolutely essential for a happy Christian life. You cannot possibly be a happy, dynamic, and powerful Christian apart from a daily walk with Christ."

Its amazing how much Bible ignorance and apathy there is in the church today.  We have not problem standing for several minutes (sometimes over 30) to sing worship songs, but to stand in reverance for the reading of God's word (see Ezra) that isn't automatic.   Even Christians who have been walking with The Lord for a very long time can easily lose focus and get discouraged (I am talking about myself here).

Without God's word part of my daily spiritual diet I am destined to inherit a dry, dead soul.  My prayer life becomes listless.  And certainly there is no joy to be found.

Join me in a re-committment of reading God's word each day.  Don't approach your devotional time as some sort of 'spiritual rabbits foot' (as if doing it or not doing it determines how your day will be, the 'things' you can get from God, etc.) but rather as a time where God can get a hold of your soul and quietly speak to you.

Its a new addiction that I can assure you will change your life for the good.

Flurry & Worry

In some of my recent reading I  ran across a great reminder from John Oman about the 'twin perils of ministry':  Flurry and worry.

Often time in this engagement in the 'souls of humankind', I can begin to think more highly of myself than I should.  Confession time here.  When I found myself in the midst of the whirl and buzz of establishing the Kroc Center ministry in the early days, I thought that I was so inseperable to the process.  This place surely couldn't operate successfully without me around.   Then I went off to England for 8 weeks at ICO.   Funny how the whole place didn't shut down.  In fact I called back once during a staff meeting and found out they were all doing fine without me.

This summer I was able to visit Kroc Centers in Chicago, Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, PA. It seems the Kroc Center ministry nationwide is just doing super fantastic without my hands getting in the way.

Learning to how to be quiet and sit still to be attuned with God is something not on our natural 'spiritual front burners.'  We can make the sad mistake in thinking that we must be and look so busy doing 'godly things' - we flurry about and then become so consumed with our worry - we basically then become ineffective.

I was invited to preach recently in the pulpit of one of my past Corps assignments, Mesa, Arizona.  As I stood in the pulpit getting ready to preach, a flood of memories came back.  But the one thing that came right to the top of my mind was that this place was functioning and moving along in ministry quite well without me at the helm any more.   That is actually biblical.  Equipping the saints for the work of the ministry so that it isn't all about me.

What sort of flurry are you involved in?  Looking busy to impress or do you slow down to listen?  Oman says that flurry disapates energy while worry constipates it.

Are you pausing long enough in the processes of life to listen to God?  To do often some self regulation on your own ego?

I need to pause more in my life and have the constant reminder that its 'not about me' but all about Him.   If I am in constant motion then I will never get out of the fog that flurry and worry makes for my soul.

Realize Life While Living It

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."  Psalm 90:12  NLT

A few months ago my youngest daughter Victoria said she on summer vacation she wanted to go and see the grave of her Grandma and Grandpa Hill.  Evelyn and Joe are buried in a quiet city cemetery in Pendleton Oregon. The last time I visited Pendleton was when we laid Evelyn to rest in that very sacred spot.

We spent some time standing over their graves, clearing away any grass that was creeping over the headstone.  It was a hot July afternoon as I felt the sun baking the top of my head while I was standing there.  As I stared at the headstone a mryiad of memories came flooding back.

We lost Joe in 1992 due to heart complications.  Evelyn left us in late winter of 2006.  I close my eyes and it was like yesterday when I would be rambling to either one of them about an issue or problem that I was facing in my officership.  Joe's simple sage advice would settle me down and my mother in law laugh would shatter my sadness.

 We often would spend our vacations on the Hill family farm, a little seven acre 'hobby farm' on the west side of town.   There I would pretend I was a farmer and eagerly would move irrigation pipe or burn trash or whatever.   I had many long conversations with my wise father in law.

