Officially, I didn't complete Nablopomo 2009 for November because what's become a familiar habit prevented my success - I fell asleep on the couch before I was able to post at the appropriate times.
I wish I could insist that since I was not officially in bed with the aim of sleeping, it should count.
I did it for 28 of the 30 days properly. Does this not matter? I think I should acknowledge it, and maybe others will join me in saying I was THIS close.
I hope sometime soon I'll be able to break this trend for my own health's sake and that it doesn't become a metaphor for other aspects of life.
Have you ever almost hit the mark on something only to fall short? How have you overcome it?
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The one who wounds & heals
Today, along with hearing our in-person teaching pastor speak, I read through a few passages in Scripture, starting with Isaiah 61:1 which talks about the Anointed One binding the brokenhearted.
I followed this to Job 5:18: "For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal."
We often think of God's latter quality of healer. We forget the first one, where God pierced his own Son. It's a much less painful thought to approach God as one who never harms. Obviously, the "harm" isn't intended for our destruction but our ultimate best.
Our teaching pastor at our church shared from his heart today. Here's some of what he said:
I'm learning God will often do something which looks to us like a larger mess, but - honestly - mainly because we're not in control of it.
What is your perspective on the thought God being both wounder and healer?
I followed this to Job 5:18: "For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal."
We often think of God's latter quality of healer. We forget the first one, where God pierced his own Son. It's a much less painful thought to approach God as one who never harms. Obviously, the "harm" isn't intended for our destruction but our ultimate best.
Our teaching pastor at our church shared from his heart today. Here's some of what he said:
- In retelling the story of Jacob wrestling the angel, our pastor said: "There's always a limp and there's always a reason."
- "Difficulty is the great instructor."
- "He loves us too much to let us stay the way we are."
I'm learning God will often do something which looks to us like a larger mess, but - honestly - mainly because we're not in control of it.
What is your perspective on the thought God being both wounder and healer?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Why my blood has a strange color
As I've watched what can only be called grudge-match rivalry weekend in college football unfold across the nation, I'm reminded my loyalties are somewhat divided in some respects.
Growing up in Montgomery, Ala., less than an hour's drive to Auburn University, my heart for many years lie on the Plains and I bled orange and blue, as the saying goes.
For those of you not familiar with the intensity of in-state college football rivalries, its safe to say the Auburn-Alabama ranks among the top. Alabama residents who never set foot on either campus are expected to pick a side and cheer for one or the other.
That's intense.
So 20 years ago this month sitting in my apartment in Tuscaloosa, Ala. as a University of Alabama student, I had a decision to make. Moments before kickoff, I decided to root for the Tide, adding a large vat of crimson to the mix.
Five years ago, we moved to the (Mississippi State) Bulldog Nation. I was - and still am - proud of MSU for choosing to hire Sylvester Croom as the first black head football coach in the Southeastern Conference, a decision the University of Alabama - where the Tuscaloosa native played and coached as an assistant - couldn't quite bring itself to make.
MSU beat Alabama twice under Croom and I can't say they didn't earn it and I understand why the 'Dogs yanked Croom after last year's 0-45 embarrassment at the hands of what's been called lately The School Up North (The University of Mississippi, otherwise known as Ole Miss).
So, add some maroon to the blend and you have one confused dude when it comes to Saturdays in the fall, at least for a few games.
Usually it's easy to figure out. I hold a piece of paper from Alabama, so that weighs heavily on most days, but I'm eager to see what the 'Dogs will do as they continue to move forward under Dan Mullen (they rectified last year's debacle with a 41-27 win today). And the rebuilding continues on the Plains under Gene Chizik so that's been interesting to watch.
This is one of the few areas of life where it's OK to get pulled in three different directions, and depending on where Jadyn goes to school (Lord willing and assuming she's able to do so), we might get an even more confusing color pattern in the future.
Until then, Go Roll Eagle!
Growing up in Montgomery, Ala., less than an hour's drive to Auburn University, my heart for many years lie on the Plains and I bled orange and blue, as the saying goes.
For those of you not familiar with the intensity of in-state college football rivalries, its safe to say the Auburn-Alabama ranks among the top. Alabama residents who never set foot on either campus are expected to pick a side and cheer for one or the other.
That's intense.
So 20 years ago this month sitting in my apartment in Tuscaloosa, Ala. as a University of Alabama student, I had a decision to make. Moments before kickoff, I decided to root for the Tide, adding a large vat of crimson to the mix.
Five years ago, we moved to the (Mississippi State) Bulldog Nation. I was - and still am - proud of MSU for choosing to hire Sylvester Croom as the first black head football coach in the Southeastern Conference, a decision the University of Alabama - where the Tuscaloosa native played and coached as an assistant - couldn't quite bring itself to make.
MSU beat Alabama twice under Croom and I can't say they didn't earn it and I understand why the 'Dogs yanked Croom after last year's 0-45 embarrassment at the hands of what's been called lately The School Up North (The University of Mississippi, otherwise known as Ole Miss).
So, add some maroon to the blend and you have one confused dude when it comes to Saturdays in the fall, at least for a few games.
Usually it's easy to figure out. I hold a piece of paper from Alabama, so that weighs heavily on most days, but I'm eager to see what the 'Dogs will do as they continue to move forward under Dan Mullen (they rectified last year's debacle with a 41-27 win today). And the rebuilding continues on the Plains under Gene Chizik so that's been interesting to watch.
This is one of the few areas of life where it's OK to get pulled in three different directions, and depending on where Jadyn goes to school (Lord willing and assuming she's able to do so), we might get an even more confusing color pattern in the future.
Until then, Go Roll Eagle!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Going deep
Through the teaching this past week of Chris Beall on Church Online at LifeChurch.tv, I've been challenged about setting aside time to hear God in the quiet.
The task seems simple enough on the surface – Set aside time a few minutes a day to listen to the Lord in an undisturbed setting.
It's more difficult than it sounds.
But it's essential.
When we are trying to find purpose and direction, we expect God to land the answers in our lap so we can get on to the next thing. OK, at least I do.
When we take a step back and think about this approach, we realize this is absurd.
As Chris said: "Early mornings, private pain, discipline; that's where people become great." Sometimes, the answers we seek do appear out of the blue. But most of the time, they're forged in blood, sweat and tears.
As Oswald Chambers asserts, prayer is essentially a process toward getting to know God, so as we seek answers, we need to focus more intently on seeking Him rather than what he has for us.
How are you being challenged to grow deeper in your faith?
The task seems simple enough on the surface – Set aside time a few minutes a day to listen to the Lord in an undisturbed setting.
It's more difficult than it sounds.
But it's essential.
When we are trying to find purpose and direction, we expect God to land the answers in our lap so we can get on to the next thing. OK, at least I do.
When we take a step back and think about this approach, we realize this is absurd.
As Chris said: "Early mornings, private pain, discipline; that's where people become great." Sometimes, the answers we seek do appear out of the blue. But most of the time, they're forged in blood, sweat and tears.
As Oswald Chambers asserts, prayer is essentially a process toward getting to know God, so as we seek answers, we need to focus more intently on seeking Him rather than what he has for us.
How are you being challenged to grow deeper in your faith?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Gratitude
For some reason, it's not always easy for me naturally to count my blessings. I tend toward the half-empty view, or at least I used to. So when I step back and force myself out of the negative mindset, I realize I have plenty to be thankful to God for, including:
- I'm alive.
- I'm reasonably good health for a big boy, with the knowledge I need to do something about the "big" part sooner rather than later.
- I have a beautiful, intelligent wife who is more understanding and patient with me than I give her credit for being.
- My gorgeous, bright daughter who I hope I'm doing right by as I raise her.
- Being employed and finding new ways to enjoy my work.
- Learning not to walk in fear - the world isn't going to fall in around me if I do something out of the ordinary, and if it does, I need to trust God to handle the aftermath.
- The dozens of amazing people we've gotten to know through Church Online and Twitter these past 11 months from all over North America and on at least three other continents. It's been amazing journey I hope is nowhere finished, but rather just beginning. These folks have enriched our lives beyond measure and I hope we've done the same for them. Many of them are literally like family to us and I believe God has given them to us as such. (Grant me this temporary relapse in fear - I'm afraid to start listing people and miss anyone.) I also have met a number of fellow Rush fans in various parts of the globe I also consider good friends and I'm grateful to know them as well.
- The people we've already known. These include my in-laws, who've gone above and beyond in making up for not having counterparts on my side of the family. Between our Twitter friends, our in-person church folks (past and present) and our online friends, we have a patchwork family which looks like very few others.
- The time I got to spend with my parents and for the good things they did for me. They did more to prepare me and love me than I give them credit for when I slip back into half-empty mode and I look forward to seeing them again someday.
- My relationship with Jesus Christ, which has grown by leaps and bounds since we've been hanging around LifeChurch.tv.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Making the point now
Earlier this week, when I dropped off Jadyn at daycare, a young man she fancies (yes at 4) was in the classroom with her waiting to eat breakfast. She was wearing a new jacket and she wanted him to notice. She called him by name and wanted him to see it. I don't think he was paying attention. As I was preparing to walk out the door to go to work, it registered with me - she wanted him to notice and he didn't, at least not that I saw.
I had plenty of time, so I went back in, hugged her from behind and told her: "You're beautiful and I love you."
I can't be there every time she asked someone to notice, but when I can, I want to remind her that her father genuinely and deeply loves her and wants her to always remember that, especially as she develops a relationship with Christ.
What significant point do you want to make to a loved one, and how do you hope to go about doing it?
I had plenty of time, so I went back in, hugged her from behind and told her: "You're beautiful and I love you."
I can't be there every time she asked someone to notice, but when I can, I want to remind her that her father genuinely and deeply loves her and wants her to always remember that, especially as she develops a relationship with Christ.
What significant point do you want to make to a loved one, and how do you hope to go about doing it?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Why TV shows and I don't do well
I may have blogged about similar themes before. If so, there's a reason.
It bears repeating.
I tend to get hooked on television shows which contain the following - decent acting, largely unpredictable plots and intelligent writing. There's a trend with most of the ones I've liked over the last decade or so - they get canceled, most of them slightly over (or significantly under) the typical five-year syndication window.
