The Dunger Peak

Daily Word: Acceptance

2011-11-16T14:21:00.003-06:00

Here is the Daily Word for Wednesday, November 16, 2011. What a powerful affirmation! ♥cap

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Acceptance

I accept and bless myself and others.

Acceptance is a powerful word, for it implies a willingness to listen and be open. Acceptance does not necessarily mean that I adopt another's point of view; it means I accept the right of another to have views different from my own. I accept people of different faiths, cultures and lifestyles. Each person is a child of God--divinely created and divinely guided.

I accept myself as well. I do not judge harshly my past mistakes or perceived short-comings. I give myself the freedom to make mistakes, to have a unique point of view and to continue to learn and grow as a spiritual being. By accepting myself and others, I embrace differences and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual.

Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.--Matthew 7:1

[Source: http://www.dailyword.com/]

Hymn by St. Francis

2011-10-04T12:22:00.004-05:00

Dear Beloveds,
Being as how today (Tuesday October 4, 2011) is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, I thought I would post this well known him written by Franky himself. ☺
Let us join in celebration of this great saint of the Faith! ♥ cap

All Creatures of our God and King
Francis of Assisi, circa 1225.
Trans. William H. Draper.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

YouTube Shortcut

2011-09-27T12:05:00.003-05:00

Dear Beloveds,

In yesterday's blog entry, I mentioned how the messages we preached for the WTJR-TV show The Pastor Speaks have both been posted to YouTube. I gave instructions for going to the YouTube web site and searching for our videos.

Well, it didn't occur to me until today that I could have just posted the direct link to our videos, thus eliminating the need for you to go and search for them. So here they are:

Clayton's message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ_UaDSn4bs

Rebecca's message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLEAQ0w6BFQ

If I've set this up correctly, all you should have to do is to click on the links, and you will go directly to the videos. If for some reason these links don't work (depending on what device you are using to read this post), you can copy the web address and then paste it into the Address or Location bar of your Internet browser. And if that still doesn't work...well, go back to yesterday's entry!

Once again, we thank you for your support!
Clayton & Rebecca

Now We're Both on YouTube

2011-09-26T17:13:00.002-05:00

Dear Beloveds,

In my September 21 blog entry, I mentioned that WTJR had placed the video of my message from The Pastor Speaks on YouTube. Yesterday I learned that they did the same with Rebecca's message. So now we're both on YouTube!

Here's how to watch. First, go to http://www.youtube.com/. To watch Rebecca's video, type "Pastor Speaks Rebecca Peak" in the search box at the top of the page. The first video to appear in the Search Results will be Pastor Speaks 986 Rebecca Dunger Peak 09-04-11. Click on the box to watch. For Clayton's video, search for "Pastor Speaks Clayton Peak" which will lead you to Pastor Speaks 985 Clayton Peak 08-28-2011.

As before, Rebecca and I hope you will be blessed by our messages. Feel free to watch as many times as you wish!
Peace,
Clayton & Rebecca

My New Favorite Quotation

2011-09-22T13:21:00.007-05:00

Dear Beloveds,
I came across this quotation recently and absolutely love it! I hope that you will appreciate it as well. ♥cap

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"We can give to the poor everything, even our life; but if we do not give them a smile, we do not give anything."
——Mother Teresa

We're on the Computer!

2011-09-21T17:29:00.004-05:00

Dear Beloveds,

If you have not had the chance to watch Clayton or Rebecca on The Pastor Speaks television program, it’s not too late. Both programs have been placed in the WTJR online archives and can be watched at anytime “on demand”.

First, go to http://www.wtjrtv.org/video2/. For Clayton’s message, scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Sun08282011.wmv. For Rebecca’s message, scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Sun09042011.wmv. Click on the arrow by the name of the program you want to watch, and it will open up with Windows Media Player.

WTJR has also placed Clayton’s video on YouTube. First, go to http://www.youtube.com/. In the search box at the top of the screen, type “Pastor Speaks Clayton Peak”. The top video to appear in the Search Results should be Pastor Speaks 985 Clayton Peak 08-28-2011. Click on the box to watch. Without too much trouble, you will also find Pickin’ Pastor, a video of Clayton playing the banjo filmed by the Hannibal Courier-Post back in January.

As before, Rebecca and I hope all of you will turn on and tune in! Feel free to watch as many times as you wish! Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers, too. We hope you are blessed by our messages.
Peace,
Clayton & Rebecca

Corrected Link for TV Archives

2011-09-01T17:21:00.002-05:00

Oops!

Thanks to my good friend Robin Rand, I discovered that in my previous post I had given the wrong link to the WTJR-TV archives. So...I'm going to repost the first paragraph from the earlier post, this time with the correct link. ♥cap

For those of you who did not have the opportunity to watch Clayton's message on The Pastor Speaks, it's not too late. The episode has now been moved to the WTJR-TV archives and can be viewed anytime. Go to http://www.wtjrtv.org/video2/. Scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Sun08282011.wmv. Click on the arrow by that name, and the program will open up with Windows Media Player.

We're Still Going to Be on TV!

2011-09-01T13:00:00.003-05:00

Dear Beloveds,

For those of you who did not have the opportunity to watch Clayton's message on The Pastor Speaks, it's not too late. The episode has now been moved to the WTJR-TV archives and can be viewed anytime. Go to http://www.wtjr.org/watch-online.html. Scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Sun08282011.wmv. Click on the arrow by that name, and the program will open up with Windows Media Player.

Rebecca's message will air for the first time on Friday, September 2. Here is the schedule: (All times are Central. Please adjust for your time zone.)

Friday, September 2 @ 12:30 pm CDT
Sunday, September 4 @ 2 pm CDT
Wednesday, September 7 @ 1:30 pm CDT

If you live in the Tri-States area (Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois) and get your TV signal through an antenna, WTJR is channel 16.1. If you get your TV signal by cable or satellite dish, check with your provider to see if you get WTJR. (On Hannibal cable, WTJR is channel 7.)

If you don’t get WTJR on your TV, you can watch it “live” on the internet. Go to: http://www.wtjr.org/watch-online.html. You will then see four boxes marked "Live Stream." Click on the box above "Live webstream WTJR 16.1". (The box with a multi-colored lifesaver ring and a forward arrow in the middle.) Windows Media Player will then open with a life stream from WTJR.

After the third airing of Rebecca's program on September 7, it too will go to the archives. I'll post a link to it then.

Once again, Rebecca and I hope all of you will turn on and tune in! Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers, too. We hope you are blessed by our messages.
Peace,
Clayton & Rebecca

We're going to be on TV!

2011-08-24T12:58:00.003-05:00

Dear Beloveds,
Yesterday Rebecca and I were taped for The Pastor Speaks television show on WTJR-TV in Quincy, Illinois. The programs are 30 minutes long, and each will air at three different times. (All times are Central. Please adjust for your time zone.)

Clayton's Program
Friday, August 26 @ 12:30 pm CDT
Sunday, August 28 @ 2 pm CDT
Wednesday, August 31 @ 1:30 pm CDT

Rebecca's Program
Friday, September 2 @ 12:30 pm CDT
Sunday, September 4 @ 2 pm CDT
Wednesday, September 7 @ 1:30 pm CDT

If you live in the Tri-States area (Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois) and get your TV signal through an antenna, WTJR is channel 16.1. If you get your TV signal by cable or satellite dish, check with your provider to see if you get WTJR. (On Hannibal cable, WTJR is channel 7.)

If you don’t get WTJR on your TV, you can watch it “live” on the internet. Go to: http://www.wtjr.org/watch-online.html. You will then see four boxes marked "Live Stream." Click on the box at the far left-hand side of the screen. (The box with a multi-colored lifesaver ring and a forward arrow in the middle.) Windows Media Player will then open with a life stream from WTJR.

After the shows have aired, they will then go in the WTJR archives and can be watched at anytime. When that happens, I'll post a link to the archives.

Rebecca and I hope all of you will turn on and tune in! Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers, too. We hope you are blessed by our messages.
Peace,
Clayton & Rebecca

SWS: A Prayer for Everyday

2011-08-11T15:59:00.003-05:00

The following prayer is by St. Basil the Great. I expect the prayer was originally written in Greek. I found it in a book that had translated it into Jacobean English (i.e., like the King James Bible). I have updated the language a bit. This is a good prayer for everyday living. I hope you will find it Something Worth Sharing. ♥cap

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Eternal God, maker of all creation, endless source of loving-kindness, let now the light of your countenance rise upon us! Shine into our hearts, O true sun of righteousness, and fill our souls with your beauty. Direct according to your will the work of our hands, and lead us in the right way to do that which is pleasing in your sight; so that through us, unworthy though we be, your holy name may be glorified, to whom be praise, honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—St. Basil (330-379)

My New Favorite Slogan

2011-08-08T13:44:00.003-05:00

At the hootenanny held on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Monroe City United Methodist Church, Bruce Petsche (he's the one standing in the middle, wearing white pants) shared with a wonderful bit of wisdom that has become my new favorite slogan:

Live for today
Learn from yesterday
Pray for tomorrow

I believe those are words we can all live with! ♥cap

SWS: Celtic Prayer for Inner Peace

2011-07-26T14:06:00.003-05:00

Dearly Beloved,
I came across this Celtic prayer recently and thought it was Something Worth Sharing. You might want to print this one out and keep a copy at your bedside, in your purse/wallet, on your desk, etc. It is a prayer that all of us need! ♥cap

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Lord, help me to relax. Take from me the tension that makes peace impossible. Take from me the fears that do not allow me to venture. Take from me the worries that blind my sight. Take from me the distress that hides Your joy. Help me to know that I am with You, that I am in Your care, that I am in Your love, that You and I are one. Amen.

August Newsletter: Hootenanny!

2011-07-22T13:09:00.004-05:00

Dearly Beloved,
The following is my Pastor's Column for the August 2011 church newsletter. I thought I ought to post it right away, since the hootenanny is just a little more than 2 weeks away. ♥cap

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From Your Pastor…
Many people are surprised to learn I’ve been playing the banjo for only 6 years. Some folks figure I’ve been playing all my life. Well, I haven’t—but not because I didn’t want to. I remember as a kid seeing people play banjo on The Gong Show, Captain Kangaroo, and other TV programs. The banjo looked like a lot of fun, but I guess the timing wasn’t right. Other instruments came my way, and by high school I was dedicated to playing trumpet and flugelhorn. (I did play piano, guitar, and harmonica a little bit, but they were never my main squeeze.)

Fast forward to Memorial Day weekend 2005. Rebecca and I were attending the arts festival in downtown Hannibal. A group of musicians who called themselves “Black Hairy Possum” were playing in front of the Jam Factory music store. Chris Foss, owner of the store and leader of the band, was playing banjo that day. As I watched Chris play, I was bitten by the banjo bug. In the weeks that followed, I visited Chris’ store several times and checked out the banjos he had for sale.

While I was away at a men’s Walk to Emmaus weekend in August 2005, Rebecca went to the Jam Factory and bought the banjo Chris had recommended. What I surprise I had waiting for me when I came home from the weekend! It was love at first sight. I gradually began teaching myself to play, and had my first public performance at Monroe City Manor on February 15, 2006. Since then I’ve played at other nursing homes, nutrition centers, churches, parades, community events, parties, jam sessions, meetings, conventions, and Walk to Emmaus events.

In addition to the joy of making music and bringing smiles to people’s faces, I’ve been amazed at how playing the banjo has helped me make many new friends. One special friend I’ve made is musician, professor, author, and potter Al Beck. I met him by accident at the Monroe City Arts in the Park, October 2009. I was walking around the park, playing and singing. A gentleman at one of the booths got my attention asked if I knew such-an-such a song. I said yes and started to play. This man—Al Beck—promptly began to sing along. We sang several songs together that day, and decided that we needed to get together again and make some more music.

