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Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Where has the time gone? An often-heard phrase but for some over a certain age, it has more meaning to reflect on just how quickly the years have passed. Well, at least it seems that way. True, there are still 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year, give or take a day courtesy of leap year. It seems just like yesterday that I was taking my driver's license test in a 1968 Ford Fairlane fastback. No, the car was not brand new and I am not quite that old…yet. And then in what seems a very quick succession, two full careers, a family, a lifetime of experiences, and now into the leisure of retirement. Retirement is probably more active than during the working years. One of the regrets, and there have been many, is that I did not take the time to find out about relatives near and distant as I was growing up. Both sets of grandparents, paternal and maternal, had been born either in the 19th century or shortly after the new century began. I have no memory of ever meeting my maternal grandparents and know so little about them. I never gave it much thought. I know that my grandfather was career Army, served during World War II, and is buried in Arlington Cemetery. I know nothing about my grandmother. My paternal grandparents raised me so there was much more connection. One of my cherished possessions is an old photo of them in the early 1920s as they were on a date. What is so interesting is that they are in a horse-drawn buggy. In the early 1920s, very few people had automobiles. Now I am curious as to what life was like for them before I was born. How did they react to all of the local and world events that occurred during their lifetimes? I can’t ask as they have been gone for several decades. I just didn't make the time and then it became too late. Fast forward to 2021 and the Autumn years of life and to enjoying the grandeur that is the North Shore and being part of the local community. It is not hard getting to know people here as generally everyone is friendly and always up for a good conversation. Unfortunately, getting to know about some of them has been through helping with the Friday morning Memorials radio segment, and also by attending funerals as part of an Honor Guard. It is too late then. However, there are sometimes unique opportunities not to be passed over. You may have heard about a special lady who had a special birthday on Wednesday. It was a special birthday for Alice because she celebrated her 101st. She is a special lady because she is a World War II Marine veteran. Think about that for a moment. We did not draft women in WW II, and she volunteered…to be a Marine. Happy birthday again Alice, and Semper Fidelis. Alice is not the only neighbor available with a wealth of history and life experiences to share. There is also Robert. Robert is a resident of a local care facility. Robert started working with lumberjacks when just a young teen and did that for 20 years, to be followed by a 30-year career working for Reserve Mining on their locomotives. Just imagine the stories he probably has. These neighbors and many more are all about us. They are in the various nursing home facilities, neighbors we may not have really gotten to know over the years, and even relatives, near and far that we have sort of taken for granted. If we want to know what it was really like, we will have to take the time and initiative to ask the questions and have those conversations. If we don’t then we risk having revisionists, who were not there, and did not live those experiences, tell us what it was like and what happened. Two other observations I have made. There are several excellent eateries in our local communities where people love to share a cup of coffee and a story or an opinion. And I have yet to go to someone's house where an offer for coffee and something to wash it down with, i.e. cookies or cake wasn't offered. It's understood that that kitchen chair is being offered for an opportunity to share and get to know each other a little bit better. Ready to meet new friends and share experiences? I certainly am. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris
Did you ever wish you had more power? Power to do things that you can’t do. Laurie loves to ride bike, but it has become such an effort lately. That effort has taken all the joy out of it, But she has been saving and saving and like millions of Americans she has bought an electric bike. Now when we ride up those long steep hills, I’m huffing and puffing and my leg muscles are burning while Laurie is smiling, breathing easy and enjoying the scenery as she effortlessly gets all the power she wants from her bike's electric motor. The bike's power is wonderful. It has brought joy to her cycling. I think she is enjoying it more now than she ever did.
