Talk the Talk but fail the Walk.

I seldom let things get under my skin but something has. It has taken me several weeks to mull this over in my mind but it will just not go away. So, permit me to vent.

Several weeks ago, our youngest son who resides in NYC fell down a flight of stairs while at work. He gashed his head, broke an elbow and knee cap, and well as spraining writs ts and ankles. My wife and I could not afford a trip to NYC so we put out a prayer request for our son.

This prayer request was sent to friends as well as posted on our denominational Internet bulletin board. Had many responses for folk all over the country for which we are thankful and appreciative.

The rub comes from the church I pastored for nearly 17 years and to which my wife is a member. Only one couple from that church responded with prayerful support.

Now, this church is just 8 miles from our residence yet none of the ministers on the staff--they have 7 for a 50 member congregation took time to call or visit. None of the members with the exception of the above mentioned couple phoned, email, or sent cards. This is a church that boldly proclaims how much it cares for others and prays for people daily. Well not in this case and both my wife and I feel slighted by this lack of caring. In my opinion, they can talk the talk but fail to walk the walk.

I don't know why it takes 7 ministers to staff a congregation of 50. During my nearly 17 years with them, there was only one minister for a congregation of well over 100. And while I was not a perfect minister, I did sincerely try to visit those who needed it and to pray with them.

I doubt if I'll ever set foot inside that church again. And, when it comes time for my funeral, none of the ministers of that congregation will be asked by my family to officiate at my funeral.

Thanks for allowing me to vent.

Dr. Ron

By Passing the Committee on Ministry

My denomination is a part of the Presbyterian and Reformed branches of Christianity. As such we are guided by a Confession of Faith and a Constitution. The Constitution spells out what each judicatory from the congregation, presbytery, synod, and General Assembly are to do. It has served us well for nearly 200 years [we celebrate our 200th anniversary in 2010].

That is until here lately when a congregation within our presbytery is becoming more and more independent by having a flagrant disregard for the Constitution. For example, it is the Presbytery's right to give oversight to those desiring to be ordained and, in fact is the body which ordains persons to ministry for service within the entire denomination. The Presbytery gives this responsibility to the Committee on Ministry with it reporting the progress of each individual to the Presbytery and recommendation for ordination. The Presbytery then in turn has the right to accept our reports and recommendations or not.

Part of the Committee's duties is to determine the educational needs of the person and to suggest the best course of action for him or her to take as they prepare for ordination. This is spelled out in the denominational Confession of Faith. There is also an alternative option for persons who for some reason [deemed reasonable by the Committee] are not able to attend a seminary.

I have said all of this to say this. The congregation referred to above has taken it upon its own to act as the presbyterial Committee on Ministry. This summer two persons from its congregation were enrolled in the Program of Alternate Studies and told what courses they needed to be ordained. Then the session of the congregation notified the Committee on Ministry that these two persons would present themselves before us at our semi-annual meeting.

One was surprised to learn he needed to go through the process of becoming a Candidate, Licentiate, and then Ordination. He expected to be received by the Committee and approved for ordination at the September meeting of Presbytery.

It is my suspicion the pastor mislead this person into believing this way. The other person is an ordained Korean Presbyterian Minister. Which in itself is an entirely different situation. If things check out then, the Committee might recommend the transfer of his ordination into our denomination. Here again, the pastor told him what courses he needed to take at PAS.

In my book, it is wrong for a pastor and local session to act as the presbyterial Committee on Ministry.

I've stated my views. What's yours?

I Lost It

Saturday, August 8th, I was in a good mood and felt rather good. I was attending a meeting of a committee which give direction and oversight to persons desiring to become ordained ministers within my denomination.

Things were progressing rather well until we met with one young man. When the chairman asked about his theological views he replied that he was orthodox, reformed, and a conservative. He went on to explain his position as being Calvinistic [our denomination is not]. He continued by sharing why he had left a certain denomination to set up his own church. That denomination he told us was too liberal and liberalism was heresy. He expanded this to include another denomination which he claimed was the first to allow homosexuals into the church. He held that church to be heretics as well. He continued his rant for several minutes and that's when I lost my cool.

I told him I was a liberal and did not appreciate being considered a heretic. And that I attended both "liberal" churches of which he spoke. I also told him I did not attend my denominational church because of their like-minded opinions of liberals.

I did of course remind him that I was a Christian with just a little bit of difference in interpretation of Scripture and that I had been nurtured as a fundamentalist. But during my faith journey, God had led me away from fundamentalism to the my current views. But, I reminded him, I still was a born again Christian.

