A Little Spiritual Help From Google… By Kim Burke

Rev. Kimberly Burke is the writer of today's blog post. She has amazing insight into all things spiritual. She wrote a series of four posts for Robbinswrites in 2011 about her mission work in Africa. To read these posts, click here.

When I prepare for a sermon I usually ask people questions on facebook so that I can gather real life applications for the biblical text I’m teaching. It’s only preaching when you can connect it to a person’s heart and life.  That is why Jesus used so many parables; it was his way of connecting real life illustrations to very deep theological mind blowing truths of life.

So I often use Google to help me see what others have said about issues out there in the world wide web. I Googled, “The Power and Authority of Jesus Christ."  I received only one hit with this title but over and over what kept coming up was Power of Attorney.  I thought that’s the last thing I need. Then I decided to read the document before me more carefully, so I began reading Power of Attorney with my spiritual eyeglasses on.  Here is the definition: 

A Power of Attorney is a document under which you as the "Principal," give legal permission to another person or entity (an "Attorney-in-Fact" or "Agent") to act on your behalf. You sign a Power of Attorney document so that your Agent will be able to handle your affairs during a period of time when you are unavailable or unable to do so. An Agent is not required to be a lawyer. (Thanks be to God…if you’re an attorney I beg forgiveness but I just had to say it.)

A Power of Attorney may be either general or specific. A General Power of Attorney gives the Agent broad authority to act for you. A Special Power of Attorney grants the Agent limited authority to act only in specified situations.

(hmmm… I’m thinking this is what we often do with God, we invite God into the storms, the really difficult times in our lives, but we can handle things on our own when things are smooth sailing.)  Isn’t that special…

The document goes on to say…

 In addition, you may create a "Durable" Power of Attorney, which means it will remain in effect even if you become incompetent or incapable of handling your affairs. 

( Lord knows, I need that... often)

  

So after a little “aha” moment with God I re-wrote it…with my spiritual glasses on. Lord, I give you full Power of Authority over every aspect of my life.  I give you Durable Power of Authority over my life even when I am incompetent or incapable of handling life on my own.  I shall not fear for my power rests in you.  

Thanks Google!






Linking up with my good friend Laura today at:

copyright 2012 by Kathy Robbins and Rev. Kimberly Burke

Stress Relief Suggestion #43

Worry about the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.That is another way of saying take care of today as best as you can and the yesterdays and the tomorrows will take care of themselves.

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Thanksgiving Challenge and Joy Dare:
Today, I am thankful for:


166. Good food.
167. New recipes shared by friends.
168. The scent of freshly cut grass.
169. Air pumps.
170. Twist ties that come with loaves of bread. They are very handy.
171. Water hoses in the summertime.
172. Strength in my body.
173. A negative biopsy for a friend.
174. A new job for another friend.
175. A successful surgery for another friend.

copyright 2012 by Kathy Robbins

Jesus: The Greatest Life of All By: Charles R. Swindoll

This is the last of  nine books written by Swindoll that complete the "Profiles in Character" series. This series is a detailed look at the history, culture and life of some of the most faithful people of the bible. 


When a friend first suggested that I read this book, I silently wondered why I would want to read a book about Jesus when I could simply read the gospels in the Holy Bible. But, out of curiosity, I agreed. I was relieved that Swindoll chose to explain his reasons for writing in the Introduction. He told a true story about sending someone from his church to a local shopping mall to ask people the simple question, "Who is Jesus?" The subjects interviewed were recorded and much to Swindoll's shock and dismay, many of these people wrestled with the answers. This helped him to realize that even the educated populace of our cities needed instruction and clarification about who Jesus is.


Swindoll provides relevant historic and cultural information that helps to clarify the scenes and actions of the gospels, thereby breathing fresh air into the historic records of Jesus' life. He relies on personal stories, historical information, and theological commentaries from such greats as C.S. Lewis, Bill Counts and Ray Stedman.


This four part book evaluates the life of Jesus as a child, rabbi, sacrificial lamb and King. Swindoll interrupts his narrative at several points to challenge the reader to evaluate his or her own beliefs about Jesus.


I highly recommend this read for everyone from Senior High School and older. Even the people who are sure in their hearts that they know all about who Jesus is, and why he came are sure to glean much more understanding about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Emmanuel.


Amen.


copyright 2012 by Kathy Robbins

Planting Seeds, Vacation Bible School Style

BUMC Chapel is transformed for VBS

John 3:16: 


For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.



This, the first scripture that I memorized in my lifetime, sums up the entire Bible.When I was a young child attending bible school at the First United Methodist Church in Brewton, Alabama, I didn't understand this verse as I recited it; not until much later in life. I confess that I am still exploring the depth and breadth of the meaning of these beautiful, powerful words. I will not reach the fullness of understanding until I am in heaven, when I see love himself, face to face. 


Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a rite of passage for many of us who were raised in the church, or even near a church. In the small town that I am from,a church adorns almost every street corner, and an auto parts store within shouting distance of most churches. 


VBS planted the most important seed that would ever be planted in my life;a seed that would be watered by many more people. Both the planting and watering are important. 