This came right before hand injuries “benched” me from playing banjo for several months. Scheduling conflicts prevented us from participating in the 2010 Arts in the Park. So our “reunion” concert didn’t take place until January 2011. Coinciding with the 6th month anniversary of my hand surgeries we held a hootenanny, “How Can I Keep From Singing: a Folk Music Celebration to Beat the Winter Blues.”

Al and I both love the rich tradition of American folk music. Our country’s history is filled with many wonderful songs that tell the stories of our struggles, triumphs, and faith. Unfortunately, many of these songs are not being sung by children today. And unless we pass these songs along to future generations, this rich tradition of American heritage could be a forgotten relic of the past.

You can help keep America’s folk music alive. Attend the hootenanny Al and I will be holding on August 7 at Monroe City UMC. But don’t just come by yourself, bring some children with you. Bring your children, grandchildren, the neighbor’s children, or just nab some kids off the street (but be careful—we don’t want to break any laws!) The August hootenanny is not a fundraiser. The offering plates will not be passed. It is completely free, and you won’t be asked to contribute a cent. Al and I just want to have a fun, family friendly program of American folk music. So mark your calendar and tell your friends. We’ll see you on August 7 at 3 p.m.!

Grace and Peace,
Clayton

SWS: A Matter of Perspective

2011-07-20T13:58:00.003-05:00

The following quote reminds us that it's all of matter of perspective. The next time you find yourself in a crisis, please take these words to heart! ♥cap

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"The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow."
—H. G. Wells

On Solitude

2011-07-19T14:33:00.003-05:00

I about fell out of my chair when I read this one!
See what you think! ♥cap

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Solitude is often the hardest discipline, because none of us wants to be with someone we don't love, namely ourselves.
—Jim Warner

SWS: Following in Jesus' Steps

2011-07-12T14:05:00.003-05:00

Dear Beloveds,

I came across the following quote today and thought it was Something Worth Sharing (SWS). ♥ cap

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It is so encouraging to know that Jesus experienced every negative emotion we go through. He also defeated them all, which gives us hope and confidence to do the same."
—Creflo Dollar

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The Star Spangled Banner - All Four Verses

2011-07-04T19:24:00.003-05:00

This morning I played a program of patriotic music at the Monroe City Manor Care Center in Monroe City, Missouri. Instead of beginning the program with my usual opening theme song, O Susanna, I played the Star Spangled Banner. Many people sang along on the first verse. When I continued with the second verse, a few folks were surprised--especially my wife Rebecca. Now those who've been at the Manor long enough, know that whenever I sing the Star Spangled Banner I usually sing at least 2 and sometimes 3 verses. My wife Rebecca posted a note to Facebook, however, saying that she never knew the Star Spangled Banner had more than one verse. So for her benefit--and anyone else--here are all the words to all four verses.

Star Spangled Banner
Words by Francis Scott Key, 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

A Song for Father's Day

2011-06-19T14:45:00.003-05:00

♪♫ A Song for Father's Day ♪♫

F is for the funny things he gave me.
A is for all the things he gave me.
T is for the thousand things he gave me.
H is for the hundred things he gave me.
E is for everything he gave me.
R is for the really good things he gave me.

Put them all together, it spells "Father",
A guy who means the sky to me!
♪♫

April Newsletter: "Getting in Tune" OR "We are like Banjos"

2011-04-13T13:44:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
Below is my "Pastor's Column" from the April 2011 Monroe City & Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church Newsletter. Because I received several positive comments about my column, I thought I should share it with others who aren't on our mailing list.
Blessings,
Clayton

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From Your Pastor…
There’s an old joke that goes: “banjo players spend 50% of their lives tuning their banjos, and the other 50% playing out of tune!” ☺ That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. Of all the instruments I’ve played in my life (and with my background in Music Education, I’ve tried my hand at a lot of different instruments), the banjo requires more tuning and retuning than any other instrument! When I go to play music at Monroe City Manor (or any other place) I start off by tuning up my banjo. After playing one or two songs, the banjo is already out of tune. So I take a few moments, adjust the knobs and get her back in tune. And then after a couple of more songs, my banjo has worked its way out of tune again! Sometimes I feel like I’m facing an uphill battle tuning and retuning, over and over again.

Part of my tuning problem is just the nature of the beast. The wood and other materials used to make most banjos are highly sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure. All someone has to do is open or close a door, and the whole instrument goes out of tune. Another “problem” is that my ears are quite sensitive to intonation. Some people can play out of tune all day long and it doesn’t seem bother them one bit. That would drive me crazy! But for those moments when my banjo is right in tune, it rings out with such a beautiful, melodious sound—making all of my struggles worth while.

In many ways we humans are like banjos. We easily get “out of tune” with the way God created us to be. We can trace our intonation problems all the way back to Genesis. When God made Adam and Eve, they were perfectly in tune. “God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!” (Genesis 1:31) God placed Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden, a literal paradise, and set them free to make beautiful music together. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the first couple to get out of tune. By eating the forbidden fruit, they became out of tune with God and out of tune with each other. The “music” that we hear in Genesis 3 is not very beautiful.

From that day forward human beings have been going in and out of tune, just like a banjo in a room where someone keeps opening and closing the door. When Adam and Eve sinned, their sin entered the human race and spread down through the ages, affecting everyone who has lived ever since. So it is in our very nature to be out of tune. But by God’s grace given to us through Jesus Christ, we can get our lives back in tune with God and one another. We can make beautiful music with our lives, just like God originally intended. We still may find ourselves out of tune, from time to time. The Apostle John wrote, “If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves” (1 John 1:8). When that happens, all we need to do is call upon Jesus Christ who is the “Divine Tuner.” Christ will get us fixed up and back on track according to God’s plan.

Some folks seem content to be out of tune, and remain that way for their entire lives. Maybe they don’t know or don’t care that there is a better way to live. Maybe they aren’t willing to make the time and effort to get back in tune. Are you one of these people? Perhaps you have family, friends, and/or neighbors who fit this category. Now is the time to get our lives back in tune! “Now is the time to listen, the day to be helped,” the Apostle Paul wrote (2 Cor. 6:2).

There are still a little more than 3 weeks left in the Season of Lent. For many people, Lent is a time to draw closer to God and get back “in shape” spiritually. So what a wonderful time to work on getting our lives back in tune. Call on Jesus Christ the Divine Tuner. He’s only a prayer away, and is available any time day or night. Allow the grace of Jesus to work in your life so that you can make beautiful music just as God intended.
Grace and Peace,
Clayton

Lorica of Saint Patrick

2011-03-17T12:09:00.005-05:00

I posted this last year on St. Patrick's day, and felt it was worth posting again. In fact, I may post this every year on St. Patrick's day, because I really love this prayer!
Be Blessed,
Clayton

Lorica of Saint Patrick
(also known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate")

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In preachings of the apostles,
In faiths of confessors,
In innocence of virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who desires me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against dark laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts human body and soul.
Christ shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that reward may come to me in abundance.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through a confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation

--St. Patrick (ca. 377)

My New Favorite Quote

2011-01-03T18:00:00.004-06:00

As many of you know, I've been a collector of quips and quotes for many years. I follow the advice of C.S. Lewis who said, "Quote as often as possible. It saves on original thinking." And whenever I come across a good quote, I like to share it with others.

Here's a quote I found today at the Disney Parks Blog. What Walt Disney expresses here pretty much sums up my philosophy of life. So that's why I'm calling it my "New Favorite Quote". Here it is:

“I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter. With the laughs, comes the tears…” –Walt Disney

Happy New Year: Let's Do Better

2011-01-01T13:12:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year to all of my friends in the blogosphere (as well as those who read these posts via the RSS feed into Facebook). I'm sorry I haven't posted anything since early November. What can I say...life has been rather busy lately! I'm not going to make any New Year's resolutions about blogging more often. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. (Very profound, eh?) All I can say is: don't give up the ship. Keep checking back. No matter how often I have the opportunity to post, I'll do my best to keep this blog as "Your Source for Inspiration, Information, and Entertainment"!

To get the New Year started, let me share with you one of my favorite ironic quotes.

"The '70's were a drag. Let's see if we can do a bit better in the New Year!" --John Lennon, near his apartment in New York City on January 1, 1980.

SWS: Be Yourself

2010-11-04T17:55:00.002-05:00

I love this quote. It's some good advice that everyone needs to follow. Pass this one along, because it is certainly Something Worth Sharing! ♥ cap

"Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else."
—Judy Garland

SWS: Pray For Your Leaders

2010-11-02T13:17:00.004-05:00

This being election day, I thought the following statement was Something Worth Sharing. ♥ cap

"If Christ call us to love our neighbor — and even our enemy — how much more so our politicians, whether we agree with them or not."
—Rev. Adam Hamilton
Pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Leawood, KS.

SWS: Do What You Were Meant to Do

2010-10-21T15:04:00.002-05:00

The following quote was passed along to me by my good friend Joe Newberry. I thought it was Something Worth Sharing. ♥ cap

A musician must make music,
an artist must paint,
a poet must write,
if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.
- Abraham Maslow

SWS: Prayer of Comfort

2010-10-07T15:24:00.002-05:00

The following was the prayer of the day from the Moravian Daily Texts for Sunday, September 26, 2010. I like this prayer so much I'm thinking about printing it on an index card and placing it by my bedside, so that I can say it every morning when I first wake up. I hope you find this prayer meaningful as well. ♥cap

Almighty God, how comforting it is to know that whatever the circumstances of this day, you already know and are eager to help us overcome them. We believe and do not doubt that with the help of your wisdom and guidance we will be victorious. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Humor: Good Reason to Travel

2010-09-09T14:38:00.004-05:00

I came across the following story recently and had a good chuckle. I expect that those of you who are familiar with the scratchy screeching sounds made by someone first learning to play the fiddle will especially appreciate this story.

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Two men were on an expedition, traveling down the Amazon River. The first man said, "The hustle and bustle of city life was really getting to me. Travel and adventure are in my blood. I need to be part of nature, see the exotic species of the rain forests, explore where few have been. What about you? What brought you out on this trip?"

"You want to know the truth?" the second man said. "My son is learning to play the violin."

SWS: Do What Your Good At

2010-09-01T14:51:00.003-05:00

I came across the following quote recently. It's very powerful and inspiring. In fact, it was a bit of a God Wink for me.

You owe it to us all to get on with what you're good at."
—W. H. Auden

Something to consider as you ponder this quote: if you don't do what you're good at, is it possible that you're depriving someone (or perhaps even the whole world) of gifts that only you are able to offer?

Be Blessed!
Clayton

FTV: Words of Wisdom from Arlo

2010-08-26T12:19:00.003-05:00

I heard the following line on the August 21, 2010 episode of The Midnight Special radio show. During a 2005 live performance of his classic hit "The Motorcycle Song," Arlo Guthrie said:

‎"It's OK to be stupid. Sometimes it's even smart!"
--Arlo Guthrie

Prayer for God's Love and Delight

2010-08-25T15:51:00.003-05:00

The following prayer was written by William Angus Knight, a British author and professor who lived from 1836-1916. This prayer was originally written in Jacobean English, so I have updated the language a bit.

O God, who satisfies the desires of the hearts that You have made, and who refreshes those who are weary: our longings praise You, our desires worship You, and our whole natures call aloud for You. Enable us so to rise to You that—having thus risen—we may love all that You love, and care for everyone for whom You care, and for everything that is dear to You. Prepare our hearts, we ask You, to delight in whatsoever is true and beautiful and good, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—William Angus Knight

SWS: Stepping Back

2010-08-09T14:45:00.002-05:00

I came across the following quote recently, and thought it was Something Worth Sharing.

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Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer, since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller, and more of it can be take in at a glance, and a lack of harmony or portion is more readily seen.

—Leonardo Da Vinci

SWS: The Right to Speak Your Mind

2010-07-05T11:41:00.004-05:00

As we continue to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans during this Independence Day weekend, I thought the following remark made by Pete Seeger several years ago was Something Worth Sharing.

