Comments for As Jim Sees It

Comment on eight-hundred by Brett Winston

Brett Winston — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:46:53 +0000

This is another blog topic that seems to apply to me. I struggle with imaginary scales of justice. Every Sunday morning (sometimes Saturday night), I start to add excuses why we can’t go to church. Things like, one of us has a cold, the weather is too nice, I have nothing to wear, on and on. Then, if all is going as it should, I recall how good I felt after church last Sunday, that sermon was so good…what if I had missed it? What will people think if we aren’t there for 2 weeks in a row? Will someone think we have abandoned our pew and try to move in? Not really good reasons, but reasons, nonetheless, that tip the scales towards God.

Sunday morning shouldn’t be the most stressful morning of the week…. but, in the Winston household, with a 2 year old and a 4 year old, I am sad to say, it is. It is not even close. I have a dream it won’t always be this way. But for now I pray that Sunday can become the day of rest it was intended to be. I also know that a lot rides on me making a commitment. It is up to me as the father to make it happen. If I say to my son, “ok, if you don’t finish eating your breakfast, we are not going to church” — well, that week we won’t be going to church.

Comment on Trying to Remember by Brett Winston

Brett Winston — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:36:52 +0000

I am not sure why, but I find it comforting that my pastor not only forgets the same things I forget, but that you have the courage, humility, and wisdom, to share the fact…knowing that it will make it better. Thank you, Jim!

Comment on Trying to Remember by Betsy Pierce

Betsy Pierce — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:36:32 +0000

I think we are all guilty of that. I know I am, but wish I could be better. It’s nice to hear you forget to pray sometimes too! Miss you tons! Have you forgotten where Leesville is? Maybe we need to tie a rope to you and pull you back in so you don’t forget about us! Merry Chirstmas!

Comment on Trying to Remember by Phillip Allen

Phillip Allen — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:24:52 +0000

On a more physical approach, you might get some vascular tests and also begin taking notes. Bless you. Phillip

Comment on Trying to Remember by Mary Ann Bolt

Mary Ann Bolt — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:44:31 +0000

When we give our lives as living sacrifices, we become the hands and feet of Christ on earth and our lives are a prayer in themselves. It is wonderful when we have the conscience opportunities to pray without distraction or interruption, but I believe we have continual ongoing conversation with the Lord from within our true selves all the time. I liken it to some Alzheimers patients I have known who cannot remember their names, but can quote scripture and sing hyms without faltering. This tells me that the things of God come from the heart and not from the brain, so if you think you forget to pray, you’re mistaken. From what I have witnessed of your life, you are ALWAYS praying.

Comment on Trying to Remember by David Lupo

David Lupo — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:05:05 +0000

I remember Herbert Spell, when he was a retired preacher (and was still as much a character as he had always been). He once said, “Sometimes a person will ask me to pray for someone, and I’ll forget. Then he’ll come up to me a week later and tell me how the person is much better and thank me for praying for him. I’m not going to tell him I forgot: That wouldn’t do him any good.”

I think that the Spirit intercedes for us not only when “we do not know how to pray as we ought,” but sometimes when we forget, too.

Comment on eight-hundred by Susan

Susan — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:46 +0000

As a Mom struggling with just that thing this was a timely piece for me to read. It IS hard to get up and get three kids to church. And then to actually SIT with them in the sanctuary? All that squirming! and talking! (and so much more that I just can’t comment on!) But then one day the 11 year old sums up the sermon in a couple of very insightful sentences and the 14 year old explains to me that “I’ve been thinking about Rev. Jim’s sermon” about prayer and blessings. SO I’m holding out hope for the little one. But maybe, just maybe, someone could pray for me to get through the more mortifying moments in the sanctuary?

Our time with them is definitely fleeting!

Comment on eight-hundred by Amy

Amy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:06:42 +0000

I think that it is indeed too many. Really, is two hours a week too much to ask? School, friends, chorus, band, football, work – I think they can spare two hours a week to be at church on Sundays. In our house, it is sort of an understood “because Mom said so.” I will never feel bad about that one…maybe about other things, but not that one.

Comment on His Mysterious Ways by Phillip Allen

Phillip Allen — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:56:49 +0000

I know I’m late on this, but you should have learned a few lessons from this situation, the first of which is NEVER TRY TO STAY AWAKE BY LISTENING TO NPR! Regardless of the content, the tone is not conducive to alertness.
Secondly, don’t expect God to keep doing for you what you should have done for yourself; ie, using the rest areas.
Although he always seems to do it, you shouldn’t take him away from concentrating on wars, famine, poverty, etc just to keep tabs on your napping schedule.
We’ve got a lot of training invested in you but apparently still have a ways to go.
Is successfully driving while sleeping the modern day version of walking on water?? Do we need to hire you a driver or get you a limo?

My Goodness! Bless your heart.

Comment on Lessons From a Three Year Old by Tom Stalvey

Tom Stalvey — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:22:44 +0000

Another good post! If only children could maintain their innocence for a longer period of time. However, in this day and time, complete trust as expressed in Lesson Three could be a dangerous thing.