I'm always amazed at the speed of birds. When I drive near a bird, it always seems to wait longer than is safe to fly away, but manages to dodge me anyway. Today was different. While driving some students home from camp, a bird flew straight into my windshield. It didn't go much further. It became instantly limp and lodged itself (the verbs are being placed on a deceased bird) between my hood and my windshield. But it wasn't stationary. Lifeless yes, but stationary, no.
The wind caught hold of birdie (can you give a "pet" name to a dead animal?). It moved it towards the side of the windshield/hood much like the aerodynamics would dictate. Fortunately for the 16 year old girl in my passenger seat, it moved the bird her way. The next most interesting fact might be that the head of our friend had managed to lodge under the hood, while the body remained trapped in the wind above the hood, thus leaving the bird stuck in the corner, waiting for someone to remove it.
"I need to go to a bathroom" was immediately yelled by the 15 year old in the back seat. I knew that once I stopped it would be my job to remove my new friend from my car. What I didn't expect was to be locked out of my car in fear that I might play some kind of joke, or throw the carcass at the high school girls. They had thought their defense strategy out well, though unnecessarily. Wrapped in enough paper towels, the bird might as well have been a box elder bug. I no longer had attatchment to my 2 minute friend. I was merely thankful that he did not damage my windshield in the process. Thank you birdie, for having a soft enough head to not crack my glass. Thank you Super America for providing me with paper towels. Most importantly, thank you Ford, for the car ride entertainment experience that was my life today.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Happy Birthday Jason... You asked for it.
I packed up my office today. It was my only task as youth pastor. Tomorrow is my final one, picking up kids from camp. A bunch of the stuff I had in my office reminds me of my childhood. The large tub of Legos that I can't let go of, the multiple dolls and superhero action figures used as sermon illustrations. Maybe most importantly, the tub of video game systems and games.
My brother asked a month or two ago about when he could regain control of one of those old systems as he'd been hoping to relive his childhood as well. Now is his turn. It is all packed up, sitting in my garage, waiting for me to remember to give it to him. Have fun Jason. You'll never be consistently better than me at Street Fighter, but you can keep practicing.
It was weird to look in the office after my stuff was gone. My bookshelf empty, no artwork on the walls, no papers on the desk. It looked like an empty canvas, waiting for its new owner. I'm glad that my best friend gets that task. I am excited to see what he can do. I have no doubt that he will be far more successful at that job than I was.
My brother asked a month or two ago about when he could regain control of one of those old systems as he'd been hoping to relive his childhood as well. Now is his turn. It is all packed up, sitting in my garage, waiting for me to remember to give it to him. Have fun Jason. You'll never be consistently better than me at Street Fighter, but you can keep practicing.
It was weird to look in the office after my stuff was gone. My bookshelf empty, no artwork on the walls, no papers on the desk. It looked like an empty canvas, waiting for its new owner. I'm glad that my best friend gets that task. I am excited to see what he can do. I have no doubt that he will be far more successful at that job than I was.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Fruit of the Spirit - Patience
I'm 5 minutes too impatient. I had applied for a job at Bethel last Thursday night, which meant, I was hoping Friday morning for a confirmation e-mail from them that they had received. I got none. Monday again, none. Tuesday, none. I had decided that late Wednesday afternoon I would e-mail human resources and if by Thursday afternoon I still hadn't heard from them I would call them. The application deadline wasn't until July 4th.
So... Late this afternoon I had decided, I should e-mail human resources. I logged on to Bethel's site to make sure the job was still posted and began to look for the human resources e-mail address. It wasn't on that page. It wasn't even on the human resources homepage. Finally I found a "contact us" link at the bottom of the main page and searched the list for human resources. After copying the link I was typing in the google mail address when my cell phone started vibrating in my pocket.
It was one of those times when you think, wouldn't this be weird if it was Bethel calling me, and more than the thought stuck in your head, and you were confident it would be. Before I answered the phone I had actually decided it would be more weird if it wasn't them, that's how confident I had become.
I was glad to find out I was right. They decided they would start interviewing people for the mail specialist job tomorrow and Friday. I'm slated for 9:00 tomorrow morning, which means tonight, I've already showered, shaved, and got a haircut.
Wish me luck.
So... Late this afternoon I had decided, I should e-mail human resources. I logged on to Bethel's site to make sure the job was still posted and began to look for the human resources e-mail address. It wasn't on that page. It wasn't even on the human resources homepage. Finally I found a "contact us" link at the bottom of the main page and searched the list for human resources. After copying the link I was typing in the google mail address when my cell phone started vibrating in my pocket.
It was one of those times when you think, wouldn't this be weird if it was Bethel calling me, and more than the thought stuck in your head, and you were confident it would be. Before I answered the phone I had actually decided it would be more weird if it wasn't them, that's how confident I had become.
I was glad to find out I was right. They decided they would start interviewing people for the mail specialist job tomorrow and Friday. I'm slated for 9:00 tomorrow morning, which means tonight, I've already showered, shaved, and got a haircut.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
What's your job?
A pastor, quoting the therapist he was going to for counseling, said this:
"Your job is the relentless pursuit of becoming who God has made you to be. Anything else is sin."
I failed at this the last couple of weeks. I have taken great steps forward in the big picture of this task. I'm resigning from my job (effective in 3 days) and going back to school. I wholeheartedly believe that this is the "relentless pursuing" that I'm supposed to be doing. That isn't where I failed. The big picture is rarely where I fail.
I have failed in some of the smaller action steps (that are vitally important, they just aren't big picture). In the last two days, I've had to tell both my wife, and my best friend (referring to those as two different people, though my wife is my best friend) that I have failed them. Selfishness is the easiest cause, and biggest reason for both of these failures. I had big picture things well taken care of to screw things up so drastically in the action stages.
I simply wasn't the man I needed to be in either of those situations.
It often takes me too long to notice these failings. With my wife, it has taken me 5 months. Fortunately with my best friend, it only took a week or so, and has been cut off before the major damage could have been done.
It feels good to start setting both of these things right. It is my job to continue setting both of these things right. Not doing so would be sin.
"Your job is the relentless pursuit of becoming who God has made you to be. Anything else is sin."
I failed at this the last couple of weeks. I have taken great steps forward in the big picture of this task. I'm resigning from my job (effective in 3 days) and going back to school. I wholeheartedly believe that this is the "relentless pursuing" that I'm supposed to be doing. That isn't where I failed. The big picture is rarely where I fail.
I have failed in some of the smaller action steps (that are vitally important, they just aren't big picture). In the last two days, I've had to tell both my wife, and my best friend (referring to those as two different people, though my wife is my best friend) that I have failed them. Selfishness is the easiest cause, and biggest reason for both of these failures. I had big picture things well taken care of to screw things up so drastically in the action stages.
I simply wasn't the man I needed to be in either of those situations.
It often takes me too long to notice these failings. With my wife, it has taken me 5 months. Fortunately with my best friend, it only took a week or so, and has been cut off before the major damage could have been done.
It feels good to start setting both of these things right. It is my job to continue setting both of these things right. Not doing so would be sin.
Hooked on Phonics worked for me
Today's blog comes from a book I read. "Searching for God Knows What" by Donald Miller. Here is a paragraph from page 198:
"If you think about it, right and wrong aren't even people, they're ideas, philosophical equations and that sort of thing, and so it is funny that anybody would think they are right in the first place. I suppose what we really mean when we say we are right is that something out there in the soup of ideas is right, and we simply agree with whatever it is the soup is saying. But this doesn't have anything to do without rightness or wrongness; it just means we can read."
I read this book three months ago or so. This "thought" that he gives about right and wrong has come back to my mind in many situations. I've actually asked the question to some high schoolers when I saw them arguing over who was right. It was funny to watch their response when you say that affiliating yourself with an answer is something completely different than being right yourself.
In my minds rambling tangent of the moment, I now wonder how important it is what we affiliate ourselves with. Not just ideas, or beliefs of right and wrong, but also of people, and circumstances. Do you surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage? Do you do that at the cost of being able to uplift and encourage others? Do you always hope to the be the bottom of a totem pole, surrounded by people who make you better, or the top of a totem pole, so that your pride wins or you are helpful to others? How many totem poles of people do you place yourself in? How important are these affiliations to those that are around us?
In my spiritual journey, I've always hoped to have three levels of one on one affiliation/relationship. I have found it important that I am in intentional relationship with someone who has been on their spiritual walk (the Christian one) longer than I have, to help me with experiences, that I be intentional with having relationship with someone who is less mature spiritually than I am, so I can be used and encourage another, and to be intentional with someone who is right at the same level, so I can experience with them and as the Bible says, be "iron sharpening iron" so that we mutually benefit.
I don't know what I think about numerous other affiliations, but I feel I would be selling myself, and others short if I didn't have these three levels of relationship active in my life at all times.
I won't say that this is "right" for everyone (as I don't pretend to think I am right) but I do think it is the best flavor of soup for myself, and if you haven't tried it yet, I encourage you to.
"If you think about it, right and wrong aren't even people, they're ideas, philosophical equations and that sort of thing, and so it is funny that anybody would think they are right in the first place. I suppose what we really mean when we say we are right is that something out there in the soup of ideas is right, and we simply agree with whatever it is the soup is saying. But this doesn't have anything to do without rightness or wrongness; it just means we can read."
I read this book three months ago or so. This "thought" that he gives about right and wrong has come back to my mind in many situations. I've actually asked the question to some high schoolers when I saw them arguing over who was right. It was funny to watch their response when you say that affiliating yourself with an answer is something completely different than being right yourself.
In my minds rambling tangent of the moment, I now wonder how important it is what we affiliate ourselves with. Not just ideas, or beliefs of right and wrong, but also of people, and circumstances. Do you surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage? Do you do that at the cost of being able to uplift and encourage others? Do you always hope to the be the bottom of a totem pole, surrounded by people who make you better, or the top of a totem pole, so that your pride wins or you are helpful to others? How many totem poles of people do you place yourself in? How important are these affiliations to those that are around us?
In my spiritual journey, I've always hoped to have three levels of one on one affiliation/relationship. I have found it important that I am in intentional relationship with someone who has been on their spiritual walk (the Christian one) longer than I have, to help me with experiences, that I be intentional with having relationship with someone who is less mature spiritually than I am, so I can be used and encourage another, and to be intentional with someone who is right at the same level, so I can experience with them and as the Bible says, be "iron sharpening iron" so that we mutually benefit.
I don't know what I think about numerous other affiliations, but I feel I would be selling myself, and others short if I didn't have these three levels of relationship active in my life at all times.
I won't say that this is "right" for everyone (as I don't pretend to think I am right) but I do think it is the best flavor of soup for myself, and if you haven't tried it yet, I encourage you to.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Fat guy in a little coat
If you've seen "Tommy Boy" you know where my title comes from. Chris Farley (a larger man) puts on the coat of David Spade (a much smaller man) and starts to sing this weird song, trying to make him laugh, but inevitably, ripping his coat. It's funny. My life isn't.
