"A PERSPECTIVE ON AGING - THOUGHTS ABOUT SENIOR MOMENTS"

This coming Sunday, May 4, is Senior Adults Day throughout the Southern Baptist Convention. Up to now, I've always celebrated it as someone honoring those older than me. This year, I will celebrate it as one of those being honored.

I have arrived. I turned 55 this year. Double nickels. Or, as my son so aptly put it, the same as an the speed limit on any old two-lane road.

When does one actually become a "senior citizen"?

You can join AARP at age 50. (Yes, I'm a member.) You can begin drawing Social Security at 62. Medicare at 65. Am I a senior citizen? Not quite. How about "senior citizen in training" or "senior citizen apprentice"?

Does "getting older" bother me? Not really. In fact, it sounds good to me. Yeah ... I'm ready for those things that come with age ... discounts, grandchildren, etc.

Tuesday I attended our Baptist Association's annual Senior Adults BBQ in Lonoke. This fall, I will be attending a Senior Adults Rally in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with several senior adults from our church and other churches. As George Burns used to say (if you have to ask who he was, you're way under 55), "Growing older is only a matter of mind ... if you don't mind, it doesn't matter!"

Two songs come to mind to make the senior years joyful:

"Jesus Loves Me" (Senior Adults Version)

Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow.

Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him.

Chorus: I love Jesus, does he know? Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day.

Though I am no longer young, I have much which He's begun.Let me serve Christ with a smile, Go with others the extra mile.

Chorus: I love Jesus, does he know? Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day.

When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won.He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love.

Chorus: I love Jesus, does he know? Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day.

"Young at Heart" (as sung by Frank Sinatra)

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you ... If you're young at heart.

For it's hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind If you're young at heart.

You can go to extremes with impossible schemes. You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams.

And life gets more exciting with each passing day. And love is either in your heart, or on it's way.

Don't you know that it's worth every treasure on earth To be young at heart.

For as rich as you are, it's much better by far To be young at heart.

And if you should survive to 105, Look at all you'll derive out of being alive!
And here is the best part, you have a head start If you are among the very young at heart.

This is just one pastor's (and one senior citizen in training's) opinion.

(Footnote: I guess I had a "senior moment" when I first posted this entry ... I scrambled and left out part of the lyrics to the first song. Oh, well ...)

"A Perspecitive on Freedom of Religion - Thoughts on an "Oprah" Clip"

A clip from The Oprah Winfrey Show has been making the rounds on the internet and e-mail lists lately. You may view it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA. In it, Ms. Winfrey comes down pretty hard on those who insist the Christianity is the only way to God (or whatever Ms. Winfrey says you wish to name or not name a deity). Ms. Winfrey asks all people to agree that there are many ways to salvation.

Two thoughts on the "Oprah" clip ...

As Americans, we should be tolerant of those who believe differently than we do. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee us freedom of (not from) religion. I have never been opposed to Mormons, Jews, Muslims, or any other religious people expressing their views in the public forum. Even non-religious and anti-religion views must be allowed. For example, it would not bother me at our public schools for Mormons to hand out the book of Mormon or Muslims to hand out the Koran or Jews to hand out the Torah or atheists to hand out literature as long as we Christians are able to pass out copies of our Bible. By the same token, I wish that public prayers and "moments of silence" would return to the public classroom ... whether they be Muslim, Mormon, Jewish, Baptist, Methodist, "moments of silence" for those who are not religious, or whatever. And, I wish that public high school students studied all religions and opposing views. I taught sociology to public high school students for several years at Sparkman, Arkansas. (I have an M.S.E. in education and social studies as well as an M.A.R.E. and D.Min. in religious education and ministry.) We studied the five major social institutions of family, education, economy, government, and, yes ... religion. Most scholars, religious or not, include religion as a social institution. All information and knowledge is valuable. Let the schools teach it. Churches can then seek to teach the wisdom of knowing the truth. At school, I did not endorse Christianity as the only way unless asked privately by a student. At church, I do, of course ... but I still ask Christians (and especially my fellow Baptists) to be tolerant.

However, as Christians, we must be clear that although we are tolerant of other religions and the unreligious, the way of salvation and heaven is through Jesus Christ alone. Scripture is very clear on this: Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Jesus did not die just for Christians who believe, but for everyone who will believe: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Christianity is the only religion in which the founder came back from the dead. This is both biblical and historical evidence of this.

Unlike "Oprah," I don't do video, but I do audio. For more of my views, you may find them at www.englandfbc.org by clicking on the blue microphone. As an American, I must be tolerant of Ms. Winfrey, no matter how wrong she is. As a Christian, I must pray for her to see the only true Light.

It's great to be an American. I was reminded of this last week while in Washington D.C. (See the attached photos. Especially note the ones of the students placing the wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.) However, it's even greater to be a Christian.

