Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget to reset your clocks tonight. Set your alarm for 2 a.m., get up and change the time to 3 a.m.. Remember to do this precisely at 2 a.m. - that's when the change takes affect.

Or if you've got a rebellious streak, go ahead and change it now!

Of course if you'd done what I do, it wouldn't even be an issue. It's been just over 120 days since we changed out clocks the last time. I hate losing that hour of sleep in the spring, so ever since last fall I've been setting my clock ahead 30 seconds every day. That way, I don't even notice the change, and I feel completely rested. Of course it does make it a little difficult to stay in sync with the rest of the world. Their clocks are off anywhere from 30 secs to 59 and a half minutes from me, but I think it's worth it.

Tune in next time when I explain flying from one time zone to another, and how to avoid jet lag!

Sparky (1998?-2009)

Sometime over two years ago Sparky came to live with us. Her owner had died after a long illness, and Sparky needed a home. We were told she was nine years old, but we all think she was a lot older than that. For the first week we had her, she stood looking at the door, as if waiting for her master to come get her.

Gradually she became one of the family. She really loved Janelle and Ben especially. She moved with us first to Whitehall and then across country to Oregon. Although she slept most of the trip, it still seemed to take a lot out of her.

Lately she's been seeming confused. She would wander to a corner of our fenced-in back yard, or even into a corner of the room, and then stand there, not sure what she was supposed to do or where she was supposed to go. Every time she would wake up from a nap, she would stand there as if she was trying to remember where she was and who we were.

Something happened this week that caused her to slip downhill fast. She quit eating and spent even more time sleeping (if that's possible). She started having trouble walking, and fell down several times. If she could manage to get up from where she was sleeping, then she couldn't figure out how to lay down. She was so weak that she couldn't bend down without falling down.

We determined to make her comfortable as long as we could, until last night when she was lying on the kitchen floor napping. She peed right where she was (sorry to be graphic), and just laid in it. That was the tipping point for us.

Today, we said goodbye to Sparky and I drove her to the animal shelter, where I rubbed her head one last time, said, "Bye, Baby," and walked out. I have often said I wasn't very connected to her, but found out today she was more my dog than I realized, or would have admitted if questioned. She's gone now, and in my mind's eye I can see her romping with her old owner, reunited, at least in my fantasies.

2009.01.26 - Ministers and Spouses Retreat

We had a relaxing drive down to Newport, after stopping at the Woodburn outlet stores. The weather was clear and the skies were blue. Our first glimpse of the ocean was unbelievable, but then subsequent views just kep getting better.

My last post showed the web site hotel ocean view. This picture is actually from our room, albeit late afternoon with the light already fading. We can see a lighthouse, but my camera phone can't catch it; it's just too far away. Our church leadership was thoughtful enough to spend a few dollars more to get us an ocean view room, and we can't thank them enough.

We've already met new friends, and got to talk with people who were at the Installation Service, but who never got a chance to say, "Hi."

Pastor Jim Lyon (our speaker) shared in our keynote session this evening about wholeness in six areas: emotional, mental*, social, spiritual, physical, and intellectual. He connected these to the Church of God teaching on holiness, and made the statement that one cannot be holy (or whole), without being whole in all six areas.

Maybe I'll get to share more tomorrow... but I'm not here to blog. I'm here to retreat and regroup and reconnect, with my God and my wife.

* I did not take notes and this is the only one of the six that I'm not sure I have recalled correctly. I looked at several Internet sites that talked about six areas of wholeness or wellness and they listed occupational in place of mental, but that doesn't sound right from tonight's talk.

Ministers and Spouses Retreat

Friends, thank you for making our Installation Service so memorable. We had a great time, and appreciate the many expressions of support. We love you.

We'll be out of pocket for a few days. We're traveling to Newport to enjoy the Ministers and Spouses Retreat through Wednesday. I'll have my cell with me in case of emergencies, and I'll be back in the office on Thursday. Blessings.

The Biblein 365

Friends, you haven't heard much from me lately on The Masked Evangel. It's all good... no really; everything is good. Life has really been good in Oregon. I'm just spening a lot more time with my new blog 365 Forum. I've really been enoying it, and I think it's been benefitting my church family, too.

I'm going to keep The Masked Evangel open, and post occasionally, just because I don't want it to dry up and blow away.

Stop over soon, and say, "Hi."

In the mean time, "How about my Steelers?!"

Bring On Baltimore!

