Dear Friends,
Millions on this continent and over a billion on our globe share a very important fundamental belief; mankind is created in the image of God.
There are times I want to buy three minutes of air time, like the president gets for his State of the Union Address, and remind the country of this very important truth. Why? Because it affects so much of how Christians looks at issues like abortion, civil rights, and recent discussions about government mandates on what services must be provided by insurance providers.
Here it is… Human life is sacred because each one of us is created in the image of God. This places the life of a human being over the life of a whale or oak tree. This makes Christians on guard when it comes to issues of taking a human life – in any way.
Why do pundits and commentators seem to miss the obvious? I am, you are, we are created in His image!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Weird Atheism
Dear Friends,
The young man in the window seat was friendly and polite. We exchanged pleasantries when I sat down on the aisle seat, ready for the four + hour flight from Chicago to Oakland. I read a few chapters of The Hole in the Gospel, then looked for crossword puzzles in the flight magazine. All were completed (or nearly so). I sighed. Minutes later he handed me three books, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, another I didn’t recognize, and God is NOT Great: How Religion Spoils Everything by Christopher Hitchens. He knew I was looking for reading material – but was he making a point?
I had read The Prophet years ago, so I pick up God is NOT Great and read five chapters, including the concluding chapter. Ouch! Hitchens contends that organized religion is “violent, irrational, intolerant, allied to racism, tribalism, and bigotry, invested in ignorance and hostile to free inquiry, contemptuous of women and coercive toward children." Hitchens argues that the human race no longer needs religion and the time has come for science and reason to take a more prominent role in the life of individuals and larger cultures. It is in effect a rallying call to atheism.
Someone said it is important to know your enemies. Hitchens is literate, humorous (dripping with satire), and convincing. He is also dead wrong.
A few hours later… “So, what do you do for a living?” “I’m the lead administrator at Contra Costa Christian Schools.” “oh” (awkward silence) Despite the discomfort, we engaged in an interesting conversation on origins, God, and atheism. I don’t think I convinced him. He certainly illuminated my understanding of the other side. We shook hands as we walked off of the plane.
Last week, author Christopher Hitchens died after a bout with cancer. Now he knows. Life is weird sometimes.
The young man in the window seat was friendly and polite. We exchanged pleasantries when I sat down on the aisle seat, ready for the four + hour flight from Chicago to Oakland. I read a few chapters of The Hole in the Gospel, then looked for crossword puzzles in the flight magazine. All were completed (or nearly so). I sighed. Minutes later he handed me three books, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, another I didn’t recognize, and God is NOT Great: How Religion Spoils Everything by Christopher Hitchens. He knew I was looking for reading material – but was he making a point?
I had read The Prophet years ago, so I pick up God is NOT Great and read five chapters, including the concluding chapter. Ouch! Hitchens contends that organized religion is “violent, irrational, intolerant, allied to racism, tribalism, and bigotry, invested in ignorance and hostile to free inquiry, contemptuous of women and coercive toward children." Hitchens argues that the human race no longer needs religion and the time has come for science and reason to take a more prominent role in the life of individuals and larger cultures. It is in effect a rallying call to atheism.
Someone said it is important to know your enemies. Hitchens is literate, humorous (dripping with satire), and convincing. He is also dead wrong.
A few hours later… “So, what do you do for a living?” “I’m the lead administrator at Contra Costa Christian Schools.” “oh” (awkward silence) Despite the discomfort, we engaged in an interesting conversation on origins, God, and atheism. I don’t think I convinced him. He certainly illuminated my understanding of the other side. We shook hands as we walked off of the plane.
Last week, author Christopher Hitchens died after a bout with cancer. Now he knows. Life is weird sometimes.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Christmas Spirit
Dear Friends,
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!
This message from the angels characterizes the “spirit of Christmas.” It’s everywhere and it’s wonderful, as if the angels are still singing.
I don’t remember a lot of Christmas decorations in my household growing up; but I do remember three ceramic blocks that were put on the mantle each season. Three blocks, three words, “Peace, Joy, Love.” I remember moving them around, changing the order, stacking them, and watching my older sisters patiently putting them back in place. These three words have universal acceptance around the world – even when there is no mention of Jesus; Peace, Joy, Love.
