“RSVP”, the letter said. After 35 years, I wondered how many would be at my high school reunion. Already many of my former classmates have died or moved far away from our old hometown. Even though the scheduled date is not a convenient time for me, it would be interesting to go just to see whom I would recognize and remember. But I just couldn’t show up on a whim, I have to make a reservation.

Many wedding invitations include RSVP. One would be foolish and very disappointed if he simply showed up at an airline and expect to buy a ticket and immediately board an airplane.

My grandpa was a coal miner. I imagine he did it to support his farm and nine children. I still remember his carbide lamp and multi-layered dinner bucket. Some of my uncles, and many of the men in the Pana area where I was born, worked deep underground in the coal mines. Recently, at my Uncle Bob’s funeral, I talked to my Uncle Steve who had retired from coal mining. “Coal mining get’s in your blood,” he said. “I’ve seen some amazing things down there.”

Little Gracie has her theology right. It was a beautiful fall day and interestingly it was Yom Kippur – the Jewish Day of Atonement. As I stood outside the Release Through Jesus’ ministry office fellowshipping with friends, Jim Helton’s 2½ year old granddaughter came walking down the sidewalk towards us with her arms raised heavenward. She seemed to be saying, “Okay, who’s going to pick me up? I need some love and attention.” Her grandma, of course, picked her up and gave her what she needed.

A few years ago a compelling but complex motion picture was nominated for nine Academy Awards – winning Oscars for Robin Williams and “hot newcomers” Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Good Will Hunting portrayed a triumphant story about Will Hunting, the most brilliant mind at America’s top university who was a janitor – not a student. Will Hunting was a headstrong, working-class genius. When he was “discovered”, Will was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, but he didn’t want to leave his friends nor deal with the issues of his past. He finally realized that he had been gifted and given opportunities that many only dreamed of. It would be a shame to waste his giftedness when he could make a contribution to life.

“Good grief,” sighed Charlie Brown as he fielded another ‘dumb’ question from his friend Lucy. One of my favorite comic strips is the classic “Peanuts” by the late Charles M. Schultz. “Good grief” seemed to be a favorite expression of Charlie Brown and Lucy. When I first heard it several years ago, I thought it was a rather strange expression. How could grief be good?

King David grieved for his dying baby. His grief was intense but short. When asked by his servants and friends why his grief seemed to be of such short duration, David replied, “Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (II Samuel 12:23). David’s hope brought him through his grief.

The say truth is stranger than fiction. Consider the book, Scarlet, a sequel to the classic novel Gone With The Wind. For years readers have wondered what might have happened next. One reader has written her dreams down in a book.

What many people don't know is that the original novel wasn't just dreams. It was based on real people.

There really was a Rhett Butler, though his real name was Rhett Turnipseed. There was a Scarlett O' Hara, though her real name was Emelyn Louise Hannon. And yes, Rhett really did walk out on her and join the Confederate Army.

I must confess that I don’t like to wait. I don’t like sitting in waiting rooms and I’d rather not eat in a restaurant or make a purchase if I have to wait in a long line to do so. I guess God knew I needed patience, so I jokingly tell people, 30 years ago God gave me a wife. Someone once said that patience is a quality you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. The wise Solomon said, “The end of the matter is better than it’s beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, 9 NIV).

A Roman soldier was one of the most disciplined and feared fighting man of his day. They would march into battle under an onslaught of arrows and fiery missiles. One of the most valuable pieces of his equipment was a shield. There were various types of shields. The most effective shield was the three-sided shield. A soldier could be protected in front and on both sides from flying arrows.

David, a mighty warrior, described his protection in Psalm 92, “His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Multitudes of American families have been fractured and forsaken. People are searching for roots, relationships, and a sense of family and fulfillment. Many have come to realize a need for community and connectedness. How can you have life-changing family ties?