Okay, I admit it. I'm really enjoying watching the Steelers mop up the field with the Chargers. I could get all fidgety about next week's Steelers/Ravens game, but Matthew 6:34 reads: Do not worry about [next Sunday], for [next Sunday] will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

365 Forum

My new blog 365 Forum has been taking a lot of my time and attention. That's why I haven't been posting too often at The Masked Evangel. I'm still here, and having a great time. Come on over and check us out. Oh yeah!

Getting Off to a Good Start

I've been enjoying our New Year's teaching series: Getting Off to a Good Start. Two Sundays ago we discussed the importance of Leaving Last Year's Baggage Behind. If we want to have an effective 2009, we cannot allow unforgiveness from 2008 to drag us down. Today, our teaching was Jesus' Job Description. In some ways the Jubilee language of Luke 4:18,19 can only be applied to Jesus. He was the only one who could provide the Jubilee release described by Isaiah. But while this is Jesus' job description, we have to remember that we are Christ's body. We are called to co-mission with him in releasing the poor from their poverty, the prisoners from their chains, the blind from their darkness, the oppressed from their worries and the shamed from their condemnation.

Hang with us over the next three weeks as we explore the story of Gideon in Advancing When Fear Says "Run Away!", Jonathan's encounter with the Philistines in The Law of Momentum, and the parable of the talents in Taking a R.I.S.K. It's going to be a good year!

The Honor Rail System

I had a day off coming, so today Janelle and I enjoyed a foray into Portland. We'd never ridden the MAX before, so that was a welcomed new experience. But I really don't get it. We bought our passes and got on the train. There was no turnstyle to go through, no one checking our tickets; we just paid our fares, slipped the tickets in my pocket, and we rode all day. It basically amounted to the honor system. The last place we rode mass transit was the METRO in Washington, D.C., where there is no honor... wait a minute; did that come out right?

Anyway, we had a great day. We walked a few blocks from the MAX line to Powell's Books, the greatest bookstore in the world. They have the biggest selection of theology, biblical studies, apologetics, and discipleship titles I've ever seen, in any bookstore of any kind. I think they might have some other books, too, but who has the time?

As our train was heading toward the Lloyd Center, where we were planning to have lunch, we spied a couple of our favorite food places, Romano's Macaroni Grill and Great Harvest bakery. After lunch, on the ride back, we left the train (when it was stopped) long enough to grab a loaf of Great Harvests cinnamon bread. Then it was back to Aloha.

The Ball Hasn't Dropped Here... Yet

Happy New Year, friends! I'm anticipating that 2009 is going to be a good year, and I'm praying Christ's peace and presence in your life.

If you get a chance. Check out 365 Forum, our adventure in reading through the Bible together in one year's time. Drop me a comment when you're there. I'd love to hear from you.

Again, Happy New Year to you and yours.

Our Forgetful God

What a great day! I thoroughly enjoyed church today. We had low attendance two weeks ago, and then had to cancel the service last week, all because of the weather. And the weather didn't really improve much before Christmas Eve, so our service was... I can only say intimate. All that made today even better. We had everyone back, and the enthusiasm was contagious!

As much as I enjoy our worship every Sunday, I really got into putting together and leading worship this morning. Since I'm not leading worship regularly, my throat is really out of shape. During rehearsal, it felt tight and I couldn't reach some of the notes. But what a difference 90 minutes and the presence of the Holy Spirit makes. I felt like I could have sang all day.

I had also felt like I'd left something unfinished, since Christmas was three days ago and I still hadn't preached part four of our Advent series: Christmas Grace. Well, it's not unfinished any more (is that a double negative?). This morning's teaching, only a week late, was Christmas Grace Means God Won't Forget Us.

We read in Isaiah 49:14-16 - Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me."

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"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget [as unlikely as that is], I will not forget you. See, I have [carved] you on the palms of my hands."

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But God is forgetful about one thing.

I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)

God forgets your sin, but he'll never forget you!

Meet Lawrence

This is Lawrence. Lawrence is part of our church family, and he is an exceptional person. While this isn't really my story to tell, Lawrence gave me permission to share.

During the week leading up to Christmas, Portland endured its worst winter storm (actually a series of storms) in 40 years. Most of us hunkered down in our homes, keeping warm and venturing out as little as possible. Some didn't have a home in which to hide, so the local homeless shelters received as many people as they could.

There were, however, some who were turned away from the shelters. The Union Gospel Mission had room for people, but not for the pets belonging to the poorest of the poor. While they would have been happy to give beds, they had no means of housing animals. Unfortunately, taking their pets to the animal shelter would probably mean losing them forever. Anyone needing shelter who was not willing to abandon his/her pet, had no choice but to remain outside in the coldest weather in 5 years.

