tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153021252024-02-28T07:08:18.216-06:00Edge of EternityThank you so much for showing up.
I'm at the Edge of Eternity only because God called me to show up.
I'm at the Edge of Eternity only because a community of faithful ones throughout my life have walked (with) me there.
Thank you all.
Standing at the edge - see out there
That's a big point of this blogJames Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-42558088701608917562018-02-12T21:50:00.000-06:002018-02-12T21:50:22.443-06:00Book Review: "Romanesque Art" by Andreas Petzold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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posting by Dr. James R. Brooks</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Living in an era where social media, digital communication and algorithms dominant the landscape, it is refreshing to delve into a period when more enduring and creativity ventures transmitted value and vision. Andreas Petzold has captured and shared the world of Romanesque Art well. From geo-political influences to the way artists share knowledge to the influence of women to the impact of various religions, Petzold carefully addresses the topic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My thanks to Christine Knose Herring for recommending this book. I will be walking the Camino de Santiago in May / June. This book has given me a deeper appreciation of the art I will encounter along the way. Petzold has covered a multitude of art forms from sculpture to painting to architecture to mosaics and more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I highly recommend this delightful and insightful read. In fewer than 200 pages, Petzold has included amazing pictures of the art that is so aptly described. This book is a true treasure.</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-13099379768259589892018-01-03T23:31:00.001-06:002018-01-03T23:31:22.751-06:00MidWeek Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">by Dr. James R. Brooks (<a href="http://fccedwardsville.org/">fccedwardsville.org</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Happy New Year! Better than it being mid-week, it is the beginning of 2018! A new year with resolutions, dreams … and … an opportunity to think about retirement planning. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(love a twist and who saw that topic coming)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> If a fantastic retirement is one of your dreams, what are you doing to prepare for it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This great collection of apps is suggested by the Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">[shout out to Dr. Todd Adams and his staff]</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> They provide retirement services for church employees and others in our denomination. I give them 5 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "PingFang SC"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">★</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">s!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maybe you like a different app better than these. My point is … are you thinking about your retirement? What do you want out of retirement?</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Here is a cool quote from page 11 of The Bridge magazine …</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“If your money is not voting for your #1 life priority, you will never see your #1 priority.”</b> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Want to read this issue of The Bridge? <a href="https://pensionfund.org/resources/publications"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">https://pensionfund.org/resources/publications</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">God calls us to be good stewards. An important piece of being a good steward is being generous. Giving back to God and God’s ministry. Another important piece of being a good steward is planning ahead and being prepared. These apps (and others) can help you do so. Check them out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://www.mint.com/">www.mint.com</a> <a href="http://www.acorns.com/">www.acorns.com</a> <a href="http://www.concur.com/">www.concur.com</a> <a href="http://www.wally.me/">www.wally.me</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I would really like to hear your feedback on these and other retirement / savings apps. jrbrooks@fccedwardsville.org</span></div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-74762404179686170442017-08-28T21:44:00.000-05:002017-08-28T21:44:05.807-05:00The Pursuit of Joy Sermon Series<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Avenir Next'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> 310 S Main Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> Edwardsville IL 62025</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> <a href="http://fccedwardsville.org/">fccedwardsville.o</a>rg</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 18px;"> August </b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;"><b>Purpose</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">To share the Good News of Jesus Christ by reminding my flock that God made them with intent to love them and for them to experience joy because they are worthy as children of God. To share practical ways of discovering the goodness placed deep in their soul and to shape the memory of their soul through worship. Current events of Charlottesville led Week 3 to include a retelling of the Pee Wee Reese / Jackie Robinson story of 1947. Week 4 moved us from observing joy (disciples observing Jesus) to experiencing joy (disciples sent on mission).</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Videos of sermons</b> in this series can be found at</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> <a href="http://fccedwardsville.org/connect/sermons"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;">http://fccedwardsville.org/connect/sermons</span></a> … August 6, 13, 20 , 27, 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"><b>Week 1: Creation</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b> </b>(Genesis 1:26 - 2:3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You are ….<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>CREATED • BLESSED • NAMED GOOD</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">God gave us the sabbath to rest / renew / remember we are good</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Week 2: Worship </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;"><b> </b>(Psalm 95)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Georgia; line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Worship</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i> is . . .</i> <i>the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for God.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Worship shapes our soul’s memory by reminding us we are created, blessed, named good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Week 3: Incarnation</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;"><b> </b>(Matthew 1:18-25)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"><i>Incarnation</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"> is . . . </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">the embodiment of the goodness created by God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Pee Wee Reese & Jackie Robinson 1947</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Week 4: Mission </b> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">(Luke 10: 17-20)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Mission is . . .</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>a sending, setting at liberty to embody love & joy given by God.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Copyright - Dr. James R. Brooks</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Use freely if referencing sources</i></span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-73915367902994882582017-08-14T22:24:00.004-05:002017-08-14T22:24:38.696-05:00An Ode<h2>
<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Avenir Next'; font-size: 14px;">by Dr. James R. Brooks</b></h2>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is said by many ancient and wise</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">that the Lord Almighty created us</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">from the overflowing love</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">spilled into our soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">guilt, unworth, outcast</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">broken, ruined, ashamed</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">least of these in our siblings eyes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">tarnished well beyond our own gloves repair</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Soul beyond the dust, dirt, dangle and ding</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">blessed by sacrifice of Son</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Spirit Holy bouys</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus Christ saves us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For the Lord is good</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">all praise and honor God</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">for the Lord our God is eternal</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">for the Lord God is ultimately good.