What Does This Mean?

By now, observant readers of this blog will have identified my background as a Lutheran pastor. In the foot steps of Martin Luther, one of my favorite theological and practical questions in many situations is "What does this mean?" Some of you may know that Luther wrote an entire volume of catechetical instruction base on the premise of question and answers. The primary questions utilized for the six chief parts of the catechism is "What does this mean?"

Today was another typical day in this non-employment era of my life. Apply for more jobs, submit more resumes and receive more e-mail letters informing me that I am no longer being considered for a certain position. One such letter regarding a non-profit position for which I had applied contained the following statement. "While we were very impressed with the strength of your prior experiences and education, we are no longer considering your application." What does this mean? Does the aforementioned statement mean that I am not qualified for the position? Does it mean that I lack the necessary skills to perform the job effectively for which I applied? Does it mean I am overqualified or too old?

Or what about the following line which often appears in notifications that I am no longer being considered for a specific position? "Your information will remain active in our system, so please check back for future opportunities. " In this case, the onus is completely placed on me to check back for future job openings with the same company. Sometimes the response is something like this: "Your resume will remain active in our system for six months. Should a future job opening closely match your skills and experience, we will contact you to set up an interview." Of course, six months went by and apparently no job openings matched my skills and experience. What does all of this mean?

Well, seven months into the current era in my life, one thing is sure. Bill and I have learned to survive on a fraction of our former income. Metro area Caribou Coffee stores are missing two of their better customers! Our spending on gas has decreased dramatically even when prices took a major dip. Now that gas prices are climbing again, I am hoping and praying for a position closer to home than farther away. Then again, any position that utilizes my skills and experience will be welcomed as long as the compensation is reasonable. When that times comes that I am once again gainfully employed, our entire approach to finances is likely to be more closely guarded.

Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that none of us should ever take anything for granted. October 30, 2008 was among one of the most shocking days of my life, yet I was not surprised. Therein lies one irony of this experience. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah (chapter 40) compares human beings to the grass of the field. As long as there is plenty of water, the grass grows and flourishes. Once the water dries up and the dry winds blow in, the grass withers and dries up. Many things in life are very tenuous like that. Our jobs, our families, our friends, our homes and even our lives - all of them may be intact today but any one of them or all of them may be gone in an instant.

What does this mean? If I were to sum what all of this means to me, I would have to say that we may consider living each day like it is our last. Or as Tim McGraw's hit country song so aptly put it - "live like you were dying". Each tomorrow is a gift, whether it be another day on the job, another day with a terminally ill loved one, another day in the home you worked so hard to obtain or another day with your family. "This is most certainly true!"

~ DB Turnmire

Learning For Life

At this time of the year, many families and individuals are focused on a common event - graduation! Children and adults from kindergarten through graduate and doctoral degree programs are celebrating accomplishments and achievements. During this time of year, I also have memories on certain days near the end of the month of May. May 25 marked the nineteenth anniversary of my seminary graduation. Tomorrow, May 29, will mark the thirty-second (yes "32" years!) anniversary of the date on which I received my high school diploma. The following day, May 30, is the twenty-third anniversary of my college graduation. While there are no remarkable memories of any of those dates, each holds a certain special sigfnificance in my life.

As I consider each of those anniversary dates, the years leading up to each one and the learning that prefaced each of those milestones, I recalled a story by Robert Fulghum which you might be familiar with, "All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten". Fulghum writes, "Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school." Now for those who attended school in the days before Kindergarten was mandatory, perhaps the story would be rewritten to state that all you really ever needed to know was learned in first grade.

Fulghum's story is remarkable in that if everyone would put into practice the tenets of which he writes, the world would certainly be a different place. For example, "Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work some every day." Who among us does need to find more balance in life? In a world in which mere survival is fast becoming the driving force, there is a fear that if let our eyes stray from the career path to success, our lives will surely come crashing down around us. As a result, pharmaceutical companies are thrilled with their ability to supply the ever increasing need of medications to stabilize and maintain multiple generations.

Of course, my favorite is "Take a nap every afternoon". Fulghum goes on to further explain, "Think of what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap." Just think about it. Crime would take a time out, wars and hostilities would cease if only for a time, blood pressures would be reduced over time and the benefits could go on an on.

For those of you who have heard this story before, what did you think the first time you heard it? Did you, like me, sort of chuckle and think "what a cute story!" Then, if you stopped to think about and consider each of the things Robert Fulghum describes and each of the tenets he sets forth, you realize that this "little" story is filled with wisdom and understanding. Just imagine if everyone followed these rules: "Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody." Our world is so far from this that most of can barely imagine what would happen if we all started following his suggestions. Later on, he even suggests that our nation and the other nations of the world would adopt the same policy to clean up our own messes and put things back where we found them.

As we stated at the beginning of this post, families and individuals have celebrated and will celebrate accomplishments, diplomas and degrees. With two degrees and a high school diploma behind me, I still remember my first grade teacher as having perhaps the greatest impact on my educational life. Since I only attended Kindergarten briefly, I don't have the same memories as Robert Fulghum and others. Adjusting to school full time was a difficult transition for me and there are a number of painful memories during first grade. Still, Mrs. Argent made a great impact on me and helped me on the way to academic achievements throughout my educational experience to this point in my life. I will be forever grateful for her insights and willingness to work with me.

While Fulghum's thoughtfully written story leaves a lasting impression, one might argue that one never really learns everything he needs to know. It could be said that learning is a lifelong experience and that sometime the most important learning takes place in the face of adversity. To that end, I fully agree with Fulghum's final word in the story, "And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together."

