Wayfarer on the Creative Path

Chapter-a-Day Psalm 3

But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; with all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4 (TM)

David's description of being surrounded on all sides was literally true. Before he was king of Israel, David spent many years living in the desert south of Jerusalem. I've been there (see picture). Believe me, it couldn't have been a fun place to live. To the north was King Saul who had put a significant price on David's head. To the south and east was Israel's historic enemy the Amalekites. To the south and west he had the Philistines to contend with. David was literally surrounded.

In the midst of this impossible situation, David could look back and remember that Samuel had anointed him king. It was God's promise that he would someday sit on the throne of Israel. God was for him and he believed it. David wasn't trusting in himself, his military genius, or his personal cunning to get him through. He was trusting that God would deliver on His promise, and in order to do that God would have to protect him - so he chose to believe that too.

What a great reminder. In the midst of difficult circumstances (far less dire than David's) am I trusting myself, am I giving up, or am I believing God's promises to me?

Chapter-a-Day Psalm 2

"Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit." Psalm 2:6 (TM)

Exactly who was king in Zion (Jerusalem) was up for debate when David wrote Psalm 2. The liner notes on this Psalm tell us that David was on the run from his son Absalom, who had pulled off a brilliantly executed coup and was in the process of taking his father's throne. Absalom was a smooth talking, good looking young man who was popular with the people. David's popularity was at an all-time low. He was the establishment and the public was tired of his reign. (read the story in 2 Samuel 13-18)

David's psalm reminds us all that God was king - not Absalom - not even David.

There are plenty of times when things seem totally out of control and I feel like I'm getting the shaft. It's in those times that I need the reminder that God is good, He is in control and His purposes will ultimately prevail. My plans, my purposes, and my circumstances are subordinate to His will. It may not be easy and it may not be pleasant - but I can trust my heavenly Father.
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Chapter-a-Day Psalm 1

God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. Psalm 1:6 (TM)

As I stand on this leg of life's journey, I can look back at where I've been and see how God has charted the path. Even through my own silly detours the road has been steadily leading me right here.

As I turn and look forward I can't see the horizon clearly, but I can see the next step. I look back again and realize God's faithfulness. He has brought me this far. I can keep going. Step-by-step, day-by-day - I'm on the right road.

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Join the conversation! What verse in today's chapter meant something to you? Email subscribers can click on the title of this post and you'll be taken to a "permalink" of the blog post. Once there, you can scroll down and submit a comment. Feel free to share what you got out of today's chapter! If you're viewing this on the blog-site, simply click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post. Share your own thoughts!

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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 31

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. Proverbs 31:17-18 (TM)

We were under a deadline yesterday. There was a project that had been delayed for several different, aggravating reasons. Wendy and I worked hard over the weekend but yesterday was crunch time. I was up and off to meetings early in the morning and Wendy was up with me to get cranking on the project. Last night I went to bed late and she was still working away. I don't know what time she came to bed.

How can I read today's chapter and not feel blessed?

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 30

The skeptic swore, "There is no God! No God!—I can do anything I want! I'm more animal than human; so-called human intelligence escapes me.  Proverbs 30:1 (TM)

I've never been able to get this one. I remember teachers who taught this in the classroom. Even if I wasn't a follower of Christ, I would still believe that there is a God. It seems to me that being an atheist requires as much, if not more, faith than being a Christian. To be an atheist you must believe that (1) matter spontaneously came into existence out of nothing (try and prove that scientifically) and (2) life spontaneously sprang from matter (once again, defying the very laws of nature).

I liken those who would utter the thoughts of today's verse to the rebellious teenager who, when asked who his parents are, replies, "I have no parents."
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"Godfather Night" at the Vander Wells

I feel gross. Perhaps it's the combination of eating Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, then last night Wendy fixed a fabulous Italian meal for our "Godfather Night". Last summer we realized that a few of our friends had never seen The Godfather (yes, I know - sinful!). Of course, Wendy and I are always looking for an excuse to have a dinner party - so last night we put out a huge spread with Italian chicken, spaghetti with both italian sausage red sauce and garlic white sauce, homemade Italian bread, garlic bread, salad, and plenty of wine. Then for dessert Wendy made - for the first time - cannoli that was out of this world which went along with the leftover chocolate cheesecake and peanut butter chunk cheesecake she made last week. (Lord, and I wonder why I've gained weight since we got married!)