These three words that capture the world at Christmastime are, interestingly, the first three “fruits of the Spirit” identified in Galatians 5:22! In a sense, God gives them twice, once at the birth of Jesus as sung by the angels, and again though the power of the Holy Spirit.
Here is the point. Christ didn’t bring these gifts at his birth just to brighten our Decembers; but to transform lives – so that peace, joy, and love are systemic, not just seasonal. God’s greatest gift, the Christ child, demands a response, “What can we give back?” We have an answer in Matthew 25:40, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.”
My challenge to you is to embrace the wonderful spirit of Christmas – and extend it all year long. Feel the peace that passes understanding, celebrate the joy, and bask in the love of God. Be transformed! Then, prompted by the Spirit, be an instrument of peace, spread the joy, and love.
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!
This message from the angels characterizes the “spirit of Christmas.” It’s everywhere and it’s wonderful, as if the angels are still singing.
I don’t remember a lot of Christmas decorations in my household growing up; but I do remember three ceramic blocks that were put on the mantle each season. Three blocks, three words, “Peace, Joy, Love.” I remember moving them around, changing the order, stacking them, and watching my older sisters patiently putting them back in place. These three words have universal acceptance around the world – even when there is no mention of Jesus; Peace, Joy, Love.
These three words that capture the world at Christmastime are, interestingly, the first three “fruits of the Spirit” identified in Galatians 5:22! In a sense, God gives them twice, once at the birth of Jesus as sung by the angels, and again though the power of the Holy Spirit.
Here is the point. Christ didn’t bring these gifts at his birth just to brighten our Decembers; but to transform lives – so that peace, joy, and love are systemic, not just seasonal. God’s greatest gift, the Christ child, demands a response, “What can we give back?” We have an answer in Matthew 25:40, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.”
My challenge to you is to embrace the wonderful spirit of Christmas – and extend it all year long. Feel the peace that passes understanding, celebrate the joy, and bask in the love of God. Be transformed! Then, prompted by the Spirit, be an instrument of peace, spread the joy, and love.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Count Your Blessings
Dear Friends,
It’s is interesting how things come around. When I was a child, I sang this song:
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God has done
Over the last few years, I have started to consciously look for God’s blessings. I’ve written about it and prayed that my eyes would be open. I can’t count what I can’t see… A trip to Santa Cruz beaches and a porpoise sighting; Blessing! A student testimony at chapel; Blessing! A job interview; Blessing! A first grader greets me, “Hi Mr. President!” Blessing!
I’m seeing more and more blessings and have come to realize that they have been there all along. I just haven’t been looking. I think that I finally understand what it means to count my blessings and see what God has done.
It has changed my life.
Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings. I strongly recommend it; you will be blessed!
It’s is interesting how things come around. When I was a child, I sang this song:
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God has done
Over the last few years, I have started to consciously look for God’s blessings. I’ve written about it and prayed that my eyes would be open. I can’t count what I can’t see… A trip to Santa Cruz beaches and a porpoise sighting; Blessing! A student testimony at chapel; Blessing! A job interview; Blessing! A first grader greets me, “Hi Mr. President!” Blessing!
I’m seeing more and more blessings and have come to realize that they have been there all along. I just haven’t been looking. I think that I finally understand what it means to count my blessings and see what God has done.
It has changed my life.
Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings. I strongly recommend it; you will be blessed!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Another Yosemite Story
Dear Friends,
My blogs have been a bit too serious lately. I think it is time to tell another Yosemite story.
Pat and I made three trips to Yosemite over the summer. On the second trip, daughter Emily came along and the three of us hiked up the Yosemite Falls trail. The key word here is UP. Halfway up the trail is an overlook with breathtaking views of the valley and Half Dome. A half mile further and there is an overlook of the upper fall. Be careful because the drop is thousands of feet DOWN. This is not a hike for the squeamish. But this is not the story….
