A New Year’s Eve Prayer

On New Year’s Eve we gather as a family to see in the New Year. Some years we actually stay awake until midnight, watching the ball drop in Times Square, banging on pots and pans, hugging and hollering, “Happy New Year!” At some point, I offer a prayer.

This year I have compiled a prayer for blessing as a way of saying goodbye to 2021 and greeting 2022. The prayer, in the form of a benediction, is a paraphrase that is based on Philippians 3:13, Hebrews 13:20-21, and Ephesians 3:16-21.

Prayer

We give thanks, Lord, for your grace and mercy in 2021. As the year ends, we ask to be able to mightily move forward in the spirit of the Apostle Paul, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead in Christ Jesus.

As we approach 2022, my you, the God of peace, equip us with everything good for doing your will and may you work in us that which is pleasing to you, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

And we pray that, out of your glorious riches, you will strengthen us with power through your Spirit in our inner beings, so that Christ may continue to dwell and grow in our hearts through faith.

We also pray that, being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all of your holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses our comprehension—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now, as we approach the new year, we do so while claiming the promise that you are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within us. May you receive glory and praise in our lives and in our families and in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, not only in the coming year but for ever and ever! Amen.

Christmas Prayer

 I wrote the following prayer for our family meal tomorrow, Christmas Day.

Our Father in heaven, on this day we celebrate the birth on earth of your Son Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

As we celebrate, may we reflect the joy of Mary who said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” And may we sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

We praise you for this time together with family (and friends). In a world unsettled by conflict and the Covid pandemic, by division and disease, may we continue to bring adoration to Jesus who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

As recipients of this peace, may we also be exuberant with the joy of Jesus, who said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).

On this Christmas day, we give thanks for your gifts of joy and peace to us: joy and peace in our homes and families, joy and peace in our work and leisure, joy and peace in our learning and living, joy and peace in our hearts and minds, and joy and peace even in our sorrows and struggles. May this joy and peace continue beyond this Christmas day and into the New Year.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Amen.

Panama Canal Cruise

This blog contains the content of several emails that I sent to a select group of family and friends. The emails were sent to family members who wished us well or friends who said things like, “Take a lot of pictures,” or “Looking forward to hearing about your trip.” Honorable mention goes to Wes and Mary who took this cruise on this same ship, Holland America’s Eurodam, two years ago and to John and Marilyn who will be taking it next month.  

Day One, Saturday, December 4, 2021

We have a 5:00 AM early morning pickup by Stephen and Lisa. They get us to the airport with time to spare. Marlene has made fresh sausage biscuits that we enjoy along the way.  United Air flights to Fort Lauderdale are on time. By about 1:00 PM we are picking up our luggage, grabbing a Starbucks, and heading to the shuttle pickup area to catch a ride to the hotel.

Hotel reservations are for the Ramada Fort Lauderdale Air/Cruise Port Inn. Such a deal: free airport/cruise port shuttles and a complementary breakfast. Only two blocks away is the Rendezvous Marina Restaurant. On the way to dinner, two geckos scurry across our path and a congregation of ibises forage in a grassy area. The restaurant is amazing. We get an outdoor patio table overlooking the marina, temperature is in the seventies, and we have one of the best fried clam strip dinners ever. 

Day Two, Sunday, December 5

The 10:00 AM shuttle to the cruise port is running a little late. The hotel has a well-qualified shuttle coordinator whom I think of as “Big Bob the Bouncer.” He is also part drill sergeant: “Keep back from the incoming vans, folks, These people just got in from the airport.” “Eurodam people stand here. If you are on the Edge, line up here. Stay in line. Keep it tight…”

By 1:00 PM we are on board the Eurodam. Nice cabin with a balcony and, for the first time in my memory, we even have a bath tub… Thank you, Elaine. The ship gets underway at 5:30 PM. We opt for a steak dinner at Lido Marketplace and in the evening go to a program that surveys and celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Holland America Line: a history of moving cargo, providing immigrant passage, transporting troops during WWII, and now specializing in vacation cruising.