I hadn't watched The Godfather in a long time. I believe that one of the tests of a great movie is that you can watch it over and over again and each time you see more layers of detail and depth. Instead of getting bored with it your appreciation grows. So it was with me last night. I noticed a few small details that I'd never caught in the bazillion times I've watched the film. What an amazing piece of cinema.

It's also interesting to watch the film with people who've never seen it. I've come to know the story line so well that I forget how confusing all the characters can be for a person watching it for the first time. Nevertheless, it's kind of fun watching with someone who's looking at it with fresh eyes.

So the question is will we make our friends an offer they can't refuse and have a "Godfather II" night? I think I need to lose about ten pounds first :)

Thanksgiving

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. What am I thankful for?

• Madison Kate, who had a birthday yesterday. Princess for the day, complete with tiara, Madison has been bringing laughter and joy to our lives for 16 years! What a great young lady.
• Family, who are healthy, blessed, thankful, and full of love for each other.
• Watching daughters and nephews beautifully transform from children to young adults.
• Playing Uncle Tim's hand-made guitars.
• Cranium, Trivial Pursuit, and the laughter they produce.
• Grandma Jeanne's cinnamon rolls.
• Intimate conversation.
• Wendy's peanut-butter chocolate chunk cheesecake.
• I only have to put up with my nephew, Solomon's, bragging on the stinkin' Packers for one day.
• Freedom to worship God, work hard, travel unhindered, speak my mind, vote, and love others.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10 (NIV).

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 29

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. Proverbs 29:25 (TM)

For believers, our goal is to be Christ-like in our intentions, our thoughts, our words and our actions. Yet, it is foolish to think that being Christ-like will make us popular or allow us to be at peace with everyone. Remember that Jesus:

• was almost thrown off a cliff by the people of Nazareth (his hometown)
• was despised by the religious leaders to the point they put a price on his head
• had disciples who were constantly frustrated and perplexed by his actions and teaching
• was thrown out of or shunned by multiple towns
• cast out demons only to be threatened by the pig farmer whose pigs the demons went into
• was betrayed by one of his own
• was given a death sentence by public opinion.

Christ-likeness and popularity do not go hand-in-hand. In fact, I find that trying to be universally liked will only sabotage my efforts to be like Jesus.
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 26

NOTE: I hit the "save draft" button the other day instead of "Publish". Here is Chapter-a-Day for Prov 26.

Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. Proverbs 26:17 (NIV)

One of my life verses is 1 Thessalonians 4:11. It's also a reminder to "mind our own business". We are constantly surrounded by interpersonal conflict. People are always having issues with other people, and they are happy to tell us about it. It's easy to get sucked in, take sides and all of a sudden we're expending time, thought and energy worrying about a quarrel that isn't even ours in the first place.

One of the ways we can "lead a quiet life" is by drawing good boundaries between what is "ours" and what is not.
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 28

When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it — But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out. Proverbs 28:2 (TM)

I'm sick of political ads. It's another seven weeks until the Iowa Caususes and here in Iowa you can't spit without hitting a Presidential candidate. You can't turn on the television without being bombarded constantly with the political ads. There are regular knocks on the door from campaign hoofers (on Sunday...in Pella!). The phone rings every night with pollsters asking questions and pre-recorded campaign messages. God help us all.

I don't know who I'm going to vote for, and I will vote. I've heard enough of everyone's plans to fix the war, fix the economy, fix health care and fix social security. I'm looking for a candidate of "understanding" as the verse today says. I want a President who isn't just in it for the power or the politics. I want someone whose understanding extends beyond the problems to the root of the issues and the issues of our human condition from which they spring.
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My Love-Hate Relationship with Community Theater

I'm in my second year (or is it third? - you lose track of time in purgatory) of being president of our local community theater. My wife, Wendy, is also on the organization's board. Thus, we're responsible.

So it was that I found myself at the Community Center last night as the current holiday production goes through the two-weeks-to-curtain-and-oh-my-Lord-I'm-not-sure-this-show-is-going-to-come-together angst.

The show will come together. It always does.

It was while I sat there in the auditorium last night that I pondered my love-hate relationship with community theater. Here is a non-profit organization made up of a wide variety of quirky people (I will include myself in that description) with extremely interesting and different personalities .