This is just one pastor's (and former public school teacher's) perspective.

“A Perspective on Ancient Messages - Thoughts on Modern Technology”

I love to reach church message signs. Mike Brogan, pastor of England First Assembly of God, is quite creative with his church sign and sermon titles. Sometimes I wish I could go hear the sermon just based on the title he posts. I guess my way to post messages is though this column. As the comedian likes to say, "Here's your sign."

It's not a church sign ... but there's an interesting sign in the neighborhood where we live.

It is interesting, a bit ironic, and it makes a good sermon illustration.

It's in the yard of one of our neighbors.

They had an "invisible fence" installed ... the kind that zaps the pets with special collars when they cross the line.

Not only is there the bigger sign from the fence company announcing the invisible fence, but there are numerous little white flags with the words "Invisible Fence" on them along the property lines.

I know the little flags will soon disappear. They are for training purposes ... the dogs are supposed to avoid the "zap" by learning not to cross the line of flags.

And therein lies a scriptural life application.

The Bible reminds us that we have an invisible fence around us.

One reason is to protect us:
Job 1:8-12 from The New International Version tells us: Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?"

God's "hedge" around us keeps us safe just as that invisible fence keeps our neighbor's pets safe. Just as there's a large sign that reads "Invisible Fence," God has a large sign that should remind us of His care ... it's called the Bible.

Another reason is to warn us:
Hebrews 12:5-11 from the NIV reminds us: And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. ... God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Just as God's "hedge" around us protects us, his "discipline" upon us keeps us safe, too ... like those smaller flags that warn the pets. God has flags to warn us ... flags like the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and many others.

A closing word about the invisible fence "zapper" ... the special external collars the pets wear. Christians have an internal alarm ... He's called the Holy Spirit. He reminds us to stay in God's grace and convicts us when we stray. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you ..." (John 16:13).

Thank God for His "invisible fence" around us. Try not to get "zapped" this week. Let His Word and His Spirit guide you.

This is just one pastor's (and neighbor's) perspective.

" A PERSPECTIVE ON THE EASTER HOLIDAY - THOUGHTS ABOUT EASTER EGGS"

I like holidays. Christmas and presents. Easter and decorated eggs. Yes, I know that the most important thing about Christmas is the birth of Jesus and the most important thing about Easter is His death and His resurrection. However, we who are Christians can use the secular aspects of the holidays to illustrate sacred principles.

Although the origin of “Easter” and it’s traditions is debated (see wikipedia.com), we accept the practice as part of our Easter traditions. May I make a spiritual application?

Think about Easter eggs for a moment. They come in all kinds - hard boiled, candied, chocolate, peanut butter, and even plastic. The plastic kind come empty. Hmm ... and empty egg. An empty shell. An empty container. An empty tomb. One of my Easter traditions is to give the kids at our church two plastic Easter eggs - one empty and one filled with candy. I ask them to share the candy with someone else and tell that person the story of the empty tomb. But, before I do give them the eggs, I hold up a traditional Easter egg - one that has been dyed and hard-boiled. But, unknown to the kids, it’s not hard-boiled but only a real eggshell with the egg removed. (It’s not hard to do. Simply poke small holes in the top and bottom of a raw egg and blow out the contents.) I explain that this egg is a 100% real, honest-to-goodness, Bible Easter egg because (and as I crack the egg on one of the kid’s head) - IT’S EMPTY! Just like the tomb that first Easter morning. The look on the kids’ (and the adults) faces is always great.

As you celebrate Easter and eat too many Easter eggs this week, think about empty plastic Easter eggs ... and the empty tomb.

Holidays ... I love them. This is just one pastor’s perspective.

Listen on-line and/or download by clicking on the blue microphone at englandfbc.org.

"A PERSPECTIVE ON OUR COMMUNITY - THOUGHTS ABOUT NEW CITY SERVICES, INDUSTRIES, BUSINESSES, AND CHURCHES"

