For His Glory

Reading Between the Lines

2008-08-26T16:31:00.004-05:00

I pulled up one morning to church a week or two ago and noticed this sign. What does it say? Go on, read it out loud...

In all likelihood you are normal. I am comfortable knowing I am not. Therefore, you probably didn't share in my experience...but for some reason that day I walked into the building scratching my head and wondering "what in the world are 'creation bears'?"

Miles Between Us

2008-06-26T10:54:00.004-05:00

The last two weeks have been exhausting. There have been moments of both good exhaustion and bad. But the common denominator is the same...we are worn out!

While I was at camp, Sara drove to Nashville, to fly to Baltimore to drive to a wedding weekend (for one of her relatives) in Pennsylvania. That same week we found out her grandmother passed away. So she made plans to drive back to Baltimore and fly to Tulsa, Oklahoma to drive east to Muskogee for the funeral. I came back from camp making plans to drive to St. Louis on Monday to fly to Tulsa, Oklahoma to drive to Muskogee to meet Sara for the funeral. Then Sunday morning before I was to leave on Monday I got a call that my grandpa had a massive stroke and he wasn't expected to live. He was 92 but the crazy thing was he was out helping build a fence the day before. My aunt and uncle had been building an apartment on their property for him and they were about two weeks from completing it and moving him in. He was so looking forward to that day!

I still left for Oklahoma on Monday. My grandfather passed away late Monday afternoon. We stayed in Oklahoma for a few days and attended the funeral for Mildred Marie Collier Siner on Wednesday. On Thursday we drove back to Tulsa and flew in to Dallas Love Field. We then drove to Rockwall on the east side of Dallas, where my aunt and uncle live, to meet my family. We did his funeral on Friday which was pretty special. He served in the military (Army Air Core) and so some men from the army were there at his burial to honor him and present a flag to my dad on behalf of the United States of America. We then stayed the weekend sorting through all of his belongings. We couldn't get a flight home until Tuesday initially, but at the last minute were able to get one on Monday. Late Sunday night we decided we would drive grandpa's old '97 Buick Century home. So, on Monday Sara drove to the airport to fly from Dallas to St. Louis to pick up our truck that I had driven there at the beginning of the week in order to now drive the 3 hours home to Paducah. I left early that morning to drive the 10 hours from Dallas to Paducah and got home Monday evening. We crashed pretty much all day on Tuesday as the weight of everything settled upon us.

I'm feeling tired again just typing all of that out. We covered quite a few miles between us the last two weeks both physically and emotionally. I'd prefer not to have to do anything like that again in the near future or the distant one for that matter. But in all of it I'm reminded that we are called to live a certain way in this world and that kind of life is possible because Mildred and Richard daily showed us the way...

Remembering Never to Forget Grandpa

2008-06-24T17:48:00.006-05:00

What a crazy last week! It's hard to imagine it being much crazier but I'm sure it's always possible. You expect to lose grandparents at some point but I never thought Sara and I would each lose one at the same time. I will probably write more about this over time but here is what I was able to share at my grandpa's funeral...

READ Psalm 24:1-6

I feel like I shouldn’t begin without greeting and hugging each of you because that’s how grandpa would have done it. But I guess we’ll have to save it for afterward. Just two short years ago I stood in this same place, in the same week and shared how we would forever remember grandma or to many of you Dorothy (Dot) Darling. And now in some ways what seems like just a few days later I want to share a few things about Richard (Dick) Darling or grandpa, I want to remember never to forget.

I use that phrase “remember never to forget” on purpose. I have a hard time remembering things. At times it seems like I have one of the worst memories in the world. I forget items on the grocery list. I forget where I last placed my keys. Sometimes I can’t remember people’s names. At times I forget to complete my “honey-do” list. Other times I can even forget where I parked my car. It can become especially frustrating when I want to remember things from earlier in life.

Yesterday we sat around and shared stories involving grandpa. As others shared I was reminded of my own memories because with grandpa there was a lot to remember. I remember quick trips to the store…a pantry full of sweets and cookies. I remember watching him work in the yard, and on the house, and on anything else he could get his hands on. He was always working away at something. He was hardly ever standing still. I remember stories upon stories. Richard was a great story-teller and never afraid to tell stories on himself. I remember how he loved grandma…how he was so sweet to her whatever the situation. I remember that in many ways Grandpa was an unintentional babe-magnet. He was a looker when he was young but he only got more adorable with age. Everybody thought so and he was always surrounded by a group of people. He also made a positive impression on everyone he met. On Wednesday I was talking with my brother-in-law about coming down here for the funeral and he mentioned that he remembered Richard after meeting him five years ago at our wedding and that in that short time positively impacted his life. That was grandpa!

I want to “remember never to forget.” I have to be intentional about what I remember or else something will slip my mind. Because of that I’m reminded about Israel as God’s people. God constantly called them to “remember not to forget” because it was easy for them to become a forgetful people. He wanted them to remember how he had delivered them from slavery, from the hand of the Egyptians. To remember that it was by his power alone that they were where and who they were. To remember how he had forever changed their lives. They were intentional about remembering through their telling of stories, through their continual sharing of memories. It was these memories, these stories that pointed them to, and reminded them of, the work God was doing in their lives.

Stories about grandma and grandpa are part of what will accomplish that in my life. They remind me of how God has worked before me, through me and will continue to work long after me. And it is stories of the way he lived that I believe will continue to shape me. One of the many things I love and admire about grandpa was his desire to greet everyone. He was passionate about making people feel welcome and he took that role in the body of Christ seriously. Richard also never knew a stranger! He befriended all people no matter the age, race, or economic status…his neighbors, those who worked in the offices/stores he visited, and every person that entered one of the doors of this building. I remember two years ago at grandma’s visitation one of the waitresses at the local IHOP came to comfort grandpa because of the impact he had on her throughout the many times they ate in her restaurant. That’s a testimony to who he was and how he lived. One day when my wife and I have kids of our own, those are the things I want them to know and remember not to forget about their great grandpa!

READ 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

I don’t think grandpa is groaning anymore and I’m pretty confident he’s enjoying his new clothes! He is away from the body, but at home with the Lord.

I just ask one more thing…if you have ever received a smile, a handshake, and a hug of welcome from Richard Darling would you please stand and remain standing as I conclude… (for those of you reading...close to two hundred people were in attendance and they all stood up!)

Grandpa…thank you for the life you lived. Thank you for how you loved all people, how you loved your family, and how you loved grandma. Thank you for the legacy you leave for all who come behind you. You may have changed locations but I’m sure we know where to expect you…at the “doors” to God’s presence welcoming all who enter. And I look forward to the smile, handshake and hug of welcome I will receive whenever my time comes to join you in the presence of God.

Camp

2008-06-06T15:36:00.002-05:00

What a crazy week! If only all the campers knew everything that goes into making Superweek what it is...

We leave in the morning for South Carolina. Twenty-nine of us. It should be a great time. I have really enjoyed it the last few years. But, man is it exhausting! Pray for us this next week. I hope it can be meaningful for all who attend.

Palmetto Bible Camp here we come!

Caped Crusaders???

2008-05-20T14:58:00.005-05:00

It has already been well-documented that a few people think the "dark knight" is better than the "man of steel." It's okay though...they have a right to be wrong! With all due respect to the caped crusader, Superman can take Batman any day of the week. There is no need to debate it any more...it's just truth...and the truth will set those of you dark minded folk free.

Or if that doesn't do it for you consider the picture below...do you really think these two can take Superman????

And they thought I was the one with identity issues...If you ask me they would have been better off not to reveal their true identities!

I think you will find this only serves to further affirm my point!

Fecal Flavored Water

2008-05-09T15:28:00.004-05:00

Yeah! Gross, right? Well there was apparently a study done last year on the amount of bacteria found on lemons used by various restaurants in their drinks. The following link does a better job of explaining the study than I can. But, either way I'm a little more cautious about the question that follows my order of a glass of water...."Would you like lemon with that?" No thank you!

Warning About Bacteria on Lemon Slices

In case you are wondering about the blog title...One day I brought up this study while at lunch with a group of friends. One person took the conversation a little further claiming he "loves pieces of fecal matter" in his drinks. Gag! And the phrase "fecal flavored water" was born.

I'm not usually a bacteria freak but this study for some reason got my attention. I simply wanted to share my new found knowledge with you.

At least one restaurant offers a solution to the wild spread of bacteria by these yellow-bellied members of the citrus fruit family...

I suggest other restaurants begin to follow their sanitary superior lead!

So now, while you're reflecting on your own restaurant lemon experiences...can I get you something to drink?

Work in Progress

2008-05-08T13:43:00.005-05:00

Can you envision the possibilities? It may not look like much right now but it will in a few weeks. It's been about a year since a tree fell on our shed in the backyard. Wow. I can't believe it's been a year! A few things kept us from being able to replace it up to this point. But now we're close. I can almost see it. To ensure production and completion we've solicited the services of a contractor. That's him in the picture. Right next to his "not-so-handy, but eager to help and offer moral support" workman. Some friends are coming over toward the end of the month to release a little stress on the old building. Then hopefully sometime in June our new backyard addition will be complete.

It's amazing to me what a trailer-load of materials can turn into in the hands of someone who has a plan and the ability to fashion it all into something better than it was before. I'm thankful God takes the old, beat-up, broken-down junk of our past and re-fashions us according to His plan and purposes as we walk with Him into a new future!

It's a work in progress...and I'm grateful there's a contractor who's not me!

Birthday Girl

2008-05-07T16:25:00.005-05:00

Today is a special day. Actually it would be more accurate to say that this week is a special week! But today is Sara's birthday. Today I am reminded once again how thankful I am for the gift of her life. She is a beautiful person both inside and out. I love her more and more each day. She is kind, compassionate, thoughtful, giving, creative, determined, hard-working, grace-filled, responsible, fun, funny, a gifted counselor, a talented photographer, a hot babe, a wonderful wife and the best life-long partner a guy could ask for!

Sara, I hope birthday week is just a taste of how much I love you! Happy 27th...

Sonic Love Language

2008-05-01T11:11:00.005-05:00

You want to know one of my wife's main love languages? Sonic diet cokes! In this case, it's not really her giving them, but receiving them. It speaks even more volumes about my love if I'm able to score one during Sonic happy hour from 2-4pm. It's simple really but it's taken me 5 years to even begin to figure it out.

Today it was 9:30am so happy hour was out the window. I had to run an errand on her side of town and after I was finished I thought, "I have an opportunity to speak Sara's love language this morning!" So, off to Sonic I go. Just a $1.50 later, I possess in my hands 32 oz. of sweet love for my girl. I head to her work to drop it off, knowing I am minutes away from making her day.

Strange. Her car's not in the parking lot. Ohhh...maybe she is at the school today (sometimes she goes to a local school for a morning a week to observe some classes and students). So I casually make my way to the school. ..anticipation building. Even stranger. Her car is not in the school parking lot. At this point I know the ice is already beginning to melt...and I don't want to communicate anything close to "watered-down love."

So, I think to my drugged up self (I've got a little cold going on that's kind of put me in a cloud of haze)...self, what day is today? Thursday. Thursday!?! Shoot! On Thursday's Sara works at a satellite office in Murray (about an hour away). Bummer...

I guess I spent a $1.50 to show my self some Sonic lovin'! But, it's really not the same. See, 5 years later and I'm still learning...

Maybe the fact that I went through all this will be sweet enough. After all, she and I both know I'm nowhere near fluent in her native love language. But I'm sure trying to learn my share of vocabulary!

Man Truck

2008-04-24T11:04:00.005-05:00

I've always looked younger than my actual age. For instance now at 27 I might be lucky if a person would guess my age to be 21. A couple months ago after I finished preaching, a woman who was visiting that day came up to me to tell me she enjoyed my sermon. In the context of our conversation she asked how long I had been here at Reidland. I proceeded to explain that my wife and I moved here from Abilene, Texas almost 3 years ago. She almost stopped me in mid-sentence to say..."You're old enough to be married????"

I've also lived in Kentucky now for coming up on three years but have yet to become very "Kentuckian!" I grew up a city boy mostly. I don't really fish. I definitely don't hunt. Barely know how to shoot a gun. I don't own a four-wheeler. And I'm yet to bleed blue and white.

Well I think I've found something that could be a solution to both of those "shortcomings." Let me introduce you to...the Man Truck.

I'm not sure if it makes me look older (I probably shouldn't count on it) or if it really makes me any more Kentuckian (although it's a step in that direction) but it is fulfilling a boyhood dream of owning a truck. Something about owning a truck just makes a guy feel more like a hombre! Now I can haul stuff and put me a big metal box in the back (for my tools of course). It communicates toughness, dependability, and towing horsepower.

Or at least it would if it wasn't a single cab, 4 cylinder, white truck. I guess really all it communicates is that I'm a 21 (not 27) year old, city boy from Florida...but I like it anyway. Just me and my truck. Who knows...perhaps one day the man in both of us will finally be evident to all!

And if you're curious, yes, I'm old enough to be married...at least in most states with parental consent.

Shake, Shake, Shake...

2008-04-18T10:46:00.001-05:00

4:36AM. To the best of my knowledge...sleeping and more sleeping. 4:37AM. Wide Awake. The reason...the house was shaking! A lot of things instantly run through your mind when you are stirred awake from a deep sleep to find the house moving more than you are used to. (Thought #1) "Alright, who's playing the prank on us this time?!" Only to roll over and see the iridescent glow of the clock suggesting sure hibernation time. This is no prank. Hmm... (Thought #2) "Well...it must really be storming outside! The wind must be blowing like crazy." Only to peek out the window blinds to see the trees standing statue still. What's going on? (Sara's response as she too woke up) I'm not sure actually.

At most 20 seconds passed. The shaking stopped. Sleep was stronger than my curiosity. My eyes closed with the fleeting thought(#3)...was that an earthquake?!?

Somewhere around 7:02AM. Sara wakes to a text asking, "Did you feel the earthquake?" 7:03AM. She wakes me up proclaiming..."Mike it was an earthquake!" Really, I wondered if that's what it was! She quickly replies, "No you didn't!" Seriously, I did...even though I've never experienced one before what else could it have been. She of course hadn't read my thoughts at 4:37AM during which I logically concluded the only possible outcome...earthquake.

Earthquake!?! It wasn't much. It wasn't very long. But it was still disorienting, even unsettling. For the earth to shift miles and miles away from us but still feel it simultaneously...wow...there's some power that's hard to fathom. To think about its potential makes you feel weak, small, and unprepared.

Next time I'll be ready for it...that is if I'm not sleeping...

Actually the more I think about it the more I realize I'd rather not have the opportunity to experience a next time!

High School Confidential

2008-04-17T16:45:00.001-05:00

Reality TV. We've all had the discussion. Is it really reality? In most cases no. It's sensationalized to attract a viewing market who love drama and the idea of reality tv. I think though that some shows serve a purpose. I think about the Biggest Loser. Helping people turn their lives around and live in healthy ways is inspiring, motivating and even redemptive at it's core. Sure, like any television show, they care about ratings and money but in the midst of that they are making a difference.

There is a "reality" type show currently airing on We TV on Monday nights called High School Confidential. From its website...the show "follows 12 diverse girls through their tumultuous and exhilarating high school experience. They encounter sex, drugs, unwanted pregnancy, health crisis, and family chaos -- all while trying to discover who they are. Each episode explores the girls' stories through four years of heartache, discovery, friendship, and self-acceptance." One of the truly interesting aspects of the show is that they followed these girls through all four years of high school and have combined the footage from all four years to help share each girl's high school story. They reveal views, passions, beliefs and morals expressed by the girls as they entered high school compared to their perspective as seniors close to graduation.

The more I watch the show, the more I'm convinced parents of all types should at least be exposed to much of the information conveyed throughout the series. That doesn't mean it's all good but so much of it offers a very insightful window into the general teenage culture of our world today. I even think the show could be used as a conversation starter with teens in an attempt to help them open up about the realities they face everyday. The shows creator Sharon Liese explains that the show "explores a phenomenon experienced by teenage girls: the inescapable struggle to forge an identity while facing pressure to lose her "self."

It is a documentary that (at least within me) evokes a spectrum of emotions. Encouraged. Inspired. Shocked. Determined. Frustrated. Motivated. Scared. I know during at least one of the episodes Sara and I commented to each other..."we aren't having kids!" We were joking (sort of) but it really does put life in perspective and motivate you to want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Whether you have kids of your own or you work with them on a regular basis, I think you can benefit from this up-close and (gut-wrenchingly) personal look at today's teenage experience.

Just to provide you with a little more info about the show, here is the ad for the premiere...

Jesus Calling...

2008-04-15T16:03:00.002-05:00

Another word from the devotional book titled "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young...

Taste and see that I am good. The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness. I am the Living One who sees you and longs to participate in your life. I am training you to find Me in each moment and to be a channel of My loving Presence. Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: through pain and trouble. At such times you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me.

Thank Me for the gift of My Peace, a gift of such immense proportions that you cannot fathom its depth or breadth. When I appeared to My disciples after the resurrection, it was Peace that I communicated first of all. I knew this was their deepest need: to calm their fears and clear their minds. I also speak Peace to you, for I know your anxious thoughts. Listen to Me! Tune out other voices, so that you can hear Me more clearly. I designed you to dwell in Peace all day, every day. Draw near to Me; receive My Peace.

I really try each day to find God in every moment. I want to look for Him in every person, in every situation, and around every bend. I want to be a part of His purposes in my life and in this world. But often the noise distracts me or maybe it draws me into complacency. Sometimes I can be so aware of God, other times I'm only aware of myself and what's important to me.

God designed us to dwell in Peace even in the midst of a world in unrest. But, I need to constantly tune in to His presence, to intentionally look for his fingerprints and listen to His voice. He knows my heart...and longs for me to continually search after his.

May we draw near to his presence and dwell in his peace!

Your Future Plants Will Succeed

2008-03-28T16:00:00.003-05:00

You just gotta love fortune cookies. Most of the time, the "wisdom" they offer is so random. Other times you question whether or not what is on the paper inside is actually a fortune...maybe a proverb but not a fortune. And are they ever really specific...the ones I always get seem to be so generic...empty platitudes to wish me joy and prosperity.

The above title was a "fortune" I received a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if it is a sign that I might have a future career in the farming industry or if they knew about my wife's lack of a green thumb. For some reason I think it was intended to communicate something else to me. Today, I got a "two for the price of one" special as there were two pieces of paper in my cookie. The "mysterious" thing is that they were both similarly applicable. One offered this nugget "You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend." The other simply said, "Do something unusual tomorrow." This cookie must have had some inside sources because after all tomorrow is the "live" show of the Charity League Follies, and it is both unusual and different for me! Hmmm....

Sometimes I wonder if as Christians we attempt to offer people the "good news" equivalent of fortune cookies. We've been trained to say and do certain things when we encounter people that what we end up sharing with them is as generic and out of place as a fortune claiming "Your future plants will succeed." We offer them empty sayings that don't provide any more depth or meaning than a shallow "do something unusual tomorrow." Does what we offer connect with where they are right now...in the valley of darkness, in the depths of despair, in the frustrations of making ends meet, or in the anxiety of approaching the end of their rope? I often laugh at the humor in random fortunes. But what does the world around me do? How do people see me? Do they laugh at the "out-of-touch randomness" I offer or do they see a fellow human being who simply understands the grace of God and longs to invite them to swim in its depths?