~ DB Turnmire

At the Crossroads: Going In a New Direction

It's official! Here we are approaching the seven-month mark of my unemployment stint and it seems as though no one wants to hire an unemployed business analyst / project manager with minimal training and experience! It seems that I am not considered for lower level positions such as help desk, supervisor or manager roles because I am "overqualified" or there is a concern that I will jump ship as soon as something better comes along. Apparently this means I am supposed to take a step back to re-evaluate the direction of my life and see if another career will be more amenable and in which it will be easier to find employment. Let's look at some details as we consider a life-changing decision (which will not be the first life-changing decision in the last half-century as we know it).

Biographically, I am the youngest son among eight children born to barely above poverty level farmers in southern Minnesota. As such, there are seven older siblings (six sisters and one brother) with my brother being the closest in age (seven years older). Staunch Missouri Synod Lutherans by appearance, I attended public schools in Dodge Center, Minnesota, where I graduated third in my high school class. I made a brief appearance (I was there long enough to move in, party and later drop out.)at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa during the spring semester following high school.

After a period of wandering like an Aramean, I returned to the family farmed and engaged in farming with my brother until I decided to get married. Some time later, it was decided that I would return to college and attended Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota in the pre-seminary program. Upon graduating from the program, I attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri to pursue my Master of Divinity degree and to become eligible for ordination into the clergy of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. During the seminary program, I served a year of vicarage or internship at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Niles, Michigan.

By this time, the marriage has been blessed with two children, our older daughter Amy, born prior to the return to college and older son, Ryan, born during the last year at Concordia, St. Paul. Younger son, Alan, was born during our last fall in St. Louis, thus becoming the only one of our children not born in Minnesota. Following seminary, I became the assistant pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Gillette, Wyoming. Other parishes served include Trinity-Fieldon and Zion Lutheran Churches, Lewisville, Minnesota and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lidgerwood, North Dakota.

1999 was a big year of life changes for me. Not only was that the year I "celebrated" my 40th birthday, it was also the year I stepped away from ministry. As a result, I have now worked as a milker on a large dairy farm (550 cows per milking), resident apartment manager, restaurant host and trainer, convenience store cashier, telecom representative support agent, e-commerce support representative, independent contractor, part-time minister, database manager, front office manager, volunteer scheduler, volunteer trainer, bank mail room worker, help desk support representative, help desk supervisor, help desk manager, business analyst and project training manager. And no one wants to hire me! What's wrong with this picture?

Looking briefly at my experience prior to 1999, this would include independent farmer, fraternal life and health insurance sales, church youth worker, airport and stadium security, financial aid office support staff, admissions support staff and youth choir director. Extracurricular activities throughout school would include choir, National Honor Society, student council, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School coordinator, drama, junior sales publicity chairperson and Spanish club.

Educationally, after high school, I graduated summa cum laude from Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with a double minor in Christian Thought and Biblical Languages. Furthermore, I earned a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where I was certified for ministry and also received a Theological Diploma. Recently, I have attended a number of computer software related courses, been certified as a Help Desk Analyst by the Help Desk Institute and completed nearly three years of Spanish language training through Berlitz International.

At this point, the question with which I am face is this: "What direction are you going to go with your life now, David?" Did you ever thoughtfully consider the poem by Robert Frost, "Road Less Travelled"?

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood...."

Perhaps the road I have been travelling is the wrong path. I must ask myself whether I have reached a dead end. Nancy Fox is president of Fox Coaching Associates, a business and career coaching firm. The following is an excerpt from her internet article entitled, "Reinventing Yourself After Fifty":

"What is it about reaching the age of fifty that is like a life switch being flipped on? All around us, people are hitting this momentous milestone. Suddenly, a new hunger is generated within,almost like an uncontrollable hankering for a piece of chocolate. But this craving is not quickly or easily satisfied with a sweet because this yearning comes from deep within hearts and soulsof boomers seeking purpose and fulfillment in the second half of their lives...

...

"How many of us selected our careers or made personal life choices based on what we considered practical, socially acceptable, or because we thought the money would be good? How many of us feel passionate about what we are doing because it lights us up and allows us to feel truly fulfilled? ...

...

"It has been found that most of us stopped allowing ourselves to have life dreams by the age of ten. As early as age ten, societal expectations put us in figurative strait jackets, and we becamelogic machines. Some of us may allow ourselves to think about our dreams. Most of us, though, have been conditioned to think, “I could never do that,” or “Who am I to do that?” A common self-sabotaging statement among boomers is, “I’m too old to try something new,” or “I’m not good enough.” Or “It’s too risky.”...

...

"There is a huge misconception about what reinventing oneself is all about. Personal reinvention is not about change. It is about living life from the place of who you truly are – your most authentic inner self. Not what the world expects you to be, not what you think you should be, but whom you know you are inside of you. For many, the ability to know who we truly are has been lost..."

...

[http://ezinearticles.com/?Reinventing-Yourself-After-50&id=667363 ]

A well-known, and my favorite, Shakespearean quote from "Hamlet" sums it up best:

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man..."

~ DB Turnmire

A Parable of the Lilac Bush

"[Jesus] told this parable: 'A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, "For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?"

