Gracious... Still alive and now with Jesus

Tonight I ended up bouncing thru a few you tubes of my old Rock and Roll fav's Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer, and Edgar Winter and was totally surprised to see Rick singing a new versus about Jesus in his Still Alive and Well

Thought I'd share it.... Rock on Jesus... should ACTS cover it?

New (Old) Rules from God... 2009

Ok there is a time for levity, Gospel, and laws.... here's something Paul Leithold shared with me that I thought everyone would enjoy. Consider it a small Bible Study.

Rules from God for 2009
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made ; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul."Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

So what's your passion?

Boy mine is laid out for everyone to see though for the longest time I was fine playing guitar in the basement or on my deck all by myself. I'm pretty sure God was a little patient with me as I honed my skills, but boy these last 5 years he's put me to test. Ok.. I get humble watching real good players, but I've been pushed to be Mr. Dave at Sunday School, and now I'm recognized at Festival.... Here's me with a fan...

Then there is this little thing that I started with Lori's ok... Bluff View House concerts. This week Norah Rendell and Brian Miller put on a wonderful show. Pastor Dan & Lynn and John and Nancy made it, just ask them about it. But oh meeting people is so much fun. A great group of Catholic and Free church members were there and it's so much fun not to talk about barriers of faith but to enjoy each other. Then there was the conversation after the concert about visiting Ireland where the F-word is a normal adjective, even with friendly grey hair ladies who want to share a glass a milk with a child. Sure bet that won't be a norm at Holmen any time soon. HA...

Centennial Plaque

Dick Mannstedt put his retirement and his new laser to a wonderful contribution. What a beautiful piece and it incorporates a cross layout of the last supper. It is loosely based on a design by Tom Zieg that Pastor Glenn would do with his woodworking.

Storytelling Room

There is a group of mothers who decided that the kids needed to be taught the lessons of the Bible without feeling that they were in little concrete prison cells strapped to tiny chairs. The transformation is ongoing, but here is one room that is where they have story telling. The setting is a desert tent.... sure feels that way. Job well done ladies.

The tent had served it's outside life, and the veils were a great touch. The desert scene was many hours of painting, and conversation. Plus it even comes with a donated palm tree oasis. Yes... put those things you want to get rid of to good use. HA!

Our Calling

Please listen to the melody of hymn 843 which this song is based. This song will be the song after our sermon March 21/22 weekend.









For by grace we have been saved
Not by works, no one will boast.
We are God’s fine workmanship
Baptized in the Holy Ghost
All the gifts we have been blessed with
Are to share with one and all.
Now we all should heed his will
Look inside us and see our call

As we walk our daily journey
We bring with us all our gifts
Every trait we were endowed with
From our laughter to our wit
All the things that bring us pleasure
Were put right there from the start.
Now we all must heed our calling
Learn to share right from our heart

Daily tools which make our living
Are the ones the Lord approves
From every hammer , every keyboard
Bring a passion with Christ’s love
All the things that serve the Lord
At your fingertips each day
Now we all must heed our calling
Praise the Lord, whom we adore.

David Schipper © 2009 Rose Riversongs

Lenten Lutheran Paradox

I loved last nights Ash Wednesday Gospel, and it made me reflect and I'm heavily paraphrasing:

Jesus said give alms silently and joyfully. Ok check Simply Giving.

Jesus said pray in silent. Ok check you don't see me raising my arms and swaying in my prayers, music now that's different.

Jesus said don't suffer openly when are fasting. Again check..(Hey it's a personal message between you and I, God, right?)

Oh... but Jesus said don't be boastful. Ouch that's what a good blogger does sometime if not all the time; and most know I've overcome my bout of youthful shyness.

Aw, but we are all sinners so we're saved by God's gift of Grace, ......SOOOO....return to the top and start over.

HA..

Hope you enjoyed my twist to the classic Lutheran Paradox loosely based on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 and Pastor Dan's sermon which emphasized our Lenten journey should focus on Truth, Proof, and Grace. 40 more days to go; hope to see you all at church. Feel free to remind me Lent is for solemn thinking so cut the jokes.

Peace be with you too. Dave


p.s. just in case you are confused the picture is Martin Luther... and not what Dan looks like since Pastor Glenn has retired.