The Thought

Kind of a strange thing for us to do - but, hey! Why not?

2010-07-06T21:29:00.004-05:00

O.K. - so here goes. We bought a cow! Well, sort of - we bought part of a cow - splitting it with my Brother Carl's family and another family. I am not sure which parts belong to me and which parts belong to the others - but I'm sure it will all work out just fine.
We went to see her on Monday - she is helping to keep our friend's pasture "mowed" down - although right now there's still a lot of tasty weeds, berry bushes, brush and other stuff for her to feed on. There is also a nice creek/spring running through the property, so she has plenty of shelter and fresh water to drink. It seems a rather ideal situation - We bought her cheap at auction, God is feeding her and giving her water to drink - and then she will feed three or four families through the winter and spring of next year. Pretty cool!I think she looks rather delish... don't you?

Thoughts on Patriotism and celebrating the 4th...

2010-07-04T22:44:00.009-05:00

Patriotism Revisited...
So, I've started commenting on this idea a few times now, but just haven't found the words to express it quite right.
First, let me 'splain. (**Cue the dream sequence harp music to signify some sort of time warp and/or disclaimer). I came darn close to joining the military on at least a couple of occasions in my life. I got several persuasive and persistent calls from recruiters after I scored in the upper ***th percentile on the ASVAB in High School and was promised quite a bit should I decide to join. I have also thought about it on several other occasions. Needless to say, I love our country, feel very patriotic and proud and have defended our countries honor (at least verbally) while on foreign soil; As it happens, I had the occasion to exchange fairly harsh words with a South African park ranger/tour guide while exploring a cave in the Mpumalanga province This park ranger made nasty comments about US taxes and needing to fund the "War Machine" - kinda cheesed me off - so, I felt the need to set him straight about what we are really fighting for. At any rate - I am a patriot - true-blue, red-blooded, proud, "ugly American." End of preface****

One thing that breaks my heart is how I recall that after 9-11 so many Americans came back home to the church, as if they realized that they knew they were missing something and knew where they could find it. One of my favorite worship songs ("We will embrace Your move" by Darrell Evans) contains the words - "to those who've rejected Him, He's reaching His arms out again..." That one line really summed up what was happening across the U.S. in the weeks following the 9-11 tragedy. The problem is, for many what they found in the church was not the true answer, but rather a call to patriotism. In a word - we are guilty as a nation of substituting patriotism for a geniune relationship with Christ.
Don't get me wrong - many churches get it right day after day, week after week, solidly preaching and living out the message of hope through a true relationship with Jesus. But why hasn't the church really grown in the wake of such tragedy? One thing we are guilty of is that as a church in generl, we have allowed people to buy into the lie that just being a "good" and patriotic American citizen, that God will bless and protect them, and somehow they will earn a spot for themselves beyond the "pearly gates" when they die.
What is the answer? I certainly wouldn't propose that we become ashamed of our heritage or anything but exceptional. My point is, I think it is a tragedy in itself that in many instances the church has somehow missed the opportunity to bring people the true message of hope. We Americans willingly settle for patriotism instead of the grace, forgiveness and true sense of purpose that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus.

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Other intersting stuff!!!!! (To me anyway...)
Just keeping up with tradition here, but I found it interesting that Joey Chestnut won his FOURTH coveted Yellow Mustard Belt in the 95th annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, held at Coney Island, N.Y. Read more about it here.
Apparently, this years' competition was a bit easier for Chestnut who ate just 54 dogs to defend his title. He set a new world's record last year downing 68 dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The REAL excitement occurred a few minutes after the competition was over when former 6-time winnner (and Chestnut's arch-rival) Takeru Kobayashi (who couldn't compete due to contractual restrictions) tried to rush the stage and was apprehended by police and subsequently taken into custody. Phew! Talk about your sour grapes (or weenies?). Better luck next year Kobayashi!

In Other News...
We had a great day with Kimberly and the boys. We ate dinner (Bratz, Pulled Pork and LOTS of other great stuff). We then went to a concert where Christopher and Clayton played with a commuity band at the Gazebo in Community Park. Cool Stuff.
Later it was fireworks at Nichols park with Darian, Erica, Beth, Cameron and Austin (Bryce stayed home with a sneezing fit - alergies?) At any rate - I'm pooped!

What is my motivation?

2010-06-28T21:13:00.003-05:00

So - I just got a huge lesson in how utterly out of shape I am. I would like to say I can't believe it, but that would be stretching the truth. So, I'd also like to say that it is just the result of working too hard on my Master's and sitting out for a season or two but in reality, I've been working for quite a while at getting so flabby. Yep, you heard me - I've really worked at it! It doesn't come easily - you really have to try hard to get this out of shape. Which leads me to my next point - I'm going to have to work hard to get back into shape. My main problem these days is endurance. I get winded quickly, so I'm going to have to work into it. I am also going to have to stick to some kind of plan. We've been eating better for a few weeks now - and YES, I've been cutting back on my portions - even while on vacation I didn't go back for seconds quite as often (accept for when we had the bacon wrapped filets and salmon - couldn't help it!). So - it's a process.
In reality, this is kind of a picture of how things look for me spiritually too - I'm a bit flabby from neglect lately. It's not that I don't have fervor. I pray often, spend time in the word. We serve regularly, we give a healthy portion of our income (beyond 10% usually) - but I lack the discipline that I should have in terms of REGULAR "exercise" that I should have in my devotional life. In some ways, it has been for the same reasons - I've worked hard at NOT doing it on a regular basis like I should. As a matter of confession - I have ALWAYS struggled in this area of discipline. It seems that especially during those times when I should have been the most disciplined I have fallen short in my personal discipleship - namely when I was in Bible college, Seminary and serving full-time on staff are the times when I struggled the most with developing a consistent devotional life, whereas during other periods I found myself longing for more quiet time and regular time in the word. I confess, lately I have felt stirred more to pray, and I long for more time in the word - but I've let myself get a bit flabby and haven't really gotten to it like I should.
Proverbs 26:15 says, "The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth."

So here's to getting off my flabby bones and getting some excercise - both physically and spiritually. For those who know me - pray for me and help me to stay accountable.

Too Cool not to comment on this one...

2010-06-14T16:39:00.003-05:00

Not waxing philosophical here - just thought this was pretty cool. I am a bit of a fan of really BAD (AWEFUL) "B" movies - and this one is by far the worst by most people's standards - PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE is being converted into 3-D and will soon be coming to a theater near you!

As for my taste for bad movies, just ask my poor children and my neice and nephews about how I treated them to SANTA CLAUSE CONQUERS THE MARTIANS this past Christmas. I'm also a fan of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES and of course BUCKAROO BANZAI (an all-time favorite).

I wonder if they'll do a 3-D Killer Tomatoes movie soon too?

Catching up on stuff....

2010-06-09T21:23:00.005-05:00

More happenings... (Slightly more than minutia)

As I posted earlier, lots has been going on. Here's a few more details and pix.

As I mentioned, we had a graduation (Cameron) and Aunt J.J.'s wedding on the same day. Here's proof:

In other news, I also graduated (sort of) with my M.B.A. - I didn't actually walk in a ceremony, but I got my regalia just in case I need it in a future teaching gig..... but mainly so I can put it on and pretend that I'm a Jedi when nobody is watching. ;)

So, I now have my Master's - finally. Without reflecting too deeply, it came only about fifteen years later than I thought it would - and in a completely different field. I began this journey in the fall of 1993 at Fuller Seminary where I have earned 70 or so units towards a M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology in hopes of teaching in a Christain College Setting (L.I.F.E. Pacific?????)

But alas, life takes its toll, time rolls on and we now find ourselves in central Illinois. Hence, when Ottawa University reinstated their tribal grant policy I began a new journey towards a business degree and viola some 15 months later I now hold an M.B.A. (Don't touch, the ink is still wet!)

Stuff I learnt' while gettin' a edumacation...

So, what did I learn through all of this? Well - for starters, I am now pretty good at analyzing annnual financial reports and balance sheets. I also know quite a bit about risk management and hedging with derivatives ;), But mostly, I'm now especially good at falling asleep in an upright position just about anywhere (Sorry Pastor Duncan!).

On a serious note, I can see God's hand in all of this, since He is the one who opened the door and made the way for all of this to happen. (More on that later).

Still Other good news!

I have been asked to teach a business course at MacMurray College as an Adjunct professor next Summer - I can't wait!

A bit disturbing...

2010-06-09T21:02:00.005-05:00

OK. - So I ran across this very disturbing story about a two-year-old kid in Indonesia who is undergoing therapy because he is a CHAIN SMOKER! No Joke! Read about it HERE

I would include a photo or something, but I vowed that I wouldn't steal any more pix, so I though i'd draw you one instead - enjoy!

So, I have just one question................ Where are the parents?

Rites of passage and other stuff...

2010-06-05T15:12:00.004-05:00

O.K. - A lot has been going on. For starters we just finished the week from heck - as far as being busy goes - we had visitors from around the world (California, Washington State, Italy??????) and lots of other crazy things going on. For instance:

I'm a Proud Papa -
Austin finished up (graduated from?) 6th grade and is very proud to now call himself a Junior Higher. He's aleady going to youth group now - it only took him one week!
Bryce just finished Jr. High and is now calling himself a JHS freshman. His "graduation" was last Tuesday nite - a very hot and muggy nite at that.
Cameron graduated from High School last Friday - yet another hot and muggy day - and also the day of Jamie and Daniel's wedding!!!!

Wedded Bliss - sort of...
Yep - we had a wedding and graduation on the same day - along with all the stuff that goes along with both!

Other Stuff

We're pooped. For now, enjoy these picures of Beth and her sister Robin getting my jeep stuck in the mud at lake Jacksonville on Memorial Day.

Bye for now.

2009-12-07T21:34:00.001-06:00

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Just found this interesting....

2009-11-21T08:32:00.002-06:00

Soooooo.......... A lot has been happening. So what does it take to get me to post again. Well, interesting stuff like this - coupled with a few minutes of downtime and a sincere need to curb my guilty conscience for not posting in awhile. Soooo, check this out. Post your responses, but be nice, o.k.???

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibd/20091120/bs_ibd_ibd/20091120issues01

Ciao!

It doesn't just "happen" - or does it?

2009-07-07T19:23:00.002-05:00

Just sitting back pondering. We are all given the same 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 1/2 days a year. So, how is it that some folks are able to write dozens of hit songs in a few short years, others write thousands of pages - published in books and articles, Some are able to take a creative idea and some hard work - and make millions of dollars from their efforts.......

And yet, I can barely manage to get the trash taken out to the curb once a week?

This just in (a few hours ago)...

2009-07-04T18:47:00.005-05:00

In keeping with tradition - given that today is solely dedicated to the tradition of celebrating the fact that we as a nation are free from the tyranny of British Rule! (Hey, look it up! - That's how this holiday weekend got started!), I have made it a point to follow (all-beit loosely over the years) the ever-popular annnual Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest held at Nathan's in Coney Island every July 4th.

This year, Joey Chestnut again beat his arch-rival Takeru Kobayashi, 68 - 64.5 - both setting personal best records, and Chestnut breaking his own former world record. The 10 minute contest featured 19 contestants, but the two of them easily beat out the others - making it an interesting show between two bitter rivals. This was American, Joey Chestnut's third win in a row - securing the coveted Yellow Mustard Belt for yet another year.

Soggy Fourth -

2009-07-04T10:56:00.002-05:00

So - it's raining here in Jacksonville, IL. Supposed to be a light rain, but rain nonetheless. Not fishing, not golfing, probly going to do chores and homework all day long.

Happy 4th.

On a lighter note, we BBQ'd yesterday with family - Tim, Lynn and the kids & Carl, Kim, Mom and the kids - also Beth's folks. We had a good time - and some great food.

I'll post again later - but for now, I'll leave you with this haunting childhoood memory.

I was about eleven or twelvish. While playing in the back yard, I spotted a really cool praying mantis. I watched it for a while, then decided I'd put it in a jar and keep it in my room. So, I found a flower pot and turned it upside down over the praying mantis to keep it safe until I could find a jar to keep it in. Somehow I got distracted and forgot about it.
...............several days later............ I stumbled across the upside down pot in the back yard and remembered what I had captured. I took the covering off - the praying mantis was still there - and still alive - but moving slowly. Perhaps the sudden burst of light had it confused. I coaxed it a bit to get it to move. Finally it started moving and walking away. I felt sooooo guilty for having captured it for no good reason, and forgetting about it for so long. I had taken several precious hours out of its already short life. I felt really bad. So, as the praying mantis slowly moved back into the grass, I apologized to it for having captured it.

Then, our cat pounced on it and ate it.

Thoughts on politically incorrect slang and other useless tidbits...

2009-06-23T13:54:00.005-05:00

I never cease to be amazed at how naive I can be. Take for instance the fact that since I moved from California to central Illinois my eyes have been opened to several blatant instances of racism. Correct me if I'm wrong - but we live NORTH of the Mason-Dixon line - and this is in fact the 21'st century - not the 19th. Nevertheless, negative stereotypes abound - all around. (I made a rhyme!) Where was I?

Needless to say, I've heard a few 'NEW' racial slurs since I moved here. Without going into detail (NO I WILL NOT LIST ANY HERE) - I thought I'd heard them all by the time I had graduated from 6th grade. Apparently not!

By way of background, I grew up in California, in a low - to lower - to somewhat lowest of the low middle-class neighborhoods in a notso fashionable high-desert community in the less than desireable north-eastern corner of Los Angeles County. In gradeschool we didn't care about race - honestly. My best two friends in gradeschool were black, and Thai - and we were inseparable.

