Among many, there are two men who have been particularly regular parts of my upbringing. One is my dad and one my mom’s younger brother.

Both of these men have shared in word and deed the importance of honesty, character, humor, family love, family connections, working hard for desired goals, being charitable, active church involvement and much, much more. Both have been in dedicated marriages for over 40 years and shown love and devotion to their partners.

What a blessing.

One fathered children. One did not.

Yet, whether men fathered children or not, we can celebrate/remember them on this “Father’s Day,” AKA “MaRoMo Day.”  Happy MaRoMo Day!

On this day, as you come into contact with men making a positive difference, perhaps you’ll get a moment to share a “thank you” prayer with God or a word of appreciation directly with the Positive MaRoMo.**

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

** While preparing this commentary, an early thought was to search for the word Maromo to see if our special day is now recognized. 🙂 What should surface but this Spanish to English translation. IT FITS!!! 🙂

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 20, 2021:

• 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20 or
• 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16 and Psalm 133  
• Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 
• 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 
• Mark 4:35-41
•  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest ~ Matthew 11:28

On this day where those in the United States remember Juneteenth with a holiday, the Matthew passage above certainly resonates. Many people still carry incredible burdens, something that the recognition of Juneteenth helps to spotlight. Seeing those challenges is important and yet can sometimes make Christ-followers weary themselves, trying to find ways to resolve those challenges and help all people to an ever-improving quality of life.

When confronting any burdensome problem, is it possible that the best answer is sometimes REST?

Richard Foster, in his book Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, spends an entire chapter on The Prayer of Rest. He discusses this simple Sabbath Prayer – “Be still…Rest…Shalom” This prayer arrived to him in a wonderful way described beautifully in the book.

In the context of “Be still…Rest…Shalom,” Foster later continues with commentary on these three classic practices of the Prayer of Rest:

1. Solitude – “voluntarily abstain from our normal patterns of activity”
2. “Silencio, or the stilling of what the old writers called ‘creaturely activity’ “
3. “Recollection: “It means tranquility of mind, heart and spirit”

Can you find time today for Prayer of Rest behaviors – solitude, silencio and/or recollection? May it be so, while also finding time for Juneteenth reflection…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 20, 2021:

• 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20 or
• 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16 and Psalm 133  
• Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 
• 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 
• Mark 4:35-41
•  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

A longtime friend has been known to say “I’ve heard of coincidences but I’ve never seen one.” So maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that another friend sent some of us a note recently including this commentary:

I ran across this song by accident today and then went online, listened to Alan Jackson sing it then retrieved the lyrics. I thought it was pretty neat. Just thought I would share although you may have already heard it.

The song Jane sent was Alan Jackson’s “The Older I Get.” You can listen to a rendition HERE, with the lyrics on the screen including this chorus:

And if they found a fountain of youth
I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth
Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet

POSSIBLE ACTION FOR TODAY: we can all relate to some aspects of Jackson’s song, whether 108, 88, 68, 48, 28 or somewhere in between.

• Take time to savor the words and all the experiences you’ve had thus far
  
• Say a “thank you” prayer to God for the blessings

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 13, 2021:

• 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 and Psalm 20 
• Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 
• 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 
• Mark 4:26-34
•  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19b NIV).

Still have the earworm of Simon & Garfunkle’s “groovy song” with you?

“Slow down, you move too fast”

Slowing down is especially important when anger emerges. In a daily devotions post, Rick Warren shares the message: “When You’re Angry, Slow Down and THINK”

If you have a quick-lighting fuse, Rick shares some questions to consider before speaking when you’re angry. In particular, this one resonates: “If it’s not necessary, why do I need to say it?”

POSSIBLE ACTION FOR TODAY: in addition to doing CP efforts (devotional, prayer, study, love, music), take time today to slow down, watch the flowers growin’ and delight more in the day…  [a fringe benefit? Such activities can lower stress levels and make anger-inducing situations less likely to “blow up”]

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 13, 2021:

• 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 and Psalm 20 
• Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 
• 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 
• Mark 4:26-34
•  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19b NIV).

Simon & Garfunkle’s “groovy song” (as our boys used to call it) fits James’ commentary pretty effectively:

“Slow down, you move too fast”

Why is it that we Christians frequently let the hectic-ness of life to take over our focus? One objective of the Christian Playbook to make time for each playbook element, allowing for a slowing of our days so there can be more intentional behavior consistent with our Christ-follower beliefs.

POSSIBLE ACTION FOR TODAY: in addition to doing the CP efforts (devotional, prayer, study, love, music), take time today to slow down, watch the flowers growin’, stifle hurtful anger and delight more in the day…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 6, 2021:

• 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) and Psalm 138 
• Genesis 3:8-15 and Psalm 130 
• 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 
• Mark 3:20-35
•  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

It’s a Christian Playbook tradition to point folks to the Guideposts article A Devotion for Memorial Day by Fred Bauer. This provides some historical perspective on the holiday and Fred’s holiday practice with his mother. Definitely worth the 3-5 minute read!

