Mid-Week Relaxation

I haven't been able to keep my posts up to date in the past few days. Thankfully, I was able to figure out how to expand my i-phone knowledge to post one the other day, but this week has been busy. Sometimes in the midst of busy, I really need a recharge of my batteries. Today, I had a chance to play golf with one of my best golf buddies, Tom Shoquist. Tom and I walked and talked and hit and talked and - you get the picture - we enjoyed time together just to catch up and talk about what God is doing all around us. It was a mid-week respite that I've needed for weeks and I enjoyed it! I am so thankful that God knows us so well that He can provide the perfect medicine for us at the perfect time. I'm feeling refreshed -- I look forward to seeing you tomorrow! Have a blessed day!
Aloha -

Away From Home

Last night, I stayed in Honolulu because I had to attend two days of meetings at the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention office. It's not that I'm a homebody, but I would rather not spend a night away from home because of being apart from Wendy and the kids. We are always together, so I miss them. It's just another reminder to me that this world is not my home, either and I'm looking forward to seeing my wonderful Heavenly Father when this trip of life here is done. Have a blessed day away from home.
Aloha -

Physically Fit?

This week, I have battled a few minor physical ailments. Last Thursday, I pulled a muscle in my lower back and it is just starting to feel better. Tuesday, Wendy came home from school with a present for me - a head cold. Between the two ailments, I'm wondering how physically fit I am. I rarely get sick, so I think I'm pretty good there. I try to stay active on a daily basis with exercise and conditioning, so I think I'm OK there. But, we recently began Wii Fit - and, oh boy, am I in trouble! That little box and platform has me doing yoga stretches and balance games and aerobic exercises to the degree that I'm wondering what does it take to be physically fit! That thing must be crazy! I'll stick to the program with the Wii and see how it will help me stay healthy - in the meanwhile, I hope you have a blessed day and enjoy hanging out with God.
Aloha -

Excuse Me While I Put You On Hold

Yes - those are the words I have just heard. It's a phone call to an 800 number about our computer in the office at the church. I'm really grooving to this music though, so I can't say that I object to it, yet. Smooth jazz. One of my favorites. Hmmmm, mmmm, mmmm. Alrighty -- Still here. A few minutes pass by and I'm still grooving. Hang in there and give them just a few more minutes. Can I wait? Tick, tick, tick, tick. Oh well - let me put you on hold until tomorrow about the outcome of this situation. Have a blessed day!
Aloha -

here's the update - I ended up with a nice guy on the phone that walked me through the problem and provided everything I needed - it was worth it! How incredible is that?!!

Crank It Up!

Today, I am about to enjoy one of my many joys in being a pastor. I love preaching the Word, sharing the Gospel, worshipping with the saints, fellowshipping around the table, serving in Jesus' name and so many other joys, but this morning, I am mowing the grass at the church. Man, I love it! Andy is on vacation for a couple of weeks, so I'll weed-eat a little and then crank up that mower and pretend to be a NASCAR driver for about an hour. Hanging curves around the trees and dodging the flower beds -- watch out, Daytona! But, really I enjoy the solitude of the droning sound of the engine so I can think a little. God and I can talk without distractions. I'm alone behind the wheel and I find that time to be a special time. I thank the Lord for the times we share together wherever they may be. Have a blessed day in whatever you may be doing with God.
Aloha -

What Will Heaven Be Like?

For many people, there is a fascination with what Heaven will be like. Some say it will be a place of constant worship, while others say it will be a place of constant rest. Some say it will have the best of this world and no remembrances of the bad. Scriptures may give us a small view at times, but I think that it will be an incredible place regardless of what I do not know about it now. This morning, I am sitting at the keyboard earlier than normal because I am suffering through a sore lower back. Sore back and small waves means "no surf" so I am content to start my work a little earlier. But, I won't have any of the three in Heaven! Be blessed today.
Aloha -

Such a Beautiful Day

Sundays are great days in many ways. One of my favorite things is that I get to meet new people from around the country and the world, worship our awesome God together with them and give them encouragement as they minister to me. God's family is one huge ohana that truly covers all nations and tongues and peoples. If this is so amazing to me now, I can imagine it will be incredibly awesome when we get home! Have a blessed week.
Aloha -

Aloha, Aloha Friday

There's a song that comes on the radio here on Fridays called "Aloha Friday." We know from the words that it is some form of old 'drinking' song that summarizes the feel of kicking off the weekend. My favorite part, and the theme of the song is found in the chorus which states, "It's Aloha Friday, no work til Monday." It's now Saturday morning - Aloha, Aloha Friday. Have a blessed weekend!
Aloha -

Life on an Island?

Even though I live on an island, I feel very connected to the rest of the world. In the past, living on an island often meant isolation and separation, but with today's technology and with the exception of physical contact, it appears as though we are next door to each other. Communication is quick and effective through many means and I can stay in touch through telephones, computers, cell phones, text messages, blogs, video webcams, etc, etc. and never really have to feel alone. But, nothing can replace the presence of God in my life and regardless of where I find myself, I am extremely thankful that He is always with me. No cell phone needed... Have a blessed day!
Aloha -

The Worthwhile Struggle

Watching the Olympics, I am reminded of the struggle that these athletes subject themselves to for just a few short minutes of competition. Years of training, healthy eating, workout regiments, responding to coaches, traveling to meets and competitions, being alone at times or just away from family and friends - the list goes on and on. Even though all of this preparation comes for just a few brief moments of true action, to the athlete that is in the competition, it is all worthwhile. There may be a medal on the line or for some, just the opportunity to compete, but it all takes a great deal of effort. I pray that God will help me to understand the need I have to prepare with zeal and passion for the moments that He chooses for me to serve Him becuase they are all worthwhile. Have a blessed day in your training or competition for Team JESUS!
Aloha -