The Virtual Pew Daily: 2012

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Happy Anniversary, 33 Years of Life’s Lessons

Happy Anniversary, 33 Years of Life’s Lessons

Today I celebrate with my wife, 33 years of marriage. I realize that in today’s world that is quite an accomplishment, especially when considering that we have actually been together for around 35 years if you count the time together that we weren’t married. In a world where more than half of all marriages, including the marriages of people of faith end in divorce, I am often asked how we have made our marriage work. There are also assumptions that everything about our marriage has been wonderful and that we have always gotten along.

The truth is, there have been rough spots in our marriage, including parts where I was far from a perfect husband, as if I was ever close. We even separated for a period of time some 10-12 years ago, even contemplated divorce up to the point where we spoke to our children of the likely divorce. No, things have been far from perfect in our relationship.

In the difficulty in our marriage I take full blame for my actions but some will ask what is it that kept us together. The answer is quite simple and almost a cliché, the answer is God.

I will never forget an Easter Sunday when we were separated when I went to visit Mary Jane and the kids at our house in Owasso. I was spending more time away from them and decided a visit on Easter Sunday. I loved my kids despite the difficulty of the relationship with my wife. As was the norm I left my family mid morning to go back to where I was staying. Along the way I was listening to the radio and heard the testimony of I believe Yolanda Adams. On the journey back I heard Yolanda Adams say of how much she had ruined her life and of how she was reminded of her grandmothers’ prayers. While listening to this I was reminded of my own grandmothers’ prayers. I recalled waking up to see my grandmother sitting at the kitchen table, reading her bible, praying, often times praying for me. I couldn’t help but reflect of how I was throwing away my grandmothers prayers in breaking my relationship with my wife. I arrived at the place I was staying, sat down and within an hour from arrival I had written a song called Grandmas’ Prayers. That evening I decided to make my marriage work with my wife.

Many will ask what does this have to do with an Anniversary Celebration. The answer is quite simple; we were willing to work at making our marriage work. We realized that God brought us together and it was worth working at something God had blessed, a relationship of marriage between the two of us. Long story made short, we worked at it and our relationship is stronger now than ever. Is it perfect? No, but last night as we sat on our love seat together, fighting illness and physical pain that comes sometimes with getting older, I told Mary Jane, “we will be married until either one of us dies or we both die together.” She affirmed that to be the case, we realize our relationship with each other is for life. Now how all of that plays into the eternal, I honestly can’t say, I can say that I hope the two of us becoming one in marriage is something that lasts for all of eternity. We love each other and on that there is no doubt. In that love though, we have learned lessons others can I think, if willing learn from.

One of the things I have become convinced of is that many don’t take seriously the relationships they are involved in. There is a difference between a dating relationship and a life committal relationship, I for one value the commitment we made to each other. We took our vows seriously and thankfully we have seriously worked at keeping them. I will also say, that for me, there has been nothing better than a monogamous relationship of which I can experience the joy of sharing life together with a mate, along side our walk with God. What I will say here will shock many, but the greatest shared joy in life we have is our faith. Our faith in God is without a doubt the secret to our long term relationship, joy, and hope for tomorrow. I can not imagine two people sharing life together where their shared belief in their faith did not exist.

We encourage couples to stay strong through the difficulties. When a shared faith and shared love of that faith exists, then it is possible to fight through and win the battles against the other things that would pull you apart.

Of course in all of this there is the assumption that I am saying people should either get married, or stay married, that isn’t the truth either. There are relationships where God doesn’t exist, there are ongoing abuses and more that may exist. I can’t imagine those types of relationships without God. I can say that with God individuals can overcome any types of relationship but God has to be at the forefront of all of those battles. Otherwise, I don’t know of how likely it is those marriages will succeed. I am also reminded though of the beautiful concepts of singleness which should also be celebrated. I am reminded here of the words from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16.

1) Now I will answer the questions that you asked in your letter. You asked, “Is it best for people not to marry?” 2) Well, having your own husband or wife should keep you from doing something immoral. 3) Husbands and wives should be fair with each other about having sex. 4) A wife belongs to her husband instead of to herself, and a husband belongs to his wife instead of to himself. 5) So don’t refuse sex to each other, unless you agree not to have sex for a little while, in order to spend time in prayer. Then Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6) In my opinion that is what should be done, though I don’t know of anything the Lord said about this matter. 7) I wish that all of you were like me, but God has given different gifts to each of us.

8) Here is my advice for people who have never been married and for widows. You should stay single, just as I am. 9) But if you don’t have enough self-control, then go ahead and get married. After all, it is better to marry than to burn with desire.

10) I instruct married couples to stay together, and this is exactly what the Lord himself taught. A wife who leaves her husband 11) should either stay single or go back to her husband. And a husband should not leave his wife.

12) I don’t know of anything else the Lord said about marriage. All I can do is to give you my own advice. If your wife isn’t a follower of the Lord, but is willing to stay with you, don’t divorce her. 13) If your husband isn’t a follower, but is willing to stay with you, don’t divorce him. 14 Your husband or wife who isn’t a follower is made holy by having you as a mate. This also makes your children holy and keeps them from being unclean in God’s sight.