Pat and Emily continued UP the trail to the top of the falls and I - - wimped out. I decided that this was not the day for brutalizing my body and so I headed down the trail, found a seat in the shade near the newly renovated building by the shuttle station (okay, a bathroom), and opened up a good book. As I sat and tried to read, I began to see the strangest things …
An “item” near the bench that I occupied seemed to create an unusual amount of interest. Many people stopped, stared, and commented to others in the group. A tour bus full of people walked slowly past. One family of five took a picture of each individual with the “item.” I don’t speak Japanese, but volunteered to take the family picture. Then the father took my picture next to the curiosity. Wierd. Have you guessed?
Another family stopped and the teenage son picked up the handset, listened, and exploded in Italian mixed with laughter. Every family member took a turn. A wizened woman with gray hair watched intently, waited, and, when the opportunity presented itself, shuffled with dignity to the box. Her eyes met mine and she broke out in a gap-tooth smile. Finally a brave middle aged man picked up the handset, deposited a coin, swiped a credit card, and looked bewildered. He tried again, and again, before muttering something under his breath that sounded like “kaput.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket as he stomped away.
What was this strange thing that turned so many heads, rivaled the falls for picture opportunities, and baffled even a bright young man? You’ve guessed it. A PAY PHONE! Now you know the rest of the story…
My, how times have changed!
My blogs have been a bit too serious lately. I think it is time to tell another Yosemite story.
Pat and I made three trips to Yosemite over the summer. On the second trip, daughter Emily came along and the three of us hiked up the Yosemite Falls trail. The key word here is UP. Halfway up the trail is an overlook with breathtaking views of the valley and Half Dome. A half mile further and there is an overlook of the upper fall. Be careful because the drop is thousands of feet DOWN. This is not a hike for the squeamish. But this is not the story….
Pat and Emily continued UP the trail to the top of the falls and I - - wimped out. I decided that this was not the day for brutalizing my body and so I headed down the trail, found a seat in the shade near the newly renovated building by the shuttle station (okay, a bathroom), and opened up a good book. As I sat and tried to read, I began to see the strangest things …
An “item” near the bench that I occupied seemed to create an unusual amount of interest. Many people stopped, stared, and commented to others in the group. A tour bus full of people walked slowly past. One family of five took a picture of each individual with the “item.” I don’t speak Japanese, but volunteered to take the family picture. Then the father took my picture next to the curiosity. Wierd. Have you guessed?
Another family stopped and the teenage son picked up the handset, listened, and exploded in Italian mixed with laughter. Every family member took a turn. A wizened woman with gray hair watched intently, waited, and, when the opportunity presented itself, shuffled with dignity to the box. Her eyes met mine and she broke out in a gap-tooth smile. Finally a brave middle aged man picked up the handset, deposited a coin, swiped a credit card, and looked bewildered. He tried again, and again, before muttering something under his breath that sounded like “kaput.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket as he stomped away.
What was this strange thing that turned so many heads, rivaled the falls for picture opportunities, and baffled even a bright young man? You’ve guessed it. A PAY PHONE! Now you know the rest of the story…
My, how times have changed!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Statement of Faith
Dear Friends,
What do you believe? What drives you? When you apply for jobs at a Christian institution, you are asked to provide a Statement of Faith. I recommend you write yours. Here's mine:
I have recited the Apostles Creed since I could first use words. John 3:16 was written on the wall above my crib. I first memorized Questions and Answers 1 and 2 of the Heidelberg Catechism in the sixth grade. My parents believed; I believed. Throughout my life, this belief has taken hold, and sometimes taken over, through the challenges and fires that come with life. Belief has become faith…
I know that God is the creator of heaven and earth. Creation points to the creator and I am in awe! I am learning what it means to be created in God’s image and that He created me. I know that humankind fell into sin and that sin has corrupted both man and creation. I am sinful and in need of salvation. I know that Jesus, through His death, resurrection, and ascension has provided salvation for those that He loves. I am so overwhelmed by the love of God for me that every fiber of my being wants to praise Him. I am committed, now and always, to live for Him, in gratitude and celebration! As I seek God’s heart, aware that He delights in justice, mercy, and righteousness, I pray that I will demonstrate these attributes in my life.