Alot has occured in my life since 1992.  Two more children were added.  I served in another Corps appointment.  Was on DHQ staff.  Started the Kroc Center ministry.  Went on to complete an MA in Theology and begin a Doctorate in ministry.  Moved from Assistant Principal to Principal of CFOT.  Traveled to numerous countries meeting numerous people and sharing in a variety of numerous experiences. (way too many numerous things!)  Evelyn saw most of this occur but Joe again left us too early.  He didn't even get to meet his other two grandchildren from the Foley side.

I am so often reminded of the question Emily asks of the Stage Manager from the play Our Town.  In essence she asks if people really realize life while they are living it.  The Stage Manager replies no, maybe the prophets or poets do.

Standing over a grave reminds me that an end of my days will evenutally come.  I ask myself am I living my life to its fullest?  I am available to just listen to people who need it?  To laugh with them or cry?  What sorts of memories am I leaving for my children, friends and aquaintances?

Perhaps a visit to a grave yard now and then would be good for your soul.  Realize life while you are living it.  It is indeed brief.

#WWJP

One day I am going to do some serious research on a day in the life of my FB newsfeed.  I think it would be an interesting case study to document the types of postings, the reasons why the post was made and the attitudes that are generated from a simple status up date.  

Its interesting what pops up on my newsfeed.  Sometimes its discouraging and quickly gets my blood boiling. Other times it sautrates  my soul with joy, especially to see what God is doing in the life and ministry of many of my former students (at least the ones that let me see and still have me as a friend!)

Here are some of the samplings of the attitudes and things I read today:  cynicism; self promotion;  conspiracy theorist; snarkism; current health status; world travels; scripture verses; beautiful photos of God's creation; what people eat; pictures of kids playing, laughing, eating, napping; ads for products I have no interest in...etc.  The list can go on and does so.

The things that get to me are the salvationists who continue to make flippant comments about things pertain to SA ministry, whether its policy and procedures, uniform wearing or what not.  In the back of my mind I think if it troubles you so much why in the world are you still sticking around?  And for gunny sacks, why are you posting it for the world to see?  It really doesn't change anything other than allowing the person to vent. And worse, it makes them look really bad.  At least my perception of them is bent.

I have developed a love hate relationship with all of this social media stuff.  In 2006 when I came to the staff training college I was asked to develop a course that explored current trends.  We are now in our 8th year of this course simply called "Emerging Trends."  Back then I required all of the students to keep a 'Xanga' account.  It was one of the first major blogging sites.

Of course now its exploding with facebook, vine, tumblr, and, as my father likes to call it, 'tweeter'.  In a weird way I sort of regret that we have all of this and that I actually encouraged people to use it.  I am rapidly moving in the other direction now as I have seen too many negative impacts that have resulted from a sour posting from a person having a bad moment.

I have made a really concerntrated effort to post on the positive side of things here.  I don't want to be cheesy or come across as super spiritual - that is really nothing but hiding behind my false self and reeks of Phariseeism.  One needs to be very intentional and mindful of a posting because you never know who may read it or what sort of lasting impression it will leave.  

So here are a few hash tags I would love to see pop up: #endingthenegative #wwjp  #whatwouldjesuspost

Lets keep the negative buried in our hard copy diaries.  When we post for others to read lets do so with keeping the glory of God in mind.  My aching heart will thank you.

Blocked Blog

So just when I was getting into the rhythm of writing in this old blog of mine again I hit a snag.  I have been offline due to limited access and blocked access.  Sometimes 'websense' makes no sense to me but I am flattered that my blog was blocked by Salvation Army access.  Then I found out the yahoo maps was blocked as well so I knew it wasn't a personal thing!

We had a terrific National Training Seminar at the Eastern Territories College for Officer Training.   I will write more about that experience soon.  What a grand time that was.

We have also had the chance to get to spend time with our daughter and son in law, Laura & Adam Fyn who showed us all around New York City.