' "Sir," the man replied, "leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down." ' "
[Luke 13:6-9]

In an earlier post, I mentioned an unproductive lilac bush in our backyard which needed to be dealt with. This is our third spring season in the house and it was no surprise that the lilac bush had very few leaves on it again this year and little prospect of producing fragrant blossoms or any lasting beauty. Unlike the vineyard keeper in the parable above, my observation of our lilac bush was that it was "near death". Therefore, it would be best to cut it down and allow opportunity for new growth or to plant an entirely different shrub or tree in its place.

Over the past couple of weeks, I began the process of "pruning" the lilac into acceptable size branches for our yard waste program. During that process, I realized that the bush was even more near death than I had expected. In fact, some of the larger branches were able to be snapped off from the roots. Today was the day to complete the process of removing the lilac bush from our landscape. Much easier than expected, I was able to remove significant portions of the root system so I am uncertain if there is any hope for new growth. Rather than a stump remaining, the ground is levelled off with little evidence that something actually grew there before today.

The parable of the fig tree which failed to bear fruit is intended to be an "earthly story with a heavenly meaning". Likewise, the story of the lilac bush may lend significance to our modern day lives as well. How many of us have something in our lives which we hang onto for nostalgia's sake or with the hope that someday it will prove to be a productive part of our lives? If there is a lesson to be learned from the lilac bush, it might be this. There is wisdom in taking inventory of our lives, much like a store owner would take inventory of his or her retail stock. If a product is not selling, it is often discounted and removed from taking up space on the shelves for good.

Is there a habit, a grudge, a negative thought or feeling, or a fear that needs to be cut out of our lives so the rest of our life might be as productive as possible? What changes do we need to make to the landscape of our lives to enable us to grow and flourish like the brilliant hued flowers of spring and summer? When a tree or shrub dies, it no longer adds any beauty to nature's pallet. Only by cutting it down and removing it from the landscape is there an opportunity for new growth and renewed beauty in its place. The same is true for us as well. You and I are not able to express the beauty within us if we continue to drag around the "dead stuff", making sure that every one's attention is focused on that which needs to be disposed of.

"A man had a lilac bush that did not bloom year after year. One day he decided that he should cut it down so that it no longer took up the resources of soil and water. In its place, he planted opportunity for new growth and beauty. He who has ears, let him hear!"

~ DB Turnmire

Other Ironies of the Modern Age

There's a well-known saying that is included in at least one country hit song. "Everyone wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die to get there." At first blush, that sounds kind of corny and "country" but think about it. When I start think about the ironies of the modern age in the 21st century, a number of things come to mind. It will be my intention in this blog to address only a few of those.

Many people, especially younger people, want to be successful, live the dream life with a house, two cars, children and enough money in the bank to go anywhere they want whenever they want. For many, however, there seems to be a problem with that. Not all of those individuals want to exert the energy or put forth the effort to achieve their dreams.

If we examine just one part of that dream, we will begin to understand. First of all, relationships take real work and effort. It doesn't matter whether it is a friendship, a dating relationship, a committed partnership or a marriage. All of them take work. Unless, you or I are willing to make a daily effort to maintaining and strengthening our relationships, they are going to falter and eventually may fail completely. Isn't it ironic that those who claim that they want a relationship the most are unwilling to take the necessary steps to create and maintain what they most desire?

Stepping away from the American dream for a moment, or maybe not really, consider the corporate workforce. If I could only tell you the number of times employees told me how much they disliked their working environment or position, yet these same individuals were unwilling to step up to the plate and face their challenges. Or consider those who will conveniently make themselves look better at the expense of someone else who, in reality, may be "breaking their back" to improve the working situation for all. Isn't it ironic that those who complain the loudest are unwilling to put forth the effort to change things?

Many of us have probably heard the stories or the modern day parable of the man who as teenager thinks his parents know little or nothing about life. Then, at age eighteen, he is determined to show everyone "how life should be lived". During his twenties, he begins to realize that his parents may have been right about a few things. By the time he reaches his thirties, he may even begin to ask his parents to advice or guidance now and then. Surely by the time, he finds himself in his forties, he realizes that his parents really did know what they were talking about "way back when".

For me, it is ironic that generations that should have great advantages, aspirations and hopes seem less than enthusiastic about stepping up to the plate and assuming their responsibilities in society. I have often seen an "in it for the glory" mentality among the generation age sixteen through thirty. There is a willingness to participate or perform "as long as I am going to be noticed" for what I am doing. If the task at hand involves menial labor or getting dirty without any glory, then there is less likelihood to step up, express interest or a willingness to get involved. One might call this a "selective work ethic"!

All of us have choices to make, paths to follow, dreams to catch and goals we have set to achieve. The reality of life is that we don't always make the right choices, we do not always follow the right paths, we may not catch our dreams, and our goals may not be achieved in time frame we set for them. Such is life. Isn't it ironic?

~ DB Turnmire

Memorial Day 2009

Isn't it ironic that Memorial Day has evolved to the type of celebration it is today? What was originally designated as a remembrance of the soldiers who died in defense of the Union during the Civil War was later expanded after World War I to include men and women who became casualties of any war or military action in which the United States of America engages. Originally called "Decoration Day", the proclamation declaring the holiday to take place on May 30 each year spoke of the those honoring the dead taking the choicest of spring flowers to mound up on their grave sites.

