Two Guys on a Log: That's It?

Ever felt like doing church has become complicated?  Ever felt like doing church has supplanted being the Church?

Gabe and I were reading his bible, a section entitled, "The First Church".  Simply written, the four page, largely illustrated account, records that the new believers gathered together, under the tutelage of The 12, to be the Church by participating in the following:

...study the Scriptures, learn about God and His plans, pray, sing songs and praises to God, eat, and celebrate the Lord's supper.

"They shared everything they had with each other, and God added more and more believers to the Church every day."  

There is something about being the Church to each other that is attractive to the world.


I love being the church at home.  One of my favorite times is reading the stories and teachings of Jesus with my family.  I hadn't thought of this much--had taken it for granted really--but this is being the Church of Jesus to each other.  When we talk about Jesus helping people, consider how we may do the same, and then go out and do it, well, we're being the Church.

I am also overwhelmed at times by the Spirit's reach through my oldest daughter.  Within the context of our night time tradition of me praying for her and tucking her in, we often find ourselves in deep heart-felt discussion about real life and God's perspective into it all.  As she reflects on her social circles, we are often discussing how she reflects Jesus to her friends and how they are ministering to each other.  We are often moved to pray into those relationships and the lives of her friends, believing God to move and touch them and her in a special way as emerging faith meets the gritty pavement of life.

How is God using you and your family to attract others to Jesus?  What simple ways is the Lord using you to be the Church to those around you?  

Are there opportunities that He is giving that you might be overlooking in the search for something more "significant"?  

How is God at work around you, and what is He saying to you as you observe what is going on around you?

Two Guys on a Log: Trumpets or Scalpels?

"Jesus said it's good to help people," says Gabe after a time of reading the Good Samaritan story and listening prayer afterward. Very simple.  Very direct.  I love child-like faith, don't you?  Interpretation is unclouded and practical.  

Gabe has been part of a community helpers class this semester, and he is really tracking what it means to help others.  And in practical ways.  The thread of that experience is being woven into his interaction at home as well as his thought processes throughout the day as we are out and about.  Even in the grocery store the other day, he commented on how he saw the clerk helping another shopper find what they needed.  So fun to watch the connections!

My mind is like a train yard.  Lots of tracks coming through, some parallel and others criss-crossing.  So it's easy for me to make the jump from Samaritan to Romans.  That said, as we shared our reflections and hearts this morning, I got to thinking of Romans 6:13, "present the members of your body as instruments of righteousness".  A question then emerged, and then another, like train cars being linked up I guess.

Instruments?  Musical, surgical, mechanical?

Members of my body?  Hands, feet, head, elbows?

Identified, how have I used them for doing good?



Who is my neighbor?

Are there ways in which God might be stirring me to use the members of my body to help others?  What has He commanded already towards this end? 

What stories do I have of spontaneous opportunities to help others along the way?  How have I been intentional in helping others?  Gabe wants to go out and look for ways to help others.  What ideas do you have for serving others?

What do you think? How have you used the members of your body to help others recently? Gabe and I would love to hear your thoughts!

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men...” 1 Peter 2:15 NKJV

HOT OFF THE PRESS...As I was writing this, an opportunity arose here at home that is worth noting.  The very child aforementioned had a crisis, a much-sensationalized one at that.  The milking of emotions often gets on our nerves, honestly.  But I was quickly prompted--as I gazed upon the tear-laced and sobbing face--that he needed the instruments of my arms to hold and comfort him, overplayed or not.  And another of my children needed the instrument of my mouth to instruct on how to loving express displeasure with the lack of following instruction.

In the end, both responded to the grace of God.  Forgiveness was asked for and received.  Reconciliation was attained in that moment.  And my mouth affirmed the choices to open hearts and arms to each other.

God at work in the smallest and often taken-for-granted moments.


For fun...

What instrument do you think best describes our personality?

As you have considered the "members" of your body, can you see any of them as instruments? instruments does each remind you of?

Two Guys on a Log: Jesus Was Late

"But Jesus stayed where he was for two more days"! (Beginner's Bible)

Jesus was late?!  He knew his friend was sick.  He got the word that death was imminent.  And he delayed?

