Shooting Star

A couple of nights ago I rose at 04:00 AM and set up a chair in the driveway to watch the Lyrid meteor shower. There several such events each year and when I happen to read about one it’s not unusual for me to find myself staring up at the sky at some odd hour of the night. I have a soft spot for (very) amateur astronomy and it’s a common occurrence for the late night dog walking neighbors to catch me just standing in the driveway and gazing up into space. The stars simply fascinate me. They always have. Even though I can only identify a handful of stars and constellations, they hold a certain explainable wonder that I’ve carried with me since childhood.

Which brings us back to the other night. It was supposed to be the best of several nights of viewing the Lyrid meteor shower and the popular websites promised as many as 10-15 shooting starts per hour at its peak. So there I was, bundled up and sitting forlornly in the driveway … probably looking like my wife had kicked me out of the house. But I was there on purpose. However, the promised celestial show just wasn’t happening and after an hour or so of shivering in the dark I was just about to close up shop and hit the shower. But suddenly I was rewarded with an awesome shooting start that was both bright and right where I was looking. And here’s the thing, I was completely satisfied. So often in life I feel like people want to be wowed by abundance. They want to be grandly entertained, and then stack their stack their piles of memories like so much firewood stacked on the side of the house. But the sky isn’t like that. The sky is big and beautiful and miraculous, but pretty slow from the standpoint of pleasing a pleasure seeking crowd.

So much of life is like that as well. It’s less like an action movie and more like the night sky. If you expect to be constantly entertained you find yourself just feeling bored or disappointed. Yet, if you understand that life is beautiful and amazing all time, punctuated by occasional moments of perfection, then you’re much better oriented to fully enjoy the show. That’s just how I felt a few nights ago when I was finally rewarded with that single perfect shooting star. And it was enough.

One Perfect Shooting Star

I rose in the dark of the morning

Donned my coat and hat and gloves

Dragged a camp chair out to the driveway

And directed my eyes above

I was up for the meteor shower

Of which I had read about

Wrapped in a blanket against the cold

Of a night with no moon out

I was welcomed by a starry sky

And as I waited patiently

A pair of satellites came and went

But shooting stars eluded me

Then, just as I was giving up

A single blaze filled the sky

And the shooting star I’d waited for

Greeting my wondering eyes

I had hoped for more last night

Yet, as I pondered upon

That fleeting moment of perfecting

Which had so quickly come and gone

I realized I found joy enough

In the wonder that was mine

At observing stardust set afire

For even so brief a time

For who indeed could ask for more

As we gaze at the heavens afar

Than to start their day

With the priceless gift

Of a single perfect shooting star

              By Frank Carpenter © 

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 ©

Jon & Bradley

Just had a couples wedding shower for Jon & Bradley tonight. A wonderful evening of

fellowship, fun and community. Here is the blessing poem I wrote for them, and we wish them every happiness!
Frank

Jon & Bradley
Bradley and Jon, we're gathered today
With family and friends, both old and new
To celebrate your coming nuptial
And perhaps ... open a present of two
But mostly we want to welcome Bradley
Into this, our extended family
Of loved ones who have shared Jon's life
As the Weissberg's tribe and community
We've walked with them and prayed for Jon
All his life, each step of the way
And those prayers and hopes all culminate
In the wedding season we launch today
And as we look forward together
Towards the future that you will share
We ask God's blessing upon you
That you may walk in His tender care
That your love and faith and commitment
May be a bastion through trial and strife
And a beacon of hope to others
Through all the days of your life
May God grant you wisdom and patience
With rich harvests of happiness
And throughout the seasons which lie ahead
May your marriage and home be blessed
                     By Frank Carpenter ©

Agree to Disagree

Let’s face it, we don’t all see eye to eye. But that’s OK. I wouldn’t want to live in a vanilla world where each of us thought exactly the same thing. And, in truth, we need each other’s opinions in order to evaluate and sharpen our own. Sometimes I’m dead wrong and can’t even see it. That’s when the insight of others is so helpful. It’s also true that we formulate many of our opinions and arguments based upon our own world views. I believe in a God. You might not. You come from a certain type of family or educational background. I have had different life experiences. Each of these things shapes our perspectives. And often we draw lines in the sand that divide relationships, cultures, and even nations. So there are many times, especially among people we care about, where we have to agree to disagree. When that happens, we can continue to have productive and provocative discussions across a broad range of subjects. I have strong opinions, but I also want to honor relationships. So this goes out to those whom I might not agree with, but whom I still love and respect. Let’s keep talking.