</span></div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-55019203396201056022017-05-12T00:45:00.004-05:002017-05-12T01:47:07.167-05:00Power of Good News<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">by Dr. James R. Brooks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Lead Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Edwardsville, IL</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1hlNLWbYtJBWgIESmBOn8CHX6h65FtkFYUihuQ_DiNzchBsi4GA6CWox-YBM-4rMsUaYkqUiaB2pWG37UVzJELjgnzNJ7sjSIx4INK4BY2OMd81uHBXUy8xJGeTpu5k8yGpXzg/s1600/celebrate-success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1hlNLWbYtJBWgIESmBOn8CHX6h65FtkFYUihuQ_DiNzchBsi4GA6CWox-YBM-4rMsUaYkqUiaB2pWG37UVzJELjgnzNJ7sjSIx4INK4BY2OMd81uHBXUy8xJGeTpu5k8yGpXzg/s200/celebrate-success.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Celebration is most powerful!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Top of the Olympic podium, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>presentation of a Congressional Medal of Honor,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>confirming an academic degree, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>receiving a “Be My Valentine” in elementary school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Many years ago, Dr. Manual Tamayo was in my office. I cherish him as a member of my church and as a retired clergy … a colleague in the truest sense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He made a remark I will not forget. Dr. Tamayo told me that he understood what I was doing at First Christian Church in Edwardsville. He told me I was using celebration to empower ministry. Manny said it better than I. Maybe it was because he was a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">(who are able to celebrate more often than they deserve says a Purdue grad being me.)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> but I do believe my friend understood the power of celebration. I wish I had more time to reflect with him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is by design that the most important books of the New Testament are the Good News of Jesus Christ. The recording of Jesus’ Earthly ministry is remembered as good news… celebration!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living” by Norman Vincent Peale is a fascinating book also naming the power of celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I grew up hearing the phrase … “you catch more flies with honey than ….” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebration is profoundly transformative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebration is not Naval Gazing. Celebration can be other than affirming the past. Celebration can be transformative of the future. Celebration can be VisionCasting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How we celebrate an achievement is an interpretation of the past. How we speak of the achievement is a value statement of what was right and what was wrong. We interpret the past when we celebrate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebrations empower the future. Who is not motivated to be celebrated? From the base motivation of pride </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">(which seeks its own celebration)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> to the altruistic wish to serve neighbor … Celebration can motivate. Our choice of what to celebrate describes our future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebrations inspire others. In the conduct of our ministry / vocation, we are observed by others who wish to be as successful as they perceive us. Celebrating our good works can leads others to greater heights. As children imitate parents, servants imitate leaders … ordained, commissioned, lay … we can inspired others!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebration builds self-esteem. Faith communities with self-esteem serve their neighbor with greater vigor than otherwise. When a faith community founds its self-esteem in the glory of God, the subsequent service to neighbor is to be celebrated!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A contrary voice might be found among the “tall poppy” ground. There is a group loving to lop off the tops of tall poppy. Meaning they are compelled to drag down those who dare to achieve more than average … more than least common denominator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some communities / context demand a prophetic voice. Thanks be to God for the voice of celebration to transform other communities. My colleagues who are patterned after Jeremiah and Isaiah are a true gift to us all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some communities hear a shepherd’s voice of celebration. Celebrating the green pastures provided by God. Celebrating the opportunity to meet our neighbor’s need. Celebrating the service of a sister Christian. Celebrating our thankful response to God’s love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebration is more than an opiate for the masses. Celebration can be the highway mark of traction. Communion is celebration in action … worship!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The fruit of celebration at First Christian Church in Edwardsville, Illinois since 2001…</span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">35 youth plus 7 adults going to church camp in Florida</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">45 youth and children participating in Sunday evening activites</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">2x the worship services with varying worship styles</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">purchase of adjacent land to accommodate future growth</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">organizational practices that embrace diversity</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">sponsoring multiple candidates for ordination</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">hosting a dozen non-profit community groups each week in our building</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">doubling number of adults studying the Bible</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">older adult ministry with 30 plus participating</span></li>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-45429439529327644192017-04-30T22:07:00.000-05:002017-04-30T22:07:24.444-05:007 Points to the Power of Other People’s Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi1GO4luSjVHKBYaoqkyhj9xjrS_kY3uamoX_Mh4Pz6x3iESX0dXrIG6sWXBfFWm50cYZHtiGF5b2S_yyVWpxTHbjEMV07GQxa_NnLmX7Mjo8jFVWSQKlcKVw8ZwOFEufsYUTKw/s1600/1638602416-Praise-God-Faith-Stock-Photos1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi1GO4luSjVHKBYaoqkyhj9xjrS_kY3uamoX_Mh4Pz6x3iESX0dXrIG6sWXBfFWm50cYZHtiGF5b2S_yyVWpxTHbjEMV07GQxa_NnLmX7Mjo8jFVWSQKlcKVw8ZwOFEufsYUTKw/s200/1638602416-Praise-God-Faith-Stock-Photos1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The power of other people’s giving has changed the lives of each person on this planet.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">For good or ill, we have all been transformed by the giving of others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Deshaun Watson, recently drafted #12 by the Houston Texans after a stellar career at Clemson, is a recent beneficiary of other people’s giving. People like Warrick Dunn, drafted #12 in 1997 demonstrated the power of other people's giving. Here is the story … <a href="http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=13794897"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=13794897</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was Watson’s coach, Dabo Swinney, who gave a beautiful reflection … asked the impact on Deshaun, Swinney said … community … <b>Deshaun was able to “experience the power of other people’s giving.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I invite you to take a moment and <i>list 10 people who have given to make your life better.</i> I hope your list includes: parents, siblings, extended family, classmates, teachers / professors, Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, preachers, elders, neighbors… and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Life has a way of forcing us to be vulnerable. Life is not fair. Life pushes the issue of our needing others to make it through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the same time, life has a way of tempting us to go it alone. Sometimes it is the people on my list who hurt us. That pain tempts us to go it alone to protect ourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I offer some <i>suggestions to remedy the situation</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2. <b>Be the Power</b> … Give to others! Pick who you wish to experience ‘the power of other people’s giving.’ Be that power for them. The deepest smile is enjoyed by those who are ‘the power of other people’s giving.