Poem - For Greta J

For Greta J.

O. Kris Widmer    June 13, 2012

Written while Candace (J.) J. and family were our house guests.

It has taken a while

but I hardly ever think of that October.

Details have left me.

(Was it '83 or '84?)

That horrible month when you and Rob's mom - Mrs. Nelson -

(I can't recall of her first name.)

ended it all.

She jumped in front of a train.

You slipped a noose around your neck and leapt from the ladder.

Quite the Sabbath afternoon surprise for Dr. Cliff

(I remember his name too)

Depression is a killer.

You never got to see your sweet[1] daughter

walk the aisle with her man,

or carry his children,

or raise them

to be the awesome teens they are today.

Sorry you missed it all.

I know they miss you.

But...we all cling to life

and make the daily choice to be happy

and to laugh and ride roller-coasters

no matter how bad it gets for us.

But every once in a while

I still murmur your name.

Greta, what a shame!

Written with the Three Word Wednesday Prompt for 6/13/2012 
Click for the page where this free and fun poetry prompt is found.
http://www.threewordwednesday.com/2012/06/3ww-cclxxvi.html

You can blog your writing project...then link to it at Three Word Wednesday.

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[1] Her name as a teen was Candy.

Poem - Request and Disclosure

Poem prompted from
http://www.threewordwednesday.com/2012/05/3ww-cclxxii.html


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Request and Disclosure

O. Kris Widmer

do not fawn over me,

deary.

i am fine.

really.

these tears are nothing

and this grimace will pass.

i am just trying

to juggle

my current reality

with my churchy upbringing.

i'll be all right

really.

eventually.

just not now.

now, i look out at the fog,

squint down at my instruments,

twiddle with switches and buttons,

and pray to God

there is a way to navigate this family to a safe landing.

Adventist Blues by Brad MacIntyre

Years ago I asked for and received a copy of this wonderful poem/lyric from a speaker at my High School.  It powerfully reminds the religious people in my church heritage that Jesus is at the center of everything.   I tried to find the complete version on the internet somewhere...but couldn't.  So I thought I'd post it here on my blog for the world to see.  In the quest to live for Jesus...don't forget to live like Jesus.

Adventist Blues

by Brad MacIntyre

This poem/lyric was read at a school chapel at La Sierra Academy.  Its authorship date is prior to 1979.

Now I don't drink and I don't swear

I don't take dope or have long hair,

I go to church each week. Oh yes, I do.

I never eat before going to bed,

I'll drink a glass of juice instead,

And jog each day at least a mile or two.

Now all my life I've been pretty good,

I've always done just what I should,

My parents were missionaries over seas.

I got all "A's" in Bible class

And studied hard so I could pass,

And even bought my books from the ABC's

    (The Adventist Book Center)

I know my memory verse each week,

And when called upon can always speak;

I'm never at a loss for words you see.

Cause I've been educated at Andrews U

And Loma Linda and Oakwood too

I've even done my time at C.U.C.

Now I've been taught to keep the law.

You don't goof up or have a flaw

Lest we embarrass dear old Mom and Dad.

No, you don't wear jeans, you don't wear slacks.

You can't eat this, you can't eat that--

Rules, Rules, Rules are all I ever had.

I never listen to Rock and Roll.

or watch T.V. or even bowl,

And I'm a vegetarian all the way.

And of course I pay a faithful tithe

And give my offerings on the side

When when they have a potluck at church -

        I always stay

(Yum Yum! - love that cottage cheese loaf!)

And when each November rolls around

I grab my can and hit the town

for the Church's World-wide Services Appeal

And of course you know I never fail

To buy my food from Collegedale

If you buy it by the case, you get quite a deal.

     (Especially during Camp Meeting.)

I'll never drink a Coca Cola;

On Thursdays I make my own granola,

I give my clothes to Dorcas when they get to tight.

At Wednesday night meeting, I'm always there

And remember my neighbor in a special prayer

And last Summer I bought all the books by Sister White!

    (of course, they're still in their wrappers,

     but they're there.)

I study my lesson every day,

And when I find the time, I try to pray.

But, I don't want to get fanatical, you know?

