Discipleship or cruise ship

I've been thinking about two pieces I recently read on following Jesus.

First, Mike Slaughter has an interesting post 'Discipleship or Cruise Ship?' I think it hits a lot of us square on the head. Here's a snippet...

A few weeks ago I addressed the whole issue of the church setting a low bar of involvement that calls people to make a decision for Jesus rather than make a commitment to become a disciple of Jesus. I fear that we have given people a false and simplistic view of salvation. The churches that grew in the 1980’s and 90’s were based for the most part on a seeker-attraction model rather than a costly call to renounce the predominate culture (worldview) and claim the worldview of Jesus (I refer to this as the “Missional Church”). The result has been “born again” church attendees (vs. servant-participants), who have brought Jesus into their own worldview rather than being transformed into his. Many of our mega churches have created programming that mirrors that experienced on a cruise ship rather than Jesus’ relational-missional model of discipleship.

I also read in Fran's church newsletter last week some of his thoughts on the difference between being a "Christian" and a "follower of Jesus." He says...

It seems these days that people talk easily about being Christians. The polls tell us that a huge number of people in America consider themselves to be Christians. In some sense, that is good, because it means that most of them, in some way or another, have some kind of affection for Jesus Christ.

But have we seriously considered whether we want to follow the Jesus of the Gospels? He himself was always telling people how much it would cost them, and that they better think hard about it. Why? Because to follow Jesus is not just to accept him in some heartfelt but largely inconsequential way, or to go to church, or to hold to a conservative morality, or to vote a certain way. To follow him is to say that we agree with how he sees things (us, others, the world). To follow him is to begin to see what he saw, to value what he valued (and didn't), and to live as he lived.

To follow Jesus Christ is largely to conclude that we as human beings have become blind and taken a very bad turn that has left us terribly lost, and then to let him be our guide back to all that is truly good human living...

I think both of these point out the great need FOR the church. It's a place to learn about Jesus; it is a place to feed and be fed; but as Reggie McNeal pointed out, it is not the destination. Sometimes cruise ships are necessary - to help us heal and rejuvenate and whatnot - but I think a lot of church leaders have tried to make the ship the point just to get more passengers. And too many passengers can lead to sinking.

I dunno... just thinking.

Pick the family pic

Here are the family pics from Saturday. I can't decide which one I like best. What do you think? Go ahead and leave a comment, use the sidebar poll, or both. (click on the pic to enlarge)

#1

#2#3

#4

And here's one of Drew Carrie that I liked too.

Peeing with josh garrels

Yesterday it was time for our annual family pictures, so me, Jane, Carrie, Drew, and Drew's little brother Chandler headed for Anderson in the Buick. We went there because son Isaac lives there, and we found a cool park to take pictures at, and we wanted to eat supper at this little place (Art's) that makes THE BEST pizza in the world, and then we were all going to see JOSH GARRELS in concert in Muncie. It was a belated album release party for his new album Jacaranda.

The picture-taking went well. Mostly because we have this hot, hot, hot looking photographer (Jane); the pizza was superb; and the concert did not disappoint in the least - even if it did mean I got less than 5 hours of sleep last night.

So... when we finally made it to the show at Muncie Alliance Church (we only got lost for a little while, because the street we were looking for didn't have a street sign) we were actually there pretty early. Muncie Alliance is famous for their coffee, so we hung out waiting for the show, and I ducked into the pottie room. I'm at the urinal doing my business, and someone walks in and takes up position next to me. Naturally, because I'm a guy, I didn't look at him. But when I turned to go wash my hands I noticed another guy - who looked like the singer/guitarist for the Lions (whom I have been listening to all week). I was about to say something to him when I then turned and noticed that the guy that had been peeing next to me was none other than JOSH GARRELS himself. Glad I didn't notice until AFTER I zipped up. Anyway, they were talking, so I just left. How cool is it, though, that JG actually has to pee too; and he did it right next to me!

It was a grand show. They were taping so maybe someday you'll hear/see too. He had one of the old guys from the Lions playing bass, accordian, dobro, and some other thing; an occasional drummer; and a guy who played stand up bass, either with fingers or a bow, on a few songs. They sounded superb. I like the new songs, but I was also glad he played my old favorites. I probably like "Freedom" best. I was disappointed he didn't do "Killing Me Softly" but have only heard him do it once before. Anyway, an excellent show. I bought the new cd, and gave serious consideration to a t-shirt. We'll be listening to JG before church this morning.