The bike’s power is amazing, but it is limited isn’t it. The battery will only take you so far. In the world there are many powers – The powers in creation - sun, wind, rivers, oceans, fire – sometimes we really see these powers rage and roar. There’s nuclear power – the power of atoms. There is political power and military power – of kings, presidents and nations. and there’s the power we have as individuals and groups. We can recognize all these powers as God’s gifts which can be used to create and sustain life. Each of these earthly powers has conditions and limitations. The temptation for us as sinful human beings is to try to reach beyond our limitations – to use our power to control. Even to use our power to grasp heaven and haul ourselves up there by our own effort. But what if there was a power beyond all these powers - beyond limitations. A power that we can tap into even without reaching beyond our own creaturely limitations. Today’s passage is Luke’s account of Jesus’ post resurrection appearance to the disciples. In these appearances the disciples are given a promise as well as a task – often referred to as a commission. Luke points out that Jesus had appeared to two followers who were on their way to Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Jesus as they walked along with Him. Jesus opened the scriptures to them and they finally recognized that it was Jesus when he broke bread with them. These two followers are excited and rush back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples and while they are telling them what happened Jesus appears in their midst. Jesus demonstrates to them that it is indeed him in the flesh. He shows them his hands and feet. He shows them that he’s not some spirit or ghost by eating a piece of fish. And, as with the two on the way to Emmaus, Jesus opens the scriptures and shows them that he fulfilled the Old Testament – the law, the prophets, and the psalms. That the messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. And now repentance and forgiveness is to be proclaimed to all nations – to all groups of people - beginning in Jerusalem. And then Jesus tells them that they are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. So, there is the task or commission – proclaim repentance and forgiveness and they are to witness. And here is the promise – the promise of the Father – being clothed with power from on high. The Greek word for power here in this passage is dunamis. The meaning is to be able. Jesus gave no condition, no qualifier, no limitations concerning the power that was to be given. As we read Luke’s second book – Acts – we see clearly that this power is the power of the Holy Spirit. The power given to us in the Holy Spirit is the power to become able to do what we could not do before. It is the power to do that which is above our ability to do. Dunamis means to make possible. So in the power of the Holy Spirit we have the power to make possible that which was not possible. Naturally, the Holy Spirit is power for holy purposes not for selfish unholy purposes – It is the power to fulfill the will and calling of God. Earthly powers are limited but God’s power is limitless. Dunamis also means can as in I can. The power of the Spirit is the power of I can or maybe better to say God can working through me. Paul writes of this in Philippians when he says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Then again in Ephesians 3 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. God may give us some tough assignments – more than what we can do or endure in our own strength, But when we are tempted to say I can’t – remember God’s promises and the promised dunamis power that we have been clothed with. We just might find that we can’t but God can. Amen. Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
April showers bring May flowers. If that’s the case then there’s been so much rain that we will have enough May flowers to open our own business. The signs are all about us that Spring has finally sprung on the North Shore. The temperatures have finally warmed up to a tolerable level. This was reaffirmed by the local electric cooperative bill which significantly went down from the previous month’s bill. Then there’s the fauna which is starting to abound in green. Small perennials planted last year are making their presence known. And let’s not forget the local wildlife. The deer are scampering about, porcupines have been noted, and skunks still have not figured out how to safely cross the local roadways. However, perhaps the greatest indicator is the traffic increase in just the past week – weather notwithstanding. Once again travelers are abounding to take in the beauty that is unique to this part of the country. Ah, Spring. Then there was this morning. True to form, while transforming to the delights of seasonal change, is a stark reminder that anything is possible up here. We woke to find ourselves in a nice little snow event. I mean it was coming down pretty good and was sticking to the ground and vehicles. Not to worry. The snowblower is all tuned up, gassed, and ready to go. Bring it on. Not really. So, when someone says Winter is done, don't you believe it. But then again, this is all just part of living here and adjusting to the slow changing of the seasons. I looked at the Weather Channel forecast for next week, and sure enough, there is still a possibility of snow showers. A month from now