15) If your husband or wife isn’t a follower of the Lord and decides to divorce you, then you should agree to it. You are no longer bound to that person. After all, God chose you and wants you to live at peace. 16) And besides, how do you know if you will be able to save your husband or wife who isn’t a follower?

The bottom line is this, to have been married to the same person now for 33 years is a rather remarkable event. Many doubted our marriage from the get go, there was the age difference, the difference in taste, even her dad calling me a bum when Mary Jane told him we were going to get married. We overcame though, I think to the point where now, many in our family recognize the love we have for each other, to the point that Mary Jane’s dad Ed was among the first to encourage us to follow God’s call in our life. There are our two wonderful children, Marathana and Nathan and other additions including a wonderful son in law named Brett and a daughter in law named Emily. There is also those two incredible grandchildren, Aaliyah our granddaughter and Atticus our grandson.

Is it worth it to fight for this love concept called marriage? You bet it is, I know, as one who almost failed, I have learned the joy of success. I have experienced if for 33 years as of today, and I hope and pray that we will experience it together for all of eternity. That is love, and marriage is a bonding experience of love I celebrate today. Hopefully in my celebration, I have encouraged you to either celebrate your own relationships and to battle if necessary to make your relationships work, or to let you know, that it is perfectly okay to also celebrate your singleness if you are single. God is good all the time, I know because he has blessed me and among the greatest blessings I could experience is to be in a life long union with the most wonderful woman God could have ever blessed me with. For a dumb ol street kid who had nothing in life to look forward to, God has used my wife to bless my life and the ministry we are engaged in but I also have an eternity to look forward to. For that I am grateful to my God, but I am also so grateful for my wonderful soul mate, my wife Mary Jane.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Dna8dffc4
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

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Friday, November 9, 2012

I Am Lonely, Can We Walk Together?

Sometimes I feel as if I have little value or I haven’t really accomplished much. Years ago I watched an episode of Little House on the Prairie and remember Michael Landon’s character talking about the need to leave something behind that would last beyond his lifetime as he created quality furniture. I thought at the time, “Right on!” We all want to be remembered, but the question becomes, what will we be remembered for if we are remembered at all?

I have had a number of epiphany moments as I have gotten older. An epiphany moment is a moment in life where a light bulb goes off, an “OH Yeah, I never saw that before,” moment. I am sure others have had them and if you haven’t, well, you probably need to do a self examination of your attitude. One of the moments I have come to realize, especially when looking at agencies, organizations, churches, individuals who seem to have all of the luck, get all of the money, have all of the people but in reality, do very little for the poor, the needy, the orphan and the widow, (the population groups God COMMANDS us to serve) is that, I just can’t do it all, and frankly, there are some things I suck at. If one needs a business man to solicit funds, to kiss someone’s rear and make them feel good, I am not the guy for that. It is a part of my environment, my surroundings, I am who God made me to be but I am not in my nature a butt kisser. My nature is to be straight forward, to the point and direct. That doesn’t mean I don’t care, I actually hate confrontation, but as hard as it is, truth is always more valuable than good feelings. I have seen the benefits of that attitude, I have seen the disadvantages. The Bible talks about the different gifts, temperament, attitudes we all have. We are who God made us, that don’t mean we take on and embrace the negatives but what is negative and what is a God given character and gifts can be debated.

I am concerned, we live in a society where we honor some people, some institutions, some concepts based on what we like not on what is from God. While there is a natural tendency to do that, I am convinced our support should be measured in what is being done that is based on Biblical concepts. The bottom line is, are we doing what God commands? Are the things we are supporting, the things God has ordained? It isn’t just as Keith Green used to say, a matter of giving money, it is a matter of giving yourself, your time and your pocket book.

As I have grown older, I have found benefit in understanding my own limitation but, it is also at times frustrating because I know there are often things that need to be done, can be done in a better way than I can do it but aren’t because I need people to walk with me. To see others suffer because of my ineffectiveness hurts.

We live in a time where we are in need of each other more than we sometimes like to admit. The Bible uses the analogy that we are” a body with many parts.” Each part has a specific purpose, to be used in a specific way for various functions. God understands that we need to work together to accomplish His work, unfortunately working together is a concept many have lost in an era where the focus is on self. We like to do things our way, in our own time, without sacrifice and effort. Kind of strange when we consider that the Bible speaks favorably of those who go through difficulty and sacrifice. We all seem to want the credit, as if we were the ones who deserve it.

In the brick and mortar church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita, we frequently say, God is good, all the time, and all of the time, God is good. Problems occur for us when we think we are the ones doing good. I will forever appreciate my love of Flannery O’Connor and the understanding of her work as taught me by Bev Holmskog. The reading, contemplation of the story A Good Man is Hard To Find, especially in contemplation with the Bible passage that states ‘There are none good, no, none but one,” along with the concepts of people wanting the credit and glory for everything is not lost on me.

