Hankering for Haggis!

I had lunch yesterday in a restaurant I used to frequent a lot.  

Where?

It was in Stafford, the Southwest area of Houston. I had an office there when I worked for Hope For Haiti’s Children; the restaurant was around the corner.

While eating my sandwich, I overheard someone say, “Mmmm, I’ve got a hankering for some Haggis.” Okay. So, I googled it. 

Haggis: a savory dish made with a sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, then encased inside a sheep’s stomach, and boiled in water.

Sure, sign me up. Make mine a double, with one to go. And hurry.

This isn’t an authentic Scottish Haggis, but close, really very close.

Its Scottish

It’s the national dish of Scotland, and considered quite delicious. No, I haven’t tried it. Frankly, I think it would smell terrible and taste even worse.

But I don’t know and I don’t want to know. Just color me unadventurous.

My Roots

My ancestors are from Scotland. However, the national dish of my ancestral home churns my stomach. Maybe I’m Irish?

The Spiritual Side

Jesus our Messiah: To the Jews who had believed in him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free,” (John 8:31-32).

Many claim to know Jesus, to follow him. It’s often a claim of heritage, an extension of childhood. But to Jesus, discipleship was defined by obedience to his teaching; not to the law of Moses, but a heart devotion to his Word. Then let freedom ring!

To Close

The Word of Christ isn’t a bowl of Haggis. It isn’t optional. Not something I can reject because I don’t like the way it looks, smells, or tastes. Jesus would have me think better of his word.

“Mmmm, I’ve got a hankering for some Haggis.”

Uh Huh.

The Nourishing Green Things

I’m not typically a grower of green things, but I’m trying.

The Green Things

I have two large pots of Gelsemium Sempervirens, AKA Carolina Jessamine, or just Jasmine. They produce little yellow flowers that give off a wonderful scent and an aroma that fills the air, and they are beautiful to look at.

Benefits of Green Things

1. The Environment: Plants improve air quality.
2. Economic: Landscaping can add 15-20% to a home’s value.
3. Health: Studies show that people who interact with plants live longer.

All true, but I didn’t plant the Jasmine for those reasons. I planted them to help create a tranquil and beautiful, sanctuary of peace.

Sanctuary?

My home has an atrium in the center of the house. There are 14 floor to ceiling windows. From almost any place you can see into the atrium.

When we bought the house, the atrium was wildly overgrown, had a smelly pond, and a broken water feature. It was trashy, muddy, and unusable. But I had a vision.

 I took out everything, lowered the floor by 8″ and put down 2800 pounds of sand and 150 pavers at 22 pounds a piece. I filled the open areas with 2500 pounds of rainbow gravel. Then added the table and chairs, a fire pit, a water feature, and hung candle lanterns. It took me six months. It’s beautiful. 

 

 

The Spiritual Side

Jesus our Messiah said,

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5).

Jesus enjoyed green things: grape vineyards, olive orchards, fig trees, wheat fields, and told parables about plants and fruit. He often used agrarian references to describe his connection to his followers, like the grapevine.

To Close

My atrium is my sanctuary. Most of my blogs are written there. Much of the book I’m writing is written there. But mostly, I just enjoy the quiet, peaceful environment; the sound of the water, the flames at night, and the lovely sense of tranquility. 

 

The green things give it life, and nourish my soul.  

Shalom

A Confession

“I’m twice as religious as I ought to be and only half as spiritual as I need to be.”

Catchy. Somebody said it, but what does it mean? 

The Meaning

Religious: “believing in a religion”

Spiritual: “relating to the soul as opposed to material things”

The Words

For some, the words are synonymous while for others, they are differentiated. For me, religion is defined by the blending of three elements:

1. Holy Scripture
2. Man-made doctrine
3. Human traditions

Religion

Faith devolves into religion when scripture is replaced by tradition and truth by men’s doctrine. The amalgamation is complete when believers can longer separate God’s will from the will of men. When religion is held too high then religion falls, and it fails. Or is it man?

Spirituality

Here are five things that Spirituality isn’t:

1. Moral perfection
2. The right church
3. Specified degree of bible knowledge
4. Being moved emotionally
5. An external stimulus

Spirituality is living in concert with the Spirit. It embraces belief, not just an acknowledgment of a divine existence, but a transformational faith. It’s a living faith on a journey to grow closer, and to become stronger, with God’s Spirit.

