Beyond the Whale

Our church has been studying the book of Jonah lately and that story touches on so many issues. Jonah is clearly a reluctant prophet, and one of the themes is what God can and will do in spite of our response to him. It’s about God’s love and compassion for people and cities, even when they have turned against him and are deserving of judgement. It’s also about how God’s will may be done and how he finds a way to accomplish it. There’s a personal story about Jonah’s hardened heart and disobedience and how God still chooses to use him. One of the themes I appreciate today is how God continues to surprise us even when we think our story is over.

Jonah runs from God, ends up in a terrible storm, is thrown overboard and is swallowed by a large fish. Let me pause say that it doesn’t matter whether it was a fish or a whale or a shark (which is technically neither). The story is miraculous regardless of what noun you swap into it. The point is that Jonah is utterly lost and should have died, which is what he wanted and expected. No air, no light, no hope … no Jonah. But God had other plans for him, so God intervened in a miraculous way.

And I think that’s the message for our lives. So many of us feel lost, and like we’re sinking into an unquenchable darkness. We may be depressed, or alone, or broken … or feel utterly lost like Jonah. But here’s the thing. God meets each of us right where we are and He almost always has another story in mind for us. God loves us and has compassion for us and He’s right there beside us even when we think we may have sunk beyond all hope of rescue. The fact is that God does some of His best work in those situations.

And what I want to tell you today is that your story isn’t over, it isn’t defined by what is overwhelming you right now. God has something better in store for you. Say that first awkward prayer, then reach out your hand and let him pull you out of the depths. The darkness you’re drifting through at this moment isn’t your final destination, and it may in fact be the very thing which prepares and qualifies to you to serve others in a way you may have never even imagined.

So look up, take heart and keep swimming. Because there’s a light at the end of the tunnel … and that light is God. And He still has something amazing for you beyond the whale.

Beyond the Whale

So often we are in darkness

Lost in the depths of the sea

Thinking our story is over

And that was our destiny

And in that moment it’s tempting

To sink into despair and regret

But as long as there’s breath within us

God isn’t done with us yet

He meets each of us where we are

No matter how deep we have gone

He draws us from the murky depths

And offers us grace to carry on

Our God is a light in the darkness

No matter how black it may be

And He can redeem any story

If we turn to Him wholeheartedly

He’s reaching into the depths right now

Extending His hand to you

Ready to pull you out of the water

If you will only ask Him to

Like Jonah, you may be sinking

But that need not be your tale

God has something amazing in store

For you ... beyond the whale

        By Frank Carpenter ©

The Height of Vanity

We live in a society which is slowly becoming more progressive and humanistic. Whether you call it postmodernism, or subjectivism or relativism, we continue to elevate the self-importance of human existence, accomplishment and thinking. Yet, we are mere specks in the broad expanse of the universe, mere blips in the endless march of time, and little more than a tiny footnote in the history of this beloved sphere. Whether created, transplanted, or the fortunate winners of an evolutionary lottery, we humans seem to have a constantly eroding layer of communal humility in light of our brief tenure here on earth. We have convinced ourselves that we are, at least figuratively, at the center of the universe … as if it was our destiny not only to exist, but to rule this planet. This haughty approach to our tenuous toehold on this little rock in the abyss of time and space should be a bit embarrassing. Because whatever your world view may be, we humans are just plain lucky to be here at all, let alone to be blessed with all that this world has to offer our species.