Some of the changes which have taken place to this holiday observance have been natural. This would include the inclusion of all military conflict casualties up to and after World War I. Following World War II, this celebration was commonly known as Memorial Day, replacing the original Decoration Day name. In 1968, a year after "Memorial Day" was officially adopted, the observation date for Memorial Day was changed to provide "convenient" three-day weekends in conjunction with holiday observations. The other two holidays were Veterans' Day and Presidents' Day which was created in lieu of celebrating Abraham Lincoln's and George Washington's birthdays, both occurring in February. (Since that time, the observation of Veteran's Day has been restored to its original date and is observed on November 11 each year. If Veterans' Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the official federal holiday is observed the following Monday.)

Of course, a number of Memorial Day traditions have developed surrounding the holiday celebration. The Indianapolis 500 traditionally took place on Memorial Day, May 30 or the Monday observances since 1968. In more recent times, the race now takes place on the Sunday preceding the Monday observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Parades, picnics, barbecues and memorials of all kinds now take place on this holiday. We human beings have a way of conveniently changing things to meet our needs. I believe that I could state unabashedly and without reservation that the majority of Americans under age 35 have little or no idea regarding the origins of the Memorial Day holiday and its intents.

Isn't it ironic that it became necessary to make our observation of Memorial Day "convenient"? As a result, instead of reminding us of those who sacrifice their lives for our freedom and the freedom of others around the world, many now consider Memorial Day as the "official beginning of summer", "the start of the barbecue season," and a time for sporting events. One major veterans' group and a significant World War II veteran serving in the United States Senate have advocated returning Memorial Day to its original date of May 30. Then, of course, it would no longer be convenient except for those years when the date fell on a Monday or was observed on a Monday due to falling on Saturday or Sunday.

Why do memorials or remembrances have to be convenient in the first place? Perhaps if they weren't convenient we would actually take time to pause, remember, reflect and consider the true meaning of the holiday and what it signifies. Many churches have adopted Memorial Day as a religious remembrance of all who have died in the faith. Still other people feel obligated to take flowers to the grave of beloved family members on or before this holiday. While it has certainly created a boon for florists, plastic flower makers and cheap looking styrofoam or plastic cross memorials, it further blurs the original significance of a Memorial Day celebration.

During my tenure as a Lutheran pastor, Memorial Day was perhaps the most uncomfortable day in my ministry each year. It always seemed ironic to me that churches which sought every avenue to make themselves distinct and separate from secular society would so embrace a secular holiday and turn it into a reason for a worship service. While I always understood the military ceremony at the cemetery and the request to have an invocation, prayer, Scripture reading and benediction, I could never make the connection to celebrating a worship service on Memorial Day. There are other church holidays and festivals already set aside to remember those who have gone on before us.

Thank you to all the men and women who have died in service to their country fighting for the freedom or our land or the freedom of others. Happy Memorial Day!

~ DB Turnmire

Seize the Day!

One of the songs in the late 1990s that made the biggest impression on my life was recorded by Carolyn Arends, a contemporary Christian artist. The song was entitled "Seize the Day" and serves as a reminder of how fleeting life may be and how quickly it passes by us. A number of times throughout Old and New Testament scriptures, we are all reminded of the temporary nature of the life we live. Quoting an earlier passage from the prophet Isaiah, Peter reiterates the following:

"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

[1 Peter 1:24-25]

In the version of "Seize the Day" recorded by Carolyn Arends, she considers the lives of three other individuals as they reflect on their own lives and ponder their philosophy of life. With the final verse of the song, the attention is turned to the artist herself who has chosen to express herself using music as a means. Regardless of where these individuals have been, what they have done with their lives, what they choose to do or where they choose to go in the future, the common theme is expressed in the words of the chorus:

"Seize the day, seize whatever you can

'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand

Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand

Then nothing will stand in your way

Seize the day!"

Probably all of us would agree that life is short and that we need to make the most of each day that we have life and breath on this planet. The sands of time slip away like those tiny grains inside the hourglass. Whether you are the young novelist living in Manhattan, the talented young physician or the mid-life crisis male attempting to drink away his sorrows and regrets, the message is that we all have choices.

Those choices include becoming so self-absorbed in our lives that we completely ignore or shut out anyone else in the world around us. Or we may choose to follow our dreams even at the expense of fame and fortune. A young up and coming physician leaves his six-figure income, along with modern clinics, hospitals and readily available medicines and supplies. Instead he chooses to work in an African clinic in less than ideal conditions to heal the sick, oftentimes working through the night. He has clearly chosen to "seize the day".

What is that we need to do to "seize the day" in our own lives? Years ago I purchased a refrigerator magnet with a quote on it- a simple black and white square with large bold lettering. In the words of Henry David Thoreau "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have always imagined!" There is another man who is the antithesis of the young doctor in Carolyn Arends song. He is middle-aged, sitting in a bar drinking whiskey. Filled with regret, he wishes that someone would have told him to "seize the day" when he was younger and had his life ahead of him.

The final verse of the song we have been considering lays it out very clearly. "Every one's got a dream he can follow or squander. You can do what you will with the days you are given!" All of us would be wise to spend our days on the "business of living". We have an option. "Seize the day," making the most of our time and following our dreams. Or we can spend much of our life, perhaps the rest of our lives until we die, regretting our decisions and blaming others for not knowing the opportunities that might have been available to us.

~DB Turnmire

Happy Birthday to Everyone!

During my youth, I was blessed with an uncanny ability to remember numbers, especially birthdays and phone numbers. "Back in the day", I was able to dial each of my siblings' phone numbers without use of a phone list or directory. Until my nieces and nephews started marrying and having families of their own, I could recite each of the birthdays and for a time, even the birth year as well.

