I'm enjoying the Christmas season.
I mapped out a series of Christmas sermons, that will span a 6 week period.
John the Baptist
Revelation 12
The Christmas Angels
The Watcher: Do You See What I See?
?
Pilate's Christmas Carol
It's So Awesome that Jesus came to earth to be our savior.
We should sing and praise the Lord.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Trip to MN
This next week we care for some unfinished business.
It had been my father's wish to place a tomb stone on the grave of his sister Eldina. She lived for only about 6 months in 1920, and never met her next two siblings, Sister Ellen and Brother (My Dad) Elmer.
Well, this next week, my Mother and I will drive from MN to ND to place that tomb stone. It's about a 1400 mile trip, but will be a good experience.
The Jewish idea is that you are never really dead if people remember you...so Eldina will live on in our hearts...and we shall visit and mark her "grave" or close to it in that cemetery. No family member has been there for years...but there will be people there tending to her grave this next week...US.
It had been my father's wish to place a tomb stone on the grave of his sister Eldina. She lived for only about 6 months in 1920, and never met her next two siblings, Sister Ellen and Brother (My Dad) Elmer.
Well, this next week, my Mother and I will drive from MN to ND to place that tomb stone. It's about a 1400 mile trip, but will be a good experience.
The Jewish idea is that you are never really dead if people remember you...so Eldina will live on in our hearts...and we shall visit and mark her "grave" or close to it in that cemetery. No family member has been there for years...but there will be people there tending to her grave this next week...US.
Arthur "Duke" Greene Eulogy
Arthur “Duke” Greene
December 30, 1948 -– October 4, 2009
Arthur Greene, known to his family and friends as “Duke”, was born on December 30, 1948 in Atlanta, Texas. He passed to his rest on Sunday, October 4, 2009. He was 61 years, 9 months and 4 days old.
Duke is survived by his wife, Monica Greene and their son, Jordan Greene of Concord, CA.
He also is survived by his mother; Clora Greene, who lives in Michigan, and by three siblings: Barbara Greene of Stockton, California; Michael Greene and his wife Delphine of Saginaw, Michigan and Vickie Davis and her husband Doug of Stockton, California.
His survivors on Monica’s side of the family are Monica’s parents: R.B. and Elisabeth Shelton of Michigan and Monica’s siblings: Martina Currie of Southfield, Michigan; Michael Shelton and his wife Dana of Detroit, Michigan; Matthew Shelton and his wife Patsy of Van Buren Township, Michigan and by Marcia Shelton of Bonn, Germany.
Duke is survived by 15 nieces and nephews and 9 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and by his many church and community friends and co-workers.
_____
Duke was born in Atlanta, Texas; and moved to Saginaw Michigan when hw was 4 years old. It was in his childhood, that Duke fell in love with Jesus. His first contact with the Adventist church was Vacation Bible School, and eventually he was baptized at the age of 13. His whole family eventually followed him in faith and fellowship with the church.
His high school years were at Buena Vista High School in Michigan, and then he went on to the University of Michigan. He had a 4 year scholarship, but only spent 2 years at Michigan. He went on to studies at Andrews University, and graduated with a BA in Theology in 1970.
In 1975, Duke took an interest in a particular work associate. For 2 years Monica and Duke dated and discussed the world and life…and love. They were married on November 23, 1977. God blessed them with loving union that celebrated 31 years last fall.
In 1982, they moved west; living first in San Francisco, and then for the last 19 years in Concord.
God blessed them with a son in 1994 when Jordan Shelton Greene was born. Duke loved being a father, and had lots of prior experience, being a caring uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
Duke’s working life saw him serve as a teacher in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He also worked for the Better Living Centers and ran a food co-op. Later on and most recently, he founded and managed group homes for developmentally disabled clients. He started “Circle”, a group of 3 homes for developmentally disabled adults.
Duke was very creative. He wrote plays and songs, and was incredibly well read. He read all he could in the areas of philosophy and religion. If you wanted to have a deep conversation, Duke would be the person to have it with! He was a serious Bible student, and studied the Bible every day.
He also was interested in not just watching movies…but analyzing them. He especially loved History and Drama.
He was generous and funny, and compassionate with others. He was a true intellectual. He received great joy in knowing and serving God, spending time with his son, and don’t forget…Disneyland!
He taught Sabbath School, and would even preach the morning sermon on occasion.
Duke had always been healthy - one of his activities was body building and taking care of himself. But in April of this year, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He went to UCSF and spent a month as an inpatient, receiving chemotherapy.
At the end of August, a bone-marrow donor was found, and things seemed to be looking up. But in Early September, he developed a lung infection, and spent the last month in the hospital in Walnut Creek. His family and close friends made daily visits to his bedside. He was placed on a ventilator, to give him a chance of recovery. His body didn’t respond to the treatments liked we all had hoped and prayed; and he died of cardiac arrest on Sunday, October 4.
The Resurrection of Jesus gives hope and comfort to us in this hour of grief, knowing Death was defeated at the cross, and by the empty tomb. Because Jesus’ tomb was empty, we know Duke’s grave will one day be empty too…as he is given life again by the Life-giver with Jesus returns to earth.
Our lives have been enriched because we have loved and have been loved by Duke Greene. He was a sensitive, patient, kind and loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend! We trust him to the arms of Jesus, who will judge him with mercy and love and grace.
His passing leaves a hole in the world and hole in our lives. We are looking forward to seeing him again on Resurrection Day! May God bless us all with His comfort and peace this hour…and until He comes.
Lovingly Prepared by the Greene Family, with Pastor O. Kris Widmer
December 30, 1948 -– October 4, 2009
Arthur Greene, known to his family and friends as “Duke”, was born on December 30, 1948 in Atlanta, Texas. He passed to his rest on Sunday, October 4, 2009. He was 61 years, 9 months and 4 days old.
Duke is survived by his wife, Monica Greene and their son, Jordan Greene of Concord, CA.
He also is survived by his mother; Clora Greene, who lives in Michigan, and by three siblings: Barbara Greene of Stockton, California; Michael Greene and his wife Delphine of Saginaw, Michigan and Vickie Davis and her husband Doug of Stockton, California.
His survivors on Monica’s side of the family are Monica’s parents: R.B. and Elisabeth Shelton of Michigan and Monica’s siblings: Martina Currie of Southfield, Michigan; Michael Shelton and his wife Dana of Detroit, Michigan; Matthew Shelton and his wife Patsy of Van Buren Township, Michigan and by Marcia Shelton of Bonn, Germany.
Duke is survived by 15 nieces and nephews and 9 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and by his many church and community friends and co-workers.
