by Greg | Jan 28, 2014 | Blog Posts
Not so many days ago I was involved in a rather innocent exchange with a gentlemen seated to my right at a banquet. His name was Dr. Clarence Williams. We were seated at the head table because I was invited to give greetings on behalf of the religious community and Dr. Williams was invited to give greetings on behalf of the medical community. Between mouthfuls of food – I never let conversation interfere with eating – he asked me where I was from. I shrugged and said, “Eatonton; you probably never heard of it.” His reply was quick and said that yes, in fact, he did know it quite well. “I taught at the High School for a few years before I went to the Medical College. My wife is from Eatonton. In fact I know some Deloaches.” I proceeded to name the DeLoaches in my family and he shook his head and said, “I remember Greg DeLoach, is he any kin?” “Well that’s me,” I blurted out. It turns out he taught while I was in high school and although I never had him for a class, he remembered me attending a class next door. I wondered, and still do, what in the world did I do, say, or how did I behave that would cause him to remember me thirty years later. As I ponder this, I am not sure I want to know the answer. Still, I was touched that he reached across three decades to connect with me. A couple of days later during Wednesday night dinner I am wandering from table to table (are...
by Greg | Jan 22, 2014 | Blog Posts
We bought a TV. There, I said it. I have confessed our indulgence. We are conspicuous consumers just like everyone else. For the first six or so months of our marriage we did not even own a television. Amy’s grandmother gave us her old set, complete with knobs that changed all thirteen channels! Back then we did not have cable, just an antenna on the roof. I discovered that if I climbed up on the roof and carefully turned the antenna I could pick up most of the channels on the knob. That television was old when it was given to us and it lasted for ten or more years. Lightening finally took it out, which brought joy to my life. Finally we can buy a television with a remote control! We bought this current one not because we wanted the latest model, but, quite frankly, our old set was getting smaller and smaller. Actually, our eyes are getting weaker and weaker. For the last year or so we would take turns getting up from the sofa and walk to the set in order to read the score of the ball game or the scroll announcing weather alerts. I argued that we did not need a bigger TV, we just needed “his and hers” binoculars. “It would be like going to the opera,” I said. Amy reminded me that she hates the opera. So last week we upgraded from a 30 inch screen to a 40 inch one! We discovered with our new television that a lot has changed over the years in regards to television technology. For starters,...
by Greg | Dec 11, 2013 | Blog Posts
Have you ever retrieved mistletoe from treetops? There really is only one way – a twelve-gauge shotgun. I know this sounds a bit drastic, but take my word for it the stuff grows in out of the way spots on a tree. First you find an oak tree whose branches are marked with the distinctive green clumps of mistletoe. Next you take careful aim, squeeze the trigger and – BLAM – you have mistletoe showering down on the ground. Today school rules prohibit public displays of affection but when I was in middle school mistletoe was the perfect tool for soliciting affection from cute 7th graders. On any given day during the Christmas season I could be seen boarding the school bus with feed sacks full of mistletoe. I wonder why we don’t use mistletoe in the Hanging of the Green service? Along with the draping of garlands, lighting of the Chrismon tree and hanging of wreaths we could post mistletoe above all the doorways of the sanctuary. Think of the implications – every time you entered the house of worship you stood a reasonable chance of getting pecked on the cheek (of course Gloria Patrick does this anytime of year with or without mistletoe). Before you think I am too off the wall turn to your Bibles. In several of Paul’s letters he exhorted the believers to greet one another with a “Holy Kiss” (Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 16:20; II Corinthians 13:12; I Thessalonians 5:26). Perhaps a kiss to someone outside the family is just too much for some of us to take in, but I dare say...
