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Sages

Friday, June 8th, 2007

I got some very positive feedback on the new blog today. Most of it was centered around the entire concept of sharing my journey–the path that I’m on with God as my lead. And it got me thinking…

It got me thinking about the people who have been my earthly guides over the past 30+ years. We all have them. Those friends and family members who have shaped you into the person you are today. I suspect that many of them have no real idea just how much impact they’ve had. They are the Sages that have provided wisdom, guidance, and direction when we’ve needed it the most (even if we didn’t think we needed it). Hopefully we still have a Sage or two hanging around our lives somewhere.

So, who were (and are) the Sages in my life? Who are the men and women that have guided me along this journey? When making a list like this there is always the danger of leaving someone out. I admit up front this list is not exhaustive–it’s the super stars, the cream of the crop. Here they are:

Ross & Charlotte Baumgartner: My Grandparents. They provided spiritual constancy and leadership when nobody else did. They always asked if I would attend church with them and always went the extra mile or 50 to make sure I stayed connected to God. And they have shown me over and over again the meaning of faithfulness.
Dan & Denise Menefee: Anita and my youth pastors and best friends in the early stages of our marriage. Dan and Denise taught us how to make the faith of our “ancestors” our faith. They also showed us that it’s OK to have fun at the same time you are living for God.
Matt & Pam Wigdahl: My Jr. and Sr. High School Teachers and close friends. They showed me to look at the world with critical eyes. They taught me that work should be fun (serious, but fun). Matt especially introduced me to a world I would never have otherwise known existed…a world of art and literature that has continued to “haunt” me ever since.

Those are my top three. I’ve been shaped by many more people…friends and family alike. Interesting to think back on those “shaping events” too. Gives me a new appreciation for the working of God’s hand in it all. He knew the people and events that would mold me best. He had a plan from the very beginning and He made sure I got what I needed–exactly when I needed it, even if it hurt.

So how about you? Who are the Sages in your life…who has shaped you into the man or woman you are today?

08.06.2007 Discipleship, Leadership, Spiritual Musings 4 Comments

Welcome to the Journeyman Journal

Friday, June 8th, 2007

I finally did it…I made the plunge into the world of blogging! I need to thank Grant English for his help and guidance getting up and running.

For now, don’t pay much attention to the look and feel of the site–it’s a work in progress (I picked a theme to get started–I’ll be changing it in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead).

I’m thinking the theme/title of my blog will be: Journeyman Journal. I like the concept of a Journeyman–someone who is learning at the feet of a master (in this case, The Master), one who is well into the journey, but one with much farther to go–not yet ready to strike out on his own (and one who may truly never be ready).

My intent is for the Journeyman Journal to be a repository of random thoughts and ideas–a place for me to share what God is doing in my life and have a place to sharpen the often wild and crazy ideas the Spirit lays on me. I don’t pretend to have the answers…but I do know The Answer and am getting to know Him more and more every day. He’s got me on a grand journey and I’m along for the ride wherever that takes us.

I expect to develop my blogging skills as I go along (which means I may often ramble–with seemingly little cohesion to my thoughts at times). That’s kind of the point. This is my place to get out the random thoughts so that I can come back to them and formalize them more (with your input sharpening the message). Often the topics will focus on the spiritual journey, but that won’t be the sole focus–there is always time to discuss the more mudane (but still exciting) aspects of life such as the Bronocos, the news of the world, and life in general. After all, God created them and has us on the journey in the midst of it all.

Please visit often and provide as much commentary as you want. I have thick skin and want to learn and grow…more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. After all–he paid it all for me…it’s the very least I can do! And your comments, additions, and suggestions are all a part of the process–I trust He will use you as an instrument of His shaping me.

By the way…if you don’t know my Father–you really should be introduced! Contact me and I’ll gladly do the introductions.

08.06.2007 Welcome 4 Comments