In many church planning classes, seminary and or other ministry training programs, the research clearly shows, the way to grow a church is based on what people get out of it, not on what that body is doing based on Scriptural concepts. It is more about if I feel good than whether or not am I being challenged to do what God expects. The bottom line, and I challenge anyone to prove me and show me wrong, the body of Christ, the Church, is to be about doing ministry and sharing the Gospel, as a priority in that is ministry to and involving the poor, needy, orphan, widow and those who are hurting, for whatever reasons. Show me a church in the New Testament that did not take on and do this work seriously. The authors of scripture praise the work and all of scripture is breathed and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The question for all Christ Followers is this, are we willing to sacrificially, if need be, do the things God has commanded us to do? Is this a point of priority, love, compassion, and mercy to the poor and needy, orphan, widow and the hurting? We all need to seriously look at whether or not our relationship with Christ is real? We need to evaluate our actions. The Bible says we will know who real followers of Jesus are based on two things, 1) Who do we say He is regarding His life, death and resurrection, and 2) Do we do the things He has commanded us to do. A part of the answer, I believe, to number one is the realization that Jesus had a deep and passionate love for sinners, also, the poor, hurting, outcast and so forth. In regards to the answer to number two, some speculate that the Bible speaks of serving, loving, redeeming, providing for, helping the poor some 2,000 or more times. If the Bible talks about something once, I believe it makes it important, imagine if it talks about things some 2,000 times? If taking Jesus and our walk with Him seriously, shouldn’t we be about doing and supporting the serious work of Jesus? Is it easy? Heck no, if it was Jesus would have never told us to ‘take up our cross and follow him daily.” But you know what, that is exactly what he told us to do, knowing full well what the cross implied.

Unfortunately many of us want something out of Christianity and we just aren’t getting it, some have quit for this reason. Maybe we don’t get what we want; don’t experience the relationship with Jesus He wants for us, including having joy in difficult times, because we aren’t doing our part. While we are saved by faith alone, we can’t deny or walk away from the words of James, Jesus brother, when he said “faith without works is dead.” Neither can we rationally ignore or explain away the words of Jesus when he says “what we have done for the least of these we have done for me.” This is especially true when you see that those considered lambs, worthy to spend eternity in Heaven is based on what one is willing to do.

I realize I am so far from perfect it is ridiculous. I also realize there is a journey I am on, a journey called life. Through it, I want to become as much like Jesus as possible. Unfortunately, the closer I get to Jesus, the more I realize I am further away than I should to be. I need my brothers and sisters in my faith to walk along side me, help me, work together to accomplish more. I want this thing called The Family of God to really be a family. I can’t do it alone; if we are honest about it, we will realize, none of us can.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Oiu9jW-VyE

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Friday, May 11, 2012

A Mother's Day Tribute For All Of Us

Mother’s Day, I have to admit, is a day that as a child growing up I never really celebrated or thought much of. I never knew my father and had conflict with my mother. Thankfully, my mother and I were able to resolve prior to her death and for that I am grateful. Some have been critical of me sharing my story but my story is the story of God and ultimately His love and healing power. He is a loving God and the greatest thing He gave me was the ability to feel loved and to love others, not just in a spiritual way but in a real, honest to goodness family way. That doesn’t take away from the reality that I never appreciated Mother’s Day until I became aware of some mothers I want to honor.

There are 4 mothers here; the first is my Grandmother or Mamaw Furches, Blanche Tester Furches. I can’t help but think of how she showed me unconditional love while I was growing up, especially with the difficulties I went through. I wrote a song some time ago called Grandma’s Prayer. I was going through a tough time and was reminded after hearing Gospel singer Yolanda Adams story on the radio of the love expressed to her by her grandmother; her story reminded me of my own grandmother. The lyrics to the song follow:

I used to hear you praying but now I know you’re gone I know I miss you grandma; you’ve been gone oh so long You spent your life; you prayed for me, you spent it praying on your knees

Jesus came and died for us and the vail was torn We can now talk to God if we’ve been reborn

My life has not been perfect; many times I’ve fallen down But others, they prayed for me, God listens when you’re on your knees

Jesus came and died for us and the vail was torn We can now talk to God if we’ve been reborn

I used to hear you praying but now I know you’re gone I know I miss you grandma; you’ve been gone oh so long You spent your life; you prayed for me, you spent it praying on your knees

I am convinced God used my grandmothers’ prayers to reach me. I recall waking up from sleeping on the floor or the couch of her home, early in the morning, watching her read her bible and praying for me and others in the family. Years later she told me of her prayers, I will never forget her sacrificial love not just for me, but others.