by Greg | Dec 5, 2013 | Blog Posts
For the fourth year in a row we have taken a group of High School juniors and seniors on a backpacking trip. Many of the youth have never been camping, let alone backpacking, and so this is a time of new experiences and a shared journey. And what a journey it was. While the trip itself was a rather brief three day event, we tried to pack a lot in the experience. We ambled uneventfully by way of a caravan of cars to Franklin, NC, headed twelve miles west and pitched tents in the shadow of Standing Indian Mountain. Nightfall was upon us and with it came colder temperatures. Some of the guys voluntarily built a fire while the rest of us were looking for nice spots to set up a small village of tents. Each was responsible for their own meal, which by the evidence of the detritus of wrappers seemed to be ramen noodles and beef jerky. That night as the tents were zipped up and folks were nestled deep in their sleeping bags I glanced at the thermometer and it was 33 degrees. “Not bad,” I thought. The next morning it was 21 degrees and some of the water bottles of the youth were frozen. The irony is that was the nice part of the day. I guess I am exaggerating…a little. While we did not cover many miles up the mountain and along the Appalachian Trail, we found beautiful spots along the way for viewing, resting, exploring and eventually for sleeping. Our final night was a bit warmer – upper thirties – which gave everyone...
by Greg | Oct 30, 2013 | Blog Posts
This past weekend I found a couple of hours to do something I have been putting off since we moved to Augusta – clean out the garage! Well, in particular, what I did was clean out a couple of filing cabinets that were taking up space in the garage. They were stuffed to capacity and it was high time I did something about it. I created two piles: one was a box that would be sealed and stored in the attic and the other was a box that would be taken out to the fire pit for a proper cremation. This turned out to be a lot harder than I thought. Things like old bank statements and tax returns are relatively easy to deal with – box it up and send it up (to the attic). Most of the other stuff, however, distracted me to the point of near indecision. There was the appraisal for Amy’s wedding band (kept it); annuity statements (burned them); and a handful of church directory pictures for 20 years ago (Amy thinks I burned them, but I secretly re-filed them!). One file was marked “bills” and that proved to be most amusing. I kept the bill from the hospital and doctor when Clark was born 21 years ago. Insurance did not cover that delivery and I guess I kept the bill with the secret hope that the insurance industry would feel sorry of us and reimburse us for expenses. I am still waiting for the check. I decided to hang on to that bill – you can never be too certain. Other items quickly...
by Greg | Oct 23, 2013 | Blog Posts
A few nights ago I was leaving the church rather late – about 8:30pm or so. It had been a long day, I was tired, and I was ready to get home and stare blankly at the television and think of nothing for a few minutes before heading to bed and starting all over again the next day. On the way home my appetite directed me to a convenient drive-thru to carbo-load so that I could have the fortitude to make it home! Placing my order I reached for my wallet in anticipation of the bill. It was there I discovered… …my wallet was gone. Actually it is not a wallet. It is really just a glorified money clip, thin on money, but thick with cards, slips of paper, maybe a photo or two. At that point I simply assumed I left the wallet at home. Perhaps, I thought, in my haste to leave that morning I just forgot it. Maybe I absentmindedly placed it with the coffee beans or in the refrigerator (I have done stranger things). When I got home (hungry and not a hamburger in sight) I could not find my wallet anywhere. Not in the car, not in the fridge, not on the counter where I usually keep it. The wallet was not at home. The next day I discovered it was not in my office either. It was then I began to mentally retrace my steps wondering where I could have left my wallet. “When was the last time I needed, I used my wallet? Just how long had my wallet gone missing and...
by Greg | Oct 4, 2013 | Blog Posts
…and in your hair, your beard and your clothes. During this time of year, Amy and I like to take “retreats” up into the mountains and camp. There is nothing particularly rugged about it – just a few days enjoying the outdoors and God’s handiwork. Some folks have beach houses, mountain cabins, or a quiet place on the lake. When we can find two days open on the calendar we like to find a cool place in the mountains to watch the stars go by. No matter the temperatures, we will keep a fire going in the early morning and late evenings. As with all such retreats there comes a time to head back home, sort through our gear and throw our smoke-infused clothes into the wash. In spite of a drenching shower I still emerge wondering if the smell of smoke will follow me into Sunday morning. Anyone working for the Fire Department will tell you that just one of the many ways a house fire destroys its contents is with smoke damage – it can permeate everything. If you spend much time around a grill or a smoker you can count on walking away smelling like a hamburger or maybe a brisket. Smoke, when left alone, can infiltrate almost anything and leave its distinct smell. Much of the time this is not welcome, but in the case of food it can be a good thing. Since I have been preaching on the Old Testament last month it is convenient for me to point out that burnt offerings we read about throughout the Hebrew Scriptures are frequently described...
