Shortcuts 

We have entered the "era" of short-cutting our writing.  Such as WWJD? JICS!  I have forgotten what this is called, but from what I understand the teens are beginning to use it as a form of communication.  (Blame e-mailing and "instant messaging.")  WWJD = What would Jesus do?  JICS = Jesus is coming soon!

I have been doing it for years.  Such as:  TC / NA / WCBL, which means "telephone call, no answer, will call back later."  Some of the new terms are GTG (got to go) and NIYL (not in your lifetime).  I believe this will be getting worse as time passes on; for example, they shorten "weapons of mass destruction" to WMD -- is it to minimize the fear?  

When I was in the Navy, Marge will remember I used to write letters on the back of the envelope ... something like SWASK (sealed with a sloppy kiss), and there were times when she'd write and ask what they meant ... and I didn't have a clue.  [Blame the slowness of the mail, not my memory (grin)].

As believers, we find there are no shortcuts to living the Christian life.  Even with the "construction projects" on the road of life, we'll find some detours, single lane traffic following the pilot car, and so on, but what we do know is that we are to keep our focus on what the Lord has called us to do.  

We are to "keep our hands on the plow and not look back."  (Luke 9:62)  If you will read verses 57-62,  you will discover Jesus is discussing the cost of following Him.  One of the men said he would follow Jesus wherever He would go, Jesus responded something like this "...you may not like the places we may be staying because foxes have holes and birds have nests, but I have nowhere to lie down.  Are you sure you want to follow me?"  There were others - one said let me bury my father, another said let me tell Mom and Dad goodbye!  In reality, these men were not ready to commit to following their Lord. 

Remember, shortcuts will generally get us into trouble 'cause we think we know what we are doing! 

We're to follow where He leads...even IF it is to Alaska!  --11/15/04

“…O Come Let Us Adore Him!”

Over the years, Marge and I have taken trips to be with family to celebrate the Christmas holidays.  Among these trips there have been those with weather conditions that hindered our travel. 

We have driven far into the night trying to find a place to sleep because many of the motels had “no vacancy” signs telling people there was no room.

In the Book of Luke we read about a couple who were on a journey of about 90 miles and made the trip in about 3 days.  Upon their arrival they found, because it was taxation time, a city filled with people and all of the “bed and breakfast lodges,” “hotels,” and “motels” were full.   They continued to seek a place to spend the night, ending up in a stable with the animals: there was "No room in the inn.  (Of course you understand the location suggestions are mine.) 

Mary and Joseph were about to become parents of  Jesus, and I believe they desired their Baby to be born in more suitable conditions than with the animals.  However in the providence of His Heavenly Father, His Son was to be born at His timing, and not within the planning of the young parents.

So, this trip provided us with a Baby Boy, who grew into manhood, destined to become the Savior of people who are in need of His salvation message.  Why don’t you take time and read about the birth of Jesus in the second chapter of Luke?

Just think, with all the conveniences we possess, we find excuses (some people call them reasons) for not making trips to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

"Thanks!"  "Thank you!"   "I appreciate it!"  

One of the “mannerisms” that is quietly slipping into the past is “…thank you!”  Have you noticed how people simply take things for granted?  Many children are not being taught to express their thankfulness for things people do for them. 

While we were living in S.E. Alaska on Prince of Wales Island we met a family whom we have grown to love and appreciate very much.  One of the first things people notice about this particular family is how courteous the children are to their parents and the parents to their children.  You may meet the McGuffeys at www.spaciousskies.me/hosannaranch/.

I believe as Christians, there is no reason to be rude or crude in our relationship with other people.  (Ouch, this hurts cause it hits home).  We should not have to go to Dr. Phil to have him help us through our problems with family.  We just need to practice kindness, and allow the other fruits of the Holy Spirit to be evident in our lives.  You do know what they are, don’t you?  Turn to Galatians 5:22-23 and you will find “L,J.P,P,K,G,F,G, & SC”.  (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.)

Thanksgiving is not just for turkey and pumpkin pie.  It's one of the times during the year when our attention is drawn to the idea of being thankful.  I am thankful for my family.  For Marge, my wife of 52 ½ years, for our 3 children and their children and their children’s children.  We have an adopted family as well.  Darrell & Cindy Keeley and their family.  We love them, as they have been a part of our family for over 20 years.  Our church family, what we do without them?  Yes, the Bible does tell us “…in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  I Thessalonians 5:18

Remember the old sayings, “Manners are taught not caught” and “Practice makes perfect!”  11/23/04

What a wonderful time of the year…Fall!  Marge and I missed the leaves changing their colors this year due to traveling.  However, we did get back in time to get the pleasure of raking leaves and mowing the grass one final time before winter sets in.  Which will not be very long now. 

Our weatherman said today that the temperature was freezing (32 degrees) for 3 minutes last night.  Wow, for 3 minutes, so whatever was to be frozen had to do it quick!  I find myself sort of wishing to be back on POW Island in southeast Alaska for the winter to enjoy the beautiful snowfall on the trees.  This will all change in a few weeks as it will be colder here in Kansas than where we were for the past 5 years.