You've got the old guard who've seen it all and have "never done it that way before", along with new members who have expended every ounce of emotional courage to get out of their comfort zone and get on the stage. You've got strong personalities who want to tell everyone else how to do it, and fragile personalities who need constant encouragement or else they will have a breakdown at every rehearsal. You've got people with limited talent who think they deserve the lead and people with hidden talents who are afraid to step in the spotlight.

There are countless tasks to be done and everyone thinks someone else is supposed to do it. Eighty percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people. There are those faithful individuals who give you more than you could ever ask, and never ask for so much as a "thank you". There are people who don't have time to pick up a paint brush, but have the time and energy to slave over an email or call all their friends to complain about everyone and everything in the production. There are personality conflicts and gossip. There are laughter and tears. There is everything imaginable that comes with getting a motley crew of fallible human beings together to accomplish this not-quite-monumental-but-it-feels-like-it task.

And, as they say, "the show goes on". The curtain rises. The cast and crew come together to give it their best effort. Audiences laugh at the jokes, applaud the effort, and generally forgive-and-forget the miscues. Final bows are taken, the curtain falls, and the set is torn apart to be stored in the rafters. All that is left of this experience are the pictures tucked away in a file folder at the costume shop...and the memories.

Some shows are better than others. But, seriously, no one really thinks too much about that.

At the cast party (and there is generally always a cast party), people will talk about all of the past shows they've done together. You can sit at the cast party, look around the room and watch it happen. A smile will light their faces as they laugh about experiences that, at the time, drove them to the edge of homicidal rage. It's the war stories of the stage. Old soldiers of the theater with the shared experience which forever ties them together and, despite any differences, they will always have this experience which links them. Conversation will drift to former cast and crew members. Comrades-in-costumes who may have fallen away but are never forgotten. "What ever happened to...?" you hear as memories are unpacked and laughter invariably follows. Keep looking around the room. You can see newer cast members jealous of all the productions and experiences they missed. You can see the old veterans quick to regale newer members with legendary stories and tall tales of the time this or that happened.

As much as I love being on stage in front of an audience, it's not really about the performance for me. It's about the people. It's about the process. It's about the shared experience with these silly, talented, maddening, capable, peculiar, lovable compatriots for whom you grow to care so deeply.

Tonight I will attend another run-through of the holiday production.

I will seriously want to kill several people before the night is over.

I love community theater! :)

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 27

If you wake your friend in the early morning by shouting "Rise and shine!" It will sound to him more like a curse than a blessing. Proverbs 27:14 (TM)

My mom can't whistle. When I was growing up, my bedroom was upstairs. So, when mom would call me in the morning she would stand at the bottom of the steps and offer up her feeble, two-tone soprano version of what, to her, sounded like a whistle.

"OOOO-oooo! OOOO-oooo! OOOO-oooo!"

This shrill, annoying sound was - to my ears - nothing short of fingernails scraped against a blackboard. Thus, it never ceased to wake me up. While we laugh about it now, it seemed at the time much more of a curse than a blessing. I still think about that any time I am required to wake up someone (and I'm always the first one up). No one likes being woken up, but you can try to do it gently!

Hey, some days the chapter of the day illicits deep spiritual thought, other days it brings up silly memories! :)
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 25

Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!  Proverbs 25:13 (TM)

In business, in personal life, in community work - I've organized and led countless projects that required multiple people and/or volunteers. There is nothing more frustrating than people who promise - who talk a big game - and then don't come through. There is also nothing more refreshing than people you can count on to get the job done.

I like to think that I'm one who will get the job done, though I find myself contstantly wary of promising more than I can humanly accomplish. I know from experience that I can over commit and become the very person that frustrates me so much.
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 24

If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place.  Proverbs 24:10 (TM)

I had to chew on this one this morning. At first reading it seems almost insensitive. I mean, it's perfectly natural for people to react to crisis situations. But, the proverb doesn't say that you shouldn't be emotional or you shouldn't struggle - it says that you shouldn't fall apart.

As believers in an Almighty God, we are to have faith in God's presence and purpose, even in the worst of circumstances. I always think of Corrie Ten Boom's recollection of being in a Nazi concentration camp with her sister. In the midst of the muck and mire of the camp, in the midst of the stench of death, in the midst of the terrible inhumanity - Corrie's sister stood at roll call one morning and, with joy, commented on the beauty of the birds who were flying above the camp.