Cindy had been invited to give a Kroc Talk to the good folks of the Camden New Jersey Corps.  We will continue to pray for Majors Cain and their staff as this beautiful center is starting to rise from the ashes in a city desperate for something like this.

We have also had the chance to spend time with some of our favorite people on planet earth: Mark and Josephine Morton and their beautiful girls.  They are playing host to us as we spend a couple of days with them in their home and we plan to visit the countryside of Pennslyvian.

I am taking a few days to unplug and unwind, doing this thing called 'sabbath.'  Needing time to retreat a bit as a busy academic year awaits.

More entries await.  Thanks for reading and for your words of encouragement.  Happy Summer!

Kind

One of the lessons I have learned along the way is never write something in survey I would never be willing to say in person to either the organizers of the event or to the professor directly.

Part of my current position requires me (can I say 'forces' me?) to read the results of surveys of all kinds.  We ask our students for feedback for numerous reasons.  Its a good way to measure if we are being effective in the service that we provide.  Its also part of the 'evidence' that we collect to share with our accrediting institution.

The difficult part for me is that no matter how hard or to what great lengths we go to make sure everything works fine, there is always someone that is never satisfied.   98 percent of the responders can find good and there is always that slim 2 percent margin that finds it all wrong.  That, in all reality, is just life.  A small percentage can only see the glass half empty.

The unfortunate thing is sometimes I read some very unkind comments made by people who I truly believe are called to be caring individuals.  The only solace I take from those sorts of remarks is that everyone of our students is actually going into a line of work where they will be evaluated, criticized  and picked apart every single day of their ministry life.   I suppose its a subtle way of pay back that will come their way.

I am amazed at times how unkind supposedly transformed people can be at times.  The witness that we give is not platitudes of God speak, our witness wear or draping ourselves in doctrine and dogma. Our witness is simple kindness.  Whether it is responding in a survey, how we treat the gate agent when our flight is delay or cancelled, how we respond to a slow waitress or an erratic driver on the road.

The evidence of the holy life is not you saying you are but the reflection you give off.  Even when you are having a bad day and you need to vent.  Its still not an excuse to spoil your witness.

I have been pondering the words of Paul these past twenty four hours:  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Ephesians 4:27

I am stuck on the word 'kind'.  I am doing a self overhaul to make sure I am reflecting this fruit of the spirit in all I do.  Whether if its in an email, a social media post or my personal interactions with others.  

Someone is always watching.  Someone will always remember.  Each moment is an opportunity to extend the kingdom or squelch the spirit.

God helps us to pursue kindness more and more each day.

Endings & beginings

There is a tradition at our training college that the Cadets do a count down to their departure starting at the one hundred day mark.  100 days until 'freedom' from the rigours of training, homework, the schedule, rubrics, assignments and what not.  100 days until some would say they can get out into the 'real world' and begin 'real ministry.'

For the seventh year now as a CFOT staff member I have witnessed another session of cadets pass the 100 day mark, sign their covenants, walk across the stage to get their appointments and move on down the road to their new ministry opportunities.   Its truly an exciting thing to watch.  A transformation occurs in the teachable spirit (we do get a few 'know it all's" but they do learn a thing or two while here) after spending twenty two months in community.

On this Sunday I am thinking of these new officers as they experience their last 'free' Sunday until the burden of leadership truly begins to reside on their shoulders.  Its the moment when what was sureal becomes real.  The countdowns are over.  The anticipatation is passing.  The adjustments to life outside the community of sessionmates begins.  Reality begins.

A scripture that I often reflect on from the psalms in the context of my own ministry and passing life: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  Psalm 90:12

There are a set of numbers I have been dwelling on lately:  32, 8, 12.   This week I start my 32nd year as an officer in the Salvation Army.  I also start my 8th year in my appointment at CFOT.  And I have 12 years of active service as an officer left.

In these numbers my prayer is that I will truly gain 'a heart of widsom', that my life will reflect 'the so what' of ministry.  Countdowns and numbers in general can be elusaive, another way to waste time or they can be helpful for us to focus on the now.