Day Three, Monday, December 6

The ship stops at Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Holland America’s private island. We stay on board and use the time to explore the ship and get into shipboard life: reading on our balcony, attending High Tea, and enjoying food galore. (We have already had steak, jerk pork, omelets to order, salads, fresh fruit, salmon, and swordfish, yum, yum.) The day ends with a comedy show in the Mainstage Theater.

Day Four, Tuesday, December 7

This an “At Sea” day on the way to Willemstad, Curaçao; temperature in the high seventies, calm seas, average speed of 22 knots. One of my favorite things about cruising is seeing hundreds of people reading, books and tablets everywhere. Another favorite is the evening entertainment. The program tonight was a steel drum band named, “Caribbean Magic.” With high energy and breathtaking (literally) enthusiasm, they regaled us with “classics,” from Andrew Lloyd Weber to Tchaikovsky and Schubert. Incredible! 

Day Five, Wednesday, December 8

Willemstad, Curaçao is our port of call today. A former Dutch colony, it is known for having one of the world’s largest floating pontoon bridges and a row of quaint Dutch-looking houses painted in bright Caribbean pastels.

In the afternoon and early evening, we walked around the shopping area of Willemstad. I went into a store displaying traditional blue and white delft tableware. Just as I was beginning to be intrigued by these dishes, a little voice inside my head said, “What are you doing? You can buy this same stuff in Holland, Michigan.”    

Day Six, Thursday, December 9

Oranjestad, Aruba has a look and feel similar to Curaçao, perhaps not as quaint. There is a free trolley ride that does a loop around town. It gives a great overview, including stops for shopping and at least one museum.

All Aboard the ship was 4:30 PM. After dinner in the main dinning room, we hit several music-related venues. We started with a performance by a dance company on Mainstage, then went on to a piano performance (two grand pianos playing contemporary hits) and ended up at “B.B. King’s Blues Club.” 

Day Seven, Friday, December 10

We are at sea all day, on the way to the Panama Canal. Ever wonder how to spend the time on board? Here is how we do it.

7:00 AM: Breakfast - Lido Market dinning hall

8:00 AM: Reading and writing in the Crows Nest Lounge and Cafe. Enjoying Starbucks-style lattes on the 11th (top) deck with spectacular ocean views.

10:00 AM: Cooking demonstration by the ship’s Executive Chef - emphasis on fresh seafood. (I learned that the swordfish steak I had the night before was freshly caught off Curaçao and delivered directly to the ship.)

11:30 AM: Lunch at Lido Market, Asian cuisine, we go for California sushi rolls, curry shrimp, and chicken Marsala. 

2:00 PM: The Art of Flower Arranging (Marlene)

3:00 PM: Meet the Artists - Q and A with performers from the steel pan group, “Island Magic.”

5:30 PM: Main Dining Room - crab cakes for the appetizer, prime rib main course!

7:00 PM: Masterworks by Brahms, Lincoln Center Stage

9:00 PM: Comedian Ken Boyd, Mainstage

In between the above activities we take time for reading, tea, naps, and exercise (walking) on the Promenade Deck (deck 3). 

Day Eight, Saturday, December 11

This is our day at the Panama Canal. The ship is lined up to enter the Canal area at 6:00 AM. It is a major event. Most people are up and on the bow, deck 5, or forward, deck 7. Holland America has a tradition of serving rolls, coffee, and juice on the decks at that time. The warm mango-infused rolls are referred to as “Panama Rolls.” The Cruise Director says that the same rolls, when the ship goes through the Suez Canal, are called “Suez Rolls.” 

The ship goes through the first three locks into Lake Gatun, drops off passengers for shore excursions, returns through the same locks, and picks up shore excursion passengers in Colon 8 hours later. A day earlier, a bulletin had been delivered to all state rooms that warned about the extreme heat and humidity in the Canal area. We decide to cancel our shore excursion, stay on the ship, and view the return trip through the locks. Good decision. I loved getting a second view of the locks. This time, I moved around the ship to see the locks from different perspectives; including evidences of the original French attempt, the current locks, and the new locks. I was especially intrigued by the “mules.”

