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Power Words   6-5-2003

Words have power. I just stated the obvious. Yes, words do have power. So what is your list of “power” words? Some of the power words in my life are: Daddy, Dear, and now. When my daughter starts out her conversation with “Daaadee,” then I melt. When my wife calls out, “Dear,” I jump. When my boss says “now,” I act. Each word holds power over me in a different way.
 
Some of the most power-filled words I know are “yes” and “no.” I think back to the first time I asked Bunny for a date. She held the power. Her “yes” would be cause for great celebration; her “no” would be cause for great depression. (She said “yes.”) “Yes” and “no” can mean the difference between life and death – “Yes, there is cancer” or “No, no problem.” Some power words are unusual sounding. “Oops,” can send any parent into a scramble, especially when uttered by a child carrying fluids. Sounds that are not words carry great power. The cry of a baby in the night mobilizes the parents into action. The scream of a child on the playground causes mothers for miles around to turn and inventory her children.
 
Phrases have power. “I love you” is one of the most powerful phrases I know. Another powerful phrase is “I took a vow.” When Bunny found out that she had cancer, I searched for just the right phrase that would communicate my deep love for her, my commitment to her and the fact that nothing could separate me from her. I thought and thought. The only phrase that came to mind was, “I took a vow.” For me, “I took a vow” summarized everything I wanted to say – we laugh at that now. (I should have said, “I love you” first instead of last.)
 
As we face Pentecost, I am reminded of the power of the Word. The Holy Spirit has power – the power over sin, death, and Satan. The Word is all-powerful. The Word has the power to transform sinners into saints. The Word added thousands – millions of believers to the family of God. It is this power that I trust. It is this power that I believe. Our words have power, but our words combined with the Word can move mountains.

It Is Critical    6-12-2003

“There is a critical error.” Anyone who has used a computer for a period of time will eventually see words like that appear on his screen. A critical error indicates that something has happened to the program or operating system. The error message means that it is time to save information, exit the program, and call tech support. The critical error message is meant to get a person’s attention and spur action. Unless and until intervention is taken, the operating system of the computer is in jeopardy.
 
“She is in critical condition.” These words are usually spoken in response to a question about the condition of a loved one who has been hospitalized. After my mom was admitted into intensive care, I called and heard the words, “She is in critical condition.” Critical condition meant that unless and until intervention is taken, she would be in jeopardy of her life ending. Critical means that drastic action needs to be taken – now.
 
Critical is a word that gets attention, demands action and signifies a crossroads. When a situation is critical, there are only two outcomes – one good, one bad. Most of the time critical situations cry out for immediate and radical action.
 
President Kieschnick shared his definition of a critical event. He defined “The Critical Event” as the time when one Lutheran Christian gives witness of the hope that is within him or her with another person so that person may encounter Christ. Yes, the situation is critical, for if we do not share Jesus, who will? If the person doesn’t meet Jesus, what will be the outcome? We must engage in immediate and drastic intervention – witness by words, actions or both.
 
I pray that I will continue to witness to Jesus by my words and my actions. Many times it is only my actions that other people will see. It is my actions that can lead to a discussion of Jesus. It is sharing my story that can share His story. I pray that we all witness to the saving power of Jesus. 

Flags    6-19-2003

I like flags. I like to display flags, design flags and collect flags. In our basement, I display the flags of the countries we have visited, the states and cities in which we have lived, and the sports teams that are special for us (Cubs and Rams). I have flown the American flag from the porches of our houses in Illinois, Texas, Michigan, and Missouri. I fly special flags and banners for seasons and occasions – Christmas, Easter, and luaus. I stand at attention, cover my heart and get emotional when the American flag passes on parade. My eyes fill with tears when I remember receiving the flag that draped my father’s casket. I am fascinated with the design and color of flags. I can watch them flutter in the breeze for hours.
 
Whenever I see a flag, I see not just the colors, not just the design, but I see the history of the flag. When I glimpse the American flag, I see the states represented by the stars, the colonies represented by the bars and all the flag designs preceding the 50-star flag. The flag reminds me of the struggles, strife and stresses of our nation as well as the joys, jubilees, and justice through the years. There is nothing so comforting as seeing the American flag for the first time after returning from a foreign country. The site of the flag flying proudly in the breeze represents home, safety, and security.
 
I now have a 20-foot flagpole in front of my house. The kids chipped in with their mother and gave me this awesome Father’s Day present. The flag flying high over the house is a beautiful sight when I return from work. There are only a few other symbols that fill me with such emotion.
 
One such symbol is the cross. It is often hard for me to look at a cross for it is such a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ. It is on the cross that He suffered – for me. The cross reminds me of my sins – my grievous sins. It is on the cross that He suffered – for my sins. The cross reminds me of love. It is God’s love for me that brought about the cross. He willingly went to the cross – in love for me. Such love and sacrifice for me is often hard to understand. I am not worthy of such great love, but through Christ I am. That is awesome!
 
Soon our yards and streets will be decked out in flags for our Independence Day celebration. When I see each flag, I will also remember the cross of Christ. For the flag also represents the great freedom that I have to be able to openly and freely worship Jesus.   

Surprise!    6-26-2003

Surprise! How many of us have been surprised by friends and relatives for birthdays, anniversaries or other major celebrations? How many of us have had to act surprised for birthdays, anniversaries or other major occasions? How many of us really enjoyed the shock, trauma and adrenalin rush caused by well-meaning friends and relatives jumping out and yelling at us? How many of us love to plan surprise parties or events?
 
Yes, I admit that I enjoy pulling a surprise on someone – a good surprise. The good surprises include birthday celebrations, proposing marriage, and special occasions such as anniversaries. This past weekend Bunny and I surprised our son Bob at his graduation ceremony in Denver. He graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Phoenix. He has worked hard over the years to obtain his degree and was able to walk across the stage and receive his hood last Saturday. He invited us to the ceremony; however, he understood completely why we wouldn’t be able to attend. We were just in Denver a month ago for Abby’s baptism and he would not ask us to spend the airfare for his ceremony. Since Bunny would have lots of pain for the car ride, he was being kind and considerate. It was then that we conspired to attend and surprise him. For a month his wife Lori had to watch her speech so she wouldn’t tip our plans. My two brothers conspired to provide transportation and cover stories so we could obtain the limited tickets for seating. We arrived Friday evening and spent Saturday morning at my brother’s house. He drove us to the convention center where we almost gave the plan away. Bob was in the parking lot just as we drove up. We hid in the car until the all-clear. Bob marched in the long line of graduates. The line stopped just as Bob was next to us. His look of surprise, shock, and happiness was a sight that made the stealth and expense all worth it.
 
We cheered for him. We celebrated with him. We expressed our love and pride in him. (Playing with our granddaughter also was a necessary part of the trip.) It was a great trip.
 
Why do people love to give surprise parties? I believe we enjoy giving the unexpected. The truly surprised recipient has no clue of the great gifts that are about to be bestowed – the presents, the presence, the love and the hugs. We delight in seeing the reaction of unexpected joy.  (Or is it fear?)
 
I can picture our Heavenly Father taking delight in our expressions of joy at His great gifts. When I am surprised by an exceptionally beautiful sunset, a field of flowers, the laugh of a baby, the immediate “yes” of a prayer, a double rainbow, or any one of a thousand other delights He provides, I am filled with joy, love and appreciation for Him and His works. Thank you, Father, for the “surprises” in my life.
s such a great comfort. No matter what I face in the world, I am prepared for the next world. I am assured a place in heaven. This gives me not only comfort, but peace. 
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