"Isn't that the wonderful thing about America? You got the right to be wrong! Where else in the world can you do it like we can do it here? Hooray for the United States of America and the right to speak your mind!"
—Pete Seeger

Folk Process: Oh the Oil in the Gulf

2010-06-09T12:33:00.003-05:00

Here is yet another instalment in my series of Folk Process songs about the BP Oil Spill Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Oh the Oil in the Gulf
by Clayton A. Peak
(tune: Give Me Oil in My Lamp)

Verse
Oh the oil in the Gulf keeps on flowing, flowing, flowing
Keeps on flowing in the Gulf to stay - Holy Moses!
Oh the oil in the Gulf keeps on flowing, flowing, flowing
Keeps on flowing 'till the Judgement Day!

Chorus
Someone stop it
Someone stop it
Someone stop it
Oh dear God, we pray!

(repeat chorus)

Folk Process: Oil Keeps Leaking

2010-05-27T15:08:00.004-05:00

Here's one more exercise in Folk Process about the BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Like the first song I posted, this one may be sung as a round. Have fun!

Oil Keeps Leaking
by Clayton A. Peak
(tune: Frere Jacques)

Oil keeps leaking
Oil keeps leaking
In the Gulf
In the Gulf
Everything is dying
Everything is dying
What a shame
What a shame

Folk Process: The Oil in the Gulf

2010-05-26T11:20:00.003-05:00

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's post as I shared a song I had "written" about the BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Here's another one. I've set it to a familiar children's song: "The wheels on the bus go round and round." Perhaps you've been on a long car trip where you've sung verse after verse after verse! My version here works the same way. So once again, sing this song, share it with the kids, and have fun!

The Oil in the Gulf
by Clayton A. Peak
(tune: The Wheels on the Bus)

The oil in the Gulf goes gush, gush, gush
gush, gush, gush, gush, gush, gush
The oil in the Gulf goes gush, gush, gush
Each and every day.

The plants in the Gulf go yuck, yuck, yuck...

The fish in the Gulf go choke, choke, choke...

The shore by the Gulf is gross, gross, gross...

The bureaucrats sit and go hmm, hmm, hmm...

Folk Process: Oil, Oil

2010-05-25T12:36:00.003-05:00

Folk Process: the act of reworking an old song, often with the intent of addressing a contemporary situation.

Long before Randy Newman wrote Burn On about the infamous Cuyahoga River fire of 1969, folk musicians have been writing new songs and adapting old songs to address various disasters and tragic events taking place in the world. So in response to the recent BO oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, I've been engaging in a little folk process myself.

My first effort is a round, sung to the old tune of Rose, Rose. I invite you to sing this song, teach it to your kids, sing it around the campfire, etc., and have fun!

Oil, Oil
by Clayton A. Peak
(tune: Rose, Rose)

Oil, oil, oil, oil,
Keeps on leaking into the Gulf
Everything is getting coated
It's a big mess

(repeat ad naseum)

FTV: Hitch on Driving

2010-05-19T11:48:00.002-05:00

FTV = From The Vault [Of Quotations]

The last time I got a traffic ticket, I almost told this one to the judge. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't!

"I think there is nothing more terrifying than getting a traffic ticket. I don't drive a car for the simple reason that if you don't drive, you can't get a ticket."
—Sir Alfred Hitchcock
(The Master of Suspense)

From The Vault: Quotations

2010-05-12T19:41:00.004-05:00

Some of you know that I [Clayton] have a fondness for quotations. To make a point or illustrate an idea, I will frequently quote "someone". It could be someone who lived a long time ago, or someone still alive today. It may be someone well-known or obscure. No matter who it is, I enjoy quoting others. I write down good quotes whenever I come across them. I also have many tucked away in my mind. I draw quotes from a variety of sources: poetry, music, literature, movies, plays, speeches, news reports, and even casual conversations. If you look at my Facebook page, under the section titled "Favorite Quotations," you'll see a lengthy list of favorite quotes--and that is just a start! In many ways, I feel a kinship to John Bartlett who compiled the well-loved book Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.

It occurred to me recently that I should not be hiding my light beneath a bushel. I should be sharing these quotes with others. It's time for me to open the vault.

So I've created a new series here at The Dunger Peak: "From The Vault" (abbreviated "FTV"). From time-to-time I will post a quotation from the vault. It may be something new, old, familiar, or obscure. It may be comforting, entertaining, disturbing, or thought-provoking. Just because I pass along a quotation doesn't necessarily mean I agree or condone the statement. Sometimes we learn just as much (and maybe even more) from the folks with whom we disagree. No matter what your point of view, I hope you will read and appreciate these quotations "From The Vault".

Here's one to get us started (and it is certainly quite appropriate for this particular blog entry):

"Quote as often as possible. It saves on original thinking."
--C. S. Lewis

Tainted Legacy

2010-04-28T14:09:00.003-05:00

I came across the following poem in the March/April 2010 issue of Alive Now. I think it's totally awesome!

Tainted Legacy
By Patricia Adell Dickson

Whoever breathed into your ear
the slightest whisper to suggest
that you were not your God's elect
most certainly was mistaken
about whose all God's children are.

Daily Word: Desires of Your Heart

2010-04-19T11:13:00.004-05:00

This was an eye opener for me. Maybe it will be for you as well!

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Resurgence

I act on the desires of my heart.

Have I fulfilled my hopes and dreams in life? Am I where I planned to be? Any discontentment I feel with my present circumstances may be an inner nudge to reawaken the desires I have allowed to become dormant. Perhaps now is the time to display my creativity, travel to far-off places or serve God and others in a whole new way. Acknowledging this urge, I allow myself to consider new possibilities. My soul surges as I expand my horizons.

Remaining flexible and open, I don't limit myself to any preconceived ideas of what I can or cannot do. The Spirit within provides all I need to satisfy the longings that once seemed lost, but now are found.

When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost."--Luke 15:9

(from Today's Daily Word for Monday, April 5, 2010)

Daily Word: Joy

2010-04-11T18:57:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
I was cleaning out my email inbox today and found this Daily Word from January 8, 2010. Even though it's more than 3 months old, I still need to hear these words--over and over again. Maybe you do as well.

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Joy

I am joy in expression.

There is no need to ever wait for joy. My joy does not depend on reaching or achieving certain goals. I don't have to graduate from college to feel joy, nor do I need to be married to feel joy. I needn't postpone my joy until I've retired or reached a certain level of success. Joy is a state of mind, arising from realization and gratitude, accessible to me at all times.

I focus on the joy that underlies my life each day. When I awake, I feel joy. Throughout my day, I give thanks for the people who share my journey. At the end of the day, I am grateful for each experience. I reflect on the blessings in my life and feel joy welling up within me. I never wait for joy. I choose joy in this very moment.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy.--James 1:2

Daily Word: Joy

2010-03-27T15:07:00.003-05:00

As soon as I read this devotion, I knew I needed to pass it along so that others might also be blessed by these words.

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Today's Daily Word - Thursday, March 25, 2010

Joy

The Holy Spirit is my source of joy forever.

An artesian well is a natural water source that emanates from layers of rock deep within the earth. Without priming or pumping, it sends an ever-flowing supply of cool, refreshing water to the surface. Spirit is an artesian well that fills me with joy, a wellspring of joy from which I may draw at any time. I may experience this joy as profound bliss or a simple awareness of well-being.

If circumstances weigh me down, I go to this well. If I am troubled or hurting, I go to this well. If I am lonely or afraid, I go to this well. There, in quiet prayer, I turn within and experience the cool, refreshing free-flowing Spirit as joy and peace.

The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.--John 4:14

A Point to Ponder: Required Insurance

2010-03-24T13:59:00.003-05:00

In the ongoing debate about health care reform in the United States, I have heard a number of folks who are critical about the possibility that all Americans would be required to purchase health insurance. "Why should people who are healthy and who don't want coverage be required to purchase insurance?" goes the query. "Why should we be subsidizing the medicals bills of those who are unhealthy?"

In response I ask: how is that different from requiring all drivers to purchase auto insurance? Most (if not all) States require all drivers to have some form of liability coverage--regardless of driving ability and accident history.

I have been driving for 26 years. During that time I have been involved in only one accident where I was at fault. The result was only $300 worth of damage. So why should I be required to purchase something I don't ever use? What if I'm content to cover accident expenses out-of pocket? Why should I be subsidising the accidents of reckless and dangerous drivers, not to mention uninsured motorists?

Just a point to ponder.
—Clayton

Lorica of St. Patrick

2010-03-17T12:09:00.004-05:00

Lorica of Saint Patrick
(also known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate")

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In preachings of the apostles,
In faiths of confessors,
In innocence of virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who desires me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against dark laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts human body and soul.
Christ shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that reward may come to me in abundance.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through a confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation

--St. Patrick (ca. 377)

SWS: Prayer of Joy

2010-02-17T14:24:00.004-06:00

Dear Friends,
In my October 22, 2009 blog entry, I shared a prayer by Quaker pastor, missionary, and author John Somervell Hoyland. Here's another prayer by Hoyland, expressing joy in the presence of God.

O Thou, who art, beyond all human telling,
Beautiful, adorable, and lovely,
Thou who revivest our souls,
Thou who fillest our lives with joy,
Thou whose touch on our hearts is bliss, deathless and ineffable,
Thou at whose word of love monotony and despair flee away,
Thou who makest the desert a garden with the sweet fragrance of Thy presence,
Thou with whom to live, in humble poverty and weakness,
Is the splendor of eternal life,
Give us the light and glory and joy
Of Thy perfect friendship - Amen.

- John Somervell Hoyland (1887-1857)

Today's Daily Word: Forgivness.

2010-02-13T14:52:00.002-06:00

This is excellent.

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Today's Daily Word
Saturday, February 13, 2010

Forgive

I walk a new path of love and forgiveness.

At any time, I may make a fresh start, choose a new path and forgive myself and others for past mistakes. Forgiveness is the key to freedom. I dismiss any thoughts of disapproval and affirm my power to forgive. Whatever choices I made in the past have helped forge my character. My path, no matter how crooked, was the right path for me. I am confident that even greater good is being made manifest now.

I leave behind old habits and embrace new thoughts and actions that lead to wholeness and freedom. The pure, uplifting joy of prayer keeps me energized. I choose health. I choose love. I choose forgiveness. I feel light, loving and free.

Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.--Proverbs 4:26

Daily Word: Happiness of Life

2010-01-06T14:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,
The devotion posted below was the Daily Word for December 30, 2009. What a powerful message. I don't know about you, but these are words that I need to hear over and over again.
Blessings,
Clayton
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Happiness

With God's love in my heart, I fully experience the happiness of life.
Happiness is a state of heart and mind. It is mine to choose. When I rise each morning, I think positively. I begin my day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart that says "Thank You, God, for another perfect day."

I spread happiness in my interactions with others. Through a simple smile and a cheerful outlook, I lift the spirits of family and friends. I look on the light side of life, realizing that goodness and love can be found every moment of every day.

My heart and mind are open to the inspiration of God as the source of my love and enthusiasm for life. I live the peace and happiness God created me to experience.

Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.--Psalm 84:4

Daily Word: Let Go & Let God

2010-01-05T15:30:00.003-06:00

The following was the Daily Word devotional for December 30, 2009. What a valuable lesson as we begin another year. May we all "let go and enjoy the adventure."
Blessings,
Clayton

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Let Go, Let God

I let go and let God lead the way.

Winter sports offer an opportunity for fun and adventure. They also illustrate how one might face life's challenges. Observe a group of beginning skiers and their expressions as they ride the lift up the slope. Some may look apprehensive, others excited. Some may be fearful, anticipating a fall. Others are joyous and free, ready to face the slope with confidence.

Which of these two groups of skiers best describes me at this moment? Do I anticipate what might go wrong, or do I greet each situation with expectation of good? Do I let go and let God? On this day, I let go of any fear that may be holding me back. I let go, let God and enjoy the adventure!

