tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30514964292085660682024-02-06T18:25:28.502-08:00The Way I see ItGunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-58390985993710871052015-05-12T19:39:00.000-07:002015-05-12T19:42:32.447-07:00Preparing for church?<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently I attended a pastor’s conference hosted
by Alistair Begg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During one of the
sessions he quoted from The Directory for the Publick Worship of God by the
Westminster Assembly which met from 1643-48. It was approved by the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1645 to regulate the worship of the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not thinking we could ever
enforce this in the American Church, but I think it’s pretty cool and
convicting.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the congregation is to meet for publick
worship, the people (having before prepared their hearts thereunto) ought all
to come and join therein; not absenting themselves from the publick ordinance
through negligence, or upon pretence of private meetings.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let all enter the assembly, not irreverently,
but in a grave and seemly manner, taking their seats or places without
adoration, or bowing themselves towards one place or other.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The congregation being assembled, the minister,
after solemn calling on them to the worshipping of the great name of God, is to
begin with prayer.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“In all reverence and humility acknowledging the
incomprehensible greatness and majesty of the Lord, (in whose presence they do
then in a special manner appear,) and their own vileness and unworthiness to
approach so near him, with their utter inability of themselves to so great a
work; and humbly beseeching him for pardon, assistance, and acceptance, in the
whole service then to be performed; and for a blessing on that particular
portion of his word then to be read: And all in the name and mediation of the
Lord Jesus Christ.”</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The publick worship being begun, the people are
wholly to attend upon it, forbearing to read any thing, except what the minister
is then reading or citing; and abstaining much more from all private
whisperings, conferences, salutations, or doing reverence to any person
present, or coming in; as also from all gazing, sleeping, and other indecent
behaviour, which may disturb the minister or people, or hinder themselves or
others in the service of God.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If any, through necessity, be hindered from
being present at the beginning, they ought not, when they come into the
congregation, to betake themselves to their private devotions, but reverently
to compose themselves to join with the assembly in that ordinance of God which
is then in hand.</span></i></div>
<i>
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Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-82153163317722302482015-04-01T10:40:00.000-07:002015-04-01T10:42:11.637-07:00Stop Inviting Me to Church!<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbxs-8-pxRYD7_3uonbmyLjWJVBY0o5GyVewUXKQAMSpbioQMsVrOnutLUVeljGfVcYzmyA5QR1Y4xJD1psTOFdCoqF5oaGE9MPvvJAP8S4jjeyzwI7Xbu6jjNYS4XBb1Zm5XPzriG6Q/s1600/YoureInvited-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbxs-8-pxRYD7_3uonbmyLjWJVBY0o5GyVewUXKQAMSpbioQMsVrOnutLUVeljGfVcYzmyA5QR1Y4xJD1psTOFdCoqF5oaGE9MPvvJAP8S4jjeyzwI7Xbu6jjNYS4XBb1Zm5XPzriG6Q/s1600/YoureInvited-web.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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“Stop inviting me to church man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know all about it and I want nothing to do
with it, please, leave me alone!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
spoke these words to a dear friend, who had “found Jesus” and wouldn’t stop
nagging me to go to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was like
an older brother to me and he was persistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t take anymore and was desperate to maintain our friendship,
but I needed to muzzle him about this whole Jesus thing if our relationship was
to continue.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Have you ever encountered someone like this in your
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each react differently to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if there is a way to get your
Christian friends to layoff on the sharing Jesus with you, but I thought I had
had come up with a surefire plan to get him off my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My plan was simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would go to church once so long as he
promised never to invite me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
bit! I couldn’t believe it and suddenly thought I needed to renegotiate as I
felt like I set the bar too low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
immediately added that I was going to attend in the clothes I was wearing at
the time—a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This didn’t phase my buddy at all, he was just happy that I was going to
join him at church.</div>
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At the time, I was an active duty Navy SEAL venturing into a
protestant church for the first time and I was terrified!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have much rather been jumping out of
a plane at night with full combat gear rather than walking into church that
night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts were filled with
criticism to everything I heard that night, but I couldn’t help but to notice
how nice and loving the people were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
one seemed to care about my attire (most of them were in the same style of
clothing), but they genuinely seemed to care about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, there was something different about
them and this impacted me greatly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I ventured back another time, then another time and then I
was looking forward to going each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My internal criticalness was still there week after week, but I
continued to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure why I
returned after I had fulfilled what I told my buddy I would do—it could have
been the free pizza, but more likely I was drawn to the people who demonstrated
a love that I had never experienced before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t too many months later that I discovered this Jesus who had
transformed their lives and my life was forever changed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve never forgotten how annoying my friend’s invitations
were to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove me crazy asking me to join him for
church week after week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am now eternally
grateful he didn’t give up or let up on inviting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who have these nagging
friends, know that they invite you because they love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They desire that you experience what they
have experienced in Christ.</div>
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Easter is just around the corner, next Sunday, April 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure that I am allowed to invite you
to church in light of the title of this article, but we at <a href="http://www.vcbaptist.org/" target="_blank">Valley Baptist Church </a>welcomes you to celebrate Easter with us this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t care about what you’re wearing; we
care about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t join us,
I’d encourage you to visit a Bible believing church in your area.</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-81206445156079408132015-02-07T17:38:00.003-08:002015-02-07T17:38:55.231-08:00What in the World?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu_egnT0zTEj6KOZvRkY6csmmM8Q6mCDkNTBLpfRbueGs2aYH1n6dqps_EWSWJ6CHMG_dXMBb0s-1nbVp-n_dUujS_s-9tgCbVBuHlggPfy1JKIxvT9VJhCzsktAcVLu15eZDNxww2WI/s1600/31590_386145196908_811824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu_egnT0zTEj6KOZvRkY6csmmM8Q6mCDkNTBLpfRbueGs2aYH1n6dqps_EWSWJ6CHMG_dXMBb0s-1nbVp-n_dUujS_s-9tgCbVBuHlggPfy1JKIxvT9VJhCzsktAcVLu15eZDNxww2WI/s1600/31590_386145196908_811824_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I’ll never forget Sunday, June 25, 2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of those days when I would say
something without fully knowing what I was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been the pastor of Valley Baptist Church for just over a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked friends of mine to visit to share what God was doing in their lives and how they were
moving to Mongolia in a few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
promised no money because we really didn’t have anything to give, but I asked
them to share for the health of the church so that we would think bigger than
the 15 people that we were at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember saying, “In 5 years, we WILL send a team to Mongolia.”</div>
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Why did I say this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess deep down I
thought that’s what churches were supposed to do, but I really didn’t give much
thought to it as it came, unplanned, out of my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comment lingered in my mind for
years—three years to be exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 2010
Valley Baptist Church had grown and I couldn’t shake the promise I had made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we send a team in five years?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That window was closing in on me and I hadn’t
a clue about Mongolia or what we could do there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have a clue what I was supposed to
do, or what I would do if we actually sent a team, but I had to move forward and trust
that God would direct.</div>
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The idea of a vision trip surfaced through a prayerful conversation with my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rough plan came together. I would go to Mongolia with one guy from the
church to explore our options for a follow up visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A plan was coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
prayed, planned, and communicated with our friends in the field, I came to
discover that our great plans were causing anxiety on the part of the
missionaries we were going to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
stress caused our purpose and plans to adjust. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Operation
Encouragement.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 1:11-12 became
the guidepost for our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It states
the following: “For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift
to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together
with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and
mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole purpose of the trip was
to spend time encouraging them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we booked tickets to Mongolia, we had to stay the night in Beijing where other friends we supporting were serving. It became a two-for-one sort of opportunity! </div>
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The plans were set, but what
would this mission of encouragement look like? I would have to make the journey in order to answer this question.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pancake mix and
syrup!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first component of
encouragement came through simple things like pancake mix, syrup, taco
seasoning, coffee, supplies to make chocolate chip cookies and things we in the United States take for granted, but are
hot commodities in the rest of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We packed suitcases and suitcases filled with household items that they
wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man, I’ll never forget the looks
on their faces and we celebrated Christmas in April!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bringing supplies is an easy way to bring
encouragement.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Coming of Titus.</b>
After a few days in Mongolia, I was starting to feel a little discouraged
because I wasn’t feeling all that pastoral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We toured around the town, ate weird food, and laughed about the
differences in culture, but none of this felt very spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night drinking coffee with the wife, I
sort of apologized and said I would try to be more pastoral the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She immediately looked and me and said, “This
is the first time I’ve heard him laugh in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you so much for encouraging him!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before she directed me to 2
Corinthians 7:6 where Paul writes, “But God, who comforts the depressed,
comforted us by the coming of Titus.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
learned how strained things were for them there and how God used us to encourage
them in ways I couldn’t have imagined.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Missions Reimagined.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My trip to Mongolia affected me greatly and
how we as a church have handled missions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe the people we partner with should truly be a part of our
fellowship as much as we are able to include them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our desire is not just to support
financially, but relationally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My aim as
a pastor is to invest in our missionaries to the best to my ability and to
visit as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that very few missionaries ever received teams of people whose purpose was to simply encourage and bless them. I came to learn that a visiting pastor often was on a trip to see if the missionary was worthy of the budget the upcoming years base on whatever metric they had come up with. This trip forever changed how I would support the missionaries we supported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The following year, my family would take a detour from our vacation in Spain to visit and encourage our missionaries in Italy. It wasn't just me, but it was my family and I saw how great this was for the missionary family to have another family and how great it was for my children who were 5 and 2 at the time. </span></div>
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Three years later in July 2014, we would send our third team out the door to encourage—“Team Philippines!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our first team of three church members that we sent
out to encourage those we support in the Philippines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyMW4SuPRgUR1IJZvJk1QB79n-ZKhS8Tyk2mxMsBk7jSeLAdkd3uFSVi5_rhkJudAkIpdM732LX1dPmrPjLkncW54lp5Lalv7ykiS-sqF_nowDUPuL_mtaoUDkIene4YTlx6TpsuE7Io/s1600/10482597_10152234178116560_8295810340177250899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyMW4SuPRgUR1IJZvJk1QB79n-ZKhS8Tyk2mxMsBk7jSeLAdkd3uFSVi5_rhkJudAkIpdM732LX1dPmrPjLkncW54lp5Lalv7ykiS-sqF_nowDUPuL_mtaoUDkIene4YTlx6TpsuE7Io/s1600/10482597_10152234178116560_8295810340177250899_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I write five years after that original trip to Mongolia, we have “Team Romania!” in Romania encouraging
the missionaries we support there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28M2iKM-676sc4P12aR_WOxDPh_u02eEaP6gfZFLuA30sIL11YiCBRweorZ9Cc3TtI87l28Kga4ha-_SCs8n5SVC57G9sZJO4ofDZnk5Qd2NexUp_YCprF3AP5se6w0hmLODGNxtDa2A/s1600/1462787_10152652705806560_1480022659789017844_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28M2iKM-676sc4P12aR_WOxDPh_u02eEaP6gfZFLuA30sIL11YiCBRweorZ9Cc3TtI87l28Kga4ha-_SCs8n5SVC57G9sZJO4ofDZnk5Qd2NexUp_YCprF3AP5se6w0hmLODGNxtDa2A/s1600/1462787_10152652705806560_1480022659789017844_o.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I’m excited for our future teams that we will send out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get your passports ready, for you could be on
the next team out! I am thankful to God for our partnership with missionaries. It has help me grow in my relationship and passion for God, it has encouraged the missionaries we are partnered with, and it has grown people within Valley Baptist Church!</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-49626283792364597362015-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:002015-01-26T14:35:21.016-08:00Movie Review - American Sniper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH85mCHpaGQ2cUMlLsXPvD1Rqj-U-scYC9FQbor6YLQACxH_TtGufRqqUEsZ-0q4aWP6Ovpbmi3t-BwAttwdi-uLkTE8-JklgLgc9F1OPgW7a8_JEnvNdgWUX6fZ7-1gxrZKnAjpDj4ww/s1600/SNIPER-superJumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH85mCHpaGQ2cUMlLsXPvD1Rqj-U-scYC9FQbor6YLQACxH_TtGufRqqUEsZ-0q4aWP6Ovpbmi3t-BwAttwdi-uLkTE8-JklgLgc9F1OPgW7a8_JEnvNdgWUX6fZ7-1gxrZKnAjpDj4ww/s1600/SNIPER-superJumbo.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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</style> “Did you see it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
the question I’m asked with movies like American Sniper, Lone Survivor and
other Navy SEAL movies like these that come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, I don’t watch them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t find them entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are difficult to watch for they tell the
stories of my friends, my brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
whatever reason, I felt compelled to watch American Sniper because a friend of
mine played himself in the movie and I wanted to support him.<br />
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The movie is Rated R, so do your own research to determine
if this movie is appropriate for you or those who are entrusted to your
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can review it on <a href="http://www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters/american-sniper.aspx" target="_blank">Plugged In Online</a> for a trusted review. </span>It is a movie that depicts war and
its harsh aftermath so it is not appropriate for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not writing this review to endorse the
appropriateness of this movie for you and your situation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I appreciate the overwhelming positive response to Chris
Kyle and his service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not quite sure
what triggers the population to go out and spend a small fortune to watch a
movie at a theater, but clearly this movie drew out the masses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been moved by the outpouring of support
by Americans who have expressed their thankfulness and compassion for the
sacrifice of service members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed our
service members are great people and have sacrificed much throughout the last few years.</div>
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I have a difficult time agreeing with others who react to this movie with phrases
like, “This was the best movie I’ve ever seen!” or “This was an awesome
movie!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get the heart behind these
phrases and I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, these
comments made me apprehensive, as this movie is a true story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/marcus-luttrell/seal-operator-2nd-class-ryan-jobs-obituary/351843666260" target="_blank">Ryan Job</a> was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://americasmightywarriors.org/_a/about/" target="_blank">Marc Lee</a> was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are real people whose lives crossed my
path in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish they were alive
today and with their families, but this is their story and there are many left
in the wake of their deaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because this
movie is grounded in a difficult reality, I just can’t review it as
entertainment.</div>
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What I can say about the movie is this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe those who created this movie told
the story well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the lives of
Marc, Ryan, and Chris were honored in the story line of this movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for how the story was told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>War wasn’t glamorized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evil was presented as a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strain on the families and their
sacrifice was highlighted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without
giving anything away, I really appreciated how the movie ended.</div>
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Probably not the best review of the movie out there, but it’s
what I was able to muster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the
story concludes at the end of this movie, it continues for many veterans and
their family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am often asked