In looking back over the past 6 months, so much has happened, and now that “retirement” is staring me in the face I am about to develop the panic syndrome that Marge has been fighting.  Now what am I going to do with my time? I know something will take place even if it is volunteering at the church.  Marge finds plenty to do here at the computer, but me? I do not have that much to do on it. 

We all know that as believers our work is never done and it is our prayer that we will remain “…as clay on the potter’s wheel.”  Hardened clay is not useable after it has dried out.  You do remember reading about the potter and his wheel in Jeremiah 18?  This is one of my favorite scriptures because it gives us a picture of God giving a 2^nd chance, using the potter and the clay as an example.  After he found a “flaw” in it, be destroyed the vessel and made it yet another one.  (Jeremiah 18:1-6)  Some notes in the margin of my Bible state three things he did. 1. He rejected it 2. He repaired it.  And 3. He remade it.

…To be useable, stay pliable!  --11/6/04

Perfection and Holiness

Do you know how hard it is to be “perfect”?  Most of us have a problem with trying to get everything perfect…whatever that thing might be.  As parents we want our children to be perfect.  As employees we want to do the job with perfection in order to please our boss.  We really should make a greater effort in be more perfect towards our companion.  In the church, the pastor and the leadership, strive to make each service perfect. 

I really do not know why the Lord has directed me to share these thoughts but I do not find in the scripture where we are to be perfect because He is perfect, but I do find where we are to be “holy” for He is holy. I Peter 1:16 “…it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy.”  

When we try to describe what it means to be perfect, it becomes rather difficult because speaking from the human aspect or viewpoint, perfection becomes situational or relative to how we live.  As an example, Marge and I just returned from a month's trip, which took us to Albuquerque, New Mexico -- where our son finds the living just “perfect” and wouldn’t live in Kansas again.  I suppose our trip to Texas and home was almost perfect, in that we had no problems with our pickup; the weather was less than perfect with some pretty heavy rains as we traveled. 

We visited family and friends along the way, concluding with a family reunion at Lake Murray located near Ardmore, OK.  We were perfect all the time? Nope!  Were we holy all the time? Nope!  But we did endeavor to conduct ourselves in a manner that would be pleasing to the Lord.  Read more about Peter’s exhortation on holiness in verses 13-16. --11/6/04

…Only one life to live…make the most of it!

Hothouse Christians

This past Sunday I was invited to minister at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Kansas City KS during Pastor Dan McDonald’s absence.  It was refreshing to be able to share from God’s Word with these folks, which include our daughter Janet.  This is her church home and she thoroughly enjoys the services there. 

I found the people were quite receptive to what I had to say about the idea of “Christian Growth,” growing as believers and not just sitting under a “grow light” becoming a “hothouse Christian.” 

The Apostle Paul discusses this idea of growing up in his letter to the Church at Ephesus.  His words to us are simply that we are not to be carried around or away by every wind of doctrine that comes along or by the waves that will toss and carry anything not anchored.  Paul wrote that we are to “…grow up in all aspects unto Him, who is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

I don't believe God’s plan is for us to just sit and get “sun-tanned” in the church, but we are to become involved in the activities outside the church where can become the salt and light to those around us.  (See Matthew 5:13-16)

Marge and I have been out of Alaska 4 months now, and have been experiencing the sun on most days.  Along with this sun comes the effects of the sun…such as sunburns and a natural tanning after the peeling process.  And we are enjoying being home so we can be with our grandkids and their families. 

Oh, one other thing about this growing process.  IF we ever expect to become what God desires for us, we must “stay planted.”  No church hopping allowed!

So, my friends, endeavor not to become a “hothouse” Christian just soaking up the sun…unless it is the Son Himself!  --9/29/04

	Left: Pastor Howard participates in the fishing story dance		Left: Jon Rowan Jr. leads the Tlingit dancers
Right: Howard joins the group as they leave on the Exit Song		Right: Dancers gathered in the entry hall -- all the regalia is specially made, often by the wearer.

Wow!  For you who helped make our Prince of Wales Island Farewell Party a success, Marge and I want to express our appreciation. Everything exceeded our expectations, showing there was teamwork on all levels.

The Native dancers were exciting to watch, especially the new younger dancers.  The wolf call by young Mason Hoppe added some neat sound effects to the dancing.  Don’t tell anyone, but they even got Marge up there once and Jimmy Williams “forced” me to try to join them on their exit song. 

Ladies, the meal was excellent!  We want you and your helpers to know it was a joy observing you in preparing for and serving throughout the day.  Mary and Martha would have been proud.

The Bluegrass Gospel Band, including the “Christian Chicks,” added so much to the afternoon.  Dean Blankenship and his team are a real blessing to the Island.  We thank the Lord for them.  

An unexpected blessing came when Daniel and Johanna Nelson wanted to have Sierra Aubrey dedicated to the Lord last Saturday.  We had a good representation from our church.  The Lord sure gave them a little sweetheart!  I know Grandpa and Grandma Lawton think so, and so does “Auntie Kat.” 

There have been so many cards, notes, telephone calls and your personal comments concerning our leaving -- thank you!  These make it difficult for Marge and me to leave. 

With these comments being my last here in Alaska, I encourage each of you to continue your faithful service to the Lord.  Some day soon, we shall gather around His Throne and enjoy a reunion that will go beyond all reunions.  Amen?  Amen!  Hebrews 12:1-2