You have made me stride freely, and my feet do not slip.--2 Samuel 22:37

A Questionnaire

2009-12-31T12:10:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,
I was listening to the Dianne Rehm Show on NPR this morning, and they were playing a rebroadcast from the November 30, 2009 episode. In this episode, she was interviewing author, poet, and farmer Wendell Berry. Berry was discussing his latest collection of poetry entitled Leavings. Along with other excerpts from this collection, Berry read the following poem that I think is some good food for thought.

Questionnaire

1. How much poison are you willing to eat for the success of the free market and global trade? Please name your preferred poisons.

2. For the sake of goodness, how much evil are you willing to do? Fill in the following blanks with the names of your favorite evils and acts of hatred.

3. What sacrifices are you prepared to make for culture and civilization? Please list the monuments, shrines, and works of art you would most willingly destroy.

4. In the name of patriotism and the flag, how much of our beloved land are you willing to desecrate? List in the following spaces the mountains, rivers, towns, farms you could most readily do without.

5. State briefly the ideas, ideals, or hopes, the energy sources, the kinds of security, for which you would kill a child. Name, please, the children whom you would be willing to kill.

--Wendell Berry

December 2007: Worth Another Look

2009-12-23T15:37:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,
Below is the pastor's column I wrote for the December 2007 issue of the Monroe City / Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches newsletter. Some of the details I list are out of date, of course. But as I reread the column, I realized that the message is still true for today. I hope you find this meaningful.
Blessings,
Clayton Peak

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From Your Pastor…

December can be a rather dreary and gloomy month. The days are short, and they keep getting shorter until after the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. According to the United States Naval Observatory, the amount of time from sunrise to sunset in the Monroe City area on December 22 this year will be only 9 hours and 21 minutes. Talk about a short, gloomy day!

The weather can also make December a dreary month. According to the “Heartland” edition of the 2007 Old Farmer’s Almanac, the average temperature in our region of the country for December 2007 will be 29º which is 1º below “normal”. We can also expect 1 inch of precipitation (slightly below normal), along with a few snow showers and some freezing rain.

Yes—with cold weather and short days, December in Missouri can be downright miserable, if not depressing. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why we make such a big celebration out of Christmas. We need something to keep the gloomy, cold, and dark days from getting us down. We need something to cheer us up and brighten our spirits.

We go to great lengths to find that “something” which will cure the December blues. We decorate our houses and places of business with trees, strings of lights, garlands, poinsettias, manger scenes, and all sorts of ornaments. We attend parades, concerts, school programs, church services, family gatherings, and parties. We may even find ourselves hosting one or more of these events. We send greeting cards, often writing a letter highlighting what we have done during the past year. We go shopping to find just the right presents for friends and relatives. We sing special songs that we don’t sing any other time of the year. We bake delightful treats like cookies, nut breads, and fruitcake. We may drink eggnog, wassail and other beverages that we only drink during the “Holiday Season.”

Now, don’t get me wrong here. I am not a Scrooge. Even though the season is often busy and hectic, I actually look forward to many of our Christmas traditions. I enjoy singing Christmas carols, receiving Christmas cards, eating cookies and pies, drinking eggnog, going shopping, getting presents, attending programs and concerts, and even putting up decorations (although I don’t really have an eye for decorating). Not only do such activities help brighten the otherwise dull and gloomy month of December, but they also spark many fond memories.

Furthermore, unlike some folks, I don’t really decry the commercialism of Christmas. I understand that for many people their very livelihood is dependent upon Christmas sales. For high school and college students, a temporary job over Winter break can be a great way to earn money for school and other expenses. Many charities and services agencies count on the year-end donations that people make in the “Spirit of the Season.”

Here is what I find most meaningful about this time of the year. Christmas typically falls 3 days after the Winter Solstice. Remember the 9 hours and 21 minutes I mentioned earlier? On Christmas Day it will be 9 hours and 23 minutes—2 minutes longer. And as December moves into January, the amount of daylight will continue to increase. The Gospel of John tells us that in Christ “was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). So doesn’t it seem fitting that as the days are starting to get longer, we celebrate the birth of the One who is the light of the world?

This year don’t let the short, cold days of December get you down. Instead, let’s have a big celebration and remember the true reason for the season—the birth of Jesus the Messiah who came to bring light and warmth to our lives. Merry Christmas!

SWS: Prayer for Peace with Others

2009-12-10T15:19:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,
I came across the following prayer in my devotional reading, and thought it was Something Worth Sharing (SWS). I'm sure we can all resonate with the sentiments expressed in this prayer. [Please note: the book in which I found this prayer was published in 1928. So some of the words and expressions in this prayer do not match up with current English usage.]
Blessings,
Clayton
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My God, I have again given way to temper, and said things I would fain have left unsaid. Just at a time when all seemed at peace around me, one little word of contradiction has thrown me back, and excited feelings which I thought were conquered forever. My Father, when shall I learn to give way to others, even though I may not agree entirely with them? Forsake me not, although I am self-confident. Teach me to yield more easily, to be more patient with those who argue with me. Fill me with grace to subdue all evil feelings; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen.

Source: Mary Wilder Tileston, ed., Prayers Ancient and Modern (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1928), p. 131.

You can still see me on TV!

2009-11-25T12:37:00.004-06:00

Dear Friends,
I don't often engage in shameless self-promotion, yet for every rule there is always an exception! 8^D}

If you did not get to see me on TV last night (Tuesday, November 24), you still have plenty of opportunities. I have checked the archives at WTJR, and the show has already been posted. So that means you now have two options: you can watch me "live" on TV/Internet. OR you can go directly to the archives and watch me at any time via "Video on Demand".

If you like the excitement of watching the show "live", there will be two more airings of me on "The Pastor Speaks" this week. (All times are Central. Please adjust for your time zone.)

Saturday, November 28 @ 10:30 pm CST
Sunday November 29 @ 2 pm CST

Just a reminder: If you don’t get WTJR on your TV, you can watch it on the internet. Go to: http://www.wtjr.org/watch-online. Click on “Live Stream of WTJR”. You will need Windows Media Player to watch the show.

To see the show from the archives, go to http://www.wtjr.org/video2/. Scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Tue11242009.wmv. Click on the arrow by that name, and the program will open up with Windows Media Player. Please note: most shows are held in the archives for no more than two months.

Once again, I thank you all for your support!
Blessings,
Clayton

I'm going to be on TV--REALLY!

2009-11-19T15:08:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,
If you tuned in Tuesday night to WTJR (either on your TV or computer) to watch "The Pastor Speaks," I'm sure you noticed that the pastor who spoke was not me! It turns out that I had the schedule mixed up, and thus the dates I listed in Tuesday's blog entry were incorrect.

So here are the correct dates and times for when you can watch me on "The Pastor Speaks." (All times are Central. Please adjust for your time zone.)

Tuesday November 24 @ 7 pm CST
Saturday, November 28 @ 10:30 pm CST
Sunday November 29 @ 2 pm CST

Just a reminder: If you don’t get WTJR on your TV, you can watch it “live” on the internet. Go to: http://www.wtjr.org/watch-online. Click on “Live Stream of WTJR”. You will need Windows Media Player to watch the show.

After November 29, the program will be placed in the WTJR archives and can be watched at anytime. Go to http://www.wtjr.org/video2/. Scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Tue11242009.wmv. (Please note: this is a change from what I posted on Tuesday). Click on the arrow by that name, and the program will open up with Windows Media Player.

One again, I hope you find my message meaningful.
Blessings,
Clayton

I'm going to be on TV!

2009-11-17T12:40:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,
Every now and then, people say they would like to hear me preach. For those who live nearby, I say: "Come on over, any Sunday!" Yet that's not really an option for those who live far away and/or have other commitments on Sunday mornings.

But now, through the magic of TV and the internet, people around the world can hear me preach (at least one sermon)! Here are the details:

I have been taped for “The Pastor Speaks” on WTJR-TV in Quincy. The program lasts 30 minutes and will air at three different times this week. (All times are Central. Please adjust for your time zone.)

Tuesday November 17 @ 7 pm CST
Saturday, November 21 @ 10 pm CST
Sunday November 22 @ 2 pm CST

If you live in the Tri-States area (Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois) and get your TV signal through an antenna, WTJR is channel 16.1. If you get your TV signal by cable or satellite dish, check with your provider to see if you get WTJR. (On Hannibal cable, WTJR is channel 7.)

If you don’t get WTJR on your TV, you can watch it “live” on the internet. Go to: http://www.wtjr.org/watch-online. Click on “Live Stream of WTJR”. You will need Windows Media Player to watch the show.

After November 22, the program will be placed in the WTJR archives and can be watched at anytime. Go to http://www.wtjr.org/video2/. Scroll down to Pastor_speaks001_Tue11172009.wmv. Click on the arrow by that name, and the program will open up with Windows Media Player.

Whether you watch it live or from the archives, be sure to tune in. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers, too. I hope you find my message meaningful.
Blessings,
Clayton

October Newsletter: Covered Bridges

2009-11-03T12:19:00.004-06:00

Dear Friends,
Here is my column for the October 2009 issue of the Monroe City/Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches Newsletter. May you find all the strength you need to travel through life's covered bridges.
Blessings,
Clayton

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From Your Pastor…
I like to look at bridges. Bridges can be quite a site to behold. Not every bridge is spectacular, of course, yet there are numerous beautiful bridges throughout the world: old stone bridges, rustic wooden bridges, and modern marvels spanning distances once thought impossible.

If you were to walk into my office today, you would see at least two pictures of bridges. On one wall I have a 2009 calendar of bridges. Even though it’s not a very fancy calendar, I still find the pictures inspiring. On another wall I have a framed pencil drawing of the Union Covered Bridge that was done by a friend of mine. The Union Covered Bridge is not far away from us [in Monroe County]. It’s located several miles southwest of Paris [Missouri], just off of Country Road C. It is one of only 4 covered bridges still standing in Missouri today.

I’ve long admired covered bridges. They have a special, rustic beauty that harkens back to the early years of our country’s history. I also find a powerful symbolism in the design of a covered bridge. All bridges take you from one side to the other, crossing over water, roads, valleys, and other terrain. But a traditional wooden, all-enclosed covered bridge has a quality that no other type of bridge has. It's dark inside a covered bridge. You can't see your surroundings very well while traveling through the bridge. Some covered bridges have little windows along the side which let in just enough light for you to see where you are going. But that’s about all you can see of your immediate surroundings. You can’t see the river, lake, valley, rocks, or whatever perils might lie below you. The sides and the roof box you in, so you have no where to go, other than toward the light on the other side. When you emerge from the bridge, you emerge into daylight. You are no longer boxed in by the bridge. You are able to move about freely, able to see all around you. And best of all, you’ve made it to the other side of whatever you were crossing.

As we journey through life, from time to time we find ourselves traveling through covered bridges. These are not bridges in the literal sense. Instead of being made out of wood and metal, these bridges are built out of the troubles and sorrows of life. Many things can create such a bridge. It may be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, family struggles, abusive situations, loss of employment, financial difficulties, health problems, emotional turmoil, or other significant life changes. Whatever the case may be, this event brings us to an impasse. We can’t turn back, so our only choice is to continue through the covered bridge. Just like being inside an actual covered bridge, we can't always see or make sense of what is going on around us as. The difficulties we face box us in. It’s dark and scary; perhaps it’s even lonely. If we look carefully we can a little light coming through the side windows. It’s not a lot of light, but just enough to keep us from stumbling, just enough for us to find our way. We may find ourselves discouraged and frustrated, but there’s no place else to go. So we push ahead. And as we keep moving onward to the end of the bridge, we will eventually cross over the troubled waters and valleys of life. We will exit the bridge and emerge into the sunlight of a new day with bright hope for the future. Our journey may not over, but on the other side of the bridge we can forge ahead with renewed hope and strength.

Covered bridges may vary in length, but they never last forever. No matter how dark, scary, or lonely they may be on the inside, they always lead back out into the open. As we exit the bridge, we can look back to see that we indeed got from one side to the other—which is the whole reason for having bridges in the first place.

May God give you strength and courage for all of the covered bridges you face throughout your life.