As I sat down to write this post, I got great news! "Scrubs" is coming back on the air!
This is another genre I like - insane comedy with a message. It's one of the reasons I enjoyed "My Name Is Earl." Though the essential format was the same each episode - there's going to be some issue Earl needs to rectify from his list and how they got to the end is what made it interesting.
So, here's hoping the resurrection of "Scrubs" will last.
What types of television shows do you like and do you feel "snakebitten"when your favorite shows go off the air?
It bears repeating.
I tend to get hooked on television shows which contain the following - decent acting, largely unpredictable plots and intelligent writing. There's a trend with most of the ones I've liked over the last decade or so - they get canceled, most of them slightly over (or significantly under) the typical five-year syndication window.
As I sat down to write this post, I got great news! "Scrubs" is coming back on the air!
This is another genre I like - insane comedy with a message. It's one of the reasons I enjoyed "My Name Is Earl." Though the essential format was the same each episode - there's going to be some issue Earl needs to rectify from his list and how they got to the end is what made it interesting.
So, here's hoping the resurrection of "Scrubs" will last.
What types of television shows do you like and do you feel "snakebitten"when your favorite shows go off the air?
Monday, November 23, 2009
In-person interaction
Tonight, I hung out in person with someone I normally don't see face-to-face, but rather, I see him online. He lives less than two and a half miles from here, but it's just how things have worked for both of us.
I got to hear how things have gone for him these past few weeks. I learned what he's been doing and discovered more than I'd known in the online interaction. So what I'm learning is that while online friendships are valuable and certainly worth our time to cultivate, the richness we can find in sharing face time is at least of equal importance and in some ways greater value.
So how to we connect with and communicate with people who are thousands of miles away? Short of driving or flying to where the other person is, we can compensate for this through means such as Skype and Tokbox. Because when we interact with each other, we're completing the picture in an important way. How have you taken your online interaction into the 'real' world?
I got to hear how things have gone for him these past few weeks. I learned what he's been doing and discovered more than I'd known in the online interaction. So what I'm learning is that while online friendships are valuable and certainly worth our time to cultivate, the richness we can find in sharing face time is at least of equal importance and in some ways greater value.
So how to we connect with and communicate with people who are thousands of miles away? Short of driving or flying to where the other person is, we can compensate for this through means such as Skype and Tokbox. Because when we interact with each other, we're completing the picture in an important way. How have you taken your online interaction into the 'real' world?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
What does it look like?
Today, for the first time I can remember, we really engaged in worship in our in-person church. It looks though we're in the early stages as a congregation of learning how to yield ourselves to allow the presence of Christ to fully appear in our midst. It's a great place to be. For a few seconds there I wondered if were going to extend our time significantly today. We didn't but the sense that many of us didn't want it to end was tangible.
Without airing laundry, our in-person church has been through it's challenges and struggles and now that it's turning a corner, I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store.
During a portion of this time, I thought of the words of the Twila Paris song "He is No Fool," based on the story of missionary Jim Eliot, who gave his life in efforts to minister to the Auca indians in Ecuador. I started scribbling down the chorus: "He is no fool, if he would choose; to give the things he cannot keep; to buy what he can never lose; to see the treasure in one's soul; that far outshines the brightest gold; he is no fool ... ."
I'm trying to hear from the Lord what this pursuit should look like for me. What does it look like for you?
Without airing laundry, our in-person church has been through it's challenges and struggles and now that it's turning a corner, I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store.
During a portion of this time, I thought of the words of the Twila Paris song "He is No Fool," based on the story of missionary Jim Eliot, who gave his life in efforts to minister to the Auca indians in Ecuador. I started scribbling down the chorus: "He is no fool, if he would choose; to give the things he cannot keep; to buy what he can never lose; to see the treasure in one's soul; that far outshines the brightest gold; he is no fool ... ."
I'm trying to hear from the Lord what this pursuit should look like for me. What does it look like for you?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Weekend warrior
Before I became a parent, it seemed a weekend was loaded with so much extra time to do whatever I felt like, or didn't feel like, doing. Now, it seems like there's so much to think about and do with a little one around. I'm not complaining about the reason I'm a parent in any way, shape or form. We waited for her, sometimes impatiently, to arrive. But parenthood is the phenomenon which has compressed my free time the most in the last four years.
I'm a procrastinator already and it just forces more things to get shoved tomorrow's column. I'm learning how to schedule and juggle things on the weekend and felt pretty good - all things considered about what I got done today. But I try to balance the pressure to get things accomplished in my time off and just enjoy being home with my family.
What do you do to juggle off time with the need to get things accomplished around the house?
I'm a procrastinator already and it just forces more things to get shoved tomorrow's column. I'm learning how to schedule and juggle things on the weekend and felt pretty good - all things considered about what I got done today. But I try to balance the pressure to get things accomplished in my time off and just enjoy being home with my family.
What do you do to juggle off time with the need to get things accomplished around the house?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Peeling it back
Sometimes it's so easy to look at a circumstance or situation on the surface and think we can lick it. Then, we encounter anything which is challenging related to the details involved and then we realize how much further we have to go. The setbacks can seem impassable, because we see others who either never had the problem at all or found a way to overcome it. It's difficult to see the way forward when you feel trapped in between these two places.
In the long run, I think it is better to go ahead and plunge in and see how tough and disgusting things are and get to the other side in an improved spot.
In the long run, I think it is better to go ahead and plunge in and see how tough and disgusting things are and get to the other side in an improved spot.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Finding the balance
We never seem to be able to find that right balance between sleep and doing things we might otherwise spend our time and resources toward. Tonight, I feel asleep before 10 p.m. And that's just the way it went. Sleep; pursuing what we want. Sometimes, we can't proceed without the right amount of sleep, and at other times, doing what seems best is impossible without that sleep.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Glad we're part of this
I've talked about this before here on my blog but my wife is the online experience coordinator for Church Online at LifeChurch.tv.
She typically helps out with the 8 p.m. CDT experience on Tuesday. Yesterday, they had an amazing encounter. I serve at two experiences at other times, one earlier Tuesday and one later Saturday evening, but I've never run into anything like what's described.
Christ's followers are the biggest obstacles people face getting to know Him. While we may never know the outcome of how these people experience Jesus, we know they've been presented truth about Him. Hopefully these planted seeds in these peoples' hearts will develop in something more. But even if it doesn't add up to anything immediate, hopefully they'll think back on their visit and remember the grace of God.
She typically helps out with the 8 p.m. CDT experience on Tuesday. Yesterday, they had an amazing encounter. I serve at two experiences at other times, one earlier Tuesday and one later Saturday evening, but I've never run into anything like what's described.
Christ's followers are the biggest obstacles people face getting to know Him. While we may never know the outcome of how these people experience Jesus, we know they've been presented truth about Him. Hopefully these planted seeds in these peoples' hearts will develop in something more. But even if it doesn't add up to anything immediate, hopefully they'll think back on their visit and remember the grace of God.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The sleep chronicles, part 99.7
For the first time in I don't know when, I fell asleep on the couch before 9 p.m. It happens a good bit after 9 p.m., but the combination of several nights of less than six hours of sleep and getting up at 5 a.m. probably walloped me. But the nap I took gave me the energy to get some things done before we go to bed for real.
Sleep does all sorts of things for us, and if we don't get it, we function below our capacity, propped up often by caffeine and just going through the motions instead of going full speed.
What are some things you do to make sure you get enough sleep?
Sleep does all sorts of things for us, and if we don't get it, we function below our capacity, propped up often by caffeine and just going through the motions instead of going full speed.
What are some things you do to make sure you get enough sleep?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hybrid language
I've been discussing the idea of developing a conversational writing style with some people recently. This is a good idea and I want to work toward it. The trouble is, I'll need to use someone else as a model.
See, I tend to mix a number of styles in my speech, especially when I'm around friends or in other suitably comfortable savings. Instead of explaining it, I'll use an example: "Peace out, y'all!"
I use words which are probably antiquated in some respects and modern or possibly out-of-place in others.
It's how I talk. :)
I'm comfortable with it. It's my "second skin" as a language. I enjoy it and especially where it relates to informal talk, I'll probably stick with it as base of operations.
I'll just be myself and see how it works out.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Is it weird?
In this day and age of Twitter, would our younger selves look at those of us who interact, connect and share on the social media network think we'd lost our minds at what we do?
In the last several weeks, I've watched three live concerts and interacted during these events with others. Like someone mentioned tonight during the Michael W. Smith show, it was as if we were all there together.
Today, my wife talked with a friend three states away about the contents of Rotel. I joined in a group chat about what would your name be if it weren't what you were given.
I'm not down with Homer. Won't ever be.
I've howled with laughter and even shrinked from some of the candor I see. I'm not quite that brave.
Yet.
But I sense connections with people all across North America and individuals who live in Asia, South America and Australia through various means including but not limited to Twitter. Dozens have prayed for me. Some of us have prayed together.
Despite my best intentions and hopes, I may never meet most of them here on Earth. But they've enriched my life in ways they may never quite know.
I hope I've done the same.
I told someone the other day there's some folks in the Pacific Northwest who would probably swing the doors wide and welcome us with open arms if we showed up on their doorsteps, though I'm sure they would appreciate some advanced notice. :) And possibly other parts of the world.
So is it weird that we have all these friends scattered about the globe?
From where I sit? Nope.
In the last several weeks, I've watched three live concerts and interacted during these events with others. Like someone mentioned tonight during the Michael W. Smith show, it was as if we were all there together.
Today, my wife talked with a friend three states away about the contents of Rotel. I joined in a group chat about what would your name be if it weren't what you were given.
I'm not down with Homer. Won't ever be.
I've howled with laughter and even shrinked from some of the candor I see. I'm not quite that brave.
Yet.
But I sense connections with people all across North America and individuals who live in Asia, South America and Australia through various means including but not limited to Twitter. Dozens have prayed for me. Some of us have prayed together.
Despite my best intentions and hopes, I may never meet most of them here on Earth. But they've enriched my life in ways they may never quite know.
I hope I've done the same.
I told someone the other day there's some folks in the Pacific Northwest who would probably swing the doors wide and welcome us with open arms if we showed up on their doorsteps, though I'm sure they would appreciate some advanced notice. :) And possibly other parts of the world.