Small town life is great. Although I grew up a "city boy" in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri (Go, Cardinals!), I have been in small towns in Arkansas since the age of 13. (First in Paragould, then Walnut Ridge, Arkadelphia, Sparkman, Murfreesboro, Malvern, and now England.) I tell people that I am "a Missourian by birth but and Arkansawyer by the grace of God." (I've become such a lover of "The Natural State" that I even prefer the term "Arkansawyer" to "Arkansan." However, there are few drawbacks about small town life ... the most discouraging is that of decline ... population, businesses, industries, and churches. Our town is not what is what fifty years ago. Once filled storefronts are vacant. Shells of factories are in decay. Church attendance is not what it used to be. England is one of those towns "too close" to the Little Rock / North Little Rock metro area. Natives in our town drive to LR/NLR to work, shop, eat, and, yes, to go to church. Very few people have moved into England while many have left. (In my six years, over twenty families have moved away from our community and our church. Not nearly that many have joined in that time.) We haven't experienced the growth that towns west and north of LR/NLR have - Conway, Cabot, Bryant, Benton. We are closer to LR/NLR than those cities. England is only 20 miles from the LR airport. There's only about 18 miles of good two-lane highway with extra-wide paved shoulders (for the farm equipment). The rest of the road is interstate. Our town is one of the most overlooked communities in central Arkansas. Why? Here's the reality check: Yes, we lack a Wal-Mart. And yes, our school system is small (but good). And, yes, the scenery is flat and the mosquitos can be pesky. But here's the optimistic check: The wide open spaces, friendly folks, and closeness to the LR/NLR metro area make up for any negatives.

Enough of the negatives. The good news is ... our community is growing! Our new community recreation center is going up not too far from our home (pictures 1, 2, and 2a below). Recently, I attended the dedication of our newest industry, "England Oil Field Service," that is now hiring (pictures 3 and 3a below). Last year, our new community fishing pond was dedicated (picture 4 below). And, even our church is sprucing up ... last year we built and dedicated our new foyer addition of Bride's Room, Church Library, and restrooms (picture 5 below). It's the first step of a three-part long range building plan. Many in our church believe that England does has a future.

Some people believe that our town and our church will never "be what it used to be." I don't want either of them to be "what they used to be" ... I want both to be better than ever. We can either sigh for the past or plan for the future. Either way, it affects how we live in the present. I choose to plan and hope instead of wish and regret. I choose to not only live in England, but to support it's businesses and institutions as well. To paraphrase a popular song ... "You may say that I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one; I hope someday you'll join us And we will be as one." Let's support England!

Eventually, the urban sprawl will come our way. It may still be a generation away ... but it will come. One builder is planning to erect a gated community. The future may get here sooner that we think.

This is just one pastor's perspective. I hope that our church members and our town citizens share it.

“A PERSPECTIVE ON “REVIVAL MEETINGS” - THOUGHTS ABOUT TRADITIONS”

Well, it’s that time of year again ... time for our annual church revival meeting. For some, it’s a tradition. Invite a guest preacher, go to church on Sunday and a few weeknights. Invite the public ... both folks who go to other churches in the area and folks who don’t go to church anywhere.

Revival meetings used to be big events. Years ago, the meetings would be scheduled to last two weeks and would often go longer. Then, as the years passed, the meetings got shorter ... from two weeks to one week, from one week to four days. Some churches now have just one day revival meetings. Many churches don’t have them at all. It’s one tradition that seems to be dying. Why?

I’m all for keeping up to date and changing with the times. Our church has installed projection screens. We’re using worship videos. We’re trying to learn some of the newer songs. (And we still sing the old hymns, too.) And, yes, we’re still having revival meetings. Granted, it’s a “four day meeting” and not a week or two weeks. It will start Sunday morning, March 2, and continue through Wednesday night, March 5. We’ll even being doing something special ... a Tuesday morning “Senior Adult (and anyone else who wants to come) Rally” followed by a free BBQ lunch. The details are in the two ads above for our local newspaper. You’re invited. I’ll hope you’ll come.

Why is it important to have a time of revival? Yes, it’s a tradition, but it’s more than that. It’s biblical to God’s people: Psalm 85:6 implores us: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” And, because it’s a blessing to others. Not only do God’s people get strengthened, but we get to fellowship with visiting friends from other churches and some of the out-of-church get into church.

Come get revived with us. And, if your church has a revival meeting, be sure to invite me.

This is just one pastor’s perspective.

"A PERSPECTIVE ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS (PART 1) - THOUGHTS ON CHRISTMAS SHOPPING"

Needless to say, Christmas is a busy time of year. I’ve been so busy that I haven't blogged during the past few days.

The Thanksgiving season used to be the beginning of the Christmas shopping season ... however, these days stores put up their Christmas displays the day after Halloween! (I can just imagine some child opening a Christmas gift with Halloween candy in it.)

Some get their Christmas shopping done early, others wait until the last minute. If you are reading these words on Wednesday, December 19, you only have five shopping days left (unless you have to settle for a convenience store on Christmas day ... then you have six.)

How much will Americans spend on Christmas gifts this year? AOL forecasts $450 billion dollars. That’s a lot of Christmas presents.

PNC Bank of Pittsburgh takes the shopping prediction a step further. According to the bank, the total cost of the Christmas gifts listed in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song (“On the first day of Christmas, my true gave to me ...”) would be $19,507.19 at today’s prices, an increase of 3.1% from last year.

