Trying to live with faith

Last weekend I had an opportunity to go out of town with my family. We had a blast camping  in Duck Creek, Utah. I love being surrounded by nature, and I love going to the mountains. There is a beauty that is hard to explain, and there is also a certain element of surprise that I really value. When I am at home, it is fairly easy to prepare for the day. I know what the weather will be, and I know exactly where I am going. However, when I travel to the mountains, I have to deal with a certain amount of unpredictability. 

I love an opportunity to go camping!

When we pulled into our campsite, the sunny sky suddenly became rather dark. A mixture of snow and sleet started falling down on us. The nights dropped down to about 38 degrees, and the neighbors, who we went camping with, had a child who became super sick. They had to rush him off the mountain to the nearest emergency room. I never want to see anyone sick, but there was also a sense that we had to put our faith in something greater. We can't control everything. There are times we need to let go and trust in God. We can try to make ourselves believe that we are always in control, but I do not believe that is true. In order to live life to the fullest, I believe we need faith...

In our sermon series at CLC, we are looking at the story of Joseph in the Bible. This man lived long before the time of Jesus, and he faced some incredible difficulties. He was sold into slavery, accused of false crimes, and thrown into prison. It is hard to keep the faith in these moments, but Joseph was able to believe. He trusted that God was in control even when the world looked like it was falling apart.

I wonder what would happen if we learned to trust a little bit more. I love to control every situation I'm in, but that's not always good for me. I love to go to the mountain to remind myself that there is something bigger. When I let go, there is an opportunity the experience the beauty of creation in a new way.

Today I hope each of you can take a step toward surrendering to God's Grace. Jesus came to this world to remind us that we are not alone. We can trust in God.

(Here are a few more pics from our trip...)

Exploring the ice cave

Our home for a couple of nights...

Enjoying Cascade Falls!

Nothing like grilling bacon over an open flame...

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

Living with the Holy Spirit

Have you ever felt alone? 

A few years ago, Harvard professor Robert Putnam published the book "Bowling Alone." In this work, he states that people are spending more time by themselves. Instead of connecting with others, at places like church or bowling alleys, we find reasons to disconnect. 

I have been thinking a lot about loneliness recently. A week ago, sat with four young kids who had unexpectedly lost their father. These kids were facing an incredibly heartbreaking new reality. Another woman, who had been a caretaker for many years, had just lost her own father. She was struggling, because her house now seems so empty. I also spoke to several youth who were feeling bullied and isolated in their own ways. 

I think everyone has to face loneliness of some kind or another. We also have to ask ourselves if we believe that God's Love can reach us in our time of need... When we feel lost where do we turn?

This week we are celebrating the festival of Pentecost in the church. This is an ancient Jewish festival that came fifty days after the celebration of Passover. The people came together to offer a thanksgiving feast after the grain harvest. However, the disciples were surprised by the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Two thousand years ago, the early followers of Christ felt very alone after Jesus was crucified. First, they had to grieve our Savior's death, then they experienced the astonishment of the resurrection. Before they knew it, Jesus returned to heaven. They were all left wondering what to do next. Instead of acting, they spent much of their time hiding behind locked doors. 

In the midst of all their doubts and fears, they were visited by the Holy Spirit. God showed up. Even when they lost hope, the Spirit transformed their lives.

The Holy Spirit still moves in our world. Even if we are lost and feel completely broken, God does not give up on us. We are called to take time to listen for the presence of God. Sometimes I think social media and all the electronic ways of staying in touch can actually do us a disservice... Sure, they can be wonderful tools, but they are not a substitute for actually loving our neighbors. 

Our world is always changing. People come into our lives and people will leave our lives. Today I hope we can pause and listen for God's calling. I hope we can trust that God has not abandoned us. I hope we can take time to share God's love with the world.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

Life's twists and turns

Do you ever take time to reflect back on your life? 

Have you ever considered the people or events that have changed you? 

If I look back on my own journey, I am sometimes shocked by how much I have changed. I have had some great successes, and I have failed a number of times. However, the most impactful moments for me have been my interactions with other people. 

If I look back 25 years ago, my greatest concern would have been some silly high school problem. Maybe I was stressed about a class, or perhaps I was trying to run a little faster in Track and Field. Those things are still a part of me, but I feel like I have grown so much. In some ways, I have become a totally different person after getting married and having my own kids. Sometimes it's hard to remember what life was like before I had my own family. And for those who haven't heard, my wife and I just announced that we will be having our third child... another baby boy! I look forward to all the new ways I will be transformed in the coming years.

This week we are beginning a new sermon series on the Old Testament character of Joseph in the Bible. Joseph is known for living as the favored child growing up, but he wound up facing a lot of adversity. Through all of life's twists and turns, Joseph always believed that God was with him. I think this offers all of us an incredible lesson. Whatever we may face, we can always trust in God amazing love.

Today I hope you can all take some time to consider how God has been leading you. I hope you can open your hearts to God's goodness and mercy, and I hope you can believe that God is never ever going to leave you!

Blessings,

Pastor Brian