Our Leaders

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.  ~ Abraham Lincoln

Another US presidential election is upon us.  There is a lot of division in our nation and each side says their candidate is our savior and the other will destroy us all.  Christians should never place their trust in people. 

In his second inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln poetically described the terrible war and how each side was certain they were right.  He said, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes his aid against the other.  It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged.  The prayers of both could not be answered--that of neither has been answered fully.  The Almighty has his own purposes."

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask you to pray to our Heavenly Father and seek His will for the one in whom we should vote.  His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  He will see that His purposes will be done. 

We must also pray for our leaders and ask God to raise up Godly people to lead in this country and other countries.  

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  

Romans 13:1

Getting Joseph Out of Joseph

 

 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  

James 1:12

Joseph was papa’s favorite and he knew it.  So did the rest of the family because Joseph loved telling them.  Have you ever had a sibling, normally the youngest, who knew and acted like they were special?  Joseph, one if Jacob’s many kids, liked to brag about his status in the family.  He even told them about dreams he had where whole family bowed down to him.  Ironically, Joseph was not wrong.  How aggravating is that?

 

God had a plan for Joseph to save his family and the world but He couldn’t use Joseph the way he was. Joseph was too proud and God had to eliminate that before he would be useful for God’s purposes.  Don’t believe me?

 

If Joseph wasn’t sold into slavery, chances are he never would have gone to Egypt.  He never would have interpreted Pharoh’s dreams AND suggested what Pharoh should do about them.  Even if all those things had miraculously happened, Joseph was still full of himself.  Would he have forgiven his brothers when he saw them in Egypt buying grain?  Doubtful at best.  Joseph was too full of pride to be used for God's purposes.  As many times as I’ve read and heard this story in Genesis, I never made that connection until I heard a sermon about a year ago.  The pastor emphasized the point with this phrase:

 

“God had to get Joseph out of Joseph.”

 

Upon hearing that phrase I was immediately convicted of the trials I complained about.  Why, God, why?  How many times do you think Joseph wondered why?  Why did his brothers sell him into slavery?  Why did Potiphar’s wife wrongly accuse him?  Why did he languish in prison in spite of finding favored status with the jailer?  Why did Pharoh’s cup bearer forget about him for so long?  How much more weight did all these things carry to one so proud?  But God had to get Joseph out of Joseph.  

 

God is still getting Duane out of Duane.  He is working on you too.  Let Him work in your heart and life and turn to him when you endure the fires designed to remove the impurities.  Become the instrument He wants to use.  

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

Munich and Romania

This is the first of a multi-part series based on my observations from a recent Eastern European trip my wife and I took. In each I will share thoughts and tips.  

The first stop on our European trip was Munich.  I cannot offer anything on the city itself since it was merely a step to get to Romania.  I will say we stayed at the NH Munich Airport Hotel which is mere minutes away.  The hotel provides transfers for a modest fee.  Actually, it is free to the airport but 7 euros per person to return.  

Since we were too early to check in, the young man at the desk offered to hold our luggage and give us free transportation back to the airport where we could catch a train into the city or take a train to a couple towns nearby in order to sightsee.  He allowed us time to consider our options and we connected to the hotel wifi and chatted for a while.  

We decided to go into the city.  By this time, there was a new employee working the front desk.  He was emphatic there is no free transportation to the airport.  Did the young man misspeak or not know?  Not sure. However, this gentleman instead gave us a free room upgrade which meant we could get a free shuttle to the airport.  Also, an upgraded room was ready for us.  

The room had a comfortable king sized bed and pillows. The bathroom had hot water for the shower, and ample towels.  I was surprised to learn the items in the refrigerator were complimentary.  Also, there was a kettle and a variety of teas.  Finally, there was a Nespresso machine.  Yum!

Our dinner and dessert were very good but pricey.  The breakfast buffet had many options of cheeses, fruits, cold cuts, pastries, yogurts, and some hot dishes.  With a price of 20 euros per person, we opted to leave early for the airport.  I don't eat as much as I used to.

