Take Off Your Shoes!

Happy New Year & Take Your Shoes Off!

When we relocated to North Carolina we learned to offer taking off our shoes before entering someone’s house. For some international cultures this gesture is automatic and not simply an offer. There’s a logic associated with this practice. In the southern states, your outdoor shoes, if not removed, will track red clay residue, prevalent throughout the area, onto rugs and floors. In some cultures, outdoor shoes are considered dirty and inappropriate for indoor use. The Japanese have special shoes or slippers for indoors.

Exodus 3:5 speak of a similar command when Moses approached the burning bush. “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground.”

I often thought about that verse. Why remove one’s shoes? Some years ago I heard a sermon on this verse which sounded logical. When you consider all of the dirty and nasty places we may have walked with our shoes, the Lord’s command to Moses made sense. It was a reminder that sin is incompatible with personal holiness and the presence of God.

As we face a new year in 2016, let us make a commitment to pursue holiness in our daily lives. At the same time let us symbolically remove our shoes … that is, try our best to remove sinful behavior from our lives. The good news is that we don’t have to accomplish that on our own. The Holy Spirit will strengthens us on our journey of holiness, but first we have to make the commitment. Even if we misstep we can seek forgiveness from the Lord and get back on track.

Have a successful New Year and watch where you walk!

Robert Parlante
January 2016

Christmas Greeting

WAR ON CHRISTMAS

Whatever happened to the Christmases of old when we sang Christmas carols in public places, store clerks wished shoppers “Merry Christmas”, and public schools were not paranoid about putting up Christmas trees. Like many pleasant memories of life, those events have vanished like a wisp of fog blown out to sea by a politically correct windstorm, never to return again. Schools have even banned activities disguised as Christmas. The Christmas colors of green and red are expelled from school.

We are told to celebrate snowflakes, snowmen, reindeers and winter. Thankfully most churches still display Christmas trees (usually indoors), and some even unabashedly set up public Nativity scenes outside of their churches. Unfortunately, there are growing numbers of churches that minimize outside Christmas décor like we are trying to hide Jesus in a corner for fear his display might dampen a potential new adherent.

For believers, this all sounds downright discouraging, doesn’t it? Well, maybe not so much. Christmas decorations have little, if anything, to do with Christmas. But we all like to hold onto them because they remind us of the real reason for the season. Unfortunately, like many times, the things at the edge of life overwhelm what should be the core of life. Over time the central meaning of Christmas becomes diluted or corrupted when we place too much emphasis on decorations.

As believers we need a reality check. There is a war on Christmas and there has always been a war on Christmas. The battle lines were set centuries ago. Not so much over trees and ornaments. Not over green and red colors. It’s because of the Jesus.

In Matthew’s gospel, chapter 2, we have the account of King Herod reacting to the birth of the Christ child. This was the very first war on Christmas. Herod becomes disturbed, thinking the baby Jesus would eventually usurp the King’s political role. We are still fighting similarly motivated battles today against what appears to be unstoppable forces bent on destroying Christianity.

An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and says, “Get up, take the child and mother and escape to Egypt … Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

I leave you with this closing thought. The battle belongs to the Lord. With Herod, he chose a different approach to serve a greater purpose. The Lord speaks through Scripture. He uses other people. He may even use an angel.

The key is to listen, test the validity through Scripture, and be obedient. Then choose your battles!

Robert Parlante

December 2015

 

God Isn't Fixing This!

The New York Daily News front page recently ran a headline which read “God Isn’t Fixing This!” in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting episode. The headline was prompted by the prayers of public figures for those killed and harmed and affected by the shooting. The headline was a call for more gun controls as the only way to fix the mess that our country faces with terrorism and mass shootings. But implicit in the headline was that prayers were a waste of effort in the San Bernardino case because God is not going to fix anything in response to our cries for help and comfort.

I am in favor of better gun controls that closes loop-holes, but I also hold a biblical world view. The Daily News headline felt arrogant like people (and even believers) have the right and ability to draw conclusions about the actions and intents of our Lord. We view the spiritual world through a glass darkly. We only see a fraction, if at all. We should not complain about God’s lack of actions and draw pessimistic conclusions he will not be fixing much of anything. The only clear word about God’s intent and promise comes through Scripture.