Something happens to us as we grow older! Actually, many things happen to us as we grow older in the realm of mind and body. With each year, we accumulate more and more information which seems to clutter our minds and prevent us from processing the older information as quickly. As a result, even though I may still know each of those birthdays, I often am not reminded of them until I see the current date on the calendar. My memory difficulties may also be attributed to the fact that I am the family member who rarely sends out cards for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. That is probably a missed opportunity to keep things fresh in my memory.

Another factor, however, is the sheer size of my family of origin. Just to crunch a couple of numbers, I am the youngest of eight children. Each of the eight children had at least three offspring with their original spouses. Two of us have four children and one has five. If you start to do the math, eight children with eight spouses and 28 offspring becomes somewhat unreasonable. It wasn't until the nieces and nephews started getting married that you now introduced spouses birthdays and, then, their children. Later, re-marriages with step-children were introduced to the mix. At some point, the task of remembering without visual aids became so daunting that I simply gave up.

So to the chagrin of some of some of my siblings, I can still remember the original spouse's birthdays but have no clue about the new spouse. If pressed, I could remember each of my nieces' and nephews' birthdays (and maybe even birth years) but their current spouse or children, I would have no idea. I am sure no one else even gives this a second thought but that's why I have a blog!

All of this came to mind because today is Jeremy's (my son-in-law) birthday and not being a card sender, I sent him a text message to wish him a happy birthday. Of course, I should write an entire blog about texting and how one day I said "I would never do that!" Today is also my brother Glen's birthday. Tomorrow is my brother-in-law Jim's birthday. For all the birthdays I remembered and all those I forgot, I am writing this blog to wish everyone a Happy Birthday! If on your actual birthday, I forget to send a greeting, call you on the phone or send you an "annoying" text message, please remember that today I thought of you and wished you a happy day.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
[Psalm 118:24]

~ DB Turnmire

A Makeup Blog

One of my recurring dreams during the past few months finds me attending college and enrolled in several classes. Unfortunately, during these dreams I rarely make it to any of my scheduled class sessions. For some reason, there are always things or events that get in the way of going to class. So, of course, when it comes time to take the exams for these classes, I am filled with fear and trepidation. Since I am not generally an interpreter of dreams, I have not attempted to analyze or find meaning in these dream sequences.

I do remember missing a lot of school days in elementary school due to illness. In the "old days", we typically had assignments in every class every day. If I missed a week of school, that meant that it would take several days and several missed recesses to make up all of the work my classmates completed during my absence. Another factor about missing school, at least for me, was that it often took a few days to get back into the swing of things, so to speak. Until that happened, I often found myself feeling detached, unaware or feeling that I missed something.

Missing one or more days of blogging reminds me of the days of "makeup work" for elementary school. There is almost a sense of being absent and unaware of how readers might react if I am unable to complete the daily blog posting. In addition, a twinge of guilt that I have somehow fallen short of my commitment takes place. Of course, it has been said more than once in my lifetime that "I am my own harshest critic". That explains, in part, why I am writing a second blog today as a sort of "makeup blog".

My faith reminds me that "we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." [2 Corinthians 4:7-9] "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." [Romans 8:28] The good news for me is that my makeup blog will be directed and perfected by God.

~ DB Turnmire

Self Reflection

"Who am I?" is a question often asked by individuals who are seeking to "find themselves". While some of us may be tempted to snicker at the thought of someone taking time to find himself or herself, the truth is each of us may be well-served by self reflection occasionally. Did you ever stop to consider how well you know yourself or how well others, including those closest to you, really know who you are, what makes you tick, what are your likes and dislikes, and what your opinion might be on hot button issues like politics, religion and current events?

It is of great interest to me that American society claims to emphasize individualism, personal accomplishments, personal fulfillment and personal happiness. At the same time, in many arenas, it becomes quickly apparent that uniformity is desired. For example, oftentimes in a corporate environment, expressing one's thoughts, ideas or criticism is considered disruptive. Please don't rock the boat, so to speak, or certain power players will be uncomfortable. In fact, you may even be asked to pursue your career with another employer.

We might also consider our families and other personal relationships. Is there a danger in hiding who we really are so that we can help others to be more comfortable with who we pretend to be? Do we sacrifice our own values, ideals, feelings or opinions to keep the peace and maintain the status quo? Will we find true happiness if we sit quietly and allow the majority of our friends and family to express themselves without regard to our thoughts and feelings?

It is very tiring trying to be someone we are not. Take it from me - I had years of experience of keeping up a facade, not even allowing myself to know the real me. As a result, I found myself in ministry attempting to bring relief and peace to others when it kept evading my own life. During part of my ministry, Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" became a theme. At least once, I even quoted the song in a sermon.

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you

When you think everything's okay and everything's going right

And life has a funny way of helping you out when

You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up

In your face

During the entire time I was trying to figure myself out, and even today, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. " [Matthew 11:28] No matter who we are, who we are trying to be, who we think we would like to be, who are friends and families perceive us to be, all of us are invited to seek peace and comfort offered freely and without restriction. We will find the answer to the question "Who am I?"

~ DB Turnmire

Time for Everything

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."

[Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV]

One of the most beautiful and often quoted passages from Old Testament scripture is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Many consider the man of wisdom, Solomon, to be the author of this book. Obviously, this could be debated further by theologians who dispute his authorship. My intentions here are to simply reflect upon the words of beauty quoted above.