The Text

Jesus our Messiah said:

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. By this he meant the Spirit…” John 7:38-39

“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come and make our home with him.” John 14:23

Some Perspective

Each of us must decide what these words mean and how to live them.

However, I fear that spirituality is being supplanted by religious fashion, experienced as emotion. It’s a form of Godliness that denies his purpose and will. It seeks his love and peace but is devoid of holiness, reverence, and the heart’s devotion.   

Seeking his love and peace without reverence or devotion?

To Close

“I’m twice as religious as I ought to be and only half as spiritual as I need to be.”

I said that in a sermon ten years ago. It was a confession of sorts, the sharing of my own journey to find life in the Spirit and a deeper connection with God.

I’m glad to say, “I’m making some positive progress.”

Shalom

A Lovely Date

Saturday Night: the perfect date night.

What She Asked

Some weeks ago, my wife asked what I wanted for my birthday. I told her, “I want a leaf blower with a vacuum system.” Yep! I have lots of leaves and the leaf vac made good sense.

Then She Said

“You know Rick, you’re going to get that anyway, it’s something you’ll buy sooner or later.” True, I couldn’t argue with that logic.

And Then She Said

“Instead, would you like to attend the Celtic Woman concert? Its Saturday, May 20, just two days after your birthday?” She knew they are one of my favorites, so I said, “Sure!”

Suddenly, the concert seemed like a much better gift than the leaf vac.

Saturday Night

First, we went out to dinner, to a favorite restaurant, using a gift card given by some sweet friends. Dinner was fantastic, slow and relaxed, and quite delicious.

The concert was magnificent. I’m moved emotionally by good music performed by talented musicians. A few tears leaked out.

On the way home, we talked about the concert and what a lovely evening it had been.

Perfection?

Nothing is perfect, it’s just something we aim for. But last night was perfect. 

• Had a marvelous meal
• Attended a cool concert
• Went out with a gorgeous girl

To Close

We don’t eat out and attend concerts every Saturday night, but we should. Or at least we should every month or so. A little romance now and then is a good thing, don’t you think?

Now, to Amazon and that leaf vac.

Later…

Walking Across the Stage

It was May 18^, 1974, the biggest night of my young life.

The Small

I lived in a small town and attended a small school. The graduating class of “74,” had 90 graduates, of which I was one.

A Big Deal

Walking across the stage to receive my diploma was a big deal. Like countless others, we threw our hats in the air and then scrambled to find them since they, and the gowns, had to be returned before we could leave. We congratulated each another and posed for pictures.

Not my graduation ceremony, but close, very close. 

But soon, we lined up to turn in our caps and gowns. Then we left, for the last and final time. I have a strong memory of an unexpected and overwhelming emotion. It was sadness.

I enjoyed my senior year. I was captain of the football team, editor of the school newspaper, Senior Class VP, and a member of the drama club. I had great friends and dated cute girls. I had a blast. Then, all too suddenly, it was over.

I didn’t want it to be over.

Across America

A Google search revealed that 3.5 million Seniors will commence this year. I wonder what they will feel? What will be next for them?

• Go to college?
• Join the military?
• Get a job?
• Hang out with their friends for months?
• Bless their parents by staying home and watching tv for a year?

Was It Different?

Was life in the 70’s, in a small town and small school, any different from city life and the mega schools of today’s culture? Maybe?

Different or not, today’s grads face the same choices and challenges. “What do I do?” “What do I want?” “Where should I go?” 

To Close

I congratulate the graduates. It’s a mile stone even if you don’t think so. Now there’s something else for you, something new. It won’t be like High School, it’ll be better, and worse.

My shortest and best advice: “Honor God and keep his commandments.”

Shalom

Not Fond of the Chair

I’m grateful for modern medicine and for those who dispense it.

The Dispensing

Friday morning, I arrived at the Dentist’s office, relaxed but apprehensive. I’ve never been fond of the chair.

Why?

• The pain
• The drilling
• Hands in my mouth
• Sharp metal instruments
• Did I mention the pain?