_____
Duke was born in Atlanta, Texas; and moved to Saginaw Michigan when hw was 4 years old. It was in his childhood, that Duke fell in love with Jesus. His first contact with the Adventist church was Vacation Bible School, and eventually he was baptized at the age of 13. His whole family eventually followed him in faith and fellowship with the church.
His high school years were at Buena Vista High School in Michigan, and then he went on to the University of Michigan. He had a 4 year scholarship, but only spent 2 years at Michigan. He went on to studies at Andrews University, and graduated with a BA in Theology in 1970.
In 1975, Duke took an interest in a particular work associate. For 2 years Monica and Duke dated and discussed the world and life…and love. They were married on November 23, 1977. God blessed them with loving union that celebrated 31 years last fall.
In 1982, they moved west; living first in San Francisco, and then for the last 19 years in Concord.
God blessed them with a son in 1994 when Jordan Shelton Greene was born. Duke loved being a father, and had lots of prior experience, being a caring uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
Duke’s working life saw him serve as a teacher in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He also worked for the Better Living Centers and ran a food co-op. Later on and most recently, he founded and managed group homes for developmentally disabled clients. He started “Circle”, a group of 3 homes for developmentally disabled adults.
Duke was very creative. He wrote plays and songs, and was incredibly well read. He read all he could in the areas of philosophy and religion. If you wanted to have a deep conversation, Duke would be the person to have it with! He was a serious Bible student, and studied the Bible every day.
He also was interested in not just watching movies…but analyzing them. He especially loved History and Drama.
He was generous and funny, and compassionate with others. He was a true intellectual. He received great joy in knowing and serving God, spending time with his son, and don’t forget…Disneyland!
He taught Sabbath School, and would even preach the morning sermon on occasion.
Duke had always been healthy - one of his activities was body building and taking care of himself. But in April of this year, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He went to UCSF and spent a month as an inpatient, receiving chemotherapy.
At the end of August, a bone-marrow donor was found, and things seemed to be looking up. But in Early September, he developed a lung infection, and spent the last month in the hospital in Walnut Creek. His family and close friends made daily visits to his bedside. He was placed on a ventilator, to give him a chance of recovery. His body didn’t respond to the treatments liked we all had hoped and prayed; and he died of cardiac arrest on Sunday, October 4.
The Resurrection of Jesus gives hope and comfort to us in this hour of grief, knowing Death was defeated at the cross, and by the empty tomb. Because Jesus’ tomb was empty, we know Duke’s grave will one day be empty too…as he is given life again by the Life-giver with Jesus returns to earth.
Our lives have been enriched because we have loved and have been loved by Duke Greene. He was a sensitive, patient, kind and loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend! We trust him to the arms of Jesus, who will judge him with mercy and love and grace.
His passing leaves a hole in the world and hole in our lives. We are looking forward to seeing him again on Resurrection Day! May God bless us all with His comfort and peace this hour…and until He comes.
Lovingly Prepared by the Greene Family, with Pastor O. Kris Widmer
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Benjamin Astudillo
Services are pending for the death of baby Benjamin Astudillo.
He was born on July 3 in Martinez, CA
He lived for just 41 minutes.
Keep his mother Claudia and his entire extended family in your prayers.
He was born on July 3 in Martinez, CA
He lived for just 41 minutes.
Keep his mother Claudia and his entire extended family in your prayers.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Current Prayer Needs
Hilltop Christian School - Pray that God will bless the efforts of our task force and ultimately bring us an increase in enrollment.
Derek Lewis - Living with Cancer. Intensive chemotherapy was begun, but was stopped because he was not tolerating it well. He is home now.
David Sarkar - Comfort on the death of his eldest sister in Bangladesh. He and his daughter have traveled there for funeral services. Pray for traveling mercies and a safe return.
Darrel Carson - His mother, Zelda Carson, passed away in Redding. The family is gathering in Fortuna this weekend for memorial services. His father passed away in the summer of 2007.
Bob Neufeld - living with cancer. He is the brother of Antioch members Victor and Elisabeth Neufeld.
Christina Lott - Lost her job last week. Pray that God will provide new employment in this difficult economy.
Mary Fua - continuing rehabilitation from her recent hospitalization and illness.
Derek Lewis - Living with Cancer. Intensive chemotherapy was begun, but was stopped because he was not tolerating it well. He is home now.
David Sarkar - Comfort on the death of his eldest sister in Bangladesh. He and his daughter have traveled there for funeral services. Pray for traveling mercies and a safe return.
Darrel Carson - His mother, Zelda Carson, passed away in Redding. The family is gathering in Fortuna this weekend for memorial services. His father passed away in the summer of 2007.
Bob Neufeld - living with cancer. He is the brother of Antioch members Victor and Elisabeth Neufeld.
Christina Lott - Lost her job last week. Pray that God will provide new employment in this difficult economy.
Mary Fua - continuing rehabilitation from her recent hospitalization and illness.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sermon Series
This weekend at church I'm starting a series of sermons called "Amazing Grace, Amazing Graciousness." We'll be reminding ourselves from the Bible how gracious God has been us...and hearing his call to be gracious to those around us.
Featured in the series are the lyrics to "There's a wideness in God's Mercy"...one of my favorite hymn texts.
I like these especially
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
But we make his love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.
So let's get acquainted with the Real God from the Bible
The God and Father of us all...the God of Grace.
I hope these messages will be a blessing.
Featured in the series are the lyrics to "There's a wideness in God's Mercy"...one of my favorite hymn texts.
I like these especially
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
But we make his love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.
So let's get acquainted with the Real God from the Bible
The God and Father of us all...the God of Grace.
I hope these messages will be a blessing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Fingernails
I read a story and saw this picture of a woman in Utah. She obviously has been working on her nails for a long time.
But this month, they were broken off in a car accident. She's going to be O.K. but she'll have to start over on her manicure.
Reflecting on this, I realize that it must have been hard for her to do much over the years. My guess is she is NOT a court recorder or a massage therapist or a heart surgeon or a dentist. She likely is not ballerina or a traffic cop or a dog groomer.
It does beg the question. What does she do? Perhaps the answer is "not too much." Perhaps she is a professional fingernail grower.
My prayer today is that we will keep our hands ready to do meaningful work, and not let them become show pieces, good for nothing
But this month, they were broken off in a car accident. She's going to be O.K. but she'll have to start over on her manicure.
Reflecting on this, I realize that it must have been hard for her to do much over the years. My guess is she is NOT a court recorder or a massage therapist or a heart surgeon or a dentist. She likely is not ballerina or a traffic cop or a dog groomer.
It does beg the question. What does she do? Perhaps the answer is "not too much." Perhaps she is a professional fingernail grower.
My prayer today is that we will keep our hands ready to do meaningful work, and not let them become show pieces, good for nothing
Friday, February 20, 2009
Facebook Notes
I've been on Facebook for 12 days now...going on 13. In that time I have connected with 360+ friends that I know or who know me. Some are close and some are distant friends, but it's an amazing thing.
I've been on MySpace for 3-4 years...and in all that time I have amassed 38 friends. I think I'll keep this account...but not do much with it.
Facebook...in my adult opinion is much easier and more beneficial for the person looking to stay in touch with their sphere of influence.
I've been on MySpace for 3-4 years...and in all that time I have amassed 38 friends. I think I'll keep this account...but not do much with it.
Facebook...in my adult opinion is much easier and more beneficial for the person looking to stay in touch with their sphere of influence.
A Gift from God
My dear wife, Debbie, and I just returned from enjoying a gift from God.
Last November, we won an overnight stay at the Gaia Hotel in Anderson. We had taken 5 cans of food to the "Turkey Trot" as part of a canned food drive. We received 5 raffle tickets and were thrilled that 2 of our tickets were winners. (We never win anything, you understand.)
One of the prises was this overnight stay.
It had to be used in the next several months, so we made plans to use it during this transition time when Debbie is mostly in Redding and Kris is mostly in Antioch.
The hotel is a GREEN hotel. It has environmental friendly systems and is supposed to have a very small carbon footprint. Our stay included one night in a suite and dinner for two, as well as the included continental breakfast.
The evening meal was delicious, and would have cost $70 had we paid for it. It was in the Swan Lake Bistro. Appetizer Bread, Salads, Entrée, A shared Desert and one drink. We left a tip, and that was the only cash expended for the stay.
That evening, we took a soak in the hotels saline based hot tub. The water was nice and warm, and it felt really good. There were two fountains in the inner area between the three room hubs and the convention center/office/bistro.
The room was spacious.
The bed was very comfy.
The company was exquisite.
We give God praise for this gift from heaven that we could enjoy together and reconnect as a married couple.
We highly recommend that married people continue to date and take mini-honeymoons. We've been doing it for 26 years, and have no plans on quitting.
Last November, we won an overnight stay at the Gaia Hotel in Anderson. We had taken 5 cans of food to the "Turkey Trot" as part of a canned food drive. We received 5 raffle tickets and were thrilled that 2 of our tickets were winners. (We never win anything, you understand.)
One of the prises was this overnight stay.
It had to be used in the next several months, so we made plans to use it during this transition time when Debbie is mostly in Redding and Kris is mostly in Antioch.
The hotel is a GREEN hotel. It has environmental friendly systems and is supposed to have a very small carbon footprint. Our stay included one night in a suite and dinner for two, as well as the included continental breakfast.
The evening meal was delicious, and would have cost $70 had we paid for it. It was in the Swan Lake Bistro. Appetizer Bread, Salads, Entrée, A shared Desert and one drink. We left a tip, and that was the only cash expended for the stay.
That evening, we took a soak in the hotels saline based hot tub. The water was nice and warm, and it felt really good. There were two fountains in the inner area between the three room hubs and the convention center/office/bistro.
The room was spacious.
The bed was very comfy.
The company was exquisite.
We give God praise for this gift from heaven that we could enjoy together and reconnect as a married couple.
We highly recommend that married people continue to date and take mini-honeymoons. We've been doing it for 26 years, and have no plans on quitting.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Mountains
It struck me the other day, as our family transitions to Antioch, California...that I've lived near mountains all my ministry. Such is the beauty and ruggedness of Northern California.
Ukiah - Cow Mountain
Hayfork - Hayfork-Balley
Lakeport - Mt. Knocti
Deer Park - Mt. St. Helena
Redding - Mt Lassen and Mt. Shasta
Antioch - Mt. Diablo
And we're all on our way to Mt. Zion.
Ukiah - Cow Mountain
Hayfork - Hayfork-Balley
Lakeport - Mt. Knocti
Deer Park - Mt. St. Helena
Redding - Mt Lassen and Mt. Shasta
Antioch - Mt. Diablo
And we're all on our way to Mt. Zion.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Welcome to Antioch
Wow...what a weekend!
It was both stressful and exciting. Who isn't stressed going to a new school or a new job for the first day. Well on this day, our family said "Hello" to our new church family, the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church.
We got to our hotel Friday evening, to find flowers and the bulletin and newsletter. (Thank you, Preston and Rose).
The next morning found us arriving early for Sabbath School and Church. The music was awesome, led by a praise band, United in Christ. What a ministry in the church! The worship service continued, with a litany of "Pastoral Installation" led by Elder Mark Woodson, the executive secretary for the Northern California Conference. He introduced our family...yes all 4 of us...Tim came down from PUC for the day (Thanks, Tim) and then there were welcome comments from key church leaders.
The sermon was about Trusting God in the Transitions, lessons from the attitude of Joseph to his brothers...one of forgiveness and grace, and recognizing that God was behind and in all the events of his life. God blessed in the message, and after church we all sat down to a fantastic planned meal. YUMMY!
Then Preston Fletcher, the head elder and I went out to make a hospital visit. One of our elders wives is in ICU...Please pray for Mary. Then he dropped me off at the hotel, where I got to spend a few minutes with Tim, before he left to return to PUC.
Later...about 4:30 we stopped by for another home visit. My long time friend and brother in ministry had had an operation, and we popped in for a visit and prayer.
Then it was on to Vespers at church, where United in Christ led in more singing, then I read my "Cats" poem and sang the song based on Daniel 2 that my Bible teacher, Bill Millard, wrote when I was in High School.
After vespers, there was a "get acquainted game" where I was asked by the members whay my favorite hobby was. I gave three different answers, (Poetry, Golf and ???) and someone finally won a prize for filling out all their blanks. I didn't have a chance...as I was too busy signing other people's forms...and not getting my own signed.
Then there was a 20 min board meeting that I attended, where we discussed a use agreement with a church group called "The Gathering." They want to share the use of our facility, and we hashed out a few details.
Then it was a supper put on by the home and school - Haystacks. Then there was gym night, and Rebekah and I played Basketball.
We crashed into bed at 10:30. What a day. Stressful? Yes. Fun? Yes. A Blessing? Yes.
Thank you, Antioch Family for the wonderful welcome day.
It was both stressful and exciting. Who isn't stressed going to a new school or a new job for the first day. Well on this day, our family said "Hello" to our new church family, the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church.
We got to our hotel Friday evening, to find flowers and the bulletin and newsletter. (Thank you, Preston and Rose).
The next morning found us arriving early for Sabbath School and Church. The music was awesome, led by a praise band, United in Christ. What a ministry in the church! The worship service continued, with a litany of "Pastoral Installation" led by Elder Mark Woodson, the executive secretary for the Northern California Conference. He introduced our family...yes all 4 of us...Tim came down from PUC for the day (Thanks, Tim) and then there were welcome comments from key church leaders.