As for the guy I 'thought' was the singer/guitarist for The Lions... well, it ended up he was sitting right behind me. So during a break I turned and asked if he was in The Lions, and he gets this funny look and asked if I was joking. I said no, and he says, "Well, I'm flattered, but I wasn't in the band. What's weird is, the guy you're thinking of was actually my roommate though" (when the band existed). Ha! How weird is that? I guess he lives in Ireland now.

I really like the church building at this place. Just a big room with not a lot of decoration. Very low key. And there were tinted windows all along both sides. I imagine that can create distractions, but it was cool at night. This was actually the church where Josh came to faith in Jesus. I guess he had a skateboard ministry there, went through their internship program, became a pastor himself, and then due to the popularity of his music wasn't able to do both full-time anymore. So now it's just music.

One thing Josh mentioned last night was how we really are a stiff-necked people... stubborn. And why is it that it's so much easier to be stubborn in a bad way instead of a good way? You know, why can't we be as diligent in living for God and carrying out his mission, as we seem to be in going astray and living for ourselves? That's not exactly how he said it, but... it's early, and I gotta get to church.

A nice night all the way around.

Debating debate 1

Some random thoughts following the first presidential debate last night:

• Just to put things in perspective, I like this article by Scot McKnight on CT's blog: 'The Eschatology of Politics.' It's one thing to vote and whatnot, but as Scot says, "Our hope is in the gospel of God that creates a kind of people that extends God's gospel to the world." Nice article on a Christian perspective of politics.
• As far as the debate... there were things both candidates said that made me cringe.
• I didn't like hearing Obama say that Bin Laden should be "killed."
  
• McCain just comes off as an arrogant doofus to me. I couldn't believe the lack of respect he had for Obama. That's kind of his trademark though.
  
• Obama would do better to just shrug off Johnny's comments and not respond to them, because I don't think most Americans care if someone is telling the truth or not.
• I was surprised Johnny actually decided to show up for the debate in the first place. I think he thinks we should just give him the white house without he or Sarah ever having to explain themselves to anyone.
  
• Interesting that Sarah Palin chose not to respond to the debate afterwards. Apparently even her own party doesn't trust her? I just can't believe she is a viable vp candidate (especially after seeing parts of the Katie Couric interview). Oh, that's right, but she's cute.
  
• I am saddened that things like integrity and honesty seem to mean so little to so many.
• I would give the nod in this debate to Obama for actually answering the questions that were asked, for giving real answers rather than just saying "I can do this," and because he continues to show that he has a better grasp on reality. McCain continues to show himself as an out of touch old-timer (to me).
  

'Come september' again

This past summer I linked to a post of son Isaac's containing a speech by India's Arundhati Roy entitled "Come September." You'll need to go to Isaac's blog to read the entire speech. I thought it was worth reposting a blurb from it now, though, in light of the current little financial fiasco we're going through. While Americans are trying to blame it on Republicans or Democrats, perhaps we're a bit naive to think we really have that much say in the matter.

Here's the tidbit from Roy's speech...

Donald Rumsfeld said that his mission in the War Against Terror was to persuade the world that Americans must be allowed to continue their way of life. When the maddened king stamps his foot, slaves tremble in their quarters. So, standing here today, it's hard for me to say this, but "The American Way of Life" is simply not sustainable. Because it doesn't acknowledge that there is a world beyond America.

But fortunately, power has a shelf life. When the time comes, maybe this mighty empire will, like others before it, overreach itself and implode from within. It looks as though structural cracks have already appeared. As the War Against Terror casts its net wider and wider, America's corporate heart is hemorrhaging. For all the endless, empty chatter about democracy, today the world is run by three of the most secretive institutions in the world: The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization, all three of which, in turn, are dominated by the U.S. Their decisions are made in secret. The people who head them are appointed behind closed doors. Nobody really knows anything about them, their politics, their beliefs, their intentions. Nobody elected them. Nobody said they could make decisions on our behalf. A world run by a handful of greedy bankers and C.E.O.'s whom nobody elected can't possibly last.

