The Virtual Pew Daily: spirituality

Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts

Monday, January 26, 2015

Becoming Friends With Him And Them

One of the things that sometimes surprises those getting to know me is the studies I was involved in while in college. My majors are around the areas of Psychology, Human Services, Church Ministries and believe it or not, Philosophy. It is the area of Philosophy I find myself using many of the things I learned, especially logic and reasoning.

Many know I do a regular teaching whether at church, online, in my writings, or other settings. Many may not realize the number of times I personally contemplate on those teachings, thinking about how to apply them in and to my life. Many teachers and speakers will tell you, especially on matters of faith, that their teachings often apply to the teacher more than the student. While a teaching can have specific meaning for the teacher, it is likely a listener is in the same boat as the teacher and needs the teaching.

This last weekend I taught on the concept that God chooses to be our friend. I used the following passage:

John 15 - (13) The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. (14) And you are my friends, if you obey me. (15) Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.

I want to share a few brief points:

1st, God wants to be our friend, but there are conditions to that friendship. Verse 15 gives clear indication that we have to obey.

The bible is full of instruction, one of the benefits of the church is that appropriate instruction should be given. Remember, the role of a pastor is to teach and equip others to observe the instructions from the ultimate love letter and instruction manual, the bible.

We all have friends and family, Christ gave the clear example of how to display love, to the point that he:

2ndly, Gave the example of what it meant to literally love so much that one is willing to lay down

their life for another.

The truth is, many of us have friends and family we deeply love, whether it be a best friend we have had since high school, a brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point. Let me ask a simple question, if we haven't experienced the ultimate and best friendship and love possible, the perfect friendship and love if you will, if we don't observe and obey and take part in the instruction of scripture, the aspect of sharing in life with others who have learned this concept, how is one to expect to be the best friend, providing the best love possible to those around them, whether, a best friend from years gone by, or a family member, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point?

Today, I want to challenge you, not to be just a so called friend, but instead, be a real friend, whether a Facebook friend or a real life honest to goodness friend from years gone by or a family member, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point, friend.

Discover ways to access appropriate teachings, dedicate yourself to be the best you can be from academics, teaching received at church, then go into your practicum of becoming a good friend using those examples, then, graduate to the place where you are using those examples, teaching those you love about ultimate friendship and love and the best and perfect example, Jesus.

As a footnote let me say, unfortunately a lot of churches don't practice this concept of loving each other as they should. Keep looking if having trouble finding one. I also know this, fortunately, there are those good teachers, consistent with the teachings of scripture, putting into practice, that ultimate example of love and friendship, initially displayed and still given by that perfect love and example, Jesus.

Good luck, carry on, and love.

A great song on the area of friendship. To see and hear the song, just click on the video, if there is trouble, try the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XGX98OW4Rc

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Observing The Sabbath

I am a Sabbath keeper, but I don't believe it has to be a specific day, for example, those in ministry can't observe a Sabbath on their day of worship if a Sunday, I realize many Sabbath keepers also observe the Sabbath on its original day, a Saturday, but also here, for those in ministry, according to their traditions and religious habits, can't keep it by definition on that day either.

Jim Holm former president of The Mennonite Brethren Seminary did a great teaching on the Sabbath that I sat under some years ago. Sabbath is not a day of rest as we typically conceptualize in America. A point of interest on this is the reality that God doesn't need rest, yet, God observed a Sabbath. Our misunderstanding of Sabbath has to do with our Westernized concept of rest. The Hebrew definition of rest is not what many may think. Unfortunately there are different definitions and we should remember the aspect of God taking a Sabbath; does God really need to rest as most would define it? As I have done study on this, prefaced by Dr. Holm's teachings among others, I have come to the conclusion that Sabbath is really more of a day of reflection, a day of communion with God if you will. It is a day where nothing else matters as much as seeking God and reflecting on the things God has done through and for us, plus a reflection in part on what God wants for us. The concept of Sabbath has never been done away with, it is however unfortunately misunderstood, even by many in the church and Christianity. As a result, many really doesn't honor the Sabbath, that does not negate the things God has for us when we do honor the Sabbath, neither does it do away with our need for a Sabbath.