Mules are electric train engines that keep the ship straight while going through the locks. Each mule costs about 2 million dollars and weighs fifty tons. It takes eight mules to guide our ship, two on each side forward and two on each side aft (picture to follow).The mules are essential because our ship has only two feet of clearance on each side. Mules do not push or pull the ship; they merely keep it straight and from scraping the sides. The ship’s own power moves it forward.

These electric locomotives run on five-foot wide tracks, with a third underground rail providing electric power towing assistance by means of an underground cog wheel system.

I love the concept that in the Canal ships have the power to move themselves forward, but they need mules to keep them straight. I wonder if there are situations in our lives like this. We are moving forward, but to be safe we need to be connected to Scripture, people, or other resources to keep us on a straight path and to avoid getting all bruised and scraped.

Days Nine - Twelve, December 12 - 15

The Panama Canal, for us, was the high point of the cruise. We enjoyed staying on board ship for the stops after the Canal at Colon and Costa Rica. For the remaining days we shared wonderful times together: great meals, musical performances, board games, an informative talk by the captain, movies, and reading. There was one unique experience while at sea. 

At about 2:00 AM one morning, Marlene woke me up for help with a problem. Earlier, she had fallen asleep while listening to an audiobook with an ear bud in her ear. When she awoke, the ear bud was gone. The disappearance was compounded by the multi-layered sheets and blankets and pillows being the same color as the ear bud - white. 

The search began. We removed, turned over, and shook out the sheets and pillow cases - nothing. We stood the mattresses and bed frames on end and removed the suitcases from under the bed - still nothing. Finally, we shut off the lights and with the beacon of my iPhone, I combed the floor, under the sofa, and around an end table. And, then - something! A glint of white caught my eye from between the end table and the wall. Could it be? Yes! Barely visible, it reflected back at me in the darkness. Rescue made. The lost was found. We put the room back together, and I was off to sleep by about 2:30 AM.  

Why have I told you this story? Because, in addition to being thrilled to find the ear bud, I also noticed that no matter where I looked, everything was spotless, no dirt or even dust. It is a tribute to the good work of our room stewards. I wonder if I could do a better job in keeping the nooks and crannies of my life clean. 

Final Observations and Comments

 —The food is consistently excellent, breads and pastries freshly baked daily, seafood picked up at the various ports. My favorite foods: made to order omelets at Lido Market, prime rib or swordfish steak or short ribs in The Dining Room.

 —My favorite hangout place is the Crows Nest, on the Observation Deck (deck 11). The spot has a cafe, library, tables, lounge chairs, and the best views.

 —Health precautions are applied consistently, especially masks and sanitation. We are not aware of any Covid, flu, or virus outbreaks.

 —The Internet is unpredictable. We were able to occasionally receive and send email. Best of all, we were able to get the worship service at Fellowship Church on Sunday morning. Shortly after the church service, the Internet crashed and we lost service for about 24 hours. 

 —The population of guests is about sixty percent of capacity. There is plenty of seating at meals and in the auditoriums, and elevators respond quickly.

  —Ship statistics: Eurodam launched in 2007, length 936 feet, beam 106 feet, top speed 23. 9 knots or 27.5 MPH, guest capacity 2,106 (1,350 on this cruise), crew 929.

  ---This was another excellent cruise. We are thankful to have been spared from illness or transportation delays. Son Stephen picked us up from Grand Rapids airport at around 6:00 PM, Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Citizenship

Are you smarter than a new citizen?

Do you remember the game show, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” Let us play a variation of the game. We can call it, “Are You Smarter Than a New Citizen?”

I am thinking of this topic because Marlene and I have been volunteering with a U.S. citizenship class. The class helps participants to understand the requirements for citizenship and to prepare the necessary documentation. Many of these individuals lack formal schooling, and English is not their first language. To become a U.S. citizen, they are required to demonstrate knowledge about United States history and government and geography, understand commitment to the ideals of the U.S. Constitution, and be willing to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. It is easy to take for granted many of the things required for becoming a United States citizen. Here are some of the essentials.