There were also families from Mexico, and Central America living on our street. We never - and I mean never, thought twice about who's house we were playing at, or what color they were, or even what langauage was being spoken.

The cool thing is, I grew up getting to sample authentic Thai cooking, real "soul food", homemade tamales and hand tossed tortillas, and a host of other great things. Sure, we knew we were different in some ways - but we all had more in common than anything else. We were kids playing together in the neighborhood.

"Well, good for you, Steve. You must be a wonderful person." That is not my point!

What amazes me, is how sheltered and naive I have been about the fact that there still are (apparently) soooooo many ignorant, racist people reproducing in this country.

Then again.... there are several towns out here with not more than two or three last names in the phonebook. Some new brides HONESTLY don't have to change their last name when they get married.

Though the above is NO exaggeration, let it be said, I don't wish to be guilty of the same thing for which I accuse those of the "redneck" persuasion. Let me just say, some of what I have heard and observed - in public, no less - definitely crosses the line, causes me much pain and grief and truly makes me sad. Just thought I'd share.

So, that being said, I'd prefer to have remained in my naive little world where kids just play together and don't care about the color of anyone's skin.

Soggy Father's Day Fun!

2009-06-21T18:08:00.002-05:00

Father's day - and it's been raining off and on. Soooo, we decided to work on the basement - painting. As well, Darian and Austin painted a room upstairs. Not quite as fun as golf, but it feels good to get things done finally - and we're still doing something as father and sons.

Soon, we'll be feasting on an awesome pork roast!

I'll put up some pix when we get'r'dun!

Something is stirring....

2009-06-18T12:38:00.005-05:00

O.K. - so here I am at Hardee's (Carl's Jr.'s cousin for those of you on the Left-coast). And though they are making some of those wonderful hand-scooped shakes in the background - that's not what is currently stirring.
Lemme 'splain.

I'm here having lunch with my trusty new Notebook computer open, and I just finished a homework assignment for one of my MBA classes. The other assignment I wanted to work on requires me to watch a Youtube video which their network won't allow me to access (probably wise on their part to restrict certain things in this VERY public location).

The point is - I feel something stirring within me, as if God is preparing me for new and exciting things. I still can't quite explain why I'm back in school - studying BUSINESS of all things. But, though I see through a glass, darkly, I believe things will get clearer as we get closer to our goal. As I've written before, in these posts and elsewhere, I still can't explain why we don't "belong" in vocational ministry somewhere - but I know that we just aren't supposed to be there right now. So what is a fellow with a B.A. in Biblial Languages supposed to do to feed his family? Should I stand on the corner wearing a sign that says, "Will parse Greek verbs for food" - ????? Nope.

The fact is, I work in an office setting. The stranger fact is, I'm good at it! How could that be - especially in light of the fact that I truly belive that I am called to the ministry? Well - for starters, I know that God has a plan for me, for us, for my family. He hasn't left us high and dry yet, and I know that He won't - despite my failures and my profound ability to make masses of things. The second thing is, I always have to remember to ask - what does "the ministry" look like? I love people - that's a topic for another day I s'pose. Ministry, of course doesn't involve working at a church or "christian" organization. However, I do feel ultimately called to that sort of thing - but perhaps in a different context. It's all quite fuzzy still. But I believe that in the near future, full-time vocational ministry will be the "exception" but not the rule- particularly in the U.S. This goes to my belief about the church in North America - get ready for some toe-stepping folks. Two things:

First, I really, truly believe that the church is in transition. Basically, I think we're really good at having meetings - but we're notso great at meeting people where they are "at" (bad grammar alert). I was excited to talk to a dear friend (and my former pastor) regarding their church's transition from the "traditional" model of having lots of meetings, to a small-group structure that seems to be taking root. Again - this obviates the point that by and large, the church is in transition - from having meetings, to reaching people where they live. Don't get me wrong - there's still a need for corporate worship - but by and large, the people aren't coming in droves just to attend one of our "meetings" - which are generally designed "by us, for us" - those of us who are already "In" so to speak.

Secondly, I firmly believe that churches who don't face the facts and do something to change in this regard are going to become irrelevant - soon, if they aren't already. (Ouch!) How can you say that, Steve? Well - look around! Are we reaching the next generation? Not only are they not even coming through the door, but what if our ultimate goal is to actually disciple people? In most cases (not all, but most) - our goal has been to somehow get them through the door, and down front mumbling "the prayer" at one of our "meetings." But, what if the goal is to help them become Jesus-like? Are we doing the job? Are we anywhere close? With little exception - in my opinion, nope.

But we do have some really great meetings,... don't we?

I'll probably regret posting this later.

Confessions of a first class procrastinator...

2009-06-16T21:53:00.003-05:00

Soooooo,

I'm working on my Master's in Business Administration. It's a lot of work. So far so good. I've been getting solid A's so far. I've actually turned in papers that came back with perfect scores and no criticism - not because they weren't graded, but because there was nothing wrong with them. However, I have noticed something rather disturbing about myself, particularly this past few weeks. I can't seem to get motivated. I've always had a problem with proctrastination particularly when it comes to school and more specifically with homewok assignments. In many cases it is tied to lack of interest in the subject matter - this semester i'm doing marketing - which is actuallly quite cool, and I'm also studying Human resources planning and admin - yawn....

Me, a great student....

It's not for lack of engagement, however - sometimes my energy and interest just gets misplaced. I remember similar times while attending LIFE as a freshman back in L.A. I had a Western Civ.class and I got really excited when the instructor Chuck Middlebrook -( a really cool, but somewhat monotone guy), one day held up a book called "X-raying the Pharoahs" - I was hooked! I was so excited about my class that I immediately checked that book out from the library and that book led to another book, which led to another, and pretty soon I knew everything there was to know about mummies, and the latest and greatest finds in ancient Egyptian archaeology - I thought I was being a great student by showing soo much interest in the material!

...a great student of nothing important.....

Meanwhile, the rest of the Western Civ. class had moved on to...... well, to later periods in Western Civilization. And me....? Well,... I was left behnind, still covered in the dust of the ancient Pharoah's mummified remains. I didn't do so well that first term at LIFE.
The difference now, is that I am not pre-occupied with mummies - neither am I going to the library to check out additional books concernning the latest theories in Human Resources management - that is NOT likely to happen. However, I am a great deal more busy these days - and tired. I'm especially tired these past few weeks for some reason.

Lack of motivation? Or just tiredness...

The pattern that disturbs me is this. I don't seem to get motivated these days unless I have a pressing deadline. That bugs me. In some cases it is just the facts of life. Its not that the task is so unpleasant, or that there aren't rewards for doing well. The classes are quite challenging, and I have found that I am readily able to apply the material I am learning to my work environment - its just that I feel that I should have matured a bit as a student, since I am doing this voluntarily - and I am 40 years old - hence, I'm a little more tired than I was in my late teens and twenties, ....and thirties.........

Hypocrisy in action

We get on our kids about putting things off - chores, dishes, homework, etc... Am I really any better, or more grown up when I can't seem to do my bloody reading and response questions until the night before the deadline? Just food for thought.
Oops! Time to crack the books - I was going to do it earlier, but I thought I'd rather blog instead. Now, do you see my predicament?

Hot, Humid, Buggy, Monday Blues.....

2009-06-15T13:58:00.003-05:00

I went outside this mornin'

'bout 6:30 a.m.

Next thing I know, I got skeeters and flies

Suckin' life outta my neck

It was hot and muggy and damp

As I got into my van

Them skeeters hadn't had their fill

Cause they chased me outta town

I got the Mo, Mo, Mo, Mo, Mo, Mo...

Hot, Humid, Buggy Monday Bluuuuueeeesssss!

It's half-full, seriously...

2009-06-12T16:52:00.003-05:00

I was inspired the other night by my youngest son, Austin. We were sitting at the table and he asked me and Beth to help him remember some popular sayings, such as "sticks and stones..." So, we had a fun time brainstorming. He then began tweaking them and turning them on their heads - like, "April showers bring mud puddles..." and stuff like that - it was hilarious! He is apparently in the process of writing some sort of humorous story - I can't wait till it's finished.

The cool thing.....it's SUMMERTIME folx! Yep - he's writing a story, because he wants to. He came up with a creative idea on his own - and decided to write a story. He was really into it too - so much so that I had to be a wet blanket and make him go off to bed - he was still working on it late last night. Pretty cool stuff.

So, next time people talk about how messed up the next generation is, just remember that there are still some creative 10-year-olds out there who enjoy thinking creatively and have the discipline to challenge themselves even though they don't have to. If this is the case, then I'd venture to say the future is in good hands.

Just thought I'd share.

Motivation...

2009-06-07T14:19:00.008-05:00

Sooo,
I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying about what it takes to push through to the next level in life. I'm also asking the same question I did about a year ago here.
There's an old saying, it usually has to do with weight loss & training for tri-athlons, and stuff, but it holds true for many things: You will never change anything about yourself that you are comfortable with. So, it goes without saying, if I have resolved to live with myself as the kinda guy who says, "pass me the chips" rather than the guy who says, "o.k., just one more set...." then am I somehow doomed to a life of failure.

However, what if that isn't the person God has called me to be? He wants me to be the best I can be, in all things - as a worshipper, servant, husband, father, son, brother. I am called to be a Godly example in all things, at work, and with my body, posessions & money. So, looking at those things, I often come up short - or tipping the scale the wrong way, as it were.

Walking in Grace

As with any struggle, or sin, as a believer in Jesus - He already nailed it to the cross - but I have to recieve and walk in that grace by faith. That means, I can't do it on my own.

Here's what I am NOT saying - I am definitely NOT an advocate for a "name it and claim" it "prosperity" gospel - and that isn't what I'm talking about here. I just want victory over these things I continually struggle with - namely that I settle for mediocrity in many areas of my life - such as my personal health (weight and appearance), my finances, attention to my family, and stewardship of our home (this is a biggie!).

The thing is, I'm always busy doing something - studying for school, doing stuff with the kids, and I am away from home from 6:30 am till 6pm most nights. So, I don't have very much time to waste - I just feel guilty that things are often left undone, and we always feel like we're playing catch-up.

What it really amounts to, is that I'm TIRED! There also always seems to be something new that we are obliged to participate in that we somehow know nothing about - camp registrations, sports practices, piano recitals, school events, parties the kids have been invited to., blah, blah, blah........ we can't keep up. So what are we to do? My normal response is to scramble to try and please everyone, and then feel guilty and condemned for not having been on top of it all. So, when does this cross over into the rhealm of sin, and when is it just Steve O. having a bad couple of days? (weeks or months?).

I must have had....... muuusic lessons...

2009-06-06T23:01:00.003-05:00

This is CLASSIC!

Cheap Shameless Plug....

2009-06-06T22:12:00.004-05:00

So, I have joined a facebook group called All About Worship - which is actually pretty cool - they do podcasts of interviews with various worship leaders such as Tommy Walker, Darrell Evans, and a bunch of other cool people. They are partnering to give away a free scholarship to the:

National Worship Leaders Conference -

Soooooo, I am entering to win a free admission to the conference - by writing this blog and linking to their site!

At any rate - I really would LOVE to go - but alas, its about $450 - plus room and food. Soooooo - it would be really cool to win.

That aside - all of my readers should really check out All about worship - they have links to a lot of great resources on songwriting and other inspiring info about become better equipped in the gifting God has called us to as worshippers and leaders of others. Check it out!

- TTFN

Chillin' at home today...

2009-06-05T14:14:00.006-05:00

Was supposed to go golfing, but I slept in - embarrassingly late. Which is funny, cause we weren't up late last night - I just have been a zombie lately.

As for what's happening lately, just lots of routine stuff. In just three weeks I'll be a third of the way through my MBA program. So far, so good - I averaged at 98% and a 96%+ in my two courses last term, and I'm holding mid-nineties in my coursework this time around - so, I guess I'm doing well. It's more work than you would think. I do find that I'm applying things in the workplace, and they've been supportive of my effort.

As for other things, I've taken up golf (when I'm not sleeping in - see above). It's Darian's fault. I swore I'd never golf again - back in the Spring of 94' when I sold my clubs at a Youth yard-sale. I was a terrible golfer back then, but since I've picked it up again, I'm actually doing better than I did when I thought I played O.K. back then. So,... who knows. The cool thing, is I think it will be a great opportunity to spend more time with my kids - Cameron likes to play now too, and I just picked up a few second-hand leftie clubs for Bryce - who has a pretty natural swing so far. If I can find a junior set somewhere - at a yard sale maybe, I'll pick some up for Austin. Who knows? Beth thinks the whole thing is silly - I agree, but we're having fun.

Things left undone.....

We're working on the basement again - two years and counting..................... Going to move Cameron down there...... to the dungeon, Bwa,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha........

Actually, it will be quite nice once it's finished - we're about 90% done already - just need to clean it up, tie up the electrical, prime and paint. But the problem is one of motivation. It's been collecting junk since we halted work last time. According to Cameron, he went down there a little while ago, looked at the basement - and it "looked back" at him, so he came back upstairs to find something else to do. Sigh.......

Other things left undone.....

I've got a couple of really great worship songs stuck in my craw....... but they're still stuck there. I need to spend some time unsticking them - or I'll choke on 'em or something. At any rate, I tend to feel guilty these days spending time on things other than housework, yard work or homework for school. I've gotta get over it. I feel guilty right now for blogging, cause I should be doing some chores right about now - or some homework....

Still more........ yep....

Speaking of things left undone - I've got everything I need to put my Tele' together - it's all done, just need to slap and solder it together - but alas, I feel guilty - (see above). I promise to post pictures when I get the chance.

Bye for now...

It was a dark and stormy night....