I'm prideful and egotistic. I've been told by many people who know me well that this is something that I, and most men struggle with. I've also been prophesied over by people who encouraged my gifts from God, and warned me that pride would be the only thing that could get in my way. The last couple of weeks, pride has been winning. I find myself knowing that things are wrong in some of my key relationships, but too prideful to change that. I actually say to myself, "I don't want to be the bigger man, I know I'm right and they're wrong." Could I be more prideful? It has been an uphill battle. I've got logical arguments to defend why I'm prideful in each of these situations. I can argue myself into believing that I'm right.
What's more frightening, is that I know that I can see the problems where these relationship shifts have started (which is how I argue I am right) and I spend my time mad, instead of fixing problems. I've started to "hope" for things that no one should hope for, and started to judge people in ways that aren't fair to the character and integrity I know that they have.
Help me. If you know me, talk to God on my behalf as I struggle with a pride and ego that can cause such quick downfalls in my life. Pray that I will become more humble, and that in these "moments" I will see myself through Christ's lens and not my own.
Secondly, when/if you see me being prideful, talk to me courteously about it. Don't yell, and berate me, as I'll find ways to convince myself I'm right, but pull me aside and talk to me about my gifts, the kind of person I want to be, and what Christ wants from me in this situation.
I'm sorry if I've had any of these angry feelings towards you the last couple of weeks. Few if any of you would actually know it. But, regardless, I ask your forgiveness.
I have felt like someone with such a big head, trying to put on such a little coat. There is better for me.
I'm prideful and egotistic. I've been told by many people who know me well that this is something that I, and most men struggle with. I've also been prophesied over by people who encouraged my gifts from God, and warned me that pride would be the only thing that could get in my way. The last couple of weeks, pride has been winning. I find myself knowing that things are wrong in some of my key relationships, but too prideful to change that. I actually say to myself, "I don't want to be the bigger man, I know I'm right and they're wrong." Could I be more prideful? It has been an uphill battle. I've got logical arguments to defend why I'm prideful in each of these situations. I can argue myself into believing that I'm right.
What's more frightening, is that I know that I can see the problems where these relationship shifts have started (which is how I argue I am right) and I spend my time mad, instead of fixing problems. I've started to "hope" for things that no one should hope for, and started to judge people in ways that aren't fair to the character and integrity I know that they have.
Help me. If you know me, talk to God on my behalf as I struggle with a pride and ego that can cause such quick downfalls in my life. Pray that I will become more humble, and that in these "moments" I will see myself through Christ's lens and not my own.
Secondly, when/if you see me being prideful, talk to me courteously about it. Don't yell, and berate me, as I'll find ways to convince myself I'm right, but pull me aside and talk to me about my gifts, the kind of person I want to be, and what Christ wants from me in this situation.
I'm sorry if I've had any of these angry feelings towards you the last couple of weeks. Few if any of you would actually know it. But, regardless, I ask your forgiveness.
I have felt like someone with such a big head, trying to put on such a little coat. There is better for me.
Time to pass the salt
My wife is home from her trip now. I ate popcorn 8 times while she was gone, and 6 of those times, it was for my meal. My stomach will be thankful that she is home. You'll have to ask her about her trip, as I'm not good at telling stories second hand. I can't bring the emotion necessary to tell these stories.
If you are that bored though, I can make up stories to tell you. I actually spent a good chunk of my week while she was gone reading a made up story (some call them fiction books). Otherwise, I'll be spending this week, reverting back away from my caveman tactics, and restoring my body and mind back to its spousley healthiness.
Pray for me, but maybe more importantly, pray for Jenny while she has to put up with me.
If you are that bored though, I can make up stories to tell you. I actually spent a good chunk of my week while she was gone reading a made up story (some call them fiction books). Otherwise, I'll be spending this week, reverting back away from my caveman tactics, and restoring my body and mind back to its spousley healthiness.
Pray for me, but maybe more importantly, pray for Jenny while she has to put up with me.
Friday, June 23, 2006
What's in a name?
My favorite sermon to preach is about names. It is about God's name and its meaning and the names of those in the Bible and the meanings behind those. Biblical names are often like Native American names. Names like "dances with wolves" or "stands with a fist" are common Native American names. In the Bible, names are also often sentences with unique meanings in their original language, and maybe more interesting is all of the re-naming that takes place in the Bible.
People's names shift in meaning and purpose, but are closely related. I'll give one example. Peter's (who denies Jesus 3 times) is named Simon when we meet him. Simon in its original language would mean "shifty sand." Not exactly a firm foundation. His name, when God changes it becomes Peter, which means "rock." Peter becomes the foundation of the church and is recognized even by his name as having a firm foundation. I could go on and on with biblical names, but I'm not writing for that purpose.
Culture has lost a lot of its naming in America. Our names are often meaningless, except that they sound good, and are just labels we are known by. For the most part, they bear no significance outside of distinguishing us from each other. Though, there is still some significance in naming when, for example, a woman takes a man's name in marriage. Now, on with what I want to talk about.
I'm excited in talking about naming in a biblical sense, not just because there are cool facts that open up the Bible story if you understand them, but because it leads us to an understanding of what God thinks about us. The name God would give me is far different than just a label, or what the world names me. Naming still happens today. Most prevalently maybe in junior high school where you can be labeled, stupid, fat, ugly, or numerous "positive things." It is our ability to hold on to true names (those which come from God) and our ability to ignore false names that is often the problem.
Remember this, no one has the power to speak identity statements about you except for God, your creator. Sometime, have a conversation with me about names. I truly leave each of these conversations encouraged. I'd love to talk to you sometime about the names of your life, and the name God wants to give you.
People's names shift in meaning and purpose, but are closely related. I'll give one example. Peter's (who denies Jesus 3 times) is named Simon when we meet him. Simon in its original language would mean "shifty sand." Not exactly a firm foundation. His name, when God changes it becomes Peter, which means "rock." Peter becomes the foundation of the church and is recognized even by his name as having a firm foundation. I could go on and on with biblical names, but I'm not writing for that purpose.
Culture has lost a lot of its naming in America. Our names are often meaningless, except that they sound good, and are just labels we are known by. For the most part, they bear no significance outside of distinguishing us from each other. Though, there is still some significance in naming when, for example, a woman takes a man's name in marriage. Now, on with what I want to talk about.
I'm excited in talking about naming in a biblical sense, not just because there are cool facts that open up the Bible story if you understand them, but because it leads us to an understanding of what God thinks about us. The name God would give me is far different than just a label, or what the world names me. Naming still happens today. Most prevalently maybe in junior high school where you can be labeled, stupid, fat, ugly, or numerous "positive things." It is our ability to hold on to true names (those which come from God) and our ability to ignore false names that is often the problem.
Remember this, no one has the power to speak identity statements about you except for God, your creator. Sometime, have a conversation with me about names. I truly leave each of these conversations encouraged. I'd love to talk to you sometime about the names of your life, and the name God wants to give you.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Scrambling for loose change
How do we know when someone has become something new? When is a person "changed"? Are we considered changed if just outside things are different? What about internal things? What makes a changed man?
I have been pondering this the last couple of days. I have noticed that since it has become public that I am resigning as youth pastor to go back to school, I get treated differently by some people. I wasn't shocked by this, but have been surprised by some people's change in response. Am I still a person with worthwhile thoughts to them? Does my opinion matter anymore, or am I just on the way out? Since I am no longer "youth pastor Nate" does that make me different? Have I changed?
I don't know how to adequately answer that question. I don't feel or look much different than a month ago, but there are differences. I have spent more time thinking about writing since then. I've even spent more time thinking about money since then. I've become excited and passionate about things that I wasn't focusing on before, and have lost focus on things that were crucial to me before. Most everything that I think about is different now than it was a month ago. Can I be a changed person because of these differences?
As stated as an original question of this thought process, when do we know someone has been changed?
The Bible says we become "new creations." How do we see these things? Are they external or internal? What do you think?
I have been pondering this the last couple of days. I have noticed that since it has become public that I am resigning as youth pastor to go back to school, I get treated differently by some people. I wasn't shocked by this, but have been surprised by some people's change in response. Am I still a person with worthwhile thoughts to them? Does my opinion matter anymore, or am I just on the way out? Since I am no longer "youth pastor Nate" does that make me different? Have I changed?
I don't know how to adequately answer that question. I don't feel or look much different than a month ago, but there are differences. I have spent more time thinking about writing since then. I've even spent more time thinking about money since then. I've become excited and passionate about things that I wasn't focusing on before, and have lost focus on things that were crucial to me before. Most everything that I think about is different now than it was a month ago. Can I be a changed person because of these differences?
As stated as an original question of this thought process, when do we know someone has been changed?
The Bible says we become "new creations." How do we see these things? Are they external or internal? What do you think?
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
America's Got....Boredom
I wasted an hour tonight watching the debut of the "America's Got Talent" show. It really was a waste of my time. I was hopeful that talent would be recognized, that was say, talent. Instead, I watched lots of variety show acts perform at mediocre levels with little entertainment. Maybe the chasm my mind has created between skill and talent is the cause of my conclusions.
I have always thought that skills were learned and that talent was natural. For instance, I have a talent at writing papers quicker than well, anyone I know. This is a talent, not because I can b.s. well, or have studied writing, or just don't care about my papers. It is a talent because my thoughts come to me in natural and cohesive order. I practice many of the "skills" of writing, but have some "talent" behind it as well. The same is true with say sports. I have honed many soccer skills, but some of what makes me a better player is an innate intuition and reflex talent that I have.
It was unfortunate to watch a show of skill tonight, where I thought I could see some talent. There wasn't an act that I didn't feel I could learn to do with time. Nothing that couldn't be taught to anyone in America. It was disappointing. I wasn't even necessarily hoping for useful talents, but something that was unique would have been nice. I've seen enough jugglers, magicians and singers in my life. None seemed to have more talent than the other, some just had more skill in performing.
In my own life, I am hoping to organize a life around my "talents" and using my time to hone the "skills" that go around those talents. I'd encourage all to do the same. Figure out what it is about you that is God given in a unique way. Then, find a way to hone skills that coordinate with that talent.
I have always thought that skills were learned and that talent was natural. For instance, I have a talent at writing papers quicker than well, anyone I know. This is a talent, not because I can b.s. well, or have studied writing, or just don't care about my papers. It is a talent because my thoughts come to me in natural and cohesive order. I practice many of the "skills" of writing, but have some "talent" behind it as well. The same is true with say sports. I have honed many soccer skills, but some of what makes me a better player is an innate intuition and reflex talent that I have.
It was unfortunate to watch a show of skill tonight, where I thought I could see some talent. There wasn't an act that I didn't feel I could learn to do with time. Nothing that couldn't be taught to anyone in America. It was disappointing. I wasn't even necessarily hoping for useful talents, but something that was unique would have been nice. I've seen enough jugglers, magicians and singers in my life. None seemed to have more talent than the other, some just had more skill in performing.
In my own life, I am hoping to organize a life around my "talents" and using my time to hone the "skills" that go around those talents. I'd encourage all to do the same. Figure out what it is about you that is God given in a unique way. Then, find a way to hone skills that coordinate with that talent.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The top 100 funny bumper stickers
If you count, you'll notice i deleted a bunch of inappropriate ones, but thought these were slightly amusing.