how can people help, or where can they give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The non-profit I am currently recommending to people is the <a href="http://www.navysealsfund.org/" target="_blank">Navy SEALSFund</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is actively helping SEALs who
are in need of help quickly and effectively.</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-43258716479075493262014-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:002014-10-12T06:35:00.775-07:00Why Suffering?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nHTpWYzXItaF_6iYn_nlwnoK2RkI-p0oY7Gkbe7IqS-Lq84XG_chLbA252aPG6zGdPHOl2vFQ-j_RZs6-xxhJVKMJD0q3aWctG5Xho9bUOM8xdBvb8s95WL1AVyDMgA8RUyjTpJwvn0/s1600/Suffering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nHTpWYzXItaF_6iYn_nlwnoK2RkI-p0oY7Gkbe7IqS-Lq84XG_chLbA252aPG6zGdPHOl2vFQ-j_RZs6-xxhJVKMJD0q3aWctG5Xho9bUOM8xdBvb8s95WL1AVyDMgA8RUyjTpJwvn0/s1600/Suffering.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
reality of life and this troubles us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many reject the notion of an Almighty God because there is so much
suffering in this present world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
heard it many times, and so have you, “How can there be a loving God if there’s
so much pain and suffering in the world?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I understand the sentiment of their words, but their very words indicate
there is an internal, absolute standard of good and evil; right and wrong,
which, in my humble opinion, is only true if there is a good Almighty God.<br />
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This week the thought of suffering has been on my mind
because I’m teaching on 1 Peter 4:12-19 this Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole passage teaches how the follower
of Christ should respond to suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In addition to this passage, I’ve seen plenty of suffering in my own life and I deal with the suffering of others on a regular basis as a pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to
look far to find a good example of suffering for suffering seems to be the very thing that keeps the news agencies in business.</div>
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There are many Christian pastors and teachers who teach a
“prosperity gospel” that leads people to believe that Christians who live their
lives well will be rewarded with good health, money, and healthy
relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If these things don’t
happen in their followers lives, lack of faith or sin in in the individual’s
life is blamed—the teaching is never thought to be wrong or unbiblical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It breaks my heart to see the damage these
teachers cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m dumbfounded that
they can read the New Testament and reach their conclusions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was executed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the apostles were executed, with
exception of John (but they tried to kill him by boiling him alive, but he survived which is probably worse), the early church suffered
immensely and Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith.</div>
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I believe one of the most important things for the Christian
to understand is suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this
section of 1 Peter because there are some very practical tips on how we should
handle suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s review some of
the lessons Peter shares with us.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t be surprised by
suffering (1 Peter 4:12).</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
things that are simple to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter’s first point is very simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t be surprised by your suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffering is normal for all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you’re human and living on earth, you live in a fallen world that is
marked with the consequence of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
most visible consequence of sin seen is death, but there are many, many forms
of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embedded in this verse,
there is a clue of how the Christian’s view of suffering is different from
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter comments on suffering in
this way, “which [suffering] comes upon you for your testing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is greater than your suffering and is
using your suffering to test, try, or refine you into His image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As hot water brings out the nature of the tea
bag, suffering brings out the new nature of Christ within the believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I have grown most through times
of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no reason we
should be shocked or surprised by suffering—it is a part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you suffer as
Christ suffered, rejoice (1 Peter 4:13-14).</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This one is hard to apply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
likes suffering in the midst of it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midst of suffering, I do everything I
can to do get out from under it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
author of Hebrews speaks of being disciplined in this way, “All discipline
for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful” (Hebrews 12:11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do think I need to develop this
thought more, but I hesitate saying that I need to experience more suffering
for my faith to learn how to better explain Peter’s teaching here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in my study, so far, it seems that he is
saying if you suffer for following Christ’s example, you should rejoice, or
have much joy that you are identified with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think of those mentioned in Hebrews 11:37-38 who “were stoned, they
were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword,
they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted,
ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in the deserts
and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing joyful about what they went
through, but they experienced this because their lives were so linked to Christ’s
life that the writer says the world was not worthy of these men—this
identification to Christ should cause them great joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if we suffer for being associated with
Jesus than we should rejoice over this great honor of being connected to Him.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not all suffering is
the same (1 Peter 4:15).</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m all for
outreaches to those in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So don’t
misunderstand me here, but I’m bothered by those who do prison
ministry and quote Hebrews 13:3, “Remember the prisoners, as though you were in
prison with them” as a proof text for their ministry. The author of Hebrews is speaking to Christians who are not in
prison to remember their brothers and sisters who are in prison for their faith
in Christ, not common criminals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the present passage, I love that Peter makes a
clear distinction for suffering because of righteousness from suffering that is
a consequence to one’s sin and folly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffering because you are reaping the consequence of murdering someone,
stealing, doing evil, or meddling is not the same as suffering as a
Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are instructed to not
suffer in this way, to turn from evil and to do good as Peter mentions in 1
Peter 3:11.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you suffer as a
Christian, don’t be ashamed (1 Peter 4:16).</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can’t help but to remind us that the man who is writing this is the
same man whose reputation is marked by his actions of denying Jesus three times
before the rooster crowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t say
this to shame Peter, but in remembering this we gain greater insight into his
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are teased, mocked,
harassed, shunned, or worse for your faith in Christ, I think it is a normal
reaction to want to shrink away in shame or embarrassment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter learned that leaning on Jesus and trusting in Him is the best
response to suffering and we, who are persecuted for Christ’s sake, have nothing to be
ashamed about.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Suffering can be
God’s will for your life (1 Peter 4:17-19).</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The last point Peter makes, I believe, is one of the most important
points relating to the Christian and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I almost moved this up, but I figure Peter put it at the end so I should
deal with it at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what
Peter says in 1 Peter 4:19, “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the
will of God…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let that sink in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffer according to the will of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever embraced your suffering as the
very will of God for your life, or are you too busy trying to get out from
under the suffering because you can't comprehend your suffering could be His very will for your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I’m honest, I know
my inclination is the later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
something freeing about embracing our present suffering as God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embracing our suffering as God’s will causes
a couple of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I believe we
turn to Him for help through the trial, which He is faithful to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consequently, as we lean upon Him through the
trial, we ultimately grow in our relationship with Him, learn more about many
things—mostly God’s nature, and ultimately reflect His glory to the world
around us. Our hope ultimately is not in this present life, but in the one to come a difficult reality to understand for those living in the here and now.</div>
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Pondering suffering doesn’t send me on a quest to suffer
more, but it does encourage me to desire to embrace the suffering that is place
upon me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fear I’ve missed many valuable
lessons focusing on evading my suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My prayer is that when suffering comes, I will not be surprised by it,
find a way to rejoice in the midst of it (so long as its not a result of my on
folly), and grow through the experience trusting that my sovereign Lord has a
wonderful plan in the midst of it, even though I may have no clue what it is!</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-15123172245896609802014-10-04T15:48:00.002-07:002014-10-04T15:48:58.574-07:00The End is Near!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc4vG9M64IXqtCffxV0GHfhseCBf6q-M4B306PwpA7krs8QX-pKOuWiAxhQHsUaSH5sxI_Zl4yESFwVbvKVkUcyw28ZfWmaqSpyHHWK5eKwQbCNPHeOGcxD0v2M9b8_jJvcDZkVgVTXc/s1600/keep-calm-the-end-is-near-37.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc4vG9M64IXqtCffxV0GHfhseCBf6q-M4B306PwpA7krs8QX-pKOuWiAxhQHsUaSH5sxI_Zl4yESFwVbvKVkUcyw28ZfWmaqSpyHHWK5eKwQbCNPHeOGcxD0v2M9b8_jJvcDZkVgVTXc/s1600/keep-calm-the-end-is-near-37.png" height="200" width="171" /></a>How does the phrase, “The end of all things in near!” make
you want to respond?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how
most people think, but I imagine a wave of panic, stock-piling supplies, and
people generally freaking out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without a
doubt, the Bible often speaks in these terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, these are the first few words of the passage I’m preaching on
tomorrow (1 Peter 4:7-11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In studying
passages like this, I’m always surprised at how the Bible says to respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence, believers are told to bring glory
to God through your lives in light of this reality through four practical
things that I think are worth sharing here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stay Calm and Chive
On!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oops, no, I got that wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to stay calm and PRAY on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the topic of prayer comes up, I tend to
feel a little convicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not one to
beat others up for their inconsistent or lazy prayer life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us prays as we should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that being said, prayer is a wonderful
lifeline of communication we have with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In light of the end of all things, we should seek God in prayer with
sound judgment and sober spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
would your life change if you began to pray a little more consistently?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Keep fervent in your
love for one another.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is much
to be said about this, one passage that I keep going to is 1 John 4:7-5:3 where
the word “love” is mentioned about 32 times!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Loving is something that God wants us to do and I’m convinced that we
who have trusted in Christ are to be in community with other believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be connected in a local church
body where we can actively love one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is really nothing that brings me great joy as a pastor than when I
see, or hear about, members of Valley Baptist Church loving one another
sacrificially.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be hospitable.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should say, without complaining, be
hospitable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When was the last time you
opened up your home to someone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know, this doesn’t come naturally to me, but over the years I’ve worked very
intentionally to be hospitable because I believe it’s something that God wants
his followers to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few months ago, I
read a really good blog about “<a href="http://christinafredricks.com/?p=235">The
Art of Hospitality</a>” and I highly recommend the tips found there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no greater place to share the love
of God with others than in your home.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you trusted in
Christ as Savior?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know that
you were given a special gift to use to serve within the body of Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were according to 1 Peter 4:10!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe many local churches aren’t thriving
to their full design because so many believers are withholding their gifts that
God has given them to serve at a local church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can’t encourage you enough to really plug in and commit to a local
church family where you can serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
good for you, it’s good for the local church, and ultimately God is glorified in
a huge way when you start serving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you’re a part of Valley Baptist Church, go to our <a href="http://vcbaptist.org/Get-Involved.htm">“Get Involved” page</a> and see
how you can get plugged in!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Growing in maturity.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing I love most about these four things
is they are so practical in application.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By stepping out in prayer, love, hospitality, and in service we grow in
our walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In serving Him, we
find true joy and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is
that you would step up in purpose with your walk with God!</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-45269921818676529342014-09-16T17:27:00.000-07:002014-09-16T17:33:26.797-07:00No Time for God<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLyLNXXLjXcXeiAfLWzkAiJOHdWviI948u_KyX8RObUZvvsXBfYS07yT12twZ2OY3lhwFPw4zoHF-NK2XxcGy_ZsIR78gfokZjKmh_IIfupqyFqU43e4ZPHno760AA63Cr_TFUxug9hA/s1600/busy-full-calendar-monthly-clients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLyLNXXLjXcXeiAfLWzkAiJOHdWviI948u_KyX8RObUZvvsXBfYS07yT12twZ2OY3lhwFPw4zoHF-NK2XxcGy_ZsIR78gfokZjKmh_IIfupqyFqU43e4ZPHno760AA63Cr_TFUxug9hA/s1600/busy-full-calendar-monthly-clients.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a><style>
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--</style>Fall is among us in full swing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is your schedule looking these days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My guess is it is full, really full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to me we shuttle our children from
event to event at a ragged pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do
we do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At what cost do we do
this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it really worth it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These questions have been tinkering around my
mind for some time now as I look around me and see the crazy pace of parents
hauling their children from one even to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t take this as me judging you,
or anyone for that matter; this is really just my pondering the issue of extra
curricular activities as it relates to my family's relationship with God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This summer our small group Bible study explored the book of
Joshua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came to this verse at the end
of Joshua, just as summer was coming to a close, “If it is disagreeable in your
sight to serve the Lord, chose for yourselves today whom you will serve:
whether the gods of which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or
the gods to the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my
house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This verse really struck a cord with me as it related to sports and the
craziness of our schedules today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can’t help but think that the mad dash of life leads us away from God and
towards the things of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
really want to give God priority in our home and I fear that small pulls will
lead me astray.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Growing up there was never any conflict between sports and
church because I wasn’t in church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
made things easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’m a Christian
and church is important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
priority for my family and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I am
a pastor, but that’s not why I go to church—if I ever reach the place where I’m
going to church because I’m a pastor, I’ve got some big problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love church. I’m committed to worshiping,
serving, and being a part of my local church because I’m a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt it’s exclusive to Southern
California, but with our great weather there is a great pulling of people
toward all sorts of events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to
me there are many Christian children absent from church on Sunday regularly
because of commitments to athletic teams of all sorts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Really, I’m not being legalistic at all in this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m simply wrestling through questions and
concerns that I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it okay to ever
miss church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, of course there are
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will a sports commitment take priority over my
commitment to church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m feeling more
and more convicted that I need to respond, “No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe this post is more for research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are questions I’ve been struggling
with:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can my kids participate in sports
without having to decide between the sport and going to church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens to kids who don’t participate on
Sundays?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I encourage my child that it
is okay to participate in a sport that requires them to ditch church on
Sundays, am I demonstrating to them that sports are more important than church?