Much more than just a generic piece of paper in a cookie, may I daily look for opportunities to connect in deeper ways with people who are looking for the love of God. And much more than any empty fortune, may those around me see a Christ follower, a forgiver and a friend!

I Follies and I Can't Get Up

2008-03-27T17:12:00.003-05:00

Slow blog time for me lately. The main reason...my brain, legs, arms and voice are tired. For the past two months I've been involved in a musical performance called the Charity League Follies. It's a fund-raiser they do every few years to benefit the Easter Seals program in town. I've been singing, dancing, and learning my lines and I'm about ready for this whole "out of my box" experience to be completed. I've enjoyed parts of it and I hope the actual performance will be fun. But, so much of it has been stressful, overwhelming and time-consuming. We've had Dress Rehearsals all this week and they will continue tonight and tomorrow with the live show on Saturday night. I have fun on stage but I have to take the long road to getting comfortable and confident in order to do so. We'll see...

Sara's dad came in for a "brief" visit last week and one of the things he was trying to do while he was here was sell one of his bird dogs to a guy in Tennessee. Well, Dennis had to leave early so I had to complete the sale and drop-off the dog. This dog is the son of a Grand Champion and so just his name and that fact alone get a lot of people interested in him. He is a very well-trained animal or so I've been told. Because I learned while watching him for a day that it doesn't matter how well-trained a hunting dog (or any dog for that matter) is if you don't know the right commands. Let's just say I learned rather quickly that he doesn't respond real well to "Come back Copper!" I guess I got a little exercise out of the deal though.

Then I met the "buyer" at Cracker Barrel in Calvert City. The funny thing was some people from church saw me there, in a different vehicle (a truck), with a dog they had never seen before and I was passing this dog off to another truck next to me and receiving something in return. When they came up to say hello and ask what was going on I immediately started to think about the rumor possibilities..."in order to make ends meet, local minister dabbles in dog-dealing on the side!" Just another example that often in life, there can be more to circumstances than what meets the eye...

Jesus Calling

2008-03-12T11:14:00.003-05:00

Somewhere around six weeks ago I attended a leadership retreat with Sara. The presenters at that retreat gave each couple who participated a devotional book entitled "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. The book is designed to share a few thoughts each day as if they were the spoken words of Jesus to me and you. Occasionally I plan to share an entry from this book and reflect on the message God has for my life as I listen for and rest in the words that reveal the heartbeat of Christ...

Rest In My Radiant Presence. The world around you seems to spin faster and faster, till everything is a blur. Yet there is a cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union with Me. Return to this soothing Center as often as you can, for this is where you are energized: filled with My Love, Joy, and Peace.

The world is a needy place; do not go there for sustenance. Instead, come to Me; learn to depend on Me alone, and your weakness will become saturated with My Power. When you find your completeness in Me, you can help other people without using them to meet your own needs. Live in the Light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others.

I think it is easy to agree that the world around us spins faster and faster. When we live in the midst of that spinning it doesn't take long to find ourselves dizzy from the experience. We search for a way to regain our balance, to reestablish equilibrium. But often the hard part is finding our way to the "cushion of calm" at the center. I wonder though if it is difficult because more often than not I try to go to the world for sustenance--for rest, for relaxation, for peace. What would it be like if I learned to depend more on God and less on myself, less on others, less on the comforts of the world? I desire in my heart to have the power and presence of God "saturate" my life...but what does the order and direction of my life communicate about that desire?

God, help me to see I am complete in you. May I slow down long enough to find you at the center of a fast-paced, me-first, spinning kind of world and may my light shine bright enough for others to see as they too travel through the world's dizzying fog...

The Full Mickey Transformation is Complete

2008-03-07T13:54:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful time on our cruise. It was great to get away for even just a little bit. And the experience on the ship was so much better than I expected. There were plenty of things to do like shows, performances, karaoke, games, swimming, eating and sleeping. For some reason the gentle swaying of the ship throughout the night made sleeping incredible. Best sleep we've gotten in a while. Nassau wasn't quite what I was expecting. It was a little too touristy for our tastes although it was good to say I've been there and experienced it. Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island in the Bahamas is the place we really enjoyed. It was what I imagined a tropical island experience to be like. Sara and I laid out on beach chairs relaxing and reading books for most of the day just staring out at the beautiful clear blue waters. It was great!

My favorite exchange of the trip came when we were inching our way through the Straw Market in Nassau. It's kind of like a flea market type atmosphere. Everybody's got something to sell you. As you walk down the crowded isles women will be calling out "let's make a deal." One lady got even more persistent with a female tourist. She really wanted to make a sale. She held up a custom-designed tank-top dress kind of thing (obviously hard for me to explain) and said to the lady..."Don't you like this? You want to buy it? It's your size." The tourist responded by saying "how do you know my size?" And the woman countered by saying, "It's 3X." Not exactly the marketing approach I would choose. Well this woman tourist is shocked by this other woman's words. "What are you trying to say? I'm not that big?" This is where it gets classic. To sweep in and close the sale she proclaims, "honey, you're not fat...you're just fluffy!" Well let's just say a business transaction never took place.

The whole trip was a great experience. Until I woke up Sunday morning. The last day of the cruise. I often joke around doing the voice for Mickey Mouse and I think I can do it alright. Well by Sunday morning the whole Disney experience wanted me to leave as Mickey Mouse. I didn't have a normal voice. The only way I could talk was in a very high-pitched falsetto. It was pretty funny. However, what followed wasn't so funny. The full Mickey transformation from a Disney saturated weekend was just the beginning of my next sickness episode. Ever since we got back late Sunday night I've either been in bed or in the recliner in the living room miserable with something bordering on the flu. Today is the first day I actually felt like I might be able to make it to work for a little bit.

I think in the future I'd prefer to just stick to impersonating the mouse. And leave it at that.

Why I Love Hotel Baptistries

2008-02-22T12:22:00.001-06:00

When it comes to enjoying hotels I have two things working against me:

1) I'm a home-body. I like being in my own home, in my own room, in my own bed, etc.

2) I worked at a hotel for a little over two years and had about all I could take of a lifetime's worth of hotel experiences

But even I can admit that hotels can be nice from time to time. Especially when they have certain amenities. In most cases I like to have my ESPN. I prefer places that have FREE wireless internet access. Some of the nicest places I've stayed charge a fortune for using the internet. But I like the nicer places because they usually have quality mattresses and some of the best pillows I've ever allowed head to rest. But one of the amenities I have come to value the most, especially when it comes to youth trips, is a quality baptistry...or an indoor pool to most of you!

This weekend at Winterfest we were privileged to participate in another baptism. There is something so special and sacred about friends and family going into the waters together and surrounding the person who is about to be buried with Christ and raised to new life. Those who chose not to get into the pool gathered around its edges and witnessed the amazing transformation of choosing to live the Christ-life. In some ways it's the closest thing I've been able to experience that hints at what it must have been like for believers in Acts.

Maybe I'm bias to baptisms in pool contexts. After all I grew up in Florida and our mindset was... who needs baptistries when everyone's got a pool. I know it's not any less meaningful but somehow it doesn't proclaim the same message when we do it in the small "bathtub" baptistries. When everyone is in the water together there is beauty in the expression of community. It communicates on a whole other level that we as fellow believers are here to walk beside you, to share in your death, and to rejoice in your new life! It's hard really to even explain it adequately in words...but I believe it's a sacred moment that leaves God's fingerprints upon all our lives.

There weren't thousands of us, just 54. It wasn't Jerusalem at Pentecost, just the Ramada Inn at Winterfest. There wasn't a special formula or magical words on our part, but at least for those few moments...that hotel couldn't have been any more holy!

You Are What You Shampoo...

2008-02-20T11:50:00.006-06:00

Winterfest really ended up being a wonderful weekend! Although often it doesn't feel wonderful to me. I think it is because the ultimate responsibility for 54 people falls on my shoulders. I find myself constantly concerned about various teens, about making sure people are in the right place (and not lost), about safety, about schedules, and about everyone's enjoyment of a weekend trip. I still am able to have fun but I'm a little on edge most of the weekend with a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility. I am grateful to both my chaperones (who were wonderful) and my teenagers (who are always respectful, responsible and well-behaved) for another memorable Wintefest!

Once we arrive home though I feel like I can finally breathe. I can feel the burden removing itself from my shoulders. Sara and I made sure everyone had a ride home from the building and then it was time to head over to the kennel to pick up Topaz. When we got him in the car it didn't take long to realize he smelled awful. So it was decided that as soon as we got home Topaz was receiving a bath.

We got him into the bathtub and began looking for the dog shampoo. It wasn't in its usual place on the back edge of the tub. We quickly found it though on the upper shelf in the shower. Hmm...odd place for it...we don't usually put it up there. Then we remembered that we had guests stay with us last week who were without power at their own house. Sara and I both burst out in guilty laughter. Turns out our friend Kevin mistook the dog shampoo for one typically best suited for humans. I thought I noticed him itching a little more the last couple days.

Needless to say it was a good way to release the stresses of a long weekend! And of course, when I saw Kevin yesterday, I made sure to bark a little! He was less than thrilled, but his bark is worse than his bite...

Be the Possum...

2008-02-12T14:10:00.002-06:00

...and Die that You Might Live! Along with the help of a few short clips from the movie "Over the Hedge" that was the message of my sermon on Sunday. Here are a few of my favorite lines from it that impacted me...

"After all death isn't exactly something we typically look forward to. It’s hard to picture any of us longing to sit down and have a cup of coffee at Starbucks with the Grim Reaper…we often fear it, do all we can to avoid it, and rarely are we truly ready for it. Death often creates grief, sadness, despair, even loneliness. It doesn’t make the Travel Channel’s list of Top 10 vacation destinations yet it is exactly what Jesus calls us to…"

"...when we are buried with Christ we come up out of the waters with new garments on…the wardrobe of compassion, kindness, humility, discipline, peace, and love. They are clothes that may not compare to the latest trends or create considerable buzz in fashion circles, but they are Christ’s clothes and God longs to tailor us that these clothes might continue to fit as we grow."

"The ironic (even crazy) thing about it all is that we live in ways that allow our fear of death to shackle us, when all along Christ’s message of dying to self would truly bring us freedom!"

"Sometimes our dying to self is nothing more than a performance for others to see. However, the last thing we should want to do is make it about putting on a show for others because in the end it’s still about us. We haven’t really died to self. We haven’t fully done away with our old way of life. We can’t stand by and allow the world to run us over and flatten our witness!"

Dying to self is something I have to continually work on each and every day. It can be very difficult and painful but the life that follows the death is worth the struggle. I only hope that as God works on this piece of clay more and more, I too can share in Paul's words..."My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."

May Christ's life be evident in mine as I continue to learn how to die!

A First Time for Everything

2008-02-01T15:53:00.000-06:00

This afternoon I was provided with a unique opportunity. I had the pleasure of witnessing a baptism. Just the three of us. Although that wasn't the unique part. The unique aspect involved who the person was...we'll call him Johnny. I'm not certain how old Johnny is but if I had to guess I might say somewhere in his sixties. He is a resident at a local nursing home. This morning we received a call from someone who works with Johnny on a regular basis who informed us that after several conversations between the two of them over a period of time, Johnny had made up his mind to be baptized. So this afternoon the two of them made their way up here to the church and together we ushered Johnny into new life with Christ.

It was a sweet moment really. See, Johnny has some limitations. He is mostly confined to a wheelchair because of problems with his legs. We had to struggle to help him up the stairs to access the baptistry. His friend Will playfully joked that it could be his therapy for the day! We got him to the top only to attempt the descent down into the waters. We made it halfway down the stairs into the baptistry when Johnny turned them into a water slide and slipped the rest of the way in. It was hard for him to manipulate his body in the ways needed to fulfill his heart's desire. But by the time he made it in you could see the excitement in his face. He went under an older, broken, physically limited man but came up a new creation with the joy of the LORD as his new strength.

Beautiful. Sacred. Intimate. And I was allowed the privilege to participate in the moment. When I first heard about it earlier in the day I was a little taken aback. I had never been asked to witness a baptism under these circumstances. But by the time we finished sharing the God-moment together...it was worth feeling uncomfortable and awkward...because here was a man who despite his age, despite his limitations, despite his lot in life...understood the simplicity of dying to self in order to be raised to life!

Special. Powerful. Humbling.

God be praised for another first!

The Tempting Pull of Perfection

2008-01-31T15:27:00.000-06:00

Genuine. My grandma was a pretty genuine person. In most cases she was the person everyone saw her to be. She was straightforward to the point of blunt, a little rough around the edges but she had a beautiful caring heart for people. Whether it was received positively or negatively she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, but in all of it she was honest. Honest about herself and about others. She didn’t seem preoccupied with what others thought of her. She wasn’t perfect, she made her share of mistakes but…she was pretty authentic.

I try to be authentic. But it’s not always as easy as you think it would be. Expectations get in the way. Selfishness interferes. Pride surfaces. Fear creeps out from behind the corner. Sometimes I’m tempted to be real only to the point that it becomes uncomfortable. Then I retreat a little bit back into the shadows of the mystery, back to the place where I feel safe because fewer people know my faults and weaknesses. I don’t think we set out to be fake but I wonder if it’s kind of like convincing ourselves that we’re not lying when we strategically withhold part of the story. Why do you think we feel the need to do that?

Who are some of the most genuine or authentic people you know? When I think about those people I start envisioning how I might be more like them. Being around genuine people is infectious. The way they live invites you to cross over into the authentic side. Authenticity isn’t simply being an open book, but knowing the appropriate time to share a few deeper paragraphs. The more genuine people I know embrace both their strengths and their weaknesses in ways that bring honor and glory to God. They are authentic because they live in the freedom to walk beside me through this life as together we share in the peaks and the valleys and the journey back and forth between the two. They are real because they know life is not about what they can do but about what God can do through them.

The authentic are not perfect, they simply seem to recognize the tempting pull of perfection as she softly beckons us to live as hypocrites…and they turn a deaf ear. Sure at times they may listen, but more often than not they walk forward in faith trusting the One whose love for all of us defines authentic!

Yoga-ing Break for Education's Sake

2008-01-30T11:58:00.000-06:00

The only Yoga I knew growing up in school was the furry friend of BooBoo, who enjoyed swiping "pic-i-nic baskets" and "terrorizing" park rangers. But today is a new day and apparently there is a push for some in the school system in other parts of the country to begin to incorporate yoga into the class schedule. The reasoning? Student's lives are so busy that a daily dose of yoga could do wonders to help students better cope with the stresses of their hectic lifestyles. The hope is that this meditative outlet will not only foster greater learning opportunities because students can be more rested and focused, but that it will also help students become more balanced and disciplined people along the way.

Now, Yoga may be a helpful tool to combat the extreme busyness that plagues both young people and their families, I don't know. I'm not trying to say that yoga is a bad thing here. But what strikes me as ironic about this whole conversation is that our society is so caught up in the routine of busy lifestyles, that even when we talk about ways to address feeling overwhelmed and fatigued we don't talk about removing activities from our lives but adding one more thing to help us deal with it all! Are you kidding me? I'm afraid that as a people we are fooling ourselves into thinking we can control this "runaway freight train" lifestyle which says the more you can fit in to a day, a week, a month...the more productive or successful you are. I think it's a false truth...one that ultimately will lead us to crash and burn in a pile of physically and emotionally exhausted rubble.

What's more is that I'm not sure we as Christians do a great job of dispelling the lie either. Our lives are just as full, our schedules just as busy as those around us. The irony for us is that even though we read and know the words of Jesus we fail to believe them, let alone live by them...

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Life can already get pretty hectic for me and I don't even have kids yet. I don't know how that variable will add to the busyness equation for me one day. But it seems like this is one area that must make us distinguishable from the world. Even the life of God was lived out in the appropriate ebb and flow between work and rest. We have good news to offer people...it's a real possibility for our lives to dwell in the rhythm of God's rest!

Yet somehow I don't think yoga is exactly what God had in mind...

Holey, Wholly, Holy

2007-01-16T12:13:00.000-06:00

I wrote this piece for our church bulletin as we concluded our theme of holiness for the year 2006...

Holiness. I remember as a young boy hearing people talk about holiness. I found it hard to understand even then. I could not wrap my little mind around the concept. Why would someone desire to be covered in holes? At the time all I knew was that mom was not very happy with me when I came home with another hole in my jeans but these folks seemed excited by such an outcome.

Of course as time passed I realized holiness had less to do with the current state of my clothing than I initially thought it did. Instead, holiness had more to do with my current standing before God. I would read the verse, “be holy as I am holy” and be left with an overwhelming sense of impossibility. Be holy like God? How could I ever be holy like God? After all, I knew what kind of person I was. I mean I was not a terrible person but I told lies and cheated. I was not always the kindest person to others around me. I did not always make the best decisions and I certainly could have been more respectful toward my parents. How could I ever obtain holiness?

Probably not until some point in college did I realize I was onto something as a bewildered five-year-old with torn jeans. It was then I came to understand that holiness had more to do with the holes in Jesus’ hands than the holes I would dig for myself because of my choices in life. It is easy to think that I have to do certain things in order to achieve holiness status, but the beautiful mystery is that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God declares us holy…his holy nation, his royal priesthood, his holy people! While I do have a part in choosing to live a holy life, ultimately it is not about the work I do but about the work God has done in Christ.

As this year comes to a close, we also conclude our theme of holiness. Although you may not have heard the term holiness week in and week out we have attempted to allow the theme of holiness permeate everything we have done. While on the one hand holiness happens in an instant because God declares us holy, it also takes place over time as we commit to lives of holiness. This year has hopefully been our own process of learning more and more about what holiness entails for those who follow Christ, and although our theme of holiness is coming to an end, our journey toward transformation continues on.

If I could leave you with one thing as we launch into a new year it would be this: “Choose to be what God has already made you!” God makes us holy, but to join him in a life of holiness we must wholly submit our lives to him and allow his Spirit to form us more and more into the image of Jesus. May you live such holy lives that all those around you might give praise and glory to your Father in heaven and when people encounter the holes in your jeans, may they only see Jesus!

More Pictures

2006-08-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

Here's some more pictures of our fun travels...

This was a bluff overlooking Haystack Rock on the Pacific Coast at Cannon Beach.

We saw our share of waterfalls...

Sara and I in front of Multnomah Falls outside Portland.

Up close and personal with Sea Lions at the Astoria Pier.

Creative Beauty

2006-08-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Vacation can be a beautiful thing. But even better than vacation itself is the beauty of the place where you spend it. So far the Northwest lives up to its billing as a beautiful place and we haven't even left Oregon yet. God is such an amazing artist and it is a blessing to be in the midst of another part of his beautiful creation. Here is one of his creative portraits we have witnessed to this point...
Here we hiked down a cliff to get to the edge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The result was breathtaking!

I'll post some more pictures later...

Re-envision the Redemptive Possibilities...

2006-02-09T14:39:00.000-06:00

Our culture attempts to sell us on something daily. We are told that we are inadequate without certain life-altering products. The underlying message is that we too could be more complete, popular, thin, beautiful, respected or admired if only we used our resources to pursue a particular way of living in this world. So we easily get caught up in the rat race toward "perfection" by attempting to be someone or something we are not. Thus, the challenge for all of us becomes finding ways to be real (with ourselves and with each other) in a facade-driven world.