The sermon was about Trusting God in the Transitions, lessons from the attitude of Joseph to his brothers...one of forgiveness and grace, and recognizing that God was behind and in all the events of his life. God blessed in the message, and after church we all sat down to a fantastic planned meal. YUMMY!
Then Preston Fletcher, the head elder and I went out to make a hospital visit. One of our elders wives is in ICU...Please pray for Mary. Then he dropped me off at the hotel, where I got to spend a few minutes with Tim, before he left to return to PUC.
Later...about 4:30 we stopped by for another home visit. My long time friend and brother in ministry had had an operation, and we popped in for a visit and prayer.
Then it was on to Vespers at church, where United in Christ led in more singing, then I read my "Cats" poem and sang the song based on Daniel 2 that my Bible teacher, Bill Millard, wrote when I was in High School.
After vespers, there was a "get acquainted game" where I was asked by the members whay my favorite hobby was. I gave three different answers, (Poetry, Golf and ???) and someone finally won a prize for filling out all their blanks. I didn't have a chance...as I was too busy signing other people's forms...and not getting my own signed.
Then there was a 20 min board meeting that I attended, where we discussed a use agreement with a church group called "The Gathering." They want to share the use of our facility, and we hashed out a few details.
Then it was a supper put on by the home and school - Haystacks. Then there was gym night, and Rebekah and I played Basketball.
We crashed into bed at 10:30. What a day. Stressful? Yes. Fun? Yes. A Blessing? Yes.
Thank you, Antioch Family for the wonderful welcome day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Your Friendly Announcer
Over the past few basketball seasons at our school, I've started announcing the starting lineups...and now doing a little play by play during the game. I play a little music here and there...and try to make it an event.
I've had a microphone in my hand ever since I held a stick and a rope as a toy microphone when I was a child. I've always been "the announcer" in high school and college and beyond.
I guess it was fate and God's call that would put before a microphone each week in the pulpit...announcing for God.
Thanks Lumberjacks...for letting me support the team in this way.
"For your dining pleasure...go get some pizza in the entry way..."
I've had a microphone in my hand ever since I held a stick and a rope as a toy microphone when I was a child. I've always been "the announcer" in high school and college and beyond.
I guess it was fate and God's call that would put before a microphone each week in the pulpit...announcing for God.
Thanks Lumberjacks...for letting me support the team in this way.
"For your dining pleasure...go get some pizza in the entry way..."
Farewell
Yesterday was quote a day...as we said good bye to the Redding Church Family.
We were in the foyer for 40 minutes after church, so when we got downstairs..there was no food left for us to eat. We visited for a while...then went home for hotdogs. I then made a brief hospital visit on a member of the Hayfork church, and went home to decrompress for a while.
Six o'clock came quickly, and there were 150 or so members in Smith Hall. It was packed and stuffy, but lots of fun. I hadn't hugged so many people since my wedding! I didn't eat much there either. Something about my stomach doing flip flops.
It's a hard thing to say good bye. I had told the congregation I wouldn't say good bye...just see you later.
There were lots of tears through out the day...and I haven't fully analyzed the source of them...other than they come from having loved and been loved.
I'm very lucky to be so fortunate to be part of a church family.
Thank you Redding for 9 wonderful years. Thank you to the other churches in the area that have also supported us in ministry to the school, church and community. We are better people for having sojourned with you.
Love
Pastor Kris Widmer
We were in the foyer for 40 minutes after church, so when we got downstairs..there was no food left for us to eat. We visited for a while...then went home for hotdogs. I then made a brief hospital visit on a member of the Hayfork church, and went home to decrompress for a while.
Six o'clock came quickly, and there were 150 or so members in Smith Hall. It was packed and stuffy, but lots of fun. I hadn't hugged so many people since my wedding! I didn't eat much there either. Something about my stomach doing flip flops.
It's a hard thing to say good bye. I had told the congregation I wouldn't say good bye...just see you later.
There were lots of tears through out the day...and I haven't fully analyzed the source of them...other than they come from having loved and been loved.
I'm very lucky to be so fortunate to be part of a church family.
Thank you Redding for 9 wonderful years. Thank you to the other churches in the area that have also supported us in ministry to the school, church and community. We are better people for having sojourned with you.
Love
Pastor Kris Widmer
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving List
Here is our annual list of 100+ things we're thankful to God for.
Try doing your own.
List specific things that you are glad God has blessed you with.
Thanksgiving List
1. God
2. Salvation in Jesus
3. The Cross
4. The Hope of the Resurrection
5. A Home in Heaven
6. Grace
7. The G Chord
8. The Bible
9. Drip Watering Systems
10. USB Thumb Drives
11. Poetry
12. Paper
13. Creative Thought
14. Talking it out
15. Flashlights
16. Pets
17. Carpet Cleaning Services
18. Latex Paint
19. Water Based Primer
20. Paintable Caulk
21. Drop Cloths
22. Realtors
23. Generous People
24. Air Travel
25. David and Susan Woods
26. Maranatha Volunteers International and “Mission Stories”
27. Safe Travel
28. Smiles
29. Laughter
30. Leaf Rakes
31. Knife Sharpeners
32. Mixing Bowls
33. New Recipes
34. Calculators
35. Cell Phones
36. Sleeping Bags
37. Doctors
38. Secrets
39. Having a Job
40. America
41. Clocks
42. Photocopiers
43. Singing
44. Baseboard Molding
45. Hardware Stores
46. Homegrown Anything
47. Sharing
48. Sleeping In
49. Winning Raffle Tickets
50. Successful and Safe Mission Trips
51. Ron and Anu Kedras
52. Medicine
53. The Removal of Slivers
54. MP3 Audio Technology
55. Digital Cameras
56. Rubber Gloves
57. Telephones
58. Rentable Storage Space
59. Curbside Trash Collection
60. PVC Pipe
61. Anointing Oil
62. Prayer
63. Creative Thought
64. Thank You Notes
65. Police
66. Firefighters
67. Paramedics
68. The Desire to Give
69. Book Ends
70. Strike Anywhere Matches
71. Slippers
72. Pumpkin Butter
73. Interstate Highway System
74. Rain
75. Blogs
76. Bible Studies
77. Putts that go in
78. Drives that are straight
79. The Story of the Prodigal Son
80. Apple Boxes
81. Beach Combing
82. The incredible edible egg
83. Sunflower Seeds
84. The Turkey Trot
85. Accomplishing Goals
86. Gas Cans
87. People who stop to help
88. Gloves
89. New Possibilities
90. Glue
91. Air Powered Tools
92. Door Mats
93. Marriage
94. Another Year
95. House Painters
96. All Ten Fingers
97. Library Privileges
98. Google Maps
99. Adhesive Bandages
100. Snow
101. Sheet Protectors
102. The ability to change
103. Losing 20 pounds
104. Basketball
105. Baked Potatoes
106. Food Traditions
107. Indian Food
108. Club Soda
109. Twinkle Lights
110. Wooden Spoons
111. Hot Herb Tea
112. Cornstarch
113. Yogurt
114. Text Messaging
115. Blue Tooth
116. Human Diversity and Differences
117. Polenta
118. Weather Stipping
Try doing your own.