Grace and Peace,
Clayton

SWS: Prayer for God's Peace and Love

2009-11-02T14:45:00.005-06:00

Dear Friends,
I came across the following prayer in my devotional reading today. Even though the language is a bit arcane, I pray that you find this as meaningful as I did.
Blessings,
Clayton
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Enable us, O God of patience, to bear one another's burdens, and to forbear one another in love. Oh, teach and help us all to live in peace and to love in truth, following peace with all men and walking in love, as Christ loved us, of whom let us learn such meekness and lowliness of heart that in Him we may find rest for our souls. Make us so gentle and peaceable that we may be followers of Thee as dear children, that Thou, the God of peace, mayest dwell with us forevermore. Amen.
--Benjamin Jenks (1642-1724)

It's a Miracle

2009-10-25T18:39:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,
Since early October 2008, I have not been able to logon to blogspot from my home computer. I couldn't even visit a blogspot site. Whenever I tried, I would get an error message on my computer. I don't claim to be a computer expert. But the only explanation I could find...my computer must be too old. My 2004 eMac running Mac OS 10.3.9 must no longer be compatible with blogspot. (About the same time, I could no longer access YouTube from my home computer, and I suspected it was the same reason.

But tonight--more than 12 months later--as I was doing an internet search to find out how long a baroque trumpet is, the computer took me directly to a blogspot site, and the page opened just fine! I couldn't believe it. What changed? I'm still running the same old software on the same old computer. How did it suddenly start working again? And, how long has this been going on?

I don't know the answers to these questions. But I do know this. If I continue to have access to blogspot at home, you can expect to see more frequent blog entries. I won't have to go to other computers to post on the blog. I can write and post from the comfort of home.

So hip, hip, hooray! Let's hope this is a permanent situation, and not just a temporary glitch in the system! Stay tuned!
Blessings,
Clayton

SWS: Prayer For Guidance

2009-10-22T14:28:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
I came across this prayer recently. I thought it was something worth sharing.
Blessings,
Clayton
++++++++++++++

Father,
The path ahead is dark,
And we know not where Thou wouldst have us go.
Give us, oh, give us, Thy gracious guidance
And a tranquil trust in Thy love,
That we may walk forward through the gloom,
Unfaltering, fearless, and confident,
Having within us that divine light
Which maketh clear as day the darkest midnight,
Guiding the traveller who shall trust in Thee
Safe through impenetrable forests and over trackless mountains.
Amen.
-John Somervell Hoyland (1887-1957)

September Newsletter: First Things First

2009-10-20T12:39:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends,
Below is my column for the September 2009 Monroe City/Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches newsletter. Like many of my columns, the advice given here is "easier said than done". But with time, determination, and prayer, we know that all things are possible with God.
Grace and Peace,
Clayton
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From Your Pastor…
I recently told some folks, “I think the earth is rotating faster than it used to.” That’s not true of course. Without peeking in any scientific journals or encyclopedias, I think it is safe to say that the speed of the earth’s rotation has not changed significantly (if any) during my lifetime. Yet the earth’s rotation seems to have sped up. Where did the summer go? How can it be Fall already? Wasn’t the Fourth of July just a few weeks ago?

For many of us, time does seem to go by faster as we grow older. Why? Some people would say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” But what about the folks who aren’t having fun? I’ve also heard it said, “The days are long, but the years are short.” That may be true for busy parents, but what about prisoners sitting in their cells?
I’m sure we could spend all day sitting around trying to figure out why time seems to fly by, but wouldn’t that be a waste of time? Perhaps we’re better off figuring out how to best use the time we have. After all, time is a gift from God. And just like God’s other gifts (money, talents, service), we need to be wise stewards/managers of the time God has given us.

Dr. Stephen Covey is often considered a leader in time management. Covey has authored several best selling books including: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, First Things First, and The Eighth Habit. Covey is also the co-founder of FranklinCovey, a company which sells day planners, calendars, storage binders, computer software, computer bags, and other items to help organize your stuff. They also offer workshops, webinars, and private consulting to help organize your life.

Although I don’t consider myself a disciple of Stephen Covey, I have learned a bit from his books and workshops. I also use some of his planner products. Of all that I’ve learned from Covey, two things in particular stand out.

1. Our lives should be driven by things that are important rather than things that are urgent.
2. Instead of prioritizing our schedule, we should schedule our priorities.

On a typical day, I start off by making a to-do list. Then I go about my work, sometimes hurrying from one thing to another, trying to squeeze everything in. Some tasks take longer than expected, and I end up not having time for other things. At the end of the day I look back at my to-do list and see if I got everything done. Some things on my list aren’t really important and it doesn’t matter if I don’t get them done right away. But when a day goes by when I haven’t read my Bible or taken time for prayer, that’s when I know I haven’t managed my time well. I didn’t schedule my priorities (Bible reading and prayer) and I let the tasks which seemed urgent crowd out the tasks that are not only important but necessary for my Christian walk. As Stephen Covey would say, I didn’t put “first things first.”

Does this ever happen to any of you? I won’t ask for a show of hands, but I expect many of you have similar experiences. For most of us, managing our time isn’t easy. It takes effort and practice. I’m still practicing, and maybe one day I’ll get everything in order. Until then, I continually ask God to show me how I to live my life.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 25. I especially like verses 4 and 5 which read:

Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior.
(Ps. 25:4-5a, NCV)

Whether or not you have problems managing your time, why not join me in praying these words: “Lord, show me how to live.” I’m sure we could all use God’s guidance and direction in our lives as time flies by!

Flash Back - A Lesson from Michael Phelps

2009-10-13T15:55:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
I have been wanting to post this for several months now, but other things intervened. Below is my newsletter column for September 2008. This was written long before Michael Phelps got in trouble with the law. Despite some recent misdeeds, I hope we can look back at what Michael Phelps did 14 months ago, and be inspired to take that extra half-stroke to achieve victory in our lives.
Peace and Harmony,
Clayton

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From Your Pastor…
If you’re like me, you were practically glued to the television set from August 8-24, watching the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. I have always enjoyed watching the Olympics, both Summer and Winter games. It’s exciting to see athletes from all over the world come together in one place and compete in a series of events that only come around once every four years. Even though world championship competitions are held every year for all of the major sports, there’s nothing quite like the excitement and spectacle of the Olympics.

The 2008 Beijing games were especially phenomenal. Michael Phelps, a 23 year old swimmer from Baltimore, made history by breaking several significant records this summer. Phelps won 8 gold medals in Beijing, breaking Mark Spitz’ record of 7 gold medals in a single Olympic games. Combined with six gold medals won at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic games, Phelps now holds the record for most Olympic gold medals in a career. Phelps’ performance in Beijing also makes him the record holder for: (a) most individual Olympic gold medals in a career, (b) most individual Olympic gold medals in a single games, and (c) most Olympic medals in a career for an American.

All 8 events in which Phelps competed this summer were exciting to watch. But the one that impressed me the most was the 100 meter butterfly (also known as the “100m fly”). An Olympic-size pool is 50 meters in length. So for the 100m fly, the swimmers swim to the far end of the pool and then back to the starting line, using the butterfly stroke both lengths of the pool. The 100m fly was Phelps 7th event. He had already won 6 gold medals, set 6 world records, and broken the record for most career gold medals. All eyes were on Phelps for the 100m fly, because if he won this event, he would tie Mark Spitz’ Olympic record, a record held since 1972.

Despite Phelps’ spectacular performances up to this point, Milorad Cavic from Serbia was favored by many to win the 100m fly. As the race began Cavic took an early lead, with Phelps in second place. At the half-way mark, Cavic was still ahead. At 75 meters (3/4 of the way through the race), Cavic continued to be out in front, and it looked like he would win. However, in the last few seconds of the race, something amazing happened. Cavic took his final stroke and then glided toward the finish line. Phelps would have done the same thing; yet for some unknown reason, he felt compelled to take an extra half-stroke. The television commentators thought Phelps’ unusual half-stroke was going to cost him the race. But the exact opposite happened. That half-stroke gave Phelps enough momentum to beat Cavic by one hundredth (0.01) of a second!

What an amazing finish! Phelps almost lost the race. Had Phelps stuck with his usual stroke pattern, Cavic would have won the race, ending Phelps’ efforts to make Olympic history. But by doing something different and unusual—adding an unheard of half-stroke—Phelps went on to win the race and make history.

We in the church can learn some valuable lessons from Michael Phelps’ amazing performance in the 100m fly. When we find ourselves falling behind and losing “the race,” we need to try something different. Instead of just gliding along in our usual fashion and hoping for the best, we need to insert a “half-stroke”. At crucial moments in the life of the church when our situation seems especially difficult or challenging, we need to do something that will give us an extra boost—something that will give us the “oomph” we need to reach our goals.

God wants us to be champions. Not necessarily Olympic champions, but champions for the Kingdom of Heaven. Anyone want to go swimming?

August Newsletter: Finding Hope

2009-10-04T14:57:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
Below is my column from the August 2009 newsletter for the Monroe City / Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches. I am sorry to be running so far behind schedule. I have been wanting to post this for several weeks now, but I didn't get a round tuit until today. I hope you find it meaningful.
Peace and Harmony,
Clayton

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From Your Pastor…
As we enter the eighth month of 2009, I am struck by how different things feel this year compared with a year ago. Last summer there was some economic instability and even talk of a recession, but it wouldn’t be until autumn that the economy would take a serious downturn. Gasoline prices were high, up to $ 4 a gallon or more, but most people figured it was only a temporary increase (which turned out to be true, fortunately). Yes, there were some concerns last summer, but as a whole there was optimism in the air. There were many exciting events that helped take our mind off any worries about the future.

Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympics in August. It was a record year. The United States won a total of 110 medals, more than any other country. Swimmer Michael Phelps broke Mark Spitz’s record for most gold medals won in one Olympic Games. Phelps also broke the record for most career gold medals, and tied the record for most individual gold medals in a single Olympics. Although not a record breaker, gymnast Shawn Johnson captured the hearts of America as she won one gold and three silver medals.

Last summer we were gearing up for an historic presidential election. The Democratic nominee, Illinois senator Barack Obama, was the first ever African-American to be nominated for president by a major political party. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was the first women ever to be nominated for Vice President by the Republican Party. So no matter who would win in November, the 2008 election would be a “first,” either the first African-American or the first woman elected to high office. There was a lot of excitement around the election because people knew it would be “history in the making!”

Of course, not everything was rosy in 2008. There were hurricanes, earthquakes, airline crashes, wars, murders, and (let’s not forget) floods. But for the most part, people were hopeful and optimistic.

Let’s fast-forward one year. The mood doesn’t seem as bright. People are losing their jobs. Others are uncertain about theirs. Concerns about money have caused many people to be cautious about spending. People are taking “staycations” rather than vacations. Fourth of July celebrations, fairs, festivals, and other events have had to be scaled back or even canceled. Political scandals seem to be on the rise. There’s quite a bit of wrangling going on in Washington, DC. And our troops are still fighting overseas.

As I reflect on the mood I sense in people today, I’m reminded of words written in 1854 by America’s great songwriter Stephen Foster:

’Tis the song, the sigh of the weary:
Hard times, hard times, come again no more.
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door.
Oh! Hard times, come again no more.

Yes, these may be hard times, and they seem to be lingering long. But the good news is that we do not have to make this journey alone. God is with us, each and every step. In a recent Upper Room devotional, Anna Georgieva of Bulgaria writes, “Through my struggles I learned an important lesson: We cannot blame God when we suffer. We live in a sinful world filled with imperfect people, but God is perfect and merciful. God is our hope.” What a powerful testimony from someone whose life has been filled with many tragic events. What an inspiration for all of us.

Even though hard times may linger many days around our “cabin door,” we have hope. God is our hope. Christ is by our side, leading us, guiding us, and sometimes even carrying us. The Holy Spirit fills us with power and strength. Let us give thanks for this wonderful good news!

SWS: Mentors

2009-09-24T12:40:00.002-05:00

Something Worth Sharing

Oprah made this statement on TV several years ago, but I heard it for the first time today.