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m curious how other Christian parents handle these
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think there are easy
answers, but I’m starting to think that without careful thought, it is easy to
get sucked into this vortex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-51192744125426295492014-07-03T12:18:00.001-07:002014-07-03T13:41:48.106-07:00Statue of Liberty, A Thing of the Past?<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ2JfamPmXV8GmIGcA7vL80XQWs9OyEHR9tzmWrttYQyaS_e9RMiTjiRit02_QvMtYtmp8HIJpYHG0tJ8WK2ApUaITrsfYKdsOapX8MzYXPwBZMT-fF8erJbNpCEKv8LRApS1WCG1hTk/s1600/Statue-of-Liberty.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ2JfamPmXV8GmIGcA7vL80XQWs9OyEHR9tzmWrttYQyaS_e9RMiTjiRit02_QvMtYtmp8HIJpYHG0tJ8WK2ApUaITrsfYKdsOapX8MzYXPwBZMT-fF8erJbNpCEKv8LRApS1WCG1hTk/s1600/Statue-of-Liberty.jpeg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed the topic of
immigration has resurfaced again through a variety of streams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seems to be a new sort of harshness in
the voices of many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m conflicted about
what to think about the situation and a little troubled by some of the things
I’ve read by American Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to repeat a blog I wrote about a year ago titled <a href="http://sealpastor.blogspot.com/2013/09/misericordia-por-favor.html">Misericordia
Por Favor</a>, which is translated “Mercy Please” in English, but I can’t help
but to resurface this discussion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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It strikes me as sort of funny that I’m thinking about this
on July 3, the day before we celebrate the founding of our nation and as I’m
preparing to teach on the letter of First Peter which carries the theme of living
as aliens throughout it’s entirety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
should Christians respond to these children that our government is trying to
handle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I’m not sure that
I know the answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guard myself from getting political.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We as Christians are called to submit to our
authorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully in the USA, that
means we are encouraged to vote and voice our concerns to our
representatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure of all the
facts, but it seems something politically was said, or done, that is
encouraging people to send their children hundreds, really thousands of miles,
alone to enter the USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it okay to
respond to our leaders about this situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure, I really don’t see a problem with that as a Christian.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, as a Christian, as an American, I have concerns for
how these people are being treated by my fellow countrymen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never been in a situation where I have
wanted to flee from my homeland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
even begin imagine that I would ever load up my four children and send them to
another country without me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a
moment to ponder how bad the situation would have to be for you as a parent to
think sending your children away, possibly never to see them again, to another
country by themselves because there was hope of a better life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t ever imagine being in this
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me sick to my stomach
just pondering being in a position where this would be the best option for my
family.</div>
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<h1>
<span lang="X-NONE" style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Are
you aware of the quote on the Statue of Liberty?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it’s a good word for us to ponder
as Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quote reads: “Give me
your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the
wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless,
tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this still true of our nation, or is it
time to remove the quote?</span></h1>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-63691469837292508492014-05-23T20:33:00.000-07:002014-05-23T20:33:30.144-07:00Guest Post: Memorial DayToday I welcome Debbie Lee, mother of Marc Lee (KIA, August 2, 2006), to share her thoughts on Memorial Day. Marc was a teammate of mine and I'm thankful for Debbie's faith through this journey. May we each pray for her and the other Gold Star Moms. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<style></style><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="color: #002251;">Memorial Day Remembering Their Sacrifices, by Debbie Lee</span></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRySu9iQla1eJuWRf2XRvQhArcLghyphenhyphenEyhLtL_7UM8nW6suWd3a4_I2ZlsLhH3lV9rBVoLlcf20Ze_yXt0p8x09nJAZgYRyO6GBzsK8M6rW7N0EsNy3iTkEf5otbj5obm5Wc2K7qYMlT8/s1600/MarcLee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRySu9iQla1eJuWRf2XRvQhArcLghyphenhyphenEyhLtL_7UM8nW6suWd3a4_I2ZlsLhH3lV9rBVoLlcf20Ze_yXt0p8x09nJAZgYRyO6GBzsK8M6rW7N0EsNy3iTkEf5otbj5obm5Wc2K7qYMlT8/s1600/MarcLee.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a Mother of a hero who willingly gave his life in combat,
Memorial Day has taken on an entirely different meaning. My son Marc Alan Lee
was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06. Three times that day he stood up
into the direct line of fire and willingly gave his life defending his
teammates and our freedoms.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marc understood that there was a price for our freedom and like
so many others before him, was willing to go into battle to keep America
free. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Memorial
Day is set aside to remember those brave warriors who while defending
us, lost their lives in combat. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have over 600,000 men and women who have died in combat since
WWI. 600,000 Gold Star families and Brothers at arms, who have buried a loved
one and to whom every day is/was Memorial Day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can imagine the pain and frustration to the friends and
families of these fallen heroes when the majority of Americans are clueless as
to the real meaning of Memorial Day. Our loved ones gave their final breath so
that you could enjoy all of the freedoms and blessings that you have in
America. All we ask is that as a nation we come together this weekend and
acknowledge, honor and remember our heroes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been on a campaign for years trying to educate people
about the history and meaning of Memorial Day what it is and what it is not! It
is not a time to "Celebrate Memorial day", it is not "Happy Memorial
Day." I am sure that ignorance plays a part in the party mentality
of the 3-day weekend. We see major advertising about big "blow out"
sales, advertisements to "kick off your summer", prepare for the big
bar-b-ques and camping trips and parades. Many families know it marks the end
of the school year and the community pools will be opening.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was part of that ignorant group for years. I wasn't taught the
real meaning of Memorial Day. Oh we visited a few graves through the years and
placed flowers on the graves of family members who had died in child-birth,
from sickness and different causes. Most of the time it was just a family
gathering with picnics and bar-b ques enjoying all of the freedoms that we have
but not reflecting on those who paid the ultimate price so we could enjoy them.