In fact, I've just become a Master Guide.

And I know all the words to "Side by Side"--

I mean - How much higher can a mere mortal go?!

    (Side by side we stand....)

And when I get confused about what to do,

I pick up the Old Advent Review

And get all the answers in plain old black and white.

'Cause I'm a busy man, and it's absurd.

To spend hours and hours reading the Word,

And I trust our publications to be right.

Yes, I've found the church where I belong -

Why! I don't think I've done anything wrong

For at least two years, or maybe it's been three.

I know I'm walking in the light.

Sometimes I'm bored, but that's all right.

Because there's a crown in heaven just for me.

    (At least that's what they told me in Cradle Roll.)

But recently I've head some talk.

They say I need a closer walk

With Jesus.  If I'll only let Him in.

Well, I'm all for that -- I'll give it a try,

Although I often wonder "Why?"

And ask myself -- "Just where does He fit in?"

Joseph and Jesus

Joseph and Jesus Parallels

1. Both Born Through Miracles

a. Joseph - Rachel couldn't get pregnant Gen 30:22-24

b. Jesus - Born of a Virgin - Matthew 1:18-23

2. Beloved of the Father

a. Joseph - Coat of Many Colors Gen 37:3

b. Jesus - Beloved of the Father, Glorious Light Robe

3. Sent by the Father

a. Joseph - Sent to Check on the Brothers. Gen 37:13

i. Jacob: Aren't your brothers in 'shechem.

ii. Response: I will go.

b. Jesus

i. Father: Isn't mankind in trouble?

ii. Response: I will go!

iii. Hebrews 10:5-7 - Lo I Come!

4. Both were Shepherds

a. Joseph Genesis 37:2

b. Jesus: The Great Shepherd of the Sheep of God

5. Both went to Egypt...in their youth...to avoid being killed.

a. Joseph - as a slave. - Travels

i. In Canaan

ii. Into Egypt

iii. Out of Egypt...to Caanan to bury father

iv. Back to Egypt

v. Bones out of Egypt

b. Jesus - as an infant....Went to Egypt

i. Came out of Egypt Again.

c. Jesus - Bigger Picture

i. In Heaven

ii. In Earth (Egypt) - Land of Slavery

iii. To Heaven...Resurrected...

iv. To Earth - Second Coming

v. To Heaven....with the Captives.

6. Both Began Life Work at 30 Years of Age

a. Joseph - Genesis 41:46

b. Jesus - Luke 3:23

7. Both Lives Affected by Dreams

a. Joseph

i. His Own Dreams

ii. The Butler/Baker Dreams

iii. Pharaoh’s Dreams

b. Jesus

i. Joseph's Dreams

1. Take Mary

2. Leave Bethlehem

3. Safe to Go Home

8. Both had visions about the future

a. Joseph: His Brother's Bowing to Him

b. Jesus: Matthew 24 - the future of his "brothers" - Israel/Church.

9. Both were hated/Despised by their brothers.

a. Joseph - Genesis 37:8

b. Jesus - Matthew 13:55-57

c. Jesus - hated by his countrymen.

10. Both were conspired against...to death

a. Joseph - Genesis 37:18-19

b. Jesus

11. Both motive for the sale... was for personal gain

a. Judah - What profit is it to kill him?

b. Judas - What will you give me to hand him over?

12. Both were sold for a slave's price

a. Joseph - 20 pieces of silver

b. Jesus - 30 pieces of silver.

13. Betrayed by Judah/Judas

a. Joseph - Judah...suggested the sale Gen 37:26

b. Jesus - Judas Iscariot

14. Both were tried to be freed by a weak leader

a. Joseph - Ruben Genesis 37:21, 29-30

b. Jesus - Pilate

15. Both had people tear their garments over them.

a. Joseph: Ruben - Genesis 37:29

b. Joseph: Jacob: Genesis 37:34

c. Jesus: Caiaphas, in the trial.

16. Both wore valuable garments

a. Joseph: Gen 37:3 Coat of Many Colors.

b. Jesus: Valuable...so it was gambled for.