People of faith can raise the eyes of their spirit above the crisis, to trust in God's ultimate purpose.
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 23

Oh listen, dear child—become wise;
   point your life in the right direction.
Don't drink too much wine and get drunk;
   don't eat too much food and get fat.
Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row,
   in a stupor and dressed in rags.  Proverbs 23:19-21 (TM)

I've always found it interesting that the church is quick to speak out against the evils of drinking, but I've never heard a sermon about gluttony. Scripturally, they are clearly on par with one another.

[scratching head]
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 22

Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down; you need a break from bickering and griping! Proverbs 22:10 (TM)

I have worked with a a lot of teams at a lot of companies. I have seen my share of troublemakers who bring down the entire team with their bickering, griping and bad attitude. I have also seen the transformation that occurs when troublemakers are removed from the equation. Not only do things quiet down, but there is a breath of fresh air across the team.

I understand that well-meaning managers want to give the person a chance, but their trouble-making ways are a good indication that they're not in the right place. They aren't happy, the team isn't happy, the manager's not happy. It's best for everyone to unleash them to find something they enjoy.

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 21

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind. Proverbs 21:5 (TM)

My life seems precariously balanced between careful planning and hurry-scurry. Sometimes I carefully plan only to have unforseen troubles send me hurrying and surrying about - like when my laptop and desktop both decided to die late last week. When hurry and scurry put me "further behind" it feels even harder to pull myself out of the fray long enough to get a grip and get back to planning ahead.

The to-do list seems so long. I feel the tyranny of the urgent.

[sigh] Monday morning.
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 20

God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. Proverbs 20:7 (TM)

    I've done a bit of research on my family tree and a while back I received a ton of information from a distant cousin. I was perusing it the other night and found some stories about my Grandma V.W.'s father. I've never heard much about him, other than he was sick and my grandmother had to take care of him. This account told of him being a terrible drunk - a mean drunk. It spoke of his children having to get up in the middle of the night and walk across town to escort him or carry him home from the bar. His drinking clearly destroyed his body, and his children were burdened with taking care of the mess he'd made of his life.

    It made me sad for my grandmother, but also gave me a sense of being blessed by my own parents and Wendy's parents. They're "God-loyal people, living honest lives" and it does, in fact, make life easier for their children and grandchildren. We don't often stop to think about the things that we are blessed with - the things that are going well. Thank you Mom and Dad Vander Well. Thank you Mom and Dad Hall.

God, help me to make life easier for my children and grandchildren, as well.

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 19

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (TM)

    We own a wave runner that we use at Grandpa and Grandma's playhouse on Lake of the Ozarks. Driving a wave runner takes some getting used to. Because it's basically a water jet, the thing only turns and maneuvers when you're actually moving through the water. If you're sitting there in the water not moving, you can move the handlebars all you want and it won't turn.

    I've come to believe that life operates like a wave runner. God can't direct us if we're not moving. God's will and purpose are intricately woven through our own desires, intentions, and decisions. Use the wisdom God gives you in making decisions, but for goodness sake make a decision and get moving.

    With daughters in high school and an impending graduation this May, there is a lot of talk in our house about "options and plans". As a youth pastor and pastor, I had many discussions with people about God's plan for their lives. I watched people become virtually paralyzed by seeking the holy grail of purpose - that one perfect plan that God has for them. They wanted a divine navigation system clearly telling them every turn they should take in life. The result is that they spent so much time trying to divine the perfect plan that they sat "dead in the water". I can hear the enemy cackling quietly, "Gotcha!"

    Which door should I take? Use wisdom, good judgment, and follow your heart. Pick one and go. If it's not God's purpose you'll find it locked. If it opens, then walk on through. You'll look back and realize that it was part of God's plan all along.
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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 18

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Proverbs 18:20 (TM)

I was reminded this morning of the Crash Davis Belief statement I wrote in a fun little exercise with some other bloggers. My belief statement included the following: I believe in good food, good wine, good company and dinner conversations that keep you at the table for hours. This morning's verse reminded me of that. These is nothing as refreshing as sitting around the table having great conversation with people you love to be with. Food refreshes the body, the company and conversation refresh the soul.