4 out of 5 voices in my head say Go For It!
A hundred thousand sperm and you were the fastest?
A real gentleman wouldn't stare at my stickers.
Answer my prayer -- steal this car.
As a matter of fact, I do own the road.
Back Off! I'm a Postal Worker
Back off! I'm not that kind of car.
Beat rush hour, leave work at noon
CAUTION! - Driver legally blonde!
Clear the road I'm SIXTEEN
Cover me! I'm changing lanes.
Daddy Farted, and we Can't get out!!
Don't follow me. I'm lost too.
Don't piss me off! I'm running out of places to hide the bodies.
Driver carries no cash. He's married.
Forget About World Peace. Visualize Using Your Turn Signal!
Heavily medicated for your safety.
Hello, officer. Put it on my tab.
Help! I Farted and can't roll down my windows!
Horn Broken Watch for Finger
I'm a nice guy. My car is evil.
I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to work.
I'm only driving this way to piss you off.
I'm Out of Estrogen And I Have a Gun
I'm looking for the right pedestrian to run over.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.
I'm not playing with myself, I'm just adjusting my jewelry.
I'm out of bed and dressed, what more do you want?
I am not a bum. My wife works!
I brake suddenly for tailgaters
I don't care, I don't have to.
I have a nice body. It's in my trunk.
I have good Brakes, Do you have GOOD Insurance?
I Haven't Lost My Mind, It's Backed Up On Disk Somewhere.
I is a college student.
I just let my mind wander, and it didn't come back.
I love cats they taste like chicken
I may be slow but I'm ahead of you!
I need someone really bad. Are you really bad?
I respect your opinion. Just don't want to hear it!
I still have the body of an 18 year old but it's in my trunk and it's starting to smell
I Still Miss My "Ex" But My Aim Is Improving
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
If everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane!
If this car is being driven courteously it's been stolen.
If we call it tourist season why can't we shoot them?
If You Are Born Again Do You Have Two Belly Buttons ?
If you can read this, I've lost my trailer.
If you don't like my attitude, stop looking at my Stickers!
Invest in America. Buy a Congressman!
It's time to pull over and change the air in your head!
Jesus is coming look busy.
Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
Learn from your parents' mistakes. Use birth control!
Lord give me patience... But Hurry!
Make It Idiot Proof and Someone Will Make a Better Idiot
Men are Idiots and I married their King
My daughter turned down your honor student!
My other bumper sticker is funny.
My other car is also a piece of junk
Of All The Things I've Lost I Miss My Mind The Most
Out of my mind (back in 5 minutes)
Pissing off the whole planet one person at a time
Politicians & Diapers need to be changed... often for the same reason
So Many Cats, So Few Recipes
So many pedestrians. So little time!
Somewhere in Texas there's a village missing an idiot
Sorry if I look interested, I'm not!
THE EARTH IS FULL GO HOME
Think this looks bad? You should see the front.
This Is Not An Abandoned Vehicle
Why Are You Staring At My Bumper!? You Pervert!
Work harder!! Millions on welfare are depending on you.
Yes, This Is My Truck No, I Won't Help You Move
Your child may be an honors student, but You're still an idiot.
Can I put my arm around you?
I keep notes for myself. I keep a file on my computer called the "buckets" file. It is filled with more files than folders should have. I place any interesting thoughts I have or quotes I hear in this file. I place scriptures that are impacting me and why they are impacting me in this file. It's amazing sometimes to re-read my "buckets" and see what things connect. I often do this when planning a teaching. I find a story, that lines up with a quote I read or heard, that lines up with a song, that lines up with a movie illustration, that lines up with a scripture verse, and suddenly I realize I need to cut information to make a sermon. It is very helpful for me.
I re-read my buckets at least once a month, and often more frequently than that. I re-read one today that I had written 3 or 4 months ago after looking at myspace.com during the afternoon.
It was titled blog. And only said "People blog because they want to be known." That is about the length of my normal bucket. I read that today, and still "agree" with what it said. I believe that there are many people who are "blogging" because it is a way for them to be presented to the world. Their goal is to gain as much publicity as they can. They want to be understood, for their thoughts to be center stage.
I want to be intimately known. However, that is not why I blog. I blog because I believe many people think through situations, some of them even think through them the same way that I do, but don't know how to say it, or feel alone in their thoughts. I also blog so that people will continually be asking themselves questions. Lastly, I blog, just to continue writing in some form. I hope to have books published someday, and figure that writing something is better than not writing.
Though it is not the reason that I blog, I do want to be intimately known. I hope that my "blog" helps people to understand me better. But I don't want to be intimate with everyone. I know that my God knows me intimately and I long to know Him that intimately. I also hope my wife and I can grow in how intimately we know each other. That is something I'm excited to know I can hope for for the rest of my life. I will long to know kids intimately someday, but not yet.
I long for intimate relationships because I was created for them, like you were created for them. The most important one is with our Father. He made us and knows us intimately and wants that in return from us. If your looking for a place to be center stage your motives are wrong. But if you are looking for intimacy, God won't let you down.
I re-read my buckets at least once a month, and often more frequently than that. I re-read one today that I had written 3 or 4 months ago after looking at myspace.com during the afternoon.
It was titled blog. And only said "People blog because they want to be known." That is about the length of my normal bucket. I read that today, and still "agree" with what it said. I believe that there are many people who are "blogging" because it is a way for them to be presented to the world. Their goal is to gain as much publicity as they can. They want to be understood, for their thoughts to be center stage.
I want to be intimately known. However, that is not why I blog. I blog because I believe many people think through situations, some of them even think through them the same way that I do, but don't know how to say it, or feel alone in their thoughts. I also blog so that people will continually be asking themselves questions. Lastly, I blog, just to continue writing in some form. I hope to have books published someday, and figure that writing something is better than not writing.
Though it is not the reason that I blog, I do want to be intimately known. I hope that my "blog" helps people to understand me better. But I don't want to be intimate with everyone. I know that my God knows me intimately and I long to know Him that intimately. I also hope my wife and I can grow in how intimately we know each other. That is something I'm excited to know I can hope for for the rest of my life. I will long to know kids intimately someday, but not yet.
I long for intimate relationships because I was created for them, like you were created for them. The most important one is with our Father. He made us and knows us intimately and wants that in return from us. If your looking for a place to be center stage your motives are wrong. But if you are looking for intimacy, God won't let you down.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Micromanaged + Communal Spirituality
I'm tired of prayer times where we spend ore time discussing requests than we do praying. I'm tired of hearing things and vowing to pray for the in private. I'm tired of trying to micromanage a prayer life where I spend more time using my own thoughts to solve problems than I do waiting for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
I long for times where prayer is begun with no questioning or requesting time. I long for people and myself to be comfortable praying openly for things others don't know about. For the comfort to add onto those requests and for the time spent listening for your guidance in those situations. I hate spending 10 minutes asking questions to "best understand how to pray" only to give 4 sentences in prayer. I long for You to lead these times.
I long to be comfortable enough with people that my prayer times don't become interrupted, but instead become joined. I don't want to leave your presence to explain what I'm praying about, but want others to come into the room and feel drawn to pray without pause or explanation.
I long for communal spirituality instead of micromanaged spirituality. Allow me to focus key people around me into this idea, so we don't try and manage each other's needs but instead become communities seeking you and supporting each other.
I long for times where prayer is begun with no questioning or requesting time. I long for people and myself to be comfortable praying openly for things others don't know about. For the comfort to add onto those requests and for the time spent listening for your guidance in those situations. I hate spending 10 minutes asking questions to "best understand how to pray" only to give 4 sentences in prayer. I long for You to lead these times.
I long to be comfortable enough with people that my prayer times don't become interrupted, but instead become joined. I don't want to leave your presence to explain what I'm praying about, but want others to come into the room and feel drawn to pray without pause or explanation.
I long for communal spirituality instead of micromanaged spirituality. Allow me to focus key people around me into this idea, so we don't try and manage each other's needs but instead become communities seeking you and supporting each other.
Look what I can do!!
One of my favorite skits on television is from Mad T.V. They run a skit where a 40 year old man acts like a three year old child. It's priceless. His trademark line is to say "look what I can do" just before doing something that is ridiculous and childish and deserves no attention. It's a picture we get of lots of children.
Since I stayed up later than I should have, it is technically Father's Day right now. Time for me to reflect...
I never had to cry for attention in my house growing up. Any shouts of "look what I can do" were solely out of immaturity, not out of neglect. I struggle more to remember sporting events growing up where my parents weren't there than I do to remember them on the sidelines. They were staples at those events, often involved. This is Father's Day, so most of these reflections will be about my Father (sorry mom) but the same holds true for both parents. I can remember my dad being the umpire at baseball games I was playing in. I can remember him coaching my soccer team. I can picture all the cheap (and then broken) chairs that were experiments in sports watching. I can still hear my dad yelling at referees. I can picture him with the camera, making sure that I am in every picture. I can remember lunch afterwards. But I'm even luckier than that.
I don't just remember my dad on the sidelines, trying to relive a childhood through me. I can also remember playing catch in the back yard. Or him watching my brother and I spar for karate practice. I can remember batting cages, playing H.O.R.S.E., and learning how to shoot a gun. But I'm even luckier than that.
My dad didn't just entertain "machoness" in me. Something that I am very thankful of (as is my wife). I can't count the times I have heard the phrase "southern gentlemen" or watched and played gopher as my dad tried to fix something. I remember trips to the hardware stores (do they still have Builder's Square anywhere?) or to the car dealership. I can distinctly remember being "encouraged" (read properly disciplined) about lying. I remember acting emotionally hurt at times, but never actually questioning my Father's love. But I'm luckier than that.
There are many more memories that involve me, and my Father's treatment of me or my brother, and in fact I'll share my favorite later, but he also set an example for me to follow that is far beyond what most young boys get to see.
I remember gifts on mother's day, shopping for mom for xmas, always getting her more than she wants. I can remember flowers on anniversaries. I can see a family sitting down and eating together every night (I wish that was more common in this world). I remember hard work. I remember flowers on Valentines Day, because mom gets to brag at work about them, and we know it makes her smile. I can remember hearing stories from my mom, about tulips in college, and long distance relationships. It was always easy to hear the love in her voice when she remembered those things, even if I was just asking how I could impress a girl. I can still see the heartache he has in taking care of his Father. His quickness to get where he needs to be to help anyone out. I noticed when he took off work to help me with things, and that he'll never not answer his cell phone if he sees it is from me. I notice that he calls home when he is out of town, even if there isn't anything important to talk about. No one that I know can help but notice the physical and financial blessings that he worked so hard to provide for me. I've noticed not just the blessings, but the sacrifice behind them. I notice that he still beats himself up over stupid things about raising me. Things he wished he had done better. I also notice how laughable those notions are. I see a standard of commitment and sacrifice that embodies what love is, both in the way he treats his wife and in the way he treats others. I wish more people had that example.