Now it would be disingenuous not to disclose that I’m one of those supposed narrow-minded, fundamentalist religious people who actually believe there is a God who had a hand brining about this world and continues not only to take an interest in our existence, but to actively interact with us lowly humans. How crazy is that? I would argue about as crazy as thinking some combination of warm, murky water and chemicals could swirl together into a functioning life form and eventually grow into us. Is the idea of God creating man from dirt really any more far-fetched than nothing creating man from dirt? Even the most basic bacteria, despite its simplicity, still contains a highly developed cell structure with a variety of interactive parts which are required for it to exist as a legitimate life form. No matter how much you cook or swirl chemicals together, or bombard them with cosmic rays, you just can’t get the kind of amino acids or building blocks of life to actually build life from what is lifeless; let alone the intricate, interdependent biological processes which support life as we know it. However, we simply refuse to accept that maybe, just maybe, a God might be involved. But never fear, scientists are still working around the clock all over the world with hopes of proving that God wasn’t necessary and, therefore, God doesn’t exist. To date, however, the theory that there is no God is still supported by less evidence than the theory that there is a God. If you like, we could just agree that the jury is still out. Or do you believe that your theory is absolutely and unequivocally right and that we shouldn’t even allow any conversation about a God or creation. If so, I believe that would make you a narrow-minded fundamentalist as well. Funny how that actually works both ways.

But all that being said, even if we merely evolved and boot-strapped ourselves to the top of the food pyramid, that would only make us the smartest animals so far. Or to quote Lilly Tomlin, “Even you win the rat race, you’re still just a rat.” We might be the best rats invented to date, but that would be all we’re qualified to brag about. In fact, based upon the theory of evolution, better rats will eventually evolve who may supplant us as rulers of the earth. Better rats who would out-compete us or out-produce us or out-think us, and who might even eat us. For to assume that we are the pinnacle and purpose of evolution, or that we have any kind of divine right to remain on the throne of nature indefinitely runs counter to the vaunted principals of natural selection. Any discussion of rights or purpose, or even meaning, would bring us back to some kind of truth that might point to a God or higher power. If we cling to evolution, then we have to toss art and science and philosophy and morality and music and literature out the window because our sole reason for existing is to pass the genetic baton onto the next, and hopefully better, generation so that they can do the same. That’s all there is. Evolution says that you’re only the king if you have bigger teeth or a bigger brain, and that another king will eventually eat you and take your place. If you don’t believe that, you may need to believe in God.

Either way, it’s still the height of vanity to assume that we’re actually something special … unless we were created in God’s image and that counted for something. But even then we’d be wise to remain humble in the face of eternity. Let’s keep these conversations going, because there’s much to talk about and discover.

The Height of Vanity

In this postmodern world we share

Every effort has been made

To remove the Lord from everything

We think and do each day

We’ve driven him from government

From schools and conversation

From intellectual gatherings

In every corner of our nation

We’ve blotted out the name of God

Wherever it was found

From every corner of our culture

Where once it did abound

For political correctness

For fairness and tolerance

We think that Jesus and the church

Must be hemmed in behind a fence

Of philosophical obscurity

Where subversive thoughts are sent

So that science may reign supreme

Throughout the social establishment

Then we wonder why there is unrest

Hate and violence and divorce

We ask what’s wrong with this world

And how things have taken course

But no wonder if we’re spiraling

Into darkness and decay

If the world is getting worse

Year by year and day by day

Can we remove the earth’s Creator

Who understands all things unknown

Can we dethrone the King of heaven

Who placed each continent and stone

Can we eradicate eternal truth

Or the source of morality

And make everything subjective

To the whim of humanity

It’s madness to assume that we

Could cast God from the world he made

And place ourselves upon the throne

Which was before creation laid

We simply can’t un-God this world

And it’s the height of vanity

For man to claim the crown of God

And supplant his majesty

         By Frank Carpenter ©

40th Spiritual Birthday

August 5, 2019

My 40^th Spiritual Birthday

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to you because I’d like you to share an important milestone with me. Forty years ago today, on August 5th, 1979, I asked Jesus into my heart and gave my life to Him. It happened without much fanfare. Although it was a Sunday morning, I was lying in bed just thinking when, suddenly, it all made sense. That moment was the culmination of a three year journey of attending high school and college groups at Mariners Church, many conversations with caring and patient friends, reading the bible, God’s strategic placement of spiritual mentors in my life, a lot of people praying for me, and countless nights sitting on the cliffs above Big Corona just staring at the ocean. It was just a simple and probably awkward little prayer, but it altered the course of my life … quite literally forever.