who will even remember? Then there was another change that no one was anticipating and that was last month's heating bill for those living in Two Harbors. Due to the unexpected severe cold down in Texas, prices were up to four times, or more, higher than usual. This could not have happened at the worst time with so many already financially impacted by COVID-19. This increase affected all the residents of the city. Of course, there was a great deal of concern, and some expressions of anger over what had happened, but this is the North Shore and problems are taken care of a bit differently than in other areas. There were no protests, no riots, and no demands for public officials to resign. There were rumors to be sure, but don't believe everything you hear. Questions were asked and answered. Most concerning was what happened, and why? A local reporter for the North Shore Journal went to the city administrator and got the information everyone needed. The city understood the impact on the residents and immediately affected means to have the payments spread over 12 months to alleviate the immediate financial hardship. When we hear something that doesn't sound quite right, we are always free to ask questions. I had heard that my favorite eatery location had been sold and that there was a massive corporate conglomerate that would change everything to pursue profit. Well, I had a chance to speak to the owner and ask if the rumor was true. I was informed that yes, the business had been sold, but that the same family-friendly atmosphere was to be maintained. Also, the new owners will be doing structural changes the current owner had been planning to do for several years. I was assured that this was indeed a win-win situation for the community, patrons, and staff. Now we are in the midst of one of the most acrimonious times in our nation’s recent history. Rumors are abounding and we are being inundated with news items meant to influence rather than inform. I pause here to reiterate – don't you believe it. Granted, some will be true, but it is incumbent on us to ask the questions directly and check the facts rather than relying on someone else to do it for us. I would like to offer for your consideration a Biblical example – the Bereans. Take a look at Acts chapter 17, verses 10-15, and study the background. Biblical wisdom is sound wisdom. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Acts 17:11 (NIV) “ Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris First Lesson: Acts 4: 32-53 Responsive Reading: Psalm 148 Second Lesson: 1 John 1:1 - 2:2 Gospel Lesson: John 20: 19-31 Have you had an encounter that changed your life? Maybe you remember the moment that you saw the love of your life for the first time. It was just an ordinary day at the office but as I came walking in, I caught a glimpse of our new technician for the first time. Laurie had big -almost Texas big -hair – it was bright reddish blond. She had a white long sleeve blouse with a wide black elastic belt that hugged her skinny little waist. She had a long red skirt and black high heels. Her big eyes and broad smile were captivating.
As you can tell I remember the moment well. Mel Schlatter told me that the first time he saw Irene it was like a jolt of electricity. Maybe you’ve had similar life changing encounters too. Encountering Laurie changed my life –. I was headed in one direction and then I encountered Laurie and my life took a whole new path. The first encounter that the disciples had with Jesus way back at the beginning of his ministry they had been going about their usual day - and then all of a sudden their ordinary day became extraordinary -Jesus came walking into their day and called to them – come follow me. By His Word Jesus commanded and they left their work and their homes and followed this extraordinary rabbi named Jesus. They encountered Jesus and their lives were never the same. They had extraordinary moments – amazing teachings – witnessed miracles – and then Jesus began to talk about leaving them and then it happened - all their hopes and dreams had come crashing down with Jesus’ crucifixion? Maybe some of them were wondering why Jesus had them leave their old life behind in the first place. Now here they were huddled together frightened over what might happen to them – when Jesus breaks into their lives again. This time his message is peace be with you. Earlier in John’s gospel Jesus explained to the disciples that he would be leaving them but that he would not leave them alone that he would send the Holy Spirit who would teach them and remind them of everything that Jesus had said to them. And then Jesus said 27 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. And then a little later Jesus said to his disciples ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 ….You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy……. then Jesus goes on to explain “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus had prepared them – he had given them his peace – he explained things to them so that in HIM they might have peace. And yet here they are huddled together in a room the door is shut and all of a sudden Christ comes to them – in the midst of their troubled hearts - in the midst of their fear - Jesus meets them. They have an encounter with the living Christ, and they are never the same. He breathes the Spirit into them. Just as God breathed the breath of life into Adam in Gen 2. Jesus breathes new life into the disciples, and they become new creations. All the disciples were there except my favorite – Thomas. The Bible doesn’t give us any idea about why he wasn’t there or where he was. Can you imagine the excitement when the other disciples were shouting to him, we have seen the Lord? But despite all their excitement Thomas says, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Can you relate to Thomas at all? Don’t you wish sometimes that the resurrected Lord would just appear and let us see him, poke him and feel him? Jesus comes to Thomas and Thomas falls to his knees “My Lord and my God!” Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” Blessed are we who have not seen and yet believed. Sometimes I think I would rather be blessed to see and believe. But faith enables us to see. The Bible seems strange sometimes the way it talks about things that happened so long ago – it was a completely different time and place. As strange as it can seem it is a record of God’s action in history and particularly among his people. God’s action and humanity’s reaction. Over and over, we see how the actions of God and the actions of people reveal the nature of humans and the nature of God. God loves creation and from his creation he chose to reveal himself to a particular people – the Hebrew word that God used for his people –is segula – which means his treasured possession. God looked after His people – he gave them commandments - boundaries so that they might enjoy life – so that their relationships might be special and sacred. And throughout the Bible we see how life goes when His people listen to him and trust him and what happens when they did not. Over and over, we see that people are stubborn rebellious self-centered unforgiving unmerciful. And all the while God is righteous, just, holy and yet patient and merciful. We have not seen and yet we believe and by believing we come to see. We see creation differently – pounding surf, majestic mountains, breathtaking sunsets and cloud formations, new life in springtime – they all become God’s handprints and evidence of God’s grace through the eyes of faith. We see people differently – each life becomes a precious creation - one of God’s segulas. And at the same time, we see the brokenness of a fallen world in each person as well. But with eyes of faith our gaze becomes more compassionate more loving and less judgmental. And by believing we come to see the truth of God’s upside kingdom. A kingdom that is so different than this world – a kingdom where service, forgiveness, and love rule. With eyes of faith, we come to see Christ coming to us by way of the Word by way of the bread and wine as well as by way of one another. And each time we encounter Christ we are never the same. Our life becomes less and less our own. Somehow our agenda seems less and less important and we are more and more caught up in the things of God. The first time the disciples are encountered by Jesus, he compels them with His Word - follow me – but now when they meet the resurrected Lord His first message is Peace and the second is GO. Did you catch that? Jesus says to them “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into them – empowers them making them new creations and then he sends them – as the Father has sent me, I also send you. And so each time we read or hear God’s Word – Jesus comes to us, gives us forgiveness and His very self. Now that we are forgiven. Now that we are nourished, now that we are strengthened, He sends us – back into our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods with new vision to see creation and others in a new way. It is not seeing to believe - it is believing so that we might see. Amen Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you just want to request a do-over and avoid what has already occurred? I am guessing we have all been there at one time or another, and hopefully no more than one time. That is usually enough. However, I am right in the middle of such a week and am almost ready to shout "uncle" to anyone who cares to listen. It started four short days ago – less than 100 hours. I was building Cathy a mobile sewing machine storage cart for her sewing machine collection. This is where I refer you to a previous weekly encouragement regarding her hobby. BTW – she doesn't just collect them - she uses them. Now, how thoughtful and thrifty is that? I was cutting various materials on the table saw and had transitioned to cutting a 2x4. I had done these dozens of times before, but always with the safety hold down in place – until this time, that is. I can already feel some of you cringing at what happens next. Yep, I pushed the wood into the blade and it immediately did an about-face and came right back and met my wrist at full force, driving my 35-year-old POW/MIA bracelet into my wrist. Lesson learned: Safety devices and cautions are there for a reason and no more shortcuts. Next was the semi-annual visit to the dentist. The highlight of my week to be sure. The good news was that I was complimented for my concerted efforts over the past six months. The bad news was that a tooth needed the professional attention of the dentist at a future date. Lesson learned: No matter how good we do; sometimes it's just not enough. OK, enough for the past three days. Not so fast. Then there's today. It started with a lost wallet, included a minor fender bender, and ended with a blessing. All