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">3. <b>As Yourself </b>… Jesus expects his followers to love their neighbor as themself. If you have / had a need, what would you do to help you? Do that to help your neighbor! Not complicated, just different. Engage a new benchmark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">4. <b>God First </b>… I invite you to chase God. My experience is as we chase God we discover God has already found us. God is loving us before and beyond our knowing. I invite you to respond to the inspiration of God’s love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">5. <b>Unconditional Love</b> … Matthew 22:35-40 Jesus expects us to love our neighbor as ourself. We can pick our neighborhood but not our neighbor. If we cannot choose our “neighbor” and we are expected to love them as we love ourself, is not this a start to unconditional love? See #4 … God loves us unconditionally first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">6. <b>Radical Hospitality</b> … Following the Great Commandment by exercising the Power of Other People’s Giving is a path to radical hospitality. To be known for our love is to be a host regardless the guest. Even if you never invite someone to church, if you practice this behavior with each visitor (person whose name you do not know) you will be transformed by God’s love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">7. <b>Reflective Authenticity</b> … One way I hear this is “I don’t give a sh_t!” To my soul those words sound like a cry for help? attention? absolution? So close are two sides of a coin. What if we were true to ourself? In the presence of others, what if we did not put on airs rather behaved as we feel is true to our self? Reflect upon who God made you to be and then be that person. Words like integrity, honesty, and authenticity come to mind. As do words such as forgiven, loved, accepted, embraced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The power of other people’s giving can transform. Christian community is gathered for this purpose. </span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-26234971010121059592017-03-29T22:02:00.002-05:002017-03-29T22:02:59.131-05:00Lenten Journey ... Ash Wednesday<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">March 1, 2017<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Ash Wednesday</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Psalm 51:1-17</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“O, Thou that doth all things devise</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And fashon fer the best,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He’p us who sees with mortul eyes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To overlook the rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They’s times, of course, we grope in doubt,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And in afflictions sore;</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So knock the louder, Lord, without</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And we’ll unlock the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make us to feel, when times looks bad</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And tears in pitty melts,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thou wast the only he’p we had</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When they was nothin’ else.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 7.3px; line-height: normal;"><sup>1</sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Knowing when and how to be vulnerable is an invaluable skill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our social media images are so carefully crafted. Projections of something we wish to be rather than who we actually are. It is in prayer with our Lord that we can show our broken spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we sacrifice the teflon image of our homemade public projection, we invite God to work with the brokenness that too often haunts us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then we are blessed, as our friend Mr. Riley writes, to feel God is the “he’p” we have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Prayer</b>: Dear Lord, On Ash Wednesday, we mark ourselves with the dust of this world out of desire to reveal to our humble hope for God’s love and mercy. May your Holy Spirit gently renew and restore all that is broken within us so that we can sing your praises anew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">~ Dr. James R. Brooks, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Lead Minister</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 6.7px; line-height: normal;"><sup>1</sup></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> “A Hymb of Faith”, by James Whitcomb Riley, </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Neghborly Poems</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Bowen-Merrill Co, Indianapolis, IN, 1891.</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-46450535790264892512017-01-18T22:08:00.004-06:002017-01-18T22:08:29.456-06:00What is Christian Worship? A Reflection . . .<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">by Dr. James R. Brooks<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>January 18, 2016</b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our college students have returned to school. Do you remember the experience of those students coming home for the holidays? Maybe you were a military personnel on leave visiting your parents? Maybe you were out of town relatives visiting the old homestead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For many, that experience includes a growing pile of dirty laundry. Laundry brought home already dirty and expecting to be washed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For many, that experience includes a shrinking pantry. Young people and their appetites! Especially for the treats parents will buy that they may not purchase for themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For many, that experience includes chaos. Empty nest routines tossed asunder. Boundless energy and late nights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For many, that experience of exhaustion is redeemed by the profound love, deep stress-free slumber, and renewal of relationships.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sound familiar? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christian Worship is similar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are invited to bring all our dirty laundry to the table of the Lord and leave it. We are expected to leave our laundry to be washed by our Lord as he washed his disciples feet that precious night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are invited to bring our appetite and to eat all the food God provides. It is a feast! In worship our soul is sustained by experiencing God’s Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are invited to bring our chaos. We bring our hangries and hopes, dreams and dreads, celebrations and concerns. In worship, we can meet Jesus who calmed the waves that rocked the boat. Jesus who made wine for the wedding at Cana.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Worshipping Jesus is to bring our praise and thanksgiving as we seek his presence in our lives. Worship can be an experience of bring redeemed by profound love, deep stress-free praise, and renewal of relationship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No need to RSVP … walk-ins welcome to the open table of the Lord.</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-82167412751086723222016-12-15T22:47:00.003-06:002016-12-15T22:47:24.419-06:00Home and Hearth<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">These words are part of the vocabulary of Christmas.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">“Home” is that place of welcome, grace and mercy.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">“Hearth” is that place of permanence, steady, constant. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">However, “Christmas” is about all things change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Christmas is full of change, transformation, restoration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Christmas is about a specific change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The shepherds were driven from the field by dramatic visions cast by angels. These shepherds returned to their fields proclaiming faith in God in a new and surprising way. What a dramatic change for very earthy shepherds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The wise men followed a star, chatted with a political leader, and knelt at a crib. If only we could read their reflection. As does the star, their journey appears to have started one way and concluded another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As you prepare for Christ’s birth, what change has accrued? More reflective upon your relation with you needy neighbor? More aware of your own need? More excited about God’s work in your life, relationships, worship?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Change does not equal quilt or shame. Let us be clear on this account. We need change in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Best to focus upon the positive outcome of that relationship. To focus on the negative is to drown all hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus was born among us because Jesus had hope. God will make perfect our relationship with God and others. Because of the change caused by God, we can celebrate the change we seek in our own lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Dr. Brooks</span></div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-39971837026026269992016-12-02T13:26:00.001-06:002016-12-02T13:26:55.048-06:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Why Christmas Cards? Baker’s Dozen Reasons!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2. Perfect way to witness to your faith by purchasing the Madonna and child stamps, and keep your friendly postal worker employed by purchasing the Madonna and child stamps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">3. Perfect way to brag about your kid(s) in a pre-social media sort of way. Christmas is about tradition, yes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">4. Perfect reason to review the year’s worth of digital pictures to create a Christmas letter. Talk about counting blessings! Never had so many when I had to pay somebody to develop film!