The Sabbath is for us, to rediscover the joy of communion with God. I challenge those who are in need of such a thing to find a day that is convenient to make your focus God. Make one on one time with Him as much as possible. Don't do part of a day, do as much as possible, the entire day. Pick the same day, that makes it easier to get in the routine of honoring and observing the Sabbath. Seek God's face in the ways you feel compelled. I normally will pick something through the day after prayer, sometimes it is a day at the zoo reflecting on God's creation of animals, sometimes it is a day in the wilderness reflecting on nature, sometimes spending time in prayer, sometimes, I believe God would have me literally rest, spending time in prayer, getting sleep. It depends on what I believe God would have for me and how He would desire to speak to me on a particular day, but yes, I honor the Sabbath, for me each Friday.

While there are times I have conflicts, I more than not take Fridays to spend with God. It isn't a luxury, it is a requirement of my faith. It wasn't done away with but Jesus did clarify it. Do you keep and honor the concept of the Sabbath? Why or why not? I can just tell you this, I have found peace, heard God in the quietness and time alone with him. I have never regretted it but do often wonder why many who say they have a personal relationship with Jesus, love God, are followers of Jesus and a part of this thing called Christianity, have made excuses to not observe it. It is a concept that was so special that God wrote it down and called it one of his 10 Commandments. Not a commandment to hold us at the place of feeling guilty but a commandment to get us to the place of having liberty and even more important than that, a time to have relationship with God. While you are all important to me, I honor and value my time alone with God, hopefully this will move some of you who are followers of Jesus to reconsider your own time with God, hopefully observed through a Sabbath, whatever that day may be.

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Monday, February 17, 2014

Announcing More Than A Game

From the very outset, let it be known, I have friends from all walks of life, many from the world of soccer. I am grateful that I have a pretty good audience that enjoys my writings and therefore, will understand the intent and heart of this article. While it isn't intended to offend anyone, especially friends who are not people of faith or don't take faith seriously, it is my work and I know some who love the game and are also serious about their faith. This particular article, if given a chance, may illustrate life traits for everyone. If interested read on, if giving it a chance you may get something out of this.

I grew up in, and am proud to say I love the great state of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee athletic programs. I have had many close associations, from friends and family who have played sports there, gone to school there, or even in some instances, friends who have coached there. Growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee, 100 miles Northeast of Knoxville one couldn't help but love Tennessee. While I am not sure if the phrase "my blood runs orange" originated there, it was the first place I heard it. I grew up not being able to attend the games and when it comes to college, the team was the Volunteers. I grew up listening to the Hall of Fame Tennessee announcer John Ward. Now he was an announcer and one that will never be replicated, there were, are others like him like Georgia's Larry Munson who was spectacular. Great radio announcers paint pictures with words as well as any Rembrandt. These men are legendary.

They also have something else about them though, a passion for the game and the team they were announcing.

As a former active athlete and a current occasional participant and definite fan of sport, sports over the years have lost something to me, that is the passion for the home team. Currently as I write this during the Olympic games, I miss the days of Al Michaels announcing "The Miracle Game on Ice." "Do you believe in miracles?" A call I will never forget from an announcer clearly cheering for his home nation. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good story, like how an American and Russian athlete can fall in love in the midst of the Cold War, but all of that said, as much of a peacemaker in my faith as I try to be, (and often fail) as much of a world and Kingdom citizen as I am, I still appreciate and find nothing wrong with, National Pride in certain areas, especially during sporting events. I am saddened to see television, radio and other sports authorities try to be impartial at sporting events. I don't think I am the only one as I hear others speak on this. There are benefits that can be learned, not just in sports, but in faith and in life from a good patronizing sports announcer, like a Larry Munson cheering for Georgia, a Vin Scully cheering for the Dodgers, or even a John Ward cheering for a Tennessee Volunteer.

As many know, I love soccer, I have played, coached at a high level and have lately been a fan of the game over the years. In Wichita it has always been The Wichita Wings and now the Wichita B-52's. I have had season tickets for several years, and attended Wichita pro soccer games since back in the late 1970's and early 1980's. As a result of going to the games and watching the games at watch parties; up until recently I didn't listen to the games on the radio. I am a part of the supporters section in Wichita and stay after the games cheering on the team and seldom even get to the car in time to hear the teams post game show. This year though something happened. During the game our supporters section started doing a chant for the radio announcer, Dan Lucero. It got me to thinking.