Soviet-style communism failed, not because it was intrinsically evil but because it was flawed. It allowed too few people to usurp too much power. Twenty-first century market-capitalism, American style, will fail for the same reasons. Both are edifices constructed by the human intelligence, undone by human nature.

Now, I'm not trying to be a doom-and-gloom, end-times sensationalist. I find great hope in this. And, personally, I don't give two hoots about anyone's political persuasion, nationality, or religious convictions. Babeling towers have fallen before, and who are we to think it won't happen again. This morning I've been thinking of Matthew 24:

6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains...

...12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations...

The "gospel of the kingdom"... the good news of Jesus Christ. Now THAT is what I'm talkin' about. I'm not being "anti-American" when I say my faith is not in our country or our military or our government. I don't think the "American Way" is even a consideration to the God of the universe. The "way of Christ" is our only hope. Sure, maybe a bunch of rich American politicians can "save" a way of life for a small group of people for a little while. But what then? It won't last. Salvation - the setting things right for everyone for all time - cannot be bought for a mere 700 billion dollars. It has already been purchased for those whose faith and trust is in Jesus Christ.

As Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." Come September, or October, or November, or... whenever. That works for me.

Peace out, folks; and more importantly... peace in.

To emerging and beyond...

I have heard talk lately of Scot McKnight and Dan Kimball spearheading some kind of new movement, sort of for those who are 'emerging' but not necessarily 'emergent' (I think; maybe; I dunno). It has something to do with the Lausanne Covenant, which I have heard of, but am linking here because I don't know that much about it and should probably give it a read sometime.

Anyway, I guess I am interested to see what Scot and Dan work out, because I have a great deal of respect for the two of them. I have actually met Scot, and emailed a few times, and we both came from north-central Illinois; and Dan has been kind enough to comment on my blog before, and we share similar tastes in music, and I have always admired the way he patiently explains things and his commitment to evangelism. So I am anxious to see what they come up with.

I wish we could just be called 'Christians' or 'Christ-followers' though. But I suppose that's a bit too idealistic. Just don't call me Shirley. We'll see what's next.

Lawyered up and ready to go

So I guess we have a lawyer now. Last week we finally got to work on getting a will. We have talked about it since the kids were wee little tiny, and I guess now that they're both adults we don't need to worry about who's going to get custody anymore. But since we're landowners now we thought we'd still better get one done. Especially since the land is "in the family." We wouldn't want some schmuck getting a little slice right in the middle of Jane's brothers property.

While we were at the lawyer's we also had two other documents drawn up. One is a... something or other that's supposed to be better than a living will. It gives the other one of us the option to decide what happens if we're in a coma or whatever (rather than having the doctor decide). The other was a power of attorney thing. So... we should be all set to die now, or at least be incapacitated. Boy do I feel better.

Now we need to get to work on filling out the little booklets we got from our church called "Let The Choice Be Mine: A Personal Guide to Planning Your Own Funeral" (www.funeralplanning1.com). It's nothing legal, but just a way to write down your personal wishes regarding what funeral home to use, where to be buried, organ donation, how you want 'disposed of,' type of grave marker, info about your life and for the death certificate, how you would like your funeral to be, where all your insurance and financial records are, and other useful stuff.

I know this all sounds a bit morbid, but I have met too many times with funeral directors and families and, even with the best of funeral directors, there is just a lot that needs to be thought about with not much time to think about it. So the more that can be planned ahead of time, the better it is for everyone involved.

Jane and I have been trying to decide where we would like to be buried, and who we would like to do the service. Anyone want to volunteer to do my funeral service for me? I was kind of thinking I would just have her cremate me and keep me in a coffee can. I don't know, somebody would probably end up drinking me, and I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

Ok... that's enough for now. Peace.

A fall joke

Since it's the first day of fall and it is my favorite of the seasons, I thought I would tell a joke. I'm not sure if this is exactly how it goes, and I have no idea where I first heard it, but this has to be one of the funniest jokes of all time.

What did the horse say who had fallen down and couldn't get back up?

"Help! I've fallen and I can't giddy up."

