http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080716-150433 (if I actually have any left reading this after my elongated absence. It's not only 'about time' I get a new post put up...but I want to write about "Time".

I've been busier this summer than most (summers, not people). We survived Annual Conference, and enjoyed 10 days of vacation with the boys in Arkansas and Missouri, and returned home to a hectic beginning of a Capital Campaign that is occupying much of my time. Add to that our annual foray into the Fireworks sales, and it's been busy.

I'm not complaining, and I know everyone is busy...that is not the point or the question. What I'm wondering and wrestling with is WHY? Why do we allow ourselves to get so busy, and often proud of announcing and rehearsing our busyness to anyone who will listen. I remember my mom scolding me many years ago as I complained to her about my busy schedule while looking with her at my planning calendar. She remarked: "Well, who is writing all those things on your calendar?" I got the point, and I hope you all might too. We are sometimes (most of the time) just as busy as we choose to allow ourselves to be.

In spite of our busyness, probably the grander question is have we forgotten God? Are we creating and enjoying any Sabbath this summer? I know my reading and writing and listening (to God) has been diminshed in recent weeks, and I'm paying the price. I'm more irratable (than normal) and probably more demanding of myself and others. I hope to eek out some minutes in the days ahead to return to what I know nurishes my soul. I hope you will too.

Have a great day, summer, life. It's all about how we spend our minutes! Love you, Kermit]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080530-084641
I've been busy lately, as I'm sure most of us are. Just the normal stuff, with a couple funerals, weddings, and presentations to prepare. I'm excited to be planning a vacation with my wife in a few days. After Annual Conference in Fargo (the most appropriately named town in ND..."Its a far go from anyplace".) (Not unlike the most appropriately named town in SD - "Interior...its in the middle of nowhere.") (and the most inappropriately named town in SD..."Scenic"...nuff said.)

Back to the vacation. A friend of mine once said that all of us need something to look forward to every three months, that is a break from our daily routine. This is well over 3 months coming, but we are going to see our boys for 10 days. We'll freeload off a couple other relatives coming and going, but the majority of our time will be spent vacationing with our boys in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, and a couple days in Branson area.

We've not done a real vacation together for some time, probably since they started playing sports back in middle school. So beside the fact we miss them, and it's been way to long for us to be away, and they live in Nashville, (which is a far go from Bismarck)...we are ready for a break from routine, and ready for a dose of "The Future" (or at least half of it)

Hope you all have some time to relax, renew and recommit yourselves this summer. Hope your "3 month plan", comes to pass for you soon. God bless you all, Kermit]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080512-095752
Some say he was an outlaw, that he roamed across the land,
With a band of unschooled ruffians and few old fishermen,
No one knew just where he came from, or exactly what he'd done,
But they said it must be something bad that kept him on the run.
Some say he was the Son of God, a man above all men--
That he came to be a servant and to set us free from sin,
And that's who I believe he is, cause that's what I believe;
And I think we should get ready, cause it's time for us to leave.
--Larry Norman

Well, maybe not time for all of us, but most certainly time for Larry to leave. He's already gone, in fact. He left this earth last Sunday morning at 2:45 a.m., and the world has lost a prophet.

There are undoubtedly those who would challenge me on that last statement, but I will not recant. Sure he had enemies among his friends, and he created much of that. He was an enigma--an iconoclast. He could be so far off you wondered if he was only visiting this planet, but he could be so on the mark that you could only credit the truth and light of the Holy Spirit for it.

Indeed, the first verse of his song "Outlaw," quoted above, could have as easily been written about him. No one knew where he came from, but many wished he would go back to wherever that was. He was an outlaw to everything established, and for that he embodied the renegade nature of Christ's first coming.

When you think of it, a guy with shoulder-length blond hair who sang about "sipping whiskey from a paper cup," "gonorrhea on Valentine’s Day and you're still looking for the perfect lay," and "shooting junk till you're half insane," is probably not going to go over very well with the 11 o'clock Sunday-morning worship crowd, especially 35 years ago. But then again, he wasn't speaking to those folks anyway. And to his credit, he never adjusted, like the rest of us did, to the Christian culture that grew out of the movement he helped found. He never compromised for a living. He stayed an outlaw until his death.

For these and other reasons, I have always likened Larry to John the Baptist--a non-conformist living in the desert wearing funny clothes, eating weird foods and hearing voices no one else heard. After having the dubious distinction of being the one to baptize Jesus and prepare the way of the Lord, John lost his head for sticking his neck into King Herod's private life. Larry stuck his neck out lots of places where people didn't think it belonged. It's a wonder he hadn't lost his head sooner.

In a time of spiritual revolution, Larry Norman carried the torch. He was and will remain, through his enigmatic music, a voice crying in the wilderness. I celebrate Larry's final one-way trip to heaven, and if I know him well enough, I would guess he would want us all to make sure we were ready to leave ourselves.
By John Fischer
]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080424-101215 Tuesday evening afforded me the opportunity to watch Ben Stein’s newest film called: Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. I found this documentary to be interesting and entertaining; having enough interviews and film clips to keep my attention and maintain a certain level of entertainment.