My faith is personal but I haven’t forgotten that the seeds of my faith were nurtured by my parents, my Sunday school teachers, my Christian school teachers, and other “saints.” God works through people, His people. I want Him, by His Spirit, to work through me so that my faith is dynamic as I join with others to build His Kingdom at home, at school, in our community, and in the world.
B.J. Huizenga
What do you believe? What drives you? When you apply for jobs at a Christian institution, you are asked to provide a Statement of Faith. I recommend you write yours. Here's mine:
I have recited the Apostles Creed since I could first use words. John 3:16 was written on the wall above my crib. I first memorized Questions and Answers 1 and 2 of the Heidelberg Catechism in the sixth grade. My parents believed; I believed. Throughout my life, this belief has taken hold, and sometimes taken over, through the challenges and fires that come with life. Belief has become faith…
I know that God is the creator of heaven and earth. Creation points to the creator and I am in awe! I am learning what it means to be created in God’s image and that He created me. I know that humankind fell into sin and that sin has corrupted both man and creation. I am sinful and in need of salvation. I know that Jesus, through His death, resurrection, and ascension has provided salvation for those that He loves. I am so overwhelmed by the love of God for me that every fiber of my being wants to praise Him. I am committed, now and always, to live for Him, in gratitude and celebration! As I seek God’s heart, aware that He delights in justice, mercy, and righteousness, I pray that I will demonstrate these attributes in my life.
My faith is personal but I haven’t forgotten that the seeds of my faith were nurtured by my parents, my Sunday school teachers, my Christian school teachers, and other “saints.” God works through people, His people. I want Him, by His Spirit, to work through me so that my faith is dynamic as I join with others to build His Kingdom at home, at school, in our community, and in the world.
B.J. Huizenga
Monday, September 26, 2011
Good-bye Bert
Dear Friends,
Bert never was a rich man but if you talked to any of his four children, they would tell you that money couldn’t buy the love that they experienced growing up. WW II interrupted his formal education; he learned in service to his country and through life experience. He went to work in the lumberyard for his career, but he was a wise man and served many times on Church Councils and School Boards. He was strong, athletic, and handsome, but humility covered his strength. He was the trusted neighbor, true friend, loyal husband, valuable employee, and tireless servant.
My wife Pat spent the last week with Bert at a care home in Kalamazoo. At 92, his body is worn out. She said good-bye to her dad, knowing that she would not see him again alive.
It is hard to lose a man like Bert Triemstra, a man after God’s heart. How do I know this? I know because he was kind and merciful; because he understood justice; and because he was a righteous man. Jeremiah 9: 23, 24 says that these are the qualities that God delights in.
These are the qualities that we want to emulate and teach our children; kindness, justice, and righteousness. Good-bye Bert. Thanks for showing us what happens when we Seek God’s Heart.
PS This blurb was published in The Bulletin on September 23. Bert died on September 24, attended by his two sons.
Bert never was a rich man but if you talked to any of his four children, they would tell you that money couldn’t buy the love that they experienced growing up. WW II interrupted his formal education; he learned in service to his country and through life experience. He went to work in the lumberyard for his career, but he was a wise man and served many times on Church Councils and School Boards. He was strong, athletic, and handsome, but humility covered his strength. He was the trusted neighbor, true friend, loyal husband, valuable employee, and tireless servant.
My wife Pat spent the last week with Bert at a care home in Kalamazoo. At 92, his body is worn out. She said good-bye to her dad, knowing that she would not see him again alive.
It is hard to lose a man like Bert Triemstra, a man after God’s heart. How do I know this? I know because he was kind and merciful; because he understood justice; and because he was a righteous man. Jeremiah 9: 23, 24 says that these are the qualities that God delights in.
These are the qualities that we want to emulate and teach our children; kindness, justice, and righteousness. Good-bye Bert. Thanks for showing us what happens when we Seek God’s Heart.
PS This blurb was published in The Bulletin on September 23. Bert died on September 24, attended by his two sons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)