As I began to consider a subject for today's blog, a couple of other topics came to me prior to settling on these verses and this topic. A number of years ago, I received a Christmas gift from the youth group at one of the churches I served as pastor. A beautiful piece of art, it included the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 under a common heading assigned to these verses, "A Time for Everything". Little did I know that less than two years later I would, in turn, give the plaque to the parents of one of the youth who gave the plaque to me as a Christmas gift. She had been killed in a car accident during the fall of her senior year in high school.

While we are almost all aware of the fact that the things spoken about by the writer of Ecclesiastes are a part of human life, some of those events are beyond our control and timing. It saddens me to think that three of the young women who were friends with my older daughter, Amy, during her school years were killed suddenly in tragic accidents. Two of the young women had actually been babysitters for our children when they were younger. All three of them had spent the night at our house with Amy at least once. Two were killed in auto accidents and the other died in a boating accident while her family was on vacation. For none of them did it seem like it "should have been" their time to die.

There is a saying that "life goes on" and it does. That is not meant to sound calloused in any way but to express the truth. After the weeping and mourning, there is meant to be laughing and dancing. Pages and volumes could be written about the words of the passage above. It would be safe to say that there already have been pages and volumes written. So much could be said and written about the words' application to life in 2009. Wars, economic downturn, foreclosure, homelessness, downsizing, spring planting, pruning, cutting down, laughter and mourning are among the many activities still taking place each and every day as the world spins round and people live their lives.

Just a couple of days ago, I learned that someone I once knew very well had died over one year ago. Of course, finding out after the fact may not have the same impact it would have earlier. Still, there is a certain level of grief and sadness, followed by reminiscing about past experiences. I remember discovering that I liked asparagus while having dinner at their house, playing cards and drinking coffee, singing in a quartet with him and a couple of other individuals from the church, as well as occasionally joining him and some of the other morning coffee drinkers at the local cafe. As it turns out, I have discovered that no less than 28 other individuals from that one community, whom I either served as pastor or knew as acquaintances have died in the nearly twelve years since I lived there.

What this should mean for those of us who are still living is that each of needs to consider the "time" that we are given each day and make the most of it. While we continue to be about our daily activities, throwing things away, mending what we can, building, healing, embracing one another or choosing stoicism, there is "a time to live". Remember the young mother from an earlier posting who chose to teach her child "how to live" by teaching him "how to die." She knew that "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." May each of us find that same insight for our own lives.

~ DB Turnmire

Waiting for the Rain

Each day I look at the lawn and it gets drier and drier. In spite of the periodic showers we have been receiving, the yards in our neighborhood seem to become more parched. Of course, there seems to be a bumper crop of dandelions around this year as they seem to thrive in times of dryness. Strangely enough, in our neighborhood of sand and clay subsoil, none of the neighbors have yet started watering obsessively.

Every day another routine takes place as well. As dark clouds roll in from the north or west, Bill secretly wishes for a thunderstorm. A true lover of this wonder of nature, he has been severely disappointed by our rather anemic one or two claps of thunder and perhaps one flash of lightning during this spring season. A few years ago, I penned the following poem to commemorate Bill's love of thunderstorms.

THUNDERSTORM

~ May 20, 2004 ~

Lightning flashes and thunder claps;
Skies turn shades of yellow and hues of green;
Winds rage and all of nature cowers -
The thunderstorm draws closer.

Rain begins to fall and lakes and rivers form
Where once there was dry land.
Trees bow before nature’s fury;
Sheets of water pummel the earth.

Now the sky is black as midnight –
It is mid-morning or late afternoon.
Pinging sounds are heard on roofs and windows;
Hail adds a new dimension to the storm.

Captivated by nature’s eruptive forces,
Staring through the panes of glass,
He is amazed by the spectacular display –
Such power unleashed for all to see.

Sounds of thunder fade into the distance;
Pouring rain slows to a drizzle;
Shimmers of light appear on the horizon;
Birds chirp and squirrels scamper.

Storm clouds vanish and blue skies appear.
Rays of sunshine dry the urban landscape.
Steam rises from once cold pools of water.
Brilliant rainbow colors mix with azure.

The life of a thunderstorm!

The Old Testament prophet, Zechariah, reminds us of the source of the springtime rains and thunderstorms. "Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men and plants of the field to everyone." [Zechariah 10:1 NIV] It is the same God who brings the spring storms in nature, with the thunder and lightning to accompany them, that also offers us refuge from the storms of life. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." [Psalm 46:1]

Whether there is a thunderstorm raging or a drought blazing, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." [Psalm 118:1]

~ DB Turnmire

Who Is Listening?

Earlier this afternoon, about 2:00pm local time in Baghdad, Iraq, an American soldier fired on his fellow troops at a counseling center and five comrades were left dead. Another wakeup call has been sounded. Is anyone listening?

During the course of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, much attention has been paid to the human death toll of American soldiers and contractors, as well as Afghani and Iraqi citizens. Less attention has been paid over the years to the human toll in terms of disabilities caused by the wounds of war. Not nearly enough attention has been given to the untold suffering caused by the stress and trauma of months and years spent in these war zones.

Tens of thousands of citizen soldiers have been sent to Afghanistan and Iraq in the years since September 11, 2001. Many have returned to their homeland and over time are able to reintegrate into their families, careers and community. Others require assistance to make necessary changes but overall adapt to being "back home". Still others are going to require possibly years of counseling and or medical treatment to recover from the stresses of war. Some have returned completely unable to cope with the life of ordinary citizenes and various tragedies have ensued which we are able to read about in newspapers or watch reports on television.