PNC Bank has tracked the Christmas Price Index (CPI) since 1984. The lowest cost was in 1995 at $12,481.65. If you want the convenience of on-line ordering, the 2007 cost escalates to $78,100.00. The bank consults merchants, unions, professional organizations, and other experts in determining the costs. The only gifts to see no increase In 2007 are the three French hens, the seven swans a-swimming, and the nine ladies dancing. The gifts seeing the greatest increase in 2007 are the five golden rings and the eight maids a-milking ... a costly year to propose to a milkmaid but a money saving year to date a dancer!!! There’s a great video of this financial report at the PNC website: www.pncchristmaspriceindex.com.

Whether it’s $450 billion or $19 thousand, Christmas shopping can be expensive. However, the greatest Christmas gift of all cannot be bought or sold. According to the Bible, it cost God the Father immeasurably: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Have you received God’s gift of life? If you haven’t, receive it now by praying to Him. If you have, share His gift with others this season.

As you shop for “that perfect Christmas gift,” remember that God picked it out for you before you were even born.

Well, I must close. Must go Christmas shopping!

This is just one pastor’s (and shopper’s) perspective.

"A PERSPECTIVE ON HOLIDAYS (PART 2) - MORE THOUGHTS ON THANKSGIVING"

1872. One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two. Miles. That’s how far we drove round trip to Waco and then to Kansas City to visit with our children for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Twenty-eight hours. In a PT Cruiser. Seventy-five gallons of gas. Five nights in motels. Twenty meals dining out. That’s a lot of money. And a lot of time. But, like the TV commercial reminds us, even though all of the above things come with a price tag, there is one that is priceless - time with family.

We raised our children to be independent and we accomplished that goal! Our daughter and son-in-law have made a new home in Minnesota. Our son currently lives in Texas with a possible future on the west coast. My wife and I keep the home fires burning in Arkansas. If you’re children live close by, be thankful. But even if they live far away, be thankful. I’m thankful that I live in an age where distance doesn’t have to mean separation. Cars, cell phones, e-mail. We correspond and talk with our children often and travel to visit with them when we can.

Christmas is coming ... and the kids come home! Except this year. Our daughter and son-in-law are taking a cruise in Hawaii. But that’s OK. They both work hard and deserve it. I’m thankful that they have the resources to go. Who knows ... some Christmas in the future mom and dad may do that and leave the kids behind!

Yes, this modern age can be a good time to be alive. Be thankful for your family no matter where they live ... next door, next state, or next country.

This is just one pastor’s (and one father’s) perspective.

"A PERSPECTIVE ON HOLIDAYS - THOUGHTS ABOUT THANKSGIVING"

Thanksgiving is one of the few religious legal holidays that our nation observes and perhaps the most appropriate one for all citizens. President George Washington, in his “Thanksgiving Proclamation” of 1789, proclaimed: “Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be ... that we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country ... that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions ...”

Most Christians certainly celebrate Christmas (the birth of Jesus) and Easter (the resurrection of Jesus), but all Americans ... whether Christians, Jews, Muslims, other World Religions, Atheists, and all nonreligious ... should certainly be thankful for the great nation in which we live.

Take time this Thanksgiving season to write a “Thank You Note” to a political leader and/or a religious leader and thank them for their efforts to keep this great nation such a great place to live and, for those of us who are religious, to worship. And, while you’re at it ... may I suggest that you follow President Washington’s proclamation and “render unto him (the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, and that will be) sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection ... and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions."

This is just one pastor’s (and thankful citizen’s) perspective.

"A PERSPECTIVE ON CHURCHES - THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE"

Recently, I had lunch with three pastors and one layman of several area churches to plan the annual Community Thanksgiving Service. (That’s me on the left in the photo. See if you can pick out the Missionary Baptist pastor, the Assembly of God pastor, the First United Methodist pastor, and the Second Baptist layman. Bonus points for guessing who ate the most!)

Although the Baptists outnumbered the Others by three to two (sounds like a baseball score), there were no “winners” or “losers” at the encounter. On that day (and every year on the Sunday night before Thanksgiving), the emphasis is not on what divides us but on what unites us ... the proclamation that Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord.

Make no mistake, I’m thankful (and a little proud) to be a Southern Baptist .... but I’m more thankful to be a Christian. And, I’m thankful to live in a town where churches can see past our religious backgrounds and heritages. We not only do this at Thanksgiving time to worship, but year round through the food ministry of “Christ’s Corner.” (We will receive an offering at the Community Thanksgiving Service to help stock this food ministry.)

I hope that you’ll come to the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday night, November 18, 6:00 at the England Elementary School Cafeteria. You’ll hear some great music from many of the area churches and some great preaching by our host this year, Mike Brogan of First Assembly of God.

This is just one pastor’s perspective.