Gabe and I have a morning routine--ish.  After getting Abby hooked up with her instant breakfast drink and her friends Curious George, the Cat in the Hat, and Clifford the Big Red Dog, Gabe and I sit down to breakfast.  Cereal and toast will work just fine for him, but to go the extra mile--to mix up a batch of baked oatmeal, French toast or pancakes--really makes his day.

Traditionally, Gabe will ask if I want some coffee, or volunteer to top me off.  He loves serving!  Then he reaches over to the windowsill, grabs his bible and hands it to me for our daily reading, while he proceeds to engage his morning meal.  A very pleasant process for him.

Cycling through the New Testament, we read one story there for sure.  Some times we pick a random story from the Old, or skip back or forward based on what stirs for him as his mind pieces things together.  Currently, we're on our second time through, and one of my favorite stories to read with Gabe is that of Lazarus.  This morning I was captured afresh.

Have you ever had that sense while reading something for the umpteenth time, that you somehow missed an elementary truth all those other times?  "How could I have not seen that before?"  And more often than not, my times with Gabe are like this.  Perhaps it is the simplicity of the stories and our focus on just one of them rather than marathon reading.  Either way, slowing down has opened up so many new insights for me.

So here we are reading.  First, I am struck by the fact that these three siblings were very close friends of Jesus, yet not in His inner circle of those known as His 12.  Loved by Him.  Validated by Him.  Not following Him around like Matthew, Mark, John and the gang.    Well, there's a lot to unpack here I realize, so I'll save it for another time.  The big impact for me this morning? Jesus was late!  

Lazarus was dying.  

How urgent the circumstances seemed.  In deed, how urgent they were for Jesus' dear friends.  Surely He would come when they called.  He loved them.  They were close.  And they needed Him more now than ever.

They sent for him.  They waited for His prompt response.  But wait, the messenger returned...alone!  Alone?  Surely He's not far behind right?  "He's not coming? Not now, not tomorrow?!"  How could this be?  It doesn't compute! We're desperate here (heads spinning in disbelief)!!! ...and Lazarus slips beyond the realm of hope and timely salvation into death.  It's too late.  

Unbelievable.  Jesus was late.  Numbness sets in.  Grief is made more bitter by the questions that now surround these disappointed expectations.  Perhaps His love for them is questioned.  We don't know, though we can imagine a bit.  What we do know is that they were troubled and grieved.  When He finally arrived, "Martha went to (Jesus).  She was crying.  Martha said to Jesus, 'My dear brother has died.  If you had been here, you could have healed him!'"

In the blink of an eye, I saw our current circumstances, as if from above.  Our family in what seems like an 11th hour--sometimes even beyond--situation.  We expected Him to arrive in August when things seemed ill.  But surely He would come in October as our strength began to fail.  Still not here?  "Death" seems certain--for our dreams, our hopes, our provision.  

But in this story of Lazarus there is hope.

Fast forward. 

Even after death, Jesus' love is profound.  Even after death, His care is certain.  Even after death, His provision is sure.  And through it all--in the end--in what was very real and dire human need, Jesus was seen for who He really was. When He came through in a different timing all together, I must realize, "Everyone was amazed".  And, "Many people believed in Jesus that day."

So what is required for Jesus to come through?  My greatest hope is that our belief, our faith and that of those looking on our situation, will be enhanced--that Jesus will be seen for who He is when this is all said and done.  He has come through before, but this time the circumstances are different.  Yet, "His love never changes, it never gives up, it never runs out on me".  May we rest in His  love, our relationship with Him in this hour and the next, whatever time may bring.  And may Jesus be seen for who He is--loving, caring, good, and kind.

Storms Touch Each of Us Differently

Storms.  Much is anticipated when a storm's approach is announced.  Much is feared and geared up for when imminent destruction is proclaimed.  We braced for the worst, at least as far as we could perceive.  We hunkered down.  Yet deep inside was a strange absence of the anxiety we thought would invade our home.  (Which was a huge relief in light of the other storms life has been throwing at us recently.)

The winds came.  The rains fell.  The lights flickered.  But here there was no havoc here.  Other than a few leaves gracing our back yard, the only "limb" down was an annoying dead branch for which we have long hoped for it's felling.  In a way, this storm was a blessing for us--needed pruning and family time.  For us it was a five day weekend, a strange sort of holiday (a friend in Florida announced their experience as a "hurrication")--a luxury afforded only to those who have not experienced a direct hit.  But for others it was a nightmare.