17. Both were stripped of their garments

a. Joseph - Genesis 37:23

b. Jesus - prior to the cross.

18. Both have their garments bloodied...and given to another.

a. Joseph - Genesis 37:31, 32

b. Jesus - in Gethsemane...his own blood

c. Jesus - put his robes back on...after the floggings.

d. Then...another was presented with that robe.

19. The Goat Blood

a. Joseph: Coat Bloodied by Goat Blood

b. The Passover Lamb - from the sheep or goats Ex 12:5

c. Jesus: The Lord's Goat, Lev 16

d. Jesus: Blood of the Covenant on the Cross!

20. Both descended.....to a very low point

a. Joseph - slave, prisoner....

b. Jesus...human, death, cross death -

21. Both had dealings with two prisoners

a. Joseph...butler and the baker Genesis 40:4-5

b. Jesus Matthew 27:38

22. "Remember Me"

a. Joseph asks the Butler to remember him...and he finally did. Gen 40:14, 23

b. Thief asks Jesus to remember him...and he will.

23. One of those prisoners was bad and the other turned out friendly/good/saved.

a. Joseph - One convicted/executed, one helps him later.

b. Jesus - One: Curses Him. One: Remember me.

24. Both thrown into a Pit

a. Joseph: Genesis 37:24

b. Jesus - Into a Tomb.

25. Implication - 3 days and 3 Nights in the Pit.

a. Joseph: ? Jewish Legend

i. Passage of Time from Time Joseph left father....

ii. Until Brothers Return with Joe's bloody tunic....

b. Joseph: 3 Day Sequence for the Butler and Baker Genesis 40:12, 18, 20 "On the Third day..."

i. Restoration on the 3rd Day!

c. Joseph: Put Brothers in Prison for Three Days Genesis 42:17

d. Jesus: 3 days and 2 Nights.

e. One wonders if Jesus knew he'd be in the tomb three days and three nights...because of Joseph's Story. - Usually over looked.

f. Lots of Other 3 Day Events in the Bible

i. Jonah in the Fish

ii. Esther: Fasting for 3 days.

iii. Joshua 2 - Spies told to hid in the mountains 3 days.

26. Judah Disgraced for Not Doing Their Duty

a. Jesus - Genesis 38 - The Whole Story of Tamar -Judah Fails!

b. Jesus: Israel disgraced for the Rejection of Jesus Messiah. Judah Fails!

27. Both Were Victorious over Strong Temptations

a. Joseph - Potipher's Wife....several times - Gen 39

b. Jesus - Satan's Temptations Matthew

28. Persecuted by False Witnesses

a. Joseph - Potipher's Wife

b. Jesus - The False Witnesses of the Trial - We heard him say this.... Matthew 27:12-14

29. Both highly exalted

a. Joseph - Right Hand of the King of Egypt

b. Jesus - Right hand of the Father, Enthronement of Jesus!

30. Both Get a New Name

a. Joseph - Zathanathpeneah -

b. Jesus: Name No One Knows.... Rev 3:12

31. Both Get Married!

a. Joseph - Azanath - daughter of a pagan priest Gen 41:45

i. Children become Tribe - Manassah

b. Jesus - The Gentile Bride = The True Israel

i. Children: True Israel

32. The Son's Names

a. Manasseh - Forget

b. Ephraim - Fruitful

c. Jesus: Cause us to

i. forget the affliction of sin....

ii. and be fruitful in the Lord's work.

33. "Bow the Knee"

a. Joseph: This was the herald's command Gen. 41:43

b. Jesus: Every knee shall bow to him. Phil 2:9

34. "Do What Ever He Tells You."

a. Joseph: Genesis 41:55

b. Jesus: John 2:5

35. Both Miraculously Fed the World

a. Joseph through 7 years of planning in the plenty

b. Jesus...through 7 loaves and 2 fish

c. Jesus...through him being the bread of life.

36. Both are Wise and Capable

a. Joseph - The Tests were Brilliant

b. Jesus - Wise and Capable. Testing Humans Differently

37. Both Test their Brothers

a. Joseph - The Tests: Money, Brotherly Affection

b. Jesus - Tests the Heart Change.

i. Investigative Judgment!