I was not taught, and I am sorry for the opportunities that were missed to
honor our fallen, and focus on the sacrifices made for me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Often times people mistakenly recognize and thank all of those
who have served. Veterans Day is the National Holiday when we do that. I've
dedicated my life to honoring and thanking our troops 24/7 364 days of the
year, but Memorial Day is for those who died in war.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tradition used to be that businesses closed on Memorial Day and
flew their flags at half staff to remember our war dead, what a switch from
today, where it has turned into a major money making weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the civil war ended Maj General Logan established
Decoration Day and spoke these words. : "We should guard their graves with
sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of
reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time,
testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a
people the cost of a free and undivided republic." </span></div>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
we as a nation forgotten the cost? Will you help me put Memorial back in
Memorial Day?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please plan your weekend to remember those heroes who gave
everything for you. I'm not asking you not to have a bar-b-que, picnic or
gatherings with families or to walk around with sullen faces the entire
weekend. Our loved ones sacrificed so you could enjoy those freedoms, but there
should be somber moments when we focus on the cost that was paid.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX38gfzQPuuSPV9lUq8sFjzSzTTntU6TUWwWbsHR2s8tsWOtfm44i1GxozB1Umnb9q18wNOeCQPUS7-Jf9o0nLHMh6MKwsjKooPCJc-Jhy_bvh-y_4yYio67T28H7xTBGbD3B4o_6PzXs/s1600/cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX38gfzQPuuSPV9lUq8sFjzSzTTntU6TUWwWbsHR2s8tsWOtfm44i1GxozB1Umnb9q18wNOeCQPUS7-Jf9o0nLHMh6MKwsjKooPCJc-Jhy_bvh-y_4yYio67T28H7xTBGbD3B4o_6PzXs/s1600/cemetery.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you gather take advantage of that time together and take a
few moments to share the story of a fallen hero, remind others what the real
meaning of Memorial Day is about. Tell your children and grandchildren about
these brave heroes who paid the price for them to enjoy this day, take them to
a National Cemetery and place flowers on graves or stop and honor them. Attend
a ceremony or memorial, watch a video or TV program about our fallen, read a
story, find a Gold Star family near you and let them know you will never
forget. If you know other Veterans ask them if they've lost a teammate and
maybe they will tell you about them. Pray for the families of the fallen.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Technology has changed our world and it is so easy to find the
History of Memorial Day, read about heroes, and reach out and honor and
remember our fallen and their families. It is also a great way to remind your
friends the real meaning of Memorial Day, use that tool to educate others and
honor our fallen heroes who are America's National Treasures.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002251; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #8c2000; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
we look back and remember our fallen heroes this weekend, we focus forward and
live our lives worthy of the sacrifice they made for you, for me and for
America, "the land of the free, because of the brave."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm8UTIMDobciOldUCkTv2J9yf1l-TaG-sr2eQO7XXQLk3JPcwpOmbapq9nd0xgbxdNDxHt9ldF8hYJa3bvGfgIzMRH2nw8YtZLHeoAHx_E-ud06DXfJcjDxplqmpjhI8j2TM7fZCxbAg/s1600/DebbieMarc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm8UTIMDobciOldUCkTv2J9yf1l-TaG-sr2eQO7XXQLk3JPcwpOmbapq9nd0xgbxdNDxHt9ldF8hYJa3bvGfgIzMRH2nw8YtZLHeoAHx_E-ud06DXfJcjDxplqmpjhI8j2TM7fZCxbAg/s1600/DebbieMarc.jpg" height="240" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Debbie Lee and son, <br />Marc A. Lee </b></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">
<em>First Navy SEAL KIA in Iraq</em></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">
<em>Aug 2, 2006</em></div>
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Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-6911050476875250972014-03-20T14:07:00.002-07:002014-03-20T14:07:54.503-07:00God's Wonderful Provision!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg-RbNxR4DAVSG_H4TFyJomy8on2J4eiIZJMy9J4xIjyr268tGh7ZN7ujWDwmTrMOuqZGxIKBl4yc3VTPuKygbII4XkgiwNqw-SLMsZDTyBIXuozsI3K0F-NdjDDiAJItZG0AW1q_9k4/s1600/Gunnar.Anna.Titus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg-RbNxR4DAVSG_H4TFyJomy8on2J4eiIZJMy9J4xIjyr268tGh7ZN7ujWDwmTrMOuqZGxIKBl4yc3VTPuKygbII4XkgiwNqw-SLMsZDTyBIXuozsI3K0F-NdjDDiAJItZG0AW1q_9k4/s1600/Gunnar.Anna.Titus.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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I’m a few weeks out from celebrating my anniversary of
coming to Valley Baptist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May 20,
2014 marks the completion of 7 years of serving Christ at this wonderful
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m simply in awe of what God
has done during my time here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t
a blog to talk about church numbers to build up my resume or self-esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is, I know how little I’ve done
and how God has been the master orchestrator behind the restart of this
wonderful church.</div>
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God’s provision over the years is highlighted through my
present circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a recent
blog,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<a href="http://sealpastor.blogspot.com/2014/03/thankfulness-revived.html">Thankfulness
Revived</a>”, I shared about almost losing my wife and child during the
delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned that there were a
number of things I was processing concerning God’s faithfulness to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to share about His provision to us
through this trial.</div>
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As my wife came out of recovery from surgery, we slowly
learned how close to dying she and the baby came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the very beginning the doctors were very
firm about how long the recovery would take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Six weeks was an optimistic timeline, but they were very clear that I
needed to be there for her and the family for the duration or complications
from the surgery and blood loss would develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without hesitation, I assured her that I would take a break from
everything to focus on her and the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No preaching, no counseling, nothing but focusing on my family during
this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, clearly I’m not six
weeks out yet, but I’m at home with my two-year old son nipping at my heels as
I type this so hopefully you get the heart of what I’m saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and I may have slipped out under the
cloak of darkness to spend some time with the K-9 Unit of EPD a few weeks ago while
my mother-in-law was over...I guess this is my confession. </div>
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I haven’t preached since February 16 and I won’t return to
the pulpit of Valley Baptist until the first Sunday in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, not preaching is killing me, but I’ve
always said my family is my priority and I mean it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’m trying to say is that the reason I
can do this is through God’s provision and timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the last 7 years I’ve worked hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not complaining at all, I love my
calling, but it’s very normal for me to put in 60+ hours a week in
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family loves serving the
Lord and we’ve learn to balance family and ministry in a way that works for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between my working from home (in
large part) and home schooling the kids we’ve learned to balance time with each
other and the heavy workload of my calling, but this isn’t really relevant to
this post.</div>
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Getting back to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back in the hospital room, when I told my wife, “Everything is going to
be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take the next six weeks
off to minister to you” tears filled my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, I was worried about my wife, but even more so, I was thankful to
God for His provision that made my ability to say this to my wife truthfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly could take this time off for God had
provided the help I needed in order to care for my family.</div>
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Throughout the restarting process, God has faithfully sent
the right people at the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too
many to list so I won’t even try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few
years ago, I started to feel like I was stretching way too thin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were slipping through the cracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a pastor, “things slipping through the
cracks” means people had shepherding needs, but I was failing to care for them
as I feel they should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one was
criticizing me, complaining to me, or anything like that, but my heart for the
sheep was deeply burdened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know
how to solve this problem because I couldn’t give any more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to press on and pray, as I had no
remedy in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Well, a little over a year ago God set the ball in motion to
bring me help through the coming of Chaplain Ben, a Navy Chaplain who started
attending Valley Baptist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn’t long before we hit it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
share a likeminded passion for the ministry and share the same philosophy for
the church and how to care for people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This doesn’t mean we see eye-to-eye on every theological point, but we
are in total agreement for how to handle and apply our differences of
theological positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
wonderful friendship that I would enjoy for as long as he was with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a former Navy man, the one thing I’ve
learned about Navy buddies is they move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This would be the case with Ben as well—or so I thought!</div>
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Word came that Ben would be getting out of the military and
everything changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short, we
both came to the conclusion that God was calling him to serve at Valley Baptist
Church as an associate pastor!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know,
if you asked me to describe the perfect associate pastor to serve with, I would
have described Pastor Ben to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t say this lightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We agree about
how ministry should be done and we have complimentary gifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a chaplain in the Navy and in many
respects, Valley Baptist Church needed a chaplain-like pastor to help stop
people’s needs from slipping through the cracks.</div>
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Now, fast forward to February 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Ben was essentially out of the Navy
and we began planning what this partnership would look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent hour’s together working through our
roles and responsibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we
both felt comfortable with the new dynamic and we planned to introduce him formally
on March 2 and he would preach for the next three weeks so I could focus on my
family with the coming of the baby on March 7, you know, the due date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you heard that saying from Proverbs
16:9, “<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The mind of man plans his way,</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span class="text">But the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> directs his steps”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was sure applicable here because my plan
wasn’t inline with God’s plan at all!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please don’t miss my sarcasm, but
wouldn’t you guess that God’s plan is way better than my plan?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What better way for Pastor Ben to figure out
the ropes at Valley Baptist Church than to totally take me out of the equation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a win-win situation for church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Ben’s coming on staff completely freed
me to care for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so
competent and capable to serve the body, which ultimately put me at ease to
shut off my phone and email (for the most part) without worrying about the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not having me around forced him
to figure out every little detail concerning the church.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I begin to come out of hibernation,
I can’t help but to thank God for His ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are so much better than my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m excited for the future of Valley Baptist Church and truly believe
our pastor team is stronger than ever because of this personal crisis of my
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m more excited than ever to see
how God is going to move amongst us in the years to come!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me close by saying “Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful to God for His provision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for the people of Valley Baptist
Church who recognize and support my priority of caring for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means so much to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In being free to minister to my family during
their time of need, I will be able to minister at Valley Baptist Church for the
long haul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your love and support mean
more than I can adequately express.</span></span></div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-39554182740292554822014-03-19T23:41:00.001-07:002014-03-19T23:41:51.240-07:00Thankfulness Revived
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J0_h8f1okklpknKOsFQ2AA5g2DFhnImfW4ZxrV-NjdiVZqZ_nn-UAJwjF5eTSMNjOFNqxkmVCOISfxq9H0cSGRNrT7o8Hfs_NKD6ZLvvG6Cy_Hpw2CsUSeqvkVkDVD6n-f6QiojKDYA/s1600/Hospital.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J0_h8f1okklpknKOsFQ2AA5g2DFhnImfW4ZxrV-NjdiVZqZ_nn-UAJwjF5eTSMNjOFNqxkmVCOISfxq9H0cSGRNrT7o8Hfs_NKD6ZLvvG6Cy_Hpw2CsUSeqvkVkDVD6n-f6QiojKDYA/s1600/Hospital.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I haven’t blogged in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life’s been a little crazy to say the
least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s been working on me, but I’m
not sure how to articulate things at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure thoughts will mature over the course
of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, and foremost, I thank
the Lord for His continual blessings upon me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t deserve them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Almost a month ago, my wife and I welcomed our fourth child
into our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, nothing was normal concerning the
arrival of this sweet boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The above
picture is of my wife and son in recovery following emergency caesarean section
delivery (for the record, the term “emergency C-section” is used far too often,
but in this case it truly was).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
had a number of doctors look at me after his birth and ask me, “Do you know how
lucky you are that they are both alive?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was told that I came 1-4 minutes from losing them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is sobering.</div>
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I’ll be processing this last month for a while, but one
thing that I’ve been pondering is worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything went well with our near miss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seriously, a number of things had to go the way they did for us to have
this happy ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word “miracle”
has been used often <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">surrounding the
birth of my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been praising God
for His provision in sparing my wife and son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean this sincerely, as you can imagine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes,
I continue to praise the Lord through the positive circumstances of these scary
events, but what if things went differently?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know I can’t really answer that question from a speculative position,
however, this question percolates in my thoughts repeatedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had my wife and son both died, would I
worship God just the same?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, I
hope that I would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I doubt the
same, but I hope I’d be worshiping Him respectively if that makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should love God because He loved me and
saved me through Christ, not conditionally based on “good things” that happen
to me in this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life, death, and
eternity are His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is worthy of my
worship because He is my Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job’s
words seem particularly relevant to me now, “<span class="text">Naked I came from
my mother’s womb,</span> a<span class="text">nd naked I shall return there.</span>
<span class="text">The </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> gave and the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> has taken away.</span> <span class="text">Blessed be the name of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">” (Job 1:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful
they were spared, but that doesn’t imply my worship of Him is contingent on
things going well.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
thought that has been circulating my thoughts is the question, “How often does
God spare me each day and I don’t even notice?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God’s protection with the birth of my son was pretty spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to give Him thanks for His
protection in this very clear sparing of life that was almost lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what about the accidents I don’t get in
while driving down the freeway, or not hitting that car while backing out of my
spot at Costco, or whatever that accident was that I didn’t have and didn’t
even notice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure that I
should be thankful for all the non-eventful things I have each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
each have so much to be thankful for, but shamefully our focus is grumbling
about petty rather insignificant things in the grand scheme of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a master at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might not verbalize my complaints, but
they’re there loud and clear in the recesses of my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to say, “Not anymore!” But, I know
me all too well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say that my desire
and ambition is to work on being more thankful and appreciative for the little
things in my life from deep within my heart on a daily basis.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-54099217597229074062013-12-11T10:05:00.000-08:002013-12-13T14:10:02.623-08:00Santa Claus and Christians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5dc8adj9tpGZWGBprLnQf60XjuOfilaxarsWRhTHddTJKMlEoacgeVTKmg7uVSH9uwGaSs9R-At62EuIBYvu8L9R4fepQUrQJRA7n-o5bq6tIj_X6s1cqgKgSGyFWsp3kMdY1yg5kTQ/s1600/santa-claus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5dc8adj9tpGZWGBprLnQf60XjuOfilaxarsWRhTHddTJKMlEoacgeVTKmg7uVSH9uwGaSs9R-At62EuIBYvu8L9R4fepQUrQJRA7n-o5bq6tIj_X6s1cqgKgSGyFWsp3kMdY1yg5kTQ/s200/santa-claus.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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</style> How should Christians handle Santa Claus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Answering this question could start a
fight…which I have no intention of doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m certain that your personal background shapes how you answer this
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Personally, I really enjoy Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of things I like about
Christmas that really have little to do with Christmas Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Christmas Carols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not too embarrassed to admit that I look
forward to rocking out to Elvis’ Blue Christmas for most of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love seeing colorful Christmas lights
everywhere—the more the merrier!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
decorating the Christmas tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
seeing the lights on the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
doesn’t love seeing gifts under the tree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love my family’s tradition of Christmas Eve dinner, the opening of one
Christmas gift, going to our church’s Christmas Eve Service, and ending the
night by watching Elf (yes, you read that right).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the laughter and joy this season
brings.</div>
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I share the previous paragraph with you so you know that I
really do like this holiday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
opposed to having fun through imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not bunkered down teaching my kids that “Santa is just Satan spelled
differently.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am very careful
with how we’ve handled the issue of Santa Clause with our children and with my
teaching at the church.</div>
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I love the imagination and creativity that God has given
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not looking for a history lesson
on the origin of Santa Claus—I’ve already checked out his Wikipedia entry.