The issue is really a heart matter.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Why not look forward to a headline that says: God Can Heal Our Land!

Robert Parlante

December 2015

ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and once again it got me thinking back to the last year of my mother’s life. When the family was going through that year, there was debate whether she had true Alzheimer’s disease or senile dementia. Really, what difference does that make? The net effect is the same. The patient loses touch with reality and eventually succumbs to some organ failure. The impact on the family is the same whether Alzheimer’s disease or senility.

A deteriorating mind is not the only failure that must be dealt with. Family dynamics become strained because different members believed they have answers, or worse, thought that people were overreacting, and that my mother was not that bad off.

My mother was living alone in an apartment about 150 miles away from where I was living. While on a business trip one time I decided to stop by to say hello. That’s when I had a reality check. She tried to cook a meal but could not quite remember how to use a gas stove. There were medications strewn about the floor. She accused the paper delivery boy of stealing what little money she had.

The hard choice had to be made. My mother had to be transferred to a special memory loss nursing home. Before that, we had tried having her live with a family member. That did not work as she frequently wandered away from home. The next step had to be taken. My wife and I got the job of placing her in a nursing home. It was one of the most difficult steps I ever had to do.

In 1983, President Reagan designated November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month for good reason. Caregivers, family members, friends all struggle dealing with this disease. You’ve heard the phrase, ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.’ From my experience it takes a comparable village … a team of family members to handle a patient with Alzheimer’s disease.

Take this month to appreciate and recognize caregivers. Send a note card or a small token gift. Let the caregiver know you are praying for their strength and encouragement as they face the slow agonizing journey to the end.

Robert Parlante

 

 

A CHRISTMAS TREE DUST-UP

An upscale shopping mall in Charlotte decided this year there would be no Christmas tree as part of the display where children visit Santa Claus with this wish list. Instead the mall would substitute a glacier ice cave to enhance the child’s experience with Santa. Seriously … did mall management believe a child would prefer an image of an ice cave in the Santa photo rather than a Christmas tree?

Shoppers immediately mobilized and set up a petition on Change.org to bring back the Christmas tree. At the last count, 25,000 people signed the petition. Mall management changed their minds and brought back the tree. Signees said they would go to another mall for the child’s Santa visit where there would be a Christmas tree. The people have spoken. In fact, the mall owners own multiple facilities across the USA. Similar petitions reportedly garnered 75,000 + signatures.

So what’s the take-away from this Christmas tree dust-up?

I liked Candace Cameron Bure’s recent comments about a comparable dust-up with Starbucks removing “holiday” symbols from its coffee cups. She said holiday symbols on a cup do not define Christmas for her as a Christian … her relationship with Jesus does.

So here’s the bottom line. There is power in petition and numbers. Christians should flex their muscle and not be so timid or politically correct. A recent survey indicated the nones __ those who do not profess any religious identification or inclination are growing more secular. At the same time, the survey indicated believers are becoming more strongly committed, seeking more prayer, bible study and home groups.

Getting the Christmas tree back to the mall can easily become a hollow victory if we forget it’s all about our relationship with Jesus. Some battles are life and death. Some are nice and traditional like a Christmas tree. Some are not worth the effort.

So what’s your take? Where do you fall in this battle?

Robert Parlante

November 2015

A "Neutral" Christmas Tree

It’s the start of November when one’s thoughts turn to the upcoming year-end holiday season. Actually some stores started displaying holiday decorations as early as September! They’re really Christmas decorations regardless of what the politically-correct “police” say. Giving something a neutral name or definition does not remove the inherent meaning of the word or item being defined. A “holiday “ tree is a Christmas tree regardless of how one argues the point because the tree’s core meaning as a decoration is religious. Even hanging “neutral” ornaments on the tree does not eliminate its historical meaning.


Hallmark Channel takes a middle of the road approach to Christmas trees. The channel has started its Christmas and holiday themed movies broadcast almost around the clock. You either love the movies or you don’t love them so much! I am more or less ambivalent. Some I like; some not so much because they are too saccharine. The movies more or less portray family values and Christmas in positive ways, but the religious aspects are not typically highlighted. Many times the channel does call a Christmas tree a “Christmas tree”. That’s all positive.