List specific things that you are glad God has blessed you with.
Thanksgiving List
1. God
2. Salvation in Jesus
3. The Cross
4. The Hope of the Resurrection
5. A Home in Heaven
6. Grace
7. The G Chord
8. The Bible
9. Drip Watering Systems
10. USB Thumb Drives
11. Poetry
12. Paper
13. Creative Thought
14. Talking it out
15. Flashlights
16. Pets
17. Carpet Cleaning Services
18. Latex Paint
19. Water Based Primer
20. Paintable Caulk
21. Drop Cloths
22. Realtors
23. Generous People
24. Air Travel
25. David and Susan Woods
26. Maranatha Volunteers International and “Mission Stories”
27. Safe Travel
28. Smiles
29. Laughter
30. Leaf Rakes
31. Knife Sharpeners
32. Mixing Bowls
33. New Recipes
34. Calculators
35. Cell Phones
36. Sleeping Bags
37. Doctors
38. Secrets
39. Having a Job
40. America
41. Clocks
42. Photocopiers
43. Singing
44. Baseboard Molding
45. Hardware Stores
46. Homegrown Anything
47. Sharing
48. Sleeping In
49. Winning Raffle Tickets
50. Successful and Safe Mission Trips
51. Ron and Anu Kedras
52. Medicine
53. The Removal of Slivers
54. MP3 Audio Technology
55. Digital Cameras
56. Rubber Gloves
57. Telephones
58. Rentable Storage Space
59. Curbside Trash Collection
60. PVC Pipe
61. Anointing Oil
62. Prayer
63. Creative Thought
64. Thank You Notes
65. Police
66. Firefighters
67. Paramedics
68. The Desire to Give
69. Book Ends
70. Strike Anywhere Matches
71. Slippers
72. Pumpkin Butter
73. Interstate Highway System
74. Rain
75. Blogs
76. Bible Studies
77. Putts that go in
78. Drives that are straight
79. The Story of the Prodigal Son
80. Apple Boxes
81. Beach Combing
82. The incredible edible egg
83. Sunflower Seeds
84. The Turkey Trot
85. Accomplishing Goals
86. Gas Cans
87. People who stop to help
88. Gloves
89. New Possibilities
90. Glue
91. Air Powered Tools
92. Door Mats
93. Marriage
94. Another Year
95. House Painters
96. All Ten Fingers
97. Library Privileges
98. Google Maps
99. Adhesive Bandages
100. Snow
101. Sheet Protectors
102. The ability to change
103. Losing 20 pounds
104. Basketball
105. Baked Potatoes
106. Food Traditions
107. Indian Food
108. Club Soda
109. Twinkle Lights
110. Wooden Spoons
111. Hot Herb Tea
112. Cornstarch
113. Yogurt
114. Text Messaging
115. Blue Tooth
116. Human Diversity and Differences
117. Polenta
118. Weather Stipping
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Transition Talk
We are in the middle of our transition to new responsibilities at the Antioch Church. There have been complications along the way..with Debbie's job particularly. She was fired and then rehired at FULL TIME. In all our years of marriage, she has only worked full time for 2 years, while we were at the Seminary...and I was a full time student.
Our house went on the market on Friday, and we shall see when it sells.
We are in a difficult spot and the length of our transition is being a bit problematic. It will stretch on for another 6 months at least. It's very complicated and I have lots of mixed emotions about everything. Am I glad to be leaving? No. Am I glad to be arriving? yes. Do I like packing? No. Am I sad that my current house has dropped 100,000 dollars in the past year. Yes. Am I glad that I can buy a house much cheaper in our new community? Yes. Am I looking forward to the change? Yes. Am I sad to be leaving the friends I've enjoyed for the past 9 years? Yes. Am I looking forward to new friends in our new community? Yes.
So you see...lots of mixed emotions and anticipations mixed with sadness.
I've finally come to the opinion that God will be with me whereever I am...so I'm glad that as we move to Antioch...God has already been there, will be there to bless our ministry in that church...and will work out the details along the way.
So...praise the Lord.
Jan 10 is now the final sermon day at Redding, and Jan 31 will be our welcome Sabbath at Antioch.
That's how it is in life....one day on the calendar...when it finally arrives brings many changes.
Change on!
Kris Widmer
Our house went on the market on Friday, and we shall see when it sells.
We are in a difficult spot and the length of our transition is being a bit problematic. It will stretch on for another 6 months at least. It's very complicated and I have lots of mixed emotions about everything. Am I glad to be leaving? No. Am I glad to be arriving? yes. Do I like packing? No. Am I sad that my current house has dropped 100,000 dollars in the past year. Yes. Am I glad that I can buy a house much cheaper in our new community? Yes. Am I looking forward to the change? Yes. Am I sad to be leaving the friends I've enjoyed for the past 9 years? Yes. Am I looking forward to new friends in our new community? Yes.
So you see...lots of mixed emotions and anticipations mixed with sadness.
I've finally come to the opinion that God will be with me whereever I am...so I'm glad that as we move to Antioch...God has already been there, will be there to bless our ministry in that church...and will work out the details along the way.
So...praise the Lord.
Jan 10 is now the final sermon day at Redding, and Jan 31 will be our welcome Sabbath at Antioch.
That's how it is in life....one day on the calendar...when it finally arrives brings many changes.
Change on!
Kris Widmer
Happy Thanksgiving
In spite of the sorrow in my world the last couple of weeks, (The deaths at Pacific Union College and the deaths of my friends Bob Buller and Bruno Teichman), we still have much to thank the Lord for this holiday season. God is still God and the promises of the Word of God are still true.
I am currently typing this in Marysville at Thanksgiving with Debbie's Family. This morning started in Redding with Debbie and Rebekah doing the Turkey Trot run on the River Trail. There were many members of our school and church community in the race. In fact, the runners that placed 2nd and 3rd overall were recent alumni of Redding Adventist Academy.
After going home for a dip in the hot tub and shower and breakfast, we drove the 2 hr and 15 min drive to my sister-in-law's house for our feast. We are thankful to be able to be together, and to enjoy traditional recipes and a few new ones. The pecan buttermilk pie we made turned out pretty good actually.
