Nobody Wins When Death Is On The Line

Yes, I was thinking of 'The Princess Bride.' And... yes, I was thinking about Saddam being killed. Personally, I find no satisfaction in his death (not that I think he was anything close to a good guy). But I am a pacifist through and through - not just in war, but regarding capital punishment too. I don't care to argue the fact with anyone. I'm just saying... if everybody lives by 'an eye for an eye' pretty soon the whole world is blind.

But mostly I'm still thinking about going through Jane's mom's stuff. It was my privilege yesterday to clean part of the house. I just kept thinking how comforted Sarah would have been knowing that her house would be a little cleaner when strangers came to take her stuff. Not that she was a clean freak, but she was pretty conscientious I think. It was a meager attempt at helping her keep some dignity.

But... man, it was so draining. I must have walked up and down the stairs a million times. And I'm not used to using any muscles other than the pea-sized one between my ears. Some progress was made, but there is still A LOT to do.

And maybe the sad thing was how I started to kinda get mad about everything. I mean, it just kinda seems like Jane is getting a raw deal compared to what some others got. But, you know, I know I shouldn't even be thinking about it. I really am glad there just wasn't any debt. I dunno... nobody wins when death is on the line. And I guess I'm the maddest about the fact that I let myself get mad... that I let it 'get to me.' I guess it happens. I'll get over it.

So... Nobody wins. And maybe nobody should. Life is life. It's not meant to be fair. We're not meant to live here forever. And our stuff is just stuff. And one day somebody will be going through ours - deciding whether to pitch it, sell it, take it to keep someone else from getting it, or possibly... just possibly... they will appreciate it; cherish it. I am hoping to be more appreciative this coming year.

Peace, friends.

I'm still here

You probably thought I got lost or something, didn't you? Nope. I am still around. Trapped in my vacation.

We spent Christmas eve night and Christmas day at my parents house with our family, my parents, and my sisters family. Ten of us with a bathroom and 3 bedrooms. For the most part a good time was had by all. No one was killed and no toys were broken.

Our kids have left, as well as my sisters family, so Jane and I have been trying to go through her moms stuff. That has been a little slow going. After she died they basically just shut the door and no one has done anything. We haven't made too much progress yet, but... again... there has been no bloodshed, so that is good. There seems to be a little tension in the air among some family members - especially one brother in particular - and I'm not exactly sure why. I feel really uncomfortable, and it's not my place to say anything, so... I'm kinda just trying to keep my mouth shut.

I didn't really plan to not blog this week. Honestly, I just haven't really felt like it. I don't feel like it now, but thought I needed to write something, just so you all wouldn't worry your pretty little heads about me. Yep, I'm still here. Having about as much fun as you can have staying with your parents in Buda, IL (estimated population: 400).

We did get a new car. My parents bought a 2007 Impala (very nice), and we bought their trade-in - a 2002 Buick Century. It's got 94,000 miles on it, but they bought it new, and it still looks and runs nice. So... there ya go... a new bed and a new car for Christmas. Not bad. Oh and Jane got us tickets to see the Bradley Braves in Peoria on Saturday night. Just like old times.

That's about it. Gotta take a shower before my mom or dad think of something else they NEED me to do. :(

Only in Indiana

I've been meaning to get this pic since we moved here. Only took us 8 years to finally do it. This is along highway 1 just south of Ossian, IN. We chose to go with an artificial tree.

Because People Matter

It's not hard to find something good to write about today. My kids and some of their friends went to Indianapolis tonight to eat pizza with some of the homeless there. They go every Friday night, buy a bunch of pizzas, usually take some other stuff along (coats, milk, etc.), and basically just hang out.

I know there are some people who think this is a waste. I've heard the comments: "These people are choosing to live this way." "They're just looking for a handout. Why don't they work for a living like everyone else." "You're wasting your money." And on and on and on. The basic idea being that homeless people are worthless.

I've never actually asked Carrie or Isaac, or Graham or Caleb, why they do what they do (or even Scott and the gang from our church who look after the homeless of Fort Wayne)... but I think I have a pretty good idea. It's because people matter. People have value simply because... THEY'RE PEOPLE.

See, a good percentage of the world will try to tell you that people only have value if they look a certain way; or if they can DO certain things. You know, they treat people as commodities... as "things to use." And the problem with thinking like this is that you start to look at people who aren't good enough looking, or people who can't work, or people who have handicaps as being somewhat "lesser than." They appear to have less value. And if THEY have less value, then what about people who are still in the womb, or people who are in nursing homes and mental institutions??? Pretty soon someone will suggest that not only do they not have value, but that they are a strain on society and are expendable. And this is wrong.

We are creations of God. We are human beings - all of us. And I think a large part of why my kids go eat pizza with homeless people is simply to let them know that THEY MATTER. To let them know that SOMEONE thinks they have value as people.

We are not valuable because of what we can do, or because of how we look, or what we can contribute... We are valuable because of WHO'S WE ARE. We were created in His image. God formed mankind and said, "it is good." We are valuable because He says we are, not because of what we can do or earn, but simply because we ARE. You mattered before you were born; you matter when you're sick; you matter when you're retired, when your disabled, when you can and cannot do what others say you should or should not do. YOU MATTER NO MATTER WHAT... because you're a person.