The superbowl is an example of one night in which the onslaught of much that runs counter to living the Christ-life finds its way into our living rooms. Yet I believe we do not have to give in to cynicism because God is at work in and all around us. At least one commercial could help us re-envision the redemptive possibilities of encouraging people to live as they have been created.

Campaign for Real Beauty

I realize at the end of the day this is still a company hoping to sell beauty products, but I can appreciate a company encouraging people to be real in the midst of a society that many times persuades us to be anything but ourselves. Often we find ourselves caught in a trap when we realize all the voices that have been calling us forth into the "limelight" have really only led to an empty darkness. We have been called to be redemptive vessels who break forth like the dawn from a facade-driven world. We have a message of hope that isn't based on what we can create of ourselves but on the promise that we have already been created in the image of a God who loves us and continues to transform us into what is ultimately real beauty.

That is a message I hope could not only penetrate our living rooms, but also our hearts.

Let the Children Come...

2006-02-08T09:39:00.000-06:00

I was impacted the other day by a couple stories involving children from church:

One girl was extremely excited about her upcoming birthday. She had been talking about it for weeks. Apparently you couldn't see her without hearing that this special day was approaching. Her mother began talking with her about having a birthday party with five of her friends. But this soon to be seven-year-old didn't have a typical request. She told her mom that she wanted to invite five kids she didn't really know so that they all could become friends with each other. I marveled at the wisdom of this six-year-old. All this talk about being missional, living our lives as reflections of Jesus, and sharing the love of God and the peace of Christ with those around us and it's a child who understands it better than many of us deemed "older" and "wiser" ever could!

The second story involved another girl similar in age. I don't know her full story but needless to say she's had some rough childhood years. She was a foster child recently adopted by a godly and loving family. Unfortunately not as many 7-8 year-olds with her history find themselves in the open arms of a new family with possibilities of new life, but she did. When the adoption was almost complete and the official paperwork all but finished, the mother asked this young girl if she would like to keep her old name or pick a new one. At this offer the girl's eyes lit up with excitement. "I've always wanted the name Morgan," she said. So with that, a young girl with the life experiences of many veterans received a new name appropriately represeting new possibilites, a new family, a new future and a new way of life!

Hmm, they may be children, but it looks a lot like gospel to me! May we learn to be like our children.

What's in a Story?

2005-10-31T14:45:00.000-06:00

I can't help but wonder. I think my wife has helped train me this way. She reminds me that everyone has a story and it is difficult (if not impossible) to know who someone is without "sitting at their feet" to listen.

As I sit and eat my lunch at Wendy's on a break from class, I notice there are so many different people all around me. Painters, construction workers, business men/women, sweet old couples sharing a meal together, and some friends catching up over lunch. Looking around, it's easy for me to make assumptions...assumptions about who they are, what they do, and how they might live their lives. It's easy to fall prey to the inclination to judge a book by its' cover and before I know what I've done, assign some worth based on the title revealed on that cover. But, as I'm lost in some state of curiosity and wonder, I'm reminded there is so much more beneath the surface, something much deeper if I were to dare explore the depths of the soul.

There's a story beneath that cover and one I might never fully know. These characters could be in the middle of soaring mountain highs or in the midst of unspeakable valley lows. There is hurt and pain, joy and celebration, tears and suffering, love and hope within the pages turned. I don't know what their "walls would say if they could speak," but I know there is a word of hope even if they have not seen it written yet. There is hope because a new chapter is possible. There is hope because regardless the length of the individual novels, each ultimately finds context in a much larger narrative. There is another story longing to be acknowledged as intersecting their own...a story revealing that the lost are found, the broken are healed, the captive are redeemed, and the dead are raised to new life.

Our identities are shaped by our stories. So I hope when we see people, it's not just the cover that's important but the novel that is written inside. Thankfully there is one who is a greater author than I can ever be and has the power to rewrite all of life, making his story mine!

Living and Breathing Messages of God

2005-10-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

Came across this site via a friend...Leads me to think about what message of God comes across through us, as we live out our lives in but not of the world!

According to the test I reflect the book of Psalms...

Which book of the Bible most reflects you?

Living the Language of Blessing

2005-10-20T15:33:00.000-05:00

Language is both unique and powerful. Our language automatically reveals information about who we are. It can reveal origin, level of education and cultural influences. It can convey certain values, emotions and beliefs. Whatever we say instantly conveys a particular message to whoever receives it. That message can be positive or negative (in some cases maybe neutral) but it is probable that the words will make some level of impact upon the lives of others.

As people who have chosen to pursue the Christ-life, we are called to live different from the world around us. We are challenged to be in the world but not of it. While we are typically quick to address material issues or even moral actions, we do not usually give equal time to discerning how our language is to be different from other conversations taking place in the world. In much the same way, our language as Christians immediately transmits messages about what we value, about what it means to live a transformed life. I’m not referring to some form of “Christianese” which suggests that we know all the right and good Christian things to say but a language that communicates something meaningful and transforming.

Scripture seems to echo living out a language of blessing. There were priestly blessings spoken on behalf of God upon his people (Num. 6:24-26). The psalms distinguish between two uses for the tongue: praising and cursing. Proverbs contrasts those whose tongues “bring healing” and those who “crush the spirit.” Paul incorporates blessing language into each of his letters and stresses that what comes from our mouths should be for the purpose of building others up (Eph. 4:29f). We are to be encouragers, comforters and urgers, who proclaim God’s invitation to participate in his kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2). James warns about the power of the tongue and our futile attempts to praise God and curse men in the same breath (James 3). Peter calls us to repay evil not with insult, but with blessing (1 Peter 3). If it was significant in the overarching narrative of Scripture, maybe we should consider its significance for our own lives as we seek to participate in the same narrative. In other words, how can what we say in both public and private settings be shaped by our participation in God’s redemptive story for all of creation?

As Christians, we need to consider what characterizes us. What message are we sending to others about who we are based on the way we communicate with them and with each other? I believe to be different than the world is to live out a language of blessing—to intentionally pursue ways of communicating with people that encourage and build up, allowing others to leave in the peace of Christ. There is merit to meeting people where they are (to talk and act like them in order to build relationships) but it should be balanced by speaking a new word of life into people’s lives counter to the ways of our culture. Our culture suggests that we put each other down, choose sarcasm over intimacy and joke or tease (even at other people’s expense) for the sake of “good natured humor.” It’s not that we cease to have fun and joke with each other but that the teasing and joking does not define who we are and what we are about (identified by percentage of practice) as those seeking to live the Christ-life. Instead we are defined by humility, mercy, putting others above ourselves, and encouraging each other to continue to run the race…instead, we are defined by blessing.

As leaders, we are in unique positions to impact lives throughout our communities, locally and at large. I’m not saying that we do not impact others already because we do, but we need to be more aware of the power language has upon us all and be more intentional about how we use it. We must pursue living a language of blessing with patience because like learning any new language it takes time, effort and consistent immersion in order to begin to communicate clearly and effectively. Therefore, when the world attempts to convince us that leadership is better understood as a position of power and control, we remember and proclaim that Spirit empowered leadership begins and ends in blessing. Thus, it is my hope and prayer that by living a language of blessing we participate in God’s redemptive purposes as we seek to restore, renew and refresh others to the glory of the Lord!

May the Lord bless and keep you, may his face shine upon you and give you peace. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Divorce Party

2005-10-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

Imagine receiving this invitation in the mail: "You are invited to join me as we officially celebrate the dissolution of my marriage...yep, you guessed it, I'm having a divorce party!"

I heard a segment on the Today Show this morning about this very thing and I found it to be very shocking. As a Christian it is hard to understand having a party to celebrate divorce but apparently it is an increasing trend. It is described as a "rite of passage" for a person to re-declare their independence and proclaim that part of life over, surrounded by supportive friends and family who are there to love and help them through the process. It's difficult to have the answers when wading through the murky waters of divorce, yet I can't help but feel that such "parties" further serve to trivialize the covenant commitment of marriage as it was and is intended. The end of marriage should not be viewed as festive but as a reality check that we live in a fallen world. I wonder if this speaks a word to how we as Christians can love and support people facing issues of divorce, especially if there needs to be a celebration to otherwise receive it. Here's a link explaining more on this lastest hot topic...

A Picture of Christ

2005-10-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

What does it mean to be a servant?

Sure, it means loving others, putting their needs above my own, humbly doing the unseen things. But, what does it mean to be a servant? Of course it means showing others Christ, washing feet, and providing a cup of cold water. But, what does it really mean to be a servant?

Several months ago now, when Sara and I were searching for a place to live we came across the house we currently live in. It was in our price range, and had certain characteristics we valued in a house, but it was in an area of town that some people said we shouldn't move to. An area of town with lower income families, poorer school districts and where people might not be as friendly. We made a conscious decision that we wanted to be in just such a place in order to serve and minister to others. So we began the process of buying the house.

As we were moving in we talked about wanting to be friendly neighbors. We wanted it to be obvious to those around us who we served. I wanted badly to find ways to show our neighbors around us a picture of Christ, at least a glimpse of his love, his grace and his compassion. So, we began visiting with some of our neighbors as we had opportunity, building relationships in hope we might get the chance to reveal the one we serve. Neighbors however, can be difficult because they are not always like me, don't always share the same values and don't always live for the same God. With one neighbor in particular it became obvious that it would be a little more difficult to get to know him. He's 33 years old with a wife and two kids but he's probably better described as a rebel. He's a mechanic who's into racing (I don't know the first thing about racing) and he is a little rough around the edges. For example, in our second conversation together he asked what I did for a living and I told him I was a minister at a church in Reidland. His immediate response was, "well brother, you're in the wrong neighborhood. I enjoy my drinking, smoking and having a good time." When I talk to him, he kind of leaves me scratching my head...

Then came a day like yesterday. We were laying down for some rest in the afternoon because we were tired from a long weekend of being at the ZOE conference (at which we even explored what it meant to be Jesus to others), when I heard some strange noises in our backyard. It sounded like some kind of engine rumbling back and forth. I got up, went to the window and peeked through the blinds. There coming around the corner on his lawnmower was my neighbor!

See, we were having some difficulties with our lawnmower and weren't able to mow the lawn the last two weeks. The grass had grown pretty well over that period of time and it desperately needed to be cut. Turns out this neighbor noticed we had been having trouble and decided to give us a hand by mowing our lawn, no questions asked. I was blown away. This man isn't a Christian, doesn't share the same values and doesn't live for the same God I do, but he's the one out on the lawnmower. All this time I've been wondering how I could show them a glimpse of Jesus, but in the end it is my rebel, smoking, tattooed, rough around the edges neighbor who revealed to me a picture of Christ!

Jesus came to our house yesterday, but he wasn't riding on a donkey. Instead he was riding a craftsman lawnmower!

Lord, make me a servant...

Follow Mercy's Lead

2005-10-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

I was blessed Sunday with my first opportunity to preach since we arrived at Reidland eight weeks ago. It's always a humbling experience to be used as a mouthpiece for the heart of God. At least the hope is that His words become mine and His heart pours forth in the words I speak. I shared about Jesus calling Matthew to follow him and the subsequent feasting at Matthew's house with tax collectors and sinners (Matt. 9). I attempted to convey that Jesus exemplified a life of mercy and he calls us to be transformed into a people of mercy so that daily we choose to "follow mercy's lead." The difficulty is that many times for us this is a whole new way to live. This is new wine for new wineskins and sometimes the message of mercy can be intimidating to us. Here is a section of the sermon I found to be powerful for me...

Yet once again I hear the words of that pesky Paul and I get a little queasy to my stomach when he says “Follow me as I follow Christ” because I’m instantly reminded of Jesus’ own radically life-changing words, “Whoever comes after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m ready to do that because deep down I have at least a small inkling of where mercy might lead—I can’t help but remember I’ve seen glimpses before, because:

When Mercy Leads…a woman at the well, an outsider cast to the outskirts of meaningful society tastes the sweetness of her own humanity again.

When Mercy Leads…stones hit the ground as a woman condemned in the eyes of many now stands in the freedom of the broken shackles of her scarlet past.

When Mercy Leads…a man resigned to a life of leprosy unfamiliar with even the closeness of a 10-foot pole feels the tender touch of healing and acceptance

When Mercy Leads…a table is prepared with the finest feast and the host eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners for all are welcomed in the presence of Jesus

Maybe you see why I’m a little hesitant today to follow Matthew and Paul as they follow Christ, maybe you’re feeling a little hesitant too. For if we choose to leave the bubble of our comfortable booth to follow this journey defined by mercy we might very well find ourselves in places we have never been. If you envision those brand new garments as pearly white robes don’t get your hopes up because it is highly probable that on this path we will get more dirty than we originally anticipated. For this is a road less traveled and many turn back when they see the sign…Warning, comfort zones will be shattered! Our only choice is whether or not to follow because in choosing to, the once seemingly simple choice quickly becomes intense command. In fact, compared to this radical way of life Jesus calls us to the booth might feel all the more comfortable because it’s where we’ve always been, it’s what we’re used to, it’s where we’re in control, but together by the power of the Spirit within us I believe we can pursue this kind of Christ-life.

When we follow mercy's lead we are led to welcome all people to recline at the table and enjoy the feast! Praise God. May mercy lead...

Sweet Smelling Aroma

2005-09-26T13:04:00.000-05:00

Who is my neighbor?

One thing I never really took into account as a rookie homeowner is exactly who my neighbors would be. I didn’t think too hard about how who they are and how they live might affect life for me. However, it has not taken long to realize I don’t have much choice. If I were to choose my neighbors, they might look an awful lot more like me. They might share similar interests, similar values, similar noise tolerances, similar bed-times, maybe even similar care for lawn appearances. But, I’m not the one to choose. They come and go as they please. They are who they are and it might be better that they are not like me.

Who is my neighbor?

The other day I had an experience with another “neighbor” I also did not choose. His name is Jan. Jan is at what I would consider to be a tough place in life. He has some mental issues (schizophrenia and probably others) so that he is a little off his rocker, can’t really support or take care of himself, and likes to call on his “friends” at the Reidland Church whenever he needs something big or small. If I’m honest, he can be pretty annoying and if one didn’t know better he could easily be profiled a stalker, but, he is still a human being with needs.

This time he needed to pick something up from social services (something about a pillow and a teddy bear). So myself, and our church secretary left to go pick the items up from the center to take to him. His house (self-described as the prettiest one in all of Paducah) was a run down mess yet boasting all the colors of the rainbow. As we pulled up (in the rain) he was sitting on his porch, shirtless with ripped jean shorts and long shaggy hair, smoking a cigarette. The best way I can describe him is to picture Tom Hanks’ character toward the end of “Castaway” before he gets rescued off the island! I carried the sack of “goodies” from the car to the porch but Jan asked me to come inside for a minute. I couldn’t help but feel a little on edge not knowing what to expect.

The inside was dirty, smelly and there was a picnic table in the living area as furniture. A few animals scurried around. One small “weenie” dog in particular started jumping up my leg. Jan said, “that’s Sassy…ya want to meeeet his wiiife?! (accent included) As he said so, he pulled another dog from behind the couch holding her high for me to see. He held her so that he could peek under her belly and exclaimed, “she’s preg-nant!” Unsure of exactly how to respond I said, “well, it’s nice to meet her.” Then he introduced me to his “wheelchair friend” Chris who was there visiting. I said hello but proceeded to inform them that I needed to leave.

As I turned Chris asked, “will you at least pray with us before you go?” How am I supposed to turn down a request like that…so I began to pray with them… “God, thank you for providing these things and thank you that we were able to bring these items to…(before I could say his name Jan exclaimed…to Jan! and to Chris!)…yes to Jan and to Chris. And I pray that you will bless them…(Jan interrupted again—we need to pray that you drive home safe in the rain cause the roads are slick)…and for our safety. Thank you for our time together…Amen.”

They both expressed their gratitude but Jan had something else in mind… “Mike, I’ve got something else for you!” Before I knew what was happening Jan reached for a bottle and started spraying me with cologne. I tried to turn and move out of the way but just a few seconds created a smell that lasted the day. I can now look back and reflect that Jan simply wanted me to leave in the aroma of Christ! Needless to say, it was quite an experience…

Who is my neighbor?

I don’t always want to admit it but my neighbors are much more than who is defined by geography or location. And, it remains the same that when it comes to neighbors I don’t get to choose. These neighbors still come and go as they please. That day, Jan was my neighbor and he reminded me that I was blessed with the opportunity to be a sweet smelling aroma of Christ to him. He’s not like me, he’s different, he’s even a little unsettling at times, but he is still another wonderful creation of the Creator who created you and me to be neighbors.

God, help me be open to loving the “Jan’s” of the world as I pursue the call you have for all of us to “love your neighbor!”

Table Talk

2005-09-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

I shared these comments at service yesterday in connection with the Lord's Supper...

Welcome to the Table of the Lord! It is not just I who welcome you to the table, but it is the Lord. It is the Lord who welcomes you to a table in which all are invited to gather around. A table with no regard for social status, economic prosperity, race or level of education but open to all who are redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is here that we lay our differences aside because our unity is found in someone greater than ourselves. Here, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ. And it is Jesus who, much like he did with his disciples, invites us to recline at this table of redemption, to receive the meal seasoned with grace which has been prepared for us. It is to remember him yes, but more than that it is to celebrate because the one we commune with is the Risen Lord! Praise God the tomb didn’t have the final word. So, together as we gather around the table, let us taste freedom and let us rejoice!

So Come…Welcome to the Table of the Lord!

Parenthood

2005-09-10T15:57:00.000-05:00

As of a couple weeks ago we have become proud parents. I know what you are thinking...What about the nine month process? Well, what can I say...we are fast! His name is Topaz and as you can see he is a blonde labradoodle. That's right...you don't have to rub your eyes to make sure you see the name clearly...a labradoodle is a lab/poodle mix. Please hold your snickers. One of the wonderful traits of a pure bred labradoodle is that they do not shed, making it a more house friendly animal with less allergens. We are happy to have him as a part of our family. Now if we can just get him through this period of seperation anxiety! Oh, and despite his size he is only eleven months old. We like to refer to him as our "little" horse.

Don't forget to say hello...

Home Sweet Home

2005-08-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

Well...the past few weeks have been a blur, but I might have a minute to breathe, at least a second anyway. We have made it to Kentucky, begun setting up our "nest," and started work at the church. So far it has been great and everyone has been so gracious. We have been welcomed with open arms and Reidland is beginning to feel like home already. I hope to keep up the posting now that things have settled down and I can obtain a certain level of normalcy...who am I kidding? Anyway, I am excited about what is to come at Reidland and of our lives in Paducah, Kentucky. May God be glorified!

Two Years Toward a Lifetime

2005-07-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

Today is a glorious day! Not because it is sunny outside with blue skies, or because there is a cool breeze for a change, but because today I can celebrate two wonderful years with my beautfiful bride. It has been quite an experience with both of us being in graduate school for our first two years of marriage but I know the memories will last a lifetime. We are looking forward to sharing life together outside of school and greatly anticipate the new beginnings in Kentucky.

Sara, I love you! You are a blessing each and every day...You are worth "far more than rubies."

Reflections on Fish

2005-07-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

The following reflection was initiated by a friend's comment about a lake stocked with catfish for catch/release fishing.