Hebrews 5:9 says: And being made perfect, he (Christ) became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

This begs a question: Is salvation available to a politically-correct person? Of course, it is!

But once saved we should not approach Christmas with fear of the pc police. Do not put up a “neutral” tree. Put up a Christmas tree.

Robert Parlante

November 2015

 

Bon Ami

Alright, I admit it! I tilt somewhat claustrophobic. I had not realized that until a few years back when I had a MRI after falling off a stepladder and fracturing my collarbone. I still remember lying down in that MRI tube, with it just about touching my nose, hearing the machine groan and clang, and the seemingly never-ending wait time for the test to begin. It all set my heart into an anxiety spiral. I recall yelling out to the technician, "Get me out of this machine."

Over the years my concern of confined spaces have expanded. Elevators (short rides are okay). The Lincoln or Holland Tunnels going into New York (the George Washington Bridge is always an alternate route, but that has its own set of issues). And cold, dank caves, too.

Speaking of caves. Last week we took a fall foliage trip to Little Switzerland, North Carolina located in the Appalachian Mountains. We decided to visit the Bon Ami mine as well. It was the original location where feldspar was mined and turned into Bon Ami cleanser. When French-speaking people first used the cleaning product, they were so impressed they exclaimed "bon ami" which translates as "good friend."

The day we visited the mine was picture perfect until I looked down toward the mine now flooded and not looking like a good friend. There were 35 steps downhill to the entrance, and the guide said the mine itself was hundreds of feet long. It sounded  like a humongous MRI tube to me. I made a sharp U-turn and headed for the gift shop to buy a bag of M&Ms. Somehow candy moderates anxiety.

Days after the trip to the mountains, I reflected on a few things about Bon Ami.

The first thought was on God's ability to overcome our fears. Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us: ... for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Bon Ami also speaks of having a friend. John 5:13 speaks of our ultimate friend Christ and his sacrifice on the cross: Greater love has no one than this ... that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Finally, Jesus is the ultimate cleanser of our lives. No matter how much we trip and fall back, the Lord provides us with an opportunity to be cleansed of all unrighteousness and made whole again.

Robert Parlante
October 2015

A Kind Word

Just received a letter from a reader of A Letter from Miss Wingate, book 1 in my Patch Town series. The blank note-card the reader used for the letter had a cover image montage of torn pieces of photos that at first appeared to be unrelated and in conflict with each other. The writer of the letter felt the disjointed images were a symbol of Martin’s life before his transformation began.

Here’s the reader’s letter (slightly edited):

“The montage on the card speaks to Martin’s life at the beginning of the novel. But then, by God’s grace working through others, but most of all the gift of forgiveness, Martin’s life and relationships are healed. A completeness, unfragmented picture is forming.

Loved the book. Brought tears to my eyes especially the ending.

Regarding Bob’s writing … every situation and opportunity was not viewed as a hindrance. I pray I can remember that.

Thank you so much for sharing with me. The story of Martin for me a “down to earth” example of the power of forgiveness Jesus won for all on the cross.”

I am pleased when a story touches a person’s heart and demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. It feels like my goal was accomplished with Patch Town 1.

Proverbs 12:25  reminds us: Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (NLT).

Do something special today. Write, text, e-mail a note to someone. Be an encourager!

Robert Parlante

October 2015

Reading Opens Eyes!

My wife and I recently began volunteering at a Title 1 elementary school with 2^nd grade students. The youngsters select books from the school library and their personal collection, and they read the books to the volunteers. Some students read far above grade level while others are at their reading level. There are also students who are well below reading level. The hope is that these at-risk kids will not fall further behind and will benefit from the reading time with the volunteers. In the few weeks I’ve been volunteering I’ve already seen improvement with some lower level kids.

Beyond the reading, I’ve noted that these second-graders love sharing information about their lives. It’s unsolicited, and I sense when an adult pays attention to them the kids open up, as if the volunteer is a surrogate parent. I’m not sure what is shared is always reality, but that does not matter. The dynamics of sharing between child and adult may be more important than the information communicated. When adults pay attention, kids seem to benefit. Title 1 schools need more volunteers so all students can have a positive dialogue with an adult.