My young officer friends have many years of work ahead of them.  May each one of them be found 'faithful in the day that tries by fire.'   CFOT life is over for them but a new begining awaits.  I pray that Psalm 90:12 will become a breathing reality for them and for me as we walk down this road of service for God together.

Blessings to the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session.  Go forward!

Post Modern Holiness

http://www.graceandpeacemagazine.org/magazine/archived-issues/21-issue-summerfall-2011/242-postmodern-holiness

A very helpful article by Diane Leclerc in regards to understanding the need to use metaphors in our holiness preaching and teaching in a Post Modern era


Here is a sample:

"I have a theory as to why: I believe we have a whole generation of pastors who were deeply affected by the very legalistic period in the history of the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Without going into a 20th-century history lesson, let’s just say the world obviously shifted in dramatic ways in the 1960s. For the emerging generation of holiness youth of that day, perfectionism would not cut it. Many left the tradition. I believe it is precisely the generation of pastors either going through this shift or being born in it who perhaps failed to find healthier ways to express our doctrine. We certainly did not want to continue to preach legalism. And so, perhaps, we ceased to preach Christian Perfection at all, or we chose words and metaphors so different from traditional holiness language that my students now fail to recognize what they heard as a unique or distinct message. I find this particularly acute around their understanding of sin, integrity, and sanctification."

Diane will be teaching us at the National Training Seminar in July as all the US and Canada training college staffs gather.  

Intimate Fellowship

Some of my thoughts that were shared today in my teaching at the Brengle Institute:

For Samuel Logan Brengle, holiness consisted in being transformed into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit.

“When He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, that holy of holies within us is then occupied and out from that center of our being His life radiates through all our affections, disposition, tempers and activities” (Brengle - from Sanctified Sanity pg. 105).

The indwelling Holy Spirit (as Holy Guest) makes possible the intimate fellowship and communion with Jesus, which Brengle called “the secret of happiness and holiness”.

My thoughts: The idea of holiness needs to become more of our language today.  For whatever reasons, we tend to shun away from it.  If we can rest more on the thought how God greatly desires intimate fellowship with him and we are open to being drawn into the deep recesses of His tremendous love, holiness of heart will become more of our daily reality.

Commissioning Day!

This day, the session of Cadets known as the "Proclaimers of the Resurrection" will be commissioned and sent to their new appointments throughout the great Western Territory.

Each commissioned officer stops at a time of year and reflects back to his or her commission.  Its a very high and holy calling that no one person can achieve in their own strength.  Its a life of service and sacrifice, one doesn't enter into lightly.

For me, this weekend marks the completion of 31 years of active, unbroken service.  Indeed I have been blessed beyond measure.

We have recently here in the west have had the privilege of commissioning larger numbers of Cadets.  Some cynics have asked me if these people are doing this because they can't get work else where.  I am quick to remind those who inquire that if someone approaches this work with a 'hireling' mentality, they will not last.  It will become evident soon enough that indeed God didn't call them.

God is moving in our midst and He still has great plans to use this Salvation Army that he raised up 148 years ago.  These new officers today step across the stage and into their new appointments, equipped to meet the changing challenges in the strength of God's Spirit.

These are God's called people to do His holy work.  Its been an honor to be with them for these past two years as their Training Principal, teacher, counselor and friend.  I welcome my new colleagues to the ranks this day and say congratulations to each of them.

God bless our new officers.  God bless The Salvation Army world wide on this day.

Come to the Quiet

"As morning breaks I look to you. O God, to be my strength this day." ~ John Michael Talbot from "Come to the Quiet" 


 http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=18JydPnOxCI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D18JydPnOxCI

One of the things I have learned so far on this journey is that God never uses one way to get our attention to draw us to Him.  For some, its noise, lights, smoke and glitz.  For others, its the quiet. Silence.  The simple.