What if we thought about fishing from the perspective of the prey instead of the predator? A fish, when hooked, has to know that something is seriously wrong. First, there is this extreme pain in the lip and a sudden tug. Then as if that is not enough, there is the instantaneous burst into hyper-speed as the fish goes sailing through the water. Even if they had never been hooked up to this point in their existence, they had to have heard stories from the rest of the fish community. As they go careening through the depths to the unknown I wonder what they are thinking.

Life flashes before their eyes and as they get reeled up into what is sure to be certain doom, the hook is removed, they get launched into the air and before they know it they are breathing life once again. What a whirlwind of emotions. They were caught in the grip of death, only to be rescued and allowed to taste the sweetness of freedom instead. Only later do they realize there is still a hole in their lip which serves as a daily reminder of that point in their life. I'm not sure if that hole reminds them more about the glorious day they were redeemed or how dumb they were to get hooked in the first place. Either way, they'll remember!

I want to resist stretching this too far, but we have all been "hooked" by one thing or another in our lives that seems enticing at the time. The difference is that we are redeemed by someone greater than your average fisherman. Even though the shackles have been removed and we are able to taste freedom, many times we are left with some kind of hole to serve as a reminder of who and what we were in our past. The hope is that the hole we have in our lives will not remain empty forever, but will be filled by the one who loves us so much to redeem us. I pray we'll remember!

May we live each day as the redeemed!

Closer, Closing and Closed

2005-07-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

It's a done deal! Sara and I have officially signed our lives away and the lives of our future children...what a sobering reality. However, we will not let the magnitude of our decision deter our excitement. Say it with me...we are homeowners! Next stop, Paducah, Kentucky...

Another week has passed and we are closer than before to moving. So much left to do. We are having a garage sale tomorrow to satisfy our feeble attempts to simplify, okay and because we don't want to move as much stuff. Only three more weeks. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines and let the packing begin!

What's a Life Worth

2005-07-12T13:44:00.000-05:00

Sara and I finally watched the movie Hotel Rwanda the other night with some friends. We had avoided watching it to this point fearing its unsettling content. For those who don't know about the movie it is an unbelievable depiction of a sickening and tragic event in our world's history. Here's a synopsis of the film:

Don Cheadle gives "the performance of a lifetime" (Los Angeles Times) in this "remarkable" (Newsweek) and "inspiring" (Chicago Tribune) true story of one man's brave stance against savagery during the 1994 Rwandan conflict. Co-starring Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte and Joaquin Phoenix, Hotel Rwanda is "the kind of film that can change the world" (Joel Siegel, "Good Morning America").

As his country descends into madness, five-star hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) sets out to save his family. But when he sees that the world will not intervene in the massacre of minority Tutsis, he finds the courage to open his hotel to over 1,200 refugees. Now, with a rabid militia at the gates, he has only his wits and words to help keep them alive another hour, another day.

Even more disturbing than the gruesomeness of the event itself was the aspect that the world knew what was going on and chose to ignore it. The value of life was determined before it was ever lost and the response was that it wasn't worth the effort. Who are we to determine how much a life is or is not worth? This is a movie and a story we all need to be aware of.

In class at church the next morning we experienced a real life story of someone similar to that of Rwanda. A woman from Liberia shared her testimony as a believer and a refugee caught in the middle of a war in 1990. It was a powerful story of hope and faith in the midst of intense savagery and persecution. Her father was a minister and one of few Christians in a Muslim community hated for his beliefs. However, his home became known as a house of hospitality for all people, important military and government officials included. Even though they hated his family they wouldn't turn down their hospitality and a good meal. He continued to tell his family to love these people despite the hate for their Christian beliefs. When the war began this man's family was on the list to be executed for their convictions. Before they were murdered, an official came up to the house and proclaimed to the soldiers not to kill this man and his family because of their kindness and hospitality. He said, "they paid for my schooling when I was poor and could not afford it and their home is our home." Because of his intervention the soldiers spared their lives and left.

I can't imagine what life is like for people in these places because I know I have never experienced persecution like they have. It is people like the hotel manager and this woman from Liberia that shame me for my lack of courage in much less life-threatening situations. They have lived at the doorstep of death and chosen courage over fear and hope over despair. They, more than I, understand the confusing message in Scripture that there is joy in suffering. Who are we to determine what life is worth...for it is people such as these that remind us that life is...priceless!

May our eyes be open to those around us and may we see and experience life through His eyes!

Destination Kentucky

2005-07-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

This post is probably a long time in coming...

How easy it is to want to plan out our lives in detail. I wouldn't consider myself a strong A-type personality (at least not as strong as my wife) but I must confess I like to have a plan. I like to have a purpose, even if that purpose from time to time is to accomplish nothing of importance at all. I guess it has something to do with our innate desire to be in control and to plan for the future. So much of what we do in our lifetime centers around looking toward what lies ahead. When we are small we dream of what we will be when we grow up. When we are grown we plan for marriage, we plan for pregnancy, we acquire insurance to offset whatever the future holds. We invest money for that rainy day, plan for our children's future education, and hope and pray for that day when retirement finally comes. And we all have a plan, some vision of how the pieces come together to create a finished portrait.

A few months ago, Sara and I thought we already knew what some of the pieces would look like as we planned for our final year in Abilene. But as usual, just when I think I am completely in control of my life, God proves to me otherwise and once again I learn the lifelong lesson that my life is not mine to control. A lot has unfolded in the last few months for our little family of two in which the majority of those events have led us to an upcoming relocation. Thus, Destination Kentucky!

Honestly, I never planned on moving to Kentucky or even to a town called Paducah but that is exactly where we find ourselves and we couldn't be more excited about it. The move has come about because I accepted a position as Associate Minister at the Reidland Church of Christ there in Paducah, Kentucky. A lot was involved to bring us to this point but now our move is only about a month away. It seems like time has flown by so fast. Anybody who has moved from one place to another can realize that this is a bitter sweet time for us...bitter because we are leaving some close friends and family behind but sweet because we are starting a new chapter in our lives as we become a part of a new family, working side by side to minister with and to and to love people whoever and wherever they are. I believe God has prepared us for this next step even if it was not included in our "original picture." Nevertheless, if we walk forward in faith to be his hands, his feet, and his body broken for a broken world it will only be by his strength, his grace, and his love at work through and within us. It won't be long now Reidland family, at least according to our plan!

Please pray for Sara's job situation. While she has some opportunities that are exciting we ask for God's guidance and direction through the process. Lord, in all things may we give You glory!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight! Prov. 3:5-6

Bird's Eye View

2005-05-11T10:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my friend Travis for exposing me to such a fun site. Enjoy these Satellite views of places I have been courtesy of Google Maps Beta.

Where I grew up in Texas

My Parents house in Florida

Where we live now in Abilene: Sherrod Apartments

Where we will be in August: Reidland Church of Christ

Congregational Resource

2005-04-28T10:24:00.000-05:00

A new website connected with some people at ACU has been unveiled recently to provide resources to churches interested in pursuing the missional implications of being a community of God in our time and context. I think it will be a helpful intersection of dialogue for all of us who seek to be a "distinct community who participates in the life of God for the sake of the world." If you get a chance, check it out!

www.saltandlightresources.com

May we be a living community who daily demonstrates the love and reign of God!

To Him be Glory

Peace in the Midst

2005-04-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

Sara and I went to Stream in the Desert with some friends this weekend in Midland, TX. For those who don't know Stream is a renewal conference unique to West Texas. In many ways it was a good escape and allowed us to catch our breath before heading down April's home stretch. Mike Cope was the guest speaker for the conference and as usual, he did a wonderful job. I think the part that impacted me most was what he shared in the Sunday morning session. Here's my take:

We all want peace. In fact, many times we long for it. Sometimes, however, we have unreal expectations of what peace is and what it should look like in our lives. Mike reminded us that peace, contrary to popular belief, is not the absence of pain but the promise of presence! This life is full of both mountains and valleys, good times and bad. In this world suffering is a reality. We all experience it at different times and in different ways. The good news we have to share with hurting people in the midst of brokenness and suffering is not the "health and wealth" message that in Christ everything comes up roses, but the message of everlasting peace. God has not abandoned his people. We may never understand why bad things happen or why people suffer but one thing is certain: We have the promise of his presence! Wherever we are, he joins us in the midst. O' Emmanuel...God with us! That, my friends, is the peace that passes all understanding.

Lord, continue to fill us with your peace.

Stop Masquerading and Start Unveiling

2005-03-29T15:32:00.000-06:00

It's easy to get caught up in fairytales. Something about them can draw us in. Maybe it is the idea that within the limitless boundaries of make-believe our imagination can run wild. Maybe at times we are just suckers for happy endings. Or, maybe it is the chance to escape, even if just for a few moments, the grasp of reality. The freedom to be what and whoever we want to be. To live out a story different from our own.

Growing up I remember the excitement of costume parties. It was as if Icould live out my own fairytale. As a kid I could be a doctor, a baseballplayer, a knight in shining armor, or even a pirate with a makeshift"wooden" leg. While dressing up was fun, the best part was "fooling" others into believing that I was no longer myself but the character I wanted them to see. Of course, to effectively pull off such a feat costume was important, but a mask was the key. Without a mask my disguise was useless because people could see the real me. There was a point when I thought I might outgrow the desire to masquerade, however, the older I become the moreI realize I never really stopped attending costume parties. In fact as I reflect, it is intriguing that they always seem to fall on the same day.

My point is not to be cynical but to attempt to ask some difficult questions. I think we know what it's like to live in the midst of "Sunday Smiles" as many of us disguise who we are and what we really feel. All around us there are hurting people and I wonder what message we convey to them when they walk through the door only to find us holding up our masks. And in not so many words we say: welcome to yet another masquerade ball.

I'm tired of picking out costumes week after week. I'm tired of the empty "how are you--fine" exchanges. It seems that of all places the community of God should be a place where we can let our guard down, where our disguises can fall to the floor, where masks are removed in order to reveal who we are inside, a place where we can be real! I realize there are boundaries and I recognize there can be certain dangers to transparency, but I think if we are honest we can agree the costume act hasn't worked. Until we stop masquerading and start unveiling it will be difficult, if not impossible, to be the Christ-formed community God intended. This means more than just unveiling ourselves in our own brokenness and humanity but this also means unveiling Christ in the midst of our everyday attempts to be real. We must not be afraid to share life with others out of fear that the shadows of our life might be exposed. God doesn't need us to be masked superheroes, always looking for the closest available phone booth to quickly don our disguise, but I believe he wants us to remove the masks, reveal our brokenness, and walk hand in hand with our brothers and sisters as we together, by the power of God, journey toward the restoration of all mankind.

I'm not saying it will be easy, but I believe because of God at work in us we have the power to do it. May God bless us as we seek to stop masquerading and start unveiling the glory of God in Christ each and every day of our lives. Next time we meet, I look forward to seeing your face!

Theological Sunglasses

2005-03-16T15:01:00.000-06:00

The following is a dialogue I initiated with some of the leadership at my home church as they are in the process of re-constructing a new building. I think it is something for us all to consider:

I took a short course in January titled Christian Worship. In it, one of the areas we discussed involved the messages we convey about God and about who we are as a community of faith and a people of God, even in the simple things such as service structure and physical setting (in this case: church building). In most cases (intentional or not) we communicate a lot about who we are and what we value based on these things. For example, we gather as community in what most would consider an auditorium, in which chairs are in rows all facing forward toward a stage. Just the idea of an auditorium conveys the message that we are here to listen/watch some "performance" in which the most important things take place at the front. Thus, there is a sense that participation is severly limited, with the hope for attentive listeners. It becomes difficult to even see who we are as we gather in community because we have traditionally designed it in a way that says, "you may only look forward." One of the questions we had to wrestle with as a result of this class was/is, "What message does an auditorium blueprint convey about God and about ourselves as a people of God? What does it say about what we value as important/vital to the life of the community?"

Our professor used one church he encountered simply as an example. First of all, the leadership there decided to be intentional about calling the place where they gathered for worship--a sanctuary. There are many messages behind something so simple as a name, not the least of which is the message that this is a meeting place between God and his people, a place of refuge, rest, and renewal. The sanctuary was then intentionally designed with the "stage" at the center with the chairs circled around it. The idea is to automatically convey that we gather as a community in which what we say and do here impacts us all as we interact with each other in worship. It is an aspect which I am convinced cannot be achieved in an "auditorium" setting (at least the way churches have done it in the past). Then, at the center was some form of podium, along with a good size table, and an in-ground baptistry (what I picture is something like what exists at Metro but inside--this one also had rock structure around it, I guess for beautification purposes). Before construction began on this building the leadership wanted to make a point with the connection of these three things to the center of the sanctuary. They wanted to convey that they are a people of the Word. The Word of God is central to who they are and central to revealing who God is. They also wanted it to be emphasized that we come together as a people of God around a table. Around the table we lay our differences aside and we join together to commune and feast with God because he has welcomed us to the table with him. Finally, they wanted to emphasize that baptism, as initiation into the life of God, is at the heart of who they are as a community and at the heart of who they believe God calls them to be.

I realize this is not a very thorough analysis but I thought it worthwhile to bring to your attention. This is not a critique on my home church as much as it is an attempt to dialogue about how we approach what we do with theological lenses on. I can't help but think that Metro is in a very unique situation right now. How many churches get the opportunity to redesign the community meeting place in light of who God is and who we are as his community in this world? After purchasing a building most churches only get the chance to add on, they don't get to completely redesign an already existing building. Unfortunately, I think it is easy to continue with what we have always done as churches without considering the theological implications and the messages proclaimed in them about what we value and who we desire to become. I realize any of these changes would be significant and maybe even drastic in many peoples eyes compared to what has always been done at Metro, however I believe thinking about these things is too important not to reflect on how it might shape the Metro community as you move forward from this point into the future. My goal is not to change things but to help you consider and reflect on what might be some new ideas in light of what I have recently learned this semester. It is not about making change for change's sake but about exhausting all means as leadership to mold and shape people into the image of God in Christ that we might share the good news of the gospel to His glory.

Based on my experience in this class, I will no longer think the same, even about the things we have tended to deem insignificant (such as physical setting) in the past. I hope others will be open to thinking in these ways too. It's a new day and I think there is something to wearing these theological shades.

Hitched on Valentine's Day

2005-02-16T10:26:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that this was already the third Valentine's Day with my own life-long sweetheart. Sara and I went out for our romantic evening on Saturday night because she typically has to work late in the clinic on weeknights. I had a particular plan that I proceeded to butcher in the closing minutes but that's a story for another time. We ended up doing dinner and a movie and it was great just to spend some time together. Our lives are so busy right now that we really look forward to those extended intersections.

I wanted to be a sensitive and caring husband in regard to the movie so I searched for an appropriate "chick flick." As far as I could really tell I had two choices: one being "Wedding Day" or something like that and the other "Hitch." If I was really self-sacrificing I probably would have chosen the "Wedding Day" movie but I quickly realized my limitations and decided on the romantic comedy "Hitch." Sara and I both laughed through the entire movie. I thought it was well done, suprisingly clean and even conveyed a good moral message underneath the romance and comedy. The basic premise is that a date doctor (Will Smith) tries to help the good but goofy guys get the girl of their dreams. One of those guys the date doctor helps is played by Kevin James and one scene in particular between the two characters stood out to me toward the end of the movie. The two are talking about how Smith's character has given up on love and Kevin James' character says something to the effect of "you are trying to sell something you don't even believe in." To which Smith responds, "What do you mean, love is my life!" James--"No, love is your job!"

It may be hard to grasp the impact of this scene from these second-hand written words but I couldn't help but reflect on how the comments in the scene relate to us as Christians. How many times to we proclaim that God, Jesus, or Christianity is our life but in reality it is obvious we are going through the motions only to receive our check! The result is that the Christian life becomes just another job instead of something to live out and for. What flows from our lips must intersect with the way we live our lives or others will quickly realize that we are employees of corporation lip service. My prayer is that we as Christians will no longer punch our card as employees but instead as disciples live in such a way that communicates Christ is our life and not just another occupation!

Like a Phoenix

2005-01-20T15:12:00.000-06:00

I don't know all there is to know about birds, in fact I really don't know much about them at all but one phrase consistently connected with the Phoenix is that it "rises from the ashes." In some ways I think it could be an appropriate image to consider as we move forward from the tragic events of this week. Some of the youth at our church were involved in an accident on their way back from a youth conference in which one young boy died and others were seriously injured. Yesterday, Sara and I went to the funeral for this eleven year old boy who was in the youth group at Highland. It was a very intense and emotional experience for all who attended and my heart grieves and hurts for what his family and friends are experiencing right now. There is something unsettling about seeing someone younger than you pass on and as rare as it is (at least in my experience) I imagine the hardest thing for a parent to do is bury a child in their own lifetime, but in moments like yesterday we are smacked in the face with the reality that these things happen from time to time and the bubble that we had so convincingly lived in before isn't as safe and ideal anymore.

Sitting there in the sanctuary I couldn't help but cry. I cried for a young life lost. I cried for the empty void in a family's life. I cried for all his friends who only wished it would have been them instead. And I cried at the sheer magnitude of the incarnate God with arms wide open, present in all who gathered both in that building and around the world. It was then that I felt the overwhelming reassurance that, like the phoenix, we will rise from the ashes. It is not by our own power but by the hand of an almighty God who reaches down into the darkness of pain and despair, joins us there, and begins to lift us up to bring us to a place where once again we might be able to stand. I have seen the body of Christ before but never quite like this. The entire family at Highland has been shaken to the core whether you know those involved or not but in the midst of the tears there is one who is big enough to be there with us, to listen to our pain, our hurt, and our fears and to hold us in his loving arms. We don't have all the answers and there are things we will never understand but through it all we fall at the feet of the one who promises strength for the weary, healing for the brokenhearted, comfort for the hurting and life everlasting. God, help us to trust you and to not lean on our own understanding as we long and hope for the moment when we can rise above the ashes.

New Year

2005-01-03T17:49:00.000-06:00

With the new year comes opportunity for new beginnings and whether or not it is a resolution I hope to return to the blogging world on a more regular basis. I've realized how much I've missed the self-reflection it provides. Last semester became so hectic that I lost sight of that blessing and look forward to it's rebirth. This week I am taking a short course entitled Christian Worship so maybe I can express some insights addressed throughout the class.

Blessings in this new year!

Abandoned

2004-10-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it's like to literally be abandoned even though I can have feelings of abandonment from time to time. It's hard to imagine being left on the doorsteps of a church (or any other place for that matter) unwanted for any number of reasons but that is reality for many people. I can't pretend to understand completely what people feel having been abandoned but my heart hurts for them. Sara's sister Carlie and her fiance, Patrick, came to visit us for the weekend and we had a great time together. Not only am I thankful for Sara's family but I'm thankful to have such a great future brother-in-law. His story is a little deeper than most people I know. From what I understand Patrick was abandoned as a child and finds it difficult to believe in a God who allows children to be abandoned. My heart hurts for him and I hope as our relationship grows I might be able to share with Patrick the message of the gospel in a new light. If anything, God has a heart for the marginalized, the disenfranchized, and the abandoned. He has not turned his back on them but on the contrary yearns to bring them close to his heart. It is not a message of abandonment but of adoption. God is waiting for us to renounce the stories that have defined our past and claim the promise of adoption as his children. My prayer is that my life might be a reflection of that message in ways that Patrick might be drawn to healing grace and find his place in the open arms of God's family. May God be praised!

Just a Thought...