Friday’s appointment was to repair a cracked tooth and some decay on another tooth; both discovered at my regular checkup two weeks ago.

Crowns

That’s what they call them, crowns, and I got two, an upper and a lower, both on the left side. I thought I would get a filling and a procedure for the cracked tooth. Nope, the damage was deeper.

He drilled and drilled and drilled. He drilled like an oil field driller. I thought, “He’s going to strike oil any moment.”

They told me in the front office that it would take about an hour. But it took three. Were they charging by the hour?

Not me or my Dentist, but close, really very close.

And Then

Then it was done. The temporary crowns were fitted and I was out the door, numb to my knees. Well, not really. But it felt like it.

I haven’t needed serious dental work in years. My checkups have been excellent, no cavities, no anything at all, “Good job Mr. Fyffe.”

But not yesterday. 

I’m Grateful

Still, I’m grateful for modern medicine and for those who dispense it. Thankful for Dentists who take great pains to ensure that I don’t. Truthfully, there wasn’t any pain. Even the anesthesia shots were preceded by a topical agent that numbed the gums.

Doctors, Oncologists, Dentists, Cardiologists, Surgeons, Nurses, Specialists and on and on and so many others. The marvels of modern medicine are magnificent.

To Close

I still don’t like the chair. But it sure beats the alternatives. 

“Be joyful always. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  I Thessalonians 5:16,18

Shalom

The 500!

It’s a Friday blog.

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a really good day. A big part of what it made good were the birthday blessings, expressions of love, and well wishes that came in from early till late.

Not me or my cake. But close, really very close.

From Where?

• Facebook
• Blog readers
• Text messages
• Messenger messages
• Email
• Phone calls
• Birthday cards
• Coworkers singing Happy Birthday

I heard from over 500 people. Yes, I counted. I heard from friends, blog viewers, church members, friends from Hope For Haiti’s Children, people from congregations I’ve preached for, and of course, from family. 

Social Media

A big majority came through social media (SM). I’ve been an outspoken critic of SM, as it relates to its negative and damaging aspects.

I’ve grown weary of the ugly attitudes, the mean-spirited comments, and the use of SM to attack those with whom we disagree.

I’m concerned for confessed believers who post messages using filthy language, or pictures of themselves drinking at parties or in bars. There are women I know who post pictures of themselves wearing the skimpiest of bikinis, women who would be mortified to wear such things at a church picnic.

SM encourages users to portray themselves differently. They craft an image making them seem happier, wealthier, more popular, or more worldly. SM is used by young people to gain peer acceptance, to blend in. It’s a method used to bully others. It’s called cyber or digital bullying. Messages, and compromising photos, are sent and resent all over the school, damaging the reputation of a kid.

SM has the ability to lift us up, educate us, affirm and encourage us, even draw us closer to the Lord. Or it can engulf us in a wasteland of the mundane and insipid. Worse, it can lead us into the darkness, into the cesspools of pornography, violence, and hatred.

To Close

Yesterday, SM was used to bless me, to affirm and enrich my soul. My birthday was all the better because of what SM allows people to do.

Thank you to all who sent or posted something. It was an excellent use of SM.

Shalom

Happy Birthday Rick!

Today is my 61^st birthday. Happy birthday Rick.

The Doctor

So, a few weeks ago I went to my Doctor for a checkup. He checked me out, looked me over, listened to my heart and lungs, and everything else that Doctors do. Then he sent me to the lab for blood work. That’s what they call it: Blood Work.

The Results

I had the follow-up visit yesterday. Results: I’m healthy. Not perfect, but not bad. He reviewed my blood pressure, heart rate, and the blood work. He graded me:

1. Cholesterol: A+ (it was 118)
2. Blood pressure: A+ (it was 122/82)
3. Heart rate: A+ (it was 78)
4. Blood sugar: A+
5. PSA: A+
6. Liver function: A+
7. Kidney function: A+

And so on.

It was a good report and I felt great about it. In fact, I was feeling medically smug, and was mentally patting myself on the back. I thought, “Rick, you’re as healthy as Superman! A 61-year-old Superman, but healthy.”

Then he said, “Rick, you need to lose 40 pounds, I want you to change your eating habits and get fit. No fad diets, just hard work and discipline. It’s your assignment for the next year.”