Unfortunately, not every child has a parent or guardian readily available to spend time with them. Trying to make ends meet consumes time and energy, giving parents less time to spend with kids. There are many other socio-economic factors at work that make family life difficult.

I take a different approach with the young readers. I remind them of Dr. Ben Carson’s recent comment. We all have the same brain structure. When the pediatric neurosurgeon operates on a child, he is focused on the task at hand and not on how we look on the outside or how much money we have in the bank.

I remind the 2^nd grade readers of their potential for success. I celebrate every reading accomplishment, no matter how small. I want the kids to know that every person counts, especially them!

To what end does this all matter? Education, especially reading, opens our eyes to the seen and unseen worlds. Psalm 119, verse 18 reminds us of what is ultimately important.

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. (NLT)

I pray all of the students will have a wonderful and blessed life journey.

Robert Parlante
October 2015  

Tom, Dick and Harry and Millennial Gap

I was talking to a twenty-something who was planning to rent a two-bedroom townhouse with another friend. I warned the young adult to not make her new place too comfortable or she will have every “Tom, Dick and Harry” using the townhouse as a place to crash.

My friend looked me in the eye and said, “Who are Tom, Dick and Harry?”

That’s when I knew we were dealing with a generational gap. She had never heard the phrase before. I explained it was just a general saying for multiple unspecified people. I also recognized that the younger generation has a unique set of mental filters like I do when some unknown millennial phrase goes flying over my head. When that happens I become more aware of the white hairs (or lack) still on top of my head.

It's difficult to read much these days without some reference to the millennial generation and their dilemma with spiritual matters. It seems like every article is trying to determine what makes that age group tick, and what would make church attendance more agreeable to that generation. Many churches go in the direction of “make it lite” and “make it fun” and thinking the right decor and technology make attendance more palatable.

I had a glimmer of hope when I recently read an article about millennials which indicated the group was actually more interested in bible study, answers to matters of life and death, than any previous generation. Maybe, the old fashioned approach needs to be reconsidered. Old phrases like “Tom, Dick and Harry” still work and communicate a principle. Scripture still works and communicates truth.

Here is my pledge from Psalm 71:18 _ So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Robert Parlante

September 2015

It's Never an Accident

Met a friend at the gym today who I had been with the day before. We participated in a Memorial Service for a mutual friend at a nursing home. I had the privilege of  preaching while my friend covered most of the other details. She and others highlighted special moments they had shared with the deceased woman. It was a blessed time for all who attended.

When she met me at the gym the following day she said she was thankful that God had sent me and my wife her way for that Memorial Service. My response to that was "nothing is ever an accident when it involves the Lord."

I recalled moments of ministry when dozens would show up for some group study. And then the following week maybe a few were able to make the study. The first reaction is typically disappointment. But many times among the few were a powerful move of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the attendees. I recall vowing back then not to dismiss small beginnings or what seems like inconsequential gatherings. My ministry motto has always been ,"It's never an accident who God assembles."

I am convinced today that the neighbors we have are not an accident. The people we work with are not an accident. The family God has provided each of us is not an accident. They are all ordained for a purpose, but determining that purpose is not always easy.

Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you,":declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

When group gatherings are disappointedly small, remember in the midst of smallness are great and Godly plans. So dig deep, persevere, and let the Holy Spirit move.

Robert Parlante
September 2015

You Will Have Trouble

Years ago when I was involved in pastoral ministry, I recall a young woman who had recently become a Christian. It was a difficult time in her life as a single mom barely working enough to pay the rent. With family help the person was able to finish a college degree and secure a position as a high school math teacher. It was a blessing from God that affirmed her faith. The salary was excellent, and her schedule coincided with her daughter’s school schedule. What more could one ask for considering the woman’s circumstances?

The joy was short-lived. She was not happy with the employment atmosphere. I recall her saying, “There are no Christians in the high school!”

My response was, “Well that might be just the reason why God provided this job opportunity for you.”

She persisted in the teaching position for a while longer and then resigned.

John 16:33 reminds us: “… in the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.

When Jesus entered this world as man, he did not send an advance team to “clean” it up, sanitize it, or make aesthetically attractive. Ministry is messy … and it’s supposed to be! We are called into the trenches where “no Christians are working here.” We may not like the place where God has placed us at moment. But that may be where God wants us for the moment.