Worship music

The other night I found some of our old worship cds. Mostly old Vineyard stuff. I've been listening to them the past few days and it's been nice. It's mellow, and it's the kind of music that really helped transform me into a new person back in the early and mid-90's (I know, it was Jesus that transformed me, but I think he used music to help).

I hate to admit it, though, but I don't listen to much "Christian" music anymore. Every now and then I'll force myself to try to listen to the local Christian radio station and... I'm sorry, but I just can't take it. I don't know if it's more because of the dj's or the music. All that happy-clappy, over-caffeinated, ccm-type stuff just... well, let's just say I don't like it. Maybe I'm just old.

I'm not really very familiar with any current worship/Christian type music. I like Josh Garrels, and some old stuff from Jars of Clay, Ashley Cleveland, Rich Mullins and stuff like that. So there's probably a whole bunch that I don't even know about. I used to subscribe to some worship magazines that sent out new music, but it got pretty predictable.

Anyway, I was glad to find these cd's. Does anyone know of any people or groups that are worth listening to today?

Government is not enough

I've been getting rather political lately, and I don't much like it. Not that I don't think there is a place for civil government, but... it's not really my place. At any rate, Jane pointed out Philip Yancey's article in the Sept. '08 issue of Christianity Today (can't find it online) called "On the Grand Canyon Bus: The Christian life is about the journey as well as the destination." Yancey was getting ready to speak at a state prayer luncheon, and he quotes Germon philosopher Jurgen Habermas as saying, "Democracy requires of its citizens qualities that it cannot provide." Yeah... I think that's a problem we've had a hard time dealing with.

He says in the article...

Politicians can conjure an exalted vision of a prosperous, healthy, free society, but no government can supply the qualities of honesty, compassion, and personal responsibility that must underlie this vision.

For all its strengths, the United States shows some alarming signs of ill health. With less than 5 percent of the world's population, we have 25 percent of the world's prisoners - more than Russian and China combined. We consume half of all the prescription drugs in the world, and yet by most standards our overall health ranks lower than most other developed countries'. In ever major city, homeless people sleep in parks and under bridges. And our leading causes of death are self-inflicted: obesity, alcohol, sexually transmitted diseases, stress-related illnesses, drugs, violence, environmental cancers. Obviously, politicians have not solved all our problems.

He doesn't point this out to say how bad the U.S. is, but rather, to recognize the vital role that faith plays in a healthy society.

He goes on...

People of the Christian faith are charged to uphold a different kind of vision. That this is God's planet, not ours, and as we scar it beyond repair, God weeps. That a person's worth is determined not by appearance or income or ethnic background or even citizenship status, but rather is bestowed as a sacred, inviolable gift of God. That compassion and justice - our care for "the least of these my brothers," in Jesus' words - are not arbitrary values agreed upon by politicians and sociologists, but holy commands from the One who created us.

Yancey compares it to a busload of tourists en route to the Grand Canyon who, the whole beautiful way there keep the shades pulled - intent only on the destination. "As a result," he says we "spend [our] time arguing over such matters as who has the best seat and who's taking too much time in the bathroom." He says, "We should remember that the Bible has far more to say about how to live during the journey than about the ultimate destination." Being an "either/or" type of person contradicts Jesus' message. We should be "both/and" people... "Devoted to God's creatures and God's children as well as to God, and as committed to this life as to the afterlife."

This was a good article for me to read. I don't know that it makes near as much difference who gets elected as President of the USA, as it does what kind of role faith plays in the lives of everyday people like you and me. So no matter what your preferred party, candidate, or even country of citizenship, don't let politics replace your vision and call from God to be his person, carrying out his mission, on our journey home. Let's keep the shades up and our eyes open.

Peace out, peeps; and in.

Politics and abortion

A good article by Tony Campolo on 'Moving the Abortion Debate Beyond Partisan Purists.' You should read the whole thing, but here's a good chunk of it:

More than 60 percent of all abortions are economically driven. The reality is that without provisions for hospital coverage; pre- and post-natal care; maternity leave so that a woman giving birth will not lose her job; and nursing assistance to help single mothers transition into parenthood, millions of women who want to carry their pregnancies to term will not do so.