I haven't had the time to work on my list of 100 things that I'm thankful for this year..but I'll work on that this weekend and post it here soon.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a good December. Visit the stable this Christmas, see the Christ come again to our world...and be in wonderment once again.
Fondly
Pastor Kris
I am currently typing this in Marysville at Thanksgiving with Debbie's Family. This morning started in Redding with Debbie and Rebekah doing the Turkey Trot run on the River Trail. There were many members of our school and church community in the race. In fact, the runners that placed 2nd and 3rd overall were recent alumni of Redding Adventist Academy.
After going home for a dip in the hot tub and shower and breakfast, we drove the 2 hr and 15 min drive to my sister-in-law's house for our feast. We are thankful to be able to be together, and to enjoy traditional recipes and a few new ones. The pecan buttermilk pie we made turned out pretty good actually.
I haven't had the time to work on my list of 100 things that I'm thankful for this year..but I'll work on that this weekend and post it here soon.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a good December. Visit the stable this Christmas, see the Christ come again to our world...and be in wonderment once again.
Fondly
Pastor Kris
Friday, October 03, 2008
Rebekah Widmer on Maranatha Mission Stories
You can see the interview that my daughter, Rebekah Widmer had with Dick Duerksen at Maranatha.org or follow the link below.
Maranatha Video of Rebekah Widmer
Or you can order Episode 65...and have the whole thing!
It is exciting to see the final verse( "Go Ye...") used in the interview on the installed stained glass window in the new church at Antioch California. That will by our new home and new parish starting in 2009.
Enjoy
Pastor O. Kris Widmer
Maranatha Video of Rebekah Widmer
Or you can order Episode 65...and have the whole thing!
It is exciting to see the final verse( "Go Ye...") used in the interview on the installed stained glass window in the new church at Antioch California. That will by our new home and new parish starting in 2009.
Enjoy
Pastor O. Kris Widmer
Angels Watchin' Over Me
This week my sermon text is Jacob and the time he wrestled with a man/angel/divine being.
Jacob saw angels on at least three occasions.
Genesis 28:12
He saw the ladder to heaven with angels going up and down. What a comfort to him and to us too to know that any place on earth, God can lower a ladder, and the angels have access to help and comfort. We are never alone in this world. If you think God has abandoned you, open your eyes of faith to see a convenient door to glory and the angels that are coming and going in their duties for YOU.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:1
He saw angels of God accompanying him on the journey back to confront Esau. Ellen G. White in Patriarch and Prophets says that these angels were in two groups and were his protection. When he was trembling in fear over what Esau might do to him, God allowed him to see the heavenly guard that God has sent along. Don't worry or fret - God's angels are on duty for YOU too.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:24
He wrestled with the Man (Jesus?) all night. And the Bible says that by morning, It's a powerful thought to think that Almighty Christ contoled his supper natural strength, and allowed Jacob to have the upper hand. vs 25 "When He (the Man)saw that He did not prevail against him (Jacob, He (the Man) touched the socket of his hip..." Picture the pre-incarnate Christ in a head lock saying "Uncle." Wow! "Let me go!" he said. "I won't let you go...unless you bless me!" What a statement! The lesson for us is to hang in there with God...and demand the blessing he has for us too.
Thanks God for Angels.
Jacob saw angels on at least three occasions.
Genesis 28:12
He saw the ladder to heaven with angels going up and down. What a comfort to him and to us too to know that any place on earth, God can lower a ladder, and the angels have access to help and comfort. We are never alone in this world. If you think God has abandoned you, open your eyes of faith to see a convenient door to glory and the angels that are coming and going in their duties for YOU.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:1
He saw angels of God accompanying him on the journey back to confront Esau. Ellen G. White in Patriarch and Prophets says that these angels were in two groups and were his protection. When he was trembling in fear over what Esau might do to him, God allowed him to see the heavenly guard that God has sent along. Don't worry or fret - God's angels are on duty for YOU too.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:24
He wrestled with the Man (Jesus?) all night. And the Bible says that by morning, It's a powerful thought to think that Almighty Christ contoled his supper natural strength, and allowed Jacob to have the upper hand. vs 25 "When He (the Man)saw that He did not prevail against him (Jacob, He (the Man) touched the socket of his hip..." Picture the pre-incarnate Christ in a head lock saying "Uncle." Wow! "Let me go!" he said. "I won't let you go...unless you bless me!" What a statement! The lesson for us is to hang in there with God...and demand the blessing he has for us too.
Thanks God for Angels.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Ointment Appointment
A dear friend of mine and also a mentor preacher, John McVay recently presented a message at Loma Linda University Church called "The Alabaster Disaster." It is a story written originally by another friend, Dr. Roger Bothwell. It makes memorable the moment where a woman went shopping for an extravagant gift for Jesus.
I am working on a poem that tells this story in meter and rhyme, but it has been in process for about 3 years...and isn't done yet.
Since the poem is still percolateing, I give to you the wonderful introduction to "The Alabaster Disaster." It was used today as the opening for a communion message. Enjoy. Pastor Kris Widmer
* * *
She moves carefully, almost suspiciously, through the growing light of dawn chasing early morning shadows as they flee narrow streets. She has walked streets before...but not in this part of town. She had been a lady of the night...now she is a woman of the day. Formerly, she would have be in bed all night, but not wink of sleep. In her former life, she would be just ending her long night of work in these dawning hours...just about now... but she is no longer a hopeless whore. She has stepped out of the darkness...into the light.
Her steps seem, at once, determined and hesitant. We catch a glimpse of her face now and again through her long shawl and we see the face of an attractive, even a beautiful woman. Her face, though, is marked by more trauma than time, more yearning than years. The first rays of the morning sun strike the tops of the olive trees and cue the songbirds. They begin to sing and she becomes more serious in her search. She stops, reads a sign on one establishment. She moves down the street a bit and pauses at another.
Finally, she seems to find what she is looking for. She opens the door in a specific shop, she enters and she moves up to the counter. There on the counter is a large brightly polished brass bell with a thick leather handle. She reaches out for the handle and pauses and waits for a moment, thinking the shopkeeper might appear. He doesn’t, and so she does finally reach out and takes the big bell and rings it ever so gently.
And, out from the back of the shop bustles the shopkeeper, cheerful and rotund. In this part of the world, the first transaction of the day matters a great deal and he is hopeful that it will be as large as it is early. And so he bustles forth.
His ebullient joy gets a little sidetracked as he looks across the counter and sees a woman dressed in very plain peasant garb. But, he summons his courage and decides to make the best of it, steps up and says, “Ma’am, how are you this beautiful morning? It is delightful to have you in my shop, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like to buy some perfume.”
“Oh, well, Ma’am, if perfume is what you need, you have come to the right place.”