                                            

So many of the blessings in my life have come as a result of the spiritual journey that began that day. Obviously, that decision was the pathway to reconciliation with God, forgiveness of my sin, and the promise of an eternity in heaven. As a bonus I also met Nancie through church and we truly believe that the faith we share is at the core of our nearly four decades of happiness and successful marriage. Chris and Cassie also both accepted the Lord through church and their faiths are still going strong today, along with being shared with believing spouses. That legacy of faith and hope is now something I'm praying for in the lives of our grandchildren, Aubree, Kasen, and Olivia. We have made many life-long friends through church and bible studies as well who are still walking this path with us, even decades later, and the community they represent continues to be a comfort, a joy, and a source of strength for us. We're looking forward to growing old (as slowly as possible) with all of those friends.

And while I certainly want to look back and celebrate the life and relationships faith has brought us thus far, I would be remiss not to look forward as well. We have a promise of eternal life, but that's not just something that happens when we die. For those who believe, eternal life has already begun. In short, it's right here and right now, and we need to live accordingly. Especially in our affluent southern California it's easy to become complacent and comfortable. But God wants so much more for us, and from us. In my heart of hearts, I feel like one of the reasons that God put me on this earth is to remind folks of that; to remind us that God has uniquely gifted each of us to serve him, and that He has a plan and a calling for each one of us. I hope that you will be praying about this and listening for His response.

I'm 58 and I've been at this Christian thing for forty years now. And while I do foresee a time of vocational retirement, there doesn't seem to be any biblical mandate for spiritual retirement. So I hope that you’ll continue on this journey with me for many years to come. And I hope and pray that we will all hold one another accountable to keep walking the walk and living the life we are called to. Or as Paul wrote in Ephesians 4, "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Let's all stay in the game and keep making a difference in this world where we were called to be both salt and light. Sometimes it's surprising to remember that God's secret weapon to change the world ... is actually us. So we cannot, we must not, shy away from that calling. 

If you're receiving this it's because I consider you a friend and I want to thank you for sharing your part of this journey with me. It's also my fondest hope that I've had some impact on your life as well. We're all works in progress, but it's so obvious to me how God has used the people in my life to bring blessing and help me become who I am today ... and I know he'll continue to do so. Thank you for being a part of God's work in me, and thank you for sharing my journey in some way so far. It has meant more than you could know. If you’re on this list, you are also on my radar to be challenged and encouraged, and held accountable. And I hope I’m on your radar as well because we’re all in this together. Whether we are seven or seventy-seven, God is not done with us yet. Absolutely not. In fact, he has a “next” agenda item for each of us, and I pray that each of us will be open to what that is. And whether we are around until next week or until we’re a hundred and twelve, I sincerely hope that we will keep living for God every day. That we will keep sharing about Jesus, and striving every day to hold open the door of heaven and invite everyone around us to share in a saving faith and an eternal life with our Lord. Let that be our over-arching purpose because in the end everything else is mere chaff.

I'm looking forward to another forty years of following Jesus and I plan to be "all in" until my last breath. Are you with me? Let me know if you are, and feel free to pass this on as well.

As iron sharpens iron,

     Frank

fcarpenter505@gmail.com / 949-812-1145

www.frankcarpenter.blogspot.com / @frankpoet

PS:  If you have received this and you don't believe in Jesus, or don't call yourself a Christian ... to you I just want to say that God loves you and He sent His son Jesus to bridge the gap between you and reconcile you to Him. God is real and available and He's waiting for you to respond to his invitation. And eternal hope is just one prayer away from you. If you’d like to talk about that subject I am always available. 