So is it weird that we have all these friends scattered about the globe?
From where I sit? Nope.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A familiar visitor
This morning, as I was getting ready to take Jadyn outside to play, I started feeling feverish and experienced a pain in my left leg, kind of a cramp throughout much of the leg and a dull ache in the hip joint.
This is how most cases of cellulitis in my legs start for me. They used to be just an annoyance I could get over in about a week. But last year, a case in my right leg kept me out of work for several days in September. Another put me down for the count in December in the left leg. These cases resulted in severe skin damage to both legs. The right leg is a long way toward being healed. The left one is improving but isn't there yet.
It appears at this point I've had a minor relapse in the left leg today. I'm taking the appropriate medication and hopefully won't suffer a great deal with this one.
While we have not been able to make a certain direct correlation to diet, nor have I been diagnosed with such, cellulitis is a common problem for diabetics and these infections would occur after I had overdone sugar.
After the last major round of cellulitis in December, I significantly cut back on the amount of sugar I intake. In fact, I've gone several weeks with out it. I loosened up on it a little bit this week and again, though I am not 100 percent certain this is the cause, the correlation is there.
I've added in a lot of wheat bread and will eat it when nothing else is around.
One of the challenges I face is that I don't just eat to sustain myself. I eat when I'm bored, upset, stressed, happy and wanting to celebrate. I know this and have tried to find the ways to just shut it off and stop it. I've not been able to on my own. I get these cellultis reminders so I don't think I've arrived - that's when I usually get in trouble.
I'm not anywhere close to arriving in addressing this issue.
As I got ready for work this morning, I realized that a difference between this year and last is that people on four, possibly five continents will pray for me about this. This is a huge difference and I believe with their help I can conquer this once and for all.
-----
P.S.: I thought it might be in order to clarify what cellulitis is – It's a skin infection. The fever and joint/muscle pain are early warning signs the infection is on its way, at least in my experience. Once it is actually visible, cellulitis usually manifests itself by causing redness and swelling in the impacted area. At this point, my latest episode is mild compared to the ones which damaged my legs last year.
Here is more information from WebMD regarding the condition.
This is how most cases of cellulitis in my legs start for me. They used to be just an annoyance I could get over in about a week. But last year, a case in my right leg kept me out of work for several days in September. Another put me down for the count in December in the left leg. These cases resulted in severe skin damage to both legs. The right leg is a long way toward being healed. The left one is improving but isn't there yet.
It appears at this point I've had a minor relapse in the left leg today. I'm taking the appropriate medication and hopefully won't suffer a great deal with this one.
While we have not been able to make a certain direct correlation to diet, nor have I been diagnosed with such, cellulitis is a common problem for diabetics and these infections would occur after I had overdone sugar.
After the last major round of cellulitis in December, I significantly cut back on the amount of sugar I intake. In fact, I've gone several weeks with out it. I loosened up on it a little bit this week and again, though I am not 100 percent certain this is the cause, the correlation is there.
I've added in a lot of wheat bread and will eat it when nothing else is around.
One of the challenges I face is that I don't just eat to sustain myself. I eat when I'm bored, upset, stressed, happy and wanting to celebrate. I know this and have tried to find the ways to just shut it off and stop it. I've not been able to on my own. I get these cellultis reminders so I don't think I've arrived - that's when I usually get in trouble.
I'm not anywhere close to arriving in addressing this issue.
As I got ready for work this morning, I realized that a difference between this year and last is that people on four, possibly five continents will pray for me about this. This is a huge difference and I believe with their help I can conquer this once and for all.
-----
P.S.: I thought it might be in order to clarify what cellulitis is – It's a skin infection. The fever and joint/muscle pain are early warning signs the infection is on its way, at least in my experience. Once it is actually visible, cellulitis usually manifests itself by causing redness and swelling in the impacted area. At this point, my latest episode is mild compared to the ones which damaged my legs last year.
Here is more information from WebMD regarding the condition.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Memory flashes
Tonight, I've been thinking about people and circumstances long since passed. A person who was a mutual acquaintance of my parents and our next-door neighbor; an old hotel in town which may not even be there now and if it is, it probably isn't the best in the area; the old AM rock station I used to listen to (yeah I said AM rock station) and others I can't recall right now.
I'm not sure what's been sparking this, but I guess it's part of the healing process of helping me remember that even though a great deal of time has passed since my parents died, the world they lived in isn't completely dead, even though it's changed a great deal.
Lord, help us understand the purpose for old memories and let us live out your plan and passion for it.
What old memories to do you have and how much do you wish to understand them?
I'm not sure what's been sparking this, but I guess it's part of the healing process of helping me remember that even though a great deal of time has passed since my parents died, the world they lived in isn't completely dead, even though it's changed a great deal.
Lord, help us understand the purpose for old memories and let us live out your plan and passion for it.
What old memories to do you have and how much do you wish to understand them?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Winding down
After a productive day, I'm glad to be calling it a night soon. I trust everyone has had a successful day. What has God been doing in your heart to prepare you tomorrow and even the next day?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Up late again! :)
And I'm up late again but I've been having fun - learning how to use Google Wave and catching up with some old acquaintances on a message board I visit.
Amanda and I did some assessing/brainstorming tonight about direction, focus, etc. We're getting there, but we've not arrived. A Rush lyric from "Prime Mover" says: "The point of the journey is not to arrive."
We've been living an amazing adventure over the last several weeks and months and are thrilled to be part of it. But we know that if we continue to let the circumstances of our lives dictate outcomes instead of us bringing them under a certain amount of submission, we'll let our time run us instead of the other way around. So, time to take care of few other things, then go to sleep.
Anyone else in the throes of an
Amanda and I did some assessing/brainstorming tonight about direction, focus, etc. We're getting there, but we've not arrived. A Rush lyric from "Prime Mover" says: "The point of the journey is not to arrive."
We've been living an amazing adventure over the last several weeks and months and are thrilled to be part of it. But we know that if we continue to let the circumstances of our lives dictate outcomes instead of us bringing them under a certain amount of submission, we'll let our time run us instead of the other way around. So, time to take care of few other things, then go to sleep.
Anyone else in the throes of an
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sleep, perchance to sleep
I've got to figure a way to balance things - I'm constantly nodding off after about 9 p.m. these days. I am fighting to stay awake long enough to post this. I know this isn't the way things should be, but I haven't found the balance.
I have to find it for my health and sanity, but until I find time to even out my morning it'll be difficult. For now, I'm going to go to bed a good bit earlier than normal.
Anyone else have trouble finding the right set of circumstances for sleep?
I have to find it for my health and sanity, but until I find time to even out my morning it'll be difficult. For now, I'm going to go to bed a good bit earlier than normal.
Anyone else have trouble finding the right set of circumstances for sleep?
Monday, November 09, 2009
Yesterday's science fiction, today's reality
About 10 days ago, Amanda and I did a video chat with a couple in Sydney, Australia from the comfort of our house – with no real effort other than the click of a mouse. We really enjoyed it and learned a great deal.
I just saw an ad for Ford's Sync system in which the driver asks the system to read a message - it tells him a highway is closed. Earlier, I watched an ad about this from this from OnStar: A system which - under the proper conditions - will give law enforcement and OnStar personnel the ability to disengage the acceleration on a vehicle reported stolen. In promoting the feature, OnStar says it will help reduce "the risks of high-speed pursuits," an announcer says on the video.
So, all of this stuff we'd likely have seen imagined – in some shape or form – in science fiction television shows and films of the past.
We're living in a SciFi (or is it SyFy?) show to some degree in everyday circumstances.
My question tonight is – are we better off for it or worse off?
I just saw an ad for Ford's Sync system in which the driver asks the system to read a message - it tells him a highway is closed. Earlier, I watched an ad about this from this from OnStar: A system which - under the proper conditions - will give law enforcement and OnStar personnel the ability to disengage the acceleration on a vehicle reported stolen. In promoting the feature, OnStar says it will help reduce "the risks of high-speed pursuits," an announcer says on the video.
So, all of this stuff we'd likely have seen imagined – in some shape or form – in science fiction television shows and films of the past.
We're living in a SciFi (or is it SyFy?) show to some degree in everyday circumstances.
My question tonight is – are we better off for it or worse off?
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Force feeding and faith shouldn't mix
This morning, Amanda pointed out that Jadyn tends to steer away from spiritual conversations after noticing one she dodged as we readied her for church.
While we don't want to force feed her about Christ, we do want her to encounter Him for herself and we want to set the right atmosphere this. Amanda mentioned we don't pray enough for this to happen and it's true. Later, I was looking through some books on a dresser in one of our rooms and two caught my eye – "You Have What It Takes" by John Eldredge and "101 Ways to Talk to God" by Dandi Daley Mackall.
I've thought about using some of the approaches Mackall suggests in helping Jadyn learn how to have her own conversations with God. Plus, Eldredge says: "She wants to know: Am I lovely? That's the question every little girl is asking. And she looks to her dad to answer it."
I already try to affirm my love for her and my opinion of her beauty on a regular basis. It's the spritual side which has been lagging, but I know that one day, how she sees her relationship with her earthly father will have a direct correlation to how she views God.
I decided to come up with a plan of action to address this, then went to church.
After church, we went to lunch. We talked about what she learned in her children's church class, and she said it was thankfulness. A friend asked her what she was thankful for and her first answer was Jesus. I was relieved!
This doesn't mean I need to slack off and say no further action is required. But it does warm my heart that she does seem to understand.
A few minutes ago, we just completed a nearly one-hour battle to get her to eat some corn. We ended the stalemate by making her down a forkful.
I'm grateful it doesn't seem like helping her develop her faith in Christ isn't coming to the same conclusion.
While we don't want to force feed her about Christ, we do want her to encounter Him for herself and we want to set the right atmosphere this. Amanda mentioned we don't pray enough for this to happen and it's true. Later, I was looking through some books on a dresser in one of our rooms and two caught my eye – "You Have What It Takes" by John Eldredge and "101 Ways to Talk to God" by Dandi Daley Mackall.
I've thought about using some of the approaches Mackall suggests in helping Jadyn learn how to have her own conversations with God. Plus, Eldredge says: "She wants to know: Am I lovely? That's the question every little girl is asking. And she looks to her dad to answer it."