Thinking of those who’ve passed.

Decorating graves (some of my kin did this earlier this month for their parents!)

Reminding loved ones of what will happen with us (maybe you did this with your Binder of a Lifetime?)

Each of us can spend this Memorial Day by honoring memories as we see fit…

ACTION: If you feel the urge, consider taking a 5-15 minute stroll through a cemetery you pass along your way today. Pray for those buried there, their sacrifices, their families and the love that they shared. Then, maybe it’s time for a phone call to someone whose memory you’d like to celebrate while they are still alive?

PRAYER (from the Guideposts article) Teach us, Lord, the best way to pay an unpayable debt         is to show with our lives that we didn’t forget.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 6, 2021:

• 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) and Psalm 138 
• Genesis 3:8-15 and Psalm 130 
• 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 
• Mark 3:20-35
•  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

The song I Saw the Light has inspired people for generations. Yet, one of the most prolific songwriters could likely have kept this beautiful song and light “covered by a basket!”

“If gospel composer Albert E. Brumley had been a litigious man, he would surely have sued over ‘I Saw the Light.’ Not only was the melody identical to his hymn… but the lyrics bore a passing resemblance too.” ~ Biographer Colin Escott in “Hank Williams: The Biography”

You can be the judge by listening to these renditions:

• He Set Me Free by Albert E. Brumley HERE

• I Saw the Light by Hank Williams HERE

For those of us who got to know this song and inspiring lyrics via Williams, we are thankful to Albert Brumley for not suing! 🙂  More details about the song I Saw the Light HERE.

PRAYER: God, we are thankful for those who create beautiful music we can enjoy while worshiping you. Help us to use our gifts to your glory with less of a focus on whether we get creative credit… Amen

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 30, 2021:

• • Isaiah 6:1-8 and Psalm 29 
  • Romans 8:12-17 
  • John 3:1-17

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

~ Psalm 23:5-6a

WOW!  This Pentecost morning requires an unanticipated Christian Playbook post…

Just when it seems our series on At the End is done for now, a missive from a dear friend arrives, highlighting a CAC posting summary. In that summary is this post with life-altering perspective using the story and words of Etty Hillesum

https://cac.org/coming-to-terms-with-life-and-love-2021-05-18/?utm_source=cm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dm&utm_content=summary

Amidst the incredible feast of ideas from Etty Hillesum is this:

PRAYER:  “Oh, Lord, let me feel at one with myself. Let me perform a thousand daily tasks with love, but let every one spring from a greater central core of devotion and love.” ~ Etty Hillesum

May you reclaim large areas of peace in yourself, more and more peace, and reflect it toward others, filled with the Spirit!  (thanks be to God for Etty’s wisdom contained within this blessing)

PROSPECTIVE ACTIVITY: with Etty’s words in mind, spend time with the last two pages of the At the End document (HERE). What activities can bring you and others the most love and peace on your Best Last Day? Which of these activities can you do today? Why not have that enjoyment again and again, prior to that last day?

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 23, 2021:

• • Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 
  • Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
  • Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
  • John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

~ Psalm 23:5-6a

Pastor Lisa Bernheisel’s video link in last week’s Christian Playbook post (HERE) was a valuable description of her cancer journey. “Running from death” begins transforming to “dancing with death.” And doesn’t that fit nicely with the imagery of the 5th and 6th verses of the 23rd Psalm?

Lisa’s commentary has resulted in two additional pages of the At the End section (HERE) in the Binder of a Lifetime. When describing “Your Best, Last Day” with those prompts, it provides a joyful reminder of the gratitude we can experience while dancing with life (and death.)

PROSPECTIVE ACTIVITY: spend time with the last two pages of the At the End document (HERE). This allows you to describe people you would want accompanying you on that Best Last Day and some of the activities. Then consider: which of these activities could you do today? Why not have that enjoyment again and again, prior to that last day?

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 23, 2021:

• • Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 
  • Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
  • Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
  • John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  

~ Psalm 23:4

We know that family members frequently appreciate having a road map for how to celebrate a loved one’s life. What better way than by providing it to all the family in an easy to find, easy to read fashion?

Such an organized approach is found in the FREE materials in the Binder of a Lifetime (BoaL.) There’s an entire section – At the End (HERE) – providing loads of questions to help guide our loved ones.

While filling this document out with several cherished friends, it has been extremely satisfying to hear their Christian witness. When they first sang the hymn. Who first told them the bible story. Who else is memorialized in that cemetery. Why they want the ashes to be spread there. 

While working with the BoaL we accomplish the sharing of important aspects of Christian life plus helping to alleviate worries. And this is valuable whether the person is 19 or 99 (or anywhere in between.)

PROSPECTIVE ACTIVITY: armed with your favorite scripture readings and songs from previous Christian Playbook efforts, spend time with the first five pages of this document (HERE). Begin describing aspects of interest, including the scripture and song. You don’t need to answer it all now, but having it started can be very liberating.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 23, 2021:

• • Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 
  • Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
  • Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
  • John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – regular updates, including toonfever.com

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE