http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org The Seamen's Church Institute River Chaplains' Blog Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:27:37 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en With the many changes that have taken place in my life in the last twelve months, I have found myself reflecting on past experiences and realizing that there have been some valuable lessons learned along the way.  I would like to take a moment to share some of those lessons ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2010/02/22/lessons-learned-in-life/ Do you remember this saying from childhood:  "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!"  While this line may have helped sooth our hurt feelings and defend us against verbal bullies when we were teased or taunted as children, it is actually not true.  Words ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/10/13/sticks-and-stones/ NO...ABSOLUTELY NOT...the phrase in the title is not going to end with the word "S**t"!!!!! During a church service last Sunday morning, a young boy was participating in the part of the service where the children were sharing from their lessons in Children's Church.  He was holding up a large card ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/09/22/the-world-is-full-of/ Last Sunday I had the opportunity to preach in two United Methodist churches in the New Orleans metro area.  After the second service, before going to lunch, I was engaged in a very interesting discussion.  Growing out of some thoughts from my sermon earlier, I was asked what I thought were ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/09/16/meeting-needs/ Labor Day weekend is upon us.  The first Labor Day in the United States was in September 1882 in New York City.  It was intended to celerate the contributions of organized labor groups to the economy.  President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a Federal holiday after violence and deaths during the ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/09/03/seasons/ In conversation over a meal a few days ago with my closest friend, the topic of my recent birthday came up.  Always a quick wit, she commented that I was so old (54 years old) that, in Roman numerals, my age would be written "LIV" ("L" for 50; "IV" for 4).  After some ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/08/26/i-just-want-to-celebrate/ It often happens when I am visitng on boats...sometimes on the deck...or in the wheelhouse...and very often in the galley.  I will hear some tidbit of real meaningful truth uttered by a river mariner that stays with me for days and sparks my thinking and imagination.  Last week, a boat ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/08/09/are-you-contagious/ Last week I had the opportunity to attend a Family Fun Day held here in South Louisiana by one of the major towboat companies.  About 200 crew and their families came to an operations center to see the facility, tour a boat, and enjoy food grilled up for a huge ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/07/30/we-are-family/ We have all experienced a maze at one time or another.  Perhaps you were in a circus...or a county fair...or a corn field maze at Halloween time.  Mazes are designed to be confusing...scary...and to get people dazed, confused, and lost.  During several boat visits lately, I have found some people ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/07/20/the-labyrinth-of-life/ Step outside...of your home...onto the deck of the boat...breathe deeply!  Fill your lungs to capacity...hold your breath for the count of 10...and slowly exhale.  Ahh!!!  Despite a few possible smells, isn't it wonderful?  The air we breathe sustains our lives.  We cannot see it - unless you live in a ... http://chaplainsblog.seamenschurch.org/2009/07/07/wherever-you-aregod-is/