2009-05-13T23:20:00.002-05:00

Lotsa rain. Lotsa homework.

Lotsa tired.

Back at it...

2009-05-11T21:24:00.003-05:00

Just returned (Saturday) from some much awaited time away with my best friend and wife, Beth (yes, they are the same person). We just celebrated 20 years of wedded bliss and it was time for some R & R to our favorite (free) getaway in Kentucky. I'll share some pix as time permits. Off to bed!

I'm Baaaa-aaack!

2009-05-04T13:28:00.002-05:00

Sooooo, it hath been awhile since I last posted. Enuf of the excuses. Let me just say, I've missed this place. I'm not one for taking myself too seriously, and I will admit, looking back at some of my political and philosophical rantings of the past couple of years makes me chuckle a bit. Still, I really enjoy this medium - and the interaction it creates (when there is actually something posted that warrants a comment - or sparks some dialogue.) Therefore, I am resolving to pick up the pen (or keyboard as it were) once again, and make the time to start blogging again. Just as soon as I get back from my 20th anniversary vacation with Beth! Till then, you'll just have to wait - all 6 of you faithful past readers.....if you're still out there.......out there....out there...

Just a bit of random, randomness....

2009-02-08T13:49:00.006-06:00

Sooo, in church we're talking about leaving a legacy for our family - namely the next generation. I once mused about writing our epitaph and what it is I want to be remembered for. As I think about these things again, I've come to realize that what I really want in life, at least at this stage, is to not miss any of it - particularly with my wife Beth, and my sons. I want them to say that I was "there".

Sure, I want my epitaph to read that people saw Jesus in me, that I was genuine, giving, etc..... But these days, more than that, I want my legacy to live on in relationships, not necessarily in monuments or even accomplishments.

Don't get me wrong, I still have a drive to achieve -I mentioned the other day that I am now working on an MBA - and loving it! I want to invest more. (Gosh, the markets are down right now, wish I could buy more while stocks are still cheap!), I want to pay off my mortgage and leave an inheritance for my children's children like it says in Proverbs.

But in the long run none of that stuff matters - its just stuff. I don't want to lose out on the here and now while I am still here - and now, by being too busy accomplishing all of those accomplishments I am so driven to accomplish! So sorry to ramble.

Did I mention that next Friday (2/13) will be my 40th? Perhaps that's why I'm rambling about life and accomplishments..... sigh.

Wow, they've joined the 1950's!

2009-02-03T15:50:00.003-06:00

Just throwing a little humor on a very serios subject. Check it out here.

The busyness of being a student of business...

2009-02-02T16:55:00.002-06:00

Sooo, I'm tired! Had a crazy week and a busy weekend. My son, Austin is playing Edmond in Jacksonville Theater Guild's presentation of, "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" - which means, we've been running to and fro with him to the theater for practices and helping out where needed. (Mostly watching) I've been doing voluminous reading for my classes as well.
But, as I said, I'm tired.

Excuses, excuses...

2009-01-28T14:09:00.003-06:00

O.K. so here goes. I've been gone, for a long time.... Here's the main reason. I'm a Red Man. Yep, you read it correctly, I haven't been bloggin' for the past few weeks, and it is directly related to the fact that my epidermis has a nice Reddish hue. Still don't get it? O.K., I'll spill the beans - no they're not Red beans, they're brown, (or whatever color the kind of beans that get proverbially spilt are most likely to be) - that's what color they are. Sheesh!

I have alwas been quite proud of the fact that I can claim actual, verifiable ancestral heritage to not one, but two - count'em TWO Native American tribes. I have been on the roll for both in my lifetime. Due to a change in rules that took place when I was younger, one of these tribes did not allow for dual membership, so my mom took my name, and my siblings names off the roll at that time. We maintained our identification with the Ottawa tribe, and I am still a member today.

What on earth does this have to do with blogging, you ask? Be patient. And stop squirming so much..... Where was I? Oh, yes.

Back in 1848 the Ottawa Tribe gave some 40,000 acres of land in Oklahoma to a group who wanted to start an educational institution - which became, Ottawa University. As part of the pact, free education would be granted to any and all members of the tribe. These benefits were recently changed to include graduate programs, and online programs as well.

Thus, I have enrolled in an MBA program. Crazy, ain't it? People have asked me why, and my answer is - 'Cause I can! Actually, I do see God's hand in the whole thing, although I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, I see a lot of value in my studies so far.
(Thanks in part no doubt to my buddies Jason H. and John Hume who graciously made me sound like a worthy individual by providing me with reference letters).
So, I'm not bloging so much lately, and that's the reason. I'm back in school, and it's taking alot of my time and my creative energy.... and why? 'Cause I can!

Too good not to pass up...

2009-01-16T08:48:00.003-06:00

I Found this interesting story. I thought you all might find it amusing in light of the cold weather we've been having lately. Enjoy!

Minus 3 this morning when I got up. Nice!

Thoughts on Integrity and Friendship...

2008-12-28T07:48:00.010-06:00

Here’s a little story that I am somewhat reluctant to tell, because it might sound a little bit like self-promotion. Well, it isn’t. This is a story about integrity, and about how easy it is to let great friendships disappear into the sands of time.

I first met Darrell Evans as a freshman at LIFE Bible College, Los Angeles (Now LIFE PACIFIC College, San Dimas) back in 1987. He was among a group of guys I used to hang out with. We would play guitar for hours on end in my dorm room, and outside in the quad by the café. Most of us were on the college worship team and we would take turns leading worship for classes, at parties (why not?) and other events. Among that group were a couple of other guys – Tim Gillis and Craig Davis – (I’m just now making contact with both of them again.) In lieu of studying, we would all play and learn from each other, trading guitar licks and learning Phil Keaggy songs among other things. Good times!- :)
Darrell was always singing and writing songs. Even back then we knew there was something different about that skinny, curly-haired kid – just that way he sang so passionately and didn’t care what people thought of him. He also had a great sense of humor!

I remember one afternoon in particular, I believe it was nearing spring break, me and Darrell were jamming and singing in my room and he said, “Stop! What is that you’re playing? – show me.” So, we played with the melody a little bit. The next day, he came back with a nearly finished song, and we played with it some more. A couple of days later, we were playing it in chapel in front of a few hundred students and faculty - his doing, not mine! (I was a big chicken at that point and I distinctly remember trying to back out at the last minute). At the end of the school year I remember how we said goodbye in Craig’s room, he moved out of state, and we lost touch.

About five or six years later, he called me up – at work. He had tracked me down somehow. (I have no idea how to this day!) He had big news! One of his songs (Let the river flow) was getting a lot of attention and was being put on a compilation album and being used as the theme for a large Teen Mania youth event. He was also talking to Don Moen (Integrity, Hosanna!) about doing a live worship album. I congratulated him and we traded info and promised to stay in touch. He also asked my permission to record that little song we had written and played in chapel. How could I refuse?

Over the years we’ve stayed somewhat in touch – a phone call here, an e-mail there. He of course became “the” Darrell Evans, so I didn’t bug him too much. I was always humbled and flattered when he would call or e-mail me – always politely reminding me he just couldn’t get that little tune out of his head and some day he would record it. It’s been 20 + years now since our 87’/88’ freshman year. He tracked me down again a few months ago via the comments on THIS BLOG – how on earth did he find me again?

My reason for relating this story is two-fold. First and foremost, I am grateful for Darrell’s integrity. He is a very gifted and anointed psalmist who has accomplished a lot over the past 15 or so years. He didn’t have to record “our” song, nor did he have to even offer to give me any credit for putting a couple of chords together that caught his ear twenty years ago. But it speaks volumes about his integrity as an artist and as a loyal friend. For that I am grateful. Secondly, though it is awesome to be back in touch with another one of my friends from college (btw, there are others who’ve done big things too!) it kind of bums me out to think of all of the other great friends I have lost contact with over the same span of time. I then realize that I am really lousy about staying in touch and I haven’t been a very good friend to many of them. I find this very painful and hard to take. (This is definitely good fodder for another blog!)

Lastly, as for “self-promotion”, let me publicly state that although I am excited, honored, proud and humbled all at the same time to have my name in the credits on Darrell’s latest album, I cannot in any way consider it an accomplishment of mine. Here’s the best analogy I can come up with:

If Darrell were Gold-Medalist Swimmer, Michael Phelps, I might be able to take as much credit as say, one of the towels he used to dry off with during a high-school swim meet.

That about sums-up my contribution to this latest album, which, of course you should buy immediately – especially track #4.

Btw – if you purchase the song from Digstation – my name is NOT there in the credits on track 4 – no biggie – just FYI.

Thought this was interesting...

2008-12-22T09:25:00.002-06:00

So, it seems our old pal Rudy, the Wapiti of Rosette Hued Probuscus has come to a tragic end. Save me some Jerky, will ya?

'Tis the season...

2008-12-13T08:38:00.006-06:00

I LOVE Christmas! I Love everything about it. I love the chilly weather, wearing sweaters, Christmas cards, Christmas plays, Christmas carols on the radio and in the background at stores. I love Bell-ringers, decorating the tree and of course the food. I love Santa Claus, and Reindeer. I love the Nativity.

What's that? I Love Santa? You Betcha! I've got no problem with the Big guy. I BELIEVE in Santa. I've written about it here before. (In contrast to my hatred of the Easter Bunny!)

Fact is, he's somewhat (if not loosely) based on a real historical figure - Nicolas of Myra. (There's a lot of fanciful stuff related to the legend & supposed posthumous miracles, etc..., but I believe the gift-giving part rings true.)

You see, as we remember the True meaning of Christmas - that God became flesh and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus, I believe that all the trappings of the season just help to make it that much more wonderful and special. Without the incarnation there could have been no sacrifice of atonement for our sins.

But as I've said it before (I'll say it again), we are not commanded in scripture to remember Jesus' birth, but rather his death, burial and resurrection through communion. In the same way though, we should never forget the wonderful miracle of Christmas or let it be overshadowed by commercialism. I would never advocate going overboard with Santa (to the point of lying to your kids) and going into debt as so many folks do this time of year - that's just silly.

What I do recommend though is to ENJOY the season! Make Merry! Spend time with your family! Why not bake some cookies, give small gifts to your neighbors, send cards, go to a few of the parties you get invited to every year. Go to the school or church play, sing in the choir, put money in the bell-ringer's kettle - decorate the tree! This is a wonderful season - a time to remember that our Lord gave us a great gift for the salvation of mankind - He gave Himself! We have such a wonderful opportunity at this time of the year to pry the doors of people's hearts open just a little more - or as one friend and mentor of mine put it, to welcome them home.

And for heaven's sake - don't be afraid to say, "Merry Christmas!" when you see people out in public. There's a lot that has been said on this subject but I believe a VAST Majority of us are more offended when people DON'T say Merry Christmas, but water it down with "Happy Holidays!" instead.

Why not just go all the way then?

Do me a favor and forget my name....

2008-12-06T10:25:00.004-06:00

This cracks me up just thinking about it. Stick around till the end...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T19:26:00.003-06:00

Busy, busy...

2008-11-23T13:07:00.003-06:00

Soooo, Lots going on. Where to begin?

We had a great service today - for me. I was very touched because someone I respect shared about his own tendency to be a people-pleaser. Then I got convicted. The Lord has dealt with me on this issue before - I usually refer to it as either the need to be "liked" by everyone - or the need to "perform" - not necessarily to excel at things - but leave my mark. I continue to be the class clown in certain groups, which can be both bad and good, I guess since I have the ability to loosen people up at times and get them involved. I also have trouble saying "no" - and find myself doing things or being involved in things not because I should - but because I feel that I would be letting others down if I don't.

Today though, it kind of hit me. People pleaser..... Where does that come from?

Growing up I had no real problem getting along in my family. I got plenty of attention. Why would I feel the need to get attention or to have others like me or accept me? Where does that insecurity come from? One thing I have found is that there is an INVERSE relationship between my busy-ness and my relationship with the Lord. So, I'm in process right now - rethinking this whole thing in my life, which is a healthy thing. I thank the Lord that he continues to remind me that my relationship with Him is the most important thing - not all the stuff I do in His name, or even serving His people that can be a distraction. Like I said, I'm in process - and this afternoon I'm on my way to: Play practice for the childrens' choir, youth worship team practice, preparing for a skit(practice) that we're going to do tonight at a children's event where the youth worship team will be leading two songs........ but first I'm gonna take a nap!

Does it have to mean something?

2008-11-16T14:04:00.006-06:00

Soo,

I am probably overthinking this one a bit. Help me out here. I've become a little more reflective lately. This is a good thing (I think) as I have usually been the kind of person who doesn't notice much - really. There was a time in the notso distant past when I didn't realize my wife had cut and colored her hair for at least two days. I just knew she looked really great - I didn't think about how or why. So, yeah.... where was I? Back to overthinking things.

Speakiing of haircuts - I got a really bad one on Friday. I actually had to get scissors out and even things up around my ears when I got home. I then proceeded to get out my beard trimmer and accidently hacked a huge swath of fur out of my goatee! Yep. For those who know me - I have only shaved this thing twice in the last 12 1/2 years - for work both times. I started growing it while at Fuller Seminary the day my son Bryce was born (3/12/96). Not only do I feel naked without it - but now I'm reflecting on why I have worn it for so long. Woe is me! Now for the reflecting and possible overthinking part. Here goes...

Why did I grow it in the first place? Am I hiding something? (except for a very pronounced set of jowls and a swell cleft in my chin?

Do I grow it back, or go naked for awhile? (Actually, according to Beth - I think its coming back - real soon!)

The point of all of this - (Yes Virginia, there is a point here). I don't ever want to do something even as minor as growing facial hair, unless I am willing to do some self-examination in the process. Here's some of what I mean.:

How important is style to me? I don't want to get caught up in being "stylish" or trendy for trendy's sake.