Don’t pine away your life with “what ifs”. Take a look around beyond the surface, remember Jesus has already overcome the situations you face, and begin ministering to the lost, the downtrodden and the sick.

Robert Parlante
September 2015

Up from the Ashes (Part 2)

Just received the artwork for my book two titled Up from the Ashes, part of my Patch Town series. The new book will go Kindle Live first followed by the print version being available late summer.

The cover is dark and ominous. The story has many twists and turns while someone tries to kill the main character Martin Gilmore. Some of the new book characters are a carry-over from the first book. You don't have to read book one (A Letter from Miss Wingate) to understand book two. But if you do read the first book in the series I am confident you will enjoy book two even more.

Just saw a announcement board outside a small Christian library in my hometown which read, Travel the World, Read a Book!

Here is my take. Solve a crime from the comfort of your armchair! Check out Up from the Ashes.

Robert Parlante
August 2015

A Handcrafted Gift

This year was a busy transition year for our family. Two granddaughters graduated from university, married and started their careers. One grandson returned to college, and another grandson will begin college for the first time in a few weeks.

One of the grandsons requested a sendoff lunch of sushi before returning to school with his new family member (a dog named Lucy who is a mix of vizsla and Rhodesian ridgeback). The other grandson suggested a movie night (Mission Impossible) followed by a burger. Each of them received a special handcrafted gift from their grandmother … a fleece throw with their college logos. The blankets are warm and cozy, and are hopefully reminders of family, grandparents, and to seek the comfort of God in times of need.

Here’s a great Scripture verse for returning students and those just starting new careers: “…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Two of our other grandsons will begin their senior years in high school.

Looks like we have another busy year coming up! Our family is not unique. Yours is surely as busy. I pray every time you desire a nice warm fleece blanket it will be a reminder of Joshua 1:9.

Robert Parlante

August 2015

ARE YOU NOSE-BLIND?

Is it okay to profess you’re a believer, attend a few worship services, occasionally relax and maybe read a few Christian books and call it a day?

The answer to that question is “yes” and “no”. Yes, because there will always be times when we need a break and choose to coast through a day or two. The Bible remains unopened, misplaced somewhere in the house. Our iPhone is muted. And our eyes turn sightless to the needs within our homes and the outside world. Even prayer is temporarily put on the back burner, so to speak, and you promise you’ll get to prayer as soon as your favorite TV show is over.

Speaking of television, I like the Febreze TV ads showing people “nose blind” to the smelly environment they may be living in. Apparently if we hang around smells long enough we adjust and no longer detect offensive odors hanging over our heads. The ad suggests we take action (like using Febreze!) because we get complacent with our environment. It's amazing how fast a slice of cold cuts in the refrigerator can turn and develop off-smells.

The answer to the question is also “no” because we quickly adjust to complacency and become comfortable coasting with our Christianity. There is no quick fix to believer complacency like spritzing some Febreze into the air.

In James’ epistle he reminds us that faith by itself is not enough … unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless (v2:17).

Have your coasting day … don’t get complacent … open you eyes to the needs looking into your face. But just don’t look, respond!

Here’s your question: How do you deal with believer complacency? Let me hear from you.

Robert Parlante
July 2015

Up from the Ashes

Book two in my Patch Town series is in the final stages of editing and design. The Christian fiction book title is "Up from the Ashes" and should be published late summer. Here is a preview of the back cover which gives the reader a hint of what the book is all about. Hope this piques your interest!

 "Someone is trying to harm Martin Gilmore. First a white jalopy with a missing tailgate tries to run him down. He encounters road rage involving a dark blue van. Then an oversized black truck stalks him for the final kill.

 As Martin follows clues leading to the suspected killer, he receives startling news. His young daughter Ruthie faces a diagnosis of breast cancer. Martin’s world collapses, having lost his wife three years earlier to cancer. And now will Ruthie face a similar nightmare?

 Employed by a real estate development company, Martin is drawn into a web of corporate deceit as Ruthie’s illness overwhelms him, and the killer zeroes in on him.

 Martin must confront hard choices. Be a supportive dad to Ruthie, try to live as an ethical believer, deal with his feelings for his friend Linda. In the end, Martin faces an inferno of hatred where his life hangs in balance and his trust in God is challenged."