Storms touch each of us differently.  While our house and family were unscathed through Sandy's historical rampage of the Eastern seaboard, many friends and others were hugely impacted by "her" force.  Our children marveled at the photos shared on social networking sites and newscasts.  Gratitude settled deep in our hearts as we heard stories ranging from hours of lights out to total destruction of property and loss of life.  But compassion emerged too.  

Our children began to recognize the needs of others in all of this, even offered their small savings accounts as aid to those in need--coffers that had been committed numerous times already, far exceeding their accumulated value.  As adults who have weathered storms, awe and even horror struck our heart strings.  Our initial relief and celebration gave way to compassion as we imagined ourselves in some of those scenes, felt the fear and pain of their stories.  Others were so terrible that we couldn't even begin to imagine what they were going through.

In deed, storms effect each of us differently.  Yet in the end, we are all touched by them.  Whether at ground zero or on the fringes of Sandy, may we all have the grace and wisdom to know how to respond; may we all have the eyes to see what God is doing.  And may our faith find the way to express itself in love for those in need.

All We Like Sheep

One of the perks of being unemployed is having more time at home.  One of the perks to having more time at home is being able to help with the schooling of our children.

Drawing 101.  You don't expect a good Bible lesson to come out of this class, but here we are.  Gabe was working beside me, drawing a deer.  Very basic.  Following step by step shape connection.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the process and celebrating the results of his effort.  In fact, though I can be a very profound thinker  (waxing philosophical or theological exasperates my wife), I love the simplicity of things.  Today I was reminded of how alluring the simple things are... 

I was working at the kitchen table, site of this morning's drawing class.  With the hoopla of school over, the evidences of said activity were still visibly obvious.  But I was minding my own business, when suddenly my peripheral vision was captured.  The lesson page was calling me.  Below the "deer" directions were  those of a lamb.  The notion suggested that I take a break.  Draw it.  So...I...did.  (I found that I am also drawn to things that have a succinct start and finish. I like results.)

I concluded my project in a matter of minutes.  Feeling quite satisfied with my elementary sketch, this image began to stir these words which now grace the border of my pencilings:

"We all like sheep have gone astray...I am the good Shepherd...My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow Me."

We have gone astray.  We have all sinned.  We are all without excuse.  Jesus was the last sacrifice Lamb.  He became sin for us.  We have become the righteousness of God in Christ.  For He came not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  Whoever believes in Him will not perish but inherit eternal life.

We have strayed.  He has come.  He has redeemed.  He is good.  He speaks.  We hear.  He leads.  We follow.

Astray.  Brought near.  In the fold.

Our Kids Make us Better

Last night I had the privilege of leading worship with a band comprised of five youth.  One of those youth was Lydia.  Having her on my team--working with her to prepare and fine tune our practice--was the greatest privilege of all.  

"I enjoyed leading with you tonight, Daddy," were her words on the trip home.

"I enjoyed it too, Lydie.  You make me better," were the words I heard come out of my mouth.  Didn't know that was coming, but I had formed those thoughts earlier that evening as we practiced as a team.  "Dad, that's not how we practiced it at home," or "Dad, that's not how you said we were going to do that."

(It bears noting that I was also slated to teach last night.  Our theme: Living Life as Worship.  We would focus on living every aspect of life for God.)

So here I was, There I was, in front of of the team with my daughter bringing some push back on my leadership in that moment.  How was I going to respond?  Was I going to live this moment for God?

Admittedly, my first split second emotion was, "How dare she interrupt!"  But as I looked over at her I recognized a crossroad.  Grace and Humility quickly motioned me their way and I gave in.  In those milliseconds I went from bristled offense to inviting, "Okay Lydia, what did I say and how am I doing it differently?"

She clarified.  I accepted.  The team was with us, and we continued.  That's when I thought, "Lydia is making me a better leader."  

Following rehearsal, I sought Lydie out to thank her for speaking up and to be sure we were good.  We were.

It's never easy to have someone correct us, especially those who are younger or in a seemingly lesser position than us, but I'm glad Lydia caught those inconsistencies in practice; I'm glad she spoke up (speaking up is certainly one of her strengths).  I love who God has made her and who she is becoming by His grace.