Neither do I want to let myself go to the point where I don't care. I think both extremes are a bad testimony. I usually err on the side of letting myself go a bit.

Also, the question of whether I am hiding something, or rather - hiding from something is a valid one. Do I somehow feel more comfortable with a little bit of fur between me and the rest of the world? Why?

Maybe this is a bit overanalytical (probably so), but I think it is healthy to do some self-examination once in awhile. So, I've been asking myself these questions - and pondering. Maybe there's something to it.....the goatee. Maybe I grew it as a statement of rebellion - or wanting to hide, or feeling the need for a barrier or cushion between myself and the rest of the cold, prickly world.

Or, maybe (most importantly), it could just be that my wife likes it. (She does!)

A Classic if there ever was one!

2008-11-14T14:23:00.000-06:00

Any thoughts?

2008-11-12T15:04:00.003-06:00

So what does it mean to be good? Who decides?

What do you think? Sound off.

Thoughts on dealing with the past...

2008-11-11T11:01:00.008-06:00

O.K., so I've started posts like this a few times already, but gave up because my thoughts weren't all that clear. But, I think I've got it now, so here goes...

There's a very common, yet true illustration that history professors use and it goes something like this. Our historical perspective is a lot like looking at a distant mountain range.

When you look at the mountains what do you see? If you are close - you see different shapes and some distance between peaks. If you are far away, they look flat - like one big blob all squished together. In either case, what you don't see are the valleys between the peaks. Regardless, the further you get from the mountain peaks - the flatter they appear.

So it is with my own personal history. As I look back at my short life (I am currently 39), I can see a lot of big events - mountain peaks. Some of those events are significant milestones in my life - like getting married, or the birth of our children. Some of those peaks are accomplishments and realized goals - like earning a degree or taking on a new ministry position.

In other cases they were tragic events like the death of my father, or a job loss - or maybe a broken relationship. These are all events that stand out in the past. For me, when I look back, some of these events run together. Don't get me wrong, they haven't lost their overall importance, but over time, my perspective has changed. These events take on more (or less) meaning in relation to other experiences and "peaks" in life.

Changing Perspective...

As my perspective changes, these events - the mountain peaks, begin to look different - rather I view them differently. With any big event, fortunate or tragic I can easily become overwhelmed by it. The event consumes my entire field of vision. This isn't necessarily always a bad thing - I often call it "focus" or chalk it up to my own personal diligence. What I don't do is put this all-encompassing event in its proper perspective. How can I? - It is currently the most important thing in my world! This has been a big problem for me throughout my life - my tendency to get overwhelmed.

The Space Between...

Over time though, the biggest thing I have lost sight of is the space between the peaks. That is where my faithfulness (or lack of faithfulness) is fleshed out. The space between; the valleys, the dull dry spots, even the times in "recovery" from a tragedy or the let-down after a huge exciting event - these are the times that really count. These empty spaces are usually the places where I set myself up for my biggest failures. It is in these empty spaces where faithfulness and tenacity can dictate potential fruitfulness (or lack thereof) down the line. I have always had the tendency to rest on my big fat laurels a bit too long after every little accomplishment, and I am also too slow to recover after a let-down or tragedy.

The Apostle Paul tells us very plainly,

"... Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which

God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:13,14 (NIV)

Paul didn't say to just forget about the bad stuff behind us. There's good stuff that happened too! Earlier in his thoughts he said that all of his religious accomplishments amounted to nothing more than POOP! (If you don't believe me - look it up!) The message that I (continually) need to learn is that I cannot let the bad stuff hold me back. Those things are history. I need to learn what I can from them, forgive, and allow the Lord to heal me. Likewise - I can't rely on the good stuff to carry me through. Anything that I may have accomplished in the past is just that - it's in the past. I have to be diligent in the here and now and press on.

"Not that I have already obtained all this,

or have already been made perfect,

but I press on to take hold of that

for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Phil. 4:12 (NIV)

Update...

2008-11-07T09:30:00.003-06:00

Soooo, I am not going to weigh in on politics until I feel the need. I can hear the collective sigh of relief from all two faithful readers...

Here's a sample of what's happening in our little world:

Mom's Birthday - November 4th - Happy Birthday Ma! (Yes, I did call) You don't look a day over 90... We Party Tonight!

Austin (my youngest) won the part of Edmond in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which will be performed lat Winter 2009 for the Jacksonville Theater Guild. Pretty Cool!

Hunting News - Last weekend I went out with my buddy Mike K. to see if we could burn a little powder and bring home some small game. We were looking for rabbits and upland game birds. Not much luck - but he wanted to get some squirrels while we were at it. I shot one squirrel, he got a quail. Being the generous fellow that he is, he let me keep both (thanks a lot!).

My mom always told us - "If you shoot it, you eat it." So, ...... I did. I must say - the quail was no problem - love it, love it, love it! I was reluctant about the squirrel - but it was pretty good. Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid to cook rabbit, and I've eaten a lot of other game, I was just a little iffy at first. But, it was really pretty good. I'm not eager to go out and get more any time soon - but it was really quite moist, pleasant and tasty. The cliche rings true - tastes like chicken! I have noticed one thing though... my tail seems to twitch now when I hear loud noises and I've been craving peanut butter.

I'm O.K....

2008-11-05T06:12:00.002-06:00

We have a new President Elect. I am going to be o.k. with that..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Eventually...

This is a bigger issue than most of us realize...

2008-11-02T08:40:00.004-06:00

Take a minute to watch this. This is a very serious issue. We are at a time in our history when it is deemed criminal to have a Biblical view of marriage. This is being dubbed "The civil rights issue of our time" - so as to equate same-sex marriage with racial equality. However, defining marriage legally as being "between a man and a woman" is NOT the same as upholding Jim Crow laws, burning crosses in lawns, mass lynchings and the like. This is NOT a hate-crime, and those who define marriage in a traditional way should not be painted with this same hate-brush.

Check out this video about a father who went to jail just because he wanted his children's school to give him proper notice about what they were teaching his 5-year old. Watch it - then PRAY for our nation.

BTW - if you live in CA - Please vote YES on Prop. 8

Just because...

2008-10-31T14:58:00.004-05:00

I thought I'd do a little interview in light of the fact that it's halloween and all.

Now, without further ado, may I introduce our beloved Herman Munster.

Herman: Thank you, so much. Ho, hohohohohoho!

Thought: So, tell me Herman. What do you think of Halloween these days? It's gotta be a BIG night for you and your family, right?

Herman: Well, to tell you the truth, Steve - I never really give it much thought. Ho,hohohoho! I mean, I love all the kids, and handing out candy and stuff - but quite frankly, I could do without it.

T: What do you mean?

Herman: Well, it's just all the costumes and mischeif and stuff. Don't get me wrong, I love a good party and all - but some of these costumes are a bit over the top if you ask me. Pret-ty scary! I mean, as a parent it's just something I can't condone. They ought to be ashamed of themselves for traumatizing all those little kids, and giving them nightmares.

T: Well, it seems a little ridiculous that you should be upset about the scary costumes that little kids are wearing these days - aren't the costumes you and your family wear a little over the top too?

Herman: What costumes?

T: Uh, well - there was that one episode where you wore a cowboy get-up - ewwwww.... scary...

Herman: Oh, I remember that one...... Ho, hohohohohohoho! Too funny!!!!!

T: Well,that's all the time we have today. Thank you Mr. Munster - and to everyone out there - have a safe and happy Halloween!

Bistro Economics...

2008-10-25T11:04:00.002-05:00

This is adapted from an e-mail that is floating around - it is not 100% accurate - but close enough to illustrate the point!

Suppose that every day, ten ladies go out for lunch. The bill for all ten comes to $100.
If they decided to pay their bill in the same manner that we in the U.S. pay our taxes, it would look something like this:

The first four ladies, (the poorest) would owe nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth woman, (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.The ten ladies ate their lunch every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner of the restaurant threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily meal by $20.' Your lunch tab for all 10 of you will now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four ladies were unaffected. They would still eat for free. But what about the other six - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get their 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth lady and the sixth, would each end up being paid to have lunch! So, the owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each person’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so:

The fifth lady, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to eat for free.

But once outside the restaurant, they began to compare their savings.'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth lady. She pointed to the tenth woman,' but she got $10! "Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that she got ten times more than I got' 'That's true!!' shouted the seventh lady. 'Why should she get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!''Wait a minute,' yelled the first four women in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!' The nine ladies surrounded the tenth and beat her up!

The next day the tenth woman didn't show up for lunch as usual, so the nine sat down and had their meal without her. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start having their lunch overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

I always kinda knew...

2008-10-24T10:13:00.002-05:00

So - it now comes as no surprise as to why I have low blood pressure. I should have known all along: Read all about it here.

Chilly fall evening fun...

2008-10-21T22:09:00.004-05:00

Soo, I went fishing with my friend Mike K. this evening. I caught 1 small bluegill - he hauled in about 5 other bluegill and a couple of good sized crappie. Here's a pic of the largest crappie (about 10 in +) and a nice bluegill for your enjoyment.

Weighing in on the economy...

2008-10-19T15:04:00.004-05:00

John McCain and his Veep candidate Sarah Palin are being hammered a bit for insinuating in not so many words that Senator Obama's proposed economic policy sounds a lot like socialism.

O.K. - so by way of background, in one of my previous lives, I was a licensed stockbroker. I worked for a financial planning firm while at Fuller working on my (as yet unfinished) Masters. I was the one guy in a million that you could trust NOT to sell your mother what she didn't need. My company however thought that I should be the kind of guy who would be willing to sell your mother whatever I could talk her into buying..... and then some. We parted company and I have tried to stay out of "sales" since then. I did however learn a thing or three about markets and the economy - so I thought I'd weigh in a bit given the current state of affairs we find ourselves in - market-wise.

Without going into too much detail - there is plenty of blame to go around as far as the current banking crisis goes - on both sides of the aisle and dating back to the implementation of the CRA rules against Red-lining during the Carter administration. That's all I've got to say about that.

As I wrote a couple of weeks ago: What I fail to understand is how raising taxes on corporations and raising capital gains taxes on investments will do anything to fix this crisis. Lemme 'splain -no, lemme' sum-up.

Most economists and many investors (in my experience) are free-market types, unless they have a particular political agenda they want to prop up.

Case in point - here. In this case - saying that Warren Buffet's tax "rate" is less than his secretary's is a true statement - but Mr. Buffet is being taxed on capital gains vs. earned income. Why is this inherently unfair? One does not need to be rich in order to pay capital gains tax - they simply need to sell something at a profit. This was intentionally misleading in my opinion and, speaking coloquially, the whole argument was simply meant to stir up the burgoo in the ol' class-warfare cauldron.

As I pointed out in the previous post - since most of us ARE investors to one degree or another, these tax hikes will affect us all. If you don't believe me, check this out. Basically, 51 MILLION households own at least some mutual funds. More than half of mutual fund assets are in stock funds. Which leads me to these two basic points about Mr. Obama's plan to increase taxes on corporations and to raise the capital gains tax rates in order to "spread the wealth" around a bit.

Here goes:

Raising Capital gains tax could affect those of us among 51,000,000 households who own mutual fund shares outside of a retirement plan or otherwise tax-sheltered plan. Both stock and bond funds distribute realized capital gains to shareholders. Notwithstanding, many of us *poor folk* occasionally buy and sell stock when we aren't out scrounging in trash bins for aluminum cans so we can afford gas for our cars. :) One does not need to be "RICH" to be an investor - just ask 51 Million of us if we consider ourselves "Rich" folks.
Secondly. Raising taxes on corporations affects everyone! Where do jobs come from? Who hires most people. This tax hike will also affect the overall stock market for one simple reason: More taxes paid, means less profit - which translates to lower earnings per share. Stocks prices trade on multiples of EPS (Earnings Per Share) - plain and simple - as compared with other similar companies within their respective industries. Hence - if you raise taxes - you lower earnings - you lower share prices - shareholders (51,000,000 households in the US alone who own mutual funds) get hit. It doesn't just affect WALL STREET, it affects Main Street too!

By way of example:
When I use the statement - "Hey hon, I'm off to work now." Where am I going? Who signs my paycheck? Chances are - that *place* where I go 5 days a week to get my monthly paycheck has the abbreviation *Inc.* somewhere in the title. And, if they happen to be a somewhat successful *Inc.* (let's hope so...), then Mr. Obama wants them to pay more than they currently are! Let 's just mention here that we have the SECOND HIGHEST corporate tax rate in the world! (This just might explain why some companies have migrated overseas...)

Well, that's all I've got to say about that today.....

Weighing in...sort of...

2008-10-16T15:52:00.002-05:00

O.K. - so this is going to be a theologically light* post, but I just can't help putting in my two cents. If the networks are to be believed, the fate of the entire free world is in the hands of a few, luke-warm, undecided voters in a few swing states. That just boggles my mind.

Here's a couple of questions for those who are still on the fence:

1. What more do you need to know before you make up your wishy-washy little mind about this election? Honestly. It's not rocket science. One is a Chicago liberal - across the board - and the other is a fiscally conservative (and boring) moderate who just happened to be the last one standing in an extremely boring Republican primary. There are a few nuances with regards to specifics - but that's that basics folx.

2. Have you paying attention? There are two candidates - Pick one!

3. Are you enjoying the attention? Lots of folks are pandering to you right now, trying to figure out exactly what it will take to tip you over to their side. (Must be nice...) Do you believe all the campaign promises? How 'bout a chicken in every pot!?!