I have one favorite thing I like to do with my dad. It doesn't have to do with money, or sports. It doesn't require a trip to the hardware store, or a shiny new toy. Usually just a glass of water will do. I truly just cherish the time and conversation. It's amazing to know, that whatever topic I have in mind is safe to talk about when we're together, most often in the hot tub. To spend an evening outside, listening to the announcer of an Eagan High School track meet, or the birds, or the young kids playing in their back yard and talking about life (or just sitting peacefully). I can remember talking about colleges, money, marriage, full-time jobs, sports, break-ups and everyday life. I can remember hearing stories about his life at my age or the occasional story about things mom "didn't know that he would tell me" about his life now, or his job. I've never felt judged there. I've always left encouraged, knowing that whatever decision I made on any issue would be supported, but not just by words. That my father would support me in all ways. I wish more kids grew up knowing these things.
I've made many decisions in life because I didn't want to upset my father. That often steered me away from decisions that would have been harmful. I wish more kids grew up with parents like that.
I'm sorry for people who have grown up with a father that doesn't resemble love. I'm sorry for all the other good things I can't think of at 1:00 in the morning. I wish I could make an exhaustive list. I'm sorry that this post doesn't flow well, and that phrases get repeated a lot throughout it. I'm sorry if you don't know my father and this was boring for you to read. I'm sorry if your prime life example (parents) make you think of negative things. I'm sorry you couldn't be in my situation.
It's comforting to know, that things aren't done. Dad is still watching. Not necessarily at every sporting event, but he'll likely read this post before you. I'm married and live away from home, but never doubt that my father wants to be active in my life. I'm the lucky one here. Sorry for the rest of you (except Jason I suppose).
Dad........"look what I can do!!"
I love you!
I wish that I had spent more time thinking through how to express that in words. My mind cut off when I started crying.
See you in the morning.
Happy Father's Day
Since I stayed up later than I should have, it is technically Father's Day right now. Time for me to reflect...
I never had to cry for attention in my house growing up. Any shouts of "look what I can do" were solely out of immaturity, not out of neglect. I struggle more to remember sporting events growing up where my parents weren't there than I do to remember them on the sidelines. They were staples at those events, often involved. This is Father's Day, so most of these reflections will be about my Father (sorry mom) but the same holds true for both parents. I can remember my dad being the umpire at baseball games I was playing in. I can remember him coaching my soccer team. I can picture all the cheap (and then broken) chairs that were experiments in sports watching. I can still hear my dad yelling at referees. I can picture him with the camera, making sure that I am in every picture. I can remember lunch afterwards. But I'm even luckier than that.
I don't just remember my dad on the sidelines, trying to relive a childhood through me. I can also remember playing catch in the back yard. Or him watching my brother and I spar for karate practice. I can remember batting cages, playing H.O.R.S.E., and learning how to shoot a gun. But I'm even luckier than that.
My dad didn't just entertain "machoness" in me. Something that I am very thankful of (as is my wife). I can't count the times I have heard the phrase "southern gentlemen" or watched and played gopher as my dad tried to fix something. I remember trips to the hardware stores (do they still have Builder's Square anywhere?) or to the car dealership. I can distinctly remember being "encouraged" (read properly disciplined) about lying. I remember acting emotionally hurt at times, but never actually questioning my Father's love. But I'm luckier than that.
There are many more memories that involve me, and my Father's treatment of me or my brother, and in fact I'll share my favorite later, but he also set an example for me to follow that is far beyond what most young boys get to see.
I remember gifts on mother's day, shopping for mom for xmas, always getting her more than she wants. I can remember flowers on anniversaries. I can see a family sitting down and eating together every night (I wish that was more common in this world). I remember hard work. I remember flowers on Valentines Day, because mom gets to brag at work about them, and we know it makes her smile. I can remember hearing stories from my mom, about tulips in college, and long distance relationships. It was always easy to hear the love in her voice when she remembered those things, even if I was just asking how I could impress a girl. I can still see the heartache he has in taking care of his Father. His quickness to get where he needs to be to help anyone out. I noticed when he took off work to help me with things, and that he'll never not answer his cell phone if he sees it is from me. I notice that he calls home when he is out of town, even if there isn't anything important to talk about. No one that I know can help but notice the physical and financial blessings that he worked so hard to provide for me. I've noticed not just the blessings, but the sacrifice behind them. I notice that he still beats himself up over stupid things about raising me. Things he wished he had done better. I also notice how laughable those notions are. I see a standard of commitment and sacrifice that embodies what love is, both in the way he treats his wife and in the way he treats others. I wish more people had that example.
I have one favorite thing I like to do with my dad. It doesn't have to do with money, or sports. It doesn't require a trip to the hardware store, or a shiny new toy. Usually just a glass of water will do. I truly just cherish the time and conversation. It's amazing to know, that whatever topic I have in mind is safe to talk about when we're together, most often in the hot tub. To spend an evening outside, listening to the announcer of an Eagan High School track meet, or the birds, or the young kids playing in their back yard and talking about life (or just sitting peacefully). I can remember talking about colleges, money, marriage, full-time jobs, sports, break-ups and everyday life. I can remember hearing stories about his life at my age or the occasional story about things mom "didn't know that he would tell me" about his life now, or his job. I've never felt judged there. I've always left encouraged, knowing that whatever decision I made on any issue would be supported, but not just by words. That my father would support me in all ways. I wish more kids grew up knowing these things.
I've made many decisions in life because I didn't want to upset my father. That often steered me away from decisions that would have been harmful. I wish more kids grew up with parents like that.
I'm sorry for people who have grown up with a father that doesn't resemble love. I'm sorry for all the other good things I can't think of at 1:00 in the morning. I wish I could make an exhaustive list. I'm sorry that this post doesn't flow well, and that phrases get repeated a lot throughout it. I'm sorry if you don't know my father and this was boring for you to read. I'm sorry if your prime life example (parents) make you think of negative things. I'm sorry you couldn't be in my situation.
It's comforting to know, that things aren't done. Dad is still watching. Not necessarily at every sporting event, but he'll likely read this post before you. I'm married and live away from home, but never doubt that my father wants to be active in my life. I'm the lucky one here. Sorry for the rest of you (except Jason I suppose).
Dad........"look what I can do!!"
I love you!
I wish that I had spent more time thinking through how to express that in words. My mind cut off when I started crying.
See you in the morning.
Happy Father's Day
Friday, June 16, 2006
Dinner is in the oven
I have used an analogy for devotional life for Pastors that I'm going to share tonight. I don't think it will just apply to Pastors but you all will have to let me know. When I speak of devotions, I mean prayer and Bible study aimed at personal growth and community with God.
I have found this true about myself. I don't cook things that take longer than 11 minutes, unless I am cooking for other people. I have no problem spending half an hour preparing cashew chicken for a group of people, but won't even put pizza rolls in the oven if I am by myself. It's an interesting thing really. When other people come over and I am hosting, I expect more of myself, and show myself to be worthy and knowledgeable in ways I do not take advantage of when I am cooking for just me. What strikes me as odd, is how often people do this with their spiritual lives.
There are many people, who when leading a Bible study, or preparing a teaching or sermon, spend great amounts of time researching, studying, and forming a Biblically rooted stance on a topic. If none of these situations apply, maybe you are a parent and have a child that is struggling with something. If not, maybe a friend. You might have a friend that is alcoholic. You have studied in depth what scripture says about alcohol, not for just your own benefit, but because you hope to help your friend/child/class/group/congregation. This isn't uncommon and doesn't bother me.
What does bother me, is how many people only spend significant time in prayer and study for these reasons. Do you dwell in God for just you ever? Not in a selfish, I'm trying to get what I want kind of way, but in a needed, alone time with God kind of way. Do you research relentlessly to prepare a message so that spirituality sounds eloquent coming out of your mouth when you debate or teach, but spend three minutes wrapping up your personal time with God as quick as you can when not preparing? Do you find yourself praying often about how God can use you, but seldom about how you can grow?
Is there spiritual nourishment in your life for you, or do you only pretend to provide nourishment when others are involved?
I strive to be nourishing my soul regardless of my circumstances. Preparing teachings is a way that my soul is greatly nourished, but in two weeks, I won't be doing that for a living anymore. I hope I can continue the daily practices of nourishment I have built into my life while I am not preparing teachings. God has plenty of things He wants to say to me, and to you. Let's take the time to listen.
Be nourished by your Father. Even if no one else will notice.
I have found this true about myself. I don't cook things that take longer than 11 minutes, unless I am cooking for other people. I have no problem spending half an hour preparing cashew chicken for a group of people, but won't even put pizza rolls in the oven if I am by myself. It's an interesting thing really. When other people come over and I am hosting, I expect more of myself, and show myself to be worthy and knowledgeable in ways I do not take advantage of when I am cooking for just me. What strikes me as odd, is how often people do this with their spiritual lives.
There are many people, who when leading a Bible study, or preparing a teaching or sermon, spend great amounts of time researching, studying, and forming a Biblically rooted stance on a topic. If none of these situations apply, maybe you are a parent and have a child that is struggling with something. If not, maybe a friend. You might have a friend that is alcoholic. You have studied in depth what scripture says about alcohol, not for just your own benefit, but because you hope to help your friend/child/class/group/congregation. This isn't uncommon and doesn't bother me.
What does bother me, is how many people only spend significant time in prayer and study for these reasons. Do you dwell in God for just you ever? Not in a selfish, I'm trying to get what I want kind of way, but in a needed, alone time with God kind of way. Do you research relentlessly to prepare a message so that spirituality sounds eloquent coming out of your mouth when you debate or teach, but spend three minutes wrapping up your personal time with God as quick as you can when not preparing? Do you find yourself praying often about how God can use you, but seldom about how you can grow?
Is there spiritual nourishment in your life for you, or do you only pretend to provide nourishment when others are involved?
I strive to be nourishing my soul regardless of my circumstances. Preparing teachings is a way that my soul is greatly nourished, but in two weeks, I won't be doing that for a living anymore. I hope I can continue the daily practices of nourishment I have built into my life while I am not preparing teachings. God has plenty of things He wants to say to me, and to you. Let's take the time to listen.
Be nourished by your Father. Even if no one else will notice.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Caveman Tactics
Starting 10 hours from now or so, I need to relearn how to fend for myself. My wife is leaving me for a little over a week to go on a missions trip to Mississippi. I'll be at home alone. There aren't enough hot dogs to get me through a week, so I'll have to remember how to use appliances besides the microwave.
If in a week, I look dirty, unshaved, unkempt, and stink, I think you'll all know why. She truly does make me better with her presence, and not just I, but you will all notice those differences within just a week.
Next time you see her, thank her for all she does for me, and how she makes me better than I am without her.
On another note, if you are bored within the next week, give me a call, my evenings are free.
If in a week, I look dirty, unshaved, unkempt, and stink, I think you'll all know why. She truly does make me better with her presence, and not just I, but you will all notice those differences within just a week.
Next time you see her, thank her for all she does for me, and how she makes me better than I am without her.
On another note, if you are bored within the next week, give me a call, my evenings are free.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
What's the balance between selfishness and faith?
This post is about praying for healing. I don't always feel comfortable when it comes to praying prayers of healing. Don't get me wrong, I can do the pastorly thing. I know how to pray a prayer of healing that is biblical, encouraging and hopeful. I understand how to claim God's power as evident in His word while I pray. But that leaves me still with awkwardness and discomfort when praying for healing.