Suddenly, I wasn’t Superman, but aging, overweight, and not invincible.

Okay

So, its back to the gym every morning. It’s stretching, lifting, and cardio. It’s healthier, greener foods, and fewer, healthier calories. 

The Spiritual Side

Jesus did some bloodwork. It’s called Calvary, the cross, the Roman execution for the worst criminals, and it was bloody. Not to mention the scourging and the crown of thorns.

Jesus did some blood work too. 

In Judaism, a sacrifice was an offering to God. The blood of a lamb and the lamb itself were offered to the Lord in supplication for their sin.

John recorded, “Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  

To Close

• By his stripes, we are healed.
• By his sacrifice, we are forgiven.
• By his blood, we are cleansed.
• By his death, we are redeemed.
• By his resurrection, we are made new.

In Jesus, the weight of my sin was taken away. He put it on himself.

Happy Birthday Rick

Shalom!

A Loving Daughter

What happened on Mother’s Day?

All day long, people posted on social media such lovely thoughts to their Moms, or about their Moms. It was beautiful.

A well crafted Mother’s Day card!

In Sunday’s Lesson

I talked about honoring our parents even when it’s not a special occasion. We send cards, flowers, and gifts on Mother’s Day, and on their birthdays, and for Christmas, and we should. But how about sending something unexpected at an unexpected time? That might be even better!  

The Goal of Gifts

The gifts, card, and flowers are expressions of our love and respect. But it’s easy to send flowers, online shopping makes lots of things easy. Maybe we should send things more often to the people we love. Better yet, we should more often tell them how we feel.  

Spiritual Thoughts

Scripture teaches us to:

1. Love with sincerity.
2. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
3. Give preference to one another.
4. Serve one another in love.
5. Honor one another above yourselves.

An Example

A young woman named Lakan, a member of my church, posted this note on Facebook. The note, and her name, are used by permission.

“Happy Mother’s Day mom. I miss you. I know if your mental illness didn’t get in the way you would had been the best mom to me. I will never understand what you went through with having bipolar and schizophrenia, but I’m sorry that it stopped you from being a mom. I miss you and I can’t wait to see you again, Happy Mother’s Day!”

I was moved by the dignity of her words, and by her understanding, and acceptance, of a childhood made more difficult than what most of us experienced. She loves her Mother, she is a devoted daughter. 

To Close

It’s easy to imagine our lives being better and more happy. It’s also easy to imagine them being worse and more sad.

Our family may be the greatest, or maybe they’re not, but be encouraged to love those who need your love, to tell them they are loved and appreciated.

Any day is a good day to share with someone what they mean to you.

Shalom

A Perfect Day

It was a perfect day!

Mother’s Day

Sunday was one of those days. Here’s why:

1. Both worship services at church were really good.
2. It was a beautiful day.
3. We had our kids over for grilled steaks and trimmings.
4. We spent the whole afternoon in the pool.
5. We had fun, enjoyed each other, and laughed a lot.

It was a perfect day.

Not our pool, or our kids, or us. But we had just as much fun!

Not Everyone Will Agree

Not everyone will agree with what I’m writing next. But here goes. I believe that marriage is God’s design. Male and female, he made them both. And then he willed that they would come together and become one. One in body, mind, and soul. And from that union, children would be born.

I believe that the happiest, healthiest, and most complete place in life is in a loving family. And there are all kinds of families.

All Kinds of Families

1. Mom, Dad, and the kids.
2. Grandparents, kids, and grandkids.
3. Single Moms and single Dads.
4. Couples unable to conceive.
5. Grandparents raising grandchildren.
6. Parents caring for their adult ages, special needs child.
7. Kids raised by relatives.
8. Families with adopted children.
9. Families raising foster kids.
10. Families of one or more of the above.

You get the idea.

And The Oscar Goes To:

Well, there aren’t any official awards for best Mom, Grandmother, or Great-Grandmother. But hopefully, they’re all award winners in our hearts. So a big and hearty thank you to all the Moms, Dads, and to everyone providing loving care for children in any context of family.

To Close

I love being a Father. Thank you, Danielle, for making that possible.

Yesterday was a perfect day.

Shalom