First, they need to complete an “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400). This form asks for proof of being a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (for most); marriage and birth certificates; driving record, including information about traffic tickets, arrest and sentencing information; selective service number (men only); information about travel outside of the U.S. since becoming a permanent resident (green card); and tax forms for the past 5 years. Second, in addition to the N-400 form, applicants need to demonstrate the ability to write in English (writing a dictated sentence); read in English (a list of words and short sentences); and have a knowledge of U.S. government and history and geography (orally answering questions correctly from a manual of 100 study questions).

Test your own knowledge of U.S. history and civics by responding to these 10 sample questions. Answers are at the end of this post.

1.      What is the supreme law of the land?

2.      The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

3.      What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

4.      What are two (of the three) rights in the Declaration of Independence?

5.      How many U.S. Senators are there?

6.      The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

7.      If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

8.      Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

9.      When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

10.   When was the Constitution written?

As I was assisting someone in the class, I asked, “What is your timetable for completing your application?” He said, “I don’t know.” To which I responded, “When do you think that you might know?” He said, “Well, I have to think more about if I am ready to renounce allegiance to my home country.” I told him that I respected him for taking so seriously the oath of allegiance that must be sworn to in order to become a U.S.  citizen. I wonder how many of us realize the depth of commitment that is required of new citizens. Following is the oath that is administered by a judge.

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Becoming a United States citizen is one of the few experiences that asks for a major life-commitment. Similar commitments are made in only a few other places, such as being inducted into the military, public office, or an officer in the judicial system. However, from a spiritual perspective, those who are Christians have aligned themselves with Jesus and his disciples, making an even bigger commitment. The Bible refers to these individuals as citizens of heaven.

Believers have a heavenly citizenship, a deep allegiance to a spiritual kingdom. Two Bible passages even use the word “citizenship.” “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

Other passages are consistent with the concept of citizenship. “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). “…just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom…” (Luke 22:29). “…to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). In a sense, believers have a dual citizenship, one earthly and the other heavenly.

I have described requirements for earthly citizenship in the United States, What about the requirements for being a citizen of heaven? 

One normal manifestation of those who are heavenly citizens is that they are members of a local church. (Although it is certainly possible to be a citizen of heaven without being a member of a local congregation as we currently and formally define church membership). I understand the church to be a community of believers who have been saved through faith in Christ and have made commitments to God and one another. As a result, they are a group of people with a spiritual, heavenly citizenship.

Since we have asked the question earlier, “Are you smarter than a new citizen (of the United States?),” I wonder if we dare ask one another, “Are you smarter than a new member of a local church (e.g., someone who has recently become a member of a local church by making profession of faith)”?

In the churches of my Reformed tradition, there are two documents that I think of as somewhat parallel to the questions and oaths used for United States citizenship. These are the Heidelberg Catechism and questions that are asked of new members who are joining the church by making profession of faith.

The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) has fifty-two main sections (called Lord’s Days) that contain 129 questions and answers. Following are ten sample questions. Answers are at the end of this post.

1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

2. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

3. What is true faith?

4. Why are you called a Christian?

5. How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?

6. What do you believe concerning “the Holy Spirit”? 

7. What do you understand by “the communion of saints”? 

8. What are sacraments? 

9. What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?

10. What are good works?

Those who are becoming members of a local church are also asked to make commitments. While these are not referred to as an oath, they do ask individuals to identify their desire to adhere to specific beliefs and behaviors. Here is part of the “Profession of Faith” liturgy.

Do you believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the only rule for faith and life?

Do you, relying on the grace of God, promise to confess Christ publicly before others, to serve Christ daily, and to walk in Jesus’ way?

Do you promise to exhibit the joy of new life in Christ; to share fully in the life of the church; to be faithful in worship and service; and to offer your prayers and gifts?

Do you promise to accept the spiritual guidance of the church; to walk in a spirit of Christian love with this congregation; and to seek those things which make for unity, purity, and peace?

This post has been a reflection on citizenship, both in this world and the next. Each type of citizenship requires a major life commitment. There are only a few situations where I (and perhaps you) have taken on such responsibilities. I think of these situations as issues for which I am willing to lay down my life, or as someone might say, “For which I would take a bullet.” For me there are three areas: faith, family, and country. Each of these requires its own sacrifices, as well as having its unique blessings. Each is lived out best by continuing to learn and mature through understanding, service, and celebration. I am blessed to have found joy in this journey. How about you?