Now for weighing-in on the situation. All joking aside, I don't necessarily buy into the notion that there are that many undecided or still persuadable voters out there. The problem as I see it, is the candidates being overly concerned with trying to woo them by saying what the undecided voters might want to hear. If they still don't know by now - they should stay home and do no harm! That's just my opinion. On the other hand - everyone who is a legal, living, breathing citizen of legal age has the right to cast their vote - ONCE - and be counted - ONCE - so long as they register in their local precint. That being said, I just can't believe there are people who haven't yet made their mind up about this one. Decide already!

Bottom line...it just makes me nervous...

Because I can...

2008-10-09T21:44:00.007-05:00

O.K. - so I am very glad to be in touch (sort of in touch that is...) with my friend David Mosley again. He suggested I check this version of this song out - I liked it - here it is:)

(Sorry, this isn't a *video* - but it sure is a swell picture, don'tcha think?)

Autopilot...

2008-10-09T14:13:00.004-05:00

So, I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying lately about my personal lack of fervor at times (read - lately).

For me, having grown up in church, going to a christian college, seminary, etc...... it is just too easy to "fake" it when I want to. I know all the right answers to give. I can even sound impressive if I choose. (Impressed yet?)

Don't get me wrong - I love the Lord. I am a follower of Jesus, I am very passionate about worship - about people diving in and enjoying a relationship with Him. But, I have to admit - sometimes (lately) it just feels dry. For me it has been too easy to just go through the motions. I am coming out of a short period like that right now. (Have you guessed) I feel like I have been on Auto-pilot so to speak rather than growing in the Lord. Worse yet, I have given place to a lot of cynicism and a very critical attitude that just stinks. I can really be a jerk sometimes.

But deep down, I so desparately want to be led by the spirit, to obey his every command. I want to passionately dig into His word, to fervently worship at His feet. I have let this apathy take over for far too long!

Sorry to dump on you... just had to put it out there!

Everyone needs a good laugh once in awhile...

2008-10-03T16:00:00.007-05:00

This is one of our favorite "clean" comedians - Daren Streblow. Enjoy. If you liked him check out Team Polycarp for another guy we like - Taylor Mason.

Holiness revisited...

2008-10-02T13:33:00.011-05:00

O.K. - after my garbled thoughts from Yesterday I believe I have at least a better illustration to obviate the point.

My main thought from yesterday was this - Holiness = separateness or set-apartness UNTO something.

In clarification, here are some more thoughts. Being Set Apart / Sanctified / Made Holy - doesn't necessarily mean being Set Apart for the sake of ISOLATION. Someone or Something is Set Apart in order to be useful. Usually that usefulness has to do with something SPECIAL. Here is just one example.

In Exodos 30:34ff the Lord commanded Moses to have special incense made specifically for use in the Tabernacle. The Israelites were prohibited from making anything like it or burning it for their own enjoyment - it was to be used solely in worship to the Lord. In this way - the incense formula was Set Apart. It was special, it was to be used ONLY for this purpose and not for common or everyday use.

This concept doesn't often jive with our preaching with regards to Holiness. Lemme 'splain for just a moment.

(***Big Disclaimer*** These thoughts pertain to me - in the context of when, where and how I grew up and the churches I have been a part of, lest we forget - this is my blog! Nevertheless, I have observed this line of preaching ALL over the place!)

Holiness is usually preached in the context of staying away from "bad" things. We are also discouraged from associating with "bad" people for fear of being either tainted by them, or being seen as tacitly approving of what these "bad" people do. Our personal righteousness is usually tied in with this point - which is only half-right in my opinion. There is very rarely a distinction made between personal righteousness and the true deeper meaning of Holiness - being set-apart. By focusing on behavior I believe that our preaching is often just the same old "Guilty by association" logic that we Christians are so good at***.

(***Pardon my grammar. This is just the sort of poor grammar that, up with, we shall no longer put. I shall try to do better in future posts.) Now where was I?

Back in the day, Steve Taylor had a song by the same title "Guilty By Association" - which was a satire of our isolated Christian sub-culture. It went something like this:

So you need a new car? Let your fingers take a walk, through the business guide for the "born-again" flock. You'll be keeping all your money in the "kingdom" now. And, you'll only drink milk from a "Christian" cow!" (Watch it from the link above - it's a great song!)

Now, I agree we should live lives worthy of our professed testimony. I do not advocate a license to sin. There are definitely things that Christians shouldn't partake in. There are things that are unhealthy to watch at the theater (and at home), language that just shouldn't be used, and other things we just shouldn't condone.

However, I believe we run into danger when we equate a believer's behavior with their right-standing with God. Righteous behavior does not LEAD to Holiness. Holiness is God ordained, outside of the believer. It is His decree, God calling us to be who He called us to be. Righteous living then, is the RESULT of our right-standing with God. Holiness is something God does - he set's us apart - UNTO righteous living, not because of our own righteousness. God does not keep a "balance sheet" of all our good and bad deeds and reward us accordingly. All have sinned! There is none righteous - not one! We cannot do it apart from what Jesus has done for us.

Putting it another way, saying that my own righteous behavior LEADS to Holiness is quite like saying that I drink lots of Root Beer BECAUSE I belch a lot. It really IS and should be seen the other way around. Righteous behavior is the RESULT of what God did in setting us apart unto himself - our behavior should fall in line. Because my eyes have been made Holy (set apart unto God) - I will look upon no unclean thing. Because my hands have been made Holy (set apart) I will not use them to steal. Because my tongue has been made Holy I will not curse, lie or slander my brother. That is the distinction.

By focusing on behavior we fool ourselves into believing that we can be good enough to please God. That is not Holiness - it's legalism.

(See Galations if you don't believe me!)

The music in my head...

2008-10-02T10:46:00.010-05:00

Soo, here's a little something to check out. I have always liked this song for some sick reason. I mean, c'mon - Kermit is the MAN! (frog) So, I thought I'd take some time to learn this tune - jazz it up a little, have some fun.... But NOW I can't get the song out of my head. So, if you are brave - or just sick and twisted like me - hit play, sit back and enjoy the music if you dare.

But, BEWARE! The melody is haunting and it will stay with you for a long, long time. (Bwa ha ha ha ha!)

BTW - I was really having fun learning this song until I ran across a youtube video of THIS GUY doing the same song. I got a little discouraged.

(Honestly, I could probably keep up on guitar - but vocally compared to him I sound more like the frog...)

So, I gave up - for now. But I still just can't get it outta my head!!!!!!

Under deconstruction...

2008-09-29T11:29:00.003-05:00

I apologize in advance if this post seems a bit garbled.... I am feeling the same.

Where to begin? I heard a message recently on a Focus on the Family broadcast featuring a chapel address from Dennis Prager, a radio talkshow host I used to enjoy listening to in So. Cal on KABC. (He's not there anymore - now he's here). In the broadcast, Mr. Prager (an Orthodox Jew) spoke about the sanctity of marriage - being a union between a man and a woman) and what the current climate of change in this area means for our society. I strongly urge everyone to have a listen. It is well worth the 45 minutes or so of your time.
There is one statement that stuck out to me, and it really didn't have much to do with the topic, but I want to share it here because I believe it is important, and it is important for me on my personal journey. The statement was this - rather the question was this: What did God do on the second day of creation? Answer: He SEPARATED. (sea from dry land, etc...) The hebrew word in the passage is Kadosh - which is more frequently translated HOLY. Hence, separate, or set apart. This concept should be nothing new to many of us who have sat in church lo these many long years, but it struck me in such a way, that I got all teary-eyed. I believe God wanted to remind me of what my life, and our lives - what the life of the church is and should be all about.

Holiness = being separated unto God, set aside for a specific purpose or use.

There is a distinction between things that are Holy vs. those which are for everyday or common use. In Biblical times (and today for that matter) the Sabbath day was Set Apart - "Remember the sabbath day to KEEP it Holy." (Ex. 20:8) Am I advocating legalism or a return to Sabbath law? NO! This is just to illustrate the point.

What does true Holiness look like? I dunno! I do however think the church has done a rotten job as an example to our society. We define ourselves too often by the things we "don't" do rather than who we are. When we do talk about holiness and separateness in the church today, there is almost a fear in our eyes that if we get too close to real sinners we might somehow get our hands dirty or something. What did Jesus have to say about this? Didn't he say it wasn't the healthy who needed a doctor, but the infirm? (Mt. 9:12) He was called a glutton and a drunkard - spent time talking with prostitutes and tax collectors and lepers.....

We fall FAR short of Jesus' example of being set apart for our true purpose:

Today, the church is separated unto God - on Sundays.
We have meetings, and we call it "serving God".
We do things 'for God" that are By Us, For Us - and call it worship.
If things didn't quite go right in our services, we get all bummed.
If people are critical about certain aspects of our "services" we "correct" our mistakes and do our best to "get it right" the next time we meet.

I have been caught up in ALL of that! I am GUILTY as charged! What I am not - is Holy.

*like I said. This post may seem a little garbled.

More to come...

Just a quickie...

2008-09-25T11:53:00.003-05:00

Check this out over at Kamp Krusty. I appreciate the tongue-in-cheek way that Brant is able to point out our flaws without being too offensive. (O.K. - sometimes it is too offensive but we need it!)

TTFN

Does anyone take this stuff seriously...?

2008-09-24T15:02:00.003-05:00

I ran across this earlier today. It was on FoxNews.com of all places.

"In the NPR poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies/Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, support for the candidates was split according to cultural habits — 42 percent of people who get their coffee at Starbucks favored Obama compared to 39 percent for McCain. However 58 percent of people who frequent Wal-Mart favored McCain while 33 percent picked Obama."

What about those who prefer Moose Tracks Ice Cream - do they support Palin by a margin of 2 to 1? Just sayin' - I think this stuff has gotten a little out of hand.

What does people's tendency to frequent Wal-Mart have to do with anything? I know some very well-to-do folks who LOVE to shop at thrift stores and never pass up a chance to go to a yard sale. I know that's anecdotal, but I believe that Wal-Mart patronage just might also be considered a slap in the face of the so-called "middle-class" from those who view them in a dim light - particularly in middle America.

This is of course in contrast to the young, hippish folks who slurp Starbuck's coffee while answering pollster's questions. They are of course very well educated, upscale and enlightened as compared to the Wal-Mart crowd.

I have a simple question though. What about those folks (like me) who walk around Wal-mart holding a Starbuck's Venti Mocha Latte while shopping for hunting gear, guns, knives, ammo, etc.... - nobody asked my opinion?!

I don't like what I'm hearing....

2008-09-21T12:44:00.005-05:00

So, I just wanted to share a few thoughts about what I've heard lately.

In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Joe Biden is on the record saying:

"We want to take money and put it back in the pocket of middle-class people,”... “It’s time to be patriotic … time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."

Again, let me just say for the record, this election has been a difficult one for me to stomach. I have had a really hard time not just sticking my head in the sand and praying the whole thing will be over with. I usually like to get behind someone - to believe in someone or something. I am glad to see our country getting past the race issue, and closing the gender gap. I think its' all wonderful stuff. That being said, what I am hearing lately is just the same old dirty tricks, mass manipulation and labeling that has gotten us where we are today.

As I mentioned a few days ago - it looks like the candidate for "change" is doing the same old stuff. I think that Obama is a likeable guy, I just can't support him. Aside from the Pro-choice issue - which for me is HUGE, he also seems to be playing the class-envy game. Their campaign doesnt' seem to be about change for the better so much as a call for "fairness" and a pandering to the "middle-class" in the form of wealth re-distribution. This would be a very bold step in the wrong direction in my opinion - a huge move toward overt socialism. Just listen to Biden's words - He said they will TAKE MONEY (from some) and GIVE IT to others.

I have a few questions. Could somebody please tell me, honestly -

1. Who pays most of the income tax now?

2. How will "giving" a tax cut that will amount to about $1000 per household boost our economy any more than the "stimulus" checks our government is so fond of handing out these days?

3. Won't raising taxes on corporations just encourage inflation - which affects the bottom line for the precious "middle-class" they soo long to champion? Will that effect jobs?

(BTW - I am definitely "middle-class" - our household income doesn't even come close to approaching 6 figures - and I have gotten full Tax refunds for the past 11 years and counting. They can't cut my taxes any more! I don't pay and I get money "back" I didn't pay in through the child tax credit - what more can they do??!!!!)

4. If this plan is such a great way to "fix" our economy, why is the Obama campaign now talking about holding off on their plan to raise taxes until things stabilize? Isn't that just admitting that it could actually have a negative effect instead?

5. If I happen to earn more than $250k per year - is it automatically assumed that I obtained this status by luck or at the expense of someone less fortunate? Would I not deserve it somehow? Is it ever justified to be successful? What if I put in 70 hrs. a week for 10 years to build my business and now it is just taking off and I am earning that kind of money after years of sacrifice? Is it now my patriotic duty to give more of it to the government so somebody who doesn't pay taxes now will get a bigger "refund" check? What if paying my new "patriotic" tax burden means laying somebody off? Will that somehow magically "fix" our economy?

6. Are corporate profits bad? Is it wrong for a company who is in business producing a tangible item that people want to buy, or providing a valuable service that people are willing to pay for - to actually make a profit by doing so?

7. Since there is a lot of talk about greedy corporate profits, who are the major shareholders in american corporations? Aren't most outstanding shares owned by mutual funds? (hint: Yes) Who owns most mutual fund shares? (hint: the middle class - through IRA's, in 401(k) plans, state teacher's retirement plans, union pensions, etc...).

8. Will raising taxes on evil corporations make the share prices go up or down? Won't this hurt the "wealthy" shareholders? The next time we hear some politician grandstanding about the greed on wall street, we should all keep in mind that he's talking about all of us too! One does not need to be "rich" to be an investor. On the contrary, most of us are in fact "invested" in stocks to one degree or another.

