Ode to Lanson

Last week I attended a thought provoking conference on the science of fundraising development, etc. I was excited to be there and I knew it would be worth my time. I am a novice to the science of development. One of the most insightful men I have ever known hosts the event. However, it was one of his speakers that intrigued me the most and left me pondering his session days since. You see it was his candor that struck me. This man has served God all his life, through personal failures and countless "what if's" that apparently still weigh on his heart. ("the saddest word in the English language is IF") His session entitled "It's Easier To Be Something Than To Do Something" conjured up a few of my own regrets. His printed biography was short, unlike the other speakers, and spoke of his life aboard his sailboat and other hobbies ( he once built a new gym floor out of used tennis shoes!) I introduced myself and we struck up a conversation about sailing, Burl Ives, and Flicka's. If you don't know they are one of the strongest sailboats in the world, check out the link. http://home.att.net/~seagypsy/history.html I know this because my Dad is the proud owner of folk music icon Burl Ives Flicka that he willed my father when he passed away. That is another story I'll share sometime soon. Back to my point, my new friend shared with me his love for his Flicka (I have promised to send him a picture of Burl's cherished boat. Coincidentally, Lanson and Burl sailed the same waters) The photo pictured is Burl's boat The Sparrow, for Lanson. Your words inspired me. Perhaps I'll come sail with you one day on THE HOSPICE. The video is of Lanson on his boat.

God Is So Predictable

God is so predictable-

the constancy of God
his kindness, love, discipline
his eternal nature

Learning life’s lessons are harder still without the knowledge of Christ and a relationship firmly built upon his constancy. But knowing his constancy can sometimes be a stark revelation of our shortcomings. This past week, my daughter faced a dilemma of sorts. She knew she had to search her heart for the answer but recognized that seeking God’s approval took priority. We encouraged her to pray about it and she exclaimed in typical teen-age frustration that "God is so predictable!" In other words, she already knew what the answer would be and it would't be what she wanted to do. We laughed later at her description of God. She's right, God is predictable and I am thankful. I’ve pondered that topic for a week, basking in the truth of that and the beauty of her childlike description.

Reading through some of our Pulpit Commentaries I found this: "A faith strong enough to grasp this ( his constancy) will light up every forest, and overcome every foe." The fact that he can know all and be kind to us still is truly humbling. God is so predictable...aren't you glad?