EYES WIDE OPEN

Jesus walked through this world with His eyes wide open. That's why he was able to see the needs that others brushed by without notice. He was fully alert and engaged with his surroundings, quick to pick up on how he could make a difference.

I love it when followers of Jesus become like him and walk slowly enough through their worlds, to see what he sees, hear what he hears, and respond as he would respond. The reason so many don't is that last little phrase. When I see and hear what Jesus sees and hears, it changes my responsibility. Now I have a very serious responsibility--acting on Christ's behalf. It is easier to be like the famous monkey trio--see no evil, hear no evil, do no evil. Then, I can claim ignorance and avoid responsibility for being a change agent.

But great significance comes when I live with eyes wide open. Scott and Tina Heiberg, members of Cornerstone Church where I pastor, did just that. They are a young married couple who went to Fiji on their honeymoon. While there, they strayed away from the resort, and to their amazement, found a village of very poor people in need of clean, fresh water. They came home with an urgency to act. They started raising money for a water project in Fiji, and made many personal sacrifices to be there and assist as the well is drilled. That's such a Jesus thing..I am thrilled. Pray for them. They leave Friday, December 2 to get their hands dirty and hearts full as they do the "grunt work" for the least of these in Fiji.

Woo hoo for Clear Blue!

So, I told you that I am at a camp for senior adults...they know how to make everything fun. They took on Clear Blue Global Water Project as their missions project for the week.(http://clearblueproject.com/)

In an absolutely hilarious evening, they auctioned jelly, pies, stuffed animals, and an amazing handmade quilt, all proceeds going to Clear Blue. A jar of jelly went for $100.00, and a homemade red raspberry pie went for $1600.00!?!?! That cook must be flat-out amazing! When the evening was over, they had raised over $4500.00, enough for three wells in India. The needy in India are waiting on us to send them money for 10 more wells--here we go! I can't send it fast enough!

Isn't it incredible? People using their resources and hearts of love for Jesus to bless other people they will never see in places they will never go. I'm guessing when they all meet each other in heaven, it will be quite a party.

I MADE IT!

I was thrilled to be a participant in the Clear Blue Water Splash Dash 5k race. Hundreds of runners from all over the state and some from other states descended on Cornerstone for a scenic run/walk through Coventry township. Congrats to Sean Fremon and Bruce Oberlin, the genius brains behind the scenes. I heard many comments from experienced runners that this was the most organized race in some of the prettiest territory they had ever run in, but "Oh, the hills!"

I can identify. I had never participated in anything like this before, and yowzers! My calf muscles were screaming! But I am proud to say I received a medal, first in my class. I was the fastest pastor there. Of course, I was the ONLY pastor there, but...

It was really good for me in so m any ways. It was great to see the interest and support of our township people and public servants. It buoyed my confidence that I can do things I haven't done before (look out, guys!), it bolstered my desire to get into better shape. And it was great for my spirit,too. Just one little lesson from the race---hills and obstacles look far worse from a distance. If you stare at them long enough, you'll be defeated, positive you can never do it. But if you just start walking, you'll be surprised how you can make it. The hill shrinks as you grow.