Randy Wray’s Blog

The Apostle Peter left two very important reminders to a struggling community of faith.  They are two of my favorite reminders. 

Here is the first reminder:

2 Peter 3:8-9  (NCV) But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:  To the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day.  The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised — the way some people understand slowness.  But God is being patient with you.  He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.  

Here is the second reminder that reinforces the first reminder:

2 Peter 3:15  (NCV)  Remember that we are saved because our Lord is patient.

And here we all thought it was because of something else.

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Every once in a while it helps to be reminded of those things that are really important.

Consider this curious reminder given to God.  Curious because David is reminding God of who God is and what God does: 

Psalm 17:6  (NCV)  I call to you, God, and you answer me.  Listen to me now, and hear what I say.  Your love is wonderful.  By your power you save those who trust you from their enemies. 

Once David reminds God of his love and his power he does in fact call upon this love and power for protection. 

Psalm 17:7  (NCV)  Protect me as you would protect your own eye.  Hide me under the shadow of your wings. 

You’ve been there.  You’ve felt that way.  The object of your prayer was for God’s protection or safety.

It may not have been necessary to remind God that his love is wonderful, that his power protects those who trust him.  David may or may not have actually been trying to remind God.  More than likely he was trying to remind himself.

It certainly is a necessary and needed reminder. 

Imagine the difference it might make to remember (and remind God) that his love is wonderful and his power protects before you make a request.

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Ever wonder what gets done in that time between Christmas and New Years? 

Sure, we expect the basics of civilization to continue such things like garbage service, cable and our favorite restaurant.  

We expect police officers, fire and medical personnel to do their jobs.

The staff at the movie theater or rental place need to work so we can watch movies.

Anyone else?

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In the aftermath of December 25th, wading through the remains of boxes, bows and wrapping paper, many people have discovered one very important truth:  You can’t manufacture good will and generosity

The giving of presents cannot make up for acting like a jerk the rest of the year.

The resurrection of Christmas traditions can’t bring peace to troubled relationships.

Presents and traditions might help to some degree but if that is the only effort given the effort will fail miserably.

You have to treat people on January 25 like you did on December 25 if you want to experience relationships of meaning and mutual blessing. 

Don’t believe the lie that says you can swoop in one day a year, give a great gift, and that makes up for your absence or your attitude the rest of the year.

Perhaps the best thing about December 25 is we get a glimpse of how we are supposed to behave December 26 and the next day, and the next day . . .

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With great appreciation for the timing of this event (remember my fondness for starting major projects the night before traveling?) I must undergo a "minor" surgical procedure today to remove the kidney stone.

I’m scheduled for 5PM.  Thanks in advance for your prayers.

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Well?  Are you for it or against it? 

I’m against it.  Candied fruit has no place in cake.

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I’m starting to see more evidence of Christmas spirit.  The curious thing is the evidence of Christmas spirit comes later and later each year.  I wonder if there is a direct correlation between this and the earlier and earlier retailers display Christmas items?

Here are a few evidences of Christmas spirit I’ve observed:

1.  Drivers letting others drivers go ahead of them.

2.  People holding the door open for others.

3.  Extending a holiday greeting.  This is a curious one.  How come we don’t normally exchange pleasantries all other times of the year?  "And happy groundhog day to you too, sir." 

Common courtesies, such as these, go a long way to improve our interaction with one another.  Wouldn’t it be grand to be cheerful and merry in June? 

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There seems to be some defined point in every musicians career when they feel the urge to release a Christmas album.  I’m not sure if the union has rules about so many years in the business or so many records produced before they allow you to release a Christmas album.  Basically that was just a long introduction to ask "why on earth would I want to hear Jessica Simpson singing O Holy Night?"  I’m surprised she doesn’t team up with Madonna and Brittany and sing all about virgins and children.  Come to think of it, it seems Madonna might have already released some Christmas songs.

I apologize.  It seems I’ve caught the stump virus.  I shall now leave all ranting to a trained professional.

Instead, let’s turn our attention to the top 10 Christmas albums.  You don’t have to suggest ten albums — just suggest an album or two for consideration by this very discerning blog community.

I’ll get the ball rolling with:

1.  Kathy Mattea - Good News

2.  Todd Agnew - Do You See What I See?

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Today I conducted the funeral service for Doris Roper.  Her daughters quickly described her as the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31.  That in itself (to be remembered by your own children) is a great sign of respect.

Among the wonderful stories and memories of her life the daughters told of receiving their weekly allowance.  This would happen each week immediately after church.  The daughters said it was great incentive to behave during church and listen to the sermon.  That of course got me to thinking . . .

The service was held outside on a crisp, sunny morning.  A handful of people gathered to pay their respects.  And because I am a quick learner from the experiences of others, right before I stood to speak, I quietly asked the funeral director "on which side of the casket should I stand?"  Thanks again Greg.

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The school play turned out to be the best Christmas play we did this year.  It was everything you would expect from a child staffed production.  Wrong notes, wrong keys, missed lines, missed cues, beaming parents, proud family members and enough flash photography to brighten the holiday of any papparrazi.  Of course, it was wonderful.  I’ll tell you this much the sound guys were awesome!

While washing, drying and folding laundry late Wednesday night I watched the film Chocolat.  I enjoyed the film and related to the many applications.  One of the more memorable moments involved the town preacher.  In his closing homily, Pere Henri says:

I’m not sure what the theme of my homily today ought to be.

Do I want to speak of the miracle…

of our Lord’s divine transformation?

Not really, no.

I don’t want to talk about His divinity.

I’d rather talk about His humanity.

I mean, you know, how he lived his life here on Earth.

His kindness.

His tolerance.

Listen, here’s what I think.

I think we can’t go around…

measuring our goodness by what we don’t do.

By what we deny ourselves…

what we resist and who we exclude.

I think we’ve got to measure goodness…

by what we embrace…

what we create…

and who we include.

The narrator makes this assessment of the homily:

It was certainly not the most fiery sermon Pere Henri 

would ever preach nor the most eloquent. 

But the parishioners felt a new sensation that day. 

A lightening of the spirit. 

A freedom from the old tranquilite.

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