So... perhaps this will help us all look at people differently. Like Whisky said a few days ago - it took him awhile after moving to a small town to learn to say "hi" to people again. We don't have to live in small towns to treat people with a little more dignity and respect. If you're like me, we have plenty of opportunities every day. Let's try it.

Peace, everyone. God is good.

5 Things You Might Not Know About Me

I was tagged by Lily, so... 5 Things:

1. I was voted MVP of my high school football team; and I initially went to college on a track scholarship - but never ran (I was in love with some girly named Jane).
2. I am good at ironing clothes, and I like to vacuum (carpet).
3. My first job (other than walking beans and bailing hay) was cleaning a sewing factory on weekends that made women's "undergarments" and swimsuits. My mom was the manager. I think I did it for about 10 years.
   
4. If it wouldn't look totally stupid since I am "thinning"... I would grow my hair down to my butt (well, at least half-way down my back).
5. It has always been my dream to front a punk-rock band: Danny & the Dregs.

I will take a page out of Time magazine's 'Person of the Year' and now tag... YOU! (So if yer reading here, you've been tagged).

Confessional Toward Goodness

I finally finished reading my last book for this year “Discover Your Windows” by Kent Hunter. It was okay – for something my Regional Director “requested” that I read.

One of the last things he says in the book is: "Negative and pessimistic people should never be in positions of influence. Little motivation takes place if leaders are always saying, “It can’t be done.” Pacesetters in your church should be people who believe God is who he says he is, and if he is in something, it’s going to work!"

Ouch! Direct hit. You sunk my battleship. He quotes Isaac Singer, who said, “If you keep on saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet.” Hmmm. Okay....

I confess to being way too negative and pessimistic. I always blamed it on watching too much Sienfeld. Does it matter why? Nope. I admit that it’s a problem for me; I ask You to forgive me, Lord; and I repent. One way I am repenting is to try to find the good in things. So… I will start today. I hope this list is not exhaustive.

THESE THINGS ARE GOOD

• I have an incredible wife – sweet, beautiful, intelligent, caring, and the rest is not for you to know. =)
  

• My kids turned out better than I ever could have dreamed. Both are in college and have bright futures. They're the best!
  

• I am thankful for my church… for accepting me as I am; for putting up with me and being patient with me; and for being the people that they are.

• I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get paid to live out my faith. How sweet is that?

• We had someone make a $7000 donation to our playground fund last week, AND THEY DON’T EVEN ATTEND OUR CHURCH! We have a dream to provide a park for the people in our neck of the woods. In the last year we put up the pavilion (which is paid for), had someone donate a sign to us, and the lettering, and now we have almost $17,000 towards new playground equipment. I forget how much of a God-thing this is for our little church.

• My parents have been good to me (and without good cause).

• We have many great friends that are a part of our church family. And this year we have made some good friends with people who don’t attend our church. That has been a blessing.

• I am thankful for being able to meet with a pastor friend, Tom, every week. We have seen several others come and go, and I am grateful that he has not. (Don’t let it go to your head though). :)
  

• Even though I’ve put a little weight back on this year, I am grateful for being about as healthy (physically & emotionally) as ever.

• Jane found my pencil drawings from college. I thought they were lost forever.

• I really enjoy this blog (and am even starting to like this template). I’m grateful for those of you who have become friends by reading and commenting here. You have made my day on so many occasions. Thanks.

I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg, but it’s a start. Peace, friends. God is good.

Blood Diamond revolution

Last night we went to the movie Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Honsou. It is a movie about the role diamonds play in fueling conflicts, in this case the civil war in Sierra Leone. Hmmm.

I am no movie critic... but it is good. I had wanted to see it solely because one of my best friends lived a good deal of his life in Sierra Leone - and, in fact, left there because of the violence. And I don't really know what to say. I just don't.

But out of respect for my friend, I don't think I will be signing off with the words "revolution" or "revolution(ate)" anymore. I don't really know what it means to be a revolutionary. That's what I thought about while watching the movie. Oh, I will still fight the good fight... but I'm thinking. Reassessing. The battle I fight is of a subversive nature, and it sounds rather childish to call it a revolution in light of...

I am thinking. It was a good movie (though in a bad way). I'm glad I saw it.

Peace.

Forcing the social card

Last night Jane and I went to a high school basketball game. It was between the two high schools that our kids went to (we wouldn't want them to go to the same schools, you know). It was a REALLY boring game. The main offensive weapon my son's old school uses is to hold the ball until someone guards them. One game last year a player just stood and held the ball for all but like 6 seconds of the second quarter. Yeah... like I wanna pay money to see that!

Anyway, it really isn't even about the game. I mean, I like basketball and all, but the point of my post is... attending things like this is 'social exercise' for me. See, I tend to be an introvert. It's not that I don't like people or that I'm anti-social, but I am timid and insecure. So my natural inclination is to be isolated, or only spend time with "safe" people for me. And if I've learned anything in my 44 years, it's that this is not a healthy way of life. It leads to greater insecurity, depression, and invokes thoughts and feelings that are not even remotely real or true. So... I try to make a practice of FORCING myself into social situations... if for no other reason than my own mental health.