That's where Lawrence enters in. While most people weren't aware of the problem or, if they were, just put it out of their minds, Lawrence put love into action. Remembering 3 homeless men who died from exposure during the winter 0f 2007-2008, he contacted PetSmart's national headquarters, made them aware of the problem and asked them to help. PetSmart very graciously donated 8 pet crates, food and pet accessories (collars, pet toys, etc.). On Tuesday (December 23rd) Lawrence enlisted some help to pick up the crates and supplies and deliver them to Union Gospel Mission.

As of early evening, the mission had already received three homeless men and their dogs. If it hadn't been for Lawrence's intervention and PetSmart's generosity, these guys would have slept outdoors in the freezing temperatures. If you haven't yet figured out the magnitude of Lawrence's choice to make a difference, you need to know that a Eugene, Oregon homeless man died that same evening, from exposure to the elements.

He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker. (Proverbs 17:5) The church cannot rest while the poor are freezing to death. The church has to do something, and this week Lawrence reminded me that I'm the church.

What are you going to do about it?

We Christmas Eved

We had a low turnout for our Candles, Carols and Christ service tonight, but I'm glad we went ahead with it. The roads were rutted with ice and slush, and the side streets were still snow covered. But those present really appreciated it. We even had guests! A mother and her approximately 9-year old daughter, who normally attend another church, came to our Christmas Eve service because their's was cancelled. I'm glad we were there for them.

To Christmas Eve or Not to Christmas Eve

Hey, guys, we have a winter weather advisory until 10 p.m., and a winter storm warning until 9 p.m. From what I understand we're supposed to get 1-2 more inches of snow today, before giving way to rain.

I'm trying to decide if the weather warrants cancelling our Christmas Eve Candles, Carols and Christ service. It's supposed to stay above freezing long enough for people to get home, but even rain on top of all this snow and ice can be treacherous.

I take this call very seriously. I'm raring to go (or is it rearing to go - someone has to tell me the derivation of that phrase), but I don't want anyone getting hurt trying to get there, or while they're driving home. I hope things are clear cut enough that I can make the call by noon.

I'm planning to take communion to some of our seniors this afternoon. I really enjoy doing that. Here's hoping the weather cooperates!

Snow Day (Week?)

We're enjoying a snow day. Actually my kids had 5 snow days in a row last week, making their Christmas break three weeks instead of two. On Sunday the 14th, it started snowing at 7:30 a.m. cutting our attendance in half. Then it basically snowed all week long, and we really got dumped on this past Saturday and Sunday. I'm always reluctant to cancel church, but in this case it was basically decided for me.

We woke up this morning to somewhere around 8 inches on the ground, with more coming down. Final total would be about 9 inches. That's my best guess anyway.

Chains or studded snow tires are required everywhere in our county. I thought that meant that I could drive as long as I didn't get stuck, but I've been warned that the police could pull me over just for driving. Bummer. It's kind of fun driving in this stuff... not that I would know that.

This is good weather for catching up on some reading, and for cleaning off the DVR. If the Steelers had just won yesterday, I wouldn't have a thing to whine about.

Woo Hoo!

Okay, I can't say that; it makes me feel like a chick. Just let it be known that I'm jazzed! Actually that's not much better... about two things!

First, I shared about getting my laptop worked on a few months ago. I was pumped at the time, and had great expectations for better performance. What I didn't realize was that somehow in the process, the computer tech apparently deleted the driver for my wireless card. I'm not a computer geek, so I might be saying this all wrong, but whatever the reason, I haven't had wireless access since. At work I can plug in to a DSL line, and I'm fine, but at home my only choice was wireless, so I just went without.

Today a friend started poking around in my computer, diagnosed the problem, downloaded a new driver, and (since we're snowed in) here I am, sitting in my easy chair, blogging. How cool is that? I've moved into the 20th century! As they say, one century at a time.

Second, I'm starting a new blog: 365 Forum! 365 Forum is geared toward Aloha Church of God members, but we're not limiting participation to just members of our church. This is a through the Bible type group study. Everyone from ACOG has been (or will be) given a The Bible in 365 card, which gives us all a framework for reading through the Bible in one year. Follow the above link to learn more. If you're not a part of ACOG, email me, and I'll send you a reading schedule.

365: 1 Thessalonians (Day 345)

You are our hope, our joy, and the crown we will take pride in when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

I guess it's natural as the year winds down and Christmas approaches to take personal inventory. This year, more than anything, I'm catching visions of people from my past... people who have made a difference in my life, and some for whom (hopefully) I've made a difference in theirs.

