Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 124
April 5, 2016
Food for Thought on this Election Day
Today is the primary election in Wisconsin. I can’t – and I won’t – talk politics here or tell you who you should or shouldn’t vote for. Instead let’s look at a different presidential election. 
It began on August 21, 1858, in Washington Park in Ottawa, Illinois, when Stephen Douglas of the Democratic party debated a little known Republican lawyer named Abraham Lincoln for a Senate seat. The most heated topics of the day were slavery and state’s rights. Lincoln, as we all know, believed that slavery was wrong and that as a united nation, all states needed to stand together to abolish it. Douglas, on the other hand, believed that each state should be allowed to decide if slavery was right for them.
Lincoln lost the Senate seat to Douglas, but two years later he would win the presidential election. The Civil War broke out immediately afterward and we all know how it ended. Slavery was brought to an end. No man has a right to own any other man. That was the basic premise on which this country was founded and it was upheld at the cost of many American lives, on both sides of the issue.
How would our country’s history have been different if it hadn’t been for Lincoln? If the northern states hadn’t prevailed in bringing an end to slavery? Are the issues any different in 2016? Aren’t our freedoms just as important now as they were in the 1800s? Just food for thought. Now get out and vote.
April 3, 2016
The Stone was Rolled Away
Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. Mark 16:2-4 New Living Translation
Last Sunday, Easter, we celebrated the empty tomb. The stone had been rolled away and Jesus had risen from the dead. As Christians we know that this act granted us forgiveness from sins and that at the time of our deaths we will be raised as well.
But who wants to think only of dying? Does being a believer mean all we have to look forward to is our last breaths on this Earth?
That’s where the stone comes in, a large stone, so large that it had taken several of the Roman soldiers to roll it into place. The women who went to the tomb that first Easter to care for Jesus’ body had no idea how they would ever roll that stone away.
Yet, God had barely lifted a finger to move it. He barely has to lift a finger to remove our heavy stones, the burdens of our lives. There is no weight, no physical affliction, no emotional pain that is weighing us down that is too much for God to eliminate.
Lord, God, thank you for sending Your only Son to cure of us our sins. Help us to find peace and joy in knowing that the stone was rolled away. Amen
When I starting writing this post, I had a picture in mind that I wanted to use. It is of a huge boulder which rolled into a house near Alma, Wisconsin, many years ago. I could not find that picture or any of the pictures I took between 2008 and 2010. As disappointing as that is, I guess God wanted me to use a different picture. This is from the Wari Ruins in the Andes mountains of Peru. I was there in 2009, and the pictures from that trip are the only ones I seem to have from that year.
Rock in the house at Alma
Last Sunday, Easter, we celebrated the empty tomb. The stone had been rolled away and Jesus had risen from the dead. As Christians we know that this act granted us forgiveness from sins and that at the time of our deaths we will be raised as well.
But who wants to think only of dying? Does being a believer mean all we have to look forward to is our last breaths on this Earth?
That’s where the stone comes in, a large stone, so large that it had taken several of the Roman soldiers to roll it into place. The women who went to the tomb that first Easter to care for Jesus’ body had no idea how they would ever roll that stone away.
Yet, God had barely lifted a finger to move it. He barely has to lift a finger to remove our heavy stones, the burdens of our lives. There is no weight, no physical affliction, no emotional pain that is weighing us down that is too much for God to eliminate.
Lord, God, thank you for sending Your only Son to cure of us our sins. Help us to find peace and joy in knowing that the stone was rolled away. Amen
When I starting writing this post, I had a picture in mind that I wanted to use. It is of a huge boulder which rolled into a house near Alma, Wisconsin, many years ago. I could not find that picture or any of the pictures I took between 2008 and 2010. As disappointing as that is, I guess God wanted me to use a different picture. This is from the Wari Ruins in the Andes mountains of Peru. I was there in 2009, and the pictures from that trip are the only ones I seem to have from that year. Rock in the house at Alma
March 27, 2016
Easter Morning
From the Book of Matthew, Chapter 28 (the New Living Translation)
The Resurrection Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
The Report of the Guard11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
The Great Commission16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Resurrection Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
The Report of the Guard11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
The Great Commission16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
March 26, 2016
Saturday Vigil
From the Book of Matthew, Chapter 27 (the New Living Translation)
55 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. 61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
55 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. 61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
March 25, 2016
Good Friday
From the Book of Matthew, Chapter 27 (the New Living Translation)
11 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him.