On my day off (Friday) I will often go to one of the malls, or the bookstore, or someplace like Walmart - just to be around people. And it's strange how nervous that makes me. But I HAVE to do it. And for as nervous as I am when I take off... I am almost always glad I did it when I'm done. Even those times when I don't speak to a soul - at least I v-e-n-t-u-r-e-d.

But even that really isn't enough. It's not the same to sneak into public areas and merely "be there." I really need to interject myself into some people's lives. You know, like, PERSONALLY. It's odd how it's so much easier for me to stand in front of large groups of people and speak and share and I hardly get nervous at all; but you put me one on one with somebody and... I don't know what to do.

But I will. That's going to be one of my New Year's resolutions (if I made them). I need to start forcing the personal card now. I am kind of in the 'people' business after all. But if this post is suddenly deleted... well, you know... we'll see.

Peace, friends. There's a revolution at hand.

Missional (in the stream of God's "GO")

Scot McKight has another great post -- Letters To Emerging Christians -- in which he defines what it means to be MISSIONAL. I can certainly dig his definition, and perhaps the best line is from Andrew Jones: “We are people flowing in the stream of God’s 'GO'.” I also liked Scot's emphasis on being 'holistic' rather than just 'evangelistic.' Great point(s).

What really caught my eye, though, was Scot's assessment: "the emerging movement has a special soft spot for those who have been burned by the Church, who have been hurt by the Church, and it wants to provide a safe place for those who need to know that God’s’ grace extends to them, too." That really spoke to me because that was almost exactly what led me to seminary and eventually becoming a pastor. I had no idea it was anything "emerging" at the time. I just knew that's what tripped-my-trigger.

Sometimes I forget though. One thing I'm not very good at dealing with are people who are just plain bitter against the church. And it's not that I don't feel for these people (I do - I've been there), but I don't think there is a whole lot one can do at that point. It's like the person who is drowning and wildly flailing their arms... If you try to help them, they're likely just going to pull you down too. They're not thinking clearly, and they're not interested in listening to anyone. I believe the key is to keep these people in your sights, and at that moment when they stop "fighting"... just hope you can be there for them... with them.

There are too many people in the world who have been left alone, let down, and lied to... and Christ has been totally misrepresented to them. I don't know that I'm the best representative he's got, but that's what I want to be: His agent of grace. Why? Maybe because I am most grateful for those who have been that for me. Where would I be without them?

I pray today that I might be a better representative. "...flowing in the stream of God's 'GO'." Sounds like a revolution.

Yeah... that's how it works

The perfect end to a rotten day. I put up a post earlier today about how neat this free 'recent comments' thing is that I've been using... and now it doesn't work. Dandy. Just freakin' dandy.

My mind is heavy

Not only is it Monday morning, but I feel a certain weight today.

A young couple who were just married this summer lost their unborn child yesterday. Labor must take on a whole new meaning in those circumstances.

An internet friend (Milton) was informed Saturday morning that his church no longer wanted him to preach. Nice timing.

I am fighting the urge to feel overwhelmed. I really do like Christmas-time -- what it's all about; being together with family; the music; etc. I even like shopping (I know, I know. I really am a guy). But as a pastor, it is one of the two most busy times of year for me. So I have to work hard to not let myself get distracted and lose the joy of the season. And it's complicated by the fact that I usually take a week of vacation right after Christmas. And vacation for me just means I have to do that much more work right before and right after vacation - so it's not really all that much fun sometimes. But... I will not be denied. I am going to enjoy Christmas if it kills me! Ho ho ho. :)

Sadly though, I have this tendency to sometimes take on other people's pain. Especially unstated pain. You know, when you can see in someone's face that they're really sad or hurting. It hurts. And I often either want to try to "fix" things, or I begin to "own" their grief... and neither one of these things are healthy, right, or worthwhile. Instead, I will try to keep their pictures in my mind and pray over them as I flip the pages. Being sure to also keep the image of hope that is what this season is all about.

Advent is waiting.
Wait. Weight. Slate.
Straight. Bait. Hate.
Validate. Skate. State.
Rate. Irate. Infiltrate.
Defibrilate. Insinerate. Escalate.
Debate. Plate. Date.
Mate.
Never late.
Wait.

Wait.

Wait.

The Atypical Blogger

Yep. You guessed it. I am not your typical blogger. I've always felt that it was true, but now I have proof (if you can believe blogs). THIS SITE says that only 8% of internet users keep a blog; more than half are under the age of 30; and rural residents (country bumpkins) make up only 13%. At least I do fall into the majority who don't feel my blog is journalism (but then, you already knew that).

What strikes me as odd is... it seems like almost all the bloggers I know are older (than 30). Unless they're counting Myspace and Facebook as blogs, then it's a whole different story. Or, maybe it's because most of the people I 'hang with' are older. Or maybe I'm just outta touch with reality. Or...

