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 had forgotten the thrill of catching a fish. My grandson reminded me of the thrill as he reeled in his first catch, with assistance from his dad. I recalled my youth when I went fishing with my dad, brothers, grandmother, or anyone else that would go with me. But for some reason, in middle age, I had forgotten how to fish. I had forgotten how to have fun and just relax.

It seems many kids grow up today without trying their hand at fishing. Many stay indoors playing video and computer games. There’s nothing like getting outdoors and away from it all for awhile.

The Hamm twins have come a long way from swinging from the rafters in their Waukesha, WI barn to going for a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Paul Hamm became the first American in Olympic history to win the Men’s All-Around Gymnastics gold medal. I must confess that I thought that his medal hopes were surely over when he took a tragic fall on his vault landing. But Paul Hamm went on to perform two of the most spectacular and flawless routines of his career to win an Olympic gold medal by the closest margin in Olympic history.

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.

The future looked dim for Alvin and Calvin Harrison. After being evicted from their home, the twins found themselves homeless. For a while, they lived in their mother’s old mustang. They quickly learned how to survive. After experiencing the loneliness of foster care, they finally were able to go live with their grandmother. Perhaps that’s where they first discovered their athletic talent and developed the discipline and determination to go for the gold. In the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Alvin persevered to win the silver in the men’s 400-meter.

Then there was the unbelievable and flashy Michael Johnson, with his golden running shoes, who became the first man ever to win the 400-meter in consecutive Olympics. He has won four Olympic and nine world championship gold medals.

It’s much more than an American patriotic hymn. From grade school on, each time I hear or sing “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic,” my heart is stirred within me. Julia W. Howe directs us from the first verse on to see the glory of the Lord. “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; …His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!” Who’s glory is the hymn referring to? The glory of God is the focus that inspires praise of our sovereign Lord and moves us to justice and action.

Have you ever wondered where you fit in society? Where you fit in amongst your peers? Perhaps you have felt like a round peg being forced into a square hole. Culture tends to categorize individuals into homogenized groups. Do you identify with any of the following groups?

GAMERS: I recently read a news article concerning a popular young person who described himself as a “gamer”. I’m not quite sure, but possibly a gamer is someone who is an avid video game player.

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

A sage once said that those who have two or three good friends are fortunate. He or she who has one true, close friend is fortunate indeed.

Since moving into a new neighborhood a little over a year ago, we have only seen our neighbor lady a couple of times. An upward mobile executive, she leaves her home before sun-up for her commute to work and returns home late in the evening. My wife happened to meet her at a neighbor’s moving sale one Saturday. Our neighbor sadly remarked that even though she had a good job and had lived in the neighborhood for about 10 years, she had no friends. That sentiment is a commentary on life in our society today.

A vast audience tunes in weekly to the hit television comedy “Friends”. Many were sad to see the series come to an end after ten successful seasons. I am not a fan of sitcoms and seldom watch them. But I am intrigued as to why so many people tune in every week to watch “Friends”. Many people have told me that it was funny, creative, with surprising twists, and involved characters who stuck together as friends despite their imperfections.

All people need and desire to have such friends. Aristotle wrote, “Without friendships no one would choose to live, even if they had all other good things in life.”

During Halloween, ghouls, goblins, and ghosts by the thousands parade around the neighborhoods of America, trick-or-treating for fun and candy. Most of them are children masquerading for fun and frivolity.

About 2000 years ago, the Halloween season for the Celts was a time of evil spirits filling the darkness. Bonfires were burned as homage to the sun god, as well as to frighten off evil spirits. Animal and sometimes human sacrifices were made to the Lord of Death, Samhain. Druid priests practiced their magic arts. The people lived in fear and dread of demons and darkness.

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.

Freedom is dear because freedom is costly. On Memorial Day flags waved in salute over the graves of the brave who served and sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces to give Americans and many throughout the world life and liberty.

The bestselling book Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley, and the graphic and gripping movie based on the book, portray the horrible story of the Battle for Iwo Jima. The memorable photo of the six men who raised the flag of the United States at Iwo Jima became and icon representing the heroes who fought for the land of the brave and the free.

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.

When Jesus wanted to teach something important he would often point out children as examples. Recently two of my grandchildren, Noah age five and Kaitlyn age 7, spent the night with us. They amazed me with their knowledge of bird life. Noah explained the differences between gold-finches and ordinary house-finches. Kaitlyn named several bird species and said that if she couldn’t identify a certain bird she would look at it with grandma’s “bird goggles” and then looks it up in the bird book.

Jesus is a bird watcher. He watches over all His creation and even sees those thought to be the most insignificant by society.

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.

Susan Tom, a single parent of seven adopted children with disabilities, didn’t set out to adopt children with special needs but somehow they found each other. After her divorce, Susan, a mother of four (two biological and two adopted) became a foster parent and soon fell in love with the children no one else wanted. Taking in children with challenges hasn’t been easy. Xenia and Hannah were born with spinal bifida and confined to a wheelchair; Cloe was born unable to bend her elbows and knees and getting around the house is extremely difficult; Katie was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and is mentally challenged; Faith was badly burned as a baby and encounters stares from strangers every day of her life; Margaret was not expected to live because of brain damage.

Billy Joe was a simple young man who lived in a small village in the hills of Kentucky. Nothing much ever happened in his little town. Billy Joe loved to dress in Army fatigues and direct traffic at one of the two stop signs that stood sentinel at the center of the small town. Nobody ever paid much attention to Billy Joe. Everyone knew he was “slow” but harmless.

One hot summer morning, Billy Joe had one of the most exciting things in his life happen to him. As usual, he was standing on the street corner directing the occasional vehicle that passed by.

Millions of Americans will usher in the New Year with celebrations and wishes of a Happy New Year. But for many the New Year will become more than wishes soon forgotten – they will enter the year of new beginnings. In the Bible the number eight represents new beginnings. God delights in and is passionate about new beginnings. All earthly parties pale in comparison to the celebrations of joy in heaven when one “sinner” repents and enters a life of new beginnings. (Luke 15)

When Joseph and Mary took the Christ child to the temple to be circumcised on the 8th day according to the law, the elderly prophets were waiting there for the “consolation of Israel” – the coming Messiah. (Luke 2:21-38)

Most people in the world seek purpose, success, significance, and love. Each day millions of people hope, covet, and labor to obtain these profound yet elusive ideals. Those who pursue happiness and meaning in life by grasping for riches, fame, or power seldom if ever obtain true contentment and happiness.

Is it possible to have a sense of purpose? To feel special in this world of more than six billion people? To prosper spiritually and financially? God gives us His Word and says, “Yes!”