I’m fine with telling stories and having fun with creativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I don’t understand when parents push
the line from fantasy or imagination to reality and outright deceit to their
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, I know, that sounds
really harsh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to lighten up,
right?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have fun with your
imagination.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m all for imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not suggesting that Santa can’t be a part
of the Christian’s holiday plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
gave us creativity and imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use
it, have fun with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children have a
special connection to the make believe that I wish I were better at
reconnecting with as an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
that my kids help me tap into my inner child—my wife may not be as thrilled
with this as I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just leave Santa
here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Protect your
children’s trust.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never lied
to my kids about Santa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have always
known that he is make believe, just like the tooth fairy, and any other make
believe people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not intentionally
deceive my children for a number of reasons, but I want them to know that they
can trust me no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
nothing greater than anyone’s trust, especially your children’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would we jeopardize this trust by
pitching something as truth when we ourselves know it’s just in fun?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why this matters to
me?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Meaning, </span>I have a personal relationship with the
Creator of the universe through Jesus Christ my Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t come to know Christ until I was an
adult and when I did, I came to understand the overwhelming historical evidence
concerning His prophetic coming, His life, death, and resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In hindsight, I see that during my youth,
I’d begun to lump Jesus with Santa Claus, the Boogey Man, and Tooth
Fairy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has nothing to do with
fairy tales and I want no part in deceiving my children or confusing them about
who Jesus is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is ultimately why I
take the matter of Santa so seriously in my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can get our pictures taken with Santa,
threaten coal for gifts if they’re naughty, but let your kids know that it is
all make believe. </div>
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For the skeptics out there, I encourage you to really
investigate the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is
that this would be the greatest Christmas of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus came and died for you so that you might
find life in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This grace of God is
indescribable and is truly the greatest gift one can receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year! </div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-3576201682440579842013-11-29T12:32:00.001-08:002013-11-30T14:27:23.204-08:00A Thankful Heart Leads to Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi5kAt1p86avAMun0odOWDMuIkPXTSyR0MoiSWpOWuopmc9rRgBW6MVf83l-JU8GCSWddKza15dtEMkUQsR3zzLXgXhfZNCUpd5xB6zy-XgWY4B2_Q1L4uD2-4g43LMNaNSe3mwPOpQk/s1600/perfect-autumnal-breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi5kAt1p86avAMun0odOWDMuIkPXTSyR0MoiSWpOWuopmc9rRgBW6MVf83l-JU8GCSWddKza15dtEMkUQsR3zzLXgXhfZNCUpd5xB6zy-XgWY4B2_Q1L4uD2-4g43LMNaNSe3mwPOpQk/s320/perfect-autumnal-breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So it’s Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hanging out down by the beach with my
family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s raining this morning and we
decided that we would make a journey down the street to the Longboarder Café. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a newer place with surf videos on the T.V.’s
and great food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like the
atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were half drenched with smiles on our faces, laughing,
and just enjoying one another as we sloshed our way into the cafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We splurged and let the kids get hot
chocolates and French toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coffee
was nice and hot and the picture of my family before me warmed my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling particularly blessed and
overflowing with thankfulness to God for my family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just about this time, three young Marines walked in the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must be getting old because
these Marines looked like little kids to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They weren’t in uniform, but Marines are easy to spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These three seemed a more polite and a
dressed a little more respectfully than your typical 18-22 year old male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was observing them, I suddenly had a
flood of memories of being a young kid in the military being away from my home
where friends and family are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
times of loneliness are hard to explain, but those who have been there, know exactly what I'm saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know these three guys are buddies and will be for life, but there is
something about these holiday weekends that makes you yearn for home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning I was reminded of the sacrifice many young men
and women are making today around the world as they celebrate Thanksgiving
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have access to all of
them, but I had these three right in front of me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they sat down, I looked towards my wife
and said, “I think we should pay for their breakfast.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the waiter came and took our order, I told him that I would like to
pay the bill for the three men across the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked a little surprised and said, “Really?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and he walked away thinking that was
really cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we finished eating the waiter came with our tab and
double-checked that we still wanted to pay their bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then asked if I wanted to send them a
message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Just tell them we are
thankful for their service.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
trying to figure the tip when all three of the Marines walked up to our table,
looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means a lot.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just thanked them and held back all my Navy
banter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Walking home my oldest daughter asked me why the guys came
up to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared with her how the
Bible says it’s better to give than to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We talked about how these young guys were away from the family for
Thanksgiving because they are protecting us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I shared with her that God had blessed us and we were thankful for their
service so we bought their breakfast to express our gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought that was really cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I encourage you to look for opportunities that you can
express a random act of kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
think you are blessing the other person, but I guarantee you will walk away
super blessed!</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-52419109119791129742013-11-12T17:38:00.000-08:002013-11-12T17:38:11.014-08:00Thankfulness Doesn't Come Easy
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-->The famous scholar, Matthew Henry,
wrote these words in his journal after being robbed of his wallet, “Let me be
thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because, although
they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because, although they
took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not
I who robbed.” Have you ever wondered
how some people can be so thankful regardless of their situation? I know I have!</style><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To be quite honest, I’ve always
been a “the glass is half empty” kind of guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t like this bent of mine, but because of this hard wiring I notice
those thankful types of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
never forget one man I met while going through Navy SEAL training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were a few days into the miserable rigors
of Hellweek (a grueling test over 5 ½ days where only 4 cumulative hours of
sleep are given) and he always had a smile on his face and was thankful every
minute during this miserable week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
never asked him why he was so thankful, but his joyful attitude was noticed by
all and very contagious.<br />
<br />
The older I grow, the more I
appreciate Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a Christian,
I believe this holiday celebrates a virtue followers of Christ are to
embody—thankfulness! In First Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul instructs
Christians to, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give
thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do these verses become reality in a
person’s life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think perspective is
everything as it relates to thankfulness.<br />
<br />
God desires you to be joyful and to
give thanks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In thinking about this it
seems that thankfulness is the antidote to discouragement and ultimately produces
joy in a person’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s an old
hymn titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Count Your Blessings</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The refrain instructs the hearer to, “<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Count your blessings, name
them one by one, count your blessings, see what God hath done!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is great power in simply naming things one
is thankful for because it forces the individual to back up and take the larger
picture into perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whenever a wave of discouragement comes in my family, we
play the “Thankful Game” with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is this game?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply work our way through
the alphabet giving thanks for something that starts with each letter. For
example, I would say, “A – I am thankful for my wife Anna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B – I am thankful for the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C – I am thankful for chocolate covered
doughnuts at Petersons, etc, etc.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know it sounds silly, but it never ceases to amaze me how much better we feel after
intentionally giving thanks for the many ways in which God has blessed us.</span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">God has blessed us each tremendously whether we
acknowledge it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is that
we each would cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m convinced that as we express our
thankfulness our joy will increase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ultimately God is pleased with our spirit of thankfulness and others are
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Albert Barnes, a theologian
from the 1800’s, once said, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">We
can always find <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something</i> to be
thankful for, and there may be reasons why we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ought</i> to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark
and frowning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of your
present situation, what are your thankful for today?</span>
<br />
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Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-12762378267723615012013-10-25T08:31:00.000-07:002013-10-25T08:31:13.478-07:00The Christian and Halloween
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDRzNHA2ycWYkFJzVIDwFkziYNXUl5lgAiPgxfTTU8aIvzwnhlrvvyu08Noqk9RFvX764EAt7Ou9Tj05l-lYcmaRLmliURRp-Ks7LNMPvvkDZbUhAINQHHYljSZl5HJcNPOW4d1qgM5o/s1600/Halloween-Pumpkins_2560x1600_1192-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDRzNHA2ycWYkFJzVIDwFkziYNXUl5lgAiPgxfTTU8aIvzwnhlrvvyu08Noqk9RFvX764EAt7Ou9Tj05l-lYcmaRLmliURRp-Ks7LNMPvvkDZbUhAINQHHYljSZl5HJcNPOW4d1qgM5o/s200/Halloween-Pumpkins_2560x1600_1192-11.jpg" width="200" /></a>This post certainly isn’t a slam on Christians who do the
Halloween thing—I’m all for you dressing up, eating candy and having fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I’m just not really into
holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sort of come and go
around here—with exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hold more of the “to each their own” when
it comes to celebrating holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Halloween was nothing more than dressing up for some candy
when I was growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much has
changed since then—other than the fact that I am a Christian now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard a lot of people claim that the
celebration of Halloween has become far darker than it was 10+ years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if that is true, or if I’m
simply running with Christians these days that are more sensitive than my old
SEAL buddies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe a little of both?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m preaching on Romans 14:1-12 this Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This passage deals with how Christians should
relate with one another concerning issues of opinion and conviction that the
Bible doesn’t explicating touch on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find
that Halloween is one of these issues of opinion and conviction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell you the origin of Halloween, nor
I am interested in you telling me either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is what you make of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, I’ll never forget a Halloween when I was in
Bible College.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had class that day and
the church where the seminary is located was having a Harvest Festival—you know
the Christian alternative to Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t upset that I was missing the holiday for class, but I was
pretty annoyed that all the parking was taken up walking to class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived in the classroom, I was met
with an uncomfortable situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was a middle-aged lady in the room weeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Man, I wanted to leave the room as quick as I could, but she saw me—I
was stuck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I asked what was wrong to discover she was heartbroken that
the church was doing a Harvest Festival for Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside I thought she was making a big deal
over nothing and should just grow up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course I didn’t say that, but I was thinking it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the conversation unfolded, it turns out that
this lady was raised a Pagan (literally) and Halloween was a day where they did
a bunch of evil stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked to
hear her tell her story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned the
holiday was far more than pillaging candy to her as it surfaced very dark
memories and the present reality for many in her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This conversation changed my feelings on
Halloween dramatically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast-forward about 11 years to today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t make a big deal about this
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not vocal about it…just sort of
slips by without commentary on my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have an almost 8-year-old daughter who just hates this holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does it come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know other than I believe she has a
deeply sensitive conscience to spiritual things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday she came home from an event where
the teacher said the kids could wear their costumes to class next week—which
falls on Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was sitting in my office when she approached me in
anguish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She explained that she had a
real problem and wasn’t sure how to handle it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The issue was that she didn’t want to get dressed up, she didn’t want to
lie about why she won’t dress up, and she doesn’t want to condemn her
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should she do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must pause to say that as a dad I am so
proud of this little girl and her genuine walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, these moments are super special
for me to help her navigate life in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing greater than being pastor-dad!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After she explained the problem, I shared with her the
passage I was studying—Romans 14:1-12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found it very relevant to the problem at hand as it gives some insight to how
we as Christians should handle things like Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some points that I told her and I
believe these apply to all Christians, regardless of your stance on Halloween.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pray.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, I explained that she
should pray and ask God for wisdom on how to handle this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heed your conscience.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One’s conscience is a super special gift that
God has given us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not always right,
but we shouldn’t make a habit of violating it because we can damage it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laid out a bunch of options from going
dressed up, not dressed up, not going at all, or making other plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My main concern is that I want my daughter to
recognize her conscience and to develop a plan on how to listen to it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You answer ultimately
to God.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We so desperately want to
fit in and be accepted by friends, but ultimately we must recognize that we
cannot make others happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the best
option is live your life in a way that you think pleases God the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As this relates to Halloween, I can see a
case for both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you do, it
should be for God’s glory.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be sensitive to
others.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to get dressed
up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No problem, just be sensitive to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This holiday may not be to them
what it is to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want nothing to
do with this holiday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fine, don’t get
dressed up, but be careful not to condemn others as it probably isn’t to them
what it is to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is some debate whether or not Augustine actually said
these words, but I think they are an appropriate way to end this post, “<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In essentials unity, in
non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”</span></div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-5744537829205655902013-09-19T13:19:00.001-07:002013-09-19T13:19:34.470-07:00Misericordia Por Favor