We spent $133 for our brief stay there.  I always try to find a bargain and wish it was less but we enjoyed our stay in NH Munich Airport hotel.  If you are passing through Munich and need a place to stay, you can’t go wrong here.  

We flew Air Dolomiti from Munich to Cluj Napoca, Romania.  We were visiting a friend who lives in Romania. The gate agents were late arriving.  Once there, it was obvious the flight wouldn’t leave on time but no word as to why.  A few minutes later there was an announcement they were “still working on the plane.”  

Ultimately, the flight was about 30 minutes late.  Nonetheless, the service was decent and the airplane seemed in good condition.  The cabin was clean and flight attendants were friendly.  We’ll use them again without hesitation.  

Romania was a three day stop so I can only mention a few touristic must sees.  The Turda Salt Mine is simply amazing.  How many underground mines have you visited where you can get in a paddle boat on a subterranean pond?  You can also ride a ferris wheel and play ping pong.  I found the acoustics other worldly.  We got in for 30 Romanian lei each.  That’s about $6.50 per person.  

We were taken to an amazing restaurant in Târgu Mureș called Tempo on Strada Morii.  Actually, we went there twice.  The first time I had stuffed cabbage with some beef rib meat.  Amazing.  My wife had goulash.  Also amazing.  Yes, this meal, and very little prompting from our friend, encouraged us to go again the next day.  The next day I got a bean soup served in a loaf of bread.  I liked it.  My wife got a soup but neither of us can remember what it was called.  You must get the Romanian dessert Papanași cu gem.  If you buy it here, it is enough for three people.  

If you like coffee, you can got a great cup from Mr. Pop Coffee. He has a cafe near the corner of Strada Targului and Piata Bernady Gyorgy.  He also has a cafe truck near Cetacea Târgu Mureș off Strada Nicolae lorga.  I also highly recommend going to Ohana.  My friend had me try his new favorite: cold brew tonic.  I did try it and it is ok.  I think I prefer straight cold brew.  If you go to Ohana, please tell Manu I recommended his place and I say, “Hi.”

Here are some observations about Romania.  The main roads are good.  It is an old country with a very diverse past and the tensions, (I don't mean that in a bad way) are still felt.  Most younger people speak English or enough to get by. More than anything, it seems Romania likes to surprise you.  We bought some groceries from a local Lidl grocery. We bought both kefir and milk along with fruit and muesli.  My friend has lived there long enough he knew the bottle of milk said milk on it.  Lo and behold, it was kefir.  We asked someone staying where we lodged and they agreed the label said milk.  Both she and my friend said stuff like that happens sometimes.  

Next up:  Our bus trips on FlixBus

#romania @ohanacoffeegrounds #mrpopscoffee #travel #mrpopcoffee

   

Priceless

 

Silas walked through the kitchen humming one of his favorite songs.  Dragging his hand along the refrigerator, he looked out the window and pointed.  “Leaf,” he said. 

 

Turning to the window, his grandpa Duane said, “Yes, leaf.  Many leaves.”  He stressed each word so the lad could hear the difference,  Then Silas spied his rake.  Immediately, he repeated, “Rake, rake, outside, outside, outside.”  Grandpa said, “You have to wait a minute.  You need your shoes.”

 

“Shoes, shoes, boots, boots.” 

 

“Yes, yes, come here little boy.”

 

Silas grabbed his boots and held them up to Duane as he stepped closer.  One of the boots slipped from Silas’s grasp and he said, “Oops!  Mess, mess.”  

 

Grandpa Duane smiled.  The boy was becoming quite the chatterbox.  He loved saying words he knew and being outside with his grandpa.  With his boots on, Silas reached for the doorknob but couldn’t turn it let alone fully reach it.  When Duane stretched out his hand to the door, Silas retrieved his and, excitement building, moved back to allow the swinging door to open. 

 

Silas stepped to the threshold and reached for his grandpa’s hand.  He repeated, “Hand. Hand.”  Once the little fingers wrapped around his grandfather’s pinkie, Silas stepped outside.  With both feet firmly on the ground, Silas started toward his rake.  Again, he hummed a melody as he walked.  He was in nature and he soaked it in.  Hearing a distant noise, Silas stopped and looked in that direction.  It was the garbage truck somewhere in the neighborhood.  