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
23 But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”
26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. 37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.
54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
11 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him.
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
23 But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”
26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. 37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.
54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
March 24, 2016
Maundy Thursday
From the Book of Matthew, Chapter 26 (New Living Translation)
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”
18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.
20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”
23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”
25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”
And Jesus told him, “You have said it.”
26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.”
27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
^ ^ ^ ^ ^47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.
50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”
18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.
20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”
23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”
25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”
And Jesus told him, “You have said it.”
26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.”
27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
^ ^ ^ ^ ^47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.
50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
March 23, 2016
Holy Wednesday
The Book of Matthew, Chapter 26 (from the New Living Translation)
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
3 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Last Sunday, with Jesus’s return to the city of Jerusalem, we began the somber week leading up to Jesus arrest and crucifixion, followed by His triumphant resurrection on Easter morning. For the next four days I will be posting those events, with no commentary of my own. The Scriptures say it all.
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
3 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Last Sunday, with Jesus’s return to the city of Jerusalem, we began the somber week leading up to Jesus arrest and crucifixion, followed by His triumphant resurrection on Easter morning. For the next four days I will be posting those events, with no commentary of my own. The Scriptures say it all.
March 21, 2016
Finally Full Circle
Last August 28, I declared that I had closed the book on a story that has lasted pretty much my entire lifetime. That old romantic building which was our town’s hospital for – well, my entire lifetime. Evidently there is still one story left in my head about that building, or at least the city block where it resided. And when I realized that my second to the last post about this place was exactly one year ago, well, what was I to do.
The end of August last year, Milestone Assisted Living Facility opened on the plot of land where the Old Sacred Heart Hospital had been. (Click on those links above to read all about it and see my photo album of it.)
I’ve been hearing lots of good things about the new building and know several people who have moved in. I missed the open house for the community, but since I have connections in the medical field, I thought I could just drop by and give myself my own tour. A month or two ago, however, a cousin of mine took up residence there. Shortly after that, my mom asked if I would take her there for a visit on my day off. Ah,ha, my ticket in the door.
It is indeed a beautiful facility and I thought at the time about taking some pictures, but thought that might be tacky. It isn’t just a building, after all; it is these people’s home.
While my cousin was giving us a tour, I ran into some of the women I know who are residents there. One of them, out of the blue, told me that I should do a presentation for the tenants about my travels to Kenya. At that very moment, the assistant director walked by. The woman I know grabbed her and introduced us. “Chris has been to Africa several times and she would love to come back and tell us all about it.”
I didn’t miss a beat, pulling a business card for our nonprofit out of my pocket and a pen out of my purse. “Let me give you my name and number, but otherwise here is the information on our organization that works in Kenya.” Sometimes I do amaze myself.
Long story short (too late for that, Chris), I gave my presentation for about ten residents this past Friday. I still didn’t take any pictures inside, but asked one of the staff to shoot this one of me and my guests.
I don’t know how much some of them got out of my talk, but they did ask lots of questions afterwards and even ate my chapati.
I think my story has finally come full circle.
The end of August last year, Milestone Assisted Living Facility opened on the plot of land where the Old Sacred Heart Hospital had been. (Click on those links above to read all about it and see my photo album of it.)
I’ve been hearing lots of good things about the new building and know several people who have moved in. I missed the open house for the community, but since I have connections in the medical field, I thought I could just drop by and give myself my own tour. A month or two ago, however, a cousin of mine took up residence there. Shortly after that, my mom asked if I would take her there for a visit on my day off. Ah,ha, my ticket in the door.
It is indeed a beautiful facility and I thought at the time about taking some pictures, but thought that might be tacky. It isn’t just a building, after all; it is these people’s home.
While my cousin was giving us a tour, I ran into some of the women I know who are residents there. One of them, out of the blue, told me that I should do a presentation for the tenants about my travels to Kenya. At that very moment, the assistant director walked by. The woman I know grabbed her and introduced us. “Chris has been to Africa several times and she would love to come back and tell us all about it.”
I didn’t miss a beat, pulling a business card for our nonprofit out of my pocket and a pen out of my purse. “Let me give you my name and number, but otherwise here is the information on our organization that works in Kenya.” Sometimes I do amaze myself.
Long story short (too late for that, Chris), I gave my presentation for about ten residents this past Friday. I still didn’t take any pictures inside, but asked one of the staff to shoot this one of me and my guests.