"We are all mentors to people, even when we don't know it."
-Oprah Winfrey

So here's the "so what?" of this quote. If we are all mentors, are we being good or bad mentors? Are we being a positive or a negative force in our world? Since "actions speak louder than words", what might others learning from our actions, regardless of our intentions?

Back to School

2009-09-16T18:41:00.004-05:00

With the exception of some schools on the quarter system (like the University of Chicago, most students are back to school by now. But whether or not we ourselves are enrolled in school at this time, we are still students. Learning does not end when we get our diploma. Education is truly a lifelong process. As we think about our ongoing learning, I find the following devotion from The Daily Word to be inspiring.

Today's Daily Word - Monday, September 14, 2009

Back to School

I embrace new opportunities to learn and grow.

The smell of new crayons and freshly sharpened pencils may remind me of the excitement I felt on the first day of a new school year. Now when I begin a new book or project, I may feel that same kind of anticipation.

As a lifelong learner, I gratefully acknowledge that every day presents opportunities to keep learning and to share insights with others. As I grow in understanding, learn new skills and try fresh approaches, my knowledge expands.

I give thanks for all those who teach, guide and support students on new paths. I affirm that God's wisdom and understanding are active within them.

"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well."--2 Timothy 2:2

"You Lie" - The Truth

2009-09-14T11:51:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
Much has been said about South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson's outburst of "You Lie!" during President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. Representative Wilson apologized to the President, yet people have been calling for more apologies and other reparations.

As I have thought the issue over, perhaps Wilson has been misrepresented and misunderstood. Maybe he didn't really say "You Lie!" to the President. Perhaps he said, or at least meant, something else. Here are some possibilities of what might actually have happened.

1. Representative Wilson often brings his dog into the House chambers with him. Normally his dog lies calmly at his feet. However, something stirred up Wilson's dog, and the dog jumped up and began to run around. Not wanting his dog to cause any trouble, Wilson called out to his dog and said, "you, lie!"

2. Representative Wilson has a dear friend named Hugh Lai. It's been many years since the two men have seen each other. On Wednesday night, as Wilson looked around the House chambers, he noticed his friend sitting in the balcony. Wilson was so excited about seeing his long lost friend that he he forgot about congressional decorum and cried out "Hugh Lai!"

3. Being from South Carolina, Representative Wilson is known to occasionally speak in the old antebellum slave dialect. During the President's speech, Wilson overheard a comment that somebody told a lie. Responding in slave dialect, Wilson asked "who lie?"

4. The President was looking especially pale and tired on Wednesday night. Representative Wilson was concerned about the President's health, and called out: "Go lie down!" However, Wilson was chewing a piece of gum at the time, and his words came out garbled. Thus, many people misheard Wilson and thought he said "you lie".

I'm sure there's more possibilities, and if you have any other ideas, feel free to post them!

Peace and Harmony,
Clayton

SWS: Ultimate Vocation

2009-08-18T12:08:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
I came across this quote recently, and couldn't resist passing it along.

My ultimate vocation in life is to be an irritant.
-Elvis Costello

And let me add that there are others for whom this statement applies, even if they aren't willing to admit it!

Happy Trails,
Clayton

July Newsletter: The Shack

2009-08-11T13:50:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
Below is my column for the July 2009 Monroe City/Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches newsletter. In the column I offer some thoughts about William P. Young's bestselling book The Shack. There is much more I could say about The Shack than what I've written below. But space limitations in the church newsletter require me to be--as one of my college professors would say--"precise and concise."

I look forward to hearing your comments.
Clayton Peak

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From Your Pastor
I must admit that I’m not an avid reader of novels. It’s not that I don’t like novels. But after reading the newspaper, magazines, devotionals, the Bible, as well as “assigned” books on pastoral leadership, I hardly have time for anything else. My wife Rebecca can attest to my track record in reading novels. I’ll pick one up and read a few chapters. Something more pressing comes along and so I set the book down. Then somehow I misplace the book and can’t find it for a while. A few months later I find the book and read another chapter or two. Once again the book gets lost. Sometime later the book magically reappears, and then the process starts all over again.

About a year ago I first heard about The Shack written by William P. Young. Soon it seemed like everyone was reading it and recommending it. I thought to myself, “don’t have time for it.” Then this spring my wife read The Shack, and she wanted me to read it also so that we could discuss it. I was still hesitant—too many other books on my reading list. But then after a Walk to Emmaus preparation weekend, I finally picked up The Shack and read it through without ever misplacing the book!

The Shack is a fascinating book. It’s a novel, a work of fiction, yet it tells a story of faith that contains profound truth. The main character of the book is Mackenzie Allen Phillips or “Mack”. Mack has a wife and five children. One weekend on a family vacation his youngest daughter Missy is kidnapped and killed. Although the body is never found, Missy’s blood soaked dress is found in an old, abandoned shack.

About four years later, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to the shack. Although he has many doubts, Mack decides to go. When he arrives at the shack Mack encounters God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but not as he imagined any of them to be. Over the course of a weekend, Mack has the opportunity to talk out his feelings with God. Mack realizes that he has been blaming God for the death of Missy. Mack has a tough time believing that God is loving and good, since there is so much evil in the world.

As Mack wrestles with why God allows bad things to happen, God says:

“Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn’t mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don’t ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes…Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors” (pg. 185).

I have read many scholarly books on the “problem of evil.” And in all I’ve read, I think I have finally found the most levelheaded explanation here in The Shack. God may use suffering and tragedies to accomplish divine purposes, but that doesn’t mean that God causes the tragedies in the first place. Grace doesn’t require suffering to exist, but where there is suffering grace will certainly be there also.

What a refreshing perspective on the problem of evil. Perhaps instead of trying to figure out why bad things happen—and wondering if it is all part of some divine plan—we should simply trust God’s grace to see us through. As finite human beings, our grasp of God is limited. Maybe we should accept the fact that there are some things we will never understand in this lifetime. What matters most, then, is not having all of the answers, but rather having a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

If you haven’t read The Shack yet, I invite you to give it a try. And for those who have read it, let’s talk about it. We may find that this story helps us better understand the mysteries of God, and inspires us to seek a deeper relationship with the One who is absolute love.
Grace and Peace,
Clayton

SWS: On Being Agreeable

2009-07-28T13:38:00.002-05:00

I have to admit that there are times when I find the following statement to be true.

"It takes a lot of thought and effort and downright determination to be agreeable."
--Ray D. Everson

SWS: Criticism

2009-07-01T17:10:00.003-05:00

SWS: Something Worth Sharing.

This is not new, but it's certainly worth sharing again.

"Before you criticize any man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Before you know it, you'll be a mile down the road and he'll be barefoot."
--Author Unknown

SWS: Twain on Greatness

2009-06-24T13:49:00.004-05:00

SWS = Something Worth Sharing

Living in Hannibal, Missouri, we are constantly surrounded by everything Mark Twain. Twain grew up in Hannibal, and so he is the major "cash crop" for this neck of the woods. I have long been a fan of Twain, and have many good quotes by him in my files.

Here's a quote by Mark Twain that I came across recently.

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.
Small people always do that,
but the really great make you feel that you, too,
can become great"
--Mark Twain

Something Worth Sharing

2009-06-18T17:21:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
In my "line of work," I am constantly bombarded with information, ideas, plans, possibilities, suggestions, words of wisdom, etc. I read books, magazines, and devotionals. I hear sermons, motivational speeches, lectures, and testimonies. I attend workshops, conventions, classes, seminars, retreats etc. And yes, I do listen to the radio, watch television, and occasionally go to the movies.

Every so often, I read, hear, or see something and think to myself, "Now that's something worth sharing! I expect others might appreciate it as well." So in order to "spread the wealth" with others, I am creating a new series here at The Dunger Peak: "Something Worth Sharing" (SWS). Whenever I have SWS, I will put "SWS" in the title line, followed by a brief description (e.g., "SWS: True Happiness"). Because of my computer situation, I can't guarantee how often I'll post SWS. Even so, please keep checking back.

To get us started with our first SWS, here's a quote I found today on a box of Celestial Seasonings tea.

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony"
--Mahatma Gandhi

June Newsletter: Words of Hope

2009-06-11T17:09:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,
Because I have received such positive feedback about my pastor's column for the June 2009 Monroe City & Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church Newsletter, I thought I should share it with a wider audience. My June newsletter column makes reference to some specific events taking place in Monroe City, Missouri. Even so, I believe these words can bring comfort and hope to other people in other places.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From Your Pastor…

In the January newsletter, I unveiled my motto for the New Year:

“Things will be fine In two thousand and nine!”

As we come to half-way point in the year, we may be asking ourselves, “Are things really going fine in two thousand and nine?”

Recent events in our community might lead many to say, “No. Things are not fine.” Pace Industries will be closing its Monroe City plant July 14, putting more than 180 people out of work. Meanwhile, Intermet Corporation will be up for auction on June 22. No one knows yet what the new owners may do with the company in terms of closures and consolidation. And then, as if to add insult to injury, Pete Paris Chevrolet will be losing their General Motors franchise in October 2010.

Wow—what a blow to our community. Pete Paris, Pace, and Intermet have a long history here in Monroe City. Some people have spent most of their careers working at one place or another. What is going to happen when two or perhaps all three of these community pillars come crashing down? Is there any hope for the future of Monroe City?

An old African-American Gospel song goes, “In times like these you need the Bible.” Indeed, the Bible can bring us hope and comfort as we face difficult and challenging days ahead. I especially find the 23rd Psalm to be helpful in times of trouble.

I once heard a pastor preaching on this beloved Psalm. He reminded us that verse four states: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Notice how it doesn’t say, “Even though I get stuck in the valley” or “Even though I stumble and fall in the valley.” No. The Psalm is clear: “Even though I walk through the valley.” You see, as we face the dark valleys of life, we don’t have to get stuck; we don’t have to stumble and fall. We can walk. We keep on pushing ahead and we will get through the valley. The valley may be dark and treacherous. It may be filled with obstacles. We may have a difficult time seeing the way ahead. But if continue to walk, we will make it through.

As we walk through the valley, the Psalmist reminds us: “I fear no evil; for thou art with me.” We need not make this journey alone. The Lord who is our shepherd will walk by our side. We need not be afraid because the Lord will be with us each step of the way.

But the Lord does more than just walk with us. The Psalm continues: “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The rod and staff are important tools for a shepherd. A shepherd uses a rod to protect the sheep by driving off wolves, coyotes, and other dangers. The crook on the end of the staff makes it a valuable tool for rescue. If a sheep gets caught in thorns, or if it has slipped and fallen to a place of danger, the shepherd can grab a hold of the sheep with the crook of the staff, and bring in the sheep to safety. So as tools of protection and rescue, the rod and staff bring comfort to the sheep.

The Lord’s rod and staff bring comfort to us as well. The Lord takes the rod to drive away the wiles of the enemy that would discourage us, bring us down, and even cause us to loose our faith. And if we ever get caught in life’s thorns or stumble off of the pathway, our shepherd will reach out with a staff to catch us and bring us to safety.

So even though the days ahead may be difficult and challenging, we can proceed with confidence knowing that we will get through this valley. The Lord will be by our side, protecting and keeping us, each and every step. And that, my brothers and sisters, is good news!

Grace and Peace,
Clayton

Finishing 4 Maccabees

2009-05-28T15:17:00.002-05:00

In my March 25 blog entry, I indicated that I had just finished the book of 2nd Esdras, and was going on to read 4th Maccabees. Well, today I finished 4th Maccabees. This is the final book in the "extended" version of the Apocrypha, as found in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

4th Maccabees is a rather obscure book. It is not recognized as canonical Scripture by any major religious body. It is laid out as a philosophical treatise, with the intent of proving the superiority of reason over the emotions. To prove his point, the author retells a few stories from the annals of Hebrew history, with more than half of the book devoted to the Judean revolt against Greek King Antiochus. In each of these stories, the author shows how reason trumped emotions, and thus "won the day". Whether or not you agree with this idea, it's a book certainly worth reading, especially for those interested in Ancient Near East history. It's not a heavy read--just 18 chapters, and short chapters at that.