Hope you enjoy the book. I had a blast writing it!

Robert Parlante
July 2015

Pick and Choose

James reminds us in chapter 2, verses 11 and 12: So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

James reminds us we will be judged by the full measure of the law that set us free, not pieces of the law that suit us best or puts us in the most favorable light. Sin is sin no matter the type, size or gravity.  All sin is an offense to God.

One thing is clear in the reading of these two verses. We cannot pick and choose what we decide to believe or what applies to our life. We cannot select what criteria should be used to judge us in the world and when we stand before the Lord one day. We cannot assume we will be judged by only certain parts of the Scripture and not others   Believers whose words and actions demonstrate that they are under the influence of the world, rather than Christ, delude themselves into a false sense of security.

We all stand before God in need of mercy. We can’t earn forgiveness by forgiving others. But when we withhold forgiveness of others after receiving it ourselves, we show that we did not understand or appreciate God’s mercy toward us. The law that set us free is not like standing in a cafeteria line: I’ll take a dollop of that, a slice of this, but forget the broccoli.

Societal pressure is building around us to adjust Scriptural criteria for judging any situation. We need to stand firm and do our best to live out the full measure of the law, no matter the pressure to do otherwise.

Robert Parlante

July 2015

My Favorite Things

In the movie the Sound of Music, the character Maria played by Julie Andrews sings a song titled “My Favorite Things” to the von Trapp children during a frightening thunderstorm.

It’s hard to forget the lyrics that are likely running through your head as you read this blog

… Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. The key to the song is when you have right thinking then “one won’t feel so bad.”

James in his epistle takes that right thinking to a much deeper level. “Not feeling so bad” is not his primary goal. Apparently, some believers at the time favored other believers who were rich and well-dressed. Others who were poor or not well dressed were shunned.

Chapter 2: 1 – 4: My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"—well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

Favoritism goes against the command to love one another as oneself. We are all God’s creation and should be treated equally regardless of background or economic status.

We all have likes and dislikes. But showing favor and disfavor against believers based upon background and economic status is clearly wrong. In fact, so wrong James classifies the erroneous thinking as evil.

Robert Parlante
June 2015

The Face in the Mirror

The recent news about the state of the Christian church in America sounds troublesome. Fewer young people are attending church or even profess to be a Christian. They may claim to be spiritual but don’t see participation in a Bible believing church as part of their spirituality. Even some of the definitions people attach to their self-described spirituality can differ vastly from the Bible.

There is much debate on how we have gotten to this state.

James, in his epistle, points out several ways in which a person can redefine one’s personal spirituality … not necessarily for the good.

We deceive ourselves when we believe a redefined view of the character of God. James reminds us in chapter 1, verse 17: He (the Lord) never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

We deceive ourselves when we listen to God's Word without taking action. James reminds us in chapter 1, verse 22:  But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

We deceive ourselves when we accept our own rationalization of our belief system despite what we read in the Word of God.

James reminds us we can fool ourselves into wrong thinking in chapter 1, verses 23 to 25::

For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Why not take a long and honest look in the mirror? And be open to where the Lord is drawing you!

Robert Parlante
June 2015

Rushing Slowly

Saw someone in the gym this morning wearing a T-shirt promoting Caribbean vacations and island time. The words emblazoned across the back of the shirt read “Rushing Slowly”. If you’ve ever vacationed on one of the Caribbean islands you likely would understand the intended meaning. Island time is measured so we are encouraged to slow down our hectic lifestyles and to savor the vacation pace.

A Caribbean vacation is supposed to recharge our lives, prepare us to return to our previous businesses of life. Unfortunately for most of us, a Caribbean vacation is not permanent, nor is the positive aftereffects permanent. Vacations feel good for the moment, but once we leave that vacation spot we must return to our previous reality … dealing with the quick, fast and sometimes slow aspects of our lives … we desire another vacation to recharge.

The Epistle of James speaks of times to be quick and be slow, but for an entirely different end. Most vacations are needed to recharge our “batteries” so we can return to the very lifestyle that got us to that needy place.

James 1:19-20(paraphrased): Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

There is a time to be quick and a time to be slow. James speaks of the need to quickly accept the Word that God has planted in our hearts. As well there is an appropriate time to be slow, allowing time for the Word to settle into our spirit and take over our lives.