Anyway... it's an interesting little tidbit - if you're interested in that sort of thing. HT Smartchristian.com.

Walter the Farting Dog

Jane and I were perusing the children's area at Barnes and Noble last night - trying to find something for the grand-neices and nephews - and.... while they still have many of the same books that we grew up with, this is one we had never heard of. WHERE DID THIS SERIES OF BOOKS COME FROM? We were rolling on the floor laughing. The illustrations are funny, the book is funny... I almost bought one just for myself (Yes, Bogie occasionally has this problem).

Here's the lowdown:

Walter the Farting Dog is based on a true story. The book tells of Walter, a dog adopted from the pound who has a problem with flatulence.

After various cures are tried, including low-gas doggie biscuits, the family's father declares that Walter has to go back to the pound the next morning. How does Walter escape his fate? Read the book to see, 40 pages, Hardcover. By Kotzwinkle, William; Murray, Glenn

There are at least three other books in the series: Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise, Trouble at the Yard Sale, and Rough Weather Ahead.

I don't know much about what kids like anymore, but if you need a good laugh, I recommend reading up on Walter.

Me A-Z

I saw this meme at Lily's (only these are about me).

A - Available/Single? Nope. Married 23 years.
B - Best Friend? Jane
C - Cake or Pie? It depends. But I shouldn’t have either.
D - Drink Of Choice? Diet soda; hot tea; coffee; water; cranberry juice
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Computer
F - Favorite Color? Blue
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Neither
H - Hometown? Buda, IL
I - Indulgence? Eating out
J - January Or February? February (Jane’s birthmonth)
K - Kids & Their Names? Carrie Jade (21); Isaac (18)
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? Seinfeld
M - Marriage date? May 14, 1983
N - Number Of Siblings? 1 older sister
O - Oranges Or Apples? Apples
P - Phobias/Fears? Heights/snakes
Q - Favorite Quote? “Only Gypsies are made in a day.” Jason Ringenberg
R - Reason to Smile? I’m not depressed today
S - Season? Fall
T - Tag 3 or 4 people? You, you, and you
U - Unknown Fact About Me – Suffer from Cross-dominance
V - Vegetable you don’t like? Corn
W - Worst Habit? Being addicted to blogging
X - X-rays You’ve Had? Back, ribs, hand, teeth
Y - Your Favorite Food? Tombstone Deluxe frozen pizza (or anything Jane makes)
Z - Zodiac Sign? Scorpio

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes....

Well, I am fully Beta now. So there should be no problems with my blog, right? :)

I don't know that I like this template, but I didn't like the one that 'resembled' my old one - bad color scheme. I think I would like this one if I could change the background color. I do like how it has that 'clean' look to it. But after my other one, it's almost like reading my blog high on bleach. I suppose I will get used to it.

I wish I could put a picture in the header. I have read how that's supposed to be done, but when I have tried it, the picture doesn't go all the way acoss, and that looks kind of stupid. Oh well, this will serve it's purpose.

Have a nice day, mate's. Let the revolution roll.

Pastor's Log

The other day I began work on the Annual Report for our church. It consists of section headings: Administrative, Building & Grounds, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry & Missions, Outreach/Evangelism, Pastor’s Report, Worship, Finance Reports, the proposed Spending Guide for the next year, and attendance records for the past year. We go over it at our Annual Congregational Meeting, and we have copies in the foyer for those who are interested in stuff like this.

One thing I’ve found that makes this process much easier is filling out a Daily Record. This is simply a sheet of paper I keep on my desk that has each day of the week broken down in vertical columns. I either write down what I do each day while I’m doing it, or I fill it out at the end of the day. So at the end of the year, I just look through my 52 Daily Records and I can tell you what happened throughout the year and when.

Sometimes I am very brief, stating when I started, devotions, prayer, work on sermon, misc., and when I left; If I make or receive any phone calls, or if someone stops by, or if I go somewhere. Sometimes though, if I’ve had maybe a nasty/tense phone conversation, I might write down what the conversation consisted of on the back of the Daily Record. Or if something significant happened or something like that.

I also keep a 1 ½ or 2 inch three-ring binder for each year that includes: council meeting notes, minutes, monthly finance reports, minutes from other meetings, the constitution, my contract, and various other information. At the end of the year I put my Daily Records in the back of that year’s binder, then put the binder on a shelf. So I can find what I did on any given day and at any given meeting for the past seven+ years all at arms length.

I suppose there might be better ways to keep records, but this is mine, and it has come in handy on a number of occasions. I don’t really even know how I began doing this. Perhaps it was something I learned in seminary – I dunno.

I might also point out, another thing I like about keeping a Daily Record is that it keeps me accountable. You know, if I started writing down that I was doing crack and having a homosexual affair, it might make me pause to think about my behavior. And it helps in knowing that if anyone ever accuses me of doing or not doing something – I can either show them that they’re right, or I can show them exactly what I did or did not do. And believe me, it has happened. I have had people make accusations, and there have been times when I have been able to refute them, and there have also been times when I had remembered something wrong. So it’s a good idea for everyone concerned.