To mark this occasion in my devotional reading, I will leave you with the final two verses of 4th Maccabees, which are thus the "final" verses of the Old Testament Apocrypha:

But the sons of Abraham with their victorious mother are gathered together into the chorus of the fathers, and have received pure and immortal souls from God, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

Finishing 2 Esdras

2009-03-25T18:41:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
Today I finished reading the Apocryphal book of 2 Esdras (see yesterday's post). Not an easy read, but nevertheless an interesting book. All I have left is 4 Maccabees (18 chapters long), and then I will be finished with my second read-through of the Apocrypha.

To mark this occasion, I'd like to share a couple verses from the final chapter of 2 Esdras. Perhaps they may be appropriate for the times in which we live.

"So listen to me, my chosen people. The days of misery will soon be here, but I will rescue you. Don't be afraid and don't give up--I am your God, and I will protect you."
2 Esdras 16:74-75 (CEV)

Some Words from Ezra

2009-03-24T15:20:00.003-05:00

I am reading through the Apocrypha for the second time. I have long had a fascination for these "hidden" books of the bible. Currently I am reading 2 Esdras. 2 Esdras is one of the more obscure books of the Apocrypha, and is not recognized as canonical Scripture by any major Christian denomination.

2 Esdras is an apocalypse, and reads very much like the canonical books of Daniel and Revelation. I have found many similar images among these three books. 2 Esdras depicts Old Testament prophet Ezra as the recipient of visions from God about the future. Here's an interesting, and perhaps fun, passage that I came across recently:

"I opened my mouth, and I was handed a cup full of a fiery-colored liquid, which I took and drank. When I had drunk it, my mind overflowed with understanding, and wisdom increased within me as my memory became perfect. I began to speak and went on talking without stopping."
2 Esdras 14:29-41 (GNT)

TPT: Real Success

2009-03-18T13:52:00.003-05:00

Today's Power Thought (TPT) comes from author and lecturer David McCollough.

Real success is finding your life's work in the work that you love.
--David McCollough

STTA: True Motivation

2009-03-05T15:59:00.003-06:00

STTA = "Something to Think About"

Here's something I read in the January 2009 issue of Bit's & Pieces on Leadership. This is valuable food for thought for anyone whose business is to motivate others.

No one is inspired by the negative. The problem is not lack of awareness, it's lack of inspiration. Most people are not stupid. They know that there are huge changes going on in the world. My job is to inspire them, to get them to believe that the journey is possible and worth the effort, by showing them small achievable steps.
--Robert Swan

Thoughts on Lent

2009-02-27T12:40:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,
Now that the season Lent has begun, I though you might be interested to read my thoughts about Lenten disciplines that I wrote for the March 2009 issue of our church newsletter.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Your Pastor…
The season of Lent is here again. Lent is a period of 40 days (plus 6 Sundays) that begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter Sunday. During this season, the church takes time to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for each of us. It’s important that we take time to remember, because the Resurrection would not have been possible without the Cross. As we remember all that Christ has done, we take time to repent and renew our relationship with God.

One of the ways we can renew our relationship with God is by observing a Lenten discipline. Traditionally a Lenten discipline has been thought in terms of giving up something for Lent. Giving up something we enjoy for 46 days is a powerful lesson in sacrifice and can give us a greater appreciation of all that Christ gave up for us.

Some of the things people often give up for Lent include cigarettes, coffee, chocolate, meat, sugar, etc. Now there’s nothing wrong with giving up any of those things. However, there may be other things we would be better off giving up for Lent, and perhaps for the rest of our lives. In Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit, Rev. David Leininger shares a list he received from another pastor that suggests some interesting options of things to give up. See what you think of his list:

· Give up grumbling! Instead, “In everything give thanks.” Constructive criticism is all right, but “moaning, groaning, and complaining” are not Christian disciplines.

· Give up looking at other people’s worst points. Instead concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

· Give up speaking unkindly. Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding. It costs so little to say something kind and uplifting. Why not check that sharp tongue at the door?

· Give up your hatred of anyone or anything! Instead, learn the discipline of love. “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

· Give up your worries and anxieties! Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God’s grace be sufficient.

· Give up television one evening a week! Instead, visit some lonely or sick person. There are those who are isolated by illness or age. Why isolate yourself in front of the “tube”? Give someone a precious gift—your time!

· Give up buying anything but essentials for yourself! Instead, give the money to God. The money you would spend on the luxuries could help someone meet basic needs. We are called to be stewards of God’s riches, not consumers

· Give up judging by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ. Now aren’t you glad you don’t have to do that anymore?
[from David E. Leininger, Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit Servies VI, Cycle B (Lima, OH: CSS Publishing, 2008), pp.91-92.]

Now, you might not agree with everything Leininger has listed here, but doesn’t this put a different spin on Lenten disciplines? Instead of giving up something rather benign like chocolate, we give up a bad habit like grumbling. That’s not only a sacrifice, but also a step towards living more like Christ.

No matter what you might choose to give up, I invite you to use this Holy season as an opportunity to grow in your Christian faith. Take time to refocus your life on Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and give you a spiritual tune-up. This Lent can be another way for all of us to make things fine in Two Thousand and Nine!

Grace and Peace,

Clayton

Join the Revolution

2009-02-19T14:22:00.002-06:00

Here's a good quote I came across recently.

"Kindness is a revolution that needs as many leaders as possible. When will we know we have succeeded? When we look behind us and see no followers, only people walking beside us, doing their best to meet life with an open heart."
-Margo Silk Forrest

These words remind me of a line from a Beatles' song: "You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world." So putting these two thoughts together--yes, we can indeed change the world. Let's have a revolution of kindness as walk together, doing our best to meet life with an open heart.

A Good Message

2009-02-17T13:01:00.002-06:00

I was flipping through my copy of Eugene Peterson's version of the Bible known as The Message and came across these words:

I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way! Jude 1-2 (MSG)

Not a word-for-word translation, of course, but I really like how Peterson puts it: "Relax, everything's going to be all right...love is on the way!" These are definitely words to live by--words that can help us make it through the ups and downs of our day-to-day life. And in times like these, we can all use some words of hope and encouragement.

Have a blessed day!
Clayton Peak

STTA: Veterans Day

2008-11-11T13:54:00.002-06:00

Here is Something To Think About (STTA) for Veterans Day.

Tonia Sargent's husband Kenny was seriously injured while serving in Iraq with the Marines 4 years ago. As she writes in the October 2008 issue of Guideposts magazine, "During a firefight in Najaf a bullet ricocheted off an armored personnel carrier and pierced his head, entering under his right eye and exiting the left side of his skull."

Kenny sustained serious injuries, and underwent many months of treatment and rehabilitation. Although he will be living with the effects of his injuries for the rest of his life, Kenny made a remarkable recovery. Rather than receiving a medical discharge, Kenny was able to finish out his time in the Marines and retire with 21 years of service.

At the end of her article, Tony writes: "No matter when the Iraq war ends, the warriors who come home will need more than slogans, more than bumper stickers and ribbon magnets on cars. They'll need resources to get the health care they need. Support for family members taking part in that care. A lot of prayer. And a nation committed to seeing them through."

On this Veterans Day, I say a hearty "Amen" to these words that Tonia Sargent hopes to share with all Americans.

Blogger Problems

2008-10-15T13:27:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

To the hundreds of thousands of people who regularly turn to this blog for words of hope, inspiration, and entertainment, I am sorry that I have not posted since August 28. For reasons unknown to me, my home computer (a Macintosh eMac purchased in 2004) no longer allows me to access any "blogspot" pages. Whenever I attempt to go to any blogspot site, whether it's mine or someone else's, I always get an error message. Thus I can't read or post anything on blogspot from my home computer.

I can access blogspot from other computers--at work, the library, etc. (which is what I'm doing now). But since I can't access blogspot from home, that really makes it difficult to regularly blog.

So what is the future of "The Dunger Peak"? Right now, I don't know. I hope one day I can resolve the issue with my home computer. Until then, I'll just post whenever I can using other computers. Even though I may not be able to post very often, I hope all of you will keep checking back to this blog. You never know when a new entry may come your way. And for those of you reading this via Facebook, my entries will continue to be imported whenever I post them.

Thank you for your understanding!
Clayton Peak

So What Can I Do?

2008-08-28T14:12:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

I have discovered a wonderful blog site that I think many of you will want to visit.

Have you ever thought to yourself--"I would like to help make the world a better place, but I just don't know what I can do" and/or "the world's problems are so big, I don't think there is anything I can do"? It is thoughts like these which led biologist Dr. Karama Neal to create a public service blog titled, "So What Can I Do?"

You can visit Dr. Neal's blog at http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/ or by clicking here.

The blog covers a wide variety of topics, like: how to recycle old cell phones, how to become an organ donor, how to support disaster relief, how to run for public office, how to become a Big Brother/Sister, and many more helpful ideas. The site has a Google search engine that allows you to search through the entire archives of posts. The blog has a link to Amazon.com, recommending books pertaining to related topics. The blog also has links to a number of other sites, both commercial and non-profit, that may be of interest.

So give it a try. And next time you ask yourself, "So What Can I Do?" Now you know how to find out!

A Little Housekeeping

2008-08-19T10:55:00.004-05:00

Today I did a little "housekeeping" at The Dunger Peak. First of all, I updated my (i.e., Clayton's) profile. A few things have changed since I first wrote my profile. Although the changes are relatively few, at least it's an up-to-date representation of who I am and what I'm doing. I also updated the list of Links on the right hand panel.

Here are the Links I changed:

Palmyra/Mt. Vernon UMC removed because link expired.

Rev. Clayton Peak changed to Rev. Clayton Peak @ 7 Villages in order to be more specific.

Clayton Peak @ Facebook added as a new link.

Guideposts added as a new link.

The Jam Factory changed to 'Round the Bend Music to reflect name change of store.

I hope you'll enjoy the updated version of The Dunger Peak. For those of you reading this as a a note imported into Facebook, you may access the blog at http://thedungerpeak.blogspot.com/ or by clicking here.

Have a blessed day!

Happy Birthday Braveheart 2008!

2008-08-18T21:25:00.005-05:00

Pictured to the left is our cat Braveheart, hard at work! This month she turns 8 years old. We don't know the exact day of her birth. But when we first took Braveheart to the vet, he estimated that she was born sometime in August 2000. So every August we celebrate as Braveheart's birthday month. According to our IAMS Complete Cat Owner's Manual, an eight year old cat is equivalent to a 48 year old human. That makes Braveheart older than either one of her human parents! ;-) Braveheart now has a spot on Catbook, an application linked with Facebook. So those who are on Facebook can post a message on her wall and "virtually" pet her. If you are not on Facebook and would like wish her a happy birthday, send your messages to us and then we'll forward them on to Braveheart.

Positive Thinking - R.I.P.

2008-08-07T17:10:00.003-05:00

I was saddened to receive a notice from Guideposts today. In part, the letter read:

"We would like to thank you for your continued support of Positive Thinking magazine. We know how much this magazine means to you, but after careful consideration, we have found it necessary to discontinue publishing Positive Thinking after the July/August 2008 issue."

I have received Positive Thinking since the July/August 2007 issue. Positive Thinking began in January 2007 by the same folks who bring us Guideposts. Actually, this was not the first incarnation of Positive Thinking. For many years, the folks at Guideposts published a small pocket-size magazine called Plus: The Magazine of Positive Thinking. The title was later shortened to Positive Thinking, although the format remained the same--a small booklet of stories, without advertising--published 10 times a year.

Other than what I've listed above, no further explanation has been given as to why the recent incarnation of Positive Thinking was discontinued. I can only guess that the readership numbers were below the expectations of the publishers. Just like Life magazine which folded in 2000, economics have forced another "lily among the thorns" of periodicals to perish.