Another mother to point out that has given me reason to celebrate is the one who showed me a Godly, perfect physical love, my wife, Mary Jane Furches. Many questioned our relationship as she is older than me. Some even questioned our relationship and whether or not we should get married, some of those refusing to come to our wedding. Yet, despite our age difference, despite the critics, we have been together for over 34 years and married for 33 years now. We have had one very difficult time where we almost didn’t make it, but we stuck it out. It was during that time I was reminded of the love from my grandmother, her prayers, (when I wrote the song.) I decided I wasn’t going to throw my grandmother’s prayers away. My wife and I stuck it out and she has been my biggest supporter. People have expressed to me how much they appreciate the ministry work I do, I have to say, I couldn’t have done it without my wife. She has kept me balanced, on the straight and narrow and been there over the years to encourage me when I needed it the most. I know how imperfect I am, I also know how perfect my wife’s love is for me. She has been an incredible mother to our two children who are both grown now. As I saw her love and care for our children, I was reminded of what a perfect example of a mother is. She had a wonderful mother and I know her mother would be proud of her for what she became if she were still alive. I can’t help but believe though, that God has allowed her mother to see what a wonderful mother Mary Jane is. She has been so perfect that it must be a part of a heavenly gift God would allow and give. I love my wife, she has been the best wife, mother, friend, lover that I could ask for, in her, God gave me everything I need. I feel sorry for many of the critics, I feel sorry in knowing that in their criticism, they have failed to see a perfect, Godly love, one that can exist between a man and a wife, but also, a mother and her children.

Another mother I want to honor is the newest mother in my family, my daughter, Marathana Prothro. We raised our daughter to be an advocate for the weak, the poor, and to stand up for all people. We wanted an independent thinking daughter, intelligent and loving, we got it! She has accomplished all we could have ever wanted. She has excelled in the class room earning her masters, in the selection of a good man for a husband and partner and now as a new mother. I watch her both in person and from afar at places like Facebook and I see much of how her mother and I raised her coming out in the way she treats our grandson, her child, Atticus Ross Prothro. Even his name stands for one who would seek justice. Atticus is a little guy, well not really that little, he is a big boy for 10 months of age. We watch our daughter working at being the best mother she can be. She has also been a good wife. I am convinced that she is raising our grandson with the attitude and actions of a loving mother. She and her husband Brett are good providers and make wise decisions. I don’t know how a parent could be prouder of a daughter, she has given us a grandson we will enjoy seeing grow. He looks like our daughter and seeing him grow up will remind us of our daughter. As I think of Mother’s Day, I am reminded of a child who listened to her mother and has implemented much of what their mother taught her; in return becoming a mother a Papa can be proud of.

The last mother to point out and honor is the mother of our granddaughter, Aaliyah Monroe Elise Furches. Emily Grigg is a mother that I have learned to appreciate, love and respect for her willingness to keep my wife and I in the life of our granddaughter. To say the least, we realize that over the last 2 years there have been some tough times for Emily and the rest of the Furches family. With the trouble though, Emily has never one single time waivered in Mary Jane and my opportunity to be with our Aaliyah. We have her virtually every weekend and Emily has made many sacrifices to allow us the opportunity to be with Aaliyah. I realize, there are so many young women, who with the circumstances we have had to go through, would not have allowed us those opportunities. Emily has a family that obviously loves her; she has exhibited and shown so much love, making so many sacrifices for Aaliyah. There is no way we could be more grateful for that. There is something about this young ladies heart that is right, it is pure and while she may have a hard time believing we are going to say this, it is clear there is something about Emily’s heart that is Godly. She is a wonderful mother God must appreciate. She is teaching her child little things like manners. We couldn’t ask for a better daughter in law that has loved the way she has. I have no doubt, our granddaughter, who is a baby genius after all, got some of her smarts, if not most all of them, from her mother. I also have no doubt, that my wife and I are blessed, because Emily is a wonderful mother who wants the best for Aaliyah. For me, after seeing the things in my life that I have, I can’t tell you how much the sacrificial love of Emily has touched me. She is another reminder of what Mother’s Day is all about.

I learned some time ago, not all of us have had the best experiences with mothers. Some have had experiences that aren’t positive at all. I am grateful that I have been able to look around me and in my life, find special women who has reminded me of what a Godly mother is, whether a grandmother who would pray for me, a wife who stuck by me, a daughter who has excelled and learned from her mother, and a daughter in law who has sacrificed and shared of her daughter. There are mothers all around who can inspire if we open our eyes and look. I would ask, this Mother’s Day, honor mothers, especially those who continue to inspire us and love their children. Mothers can still inspire us, I know, because these four and more have inspired me.

To see the video posted below, click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear or appears in distorted form, click on the following link:

While Judy wasn’t my mother, she is a mother I watched from afar. I put this together for her funeral and it symbolizes I think in a positive way, the love of a mother.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmBOgwloGs8

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net. I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church. I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Hold Fast To Dreams

As I sit here right now I have to admit, today has been a rollercoaster kind of day with good, bad, and confusing moments. I suspect I am not the only one who goes through days like this. Today has been difficult because someone I love a great deal is in the middle of making what appears to be another series of bad decisions in life. What is so bad is it feels like the one I have loved and sacrificed so much for hates not only me but also my wife. Feelings like this, simply put, hurt.