Robert Parlante

May 2015

A Measure of Success

I attended my granddaughter’s graduation on Saturday where Jerry Richardson, the owner and founder of the Carolina Panthers football team was granted an honorary degree. He spoke briefly and highlighted some aspects of his life. He was the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college. He was at best a C student. He claimed one of his lowest grades was a D minus minus minus! (Not sure if that grade even exists!)

Despite his educational track record, Richardson claims his success in life was based on several keys … perseverance and a family that taught him to always say please and thank you.

Success in life is different for every person. In Richardson’s case, he gave a multi-million dollar gift to the university to build a new football stadium. That was one outcome of his success. (I expect having the Panthers win a Super Bowl would be defined as success, as well.)

The Book of James speaks of a different measure of success available to all regardless of our up-bringing or our abilities or our finances. Perseverance toward a goal in life overrides many of our perceived limitations.

James 1:12 - God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Verses 17 - 18 remind us: Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Richardson’s words were inspiring. Education counts! Good manners counts! Perseverance counts! But our greatest measure of success is accepting the promises from God. So reach in the right direction and become a prized possession of God.

Robert Parlante

May 2015

Being a Double-Minded Person

James reminds us of the pitfalls of relying on both worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom at the same time.

Verses 1:5 – 8 (paraphrased) says: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to that person. 6 But when a person asks, they must believe and not doubt, because they who doubt are like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; 8 they are a double-minded person, unstable in all they do.

When we come up against a trial we have several choices … we can pretend it’s not there or it’s not that serious, we can ask someone for advice on how to face the trial, or we can pray and seek wisdom from God. If we are honest with ourselves we would likely admit that most of us use all three options in the sequence. We tend to seek God’s wisdom last after all else fails.

James reminds us to seek God first and have no doubts the Lord will provide the answer. We may not like the answer. We may believe that there is no answer when God is silent. In reality, no answer is an answer.

I would suggest we reverse the way we face problems. Always seek God first, and at the same time use our God-given brain/intellect to seek out wisdom from people we trust. Frequently God “speaks” through others.

The double-minded person James speaks of is one who doubts Godly wisdom and does not expect an answer from God. That person is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

A Godly double-mined person knows the Lord intervenes directly and indirectly into our lives. Hopefully that will let us sail through life more smoothly!

Robert Parlante

April 2015

When Troubles Come Your Way

The Book of James (Chapter 1, verses 2, 3) reminds us of what to do when we experience trials.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

If there was ever a time when we need to understand how to deal with a chaotic troubled world, it is now. I don’t know about you, but I lose sleep at night thinking about my family and their future. What kind of world are we turning over to them! Wars and rumors of wars. Anti-spiritual bias. Anything goes. Fractured families. Accepting the new “normal” of lives.

I have decided to blog my way through the Book of James. I don’t know how long it will take, but I encourage readers to stick with me. The outcomes are very promising.

For today, let’s just concentrate on being joyful despite our individual circumstances. I know that is difficult for most of us. Begin with a small step. Look around and focus on one thing that gives you joy in your life. Remember God promises you even more. Like endurance ... and we could all use more endurance!

Robert Parlante

April 2015

A Year Without a Ding!

In June 2014 we purchased a new Prius C car, and I challenged myself to try and get through an entire year without a scratch or ding. I go to the gym almost every day where hundreds of members attend. The parking lot has narrow parking spaces to squeeze in as many parked cars as possible.

My previous car had numerous parking lot mishaps. You had to deal with adjacent car doors slamming against your car and people carrying oversize gym bags that scrape along the side of vehicles. I’ve now owned the new car for 9 months with no dings. Only three more months to go and then I can relax. Well, maybe.

My gym parking strategy is simple. I park next to islands and other barrier on one side that allow only having to deal with a parked car on other side. The logic is to reduce the potential incident rate by 50%. I know this sounds a bit obsessive-compulsive, but I always love a challenge even if I have to drive around the gym parking lot for 30 minutes to find the “perfect” spot.