2004-09-21T11:18:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I stop and wonder why it can be so difficult to find peace and rest living in the midst of the frenzied chaos we term the American Dream. Then I remember I've got to much to do to stop and think about such things! I'm so busy...

Lord, may we find peace and rest in you and may we take time to just "be" in your presence.

Sabbatical

2004-09-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

I guess it is obvious that I have taken a break from blogging, not necessarily out of desire but out of necessity. The beginning of each new school year always seems to bring about different levels of disorientation as I try to juggle changing schedules of school, work, marriage, and physical well-being. I'm not so sure I've yet achieved any semblance of organized status but I will continue to press on. Last week Sara and I decided to begin a Saturday morning tradition of going to a new local coffee shop here in Abilene called Java City. We find that it is easier for us to accomplish our studies apart from the comfy coziness of our humble abode. So here we find ourselves once again this Saturday slaving away all for the pursuit of higher education, well and I guess transformation is an important aspect too.

I've been doing a lot of reading lately for classes and I came across what I consider to be a great excerpt in a book entitled, StormFront: The Good News of God. Here is what the authors have to say regarding the subject of community as the church in the world today:

At it's best, the church has affirmed those who are called to a radical simplicity of lifestyle, to remind the rest of us that we don't need what we think we need. The church has understood the value of people committed to celibacy, who remind us that sex is neither a necessity nor a god. We have learned from those who continually open their homes to others, who cure the rest of us of the idolatry of our privacy. We are nourished by devoted parents who sacrifice career advancement for the sake of time with their children, who help the rest of us keep our priorities straight. We are strengthened by people who are lavish in prayer and spiritual disciplines, who remind those of us with harder spirits of where our real help comes from and goad us out of our complacency. The church thrives when it is made up of communities of Christians willing to commit themselves to support each other in risky, venturesome ways, when Christians are willing to resist creatively the many ways in which the dominant in our world crush the weak.

In short, the gospel resounds in the life of the church when Christians find a thousand joyful ways to take the mixed-up values of this world and turn them upside down--when Christians aren't afraid to walk down a path the world calls madness, a path that is really the road to life. In this each of us will have a distinctive calling. But that calling is discerned and embraced within the context of a loving and discerning community. It is vitally important that we not carry someone else's cross, but rather that our eyes are fixed firmly on where Jesus is calling us. But it is also vital for us to encourage each other in our shared discipleship. In this way, each individual life bears witness to the power of the cross, and the shared life of the entire community bears witness with harmony, unity, and power to the mysterious way in which God brings life out of what the world calls death...This is what it means to participate in the reign of God and to be united with Christ in his death. This is the life that the gospel invites Christians to receive, to enter, and to proclaim.

It is energizing to know that we are the body of Christ made up of many important parts, called to live in the world and not of it to the glory of the One whose abundant love is made evident in the life of Jesus! Praise God that we may enter and proclaim that community.

Perseverance

2004-08-19T19:02:00.000-05:00

Anyone else see the men's all-around gymnastic final last night? What a show! Sara and I were glued to the television as we watched Paul Hamm persevere after falling on his backside to come back and win gold in amazing athletic fashion. It seems there is a life lesson somewhere in there: Even in the moments when you fall on your butt the race is not over. Get up, persevere, and strive toward the prize. I'm sure that moment will go down in Olympic history and we got to witness it.

On a side note, we have continued our cross country trip as we have left the damp and soggy terrain of Florida and made our way to the flatlands of Oklahoma. Only one problem: It's still raining!

In the Aftermath

2004-08-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

WOW! I'm not sure what other words to use. I haven't ever experienced anything like that before and I hope I don't have to again. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the people in the Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area when Hurricane Charley came ashore at full force because it was more than I wanted to experience when it hit Orlando rated at a 2. You could fill the tremendous force of the storm as it swirled around our house. It's hard to produce words to describe it. The lights kept flickering in and out but thankfully we never lost power for more than a few minutes. As we tried to catch glimpses of the storm outside it was obvious that the rain was coming in horizontally and changing direction at every whim. There was also an eerie glow illuminating the night sky and the windows rattled with every gust.

The next morning we got up and got our first look at the seriousness of the aftermath. Trees were pulled out of the ground, billboards destroyed, houses damaged, roads blocked, power lines down, traffic lights out. It was a feeling of mass chaos and utter disbelief. My heart goes out to those that experienced much worse. WOW! What an unbelievable exhibition of power and force. I'm thankful that God is ultimately in control of something so unpredictable as nature.

If you would like to check out some pictures from my parents neighborhood check out the link below. Then click on the "2004 photos" link and then on "hurricane charley." The pictures might be best viewed in a slideshow format.

http://photobucket.com/albums/v214/darlingmc/

Blessings

When You Come Home

2004-08-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

I look forward to opportunities to come home and visit family. I love to walk off the airplane and out of the terminal after being away for long periods of time and into the open and waiting arms of unconditional love. It never fails that a smile crosses my face when I see my family at the end of the corridor. It's good to be "home."

As I write I'm reminded of a song by Mark Schultz entitled, "When You Come Home." The chorus goes something like this:

When you come home no matter how far
Run through the door and into my arms
It's where you are loved, where you belong
And I will be here, when you come home

It's become a fairly emotional song for me but you'll probably have to listen to it to better understand why. I am thankful to come home to the loving embrace of my family but it is in these times that I am also reminded of how thankful I am to be able to fall into the open arms of God's unconditional love. Coming home evokes a lot of emotions within me, however, I did not expect to come home to an unexpected welcoming committee.

Sara and I arrived in Orlando this morning around 10:30 having already been up since about 4am (which I believe is way too early for any kind of physical activity outside of breathing, and maybe some small amounts of snoring). We were thankful and grateful to not only have arrived but to have arrived safely because the "welcoming committee" I alluded to was...Hurricane Charley! Now, we are sitting on the couch in front of the television as the hurricane hits the west coast of Florida and travels toward Orlando. I believe life is always an adventure but I didn't expect to land right in the middle of this wild ride to begin our vacation.

I pray God's hand of protection is over everyone within the line of this powerful storm!

Florida Bound

2004-08-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

Well, Sara and I are off to Florida via an overnight stop in Dallas, for what will hopefully amount to a little "fun in the sun!" We'll get to spend a few days with my family before school starts and then it's back to the usual daily grind. I can't wait for even just the smallest of breaks. I'm thankful for vacations and the opportunity for a little R and R. So mom, dad--be looking for us cause we're on our way!

See ya soon.

And Mike Wept...

2004-08-11T16:40:00.000-05:00

Some might say there were a few tears this morning, although I'm inclined to say that it was just something momentarily in my eye that made them spontaneously water. But, as much as I may have been trained to do otherwise I'd like to think I'm man enough to admit it...so, okay, I cried. Really, what's wrong with a spontaneous outpouring of hysterical sobbing. I mean, we all know the proclaimed "shortest verse of the Bible:" and Jesus wept. Surely it's okay for me to water my face if Jesus did it, right?

At this point you are probably wondering about the cause behind such a sensitive and "in touch with my feminine side" effect. This morning Andy, Randi, and baby Ally loaded up and left for the wide open frontier of...Kentucky. Sara and I held it together until they left the driveway and turned the corner to begin their trek. But, about that time we lost all control. Goodbye's can be so difficult at times. You know it's not the end but at the same time you know life will be different. I know they will do great things and that God will be praised through their lives and in their relationships with others but the tremendous possibilites don't make me miss them any less. This may only be the first time I wept, because I think the chances are it probably won't be the last.

Take care my friends, may God bless you! Oh, and don't be strangers.

The Miracle of Life and Death

2004-08-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

Monday was a long day for two of the families in our small group and can probably be best summed up in the profound realization expressed by the daughter (kindergarten age) of one of the before-mentioned families: "wow, we know someone who died on the same day someone else was born."

It continues to amaze me how truly perceptive children are because it was a day in which one couple welcomed a newborn baby girl into the world while another family said goodbye to a loved one--in this case a grandfather and even a great grandfather. It can be a time for tears, both of pain and sorrow and of happiness and joy. It can be a time of transition, as we adjust to life now different than the way it was before. More importantly though, is that both represent a time of hope. There is hope for the endless possbilities of a life yet to be lived to the glory of God and there is hope in the transforming power of a legacy left for all of those who follow because of a life fully lived. In the end, both seem to provide yet another small glimpse into the miracle that is the gift of life. And, in all likelihood, the families will leave this moment changed in some way(s) because of the impact of the experience to the praise and glory of God. I think it is evident that it has already influenced at least one particular young one.

Leave it to those who Jesus calls us to have faith like to provide us (once again) with insight into meaningful life!

I don't think I'd want to have it any other way...Father, thank you for the gift of life.

Spur of the Moment

2004-08-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

I stepped a little further out of my comfort zone again today at church. After service we made our way to class a little late because we were visiting with some people. When we walked in we caught the tail end of an explanation that there wasn't a teacher for the class for some reason and that there wasn't anything else prepared. Sara, jokingly leaned over to me and said, "you should have brought your Elijah lesson" (which is one I've used recently at another church). I kind of laughed it off and kept listening to the announcements. After finishing the announcements the guy said, "I guess we'll spend some time in fellowship with each other unless someone has something." Before I knew what was happening I found myself raising my hand and in the blink of an eye I was up introducing myself and sharing a lesson from the life of Elijah. I was pretty nervous because it really was on the spur of the moment and I really didn't even have any time to think about it. Afterward, people said they really enjoyed it and a few said they really needed to hear that lesson. Go figure. Sara's first response to me was, "I can't believe you really did that!" To tell you the truth, neither can I. My heart didn't stop racing until about ten minutes after I was finished. I probably wouldn't have done that even up to just a few months ago but for whatever reason I decided to give it a whirl today. I guess it is just a small example of how God is working to transform me and I believe he blessed our time together.

Friends are Friends Forever

2004-08-05T23:21:00.000-05:00

The life of a graduate student is one lived in transition. To go through a masters program (at least in our case) in many ways feels like a temporary stopping ground to prepare for the future. One aspect in regard to transition we all must face at one time or another involves the friends we make along the way. This is never more real for me than right now. It seems like just when you finally feel like your really close to someone the reality of grad school (in that it eventually comes to an end) sets in and it's time for your friend(s) to move on in life. Andy is definitely one of those friends for me. He and his wife Randi (and their new baby Ally) leave next week for Kentucky and I don't know if I'm ready for that. He's become one of my best friends in a short time and I think it's going to be hard to not have him around--thank goodness for cell phones, long distance, and airplanes. But, I'm thankful to know that we share something in common which is ulitmately greater than our friendship alone...we are brothers in Christ. No matter how far apart we are I know that the love of God in Christ binds us together. Sure, I'll miss him and the fun we have together but I know it's not the end. In fact I pray it is just the beginning. I know God has a plan for them as he does for all of us, even when we find ourselves in uncertain periods of transition. That's why I'm thankful that in Jesus, friends really are friends forever!

God, thank you for blessing us with friends to walk beside us in this journey!

Officially Presbyterian

2004-08-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a day of firsts. It was my first time to orchestrate a liturgy oriented service. It was my first time to lead a congregation in song to the accompaniment of an organ. It was the first time I had to worry about switching from one pulpit on one side of the stage to a larger one on the other side at the appropriate times. And, it was my first time to preach in a Presbyterian church (and listed in the bulletin as a visiting pastor). But, it was a great experience and it was a blessing to worship with the wonderful people of Eastland First Presbyterian. Apparently it was a blessing to them as well although there were points in the service in which I wasn't so sure because the majority just stared back at me from their seats with few, if any signs of affirmation. All in all, I believe my first experience as 'priest for a day' could be viewed as a success. It leads me to wonder what else I could do to broaden my horizons...

Happy Birthday!

2004-07-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

I turned the big twenty-four today and it was a great birthday. I woke up to a big surprise when I opened a new ipod which was from Sara, my parents, and my in-laws collaboratively. I think I was more shocked than anything. I have been drooling over ipods for the past year so I'm excited to finally wipe off the drool and get busy playing with my new toy! Thanks to all the parties involved in such a great surprise.

It's going to be tough to top considering everything I've experienced this past year but I look forward to experiencing all this next year has to offer as I work my way up to twenty-five. Then next year, just because, maybe I'll go rent a car!

One Year and Counting...

2004-07-26T16:39:00.000-05:00

Wonderfully Wedded Bliss! No, I'm not trying to make anyone sick to their stomachs. I'm just both happy and thankful to celebrate our one year anniversary today. As far as I'm concerned I'm the luckiest man alive. I love Sara and wouldn't wish to spend my life with anyone else. She is a blessing beyond measure...or in a familiar commercial's words...Priceless!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our first year of marriage over the weekend in Austin. We stayed right along the river so the view was great. On friday night after we arrived, my wonderful wife took me to a local japanese restaurant so I could indulge myself in some fabulous sushi. It was definitely close to heaven. For all you non-sushi people, you are really missing out. I can't explain what's so great about it, I just know it is. Did I mention my wife is wonderful?

On Saturday, we drove down to San Marcos and did some shopping. We ate lunch at centerpointe station which boasts that they have the best hamburgers and milkshakes in Texas. I would at least agree that they have a good argument but I'm not sure if they win outright. Then we came back and went to the pool and relaxed for a while. We ate dinner at another local place called Zax and then came the main event (at least from my perspective, probably not Sara's!). We got to witness the world's largest urban bat colony right there in Austin under the Congress "Bat" Bridge which was next to our hotel. We saw masses of people lining the bridge railing around dusk on Friday night from our room window and couldn't figure out what was causing all the commotion (one fleeting thought was that it could be a mass bridge jump...I'm glad I was wrong). Once we learned of the bats I had to check them out the next night so we found ourselves lining the bridge railing with the rest of the crazy tourists waiting for sundown. Sure enough, as the sun set hundreds upon hundreds of bats left in exodus out from underneath the bridge. The line of bats just kept going for twenty minutes and we could still see them far off in the distance. Strange.

Later we decided to walk through downtown to a coffee shop about eight blocks away. The coffee shop, Halcyon, was a pretty unique little coffee shop with good atmosphere and since I didn't have coffee I can at least speak to their great desserts. Of course the walk back to the hotel seemed much longer.

Sunday morning we got to go for a great bike ride on a trail around the lake and then came back and ordered room service for breakfast. The best part was it was free! The concierge had given us a free in-room breakfast for two so we got to order anything we wanted for free which as far as I'm concerned is the only way to do room service. It was a great end to a great weekend.

Throughout the weekend we spent time reflecting on the many memories we have already shared together and talked about our future as a family. I'm encouraged and strengthened to know I have a partner like Sara to walk beside me hand in hand through this journey of life. I look forward to the laughs, the cries, the good times, the difficult ones, and most importantly the joy of growing in relationship with Sara as we seek to live for God's glory. May he keep our paths straight as we endeavor to serve him!

Did I mention my wife is wonderful?

Sneak Peek

2004-07-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

Sara and I head out today for a little weekend getaway to celebrate our one year anniversary. It's been a great first year and I look forward to a great weekend in Austin. Sara is such a blessing in my life. I can't imagine sharing it with anyone else. As I mentioned earlier, here is a little sneak peek into the sermon I preached last weekend on Real Life Grace:

What does grace in real life look like? I think 1 Peter provides us with ways in which the grace of God can be “fleshed” out in our daily lives. We participate in and become dispensers of the grace of God when we pray with and for people, when we love each other deeply, when we offer hospitality without grumbling, and when we use our gifts that God has given us to serve others. However, by no means are those intended to limit the abundant and overflowing grace of God. Real Life Grace takes many forms.

Grace in real life might be a family caring for a one year old with a catheter and double diapering during his six week recovery from surgery because his pregnant 24 year old mother has only been out of prison a few months and lives several hours from the hospital. It’s sharing life with a loving spouse who is patient and understanding even when you feel undeserving. Grace is experiencing the miracle of birth or looking down in response to the tugging on your pant leg only to find the huge grin of a child and the words “I love you daddy” or “I love you mommy.” It’s loving people…regardless of situation or circumstance, regardless of background, race or economic status.

In reality, we receive and dispense the grace of God in so many ways, more ways than we can count. To live as a people marked by the grace of God means that we are called to pour out that same life giving grace into the lives of others on a daily basis—in our words and in our actions. As Christians, it’s who we are. We can’t separate life in Christ from living out the grace of God because by his very grace we are given new life in Christ! To live as the redeemed is to break forth into a fallen world with the message of redeeming grace.

Have a Blessed weekend!

Another Day, Another Year Older

2004-07-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

At least spiritually speaking, happy re-birthday to me! It was twelve years ago, July 19, 1992 that I was buried with Christ and raised again to new life. I thank God for the transformation he has brought throughout my life. I guess it's not like I was ever really a heathen but how glorious to put off the old to be clothed with the new. Thank you Jesus. I grew up in the church, in a godly family. I began the journey long before that summer day in 1992 but that moment became a marker, a spiritual pillar which proclaims my commitment to God, my belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior, my acceptance of his grace, my openness to receive his Spirit, and my statement of the truth that life can only be found in Him. Of course, my journey did not end in that moment either for God continues to mold and shape me into his image, into his likeness each new day. It is kind of like going up to that wall in the house where there are lines representing how much you have grown each year. Today I look at those lines and am reminded of how much I have grown...how far I have come because of who He is and who I am in Him. Praise God for new beginnings and for love and grace that is never ending! I look forward to the next twelve years (and beyond) of life in relationship with Him.

On the Edge of Exhaustion

2004-07-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

What a busy week. VBS wrapped up on Wednesday night and overall it went fairly well after the few hiccups the first night. Sara and I had a great time with our 3rd graders and already look forward to working with VBS next year. This summer's experience was different from those I've been involved with in the past though. I guess I just expected more. I thought since it was a big congregation that there would be more resources to put on more of a production. I don't want to be negative though. I think it was effective, I just had different expectations. It was a blessing and such an encouragement to work with those who were involved.

Well, beyond VBS I still had a lot of other things to occupy my time this week. I had to take advantage of any spare moments all week to prepare for teaching and preaching this past Sunday. So that kept me very busy Thursday and Friday. But more on Sunday's outcome in a minute.

Friday night we were invited over for dinner with the Wiggins (a family from our small group). It was a refreshing blessing after a busy week to visit with them and be entertained by their little bundle of energy (their daughter Kennedy). We shared some good fellowship along with some great ribs! On the way home (on our bicycles) we decided to ride over to campus and catch the end of a Kadesh camp devotional. Sometimes there is just nothing quite like the sound of a couple hundred teenagers singing their hearts out to God in praise! Even if it was just for those few minutes, that was a moment to remember. Makes me want to be a camp counselor again.

On Saturday, Sara and I had decided to go to Dallas mainly to go to the Texas Ranger game that night because ACU was hosting some Alumni event. During the day though we got to have lunch with a friend of mine, Daniel, who was in town from Orlando. After lunch Daniel and I went to go see the new movie King Arthur while Sara happily went on her way to do some shopping. I thought King Arthur was a pretty good film and some of the parts that were most interesting to me involved the tension between religion and war and Arthur's desire to serve God even in battle. Thus, there were plenty of thought-provoking scenes and lines. Later that evening the ball game was great fun. For some reason summer and baseball just go well together. The horrible part was the long drive back to Abilene after the game putting us home around 12:30am. The older I get the more I realize that late nights and long drives simply don't go well together.