The good news is that, with help from Jim Wallis and others, the party platform now calls for these needs to be met. It also calls for educational programs to reduce unwanted pregnancies, with room for the teaching of abstinence, and asks for government agencies to make adoptions easier.

These achievements were lauded by Democrats for Life and by the Catholic Alliance for Life. While at the Democratic National Convention, religious leaders of other faith traditions personally thanked me for my efforts. Even leaders of some pro-choice organizations hailed this compromise, claiming that at last they could find some common ground with pro-life advocates.

Purists, on the other hand, have had hard words for me, claiming that I should not have been involved in any way with a political party that is pro-choice. While I understand their desire to settle for nothing less than the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, I nevertheless believe that my decision to work for abortion reduction was a good one.

Consider these questions: If 10 children are drowning in a swimming pool, and you can only save six of them, should you save the six? Or, should you wait until help arrives that can save them all, even if you know that the six you could save will be lost in the meantime?

To my Christian brothers and sisters who are part of the party that has a pro-life platform, I have to ask whether they are willing to hold the Republican Party to its pro-life commitments. For several years, the Republicans controlled the White House and both houses of Congress, and had a Supreme Court wherein seven of its nine judges were Republican appointees. Yet no effort was made to overturn Roe vs. Wade -- and very little pressure to do something about this was put on Republican leaders by evangelicals who had given them 82 percent of their votes in 2004. And, are they willing to demand that provisions such as I worked for in the Democratic platform become policies of their party? To fail to do so would be to protect the unborn child and then abandon that child and the mother in the delivery room.

This, to me, is the problem I have with people who claim they can't support Obama solely because he is not an anti-abortion purist. So, would it be better if he just SAID he was against all abortions for any reason, but DID NOTHING ABOUT IT? It seems to me trying to do something about some abortions is better than doing nothing about all abortions. But that's just me.

ht - Jordon Cooper

Just thinking #8675309

Lots of things on my mind, none of which are very important or taking up too much disc space.

• I don't know if it was a good thing the government bailed out AIG, but at least we still have life insurance. So I can die in peace knowing my family will be... well, hopefully able to pay for the funeral anyhow.
• I attended a middle school football game at Norwell the other night. I thought more about possibly volunteering to be an assistant football coach someday. But I'm thinking coaching at the middle school level almost looks harder than high school, because so many kids had absolutely no clue about anything.
• Have you seen this story about the girl who is auctioning off her virginity to pay for grad school? She got her bachelors degree in Women's Studies (of all things), and they say, "Natalie is a very smart girl. All she wants to do is get her master's degree in family and marriage counseling and be a psychologist." Wow. That is mind-boggling to me. And sad.
• I hear Josh Garrels is doing an album release show (and probably his only midwest show for some time) in Muncie on Saturday, September 27th. It will be at Muncie Alliance Church, 5601 West Jackson St., Muncie, IN at 8 pm. $3 cover. I think my whole fam might be able to make it (right?).
• I should probably point out after my post yesterday that I am not a member of any political party. I prefer to do my partying with Jane.
• I spent half of last night organizing cds and empty cd cases. I filled a big cardboard box with nothing but empty cases. It took forever to go through them and find which ones had cds and which didn't (and which had the right cds), and then alphabetize them all. Oh, and, Isaac... I found a box of yours that you brought here this past summer. If you're looking for them. Anyway, they are all in one place now. I was glad to find one from the Lions, Kings of Leon, and Bob Marley that I didn't know we had.
• Blogger is being weird this morning. Hmm. Guess I'll go.

Peace out; and in.

Why I like Barack Obama

I am always hesitant to post my thoughts on politics for a couple of reasons: 1) I feel like I'm kinda in the minority in my circles and I really don't like to ruffle people's feathers (really), and 2) I realize I'm not the smartest cookie in the jar, and my reasons for liking Barack Obama may not be the best there are. But I guess that's one of the "benefits" of our system - an idiot schmuck like me can have just as much say as the most knowledgeable of political pundits. So... I decided to finally move this post from draft mode to publish.

I would also like to say that I have no problem with those who support another candidate, or choose not to vote at all. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. How you vote doesn't matter to me, and is really none of my business. But I would like to write out for myself, and have a little keepsake of it, so in a few years I'll be able to remember why I endorsed Barack Obama for president of the USA. That's what MY blog is for. So...