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEH4mH-ckse__Rcd_fscVhgR9Tbnhrkiplfj0aEGzwpWmMk9mFw1OcrizZMcrpFhOHZoz9iSXtnpvSxQsWKoEJEUJMo3wM66Nvnc80uGHczSQobJ9l5OabYa3CyqNau34VitglBqJUgY/s1600/Border_crossing_sign_Connell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEH4mH-ckse__Rcd_fscVhgR9Tbnhrkiplfj0aEGzwpWmMk9mFw1OcrizZMcrpFhOHZoz9iSXtnpvSxQsWKoEJEUJMo3wM66Nvnc80uGHczSQobJ9l5OabYa3CyqNau34VitglBqJUgY/s200/Border_crossing_sign_Connell.jpg" width="200" /></a>Those illegal aliens are driving me…</div>
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How did you answer that question?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a rant that’s been brewing in me for a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t know where I’m
going with this blog, but I have some things that I feel need to be said from a
biblical perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also think this
post may get me into some hot water, but that’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a patriot of this country, but my
allegiance is to Christ first and foremost. </div>
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I feel that racism is growing in my part of the United
States towards Hispanics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From my perspective
it seems that the majority of Hispanics are viewed as being illegal regardless of
their actual status in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not sure that the things I hear and the attitudes felt towards
Hispanics is glorifying to Christ.</div>
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I understand that this is a complex situation.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let your mind run wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not speaking of those trying to enter
our country to do us harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Citizen or
not, we must defend and protect the innocent from evildoers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The irony is the terrorists who have done us harm in recent years have
all been here legally, but I digress.</span></div>
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Yes, I agree that laws should be obeyed and honored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see this throughout the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a difficult political and financial
situation on our hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no
intention on trying to resolve these problems in this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I resist bringing up the history of how we
obtained California or how we treated the Native Americans securing our land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have the answers, but I do believe
there are two issues here: 1) How should this situation be handled politically
with laws? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2) How we as individuals
should treat other human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This,
in large part, is the part that has been bugging me.</div>
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How should a Christian respond to this difficult
situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like what our Declaration
of Independence states, “<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they
are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these
are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this statement applies to all
humans regardless of their citizenship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quite frankly, the illegal immigrants that I have met are extremely hard
working and are trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t blame them and I would do the same
thing if I were in their shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It pains
me to hear Christians speaking poorly towards these people just trying to
survive.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
passage that has planted itself in my heart is Leviticus 19:33-34, “When a
stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stranger who resides with you shall be to
you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were
aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD you God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interesting passage as it relates to this
subject.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
complaint I hear often relates to immigrants and the medical system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I would encourage you to go to a
community health clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>View the
conditions and care they are receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hardly world class treatment and certainly not better than any American
citizen would receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like experiencing other
cultures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been really hurt in
another country, but I certainly hope that I would receive the care I needed
because I am a human and not based on my citizenship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that we as a people would care for
other people in need to the best of our ability, yet sadly, in our nation
people seem to care more about animals than people.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
prayer is that we who follow Christ would be a merciful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it was Jesus who said, “Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matt. 5:7) and “Be merciful, just as
your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know about you, but I’ve received a ton of mercy from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we come to see people as God sees them (2
Cor. 5:16-21).</span></div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-49281782330991972932013-05-23T21:24:00.000-07:002013-05-23T21:24:18.809-07:00Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My life was forever changed on June 26, 2003 when I received
the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could barely comprehend the
words I heard, “Gunnar, Tom was shot and killed in Afghanistan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been dealing with the reality of these
words for nine years now and believe they will be with me for the rest of my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom was a great Navy SEAL,
husband, father of two young boys, and friend of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one death created a wake of pain and
agony in the hearts of hundreds, if not thousands, of people who knew and loved
Thomas E. Retzer.</div>
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This is Memorial Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A day set aside to remember those who have died while serving in the
United States Armed Forces. This holiday has become a day connected with a
three day weekend, BBQ, and fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am not one to ostracize these practices as I doubt my friends who were killed
in action would support me, but I encourage you to remember those who have
given all in practical ways by doing something this Memorial Day and at every
opportunity you are given.</div>
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This Memorial Day my family and I will go to Fort Rosecrans
a National Cemetery and visit the gravestones of my many friends who gave all
in their service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon says, “It is
better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because
that is the end of every man” (Ecc. 7:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In facing death, we faced with the brevity of our lives and are force to
consider the day when we also will face our Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage you to visit a National Cemetery
this Memorial Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk the aisles of
white gravestones, remember their sacrifice, and reflect on life.</div>
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As you walk the cemetery on Memorial Day, you will likely
encounter people who served with or loved those who gave all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Apostle Paul reminds us to “Bear one
another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we bear one another’s burdens in these
circumstances?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no way to know
what any given veteran has gone through, but impact of expressing gratitude to
them cannot be overstated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple,
“Thank you for your service and (or) sacrifice” goes a long way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In expressing this gratitude, you are taking
a small burden from them, or at least help them carry their own load (Gal.
6:5).</div>
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Be on the alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
prepared to shake the hand of a service member and look them in the eye and say
“Thank you for you service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am praying
for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This “thank you” is all the
more powerful when it is coupled with you picking up their tab!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big group events are great displays of
gratitude, but there is none more powerful than the individual touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only you can do this something!</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-6118561015084371542013-04-16T11:15:00.000-07:002013-04-16T11:15:15.205-07:00The Attack on the Boston Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtNGxV555mWxsvmXTUNQ2SRkkNu68f6xSo_swbap-VATjgVYX7qOJaz5RWBgY0P7bhjFeH-qBRRKNo2OkCjVO46LPjOjyV9xklDvD46kwENFpXZTJTFz-IM90BiDOXxmFaHqaT6u6R_w/s1600/boston-attack-easily-one-man-operation-bomb-experts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtNGxV555mWxsvmXTUNQ2SRkkNu68f6xSo_swbap-VATjgVYX7qOJaz5RWBgY0P7bhjFeH-qBRRKNo2OkCjVO46LPjOjyV9xklDvD46kwENFpXZTJTFz-IM90BiDOXxmFaHqaT6u6R_w/s200/boston-attack-easily-one-man-operation-bomb-experts.jpg" width="200" /></a><style></style>Certain events are seared into our memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget sitting in my elementary
classroom as the space shuttle exploded after lift off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or hearing the news of the towers falling on
September 11, 2001.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how
you heard about the events in Boston yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was at my computer and saw someone post, “Praying for Boston.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This peaked my interest enough to Google
“Boston.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the top hits revealed the
Boston Marathon was in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well maybe not as I am
friends with a bunch of athletes and just assumed that they were praying for
friends running.</div>
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Then I saw “explosions rocks finish line” and my heart
sank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I was sickened as I felt
like the war against terrorism had come to our shore; again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, its entirely too early to speculate
who is responsible for this attack, but warrior spirit rose up within me
wanting to defend and protect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
to wait for the evidence to come in before we can identify who is responsible
for this horrible act.</div>
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It’s far too early to start answering the many questions
that surface from such a horrible attack, but I feel its appropriate to share how I have processed some of my questions.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Evil exists in the heart
of humanity.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am limited in covering
this subject in full, but in short, the Bible makes it clear that humanity is
sinful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am preaching through Romans
right now and phrases like “There is none righteous, not even one”, “There is
none who does good”, “Their feet are swift to shed blood”, “Destruction and
misery are in their path” fill the first three chapters of this powerful
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The apostle Paul makes it clear
that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As individuals, we are warned of the wrath of
God and are encouraged to turn to Christ for life and security.</div>
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This may seem obvious, but we must recognize and understand
that evil exists in our world when events like this occur. Our culture seems to have difficulty admitting that evil does exist for one reason or another.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The role of
government as revealed in Scripture.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our government does a lot for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, almost all political debates revolve around how much, or
little, should the government do for the citizens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have scoured the Scriptures, I see one,
quite possibly the only, command given towards authorities like our
government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This command is presented
clearly in Romans 13:4, “It is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath
on the one who practices evil.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
short sentence concisely identifies the problem and how it is to be dealt
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evil is the problem and the
government has a responsibility to inflict the wrath of God on the one who does
evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bringing about justice to the
individual, or individuals, behind this act of terrorism should be the top
priority of our government.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How are we to respond
to such events?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if this
is the proper order, but this is the order of responses that come to my mind.</div>
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My first thought is thankfulness for the work God has done
in my own heart through Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recognize my capacity for anger, rage, and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help but to think, “But by the grace
go I.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I totally believe it’s okay to
have a little righteous anger, but in that I realize if it wasn’t for the grace
of God restraining me I could have been responsible for some evil act.</div>
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Second, I am so thankful for my life and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank God that my family is safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many accidents has He protected me from
that I was unaware? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m reminded of the
shortness of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to appreciate
each moment as a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this is
what Solomon meant when he wrote, “It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting” (Ecc. 7:2).</div>
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Third, my heart and prayers go to the victims of this which
are many—from those killed, the injured, their families, and the first responders
both volunteers and professionals who first responded to the victims and to the
scene of the crime.</div>
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Fourth, I pray for our leaders in charge of us as Paul commands (1 Tim. 2:1-2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray that they would have wisdom, discernment, and courage as they
stand against evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have many
difficult decisions to make as they protect those they have been entrusted to
protect.</div>
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Fifth, I pray for those that “bear the sword” (Rom.
13:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are men and women who have
been tasked to bring about justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
thankful for the sheep dogs who are willing to place their personal safety
second to the safety of the general population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weight of this responsibility on them and their families is hard to
describe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for them and
pray for them as they carry out this great responsibility.</div>
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Finally, I cry out “maranatha” which Paul writes in 1
Corinthian 16:22 and means “Our Lord, come!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ultimately He is the one who will restore order in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize that He is our only hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need His help and should cry out to Him.</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-50786584577496288062012-12-30T05:37:00.000-08:002012-12-30T05:37:01.669-08:00The Beauty of Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am up very early on a Sunday morning. It was raining yesterday afternoon and evening. We lit a fire and lounged during the late afternoon. I was in bed really early and consequently I am up really early! I love being up early on Sunday mornings because it gives me time to think, pray, and to get my heart ready for preaching.<br />
<br />
Today we are studying Psalm 5 as we are in between books. Next week we begin Roman--a major study for 2013. I am very much looking forward to studying this book that Chuck Swindoll appropriately refers to as "The Christian Constitution." But today, I have Psalm 5 before me and I feel led to mix things up at church today. I'm looking forward to having a time of prayer and a time of thanksgiving in the middle of the message. I'm also preaching first leading us into a time of taking the Lord's Supper and an extended time of worship.<br />
<br />
Psalm 5:1-3 says this, "<span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Ps-5-1">Give ear to my words, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span></span><span class="text Ps-5-1"> consider my groaning.</span><span class="text Ps-5-2" id="en-NASB-13976"> Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God,</span><span class="text Ps-5-2"> for to You I pray.</span><span class="text Ps-5-3" id="en-NASB-13977"> In the morning, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, You will hear my voice; i</span><span class="text Ps-5-3">n the morning I will order <i>my</i> <i>prayer</i> to You and <i>eagerly</i> watch." I am blessed as I consider some things about David's example of prayer that I would like to share.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-5-3"><b>Directly to God.</b> I love the direct access we see here. There is no need to pray to a "saint" or any other mediator. We have direct access to the Father through Christ. God hears our prayers and knows are hearts. There is no need to sugar coat your words. We can and should go to Him directly and boldly!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-5-3"><b>Personal relationship with God. </b> Did you notice how many times "my" was used in these three verses? A ton! Well, more like 7 times, but you get the point. David cries that God is his God and King! Do you have this relationship with God? Good times, bad times, God is our personal God and He desires this relationship with Him! We must guard ourselves from turning God into a lucky rabbit's foot and distorting our relationship into a religion, or maybe you need to ditch religion and gain a relationship?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-5-3"><b>Consistency in prayer.</b> I love the consistency of David's prayers. He tells God He will hear from David every morning! I'm not one to make rules concerning devotions, but there seems to be a pattern in the Scriptures to start the day with prayer. I don't know about you, but my days always go better when I start it with prayer. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-5-3"><b>Praying with expectancy. </b> We pray and forget. I always been bad at keeping a prayer journal, but I always encourage people to keep one. I enjoy going back and reviewing the prayers I have prayed long after the fact. I am always encouraged reading them thinking to myself, "Wow, the Lord came through on that one!" Let us not pray and move on, but let us be like David and wait expectantly after we pray trusting that God will respond!</span>Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-43920119805789399312012-12-14T18:50:00.000-08:002012-12-14T18:50:28.969-08:00Guest Opinion: Connecticut Tradegy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The events in Connecticut were simply tragic. I have not had time to sit down and write out my thoughts about the events, but I received the following email from Ken Yoder a dear man at Valley Baptist Church. The following is an email that he sent to his children after hearing the news. He has given me permission to share it here:</div>
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This
morning Mom and I were in the "Man Cave" going about our usual routine,
Mom painting, I was building a new jig for my saw. We have a habit of
listening to Rush on the radio. Rush was interrupted by the news of the
incomprehensible tragedy that took place in Connecticut, it certainly
affected us greatly. I could not help but realize that "But by the
grace of GOD there go us." How is this kind of evil even possible?