I questioned him about homosexuality. He made the statement that all homosexuals are that way by choice and that there is nothing to the myth that it could be genetic in nature. I asked about the theological position of one who had accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour prior to coming out of the closet. He reply was that they made a choice to violate God's Word when they chose to become gay. I asked about their salvation once again and he implied they were not genuinely saved. I responded that I thought he had a lot to learn about salvation and homosexuals.

While I appreciate the views of others, this young man was so judgmental that I found it hard to believe. He expected us to interview him that day and have him ordained in September when the larger body met. The chairman and others told him that would not happen as there was a process he and others had to go through. That did not seem to rest well with him.

Before he left the room, I apologized for loosing my cool and tried to assure him that I would not hold his views against him as we went through the process.

It has been a very long time since I have given into my "Irish temper."

Ah, Sunday

Nothing in particular to write about today. Just that it is Sunday. Sundays are not the same since I retired from the ministry years ago. I don't have to be at church. I don't have to play the 'church games' that so many ministers do. Do I miss it? Not too much.

However what I do miss is the fellowship or family feeling of a congregation. Now, I am an orphan. Have no church family to speak of. My professional ethics prevent me from attending the church from which I retired. Another reason I do not attend is it has become radically theologically different. It is very radical in its conservative and evangelical approach to the Faith. Thus, my theological views are out of sink with theirs.

Any new congregation I visit would not afford the spiritual family connection as I would always be the 'adopted' family member. At my age, I am too old to be adopted and begin the process of being part of the family.

Ah, Sunday a day of relaxation for me in my retirement years.

Church Websites

I visit many church websites just to keep up on things. Most of them are current and updated on a regular basis. One, however, has not been updated in several months. It still contains the news that it will be moving soon to a new location.

However, that is not the case at all. All of their plans since the inception of relocation have fallen through for one or more reasons. But you would not get that information from its website. It still includes an architect's drawing of a church that will no longer be.

The lastest word is that the church will not relocate but remain in its current location despite some concerns the DNR [department of natural resources] has about the property beneath the current building. The website does not mention anything of this nature.

The pastor's blog has not been update in over a year. The associate pastor's has been updated recently.

All of this causes me to wonder about churches which direct us to their websites only to see outdated information. In this day and age, I think it speaks volumes about the church--perhaps being out-dated itself. I have no personal knowledge of this church only via its website and the things I hear from neigbors in the community.

Oh well, now I said it and I shall retreat to the wonderful world of a church website surfer.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Dr. Ron

Buster and A. B. Wood

This video shows more of the interaction between A. B. Wood and Buster. I had to constantly pet Buster to ease his fears of this new and strange thing. :)

These two videos were taken by my daughter using my HP Photosmart R847 digital camera. This is our first attempt at uploading videos from the camera. I'd say we did rather well. One of these days, I will get use to all the modern technology and by the time I do it will be obsolete. :)

Once again, enjoy the antics of Buster and A. B. Wood.

Dr. Ron

Buster meets A. B. Wood

Buster is my daughter's dog. She and her gentleman friend came over Friday evening to grill hamburgers, etc. My daughter found A. B. Wood, one of my muppets, and introduced him to her dog. Buster was not too sure what to make of the deal. He was a tad afraid. Then her gentleman friend took A. B. while I held Buster. I petted him while A. B. kept getting closer and closer. Lots of laughter and fun as we watched the scene play out before us.

Have fun watching. Remember life is short and there is much to smile and laugh about so laugh much each day.

Dr. Ron

A friend

I sometimes think about the end of life and what it may be like to 'passover' to the other side. During one of my speculative moments, the phone rang. It was a dear friend I had not heard from in a long time. She and her husband were and are dear friends. We met during my active pastorate years and shared many, many happy times. Sue and Pat are the kind of people you instantly fall in love with. Both have a zest for life and for living.

Sue phoned to inform me that Pat has ALS and is under hospice care with the end of his life drawing near. So sad for a young man--in his fifties--who had that amazing zest for life and lived it to the fullest. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart aches for Sue, Pat, and their boys as they approach this chapter in their lives. Of course, my prayers are with them.

I have always believed in the hereafter from the Christian perspective. When it is time for Pat to crossover, I know it will be to a better place and that he will be relased from the pain and suffering of this life. That provides me with some comfort and joy. I will, however, be saddened that a good friend is now longer with me. That's natural. However, in my saddness I will rejoice because Pat touched my life significanly and I have grown because of our encounter.

Thanks, Pat for being my friend.

Dr. Ron

My New Chairiot

After many months of waiting, I am now able to use my motorized chair at school. This photo was taken in one of the college's parking lots. My students wanted to see me 'pop a wheelie' but I told them security would get me for speeding inside a building. :)

The chair has be very valuable in helping me get around the large campus. My department head saw me yesterday in the chair and said, "Ron, I can now assign you to any and all buildings on campus now that you have transportation." :) I relied, "Bring it on." :)

Have a great and wonderful day.
Dr. Ron

Former Student

Yesterday while on campus, one of my former students "blocked" the door so I could not move past her. She had a big smile on her face and open arms to embrace me. We exchanged the normal courtesies and then she said, "Dr. Ron, I will never forget you." When I asked why she replied, "Because of you and your parting thought to us each day, 'know that you are valued, loved, and appreciated,' I'm turning my life around." WOW, her statement blew me away. Why?