I will most likely vote for Senator Obama not because I believe he is the "lesser of two evils" (as many people feel), but because I actually like him and think he will be a good president. Of course, I could be wrong, and I certainly don't agree with him on all issues. I wouldn't expect to agree with any politician (or person, for that matter) on everything. Scot McKnight has a nice post HERE about Obama as president, and I tend to agree with him in that one of the main reasons I like Obama is simply because I respect him and I think he is genuine and he tells the truth. That might not mean much to some people, but it means a lot to me.

I also came across Brian McLaren's "Why I'm Voting for Obama" and I tend to like his "framing story" thoughts as well. That's kind of what I had been thinking, I'm just not able to say things as well as Brian.

And I think we're going to need someone like Barack. In Frost & Hirsch's book The Shaping of Things to Come they say, "One of the best working definitions of poverty is not just the lack of money but the lack of a dream, a vision, hope." And it could just be me, but I think poverty in this regard is going to become a growing problem in our country. We have been living on credit for too long, and I think a lot of people are going to be in for a lot of changes. I believe dreams and vision and hope are going to be in great demand in the very near future. I don't say this to be fatalistic, but I say it because people-watching and a concern for the welfare of others is my occupation... my business... my life. And I would never confuse Obama with the Messiah - who is the only true hope we humans have - but at the same time, I think he is the best option we have as a politician when it comes to matters of civil government and world relations at this time.

As far as the abortion issue... I mean no disrespect, but I think it is shallow and misguided to think that is the ONLY thing that matters, or that this trumps all other concerns. I think the honest truth is that sometimes there are other things that are just as important, and maybe even more important. And that doesn't mean I don't value life. I value all lives. Certainly I am not in favor of a woman having an abortion, and I don't think Obama is either. I believe life starts at conception, if not before. However, I have no problem with Obama thinking it is not the governments job to tell people they need to believe that too. As Gov. Palin has stated, her daughter CHOSE to keep her baby, and the Religious Right think she should be praised for doing so. So why shouldn't others get to choose for themselves too? Or does it depend on who you are? I think trying to legislate morality walks a very fine line. And you can spare me the sermons on taking innocent lives. It doesn't hold water in my book unless you're willing to talk capital punishment and war theory as well.

So... for what it's worth... that's where I stand. Is Barack Obama a perfect presidential candidate? Nope. But neither is anyone else. Will it matter if he doesn't win? Probably not. But as of right now he's my choice, and may God be with you in making yours.

Peace out, folks; and in.

The sleeping bag, and no clothes

In my post on musical instruments MR made a comment about Jim Croce's sleeping bag. He was referring to the sleeping bag I have that actually was given to me by a guy who played drums in Jim's band. I can't remember his name now, but I did check it out once, and it seemed legit. The story goes...

Back in the late '70's early 80's I worked in a little gas station along Interstate 80 in Illinois (exit 45 to be exact). One morning I came to work and someone was sleeping in back of the station. This wasn't all that uncommon and I just assumed he had either been stranded, or he was hitchiking. Sure enough, he finally woke up, and he was hitchiking across America. I don't know if it was because I usually had my guitar at work with me or what, but we struck up a conversation, and he actually ended up spending the entire day there with me at the gas station (I think I was working like 8 am to 10 pm). He claimed to be Jim Croce's drummer, and I don't really remember what all we did otherwise. Anyway, the next morning when I came to work, he'd left his sleeping bag rolled up like this in front of the door, along with some other "paraphenalia," and a note thanking me for my hospitality. I think he even left me his home address and such in case I was ever in ... I think it was California.

So that's the story on the sleeping bag we keep in the trunk of our car. We have used it many times at concerts and picnics and things. This is actually the trunk of the Buick Century. We don't have anything in the trunk of the new car yet. I guess I need to get to work on that.


In other exciting news... last night we went to Kohls. Jane needed some new pants and we had a coupon. While there I looked at clothes on the clearance rack. Ugh. It's always so discouraging, because I seem to fall between sizes. Large shirts are too big, and mediums can be a bit snug in certain spots. And I tried on some jeans - because I only have one pair that don't have holes in the knees and I don't like that particular pair very much. The 34x30's almost fall off of me, but the 32's are too tight. It doesn't help that I don't like to wear a belt, and they need to fit well without tucking my shirt in (because I hate tucking my shirt in), but they need to be loose enough for those times when I have to tuck a shirt in. So... I didn't get anything. Jane found some pants. She's so much easier to please than me. That probably goes without saying.