Can/do I really pray the same things for headaches as I do for terminal cancer? Do I really ask for God to work through doctors? Or do I insist on miraculous healing? Is there a difference in my selfishness in wanting miraculous healing, but not wanting to be that bold in faith and then praying for doctors to be used? Why are the specifics so awkward in healing prayers?
I am much more comfortable when I am one of many people praying for a "sick" or "injured" person. I am much more comfortable with the understanding that all of us are being brought to a place of having a restored body (heaven) and that all of us are slowly dying in this one. I am comfortable asking God to continue to restore us to Him if that looks like physical healing or not. In fact, I am very comfortable praying about people's sicknesses or injuries when I am alone. But out loud, I struggle with praying for a healing in front of people. What if I really don't think God wants to heal someone of their cold? What if I really don't think miracles are the answer to everything, or the best result in all situations?
What does everyone else think? I've been talking to many others in person about this. It is something many are uncomfortable with. An interesting thing to talk about.
That being said, I love praying for people and their situations, healing, or otherwise. If there is anything you want me to be praying about, let me know.
Can/do I really pray the same things for headaches as I do for terminal cancer? Do I really ask for God to work through doctors? Or do I insist on miraculous healing? Is there a difference in my selfishness in wanting miraculous healing, but not wanting to be that bold in faith and then praying for doctors to be used? Why are the specifics so awkward in healing prayers?
I am much more comfortable when I am one of many people praying for a "sick" or "injured" person. I am much more comfortable with the understanding that all of us are being brought to a place of having a restored body (heaven) and that all of us are slowly dying in this one. I am comfortable asking God to continue to restore us to Him if that looks like physical healing or not. In fact, I am very comfortable praying about people's sicknesses or injuries when I am alone. But out loud, I struggle with praying for a healing in front of people. What if I really don't think God wants to heal someone of their cold? What if I really don't think miracles are the answer to everything, or the best result in all situations?
What does everyone else think? I've been talking to many others in person about this. It is something many are uncomfortable with. An interesting thing to talk about.
That being said, I love praying for people and their situations, healing, or otherwise. If there is anything you want me to be praying about, let me know.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Would your answer change if it was wet out?...
After looking at the scratches on my best friend's (Matt Johnson) body, I began to ask myself this question: Is sliding into a base in baseball really the quickest way to get there? In games of inches, is sliding a helpful technique, or is it only helpful in a game like baseball, where ending on a base is important? I'll pose this in another hypothetical situation.
You're playing soccer. The ball is rolling into your team's net and you need to stop it. Direction does not matter, no other player is on your half of the field. As long as you can get to the ball, you can stop it. Do you (a) run as fast as you can and slide as you begin approaching the goal line hoping to catch the ball, or (b) run as fast as you can hoping to catch the ball with one of your steps and stop it while you are passing it and running into the net?
My instinct as a soccer player tells me (a), but I have no definitive reason for why this is. I have some innate, or taught reason to think that sliding will help me get there quicker.
Here is the reason I really began evaluating this question. The sport of track and field is competitive. It is a sport were fractions of seconds make significant differences. All runners seem trained to stick their chest forward as they approach and cross the finish line. I'm curious if sliding as a last "step" would cut a fraction of a second or not. Has anyone ever tried in a close race to finish by sliding? What really is fastest? Should I really be approaching soccer balls in a standing position? Is sliding only helpful because stopping on the base is important?
I'll leave it for the commenters to debate.
You're playing soccer. The ball is rolling into your team's net and you need to stop it. Direction does not matter, no other player is on your half of the field. As long as you can get to the ball, you can stop it. Do you (a) run as fast as you can and slide as you begin approaching the goal line hoping to catch the ball, or (b) run as fast as you can hoping to catch the ball with one of your steps and stop it while you are passing it and running into the net?
My instinct as a soccer player tells me (a), but I have no definitive reason for why this is. I have some innate, or taught reason to think that sliding will help me get there quicker.
Here is the reason I really began evaluating this question. The sport of track and field is competitive. It is a sport were fractions of seconds make significant differences. All runners seem trained to stick their chest forward as they approach and cross the finish line. I'm curious if sliding as a last "step" would cut a fraction of a second or not. Has anyone ever tried in a close race to finish by sliding? What really is fastest? Should I really be approaching soccer balls in a standing position? Is sliding only helpful because stopping on the base is important?
I'll leave it for the commenters to debate.
Monday, June 12, 2006
23 books in 23 days... (long post)
When I was in college, I ended up with a summer job that many students envied. I worked in the mailroom at Blue Cross Blue Shield. During this time, I worked an 8 hour day that only had 2 hours worth of work. There really wasn't anything else I could do during the time, I just needed to be in the mailroom in case anyone came in to UPS or FED EX something. As a result, I was allowed to spend the time however I saw fit. I got to do this for two summers. One summer I spent watching DVD's on a laptop. The other summer, I fell in love with reading. I went on a stretch were I actually read 23 books in 23 days. Having six hours on the job to kill helps you get through a book pretty quick. It was a good summer.
I read anything that was recommended to me, fiction, non-fiction, spiritual, pointless, entertaining, horrible, you name it, that summer I got to read some kind of it. I have read many more books since then, and often find myself giving book recommendations to others that I know. I don't read much fiction anymore, and focus primarily on reading books that deal with the Christian Faith in some way, those these books aren't always "Christian." I read many books about the Jewish faith as it gives me a new perspective on Jesus' teachings to the Jews and how they were revolutionary to that culture at that time. I've read a lot of books since becoming a Christian, and have found some to be more helpful in my growth than others. Here is a list of books that I found worthwhile for my faith.
A New Kind of Christian by Brain Mclaren
This is written by a leader of the "emergent" church movement. It deals with how to see Christianity without feeling the need to read the Bible as an answer book, and focus more on the Bible being read as a narrative.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This couldn't be much further away on the spectrum than it is to the book before it. This book is maybe the ultimate summation of "modern" Christianity. Easily the book I recommend first to new Christians.
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
This is the longest book besides the Bible that I have ever read. Dallas' thoughts on personal discipline and Jesus teaching through the Lord's Prayer and the Sermon on the Mount are as well presented as I've ever seen.
Letters From a Skeptic by Greg Boyd
This book has great content, but it's content isn't what helped me. It was through reading this book that I became comfortable with asking myself and others deep questions about the Christian faith. It has been a life transforming journey for me to be on while asking these questions, so I'm thankful.
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
This book explains the gospel of grace in terms that are so inviting. Again, this book would be far from the "emergent church" side of things, but I find it riveting ( I believe Brennan was/is Catholic, which shows in his reverence but his thoughts appeal to all who know Jesus).
These would be the first 5 books I would recommend. I don't give any weight to the order that they are listed here. Below I'll put a list of some other authors that have been helpful.
On the more classical stances:
John Eldridge
John Piper
Brennan Manning
C.S. Lewis
Dallas Willard
Chuck Swindoll
On the more progressive side:
Rob Bell
Donald Miller
Brian McLaren
Greg Boyd
Erwin McManus
Again, these aren't listed in any particular order, and if you want clarification I'd be happy to explain what I mean by classical and progressive, or recommend a specific title to you based on what you'd like to read more about.
I read anything that was recommended to me, fiction, non-fiction, spiritual, pointless, entertaining, horrible, you name it, that summer I got to read some kind of it. I have read many more books since then, and often find myself giving book recommendations to others that I know. I don't read much fiction anymore, and focus primarily on reading books that deal with the Christian Faith in some way, those these books aren't always "Christian." I read many books about the Jewish faith as it gives me a new perspective on Jesus' teachings to the Jews and how they were revolutionary to that culture at that time. I've read a lot of books since becoming a Christian, and have found some to be more helpful in my growth than others. Here is a list of books that I found worthwhile for my faith.
A New Kind of Christian by Brain Mclaren
This is written by a leader of the "emergent" church movement. It deals with how to see Christianity without feeling the need to read the Bible as an answer book, and focus more on the Bible being read as a narrative.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This couldn't be much further away on the spectrum than it is to the book before it. This book is maybe the ultimate summation of "modern" Christianity. Easily the book I recommend first to new Christians.
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
This is the longest book besides the Bible that I have ever read. Dallas' thoughts on personal discipline and Jesus teaching through the Lord's Prayer and the Sermon on the Mount are as well presented as I've ever seen.
Letters From a Skeptic by Greg Boyd
This book has great content, but it's content isn't what helped me. It was through reading this book that I became comfortable with asking myself and others deep questions about the Christian faith. It has been a life transforming journey for me to be on while asking these questions, so I'm thankful.
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
This book explains the gospel of grace in terms that are so inviting. Again, this book would be far from the "emergent church" side of things, but I find it riveting ( I believe Brennan was/is Catholic, which shows in his reverence but his thoughts appeal to all who know Jesus).
These would be the first 5 books I would recommend. I don't give any weight to the order that they are listed here. Below I'll put a list of some other authors that have been helpful.
On the more classical stances:
John Eldridge
John Piper
Brennan Manning
C.S. Lewis
Dallas Willard
Chuck Swindoll
On the more progressive side:
Rob Bell
Donald Miller
Brian McLaren
Greg Boyd
Erwin McManus
Again, these aren't listed in any particular order, and if you want clarification I'd be happy to explain what I mean by classical and progressive, or recommend a specific title to you based on what you'd like to read more about.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
New Study Finds, AIDS transfered at gas pump
I received number "x+1" in gas e-mails now. Another was added to the list. This one boasted the third major way we can help in decreasing gas prices.
Way 1: Don't by gas for a day, everyone.
Way 2: Only buy from the smaller stations, boycott Exxon Mobil, everyone.
Way 3: Only buy $10 dollars at a time, everyone.
What if people decided that we wanted to stop world hunger, would we think of this many ways? What if we spent as much time thinking about how to love people as we did thinking about how to save 12 cents a gallon at the gas station? What if when we matured enough to think outside of ourselves, it wasn't because we were asking everyone else we know to boycott the gas station, and was for a good cause?
Here is what is funny to me. I've actually asked lots of people this question, including many of the youth at church... If you could sacrifice your life, and by your death you knew AIDS would be cured, would you do it? I have yet to find a person say no. There is something about dying with that kind of glory that seems appetizing to many people. Notice I didn't say that it was about dying for a cause, or a noble case. It really is the glory. I've heard many people who will give their life to end AIDS, but won't choose to abstain until marriage. I've met many people who will organize their life around an e-mail so as to save 8 cents a gallon on gas, but won't make time for their own family or children.
What message does this world need? Where can it come from? Will you live out the answer? Will you prioritize correctly?
Way 1: Don't by gas for a day, everyone.
Way 2: Only buy from the smaller stations, boycott Exxon Mobil, everyone.
Way 3: Only buy $10 dollars at a time, everyone.
What if people decided that we wanted to stop world hunger, would we think of this many ways? What if we spent as much time thinking about how to love people as we did thinking about how to save 12 cents a gallon at the gas station? What if when we matured enough to think outside of ourselves, it wasn't because we were asking everyone else we know to boycott the gas station, and was for a good cause?