He reaches beneath the counter and he pulls out a small wooden box and places it on the counter for her and begins to describe its qualities.
“Ma’am, in this small wooden box there is the essence of crushed rose petals, harvested from the banks of the Jordan River. Mass produced for public consumption. It is a lovely scent. Please enjoy.”
She reaches forward, carefully takes the little box, removes the top, wafts the aroma toward her, enjoys it for a moment, sets it back down, puts the top back on the box and asks, “How much is it?”
“Oh, Ma’am, for you, today, because the sun is shining; because my mother-in-law has gone to Jericho, for you today, today, special price, five dollars.”
She holds his gaze and asks, “Do you have something a bit more expensive?”
Oh, he hadn’t expected this, looking at this woman, but he puts the small wooden box beneath the counter and this time he brings out a plain metal box. And he begins to describe it to the woman.
“Ma’am, this understated, but beautiful metal box contains an infusion of Springtime Daffodil and Iris imported all the way form Damascus, in Syria. It is a wondrous scent. Please enjoy.”
And she does so. She pulls the little box toward herself. She takes the top off, she wafts the aroma toward her and she luxuriates in it for a moment. She puts the top back on the box and moves it a little towards the shopkeeper and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, you understand that ours it the finest perfume shop in the land, and you understand that our merchandise is manufactured and imported at great expense. You did ask for something more expensive. Ma’am, for you, today, I will sell you this lovely box for 100 dollars.”
He reaches forward knowing what will happen next, knowing that he will take this metal box, put it back beneath the counter, and he will take out that small five dollar wooden box. It will look better to her now, and she will purchase that one. And so he reaches forward. He takes the box, that plain metal box and is putting it beneath the counter when she asks, “Sir, do you have something just a bit more expensive?”
Something begins to get worrisome at this point. He’s growing a little uneasy about this transaction, but he is being sucked into the vortex of this drama that is unfolding before his counter and so he reaches beneath his counter and pulls out a silver box, with a little clasp. Ever so carefully, he places it there and begins to describe it.
“Ma’am, you did ask for something more expensive and more expensive this is. This box comes to us from Arabia. It comes by camel caravan. Inside is an ancient formula, a mixture of balsam and cardamom. It is the gift, Ma’am, of a lord for his lady.”
She looks at the shopkeeper for permission. He nods. She reaches forward. She takes the beautifully tooled silver box with the little clasp. She opens the clasp and moves the top back, and wafts the wondrous ancient formula toward her, luxuriates in it for a moment, puts the top back, holds the shopkeepers gaze and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, for you today, 1000 dollars.”
She takes her fingers and stirs within the folds of her garment and the shopkeeper can hear coins clanking against one another. She removes her hand and holds his gaze and asks, “I have a bit more money than that, is it possible that you have something a bit more expensive?”
At this point, risk management issues come to mind, the keeper is concerned about security, and so he asks, “Ma’am are you sure you have money?”
“Yes, I have money.”
And so he bustles from behind the counter. He goes and opens the door, looks both ways down the street, and then he double locks the door, and he moves back around the counter. He notices that his palms are going clammy. “Ma’am, I have another treasure, it will take me a moment.”
So, he goes into the back of his shop and he brings out something in a wonderful piece of fine linen and sets it on the counter. He opens the linen, and there it is, a thing of true beauty, a beautiful gold vase. Pure symmetry and loveliness, gold. It has a wonderfully tooled stopper and this time he reaches forward and removes the stopper, wafts the aroma toward her and she enjoys it for a moment as he explains that it is imported from Rome, from the banks of the Tiber River. “It is the extract and the essence of saffron and cinnamon. It is the gift of a king for his queen.”
“How much is it?”
“For you today, Ma’am, Special Price as you open my shop for the day. 2,500 dollars.”
His blood pressure increases yet more dramatically when she asks, “Do you have something just a bit more expensive? I have to know, is this the best that your shop can offer?”
FIVE: “Well Ma’am, I do, but you must understand that this final treasure represents most of the wealth of our family. We have saved over years and years to possess this wondrous artifact. You are alone?”
“I am alone.”
“You do have money?”
“I have money.”
“It will take me a few moments,” and he disappears yet again.
When he reappears after some absence, he comes to the counter and he is carrying a beautiful piece of crushed velvet. He peels back the corners and there, standing like a starry galaxy against the black night sky, is a gorgeous alabaster jar of precious ointment.
With reverent tones he explains to the woman that this alabaster jar was imported from India. “In it is myrrh with a hint of marjoram It is the gift of an emperor for his empress. It is an extravagant gift. You cannot,” he says, “enjoy a sample of this scent. For you see, once it is used, the jar is broken. You cannot use part of this gift, you must use it all at once.”
“How much is this perfume?” she asks.
“Ma’am. There is nothing finer in the entire Mediterranean coastlands. I cannot let it let it leave my possession for anything less than 10,000 dollars.”
He is stunned, as she reaches into the folds of her garments. She collects the clinking coins hidden there. She proceeds to count them out on the counter and place them in stacks of ten. “I believe this should be enough. I’ll take it.”
The transaction is completed. He has made his first sale of the day. He has made the sale of his lifetime. She looks at him. He nods. She wraps up the treasure in the velvet and tucks it in the folds of her robe. She slips out into the streets of the city. No one, no one, would guess the treasure she holds.
She bides her time. She plans and schemes, her reconnaissance is accurate and true. She listens for reports on his itinerary and her moment finally comes - An appointment for her ointment.
Luke’s story is wonderful, and inspiring, a case study of one who gets it, one who understands the charms of Christ.
A story of Jesus....
It’s a different foot washing story.
It’s a story where his feet are not washed …at first…
But then…
It’s the story where Jesus’ feet are washed....
Toes and Tears and a Treasure.
I am working on a poem that tells this story in meter and rhyme, but it has been in process for about 3 years...and isn't done yet.
Since the poem is still percolateing, I give to you the wonderful introduction to "The Alabaster Disaster." It was used today as the opening for a communion message. Enjoy. Pastor Kris Widmer
* * *
She moves carefully, almost suspiciously, through the growing light of dawn chasing early morning shadows as they flee narrow streets. She has walked streets before...but not in this part of town. She had been a lady of the night...now she is a woman of the day. Formerly, she would have be in bed all night, but not wink of sleep. In her former life, she would be just ending her long night of work in these dawning hours...just about now... but she is no longer a hopeless whore. She has stepped out of the darkness...into the light.
Her steps seem, at once, determined and hesitant. We catch a glimpse of her face now and again through her long shawl and we see the face of an attractive, even a beautiful woman. Her face, though, is marked by more trauma than time, more yearning than years. The first rays of the morning sun strike the tops of the olive trees and cue the songbirds. They begin to sing and she becomes more serious in her search. She stops, reads a sign on one establishment. She moves down the street a bit and pauses at another.