I already try to affirm my love for her and my opinion of her beauty on a regular basis. It's the spritual side which has been lagging, but I know that one day, how she sees her relationship with her earthly father will have a direct correlation to how she views God.
I decided to come up with a plan of action to address this, then went to church.
After church, we went to lunch. We talked about what she learned in her children's church class, and she said it was thankfulness. A friend asked her what she was thankful for and her first answer was Jesus. I was relieved!
This doesn't mean I need to slack off and say no further action is required. But it does warm my heart that she does seem to understand.
A few minutes ago, we just completed a nearly one-hour battle to get her to eat some corn. We ended the stalemate by making her down a forkful.
I'm grateful it doesn't seem like helping her develop her faith in Christ isn't coming to the same conclusion.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Connection without face-time (in most cases)
Over the past year, Amanda and I have gotten to know many people around the United States and a few in other parts of the world through our online connections.
We feel connected to them in some ways more easily and directly sometimes even more than people we've met in person. Why? Because of the conversations we've had on Twitter, e-mail and other forms of electronic communication.
I've been in one particular group of people who share a common background and I feel more comfortable with them than I do with some in-person friends because they are right there with me on this specific issue - they've thought the same things and fought the same battles in their hearts. We are kindred even though we haven't all met in person. We share life and we're as far as 600 miles away.
We've even gotten to know people on the other side of the world and chatted via video or through instant message, just sharing what's on our hearts or minds at the moment.
So, we have family we haven't met in person yet and we're glad to have the bigger, broader definition of family active in our lives.
We feel connected to them in some ways more easily and directly sometimes even more than people we've met in person. Why? Because of the conversations we've had on Twitter, e-mail and other forms of electronic communication.
I've been in one particular group of people who share a common background and I feel more comfortable with them than I do with some in-person friends because they are right there with me on this specific issue - they've thought the same things and fought the same battles in their hearts. We are kindred even though we haven't all met in person. We share life and we're as far as 600 miles away.
We've even gotten to know people on the other side of the world and chatted via video or through instant message, just sharing what's on our hearts or minds at the moment.
So, we have family we haven't met in person yet and we're glad to have the bigger, broader definition of family active in our lives.
Oops!
I wasn't doing this for a prize, but I feel asleep on the couch in the late hours of Friday and woke up early Saturday morning fully intending not to go bed without having blogged and it still bugs me that I missed the window. So here I am, backpedaling barely seven days into the month.
This being said, I am attempting to write now with the hope of writing again later in the day to satisfy Saturday's blogging requirement and have that count - somehow! :)
What do you do to try to make up for something when you've missed a deadline or otherwise just plain messed up? Do you try to make it work somehow, just ignore it or find another way to deal or not deal with it?
This being said, I am attempting to write now with the hope of writing again later in the day to satisfy Saturday's blogging requirement and have that count - somehow! :)
What do you do to try to make up for something when you've missed a deadline or otherwise just plain messed up? Do you try to make it work somehow, just ignore it or find another way to deal or not deal with it?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
How daddies can be caregivers too
Have you ever had one of those instant flashes where you knew what was ahead of you and could only just deal with it and not run away? I got one of those Wednesday.
I walked into Jadyn's daycare. She was resting her head on one of the worker's laps.
Not normal.
One cheek was flush red instead of its usual, lighter shade.
Not normal.
They said she'd been running a fever, but couldn't agree on the degree. So I checked at home - 102.9 F/39.4 C.
Not normal.
With the pattern of normality now fully off kilter, I settled into the caregiver role, since Amanda was 10 hours or so away in Oklahoma. I gave her medication to fight the fever and worked to get her to bed.
Several hours I got her to sleep in her bed, she decides to come into where I'm sleeping and we don't stay asleep for long. So, at somewhere around 5 a.m., I'm up and awake this morning and so is Jadyn.
I get her to the doctor and take careful notes regarding his diagnosis so I can report back to Amanda and the daycare center. The diagnosis was ILI (Influenza Like Illness) - through tests and examination, the doctor ruled out strep, pneumonia and flu. Basically, he said she's a normal child with a fever and sore throat.
So, we get some food at McDonald's, clean up the house a bit and then take a nap, awaking to Amanda back in the house!
Sometimes we're faced with situations outside of our comfort zones and elements and we just have to deal and run with that which we're dealt. I did and think I came out on the other end OK. :)
So when have you faced a situation where you've had to do something you're not used to and how did you manage?
I walked into Jadyn's daycare. She was resting her head on one of the worker's laps.
Not normal.
One cheek was flush red instead of its usual, lighter shade.
Not normal.
They said she'd been running a fever, but couldn't agree on the degree. So I checked at home - 102.9 F/39.4 C.
Not normal.
With the pattern of normality now fully off kilter, I settled into the caregiver role, since Amanda was 10 hours or so away in Oklahoma. I gave her medication to fight the fever and worked to get her to bed.
Several hours I got her to sleep in her bed, she decides to come into where I'm sleeping and we don't stay asleep for long. So, at somewhere around 5 a.m., I'm up and awake this morning and so is Jadyn.
I get her to the doctor and take careful notes regarding his diagnosis so I can report back to Amanda and the daycare center. The diagnosis was ILI (Influenza Like Illness) - through tests and examination, the doctor ruled out strep, pneumonia and flu. Basically, he said she's a normal child with a fever and sore throat.
So, we get some food at McDonald's, clean up the house a bit and then take a nap, awaking to Amanda back in the house!
Sometimes we're faced with situations outside of our comfort zones and elements and we just have to deal and run with that which we're dealt. I did and think I came out on the other end OK. :)
So when have you faced a situation where you've had to do something you're not used to and how did you manage?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Tearing down the walls
Through the past several months, I've noticed something about Twitter.
I've tweeted about this before, but I think it bears repeating: Folks from a wide sampling across the social media service, at least the ones I've encountered, are from different backgrounds.
Race, color, culture and even to some degree gender segregation and body weight lines are largely erased on Twitter. Why? I think it's because the focus is on 140 characters, not other aspects of the person.
I didn't grow up in a house with a strongly vengeful attitude toward black people but one likely shared by many whites who experienced desegregation - white folks generally wanted no part of it.
But my parents did eventually send me to a majority black high school, and I'm the better for it.
Ultimately, the Lord has worked on my heart to where I'm more inclined to find ways to reach out and broaden my horizons than not.
We're not there yet but I see the encounters I have on Twitter and other social media around the world moving us closer - much closer - to fulfilling Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Make it so, Lord, in our lifetimes.
P.S.:
What is your experience with learning how to interact with those who don't look like you?
I've tweeted about this before, but I think it bears repeating: Folks from a wide sampling across the social media service, at least the ones I've encountered, are from different backgrounds.
Race, color, culture and even to some degree gender segregation and body weight lines are largely erased on Twitter. Why? I think it's because the focus is on 140 characters, not other aspects of the person.
I didn't grow up in a house with a strongly vengeful attitude toward black people but one likely shared by many whites who experienced desegregation - white folks generally wanted no part of it.
But my parents did eventually send me to a majority black high school, and I'm the better for it.
Ultimately, the Lord has worked on my heart to where I'm more inclined to find ways to reach out and broaden my horizons than not.
We're not there yet but I see the encounters I have on Twitter and other social media around the world moving us closer - much closer - to fulfilling Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Make it so, Lord, in our lifetimes.
P.S.:
What is your experience with learning how to interact with those who don't look like you?
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
A Healing Journey - Part III
As I finally got close enough to the community where the cemetery is to tell, I realized the weather would cooperate and I would finally get to do what I needed.
These are the conditions I found at the cemetery, shortly before 1 p.m. Sept. 5 (my parents' graves are in the foreground):
So while I must have looked fairly strange to any passersby, I conducted business by getting out my laptop and typing my thoughts.
Here is what I wrote:
----
Mom and Dad,
These are the conditions I found at the cemetery, shortly before 1 p.m. Sept. 5 (my parents' graves are in the foreground):
So while I must have looked fairly strange to any passersby, I conducted business by getting out my laptop and typing my thoughts.Here is what I wrote:
----
Mom and Dad,
There's hardly a day which goes by where I don't feel you missing from my life.
As I sit here, I hear what sounds like a band practicing, birds chirping, vehicles going somewhere and life just generally continuing around me.
Yet my life has been stuck – emotionally at least – in two moments in time – one outside of a house in Montgomery where you, Dad, were loaded into a an ambulance and rushed to a hospital. You were probably dead when you got there. I can still see the bag of personal effects they gave Mom; your glasses, your false teeth and probably your wallet were included.
The second was the day 11 years about three hours from now (as I write this) when I unlocked the back door to the house I grew up in and made a mad dash through the house to Mom's bedroom, where I saw someone who'd been gone for several days.
Mom and Dad, I miss you, but I cannot continue to live my life in the past, hung on thse moments of loss and grief. I don't think the Lord intended me to stay in this loop forever, but use these days as milestones on a path of healing.
So, I forgive you Dad, for dying less than 18 hours after we had an argument.
I forgive you Mom, for being the last to go; something for which I thought I would never forgive you.
I'm sorry I fought both of you more than I listened to you. I'm sorry I wasn't as easy to raise as I should have been.
As I feel buried emotions rise to the surface, I can't sit here and say that the only time I'll ever need to do this is today. But I wanted to feel Sept. 5, 1998 all over again, so that I could – somehow – move past it, with healing im my heart, and warm, not frigid, memories in my mind.
I am trusting however, that by the grace of God, this will be the first day of the rest of my life, that I can walk away from here knowing I left something behind. Something I didnt't need. Something I couldn't bear to part with but couldn't carry anymore.
I love you and I know that even though you both sometimes had difficultly showing it emotionally, I know by your provision and concern (I can hear Mom saying on times I was late getting home, "I was about to call the State Troopers.") that you cared.
I trust and hope to see you again in person some day. But for now, I have a family waiting on me who loves and wants to see me. I have, by the grace of God, things yet to accomplish here and hope to live the rest of my life at his good pleasure.
Thank you Jesus for allowing me this time to face what I haven't wanted to for so long. May this day be seen from here forward as a blessing, not a curse. In Jesus' name, Amen.