Answers to U.S. citizenship questions.

1.      The Constitution

2.      We the People

3.      The Bill of Rights

4.      Life ▪ liberty ▪ pursuit of happiness

5.      One hundred (100) Two from each state.

6.      Four hundred thirty-five (435) Number is based on the population of each state.

7.      The Speaker of the House

8.      (Thomas) Jefferson

9.      July 4, 1776

10.   1787 

Answers to Heidelberg Catechism questions.

1. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

2. Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are; second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.

3. True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace, granted solely by Christ’s merit.

4. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for eternity.

5. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. Third, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.

6. First, that the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, that the Spirit is given also to me, so that, through true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his benefits through true faith, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.

7. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

8. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise. And this is God’s gospel promise: to grant us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ’s one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.

9. Two things: the dying-away of the old self, and the rising-to-life of the new.

10. Only those which are done out of true faith, conform to God’s law, and are done for God’s glory; and not those based on our own opinion or human tradition.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

As Marlene and I prepare for hosting a family Thanksgiving dinner at our house, I have written the prayer that follows. Join with our family in celebrating God's faithfulness during this Thanksgiving season.

Our Father in Heaven, we give thanks for your presence at this table, and we praise you for the privilege and pleasure of gathering on this Thanksgiving Day. We pray for your blessing on those who are here in person and those who, although not physically present, are here in our hearts.

As we gather, we say with the Psalmist, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalms 118, 136), and “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name” (Psalm 100).

Even though we are in this time of thanksgiving, we recognize that there are many who are hungry, lonely, fearful, oppressed, imprisoned, persecuted, victims of mass violence, and sick, including those impacted by the coronavirus. We pray for all of these, and we ask for your grace, mercy, strength, justice, and love to prevail. May the realization of the needs and needy in the world stir us to acts of service. For you have commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19) and “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

As we are about to enjoy this meal, we give thanks to God the Father, who is “Lord of the harvest” (Matthew 9:38) and has abundantly provided for us, both physically and spiritually. We offer praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, and the Resurrection and the Life. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit, who nurtures us and cultivates in our lives the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We offer this prayer in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with thanksgiving. Amen

 

 

Veterans Day

 “You are welcome.”

 We celebrated Veterans Day yesterday and enjoyed some free offerings from area businesses. We got “The Works” from Tommy’s Car Wash, a haircut coupon from Great Clips, wings and fries from Buffalo Wild Wings, and preferred parking and a 10% discount from Lowes. These gifts typically include the words “Thank you for your service.” To which I responded,

“You are welcome.”

I come from a family of vets. My father, Uncle Bill Braunius (survivor of the Normandy invasion), Uncle Norm Jonkman, and Uncle Bill Sharp served in World War II. My brother Roy and I were in the Naval Reserve and each on active duty for 2 years during the Vietnam era.

Our service was in response to a commitment as citizens of the United States. While I cannot speak for other family members, we can be proud of our service to this country. It is a place where we have freedom to acknowledge a history that proclaims, “We the people,” “In God we trust,” and “that all men (and women) 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.”

This is not to say that I am proud of everything about our country. I lament slavery, racial discrimination, and the relocation of indigenous peoples. I grieve over the government’s position on abortion. And, I am frustrated by authoritarian political leaders who govern by deceit, lies, and manipulation.

Yet, “this land is your land, and this land is my land.” I thank God for our country and continue to consider it a privilege to have defended it. We are the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” While, not a perfect country, I think that we are better than most. There is no place where I would rather be. The freedoms that we enjoy are because of those who serve and have served. So, it is fitting that we express appreciation to our veterans, and when the words “Thank you for your service” come my way I say,

“You are welcome.”

Trees

Trees are around us all year long, but the Fall is a season of special splendor. In the Winter, we pretty much ignore most of these brown stick-like figures. In Spring, we welcome back their emerging blossoms and bright green leaves. During Summer, we think more about the shade that they provide than the trees themselves. But in Fall, as if not being able to tolerate passivity any longer, we are forced to acknowledge their brilliance as they pop into bright yellows, oranges, and reds.