I recall the movie Julie and Julia which chronicles the challenge of a young blogger named Julie Powell who aspired to cook all 524 recipes in Chef Julia Child's Art of French Cooking cookbook in 365 days. It was a fun movie in which I concluded the blogger had obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

The sad part about my car ding challenge is that I had a similar objective to read through the Bible in one year. I did not succeed. I skipped parts with names that were impossible to pronounce. I found myself wanting to read only the familiar parts or at least those that gave me comfort. I used apps. Reminders were sent to my email. Where was my obsessive-compulsive behavior when I needed it?

Lord, help me to be more obedient to the daily reading of Scripture. Dings are not critical! The Word of God overcomes all things … even a ding!

Robert Parlante
March 26, 2015

P.S. In three months I'll let you know if I got dinged!

The Road Map for the Walk of Faith

One of the most powerful, inspired, life-changing books of the Bible is the epistle of James. It is the road map for the walk of faith.

The author of the book is James "the Lord's brother," not James the Apostle. Like the other brothers of Jesus, James did not believe in Him at first (John 7:2-5). But after the Resurrection this brother became a key leader in Jerusalem and at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). One tradition nicknames James "camel knees," because of the calluses he was supposed to have developed from long hours spent in prayer.

The theme of the Book of James is "faith" ... but not saving faith, or justifying faith. James' theme is practical in that he looks at the lifestyle which is produced by faith in Jesus. True faith generates obedience, and so James encouraged the early church to live a life that was worthy of their profession of  faith in Jesus as the Christ.

The book of James is the practical application of all the doctrines of Paul sets forth on faith. It’s where the rubber meets the road. It’s where our faith is expressed in tangible ways through our actions. The epistle is indispensable to our understanding of what our faith is all about and how the Christian life is supposed to be lived. But living this out in reality is far from easy!

Here are several questions for you to consider:

What might have occurred to James to move him from a skeptic to a prayer warrior? How can we apply this to our own lives?

Why do we have such a hard time living out our faith today? What could make it easier?

 Why is it so hard to remain steadfast on our spiritual journey, especially during tough times?

We all have good and not-so good experiences with our walk of faith. Why not encourage and share your views?

Robert Parlante

March 2015

Five Things About Writing - Part 5

I believe I met an angel in Red Square on May Day while on route to my final destination in Siberia. A group of believers gathered spontaneously in a small circle in Red Square and decided to pray for the Russian people. Within a short period of time the prayer circle grew to an enormous size. The English-speaking prayer leader asked for a translator, and seemingly out of nowhere came a tall Russian woman who volunteered. She spoke perfect English, and her translation to Russian sounded like it could be heard across Red Square. At the completion of the prayer, she disappeared into the crowd. To me she felt like an angel. When I wrote the book Patch Town: A Letter From Miss Wingate I incorporated instances of random people coming into a person’s life to affirm their walk of faith. Was it coincidence or an angel? Only God knows!

Do you believe you ever encountered an angel? Won’t you share your story with me?

Robert Parlante

March 2015

One Year & Counting!

The end of February 2015 marks the one year anniversary of my blog "spaghettimanwrites.blogspot.com." It's been an interesting year with blogs covering a wide range of topics ... personal experiences, writing and my book Patch Town: A Letter from Miss Wingate. Hope you've enjoyed the experience.

At the one year mark , the number of reader hits is approaching 2700. 

Thanks for visiting my blog! Special thanks to my readers in France, Poland and the Ukraine.

As we look into the coming year I'd like to hear from you. What were some of your favorite blogs and why? What topics or directions would you like to see me take in the future?

Again, thanks! I always enjoy hearing from you. Your input is valued.

Robert Parlante
February 2015

Five Things About Writing - Part 4

I suffered a near-death event at age 9 when the worst possible nightmare happened. I don't know if it was an accidental bump or a purposed push by one of my playmates, but I fell off a second story porch railing while attempting a Superman stunt. I hit the ground with my left arm and shattered many bones. I spent weeks in the hospital, with multiple surgeries, and months of therapy to regain use of the arm. But that event was the genesis of my book Patch Town.

What if someone who hurt you deeply (real or perceived) in the past came forward after many years and asked you for forgiveness __ what would you do?

Proceed through that thinking process and consider the question. You may realize you have a short story or a novel simmering in the background of your mind. I know it worked for me ... hope it works for you, as well.

Robert Parlante

March 2015