As the parent of an Iraq veteran, it causes me to be concerned that the primary assistance that is offered to returning veterans is of a more immediate nature. Perhaps not enough consideration is given or attention paid to what will happen one year, two years, five years or even ten years or more later. Not everyone will cope or grieve or deal with traumatic stress during the same time frame. Couple that with the fact that many soldiers have been asked to serve multiple tours of duty in one of the war zones.

As horrible as it sounds, it seems that the crisis which took place earlier today might be the tip of the iceberg. Upon entering these conflicts, the former administration and our nation asked tens of thousands of men and women to set aside their lives, their families, their careers, their education and their communities to trek half way around the world to the middle of a desert or some desolate mountains to fight against what oftentimes has been an elusive enemy. On top of the stressors that might already exist in these individuals' lives, their families or their jobs, they now have the additional stress of living, working and surviving in a war zone for about 18 months, more or less.

So, in some faraway land, a soldier who is seeking help for his own issues finds them to be too much to handle and acts inappropriately, killing five of his fellow comrades. Everyone of us would consider this a tragedy. The question will be what is done in the face of this tragedy so that history does not continue to repeat itself.

~ DB Turnmire

Living In the Promised Land

Such a title as "Living In the Promised Land" lends itself to a variety of presuppositions for those who may choose to read this blog posting. Today, Sunday, May 10, 2009 seems like an opportune time to blog about life in the "promised land". Mother's Day has been celebrated in many parts of the world today. Many of us are familiar with the saying that there is nothing more American than "motherhood, apple pie and Chevrolet". Of course, there are others who will say that the United States of America is a modern day version of "the promised land".

When the Old Testament Israelites found themselves on the verge of entering the original Promised Land, their vision and their promise was that the new land would be "a land flowing with milk and honey". In fact, at that time, the region of the Middle East referred to as the Promised Land was perhaps the most fertile agricultural land in the world. This bread basket of ancient times was the inheritance that the divine God set aside for His followers.

To me, it seems quite egotistical to boast that modern day Americans live in a promised land. This nation, despite the Pledge of Allegiance as it has been modified from the original [the words "under God" were added to the pledge by Congress in 1954], was founded in part on the principle of "freedom of religion". What our forefathers intended that to mean was there would be no state sponsored religion and the church itself would not be the government. It is not my intention to use this vehicle to debate whether or not some have turned that freedom into "freedom from religion".

What is clear to me is that living as an American in the United States in 2009 is not a divinely appointed right. Nor is the "American dream" something promised and guaranteed for everyone who lives here. It is relevant during these times to remind ourselves that many of us living in this country and the world are only one accident, one illness, one death of a family member, one bad investment or one job loss from finding ourselves homeless, destitute and dependent on the goodness and generosity of others. How quickly and easily "the milk and honey" can dry up and we could end up wandering in the urban desert scavenging for the next meal.

On Mother's Day, when so many millions of mothers, grandmothers, expectant mothers and would-be mothers, along with their families and friends celebrated the blessings that come to us because of motherhood, have we asked ourselves how many more millions of mothers around the world are homeless this year compared to last year? Yes, even right here in what many still consider to be the most prosperous nation in the world. How is is possible for families who once lived the good life now find themselves selling nearly every worldly possession to garner enough money to survive or move from a house to an apartment?

Before I became unemployed, I barely knew of "craigslist". Since then, I have used the local craigslist postings to find numerous job leads. As a result, I have started reading some of the other ads, especially the furniture, free and household listings. One only needs a little knowledge of a world in economic crisis, the home financing debacle in the United States and the large number of individuals who have lost their jobs in the last two years to understand what you are reading and why. For many, the "American dream" is slipping away. As homes are foreclosed or sold, people are forced to dispose of prize possessions which might have taken years to purchase. Imagine being an excited homeowner a few years ago who now is faced with no other choice than to post on craigslist in hopes of some sort of return on an earlier purchase. Such is life in the promised land on May 10, 2009.

~DB Turnmire

Finding Balance in Life

Did you ever find it difficult to achieve true balance in your life? So many things to do and only 24 hours in a day! Where do you start? How do you prioritize the things that are most important and should be at the top of your list? I sometimes find myself starting a project with good intentions and before I can finish that one task, I have started four other projects which are going at the same time.

How do you find and maintain a balance which encompasses relationships, family, work, home and personal time? Does something have to suffer when you are spending more time on work or your home? Is it possible to create a healthy well-balanced life with the proper emphasis on each of the five areas mentioned previously?

Perhaps you have heard of Solomon. He was a wise king in the biblical Old Testament. We could spend an entire blog writing about Solomon and his father David but most of you will remember Solomon for the story about the two women who were arguing over a child. When Solomon decided that the child should be cut in two, the real mother withdrew her claim to the child and that is how Solomon knew which of the women was the child's actual mother. In any case, we will be able to agree that Solomon was a wise man.

Psalm 127 is attributed to Solomon, already noted for his wisdom. In verse 1 of that psalm, Solomon writes "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." [Psalm 127:1] The first step to achieve balance in life is to get focused. If you find yourself lacking focus and direction for your life, consider the wisdom of Solomon. What does that mean for you?

True Christians will recognize that life balance comes only from a life centered in Jesus Christ. No that doesn't mean setting aside an hour a week to attend a worship service or if you attend a Bible study, two hours a week. I know too many "good Christian people" who aside from their "holier than thou" moments are hardly living a life centered in Christ. Their lives are filled with one drama and crisis after another because they lack true focus and meaning in life. Rather than leading well-balanced lives, they live in the moment of whatever arena they find themselves. Unfortunately, it often means that they seek to draw others into their lopsided world.