So, it would seem that TAKING money from some and giving it to others, may not be the best policy for change - in fact it just may make things worse.

Feeling like a schmuck, but that's not important...

2008-09-18T10:49:00.010-05:00

So, while I was sharing about how I feel like a complete soccer-mom for driving out minivan to work..... Jason at Team Polycarp posted this..... (I am a member btw).

Do I feel sheepish..., but it doesn't really matter, especially in light of what others are going through around the world. (We get the Voice of the Martyrs' monthly newsletter.)

Sorta puts things in perspective.

Something I have come to realize, and accept...

2008-09-18T10:49:00.009-05:00

Soo, due to circumstances somewhat beyond my control, I got to drive our "other" car yesterday and today. Don't get me wrong, I think it's nice. There's great visibility, fairly good accelleration and it get's in the low 20's mileage-wise. Also, the sliding doors on each side are rather convenient, and the sound system is pretty good for being stock.

It's just that I have become a total soccer-mom in the process. I have had a couple of conversations with other "soccer mom's" extolling the virtues of our Dodge Grand Caravan - with the sliding doors on each side, and what great cargo space! No joke! Ladies have said - "Great van isn't it?" Yep. It's great being a 39 year old dad.

Soggy bottom alert...

2008-09-15T10:50:00.005-05:00

We had a wet weekend. It was raining outside most of Sunday morning, and raining IN church over where the worship team usually sits. It was fun! Our set went something like this: "...my chains are gone.....(drip,drip,drip) I've been set free.....(drip,drip)..." I guess it's better than crickets chirping, but a lot more expensive to fix.

We had a baptism - which was really awesome because it was a guy who had been very vocal about his "seeker/doubter" status, but who really loved being a part of the "community" of believers. He said he felt no pressure from anyone and even allowed himself to be interviewed one Sunday morning as part of the service. Wow! Needless to say, we all rejoiced at his decision to finally make a decision - and yesterday was his baptism. (It started out as a "sprinkling" because the roof was leaking over the baptism and dripping down.)

I am still really geeked about the whole thing - though I don't know him well yet. I just think its' cool when "seekers" are drawn in by the Holy Spirit. He was not pressured into anything, was allowed to doubt, participated in our services (which are not intentionally "seeker-sensitive") and God did the rest! He had questions and doubts, and was able to ask, debate and wrestle with God in a safe environment.

I am also really proud of our people for not cramming the 4 spiritual laws down his throat!

In other weather news, the Farmer's Almanac predicts that we'll be having a "Frigid, Wet, Wild & Snowy" winter in our part of the country. Sound like fun? Mmmmmm Hmmmmm! I can hardly wait. I have a lot of weatherizing to do...

The Candidate for CHANGE...

2008-09-12T11:14:00.004-05:00

I have refrained (intentionally) from giving much political commentary lately - for good reason I think. I am quite sick of it all actually. However, I found this bit of info very interesting. In a recent article from the N.Y. Times, regarding the need for a "New" aggressive tone from the Obama campaign:

"In the midst of all this, Mr. Obama had a private lunch on Thursday with someone he battled with for much of the year but who knows how to put the Republicans on the defensive: former President Bill Clinton. Discussion topics, aides said, included how Mr. Obama might handle Ms. Palin in the days ahead." (NY Times, Obama Plans a sharper tone as party frets, by By ADAM NAGOURNEY and JEFF ZELENYSept. 11, 2008)

So, I ask you, is this change? Or is this politics as usual - taking cues from the Clintons on how to destroy one's political enemies. I ask this in the most non-political, objective, strictly non-partisan perspective of an outside observer, of course...

Tell me what do you think...

Thoughts on the dangers of having influence...

2008-09-10T07:54:00.007-05:00

Soo, here we go again...

I did a little post two days ago and Jason (one of my two faithful readers, but one of the only ones who actually leave a comment) reminded me about my old Fender acoustic. This got me to thinking a bit -then my mind wandered completely. I hearkened back to my days as a young youth pastor, and then back to my days as a young yout' - not-so many years, but several pounds and hairstyles ago...
(Cue dreamy harp music)

What struck me, is how I am still in awe of, and profoundly influenced by my old youth ministers from that day (One died and 2 others are "out of the ministry" - one is a school principal I think). I learned a lot about leadership, leading worship, setting goals, dealing with conflict and even "dreaming big" from one guy in particular I lost touch with several years ago. (Scott - wherever you are - I miss you, man - you meant a lot to me.) The reality is, I look an aweful lot like the people who influenced me early on.
(Fade to black)

As I was thinking, I remembered an event that happened about 11 Summers ago.
(Fade in to a panning shot of cornfields on a hot sunny day)

I had the surprise of my life one day in July, 1996 while I was standing under a tent in McComb, Il (at the Cornerstone festival) and Jason (yes, my "buddy" who leaves me snyde comments on this here blog thingy) showed up out of the clear blue. We got to hang out that week at C-stone and he was one of a handful of people who actually caught our show. Since he was camping I brought him back to my motel room so he could shower and he let me fiddle around on his guitar. He then made a comment I'll never forget. He said that all the years he had been playing he didn't realize how much he sounded like me on the guitar. In a sense, he didn't realize that I had been a musical influence on him. This of course blew me away, shocked and humbled me and I hesitate to share it now except to say that it stands to reason - the more we hang out with somebody, the more alike we become. (Can anyone here say the word "DISCIPLESHIP" ??????) I think that is the whole point.
(Fast forward to present day)

Though it is something I have known all along, now more than ever, I am humbled and just a little bit scared that I can have a powerful influence on the people that I am around. I have heard it said that our strengths are passed on to those we mentor, but our weaknesses at times are MAGNIFIED..... that is a scary thought. This means that my cynical, critical attitude - my know-it-all, agrumentative, opinionated, judgementalism - could not only be passed on, but magnified (if this is true...) in those I lead and mentor - and especially in my own kids!

I hope people catch the good stuff. I wish that I could say, as Paul did: "Follow me as I follow Christ..." but I can't always say that. I am pretty messed up at times.

I have a friend and mentor named Dan. Dan was one of my college professors, a pastor/teacher-type guy who was very down to earth. He even spent a few years recently as the college President. He made a little plaque - one of those shiny brass thingy's you get at a trophy shop, engraved with a saying that has stuck with me through the years and has really influenced me in ministry and life in general. He attaches this plaque on his pulpit wherever he goes. It reads:

"What on earth are you doing to these people...?"

I think that just about sums it up.
(Fade out...roll credits...)

Just too funny not to pass on...

2008-09-10T07:43:00.002-05:00

Jeff McQ is at it again. This is just too good. Leave him a comment.

More to come soon. I've got something cooking.

Just a Quickie...

2008-09-08T16:46:00.005-05:00

I've started several posts in the last couple of weeks, but just haven't finished anything. They started out much more boringly than this one will prove to be if you can believe it!

For now, here's an update of what's going on - for my faithful 2 readers. (Hi, Jason, Hi hon.)

Soccer has started - and my boys have got some skills. I enjoyed 2 great games on Saturday. It was cool out, and there were some clouds - then it got sunny and hot and my nose burst into flames (not really - but it is now much redder than usual - which is generally pretty red, as I have a mild case of rosacea.....)

Youth Worship Team is now in full swing - This is pretty exciting, as I have now been given the awesome responsibility of corrupting or otherwise ruining the musical future of about 10 young people (two of which are my sons and one is my neice). They are all pretty awesome! Last night was their first time leading at a youth meeting - they did great!

Mom is now in her own place - As of last Tuesday night my mom has officially moved out. This is bitter-sweet. She found a cute little house and we spent last weekend moving ALL of her stuff from storage - whew! We are excited for her, but we kind of already miss seeing her all the time. I am sure she's enjoying the peace and quiet.

That's it for now. (yawn!)

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-20T11:05:00.004-05:00

Just a few years ago (ahem!) on this day, August 20th Fronia G. Sellers gave birth to Beth. Her name is Beth - short for Beth.

(I always say that's all her parents could afford).

Now *a few years later*, we know and love her as wife, mom, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister & friend.

What can I say except, my life and the lives of our 4 boys have been blessed by her presence. She is a WONDERFUL mother to them, and always attentive. I especially admire how she looks for and makes the most of opportunities to help prepare them for life in the "real" world. (They will appreciate it someday!)

Also, I am proud to say that She is my best friend.

I love you!

Happy Birthday Beth!

This just in...

2008-08-19T13:58:00.003-05:00

The Americans are really, really good at jumping in the water, paddling their arms and reaching the other side before people from other countries get there.

Just thought you'd like to know. It makes me proud!

(We're also pretty good at other stuff too.)

What if....?

2008-08-15T15:51:00.004-05:00

Hi yall -

I'll have a lot of posting to do very soon, and hopefully more time to do it in. For now, enjoy this link:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10017102-36.html

And this photo -

Handsome fella isn't he? To me it looks like an empty gorilla costume....
But what if......?

Beautiful Hot, Foggy Day Alert...

2008-07-31T08:11:00.003-05:00

Yep, there was FOG as I drove in to work today......?????
It's georgous out there now - but FOG????????? I live in Central Illinois, not Washington!!!!

Oh, well... wish I were fishing....

Thoughts on my lack of discipline...

2008-07-30T16:47:00.004-05:00

Soo,

Why is it that we humans have a propensity for making outrageous commitments with regards to self-improvement, weight-loss, our prayer-life, yard work, etc....... only to completely BLOW IT just a few short days (weeks) later?

Just askin'......

Toe-stepping time!

2008-07-04T16:55:00.006-05:00

O.K., here goes.

I am still formulating my belief's and opinions on this topic and I hope this will start some meaningful discussion. Let me start with a little background - on myself, just to let you know where I am coming from so that I won't be accused of either being defensive or biased (which we all are to a degree if we'll just admit it!)

I grew up in a ministry family - my mom was a full-time, licensed C.E./Children's pastor, my uncle served on the mission field in Central America, I spent a great deal of time during my adolescence doing ministry with outreach teams in Mexico (all over Mexico!). I went from High School to Bible College where I majored in Biblical Languages, then I went to Fuller Seminary (I lack 5 classes for my Master's. My whole goal in life has always been ministry - pastoring, church staff ministry, and Teaching at a Bible College or institute.

I have been leading worship and teaching since I was in high school. My first real foray into ministry was leading worship and being on the "team" for a successful church planting venture while I was still a senior in High School. I had a great mentor. I then spent several years in full-time ministry as a youth pastor, then bi-vocational ministry while at Seminary. Our family then moved and we pastored for a couple of years (it was disastrous!). After that we served on staff again for a year or so - then we were dumped! (I won't give any details - but let's just say I wasn't the first and certainly not the last casualty under that particular ministry/senior pastor).

Soo, I now find myself in the Mid-West rethinking the whole role of the institutional church and where I fit in as a servant to the body of Christ.

I am not responding to any particular post, book or blogsite, but rather to my personal sense that the pendulum shouldn't swing too far in the direction that it is currently headed. Let me just say that I could fill several lines with links to references from just a handful of bloggers, book reviews and articles to prove my point. Here I choose not to make it personal against any particular author or post, just suffice it to say, I am not angry about anything, nor am I offended - I am just concerned. Also, my opinions and observations are not directed toward any specific church or pastor - My former church (JAG) is a GREAT church, with a GREAT PASTOR! I now attend another great church with a great pastoral team and awesome ministries for the whole family. That being said, here goes.

My first point (yes, that was a long intro.....):

The institutional church is definitely in trouble.

There are scores of books and bloggers out there currently spelling this out. Some of them are helpful at pointing out areas where we are missing the point and not connecting with our culture - I agree. Some are merely critical and don't offer any real solutions - in fact the perception I get is that many of the authors themselves have all but given up on the church as it stands today. I believe that this is a mistake.

The Church HAS been (slowly) Responding

There are many different formats and forums where "the church" can flourish - house churches for one. In our society there is a growing need for people to connect in a meaningful way. As an aside, one thing that drew our family to LARGER churches in the past was our need to feel "safe" and insulated from people because we were wounded in ministry. (This was both wrong and a temporary solution to a very real problem we had to work out in ourselves.)

In my experience there is also something very meaningful about coming together as a larger representation of the body of Christ and gathering in celebration. That could explain why there are so many regional conferences popping up where smaller churches (and home-based fellowships) can come and worship collectively. There truly is something special that happens as we identify with the body of Christ at large.
My main point is that while we are in a state of flux, there are and will continue to be "successful" ministries across the spectrum. The whole goal should be to fulfill the Lord's commission to make disciples. There are people who get plugged-in through traditional ministries as well as through non-traditional formats. I believe it is a shame to completely discount the "traditional, institutional church" as totally irrelevant. True, there are many (like myself) who are screaming for reform from within the old structure. I believe we can find success - it is a worthy endeavor. Two of my heroes were just such figures - Erasmus, and Sir Thomas Moore. They were both contemporaries of, and mostly in agreement with many of Martin Luther's criticisms of the catholic Church of his day. But, they sought to reform the church from the inside-out (which would have saved much bloodshed). History tells us that they were successful to a degree - as was Luther - only many years later.

This new state of flux and need for reform we are currently experiencing shouldn't require bloodshed. (Although I have witnessed a few lively church-council meetings in my day). In a nutshell, there seems to be a bit of pride getting in the way between churches who have buildings vs' churches who choose not to have buildings. Also, (and to a lesser degree) churches with professional clergy vs' those whithout. There are arguments for and against both models.