Gary Thomas' book, "Sacred Pathways", was a read that freed me in many ways recently.  I made the connection finally that I am truly a contemplative in my expression of worship.  It doesn't make me better or weirder than anyone else.  I am energized in the silence.   I am comfortable alone and even in a crowd I am able to ponder.  I think about what I sing.  I stop on words that are troubling or inspiring.

My problem is that sometimes I think and anyalize way too much.  As I sing a '7-11' song over and over (7 words repeated 11 times - when you think about it is really liturgy by the way) I have to catch myself not becoming uber critical and actually let the words minister to my soul.

In the process I am learning that my way is not the best way for others.  Nor is their way the right way for me.  We are each uniquely and wonderfully made.  One style of worship never trumps another.  Just because I may not jump up and raise my hands doesn't make me any less spiritual than the one that enjoys that sort of expressive worship.

For me, its the quiet and I come, usually in the morning, with a cup of coffee, the open word of God, and my open heart, longing to be renewed this day.

For you, you can tell me but more importantly, whatever means and way it is, follow the longings of your heart.  Go deeper.

Finding Rest

Its a sad day in the Salvation Army world as word reached us this morning that General Linda Bond has resigned as General and will be entering retirement effective immediately.

The news is stunning as we enter the commissioning weekend but trusting God's hand remains firm in place over this organization.  Begin praying now for our next General that faces numerous challenges leading this world wide movement.

A verse to pray through this day:  "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."  Psalm 62:1

No More Words

Some brothers went to see Abba Felix, and they begged him to say a word to them. But the old man kept silence. After they had asked for a long time, he said to them, "You wish to hear a word?"  They said, "Yes, Abba." Then the old man said to them, "There are no more words nowadays. When the brothers used to consult the old men, and when they did what was said to them, God showed them how to speak. But now, since they ask without doing that which they hear, God has withdrawn the grace of the word from the old men. They do not find anything to say, since there are no longer any who carry out their words." Hearing this the brothers groaned, saying, "Pray for us, Abba."

One of the experiences I have had on my journey is when somone comes to me for advice about a matter.  Sometimes I need time to process their question and concern.  That involves prayer and contemplation.  Other times the answer comes quickly.

But one of the frustrations in giving advice is when its not heeded in the least.  I am no spring chicken and I have been around the block many times in my three plus decades of service.  That experience counts for something.

I am learning not to be hasty with my words and take time to listen.  I am also learning I am not responsible for the implentation of the advice that is sought.  I dispense.  The hearer can choose to respond or not.

Spiritual listening involves a great amount of discernment on both the advisor and the advice seeker.  Don't waste words but don't cast off advice sought.  The well of words may dry up sooner than one might expect.

I'm Back

Finally...I made my way back to blogspot.  A forgotten password and a platefull of activities have distracted me.  Thanks to Cadet Joe West who asked me a few weeks ago where my blog had went...well...its back.

Updates:  Currently, still the TP at CFOT Western Territory USA

Me - Finished 2nd Intensive in the Dmin program at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.  Working on 3rd Intensive and pounding out my thesis on "The Sabbath and The Salvationist."

Laura and Adam Fyn got married in July 2012 and have moved to NY where they are both working with the Salvation Army in the Greater NY Division

Alex received certification in training for enviromental health systems as a technician in supervisor roles for asbestos removal (and other things)  He is working as an independant contractor.  Currently on a three week job in Taft, CA.

Victoria successfully completed the 10th grade at PV High, is working part time and going to summer school this summer.  The big junior year ahead.

Cindy completed her Arrow Leadership training in February and has been extremely busy at Crestmont with a mryaid of ministry opportunities.

Of substance:

"First, there is absolutely nothing in what Jesus himself or his early followers taught that suggests you can decide just to enjoy forgiveness at Jesus’s expense and have nothing more to do with him." Dallas Willard

More stuff coming as I will revive this blog and share....

Blessings.