Pride

We just went to a Sunday School class offered at our church using Andy Griffith shows as Biblical teaching tools. At first I was a bit skeptical, but after this first class I am not so sure anymore. Today's lesson was on pride. As I now digest what was talked about, I am taking a long hard look at my own life and the perceptions I put out to others. I think the biggest thing striking me is what others may take away from my attempts to help the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti.

I am doing everything I can to drum up attention to these amazing people, but am I doing it in a way that is appropriate? I looked at my headings on the very first page when you come to our website. I examined what my first impression was when putting myself out to the world. It was quite humbling. I am saying look at me, I give 40% of the sales price to charity. While this is my goal, it may not be shared by everyone. To someone who doesn't know me, I could be coming across as quite arrogant or aggressive. The thought which kept resurfacing was I was saying to visitors, I am doing this why aren't you? And honestly, this approach hasn't helped me accomplish my goal.

So, as I reexamine my message, I am going to change it to one more inviting. One asking for assistance in my passion and not one thrusting my own perceived piety in the face of others. I now will ask,"Help us make a difference in the lives of children in Haiti." a message I so deeply want to do.

A message from Michael Geilenfeld during Easter

Below is an email I got from Michael. It talks about a very moving service they perform each year. I had an opportunity to chat with Renee before the service and could sense how much she was looking forward to it. From looking at the picture she took, I can understand why.

Subject: Inspired - Humbled - Moved with Deep Emotion - This is servanthood

Jesus shows us how to love and serve…………

In this photo Dad is washing his caregivers feet with the help of KC. What more do we need to see in order to be moved and moving in Jesus?

Dr. Chad Johnson

Pastor for Discipleship

Abiding Hope Lutheran Church

Littleton, CO 80127

303-972-1283

Easter

As we reach the culmination of Holy Week on Sunday, let us all take a moment and really reflect on what it all means. Sacrifice by one for all.

I have been following a number of stories over the week on various blogs and news sites I read. The one commonality I find disturbing is everyone has to be exclusively right with no room for compromise. God did not send Jesus, and Jesus did not accept his role for any particular group to call themselves right, or the only ones in the know. They performed these miraculous acts for all of us. The dogma of the human race to only seek a winner instead of acceptance of all points of view is a philosophy we need to outgrow. If we don't I fear we are doomed to face the fate of so many of our ancestors over history. A continuing struggle to fight, kill, stigmatize and persecute others all in the name of God.

I feel at this time more than any other in the past few years we can almost start to feel hope again. Hope is a powerful thing and one which enables us to try to see beyond our own front door and venture into the door of another.

http://www.heirloomcrafters.com/gallery/easter.html