She is making me a better Dad, a better leader, a better person.  As I know He is using  me to make her a better person, daughter, friend and leader.

Who are the people God is using Today to make you better?  I encourage you to write down a name or two that come to mind.  You might even take a moment to let them know--a quick text, a Facebook message, a call or the ancient practice of mailing a card!  I have found that thanking and affirming others brings joy to the heart and strengthens the faith of others.

Daddy's Girls: Road Reflectors
Dusk had faded into nightfall.  The stretch of road was short yet winding as we made our way back to the highway from the church.  Abby and I were on our way home from a Monday night program when she asked, "What are those lights on the road?"  

The road before us was curvey.  Thick double lines meandered ahead of us.  From amidst this imposing stretch of fresh yellow paint came some curious, bright orange "lights" shooting their gaze our direction as we wound our way.  Being observant and quite curious, Abby was captivated.  "What are those lights, Daddy?"  

"What lights, Sweetheart?"

"Those lights on the road," she said very matter-of-factly as though I should know what she was talking about.

"Those are reflectors," I said. "They reflect light and help us see where the boundaries are on the road."  

With quick deduction, Abby continued, "That way people won't get hurt so much".

"That's right.  They serve as boundaries so that people won't get hurt.  They keep people from crossing over into the path of other cars so they don't crash.  Boundaries are important aren't they?"  

"Yeah."  

End of conversation.  Seed sown.  Reference point established.  Yet another analogy for discussing the importance of logical, loving limits in life.  

I filed this new take with some of the others: the banks of a river, portion control in eating, out-of-bounds markers in sports.  And I thanked God for this simple teaching moment that connected ever so practically with my child.  We just can't plan these things!

Two Guys on a Log: A Cash Fish
I love reading to Gabe out of his Bible.  The stories are shortened.  The main points become much more poignant.  This morning, the disciples had a dilemma.  Taxes were due.  Others assumed that this bunch of Followers must be all about dissing the Emperor since they were turning everything else upside down.  But Jesus says (paraphrased from another account), "Give Ceasar what belongs to him, and to God what is His."  And Jesus works another miracle by providing the needed coinage in the mouth of a fish!  God provided even something as "worldly" as taxes.  He cares.  He provides.  And nothing--no need--seems to be out of His concern for those who trust Him.  

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dentist?

No fear here!  Just this morning, our 13 year old walks in to the bathroom to find our second-born standing on the sink for a close up view of the mirror.  In her hands is a cup of rubber bands which she is trying to attach to her teeth so as to mimic her big sister's recent and apparently very cool addition to her orthodontia.

FAst forward another hour or so, and this aspiring dentist has now recruited her younger brother and somehow convinced him to be her "customer".  With our gliding rocker tilted back and propped up with a plethera of books, she had created her own examination room in a matter of minutes.

Her brother now strapped to the chair, the banter begins of her trying to convince him to trust at a deeper level than he is comfortable, and he demanding that rubber bands do not taste good!

A couple of years back I was listening to a speaker on the radio talking about parenting.  He referred to Proverbs 22:6 and "training up a child in the way he should go".  This morning I recalled his explanation of this concept as being one of a home environment in which our children can grow in their God-given personalities, gifts and interests--give them space to grow.

Back to the bathroom sink.  In that moment I had a flood of tempting restrictors that threatened a healthy and safe enough lab for practice.  I could have given in to those and thwarted not only that glorious scene, but the entertaining interaction that followed.  I am reminded of how often I allow myself to be inconvenienced or even worse, feel as though restricting such activity is doing them a favor.

Now don't misunderstand me.  I believe that safe and healthy boundaries are needed.  But I tend to think that each of us drifts towards one extreme or another in most if not all issues, and I tend to drift towards over-control when it comes to parenting.

So, may our home be a safe place for our children to experiment and grow in their gifts and interests and personalities.  And just as they have no fear of the dentist, may they have no fear of taking reasonable (non life-threatening) risks.

Two Guys on a Log: Do What Jesus Tells You

A large log hangs suspended from two swing chains in our backyard.  This was the scene of mine and Gabe's Bible reading this morning: Jesus' First Miracle.

I was struck by the words of Mary, "Do what Jesus tells you to do."

