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

2011.8.15 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and all good wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

After retiring from a full time pastorate, I served Grace Presbyterian Church, Grove, Oklahoma, as a part time temporary pastor.  One summer, Bruce Lietzke, son of a beloved member of Grace Church, won the U. S. Open Golf Tournament for Seniors.  The entire community was excited and proud.  Bruce is a pro, and one of the best golfers in the country.

 

I have a lot of good friends, whom I like a lot, but they must be among the worst golfers on the planet.  Still they go back to the links time and time again.  WHY?

 

I think I've found the answer:

Even the best golfer can once in awhile play a shot that Bruce Lietske, or even Tiger Woods, would be proud to make.  And so, it seems to me, that even the poorest golfers are upheld by the hope of being NOT what they are at their worst, but what they are at their best.  Isn't that true of life, too?

 

Here is a suggestion to help you grasp the moment when you are at your best. Begin each day, even before popping out of bed, by saying this little prayer: 

LORD, HELP ME TO BE TODAY WHAT I AM AT MY BEST.

 

Don't be satisfied with yourself or with things the way they are.  Aim to be at your best and you'll never lose hope that you can be better.  When you strive to be your best, you'll be an effective instrument of God's love and a source of encouragement to others.

 

Never lose Hope!

Cheers,

Richard

 

   

2011.6.06 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church!

Still going strong at the corner of Thompson and Illinois, in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Our Sunday service begins at 10 a.m....you'll be welcome, if you can attend. If you can't be with us, please say a little prayer for us. We do remember you, our MONDAY MORNING FAMILY, in our thoughts and prayers.

Here is a "Pearl of Value" which comes from one of our church members:

"Knowledge is not likely to enter the head

when the mouth is open."

God endowed us with two ears but only one mouth. Yet, for most of us, the ears are in semi-retirement while the mouth is overworked. There is a great deal of talking, even shouting, but very little listening.

Listening is not easy. Listening with the whole person requires discipline, patience and caring.

When God appeared to King Solomon in a vision , and offered him any gift he wishes, Solomon asked for "a listening heart." Listening is not done alone with ears, it is also done with the heart."

Fondest Regards,
Richard

2010.12.13 Monday Morning!

Best wishes for a MERRY CHRISTMAS from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Christmas is a time for lights.  Beautiful lights are shining in every city and village.  Lights are an important part of Christmas, symbols of the Christmas story:

    The true light that enlightens every person has come

     into the world in the birth of Jesus.  In him was life,

     and the life was light for all people.  His light shines

     in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

                                            (Will you read John 1:1-18, please?)

 

The mood of despair, however, is familiar in our dark patches.  Immense problems face our nation and the world;  war, an economic recession, unemployment, hunger, home foreclosures, terrorism.

 

And, there are personal difficulties:  problems within families and among friends, jobs that no longer give satisfaction, loss of health, unexpected death of a loved one.

 

I understand how people may feel abandoned by God.  Sometimes I ask myself "Is there really a God who cares?"

 

Then the light of Christmas comes with the assurance that in smooth and rough places "God is with us".  None of us is alone.  Confident of that helps disperse times of darkness.  I haven't  answers to the many questions that bother me, but of this I am sure; God is with me and helps me carry on with courage and strength.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with friends for whom 2010 has been a shattering year.

 

Richard.

Message to all Readers

Hello to Everyone,

It would seem that our old counter has died and/or the homepage company I am using is forcing us to use a new guest counter, so if the number of visits has all of a sudden Jumped to a much smaller number than previously, there is nothing I can do about it.  I guess we shall continue on.  I do know that we were around 1200 - 1300 visits recently.  Anyway, while this may not be very many, it is still not so nice to loose around 800 visits from our counter.

Thanks for your continued visits and your hard work for all of us Richard!

- B. D.

2008.11.10 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. If you have relatives or friends who may like to get our Monday Morning email, please send addresses to Donna in the Church Office.

Moving from one residence to another is a test of patience, strength and endurance. Last week my wife and I moved from an apartment to a house. Humdrum as moving may appear, I assure you it is a test. But isn't all life a series of tests? I found a scribbled note among papers I've been sorting, and it's worth sharing with you today.

"When a neighbor has been bruised, our kindness is tested. When he or she has been blessed, our generosity is tested. When we have been hurt, our forgiveness is tested. Trouble tests our courage. Temptation tests our strength. Friendship tests our loyalty. Failure tests our perseverance."

We are all tested. How do you fare in life's constant quizzes?

Cheers,
Richard

2008.08.25 Monday Morning!

We're always sending greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church. And, we mean what we say! Whether you are reading this in Vinita, Oklahoma or at a distance, may your week be joyful!

The life story of Glenn Cunningham, who set a record for running the fastest mile, which he held for years, is a fascinating one.

When a boy of 8, Glenn was a victim of a kerosene explosion. His legs were so badly burned that doctors proposed amputation, but his Mother would not hear of it.

After six months in a hospital, a series of skin grafts and endless hours of massaging by his Mother, Glenn began to walk and then to run to strengthen his crippled legs. At 21, he set a world record for the fastest mile, providing truth to Ernest Hemingway's words. "The world breaks everyone, and afterward many are strong in broken places."

In the soil of suffering some of the noblest traits flourish, such as empathy, kindness, patience, understanding and courage.

We can grow in spirit when we choose to grow strong "in our broken places!"

With blessings and in friendship,
Richard