I think about Evelyn Musolff, who was my Sunday School teacher when I was probably about 8 years old. I will never forget her. Or Larry Best, who was also my Sunday School teacher when I was a pre-teen, and who took me and a friend trout fishing on opening day. I think of Beverly Kerstetter, my piano teacher, who confessed to me years later that she sat next to the piano bench every week as I played, praying that God would use my music for his kingdom. And of course there was my mom and dad. From my mom I learned a subtle lesson of how to persevere when things aren't going my way, and in a more overt way, my dad was the greatest spiritual influence in my life.

This Thessalonians passage reminds me that bank accounts, fancy cars, media broadcasts and publishing deals are not how I measure my impact as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When I stand before God, my reward will be Christ, and the changed lives of those connected to him because I was available when God called me, and when they needed me.

Year of Transition (3 of 3)

We waited forever for tomatoes this year. I don't think our plants had enough sun, which delayed them from turning red. But once they ripened, it was all worth it.

These are two shots from Whitehall Camp & Conference Center, home of Western PA Ministries of the Church of God. The shot above is of the swimming and fishing lakes on a misty morning. That's where Ben spent a good part of the summer lifeguarding. The picture below is of the barn where the youth worship services are held during camp meeting and youth camps.

The remaining six pix are from our cross-country move in October. The next picture is (I think) the only one in this collection taken with a real camera. This is the birthplace of Henry's Fork in eastern Idaho. The river springs (literally) full force right out of these rocks. The water is crystal clear and the water plants are absolutely beautiful. I'm told moose think so, too, but we didn't see any this trip. Some good friends opened their cabin to us just a few miles from this spot.

The final five are of Yellowstone - one of our favorite places on the planet. First, the Gibbon River. We were interested to see the dead trees still standing from the lightning-sparked fires of twenty years ago. We were here just after those fires, and the place looks much better.

Above: One of the beautiful and seemingly bottomless hot springs. Below: This mountain highway always impresses me.

Above: The road to Mammoth Hot Springs seems to vanish into this field of bolders. Below: These are the terraces of Mammoth Spring. On the one hand, the sulfur fumes and the apparent barrenness make me think of what a physical hell would be like. On the other hand, I see God's artistry even here. How can God make something so beautiful out of something so fowl? I guess that's his specialty.

And that's a fitting place to stop. We are anticipating good things for the future. Who knows what my favorite pix of 2009 will capture?

A Mid-Summer Night's Dream

Congratulations to Alissa Degman, Kenny Degman and Kevin Gade who rocked in Aloha High School's presentation of William Shakespeare's A Mid-Summer Night's Dream. Janelle and I attended the Saturday afternoon matinee performance, and we were so proud of our Aloha Church of God youth.

Guys, you rock!

This is Alissa (above) and Kenny (left) and Kevin (right) below.

Year of Transition (2 of 3)

This is a second installment of some of my favorite pictures from the year. And let me remind you, these were all taken with my camera phone. These first two pictures are from Cook Forest again. Above are some steps cut from blocks of Western Pennsylvania sandstone, which is abundant in these woods. Below is a bridge over Brown's Run on the Brown's Run Trail (I wonder how they chose that name).

Below is my favorite picture of all time. I have it as the wallpaper on my phone and laptop. This is exiting the Rockland Tunnel on the Allegheny River Bike Trail. It makes me think of eternity.

These two pictures are from our last Pirates outing in late August. Above is the Roberto Clemente Bridge named for one of my boyhood heroes, who played for the Pirates from 1954-1972 (18 seasons!), earned 12 Gold Glove Awards and was selected as an all-star 12 times. Clemente was killed in a plane crash while en route to deliver aid to Nicaraguan earthquake victims. The bridge is closed to automobiles and opened to foot traffic for every game. We were at the game especially because Janelle and her Sweet Adeline's chorus were singing the National Anthem. That was an exciting evening. Below is Pittsburgh at night from PNC Park Stadium.

These shots are of Will (above - 13) and Ben (below - 16) at Seaside, Oregon, on Monday, September 8th. We had an extra day on our candidating trip, unlimited mileage on our rental car, and we had a great day at the coast. I realize I am especially blessed to have a wonderful wife and two great boys who love me.

More Seaside Beach below:

And this final shot (for today) was taken while waiting for our evening connecting flight from Newark to Pittsburgh on the return trip the very next day. Our lengthy flight from Portland to Newark was delayed because of east coast thunder storms. I just enjoyed the colors and shapes in this shot. Getting seated on that final flight was the first time I was able to relax all day... even though I still hate to fly.