------
Since this time, I've generally been more determined about what I'm doing and I've been more willing to consider some things about the future which were pretty far out there previously.
But God is good, really, and He is leading us through to the future and I intend to be a different human being after this graveside visit in real, personal and tangible ways.
P.S.: So all this said, do you have a situation in your life you need to confront, but have delayed for years? If so, what is it and what do you hope to do about it?
Monday, November 02, 2009
A Healing Journey - Part II
As I pushed on toward Alabama and wondered if the weather would permit me to reach my destination, this sight greeted me on U.S. 82. It serves as a metaphor for what I sensed the Lord was already doing in my heart and would do more of the same if I'd arrived at the cemetery.By the time I reached the outskirts of Biringham, Ala., rainy conditions left me concerned I would need to bail on my plan and just head to where I would stay the night.
It's been nearly two months since I took this trip, so I needed to squint at the notes I'd taken along the way and try to piece together my thoughts from scribbled words and questionable letters.
I did and recalled more about the soundtrack it seems God himself picked for me along the way, including "Walking in Memphis," "Heaven," Los Lonely Boys and "Son of a Sailor" by Jimmy Buffet.
As I proceeded, I discovered the weather I'd been concerned would keep me from getting to the graveside not only wouldn't be there, it served as a backdrop for some amazing pictures.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
A Healing Journey - Part I
Over the last several weeks, I've wondered if it would ever stop raining.
We've experienced a few dry days interspersed with biblical downpours. The hope is these rains will taper off and we'll return to standard weather patterns.
Nearly two months ago – near the beginning of this damp spell – I set off on a journey, driven to find a relief similar to the one we seek for these recent rainy conditions.
For many years, I've struggled to find a way out from under a blanket of memories and patterns left over from my interaction with my deceased parents. To this day, I find myself twisting and shifting to remove myself from a straitjacket of old patterns and habits constructed for relationships which ended – for this lifetime – at a community cemetery in Alabama.
I haven't been sure this cloud would ever lift.
As the 11th anniversary of my mother's death approached, I realized something a few weeks before the day arrived – this year's anniversary would fall exactly on the date and day of the week she died.
Instead of taking the time to grieve, I chose instead to dive headlong into the circumstances we faced immediately afterward, deferring actual mourning to an undetermined date and leaving these old habits clinging to me like a leftover dryer sheet.
So, as the calendar rolled toward Sept. 5, I realized doing something on this day would be a good chance to gain some distance from these remnants of a life now gone.
I decided to go to the place where it all should have stopped – the graveside.
As I got ready to leave for the cemetery from Mississippi, I had this sense one of the things I'd be attempting to stare down is the fear of loss, a fear which can cripple someone and prevent even the most calculated risks.
I put on “The Extremist” by Joe Satriani as I confronted cloudy conditions on the first few minutes of the ride. This music – with its sweeping motions from charging and electrifying to simple and emotive – provided a great soundtrack for the first leg of the trip.
As I proceeded, I thought about whether the clouds I'd encountered along the way would ever break, or if would be just as bleak or worse if I'd even make it to the cemetery at all.
We've experienced a few dry days interspersed with biblical downpours. The hope is these rains will taper off and we'll return to standard weather patterns.
Nearly two months ago – near the beginning of this damp spell – I set off on a journey, driven to find a relief similar to the one we seek for these recent rainy conditions.
For many years, I've struggled to find a way out from under a blanket of memories and patterns left over from my interaction with my deceased parents. To this day, I find myself twisting and shifting to remove myself from a straitjacket of old patterns and habits constructed for relationships which ended – for this lifetime – at a community cemetery in Alabama.
I haven't been sure this cloud would ever lift.
As the 11th anniversary of my mother's death approached, I realized something a few weeks before the day arrived – this year's anniversary would fall exactly on the date and day of the week she died.
Instead of taking the time to grieve, I chose instead to dive headlong into the circumstances we faced immediately afterward, deferring actual mourning to an undetermined date and leaving these old habits clinging to me like a leftover dryer sheet.
So, as the calendar rolled toward Sept. 5, I realized doing something on this day would be a good chance to gain some distance from these remnants of a life now gone.
I decided to go to the place where it all should have stopped – the graveside.
As I got ready to leave for the cemetery from Mississippi, I had this sense one of the things I'd be attempting to stare down is the fear of loss, a fear which can cripple someone and prevent even the most calculated risks.
I put on “The Extremist” by Joe Satriani as I confronted cloudy conditions on the first few minutes of the ride. This music – with its sweeping motions from charging and electrifying to simple and emotive – provided a great soundtrack for the first leg of the trip.
As I proceeded, I thought about whether the clouds I'd encountered along the way would ever break, or if would be just as bleak or worse if I'd even make it to the cemetery at all.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Focus
I couldn't let another month pass without posting something. Readers, followers and just folks generally interested in what you have to say need something to read. So, I'm gonna really try hard to do just that in the coming weeks and months. Yeah I know you've heard me say this before but I think I really mean it this time. :)
Does that sound like part of an argument? Because it should.
I've debated over the last several months about what my focus should be as Amanda and I have thought over our next steps/goals as a family.
It comes down in many respects to me gaining a focus, a narrower purpose than just existing. I'm interested in so many things, many of them good, wholesome and worthy. But I haven't found that "one thing" or core series of things which energizes, invigorates and inspires me.
I look at those who have and they are much further along in life than I am, many of them much younger than me.
Yes, I understand what we should have to show for our lives at the end is that we hear Christ say "Well done, good and faithful servant." Honestly, I've lived as though this is supposed to happen on faith, that we trust God to place in our hearts the things he's set before us to do and we do them.
But as a man who wants to provide for his family and learn to be more purposeful about my life, I see others who have greater success as a result of being focused at earlier ages and think I've wasted a lot of time. But will earthly success matter 1,000 years after we depart? Mostly likely not.
So somewhere in between my frustration with not sensing a focus in life and trusting it's all going to work out, I think I need to do something toward finding a niche - as a writer, a blogger, a tweeter and a person. Does that mean randomness has no place in my life? But more often than not, I want to find a groove and stay with it for longer than a few weeks.
I think I'm on the verge of this discovery and I can't wait to learn what it is so I can get going on it.
If you have any insight in this or have faced a similar crossroads, please feel free to share it.
I hope my next post sometime in the next few days will be about a significant milestone in my life and I how I faced it. I'm trying to find some of my notes about the experience. If I can't locate them easily, I'll try to work from memory.
Does that sound like part of an argument? Because it should.
I've debated over the last several months about what my focus should be as Amanda and I have thought over our next steps/goals as a family.
It comes down in many respects to me gaining a focus, a narrower purpose than just existing. I'm interested in so many things, many of them good, wholesome and worthy. But I haven't found that "one thing" or core series of things which energizes, invigorates and inspires me.
I look at those who have and they are much further along in life than I am, many of them much younger than me.
Yes, I understand what we should have to show for our lives at the end is that we hear Christ say "Well done, good and faithful servant." Honestly, I've lived as though this is supposed to happen on faith, that we trust God to place in our hearts the things he's set before us to do and we do them.
But as a man who wants to provide for his family and learn to be more purposeful about my life, I see others who have greater success as a result of being focused at earlier ages and think I've wasted a lot of time. But will earthly success matter 1,000 years after we depart? Mostly likely not.
So somewhere in between my frustration with not sensing a focus in life and trusting it's all going to work out, I think I need to do something toward finding a niche - as a writer, a blogger, a tweeter and a person. Does that mean randomness has no place in my life? But more often than not, I want to find a groove and stay with it for longer than a few weeks.
I think I'm on the verge of this discovery and I can't wait to learn what it is so I can get going on it.
If you have any insight in this or have faced a similar crossroads, please feel free to share it.
I hope my next post sometime in the next few days will be about a significant milestone in my life and I how I faced it. I'm trying to find some of my notes about the experience. If I can't locate them easily, I'll try to work from memory.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Squinting
Have you ever been in a place in your life where you just want to understand what's next?
That's where I am right now, squinting hard to see the next step to take.
What I don't want to do is push so hard to find this out that I miss what's around me right now.
I'm starting to wonder if like I'm the disciple who says to Jesus: "Show us the father." Christ could have been frustrated in his answer. "Duh! Been there, done that, ya dope!"
But he was more constructive than that.
So I'm going to rebuild that list. You know, the one where you have preferences and trigger points, with the hope the Lord confirms these or shows you new ones.
It could be he shows me status quo is where he wants me to be. And if that's what I see, then I have to be OK with that.
Cuz I'd rather not keep asking dumb questions if I REALLY already know the answer.
That's where I am right now, squinting hard to see the next step to take.
What I don't want to do is push so hard to find this out that I miss what's around me right now.
I'm starting to wonder if like I'm the disciple who says to Jesus: "Show us the father." Christ could have been frustrated in his answer. "Duh! Been there, done that, ya dope!"
But he was more constructive than that.
So I'm going to rebuild that list. You know, the one where you have preferences and trigger points, with the hope the Lord confirms these or shows you new ones.
It could be he shows me status quo is where he wants me to be. And if that's what I see, then I have to be OK with that.
Cuz I'd rather not keep asking dumb questions if I REALLY already know the answer.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A reunion of hearts
I hope this blog will serve several purposes – to express to some of my favorite people on the planet how much they mean to me, clear the air about my frame of mind when I saw some of them this past weekend and express where I am now with a number of things.
I went to a youth and college group reunion at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Ala. this past weekend with my daughter.
Given a number of factors, I got about four and a half hours of sleep the morning before the reunion, then drove about four hours – with stops – to Montgomery.
On the way into town, I passed the area of the city where I “cut my teeth.” I'd been by there hundreds of times in the last 10 years after my Mom's death but I cried this time.
I cried:
For what – and who – was no longer there.
For a past I couldn't change.
And, possibly, for a difficult-to-see future.
This past week, certain aspects of my life got tied into a huge black mass of frustration, fatigue and bitterness.
I spoke from this place of negativity at times while interacting with some of the people I saw at the reunion but I didn't fully realize it until my daughter and I were on our way to where we were staying for the night.
I'd hoped I hadn't alienated anyone because of my – at times – sour attitude.