of that in only 90 minutes. Misplacing keys is one thing as there is usually a spare set. But a wallet has so many one-of-a-kind items: driver’s license, other forms of identification, credit cards, and occasionally, on rare occasions, cash. It was finally found after looking in areas where it seemed impossible to be, but there it was. That in itself generated enough stress and anxiety that while backing out the vehicle little thought was given to the realization that another vehicle was parked right beside it. No major damage was done to the receiving vehicle, which paled in comparison to the embarrassment and frustration that the accident even occurred. Lesson learned: An immovable object will, by the laws of physics, naturally resist a movable object intruding into its space. This was the point where I just wanted to finally say, “uncle” and somehow move on. But that did not happen. Why? What good would saying, “uncle” do? None, but it might have felt good to vent a little frustration. Instead, there was the resolution to move on and make the best of the remainder of the day. Then there was the unexpected reminder that God is always watching over his children. And I surely did need a reminder today. Less than an hour after the vehicle mishap the phone rang. I did not recognize the number and was prepared to let the voice mail message speak for me. However, I felt compelled to answer the call. Glad I did. The call was from my chaplain endorser, mentor, and friend, Ron. He felt the need to reach out and see how I was doing today. Talk about a God moment. His call was the calm in the storm and the bright sunshine I needed this cloudy and rainy day. Here was an affirmation that I am never alone and that God knows exactly what is needed and when. Oh, there are still two more days in this week yet, but I am confident in God's presence. How about you? Our encouragement verse for this week is: Psalm 121:8 (NIV) “ The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I need help. I am so confused. I have always heard – and believed – the old axiom regarding March, "In like a lion and out like a lamb." Well, somebody forgot to tell nature that up here on the North Shore. I mean the wind was blowing so hard here that I began to wonder if the flag pole warranty was going to have to be put into effect. No worries as the warranty guarantee up to 70 mph. Still, it was windy enough that I had to hold onto the door when opening the truck door. And driving was an exhilarating experience, especially when exiting the tunnels up the shore and the wind hit full force. Still, that's what makes living up here interesting. I saw someone fly fishing in one of the stream beds. Now that's dedication. Interesting that the last of the month should be more like the first. The sad news about the last is the last time I remember seeing Stew. It was December 2019, at our monthly Bay Area Ministerial Luncheon at the Northwoods. Stew Carlson, the former pastor at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay, was ever the gracious friend to all. I always ordered a double cheeseburger and fries, and Stew would always order his special sandwich. When asked if he would like fries or chips, Stew would mischievously grin and tell the waitress, “No, Chris will have enough fries for both of us.” And he was right, as usual. Many of you knew Stew as a dedicated - almost to the point of obsession - William Kelly High School Mariner fan. He not only loved his community, but he loved everyone in it. Stew also was not one to pass up an opportunity. I remember shortly after joining the ministers' group in Silver Bay, how Stew was able to "volunteer" me to assist in services at the Veterans Home and contribute articles to the Chronicle. There was no arm twisting. Stew had a God-given gift for inspiring others. He was also passionate about sharing his faith and had the blessed ability to relate to everyone he met. He will always be remembered for his eternally youthful and engaging smile. You just knew you were with a friend. Stew, you will always be missed. Then there was also noted the first. That being the first ship of the season into Two Harbors port last week – the Indiana Harbor. We know it as a “thousand-footer” that regularly plies the Great Lakes. Actually, it is only 989 feet long, but who’s counting? Built in 1979, and can transport over 35,000 tons. What makes it special is that the ship’s arrival signified the beginning of a new shipping season and we got to see it as it passed our house. It can be the small things that give us hope and encouragement. The ship was a sign that normal shipping has begun again and everyday activities still go on. Now we transition from the last week of March into the first week of April. I still think about the lion and lamb but in a different context. Particularly during this week, I think about the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. This is the time we focus on the strength and sacrifice of Christ for all, and the message his resurrection has for all of us. Stew knew this message. He believed it, lived it, and shared it. If you also believe, then share this with others. If you have not heard this before, then ask someone to share it with you. You both will be encouraged. Our encouragement verse for this week is: John 11:25-26 (NIV) “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris |
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