I’m not an expert in either the Evolution or Intelligent Design debate, but if even half of what Ben is espousing were to be true, then his point is quite valid and needing attention. His basic premise is that the Scientific Community in America is denying, ignoring, and disregarding anything the Intelligent Design proponents might be offering to the larger discussion of the origin of the species. He believes this is not only weakening the discussion/debate; but is actually inhibiting the beloved sense of “freedom” upon which this country is so proudly founded. As fascinated as I was listening to the various interviews with Scientific Professors and professionals; I was most intrigued with the connections he attempted to draw between Darwinism and Nazism, and between Nazism’s theory of Eugenics and our modern day Planned Parenthood organization.

Granted, I’m sure Ben had an agenda, and used interview clips that fit his bias and said agenda. That being said, I left the theater with one overriding question: I wonder how the mainline modern media machine will cover, report and critique this modern day documentary? I suspected that this film would not get the positive, even glowing adoration, and certainly not the nominations for film awards, afforded other recent documentaries such as Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, and Michael Moore’s creations: Fahrenheit 9/11, Bowling For Columbine, Sicko and An Awful Truth.

My suspicions proved to be true. I spent an hour or so on Wed. reviewing a number of film reviews from the NY Times, and Washington Post, and MSN. Each of the authors fell in line with the other dismissing and discrediting Stein’s attempt by pointing out his ‘obvious’ bias and misconstrued preconceptions. Funny how ‘their boys’ (Al Gore and Michael Moore) apparently don’t possess such preconceptions. All this simply proves one thing: stated quite clearly in the movie, the definition of Truth is often determined by the majority, and excludes, even “Expells” any minority consideration. Hopefully this brief review might whet your appetite to see this movie, and Ben will give me the appropriate kickbacks this review certainly merits…well…probably not!
]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080416-084914
Is it me or has the current political campaign season been going on for 3 months or 3 years?? I've just got to remark about Barak's latest comment about all us "small town" folks turning to our religion and our guns cause we're in such dire straits over our current economic plight. Believe you me, I am concerned about our fiscal future, I don't like paying $3.35 for gas anymore than anyone else, but I could walk or ride my bike if I really hated it! I don't like the fact my retirement accounts lost $15,000 last quarter, but at least I had it to lose! That being said, I just love the mindset of Barak (Clinton and McCain are no better, really) that all us backwoods rednecks got to add meaning to our worthless 'flyover' lives are our stupid religion and hunting with guns. I suppose Barak would rather have us sit for 20 years under the leadership of a preacher who bashes America as a greedy, heartless, place; while his preacher has built for himself a 10,000sq foot mansion in a predominantly white neighborhood so he can enjoy the retirement he has earned after working lo these many years with all those poor disadvantaged Americans who have been so unjustly discriminated against by this evil America.

My friends, I want you to know that my disdain for most things political, is not just this latest barb, but the almost constant state of 'disconnect' between government and 'real' people. I consider myself a real person. Yes, I love guns and hunting; in fact I'm tempted to go buy more guns for fear that I soon won't be able to! BUT MORE THAN ALL THIS OTHER NEGATIVE RAMBLING NONSENSE: I LOVE JESUS CHRIST, and my desire to live for Him, and put my trust in Him, and Worship, Love and Serve Him, is in no way related to my 'bitterness' over any economic or political past, PRESENT or future! I've dedicated my life to serving Jesus, and though my faithfulness fails most miserably, most of the time, my intention is to spend the rest of my life trying to give myself away. Not as a vain attempt to repay the One who gave Himself for all of us, but in an effort to let my life be an offering that might positively influence someone else. Would that ANY politician might accept that mantle, instead of patronizing those of us who are trying to make a real difference in people's lives, and in our world.

Wow, I think I better cool off! Thanks for letting me vent! Kermit]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080407-093754
I've fallen in love with the 10th hole. It's beauty matches some of the more 'famous' holes, but its distinction is a 70 yard long bunker that hardly ever comes into play. I ask...why is it there? And answer...because it's beautiful, and the club can afford it! No expense is spared at that place. I doubt the "Green Jacket" ever open a business meeting with this phrase: "I wonder what that might cost?" (Which seems to be how most meetings are opened elsewhere!)

I've tried to upload a photo of #10, I hope you enjoy it. I hope you might pray for me to be diligent in my work this week, and not give in to my everpresent temptation to sneak away to catch a glimpse or two of that 'sacred space'.

God loves Golf! ME TOO! Kermit ]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080318-172514 It's Holy Week, 2008. Hard to believe how early Easter is this year. I guess (via an email of unknown origin) that it can only ever be one day earlier (Mar. 22). 1913 was the last time it was on the 23rd, and it will be 120 years before it is this early again, and 200+years before it will be on the 22nd. That is all fascinating to me, but the real significance of this early Easter, is we'll have a whole month (April) before end of school, Mother's day, Graduations and Memorial Day activities arrive in May. For those of us who love golf here in the upper mid-west...that is GREAT NEWS.
Now watch, we'll get a huge blizzard in late March.