Then, today was a great but long and tiring day. We drove out to Maryneal Church of Christ which is about an hour west of Abilene. We had a full house of about 12 people but both the class and the sermon went well at least from my point of view. I spoke on Grace and maybe I'll post some excerpts later. The people were very gracious and after church we went over to the George's for lunch and to spend the afternoon with them. We were blessed with a great home-cooked meal of which I will never complain. I did have one surprise though. Later in the afternoon Sara asked what time we were supposed to be back at church. They answered saying, "we have class at 5:00pm." Sara then asked, "well who is teaching class?" They both pointed at me. The problem with this was that I was told I had the class and sermon in the morning and then a short devotional talk at 6:00pm Sunday night. I didn't know about evening class and guess what time this conversation took place? Yep, 4:30pm! I had 20 minutes to put together something for class. Thankfully it all worked out okay but it probably only helped that I had spoken on grace just that morning! Even though everything went great, by the time I finished I was sure ready to get home. Four talks in one day is enough to wear anyone out!

I just pray that in all things God was glorified! Now I think I'll get some rest...

Blessings

Open the VBS Floodgates

2004-07-12T14:52:00.000-05:00

VBS at Highland kicked off last night and the theme is Son Games. Sara and I are 3rd grade team guides which has already been a lot of fun but crazy at the same time since we had over 180 kids after having only 90 signed up the day before. Hopefully tonight some of the kinks will be worked out and any confusion will be kept to a minimum. I'll just continue to do my best to keep my eyes on our 30 little green name tags and hold on for dear life. After last night, I am reaffirmed in thinking that 3rd grade is one of those stages in life when everyone can be diagnosed as A.D.D. I'm sure it's just my turn to try to manage the energy I dished out as a former rambunctious VBS kid!

In all seriousness, VBS has been one of my most favorite activities to participate in over the years. I have so many fond memories of being a kid myself and working with the kids as I've gotten older. There's just something special about watching children experience the message of the gospel in fun and exciting ways. And, sometimes even more than the verbal messages, VBS provides us with opportunities to display tangible reflections of the love of God in Christ. For some kids it may be the only time and place that this life-giving message can be received. So, let the children come--and in the meantime maybe I can try to maintain at least half the energy they unleash!

Thank you God for the awesome responsibility of raising up children to love and glorify you! One day, may my children love you as many of these little ones do.

Human Tendency

2004-07-08T16:08:00.000-05:00

It seems as though I have been coming across a recurring theme as of late. In the past few weeks I have been reading over Judges and I am continually amazed at the pattern of participation on the part of the people of God in these texts. Basically, the people are evil in the eyes of the Lord and God raises up a judge to rule over his people and bring them back to him. Once the people return to God and live for him, a period of provision and prosperity ensues. However, once the judge is gone the people return to their wicked ways and do evil in the sight of the Lord. My first thoughts are to say, "what are they thinking?" They have tasted the goodness of the Lord and enjoyed living in his presence but as soon as they have their own say in the matter they succumb to their fleshly desires and sacrifice relationship with God. To me, the ridiculousness seems so obvious.

Then came the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 16:29-19:21 as I was searching for something to teach class on at Cottonwood this past week. If you haven't read this sequence of events recently I would highly recommend it. Elijah is called by God to be a prophet to the people of Israel. Throughout his journey God does amazing and miraculous things using Elijah as a vehicle of his glory. God provides food and water to Elijah in the midst of a drought and famine. He provides an unending supply of food for Elijah, a widow and her son from the small remains of oil and flour. Then later, when the son suddenly dies he miraculously brings the son back to life in answer to Elijah's prayer. But there is more. God is with Elijah on Mt. Carmel for the contest between the prophets of Baal and proves his power and might by lighting a water-drenched sacrifice on fire. It was obvious to everyone Elijah encountered that he was a man of God and that God was with him, so surely he was aware of it himself. He was faithful, a man who knew no doubt, a man who trusted God. However, Jezebel threatens his life and he flees and tells God he has had enough. No more. His faith crumbled as doubt crept in. We are left to wonder is this the same man about whom the widow proclaimed, "now I know you are surely a man of God and the Lord speaks through you?" He experienced God in ways few others had before. What reason did he have to fear, to doubt?

What about the disciples of Jesus? These are people who walked with Jesus on a daily basis. They saw firsthand the healings performed. They saw lives ultimately transformed. They gave up their own way of life and all they had to follow him yet Jesus continually confronts them saying, "you still don't get it--oh you of little faith." Peter denied Jesus three times. Their confidence shattered when faced with his death. And, although the Resurrection quickly strengthened momentary weakness the tendency to give into humanity could not be escaped. I can't imagine what it must take to bring mountain top faith down to the very valley depths of denial and despair. They feasted with Christ. How could they fear? Why would they doubt?

But, before I question their experience am I ready to come face to face with my own reflection? The mirror quickly becomes something to fear. There are times when I cling to the mountain moving power of faith. And then there are others when all I can do is stumble through the clouded unknown. History seems to portray that life is full of ups and downs. I believe it is less than what God intended yet the reality is that it is a tendency of humanity. Still, in all things God is faithful and remains true to what he has promised. He knows what's best for our lives but it can be so hard to let go. We want to have control. We want to be in the know.

Maybe if we could only experience tangible reflections of his promise as in the days of old. Maybe if the evidence of his miraculous hand was prevalent day in and day out. Maybe if we had walked with Christ in someone else's shoes. Or maybe if we had only witnessed the life-changing power of the resurrection. Then, maybe our faith could be strengthened and all fear could be cast out. Then, maybe we could be rid of our tendency to doubt.

The truth is that God offers us the power of the resurrection in our daily lives. He calls us to commune with him, to trust his goodness, to rest in his faithfulness. We may experience times of weakness, of despair, and times when we are simply down and out, but rest assured because we live in relationship with one whose strength far outweighs any human tendency to doubt. So, take hold of his promise and be reminded that in a world in which we live through our share of roller coaster ups and downs we can be thankful that for a faith to move mountains--something as small as a mustard seed is all that is required!

Real Life Grace

2004-07-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

We all experience grace in remarkable ways but what does grace look like in real life?

Grace looks like a small group of caring families who have come to pray over your illness. Grace looks like wonderful meals brought over at the drop of a hat when life suddenly gets a little chaotic. Grace is when a loving couple spends 5 hours in the emergency room with you and your wife providing comfort and friendship as you await a diagnosis. Grace is when people graciously give in a time of need knowing that God has blessed them to bless you. Grace is resting in the knowledge that many people are lifting you up in prayer. Grace is knowing that I am loved and a child of God! I know beyond a doubt that grace encompasses so much more than these few simple things but this is how the grace of God showered down on my wife and I this past week. It is vital for us to realize that we participate in something powerful and life changing when we live out our daily lives as tangible reflections of the abundant and overflowing grace of God!

What does real life grace look like to you?

Thankful to Be a Citizen

2004-07-04T14:52:00.013-05:00

We had a wonderful time with the family at Cottonwood Church of Christ this morning. It was a great experience and it is obvious that they are a very loving and caring congregation. One of the ladies even graciously invited us to have some lunch with her after church at Subway over in Cross Plains (in which she is a part owner). Now, though I find myself very worn out as today probably required the most excitement and energy I've had to give the last few days. For those interested, the following is basically what I shared in the service this morning:

I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen. I believe that in my short twenty-four years of life I’ve had a fair share of opportunities to experience other countries and other cultures, at least enough to realize that I am grateful to live in America. I’ve spent some time in Mexico and I’ve been to parts of Africa where it’s evident they don’t have the same opportunities nor the same access to the choices we have available to us each and every day. It’s a different way of life in those places. They are places in which poverty and persecution prevail. By no means is it life lived on easy street. Yet it is a way of life they are used to and for some reason, at least with the majority of people that I have encountered in these places, they don’t let the challenge of lesser circumstances get them down.

Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to grow up in a different country and culture. What would my life look like? What kind of person would I be today if I had grown up in Thailand, Kenya, China, London, Brazil or any other place for that matter? What kind of limitations would I have had to face or what obstacles might I have had to overcome? Would I have grown up in the streets with hands outstretched hoping for just a meager handout that I might have something to feed my family? Would I have found myself caught in the cycle of poverty and sub-standard living reaching up in failed attempts to break through the ceiling to a future of prosperity? Would I be persecuted for my beliefs and scoffed at for the priority of my allegiances? At this point I guess I’ll probably never know. For, it is a world and a way of life that is completely foreign to me and I would imagine completely foreign to the majority of us.

However, it is in these moments of reflection on what could have been that I am humbly reminded of the blessings we have in America. There really is something to the gift of freedom we have been given. I am not trying to say that these other areas throughout the world are not good places to live or that it is impossible to experience a positive and fruitful way of life. Nor am I attempting to elevate America or our status as Americans over and above any other human beings throughout the world. I realize that in some ways there are conditions here in America which parallel those in other countries. But, my point thus far is simply that we cannot escape that life in other circumstances would be different.

So we come to a day such as today, known to us as Independence Day. I have many fond memories of celebrating the Fourth of July with my family and friends. From barbecue cookouts and picnics to sparklers and the big red, white and blue, July 4th has always been a celebration. But it’s taken me to this point in life to really begin to appreciate the meaning behind the celebration. I’ve lived a simple, sheltered life and as I get older I realize that I am called to so much more as a citizen. There is more to Independence Day than the ooh’s and awh’s in response to the orchestra of fireworks in the night sky. It is a day in which we remember and recognize that the freedom we have been given did not come without a price. Many people have sacrificed as much as their lives that we might live, work, and worship in freedom. In fact, you or your relatives or other loved ones may have already given their lives in the pursuit of freedom. It may be that you have family members right now who are committed to serving our country and protecting our freedom that we so gratefully cherish and I pray God’s guidance and blessing upon them all.

Yet with all the thoughts and emotions that arise on a day like today it seems hard to ignore the words of Paul in Philippians chapter 3. He offers more than a passing suggestion and does more than simply whisper in our ears. Instead he boldly proclaims that his identity is found in something greater than his heritage as a Jew. Not that I am any less grateful to be American but I must consider to what and to whom I ultimately pledge my allegiance. Much like Paul, we must question the source of our own identity. We do not boast in the fact that we are Hebrew or Gentile, Brazilian, Mexican, African or even American. For our citizenship is defined on an other-worldly level. The goal of our existence is that in effect we consider our status as Americans rubbish to knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. I believe we want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, participate in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that we have already obtained all of this but one thing we do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.

In verse 15 of chapter 3 we catch the tail end of Paul’s challenge to and vision for the Philippians as we too seek to follow his example:

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

These statements from Paul do not deny the nationality found on our passports, if you will, whether it be American, Kenyan, Brazilian, German or any one of many others, but it does suggest that as Christians our most recent and everlasting identity is stamped with the seal of the Kingdom. You see, our purpose is not to live to be Americans but to live to imitate Christ as we seek to lay claim to our heavenly citizenship. Here, we revisit a common theme for us as Christians that we live in the world but not of the world. According to Paul our focus should not be on earthly things and what we might obtain in the present but our focus is grounded in the fact that we are representatives and citizens of the Kingdom here on this earth, filled with the desire to not only image Christ ourselves, but together with all the Saints call others to do the same.

In Paul’s writing to the Philippians he does not intend to discredit the legitimacy of the people’s common Roman citizenship but he does emphasize that they are first and foremost followers of Christ and citizens of heaven. He seems to suggest something more along the lines of dual citizenship. They are to live in Rome not simply as subjects of Caesar but as servants of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As American citizens we participate in the traditions and history of our country in which we exemplify what we envision as life in America but above and beyond our commitment to our country we are committed to exemplifying the life and message of Jesus Christ while we live as Americans.

The simplicity of Paul’s message yet at the same time the challenge is that we are to be a counter-cultural people. In order to accomplish that goal it might very well mean that we are to place less priority and standing on our identity as Americans and greater priority on our ultimate identity as Kingdom people. We are members of a greater society; we belong to heaven both now and forevermore.

Consider these words from Abraham Lincoln, a man who was a major contributor to and influence on the history of our own nation:

"It is the duty of nations, as well of men, to own their dependence upon God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

Today, as on every other Independence Day let us celebrate and recognize those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Let us take pride in our heritage and history. Let us sit back and enjoy the wide expanse of a firework filled night sky! Yet above all let us remember that our true identity is found in the One who gave his life as a sacrifice for mankind once and for all providing us with the ultimate gift of freedom. To him we owe our allegiance. In him we place our hope.

I appreciate this rewording of the same passage in Philippians 3:

Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

There’s more to life for us who are in Christ Jesus. Throughout the journey, may we run the race together, united in the same goal, as we eagerly await the arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen—that is first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom!

A "Colored People"

2004-07-02T11:47:00.000-05:00

As I lay here on the couch with my feet elevated, recuperating from the drama which occurred yesterday and preparing for a sermon I am preaching on Sunday I came across something I wrote back in January on our differences as the people of God as we live and come together for times of corporate worship. I thought that it kind of paralleled my post the other day about each of us created as anomalies of God...

We all have our differences. For some the distance of difference may be wider than others. We lead different lives, pursue different programs, teach different disciplines, perform different occupations, and come out of different backgrounds--all of which could potentially drive us away from each other. We are a "colored" people in more ways than just the pigment of our skin. However, the most vivid, vibrant color of our lives is that of the blood of Christ. Through Christ we participate in our identity as the redeemed.

Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:23-29

But our differences or rather our uniquenesses derive from divine intent. We are created to be unique but we are also created very similar. Ultimately, we are created to participate in relationship by God who exists in relationship.

This is just a moment of participation in the reality of our redemption. Let us commune together now and every day giving glory to God who created us for community--to love Him and to love others. May our uniqueness serve to point to our distinctiveness that is community through salvation in Christ.

Revenge of the "Naked Gown"

2004-07-01T22:06:00.000-05:00

With all that I have already been through in my life I've often wondered if I would make a good candidate for a program with the slogan, "Space: The Final Frontier." After all, once again I have gone where no man has gone before. It seems I rarely hesitate to take advantage of opportunities to plunge ahead into the unknown and yesterday was just another example of the frontiersman in me. The situation with my ankles was not progressing toward healing as we hoped so yesterday afternoon we made a visit to the ER at Hendrick hospital (Kevin, if you are reading I was close to calling a chaplain to come visit me but they didn't have to amputate my leg after all :-) ) There they proceeded to run a multitude of tests in order to rule out things such as cellulitis, blood clots, problems with blood ciruclation and plenty of other long technical terms with which I about found myself tongue-tied trying to repeat. My biggest fear throughout the whole traumatic adventure though was having to put on the dreaded hospital gown and for a while I thought I might escape such a horror. However, the nurses just made me to believe I wouldn't have to go down that road and then wham--the "naked gown" struck with full force. I was told I had to put it on because they had to perform some doppler test on me but I wasn't sure what the weather had to do with anything.

Thankfully throughout the process I was blessed with the presence of my very supportive and loving wife as well as a wonderful couple in our small group--we'll just call them Mark and Debbie in order to protect their privacy. It quickly became obvious that if we weren't close to this couple before we sure are now as they were present for all kinds of inside information which I'm sure they now regret with great embarassment. I was encouraged by something Debbie had to say to me though ( I guess you could call it encouraging) when it came time to experience the combination of my bobo (translation backside or tush, whichever you prefer) and a shot of steroids because she was quick to point out I had a nice "target" for the nurse to place a rather long, sharp and menacing needle. Of course this encouragment came from a former nurse who in her prime (of nursing that is) was used to sticking, as far as I understand plenty of old men with needles in the backside which consisted of much more glutimus minimus than maximus. I guess I can consider that coment about my "target" a complement. In the end they diagnosed me with an acute flare-up of my arthritis combined with some form of altaneous vasculitis (be my guest to interpret that foreign language) so I've got some meds and hope to be feeling much better by the end of the weekend although now I have to find some kind of treatment for the rather large hole in my right back pocket. All in all we were there for about five hours which I guess is fairly reasonable for an ER visit and based on my experience I would recommend a visit to your local ER for anyone looking for a day of fun, entertainment, and adventure. I would just suggest avoiding the "naked gown" at all costs. I'm sure there is plenty more of the "great frontier" for me to experience but in the future I think I'll be a little more hesitant to "Go west young man!"

Keep us in your prayers and blessings to all

Just Another Anomaly

2004-06-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have waited with baited breath for my return from the great outdoors--here I am. The family reunion was wonderful. We all enjoyed our time together immensely. There was food, fellowship, golfing, boating, tubing, volleyball, more food, games, swimming, a proposal and so much more. We were excited because the proposal came from a great guy named Patrick to Sara's sister, Carlie. It was very sweet. We all look forward to the wedding most likely within the next year. When is the next reunion anyway?

The only downside to this weekend was that I had some apparent flare-up with my arthritis or at least that is what I thought at first. For those who do not know I have battled arthritis now since I was about 9 or 10 years old and this weekend my ankles began to swell uncontrollably. I normally experience swelling all the time but what was different this time was that the swelling would not go down. It only continued to spread to my feet and toes and then up my legs. Finally, after we returned home late Monday night I decided to go into the doctor on Tuesday morning. However, it wasn't surprising that the doctor didn't quite no what to make of it either. After ruling out anything to do with blood circulation or clotting she decided that it must be some form of infection although she cannot explain how or why. She prescribed some antibiotic to combat the infection and a diarhetic to remove the fluid and hopefully reduce the swelling (did I mention I have to go upstairs to use the bathroom in our apartment). Now we play the waiting game which includes my feet elevated above my head while I lay on the couch. I can think of other things I could be doing but I guess I should take advantage of the added rest.

It is easy to wonder why these sorts of things happen to me. There is always something strange going on in my body. Over time I've resigned myself to think that I am just another anomaly. Maybe I'm just special, I don't know. Although I would rather not have to go down this road to prove it each time. You know, I may be an anomaly in more ways than one but the truth is that you are too. We are all created to be special. We are unique in our own ways. Who we are is not only representative of whose we are but also of where we have been (what kind of person we are when we come out on the other end of both joy and adversity). In that sense every person is another anomaly created by God. Even though I may not know why things happen the way they do at least I can rest assured in the promise that He does. May you rest in that promise too.

The Whisper of Nature is Calling My Name

2004-06-23T14:14:00.000-05:00

Rest and Relaxation...Nothing could be better than that except when it is combined with being in the midst of the beauty of God's creation. And, am I ever ready for some vacation time. Sara and I are leaving today to begin our trek to Fairfield Bay Resort somewhere north of Little Rock in Arkansas for the "Siner Family Reunion." This is really my first opportunity to have extended time with the extended family and I am looking forward to it. Some people might cringe at the mention of visiting in-laws but I enjoy time with them. Sure, they are different than my family but that's what makes each of us special. Our differences don't have to cause friction even though they have the capability to but instead they can be used to strengthen and draw us closer. I learn a lot from the Siner family. I am introduced to new perspectives which I might not otherwise be exposed to. I appreciate them and love them for who they are and I hope they feel the same about me. I wouldn't trade them for anyone else. So I look forward to this weekend and the opportunity it presents to get to know them more.

I also look forward to some time away. It is supposed to be beautiful there and I hope to take full advantage of the beauty it offers. I wonder if I should inform my employers not to worry about me if I don't show up for work next week! I might get attached to life in the great outdoors. Anyway, I probably won't be able to write until we return the first of next week. Maybe I'll have some good stories to share.