Aside from my tendency to want to be liked anyway, this particular group of people is important to me because they were part of the place where God laid a significant foundation for me in a couple of areas – spiritually and socially.
Many of the folks in the college group helped me learn how to experience genuine social interaction with others. My time there also gave me a serious root system in the faith.
Additionally, I believe the Lord forged and inspired in us – men and women alike – a bond which goes beyond routine friendship.
Two days removed from the reunion, I feel like I've had something extracted which was in dire need of removal.
I feel refreshed, revived – like I've had layers of caked-on dirt washed away.
I know this is just what I needed.
If I got to see you this weekend, please know I do care about you, regardless of how lost in my own sandbox I might have seemed.
If you were part of this rag-tag group of folks and didn't get to come this time, see what you can do to attend next time.
It's hard to say what the future will hold, but I know going to back to see old friends from the college group did more than just revive memories.
It jump-started my heart.
And that's always a good thing.
I went to a youth and college group reunion at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Ala. this past weekend with my daughter.
Given a number of factors, I got about four and a half hours of sleep the morning before the reunion, then drove about four hours – with stops – to Montgomery.
On the way into town, I passed the area of the city where I “cut my teeth.” I'd been by there hundreds of times in the last 10 years after my Mom's death but I cried this time.
I cried:
For what – and who – was no longer there.
For a past I couldn't change.
And, possibly, for a difficult-to-see future.
This past week, certain aspects of my life got tied into a huge black mass of frustration, fatigue and bitterness.
I spoke from this place of negativity at times while interacting with some of the people I saw at the reunion but I didn't fully realize it until my daughter and I were on our way to where we were staying for the night.
I'd hoped I hadn't alienated anyone because of my – at times – sour attitude.
Aside from my tendency to want to be liked anyway, this particular group of people is important to me because they were part of the place where God laid a significant foundation for me in a couple of areas – spiritually and socially.
Many of the folks in the college group helped me learn how to experience genuine social interaction with others. My time there also gave me a serious root system in the faith.
Additionally, I believe the Lord forged and inspired in us – men and women alike – a bond which goes beyond routine friendship.
Two days removed from the reunion, I feel like I've had something extracted which was in dire need of removal.
I feel refreshed, revived – like I've had layers of caked-on dirt washed away.
I know this is just what I needed.
If I got to see you this weekend, please know I do care about you, regardless of how lost in my own sandbox I might have seemed.
If you were part of this rag-tag group of folks and didn't get to come this time, see what you can do to attend next time.
It's hard to say what the future will hold, but I know going to back to see old friends from the college group did more than just revive memories.
It jump-started my heart.
And that's always a good thing.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
They call it Pap's Place
My wife and I moved to northeast Mississippi about five years ago. One of the first television ads we saw in this area was for Pap's Place, a Southern-style buffet restaurant in Ackerman, Miss.
To move toward understanding it, I think you must see some of these ads. Here's one of the early ones. And here's a more recent ad. (I intend no copyright infringement in sharing these ads; I just want more people to see them!)
From early on after seeing these ads, I've wanted the rest of the world to enjoy the good craziness which takes place in these videos and I tried to figure out how to get them captured and uploaded.
I'm glad someone else did.
One of my short-term life goals is for the Pap's Place ads to go VIRAL!
I have several reasons for my twisted pursuit.
The food is great, though not necessarily part of a heart-approved diet. We usually don't go there more than once year.
The atmosphere is just good-ol' down home. Elvis shares a place on the wall of trinkets and goodies along with Jesus.
The folks who run the place are sweeter than the desserts on the bar. They love their customers, regardless of color, age or station in life.
So I would appreciate the help from anyone who's either been to Pap's or is just as intrigued by these ads as I am to lend me a hand and get as many people as possible to see these commercials!
And if you can ever get to Ackerman to see the place, just trust me: It's worth the trip!
To move toward understanding it, I think you must see some of these ads. Here's one of the early ones. And here's a more recent ad. (I intend no copyright infringement in sharing these ads; I just want more people to see them!)
From early on after seeing these ads, I've wanted the rest of the world to enjoy the good craziness which takes place in these videos and I tried to figure out how to get them captured and uploaded.
I'm glad someone else did.
One of my short-term life goals is for the Pap's Place ads to go VIRAL!
I have several reasons for my twisted pursuit.
The food is great, though not necessarily part of a heart-approved diet. We usually don't go there more than once year.
The atmosphere is just good-ol' down home. Elvis shares a place on the wall of trinkets and goodies along with Jesus.
The folks who run the place are sweeter than the desserts on the bar. They love their customers, regardless of color, age or station in life.
So I would appreciate the help from anyone who's either been to Pap's or is just as intrigued by these ads as I am to lend me a hand and get as many people as possible to see these commercials!
And if you can ever get to Ackerman to see the place, just trust me: It's worth the trip!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Pondering the future
As many of you know, my wife Amanda recently joined the staff of LifeChurch.tv as the online experience coordinator.
At this writing, the church – based in Edmond, Okla., part of the Oklahoma City metro area - has 13 physical campuses and Church Online, which is literally what it sounds like – a church experience, online; complete with a worship set, offering, message and fellowship (which takes place in the form of chat).
People are also available to pray with anyone who needs it and there's a person on hand to help with any technical difficulties attendees may encounter.
Her responsibilities include helping to build up the number of volunteers needed to staff more experiences and troubleshoot where needed.
As she progressed through her candidacy with the job, we expected we'd be required to move for her to take the position. It turns out the job is remote.
It took us a while to get our heads around the idea of what this means. Not the term, of course, but what it means practically. We're still working on it.
We really liked what we saw and sensed in Oklahoma City when we visited out there July 4th weekend.
However, even if we lived within a five-minute drive of the Church Online headquarters, the position would still be remote.
For several weeks, we've been in the process of determining what this means in terms of relocation – where, when and under what conditions.
We're grateful for the opportunity – and liberty – this new position for Amanda may afford us, both in the near and long term.
For any feedback or questions you may have, feel free to click on the e-mail link in my profile or send me a tweet. Many thanks!
At this writing, the church – based in Edmond, Okla., part of the Oklahoma City metro area - has 13 physical campuses and Church Online, which is literally what it sounds like – a church experience, online; complete with a worship set, offering, message and fellowship (which takes place in the form of chat).
People are also available to pray with anyone who needs it and there's a person on hand to help with any technical difficulties attendees may encounter.
Her responsibilities include helping to build up the number of volunteers needed to staff more experiences and troubleshoot where needed.
As she progressed through her candidacy with the job, we expected we'd be required to move for her to take the position. It turns out the job is remote.
It took us a while to get our heads around the idea of what this means. Not the term, of course, but what it means practically. We're still working on it.
We really liked what we saw and sensed in Oklahoma City when we visited out there July 4th weekend.
However, even if we lived within a five-minute drive of the Church Online headquarters, the position would still be remote.
For several weeks, we've been in the process of determining what this means in terms of relocation – where, when and under what conditions.
We're grateful for the opportunity – and liberty – this new position for Amanda may afford us, both in the near and long term.
For any feedback or questions you may have, feel free to click on the e-mail link in my profile or send me a tweet. Many thanks!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
'Shifty'
Amanda just told me she saw a tweet about the passing of Darrell 'Shifty' Powers. Here's a story on it
from a paper near where he lived.
Shifty was one of the men of Easy Co., 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, depicted in the 2001 HBO project "Band of Brothers."
From what I remember from the series, Shifty grew up in Virginia with a keen ability to see things others couldn't. In the series, he was shown as having spotted trees which hadn't been there the day before, indicating some kind of activity on the part of the German army.
Though he might have been plain spoken and seemingly simple, he was an amazing example of courage and diligence.
The more men from World War II pass, the more I miss my Dad. We've losing national treasures as they die, and projects like "Band of Brothers" help preserve the history they lived for the rest of us and those who will follow us.
Here are a few videos I found about him.
Shifty video 1
Shifty video 2
Shifty video 3 (clip from foreign language version of the series showing Shifty in action - warning; it may be a graphic scene for some.)
Thank you, Shifty.
from a paper near where he lived.
Shifty was one of the men of Easy Co., 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, depicted in the 2001 HBO project "Band of Brothers."
From what I remember from the series, Shifty grew up in Virginia with a keen ability to see things others couldn't. In the series, he was shown as having spotted trees which hadn't been there the day before, indicating some kind of activity on the part of the German army.
Though he might have been plain spoken and seemingly simple, he was an amazing example of courage and diligence.
The more men from World War II pass, the more I miss my Dad. We've losing national treasures as they die, and projects like "Band of Brothers" help preserve the history they lived for the rest of us and those who will follow us.
Here are a few videos I found about him.
Shifty video 1
Shifty video 2
Shifty video 3 (clip from foreign language version of the series showing Shifty in action - warning; it may be a graphic scene for some.)
Thank you, Shifty.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Three years ago today
Not long from the moment as I write this, Amanda and I got a phone call three years ago we'll never forget.
The loss of Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls still remains in our hearts. We think about them often and miss them. Though we don't understand why at this stage in our lives the reasons why they're gone, we know their lives are valued and cherished by those they left behind. Their legacies of faith in Christ will do the same.
I've not been home a little more than 90 minutes from a reception following a memorial service for a co-worker who passed away unexpectedly within the last 10 days.
Today's events with our co-worker made me think about Chris and Leah even more. It's refreshing and comforting to trust we'll see them all - even my co-worker - again some day.
The loss of Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls still remains in our hearts. We think about them often and miss them. Though we don't understand why at this stage in our lives the reasons why they're gone, we know their lives are valued and cherished by those they left behind. Their legacies of faith in Christ will do the same.
I've not been home a little more than 90 minutes from a reception following a memorial service for a co-worker who passed away unexpectedly within the last 10 days.
Today's events with our co-worker made me think about Chris and Leah even more. It's refreshing and comforting to trust we'll see them all - even my co-worker - again some day.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A slight modification
For some time now, I've been hoping to do something with the phrase "fixin' to" other than use it as the basis for some now defunct, common e-mail addresses Amanda once shared. We hope to launch "fixin' to," essentially, as a Web site sometime in the near future.