 

The little boy turned to Duane, pointed in the direction of the truck, and said, “Truck, truck.  Big truck.” 

 

“Yes, big truck, isn’t it?”  

 

Whenever the garbage men came to empty the trash cans, Silas wanted to watch.  Any time he saw a truck or bus, Silas was in awe.  Duane watched as Silas listened.  He expected Silas to request going out of the back yard to watch the trucks.  Instead, the boy moved again to his rake.  It was a plastic toy rake.  He held the long pole in the center.  When he raked the leaves and pine straw, Silas made short choppy motions.  He favorite way to rake was to dismantle the piles his grandfather already made.  

 

Duane wordlessly stood watching Silas scatter leaves, pine cones, and pine straw from one of his piles.  Yes, he would have to rake it again.  Still, watching his grandson’s joy was priceless. 

Shorties 79

 Silas

The boy was warm and taking deep breaths.  Two year old Silas had been lying on his grandfather for 45 minutes.  Duane considered the weight of the child.  His wife would say she felt squished whenever he was on her.  She also joked she got her weight training carrying him.  Though he could walk, they loved to spoil him.  When he was sick, like today, Silas’s grandparents did all possible to ease his pain. 

 

Duane could feel the drool soaking his shirt.  Due to congestion, Silas was breathing through his mouth.  He had grown so much in two short years.  Duane marveled at Silas’s sense of humor despite him not laughing very often.  He preferred to make the humor rather than enjoy it.  Duane chuckled at the thought of something Silas likes to do.  The shaking of his body caused Silas to start.  Then he relaxed and his breathing resumed.

 

Silas has a knack for throwing things accurately.  His father, an athlete, is overjoyed by this.  One day, with his toy basketball set, Silas made three baskets in a row when standing two feet away.  All who witnessed this were quite excited and praised Silas for his accuracy.  Then he missed several shots in a row and after each, Duane said, “You missed.”

 

With his beloved childlike innocence, he got excited about this too.  After each miss he exclaimed, “I missed.”  Each time this caused a great outroar of laughter.   He continues to do this to his great personal delight.  With a heart warmed by love,  Duane hugged Silas and tenderly kissed his head.  Duane mused how snuggling with babies on his chest is one of the best gifts on God’s green earth. 

 

“Papa?” Silas whispered.

 

Softly, Duane replied, “Silas?”

 

Silas made no further reply and Duane wondered if the lad was asleep again.  Then Silas pushed up and sat on Duane’s stomach.  Looking down at his grandfather, Silas stared absently for a moment.  Silently, he started looking around the room.  Silas began gesturing to items in the rooms and calling out their names.  ‘Lock, (clock), pillow, blanky, hand, head, ear, mouth, etc.  Then he gestured to the ceiling fan.  As always, he thrust out his hand, like he could cause changes in the natural order of things, and commanded, “Stop!”

 

Duane smiled.  Silas smiled.  All was right in the world. 

Shorties: 78

 

The air was frigid but inmate hearts were colder.  Another trainload began expelling a bewildered and terrified cargo while Sarah dragged bodies from the shower by the arms and across the ground.  Being ordered by a guard, Naomi approached and bent down to the feet of the corpse Sarah dragged.  She recognized this dead woman who was new to the camp.  It still had muscle and fat on the body. 

 

Beyond weary, Naomi took a deep breath and the two woman lifted and tossed the body onto a pile of death.  Except one of the feet slipped for Naomi’s grasp.  The torso landed on the corner of the pile and tumbled awkwardly to the ground.  Landing face down, a hollow thud resounded when the forehead slammed against the concrete. 

 

Sarah cursed inwardly as she heard one of the guards approaching and screaming insults.  Because they didn’t get the body onto the pile, there would be one additional exertion to their bankrupt energies.  Again, they bent down and took hold of the extremities.  This time they paused an extra beat to ensure firm holds and muster an additional ounce of strength.  Then, ignoring the shouts of the guards, both women lifted and swung in unison and the body flew with a perfect arc onto the top of the pile.  Another one down.  Still an infinite number to go.  It would never end.  The supply was continuously replenished.