Finally, she seems to find what she is looking for. She opens the door in a specific shop, she enters and she moves up to the counter. There on the counter is a large brightly polished brass bell with a thick leather handle. She reaches out for the handle and pauses and waits for a moment, thinking the shopkeeper might appear. He doesn’t, and so she does finally reach out and takes the big bell and rings it ever so gently.
And, out from the back of the shop bustles the shopkeeper, cheerful and rotund. In this part of the world, the first transaction of the day matters a great deal and he is hopeful that it will be as large as it is early. And so he bustles forth.
His ebullient joy gets a little sidetracked as he looks across the counter and sees a woman dressed in very plain peasant garb. But, he summons his courage and decides to make the best of it, steps up and says, “Ma’am, how are you this beautiful morning? It is delightful to have you in my shop, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like to buy some perfume.”
“Oh, well, Ma’am, if perfume is what you need, you have come to the right place.”
He reaches beneath the counter and he pulls out a small wooden box and places it on the counter for her and begins to describe its qualities.
“Ma’am, in this small wooden box there is the essence of crushed rose petals, harvested from the banks of the Jordan River. Mass produced for public consumption. It is a lovely scent. Please enjoy.”
She reaches forward, carefully takes the little box, removes the top, wafts the aroma toward her, enjoys it for a moment, sets it back down, puts the top back on the box and asks, “How much is it?”
“Oh, Ma’am, for you, today, because the sun is shining; because my mother-in-law has gone to Jericho, for you today, today, special price, five dollars.”
She holds his gaze and asks, “Do you have something a bit more expensive?”
Oh, he hadn’t expected this, looking at this woman, but he puts the small wooden box beneath the counter and this time he brings out a plain metal box. And he begins to describe it to the woman.
“Ma’am, this understated, but beautiful metal box contains an infusion of Springtime Daffodil and Iris imported all the way form Damascus, in Syria. It is a wondrous scent. Please enjoy.”
And she does so. She pulls the little box toward herself. She takes the top off, she wafts the aroma toward her and she luxuriates in it for a moment. She puts the top back on the box and moves it a little towards the shopkeeper and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, you understand that ours it the finest perfume shop in the land, and you understand that our merchandise is manufactured and imported at great expense. You did ask for something more expensive. Ma’am, for you, today, I will sell you this lovely box for 100 dollars.”
He reaches forward knowing what will happen next, knowing that he will take this metal box, put it back beneath the counter, and he will take out that small five dollar wooden box. It will look better to her now, and she will purchase that one. And so he reaches forward. He takes the box, that plain metal box and is putting it beneath the counter when she asks, “Sir, do you have something just a bit more expensive?”
Something begins to get worrisome at this point. He’s growing a little uneasy about this transaction, but he is being sucked into the vortex of this drama that is unfolding before his counter and so he reaches beneath his counter and pulls out a silver box, with a little clasp. Ever so carefully, he places it there and begins to describe it.
“Ma’am, you did ask for something more expensive and more expensive this is. This box comes to us from Arabia. It comes by camel caravan. Inside is an ancient formula, a mixture of balsam and cardamom. It is the gift, Ma’am, of a lord for his lady.”
She looks at the shopkeeper for permission. He nods. She reaches forward. She takes the beautifully tooled silver box with the little clasp. She opens the clasp and moves the top back, and wafts the wondrous ancient formula toward her, luxuriates in it for a moment, puts the top back, holds the shopkeepers gaze and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, for you today, 1000 dollars.”
She takes her fingers and stirs within the folds of her garment and the shopkeeper can hear coins clanking against one another. She removes her hand and holds his gaze and asks, “I have a bit more money than that, is it possible that you have something a bit more expensive?”
At this point, risk management issues come to mind, the keeper is concerned about security, and so he asks, “Ma’am are you sure you have money?”
“Yes, I have money.”
And so he bustles from behind the counter. He goes and opens the door, looks both ways down the street, and then he double locks the door, and he moves back around the counter. He notices that his palms are going clammy. “Ma’am, I have another treasure, it will take me a moment.”
So, he goes into the back of his shop and he brings out something in a wonderful piece of fine linen and sets it on the counter. He opens the linen, and there it is, a thing of true beauty, a beautiful gold vase. Pure symmetry and loveliness, gold. It has a wonderfully tooled stopper and this time he reaches forward and removes the stopper, wafts the aroma toward her and she enjoys it for a moment as he explains that it is imported from Rome, from the banks of the Tiber River. “It is the extract and the essence of saffron and cinnamon. It is the gift of a king for his queen.”
“How much is it?”
“For you today, Ma’am, Special Price as you open my shop for the day. 2,500 dollars.”
His blood pressure increases yet more dramatically when she asks, “Do you have something just a bit more expensive? I have to know, is this the best that your shop can offer?”
FIVE: “Well Ma’am, I do, but you must understand that this final treasure represents most of the wealth of our family. We have saved over years and years to possess this wondrous artifact. You are alone?”
“I am alone.”
“You do have money?”
“I have money.”
“It will take me a few moments,” and he disappears yet again.
When he reappears after some absence, he comes to the counter and he is carrying a beautiful piece of crushed velvet. He peels back the corners and there, standing like a starry galaxy against the black night sky, is a gorgeous alabaster jar of precious ointment.
With reverent tones he explains to the woman that this alabaster jar was imported from India. “In it is myrrh with a hint of marjoram It is the gift of an emperor for his empress. It is an extravagant gift. You cannot,” he says, “enjoy a sample of this scent. For you see, once it is used, the jar is broken. You cannot use part of this gift, you must use it all at once.”
“How much is this perfume?” she asks.
“Ma’am. There is nothing finer in the entire Mediterranean coastlands. I cannot let it let it leave my possession for anything less than 10,000 dollars.”
He is stunned, as she reaches into the folds of her garments. She collects the clinking coins hidden there. She proceeds to count them out on the counter and place them in stacks of ten. “I believe this should be enough. I’ll take it.”
The transaction is completed. He has made his first sale of the day. He has made the sale of his lifetime. She looks at him. He nods. She wraps up the treasure in the velvet and tucks it in the folds of her robe. She slips out into the streets of the city. No one, no one, would guess the treasure she holds.
She bides her time. She plans and schemes, her reconnaissance is accurate and true. She listens for reports on his itinerary and her moment finally comes - An appointment for her ointment.
Luke’s story is wonderful, and inspiring, a case study of one who gets it, one who understands the charms of Christ.
A story of Jesus....
It’s a different foot washing story.
It’s a story where his feet are not washed …at first…
But then…
It’s the story where Jesus’ feet are washed....
Toes and Tears and a Treasure.
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