I will miss Positive Thinking. In a time when we are surrounded by negativity, fear mongering, divisive vitriol, and so-called "reality" programming, it was a breath of fresh air to receive a publication that actually offered hope for a meaningful life. I only hope that Guideposts can continue to be a beacon of light in a world filled with gloom and despair.

So, to my dear friend Positive Thinking--Rest In Peace.

Vacation Bible School

2008-07-29T13:05:00.002-05:00

This year's Vacation Bible School (VBS) was July 20-25. For several years now, the Monroe City United Methodist Church and the Monroe City Christian Church have held a combined VBS. The location trades back and forth between the two churches each year. This year, VBS was held at the United Methodist Church. Next year it will be held at the Christian Church.

A number of photographs from VBS have been posted at the Monroe City UMC blog. To see them, as well as to read a bit more about this year's VBS, click HERE and go to the blog entries for Monday July 28 and Sunday July 27, 2008.
Enjoy!

TPT: Make Room for Joy

2008-07-22T14:09:00.005-05:00

Today's Power Thought comes--once again--from the June 2008 issue of Bits and Pieces. (If you haven't guessed already, I love that magazine.)

When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.
--Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D.

This power thought by Dr. Bolen reminds me of a quote and a story:

Quote: "Don't prioritize your schedule; schedule your priorities!"--Dr. Stephen Covey

Story: Filling up the jar.
(Here's the short version). A man fills a jar with large stones. Is the jar full? No. He then adds a bunch of small pebbles. Is the jar full now? No. He then adds sand to fill in all the spaces. Is the jar is full now? No. He then adds water until it flows over the sides. Now the jar is full!
Moral: If you don't put the big stones in first, there won't be room for them later. The same is true for our lives. If we don't give first priority to the important and foundational things of our lives, they will be crowded out by smaller and less significant things.

TPT: Optimism

2008-07-17T13:40:00.002-05:00

Now that I'm finally getting "back in the saddle" after my recent move, I can go back to posting my occasional series: TPT (Today's Power Thought). Today's Power Thought is from the June 2008 issue of Bits & Pieces.

"More than any other major personality trait,
Optimism is a matter of practice."
--Kathleen McGowan (writer)

What wise words these are. In my assessment, pessimism comes so easily to most people. It's kind of like their "default" setting. But just as we can override the default setting on a computer or other machine, so too can we override our tendency to be pessimistic and instead work at maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. Pessimism kills, so let's get practicing!

By the way--this is the 100th post at "The Dunger Peak". Thanks to all of you dear readers who make this blog possible!

Slowly But Surely

2008-06-30T18:53:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
After a few days of being unconnected as we moved residences, Rebecca and I now have internet service again. We are getting settled into our new house--slowly but surely. It may be a while before I'm fully back into the swing of things. So please bear with me, and keep checking back.
May you all be blessed.
Clayton Peak

Signing Off for Now

2008-06-17T12:09:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
Rebecca and I are busily packing up our house in Palmyra and getting ready to move. The moving van will be arriving early Wednesday morning, June 25. So until then, it's non-stop work. To keep me on task, I am "signing-off" from blogging until after we get moved into our new house. It will probably beearly July until I am able to post again. I have plenty of blog entries "in the bullpen", so be prepared for some entertaining and inspiring posts this summer. Until then, take care and God bless!

TPT: from Mr. Rogers

2008-06-11T13:43:00.004-05:00

I must admit that I am a big fan of Mr. Fred Rogers! Even though it's been 5 years (and a few months) since he passed away, Mr. Rogers' kind and caring personality, along with his message of hope and encouragement, will continue to be an inspiration for all time.

Here's a quote from Mr. Rogers that I found today while reading the May 2008 issue of Bits and Pieces.

As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has--or ever will have--something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression. --Fred Rogers.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-05-31T08:48:00.004-05:00

May 31 is a day of multiple anniversaries in the Peak family. Unfortunately I don't have any digital pictures at hand for any of these events. If I find some later on, I'll post them. In the meantime, just use your mind's eye to join us in these celebrations.

5 years ago: on May 31, 2003 Rebecca and I were ordained Elders in the United Methodist Church. The ordination took place at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Mo.

10 years ago: on May 31, 1998 Rebecca and I were ordained Deacons in the United Methodist Church. Although the definition of "Deacon" has since changed, at the time it was a first-step towards full ordination in the UMC. The ordination took place at the Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, Mo.

17 years ago: on May 31, 1991 my father Lloyd S. Peak retired after more than 25 years of teaching chemistry and pysical science at MiraCosta College in Carlsbad, Calif.

Please join us in celebrating these special milestones in our lives!

TPT: Live in the Moment

2008-05-21T13:46:00.005-05:00

In a post dated April 28, 2008, I indicated that from time-to-time I would be sharing a "Power Thought" on this blog. If I find something particularly inspiring, why not share it with others who may find it equally inspiring! Yet I got to thinking--so far, every time I've posted an inspiring thought I have always used the title "Today's Power Thought." After a while it might be confusing to have post-after-post-after-post titled "Today's Power Thought." PLUS, if there was ever a thought that you wanted to go back and reference, you'd have to go back and read through every post under the title "Today's Power Thought" to find it.

So here is what I'm going to do. In the title line you will find "TPT". As you can guess, that stands for "Today's Power Thought". Following "TPT" will be a few words to describe the subject of the power thought. Hopefully this new title format will make it easier to read and access these words of wisdom and inspiration.

Today's Power Thought comes from actor, game show host, Dancing with the Stars winner, and philanthropist John O'Hurley.

The following is culled from a interview he gave in the May/June 2008 issue of Positive Thinking.

"The fundamental lesson is that dogs live in the present moment. The greatest gift that we can give ourselves is to live in the present moment and not live with a sense of regret or expectation. You'd be surprised how rich everything can be if you don't worry about the future or the past. I think that's the thing that dogs teach us."

Woof, woof!

Solution to High Gas Prices

2008-05-17T13:03:00.003-05:00

My friend Jennifer Dale has come up with the perfect solution to high gasoline prices. Check it out:

Yes, a railroad handcar! Just think of the benefits:

1. No gasoline needed. It's entirely human powered.
2. No emissions, other than what might emanate from the humans powering it!
3. A great form of exercise.
4. Steel wheels on steel rails = a much faster ride than you might get from a bicycle (rubber tires on pavement or gravel).
5. If you time your travels just right, you might get a "boost" from a train going in your same direction!

A big thank you to Jennifer Dale for coming up with an environmentally friendly and healthful way to deal with the ever-worsening gasoline crunch.

A New Appointment

2008-05-13T20:28:00.000-05:00

Some of you are familiar with the United Methodist system of church government, while others can’t make “heads nor tails” of it. (And even some of us United Methodists can’t always make sense of it!) So please bear with me as I share the following, keeping in mind that I am attempting to address a diverse audience.

Unlike many churches where pastors are “hired and fired” by the individual congregations, in the United Methodist Church (UMC) pastors are appointed to their churches (a.k.a. “appointments”) by their regional Bishop. Each spring, pastors wait to hear if they will remain in their current appointment, or if they will be invited to move to a different appointment. When a pastor is invited to move, the new appointment takes effect July 1 of that year. “Moving Week”—when pastors move from their old appointment to their new one—is usually the 3rd or 4th week in June.

My wife Rebecca has been pastor of Palmyra UMC for the past four years. In April Rebecca was asked if she would consider serving Park UMC in Hannibal. I, on the other hand, was asked to continue serving at Monroe City & Mt. Vernon UM churches. Currently we live in the Palmyra UMC parsonage, approximately 20 miles away from Monroe City. If we accepted this appointment, we would be moving to the Park UMC parsonage in Hannibal, approximately 17 miles from Monroe City.

After much prayer and discernment, Rebecca and I said “yes” to this new appointment. So now the fun begins! Even though we will only be moving about 15 miles away from where we live now, we will be busy from now to the end of June. In a few weeks, our house will be full of boxes. The movers will come sometime during the last week of June, and then we’ll have the challenge of getting settled into a new house.

I’ll keep all of you posted as things progress. In a future post I will give our new address and phone number. Fortunately our email addresses and cell phone numbers will remain the same. So please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this move.

Today's Power Thought

2008-04-28T12:02:00.003-05:00

For those who have been regularly reading this blog--either directly through Blogspot or imported into Facebook--you may notice that I have used the title "Today's Power Thought" more than once. This is not an oversight. In the various publications I read, every so often I come across a thought, idea, slogan, or quotation that really strikes me. I may find it particularly inspiring, comforting, hopeful, captivating, motivating, challenging, powerful, faith-lifting, and/or all of the above. And if the thought or idea is meaningful to me, maybe there are others who would find it meaningful also. So every so often, you can look forward to me posting a "Power Thought"--an idea, phrase, or other quotation that I find particularly powerful and wish to share it with you. I also encourage each of you to do the same. The more good thoughts we can spread around, the better life can be for all of us.

Today I was reading the July/August 2007 issue of Positive Thinking magazine and came across this line.

We live in the best place in the world, at the best time in history, what are you waiting for? Why wait to fulfill your dreams?
--Matt Allen

Indeed--what are we waiting for?
May you all have a blessed day!

Today's Power Thought

2008-04-01T14:55:00.003-05:00

I came across the following piece in the March/April 2008 issue of Positive Thinking magazine. I find these words inspiring, and I hope you will also.

Go after your dreams now! Do you have a life goal? Whether it's sailing around the world or getting your Ph.D., go for it! You can't take good health for granted. Don't wait for retirement to do what you've always dreamed of. Do it now.

Written by Jeff Alt, author of A Walk for Sunshine.

May all of you be so inspired to follow your dreams!

March Musicale 2008

2008-03-31T13:44:00.004-05:00

Every Spring, the Palmyra United Methodist Church holds its "March Musicale." The March Musicale is a musical revue featuring singers and instrumentalists from Palmyra UMC and other churches in the area. I have been a participant in the March Musicale every year since 2005. This year I performed two songs: Life's Railroad to Heaven , an old-time gospel song, and Take a Pill, a little ditty I wrote myself about the state of modern medicine. Rebecca and I performed two songs together: You Are My Sunshine, the classic hit by Governor Jimmie Davis, and I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry, a relatively recent hymn written by John Ylvisaker.

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures from this year's March Musicale. I do, however, have three pictures taken last year. Enjoy!

Here's to Good Luck!

2008-03-29T12:19:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends,
I received a "chain letter" email today. It claimed that if I did not forward the message to at least 10 of my friends within 3 hours, something bad would happen to me. On the other hand, the more friends I forwarded the message to, the better luck I would have. So that got me thinking. If I posted the message on this blog, there would be potential for many people to read it--not only through Blogspot, but also for those who read this blog via Facebook! What an easy way to avoid calamity and ensure some good luck!

So in the name of good luck, I "forward" to you the following poem.

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.
And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.
"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Because when you decide that it is the right time it might
be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets.
And most importantly, stay close to your friends
and family, for they have helped
make you the person that you are today.

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May all of you be blessed with the good luck that comes from forwarded emails!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T17:32:00.002-05:00

Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen Indeed!

In order to celebrate the day, let us recall a beautiful hymn written approximately 484 years ago by Martin Luther (here translated by Richard Massie).

Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands

Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands,
for our offenses given;
but now at God's right hand he stands,
and brings us life from heaven;
wherefore let us joyful be,
and sing to God right thankfully
loud songs of Alleluia! Alleluia!

It was a strange and dreadful strife
when life and death contended;
the victory remained with life;
the reign of death was ended.
Stripped of power, no more it reigns,
and empty form alone remains;
death's sting is lost forever! Alleluia!

So let us keep the festival
whereto the Lord invites us;
Christ is himself the joy of all,
the Sun that warms and lights us.
By his grace he doth impart
eternal sunshine to the heart;
the night of sin is ended! Alleluia!

Then let us feast this Easter day
on the true bread of heaven;
the Word of grace hath purged away
the old and wicked leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
he is our meat and drink indeed;
faith lives upon no other! Alleluia!

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May each of you have a blessed Eastertide!
Clayton and Rebecca Peak