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">5. Perfect reason to practice signing your name, since we no longer write checks or pen a letter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">6. Perfect time to remember those who would be receiving a card but have gone on to Heaven. Sad, but what joyous memories we have of these most beautiful people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">7. Perfect time to re-learn how to make your printer place addresses on odd sized envelopes because who is going to actually hand write all those addresses?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">8. Perfect time to show off your crafty side with hand-made cards. Sorry to disppoint. I will not be showing off this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">9. Perfect time to cull your list of people who don’t make the “Christmas Card List” which is way easier than dealing with my friend list on facebook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">10. Perfect way to discover who really thinks you are worth a stamp … uh or the time and the cost of cards, envelopes, letter, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">11. Perfect way to keep yourself in the WILL of long lost relatives with big bucks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">12. Perfect way to prove that trees are a renewable resource, and so is glitter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">13. Perfect way to spread Christmas cheer to make Santa’s sleigh fly, because we all want gifts! </span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-88868499123565085692016-09-28T15:49:00.000-05:002016-09-28T15:49:03.415-05:00Baggage Sermon Series Summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b> </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">(Luke 10:1-24)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>by Dr. James R. Brooks, Lead Minister</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>[reflection on our 3 week sermon series that concluded last Sunday]</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 7px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">We all have too much baggage! We want a fix more fine than simply set it aside and leave it all behind. Jesus’ hopes and dreams for you are that you travel light and live free!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus sends out the 70 followers with instructions to leave behind the baggage we might want. Rather, they are to take the very best of their relationship with Jesus … sharing the peace and experiencing “the kingdom of God coming near to you” with those they share life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They return with stories of joy! Jesus then reminds them to rejoice more that they are remembered in heaven than that they have accomplished much on earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The more we pack our bag with the best of our relationship with Jesus, the more joy we find on our journey in this world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The more wisely we chose with whom to unpack our baggage, especially our painful broken luggage, the easier to experience the Kingdom of God come near us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The more we trust in Jesus’ teaching and care, the less “other” baggage we will need on our journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our birth and death are frames for our life on earth. What beautiful pictures of journey will be held by these frames? Even more, cherish the pictures that image the Kingdom of God come near to you today.</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-1141588234514246252016-09-15T22:48:00.004-05:002016-09-15T22:48:31.025-05:00Why Your Presidential Election Does Not Matter<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Rev. Dr. James R. Brooks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When I accepted my call to ministry, I did not at that time believe it was a call to serve the St Louis Metro area. A child of Indiana and a student of Australia and Kentucky, I am surprised that I have been called to 20 years of my ministry in the St Louis area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In that time, I have become a defender of St Louis. Early in my ministry, I officiated a wedding in the club where Lindberg negotiated the financing of his flight over the Atlantic. Now I mourn St Louis place it the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I note the change in governance from elected officials to corporate boards.</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Like the losses of McDonnell Douglas, Trans World Airlines, Anheuser-Busch and Ralston Purina, the Monsanto deal eliminates yet another headquarters for a market leader that gave the St. Louis region recognition across the world.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">By Jacob Barker St. Louis Post-Dispatch</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>St Louis was the gateway to the west, symbolized by the Arch. Now it is a bellwether to the world of a change.</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Once upon a time, the church was the queen of the sciences and the leader of peoples. The church has undergone the change wrought by the Enlightenment and now by the Post-Modern movement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The church gave way to the “Nation State” as the leader of peoples. From empires like Great Britain to democracies like the USA, nation states ruled the land after 1500 AD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Five hundred years later, we witness the ascendancy of global corporations as the leaders of people. I thank the late Phylis Tickle for the timeline.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- To be among the wealthiest of people implies global economic prowess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- Local unions buckle beneath the weight of global corporations with a constantly shifting and cheap workforce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- Global corporations that are “too big to fail” within a singular nation state.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is too late to fear the change already among us. For the faithful Christian, the question becomes how we can be “the Kingdom of God has come near you today” as stated in Luke 10. Or how can we fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment from the Gospels in the contemporary context.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is too late to hit the brakes or to shift the car in reverse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is time, as it was in the book of Jeremiah, to ask how to be faithful in the current context. The more quickly we engage that question, the more quickly we can share the Good New of Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-40712408218332526932016-07-27T23:17:00.000-05:002016-07-27T23:17:15.184-05:00Reflections on 49<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUsCCO1VqyJn1cWBtZlnM8_bDemkOrdfRn-rMyyWGWcK3Sek4A5nFzV5ZVSCxa2_BF3oS1Wge7KXthudfPl3LpF3s2xABH4oVTJuv1CadZQST5_XU6WDK-7yVOvxakNvQuS9bmg/s1600/JRB+newborn+1967.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUsCCO1VqyJn1cWBtZlnM8_bDemkOrdfRn-rMyyWGWcK3Sek4A5nFzV5ZVSCxa2_BF3oS1Wge7KXthudfPl3LpF3s2xABH4oVTJuv1CadZQST5_XU6WDK-7yVOvxakNvQuS9bmg/s200/JRB+newborn+1967.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 weeks old, 1967</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">It was a Friday, the day of my birth.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">What a way to start a weekend for my parents. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have some reflections as I prepare to celebrate my 49th birthday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In general, I have not treated people as special as I have felt treated throughout my life. If I were to ponder why I would name a degree of being shy, stretched, and selfish. I am thankful and blessed to be treated as I have been by my family and friends and the faith communities I have served. Even more, I am blessed by how much I am loved by God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I laugh more than I cry, and I love to see other people laugh. Maybe because I know when what I did is now a joke, I’ve been forgiven. Maybe because you all look so much better when you laugh. Regardless, I count this as a blessing and I contribute it to my family, my church and God. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hYoTKJB5vvoH-jhalPkmTzxjEJvZjVtR0Rl3TGPB5ZaOJbXWu-Z5VOZOD5Ung8OlLgVA4immo6jfDwpuHIoX2O9SoOUIK4JVITtHyeLc15CUBUsXIO-nQtEfIqOyf1CkZUZjVQ/s1600/JRB+first+bday+1968.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hYoTKJB5vvoH-jhalPkmTzxjEJvZjVtR0Rl3TGPB5ZaOJbXWu-Z5VOZOD5Ung8OlLgVA4immo6jfDwpuHIoX2O9SoOUIK4JVITtHyeLc15CUBUsXIO-nQtEfIqOyf1CkZUZjVQ/s200/JRB+first+bday+1968.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">first birthday, 1968</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It turns out the “ugly duckling” story is true. Pretty much felt like one of those not so handsome ducks in language arts throughout public school. Though not a grammar guru, I have found a love for language. Can you guess I thank my family, church and God for this? Now for the image in the mirror. . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hope is real. I’ve always been encouraged to reach out and to grow. Sometimes I fell. In both my success and my failure, I experienced the reality of hope. It is so much more than optimism. Guess who gave me that gift.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMURhHrSLpisYNAfeOwMMhQYs41eBtK6MY0QH9-sx48uTs8Dkttp5RHgdWjeojxek_4nhg5W8lmwKvK3hFY5YRlKVes9PszFy7LcO1ptg9D-VCy5Y3uHPSOhN1YffB4hiFWssniQ/s1600/JRB+age+two+1969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMURhHrSLpisYNAfeOwMMhQYs41eBtK6MY0QH9-sx48uTs8Dkttp5RHgdWjeojxek_4nhg5W8lmwKvK3hFY5YRlKVes9PszFy7LcO1ptg9D-VCy5Y3uHPSOhN1YffB4hiFWssniQ/s200/JRB+age+two+1969.