Because last semester when I had her in my Ethics class she believed herself to be a loser and did many things to prove to herself and others that she was a loser. She did not care about school. What people thought about her partying ways, etc. She lacked respect for herself and others.

Oh what a joy it was to see her yesterday as the beautiful young lady I knew she could be. She touched my life and I have grown and more than that I touched her life and she has grown.

I end this by saying, "Go forth knowing you are valued, loved, and appreciated."

Dr. Ron

High Cost of Being Handicap

The hydraulic lift has now been installed on my car. The total cost was almost as much as the motorized chair itself. Of course, had to take out a loan for the lift.

While at the shop where the lift was installed, I engaged in conversation with a man whose significant other is severely disabled. He told me her chair cost more than thirty thousand dollars. I did not ask if they received any financial assistance or not. But, I was blown away by the cost of just one chair to help a person become mobile.

Also, as I thumbed through magazines, I noticed ads for vans...some of which exceeded fifty thousand dollars. I would have been interested in one, however, fifty thousand dollars is more than I earn in 3 years.

I don't know where I'm headed with this post only to note that I am surprised by the high cost of being disabled or handicap

Illusions at a fast pace

I enjoy magic. It is one of my hobbies. I consider myself to be a novice magician who has entertained at children's birthday parties and other venues. I enjoy entertaining and enjoy those who entertain us as well.

The following link was sent to me by a friend who resides in PA. Click on the link below to see one of the fastest illusionists working today. Enjoy. Don't blink an eye as you may miss something.


(http://www.flixxy.com/worlds-fastest-magician.htm)

Put On a Happy Face

I believe the song says,"Put on a Happy Face, spread sunshine all over the world...so put on a Happy Face."

This lady sure did put on a happy face and I'm sure most of those who saw her from behind had happy faces as well. I know I did when I first saw this photo.

Have fun today and "Put on a Happy Face."

Dr. Ron

Just Playing

It is Sunday morning here in the Ozarks and I am playing with my new computer's webcam. The hand at my face is to shade it from the sunlight which was coming in the window.

I am trying to figure out how to add a slide presentation to my blog. That is another job for today.

The webcam is being tried and tested today because next semester I will be teaching an online class in Philosophy and want to be able to "video" some items to my students. So play time is really learning time. :)

Have a great and wonderful day. Next time, I might just have a slide presentation. Who knows?

A Novel Experience

I began reading, "The Lord of the Rings." Heretofore, I have not read many novels but books related to philosophy, theology, and ethics. Since January or the Christmas season, my wife suggested I read some novels to broaden my reading horizons. I've become hooked on novels now.

I especially enjoy reading mystery novels. After reading several by Grissom and Robertson and others, I began to read "The Lord of the Rings." My oldest grandson gave it to me as a Christmas gift and now, I'm into it and loving every minute of it.

This book is one of the recommended readings Introduction to Ethics which I teach. So, now I can be more informed about the novel and the "moral of the story" contained within it. The author of the text book we use and Philosopher Martha Nussbuam both recommend reading novels so as to get a good look at life, the situations people find themselves confronting, and how they deal with them. So far I love my new adventures in reading.

Assumptions

As a Christian minister [retired], I find some Christians to be arrogant in their assumptions of persons. By this, I mean they make a blanket statement that all persons who do not worship God the way they do are in need of salvation. It does not matter if these persons are members of a Christian congregation or not, they are still in need of salvation. How arrogant can one be? Who are we to decide who is a Christian or not? Did God suddenly pass away and put these folks in charge of the "judgment" and "salvation" departments?

Yes, I believe persons need to know Jesus Christ but, I do not assume that everyone I meet or have yet to meet are sinners in need of salvation. Some may be while others may not be. God will lead me to those who need to see and to hear of His unconditional love and acceptance. My daily prayer is that God will enable me to be His witness by word and deed and in so doing He will open the doors or lead me to persons who are in need of His help or salvation.

Let's assume one thing. Let's assume that God will use us as His instruments of unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Have a great day rejoicing in the Lord.

Dr. Ron

AIG

Like most folks, I am very upset about the bonuses AIG is paying with the bailout money. Their reasoning is that they need to do so to keep good folks working. What about the good folks who have lost their money and jobs perhaps some of AIG bonus money could be given to them. The leadership at AIG need to come down from their ivory/gold plated tower and work and live like the real folks live--pay check to pay check. As a retiree with no pension or IRA's only Social Security and a part time position at a local community college, I sure could use a bonus. Try living at the poverty level, AIG executives...it is not fun...