One of the things that some may not know about me is that I consider myself a musician. I love to play music, whether it is my bass guitar, harmonica, and/or mandolin. I even have a cello; I played some as a child, and always loved the melodic components of the instrument. I just need to have the one I have serviced and set up. Of course that will take a little money, but I can still dream of the day that may yet come. I love music, it touches my soul, playing it expresses my heart.

I love to play music because as crazy as it may sound to some, it is one of the things that bring me closer to God. I feel his presence when I play, I know that and I also know I need to play more. Over the years I have also felt moments where God gives me a song and I write it down. It isn’t always a ‘Christian’ or ‘Worship’ song; sometimes they are songs about life and sometimes fun songs. I have songs for example that deal with the epidemic of violence among school age children; I have a song that deals with the tragedy and prejudice towards the Original Americans or Indians referencing the Trail of Tears, yet I also have a song that deal in a fun way and respect of Texas Musicians called Texas Squeal, and another that deals with untugging the crotch of ones pants called Crotch De Crotch, another considering the bad mistakes one makes titled, Working for the D.O.C.. Like I said, there are all kinds of things I love to write about and know I don’t write enough.

Today as I have gone through my day I came home having to deal with an emergency and the events of the day. I needed wisdom but I also needed a moment of prayer and reflection. As I go to the mail box I get a package from a friend in Oklahoma Amy Sebran. I was surprised to get it and opened it when I got in the door. Amy is a friend from the clubhouse I was the director at in Tulsa Oklahoma and helped start, Crossroads. Just the fact that I was hearing from a clubhouse friend was in some ways a reminder from God.

Another thing some may or may not know about me was my work in what is known as the International Clubhouse Movement. I started working in Clubhouse in 1989 and was blessed to have a part in this rehabilitation model based on Fountain House in New York City that focused on the strengths and abilities of the Mentally Ill in their rehabilitation. The model is now used around the world and my work in the model was blessed. When I resigned from the clubhouse in Tulsa to go into ministry I had been on the International Faculty for Clubhouse Development for a number of years and I was also on the International Standards Review Committee. I wrote the preamble to the Clubhouse Standards, a guideline used to certify clubhouses around the world and was on a committee of people from Gateway House in Greenville South Carolina which wrote the original draft of the Standards. When I left the model in 2001 I was leaving something I had loved and served in for a large portion of my life. I would be less than dishonest if I didn’t say I still miss the clubhouse model and the life it provided me. I have so much appreciation for it that I have taken clubhouse concepts and used them in my life and ministry until this day.

One of the ironies about my love for the clubhouse movement and life is that over the last week, I have had contact with several former friends in the clubhouse movement. I hadn’t planned things this way, but it is just the way it has been. Then coming home, getting the package from Amy, I realized, God still finds ways to acknowledge those he loves and lets them know, they are of value. Today, God used Amy to let me know, I am of value.

As I opened up my package it had a few things in it, a card and a new CD which Amy had recorded. She had recorded one of my songs Hold Fast to Dreams and not only recorded it but titled her CD by the same title. She also included a card that God has used to help me today. Now before I share this, realize, Amy’s father was a Jewish Cantor in Tulsa. She is still active in the Jewish temple and I have spoken at various Jewish temples in the past. While we don’t totally come to the same place as to theology in many ways, I think God has used me to touch her, and I know he has used her, certainly today, to touch me. I wanted to share the message Amy shared with me. It will hopefully inspire you to think about some things as you think about that which has transpired with me today.

Dear Mike,

Thank you for this beautiful song that you wrote for me. It has brought me so many hours of pleasure, writing harmonies and melodies to your beautiful lyrics and melodies.

People ask, “Who wrote that beautiful song?” I say to them, “Mr. Michael Furches wrote it.”

The Cantor and the Rabbi ask for it. The people at Bartlett Square ask for it. You were born to compose music and lyrics and books Michael and to continue helping people.

I will remember always in my heart, the joy and hope you planted within my soul.

Your Friend,

Amy

Thank you Michael
Hold Fast!

Now for those who know me, you know I really don’t want this to be a, ‘pat Mike on the back’ kind of moment. I do want it to inspire folks to know something I have learned. Truth is, sometimes, life really does suck, it stinks, it is hard, it has moments that maybe we don’t want to live anymore. I have had more than a few of those moments in the past, I know that many of my friends, many of those who subscribe to The Virtual Pew in one way or another have also gone through those moments. I think it is important to do as God, I think, inspired Langston Hughes who wrote the original poem, Hold Fast, and me as I wrote the verses to the song to do. That is to realize, we need to also hold fast to the dreams we have. There may be moments we want to give up, there will certainly be those moments that those we love will try to bring us down, but God can, and will, find ways to reach through and let us know we need to hold on and realize, we are loved.