Agree to Disagree

Although we love each other

There are areas, it’s true

Where we don’t see quite eye to eye

And I must disagree with you

We’re entitled to opinions

So at least philosophically

We diverge on several issues

And so you disagree with me

But I like that we can talk about

Whatever’s on our hearts

And discuss a host of issues

That seem to tear some folks apart

I respect how you feel and

Think you do the same for me

We live somewhere in the middle

As we agree to disagree

So I say let’s keep talking

Let’s keep wrestling with things

So we can challenge one another

Embracing what perspective brings

Wisdom never flourishes

Within a vacuum, it is true

And I relish the exchanges

That I have with each of you

              By Frank Carpenter

A Marriage Blessing

It’s another wedding season and as I prepare for Austin and Jenice’s  ceremony I spend a lot of time thinking about them and praying for them. With my heart leaning in that direction, I paused to write the below wedding blessing to recite over them while we are together this weekend. These words are kind of the culmination of what I’ve been praying over them in recent weeks, and when my heart is focused in that way, it often ends up as a poem. So, Austin and Jenice, this is for you. Be happy forever!

Frank

A Marriage Blessing

May God bless and keep you

Through the passing of the years

May you feel His arms about you

In the triumph and the tears

May you celebrate together

The joy of simple things

And learn to find the beauty

In whatever this life brings

May God grant you wisdom

When you need it on your way

Love and patience in full measure

Along with countless happy days

Filled with faith enough to trust Him

And trust one another too

Even when you may not want to

Then, most of all, may you be true

May your home be a haven

Of encouragement and rest

So that you, and all who visit

Feel welcome there, and blessed

May God bless your union

And may you strive to understand

The mystery of faith together

As you face life hand in hand

May God gently guide you

And draw you ever near

May He bless your life together

From day to day, and year to year

                  By Frank Carpenter ©

The Story

Most of us don't consider ourselves to be writers.  However, each of us is actually writing his or her life story every day. Perhaps not with pen and ink, or even with a keyboard, but we are still writing all the time ... with our lives. We don't have to write it down. We don't even have to open our mouths. But we are still communicating constantly.  Whether we are making big choices about careers or relationships or causes, or seemingly small choices like changing lanes on the freeway, calculating the tip at a restaurant or when an how we'll return a phone call, every choice tells something about who we are, and often affects other people. Are you cheap person, the late person, the thoughtful person? Do you take time to listen and make other people feel valued? Are you the one who drives fast and cuts everyone off because your time and schedule are more important, or because you made poor time management choices earlier that caused you to be late? Are you the spouse, parent, sibling, child or friend who blesses others or who makes their lives more complicated? Are you the nice boss or the mean boss, the gossiper or the encourager, the mom or dad who could never get to family commitments? Do you have a temper or a knack for making hurtful remarks? Think of the last thing you said to each of the important people in your lives. Would you want that to be your final words to them, the words they would be left with if you were suddenly gone? Have we succeeded in work or earned other accolades at the expense of letting down our families or friends or coworkers? And what about our faith? Have we truly lived out what we believe? Or is there a gap between our professions and our actions that causes others to stumble or question what we actually believe. The list goes on and on.

You see, our story isn't just what we might put in our resumes or our memoirs. How would other people write our stories? What about the people at home and at work and at church, and at clubs or parties? And would all their stories match up, or would some of them be asking, "Hey, are we talking about the same person?"  The point is that each of us is writing a story with their lives, a story as distinctive as a fingerprint. What's your story? Did you leave a tangible trail of joy and kindness and generosity, or something else. What choices are you going to make to change your story for the better today? It’s never too late to change your story. And the most amazing, exciting, encouraging thing in all the world is the blank page of life that God give us each day to write our stories upon.  

