Illinois Earthquake

For the second time in my life I have been awakened by an earthquake.  It happened early this morning, between 4 and 5 o'clock.  There is an unnatural tremor unlike any thing else that accompanies an earthquake.  That bit of anecdotal evidence is the result of being awakened by two earthquakes - take it for what it is worth.  I had always wanted to feel one.  I have come close enough. 

This is especially true when I think of Haiti.  250,000 estimated dead.   Our county only has 14,000 residents.  Champaign county has 196,000; McClean county 170,000.  I cannot,  in my wildest dreams, imagine that many people disppearing from the planet as a result of one catastrophic event.  And yet, it happens with some regularity on our planet.  And, the questions fly.  Why this, why them, why there, why, why, why?  Maybe I should be asking why not here?  Why not me? 

I am not wise enough to pronounce it an act of judgment, although all such occurences are wake up calls for us all.  A tower fell crushing to death several people.  Jesus said they were not worse sinners than those who did not die.  But, all of us better take note.  Life is a vapor.

Two earthquakes, both since coming to Gibson City.  Hmmm. 

Check Out Mars!

A lot of misinformation has been on the web about how large Mars would appear to the naked eye at this particular period of time.  Some sites were claiming Mars would be as large as the moon!  That is impossible unless Mars and the Earth moves a significant distnace closer to one another.  Which, if that happens, would give us bigger issues with which to concern ourselves than how big and bright Mars appears.

What is true is that this month Mars is closer to us than it has been or will be in our life time and that it is bright.  In fact, it is the brightest object in the evening sky except for the Moon and the star Sirius.  You know it is Mars because it is rust colored.  Look in the Eastern sky around 8:00 P.M. You do not need a telescope or binoculars to enjoy seeing it.  All that does need to happen is for the clouds to part! 

And, while you are looking at it, think about the two rovers currently sitting on the surface of Mars and the biggy brains necessary to get them there.  I think the initial life expectancy of the two rovers was 90 days and they have been going strong for 6 years.  Pretty amazing.

Equipment B

This is my second note about telescopes I own.

When people think of telescopes, the image that most commonly comes to mind is the refractor type of telescope.  They are the earliest types of telescopes having been created in the early 1600s.  Refractors consist of a tube into which is placed the "objective" lens at the front.  The objective may be a single lens or it may consist of two or three lens bundled together either air or oil spaced.  At the rear of the telescope is the focuser into which is placed a diagonal.  Into the diagonal goes an eyepiece.  The magnification of the telescope is largely depedent on the eyepiece.

Large refractors tend to be the most expensive telescopes due the cost of the glass objectives.  There are also a variety of glass types used in the objective.  Those glass types and configurations of the objective lens contributes significantly to the cost of the telescope. 

 My refractor is made by Astro Tech.  The objective is 102mm in diameter - about 4 inches.  It has extra dispersion glass to help with the view.  This particular telescope is the easiest I own to grab and carry outside.  It is particularly good for the moon, planets, and double stars. Good refractors can be purchased at a good price, especially from the used market.  They are (usually) portable, provide good views, are easy to use, and will last a lifetime - provided you don't drop it or run over it with the car. 

Pastor's Diary

I have, since January 19th, 1983, kept a diary/journal.  That is nothing to brag about.  Maybe it is narcisstic.  I once asked my children if there would be a problem with them fussing over who gets my diaries after I die.  They quickly assured me that would NOT be a problem.

There is something about going back and being reminded of historical events in my life and the lives of those around me.  Some of the entries remind me of the faithfulness of the Lord.  Some of them remind me of my own unfaithfulness (not in the marriage sense of unfaithfulness mind you!).  Early on, I was hesitant to write much about what I was thinking or what was happening around me.  It was more of a devotional reflection. The longer I wrote, however, the more I wrote about struggles, thoughts, temptations, victories, circumstances, etc.  For example, on July 14th, 1985 - right after I entered my first pastorate I wrote: My first communion (to lead as pastor).  Brother ____ forgot to supply juice.  But we finally got that straightened out.  Sunday night I forgot to take up the offering so I guess it was tit for tat.  Still in the throes of frustration as far as any type of routine is concerned.  I remember the Sunday morning.  How do you forget the grape juice (wine) for communion? 

Those early days of pastoring were exciting and exhausting.  On July 27th of 1985 I wrote Those preachers lied to me who said that pastoring is easier than seminary.  In September of that same year I said  It is hard to keep up.  I swing from depression to escstacy, from fear to faith.  God, please grant consistency in life and habit.  May my heart be consumed with a burning love for Jesus Christ.  I am still not completely settled into things here.  I intend to be sharing things from these diaries in future blogs.  Entirely for your entertainment and hopefully some edification. 

Every Day - More Light

Whatever the weather we weather the weather whether we like it or not!  So goes a bit of doggrel about enduring the weather.  The last few weeks have been difficult.  First there was the bitter cold and now the dark, dismal clouds that refuse to lift. 

But, to cheer myself up, I remind myself that every day we are adding minutes of daylight to the length of the day.  I don't think I could survive in those parts of the world where the sun sets and does not rise again for weeks and weeks. 

It is not that I don't like the dark.  But, I hate the gloom.  A day or two of it is not bad.  But when it does not lift for days and then weeks - it is disheartening.  But, I hang onto hope.  The sun is shining above the clouds.  Spring will come, Lord willing.  And, while I may have to deal with dismal weather, my complaining becomes hollow when I think of the horror of Haiti.  In fact, the suffering taking place in Haiti puts much of my complaining into perspective. 

Funerals

Two weeks, two funerals, two godly women absent from the body and present with the Lord.  There is a general assumption that funerals are among the hardest things pastors do.  Yes and no.  There are some very, very difficult funerals.  And, each funeral is a reminder that the enemy death still is part of our experience.  We still live with the tension of "Now" and "Not Yet". 

I have done some unusual funerals.  Once, I led a funeral for a pastor who had been leading a funeral and fainted.  As he fell, he struck his head which led to his death.  I used his funeral notes to do his funeral.  I did a funeral for a biker that had a huge processional of Harleys and a party in the graveyard. 

It is an honor to be asked to lead a funeral.  I count it as a high and, in many ways, holy calling to do so.  It is humbling.  The two dear women who recently passed away were both believers who left wonderful legacies to their families.  Here are my points from the funerals, three each, combined as a summary.  1. A Love for God demonstrated in a Love for Others.  2.  Faithfulness in Prayer demonstrated in Praying Always with Thanksgiving. 3.  A Determination that Contentment truly is Possible.  4.  Persistent Faith in the Face of Persistent Suffering.  5.  Refusing to Complain when Complaining appeared Justified.  6.  A Love for Family that Never faded over Time.  All six of these points originated from a deep and abiding faith which came from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as Savior.

One of these days, I remind myself, someone will be doing my funeral.  I don't think such thinking is morbid.  It is just the sort of reality check all of us should take, especially when we read obituaries or attend a funeral.

Wonderful Christmas Gift

Lydia graduated this past Saturday from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. The family is very proud of her and thankful for her endurance and determination. She will be student teaching in Champaign this Spring and living at home.