by Greg | Sep 18, 2013 | Blog Posts
I love my backyard, I really do. I often say that two of my favorite rooms of the house is the back porch and the firepit at the edge of the woods. From both vantage points I can watch the world go by spinning. Just this morning while it was still dark an owl was calling out, claiming some of the dawning land. Each day I can count on seeing a number of fellow shareholders in my little Garden of Eden. Bluebirds and doves, mosquitoes and bats, deer and possums all call this home. Occasionally I will even see a snake, or two. Most of the snakes are harmless – blacksnakes, garters, and every few years a king snake will show up. Of course there are also the copperheads and water moccasins to keep us alert and remind us that not every snake is welcome in the garden! Amy is a great respecter of nature but I am learning after all these years that I best keep my snake sightings to myself. More than once she has threatened to put a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. “Remember,” she somberly states, “what happened the last time someone met up with a snake in Eden.” Note to self: Be careful what you say out loud. As a preacher I know better. After all Jesus said pretty much the same thing. “… For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. I tell you, on...
by Greg | Aug 28, 2013 | Blog Posts
Jake Malone has pretty much travelled all over the world as well as throughout this great country of ours. Along with his beloved travelling companion Delores, he has led church members, family and friends to exotic places like searching for the Loch Ness Monster, as well as not so exotic destinations, like simple Sunday afternoon outings here in Augusta. All the while Jake provided the assurance of a safe journey. It should be no great surprise that one of the last things Jake talked about was some of the places he has seen and places he would still like to go. With a steady supply of oxygen refreshing his lungs, in between deep breaths he said to me, “I hope I can see the Horsehead Nebula,” that wondrous nebula located in the constellation Orion. It is impossible to see with the naked eye here on earth, but Jake was hoping his upcoming journey might take him there. Jake did not just accompany others on trips. He was a traveling companion with so many who were on those remarkable “life journeys” that have their own unique turns and surprises. Whether celebrating with new parents or consoling the grief-stricken in loss, Jake has been there. He was a presence of compassion to drug addicts, to the sick, and to the searching. He travelled alongside numerous ministers in his 33 years of service to this church offering wise counsel, loyal friendship, and an empathetic ear. Through a big hug, a kind word, or a simple smile, he communicated, “I am with you.” On any given day I knew I could go in...
by Greg | Aug 21, 2013 | Blog Posts
Those words usually come in the reverse order – invocations and benedictions. An invocation is a prayer offered at the beginning of something where we are asking that our hearts may be full and open to receive the presence of God in this particular gathering. In simple terms, it is a way of saying “Good morning God!” Benedictions come at the end and they are blessings spoken over our departing. “Go with God.” I thought of these prayers as we pulled away from Georgia Southern University last Friday afternoon. We spent a muggy but otherwise mild day moving our youngest son into his college residence. It really does not take that long to move in a freshman. There are relatively few positions to have to transport since his new “home” comes furnished. In some ways we were the ones dragging this chore out, but it was apparent after just a couple of hours that it was time to go. His friends had arrived and they were making plans for the evening and weekend before the inevitable first class on Monday morning. After a quick hug and kiss we shared with him the ubiquitous parting many parents give on similar occasions. They went something like, “We are proud of you…have fun…but not too much fun…if you need us call us…here’s a little spending money…be careful…remember that we love you.” Driving away felt like a benediction, a blessing over his new journey and our new journey as empty-nesters. And yet it was an invocation too. We are saying goodbye to one part of our life and hello to another. In both...