I was pleased to see the activity surrounding bible school at Buda United Methodist Church this week. Although all of my kids are now too old to attend, I popped in to take some pictures. Unfortunately, I am limited with the pictures that I can publish in this blog, because of the privacy of minors, but I do have some great pictures of the scenery, which was nothing short of uh-mazing (Yes, Mom, I know that isn't a real word.)


Children's Ministry Director Kim Fall, led the "Operation Overboard" themed week, with assistance from Youth Director Ryan Stratton and Pastor Nancy Day. Many other volunteers assisted, beginning with planning preparation months ago. I considered listing the names of all of the volunteers, which would inadvertently lead to a name omission, which I would of course blame on church Administrative Assistant and Operations Manager Terry Foley, who would then never save me from disaster whenever I need her assistance. Therefore, I will simply say that there were a plethora of wonderful, beautiful volunteers, including youth. As these pictures show, the kids participated in an imaginary underwater interactive event. 

Amazing picture drawn on the Narthex window by a local artist.

As I snapped pictures, my mind took a trip down memory lane to my years in bible school, adorned with humble decorations. Now, the decorations do not just provide images but transform the environment into a seemingly completely different place.

This resembles the decorations that we had when I was young.

Volunteers Clark Lymon and Greg Grumbles take a breather in between classes for kids.

Is it possible for VBS to be complete without refreshments?!

Children's Ministry Director Kim Fall speaks with volunteer.

Everything was decorated!

More areas underwater

Looks like a blowfish

Children's Ministry Director Kim Fall speaks with Volunteer Clark Lymon

Mural in the worship center of BUMC.

Don''t  fall Kim!!!

Worship Center Decorations

More Worship Center Decorations

And more......

A scuba diver visited

The Sunday School area was underwater.

Children were greeted by Methodist fish.

More Methodist Fish

All kinds of underwater sea creatures were available for the children to see.

Another Methodist Fish. I think this one is a "she"

I think those are 3 Methodist Fish swimming above a Pastor Fish.

The volunteers who did the decorations are 'da bomb! You too, Kim Fall!

This marine life will have to be relocated soon.

The volunteers deserve a prize for these wonderful decorations.

It's a fish and jellyfish thang!

This is the underwater tunnel

Apparently, these were non-denominational fish. That's OK. We can love and accept them too. :)

Nice friendly shark:)

Dare to Care and Change the World

I had a chance to speak with Children's Ministry Director and talk about my experiences at VBS as a child. I was excited to hear from her that she taught John 3:16 the day before to the children. We agreed that VBS is great for planting seeds, and helping children to be comfortable at church. Others will come along and water and nurture their growth throughout their lives.

Amen.


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Thanksgiving Challenge and Joy Dare:


Today, I am thankful for:

159. Friends who take up for you.
160. New editors at newspapers.
161. French fries.
162. People with sweet, sweet spirits.
163. Digital cameras.
164. Vacation Bible School
165. Boots










copyright 2012 by Kathy Robbins

Chisholm Trail Roundup Grand Parade

Lockhart, Texas was the location for the 40th Annual Chisholm Trail Roundup from June 6-9, 2012. The roundup is an annual Bar-B-Que, arts, crafts and music festival sponsored by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce.

They have a Bar-b-que and chili cook-off the weekend before the actual roundup. Then, the weekend of the roundup, the features are a carnival, arts and crafts booths, and music presented by several different bands. The Grand parade tops it off. A queen's court represents the roundup throughout the weekend. There are probably other activities that I haven't yet mentioned here. 


I had the honor of participating in the Grand Parade to represent David Glickler, who is running for Judge for the Republican party. He had a family vacation planned for the weekend, so several of us rode in the parade. Of all of the parades that I have ever participated in, this was the longest parade with the most participants that I have ever seen in person. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.


Having lived in Texas only four years, I was curious about the whole Chisholm Trail Roundup idea. So, I have done a little research that I want to share here. I didn't even know what the Chisholm Trail was. According to Wikipedia, the Chisholm Trail was a passage for driving cattle from Texas to the rails in Kansas in the late 18th century. Of course, most of my readers in Texas already knew that. 


Here are some of my pics from the event:

This was what I thought was the cutest house on the parade route.

David's in-laws drove this antique car adorned with "Glickler for Judge" signs.

Loved the t-shirts. On the Right-"Page Lance's Brother" One the Left-" Page Erikas Sister"

I loved this!!! The beauty queens were resting before the parade started! These ladies were from Comal County.

Now they are standing!

A tractor makes a great float!

The United States Military joined the action!

Throughout the parade route, people announced the activity of the parade. They peppered their announcements with jokes. I thought they were representing a radio station at first. They were delightful!

Who had ever heard of using a boat for a float?

US Military Vehicle

Neighborhood Announcers. Very clownish and funny guys.

A Real clown joined the festivities. He was a Christian clown.

Beautiful Methodist Church.

Notice the elephant ears on the float. 

Don't forget the party train.

There were many more floats than these. Maybe next year, I will be on the other side of the parade and get more pics.

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Thanksgiving Challenge and Joy Dare:


Today I am thankful for:


157. Kid's spending the night with friends.
158. Rubber Bands










copyright 2012 by Kathy Robbins