I know in my heart what kind of person I am, I am glad God sees so much more in me than I see in myself, because frankly I don’t know if I would have stood fast beside me as God has. I don’t know if I deserve the love of God, yet, I know through events like today, he loves me. I am reminded of the great spiritual truth shared by Francis Schaeffer as he was asked about the greatest spiritual truth. As he wiped a tear from his eye, he stated, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, they are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, the bible tells me so.” Understand, God is no respecter of persons. As tough as life may be, Jesus loves you, and I hope that you know, that in my own imperfections, in knowing of Jesus love for me, I will do my best to love you. I am also reminded of the words of Andy Griffith this week regarding the death of his friend George ‘Goober’ Lindsey; “I am happy to say that as we found ourselves in our eighties, we were not afraid to say, 'I love you.” To those of you reading this, know I have learned a valuable lesson now in my mid life years, I am not afraid to tell you, I love you and while my love is not perfect, I know God’s love is. So, Hold Fast and know, You Are Loved!

To see the video posted below, click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear or appears in distorted form, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G58ekJj0F2A

Monday, April 23, 2012

Marvel's The Ultimate Avengers Movie Collection

Some speculate that cartoons and animation is the same thing, unfortunately, because of the perceptions some may have they are reluctant to purchase, or rent animated movies. One audience that is not quite as picky on this is the fans of Comic Book Animation. Over the last number of years there has been some wonderful animation, with theatrical style story that has come to the homes of many who enjoy these genera. Hoping to tap in on the mania that is soon to come about with the theatrical release of The Avengers, Marvel Comics has released three of their movies as a set titled, The Ultimate Avengers Movie Collection. This set includes three previously released movies, all feature length. The movies titled Ultimate Avengers, Ultimate Avengers 2 and a bonus movie titled Next Avengers; Heroes of Tomorrow are worth watching and quite enjoyable. With the exception of the later movie, all of the movies are based on previous stories from the Marvel Universe with a variety of Marvel characters. The later movie, Next Avengers; Heroes of Tomorrow is a new story that takes place involving the children of The Avengers after the majority of them have died or moved on.

One of the things I appreciated about these three movies and this particular boxed set is the attention to detail. The animation while using some CGI is largely hand drawn and exceptional in quality. The editing, direction and especially sound and story are also exceptional. Marvel can be proud of the product they have put out here. If viewers give it a chance, they will be quite pleased with the three movies and the low pricing for those movies on a 2 DVD set, with one of them being a front and back DVD.

All three movies have some origins concepts that are worth while for fans of especially Captain America, Thor and The Black Panther. In these and other characters, one of the things we see Marvel do is some character development. It helps lend to the stories and fans of The Avengers will appreciate the range of character development that takes place.

One of the things about the Marvel Characters, and many within these stories I especially appreciated is the struggle of being human and thus being challenged with taking on their respective responsibilities and roles to save the world. This struggle of being human is true in the various characters on screen but especially true in one of my favorite characters of all time, Captain America. We see his struggle with who he is and what he is to become after years of being frozen in ice. He has lost almost all he has ever loved and the world as he knows it no longer exists. One of the things the movies, specifically Ultimate Avengers does is has him figure out that there are still things to love, people to appreciate and a life to live. He is reminded of this by his love for his country and the relationships he is developing. We see similar stories take place with Bruce Banner AKA as The Hulk. One of the things these movies do is they don’t present what many will consider a cleaned up comic book story. There is death, mayhem, and destruction. There is also the struggle with human emotions and the attempt to try and be something others want. The concept of individuality and the struggle to remain true to the individual self is exemplified in each of these stories. The exception is The Next Avengers; Heroes of Tomorrow. Here we see the struggle of finding self but we see it through the eyes of children who have either lost loved ones or felt abandoned by their loved ones.

One of the things that resonated with me through these movies is the reality that the emotions expressed on screen are emotions all people go through at some point in their lives. There is a reality that even the heroes of our lives express emotion. It resembles in some ways the person of Jesus Christ. While many put him up on a pedestal, which he deserves, they forget about his humanity, his own emotions where we can see in the Bible his expressions of joy, sadness, even weeping, and ultimately his anger. The heroes in these movies are reminders that it is okay to be emotional. If our heroes or even our God’s and recipients of our worship can be emotional, so can we. I appreciated that in these movies we see grown men, who also happen to be heroes, cry and show emotion. We also see the importance of being there for each other, supporting each other in times of need. These are lessons well worth being reminded of and Marvel has done an excellent job of doing so in this set of movies.

One of the things I must mention is something I suspect comic book fans, especially Marvel fans, and others will appreciate. One of the things I love about DVD’s is the special features. Fans of special features like me will love this set, especially the special features in the Ultimate Avengers. Marvel understands the concept of giving their fans a little more and here, they have gone above and beyond, they don’t just give a little more; they give a lot more. The purchase price of this set is worth it, just for the special features. There are excellent ‘Making Of’ features, deleted scenes, gag reels, and much, much more.

I am fortunate; I get advance copies to review. This one was so good I have since been looking in stores to purchase other Marvel works. If the rest of the Marvel Universe videos are half as good as these, then I will support them even if I have to, purchase their products. I suspect others will be pleased set just as I have been. This is a set of movies I will watch several more times and will be glad to do it not just for the quality of the product, but the lessons and reminders I will get in the process.

