Welcome to “The Wild Goose Chase!” The Celtic Christians called the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” because it was untamed and smarter than any other bird.

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

I remember as a little boy the HUGE pleasure I got from time with my maternal grandmother (Mama). She would entertain us by taking her false teeth out and gumming at us in silly ways, by reading the coffee grounds in the bottom of a cup and telling our fortunes, she would play "I Spy", where you sit in a room, look around see something and give some cryptic description while the rest of us tried to guess if it was a table, lamp, picture or what. But I think "Button, Button, Who's Got the Button" was perhaps just about my favorite. She would hide the button in her hand, pass it over our hands and we would pretend to receive it and tightly clench our fists and then we would all start guessing who had the button.

None of those are much in terms of entertainment these days, according to some young people I talked with a while back. There were no video games, no DVDs, no texting, no cell phones ... but they were games and interactions that allowed us to play together without dealing with technology, but instead, interacting one person to another, laughing and having a wonderful time. In fact, after a game of Button, Button, or I Spy, my face would often “hurt” from smiling so much.

I sure do miss Mama. And I miss playing those games ... no Call of Duty Black Ops, no iPods or Facebook, no sex or violence filled movie about something irrelevant ... it was just time lovingly playing with friends and family; and ... well, it was just simple, easy and not stressful.

I think we need to find more time to do simple things together. And perhaps starting with some simple reflection and prayer time with God.
James 4:7-10 The Message (MSG): 7-10 "So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only was  you’ll get on your feet."

Please remember, God loves you and so do I, and all you can do about it is love back.

Still In One Peace,

Stephen