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Dutchess, Aug 1969</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I near the mid-point of my life, I am thankful for so very much. Even more, I am inspired by what lies ahead. It is going to be amazing! That you and I are invited to participate in the future is one of our most cherished opportunities given by God. I am especially excited about sharing the future with my son as I watch him become a man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’ll turn 50 on a Friday. I’m guessing that will be a fun weekend. </span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-23354348261383199092016-06-30T08:30:00.003-05:002016-06-30T08:30:59.232-05:00SummerTime Sabbath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvftBUacM1xZbAUKmwbAc-p0B9ixO5cjOl5B8OM84IQMLUdjjUuXlp2kwLkiMfLvqJ7NLNFttC6MJhxh3kLUQoyFqCW40veS8ECijn80btY6KEYmVgXPtXyPf8v8uvzn7-89CAWw/s1600/IMG_2568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvftBUacM1xZbAUKmwbAc-p0B9ixO5cjOl5B8OM84IQMLUdjjUuXlp2kwLkiMfLvqJ7NLNFttC6MJhxh3kLUQoyFqCW40veS8ECijn80btY6KEYmVgXPtXyPf8v8uvzn7-89CAWw/s200/IMG_2568.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">by Dr. James R. Brooks, Lead Minister</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Summertime! Summertime! What renews your soul? Is it a hobby, a sporting event, a sandy beach?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I want to thank the congregation for the vacation time that my son and I have enjoyed. I write this as he and I prepare to head east to visit Norfolk Naval Station, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Mt. Vernon, Fredericksburg battlefield, and more. Most of all is this time of recreation with my son when more commonly he and I are sharing the daily routines of school, church, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God has given us many ways to celebrate the sabbath. Sabbath is a time set aside for renewal. Farmers will leave a field fallow for a season to renew it. We organized our church to give church leaders periodic seasons of rest. <b>The most important key to sabbath is renewing the most important relationships we share … our relationship with God and those we love. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sundays are our most corporate celebration of sabbath, as we celebrate the reconciling love of Jesus in communion. Daily, we have an opportunity to pause for renewing time with God. Vacations are one more opportunity “be” outside our work-a-day world and “be” with God in new ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you wish to attend church while traveling for work or business, contact the church office. We can help you find the closest Disciple congregation to your destination.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I look forward to tracking some sand back with with me.</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-51983949350137253172016-06-15T13:13:00.001-05:002016-06-15T13:13:22.724-05:00Reflecting on 15 Years of Shared Ministry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">by Dr. Brooks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On June 12th, 2016, I celebrated 15 years of ministry with you. I am reminded of this by my son who was born 3 days after my first sermon at FCCE. I am inspired by the ministry we share together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In 2001, our budget was $110,000.00 & now it is $330,000.00. In 2001, we had a staff of 3 & today we have a staff of 10. In 2001, insurance cost us $4,500.00 & now it costs over $12,000.00. We have invested over $500,000.00 in our facility and land to provide for present and future generations. We have given our staff at least a cost of living increase every year, including those years of the latest recession. We have tithed to needs beyond our threshold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We birthed the contemporary worship service. As a congregation we took the risk to raise money over and above the budget to fund the new worship service, to remodel our fellowship hall, and to change our Sunday morning schedule. This leap of faith lead to passing the faith to another generation, just as we prayed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our traditional worshipping community has continued to be a rich liturgical experience. This worship opportunity continues to serve a valued portion of the congregation from before my arrival to today and into the future. We are blessed by this worship style!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Together, we have hosted 5 student ministers, sponsored 3 people for ordination, sponsored 2 people for commissioned ministry and have created our first full-time Associate Minister position on staff. We did this regardless of orientation, race or gender for the table of the Lord is that radically open. These are important ministries of developing leaders for the church universal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In 2001, our ministry to minors could be counted on one hand. This year we chartered a bus to take 31 youth & sponsors to camp. We are about to birth a JYF for youth 5th grade and younger to compliment our existing dynamic weekly youth ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We created the E-Event! For 3 years, we hosted a 1 day gathering focused on evangelism. We gathered over 100 people from 25 congregations, from multiple denominations, to strengthen efforts to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We have shared our blessing of facility. Over 15 outside groups use our facility each year. We have hosted gatherings focused on closing the gaps in our community’s social safety network. This in the midst of our own ministries who make increasingly higher demands upon our facility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We have consistently celebrated 10% of our worshipping community joining our church each year. This made us vibrant as we mourn the loss of cherished members. The new members have diversified who we are making us more like the local community we serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In the midst of our shared ministry, I am raising my son, Joseph. I obtained my doctoral degree. I have served on a multitude of regional & general church ministries representing our congregation. I have served as the chaplain for the Edwardsville Police Department since 2005.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">More than all this, we have worshipped Jesus Christ and we have shared the faith with our brothers & sisters near and far. We have seen lives & relationships transformed. For this, I am most thankful to serve with you. May God bless us in the years to come!</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-22483151963719864262016-06-04T00:14:00.000-05:002016-06-04T00:14:00.642-05:00Lightning Bug Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">by Dr. James R. Brooks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I took the dog for his last walk before bedtime, we approached the lower field on my parent’s property. A piece of land in the country neighborhood where I roamed with friends as a children. The field was a fire with lightning bugs. Acres of blinking lights from the fluorescent insects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As the dog and I stood in the dark, I was in awe of God’s creation both in the memory of my youth and in the blinking lights of the present. A moonless night caused by cloud cover. The damp of spring rains reign in the air.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lightning bugs are a symbol of God’s blessings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes, you can catch a blessing if you try. Yes, you can ruin a blessing by squashing it barehanded or plowing through it with a windshield. Yes, you can allow it to light the night of your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seemingly a million blinking insects fill the field beyond the scope of my peripheral vision. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is awesome to see these little lights that both fill the night and yet barely glow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Individually they are so easily a smear on the glass. Collectively they are undeniable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I allow myself to wallow in the light of this mystery of evolution. That such chemical braggadocio should evolve in such a slight creation. Definitely a bug of the moment, celebrating God with no fear of the future or the winged predator aiming upon the light.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Were that field my life, would not I count as many blessings as I did lightning bugs tonight?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Beyond my scope, within my grasp, motivating my morning with the awe of this evening?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>May the lightning bug be a symbol of the cross? So fragile incarnate yet so fluorescent divine?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be kind to the lightning bug you collect. It is your blessing.</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-68478668038984872212016-05-11T14:41:00.001-05:002016-05-11T14:41:12.659-05:00Graduations<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Cue “Pomp & Circumstance”, usher in the graduates!</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">It is time to celebrate those among us who are graduating.