But in the interim, I decided to make some changes to this existing site to bridge the transition the old and the new. Granted, there isn't a lot of traffic on this site, at least not lately, but I'm hoping to change this very soon, posting more often and with a bit more of a theme - Southern culture, my exposure to it and how I'm warm to or turned off by aspects of it.
I'm a native Southerner but I married someone who grew up north of the Mason-Dixon line; scandalous, I know.
You get the idea.
So thanks for stopping by now and look for posts marked "fixin' to" as the core of the new approach. Later!
But in the interim, I decided to make some changes to this existing site to bridge the transition the old and the new. Granted, there isn't a lot of traffic on this site, at least not lately, but I'm hoping to change this very soon, posting more often and with a bit more of a theme - Southern culture, my exposure to it and how I'm warm to or turned off by aspects of it.
I'm a native Southerner but I married someone who grew up north of the Mason-Dixon line; scandalous, I know.
You get the idea.
So thanks for stopping by now and look for posts marked "fixin' to" as the core of the new approach. Later!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Should church serve as a political forum?
I came across a circumstance today where someone distributed fliers for an upcoming politically-related event. As I understand it, the distribution of these fliers was not sanctioned or authorized by church leadership.
Regardless of whether church leaders were knowledgeable or not, I personally think church is not the place to promote or endorse political activities, regardless of party affiliation, platform or agenda - not any Sunday, but especially not Easter Sunday.
Anyone agree, disagree or otherwise have a thought?
Regardless of whether church leaders were knowledgeable or not, I personally think church is not the place to promote or endorse political activities, regardless of party affiliation, platform or agenda - not any Sunday, but especially not Easter Sunday.
Anyone agree, disagree or otherwise have a thought?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Embracing Easter
This weekend, I've been trying to absorb the impact of the three days between Christ's death and his resurrection, maybe more so than I ever have.
It's so easy to get caught up in the preparation for celebrating Easter that we miss Him - and what he went through - in the process.
Emotionally and mentally, I'm trying to place myself in front of the cross and get a sense of the pain and grotesque physical state he was in as he died. This was not a death where the person fell asleep one night and didn't wake up the next morning. We shouldn't understate how much he suffered; it wouldn't do his death justice.
What's so great is that the story isn't over on Friday afternoon. It resumes on Sunday morning with his resurrection.
As I've mentioned, Amanda and I have been attending and volunteering with LifeChurch.tv. This weekend, Craig Groschel talked about the path of his life and how the Lord was there, but often we're not in a position to see it. At times, it's taken a while for me to understand it.
But he's been there, and I do see it now.
I pray that everyone who reads this will embrace the truth of Christ's death and resurrection and learn to love and grow with him.
It's so easy to get caught up in the preparation for celebrating Easter that we miss Him - and what he went through - in the process.
Emotionally and mentally, I'm trying to place myself in front of the cross and get a sense of the pain and grotesque physical state he was in as he died. This was not a death where the person fell asleep one night and didn't wake up the next morning. We shouldn't understate how much he suffered; it wouldn't do his death justice.
What's so great is that the story isn't over on Friday afternoon. It resumes on Sunday morning with his resurrection.
As I've mentioned, Amanda and I have been attending and volunteering with LifeChurch.tv. This weekend, Craig Groschel talked about the path of his life and how the Lord was there, but often we're not in a position to see it. At times, it's taken a while for me to understand it.
But he's been there, and I do see it now.
I pray that everyone who reads this will embrace the truth of Christ's death and resurrection and learn to love and grow with him.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Eight suggestions on how 'BSG' could have ended better
I've already seen one person's conclusion as to how "Battlestar Gallactica's" creators flubbed the two-hour series finale and I tend to agree with a lot of this person's comments.
But my approach to this subject will be slightly different in that I will make recommendations on what could have made the difference in ending what could have been one of television's greatest drama series.
Instead, the ending left me slightly less impressed with the series than I had been over the course of the previous five years of its existence. It still, on the whole, was a well-thought-out, well-acted, vast improvement over the original 1970s series. But the ending, at least in this stage in looking back on it, left way too many loose ends. Yes, life doesn't leave us with neatly-tied packages; sometimes it takes years to clean up what one person leaves behind.
But this is a television show, and its creators and writers appeared to just throw their hands up and say "I quit" with the series-ender.
The thing which is the most difficult for me to swallow is that the crescendo toward which many character and story lines appeared headed just seemed to get forgotten about or abandoned as the end neared.
Genuine character resolution - following a character to his or her logical, at least plausible, conclusion - simply appeared lacking.
I read somewhere that the creators focused on the characters in the end, not the story line. Both are equally important, and one - the story - was largely lacking at the end.
OK, here's my list of what the shows creators could have done differently to make "Battlestar's" ending a fitting conclusion to the rest of the series:
1. Help Kara Thrace make sense. Kara just sort of "poofs" at the end; literally. She's there one minute and not the next. She's too integral a character to just disappear. Her death and later existence as a resurrected being is not fully explained; she even wonders aloud who she is. She deserves an answer and so do we.
2. Give "All Along the Watchtower" stronger meaning. It's a timeless song, there's no doubt, but its impact seems pervasive and guiding - it clicked on four dormant Cylons; Kara knew it as a kid; even human-Cylon hybrid Hera knew it and it helped get the colonists to Earth. There must have been a reason beyond what the creators have explained as it just being something which comes out of the ether and provides guidance. Its influence suggests someone else was helping it get that way. Who was that?
3. Let Gaius Baltar's heroism not be a surprise. He makes a major stand toward the end, one which seemed uncharacteristic for him. Just help us see how he went from the sniveling little brat he was most of the series to this stand-up guy. And he and Six turn out to be glorified narrators as well as types of Adam and Eve. Explain that better, please.
4. Help us understand who Daniel was. Was Daniel, the 13th humanoid Cylon, Kara's father? What was his role?
5. Who created the Final Five? In one episode, Ellen tells Cavil that he is named John, after her father. There's no answer to this question whatsoever.
6. Who is God? The Cylons are mono-theistic. The humans are not - they're polytheistic. How did it get this way and why do the two cultures make the distinction?
7. Let the final battle with Cavil's Cylons be less anti-climatic. Why couldn't we have some well-aimed gunfire in the ventilation shaft or a black-ops plan that worked or a Cylon model who turns on Cavil and blows up the base ship? The writer whose link I post above mentions how Cavil just sort of gives up in the firefight in the command center and eats a bullet. Not how his character should have ended.
8. Tell us how the humanoid Cylons and the humans co-exist on the new Earth. Do they just make babies and be happy with each other? Do they make babies with the Earthlings who are there already? Or are we to believe the mantra that it has happened before, it will happen again? At the very end, I think we're supposed to think that but I'm not sure.
Sure, I agree that consumers of television shows, books, movies, music, etc., should draw their own conclusions and not every last detail should be spoon fed and excruciatingly explained.
But these are just the eight things which come immediately to mind which would have made the series-finale so much more tangible and interesting.
But my approach to this subject will be slightly different in that I will make recommendations on what could have made the difference in ending what could have been one of television's greatest drama series.
Instead, the ending left me slightly less impressed with the series than I had been over the course of the previous five years of its existence. It still, on the whole, was a well-thought-out, well-acted, vast improvement over the original 1970s series. But the ending, at least in this stage in looking back on it, left way too many loose ends. Yes, life doesn't leave us with neatly-tied packages; sometimes it takes years to clean up what one person leaves behind.
But this is a television show, and its creators and writers appeared to just throw their hands up and say "I quit" with the series-ender.
The thing which is the most difficult for me to swallow is that the crescendo toward which many character and story lines appeared headed just seemed to get forgotten about or abandoned as the end neared.
Genuine character resolution - following a character to his or her logical, at least plausible, conclusion - simply appeared lacking.
I read somewhere that the creators focused on the characters in the end, not the story line. Both are equally important, and one - the story - was largely lacking at the end.
OK, here's my list of what the shows creators could have done differently to make "Battlestar's" ending a fitting conclusion to the rest of the series:
1. Help Kara Thrace make sense. Kara just sort of "poofs" at the end; literally. She's there one minute and not the next. She's too integral a character to just disappear. Her death and later existence as a resurrected being is not fully explained; she even wonders aloud who she is. She deserves an answer and so do we.
2. Give "All Along the Watchtower" stronger meaning. It's a timeless song, there's no doubt, but its impact seems pervasive and guiding - it clicked on four dormant Cylons; Kara knew it as a kid; even human-Cylon hybrid Hera knew it and it helped get the colonists to Earth. There must have been a reason beyond what the creators have explained as it just being something which comes out of the ether and provides guidance. Its influence suggests someone else was helping it get that way. Who was that?
3. Let Gaius Baltar's heroism not be a surprise. He makes a major stand toward the end, one which seemed uncharacteristic for him. Just help us see how he went from the sniveling little brat he was most of the series to this stand-up guy. And he and Six turn out to be glorified narrators as well as types of Adam and Eve. Explain that better, please.
4. Help us understand who Daniel was. Was Daniel, the 13th humanoid Cylon, Kara's father? What was his role?
5. Who created the Final Five? In one episode, Ellen tells Cavil that he is named John, after her father. There's no answer to this question whatsoever.
6. Who is God? The Cylons are mono-theistic. The humans are not - they're polytheistic. How did it get this way and why do the two cultures make the distinction?
7. Let the final battle with Cavil's Cylons be less anti-climatic. Why couldn't we have some well-aimed gunfire in the ventilation shaft or a black-ops plan that worked or a Cylon model who turns on Cavil and blows up the base ship? The writer whose link I post above mentions how Cavil just sort of gives up in the firefight in the command center and eats a bullet. Not how his character should have ended.
8. Tell us how the humanoid Cylons and the humans co-exist on the new Earth. Do they just make babies and be happy with each other? Do they make babies with the Earthlings who are there already? Or are we to believe the mantra that it has happened before, it will happen again? At the very end, I think we're supposed to think that but I'm not sure.
Sure, I agree that consumers of television shows, books, movies, music, etc., should draw their own conclusions and not every last detail should be spoon fed and excruciatingly explained.
But these are just the eight things which come immediately to mind which would have made the series-finale so much more tangible and interesting.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
An amazing but trying day
I apologize to those who've recently come across my blog through Twitter or other means that there hasn't been much to look at lately. This'll give you something to read for now.