by Greg | Jul 31, 2013 | Blog Posts
This past weekend we took in a couple of days camping in the Great Smoky Mountains. Ordinarily I am not much for camping in the middle of the summer, but temperatures were mild, the trees were in full leaf, elk were grazing and the rivers and creeks were still swollen from a long summer’s rain. On our first afternoon we decided to take a little dip in the river that runs alongside our campsite. When I say “we” I mean “Aaron and Amy.” I do not do cold water, which I know must come as a surprise considering my frequent dips in the baptismal waters, oftentimes a shade on the chilly side. Soon enough that afternoon, however, I succumbed to their taunting and took the plunge into the rushing, crystal-clear current. I immediately realized and my mistake. It was not just that my skin felt as though it was being completely flayed from the subarctic temperatures (only a slight exaggeration). My glasses that were on my face when I dove in were now gone…below surface and presumably downstream. This was not a mere inconvenience or just another expensive mistake (why leave home, right?). The first thing I do when I wake up is put on my glasses and the last thing I do before going to sleep is take them off, because I am woefully and fearfully nearsighted. I have to confess I immediately was resigned to going about half-blind for the remainder of the trip, which would be no fun at all. There was no way my glasses could be found in a fast-flowing river of water that...
by Greg | Jul 9, 2013 | Blog Posts
As in years past, deer have found my roses, peppers, tomatoes and black-eyed susans. They are not that fond of my herbs, but really enjoy the Gerber daisies, apparently as a garnish to the potted geraniums nearby. Last weekend I saw a doe – fat and slick – languidly walking through my backyard nibbling here and there with not a worry in the world. I believe in doing my part in taking care of God’s creation, but this is starting to get ridiculous. Amy reminds me that this happens every year so why should I act so surprised. “They are just doing what deer do – eating what is available.” Well a deer is an herbivore but I am an omnivore. Apparently they seem to know I am not a hunter, because they do not seem to be threatened. Years ago I remember hearing story about a monk rescuing a scorpion from a spider web. The monk would reach to disentangle the scorpion but would get stung in the process. Still the monk continued until finally the scorpion was set free. One of the novices asked the monk, “Why did you try to save the scorpion, when you knew it was going to sting you?” The monk replied, “It is the scorpions nature to kill; it is my nature to save.” What is your basic nature? Deep within us all, I believe, is the need to worship. We desire transcendence in our ordinary lives and to engage in a holy “otherness.” On Sunday when we gather to worship it is not because of a service designed to meet our...
by Greg | Mar 30, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross of Glory This cross is fittingly used for Easter. It is a simple Latin Cross with a rising sun placed behind it. Like most every cross examined, this one too has many variations. In many traditions, as the sun rises, Gloria, an ancient Latin doxology, is sung (or spoken). It is perhaps one of the earliest Christian hymns. Sung at daybreak, when light replaces darkness, the rising sun is a reminder of the resurrection of Christ and the anticipation of Christ’s return. “The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21) Prayer: “We adore you O Christ and we praise You, for it is by Your holy cross that You have redeemed the world.” (Stations of the...
by Greg | Mar 29, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Arrow Cross This is also called a Cross Barby or Barbee in heraldry. In Christian use, the ends of this cross resemble the barbs of fish hooks, or fish spears. This alludes to the Ichthys symbol of Christ, and is suggestive of the “fishers of people” theme in the Gospel. Like many other cross images, the arrows can also be understood as the call to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Disappointingly, in modern use the Arrow Cross is associated with extremist groups in Europe and the United States. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) Prayer: Merciful God, forgive us when we take images of love and sacrifice and twist them for our own selfish gain. Teach us again what it means to pick up the cross and bear it each day out of love for You and our neighbor. Strengthen us that we may not grow weary in doing good to the very ends of the earth....