Acknowledging this awakened brilliance, many Michiganders take to the roads to “ooh” and “ah” over this wardrobe change. We call these road trips “color tours.”

Marlene and I recently took our color tour up to the Harbor Springs, Michigan area for a drive along route M-119, also called the “Tunnel of Trees.” Focusing on these beauties opened up a compartment in my brain where tree memories are stored. So, here are a few of my cranial memories. I think psychologists call this cluster of thoughts a “schema.” The following are excerpts from my schema on trees as they were organized in my head. Click on the titles to link with the full text.

The first was Joyce Kilmer’s poem, “Trees.”

“I think that I shall never see/A poem lovely as a tree…

Poems are made by fools like me, 

But only God can make a tree.”

Then came words from a picture book by Shel Silverstein called “The Giving Tree.”

"Once there was a tree and she loved a little boy. and every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest..." 

After that, the “Tree Song” by musician Ken Medema came to mind.

“I saw a tree by the riverside/One day as I walked along,/Straight as an arrow,/And pointing to the sky,/Growing tall and strong./ ‘How do you grow so tall and strong?’/ I said to the riverside tree./ This is the song my tree friend sang to me…”

The “Tree Song” led my thoughts to a biblical song, Psalm 1, where a righteous person is compared to a healthy tree.

“Blessed is the one (vs.1)…

whose delight is in the law of the Lord (vs. 2)…

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season (vs. 3).”

The words of Christ also came to mind.

“So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17).

Thinking further, I am finding trees throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. For example, the Tree of Life appears in Genesis, Proverbs, and Revelation and at least 19 Bible books have references to trees.

Finally, I started brainstorming about the many functions of the trees that are all around us. Trees are:

bearers of blossoms and fruit,

changed into fossil fuels,

chopped into firewood,

converted into treehouses,

cut into lumber,

designed to be climbed,

made into furniture,

preservers of soil,

preventers of erosion,

providers of oxygen,

contributors of pulp for paper,

nests for the birds,

sources of maple syrup,

supporters of wildlife, and

symbols of Christmas.

While the above “tree-mendous” thoughts have “branched out” in a number of different directions, they point to the wonderful role of trees in teaching us about life. They remind us of beauty, service to others, nourishment, strength, and righteousness. They are icons of nature that God uses to tell us about himself and how we should be rooted, grow, and bear fruit.

*******************************************

The tree-related images in this blog are as follows.

--Michigan’s tunnel of trees

--A view of our house with trees in the background (7^th house from the left)

--Tree of Life by Joel Schoon Tanis in atrium of Fellowship Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan

--Cartoon about supporting and being supported by trees

Connecting Rods and Self-maintenance

“He who is without oil, shall throw the first rod” is a saying found on t-shirts and car repair shop signs. Car people understand. It says, check your oil lest your crankcase become dry and a piston rod seize up and you blow the engine.

In continuing to attend a five-week church education class on mental health, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of self-care. Not paying attention to our own mental health is like not maintaining a car’s oil level. Something is likely to be blown or thrown.

Marlene and I, almost daily, have breakfast and devotions overlooking Lake Michigan at Holland State Park and in the afternoon have coffee at Windmill Island Gardens. We are not sure if this is the best use of our time and resources and wonder about the long-term effect of too many donuts and muffins. To help us feel better about this indulgence, we occasionally say, “It’s cheaper than a therapist.”

Coffee and donuts is one of our mechanisms for maintaining mental health and coping with life-challenges. It keeps us from “running out of oil.” There are other things that can also be done to enrich personal health. We work on these as well, sometimes more successfully than others. Here is a list. Please note. I am not a mental health professional and can only say that these make sense to me, from my own unique and, admittedly, sometimes quirky perspective. Some of these ideas come from the website, www.therapistaid.com.