Until then, may we all not take for granted the blessing of family.

Father's Day

2004-06-20T13:30:00.000-05:00

Some simple thoughts on a day in which we give an extra amount of honor and thanks to our fathers:

I am thankful for my dad. We have shared so many great memories together. I remember his involvement in Indian guides when I was younger. I remember his advice when I kept encountering a school bully (although we won't share that advice here). I remember putting up the basketball hoop in the driveway and shooting hoops together. I remember watching basketball games together and him coming to watch mine. I remember the ways in which he displayed love for my mom. I remember the home projects, grilled feasts, and the responsibility of mowing the yard. I remember his example of what it means to be a Christian man, father, and husband. There are more memories than I can count. In all these years nothing has changed--he is still the same great dad he's always been. I hope one day I can follow in his footsteps. In my family relationships, I pray that like my father, I too may glorify God and image Christ and especially in this case, with my future son(s) and/or daughter(s).

God thank you for the blessings of fathers. Thank you that we may call you Abba Father. Even when there are those who do not have good fatherly examples I thank you that we can claim the promise that you are father to the fatherless!

Live to Leave a Legacy

2004-06-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

I remember my dog named Cricket. He was a small black-haired dog with one white paw and crooked teeth in which one tooth jutted out beyond his mouth. He was a good little dog: friendly, loyal and loving, the epitome of man’s best friend. But, unfortunately he was also a sick dog. He experienced seizures which incapacitated him from time to time and before long his sickness caught up to him. It was one of the first times I had to deal with loss.

I don’t know when your first experiences with loss occurred but the reality of life is that we will all encounter loss at some point. Sometimes it is the loss of a job or a way of life. Other times it might be the loss of a family pet, a relative, or other loved ones who hold important places in our lives. It seems as though we experience loss in different degrees depending on the level of importance in our lives but also depending on the amount of expectancy. For instance, death can be difficult in all circumstances but when someone dies suddenly or unexpectedly the shock of that loss and the grief that follows can be much greater than when we are better prepared and are expecting someone to die.

This last week, a family I have been fairly close to most of my life experienced a sudden and unexpected loss. The father, Mark, was on a kayaking trip with his son Matt, who is fourteen years old. Toward the end of their trip they were headed down the river when Matt’s kayak got stuck in a whirlpool section of the rapids. He was able to get out of the boat but his kayak was still stuck in the circular current of the river. Mark tied a rope to his waist and went to try to retrieve the boat and upon doing so somehow got pulled under the water. Matt was able to pull his father out but could not revive him so he was forced to run about two miles to get help. By the time help arrived though it was too late.

Death is supposed to be easier for us to handle as Christians because we have the promise of life both now and forever more. I don’t know how I would respond in this situation because I haven’t had to face death in a way that hits so close to home. My heart goes out to a family that is forced to face the reality of the brevity of life in this way but I am thankful that as believers there is life beyond the grave. We who are in Christ Jesus will once again experience the resurrection of our old selves and receive new life to reign with him forever for God through Christ has conquered death.

But, in light of this reminder, I am also thankful that Mark leaves behind a legacy for his family, his friends, and all those that come after him. He leaves a legacy as a faithful follower, friend, husband, father and image of the love of Jesus Christ. It is true that we are not promised our next breath. We are never guaranteed long life for we could be here today and gone tomorrow. However, what we are promised and what we can guarantee is that we can live our lives now, each and every day to the glory of God through which we leave a legacy of love that far outweighs and outlasts are earthly existence. Rest assured that the saints who have gone before us will be there to cheer us on to the end. Run the race! Claim victory in Jesus! Live to leave a legacy to the glory of God!

God, thank you for people like Mark who live their lives to leave a legacy for your glory. May we all choose to live our lives every day that we may do the same.

Radical Hospitality

2004-06-16T16:53:00.000-05:00

(The following thoughts spring from an inspiring and challenging message from Randy Harris this past Sunday at Highland)

When I read those words, at first glance I don't exactly picture them together. I had no idea that hospitality could be termed radical. Maybe I haven't connected the two words because it is easier to have a much more limited understanding of the word hospitality in order to place it nice and neatly within my own comfort zone box. It might be that adding the word radical simply serves to confront me with the idea that there is deeper meaning behind hospitality than I have ever dared to realize.

I grew up in a white, middle-class, churched family where hospitality involved having people over in your home whether it be for a meal, or just for the simple pleasure of fun and fellowship. All in all, I believe my parents did a good job of instilling in me an appropriate desire for hospitality and the importance for incorporating it into my life. But then I read the words, Radical Hospitality, and once again I find myself confused. What's so radical about hospitality?

We live in a dangerous world. We can't pretend to ignore that reality. On a daily basis we must face the possibility of encountering "monsters" (as Randy termed it) of all different shapes and sizes. In all likelihood, we will be hurt in one way or another as we encounter these "monsters" but, in line with our normal tendencies, is the answer to shelter ourselves from these experiences? I don't believe so. I think this is where the word radical comes into play. The ministry of Jesus provides us with an image of Radical Hospitality which blows away any previous misconceptions of the words. He lived and walked among the sick, the poor, the unclean, the marginalized and the sinner proclaiming the message of the Kingdom of God, not only in the form of words but also exemplified in a life of love and compassion for all people.

Therefore, Radical Hospitality is more than sharing time together with people you know and are comfortable with, although that is a part of it. Radical Hospitality extends beyond our comfort zones. It takes seriously the command to go into all the world and share the message of Christ. It means meeting people where they are, no matter who they are. In a world where monsters aren't just make-believe, we must be more hesitant to judge others and more willing to live among them. Granted, we must still be cautious in some respects. This approach doesn't make the world any less dangerous. We are likely to get burned or hurt in our pursuit of this type of hospitality. But Radical Hospitality calls us to move forward in Christ willing to take a risk and remembering that there are people to be loved and lives to be transformed.

Are You Ready To Be Radical?

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

2004-06-11T15:26:00.000-05:00

The Message of Revelation

To understand Revelation we must examine it within its historical setting. John is writing this to the churches of Asia with the intent that it be read aloud to the congregation. It is not a depiction of the end times but it is a revelation of what is soon to take place.

The theology of Revelation can best be summed up in one word: VICTORY!! John is writing to these churches because persecution and suffering are inevitable. He is writing to encourage them to remain faithful in the midst of persecution because the battle has already been won. Victory is secure because Satan has been defeated through Jesus Christ. Through Christ they don’t have to fear death/martyrdom because if they remain faithful and do not compromise their faith, they will be made MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

Revelation can be difficult for us to understand because we don’t always know how to understand the Apocalyptic language. John wrote to people who understood the historical, sociological-political, and literary contexts. His intent was not for it to be read literally, but instead understood in symbolic terms.

Even though John had this specific and narrow audience in mind there are lessons or theological principles which we can claim for our lives today. Most importantly, the message of VICTORY is still the same for us. We may not have to give up our lives but suffering and persecution are still inevitable. We can receive encouragement and confidence from this message just as the early Christians mentioned in Revelation did. If we remain faithful, do not compromise our faith and proclaim that Christ is Lord, we too can claim VICTORY and the promise of reigning with Christ!

It is also important to realize that God knows his people and will nourish and provide for his people even in the midst of crisis. The challenge for us is to sort out our faith before the crisis strikes. We are to be firmly planted in God and Christ, prepared for whatever period of suffering we encounter. We can also understand our existence in an already/not yet mindset. The Kingdom is here in the now but it will also come in its fullness later. We have been raised with Christ now and we will experience the glory of his resurrection later.

The message of Revelation for believers is a message of empowerment. It is a message that cannot help but impact my life. What better message do we have to share than we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Jesus Christ! Although life may not be easy, Satan is defeated and the VICTORY is ours. The very essence of that message should break forth from our lives like rushing water. Through Christ we have hope. In Christ we have freedom. The bonds of Satan have been broken and once we come face to face with this truth we are empowered to live like the redeemed!

Trust in God, do not compromise your faith with the world, and proclaim Christ as Lord. Fall to your knees and worship at his feet recognizing his holiness, righteousness and sovereignty. Then go in Christ and proceed as Conqueror!

A Revelation of Clearer Vision

2004-06-08T20:32:00.000-05:00

This week I have been taking a week intensive course in Revelation with Dr. Ian Fair and I believe all this talk about Apocalyptic literature, prophecy, and revelation is causing me to see my own resemblance of visions. I woke up this morning and recalled having a strange dream or vision of some kind during the night. Although I guess it is possible that I just hit my head a little too hard in my sleep. Nevertheless, I will do my best to relay this revelation including some small additions from further reflection.

In the second year (of graduate school), in the sixth month on the eighth day, while I was participating in the week intensive Revelation course, there came to me a vision in my sleep (although one might not be so brave as to proclaim this vision is from God via the mouth of Jesus, as in other prophetic revelations—I don’t know, I'll leave it for you to decide).

I looked up and there before me was a town square. The streets were filled with all sorts of people—men, women, and children representing many different ethnicities. I walked down the street and all the people were bustling with energy and excitement. Then, up the street to my right came Michael Jordan. There was something different about him though. As he came closer I realized that he was 15ft taller than the rest of the people gathered around. He was a giant. Everyone flocked toward him and with utter amazement they proclaimed, “Can you believe it, there’s Michael Jordan!” Some reached out just in hopes of brushing against him.

I decided to move on and continued down the street and around the corner. It didn’t take long before a large shadow crossed my path. I looked out ahead of me but was slightly blinded by the sun behind him. As he approached I heard the squeals of recognition, “Brad Pitt!” The crowd clamored excitedly attempting to get closer to him. Beyond him was Julia Roberts and over to the left was Brett Farve and behind him Tiger Woods. All of them towered over the crowds, standing at least 20 ft. tall. Many stared in amazement and admiration of these people with such great talents and accomplishments.

I left the square and continued through a local neighborhood where I passed a mother and father playing with their children in the front yard. Further down the road on the left was a school and there a teacher stood outside teaching her students under a tree. I looked around and the crowds of people were nowhere to be seen. Then I continued to the end of the street, around the bend and back toward town. Up ahead I came upon a small church building. The minister waved at me from the parking lot and I acknowledged his greeting but kept my course. Finally, I reached the town square and it seemed even more crowded and boisterous than before. People were still laughing and conversing about the events of earlier that day seemingly waiting to catch another glimpse of someone so worthy of honor and praise. As I walked with my head down and made my way back to the place I began I nearly bumped head on into a man. He looked very familiar to me but I could not quite recognize his face. Suddenly, I realized who it was--it was Jesus. I quickly turned around to greet him but he was already gone and it was painfully obvious that no one else in the busy streets saw him either.

So, there it is, as clear as mud. I realize it is quite a strange vision and I don't know quite what to make of it but I think I have some ideas. Maybe you might have some suggestions. I just hope this class isn't making me crazy! And, don't worry, I'll be sure to give an update on any future visions.

Here's to New Beginnings

2004-06-06T16:41:00.000-05:00

Today was our first day at Highland...as official members anyway! We have been there for about a year now and figured it was probably time to take the next step and make a commitment. We had been debating whether or not to pursue a ministry position at another church in the area while we are in school but in the end we decided Highland is where we wanted to be. We started a new class today entitled "Abundant Journey" and we look forward to the relationships we will build with people in this class. Today was also a special day because they incorporated a "new baby blessing" into the service in which the parents and their new babies were blessed and prayed over. Then they asked the children first followed by the entire congregation to be committed to growing up these babies in the Lord. It was a powerful and emotional experience.

Later this year, Highland will be celebrating its 75th anniversary and have asked the members of the congregation to participate in the celebration process by creating a theme title to represent God's faithfulness throughout their history. As a new member I decided I wanted to get creative and join in the fun. And, of course, I also decided to blog about it. So here goes--my idea for Highland's 75th Anniversary Celebration:

A Portrait of Faithfulness

This theme represents both God's faithfulness and ours. When I think about portraits, I think about the rich history they represent. I think about the memories they capture. I think about the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. At times, all we have to do is catch a glimpse of these snapshots in time and we are reminded of the purpose of our journey and encouraged to continue.

I also think about what it takes to create a portrait. We all represent many different colors used together by the Master to create a beautiful portrait of love and faithfulness. If a picture speaks a thousand words then our prayer is that those words--past, present, and future--give glory, honor, and praise to God.

May we continue to be found faithful

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

2004-06-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

It was supposed to feel like that anyway. At least that's how I envisioned it. You see, I have been looking forward to this particular weekend ever since last summer when a friend of mine told me about a book fair hosted by "Friends of the Abilene Library," and held in June each year. Thursday, I saw an article in the paper proclaiming the "good news" about the over-abundance of books looking for kind and warm shelves of which to call home sweet home and I was reminded of my friend's excited remarks about his previous experience which included six hours with books in one place. Of course, I, being the generous person I am, could not allow such books to be abandoned in such a cruel and heartless manner so Sara and I went to the civic center after work last night in hopes of "adopting" a few.

Now, I too was bubbling over with excitement, like a little school-girl (no offense) or a kid in a candy store as we approached the front doors and I saw row after row of books staring back at me with pouty lips and "puppy-dog" eyes only longing to belong--made to be special once again. I began to scan the sea of literature not sure even of where to begin. I made a bee-line to the religion section prepared to persevere for the long haul. It ended up being more like a kid at the dentist with a cavity from the candy store that once was. I finished looking through the books in about 30 minutes with only one that I even somewhat fancied taking home.

I felt a wave of disappointment come over me but I was determined to not throw in the towel. I moved to other sections--philosophy, marriage, mystery, classics, novels--none of which caught my eye. Six hours? I couldn't stay for six more minutes. I'm not sure what happened. I don't know if last year's fair was better, or if there is just a difference between my friend and I in what we look for in books. Maybe the problem is that I now work for a bookstore and in my short time there I am already very spoiled. Needless to say there are more books than I previously envisioned still left without a home and this kid is still looking for his candy...

I think I had a Snickers bar here somewhwere...

Can You Feel the Heat?

2004-06-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

Another scorching day in West Texas. According to some it was the second day in a row of 100 degree weather. All I know is that it sure felt like it. One thing I do not miss about living in Florida is the humidity. I don't miss walking outside only to return within seconds dripping in sweat. Yes, it is hot here in Abilene but I can appreciate dry heat. Here, unlike Florida, you can retreat to the shade and escape the unbearable heat of the sun. In Florida, if the temperature is 98 degrees in the sun you might be lucky to find a reprieve of 97 degrees in the shade. Well, no matter the discrepancies the evidence is clear...summer is here.

Today, Sara and I helped the mother of a couple in our small group, move in. She moved to Abilene from California. I hope she is prepared for culture shock. We started about 8:30 and finished within two hours which I believe was quite a feat. Thankfully, the heat withheld the devastating force of its wrath until after noon when we were already experiencing the benefits of one of my favorite inventions: the a/c. However, no rest for the weary--soon after we were back to work earning the "big bucks."

For dinner we got to enjoy the company of some of our closest friends as we fellowshipped over a feast of hamburgers and tortilla chips. What a blessing that God created us to share in relationship with each other.

Then it was off to Highland to receive an encouraging message on being empowered to witness because of the Spirit within us. After our time of worship, Sara and I went to the elders meeting. We had decided to place membership at Highland and take steps to get involved in ministry opportunities so this meeting was a chance to be introduced to the elders. The meeting provided yet another blessing as the elders prayed over us before we left. I only hope I may be fortunate enough to work with a church in the future who has leadership as dedicated to imitating Christ and glorifying God as the people here at Highland. We look forward to being a part of this family.

Even after such an affirming evening, Sara and I still succumbed to temptation on the way home. We remembered that United was having a sale on Blue Bell ice cream and so we stopped to indulge ourselves. The hardest part for us is choosing a flavor that fancies both our palates. By the way, in light of this most recent indulgence I guess I must include ice cream in the list of God-designed blessings for all of mankind (unless of course you are lactose intolerant).

May God continue to pour out his grace-filled blessings upon us all!

Isn't it Ironic?

2004-06-01T17:29:00.000-05:00

Well, it is time once again. Time for what you might ask? Summer? Well, yes, but that is not what I am referring to this time. No, it is time to pay the summer school bill. It is a time when once again I come face to face with the actual "investment" that education requires. However, education itself is not the subject of my ramblings. I am a huge proponent of education. After all, I am a graduate student and will have participated in higher education for at least a total of eight years before the earliest possible completion date.

My subject for today more specifically involves the irony of Christian education. This day represents the struggle I encounter every other day throughout my journey through higher education at a Christian institution. I am reminded of the amount of debt my wife and I are incurring in order to pursue a life of ministry. Granted, we all have to make sacrifices in life, but it is disheartening to think that just to receive a Christian education we must sacrifice our future financial situation and quite possibly our children's as well. Believe me, money is not the goal of my life. I want to work to live, not live to work. However, I am also well aware that ministry does not always provide financial stability, which leads me to contemplate whether or not the accumulation of debt is worthwhile. It just seems ironic that based on the cost, loans are encouraged and thousands of dollars of debt are incurred in order to obtain a Christian education. Am I (are we) being a good steward?

I realize that the irony surrounding Christian education affects more than just me as a student. Faculty, staff, administration, parents, and children are all affected in some way or another(and the list probably goes on). I've heard my fair share of horror stories in regard to the paralyzing effect of school debt on the lives of many families. But, in most cases, each person valued the sacrifice for one reason or another. I for one, value my education. I value the experiences I have shared because of my pursuit of a Christian education. I believe I am a different person because of the formation I received from Christian education. I have worked hard to be a good steward while at the same time entrusting my life (including my education debt) to God. I wish the scenario could be different. I wish a Christian education could be as free to everyone as the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, the reality of a private institution (Christian or not) outweighs my strongest desire in regard to this matter.

So, what do I do from this point? I continue to try to be a good steward of whatever blessings God provides and continue to trust Him even in the midst of what can feel like a tidal wave of school debt(or should I say investment)! You know, faith is almost always greater than anything I can fathom. I'm just thankful God is even greater than our school debt!

Where He leads me, I will follow!

To Live is Christ

2004-05-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

Even in the midst of intense persecution and imprisonment Paul clearly displayed a desire to share Christ with others. The message of the gospel was more important than his life circumstances. "To live is Christ but to die is gain." This is a man who lived to the glory of God, who lived to encourage and equip believers in order that they might participate in and further the Kingdom.

Philippians 1:9-11,20 (NLT)
I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die.

This was Paul's desire. This was his prayer. I must ask myself if I too, share in the same prayer. I hope so. Comapartively, I do not face the same persecution. I am not imprisoned for my beliefs. However, the call to participate in and further the Kingdom still remains. I guess the question is: will we answer?

2004-05-27T14:15:00.000-05:00

Here is an example of one of those great West Texas sunsets taken just last night and mentioned in my previous post.

Life: Abundant and Invigorating

2004-05-27T13:08:00.000-05:00

There are simple things in life which bring a smile to my face and invigorate me each day. Here are some examples (in no particular order):

1. A shower first thing in the morning (for me, it is like other's shot of caffeine in the form of coffee)
2. Singing (along with almost any form of music)
3. Watching someone experience an "aha" moment while encountering the message of the gospel (or experiencing one myself)
4. Kissing my wife (hey, maybe I'll get some brownie points)
5. The exuberance and innocence of children (especially watching the little ones run)
6. And, for those who are West Texans, a beautiful and awe-inspiring sunset.