The Story

Every life tells a story

Regardless of what we intend

The kind of life we choose to live

Will be our testament in the end

Whatever may be our intentions

Whatever our lofty words

Our choices will be set in stone

And their story will be heard

Our triumphs and our failures

And our apparent priorities

The way we treated other people

This are our legacy

So each day we write the story

That others will read someday

Each day shows who we really are

So we must guard what our lives say

Yes, each life tells a story

Will we live poorly, or well

For each of us must choose each day

The story we want our lives to tell

            By Frank Carpenter ©

Gone But Not Forgotten

Some thoughts today on the cherished memories of some men who have departed my life during years past. We all deal with loss and pain in different ways and my system for processing complicated emotions is to write about them. This works for me because I am a slow thinker of sorts and use the retrospective tool of creative writing to wander through my memories and thoughts and make sense of them at my own speed and in my own time. Part of that process is the revisiting of specific themes and events to repaint them through the dearly bought wisdom of hindsight. Since my thoughts eventually congeal into the written word it has also been rewarding to discover that many others have used my writings to help sort out and communicate their own experiences as well. In a sense, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

To that end, I offer today’s poem which I wrote some years ago on the anniversary of the passing of a dear friend’s father whom I was close to as well. Incidentally, he passed away during his stay at a convalescent home where my own father had lived for some time as well. Yes, it’s a true story and I really did write the poem while sitting in the little patio at that facility. I hope some of you may find some relevant solace or wisdom in my words or pass this on to others who may have need of it. I also encourage readers to call, write or visit those in their own lives who may be in just such a situation. Folk in convalescent homes live for your calls and visits. And remember that you are the owner, caretaker, and defender of your memories ... and sometimes they need a little maintenance as well.

Gone, But Not Forgotten
I stopped by the convalescent home for a little while today
Where I paused to sit and think a spell, since it was on my way
I’ve had no one to visit here, these past twelve months or so
But that doesn’t seem to matter like it did a year ago
Because I still cherish memories of those who once dwelt here
Which I intend to honor with the passing of the years
I must confess their tenure here was bittersweet at best
As a final, unforgiving stop before they were laid to rest
Restless they, and sick those men who once resided here
When I came to visit them in hopes of offering some cheer
And while the passing time diminishes the acuteness of their loss
Each week brings some small memory to remind me of the cost
Associated with their passing, in wisdom or camaraderie
Or wealth of anecdotal wisdom, wrapped up in my own history
For when we lose a friend or father or some special relative
We lose a puzzle piece of life which only they could give
Time tends to heal the pain of loss and sweeten cherished memories
Yet sometimes we need to ponder them as I have through this reverie
Which brings me back to this place, where old friends have passed away
Gone, but not forgotten … as I’m reminded here today
By Frank Carpenter ©

Hope

The concept of hope is an interesting one. In its simplest form it represents the fulfillment of our desires. I could say, for instance, “Gosh, I hope I win the lottery” or “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.” However, real hope can also have a deeper meaning, one which speaks of a future or of things that we hope in. That is my context for today.  So I want to ask us all the question, “what do we hope in?” That may actually be the biggest question of all. And the second thing to consider is whether the object of our is truly worthy of our hope. It’s one thing to hope our team will win or hope there won’t be much traffic this morning, but what about the big hopes? What are we betting our lives on? Is it the hope that if I have enough money I’ll be comfortable. Or the hope that if I’m a good person I’ll go to heaven? Or, as a last resort, the default hope that everything will just be OK if I don’t think about it. But can we really afford to roll the eternal dice on outcomes that we can be sure of?

I’m betting my life on Jesus. When I hope for the future, my hope is in the future that He promised in the bible of eternal life with him in heaven. I’ve looked around, and it’s clear to me that trusting in Jesus is our best and only hope. It requires a step of faith, but anything that we hope in or trust in requires a step of faith. Again, the question is always, “Is the object of our hope worthy of that hope?” When it comes to Jesus, I answer yes. If you’re not sure what you hope in, let’s talk about it. Most importantly, don’t just hope that everything will be OK. Your forever is too important.

The Hope

“Of course my hope is in Jesus”

I’m always so quick to say

That’s the right Sunday school answer

But do we really live that way?

What do I really hope in?

Sadly, my life betrays

I hope in savings, work and approval

And that’s how I live each day

For far too often I place my trust

In the things that can never last

Investing time and my talents in chaff 

That fades when this life has passed

Yet I dare not hope in the temporal

And the false security

This world continues to proffer

For those things shall fail me

Only a hope in Jesus

Will stand the test of time

Far beyond all the other things

I’ve clung to and called mine

This world will surely disappoint

No matter what we may do

Oh Lord, You are my only hope

May I place my trust in You

            By Frank Carpenter ©