“Go out on a limb for Jesus;
He hung on a tree for you.”
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
Author Archive
During my Emmaus walk, my tablemates and I put on a skit based on one of the talks. The intent was to convey a normal loving conversation with God rather than a pious, rote prayer. So often we put God beyond reach with our rituals and prayers rather than immerse ourselves in an intimate loving relationship with our Creator.
Setting: a guy dialing a phone. The text below is a one sided listen in on the phone conversation. Also, note that almost every man attending the walk was away from his wife and/or family.
“Hi my love. How was your day?”
(pause)
“Wow! That’s awesome! You rock! What a blessing it is to have you in my life. How are the kids?”
(pause)
“That’s so good to hear. Thank you for taking wonderful care of them while I am away.”
(pause)
“My day? It’s been good. I’ve met a lot of great guys who are so inspirational.”
(pause)
Uh-huh. Yes, it’s been challenging too though. I feel as if I’m at the foot of a mountain of growth and change. Please think of me as I ponder the events of this weekend.”
(pause)
Thank you so much. I appreciate all the love and support you give me. I’d be lost without it.
(pause)
OK. You have a great night too. I look forward to our next chat.
(pause)
Good night. I love you too, God.
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
While I don’t follow college basketball, it is that time of year where, in the state of Kentucky, it is mandated that you follow college basketball and March Madness. And Kentucky was lucky enough to have several teams make “the dance” — UK, U of L, and Murray State among others. I had the tournament on the garage TV this afternoon while I wrapped up the brake pad and rotor job on my car. I was amazed that another #1 UK seed, luckily University of Kansas, was knocked out by Northern Iowa. Way to go!
And my wife and I are cheering on the Cats against Wake Forest. Go Cats!
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
“Don’t tell God how big your storm is,
Tell the storm how big your God is”
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
Today was absolutely gorgeous. Nice enough for me to wear shorts. It was sunny, blue skies and hit 72F! My drive home was nice and upon returning home we all enjoyed a nice family dinner together. Afterwards, we headed out to the front porch where the kids ran around and I checked out many of my trees budding. From a distance, the willow tree looks like it has a green haze on it and other trees have little buds beginning to show.
I broke out the cornhole boards and got my first back to back cornholes of the season. There’s not much that can beat beautiful weather in your front yard with the family and a cold drink in one hand and a cornhole bag in the other. And as the sun retreated through the stick figure treeline, we headed inside for a family movie night featuring Planet 51. And now I am in bed with the Mrs., blogging and watching the state mandated March Madness viewing on TV. Life is good!
I am looking forward to the men’s breakfast and Bible study tomorrow morning. And then a laundry list of “git-r-done’s” which, surprisingly, I am going to enjoy.
I hope you enjoy your weekend. I sure will mine.
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
During my Emmaus walk there were many sermons or “talks” that were given either by clergy or by lay people. All were applicable and I’m sure each one touched the Emmaus pilgrims differently and at various times. One that particularly him home with me was given by the spiritual director of the walk during one of the daily communion times.
He related a story of his kids who used to jump on the bed when they were little. They would perch themselves on the edge, teeter a bit, and then launch themselves into the air towards him — with complete faith that he would catch them. (For me, that was lesson #1 in that we should have faith like a child [Mark 10:13-16] even though it wasn’t the point of the message.)
After catching them, he would throw them down onto the bed and they would bounce. His kids would then jump back up and say “Do it again, Daddy!”. He would then repeat that over and over. Perch, teeter, leap, catch, throw down, repeat.
He equated that to holy communion for us. When we are celebrating the eucharest, in essence what we are saying to God is “Do it again, Daddy”. It is an exciting, cherished time with our Creator. On the down side, it’s too bad we need holy communion because of our sin. But aren’t we lucky that we have a loving and forgiving God who has provided a way of forgiveness, grace, and salvation through his sacrificed son, Jesus Christ? Do it again, Daddy! We should praise each holy communion with thanks and gratitude.
What hit me was a statement he made later in the message. He said that when they played that game, his kids were never the ones to stop it. They would still be saying “Do it again, Daddy” now 15 years later (with which he gestured throwing a full grown son with extreme difficulty onto the bed). That hit me because I play games with my kids. And I am always the one to stop playing the games. To my credit, I am spending time with them and the family. However, I usually finally end the games because I “have something to do” — something on my list that needs tending to. Something on TV to watch. Something that needs fixing. Something that needs tending to. But what is more important that needs tending to than tending to my kids and family? It hit home with me and I added something to my “next week’s” list — the mental list I am creating to do as I leave my Emmaus walk….. because that’s what we, as guys, do — make lists.
I am committed to “not end the game” next week when I am playing with my kids.
So fast forward to last night after dinner. I was playing “tackle” with K and D. This was a much easier game when they were 3-8 years old. Now that they are almost 12 and almost 10, my body takes a beating. No longer can I sluff off their leaps on my chiropractor back or their octopus-like attachment to my legs when I try to walk. I was playing with them last night and I had D pinned and was tickling him while K tried to “rescue” him by leaping onto my back. He was screaming in giggles while I was on my knees and had my head down on the carpet. He then said I was bleeding which I dismissed as a ploy to get me to stop tickling him. He repeated it and I lifted my head up enough to see a nice blood stain on the carpet. We all paused to assess further and stopped when we all realized that it was real. I had a nice scrape/abrasion on my forehead right at my hairline. And because it was near my scalp it was bleeding profusely like head wounds do. I headed to my daughter’s bathroom, wiped it quickly and grabbed some stuff to clean up the carpet. It didn’t take long and soon we had everything cleaned up. And, technically, I didn’t stop the game.
I challenge all of you with kids to “not end the game”. Take advantage of them wanting to be with you. Because soon enough they will be teenagers and too cool to be with you.
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
I am back from my 72 hour Emmaus walk. It was an indescribable experience and I am waiting for the events to finish marinating in my soul before I post anything about it.
However, I do not have to wait to say that I would encourage any follower of Christ to embark on such a journey. It is a walk that will take you at your current place of discipleship and propel you to growth and further commitment to Jesus Christ. Other than belief in Jesus as your savior, there are no requirements to sign up, and there is no test at the end. Just like Jesus, the walk takes you as you are and makes you into something better for His glory.
I am so much looking forward to when my wife begins her walk in 10 days. I am so blessed!
Decolores,
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
Because I am on an Emmaus walk this weekend I am prepublishing post material for your enjoyment. The last two “Signs From God” are courtesy of Haelie. See her To Not Decide Is To Decide blog in the right margin.
The following Sign From God was spotted by her outside a church in the New Orleans area.
“Saints meeting here today.”
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
“Hang out with Jesus. He hung out for you.”
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
I am on an Emmaus walk. In anticipation of that, below is another recent focus point for my devotions:
“Be bold in the love of Christ.”
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