To see the video posted below, click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear or appears in distorted form, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX9aiDpW03A

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Lessons from The Hunger Games and Battle Royale

A number of years ago I did a companion piece where I saw two long movies on the same day, The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, recently I did the same thing, seeing two similarly themed movies on the same day, the current blockbuster The Hunger Games and the Japanese horror classic released in 2000 of which The Hunger Games has often been compared to, Battle Royale. While there are many common traits to the films, the violence involving children is the overwhelming theme that has drawn the attention of many. In both movies there are games which are held which entails young children and teens entering into a competition which has them killing each other, with a single survivor declared ‘the winner.’

Battle Royale over the years has received both acclaim and disdain. The film based off of the 1999 novel by the same name written by Koushun Takami was directed by the late legend Kinji Fukasaku. The film a top 10 all-time blockbuster hit in Japan is a thought provoking, yet horrific story. There are times the film is gory and a unique characteristic of the film is the occasional comedic moments. The action is virtually non stop and personally if doing a comparison between the more contemporary The Hunger Games and Battle Royale, I enjoyed Battle Royale more, that isn’t intending to take away from The Hunger Games as it is a quality movie but I can see why Quentin Tarantino stated that Battle Royale is his favorite movie of recent, stating: “If there’s any movie that’s been made since I’ve been making movies that I wish I had made, it’s that one." This grind house type of film is filled with meaning and graphic, horrific images.

To See Tarantino’s list of his top 20 movies, including his top movie Battle Royale, click on the following video.

If the video doesn’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv0WlHbBhdc

To see the trailer for Battle Royale, click on the following video, if the video doesn’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIuRjqcpuGQ

Meanwhile, The Hunger Games is the 3rd largest opening feature film, and the largest non sequel opening film of all time. Based on the 2008 book by the same name by Suzanne Collins, the movie takes place in a post apocalyptic future where there are 12 districts. There is a random lottery draw which has a young child or teen male and female from each district compete in a nationally televised game where the contestants fight until the death.

The Hunger Games is well filmed, well acted and deserving of the studio hype and success it has received. The comparison between Battle Royale and The Hunger Games are well known. While many critics are critical of The Hunger Games for its apparent similarities to Battle Royale, I don’t think the comparisons end there, most notably, in many ways, the theme of violence among children go back even further than these two films. The film that comes to mind for me is the classic The Lord of the Flies, first published in 1954 and turned to film in 1963. While there are abundant similarities between The Hunger Games and Battle Royale, there are thematic similarities with other works including The Lord of The Flies. To provide negative commentary towards The Hunger Games for the lack of creativity is a little disingenuous as it is likely the themes that come about from these movies are rooted deeper in history than many want to give credit for.

Click on the following video to watch the complete original movie, The Lord of the Flies, if the video has issues or doesn’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxYrfB3O7Vg

Click on the following video to watch the trailer from The Hunger Games, if the video has issues or doesn’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNxb28j5C1w

With the popularity of The Hunger Games and Battle Royale in particular, one begs to ask the question, why are these themes so prevalent?

Let me state first off, this is my opinion and represents my opinion, it doesn’t represent the views of Hollywood Jesus or others, but the concepts have caused me to ponder, are there underlying themes these films, and others like them address that we can learn from?

An amazing point of interest between these films is the youth audience that is supporting them. Not just these movies and/or books though, but others with dark themes involving youth.

One of the mistakes I think adults often make is that these themes are unique for the youth of the day, they aren’t. There have always been dark themes that youth have adapted and grasped for virtually each generation. I was drawn to The Lord of The Flies and the fight for survival. While not quite the same story stylistically, it has many similar traits and themes. There is the theme of rebellion, and survival, mixed in with a perspective of a society that cares little about the youth of the specific generation. This attitude is not only represented in story via movies and books, it has also been presented in other media such as music.

To see this theme in two popular videos from different eras click on the videos below, if the videos don’t appear, appears distorted or there is trouble, click on the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIKfwPBlE6Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDKwCvD56kw&ob=av3e

I am convinced, one of the reasons youth from around the world are drawn to themes as are presented in The Hunger Games and Battle Royale are because of what they perceive is the lack of respect, love and attention they deserve, thus producing a lack of hope. While there are horrific events that take place in these two movies in particular, they take place at the hands, discretion and direction of the adults in the story. In both situations, it is the adults that are presented as the ‘bad guy.’ One thing of value we can learn from is that this view of adults abusing youth is nothing new. It is as is stated in Ecclesiastes; ‘there is nothing new under the sun.’ Unfortunately, the current generation may also be making the same mistake of previous generations, which is not giving, allowing, or seeking the wisdom that each generation of youth happens to need in order to mature. Some may argue this is a part of the maturing process, unfortunately, that future and hope with current world events may be harder to grasp than ever before. The continual news coverage of how we are spending our ‘children’s future’ or the discussions about the ‘end of the world’ whether it be the Mayan Calendar or Global Warming. Youth like never before are seeing homes foreclosed on and their parents dreams destroyed, as a result, many have little confidence in the ‘promise of the future.’ It is here that in some ways The Hunger Games excels. It excels in a little monologue given by Donald Sutherland as he discusses the power of hope.