I realize this isn’t necessary for everyone, but I believe it’s a good idea for someone like me who doesn’t have any real direct supervision (other than God). Sometimes it’s a pain, but it’s really not all that much work, and in the long run, I am always glad I do it.

Out of touch with Christian music

I ran across Christianity Today's list of Best Christian Albums of 2006, and boy-o-boy... I haven't even heard of half of the names on the list. I was glad to see Ashley Cleveland (I'm a little in love with her voice) and Jars of Clay, but... who are these other people?

I used to actually be pretty 'into' the Contemporary Christian Music scene - I even subscribed to the magazine. But then it all became very contrived and a little distasteful (to me). Lately I've not really even known what it exactly means to be a "Christian" musician. I would just as soon listen to "plain" music as something that had to have its own describer.

But, you know, the truth is... and I hate to admit it... I don't really even listen to music too much anymore. If I'm in the car I might tune to 91.1 or 91.5 - the local high school-run stations out of Homestead and Columbia City. And if I listen to CD's it's just to get stuff ready for church - which, I guess, is "usually" Christian stuff, but includes a good amount that would not be labeled that by "Christians." And I just have not gotten into the downloading of music too much. I guess I'm old. In fact, the other night at Best Buy I was actually complaining to Jane about how loud the music was in there. Man, somebody should just shoot me. I can't believe it's come to this.

So... this is what I was thinking this morning. Peace.

Another use for duct tape

Just had to copy this pic from Randy's blog.
(Please don't try this at home - unless they won't give up on the sanka claus thing). ;)
I am KIDDING, okay.

Having trouble commenting?

I've heard from a couple of people who are still unable to comment on my blog, and some who could comment but now can't. Actually, even when I leave a comment on my own blog I have to do it twice.

If you're trying to leave a comment here you can try this: type your comment, then copy it (just in case it gets lost); sign in with your Blogger/Beta stuff, or as "other" or "anonymous"; fill in the word verification letters; click "publish." Then when it doesn't work, do it all again. It often works the second time (unlike marriage - oops, I didn't say that).

However, I've been reading that many people are having troubles now (today) and I suppose the best thing to do is leave blogger just try to be patient. I have a feeling we are nearing the final days of two different bloggers (old & Beta), and hopefully things will be running smoothly soon.

Peace, friends. Happy holiday!

The Office

This place needs cleaned! I remember the days when I kept a clean ship. But those days were long ago. Too much junk, too much stuff I don't know what to do with, too much... yeah. If you click on the pic you can even see it all in detail. Argh.

I really need to go through my mail pile sometime too. You can see it on the top shelf of the thing to the right of the window. Of course I open anything that looks like a bill, or looks like it might be fun. But it's been awhile since I looked at some of this stuff. Which usually makes it easier to decide what to do with it - especially if it's out-dated by the time I look at it.

Duped into skepticism by Santa?

MR raised a GREAT question, and I thought I would make it a separate post. His question/comment was:

Pastor Dan, do you feel that folklore detracts from religion? Specifically, do you think if we weren't fed stories about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, et al. in our formative years that as adults we wouldn't be waiting for the "other shoe to drop," so to speak, on our religion? Maybe by the time we're 9, we've become accustomed to being duped, which builds up our skepticism as a culture at an early age; the result of having the rug pulled out from under us so many times.

ADDED LATER: Man, you got me thinking. I know some people think it is perfectly okay to tell our kids tales and fables - that it's good for the imagination. And I don't have a problem with that... as long as we tell them the truth.

We didn't play up the whole Santa/Easter Bunny/etc. thing with our kids, but we didn't burst their bubbles either. I'm not sure it's healthy to just tell them right from the start that all these things aren't real and that all their friends are idiots. But I don't think we (and I'm speaking from a Christian perspective here) need to "play along" either. We 'can' be indifferent, and when they're old enough to ask, or to handle the situation, I believe they should be told the truth. (But this kinda sounds like a copout now that I read it).

It is a rather sticky thing, because if we believe the Bible about our "yes being yes and no being no" then we should be honest people. And a lot of our dishonesty isn't really even stated - but more just 'conceded.' And I can certainly see how a kid could grow up thinking, "Well, you always told me about Santa/E.B./T.F./etc., and you told me about God too... so... do I think the same thing about all THAT stuff?"

I'm glad my kids are older. The first time Carrie asked Jane about Santa, Jane just told her the truth, and I think she turned out pretty darn good. Hmm... this has me thinking about my responsibility as a pastor though (thanks, Mike). A really good question.

Does anybody else have any thoughts on this? I would appreciate hearing them.

Punks for Jesus

A couple notable items from a couple of people I have much admiration for:

• Andrew Jones is one of my favorite people (that I don't know at all), and he's also a bit wacked in the head (only in the best sense of the word). He has an excellent post about cults and sects at this link: Cults: We Gonna Expose Yo Ass!. Should be required reading for any church planters or EC'ers. (He also has a piece on Youtube about an event that happened to him this past Sunday: HERE. It's wild).

