Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Life is Good

Here I am sitting in a nice soft chair looking at the sunrise through a large plate glass window. The clouds are covering the sun but the view is still great. So is the music and the atmosphere. I'm enjoying a great cup of coffee while I'm waiting for the stock market to open. The internet is fast and the morning is very relaxing. Yes folks, I'm at Starbucks. It's not alway all about the coffee.

I have two appointments today, so far. I'm prepping myself for the day. I've had a good night's sleep, which was badly needed, and my mind is clear today. Life is good!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Greatest Preacher

The greatest preacher I have know is.... I don't know his name. Well, yes, I do know Jesus but he is God. I am thinking of someone contemporary and I just met them. Yes, them! Well, I didn't actually meet them, I saw them on TV. I don't know their names..... they are Mennonites. Here is why I think they are the greatest preachers.

I'm sure you all remember Hurricane Katrina that slammed into New Orleans five years ago. Well, the Mennonites have sent hundreds of workers there to help rebuild homes that had been destroyed. Today they are still sending hundreds of workers. They are still rebuilding houses. On the news I saw several women in their skirts installing metal roofs on homes. Drills in hands, bent over they were bent over installing the screws that held the roofs securely.

These servants of Christ might be old fashioned in their dress and in their speech. But their tools were modern and their love of Christ is current. The news reporter asked them their names and they refused to give them. They did not like the attention and the publicity. Their attitude is that they are servants of Christ serving their fellow man in humility. There was none of...."look at me folks! see what I'm doing for Jesus!" They were just simply loving their neighbor in a meaningful and tangible way. And their sermon was strong.

Recipients of their labors of love were impressed. They did not know the names of the people who worked on their homes but they were amazed at their commitment.

I often think of how we build up individuals who do something for God. Even when we do something for God we tend to want to be recognized. This has always bothered me. I believe our true reward will be when we stand before God, Himself and give account of our lives. Of course, He will already know.

I really don't care to hear who did what, who sacrificed this or that, or who gave X amount of money. I do care about what I do, but I don't need it advertised. Recognition makes me uncomfortable. I really want my reward to come from God.

So the greatest preacher I have heard about in recent times is these unnamed Mennonites who are humbly serving the God they love without recognition or fanfare.

Friends to the Homeless

There are certain places that are friends to the homeless. They are friends whether they choose to be or not. I know. I see what is happening.

In early morning I am often at a McDonald's or a Starbucks. I am one of the first customers in the morning. But almost always when I arrive there is some homeless person already there who has staked out his place where he can be warm and rest. They usually buy a coffee, but not always.
They usually try to find a place out of the sight of the workers so that they are not so noticeable. And they usually stay as long as they dare.

Only once have I seen one of these establishments ask them to leave, and that was with a homeless person that was a little disruptive. They are not allowed to sleep, though some of them do fall asleep. One man that visits my local Starbucks often falls asleep while standing.

The life of the homeless has to be harsh at times. These establishments have made it a little easier for them. These people have learned how to survive.

Pardon me while I drink coffee next to my homeless friend.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Hello Again

Yes, It's been a while since I've written anything. Aw shucks, huh? Well it's mostly because I didn't have anything worthy of writing. Well, I did, but just didn't get around to writing it basically because I was of the wrong frame of mind. I missed blogging, but, hey, I'm back.

I really don't know what direction my blog will take from here but I am afraid that my irony may show through. Hey, folks, that's just me. I'm not asking you to like me..... or my blogs. It's not my intention to make enemies.... or friends on this site. If you don't go to my funeral, well that's okay, too. I will never know. I'll let you off the hook now.

When I started this blog two days ago I thought I had something worthy to write about, but I got distracted and now I have forgotten. It couldn't have been too important. I'm sure none of you are like me, though.

Anyway, I'm happy that summer is on its way! When I first moved to Colorado I thought they forgot to have winter here. But now I'm spoiled and glad that this winter is finally coming to an end. If I was a skier I might think otherwise. I didn't buy my snow blower to actually blow snow, I got it to scare the snow away. I knew if I made that expensive investment I would probable never have to use it.... which is okay with me. Basically, the only reason it snows in Denver is so the car washes can have some business and to make you late for work.

Oh, did I mention the wildfires we're having? A couple of them are roaring now and it is only March. These are at Left Hand Canyon and at Golden. High winds are fanning the flames today. I hope no homes are destroyed.

Well, I've had my Starbucks and its time to go.

Have a great day!