Click on the following video to watch the trailer from The Hunger Games, if the video has issues or doesn’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S5mx4AEkJs

One of the mistakes many people of faith make is they tend to judge without understanding. They either forget the difficulties in their own lives of growing up, or don’t fully understand the plight and difficulty of the realities in today’s world, or for reason of convenience in their own lives, or ignorance, they simply don’t understand or care. There is another tragedy though, that is that the youth in need of hope also often ignore the reality of the potential, and possibility of hope and of where it is discovered. It is here that I have come to my own conclusions in life. My constant need that I haven’t lost sight of at this point in my life is the place I have found hope.

In regards to hope we can see the message and desire for it goes back thousands of years, here is an indication of a cry by King David in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 61:1-2 Contemporary English Version (CEV) ~ (1) Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! (2) I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Lead me to the mighty rock high above me.

Yet for many, while there has been a cry for hope, there have also been answers to that cry for hope that can also be seen in The Bible.

Acts 2:25-27 Contemporary English Version (CEV) ~ (25) What David said are really the words of Jesus, “I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. (26) Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. (27) The Lord won’t leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won’t let my body decay.

Romans 5:3-5 Contemporary English Version (CEV) ~ (3) But that’s not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. (4) And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope (5) that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.

Romans 15:12-13 Contemporary English Version (CEV) ~ (12) Isaiah says, “Someone from David’s family will come to power. He will rule the nations, and they will put their hope in him.”

(13) I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Is there an answer or a directive that leads to the place one can discover the one who has given or provides a measure of hope? You bet there is, certainly within the Christian faith there is.

Titus 3:6-8 Contemporary English Version (CEV) ~ (6) God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit.

(7) Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.

(8) This message is certainly true.

These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.

There is no doubt that there is a search for hope that exists, certainly a search that exists among the youth of today’s generation. While all youthful generations have been on this search, we have to honestly ask, are we as adults contributing today to the lack of hope? Are we in fact, that much different than the adults in Battle Royale and The Hunger Games? The sad thing is, it is clear, the message of hope isn’t being presented in the ways it should, if it were, we wouldn’t see the epidemic of hopelessness we do. The box office successes of such films as Battle Royale and now, The Hunger Games wouldn’t have the youth appeal in the masses that it does. An indication of the failure of many within Christian circles is the mass evacuation from the church that is occurring among most youth. Barna research indicates that as many as 75% of all youth leave the church and don’t return after High School. The search for God, the desire for hope is not unique amongst Christians though, it is a constant for all religious groups due to the attitudes, and events existing in today’s world.

There are many factors one can look at, from the home family unit and its apparent break up to the economic and political events of the world. It certainly doesn’t take long for one to discover the hypocrisy that exists in today’s world on issues of all type, not just within the church, but within society as a whole. There is also the lack of believable answers that are presented and apparently likely exist to the youth searching for hope. For those within the church, it could be the concept of turning the church into a social club as opposed to a body of believers that address social issues and providing the hope expressed in their belief systems of serving a Savior who has given direction in specific areas, like serving the poor and needy, the orphan and the widow. It could be the emphasis placed on governments as opposed to faith and even worse, faiths that have been polluted with a political emphasis as opposed to a spiritual hope. There is no doubt, hopelessness exists, not just amongst adults, but unfortunately a large percentage of youth who haven’t even entered into the early stages of adulthood and in many situations, I can’t help but believe, it is the adults that have contributed to this.

Movies like The Hunger Games and Battle Royale can give us insight into the attitudes within society. Movies can be, and often are, far more than a few hours of entertainment either at home or the local cinema. They are reflections on society which we can learn from. Of course if learning there is an implication that we will work to change negative societal concepts that exist, whether as a society that rules by force and places an emphasis on the elite, or a society that takes away the hope of individuals who has yet made valuable contributions to others with the strengths that only they have. In that regard we can all learn from the success of movies like Battle Royale and The Hunger Games. They are more than movies about a violent society, they are indications as to what our society is, and has become. I believe the discussion of those themes, and the answers to those problems are worthy discussion. For me as stated earlier, I have found that place of hope. It has taken me and multitudes of others beyond a religious belief system, but to a way of life. A way of life that can be obtained by all, we don’t have to live in a cut throat world trying to take out our friends for survival, we can live in a world of peace, where ultimately, we discover the same hope, the same potential, the same tomorrow which will allow for individuality, and wholeness. It is up to some of us who are adults to be respectful, caring and loving enough to share and show that message, otherwise, maybe we are more like the adults in these movies than we realize, and that my friends, isn’t such a good place to be.

To see the video posted below, click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear or appears in distorted form, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWOZotnFhLA&feature=related

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.