Frankly, I am on neither side. I rejoice when I hear that one of the churches in town is growing to the point where they need more space. There is a limit to how many services you can hold in a given weekend - especially if you rely heavily on volunteers. I also relate to the church who chooses to meet on a Saturday evening at the park, play volleyball, cook bratz and sing together accompanied by acoustic guitars - awesome stuff! My beef is that there isn't a RIGHT way, or WRONG way to do church, as long as we are being obedient to what the Lord has called us to be and we aren't doing it out of rebellion or pride.

Any thoughts?

Happy 4th!!!!!!!!

2008-07-04T16:34:00.004-05:00

Soo, today we once again celebrate our freedom from the tyranny of British rule. Many people will go to the beach, the lake, and have backyard BBQ's.

Today, we grilled out at my son Darian's place - his treat. We were joined by his "friend" Rachel and her parents. Had a great time - and the burgers weren't bad either.

Also - very important news here - I made home-made Ice Cream with my new-found trusty "old" Home-made Ice Cream Maker - strawberry to be precise. It was just de-lish.

In other news: Joey Chestnut held onto the Nathan's hot dog eating contest title defeating Kobayashi in overtime! Every year they do this big contest at Nathan's at Coney Island N.Y. The "athletes" compete for the coveted Yellow Mustard Belt. Kobayashi had won for 6 years straight. Read my take on the whole thing from last year's post here.

What a great country we live in.

Thoughts on burn-out prevention...

2008-07-03T13:48:00.006-05:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting lately on where I "fit in" in the body of Christ. I suffer from a very common problem that many of you may be able to relate to. For some reason, I have a hard time saying the word "no."

Here's the deal. There are a lot of things I really enjoy doing, and a few that (I think) I do pretty well. The unfortunate situation is, I can get overly busy doing all of these things and eventually something (or everything) suffers because I get myself burnt out. I'm a husband, father, brother, son, son-in law.... these come first (second to my relationship with the Lord), I'm also an employee - I have to earn a living and take care of my family.

However, these things haven't always come before ministry and ministry opportunities. At times being a pastor, youth pastor, worship leader, camp speaker, bass player, teacher, student - have all taken that number one spot in my life. How does that happen?

Confession time! Let's face it - it's alluring to be in the spotlight. Especially if you are good at what you do. (You know you're good at it - c'mon, admit it!) Ministry can and should be fun! We should be using our talents for the Lord - He gave them to us! But, when it becomes all about "me" - it's "my" ministry, this is "my church", "my worship team" it's "my council" these are "my leaders" and that's "my classroom" or "my pulpit" - then we have a problem folks. Even when we're not in the spotlight, being "on" the team, so to speak wether with the 2yr-olds ministry, the worship team, the parking lot ministry, the church council, running sound or whatever can be a mixed blessing - it's easy to miss the big picture - serving.

If that we'ren't enough, we also have to admit that it feels great to be "needed" by people. When people come up to us and say - "We just couldn't do it without you...." We are stupid enough to believe it! I may be wrong, but I believe God can and does use whomever and whatever He chooses to achieve His purpose.

Does anyone remember the story of Balaam? How did God choose to get his word across? Did the donkey give a televised message to Balaam? Was he wearing an Italian suit and did he tell Balaam he could live his "best life" by turning back and going the other way? God doesn't "need" us as much as we think sometimes - and neither do the people we are supposed to be serving.

So what does this mean? I'm so glad you asked.

This has been a year of transition for me and my family. In the past I (and my wife) have been willing and able to serve. I have also (admittedlly) made quite a few mistakes in ministry over the years - namely by diving in, getting too busy, and burning-out. My family usually pays for it. More recently, I've grown a little wiser in that I will sometimes think before I say yes, but I still say yes too often.

So here's the dilemma - I find myself wanting to serve - but I'm a little skittish - afraid to commit because I don't want to over-commit. Still, there's a genuine tug in my heart to serve (yes, for the right reasons). Scripture tells us in Romans 12:5ff

"... in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

My task then, is to seek the Lord and serve diligently where and when He wants me to. It's o.k. to say no, unless that would be disobedient. Neat!

Lazy Sunday afternoon post...

2008-06-29T19:58:00.004-05:00

Today, I made some Ice Cream. Yes, me! I made Ice cream - french vanilla peach and a batch of chocolate, chocalate chip to be precise. It is a beautiful warm day. Birdies are singing, the grass is green. In a while we're going for a walk.

Here's the thing. I have lamented not having an ice cream maker for I don't know how long. All the while, Beth has been listening (or not) to my whining.

Lo and behold - we were bringing some stuff over to our friend's garage sale (we always welcome the opportunity to get rid of stuff - and if they can sell it - God bless 'em!) - when what to my wondering eyes should appear - and in OUR batch of giveaway STUFF - a three-quart ICE CREAM MAKER!!!!!! We were going to GIVE IT AWAY!!!!

Had I but known - we'd have been enjoying fresh delicios home-made ice cream since the first sign of Spring. But NOOOOOOOOO!

I can't even tell you when, where or how we got it in the first place. All I know is, I should keep a sharp eye on stuff - especially stuff we're giving away. There's gold down there in our basement I tell ya!

Cause I don't pay attention...

2008-06-27T12:55:00.004-05:00

Sooooooo, I had yet another milestone go by. This is only slightly different though, and kinda sad, cause I'm so bad at it lately, but.........

This is my 101st post.

I posted pictures a few days ago - that was my 100th post.

This is my 101st post and yes, I'm wasting it complaining about how I was completely oblivious to the fact that my 100th post was a couple of days ago.

I promise to have something a little more reflective and meaningful soon. I can feel it stirring inside me, and there's a burning in my bosom.....oh yeah! I can feel it....

Here's a few pix

2008-06-23T21:31:00.005-05:00

Hey, just thought I'd post a few pix of our family and our pal Bithia who just visited us.

Rites of passage...

2008-06-22T12:46:00.005-05:00

So, we've been busy lately. Here's what's been happening.

Bryce, my #3 son (in age only) "graduated" from the 6th grade. I have often wondered why we celebrate something that isn't really such a milestone - but I felt proud as a dad that he had "made it" that far. It made me reflect on what I was feeling when I was his age. In my house we have a saying - you're a little kid until you get hair under your arms. Kind of crude, yes - but think about it for a minute. (yes, we're a house full of boys - with one lonely girl - mom, who is woefully outnumbered and sometimes overwhelmed with foot odor and flatulence.) I digress.

I remember "finally" getting out of the 6th grade and feeling at last, I was no longer a little kid. Pretty heady stuff - and very exciting. I remember another thing happening as well - I got "promoted" into Youth group at church. I remember my first time at Jr. High Summer camp, and my first youth All-nighter. It was awesome. I felt like I had finally arrived!

My son Bryce had his first Wednesday nite in Youth group and is leaving for Jr. High Summer camp this afternoon. I'm sure he'll do fine, but I'm a little choked up.

We had another event recently as well. Cameron (son #2) had his own little "rite of passage" - he's been shaving since he was 11 or 12 so he's past all that - but he got his driver's license the same week as graduation.

He has also started a full-time summer job, (where I work), opened a bank account and bought some new clothes. Ah, to have "disposable" income again.....what would that be like? Maybe he'll be nice and pitch in for gas next week.....hmmm.

And lastly Darian, our eldest, Graduated from High School May 30th and promtly moved into his own apartment a few blocks away. What I find disturbing is that he left a bunch of stuff in his room and hasn't come back to clean it up so we can use it! It also seems like we have seen more of him lately than we did prior to when he moved out.

I have had parents at church ask me how I did it - got him to move out that is? I don't know! He just started looking for an apartment a couple of months before school got out and "voila!" he was moving in the week after graduation. He'll be going to Illinois College in town for a couple of years and then the plan is to transfer to Edwardsvill to finish up an engineering degree. I never got past high school algebra, but that is a story for another day. Darian - we're proud of you, but could you come get the rest of your stuff out of your old room?

So, you can see, it is bittersweet seeing your sons grow up.

Excuses, excuses...

2008-06-15T16:44:00.005-05:00

Soo.... part of the reason for my absence lies in the simple fact that I am a proud (grinning ear to ear usually, that is when I am not curled up in the corner in the fetal position mumbling "it's gonna be o.k." - ) - that is to say, usually I'll admit that I am a proud father of 4 (count 'em 4) boys. We've had a busy schedule with all the end of the year stuff - plus visitors for a month and a half. Things are busy at work tooo - and that dynamic has changed a bit recently as well.....for the better of course...more on that later.

So, - strike up the sad music - but before I go on whining even more about being too busy, I will leave you with one thought - or question. Did you really miss my posts????? Really???????? Aw shucks!

Father's Day

2008-06-15T16:39:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day 2 me! Church was cool today - great message about fathers, failure and forgiveness. My wife, Beth had been away for 2 whole days - she was in St. Louis for a women's conference. She came home right after we got back from church. Happy me! Though I wanted to spend the afternoon cleaning before she got back, the house wasn't actually bombed that terribly. (We must not have had that much fun this time while she was out......)

Tragic mothers day...

2008-05-11T09:41:00.003-05:00

Soo,
This has been a blustery night followed by a rather blustery morning. There are tree limbs falling (no doubt weakened by our December ice storm).
I went outside this morning walking with our "lovely" dog Candy. She sniffed something in the yard - a dead baby bird next to a downed tree limb. I poked around a little more, there was another (dead) - under the tree limb. I looked up and there was a pile of damp straw on top of my van - with an other dead baby bird. I had just been out in my van 15 minutes earlier - so the limb must have fallen since. Alas, there is a childless mother bird out there somewhere...

One of those kinds of posts again...

2008-05-09T16:54:00.004-05:00

Sooo,

I haven't been writing much lately. Too busy lately. Plus, mom is moving out from California! She's with us now - having fun! Krazy at work lately too. Aso, the dog ate my homework and my alarm didn't go off before I had a flat tire on the way during rush hour traffic.... That's all the excuses I can come up with. I'll be back to my old self shortly. Until then... Enjoy this pic.

It's the end of the world as we know it...

2008-04-16T09:46:00.003-05:00

I found this article amusing. Thought I'd share it with you. Seems there is a 1 in 450 chance that a huge asteroid may collide with Earth in 2036. There's a 13 year old kid who will most likely win his science fair because of it. That's just rich!

Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080415/od_afp/spaceastronomygermany

Seeing the world in a "new" way...

2008-04-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

Recently, as you may have read, I have been looking at things differently. My thoughts about evangelism are being re-shaped if you could call it that. My views on our responsibility as believers & witnesses has undergone some shifting too. But this post isn't about that, really. Maybe as a metaphor - or physical, outward sign of an inward grace - I LITERALLY am looking at the world differently than I used to. No joke - it's been going on for about....a week and a half now. I have developed some new habits of late.

Most notably, I have been sticking my finger into my eyes!

You see, I got contact lenses a week ago last Thursday - and I am really geeked about it!

A recent conversation....

2008-04-07T13:54:00.005-05:00

Soo, yes it's been awhile.

I have had some recent revelations lately. Let me fill you in (all 3 of you avid readers of mine). Now that we're settling back in after our long journey we have been asked to share our experiences with others in various formal and informal settings. Like I said before, we're looking at the world a bit differently now - and it is starting to show. I am sometimes amazed at how we (those of us who think we're all around good people, and "Christians" because we are Americans) can sometimes get so caught up in our own little worlds that we completely miss the big picture. Here is just one example (of many), just to obviate the point:

I was sharing a few photos from our trip with some co-workers. I mentioned that in one photo, it showed a family in particular had no food, no money and was pretty much out of luck. We did what we could then and there to help, knowing that it wasn't very much and wouldn't last but a couple of days. Of course, what we did do was merely a drop in the bucket - and we genuinely felt bad and hopeless that this was just one of many such situations that we encountered in the same township that day. I held back a tear as I shared with my co-workers....... And......

The response I got was this: "Well, there are poor people here - we should take care of our own first!" "True," I said - "Charity should start at home." Then on to the next picture (I think it was of a rhino or something.) What I DIDN'T say, and now wish I would have was,
"Great, so I suppose you're spending all of your spare money and time feeding the hungry here in central Illinois?"

But, I didn't of course.

A little about what is happening...

2008-03-29T19:06:00.004-05:00

We are still recovering from our trip, sort of. Getting back to our jobs has been difficult. In a way, we are in let-down mode, but it's not what you think.

Here's a little background. We have done missions before. I have been involved in Team missions since Jr. High. The model was of course, short-term group trips mostly in Mexico, to Native American reservations, or to neighboring towns for some kind of project. During the Summer a couple of the trips sometimes lasted for several weeks. God used us in many ways, and He used those trips to impact our lives as well. We usually came back pumped and excited and ready to change the world - particularly our own church. Soon, our zeal would fade and we'd be back to normal.

This time, I believe things are different. In a way, I feel changed like never before. We didn't do anything earth-shattering - mainly we just observed. I am now able to say that I got to preach in Africa. (Big woop!) Beth spent some quality time teaching and hanging out with some beautiful women of God and some really awesome teen girls. We saw some wild and exotic sites, ate wonderful food and built deep friendships with some very awesome godly people.

What's different is that we now want to DO SOMETHING about some of the things we experienced while we were there. Our prayers, our conversations and even our dreams have been affected by the people and thier situation. God is stirring something inside of us. It is both scary and exciting.

For one thing, for us some of the glamour and mystery has been removed about overseas missions. We now have a better understanding about some of the challenges and frustrations they face. There are also some things that we are going to change about our own lives because of what we learned from them. (More on that some other time).

I'm sorry this is still so vague. We are still processing it all. But suffice it to say, I believe things have changed, for the better. Keep us in your prayers!

It is snowing, indeed!