Driving Around

This past weekend, in a very real sense, I had the opportunity to take a little drive down memory lane. There was a season thirty-five years ago when we sometimes had trouble getting our recently born son, Christopher, to fall asleep. As parents, you have to use all of the tools available and we realized pretty quickly that Chris was an outstanding car sleeper. So a few times a week we’d end up buckling his car seat into our 1984 Nissan Stanza and going for a drive around bedtime. For some reason, it became our custom to listen to George Winston’s December album while we drove … on a cassette tape, of course. And we even fell into a routine route that ended up at a park with a view of the lights on the bay. In time that sleep-stage passed, but we often think fondly of that season and the peace those quiet drives brought to our burgeoning family. And certainly George Winston music bring back memories as well.

Fast forward three and a half decades, and we had a dear friend and her baby staying with us this weekend. Her baby, Olivia Grace (same name as our granddaughter), was fighting sleep and when she dozed off in the car we decided to ride that wave and let sleeping babies lie, so to speak. I dropped Nancie off at the house and went for a drive. Feeling nostalgic, I put played some George Winston music to complete the experience. Of course, now it was a Pandora station instead of a cassette tape, but the effect was the same. So I took a few loops around the Back Bay Road and otherwise wandered aimlessly for a while. And I couldn’t help musing that it was now thirty-five years down the road, both literally and figuratively. And that thought made me happy.

Life has a way of circling around on us, and there is a certain comfort in embracing those cherished moments that you get to revisit. I was also reminded of the old fashioned joy of just going for a drive. Whether you have a baby in the back seat, or a loved one by your side, or just feel like spending some time alone, there’s nothing quite like taking a little drive to enjoy the scenery, and maybe some favorite some music as well. And if it helps the baby to sleep … all the better.

Take a drive. And here's a link to our official baby driving album:

George Winston - December

Lucky Day

Recently I found a sand dollar while I was snorkeling, which was kind of interesting because it was the first I had ever come across in the water. For fun, I texted a photo of it to my kids with the caption that I was one dollar richer. To that, my daughter replied that it must be my lucky day. And that got me thinking. The fact is that I actually feel lucky almost all the time, but I think that is more of an attitude or a choice that I make. So many folks seem overwhelmed by the issues in their lives. They worry and complain about what they don't have, which often indicates a lack of gratitude for what they do have. I could ramble on about this. Instead I'll just let today's poem speak for itself.

Have a lucky day!

Lucky Day

I found a sand dollar down at the beach

Someone said it was my lucky day
As I reflect comes the pleasant surprise
Just how often I feel that way
Perhaps I was born lucky, or so it feels
For mine could be called a charmed life
I live in a beautiful town by the sea
Blessed with amazing children and wife
I have all the things which matter most
Home, faith, family, work and friends 
Whatever I lack I can live without
So I thank God again and again
For this life I have the good fortune to live
Where so many good things come my way
This morning's reminder just reaffirms
That it's my lucky day ... every day!
                 By Frank Carpenter ©

Monkeys in My Tree

I came across this ancient poem last night, written long ago when two of my nephews were climbing the tree in our front yard. That was nearly twenty-five years ago and now they are more like … well, gorillas. However, these dusty old words bring back that moment so vividly to my mind’s eye. We had so much family fun together when they were growing up. This poem also serves as a reminder of simpler times and youthful adventure. When was the last time I climbed a tree? Far too long ago. And now there are actually grandchildren playing in the trees around our house. Life seems to cycle like that, and perhaps the only thing that changes is me. Maybe we should climb some trees this weekend.

Monkeys in My Tree
Today, our game is climbing trees
A couple of monkeys and I
Just like a pair of chimpanzees
Under the blue May sky
How the branches quake and bend
As up the monkeys go
I wish that it should never end
As I watch from the grass below
What better on Saturday afternoon
Just as happy as you please
Alas, they grow up far too soon
Those monkeys in my trees
               By Frank Carpenter ©