No one ever said finding balance in life would be easy. There is no instruction book and it isn't possible to apply a levelling tool to our lives to make an adjustment here and there. Jesus once described Himself as "the Way, the Truth and the Life." He's the real thing. If you're looking for balance in your life, perhaps it is time to get focused.

~ DB Turnmire

Writer's Block or On Hiatus?

By now, a number of you have been wondering what happened to me and my "daily" blog? Of course, it would be easy to claim writer's block as the cause for my absence. Or I could simply state that I had decided to take a hiatus from writing which could be considered a mistake on my part. I am aware of the great danger of losing readership during an extended absence so please make sure that you tell everyone that "I am back!"

Recently, I finished reading a novel entitled At First Sight by author Nicholas Sparks. This work is actually a follow up to the story which begins in the novel True Believer by the same author. The main character in both novels is Jeremy Marsh, who writes a monthly column for a scientific focused magazine. He also does freelance articles for other publications and investigative reporting on the side. In the second of these novels by Sparks, Jeremy has relocated from New York City to a small town in rural North Carolina. While the home he has purchased is being renovated, Jeremy finds it extremely difficult to continue writing his column. I would highly recommend any of Nicholas Sparks' novels. You will probably be surprised at the movie titles that you recognize among his works.

There is some similarity between Jeremy Marsh and myself in that over the past week, it has been hard to focus on writing. You see, about ten days ago or so, Bill and I decided that we should make a conscientious effort to make the house we have lived in for over two years our own. I think it all started when the washer quit and we had to purchase a new washer and dryer. That starting a cleaning frenzy that has been ongoing ever since. So we eventually removed the carpet from the last room on the main floor, exposed the hardwood floors, cleaned them and began the process of redoing our home office.

Since all of this began, we have basically touched every room in the house. Furniture is being re-purposed and used in other rooms. In the words of one of the historical church fathers who has influenced my life greatly, Martin Luther, what does this mean? One of the main things it means for me is that I am stepping out in faith. After all, why go to all this work at a time when I remain unemployed, Bill is on medical leave and the future of the house in uncertain. Because for the first time in several years, I find purpose in the things that I am doing to make the house a home. For over two years, we have existed in this expensive space without really allowing ourselves to enjoy it.

I also am able to find solace in the Old and New Testament scriptures which I studied in preparation for the ministry. Putting my future in God's hands allows me to move forward with confidence. He explained it to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11] For me, it is a no-brainer. If I believe that God has been the guiding force in my life to this point, then it seems natural to trust him for my future. For many, that is called "faith". "... Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." [Hebrews 11:1]

So in the meantime, we find ourselves making a house into a home and enjoying each day as it comes. I pray for strength to carry on and trust that God will deliver, confident that whatever lays ahead is in keeping with God's will. While it might be easier to give up, I am reminded of my lifetime Scripture verse spoken at the rite of confirmation. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." [Joshua 1:9] Borrowing the thoughts and words of Martin Luther (May 1521), "Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."

~ DB Turnmire

The Merry Month of May

We have arrived in the month of May 2009. Another day, another month anticipated and now here. The month of may is typically filled with a myriad of celebrations including May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. There are websites that list of the observances scheduled to take place in May 2009. Some of the more noteworthy dates are National Missing Children's Day (May 25), Holocaust Remembrance Day (May 2), Peace Day (May 17) and Victoria Day (Canada - May 18). Of course, there are also Clean Up Your Room Day (May 10), Limerick Day (May 12) and Circus Day (May 19).

Aside from the official celebrations noted on various calendars, there are many other scheduled events during the month of May. Thousands of graduation ceremonies of all kinds typically take place in the month of May. These will include pre-school, kindergarten, junior high or middle school, high school, college and university graduations. Many high school juniors and seniors will participate in the annual prom during May. There will be field trips and field days, picnics and banquets, sporting events and kite flying during the merry month of May. Yes, there is even a day set aside as Kite Day.

In the world of sports, there are at least two major events that take place each year during the month of May. First, the annual running of the Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, which happens to be tomorrow. Friesan Fire is the early favorite to win the race. For many years, the Indianapolis 500 race was run on Memorial Day, May 30. When Memorial Day became one of the "Monday holidays", the race would then be run on the same Monday as Memorial Day was observed. The race is now held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend or the day prior to Memorial Day being observed.

Here in Minnesota during the month of May, there are opportunities to make a difference in the lives of other people. On Sunday, May 10 is the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure. Walkers, runners and volunteers participate in this event to raise money to assist in the fight against breast cancer. The following Sunday, May 17, is the Minnesota AIDS Walk sponsored by the ING with the proceeds to benefit the Minnesota AIDS Project. Now more than ever, we need to raise the awareness of HIV infections in Minnesota. HIV cases among young males and females, ages 13 to 34, have more than doubled since 2001. The number of new HIV infections in Minnesota has risen for the last three years, from 2006 through 2008.

One last thing - since "April showers bring May flowers", don't forget to take some time to enjoy the beauty of springtime and to enjoy the flowers along the way. Consider the following words from one of my favorite spiritual hymns, "This Is My Father's World". Happy May!

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,

the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker's praise.

This is my Father's world: he shines in all that's fair;

in the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me everywhere.

______

~ DB Turnmire