I'm not a political junkie, but I'm finding this whole Barak mess with his preacher saying stupid things very interesting. Not the least of which is how the liberal press would have crucified Geo. W. had he been a parishioner in a church for 20 years with a preacher saying such things as these.

It is getting tougher to be a conservative (politically or theologically) in this country, (and in the UMC). I am not very traditional in my approach to ministry or people or even in my life-style, so why do I try to hang on to conservative values in politics and religion? I value the sacredness of life, and I value loving Jesus. I try to be a follower of Jesus, but fail more than not. I'm really rambling. I want people to know the love of Jesus that has possessed me. I want people to share the value of hard work, and honesty and humility. Enough for now. Your beloved frog-blogger...Kermit]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080221-114459 It's about dang time you got around to reading this!!! (It's about dang time I got around to adding a new entry, truth be told!!!) Hope you are doing well.
Woke up yesterday to -24degrees and the first thought out of my sleepy head was: "This is the last-coldest day of the year till spring...can you tell what I have on my mind? I love being outdoors, especially playing golf and hunting. I am looking forward to another great golf season.
Had a great week with my sons in Nashville earlier this month. They are making music in Music City, and loving their Bohemian life style. I wasn't so sure of its glamour when it dipped to 38 degrees in their furnace-less house one evening! Survived the tornadoes thankfully. Took in some pro Basketball and Hockey, ate some tasty B-B-Q, heard some good live music (in their garage rehearsal space) and a smoky bar, and watched what in my limited memory was the greatest Super Bowl ever!
Have been busy with funerals, preaching, teaching and trying to advance the Kingdom in my little corner of the world. It is fun being a follower of Jesus.
A thought: "We Belong to Each Other". This quote has gotten under my skin...I really like it, though not sure exactly what it means. From George Bernard Shaw: "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." It was in the context of 'church' he wrote it, but I wonder if it might have a larger application. What of the community we live, what of our 'human' community? Knowing that we share life, might impact all we do. I have a good friend working on a dissertation right now that is addressing this very subject...I can't wait for the book! What do you think this might mean for your life? Our church? Our neighborhoods, our world? Keep thinking.
Have a great day. kermit]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry080110-093532
Last week Susan (my lovely wife) and I experienced an amazing day in our lives. We made the final payment on the last loan we had. We borrowed some money to our kids dream, and made the final installment. There is an amazing sense of relief, and some embarrassment that it has taken until age 52 to finally be debt free. (Guess what I'm doing now??) Looking for a different truck! Stupid.

I mention this for a reason more than just veiled pride. Susan and I made a pledge to God before we married, that to the best of our ability, we would always have health insurance, and we would try to tithe all the income God would bring our way. I know we have failed at this numerous times, but we have to honestly say that through the years God has been more than faithful, and we have been blessed beyond what we deserve. We have come to a place in our lives where giving is a great joy...not just a joy, a GREAT joy! I don't mean to brag, but we are giving beyond our tithe, and it seems that the more we give, the more we have, and the more joy we find in simple things, in serving others, in enjoying family and friends. I don't know, but it just seems that God is taking care of us. I know that may have nothing to do with what or how we give...but it might! All we are; and all we have are gifts from God. We find generousity to be a value that works for us.

Please rejoice with our new found financial freedom, and do your level best to give all you can; to God, to God's needy children, and to Godly causes which touch your heart. I honestly believe that giving is our birthright, our heritage, our DNA, our calling, our privilege. Try it.

Maybe you'd like to share with me/others in the frogisphere how God has blessed you through your giving??

Thanks for checking in...I'll be more prompt with my next entry. If you have suggestions for subjects you'd like me to address...I'm open to that. Serving together, Kermit

]]> http://bisfumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry071210-112121
Thought I'd take a minute to ramble about the recently announced intended congressional investigations of 6 "Ministries" in the U.S. Don't know if you have heard about this or not, but a Senator, from Iowa I think has introduced legislation to investigate the tax status and other fiscal dealings of 6 individuals/groups in the US. These groups include: Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyers, Creflo Dollar, Bishop somebody, and I can't remember the 6th, but it doesn't really matter.

Here is my take on this issue. Initially I find it intriguing that the US government which is so PC bent on keeping Religion seperate from government,schools, etc is now wanting to stick their noses into this religious circle, largely it seems because they are successfully raising $$ millions of dollars! Granted, if these ministries had nothing to hide there should be no big deal right? Yes, but where does this end? What prohibits this 'investigation' from targeting other ministries or churches because of not just their finances, but maybe their theology, or their social practices. It's another slippery slope I don't think I want to go down.

That being said, I do have my issues with these ministries and the multiple dollars they raise and spend in ways that seem superficial and self-serving to me. Big cars, fancy suits, large TV 'ministries' all smack of inauthenticity to me. Preaching a "Name it Claim it" theology seems rather ridiculous when you consider Jesus arrived in a manger and left via a donkey and a cross! I know there are verses that promise blessing, even prosperity, but there are many more promising suffering and sharing with the poor!

It will be interesting to see where this investigation goes. Just thought I'd share my thoughts at this point. Yours?? Kermit]]>