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">As we dream of their bright futures, I have one question:</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When did it begin, the journey toward graduation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Freshman year? 1st grade? Pre-school? When you read your child that first book?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Most of us would agree that the most successful students benefited from parents who launch their child on this journey at an early age and walked with them each step of the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>At FCCE, we are called</b> to pass on the faith from generation to generation and to grow deep the faith of each person. We are called to nurture the relationship with Jesus Christ to as many as possible and as meaningfully as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Most of us would agree that this very calling leads us to think similarly about the faith journey as we do about the educational journey. <i>The most successful Christians benefit from parents (a faith community) who launch their child on this journey at an early age and walk with them each step of the way.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Special in our relationship with Jesus, starting today is just right regardless your age. The book we hope is read to you and or by you is the Bible first of all. FCCE wants to be the faith community that walks with you each step of the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Parents, I hope that as you cherish each memory … first step, first day of school, first solo drive in the car, etc … that your memories are joyous and include the love of Jesus Christ. Children (all of us in some way), I hope that you are thankful for those who have been “parent” or “community” and especially for Jesus who loves you deeply. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Move the tassel over and toss those hats in the air!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">by Dr. James R. Brooks</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-83537781032255490052016-04-20T22:51:00.002-05:002016-04-20T22:51:15.608-05:00Keep Your Eye on the Ball: HOPE<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Keep Your Eye on the Ball: HOPE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I want you to dominate the game of life so I say you must focus on the correct point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ever play baseball? If so, you know this saying … Keep your eye on the ball. It is exceedingly hard to hit or to catch unless you keep your eye on the ball. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How is your 401k? Playing the penny stocks? Mutual funds? Each friend has a new strategy, yes? Focus seems to be a key, yes? Focus on the correct points is integral to success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have coached sports teams and entrepreneurs. All require special focus to succeed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I was a young boy, my Dad and I were playing catch in the front yard. The conclusion of one exchange was the hard dirty baseball landing square on my eye. I have no scar. I do have a greater appreciate for focus. Dad threw the ball well. Had I focus, my glove would have protected my eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Bible is an amazing source of opportunity for you and I to dominate the game of life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If we read it with proper focus. The story of the Garden of Eden is a prime example.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Too often, we read the garden story with a terrible focus on self. We obsess about the apple and Adam and Eve. We worry about our relationship with the serpent. ETC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I believe we were meant to focus upon the choices made by God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take a moment to re-read that story with a focus on what God is doing. Please ignore what our human brother and sister do. Genesis 2:4-3:24</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>[PAUSE]</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes it is difficult to ignore Adam and Eve. They make so many terrible choices. I can name at least 5 opportunities to do the right thing and they do the wrong thing. From talking to the serpent to hiding from God, they perpetuate the mistake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What of God’s choices? In the face of Adam and Eve’s terrible decision making, what does God do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God loves them. God searches for them until God finds them. God forgives them. God provides for them. God makes them clothes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At every turn, God is doing everything to make right the relationship between God and God’s people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I want you to dominate the game of life so I say you must focus on the correct point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God is the correct point of focus for you. Regardless your right or wrong choices, God is the correct focal point. Regardless your benefit / suffering from other’s choices, God is the correct focal point. Regardless the unfair nature of life, God is the correct focal point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God made you, named you good, and sent God’s only Son to die so that you can live forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Focus … it is key to your success.</span></div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-59467933629912538962016-04-15T20:51:00.001-05:002016-04-15T20:51:19.063-05:00How to Pray for Hopes and Dreams<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHREkbxSHtPRY46a_dmTilbpb9Ml2MCR5dS3NuAYvW3zNWL90ydGAl01euWszj3LQMIjGqjwwsBCFKJqP1V67oWbn_f4IcIo7Nyc0Or7fK8sEirnqz5Z7TG-a_qL-CZk79QjBhw/s1600/2be4c0b1837c4654bb70f04484b17e12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHREkbxSHtPRY46a_dmTilbpb9Ml2MCR5dS3NuAYvW3zNWL90ydGAl01euWszj3LQMIjGqjwwsBCFKJqP1V67oWbn_f4IcIo7Nyc0Or7fK8sEirnqz5Z7TG-a_qL-CZk79QjBhw/s320/2be4c0b1837c4654bb70f04484b17e12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,<br /> the conviction of things not seen." ~ Hebrews 11:1</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Do you pray?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you pray about your hopes and dreams? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How does that prayer sound?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let us name something up front. Not everyone has hopes and dreams. Too long is the list of dead ends preventing some from having them. That is a different, necessary, discussion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have amazing hopes and outstanding dreams! I want my son to grow up to be strong and wise and to love God. I want the church I serve to be vibrant in its worship of God and service to neighbor. I want to live in Christian community that cherishes the ancient, thrives in the present and celebrates a radically open table of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to be remembered well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Does any of that resonate to you? In the midst of the list are my extended family, my friends, classmates, and so many more. I want to name that to have hopes and dreams is to have the opportunity to be thankful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you pray? If so, do you pray about your hopes and dreams? How does that prayer sound?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I WANT BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH………”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Typically, that is how mine sounds. You?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:1-4</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus taught us to prayer for our daily bread. It is in the Lord’s Prayer. “Give us . . .” Jesus taught us to pray for God to intercede in our lives … “protect us from evil” Jesus taught us more than this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve been blessed with some miraculous mentors. Their lives are a witness to me. Here are things I have learned from observing my mentors . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hopes and Dreams become a reality when our lives are in harmony with God’s hopes and dreams more so than when we ask God to bless our hopes and dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A second thing I learned from my mentors . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God’s hopes and dreams for me and mine are more beautiful than my own hopes and dreams. God dreams larger than we do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How does it sound to pray for our lives to be in harmony with God’s hopes and dreams for us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Simple! “God, may your dreams for me be my dreams and may they become reality.”</span></div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-2467683753477851042016-03-22T22:46:00.000-05:002016-03-22T22:46:17.208-05:00Who would you invite to your last meal?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><b>I simply love my faith tradition!</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><b> </b> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">Especially the emphasis on communion!</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">However, you know what happens to those things we hold so dear.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">We ritualize them.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">Practicality takes over.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">How fast can we get how many to celebrate the most important thing?