Today was one of those life-changing days - it came with its share of problems but it was also so rich with blessing and goodness, it's too amazing not to share some of it.
The condensed version is that we heard a message at church which seemed at least in part to validate a course of action we'd been considering for some number of weeks and was almost like the swift gust of air needed to get a stationary sailboat moving. We felt a sense of relief as we shared some of these details with some of those closest to us, compelled by the message we'd heard.
We also watched a couple who'd been married 25 years renew their vows - an equally moving and thrilling experience. Earlier, I'd seen two people who'd been at opposite ends of an issue work out their differences in a short, love-filled conversation. I truly saw a reconciliation happen and it was very cool to see.
The trying part came in the form of facing nearly immediate challenges after we'd left church. Yes, I understand the verse which says "the rain falls on the just and the unjust."
I get that.
But it seemed like it couldn't be a coincidence that we were getting resistance so soon after we'd heard these redeeming and heart-stirring words of truth.
At its core, the message was simply that following/trusting Christ carries with it no actual (as in no clearly calculable) risk, but it isn't safe to follow him. His followers, scripture warns, will face all manner of trials and tribulations. Our church, the messenger said, is to be a place where it is safe for those who don't know Christ to come, learn about Him, ask questions and generally find out what our faith is all about. It is also a place where once someone commits to Christ it is no longer a "safe zone."
So we've got our hearts open to hear more from the Lord about how best to follow this path He's laying out for us. For those of you inclined to pray, please do so and ask Him to help us hear and trust Him as walk in the direction of the sound of His voice.
Today was one of those life-changing days - it came with its share of problems but it was also so rich with blessing and goodness, it's too amazing not to share some of it.
The condensed version is that we heard a message at church which seemed at least in part to validate a course of action we'd been considering for some number of weeks and was almost like the swift gust of air needed to get a stationary sailboat moving. We felt a sense of relief as we shared some of these details with some of those closest to us, compelled by the message we'd heard.
We also watched a couple who'd been married 25 years renew their vows - an equally moving and thrilling experience. Earlier, I'd seen two people who'd been at opposite ends of an issue work out their differences in a short, love-filled conversation. I truly saw a reconciliation happen and it was very cool to see.
The trying part came in the form of facing nearly immediate challenges after we'd left church. Yes, I understand the verse which says "the rain falls on the just and the unjust."
I get that.
But it seemed like it couldn't be a coincidence that we were getting resistance so soon after we'd heard these redeeming and heart-stirring words of truth.
At its core, the message was simply that following/trusting Christ carries with it no actual (as in no clearly calculable) risk, but it isn't safe to follow him. His followers, scripture warns, will face all manner of trials and tribulations. Our church, the messenger said, is to be a place where it is safe for those who don't know Christ to come, learn about Him, ask questions and generally find out what our faith is all about. It is also a place where once someone commits to Christ it is no longer a "safe zone."
So we've got our hearts open to hear more from the Lord about how best to follow this path He's laying out for us. For those of you inclined to pray, please do so and ask Him to help us hear and trust Him as walk in the direction of the sound of His voice.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Internet church - yes you read correctly
If you've never seen or heard of it, Internet church sounds strange.
It would have to me had I not experienced it myself.
Though a long series of circumstances, Amanda and I have found ourselves hanging out at least once a week together and Amanda on her own at least two other times during the week as a volunteer at Life Church's Internet Campus.
Yes, it's church on the Internet in the sense of a worship service, an offering and a message.
But it's so much more than that.
We've connected with people from various parts of the country, including people in the area where Life Church is actually based - Oklahoma.
And we're having a blast with it!
My initial concern about the idea of online church was that it lacked personal, human connectivity.
I'm quickly learning that this is remedied with phone conversations, video chat and other forms of contact. Of course, nothing beats an encouraging hug or a pat on the back in a tough time. So, there's that to work out. But I think it will in due course, though I'm not exactly sure how.
And there is the actual expression of faith that must happen, but I know they have mechanisms for that and I think that will just happen naturally.
Amanda and I met on the Internet, as most of you know, so it seems natural that we would feel comfortable experiencing fellowship and other interaction through this medium.
I guess the best thing I can suggest is stay tuned!
It would have to me had I not experienced it myself.
Though a long series of circumstances, Amanda and I have found ourselves hanging out at least once a week together and Amanda on her own at least two other times during the week as a volunteer at Life Church's Internet Campus.
Yes, it's church on the Internet in the sense of a worship service, an offering and a message.
But it's so much more than that.
We've connected with people from various parts of the country, including people in the area where Life Church is actually based - Oklahoma.
And we're having a blast with it!
My initial concern about the idea of online church was that it lacked personal, human connectivity.
I'm quickly learning that this is remedied with phone conversations, video chat and other forms of contact. Of course, nothing beats an encouraging hug or a pat on the back in a tough time. So, there's that to work out. But I think it will in due course, though I'm not exactly sure how.
And there is the actual expression of faith that must happen, but I know they have mechanisms for that and I think that will just happen naturally.
Amanda and I met on the Internet, as most of you know, so it seems natural that we would feel comfortable experiencing fellowship and other interaction through this medium.
I guess the best thing I can suggest is stay tuned!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Revamped!
Since I've taken some steps to increase the potential visibility of this blog, I decided over the past weekend to make it more navigable and catalog every post in some form or fashion, especially the posts which pre-date the label feature's availability.
Speaking of labels, please note the one entitled "essential posts." If you read no other posts on this blog, I'd appreciate you taking the time to read these, even though several are fairly lengthy. There are currently five posts in this folder.
You'll also find I've clarified my About Me info and even dropped a picture of Amanda and I in the profile so you'll know there's a real human behind this. It should also be easier now to follow this blog with the Subscribe feature in a prominent location.
So please enjoy and let me know if you have questions!
Speaking of labels, please note the one entitled "essential posts." If you read no other posts on this blog, I'd appreciate you taking the time to read these, even though several are fairly lengthy. There are currently five posts in this folder.
You'll also find I've clarified my About Me info and even dropped a picture of Amanda and I in the profile so you'll know there's a real human behind this. It should also be easier now to follow this blog with the Subscribe feature in a prominent location.
So please enjoy and let me know if you have questions!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Real problem or teapot tempest?
This story greeted me this New Year's Day morning and I just have to ask for opinions on this, regardless of perspective.
Let me put a framework on this first.
If we'd asked the late George Carlin to offer the invocation, it would have probably been bleeped often and sounded like an atheist's plea for the Christians to shut their pieholes, but it would have been inclusive of those who do not share the Christian faith and no one would not have asked him to sway from his bent. Or if they had, he wouldn't have listened.
Yet, there is an expectation - in some circles - for Rick Warren to "tone down" his expression of his faith by not naming the name of the One in whom he professes to have faith and whom he encourages others to call upon when he delivers the Inaugural invocation 19 days from now.
Sure, I think having Warren present is an attempt on President-elect Barack Obama's part to do what he said he would do election night - and that's try to be the president of those who did not vote for him. Millions of evangelicals did not vote for Obama, for a myriad of reasons. He should be given credit for acknowledging them. It sure beats the alternative - ignoring the millions who voted red instead of blue.
So all this said, is it fair for those who are not fond of Warren's expected presence on the dais on Jan. 20 to expect him to exclude Jesus Christ from his prayer? Should he be mindful of the fact that not everyone in this nation professes faith in Christ and offer some form of generic, all-inclusive prayer? Or, should he stay true to his faith and not waver one iota? Please opine!
Let me put a framework on this first.
If we'd asked the late George Carlin to offer the invocation, it would have probably been bleeped often and sounded like an atheist's plea for the Christians to shut their pieholes, but it would have been inclusive of those who do not share the Christian faith and no one would not have asked him to sway from his bent. Or if they had, he wouldn't have listened.
Yet, there is an expectation - in some circles - for Rick Warren to "tone down" his expression of his faith by not naming the name of the One in whom he professes to have faith and whom he encourages others to call upon when he delivers the Inaugural invocation 19 days from now.
Sure, I think having Warren present is an attempt on President-elect Barack Obama's part to do what he said he would do election night - and that's try to be the president of those who did not vote for him. Millions of evangelicals did not vote for Obama, for a myriad of reasons. He should be given credit for acknowledging them. It sure beats the alternative - ignoring the millions who voted red instead of blue.
So all this said, is it fair for those who are not fond of Warren's expected presence on the dais on Jan. 20 to expect him to exclude Jesus Christ from his prayer? Should he be mindful of the fact that not everyone in this nation professes faith in Christ and offer some form of generic, all-inclusive prayer? Or, should he stay true to his faith and not waver one iota? Please opine!
Added thoughts to 2008
Last year (it feels good to say that) wasn't all bad. My Eeyore-ish tendencies will lead one to think this, so let me clarify.
In April, I took Jadyn to her first rock concert almost 300 miles from home by myself. We did just fine. And, in June, we visited family of mine I hadn't seen in going on 20 years and some of whom neither Amanda nor Jadyn had met. On this same trip, I also discovered that Amanda's best friend growing up treats me like she's known me all her life, too, and that's a blessing beyond description.
In 2008, I think we all learned more about our capabilities and Amanda and I are probably getting closer to sensing what it is we should really be doing. So that's not a waste at all.
So far in the new year, I'm trying to focus on seeing the silver lining - or at least reverse the negative lens through which I see things. Even though I'm really tired at this writing, it's working. Let's hope it continues to do so. Happy New Year!
In April, I took Jadyn to her first rock concert almost 300 miles from home by myself. We did just fine. And, in June, we visited family of mine I hadn't seen in going on 20 years and some of whom neither Amanda nor Jadyn had met. On this same trip, I also discovered that Amanda's best friend growing up treats me like she's known me all her life, too, and that's a blessing beyond description.
In 2008, I think we all learned more about our capabilities and Amanda and I are probably getting closer to sensing what it is we should really be doing. So that's not a waste at all.
So far in the new year, I'm trying to focus on seeing the silver lining - or at least reverse the negative lens through which I see things. Even though I'm really tired at this writing, it's working. Let's hope it continues to do so. Happy New Year!
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