2008-03-23T08:13:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter everyone. He is risen! It is also SNOWING!

This year we are celebrating Easter early due to the phases of the moon. Passover falls next month, which is actually a lot closer to when Jesus was actually crucified and rose from the dead. I am not one of those who has a problem with celebrating Easter whenever it falls - I just have a problem with the Easter Bunny.

BTW, this year I plan on making "Peeps" (chicken) Chili instead of Easter Bunny Stew. I couln't justify paying $8.99 a pound for Rabbit. In years past, I have had friends give me wild rabbit, or I have bought it MUCH cheaper. Alas, another tradition gone by the wayside....

I don't think many kids are going outside to look for eggs today - at least no in Jacksonville.

What are we doing?

2008-03-21T12:28:00.005-05:00

O.K. - so this one's got me a bit flustered. I have to ask, what is the church - Us, We, collectively - The Church - what are we up to with this kind of stuff? ( I saw this on Brant Hansen's blog - he got it from someone else).

This just plays (no pun here) right into the whole commercialization of Easter that I continually rant and rave about. Boxing with Jesus? Maybe I could go for a Jesus character on Tony Hawk's pro-skater - that would be cool, but, c'mon people!!!

Isn't she beautiful?

2008-03-16T14:48:00.005-05:00

This lovely young lady is just twelve years old. She lives with her mother, aunt and baby cousin in a one room apartment in the Claremont township. She should be out playing with her friends. She should be running, jumping rope, playing with dolls....she should be in school.

She is not. She cannot go. She cannot do very much. She lays on the bed. She cannot see. She is blind from Meningitis. She is also HIV positive. She has open sores all over her back.

Life should be good for her, she has food to eat, and she is receiving her prescribed medication, but it does not help much. She cannot keep her food and medicine down,...she throws up when they try to feed her.

She has AIDS. She did not contract it from her mother at birth. She was raped when she was younger - much younger. But she is only twelve now. Just twelve.

This girl is living proof of an ongoing myth, or superstition. In ignorance, some believe that they can rid themselves of AIDS by having sex with young virgins. This beautiful young girl, was raped. She is just twelve. She cannot see. She lays down on her bed, all day long, nauseous and dying. Only twelve.

Why is she smiling?

2008-03-16T14:12:00.005-05:00

This lady just kept smiling, until she started crying. She had visitors, and was overjoyed. She was very hospitable, and offered us a seat on a ragged, dusty couch. We could see light through the tin roof above our heads. There were two small children wearing cloth diapers playing on the floor in the room next to us. She smiled, and wiped a tear away from her eyes.

She cannot work. She is a grandmother, and cares for 4 of her young grandchildren. There are five of them living in two rooms and a "kitchen". Their water comes from a communal tap up on the hill. Their restroom is outside. Someone in the home is HIV positive, but through our translator, we are unsure as to who. Probably one of the children. Their mom (her daughter) died from AIDS related causes about a year ago.

She is tired. We find out that she has walked nearly 25 KM that morning to pick up her governement aid (about $25 U.S. per child), but was refused. She came back empty-handed. She smiles, wipes away a tear, and tells us that there is no food in the house. We pray for her. We feel helpless. We spend a few dollars and buy her some food. She is overjoyed when we pay her a surprise visit carrying a few kilos of rice, maize meal, beans and some fresh fruits and vegetables.

She is smiling now. They will have some food in the house again...for a few days. We feel sad. We try to smile back at her. This was merely a drop in the ocean. They will be out of food again...very soon. So will many of their neighbors. As we leave, we try to hold back our tears. We can't.

Meet Winnie...

2008-03-16T13:47:00.005-05:00

This is Winnie. She works very long hours. She started as a volunteer for her organization, but now she gets paid a few dollars each month. She helps families deal with the problem of HIV/AIDS in the Zulu-speaking township of Claremont, in KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa.

Winnie spends her days travelling up and down hills... on foot. She visits with AIDS patients, making sure they recieve their treatments, and their meager government assistance money.

She is able to "help" them, but not very much. Sometimes she is able to bring them some food. Sometimes she even has enough to feed 40 or 50 families for an entire week!!!

Winnie sees more than 200 different families who suffer from the effects of HIV/AIDS each month...on foot...up and down hills... She gets paid just a few dollars each week.

She smiles. She feeds them when she can. She prays for them. She watches them die.

There are others like Winnie, but we need more of them.

Just a quickie...

2008-03-04T04:08:00.002-06:00

I am visiting with Pastor Paul Hesmon - the missionary. He was kind enough to let me use his internet connection. We are having a blast!!!! The people are great! We were very touched yesterday by the aids ministry. We joined with Pastor Henry Houk and walked through a Zulu Towhship with a lady named Winnie. She is a contact person/social worker who helps AIDS patients coordinate their benefits and keeps them accountable with regards to their treatment and medication. The task seems soo overwhelming. What we saw was very mild in comparison to some of the stories we have heard (which are true!), but still very moving nonetheless. I don't have time to share much now, but just know, we have already been changed by this trip.

Important Stuff...

2008-02-27T17:35:00.003-06:00

So, enough of my rants. I just wanted to let you all know, I'm leaving for South Africa (literally NOW, my ride to St. Louis just showed up - I'll make this quick. Check our blog at http://www.obergfamily.wordpress.com/ for updates - and there is a link to my Twitter page there. We're out of the country for 2+ weeks. We will be ministering at a church in Durban South Africa, going on a Safari thingy and visiting Cape Town. I'll have a lot to say. Check the twitter page and PRAY for us!!!!!!!!

Still more thoughts on evangelism...

2008-02-25T12:34:00.008-06:00

Here is the second installment on the topic of evangelism.

Let me repeat what I said a few days ago and say that I believe in evangelism wholeheartedly, in salvation by grace through faith, and that we each have a responsibility to fulfill the great commission. I just have a problem with some of our methods, goals, and various expectations with regards to "winning souls."

To put it plainly, we inadvertently end up hurting the cause more than helping it. We are very good at being irrelevant in the name of Christianity. (My friend Jason has a lot to say on the subject here for just one example.) But aside from that, the environment has changed quite a lot during this past few years. The truth of the gospel will always be relevent - only Jesus can set us free from the bondage of sin and death. In general though, our society is less open to the message.

For one thing, the idea of "sin" is a foreign concept to many people on the street. We christians have successfully branded ourselves as the "can't do" crowd. Try this one on the average christian you may run into - ask them to define "sin" and then listen to them. Chances are you will get a list of "bad" behaviors we as "christians" aren't "allowed" to engage in. Go ahead - I dare you! What are we modeling to the world out there? Is this freedom from sin?

On the contrary, victory over sin should mean that theres a whole lot of things out there that just don't satisfy the longing in my heart - I know, cause now I'm not empty any more.

But, back to the point - sin no longer exists in our society as far as the average person is concerned. We do what we feel like as long as nobody gets hurt (and if they do, hey that's the way it goes.) So, if there is no sin, why do we need a savior? Salvation - from what? And don't even talk about a literal heaven or hell!

Maybe what I'm ranting about here is the fact that we have allowed the media and our politicians to define christianity for our society. They have managed to turn us into nothing more than another "voting block" or subculture. We just need to be acknowledged and satisfied come the nearest election cycle. We'll shut up and play nice as long as somebody throws us a bone once in awhile. (Hows that for a few mixed metaphors! This blogging stuff is real hard - it's almost like rocket surgery...) Once the news cycle is over, we again become irrelevant.

How are we viewed by society at large? What do they see in us? Are we angry like Fred Phelps? Perhaps they see the glitz and glamour of the TV evangelists, or the gaudiness of the Prosperity Gospel megaghurches. Do we christians appear to be naieve and sheltered like Ned Flanders? Maybe we're hypocrites in their eyes and they view us in the same vein as Ted Haggard or the late Tammy Faye?

While I don't wish to validate these stereotypes, wouldn't you agree that we have done our part to perpetuate these classic misconceptions?

So what does this have to do with evangelism? I'm so glad you asked. The point is that WE (and our methods) need to adapt to this phenomenon. For the most part, people out there want to at least appear to be "open-minded" - in fact they consider us to be exclusive, intolerant and "closed-minded". What people are looking for (believe me - they are looking for something) - what people are Screaming for - is community! We want to belong. We crave relationships. We long for authentic friendships.

This is in stark contrast to how we often treat people we are "witnessing" to. We can't treat our "friends" as nothing more than conversion "prospects." I have met many people who have expressed that they felt a christian had befriended them just to get them to join their church, or come to a play or some other "evangelistic" event. How would you feel if you knew that your new friend wasn't really interested in you as a friend - but a number, or a "scalp?" But the organized church has encouraged this sort of befriending by running campaigns, crusades and contests - I've taken part in it myself in days past.

I do believe we have the answer to makind's delimma. The world is dying of thirst, and we have the water (wasn't that a bit cliche) - but it's true! We just spend too much time trying to make the water more palatable. (It doesn't need it!) We repackage it, buff it, shine it and have contests to see how many people want it - without really giving it to them. That's my beef. More to come - I promise.

Thoughts on Evangelism...sort of...er, I guess...

2008-02-19T14:44:00.003-06:00

This is the first in what will I am sure become a controversial topic on my otherwise bland blogspace. I blame this entry on the fact that it is currently too bloody cold to give you one of my usual manly fishing reports. Here goes – you’ve been forewarned.

I have never been one to stand on a street corner, or even openly “witness” as many other “Evangelists” I know do routinely. I wholeheartedly subscribe that it is our duty as Christ’s followers to fulfill the great commission and make disciples. However, I don’t always agree with current methodology, or many of the current measures of “success” that we evangelicals have put forth. At the risk of sounding downright cynical, (or liberal), I think we have really missed the point.

The apostle Paul certainly “persuaded” many (though usually in the context of a public forum) and none would argue that he achieved what we would consider “enviable results.” When he was intentionally un-persuasive, God confirmed his message through signs and wonders (c.f. 1 Cor.) However, I seriously doubt that the author of the very “Roman” road that we are taught in our evangelism 101 classes ever resorted to such canned methods. So what is the point? (I thought you’d never ask!)

Lately I have found myself questioning “our” (I mean the conservative evangelical community that we narrowly call the “church”) – I’ve been questioning “our”, definition of being “saved”, “getting saved” and the notion of the “salvation” experience as we currently accept it.

Before you freak out let me assure you that I am a firm believer in true, instantaneous “conversion” – salvation, by grace, through faith- I am in EVERY way an orthodox, evangelical Christian. However, I believe that our methods often fall short of this true conversion in my opinion.

We can all site myriad examples of people who “witness” 24-7, 365 and are very confrontational everywhere they go. While at the grocery check-out they ask – “have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?” Now, don’t get me wrong – I have always admired those who are so bold – but I don’t often see the fruit. On the contrary, in my journeys I have often (too many times to count!) had to clean up after these proverbial ‘bulls’ in the china shop. I have also witnessed what I would call “true” conversion during such clean-up efforts because I took the time to be real with folks.

My beef with the whole process is in how we define success. Too often while “witnessing” or “soul-winning” (my favorite term to make fun of) the goal is to simply win an argument – an unsolicited argument at that, on the part of the intended “soul” being “won”. If the argument is “won” and the soul in question assents, then you get to pray, the “sinners” prayer and “viola” - success, you now have a baby Christian on your hands. On to the next victim.

In church settings the goal is to get ‘em down front. That is “success” in our world. The question then is, How shall we then live? Isn’t there more to this life than praying the sinners’ prayer or going down front?

There will be more on this subject soon – if you don’t all string me up first. Bye for now…

I hope next time to define what success ought to be - here's a hint - there's something called "community" involved.

Just because...

2008-02-15T20:44:00.004-06:00

I just thought this was funny. Help me come up with a good caption.

I think the first one is obvious: "Sieg Hail!"

How about:"You opposed the war? Oh,...Me Too!"

Maybe this one - "Taxi!"

"Yes, ...I see that hand..."

Killer Chili Revisited...

2008-02-14T19:34:00.002-06:00

Soo,

I wrote a "very important" post about chili a few days back (that according to Jason H.). I thought I'd share a picture I was finally able to obtain from our party.

That's me holding the ladel in the foreground - that's my chili behind the "Caution" tape. (Just so you won't be confused.)

As for the posters on the wall behind me, NO, that wasn't the recipe or ingredient list - I do in fact work for a Pest Control company.

My Birthday...February 13th

2008-02-12T16:57:00.002-06:00

" When 39 years old you reach,...

... look as good, you will not!"

Killer Chili....

2008-02-09T23:27:00.000-06:00

Sooo, we had our fourth annual chili cook-off a couple of days ago. I won two years ago by a landslide but this year I was a distant fourth. I guess it was a little hot for the judges this year. In fact, one of the judges actually put caution tape around and in front of my crockpot!

Thoughts on going to the polls....

2008-02-04T20:43:00.001-06:00

Super Tuesday, February 5th is upon us. (Tomorrow as I write this).

Conservative voters are left with meager pickin's. So, in light of our current "choices" for a presidential candidate I thought I'd put forth a modest proposal:

I mean, really! McCain doesn't speak for me. I'm not so sure about Romney, and lately Huckabee sounds like an idiot. Sooo, what to do?

Let's pray for an open convention!

Sigh...

2008-02-02T11:21:00.000-06:00

This is a rather strange tradition.

Let me see if I have it all down correctly:

If the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six weeks more winter. He did!

If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, the Vernal (Spring) equinox will still fall on the same day (Mar. 20th) - which is of course, the official end of winter and will be about six weeks from now.

Soo, what's the point? (Except of course, that these guys get to wear some really neato hats and stuff and they get to be on T.V. every year.) What a country we live in, eh?