by Greg | Mar 28, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross of St. James The Cross of St. James is adapted from the Cross Fitchy by adding a cross fleury (the arms end in fleurs-de-lys) or a cross moline (the ends of the arms are forked and rounded). In heraldry, it is also called the Santiago Cross or the cruz espada. James was one of the son’s of Zebedee and a disciple of Jesus. “… whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave (Matthew 20:26-27) Prayer: Savior, Servant and Sustainer, lead us to serve in this world and not conquer; lead us to live by faith and not fixed opinions; lead us that we may follow and not demand. Lead us Lord, for there is none like You....
by Greg | Mar 27, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Cross Fitchy The name fitchy comes from the French for “fixed” referring to the distinctive pointed lower limb. It is thought that this design was for use by travelling Crusaders who would drive the cross in the ground. Its shape resembles a sword, symbolic of the Crusaders willingness to use force in their cause. “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Matthew 26:52) Prayer: May our hearts be set on You: to follow, to serve, to sacrifice. But let not our hearts stray that we see other means and other ways, thereby using the cross instead of serving the cross. Fix our eyes that we may see You in the last, the least and the lost. Fix our hearts that we may love You and love our neighbor....
by Greg | Mar 26, 2013 | Blog Posts
Consecration Cross Variations of this symbol have prehistoric origins and it has been suggested as one of the first symbols of the cross. Pagans used it as veneration of the sun, and therefore it is widely known as the Sun Cross, from which life is dependant. Confusingly, astronomers assign this as the planetary symbol for the earth. In Christian iconography, the sun and cross appear in the Celtic Cross, the Glory Cross, in halos and in communion wafers. “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) Prayer: Arise, we pray, arise in our shadowed hearts, that You may illumine our steps, awaken our imagination, brighten our hopes. Arise O Morning Star that we may enter into the life waiting for us – today, tomorrow and all our days....
by Greg | Mar 25, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Serbian Cross The Serbian Cross is a national symbol of Serbia, part of the Coat of Arms of Serbia, and the flag of Serbia. It is composed of a cross symbol with four stylized letters beta (Β) on each of its corners. The actual origin of the beta (Β) symbols goes back to the Byzantine Empire, most often attributed to the motto of the Palaiologoi Dynasty: King of Kings, Ruling Over Kings (Greek: βασιλεύς βασιλέων, βασιλεύων βασιλευόντων). “…for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14) Prayer: You are Lord, and we need no other. You are King, and there is no other. You have called and now we have answered. Lord and King, find us faithful as we serve You on earth, just as we pray that it be so in heaven....
by Greg | Mar 23, 2013 | Blog Posts
Trinity Cross This is a simple Latin Cross combined with an equilateral triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. It has been attributed that the meaning of this cross is that salvation is the work of Jesus Christ, prompted by the love of the Father, and received by men and women through the work of the Holy Spirit. While Trinitarian symbols are often used with the cross in its many images, the term Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible. It is a theological affirmation embraced as orthodox by the fourth century. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” (John 10:28-30) Prayer: Remind us that we belong to You. Nothing can separate us. Nothing can stand between us. There is no power greater than your love and there is no fear that can conquer Your peace. Remind us Lord as we live in this divided world what God has given, no one and no thing can take away....
by Greg | Mar 22, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Mar Thoma Sliva Cross The Mar Thoma Sliva Cross, also known as the St. Thomas Cross, is the symbol of the Nasrani people, an ancient Christian community in India. It is believed Christianity was introduced there in the first century by Thomas the Apostle. There are six branches of the cross representing the appearance of God in the burning bush, while the central branch holds the cross, and the dove at the tip of the cross represents the Holy Spirit. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:5-6) Prayer: Show us the Way Lord, we want to see. Show us the Way Lord, we want to know. Show us the Way Lord, and be merciful in guiding us back when we find ourselves lost. Show us and walk with us all the Way....
Recent Comments