Here is what is funny to me. I've actually asked lots of people this question, including many of the youth at church... If you could sacrifice your life, and by your death you knew AIDS would be cured, would you do it? I have yet to find a person say no. There is something about dying with that kind of glory that seems appetizing to many people. Notice I didn't say that it was about dying for a cause, or a noble case. It really is the glory. I've heard many people who will give their life to end AIDS, but won't choose to abstain until marriage. I've met many people who will organize their life around an e-mail so as to save 8 cents a gallon on gas, but won't make time for their own family or children.
What message does this world need? Where can it come from? Will you live out the answer? Will you prioritize correctly?
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Responsibility of a leader
Some of us at church got into an off-topic discussion this afternoon. Here was the question: Is it okay/appropriate for a non-Christian person to be playing on a worship team at a church? We heard the postives and negatives from both sides (in a heated way) and then actually returned to the topic we were supposed to be discussing.
I'm going to hold off on my opinion of this matter, at least until asked for it, but am curious to hear the thoughts of any of you who read? Would it make a difference to you to find out (I am by no means implying this is true, just asking the question) that a worship leader is not a Christian? Does their role on the team make a difference, for example, the leader vs. a drummer or bass player?
Most people's initial reaction is to say that there shouldn't be non-Christians on a worship team. If this is your stance (I still am not saying my stance yet) I would ask one follow up question: What parts of church involvement are acceptable for non-Christians, and how did you come to that conclusion?
Curious to have this discussion. Keep it civil, there is no need for anger here.
I'm going to hold off on my opinion of this matter, at least until asked for it, but am curious to hear the thoughts of any of you who read? Would it make a difference to you to find out (I am by no means implying this is true, just asking the question) that a worship leader is not a Christian? Does their role on the team make a difference, for example, the leader vs. a drummer or bass player?
Most people's initial reaction is to say that there shouldn't be non-Christians on a worship team. If this is your stance (I still am not saying my stance yet) I would ask one follow up question: What parts of church involvement are acceptable for non-Christians, and how did you come to that conclusion?
Curious to have this discussion. Keep it civil, there is no need for anger here.
Some like it rough...
It's amazing to me sometimes, the response I can get for my "thoughts." I hope not to be deceiving anyone. These posts are in essence, rough drafts of what is going on in my mind at the moment. Though considerable thought has gone into my opinions, words and phrases are being chosen at a whim.
I usually type, spellcheck and post, with no editing. I don't know if my thoughts are coherent, nor have I seemed to care enough at this point to make sure. I'll get better with that motivation as writing becomes a more serious focus of mine. At this point, I just need to get back in the habit of writing consistently. Bear with me as I continue to leave many thoughts that might not be coherent to you. And trust that "their our" still many mistakes in my word choices, or forms, as only spelling is being checked.
I usually type, spellcheck and post, with no editing. I don't know if my thoughts are coherent, nor have I seemed to care enough at this point to make sure. I'll get better with that motivation as writing becomes a more serious focus of mine. At this point, I just need to get back in the habit of writing consistently. Bear with me as I continue to leave many thoughts that might not be coherent to you. And trust that "their our" still many mistakes in my word choices, or forms, as only spelling is being checked.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
March Madness in June? ... My brain hurts.
Because my brain hurts, this post will have little intellectual value. Instead, I'll share with any of you who don't know the joy that we get of having March madness in June. No, I'm not talking about how boring it would be to watch college baseball, or the hockey or nba finals. Instead, I'm talking about the delightful World Cup of Soccer. 63 games to decide one champion, and every game is being televised live.
In the words of my wife: "you've been counting down to the world cup more than you counted down to our wedding." This is actually true, but at least she followed it with "and you counted down to our wedding more than I did." Which again was actually true.
I'm excited that at least once every four years, parts of America pay attention to soccer. I'm excited that Gatorade has made commercials that use baseball's anthem playing in the background, and post that soccer is "the new pastime." I'm excited to watch all teams play and to root for the U.S.
Maybe most importantly, I'm excited to be a giddy child again, like most of us who fill out a bracket get for the NCAA tournament. I'm excited to pretend that the result of an Angola soccer match is drastically important. It is fun to lose myself in other people's life and I get to do that for an entire month.
If you have cable and want someone to watch a game with, I'd be more than happy to come over.
In the words of my wife: "you've been counting down to the world cup more than you counted down to our wedding." This is actually true, but at least she followed it with "and you counted down to our wedding more than I did." Which again was actually true.
I'm excited that at least once every four years, parts of America pay attention to soccer. I'm excited that Gatorade has made commercials that use baseball's anthem playing in the background, and post that soccer is "the new pastime." I'm excited to watch all teams play and to root for the U.S.
Maybe most importantly, I'm excited to be a giddy child again, like most of us who fill out a bracket get for the NCAA tournament. I'm excited to pretend that the result of an Angola soccer match is drastically important. It is fun to lose myself in other people's life and I get to do that for an entire month.
If you have cable and want someone to watch a game with, I'd be more than happy to come over.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
I'm not insensitive, I'm just gifted with consistency...
I was at an all staff day with the 11 other church employees this week. At one point in the afternoon, we went through as individuals and answered two questions for each other. The first question was, What is one strength that you have that you would like to use more this year? Some people took a while to think of theirs, other's found theirs right away. There wasn't a lot that shocked me during this part of the process.
The second question asked has spawned my line of thinking for this blog tonight. What is one of your weaknesses that you need the team's help with this year? I again, wasn't astonished by anyone's answers and was pleased with how open and honest people were. But there was something that struck me. At first, I though we were all trying to justify our weaknesses. When it came to our strengths people easily threw out one, but when it came to our weaknesses, many answers started with, because of "x" I have this weakness. We hadn't even mentioned our weaknesses yet, and had already begun to justify why we thought they were okay. It seemed, childish and awkward to me.
I have since continued evaluating. So many people could clearly and logically show that their weakness existed because of the combination of two or three strengths. I am a realistic, logical, strategic, and analytical person, and thus appropriate faith and stepping out into unknown is a weakness of mine. Not because I don't believe in it, or find it difficult, but because it is so far from the natural (and supernatural) way that I am created. I have thus been asking myself the question, are we created with weaknesses? I understand that many people have certain weaknesses we can all agree upon. But are these created or chosen weaknesses? I was not created with a weaknesses for productivity, I've just chosen laziness. I wasn't created with a weakness in humility, I just struggle with the sin of pride. I wasn't created with weakness in love, I've just chosen selfishness and anger.
We can spot many "weaknesses" in people, but I can't think of anyone created with a weakness in something that matters. I contend differently, that we are all created good (read the Bible) and that we have all made choices that have ruined that good (again the Bible). Most importantly, I don't believe that I am weak in an area, or at least I don't want that to be my focus. My "weakness" of faith (which is a result of my strengths and gifts) has spurred me to areas of study and thought that faith would have ignored. Conversations I have and questions I understand and process happen only because of my strengths, and had faith been added to these (faith isn't a strength of mine, but as of yesterday has ceased to be a weakness) I would be vastly unmoved in many areas of life that I have come far in.
Evaluate your life. What have your strengths far surpassed another area of life in? Don't count this area as a weakness, but realize and understand that you were created uniquely, with a unique purpose, and that you have something unique that you can offer. I'm interested enough, start offering it to me. Show me what faith looks like. Show me what the strength of love can accomplish. Who out there can act empathetically at all times? Who knows they have the gift of hospitality, or grace, or mercy, or adaptability, or worship or.....? Don't make me start publishing names on the internet. I know many of you have strengths. They are so easy to see (for me who can analyze well). If you don't know what they are, start asking, someone can point them out. I specifically would love to talk to you about your strengths, and how that makes some areas of life frustrating (not weak) for you. I'd love to talk about what our responses are when we see the people who excel in the areas our strengths exclude.
Let's move forward.
"For we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." Hebrews 10:39 (My life theme verse)
The second question asked has spawned my line of thinking for this blog tonight. What is one of your weaknesses that you need the team's help with this year? I again, wasn't astonished by anyone's answers and was pleased with how open and honest people were. But there was something that struck me. At first, I though we were all trying to justify our weaknesses. When it came to our strengths people easily threw out one, but when it came to our weaknesses, many answers started with, because of "x" I have this weakness. We hadn't even mentioned our weaknesses yet, and had already begun to justify why we thought they were okay. It seemed, childish and awkward to me.
I have since continued evaluating. So many people could clearly and logically show that their weakness existed because of the combination of two or three strengths. I am a realistic, logical, strategic, and analytical person, and thus appropriate faith and stepping out into unknown is a weakness of mine. Not because I don't believe in it, or find it difficult, but because it is so far from the natural (and supernatural) way that I am created. I have thus been asking myself the question, are we created with weaknesses? I understand that many people have certain weaknesses we can all agree upon. But are these created or chosen weaknesses? I was not created with a weaknesses for productivity, I've just chosen laziness. I wasn't created with a weakness in humility, I just struggle with the sin of pride. I wasn't created with weakness in love, I've just chosen selfishness and anger.
We can spot many "weaknesses" in people, but I can't think of anyone created with a weakness in something that matters. I contend differently, that we are all created good (read the Bible) and that we have all made choices that have ruined that good (again the Bible). Most importantly, I don't believe that I am weak in an area, or at least I don't want that to be my focus. My "weakness" of faith (which is a result of my strengths and gifts) has spurred me to areas of study and thought that faith would have ignored. Conversations I have and questions I understand and process happen only because of my strengths, and had faith been added to these (faith isn't a strength of mine, but as of yesterday has ceased to be a weakness) I would be vastly unmoved in many areas of life that I have come far in.
Evaluate your life. What have your strengths far surpassed another area of life in? Don't count this area as a weakness, but realize and understand that you were created uniquely, with a unique purpose, and that you have something unique that you can offer. I'm interested enough, start offering it to me. Show me what faith looks like. Show me what the strength of love can accomplish. Who out there can act empathetically at all times? Who knows they have the gift of hospitality, or grace, or mercy, or adaptability, or worship or.....? Don't make me start publishing names on the internet. I know many of you have strengths. They are so easy to see (for me who can analyze well). If you don't know what they are, start asking, someone can point them out. I specifically would love to talk to you about your strengths, and how that makes some areas of life frustrating (not weak) for you. I'd love to talk about what our responses are when we see the people who excel in the areas our strengths exclude.
Let's move forward.
"For we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." Hebrews 10:39 (My life theme verse)
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
The art of the Romantic Comedy (a story of too many churches)
Writer's Note: It's never a good thing to need a note to explain your blog before you write it, but I feel that this one could get too many people evaluating things in ways I have no intention of them evaluating things. So here is my note. As I write this blog, I am not picturing or speaking of any specific Pastor or church (unless mentioned by name) and am instead babbling about the stereotypes that I see of the way Pastors and churches lead. With that said, lets turn to Hollywood, they never lead us down the wrong path. (If you didn't know that statement was sarcastic, chances are my writing will never be helpful for you).