</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">Hours can be spent devising the travel patterns of deacons with trays of communion elements.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">Industrial engineers would marvel at the equipment provided for the preparation of communion trays. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you are re-using communion juice to the point of scraping mold from the top, you may have gone over board.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What was that last supper like? We are approaching Maundy Thursday. The night that Jesus shared his last dinner with his disciples. Before we explore that night, let me ask . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you were to share your last meal with your best friends and family, how would you do it? What would be important?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>White bread and Welches grape juice? That your priority? Or would you work with whatever your friends and family brought to the table because they are the priority?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reading the Gospels, the good news of Jesus Christ, trying to see that night through Jesus’ eyes … the mechanics of the meal pale in the face of that which is truly important.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This meal is only important because Jesus had shared 3 years worth of meals with these men and women. Sharing a meal was part of their shared history. What would be important at your last meal? Share history?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I encourage you to read back through the gospels. How many times does Jesus share a meal with people? Or teach about how a meal should be shared? Jesus used meal time as a teaching tool because it is part of all our shared history. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Meal time was an opportunity to share the values of the kingdom of God.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ever watch a prison meal? The off arm hooked around the tray to protect the food from aggressors. The barter system of trading food items. No grace. No mercy. No love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A meal in the kingdom of God is noteworthy! Often Jesus invites the outcast to the table. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">(Zacchaeus: Luke 19:1-10)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Jesus encourages us to be humble at the meal time rather than attempt to take the seat of honor. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">(Luke 14)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> So many lessons at the meal time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our Lord wishes this of our meal time . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ that it be open to all</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ that it be shared so as to point everyone to God</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ that it be shared so as to provide opportunity for reconciliation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ that we remember Jesus and his life, death and resurrection until he returns</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I read the Bible, I see no limits on these four points. These four corners of the table are to be lived to the extremes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus shared his last meal with a man who betrayed him into torture and death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus shared his last meal with a man who denied him 3 times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus shared his last meal with a gathering of people who mostly abandoned him on the cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus shared his last meal with the future leaders of the Christian community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus shared his last meal with those who gave their lives because they believed in Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Would your last meal be as noble as Jesus? Jesus invites you to his meal. Do you invite Jesus to your meal?</span></div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-23418368253129954612016-01-11T22:17:00.004-06:002016-01-11T22:17:40.769-06:00More Fun than PowerBall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Have you purchased your ticket?</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">For only $2.00 you could be the winner of $1,300,000,000.00!!</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Imagine it! </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We each have a “bucket list” and “lottery list”, yes? What is your “lottery list?” I know mine. After I pay off debt, I like to day dream about those I could help. Family, congregations, schools, etc. Sort of a pass it along experience. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A common question for lottery winners (all of us yes) is if you will quit your job?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will you?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before you give the knee-jerk response of . . . ponder the question with me . . .</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If we quit our job after winning the lottery, we are making a statement. We are stating that what we do for a living is less worthy than $1.3 billion. I sense you might find that statement to be true.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>What you are doing for a living, you are giving your life. </b> </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cut to the chase, you are priceless. Many have given their lives so that you could have the life you enjoy. Your parents, we hope, have sacrificed for you. Multiple adults have attempted to make your life better such as teachers and preachers. Jesus died so that you could have life eternal. Cut to the chase, you are priceless. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Priceless is more than $1.3 billion. Don’t have a pot to piss in (pardon the vernacular) you are priceless. Make every wrong choice, you are priceless. Make every right choice, enjoy a story book life, you are priceless. Still reading this blog, you are priceless. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Okay - maybe you would still be fine quitting your job after you win the lottery. I get it. Sometimes what we do is provide for us and ours. It is always a blessing when we can provide for us and ours. Those for whom you provide are truly thankful for the sacrifice you make on their behalf. It is all good.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let me ask another way . . . what if you could do something that you would not quit even if offered $1.3 billion? What would that be?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You know where this is going … it is a new year. Why not do that thing which you find worth more than $1.3 billion? <b>You are priceless which means your service to others is priceless.</b> Nobody can afford to pay you for your service, done in love, to another human being. If you do that service in the name of Jesus, you just multiplied that value. You are amazing!</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Please let me know what that thing is which you find more rewarding than the lottery. It would be a blessing to me to hear from you!</div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-46272818619976236532015-12-24T22:56:00.000-06:002015-12-24T22:56:14.185-06:00Skipping Away From the Nativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The strains of “Go Tell It On the Mountain” were still echoing in my mind’s ear as I stood alone in the sanctuary.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The building was empty.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I was returning to the darkened room of pews to retrieve my preaching Bible.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Pausing to ponder in the space so recently filled with God’s children, it was all so much.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So much worship . . . We conclude Christmas Eve worship with a circle of light, people holding candles shining into the darkness. Though we regularly spill into the narthex, tonight we had two circles reaching into the narthex and beyond. Watching the folding chairs being set up was inspiring.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So much worship . . . The leadership of our music ministries was excellent. A reflection upon a year of powerful ministry by each of our music ministries. Our worship leaders lead us to the nativity as we hoped.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So much ministry this year . . . The calendar year began with our congregation purchasing adjacent property. Thankfully we paved that new parking area and connected it to our own for we used it well tonight. The calendar year concluded with our congregation adding a full time Associate Minister to our staff. More than a sign of strength, it was a step of faith in the vision God has for our ministry. The middle moments of the calendar year were equally dynamic and too numerous to share in detail here.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All these reflections and more were flooding my soul as my gaze traveled to the “Dove” window in our sanctuary. It is a beautiful window of color and grace. Perfectly positioned above our baptistry, portraying the descending dove as we baptize the faithful. When the sky is dark and the sanctuary as well, the exterior flood light shines upon this window. The blues and golds that surround the dove remain dark. The dove becomes a brilliant white … light in the darkness.