Jesus Christ has given us the answer. “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church has gotten a bad rap by some people. Some of the accusations may be justified, but most people are unaware of the necessity and benefits of the church. The church is referred to as the “body of Christ”. Believers in Christ are called “living stones” who makeup the temple of God where His presence dwells. (I Peter 2:1-10)

As we watched the terrible scenes unfold through the media into our homes, we were appalled and angered at the attack on America. The destruction and carnage at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the horrific plight of those airliners hijacked by terrorists was almost beyond belief.

America is a diverse country, but a united country. In a time of crisis we have always come together as one. A reflection of the unity was displayed as congress and the leaders of America gathered on the steps of the US Capital building to address the nation concerning this terrible attack on our country. At the conclusion of their meeting they began to sing an impromptu rendition of “God Bless America”. It seemed to express our solidarity, our resolve, our love for our country, and prayer for God’s blessing and protection.

It was a beautiful sunrise that greeted me as I drove to the hospital and walked into the pre-op room. I had come to bring some cheer to a friend soon to undergo heart surgery. But as I prepared to read scripture and pray, he brought cheer to me as he said, “I’m not worried, Pastor, I have full coverage.” What a great statement! He wasn’t referring to his insurance coverage, but he was referring to the blessed assurance that a believer has in Christ.

During the recent flood and tornado disasters in our region, many who thought they had full coverage insurance had a rude awakening

Who is your hero? Dirty Harry or Holy Jesus? Dirty Harry takes aim at a perp and, challenging him to flee, intones, “Go ahead, make my day.” That is the moment in which his personality is defined. He will achieve personal fulfillment if he can kill the evil villain.

Jesus Christ, holy and innocent suffered reproach, abuse, flogging, and crucifixion. “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously; who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…” (I Peter 2:22-24) Jesus cried out from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

I stand mesmerized and in awe every time I see a hot-air balloon. A smile comes to my face. Something inside of me lifts me upward. There is a pull, a yearning to rise with it. Some may accuse me of being a romantic with my head in the clouds. But I believe we were created with the inner pull to leave the confines of this earth and float free.

So what is it about hot-air balloons that thrill the soul? Maybe it’s just me, but something spiritual happens when I see a balloon.

The lady at the coffee bar looked happy. “Do you like your job?” I asked her. “Oh, yes, I love it here. I hope I can stay here forever,” she replied. “Forever is a long time,” I said. “Do you think you’ll live that long?”

The barista was obviously contented. But many people can’t imagine themselves doing their present job forever. Forever means a limitless time – eternity. The truth is we will all spend forever either in heaven or hell. The choice is ours determined by the decisions we make today.

The Centralia Balloon Fest is one of my favorite times of the year. I stand mesmerized and in awe every time I see a hot-air balloon. A smile comes to my face. Something inside of me lifts me upward. There is a pull, a floating free, a yearning to rise with it. I believe we were created with that inner pull to leave the confines of this earth and float free.

So what is it about hot-air balloons that thrill the soul? Maybe it’s just me, but something spiritual happens when I see a hot-air balloon.

Life is not like a sprint, a fast dash to the finish line. No, life is more like a marathon. I watched a video clip of the iron man competition held in Hawaii. The competitors had to swim two miles, endure a 100-mile bicycle race, and then run a 26-mile marathon. All who finished the grueling races were considered winners. They were cheered and hugged by those who had already finished.

The Word of God pictures those “great cloud of witnesses” in the heavenly grandstands, cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1). Everyone who enters and finishes this race is a winner and receives a crown and a reward. Some start with a burst of energy and purpose but drop out along the way. Some start well but do not finish well.

October is known for harvest and Halloween. Spiritually speaking, there is little harvest of souls without dealing with what Halloween represents. For many, Halloween is simply fun and games or a spoof on ghosts, goblins, death, demons, and the devil. But the kingdom of darkness is real and deadly serious about destroying and damning souls to a Christ less eternity in hell.

Peter admonishes us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (I Peter 5:8-9 NLT; NKJV).