38. There is only proper one response in the Judgment

a. Judah - Genesis 44:16 - There is nothing we can say...what can we speak? How can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. We're all your slaves."

b. Us - We can plead nothing....other than our great sin. God has found out our iniquity. God has paid the penalty for our iniquity.

39. Judah - Internal Type of Jesus

a. Lion from the Tribe of Judah - Revelation 4/5

b. Judah: Genesis 44:18-34 - You'll be enslaving me!

c. Jesus - The Substitute - I'll take your place!

40. Both Weep as they Forgive those who Wronged Them

a. Joseph: Genesis 45:1,2

b. Jesus: Triumphal Entry

c. Jesus: in Gethsemane

41. The Reveal

a. Joseph: To His Brothers

b. Jesus: To Disciples, Resurrection Morning.

42. Both Offer Forgiveness to their Persecutors

a. Joseph: Genesis 45:1-14,

b. Jesus: Father Forgive them...they don't know what they do. Luke 23:34

43. Both...those who plotted his death...bowed before him.

a. Joseph: Brothers Bow...3 occasions

i. Visit 1 - Genesis 42:6

ii. Visit 2 - Genesis 43:26

iii. Confrontation: Genesis 44:14

b. Jesus - Every knee will bow

44. The Supper!

a. Joseph

i. Gen 43:16 - Slay and Make Ready

ii. Gen 43:24 - Foot Washing

iii. Gen 43:31 - Serve the Meal

iv. Gen 43:33 - Seating Arrangement

v. Gen 43:32-34 - feasted and drank freely

b. Jesus - Last Supper

i. Make Ready

ii. Foot Washing

iii. Serve the Meal - Bread and Wine

c. Jesus - Next Supper

i. He's making it Ready

ii. Foot Washing

iii. FEAST!

45. Both Say "I will provide for you."

a. Joseph: Genesis 45:11

b. Jesus: John 14:1-3 : I go to prepare a place for you.

46. Both made mention of their bodies after death.

a. Joseph: Don't leave me here. Take me with you. Genesis 50:25

b. Jesus: The son of man will rise again.

c. Jesus...rose and went to the heavenly Canaan.

d. We...ought to make mention of our bones...to Jesus.

e. When you it's time to go to heaven...please take my bones.

f. And Jesus shouts back... "I will not just take your bones...but your sinews, your muscles, your stomach, your heart, your teeth, your tongue, your brain. I'm taking all of you to glory...Alive!)

47. Both Accomplish a Great Deliverance

a. Joseph: Genesis 45:7

b. Jesus: Remnant Preserver on the Earth. Keep you alive...Salvation. Hebrews 2:3

48. Fitting Ending Words to the Great Controversy

a. Joseph - Genesis 50:19, 20

i. What was meant for evil...God meant for Good.

ii. To Bring about this result....

iii. Preserve many people alive.

iv. Don't be afraid. I'll provide for you.

b. Jesus

i. What Satan meant for evil...God has meant for Good.

ii. To bring about this result - you in heaven. Safe. Fed. Secure.

iii. To preserve many people alive!

iv. Don't be afraid.

Found on CNN

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is being confronted with what it's stance will be on the issue of homosexuality. The issue is coming or already here. The church I love is already split on so many issues: women in ministry, drums in church, religious drama, coffee, etc.

I found the following on CNN...and though I didn't read it all...it is a good overview of the issue for our day that is staring my little branch of the Christian church right in the face.

My Take: Why Christians are embracing their LGBT neighbors

Editor’s note: Ross Murray is director of religion, faith and values at GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

By Ross Murray, Special to CNN

America is embracing its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. Don’t believe me? Just look at the progress being made in faith communities.

The Christian church was once considered the final holdout for those who oppose equality for LGBT people. Staunch believers could gather in worship with people who thought just like them to hear sermons affirming the anti-LGBT beliefs they held in common.

For those of us who identify as LGBT, church was a place of fear and secrets. We had to figure out how to hide ourselves or how to find a more welcoming community.

But that is changing.