 

Scanning the train passengers now standing in front of the vacant boxcars, The Nazis always chose the strongest for work details.  The weakest adults and youngest children were doomed.  Sarah noted a large number of children.  She was happy to know there would be lighter loads in the near future when she cleared the showers of bodies after they were gassed. 

 

Screams drew Sarah’s eyes to a woman being dragged to one side by two guards.  She struggled against them as two youngsters, screaming in fear, toddled toward their mother.  One child lost its balance and bent at the waist to catch himself.  The other continued to mommy.  A guard grabbed that child’s hand and pulled it away.  Fully righted and balanced, the first continued on.  Both needed their mother’s comfort in this obscene cesspool.  A booming crack split the air and he slammed to the ground dead.  

 

The gunshot from an officer’s pistol momentarily froze the all who witnessed the scene.  Enraged, the mother wrenched free from the hands encircling her.  She ran five steps toward the her lifeless first born when a rifle butt split her bottom lip and broke three teeth.  She fell into a heap in the dirt.  The guards allowed two women to help her to her feet and back to her designated section. 

 

Sarah saw it all with weary uncaring eyes.  Eleven months of this hell stole the heart from her chest and cast it into the deepest sea.  The body was alive but her spirit was a corpse.  This was the day Sarah realized her heart and soul were dead. 

The School of Life

 

My grandson is inching toward two years of age.  He is a sweet little boy who is quite talkative and has an amazing sense of humor.  His effervescent demeanor charms all who come in contact with him.  I also see a soft heart and gentle spirit in him.  The little boy warms my heart.

 

Recently, he started going to a day care 2 days per weeks.  On his first day of “school,” his mom, grandma, and I brought him there.  We took photos and he met his teacher.  It is hit me hard when I saw his face the moment he realized we were leaving him there.  I fought back tears as his spilled onto his cheeks.  In that moment, I wished life didn’t have to be like that.  Why should we have to separate, even for a short time, from our little boy?  I hurt for him.  I started to feel an existential question bubble up in my heart: Why must he/we do things we don’t want to do?  

 

We were able to watch him through a two way mirror and his fear eased as he clutched his blanket.  When we returned three hours later, he sat on the floor in the middle of the room looking through a book.  He loves books.  There were 2 children crying in the room but, with blanket in hand, he was lost in his book.  We called to him but he couldn’t hear us.  Finally, he turned, recognized us, and got up.  His eyes looked weary.  He normally would have had a nap but missed it. 

 

Driving home, I pondered my earlier thoughts about humans experiencing heartache.  On a primal level, I wish no one has to suffer the pain of separation or loss.  Unfortunately, life will never allow it.  We cannot be everywhere and everything to everyone.   As much as it hurts, we must experience disappointment, loss, and pain.  While it might sound like heaven, a life without negatives would be more hellish. 

 

Have you ever known someone who has lived life mostly alone and able to do as they wish?  Are they not eccentric?  I have family members who do not want to have children because kids will ruin their ability to travel.  I know their parents traveled with them when they were young so it can be done.  I’ll just get to the point.  When left to do as they please, people become spoiled.  Spoiled children are a nuisance.  Spoiled adults are boorish at best.  Who wants to deal with spoiled children or adults?

 

As I consider these situations, I find myself more grateful for the trials of life.  I haven’t always enjoyed them but I’ve grown and gained strength due to the fires. Iron sharpens iron and I know I’ve had people in my life who have challenged me.  By this, I mean their temperament was contrary to mine and I had to adjust.  I don’t like it but the callouses have fortified my soft heart and I have a greater appreciation for beautiful moments of my earthly existence. 

 

I’ve heard it said before we appreciate light because of darkness.  Because of life’s challenges, we can embrace pain, loss, heartache, abandonment and other privations of life.  Perhaps we can’t while in the moment.  I am very acquainted with the darker times of life.  Still, when your heart heals, (please seek help if this isn’t happening for you) your life can be so much more that it was before.