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What verse in today's chapter meant something to you? Email subscribers can click on the title of this post and you'll be taken to a "permalink" of the blog post. Once there, you can scroll down and submit a comment. Feel free to share what you got out of today's chapter! If you're viewing this on the blog-site, simply click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post. Share your own thoughts!

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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 17

A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. Proverbs 17:22 (TM)

    My Grandpa Vander Well had a cheerful disposition. That's him standing on Franklin Street in Pella during his Central College days (c. 1926). I can still remember him approaching life as if each day were an adventure for which he was perfectly prepared. Ask Grandpa how he was doing and his stock answer was, "never felt better!". Even when he and his wife were hit by a car and she was killed, even when he was going through a long rehabilitation, even when he was advanced in years and you knew his body was racked with pain he approached each day with a "never felt better!" attitude. Needless to say, he was an encouragement and inspiration to others into his nineties.

    I contrast that with many I know who approach each day as though it was a battle they have already lost. Every day is "doom and gloom". Their glass is half-empty and they are sure someone drilled a small hole in the bottom to let out the rest. These people are not only tired out by their own pessimism and self-flagellation, but they also wear out all those around them.

    I'm constantly telling call center agents that they can choose how they sound on the phone. I think the same is true for each of us. While we can't stop bad things from happening to us, we can choose how we respond to the bad things that happen.

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 16

God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. Proverbs 16:11 (TM)

    I'm partner in a consulting firm that was founded on the principles of God's Message. In fact, it's in our mission statement. A few years ago a member of our group was double checking some old data and realized that a minor error had resulted in the wrong data being given to a client. We also realized that the client had publicly used that piece of data in communicating about some of their business efforts.

    It would have been very easy to let it slide. It was tempting to just move on and let it be. I mean, really...come one...it was just a small mistake, right? Who will ever know?

    God would. We would. We immediately admitted to the mistake, knowing that it might jeopardize the relationship with one of our largest and fastest growing clients. It wasn't fun. We rectified the mistake and wrote off a large research project to help make up for it.

    The following year we did more business with that client than ever before, and they continue to give us more business. We didn't bank on that being the outcome of our admission. Nevertheless, we knew that we had to stay true to our mission and trust God to take care of the rest.

    He's pretty good that way.
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What verse in today's chapter meant something to you? Email subscribers can click on the title of this post and you'll be taken to a "permalink" of the blog post. Once there, you can scroll down and submit a comment. Feel free to share what you got out of today's chapter! If you're viewing this on the blog-site, simply click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post. Share your own thoughts!

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Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 15

Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents. Proverbs 15:20 (TM)

Speaking of being proud of our daughter, that dreaded envelope that every child fears and every parent dreads arrived this week - the girls' first quarter grades! I had to go looking for my buttons, because they all popped off as my heart swelled with pride. The girls have been working really hard this year and their grades reflect it. It made today's verse pop off the page for me.

Even more so as I headed to parent/teacher conferences, which were also this week (and went really well, yeayyy!). As I entered the school there was a young person and their parent heading out the door. By the scowl on both of their faces you could see that things had not gone well. Ouch.

Being a parent of teenagers has plenty of moments of frustration, but it also has plenty of moments of pride and satisfaction. You gotta enjoy the good moments, and give your kids the props they deserve!

Taylor Stars in "Tartuffe"

We're really excited tonight to see Taylor in "Tartuffe". The French classic is about a slimy religious hypocrite who convinces an unsuspecting, wealthy family that he's a devout Christian man while all the while he's swindling their money and seducing every female in sight. Taylor plays the family's daughter, Mariane, who's father gives her in marriage to the jerk - even though she's in love with another young man.

Grandpa and Grandma VW are coming down tonight and we're looking forward to seeing Taylor on stage. Opening night was last night. Woohoo! You go, Taylor!

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 14

The person who shuns the bitter moments of friends will be an outsider at their celebrations. Proverbs 14:10 (TM)

I am blessed with friends who have been with me through my life's bitter moments and celebrations. A few have been there since my youth, a few came further down along life's path. But I know I can pick up the phone at any moment and they are there.

I will forever remember a phone call I received when I was getting slapped around by life and felt like I was fighting a losing battle. "I'm right there in the trench with you," my friend said. "I've got your back."

I also remember the image of a photograph from my wedding of that same friend raising a glass to present a toast.

Every man needs friends like that.
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Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and ciorida9