• Another guy that I don't know but really admire is Jay Bakker - son of Jim & Tammy Faye. What a ride he's been on, and I love what he's been doing, and just happened onto this piece about his upcoming tv show: One Punk Under God.

Peace, folks. It's all about a revolution.

What's wrong with this pic?

Can you tell me what is so terribly wrong with this pic that I can't believe it was even on the internet? I could offer you an all expenses vacation to the destination of your choice, but you're going to have to pay all the expenses yourself. In any event... a laurel and hardy "well done" to anyone who knows...

Decorating the Church Christmas Tree

Last night we tried something different at our church. Instead of having a few ladies fighting over how the church should be decorated for Christmas, we actually let everyone participate. We invited everyone to bring an ornament from home that had some kind of significance to them. So the tree was decorated with "our" ornaments, rather than just something that one person decided upon. It went much better than I expected.

Some brought ornaments they'd had a long time; some made ornaments especially for this occasion; some just bought or brought one's that reminded them of our church or someone special in their life. It was neat hearing why people brought the ones they did, and I think it helped us get to know one another a little better.

We started off by singing a Christmas song. Then we just had people come up and tell us why they chose the ornament they did, and they put it on the tree. There were some funny moments, but mostly some really touching ones. Someone was even on the ball and brought their camera. Then we sang another song, prayed, and we had soup and ice cream downstairs. There were probably around 70 people.

I hope I can remember to do this again sometime.

The Nativity Story

We went to the movies yesterday and saw The Nativity Story. Let me just say this... I liked The Passion of the Christ, but for as gruesome as it was, The Nativity was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. I was pleasantly surprised. It's not completely accurate, but very nicely done. The high point for me was when Mary tells the old Shepherd man, "He is for everyone." Teary moment.

Highly recommended. Especially now - before Christmas.

Peace, friends. Revolution(ate).

Did you know...

On this date in 1843 the first Christmas cards—actually more like postcards—were created and sold for a shilling. (Christian History & Biography)

Peace On Earth...

From: this is true:

Lisa Jensen hung a Christmas wreath on the outside wall of her home in Pagosa Springs, Colo. The pine boughs were arranged into a peace sign because she "wanted to put a message of peace out there," Jensen said. But Bob Kearns, the president of her homeowner's association, ordered her to remove the wreath on the grounds that "signs, billboards or advertising structures of any kind" are banned, and subject to a $25-per-day fine. The HOA's entire architectural control committee resigned in protest, and Jensen refused to remove the wreath. "The peace sign has a lot of negativity associated with it," Kearns claimed. "It's also an anti-Christ sign. That's how it started," he said, calling the peace sign "Satanic". After a local -- and national -- outcry, Kearns backed off. He apologized and said the wreath could stay. (Durango Herald) ...Chalking up another win for that darned peace-loving Satan.

Yeah, he must have missed that thing Jesus said in Mt. 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

What's Wrong With Dolly?

A good question has been raised: What, pray tell, is wrong with the doll on the island of misfit toys (on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)?

I'm sure said questioner has already googled miss Dolly and found the same info as me. For those of you who have not, here are the best two reasons I found:

1. From this site -
Dolly is perhaps there because she feels she is unloved (as King Moonracer explains about misfits) and perhaps the little girl who onced played with her is now grown up and Dolly now sits in a box, unwanted, waiting to be loved by another little girl again. "In certain circles," this explanation is offered and widely accepted by Misfit Philosophers.

2. From this site -
As far as the Misfit Girl doll goes, in my book Arthur Rankin jokes about her problem being...................... psychological! The fact of the matter is, she is barely mentioned in Romeo's scripts. He describes the important charcters in GREAT detail and the Misfit Girl doll wasn't even in the original 10-63 draft at all! Charlie is the only Misfit with lines, even in the revised script. The spotted Elephant and The Misfit Girl doll got a few extra lines in 1965 at the end when the return to the Island Of Misfit Toys was added in due to public response. She became a more important character in the second broadcast, but was not fully developed in the script....hence the mystery! I accept Arthur's explanation since he is the RANKIN in RANKIN/BASS and Produced the entire production.

So, there ya go. That's as much as I know about it. Unless, of course.... it was because she had RED HAIR!? Nah...

Peace, misfits. Yep, it's all a part of the revolution!

Carrie on youtube!

This is my lovely and talented daughter. It's from last year, but I just saw it. Way to go, Carrie Jade!

Preaching with Rocky Balboa

Oh... my... golly geez! Rocky wants to come to YOUR church. Check out Rocky Resources for all the info on how you can use his new movie to fire up your congregants (and make lots of plugs for the movie). Yo, Adrian!

Here's the blurb:

Welcome to RockyResources.com. This site is designed to provide useful tools to learn about Rocky Balboa, the final round in the award-winning Rocky franchise, and utilize the film as a teaching, preaching or outreach opportunity. If you are a church, school, or small group leader, there are some excellent resources here that will help you “get in the ring” with Rocky.

Hmm. You know, I have heard that Sly has had a real change of heart regarding God, and is a follower of Jesus. But... I dunno. I went this route with the "Passion of the Christ," and I've always wondered if it was the right thing to do. I have since resisted the urge to sell other movies utilize other resources in the same manner. I'm all for Rocky, and Sly (seems like a good guy), but I'm going to have to pass on the resources.