In my opinion, Hollywood has made a vast change in the way they film the love story. In a way to maximize profits, the classical love story has not been produced in recent years, and has often been portrayed by the new style of "chick flick", the romantic comedy. Romantic comedies still come in all forms (read successful and entertaining, and the rest of them). I've actually found some of the more recent ones to be quite enjoyable. Valentine's Day and "Hitch" were a great combination. The art of the romantic comedy is something most of us could easily put down on paper, even as far as to know Hollywood's motivation behind their decisions. I'll break it down in it's simplest form, gender appeal.
Hollywood understands (again, I'm speaking in stereotypes) that women enjoy love stories. They equally understand that guys get bored if we aren't laughing, curious, or watching something blow up, and love stories alone rarely bring these feelings or senses to us. Insert comedy. Romantic comedies are written with both genders in mind. Lovey enough to bring in the women, and funny enough to make them tolerable to the men. I'll admit, this can be done successfully from a Hollywood business standpoint. What has begun to irritate me, is that many Pastors have begun to form their sermons and teachings with the philosophies of Hollywood.
I have seen too many pastors take a love story (which I will refer to as the "truth" or the "gospel") and decide that it won't be appealing enough to everyone (which stylistically may be true) and add stories and humor to entertain those who are uninterested. The result to me, leaves both genders (in this case, Christian and non-Christian) unchanged. Those who already have the truth and know the gospel, hear the story they came in expecting to hear, and leave with the same understanding they came with. Those who don't know the truth, often latch on to a humorous illustration or story and leave with a funny anecdote for work the next morning. Neither of these results is what Christ wants of His church, but both of these results can be effective in the business side of a church. It is a simple way to keep people when you can entertain, and not ask for any change.
There are other movie styles (I understand that I'll probably take this analogy too far) that also describe what too many churches do. The action movie...Has pointless unrealistic scenes which cause us to fantasize about life in a different way. It's unfortunate that many churches have been able to build their congregation on messages of miracles and power that leave God as a resource, and not as a Savior.
The independent film... Which strives so hard to be unique and noticed, that their own independence and survival is their focus, and their impact on people is left far behind.
The Walt Disney moment... Where everything is always happy, the sappy music plays, and nobody gets hurt. I wish life were like these movies, but we all know that's not true. Still, some churches and pastors are afraid to talk about the real issues of life.
I could go on... But I'll get to my favorite kind of film, and thus give a positive example of what I hope churches look like. Any movie gets an immediate increase in rating for me if it is based on a true story. That being said, I love churches that do an above average job of majoring in the majors and not the minors. And my favorite type of movie is the mystery/suspense film. I'm not looking to be told (or to teach) about the Jesus who died 2000 years ago, never to be heard from again, or the God who created me, and watches how I live...Someday to judge me. I love hearing (and teaching) about the God who is doing things in our world, here and now. Who interacts with me, and my community, and you and your community. The God who is constantly working for the good of those who follow Him (you can find that in the Bible) and who is always surprising me. I never know what to expect from this God. I understand that the end of the story is written, but that my part of it, I still get to help write. I love this kind of church, and more importantly I love this kind of God.
I hope none of you have been burned by being at a church that is run too much like a Hollywood production company. I hope you have been intrigued by God's story and what He is doing in the world, and in your life right now. If you haven't, I'd love to talk to you about finding that kind of place, and organizing your life to be in tune with that kind of God.
In my opinion, Hollywood has made a vast change in the way they film the love story. In a way to maximize profits, the classical love story has not been produced in recent years, and has often been portrayed by the new style of "chick flick", the romantic comedy. Romantic comedies still come in all forms (read successful and entertaining, and the rest of them). I've actually found some of the more recent ones to be quite enjoyable. Valentine's Day and "Hitch" were a great combination. The art of the romantic comedy is something most of us could easily put down on paper, even as far as to know Hollywood's motivation behind their decisions. I'll break it down in it's simplest form, gender appeal.
Hollywood understands (again, I'm speaking in stereotypes) that women enjoy love stories. They equally understand that guys get bored if we aren't laughing, curious, or watching something blow up, and love stories alone rarely bring these feelings or senses to us. Insert comedy. Romantic comedies are written with both genders in mind. Lovey enough to bring in the women, and funny enough to make them tolerable to the men. I'll admit, this can be done successfully from a Hollywood business standpoint. What has begun to irritate me, is that many Pastors have begun to form their sermons and teachings with the philosophies of Hollywood.
I have seen too many pastors take a love story (which I will refer to as the "truth" or the "gospel") and decide that it won't be appealing enough to everyone (which stylistically may be true) and add stories and humor to entertain those who are uninterested. The result to me, leaves both genders (in this case, Christian and non-Christian) unchanged. Those who already have the truth and know the gospel, hear the story they came in expecting to hear, and leave with the same understanding they came with. Those who don't know the truth, often latch on to a humorous illustration or story and leave with a funny anecdote for work the next morning. Neither of these results is what Christ wants of His church, but both of these results can be effective in the business side of a church. It is a simple way to keep people when you can entertain, and not ask for any change.
There are other movie styles (I understand that I'll probably take this analogy too far) that also describe what too many churches do. The action movie...Has pointless unrealistic scenes which cause us to fantasize about life in a different way. It's unfortunate that many churches have been able to build their congregation on messages of miracles and power that leave God as a resource, and not as a Savior.
The independent film... Which strives so hard to be unique and noticed, that their own independence and survival is their focus, and their impact on people is left far behind.
The Walt Disney moment... Where everything is always happy, the sappy music plays, and nobody gets hurt. I wish life were like these movies, but we all know that's not true. Still, some churches and pastors are afraid to talk about the real issues of life.
I could go on... But I'll get to my favorite kind of film, and thus give a positive example of what I hope churches look like. Any movie gets an immediate increase in rating for me if it is based on a true story. That being said, I love churches that do an above average job of majoring in the majors and not the minors. And my favorite type of movie is the mystery/suspense film. I'm not looking to be told (or to teach) about the Jesus who died 2000 years ago, never to be heard from again, or the God who created me, and watches how I live...Someday to judge me. I love hearing (and teaching) about the God who is doing things in our world, here and now. Who interacts with me, and my community, and you and your community. The God who is constantly working for the good of those who follow Him (you can find that in the Bible) and who is always surprising me. I never know what to expect from this God. I understand that the end of the story is written, but that my part of it, I still get to help write. I love this kind of church, and more importantly I love this kind of God.
I hope none of you have been burned by being at a church that is run too much like a Hollywood production company. I hope you have been intrigued by God's story and what He is doing in the world, and in your life right now. If you haven't, I'd love to talk to you about finding that kind of place, and organizing your life to be in tune with that kind of God.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Pimps in the Pulpit
Church has reached an era where Pastor's and talented Christian Speakers are becoming celebrities of their own sorts. With advances in technology, you can find and listen to Pastors' sermons from all over the world. I have by no means heard a large portion of Pastors but have heard enough of them to pick my four favorite. The four of them in the same room would likely have vast arguments, as they wouldn't agree on many things, but these four men stir me to think about, understand, and love God in new ways. All of them challenge me to be better at living the life I should be living. All of them have at least a section of their most recent sermons online for free download, through their church websites.
Rob Bell - Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids Michigan
Efrem Smith - Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis
Erwan McManus - Mosaic Church in Los Angeles
Greg Boyd - Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul
Curious to know what speakers have impacted your lives. All four of these speakers target younger audiences, some of my other favorites would include Chuck Swindoll who is more broadly accepted and though I've never heard him speak, C.S. Lewis' books have changed my life, and he again is more broadly known and accepted.
Who has pushed you forward, or at least challenged you to consider God in a different way? They don't have to be famous in any way, most people I talk to have never heard of Efrem Smith, and possibly the most influential person to my Christian walk is Paul Hurckman, who only those closest to me have had the privilege of meeting.
In fact, the three men who have had the most impact on my life are Paul, Dennis Luce, and Matt Johsnon (those at my wedding could have met all three). None of them are famous, or available for download online, but each can encourage and challenge me in ways that others don't seem to know how to do.
Random Note: The title of this blog "Pimps in the Pulpit" is from a sermon that Efrem Smith preached on how many influential and "hollywood like" Pastors have abused their influence and vast audience and used them as a platform for an agenda that is often political, or social, but is not Christ.
Rob Bell - Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids Michigan
Efrem Smith - Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis
Erwan McManus - Mosaic Church in Los Angeles
Greg Boyd - Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul
Curious to know what speakers have impacted your lives. All four of these speakers target younger audiences, some of my other favorites would include Chuck Swindoll who is more broadly accepted and though I've never heard him speak, C.S. Lewis' books have changed my life, and he again is more broadly known and accepted.
Who has pushed you forward, or at least challenged you to consider God in a different way? They don't have to be famous in any way, most people I talk to have never heard of Efrem Smith, and possibly the most influential person to my Christian walk is Paul Hurckman, who only those closest to me have had the privilege of meeting.
In fact, the three men who have had the most impact on my life are Paul, Dennis Luce, and Matt Johsnon (those at my wedding could have met all three). None of them are famous, or available for download online, but each can encourage and challenge me in ways that others don't seem to know how to do.
Random Note: The title of this blog "Pimps in the Pulpit" is from a sermon that Efrem Smith preached on how many influential and "hollywood like" Pastors have abused their influence and vast audience and used them as a platform for an agenda that is often political, or social, but is not Christ.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Johann Sebastian Bach (long post)
Suite No. 3 In B Minor, BWV 814, IV. Menuett - Trio
Any of you who know me well will understand that my taste in music is rarely classical. This post, actually, has nothing to do with music. However, this song (or is it called a movement, I slept through a lot of music appreciation in college, something I don't regret) is perhaps the most relaxing music I ever get to hear. I don't listen to it on CD, or in my car, or while I shower. In fact, I don't even listen to a professional orchestra, or studio recording of this movement, I listen to it in 8 bit Midi format while I play Tetris on my original Nintendo (it's music choice "C").
Many people chose to start a game of Tetris on level zero and see how high they can get. Some pick a level that is more accustomed to their skill so as not to get bored by how slow the first few levels really are. Those more bold start on level nine, the highest visibly seen starting level, and test there luck against a game that most people get frustrated with. I am a unique (read weird and twisted) individual however, and have found that even the speed of level nine is slow and boring for me. I have to start on the unseen level (if you hold down the "a" button it adds ten to the starting level) and skip straight to its highest starting point of nineteen. There aren't a lot of people who enjoy the game at this pace. So few even, that when you acquire enough lines to move to the next level, they don't increase the speed. The only other increase of speed is when you reach level 29 and the game actually becomes impossible. I can sit for hours and play level nineteen of Tetris. Somehow, piecing the lines together is relaxing for my mind at a pace that most people find infuriating to theirs.
Tetris is a game of decision making. At level nineteen, it is a game of quick decision making. Time to think is limited and mistakes are frequent. People are fascinated when they watch me make mistakes on purpose because it was my first choice and the time to think of a better option just wasn't there. What is funny to me, is that it isn't these wrong decisions that will cause me to lose control of my thinking and thus the game, it is when one of two things happen that I know there is no turning back.
(you may want to start noticing that some of these points aren't just about a video game, but can be applied to life)
The first thing that can cause me to lose a game of Tetris is when something unexpected happens. If I believe I am finished with moving a piece and it moves while I'm assuming control of the next one, my brain cannot catch up quickly enough to evaluate the situation. I find myself trying to regroup at a time when I need to be making a decision, and lose all control of the game.