Dan announces the games and provides the color for local radio station KSGO, 1410 AM for the Wichita B-52's. I heard fans talking about him, then something happened, my wife had surgery and we had to miss a couple of games, we were stuck in the hospital, during a game, unable to attend or watch and I was forced to listen to the radio. From that first listen, I was hooked. Dan brought back all of the fun of the glory days of radio for me. He was the John Ward of the Tennessee Volunteers, The Vin Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Larry Munson of the Georgia Bulldogs. While Dan is young he still paints a pretty darned good picture. He does it with passion and talent which God gifts only a few people with. He has a passion that is absolutely non apologetic, he clearly loves the Wichita B-52's and the game of soccer.

I can tell you, announcers like Dan, the few times this season when I listened, took me to the game, he got me excited. I appreciate that he calls it like he sees it. One may not agree but there are benefits to honesty, even if that honesty disappoints someone. I mentioned Georgia's Larry Munson above, I have heard this about Dan as well, one may not like the Georgia Bulldogs, or the Wichita B-52's for that matter, but they will appreciate the loyalty and excitement that only a fan can bring to the game. I will never forget Larry Munson's call of Herschel Walker running over Tennessee Defenders. While I couldn't see the game, I felt the power of Walker from Munson. I had the opportunity living where I did to switch back and forth on the radio between John Ward and Larry Munson calling the game. Ward was obviously in pain, Munson was in jubilation, I loved both calls of the game which is why I had to switch back and forth on the radio dial. I was experiencing the game from all sides. An announcer brings you to the game.

As I have thought over the last few days I have reflected; there are many benefits to exhibiting passion, benefits I have learned and recalled from being blessed to listen to radio announcers who love what they are doing. When one cares about what they do they bring others pleasure, especially those supporting the same team. One can joy at the passion they exhibit in the thing they love to others, even when distance separates them.

As I have thought through the week, I have wondered, do we in life, whether of faith or not, bring passion to life in such a way that others looking or listening in take their specific skill or gift sets to the world around them, bringing others around them into another's world? This isn't to say everything has to be done to make one feel hunky dory and wonderful but just like that Tennessee and Georgia football game all those years ago, the experience of life in full is far better than a one sided adventure where we experience a limited experience. One of the things I appreciated about Dan this year was he was not only a fan of the Wichita B-52's, he knows the game and appreciated the good he saw in certain officials, players, communities and so forth. He was also open to expressing his displeasure calling it the way he saw it, sometimes calling an official incompetent, because they were, or an opposing player a thug, because he was. I think Dan understands the team he represents and the audience.

Sometimes just like in sports, our commitments, responsibilities and obligations will take us to differing places, and sometimes to differing conclusions. That is okay but what we do, what we represent, should be done with passion. For me that is the ultimate lesson I wanted to reflect here, there are passions we have that are nothing more than time consuming, maybe with a little fun, if we don't dedicate ourselves fully to those passions. When we are passionate about something, the comments of the naysayers aren't all that important because we know what is and is not of value in our own hearts, that thing of value is what we should stand for, should represent. That is ultimately what can give us joy and satisfaction in life, it is what can get us to the place where we don't care what others think, say or do.

For me, and I assume others, there are passions in life, but for me as a Christian, and for others who say they are people of faith, their faith and for Christians the person of Jesus Christ must be the ultimate passion. Nothing: soccer, movies, television, sports, or even for that matter our Sunday gatherings called church should come close to being as important as the person of Jesus whom we as Christians are named after. Jesus went further, saying; we must take up our cross and follow him daily. There is no debate on the responsibility of the Christ follower to be dedicated to the person of Jesus. At that point, how we announce the game of life can make a difference to those watching and listening to our daily play by play in this thing called life.

Now in closing, I have no idea of where any of these individual announcers stand on issues of faith, to be honest, it doesn't matter as far as this object lesson. What matters is that whether they intend it or not, their passion moves me and causes me to reflect on my own life and example. For that, I am grateful not just for their ability to cause me to think about and enjoy this thing called sport but their ability to take me to the place that in my own life, I can learn from those examples and hopefully become half as good at what I do with my passions and vocations, as they have been in theirs. That hopefully isn't just an area of thought for me to reflect on, but one for you as well.