The day after the Rutgers’ women’s basketball team reached the NCAA finals radio talk show host Don Imus made some derogatory comments about the team members and their coach. The coach, C. Vivian Stringer, called radio talk show host Don Imus’ comments, “despicable, abominable, and unconscionable.” The team overcame much adversity to reach the championship finals – Coach Stringer overcame much as well.

In reply to Imus’ degrading remarks, Coach Stringer gave what I saw as a powerful, inspired sermon during a national news conference held in the Rutgers’ gym. She gave thanks to the Lord who brought the team and herself to a place of victory.

At the turn of the new millennium, the celebrations in the city of Sydney, Australia were broadcasted to an estimated three billion people all over the world. The countdown from 1999 to 2000 triggered off one of the greatest fireworks displays the city had ever seen – illuminating the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge. At the climax of the spectacular finale, a single word emerged in fifty-foot high luminous letters on the bridge – ETERNITY - what a significant and powerful message for every person on the earth to contemplate.

My grandchildren like the movie Cars. I love old cars. A first car is usually very special. I’ll always remember my first car. It was on old ’55 Ford – sky blue in color. I remember the day my dad took me to buy it. I proudly drove it home. Once a week I would wash, wax, and clean it. Even though my dad helped me get it, I had to fulfill my responsibility to keep gas in it and maintain it. It had power under the hood. But, unless I engaged the engine, put it in gear, and accelerated, I would go nowhere. When I engaged all of my responsibilities I could enjoy the ride. I didn’t have to push or pull the car; I simply engaged my responsibility and enjoyed the journey.

Ralph was mentally handicapped but basically harmless. He loved to dress in army fatigues and play soldier. A highlight of his career was the day the National Guard rolled through his small Kentucky town in a long convoy of trucks, jeeps, and equipment. Already dressed in his uniform, Ralph thought he would help out by directing traffic. Unsuspectingly the lead vehicles followed Ralph’s directions until they came to a dead-end with nowhere to turn around. Angrily the sergeant relieved Ralph of his duty and slowly began to back the convoy up.

Not everyone who dresses as a soldier is one. Not everyone who wears a suit is a success. Not everyone who wears a clerical collar can preach or necessarily knows God.

Many years ago one of the leading citizens of Centralia, Dr. J. Carl Hall, donated a beautiful and treasured legacy. The land that was donated to the community has been added to and improved by other generous benefactors. This area became known as Foundation Park. The Centralia Foundation endeavors to keep the acres of rolling hills, meadows, woods, ponds, and bubbling streams as close to its natural setting as possible. It is a blessing to able to walk through the park enjoying the Creator and His creation.

If you were given three personal wishes that would be certain to come true, what would they be? Some people are big on wishing. They throw coins in a fountain or wishing well, vie for the wishbone of the turkey, regularly thumb through their favorite wish book, religiously blow out all the candles of their birthday cake, and some dreamily wish upon a star. Sadly, most people’s wishes end in disappointment, regret, or resignation.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “wish” as “feel or express strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable; want something that cannot or probably will not happen . . . silently invoke such a hope or desire”.

By 1977, Kerry Livgren had achieved superstardom. His rock band, Kansas, had achieved international acclaim. Livgren had wealth, fame and a good marriage, yet he felt empty on the inside. Although confirmed in a church as a child, he had no relationship with Christ, only a knowledge of Christianity which he rejected as a religion for extremists. Livgren’s despair was summed up in his classic song, Dust in the Wind: “Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea/ All we do crumbles to the ground, but we refuse to see/Dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind/ Don’t hang on; nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky/It slips away, and all your money won’t another minute buy/ Dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind.”

As I stood in line at the check-out counter, I listened to the cashier talk to a customer. Her accent sounded very familiar. When it was my turn to pay for my items, I asked her, “Are you by chance from Herrick, IL?” “Why yes,” she replied with a surprised look on her face. “How did you know?” “Your accent sounds like it,” I replied. A few days earlier I had talked to a relative of mine from Herrick who had the same distinct accent as the cashier.

I’ve always been fascinated by accents. The other day I happened to be in Sullivan, IL and had some time to spare, so I went into the public library.