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Light in the darkness that provides perspective. My soul was overflowing with joy. The light gave perspective to my joy. God is the source of our joy. When we worship with our brothers and sisters of faith, we can find ourselves overflowing with joy. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For me, it results in rambling attempts to articulate. I want to tell of the times I have witnessed God doing miracles in the midst of messes. I want to tell of the lives transformed by Jesus’ church. I want to tell the stories of our ancestors and our youth. Thankfully I serve a diverse church with more gifts than only story telling. They get mission done and it changes people.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A new year is just around the corner. I am so excited about 2016 and the ministry we will share. Even more, I stood in the empty sanctuary daydreaming of what God will do to push us, surprise us, and save us between now and next Christmas. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Foreshadowing … this week I received a box from Ohio with contents inspired by one of our ministries. The sender wanted to contribute. I cannot wait to tell this story to those who serve in that ministry and thank God for helping them touch the lives of others, and with the sender touch the lives of many more.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-14509396244346707342015-11-05T18:50:00.003-06:002015-11-05T18:50:38.268-06:00Mrs. Lee’s Rose Garden: Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">by Dr. James R. Brooks</span></div>
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In <span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Mrs. Lee’s Rose Garden</span> (2015, Cider Mill Press Book Publishers), Carlo Devito provides a glimpse at the grandeur, guffaw, and grizzle of the Civil War. Surprisingly, Devito does not appear to be aware of the power in the story he shares for fails to seize upon it. Rather, Devito seems obsessed with Arlington which is in line with most of the characters he illumines. Maybe that is more true to the human experience of the war.</div>
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As I read this book whose pages turn quickly, I anticipated critique of the vengeful ways we vent our grief in the guise of justice. The taking of Arlington from its rightful owners is more in this vein than in that of the Lincoln intent to reconcile the warring sides. I hoped for a more complex discussion of justice brought down upon the sesscionists, especially their leadership, exemplified at Arlington. Even more, my patriotic and optimistic self desired a treatment of our ability to transform a symbol of the war’s brokenness into a solemn and sacred place of peace. A simple comparison to Gettysburg would have added depth to this book. Alas, I was left wanting.</div>
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To my surprise, it was quite enjoyable to read this tale as if I were standing in the rose garden. For those who have enjoyed a guided tour of our national parks, this book is as if you had more time to ask questions of a seasoned and learned docent. The history buff will be delighted with the backstory details so often missing from history texts. This is the strength of the book and the reason it was a joy to read to the end.</div>
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I do recommend this book. Thankful am I for having read it will make my next visit to Arlington more meaningful. Thankful for my Mother, who gave me the book with whom I share a love for history, especially the Civil War.</div>
James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-59144907102826413382015-10-29T10:59:00.003-05:002015-10-29T10:59:59.702-05:00Framed Thanksgiving<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">by Dr. James R. Brooks, Lead Minister</span></div>
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What is in a frame? </div>
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I invite you to survey the frames in your home and or workplace. What do you place in picture frames? </div>
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In my church office, you would find framed items from my ministry. Such as diplomas, ordination certificate, from churches I've served, including the bulletin from my first sermon. Some awards I've been blessed to receive are framed. One wall is given to a print of Matthias Grünewald's depiction</div>
<img align="right" alt="James" border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="149" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.75" src="http://files.ctctcdn.com/43976d8c201/f275b726-bd7d-44f4-962a-fabb86faf9b3.jpg" style="border: 1px dashed black;" vspace="5" width="100" /><span style="font-size: 9pt;">of the crucifixion. A wonderful piece created by my son joins a collection of family pictures.</span> </div>
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You will not find framed regret. Is this so of your framed items. Bittersweet are the images of loved ones lost. </div>
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I could not find a frame that held regret, or shame, or guilt, or sadness.</div>
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I believe God prefers it that way. To frame regret or guilt or the others could be to frustrate the work of forgiveness and reconciliation. Besides, what interior decorator would approve of us framing the links of Jacob Marley's chain <span style="font-size: 8pt;">(from A Christmas Carol)</span>.</div>
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How bright God's smile at the items you have framed. Items of hope and love and joy and peace. From the frame, these items witness to us of God's glory and grace.</div>
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Framing these items reminds us of God's blessings. The framing provides the opportunity to share the witness with others. I image there is at least one frame ready to help you tell others about your experience of Jesus. Telling a grandchild of the joy when you had their parent as a baby? Sharing with a co-worker how blessed you were the day you married your spouse? What story would you tell?</div>
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What is in a frame? Our Thanksgivings made real before our eyes.</div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302125.post-65978504963521189492015-10-18T00:53:00.003-05:002015-10-18T00:53:31.180-05:00Power of Your Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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by Dr. James R. Brooks</div>
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<b>What is the power of your voice?</b></h2>
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More than you may know, thus be thoughtful in your speech.</div>
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We may ask, what difference do the words of a stranger make upon the lives of others? or our own?</div>
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It is a 40 minute drive from my house to the wedding reception for the amazing couple. Earlier in the afternoon, my son and I were at the wedding. I had the honor to participate in the martial ceremony. This couple and their families are dear to us. </div>
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My arrival late is a distress to me. Distressed am I to dare disappoint any to whom I have given my word of arrival. Distressed due to the drama of the events of my leaving the launching point of my journey. All driven to a point when I arrive at the gate to the parking lot where $20 is demanded of me to rest my car in a space.</div>
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Honestly, I was thankful that I had four $5 to hand over. I would not have to search for an ATM. I had enough to pay the bill. Honestly, I was thankful and willing to hand it over as I stuck it out my hand to the attendant.</div>
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Was it the wedding gift she noticed on the passenger seat? She asked if I arrived for the wedding. Did she see the distress on my face? Her hand reached out for the requisite monetary deposit. </div>
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I nodded “yes” and verbalized the same. I was there for a wedding. With a smile of one bending the rules, she waved me in and withdrew her hand. My car came to rest in a space with the four $5s still in my hand.</div>
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With a pause, I gave thanks to God for this blessing that brought joy into my world. A world that had been beaten with chaos and controversy. </div>
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A joyful moment that I spent with my saviour, Jesus Christ.</div>
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I thank my friend Amy for the reminder. Blessings have been on my mind this week. </div>
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More than once this week have I felt such blessings upon my life. Especially in the face of the thorns of a chaotic and broken world. These other stories are seemingly too tender to tell today.</div>
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What difference does your voice make in the life of a stranger? My story may sound trite. I assure you that it is nothing of the kind. The power of the moment I shared transformed me. It saved me from chagrin and collapse.</div>
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Your voice has power. You can chose to witness to the love of Jesus Christ. You can choose to change the life of another with your word and your deed.</div>
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James Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173868945171105162noreply@blogger.com0