Monday, September 26, 2011
2011.9.26 Monday Morning!
Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.
Today, I want to share a story about God's embracing grace and my young college friend, Bill.
Bill and two good friends from his dorm pooled their resources so they could tour Europe "on the cheap." They traveled light, slept in youth hostels, and enjoyed the unique characteristics of every country and village they passed through.
The amazing part of Bill's story didn't happen during a visit to the cathedral; it happened in a pub in Ireland. The thee young travelers were enjoying a meal in a quaint Irish pub when they heard a loud groan. At a nearby table a man struggled to heave himself out of his chair. They saw immediately he had only one leg. He reached for his crutch, but lost his balance and began to fall. Instantly his companion at the table jumped up and caught him.
The man with one leg muttered, "Thanks! I'm as crippled as a blind man."
His friend steadied him while replying, "Well now...come to think of it, who of us here isn't crippled?" A hush fell over the pub as the friend continued, "to lend each other a hand when we're falling is maybe the one kind of work that really matters in the end."
With love, peace and affectionate regards,
Richard
Monday, September 19, 2011
2011.9.19 Monday Morning!
In tennis "love" stands for zero, no score. According to ASK OXFORD, the use of the word "love" originated from the phrase "love of the game." Win or lose, tennis is played for the love of it.
In his definitive love chapter (1 Corinthians 13), Paul writes "love keeps no score of wrongs." Isn't that wonderful? Love is not a system of book keeping. Too many people keep a list of wrongs, imagined or real, and in a fit of anger unload the whole list on an unsuspecting spouse, family member or friend, none of whom realize that their words and actions were being documented.
Tension is part of every relationship, but tension can be good if it moves people into dialogue with one thoughts break open boundaries we may have placed on love.
We are not required to like everyone. We may disagree with one another, but genuine love keeps no score of wrongs. Play for the love of the game and live for the love of life.
Cheers and best wishes,
Richard
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Vinita Hornets Pot Luck Dinner Celebration!
Hello Everyone!
Here are some pictures that Jewell Morgan took at the "Hornet Potluck Dinner" On Sunday September 11th in celebration of the Vinita Hornets!
As always, Jewell, Thank You for the continuous stream of photos of our Church Life!
Hope you enjoy the Photographs!
Peace,
Brian
Monday, September 12, 2011
2011.9.12 Monday Morning!
Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.
After Jesus, perhaps the best known New Testament character is Peter. We think of him as a gregarious, outgoing man of action. He was out in front of the other disciples who accepted him as a leader. Yet, like all of us, Peter had his weaknesses.
The low point in his life came the night of Jesus' arrest when he denied knowing his Master. We might have done the same thing in similar circumstances. The instinct to survive is strong. There is no telling how a person will react in a critical situation.
Peter was only one among many Bible heroes to default. Moses became a fugitive on the run after he murdered an Egyptian and then fled the country. David was an adulterer and also an accessory to murder. The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, presided over a lynch mob.
We live in an imperfect world and no one is an angel. We live battered lives and we are often sorry for things we do and say, and, like Peter, Moses, David and Paul, we are given a second chance - all by the grace of God.
With blessings and in friendship,
Richard
After Jesus, perhaps the best known New Testament character is Peter. We think of him as a gregarious, outgoing man of action. He was out in front of the other disciples who accepted him as a leader. Yet, like all of us, Peter had his weaknesses.
The low point in his life came the night of Jesus' arrest when he denied knowing his Master. We might have done the same thing in similar circumstances. The instinct to survive is strong. There is no telling how a person will react in a critical situation.
Peter was only one among many Bible heroes to default. Moses became a fugitive on the run after he murdered an Egyptian and then fled the country. David was an adulterer and also an accessory to murder. The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, presided over a lynch mob.
We live in an imperfect world and no one is an angel. We live battered lives and we are often sorry for things we do and say, and, like Peter, Moses, David and Paul, we are given a second chance - all by the grace of God.
With blessings and in friendship,
Richard
Monday, September 5, 2011
2011.9.05 Monday Morning!
Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.
Since Brian Dishman, a son of Pilgrim Church, set up our BLOG I've received numerous messages, a few from strangers, more from "old time friends." It is always good (and encouraging) to get responses (favorable or unfavorable) to our MONDAY MORNING messages.
I had a good laugh reading the following, and I hope it will put a smile on your face, too.
A teenage boy had just gotten his driver's license and asked his Dad if they could discuss the use of the family car. His Dad said he'd make a deal. "You bring your grades from 'C' to 'B' average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut, and then we'll talk about the car"
The young man thought for a moment before deciding to go for the offer. After a couple of months, the Dad said "Son, you've brought up your grades and I've been watching you studying your Bible, but I'm a little disappointed that you haven't had your hair cut yet."
The son looked at his Dad and said "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that. I've noticed in my Bible studies that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, and I've seen pictures of Jesus with long hair."
To which the Father replied, "And did you also notice that everywhere they went they walked!"
Humor is an important part of a full life.
Blessings,
Richard
Since Brian Dishman, a son of Pilgrim Church, set up our BLOG I've received numerous messages, a few from strangers, more from "old time friends." It is always good (and encouraging) to get responses (favorable or unfavorable) to our MONDAY MORNING messages.
I had a good laugh reading the following, and I hope it will put a smile on your face, too.
A teenage boy had just gotten his driver's license and asked his Dad if they could discuss the use of the family car. His Dad said he'd make a deal. "You bring your grades from 'C' to 'B' average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut, and then we'll talk about the car"
The young man thought for a moment before deciding to go for the offer. After a couple of months, the Dad said "Son, you've brought up your grades and I've been watching you studying your Bible, but I'm a little disappointed that you haven't had your hair cut yet."
The son looked at his Dad and said "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that. I've noticed in my Bible studies that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, and I've seen pictures of Jesus with long hair."
To which the Father replied, "And did you also notice that everywhere they went they walked!"
Humor is an important part of a full life.
Blessings,
Richard
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