Trouble in the bedroom

Yep, I have to admit it.... we're having problems. We got the new bed yesterday, and IT IS HUGE! I knew a queen would be wider and longer, but I never thought about it being so much TALLER! Which isn't so bad for Jane and I - we can jump - but poor little Bogie... his teeny tiny legs just can't get him up there. So we had to put a footstool at the end of the bed so he can climb in increments (reminds me of the levels Kramer talked about). His only problem now is to remember to use the footstool to get down. He jumped off once and landed (splat) on his head.

63 Gift Ideas for Under $10

Needing a Christmas gift idea (for me, or someone else)? Here's a list I got from Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, and he got it from this website. Or, you know, you could always get me a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson Les Paul, SG, or Flying V, or... oh any little ole' thing will do.

The shape of things to come (?)

Here's the link to my TEST BLOG, which is quite possibly the template I will use for this one (if and when I ever get around to changing). And..... actually, I'm even thinking about retiring this one, and just switching over and using that blog because of the address (horwedel.blogspot.com), but I don't know if that would be any easier for people to remember who aren't named horwedel. What do you think?

At any rate, please be sure to check out the great post from a friend of mine that I titled "How Not To Leave A Church". He called it "Integrity."

Peace. Revolution(ate).

What is the emerging church

Scot McKnight has a great post on the emerging church. Not just 'what it is', but what are we emerging FROM and where are we emerging TO. If you're interested in the church, I highly recommend you read his Letter to an Emerging Christian.

Comment "issues" since switching to Beta

Let me just re-phrase this post and say that since switching to Blogger Beta I have had trouble leaving comments on non-Beta blogs, and I have talked to several people who have had trouble leaving comments on my blog. I don't know why, and I guess it is true that you get what you pay for. I do appreciate Blogger, even Beta, for their free thing here; but, you know, I wish it didn't have the glitches. I have a dream for a day when bloggers can freely leave comments wherever they wish; I have a dream for...

Ahhh. Peace, friends. Back to the revolution.

I made the switch

Yeah, so, I made the big switch over to Blogger Beta. I guess my blog still works, but my profile picture is GONE! I don't know if anything else is messed up or not. And I liked that picture... :(

And now it has been brought to my attention that I need to update my template, and I will therefore lose everything on my sidebar. What the...!

I am beginning to wonder if I made a big mistake. I don't like change so much (at least when I'm the one who has to do the changing). I guess I really am an old fart now.

UPDATE: Well, so maybe it's not so bad... once you figure it out. I actually like the look of my test blog, so... look for this one to change in appearance sometime soon (I know you can't wait!).

Peace, friends. Revolution(ate).

The Present Future

Just finished this book by Reggie McNeal for the second (or third) time. Our church council is working through it. Some hot spots from the end:

"It's not dying that's scary. It's what they do to you before they let you die that frightens me." (on his fear of being deemed a heretic by the church). p.142

"If our Bible study does not show up in a life that looks increasingly like Jesus' (captured by his heart for people), it is merely a head trip, a point of pride, and an idolatrous substitute for genuine spirituality." p.144

"I believe Jesus is the hope of the world. I believe God has called out a people to make sure the world knows this. These people are the church. Jesus has promised that hell will not be able to stand against it... I just wish hell were the problem." (implication: rather than the people in our churches) p.145

A pastor's advice to Christian social workers

Good stuff from Andy Rowell. The link for his article is HERE.

A pastor's advice for people with passion and expertise in social work

1. Use your expertise to help us serve people. Because we are new at this, we are trying to reinvent the wheel. Help us put systems in place that treat people with dignity. Help us tear down systems that dehumanize people. Let us disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.
2. Learn to think theologically. Ask questions of your Bible in community. Learn what these terms mean: Church, Missional, Community, Incarnation, Kingdom.
3. Do not get caught with a cause. Did Jesus just heal people? Did he just do compassion? No, he also taught and trained.
4. Be a prophet. Forth-tell the truth about how people are getting hurt. You see it. Say it. Admit that emperor has no clothes.
5. Begin to think of your social work as evangelism. Evangelism usually means manipulation. Shouldn’t it mean that the good news is “is good for everyone” (John Ortberg)?
6. Don’t get caught without Jesus. Traditional liberal social gospel has often dismissed the Bible and God’s active presence in the world.
7. Study hard. If you know something about caring for alcoholics, God will use you as a wise advisor. You will help the church care for alcoholics more compassionately and effectively.
8. Learn to tell stories. Describe the situation, retell the dialogue, and give a reason for the hope that you have.
9. Bring people with you as you serve. Show us the dark alleys. Help us to talk with the poor, the sick and the foreigner.
10. Continue to be renewed spiritually. Learn what Sabbath is. Sabbath is about not being in slavery anymore.
11. Understand the beauty of art. Please don’t pinch pennies on beauty. We need color.
12. Do not demonize business people.
13. Learn to eat with people.