The servants had a problem.  A need was identified.  "We are out of wine!"

The solution.  "Do what Jesus tells you to do."

At this point I am conflicted.   I see an opportunity to make a connection for Gabe, but I also hear something for me.  "What is God saying to me today?  How am I responding?"  I could sit on that one for a while.  How about you?  I tucked this one away for the moment at hand...

Since wine is not a familiar substance in our home, I likened it to having a cup of water and--without any grounds or beans or French press or filter--it suddenly becoming coffee.  (Gabe really likes helping me make coffee.)

Now, we know how this ends.  Simple, right?  Automatic, right?  "And what happened when the servants did what Jesus told them to do, Gabe?"

"He turned the water into wine."  The servants responded.  They did what Jesus told them to do.


Segue. "This is why it is important for you and Abby and Lydia to do what Mommy and Daddy ask you to do.  It helps you learn to do what Jesus asks you to do."  I get it.  It's important for our children to learn to do what we ask them to do.  This is a training ground, preparation for a life of living in God's love, a life response to the One who has given all so that we might live.  "Parents, do not exasperate your children."  No pressure parents, right?

Then I get to thinking about my life today.  What is God saying to me?  How am I responding?

Parents are a Gift

Ever had one of those days when one of your kids (or some significant person) does something that just humbles you and blows you away?  Something little, yet more explosive to the soul than a thousand sticks of dynamite?

I came into my office the other day to find one such surpirse, a taped together Post-It note message that read like a cryers shouts in the streets.  A proclamation of "halleljahs" to my then-weary heart.

"Love is more than a word.  The words 'I love you', mean that you will always protect, be patient and kind.  Love is not prideful, and love does not boast.  Love is a gift that God gives us. 

"Parents are a gift as well.  Parents are people that God put in your life to be a blessing--and you are!  I love you, DaddyO!"

Love, Lydia

A moment of silence, please...

This Kid is Scaring Me!

Over six years ago, this little baby, born addicted to methadone and the odds against her, came into our home and hearts.  Helpless, fists clenched and often screaming, Abby was given another opportunity at life.

Today, in the wake of a recent surge of language comprehension that has us marveling, Katie initiated some math homework with our budding first grader.  "I helped with the 1st two problems," notes Katie, "then she hid the paper from me and proceeded to finish WITHOUT any kind of manipulatives (i.e. digits, beans, etc.)."  Eight addition problems.  100%  For a child once feared to have learning disabilities from in-utero drug abuse--and given her propensity for grasping phonetic reading and spelling--this additional (no pun intended) comprehension has this family's home schooling mom proclaiming, "This kid is scaring me!"

Sweet Abby, God has graced your life and redeemed what the enemy intended for evil.

God Still Speaks: A Father/Son Story

Gabe and I were having some Daddy/Son time at the breakfast table this morning, when he asked if we could listen to God (we had done this together for the first time the day before).  "Do you have a question you would like to ask Him," I inquired.  "No. Just listen."

So we told God we were going to quiet our hearts to listen to Him, then waited for about two minutes in silence. Unaware of what each other were experiencing, we shared what we thought we were hearing.  

Gabe: It's not wrong to be wrong.  It's okay to make mistakes.

Daddy: I saw a turtle in my mind's eye.  And I heard that it's okay that you are slow (maticulous, deliberate) in the many things you do.

Pretty cool how these came together, yes?  We closed in short prayer, thanking God for speaking and asking Him to help us love each other more deeply.

As I began to journal this experience, I remembered a message we heard Sunday morning on the life of Abraham: Abe was remembered for his faith and not his failures.  God loves and uses us despite our failures as we continue to believe in and trust his redemption and grace in our lives.  "It's okay to make mistakes."

In 10 minutes, a little puzzle of a message is forming in the Epp home.  But there's more...

I come to the computer to blog this very experience only to hear in the background, "Slow and steady wins the race".  Gabe was now watching one of the kids' favorite morning educational shows, and they just so happened to be telling the story of the tortoise and the hare!  

So Gabe's got the message today--it's okay to make mistakes, and being slow and steady is who God made you to be, and that's good.

May we each hear the word that brings life today: it's okay to make mistakes.  The Father loves you without condition.

May our trust--our faith--in Him who is slow to anger and abounding in love, be more deeply rooted today.