Now, I know what AIG stands for: "Ain't It Good?" working here with all the bonuses and perks those poor suckers pay us with their bail out money. Well, we poor suckers now own AIG and the good times are over. As one share holder in the company, I caste my vote to downsize or to terminate your afflication with "my company" effective immediately. And before you leave, you will pay back the perks given to you by our bailout funds. One other thing, don't let the door hit you on your way out....I don't want you to be in too much pain as you explain to your spouse how you lost your job.

That's my take and I'm sticking to it. What's your opinion?

Dr. Ron

A Happy Gathering

We had a happy gathering during Christmas 2008 with all of our four children being in one place at one time. Our two sons reside in different states which makes it difficult for them to be at family gatherings.

Our oldest son and his wife live in Eldorado, AR where he works for a radio station. Our youngest son resides in the "Big Apple" and is between jobs. He has worked for several Broadway productions.

Our two daughters reside in Springfield. Our oldest daughter is self employed and our youngest daughter is an office manager for a law firm.

Christmas 2008 was lots of fun with our children, our daughter-in-law, and our 3 grandchildren. The quiet moments were few and far between but that was a good thing as we got to enjoy family.

We treasure and love each member of our family including my sister-in-law, her son and his wife, and their two beautiful girls who reside in Georgia. Also, my brother and his lady friend were here from Michigan to "ring in the New Year" with us.

Family is to be loved and treasured. Have a great day.

Dr. Ron

New Computer

I am now the proud owner of a new HP Pavilon laptop computer. I am learning how to navigate and use all of the bells and whistles that come with it and the Vista operating system.

It was easy to set up and get connected with my home wireless net work which gave me access to the college's website. I spend a lot of time on that website grading papers, exams, and writing lesson plans. Now, my wife can enjoy her computer once again.

Am having fun and that is the main thing as I explore my new computer.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Dr. Ron

Computer Update

Allow me to update you on the status of my laptop computer. There is really no update available for it. Had a new hard drive put in and installed all of my programs, etc. only to have it work online and offline for about an hour or so. Since it was under repair warranty, I took it back. The sad news came in the other day. The motherboard is going bad. Labor alone would have cost over $200 so, I decided to have them refund the money I spent on the new hard drive, which they did. Now, my 6 year old laptop is on the way to the computer recycling place. Good bye, old friend, I shall miss you.

Perhaps, I will go to Circuit City to see what they have discounted on their going out of business sale. My personal economy is just as bad as theirs although I can't go out of business. :)

Until the next time we visit on my front porch, I wish you well,

Dr. Ron

Computer Crash

I have had a laptop computer for five years during which I never had any major problems. That is until the other day when I was defragmenting the hard drive. Let's just say the computer "froze up" and I turned if off manually. Bad idea as it would not come back on. A message screen advised me to open it in "safe mode" or "normal." Well, I tried both with no luck.

Took it to a computer repair shop on Saturday. First indication is that it is the hard drive. They will know more on Tuesday. They may or may not be able to extract and save some of the files.

I use the laptop for all of my college teaching work. While I have many of the files backed up, I don't have all of them. :( The semester just stared so I'll have much to do should I have to recreate the lost files. From now on, I think I had better back up my files each day just to be on the safe side.

A good learning experience for me.

Have a great and good day.

Dr. Ron

Marching to the beat of a different drummer

The holiday season is history. Pondering the past holiday season, I realized this year that I was "marching to the beat of a different drummer." I no longer had to play the games people play during the holidays. I no longer had to be "sweet and charming" to satisfy the church folk at their parties, Christmas musicals, pageants, and worship services. In fact during the holidays, I only went to church once and that was a Christmas musical at one of my daughters' church. I really enjoyed it as it was inspirational and joy-filled"

I made this comment years ago to a group of ministers, "When I retire I will not go to church." Their response was typical in that I had to continue going to church. I asked "Why?" and made the following statement, "When my father retired from Ford Motor Company, he did not go back to work." While I have been retired from the ministry for several years, this past holiday season was the time I chose not to go to church. It is one of those expected games that people play and this season, I chose not to play. It felt good to relax at home watching the various holiday programs on the television. About the only time I go to church anymore is when I am a guest minister [consultant if you wish]. Then if feels good because it is something I chose to do.

As I stated earlier, I march to the beat of a different drummer. My retirement allows me to be the real me with no pretense and fulfilling someone else's expectations. I like this beat. And the beat goes on so that I can do it "my way."

Have a great and wonderful day. Remember, you only have one opportunity in life to be your real self.