The second thing that causes me to lose a game of Tetris is when I am struck with a case of indecision. I stated earlier that it is often better for me just to intentionally make a mistake and move on to using the next pieces to fix my mistake than it is for me to watch a piece fall without any rhyme or reason. Indecision causes me not to be able to focus on what is ahead, and at the pace of this game (or the pace of life) not being able to see what's coming can put you into a cycle that is hard to get out of.
A professor in college once used an analogy about cars, to describe the process of discerning what God's plans are for our lives. When faced with a couple of different possibilities that could all be there right path of life, he said this.
It is better to turn down the wrong path than it is to sit at the intersection without making a decision. You can almost always tell when you have made the wrong decision and turn around and correct it, but indecision will often cause an accident, or just road rage.
This is the thing that resonated most with me from that entire class (a study on the book of Romans).
I've been fortunate enough in life to be quick and able in making decisions. I've made my share of wrong decisions, but am comfortable when the pressures on that I will be confident in the decisions I've made. Be it skipping straight to level nineteen in Tetris, performing in competitive soccer games, or starting and finishing a senior project the weekend before it is due, I've had an ability to perform under pressure. Some see it as a gift, and I can agree. Others see it as a product of a life of procrastinating, of which I'm also guilty. Some are envious of the ability, but most never want to be in the situation to use it. I love it.
I'm not in any way trying to pass off that life should be lived without thinking, I have probably spent more time thinking than most people. I even know the best ways to win hypothetical arguments with myself, or form theories on the possibility (or my belief in the lack thereof) of perfect Tetris playing lasting forever (I think perfect play is destined to lose and can prove it scientifically). The point isn't about not thinking. The point is that we need to be prepared to make decisions when we are called to make them.
Most of my thinking is done in advance. There aren't a lot of question I wouldn't be comfortable answering. I don't know entirely what the point of this blog was, but if you have any kinds of questions (specifically questions about my life, or about my God) I would be more than happy to engage in conversation with you. I can't promise good or correct answers, but I know I'm not afraid to converse with you. I'd love to dialogue. Feel free to e-mail or comment.
Any of you who know me well will understand that my taste in music is rarely classical. This post, actually, has nothing to do with music. However, this song (or is it called a movement, I slept through a lot of music appreciation in college, something I don't regret) is perhaps the most relaxing music I ever get to hear. I don't listen to it on CD, or in my car, or while I shower. In fact, I don't even listen to a professional orchestra, or studio recording of this movement, I listen to it in 8 bit Midi format while I play Tetris on my original Nintendo (it's music choice "C").
Many people chose to start a game of Tetris on level zero and see how high they can get. Some pick a level that is more accustomed to their skill so as not to get bored by how slow the first few levels really are. Those more bold start on level nine, the highest visibly seen starting level, and test there luck against a game that most people get frustrated with. I am a unique (read weird and twisted) individual however, and have found that even the speed of level nine is slow and boring for me. I have to start on the unseen level (if you hold down the "a" button it adds ten to the starting level) and skip straight to its highest starting point of nineteen. There aren't a lot of people who enjoy the game at this pace. So few even, that when you acquire enough lines to move to the next level, they don't increase the speed. The only other increase of speed is when you reach level 29 and the game actually becomes impossible. I can sit for hours and play level nineteen of Tetris. Somehow, piecing the lines together is relaxing for my mind at a pace that most people find infuriating to theirs.
Tetris is a game of decision making. At level nineteen, it is a game of quick decision making. Time to think is limited and mistakes are frequent. People are fascinated when they watch me make mistakes on purpose because it was my first choice and the time to think of a better option just wasn't there. What is funny to me, is that it isn't these wrong decisions that will cause me to lose control of my thinking and thus the game, it is when one of two things happen that I know there is no turning back.
(you may want to start noticing that some of these points aren't just about a video game, but can be applied to life)
The first thing that can cause me to lose a game of Tetris is when something unexpected happens. If I believe I am finished with moving a piece and it moves while I'm assuming control of the next one, my brain cannot catch up quickly enough to evaluate the situation. I find myself trying to regroup at a time when I need to be making a decision, and lose all control of the game.
The second thing that causes me to lose a game of Tetris is when I am struck with a case of indecision. I stated earlier that it is often better for me just to intentionally make a mistake and move on to using the next pieces to fix my mistake than it is for me to watch a piece fall without any rhyme or reason. Indecision causes me not to be able to focus on what is ahead, and at the pace of this game (or the pace of life) not being able to see what's coming can put you into a cycle that is hard to get out of.
A professor in college once used an analogy about cars, to describe the process of discerning what God's plans are for our lives. When faced with a couple of different possibilities that could all be there right path of life, he said this.
It is better to turn down the wrong path than it is to sit at the intersection without making a decision. You can almost always tell when you have made the wrong decision and turn around and correct it, but indecision will often cause an accident, or just road rage.
This is the thing that resonated most with me from that entire class (a study on the book of Romans).
I've been fortunate enough in life to be quick and able in making decisions. I've made my share of wrong decisions, but am comfortable when the pressures on that I will be confident in the decisions I've made. Be it skipping straight to level nineteen in Tetris, performing in competitive soccer games, or starting and finishing a senior project the weekend before it is due, I've had an ability to perform under pressure. Some see it as a gift, and I can agree. Others see it as a product of a life of procrastinating, of which I'm also guilty. Some are envious of the ability, but most never want to be in the situation to use it. I love it.
I'm not in any way trying to pass off that life should be lived without thinking, I have probably spent more time thinking than most people. I even know the best ways to win hypothetical arguments with myself, or form theories on the possibility (or my belief in the lack thereof) of perfect Tetris playing lasting forever (I think perfect play is destined to lose and can prove it scientifically). The point isn't about not thinking. The point is that we need to be prepared to make decisions when we are called to make them.
Most of my thinking is done in advance. There aren't a lot of question I wouldn't be comfortable answering. I don't know entirely what the point of this blog was, but if you have any kinds of questions (specifically questions about my life, or about my God) I would be more than happy to engage in conversation with you. I can't promise good or correct answers, but I know I'm not afraid to converse with you. I'd love to dialogue. Feel free to e-mail or comment.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Exercises in drooling control...
A mostly free Saturday afternoon, with golf on the mind and on the television, a laptop with a wireless connection, and an empty wallet was the perfect equipment set for my exercises in drooling control.
Numerous manufacturer's and auction sites left me wanting. Nobody was handing out New Nike Sasquatch Drivers, Slingshot irons, Hybrid clubs, Tiger Woods pitching wedges, or Oz putters for free, and my inability at this point to even produce an income in the month of July (which surprisingly hasn't hit Jenny or I as a scary thing yet) left me unable to secure any new toy.
I understand that I'm not near a life point where "new toys" are what I get to think about. I'm in a life stage where, simplify and save, is on the mind.
If any of you are looking for new clubs, I've done the research and would love to break them in with you on the course.
Next on the agenda, wait for Jenny to get home so we can continue to live life through Jack Bauer (if you have never watched 24, you should borrow season 1 from me), where I am assured there will be enjoyable entertainment, and no situations worth drooling over.
Numerous manufacturer's and auction sites left me wanting. Nobody was handing out New Nike Sasquatch Drivers, Slingshot irons, Hybrid clubs, Tiger Woods pitching wedges, or Oz putters for free, and my inability at this point to even produce an income in the month of July (which surprisingly hasn't hit Jenny or I as a scary thing yet) left me unable to secure any new toy.
I understand that I'm not near a life point where "new toys" are what I get to think about. I'm in a life stage where, simplify and save, is on the mind.
If any of you are looking for new clubs, I've done the research and would love to break them in with you on the course.
Next on the agenda, wait for Jenny to get home so we can continue to live life through Jack Bauer (if you have never watched 24, you should borrow season 1 from me), where I am assured there will be enjoyable entertainment, and no situations worth drooling over.
Friday, June 02, 2006
One Step at a Time
It was nice to run out to the mail today. I usually don't check the mail, and wait for Jenny (my wife) to get it when she gets home, but i've been hoping to find out that i was accepted to Seminary. There was an envelope from Bethel Seminary in the mailbox, so being odd, i grabbed just it and left the rest of the mail for my wife to find later.
As expected, i was approved for admission. The first step has been taken. Before i can begin though, i will have to establish some form of income, and some form of paying for tuition, but it is good to know that i can, and have to start that process now.
I don't know exactly what those areas of life will look like yet in the fall, but i'm excited to return to studying academically as the knowledge i'll be attaining is of interest to me.
Look for me. I'll be the geek with the book in his hands and laptop on his lap, drinking an ibc rootbeer pretending i'm still cool, all the while knowing i'm far too much of a geek to be cool.
Look for Jenny (the attractive girl in the profile picture), she'll be the one reminding me i'm not an idiot and giving me the joy and happiness of knowing that i'm on the right path.
As expected, i was approved for admission. The first step has been taken. Before i can begin though, i will have to establish some form of income, and some form of paying for tuition, but it is good to know that i can, and have to start that process now.
I don't know exactly what those areas of life will look like yet in the fall, but i'm excited to return to studying academically as the knowledge i'll be attaining is of interest to me.
Look for me. I'll be the geek with the book in his hands and laptop on his lap, drinking an ibc rootbeer pretending i'm still cool, all the while knowing i'm far too much of a geek to be cool.
Look for Jenny (the attractive girl in the profile picture), she'll be the one reminding me i'm not an idiot and giving me the joy and happiness of knowing that i'm on the right path.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Starting Somewhere
I don't know where i'm starting yet, but it's somewhere.
I am currently a youth pastor at a church in Minneapolis, but in 30 days, i am resigning from that job to start down a path of preparation. I'm excited to see how God molds me and what the process will look like, but slightly unsettled with the obscurity of process and control that are out of my hands.
Ultimately i want my life to be one of teaching and writing. I want to challenge and encourage people to grow further in their discipleship process with Christ.
I can't say exacly what any of it will look like, but the process is beginning. I am starting somewhere.
This blog will cover more than just a professional, or spiritual journey, though both of those things are deeply rooted in everything that is important to me, i would be neglecting the rest of the good of my life if i didn't also get to talk about my family and my bride.
No one may read this blog, but i'll enjoy remembering and thinking out loud with anyone who might find me.
Nathan.Kemper
I am currently a youth pastor at a church in Minneapolis, but in 30 days, i am resigning from that job to start down a path of preparation. I'm excited to see how God molds me and what the process will look like, but slightly unsettled with the obscurity of process and control that are out of my hands.
Ultimately i want my life to be one of teaching and writing. I want to challenge and encourage people to grow further in their discipleship process with Christ.
I can't say exacly what any of it will look like, but the process is beginning. I am starting somewhere.
This blog will cover more than just a professional, or spiritual journey, though both of those things are deeply rooted in everything that is important to me, i would be neglecting the rest of the good of my life if i didn't also get to talk about my family and my bride.
No one may read this blog, but i'll enjoy remembering and thinking out loud with anyone who might find me.
Nathan.Kemper
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