Exercise. Only do the kind of exercise that you enjoy. The key word is “enjoy.” You will not stay with activities that are not fun for you. Exercise for me is walking while listening to mystery-action audiobooks, using an elliptical machine, triking (biking), and most recently, pickleball. Other exercise options could include exercise videos, running, spiritual exercise (e.g., 1 Timothy 4:8), swimming, weightlifting, or yoga. Pick what is right for you.

Be sociable. For us, this means getting together with our kids and grandkids, with a church small group, and attending adult church education classes. We often have a Friday night meal with our kids and grandkids. Being with family and friends is somehow invigorating. Other examples of healthful group experience can involve things like organizing a group dinner, calling or texting a friend, playing a board or card game, attending a concert or football game, and joining a class or club or group. Isolation is often associated with depression. So it can also be worth participating in a social experience even when we may not feel like it.

Have projects. Some projects are more fun than others. We try for those that intrigue, satisfy, bring joy, and are fulfilling. For example, Marlene enjoys gardening, but gardening makes me depressed. Instead, I like planning trips, writing research proposals (strange, hey?), and fixing things. I just finished restoring a garden lighthouse and am now looking for the next broken or deteriorated thing to redeem. It might be a windmill. Other projects could include home maintenance, car restoration, sewing, or quilting.

Develop special interests. I have three “go-to” areas of special interest: computers, cruises, and cooking. When we go to Sam’s Club, the computer department is always my first stop. We average one cruise a year. I subscribe to cruise podcasts and several news feeds. Marlene and I discuss meal preparation daily because we both like to cook. I specialize in chili, ribs, and flaming desserts, and my culinary equipment includes pressure cookers, cast aluminum and iron cookware, sou vie, and induction cooking. Marlene creates incredible crème brules, sausage biscuits, birthday cakes, and so much more. Examples of other interests are art,  Bible memory, church activities, coaching or mentoring, collecting antiques, hiking, meditation, music, pets, or professional development.

Serve others. We like to invest in friends and family. The words of Jesus as quoted by Paul are, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:25). Serving was a characteristic of the early church and should be for us as well. We look for ways to support family members, serve as volunteers in a citizenship class, and coordinate a Fellowship Group (small group). Marlene fixes meals for friends and neighbors who are ill. I trike with a friend who uses a handcycle. Churches and community organizations abound with service opportunities. The key is to participate in ways that affirm one’s gifts, abilities, interests, and strengths, rather than draining our energy, bringing unhealthy stress, and causing us to feel that we are being used or even abused.

I began this post with a saying about car maintenance. “He who is without oil, shall throw the first rod.” This is actually an adaptation of John 8:7, “Let he or she who is without sin throw the first stone.” One of the truths underlying these quotes about “throwing a rod” and “throwing a stone” is that we ought to spend more time focusing on maintaining our mental and spiritual health than neglecting self and criticizing others. This self-maintenance for me includes exercise, being social, having projects and special interests, and serving others. How about you?

Nutty as a Fruitcake

 A pastor once said to me, “I’m not taking any of those personality tests. I’m afraid that they would find that I’m as nutty as a fruitcake.” And, when I was coordinating a church-based seminary extension program in Boca Raton, Florida; the Director of the Counseling Center and I had a weekly lunch meeting. He always liked it when I would come to the waiting room of the Counseling Center to meet him. He wanted clients to see a church staff member in his facility.

Even though these experiences took place some years ago, they illustrate what is still a prevailing reluctance by many to talk about mental health.

Marlene and I attended a class on mental health this past Sunday at Fellowship Reformed Church. The attendance was smaller than it should have been, and I was the only male in the room. It is unfortunate that so many missed this helpful session. Maybe the fear of being thought of “as nutty as a fruitcake” remains. Now, for those who are brave enough to read on, following is a summary of some of the main concepts that I appreciated from the class.

Exercise: People who exercise regularly tend to be more resistant to many mental illness-related challenges including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, bulimia, Alzheimer’s, sleep difficulties, stress, low energy, and self-esteem. A beginning exercise plan of walking as little as 30 minutes 3 times a week can make a difference.

Sleep: Set a regular schedule; avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine; avoid too much napping; exercise regularly; and avoid big meals for two hours before bedtime.