I don’t know how much some of them got out of my talk, but they did ask lots of questions afterwards and even ate my chapati.
I think my story has finally come full circle.
March 20, 2016
First Day of Spring
True and False Prophets “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
True and False Disciples “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The Wise and Foolish Builders “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:15-29, NIV)
These are the final words of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, which I have been sharing throughout Lent.
Today is Palm Sunday, the day we observe Jesus’s triumphant return to Jerusalem. It is also the beginning of Holy Week, the somber seven days which includes Jesus’s arrest, conviction and crucifixion. These are the final days of His life on this earth before He returns in glory one week from today.
Appropriately, this year, today is also the first day of Spring, here in the United States. It is the time of year where we revel in new life and new beginnings, where we look forward to seasons of growth and prosperity.
No matter what time of year it is, however, we need to remember that we have already been granted New Life through Jesus Christ. As believers, we can look forward to His triumphant return to this world.
Lord, God, thank You for sending Your Son to save us from our sins and from the hardships of this world. Grant us the patience to realize this life is only temporary, that You have so much better planned for us in Heaven. Amen.
It has been a mild winter, but not this mild. Here in northern Wisconsin, no matter how warm March is, we know that we better wait at least another month to plant anything outdoors. But Spring is still here!
True and False Disciples “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The Wise and Foolish Builders “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:15-29, NIV)
These are the final words of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, which I have been sharing throughout Lent.
Today is Palm Sunday, the day we observe Jesus’s triumphant return to Jerusalem. It is also the beginning of Holy Week, the somber seven days which includes Jesus’s arrest, conviction and crucifixion. These are the final days of His life on this earth before He returns in glory one week from today.
Appropriately, this year, today is also the first day of Spring, here in the United States. It is the time of year where we revel in new life and new beginnings, where we look forward to seasons of growth and prosperity.
No matter what time of year it is, however, we need to remember that we have already been granted New Life through Jesus Christ. As believers, we can look forward to His triumphant return to this world.
Lord, God, thank You for sending Your Son to save us from our sins and from the hardships of this world. Grant us the patience to realize this life is only temporary, that You have so much better planned for us in Heaven. Amen.
It has been a mild winter, but not this mild. Here in northern Wisconsin, no matter how warm March is, we know that we better wait at least another month to plant anything outdoors. But Spring is still here!March 15, 2016
At the Willow
Two years ago I came up with the clever idea to walk every street in my hometown and to document those streets here. I kept up with it for a while, but then life got in the way and I have been remiss in walking those streets. Of course, our long cold winters tend to keep me inside. Or at least use that as an excuse. This winter has been exceptionally mild and I need to get back to blogging about little Tomahawk. I’m keeping some dates open on my calendar in the coming months for just such a reason.
Since I haven’t quite made it out on those mean streets yet, I thought I would at least start with a little teaser.
Last Friday was remarkably warm and sunny for early March. When Hubby got home from work a little before three, we decided to take a ride. We drove north of town and up Highway Y out of Bradley. It had been quite a while since we had been out to the Willow. Hubby didn’t think he had ever been there, but I jarred his memory a bit. He stilled only recalled one trip.
Years before we met, I had taken a ride on the Wilderness Queen as part of a family caper. A not-so-fond memory was of crossing the dam. All those years ago, it was a narrow one-lane road over the dam and my active imagination pictured the whole dam collapsing under our vehicle.
But enough of my talk. I don’t mean to brag, but the pictures I took are pretty great. It wasn’t me or my camera. It was just the beautiful day and amazing place.
Since I haven’t quite made it out on those mean streets yet, I thought I would at least start with a little teaser.
Last Friday was remarkably warm and sunny for early March. When Hubby got home from work a little before three, we decided to take a ride. We drove north of town and up Highway Y out of Bradley. It had been quite a while since we had been out to the Willow. Hubby didn’t think he had ever been there, but I jarred his memory a bit. He stilled only recalled one trip.
Years before we met, I had taken a ride on the Wilderness Queen as part of a family caper. A not-so-fond memory was of crossing the dam. All those years ago, it was a narrow one-lane road over the dam and my active imagination pictured the whole dam collapsing under our vehicle.
But enough of my talk. I don’t mean to brag, but the pictures I took are pretty great. It wasn’t me or my camera. It was just the beautiful day and amazing place.