Blessed be the name of the Lord! Those are just a few of mine--what are some of yours?

God, thank you that you provide us with joy for the journey! May we all find enjoyment in the simple things!

"Reya"

2004-05-25T16:09:00.000-05:00

On Sunday at Highland Mike Cope delivered a good thought-provoking sermon regarding community which was centered on a passage in Proverbs. His thoughts inspired further reflection on my part. Maybe this simple passage will do the same for you...

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 15:17

I am reminded that we are designed for community--created to love God and each other! What really matters if we don't have love? The greatest of this world's "pleasures" don't mean squat if not experienced within the context of a life of love...is it just me or could that be the sound of a "resounding gong?"

When Sara and I first moved into our apartment here in Abilene we were blessed to quickly meet our neighbors Bio (pronounced Bue like blue without the L) and Daisy. They are a couple from Brazil with two very cute and precious little girls. One of the first nuggets of wisdom Bio shared with me was based on a traditional saying in Brazil. He said something to the effect of, "a good home means nothing without good neighbors." According to their culture even if you have your dream house it is impossible to enjoy it without good neighbors. What an obvious yet radical and somewhat counter-cultural statement all at the same time. The focus is on people and not possessions, on loving and sharing with each other and not on living for yourself.

Growing up, I don't remember having the best relationships with neighbors. It seemed they pretty much kept to themselves and of course we were probably just as much to blame. Now, having a greater understanding of both sides of the coin, I realize the abundant blessing of relationship with good neighbors and the joy that comes from community when we love each other. From that day on, Bio and I decided to call each other Reya, which in his native tongue means something equivalent to the combination of friend, brother and neighbor! Maybe we could adapt our own proverb similar to the one above:

Better a shack with good neighbors where there is love and community than a dream house with bad neighbors where there is hatred and division.

I pray we can all learn to be reya to one another as we seek to live out love in community!

May God bless our efforts...

The Warranty Way

2004-05-24T13:27:00.000-05:00

Up until this past Saturday my faith in "warranties" was deteriorating. In fact, I was beginning to hate warranties. Let me explain. Over the last year we have been battling with a certain company (cough, Best Buy, cough) over the consistently worsening condition of Sara's laptop. We have had to take the computer in four times in the last 8-9 months because it would not work properly for various and complicated reasons. Normally, even though it is frustrating, it would not be as big of a deal except that the closest store to us is located in Fort Worth (translation: 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive, one-way each time). Every time it was sent off, it would return with the same results--some seemingly non-important parts replaced followed by the suggestion to restore the settings. So with hopeful expectations we returned home only to find the same problems plus additional technical headaches non-existant before we sent it off in the first place. Go figure. So, since the problem could not be solved, it meant yet another joyous adventure east on I-20 toward Dallas.

Fast forward to Saturday which was a mere six visits later, and you could imagine my cynical attitude as we walked into the store to pick up our little patient once more. I mean, what's the point of a warranty if it can never be exercised to the consumer's advantage? However, by the time we walked out of the store my cynicism faded because the amazing had just happened. In my hands I held the receipt to a brand new laptop computer to replace the old one still under the three year warranty. Not only did we have a new computer but it was better, faster, and stronger than the old one. And, to top it all off, there was a hundred dollar rebate with this new computer that we received for free as well. Talk about a deal. Even though we went through multiple headaches, frustrations, and miles, I guess you could say I quickly renewed my commitment to the warranty way. Finally, a victory for the "average joe" consumer.

Needless to say, some of the first words out of my mouth were, "Where do I sign for a new three-year warranty?"

Did I mention I love warranties?

Ps (The only unfortunate aspect to all of this is that it diminishes my chances of getting an ibook anytime time soon. But don't get me wrong--I'm not complaining!)

Who Am I?

2004-05-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

How many times do we ask ourselves that question--who am I? It is a question that relates to all of us. It is so important to our existence that there are those who spend a large part of their lives in search of the answer. We want to be able to determine our identity in order to give our lives purpose. In that search it is easy to want to find our identity in each area of life. I am a student, a husband, a son, an employee, a minister, or you fill in the blank. We wear so many "hats" that it doesn't take long to realize how confused about our identity we really are. Around every corner more and more things compete for our attention. The temptation to compartmentalize becomes an itch needing to be scratched. Our family life is speparate from our professional life which is separate from our spiritual life and so on. Before we know it we are lost in the abyss of some multiple identity disorder. And, once again we are confused, left to sort out the inconsistencies while still asking ourselves the all too familiar question--Who am I?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own posession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10

Do not be confused. The message is clear for those of us who believe. Our identity is found in Christ alone as the people of God, as children of the King! If we live out our identity in this way we will be centered not on who we are and what we do but on who we are in Him. Everything else is just another aspect of our identity. May we not be afraid to take hold of the truth of our identity. I hope you will be blessed through reflection on the words of this song.

Who Am I
(Lyrics by Mark Hall; Music by Casting Crowns)

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Hi, my name is Mike. I am redeemed by Christ, a child of God, a servant of the King!

Who are you?

Written On My Heart

2004-05-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

"These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD , the God of your fathers, promised you.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you-a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant-then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD , who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."
Deut. 6:1-12

We read this scripture together on Sunday night at small group and talked about what it means to have the word of God written on our hearts. When I start to think about what I have written on my heart, or at least imprinted on my mind, I realize how many insignificant and trivial things have found a home in the deep recesses of my thoughts. Useless facts and trivia abound--By the way, do you know the human head weighs eight pounds? Sure, there are flashes of scripture and (if you know me) numerous moments of spontaneous song but other than that, what do I really have written on my heart? I think it is an appropriate question of introspection for all of us.

During my time at a church outside of Nashville there was an elderly man, Brother Williams, who each week would take the opportunity to vocalize some form of scriptural exhortation for all of us. Whether or not I always agreed with his theology or application of scripture was of little importance compared to the encouragement I received from the overflow of what was written on his heart. He believed in sharing the message of scripture with anyone who would listen and many did.

At times it's easy for me to be "satisfied" with where I am because my life as a seminary student is full of the Word of God--isn't it? The truth is, it is probably easy for a lot of us. I look up to those who are at a point in which it is not. But surely I don't forget the Lord, all He is and all He does! Sometimes I just wish what came out of my mouth was more than the daily happenings, current news, or sports headlines. Don't get me wrong, I do not intend to chastise myself or anyone else because these things are not bad. I just do not want to lose sight of the importance of the internalization of the Word of God and all things of God. Ultimately I want to be satisfied not in myself but in who I am in Him!

I want to be able to do more than say, "hold on a minute and let me find that scripture to read to you." I want to be more like Brother Williams whose outward expressions of the Word of God was simply the overflow of a heart after Him. However, we should be careful that the emphasis not be on the rote memorization of scripture as much as on the outpouring of our hearts as we continue in relationship with God and interact with His Word. Afterall, out of the mouth comes the overflow of the heart!

Hopefully we all have something to say...

I'm Still Alive

2004-05-17T17:08:00.000-05:00

For those of you that have worried...do not any longer. I am alive and breathing, but hopefully and most importantly, I am finished with my blogging hiatus. I can give the usual excuses like: school was wrapping up for the semester (translation--smacked head-first into paper and project deadline), or my parents were visiting for the week all the way from sunny Florida (which they were and we had a good time together), or I have been lazy and just did not get around to posting (probably partly true), but where's the fun in those excuses. Maybe I should just revert back to old-school favorties like the dog ate my computer, or my brain simply malfunctioned and shutdown because of theological overload for the semester, but in the end the reality is still the same: I just haven't blogged. So, I vow, pledge, commit, or maybe some other word a little less serious and not so over-zealous, to start afresh among the blogging community. I've kicked off this new effort with my own extreme blogover (or makeover for the slower ones), in an attempt to do away with the old to usher in the new. I hope you like the face lift. Maybe it will inspire me and fan the flames of thought so deep within--or maybe not. So with that said, look for future posting's soon. Maybe tomorrow, or the next day, or if I'm lucky, next week.

Ministry in the Midst

2004-04-30T16:14:00.000-05:00

Let's face it. We live in the midst of a hurting and broken world. Every day there are people trying to pick up the pieces of their broken lives. We cannot escape the reality of a fallen world. However, we can realize that a fallen world cannot overcome us! What does that mean for us...empowerment! God can work through us to foster healing and restoration in the lives of others.

I would like to have the answers to the questions. I would like to help hurting people. Sometimes, I wish I could be Mr. "fix-it" man and put the pieces back together. But, maybe that is not my purpose. Instead of focusing on a ministry of "doing," (although that is part of it) maybe I would be better suited to focus on a ministry of "being." After all, I am not a doctor, a savior, or superman! Therefore, my purpose, our purpose might be better understood in terms of Henri Nouwen's idea of a "wounded healer."

"No minister can save anyone. He can only offer himself as a guide to fearful people. Yet, paradoxically, it is precisely in this guidance that the first signs of hope become visible. This is so because a shared pain is no longer paralyzing but mobilizing, when understood as a way to liberation. When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope.

Through this common search, hospitality becomes community. Hospitality becomes community as it creates a unity based on the shared confession of our basic brokenness and on a shared hope...A Christian community is therefore a healing community not because wounds are cured and pains are alleviated, but because wounds and pains become openings or occasions for new vision. Mutual confession then becomes a mutual deepening of hope, and sharing weakness becomes a reminder to one and all of the coming strength."

My purpose is not necessarily to "do" but to "be"--a listener, a fellow sufferer, an image of the love of God in Christ, a wounded healer!

"Even when we know that we are called to be wounded healers, it is still very difficult to acknowledge that healing has to take place today. Because we are living in days when our wounds have become all too visible. Our loneliness and isolation has become so much a part of our daily experience, that we cry out for a Liberator who will take us away from our misery and bring us justice and peace.

To announce, however, that the Liberator is sitting among the poor and that the wounds are signs of hope and that today is the day of liberation, is a step very few can take. But this is exactly the announcement of the wounded healer. 'The master is coming--not tomorrow, but today, not next year, but this year, not after all our misery is passed, but in the middle of it, not in another place but right here where we are standing.'"

The One who came to us in the midst in the form of Jesus Christ, calls and empowers us to minister in the midst! In all things, may the Great Physician use his healing power to work through the lives of us who are wounded healers in a broken world!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any comfort with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

(Quotes from Henri Nouwen's, "The Wounded Healer")

Been a Long Time...

2004-04-23T13:35:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a long time since I've updated the blog and that disappoints me. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time. But, no excuses, right? Sara and I are heading to Fredricksburg this weekend so she can run in a 10k race. She has been excited about it, so it should be a fun time.

I am really excited that the semester is coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I love the learning but sometimes I long for the rest that comes from summer vacation. I'm taking one class--Revelation--in June so I am looking forward to some downtime and some extra curricular reading.

A lot has happened since I last posted. I will take a small moment to divulge some of those happenings. We went to Oklahoma for Easter weekend to spend some time with the Siner family. It was a great weekend and a blessing to be with family. I am so thankful that we celebrate together with a Risen Lord! We also got to celebrate a few birthdays as some of them fall within a month of each other. All together it was a great time of celebration. I wanted to post specifically for Easter but I guess it will have to wait for another time.

I also got a second job with the bookstore on campus. It is a great opportunity even though it adds to my workload so I am looking forward to having fun with it.

Lately, I've been thinking about a few things which I will hope to address in blog format pretty soon, at least if I have anything to say about it. Here they are:

1) I've reflected quite a lot this semester on what it means to participate in a "ministry in the midst." This reflection has been sparked by some intense involvement in the lives of those with chronic illness and I guess it helps that I suffer from something as well but I hope to reflect more in depth about what I consider that to mean.

2) A secondary issue, in regard to the above, is about the issue of identity. It is easy to confuse our identity with what the world calls us to be but I believe that we have a higher calling and a greater identity in Christ.

3) Finally, I got to listen to Luke Timothy Johnson and he mentioned something that sparked some thoughts which I hope to address later. "You can find Christians everywhere, but it is difficult to find church." The quote was in reference to the people of God living in community. Think about it and we can dialogue later.

Until we meet again...May the Lord bless and keep you!

A Hope Worth Living For

2004-04-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
--Romans 5:1-5

Life is a journey. No one ever claimed it would be easy. Pain and suffering pervade our very existence. Many times we feel as if we have no control when life is spiraling downward. You've probably been there. I've been there. It is a reality of this life...a reality of our existence on this earth. We all experience difficulties in different degrees, some more than others. There are times in life when we can't explain our circumstances. We don't have the answers for the "why's." We don't understand why one person, one family, one people suffers over another. I cannot tell you why one man dies of cancer at the age of 35 while another lives to the ripe old age of 85 able to enjoy the "fruits of his labor." Nor can I explain why one child is left abandoned in the street to grow up parent-less while another grows up in a happy home without a care in the world. Yet, there is hope!

Even though we don't understand the "why's" we can understand the "who." In the midst of the mess...God is still God! He cares for the fatherless and is close to the broken-hearted. He is God who is not afraid to reach down into the dirty state of our existence. He walks beside us along the journey in good times and bad. He is our Creator and Sustainer...in Him we place our Hope! And what is our hope...

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
--Romans 5:6-11

We can't escape the reality that there are hurting people all around. What we can do is realize that we all participate in a ministry to hurting people--sometimes it is for others around us and other times it is for you and me. Our ministry is one of healing, one of rest for the weary, restoration for the broken...a message of hope for us all. Hurting people must be provided with hope to continue. Sometimes we must be able to redefine for them that hope which already exists...that is the hope we have in God through Jesus Christ.

Consider this quote from a book entitled, "Don't Waste Your Sorrows:"

"God never would send the darkness if he felt you could bear the light
But you would not cling to His guiding hand--if the way were always bright
And you would not care to walk by faith, could you always walk by sight!"

So, when darkness falls and things happen in this life that we cannot comprehend try not to worry about the "why" but take comfort and refuge in the "who"--the Great I AM, the one who has shown his love to us through his son Jesus. Receive his rest and rejoice in the restoration He brings!

That my friends...Is a HOPE worth living for!

In My Weakness...

2004-04-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

He is STRONG!

I've been volunteering one day a week with the H.E.R.O. program which is a rehabilitation program involving the use of horses. I work with two young boys, one is 4 or 5 and the other is 7. Both boys experience some form of autism and my time with them has compelled me to reflect on the lives of the "weak." I can't help but wonder what life is like for those with mental disabilities such as autism. At first glance it would seem that kind of life would be miserable. It rules your life forcing you to adapt to its fluxuating whims. A chronic illness not only wears on the bearer of the illness but on the family surrounding that individual. I would assume if they had a choice they would choose to lead a "normal, healthy life." Yet, there is joy. Joy which springs forth from broken cisterns. You can see it in their eyes...and in their infectious smiles! Somehow it seems they know the truth that...

In their weakness...He is strong!

I know how they feel...I know life isn't always a celebration. Though I don't live with a mental or cognitive disability, I do live with a physical one. I know what its like to live most days in pain. Medical treatment can only help so much. Arthritis controls my life...at least to an extent, it impacts the way in which I live. Sure, there are times when I question why. There are points when weakness challenges my faith. There are days when I wish I had a choice in the matter. But, though the darkness may last for the night, joy comes in the morning!

In my weakness...I remember He is strong!

However, it is not just people like these boys or myself who experience lives of disability. No, the reality is that we all find ourselves to be broken vessels. We all are weak in many different ways. The beauty of the mystery is that His power is made perfect in our weakness! God takes the simple things of this world, that which is considered to be weak and with His strength works through them for His glory! What might be considered one man's "trash," in the hands of God becomes "treasure!" I may be a "broken cistern" but this cistern will spring forth with joy for in my weakness, I am strong when I am in the hand of my Creator! I will boast in Him alone!

Praise God whose power is made perfect in my weakness! May the "broken cisterns" of the world say so!

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." --I Corinthians 1:25-31

I came across a manuscript by Leonard Sweet along the same lines. It is worth the read if you would like to. Here is the link -- "Trash Cans or Treasure Chests" Enjoy!

A Time of Prayer

2004-03-30T10:28:00.000-06:00

Today I leave you with a simple prayer of St. Patrick. May you be blessed...

I take for my sureties:
The power of God to guide me,
The might of God to uphold me,
The wisdom of God to teach me,
The eye of God to watch over me,
The ear of God to hear me,

The word of God to give me speech,
The hand of God to protect me,
The way of God to go before me,
The shield of God to shelter me. ..

Christ be with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ within me,

Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ at my right,
Christ at my left,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Everybody has an Opinion

2004-03-29T14:31:00.000-06:00

I finally saw "The Passion" this weekend and for the most part I appreciated the film. I know that everybody under the sun has their own opinion on whether or not they liked the movie, some positive and some negative, so I guess it is not a surprise that I have mine. I don't think the movie was too violent in its presentation. Was it gory and vividly gruesome in parts? Yes. However, I believe the picutre painted by this depiction was appropriate. Sure, the movie has an agenda and is depicted through a certain set of lenses but isn't that expected? I guess one of my questions for those who disagree with the depiction is, "How do you picture and how would you visualize the last days of Christ?"

I appreciated the connection between the flashbacks to earlier moments in the life of Christ and the suffering of Christ. Maybe I'm ignorant to the reality of punishment and crucifixion in those days but I imagine it to be a vicious experience and thus found the depiction appropriate. Granted some of the more brutal aspects made me sick to my stomach but I didn't feel it was overdone. Scripture may not focus entirely on the brutality expressed in the film but the accounts do take time to point out aspects of Christ's suffering. There is no possible way that such an experience could have been pretty. For example, I can't imagine what causes a person to cast lots for a dead man's possessions. If you will allow it, imagine coming across someone who had been slaughtered to death on the side of the road but you look down and say, "oh, nice watch" and take it for yourself. The hate and anger must have been intense to cause people to hurl insults and spit upon any man while beating him over the head with club and fist and fashioning a crown of thorns for his head.

I appreciate the emphasis on a different aspect of the life of Christ. Of course I don't want to focus on his death and suffering over and apart from his life and resurrection. I think there is a tension between the two but I believe it doesn't hurt to reflect on the different aspects from time to time.

In the end, I believe the message of his life, the cross, and the empty tomb speaks louder than any of our finite and humble opinions or depictions of such events. And ultimately, whether or not people agree or disagree with the movie doesn't matter because the reality of God's love and Christ's passion for us all is evident in his life, death, and resurrection.

Father, thank you for the life of Jesus that we may experience a portrait of life with You! And, thank you for the cross and for Christ's sacrifice in which our sins are forever atoned for. May we each take up our cross and die daily. And God, thank you most of all for the empty tomb by which we may have life with You both now and forevermore!

May God be praised in all the earth!

The "Passion" to Confess

2004-03-26T12:28:00.000-06:00

I still have not been able to go see "The Passion" but I am planning to set aside some time to do so this weekend. So far I have heard both positive and negative reviews of the film from friends, family, and the press so I am anxious to determine my own opinion. Maybe a purpose of the film is to help us experience a different aspect of the life of Jesus calling us to, in one way or another, fall to our knees and confess his name--I don't know. But, whatever the purpose(s) of the movie is and despite the negative reactions this particular depiction of Christ has received, at least one man was "led" to produce his own confession as evidenced in this USA Today article.

Well, even if not today or tomorrow or the next we know that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! May YOU be glorified in all the earth by those who confess your name!