The following is a special video featuring Tennessee's own John Ward. To see the video below, just click on it, if there are problems, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMBFf9KZjv8

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Have We Experienced The Family of God?

As I get older and my health isn't what it used to be, (although I haven’t given up hope and still work on it) I have come to realize, we all have 2 families. If we are lucky one is good, if we are blessed both the spiritual and natural family are good.

The first family that comes to mind is our natural family, mother, father, brothers, sisters, etc… Most of you know my family history, or likely do so from my book The Keystone Kid and/or other writings. While I had some difficult times in my life, I have come to appreciate more and more my blood family. I love my sisters my half sister Teresa whom I have spent little time with and my full-blooded sister, Andrea (Sissy) whom I grew up with. Growing up in the same household Sis and I experienced many of the same things. I admire her for her courage and sticktoitnuss, God used her in a mighty way to bring me into His family. I love my sister and wish we lived closer. There are others in my family I miss. While I am having some health issues as I write this, I spoke with my Uncle Larry last night. He was checking up on me and asked how I am doing, I responded, “as well as can be expected, but I am keeping my spirits up trying to find ways to make people laugh and enjoy life, I am after all a Furches.” I was moved by his concern, because, he is family. I could write a great deal about how much I love my family, whether they realize it or not. I am healing and the more God provides healing, the more I am learning to love.

There is another kind of family, one where Jesus brings people together. The Bible speaks often and eloquently about the Family of God, brothers, sisters, babes, and so forth. We see an emphasis on the community of believers, from the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus instructs us to say, OUR Father, deliver US, give US OUR, and so forth. Then there is a passage some find troubling, Matthew 12: 46-50:

(46) While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside because they wanted to talk with him. (47) Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to talk with you.”

(48) Jesus answered, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” (49) Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “These are my mother and my brothers! (50) Anyone who obeys my Father in heaven is my brother or sister or mother.”

While the above passage can be troubling, I don’t think Jesus is saying forget about, ignore, or having nothing to do with your blood family, he is saying your family is more than your blood relatives, it includes all of those who are a part of the Kingdom of God who have surrendered to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately in today’s world we live in a place that focuses on individualism. Don’t take me wrong, to discover ones gifts, talents, to love one’s self, etc…, is important, but one of the ways we discover self is by loving others, to be a part of the group or community. We are to share in life, care for each other, see to it that no one has a need. We are to be there and love each other. Unfortunately, this concept has been lost, many of us don’t even know our next door neighbors, those we call brother and sister. If we don’t know each other, how can we be a family?

I have learned the importance of my spiritual brothers and sisters. Much of that comes from living away from my blood family for most of my life. I hate it but it is a part of the call of ministry. I go where God leads, not where I want. I have been blessed to have many brothers and sisters. While I enjoy keeping up with many of them via social media and meeting new ones, nothing replaces the hands on experience, a hug, a holy kiss, a love that family understands, a communion where we commune in life, not just a ceremony of breaking bread and drinking wine.

God has compelled me see to it that the ministry I am involved in experiences what the Greek calls, Koinonia, or Family and Community, where all things are shared. I believe it is what God would have for his people. While there are times to be alone, there are also times to share in life, even to help each other out through our problems. Many make the excuse to not share in life with a body of believers, for years I was in that boat but the more I study scripture, the more I realize how unbiblical that belief is. I joy because I share in life; I have blood family I love and others via spiritual family via faith in Jesus Christ.

Lastly, I have a son I deeply love. Nathan is adopted and I love him just as I love my daughter by birth. I have learned of the ability to love and the value of coming into a family via adoption, that is what the Kingdom of God is, people who have been adopted into the Family of God. I would challenge, enjoy this family to the fullest, if in a good church, experience community in shared life, stay for the pot-lucks, and develop relationships where you want to be with that family. When you aren't and you find yourself missing those special moments, maybe, just maybe, God wants more, and that more is community.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcW6tMPgmxI

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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

The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

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

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

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

The Virtual Pew 6441 N. Hydraulic Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

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.