Obviously there are no answers to rationally explain how an individual
could do something like this. But I would like to share some thoughts
on this event.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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There are two things that come to my mind when I hear of such a despicable thing as this happening. </div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<span>1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>One
of the first things that I know from Scripture is something that Jesus
told us in John 10:10 that explains the two forces in this world. Let
me quote that here: "The thief [referring Satan] comes only to steal and
kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to
the full." You see, depending who an individual desires to follow, that
loyalty will determine how their life's actions will take them. Satan
does desire to steal, kill, and destroy any good, and unfortunately
there are people who allow that evil to take hold of their lives. Does
it seem like there is more and more of this happening? Yes, and the
reason is that Satan and his demons are winning the battle in the United
States. Without God, the nation will perish; and we are seeing the
results of this every day. Another thing that Jesus said is in John
3:19-20: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men
loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone
who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for
fear that his deeds will be exposed." </div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<span>2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>The
second thing that I also know from Scripture with regard to the taking
of these innocent lives is that little children are precious to Jesus.
Matthew 19:14 says, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as
these.’" Scripture also tells us in 2 Samuel 12 that when David's baby
was sick, he prayed for the baby to live, but when the baby died, he
said in verse 23 that while he can't bring the baby back to life on this
earth, he would go to him . . . meaning that the Lord receives those
who are too young to make an informed decision. What a joy that our
loving Lord takes these children to be with Him forever.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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What
can we do? We can pray for those families that lost their child; God
can and does work, and He is God. Pray for their comfort, and also that
many will come to Him during this time of great sadness.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Trusting and Honoring GOD!!! (Numbers 20:12 NIV)</div>
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Your earthly farther;</div>
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Dad</div>
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-58068918302543445762012-12-07T08:58:00.005-08:002012-12-07T08:58:53.037-08:00I Can't Keep Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you like the game Tetris? I haven't played it in a long time. I'm not sure how my skills compare to other people, but I definitely have a strategy of placing my blocks. I like symmetry so I try and keep the the top as level as possible. The ideal situation is to have four rows completely leveled out with exception of the far right column that is fully open, just waiting for that long bar to slide in delivering massive points! This game goes well for me as long as I have vision for what's coming. If I can predetermine where I am going to place a particular piece, I can get it placed and stay ahead of things. The problem is when things speed up and I cannot keep things neat and orderly in my landing area. Everything eventually unravels and finally that last piece drops with no place to fall and the game seizes up.<br />
<br />
I think life is a lot like the game Tetris. We each have 24 hours coming our way each day. There are times when I'm able to manage the responsibilities that fall my way and other times when things are falling so fast that I just don't know how I'm going to get them done. One of my favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 5:15-16, "<span class="text Eph-5-15" id="en-NASB-29320">Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,</span> <span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><b>making the most of your time</b>, because the days are evil." </span><span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"></span><span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321">We live in a world that is so busy. There is so much going on all of the time. I am so prone to saying, "yes" to people that I often myself running thin. In order to avoid my life becoming like the last 20 seconds of Tetris, I've discovered some practical things that really help...when applied!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><b>Setting goals.</b> I like setting goals from being a child of God, husband, dad, pastor, chaplain, friend, etc, etc. What are my responsibilities within the various aspects in my life? I don't know that I write these out, but I probably should. Once I examine my responsibilities I set goals for what I would like to achieve as it relates to the particular category. I do better if I can see what's coming down the chute so I can figure out how to place it.</span><br />
<b><span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><br /></span></b>
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><b>Prioritizing responsibilities.</b> Once I have responsibilities set out, planning starts to fall into place. With my great mental/written list laid out, I begin to prioritize my responsibilities. Some repeat daily, like time with God and family, others are weekly, or one time events. As I begin to lay them out on a calendar, I often discover a problem--namely too much to do and not enough time to get it all done.</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><b>Pruning responsibilities. </b> I really don't like saying "No" to people, but I've learned that I have to in order to stay sane and to actually accomplish the things that God has called me to. In the last year, I've had to make hard decisions to resign from boards and other things I really enjoy in order to focus on things I have been called to do. </span><br />
<b><span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><br /></span></b>
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><b>Using an online calendar.</b> I never used a calendar in the military, I was just always there. As a civilian, I have a ton of freedom to meet with people, study, and to handle small fires. I wasn't a civilian very long before I started double booking and forgetting appointments that slipped through the cracks in my brain, or sat on a paper calendar back at my home or office. I've been way more productive since the advent of a smart phone where I can track and adjust multiple calendars all the time from my phone wherever I am.</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321">I imagine Tetris blocks falling from the sky as I hear the lyrics of this old song, "</span>Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' into the future..." Time passes us all by at the same rate--one hour at a time. I know we each have been allotted different amounts of total time as it slips by us, but I want to make the most of the time I am given in this life. What have you done to best manage your time?<br />
<span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-NASB-29321"> </span>Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-51573257675489573042012-11-30T12:04:00.001-08:002012-11-30T12:04:15.660-08:00Cemetery or Seminary?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>**I wrote this post for <a href="http://www.crossconnection.net/2012/11/cemetery-seminary/" target="_blank">Cross Connection Network</a> and am posting it here because of the popularity of it on that site. Maybe, some readers here will appreciate the article.** </b></div>
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In my spiritual journey God has used a number of things to shape me.
I think I accepted Christ at a Tuesday night Bible study that was at a
Vineyard church. From there I started attending Horizon, then to The
Rock when Miles McPherson launched it, then to a little Mexican church
in National City, then to help with an Evangelical Free Church, then I
planted a church with my father-in-law that became Southern Baptist, to
my current church which is Southern Baptist...this flyover covers about
17 years of my church life. During the early years, 1996-2001, I
traveled extensively as a Navy SEAL and would often find myself in
different places on Sundays...I would always land at a Calvary Chapel
because they were fairly consistent with their franchised product. I
know you guys are not a denomination, but nobody on the outside buys
your claims. :)<br />
<br />
As I was growing in the Lord and starting to sense
God's call, I wasn't sure what the next step was or how I was to pursue
this vague feeling inside. I remember many of the pastors in Calvary
Chapel bashing, or subtly making jabs against seminaries by referring to
them as cemeteries. I sort of found this funny because from the
outside looking in it appeared as though many of the pastors didn't have
college degrees let alone any time at seminary. Where was this attack
coming from? Why would they be critical of something they never
actually participated in or completed? Maybe it was a chip on their
shoulder? Maybe. Maybe there was some truth in what they said?
Possibly. I know that I may be treading on dangerous ground as the
majority of the writers of this blog are Calvary Chapel guys. I am the
outsider, the black sheep of the group proudly waving my Southern
Baptist colors...which feels weird as I don't really feel connected
deeply to this group, but I digress.<br />
<br />
As God led me away from
Calvary Chapel circles, I was exposed to a variety of very godly pastors
who all had graduated from seminary. Different seminaries all
conservative, but with different flavors. It was during this time that
God's call became very strong and my desire to study the Bible at a
deeper level continued to grow, but I didn't know how I could satisfy
this as I was preparing to deploy to the Middle East. Thankfully, I was
informed of <a data-mce-href="http://www.moody.edu/distancelearning/" href="http://www.moody.edu/distancelearning/">Moody Bible Institute's</a>
distance learning program. I immediately enrolled in a number of
courses like "Old Testament Survey", "New Testament Survey", "Elements
of Bible Study", and "Advanced Bible Study Methods." Oh, my soul was
getting nourished in ways that I couldn't have imagined. I ended up
completing a year's worth of coursework through Moody's program. This
whole experience opened up the door for me to complete my Bachelor's in
Biblical Studies and Master's of Divinity degree through <a data-mce-href="http://www.socalsem.edu/" href="http://www.socalsem.edu/">Southern California Seminary</a>. From there, I would go on and work on my Doctor of Ministry degree through <a data-mce-href="http://www.mbts.edu/" href="http://www.mbts.edu/">Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary</a>,
but I withdrew from the program when I was "All but dissertation"
because I felt like it was interfering with the present ministry I was
called to.<br />
<br />
I had a wonderful experience through Bible College and
Seminary. I would not be able to handle the Word of God as accurately
as I do now without my training there. I understand that not every
seminary is created the same, but that doesn't mean that all are bad and
ineffective in training people. Here are a few reasons why I support
and encourage men called to the ministry to go to seminary:<br />
<br />
<b>You will grow and mature through the process. </b>
Seminary is challenging. Juggling life with coursework is challenging
in of itself, but a good seminary is going to forged you to be handle
the ministry--whether you are preparing to enter or are already doing
the work. To hunker down and to do the work will shape you in your walk
with God. This difficult season in my life definitely prepared me for
the rigors that pastoral ministry would bring.<br />
<br />
<b>You will be equipped in handling the Word of God. </b>
I often am asked, "Did seminary really help you?" I laugh and respond
with something like, "If I wasn't in seminary, I would not have been
digging, researching, and writing about topics that forced me deep
within the Word on a daily basis." Seminary will sharpen and expand you
knowledge and application of the Word of God. There is no way around
this, you cannot experience this demand on your own. I have often
heard, "Seminary is like trying to take a sip of water from a fire
hydrant." This is so true!<br />
<br />
<b>You will be exposed to others schools of thought.</b>
I can already hear some Calvary guys jumping on this point saying,
"Ahh, you will be brainwashed and wander into bad doctrine! Beware!"