Boundaries: Establish personal boundaries. Types of boundaries that each of us should set and protect include the following:

--physical: personal space and touch

--intellectual: thoughts and ideas

--emotional: feelings and emotions

--sexual: touch, comments, mutual respect

--material: money and possessions

--time: amount of time spent in work, relationships, hobbies, etc.

Several Bible passages were also shared including these:

Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Luke 10:25-37, Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Reflecting on the above class notes, I think that we tend to be more careful about our physical health than our mental health. However, the two are connected and may vary from person to person. Let us find ways to, as Lester Holt says when closing the NBC nightly news, “Take care of yourself and each other.” Please contact me if you would like handout sheets on any of the above topics.

Lessons from Triking

I am a “triker.” But not just any kind of “triker;” I am a “recumbent triker.” To be even more specific, I ride a TerraTrike Rambler. It is tangerine-colored, tadpole style, 16 speed, 43 pounds, 24” front and 26” rear wheeled, pedal-propelled vehicle. Marlene rides a TerraTrike Rover, blue, 24” wheels, with Bafang pedal e-assist. We haul the trikes around in our Honda Odyssey minivan.

The pictures are of recent trike experiences. One is of Marlene and me with our son Stephen and his wife Lisa, and the other is with a friend, Vern Sterk.

I have been triking for about two years, long enough to have learned a few things along the way. Many of the lessons learned may be similar to those of conventional bikers, but some are unique to triking. [Check Google.] There are a lot of sites with “lessons from biking,” but not many are on triking. So here are a few of my observations.

HEADS UP. Keep alert and be on guard. Triking forces me to concentrate on what is going on around me. Since trikes are low to the ground, even with headlights, taillights, and a flag, they can be invisible, especially to distracted drivers. Life lesson. We all should travel assertively on our journeys through life, watching out for fellow travelers who are dangerous, while smiling and waving at the others.

 SET MY OWN PACE, SCHEDULE, AND ROUTE. Triking does not have to be primarily about speed, distance, or destination; but, rather, the simple joy of being able to ride. There are days with blustery winds and cold weather when it is difficult to ride; therefore, when I can, I ride in my own way. Life lesson. Normalcy, in life and on a trike, has its up-hills and down-hills, headwinds and tailwinds, rain and sunshine. All are part of the journey and all have their own challenges and should also have their own celebrations.

 HAVE A SUPPORT PERSON OR NETWORK. So many things can challenge the triker, including accidents, mechanical breakdowns, threatening dogs, and flat tires. I always carry a cell phone and ask Marlene to keep her phone nearby so that I can contact her if help is needed. Life lesson. Never go it alone. Love and be loved. Cultivate supportive relationships.

 STAY CLOSE TO OTHERS. When triking with others, stay close, but not so close that your wheels get tangled; just close enough to talk or at least call out to one another. Part of savoring the ride is to enjoy one another during the ride. Sharing in the ride multiplies its pleasure and provides a common connection for future experiences. Life lesson. By being with another person or with others, we are able to give and receive constructive feedback in order to improve our future journeys together. Pedaling is not the only reciprocal part of riding. Reciprocal interaction with one another helps to determine the best pacing, distances, break times, sightings, and other shared experiences.

 DIFFERENT SPOKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS. Put yourself in the other person’s pedals. One of the beauties of triking is that there are so many styles of trikes, from those that are low, light weight, and built for speed, to those that are the heavier, more upright comfort-cruisers, to those that provide support for persons with physical limitations. Two or three times a week, I ride with my friend Vern Sterk. He had a bike accident about four years ago that caused a spinal cord injury and paralysis. He now pedals a hand cycle. Life lesson. While he and I are not going to beat any speed or distance records, the rewards of triking together include the privilege of supporting a friend, having stimulating conversations, and enjoying life as a shared journey.

So, here they are, lessons from triking:

--Keep alert and on guard

--Set your own pace

--Cultivate a support network

--Stay close to those you care about and who care about you

--Put yourself in another person’s pedals (life).

These lessons remind me of two Bible passages: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and ^“Carry each other’s burdens…” and “each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:2,5).

The above text is my beginning summary of “lessons.” Are there lessons that you would add from your experiences in biking or triking?