Although there is still a variety of scriptural interpretations, an increasing number of Christians are reading scripture and understanding that God’s design for the world includes LGBT people. It follows, good Christians believe, that if God made them, then I am called to love and support them.

Whole Christian denominations have accepted and embraced the reality of LGBT believers within their ranks and in their leadership. Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, the United Church of Christ and Unitarians have formally accepted LGBT people within their denominations.

Even within denominations and faith groups whose policies don’t fully welcome LGBT people, there are growing numbers of people who have learned to love and accept their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters.

The Public Religion Research Institute found this year that as many as 71% of Catholics in America support lesbian and gay people, even up to the point of civil marriage, despite the Roman Catholic hierarchy telling them otherwise.

Of course, there still are Christian groups who work actively against equal protections for LGBT people and their families.

Indeed, as more Americans get to know and love their LGBT neighbors, the messages and vocal misinformation of anti-gay activists become even more shrill.

And yet more and more Christians are now living out the message of 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

How did this happen? More Christians now know someone who is LGBT. They probably even know someone from their church. There are countless faithful Christians who identify as LGBT.

These are folks who have found their faith in God to be stronger than the opposition of vocal anti-gay activists.

These LGBT Christians have shared their lives and their stories that build up love and break down fear, leading to tangible progress, especially with young people.

According to the Public Religion Research Institute, there is at least a 20-point gap between those ages 18 to 29 and those ages 65 and older on every public policy measure in the survey concerning equality for gay and lesbian people, with younger Americans gravitating toward equality.

Even Christian-identified young people increasingly support protections for lesbian and gay people, the same survey found.

Those who oppose equality can call it what they like, but the reality is that we are living in a society that has learned how to value LGBT people as they would others.

That attitude doesn’t rely on fear or lies, but on caring relationships and trust. It lives out the apostle Paul’s wish for the Corinthians that someday we will know fully, even as we are fully known. It is a biblically informed reality that is helping to make the world a better place.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ross Murray.

Oh, To Be Like Jesus

We all want to be like Jesus, and yet we so often fall short. Recently I saw a list, and thought I’d modify it and add to it…by reflecting on the many differences between Jesus’ ministry and my own.

Jesus of Nazareth * Pastor Kris Widmer

Born in Bethlehem * Born in Loma Linda

Son of the Everlasting Father * Son of my father, who died in 2007

Baptized in the Jordan * Baptized in a baptistery

Walked on Water * Often "skating on thin ice."

Rebuked the Wind * Wears a windbreaker

Changed Water to Wine * Changes Water into Lemonade

Welcomed Strangers * Is occasionally strange

Cursed a fig tree * Kills house plants

Fed 5,000 people * Attends potluck, dish in hand.

Saw Nathaniel under fig tree * Sees the world through CNN

Healed servant at a distance * Can use the remote control

Prayed, instead of sleeping * Sleeps, instead of praying.

Stomped the serpent’s head * Has a snake as a pet

Cast out the darkness * Relies on a night light

Gave sight to the blind * Worked at blind camp

Raised a man, dead for 4 days * Planned a funeral in 4 days.

Overturned the money tables * Sets up foyer tables.

Anointed with costly perfume * Wears cheap cologne

Cast demons into pigs * Believes pork is of the Devil

Friend of tax-collectors * Was audited in 2003

Cleansed lepers * Has changed dirty diapers

Stands at the door and knocks * Got locked out of own office

Observed the Widow’s mites * Picks up pennies in parking lots.

Was falsely arrested * Was “unfairly” ticketed for speeding

Preached a Sermon at Olivet * Preached a sermon, all of it!

Died on a cross * Is occasionally cross

Saved the World! Serious!* Watched the World Series

As you can see, I still have a long ways to go in my Christian life. I fail miserably at the goal of being like Jesus, in many more serious ways. That’s why I need to hang around other sinners in the church, so I can set a good example of being a poor example…and perhaps be an encouragement to others who are trying to muddle along through life too.

So…be gracious to yourself and those around you. Nobody’s perfect.

I can’t wait for the day when Jesus will come and change this flesh and blood into perfection.

Be Positive and Encouraging,

O. Kris Widmer

Pastor