An assumption of mine is that we are talking about a conservative, Bible
believing and proclaiming seminary--which there are many. Within this
context you will rub shoulders and discuss biblical things from
different vantage points. This is iron sharpening iron in its truest
sense. For example, when I wrote my thesis on "The Christian and
Combat" we brought in a pacifist, who deeply loves the Lord, to
challenge my position. I am better because of this experience of being
exposed to other views within Bible believing Christianity.<br />
<br />
<b>You will develop deep friendships and broaden your network.</b>
Outside of the coursework, I developed deep friendships with others in
the ministry from a variety of denominations or non-denominations
respectfully. These friendships have been very meaningful and helpful
to me in my service in the ministry at large. I am thankful for these
men that I can go to for support and outside consultation by men who are
outside of my circle.<br />
<br />
<b>Concluding thoughts. </b>
First, if you are debating going to seminary choose well. The price is
the least important factor. Seek out graduates and examine the
doctrinal position of the school. If you don't feel comfortable with
this, ask someone who can guide you and give you wisdom for not all
seminaries are created equal. Second, if you haven't been, or graduated
from seminary, I would ask you to refrain from the bashing of them
through subtle comments like letting "cemetery" slip out of your mouth
when "seminary" was the intended word. It makes one look like they have
a chip on their shoulder for lacking something. Of course one doesn't
need seminary to go to the ministry...we simply need to meet the
requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Finally, whatever your background, I
encourage you to read, grow, and study intently as you lead the body of
Christ.Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-63515009099889717092012-11-28T12:42:00.003-08:002012-11-28T12:42:40.904-08:00Growing as a Child, with my Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago I began a new missionary book with my daughter Grace called <i>Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems</i>. As we have been working through this book, I have been struck with thankfulness for the fruit I have seen in our lives from reading together. Before my first child was born, I purposed in my heart to be their spiritual leader and to help them in their walk with the Lord. Reading to them has been a great tool and I hope to encourage you as you seek to raise your children in the Lord.<br />
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<b>Choose what you read wisely.</b> I don't just read anything to my children, but I carefully select what goes into their little minds and hearts. We have multiple children's Bibles that I have read through to them. As Grace got older, we detoured and started to read missionary books like this one about Amy Carmichael. My aim in reading is to help us learn about God either through His Word, or through his hand in people's lives. Christian biographies are a great way to discover how faith is lived out.<br />
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<b>A great way for you to grow!</b> I don't know about you, but I wasn't raised in a Christian home. I lacked a foundation of the Bible, nor did I have any clue about missionaries! Reading through a children's Bible is a great way for you to develop an understanding of the overarching theme of the Bible. You'll read all of the major stories and as you do this over and over again things will begin to come together in your mind. Also, there are many great missionary books that are geared for children. This is a great way to learn about some of these great people in Christian history. As you read these easier books, you will probably discover someone that you want to learn more about. Your children will grow spiritually and so will you!<br />
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<b>You'll grow closer to your children.</b> I've heard it said that "quality time is found with quantity of time." I agree with this totally, but I hope to provide quantity time with the Lord in hopes that my children will have memories of their "God ah-ha" moments with me there. There is something intimate about reading the Bible and Christian biographies because they touch on deep subjects and we often find ourselves ending with prayer, or discussion about some significant spiritual truth. I love that the kids are always calling for me around bedtime wanting to snuggle and to read. I am confident I know my children and they know me better because of our time reading together.<br />
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<b>Make if a priority!</b> There is nothing easy about the command found in Proverbs 22:6 to, "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." It takes consistency and commitment from you. There are many times when I simply don't feel like reading to them. I'm busy and there is always something trying to distract me from them. Now my second child is at the age where she enjoys being read to, but they are not as the same level so it requires two sessions on my part which requires even more time of mine. The bottom line is I have made a commitment to train up my children in the way they should go so I carve out time for them even if I have to neglect other areas in my life. I certainly don't want the song, "<a href="http://www.lyricsdepot.com/harry-chapin/cats-in-the-cradle.html" target="_blank">Cats in the Cradle</a>" becoming a reality with me and my children.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts.</b> I guarantee your children will love you reading to them. In doing so you will give your children great memories with you, you will help them learn about God, and you will grow! We only have a children for a short while, make the most of this time you have with them.<br />
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<b>Some recommended books:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_scat_3114_ln?rh=n%3A3114%2Ck%3Atrailblazer+series&keywords=trailblazer+series&ie=UTF8&qid=1354134765&scn=3114&h=12bdabc1776aebad7d3c8db02e5706b90fc2639a" target="_blank">The Trailblazer Series</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=christian+heroes+then+and+now&sprefix=christian+hero%2Cstripbooks%2C281" target="_blank">Christian Heroes: Then and Now </a><br />
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<br />Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-27543112856391625462012-11-26T14:45:00.002-08:002012-11-26T14:45:28.794-08:00Book Review: No Easy Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few months ago the book <i>No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden</i> hit the press. As this book neared its release date on September 11, 2012 much drama began to circulate. Threats of a lawsuit from the Pentagon began to surface and the media was all over it. It seems I read about this book daily in the local paper until the tragic events of Benghazi when the news of this book seemed to fade away. Within the community people seemed divided over how to respond to this book--and all before it was released! I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Was it all hype and just a marketing scheme? Or was this a legit book? Many people began asking my opinion and I figured I should read the book and throw my two cents in the ring. I just finished the book today and my goal is to throw out some quick rough thoughts rather than produce an exhaustive book report.<br />
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<b>This book is for mature audiences.</b> I realize I have a varied demographic of people who read this blog. This book is a first hand account of a Navy SEAL. There is some colorful language and some questionable humor. Read with caution. But what would one suspect from this sort of book? In the field of like books, I would say that this one is on the cleaner side.<br />
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<b>Start reading at the back of the book.</b> In my edition, on page 301, immediately after the epilogue, there are nine pages of men who have fallen since 9/11 either in combat, or in training. Read the names. Each one slowly. Let them sink in. These are men who gave all. Many of whom were dear friends of mine. As I finished this book today, I received word that a Navy SEAL was killed in Afghanistan this weekend. The war is not over. Peace is not here. We long for the Lord to return for peace, but until then, we are reminded that men and women are serving around the world and in our backyard keeping us safe. The farther away I move from my old life as a SEAL the greater my appreciation is for those who are serving us in this very special capacity. If you are on active duty, or are a law enforcement officer, I thank you for your service from the depths of my heart.<br />
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<b>A lawsuit from the Pentagon, really?</b> I am shocked that there were threats of a lawsuit from the Pentagon. I found no tactical leaks in this book. There is nothing new, other than it is a first person account, in this book concerning the operation that killed Bin Laden. Toward the end of the book, the author expresses his disbelief of the leaks that came from the White House following this very classified operation. He wasn't back for 24 hours from the op before he started seeing images and official reports about the operation being broadcast on every network. I'm not sure why the threats came from the Pentagon, clearly this is a tier-one operator that knows what he is allowed, or not allowed, to share with the public. <br />
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<b>A humble perspective. </b>I love the humility of the author. This book is a super easy read. I loved being taken back to my time in the teams. I believe the author of this book painted a real picture of the SEAL community and the great sacrifices that are made day in and day out. I loved his attitude that it wasn't about him, but was about acknowledging the hard work and sacrifice made by many people over the years to make this operation happen. I believe he rightly gives credit where credit is due. I wish the politicians would follow his lead. <br />
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<b>I highly recommend the book. </b> The bottom line is I do recommend this book. It is not written by a hotshot, but by a humble American hero that was at the right place at the right time and happened to partake in a significant event historically. His heart is to share an eyewitness account that is free of political spin or implications. If you read this book, I believe you walk away with a deeper sense of gratitude for the the men and women involved with operation, and for the men and women who are currently serving our country today.<br />
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<br />Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3051496429208566068.post-13771430303236935882012-11-19T14:44:00.002-08:002012-11-19T14:47:37.416-08:00Happy Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God" (Psalm 50:23).</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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I love this verse. It essentially says two things: 1) Giving thanks honors God, and 2) there are benefits for ordering your life according to God's ways. I deeply want to achieve both of these things in my own life. I think it was in 1999, a few years after I had become a Christian, that I made a conscience choice to order my life aright. I certainly haven't reached perfection, but I hope those that really know me would agree that I have, in large part, sought to lead me life according to biblical principles even when it is difficult. I have have tried and continue to live by the words of the old hymn, "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back."<br />
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Now, the first part of the verse grabs my attention, "He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me." I'm not sure I ever thought that being thankful could be honoring to God, nor have I considered the opposite. Thanksgiving is one of our only holidays that embraces character trait that is commanded to the Christian. When I married my wife I was exposed to a silly game called "The Thankful Game." You simply work through the alphabet referencing things you are thankful for that begin with the corresponding letter. I remember making the church play this game in the middle of a message. I was shocked to see the disposition of the congregation visibly lighten as we shared things we were thankful for. I love seeing this game spread on Facebook...especially during a time when I see so much complaining there.<br />
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Okay, here's my Thankful list this year! <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">A - </span>Anna. There is no other answer for me than to say I am thankful for Anna my lovely wife. Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." God has blessed me with an amazing wife and mother of our children. Not a day goes by that I do not thank God for this amazing woman.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">B - </span>Bible. I am thankful for the Bible. God has used His Word to mature me, shape me, and guided me through His wonderful revelation.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">C -</span>
Cops. I am blessed to serve as a law enforcement chaplain. I am thankful for these men and woman who serve us day and night be coming to our rescue, protecting us in general, and providing a safe environment for us to live.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">D -</span>
Dogs, especially Lady Bug. I am really thankful for these wonderful creatures God has given us to enjoy.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">E -</span>
Ellie, my beautiful little girl who is a gift from God and a total
crackup. I am love seeing her little personality take shape!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">F -</span> Family God has blessed me with.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">G -</span> Grace, my wonderful little girl who cracks me up and fills my heart with joy every<br />
day! <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">H -</span> Hanson family. I am thankful the the Hanson family, the tree that I fell from!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">I -</span> Inlaws, the Hilton family. The Lord has blessed me with a great extended family<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">J - </span>Jury
Duty. Okay, this officially marks the hard stretch. I have "J, K, M,
T, and U" remaining. But jury duty is something that makes our
country great. I would love to serve on one, but am never needed and I don't think<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">K - </span>Kettle
corn. Wait to you get to "P", this is serious. There is a great
explosion of flavor, the corn is crisp and crunchy. Great experience!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">L -</span>
Lake Tahoe. I am thankful for the many memories I have growing up
there. I am thankful that I am going to be able to vacation there this
summer. I look forward to sharing my memories with my family.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">M -</span> Man-child. I love my girls and I would have been totally cool with a third daughter, but this year brought with it the wonderful news of a man-child (which is way cooler to say than "son"). I can tell that he is different in personality than the girls and I am looking forward to seeing this little guy grow into a man.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">N - </span>Navy.
The Navy was a major tool the Lord used in my life. I am thankful
for the many experiences during my 12 years in the Navy. The friends and experiences I had in the SEAL teams have had an incredible influence in my life that I will always be thankful for.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">O - </span>Ocean. I am so thankful for its beauty and mystic. I feel so close to God when I am at or near the ocean.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">P -</span>
Popcorn. I enjoy eating popcorn. Seriously. I have so much fun
firing up some popcorn and munching on it with the family around a game
or watching one of our favorite shows like Psych, Burn Notice, or Hawaii 5-0!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Q - </span>I think I am thankful for this letter in of itself. Seriously, I like playing Words-with-Friends and this is a 10 point word. I can be lethal if player correctly!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">R - </span>Running. I am thankful that I can run--I miss running since I have a bruised heel.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">S - </span>Spain.
This is a country I knew little about, but after marrying I learned
so much about this country. I traveled there with my wife and then
learned of her youth. I am thankful for the experiences Spain gave to
my wife. I am almost always looking forward to my next trip there!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">T - </span>Thanksgiving!
This is the last one I filled out. I so thankful for being
thankful...it just makes you feel better! Thank you God for blessing me
so!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">U -</span> Upwords. This is a great game and I am thankful for the many hours of playing this game with my wife and inlaws.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">V -</span> Valley Baptist Church. I love worshiping with my church family. I am simply amazed how God has moved through our little church since 2007. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">W -</span> Water. Nothing quenches the thirst like it and I love that our Lord describes Himself as living water!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">X -</span>
Xrays. X is hard, but seriously, I am thankful for the Xray machine
way more that I am for xylophones. I was thankful for the Xray machine
when my daughter broke her arm. Because of the technology the doctors
were able to fix her up good as new!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Y - </span>Yankees,
NOT! I am going with Yams. Nothing better than a well prepared Yam
on Turkey Day! I think the secret ingredients are brown sugar and
marshmallows.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Z -</span> Zoo. We are longtime zoo pass holders. Anna and I love walking and talking there...the animals are bonus!<br />
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Okay, now it's YOUR turn!
Gunnar Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497670108044137731noreply@blogger.com1