The Books of 2006

These are the books I read this year:

- Traveling Light, Eugene Peterson
- No Perfect People Allowed, John Burke *
- The Sacred Way, Tony Jones *
- The Lord’s Harvest and the Rural Church, Kent R. Hunter
- The Last Word and the Word After That, Brian D. McLaren
- To Own A Dragon: Reflections on Growing Up Without A Father, Donald Miller *
- The Secret Message of Jesus, Brian D. McLaren *
- a.k.a. “Lost”, Jim Henderson
- Praying With The Church, Scot McKnight *
- Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, N.T. (Tom) Wright
- The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne *
- Messy Spirituality (again), Mike Yaconelli *
- The Present Future (again), Reggie McNeal *
- Discover Your Windows, Kent R. Hunter (in process)
- The Jesus Creed, Scot McKnight (in process)

The "*" denotes recommended reading. I would say the one's that had the biggest impact on me, personally, would be: (1) "No Perfect People Allowed"; (2) "Praying With the Church"; (3) "The Sacred Way"; (4) "The Irresistible Revolution"; and (5) "To Own A Dragon". It's not that others weren't good too, but I can remember how I "felt" when reading these 5, and I liked how they made me feel, like, attitudinally or 'in my spirit.' (if that makes sense).

I guess all these books are on church leadership, or spiritual growth anyway. I'd have to say "No Perfect People Allowed" was my favorite. But, man, next year I might need to read something just for fun, huh?

I don't care...

I was thinking about the books I read this past year, and I still say "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller is one of my all-time favorites. I know some people think it can't be that good because it was so popular... mmm, whatever. But anyway, just a few tidbits:

"Sooner or later you just figure out there are some guys who don't believe in God and they can prove He doesn't exist, and some other guys who do believe in God and they can prove He does exist, and the argument stopped being about God a long time ago and now it's about who is smarter, and honestly I don't care." (p.103)

"It is always the simple things that change our lives." (p.217)

"I can't explain how freeing that was, to realize that if I met Jesus, He would like me." (p.47)

Let's sleep on it

You know how sometimes when you have a decision to make - like, about whether or not to buy a certain something - and you say, "Let's sleep on it"? Well, Jane and I had such a decision about what to get each other for Christmas this year... and we are literally going to SLEEP ON IT!

Yep, we bought ourselves a new bed yesterday. A Queen Plush, from Denver Mattress. Now if it will just fit in our bedroom; and if the old full-size bed will fit in Isaac's room...

Thanks, Santa!

I hate it when this happens

Dangit... I have so many little notes all over my desks (yes, I have 3 desks), and I just lost one. I've been keeping a list of books I wanted to get - probably for a couple of months - and now I can't find it. There were probably half a dozen books listed, and I was going to add 'Pilgrim Heart' by Darryl Tippins. I can only remember a couple of the ones that were there. Dang. I found it! Yippee!!




Fortunately I've been listening to Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama: "There Will Be A Light".

Switching to Beta

I know, you've heard it before... but I will probably try switching to Blogger Beta sometime this week. I wanted to give advance warning, just in case I disappear, or if there seems to be no activity, or in case you see a big cloud of smoke here on the south side of allen county. I don't know why I'm so afraid. Perhaps too many horror stories. Seems I heard once that if you have over 400 posts it messes something up - throws the universe outta whack or somethin'. But... onea these days... onea these days...

Until then... peace, friends. There's a revolution going on here.

A Modest Proposal For Peace

Snagged from Jordon Cooper:
And I would add: "That thing Jesus said about loving our enemies... I think that means don't kill them." (was it Shane Claiborne who said this?)

Dangerous

I got this from Jamie Arpin-Ricci:

One day, an Orthodox priest tells a young man, "Reading Scripture privately is spiritually the second most dangerous thing you can do. All sorts of temptations arise, you'll face many doubts, and the Devil will whisper into your ear all sorts heretical 'insights' about the text. It is an extraordinarily dangerous thing to do."

Startled, the young man asked the priest, "But what then is the first most dangerous thing you do?"

"Why, not reading the Bible privately, of course."

Picture Pages

It’s my day off, the weather stinks, and I think I'm coming down with something, so I decided to go through some of the pics on my camera. I apologize to those of you with dial-up.

This is Bogie’s position when he comes to work with me – which he’s been doing for awhile now. He prefers to sit in front of the door here, checking on me in my office now and then, to sitting at home alone.
This is the view I used to enjoy from my parents back patio. I liked living on the edge of town. Always liked this view (you can’t see it, but about 5 miles in the distance, on the left, was where Jane grew up).
Jane and her brothers. See why I’m scared of them: I don’t have a mustache.
All the cousins on Jane’s side (minus Christine, who was in Pakistan or somewhere). What a nice lookin’ bunch. That’s me boy, Isaac, in the tan pants; and daughter Carrie is front row on the right.

Man vs. Machine

Ha... I just had my 10101 visitor. If memory serves me correctly, that's some kind of computer talk (I went a year and a half to electronics school - but it was a long, long time ago).

Anyway, whoever the 10101 visitor was... thanks for talkin' to my computer! :)