Yep.

JATS 2007

We were in attendance at this show in 2007 - the Perry Baggs benefit show at the Exit/In in Nashville. Best rock-n-roll show I have ever been to.

Youtube: Jason & the Scorchers "Both Sides of the Line"

JATS 1987

I'm pretty sure Lady Jane and I were in attendance at this show in Normal, IL. There's a video HERE of when Warner throws his guitar down at the end after blowing 3 amps, and this one is where Jason helps people across the little creek so they can get closer to the stage. We might even be in the video, but who would know with these outfits. Hehe...

Youtube: Jason & the Scorchers "I Can't Help Myself"

JATS 1984

Early Jason & the Scorchers doing 'Lost Highway/Great Balls of Fire'. I think they're in Germany.

Youtube: Jason & the Scorchers

JATS article

A nice article in the Tennessean, "Nashville's Greatest Rock Band, Scorchers Get Their Due," about Jason & the Scorchers getting set to receive their Americana Lifetime Achievement Award this Thursday. I should probably just shoot myself for not being there. Dang.

Some nice pics from the Tennessean HERE.

I liked this blurb from the article:

"The four of us got together, and started with Carl Perkins' 'Gone, Gone, Gone' and it was an explosion of conflicting chemical components," Ringenberg said. "Right from the first verse, it was there."

Baggs quickly broke a drumstick, and he finished the audition with a tree branch he found in Ringenberg's yard. Weeks later, they recorded a four-song record called Reckless Country Soul, and then they played a New Year's Eve show in Murfreesboro at a club called K.O. Jams. The music was raw and furious, as "Jason and the Nashville Scorchers" whipped Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" until it bled. Patrons began hurling chairs and tables into walls, and the dance floor was littered with wood chunks. People threw beer mugs through windows. Rock 'n' roll, hoochie coo.

I can still remember Jason's brother bringing over an advance pressing of Reckless Country Soul and thinking "this is wild." We lived in a big old house on the outskirts of Neponset, IL. We were renting it for $100 a month. Later that summer we drove to Champaign, IL with Jason's brother in the backseat (with his guitar) and saw JATS for the first time live at an upstairs bar called Mabel's on Green Street. That was even wilder.

I should be in Nashville this week.

[Side note: the picture of me in my profile (black t-shirt, flashing peace sign) was taken at Jason's house last summer]

Musical instruments

Some of our instruments - not including my Yamaha acoustic guitar with the musicians prayer taped on it that Isaac has (I believe Jane bought me this guitar in the late '80's at a small shop in Peru, IL), or the trombone & trumpet that are in the garage. Click on the pics to enlarge.

This is Jane's piano that she has had since she was in 5th grade (she thinks her parents bought it in 1974). It is a Story & Clark. It was at her parents house, then our house in Buda, then her moms again, and now it's at our house in Indiana.
This is actually a Horwedel violin. It is 3/4 size, and works fine. It was hand-made by my great grandfather - Ross Valentine Horwedel - when he was 18 years old, in 1894, in Vermont, Illinois. I was given his first name as my middle name. My parents had it restored by V. Newell Gates of Spring Valley, IL several years ago and gave it to me for Christmas. It is the only "family thing" I have (other than my childhood dresser that Jane's brother made into a hutch).

This is my Alvarez/Yairi acoustic-electric DY-40C with system 600T electronics (and built in tuner) that I use to lead worship at church. The church bought it for me (well, they paid about half) probably around 2000 or 2001. It was bought at Studio One in Huntington, IN. The autographs are from Tommy Womack ("Hi Dan, God bless.") and Jason Ringenberg ("To Dan: my friend and fellow traveler. Best Always").
This is the Fender Acoustosonic Junior acoustic amp that I use at church (pictured with the Yairi a/e). I bought it at Rosewood Music in Findlay, OH in 1997). A really nice amp.
This is my Yamaha FG411E acoustic/electric guitar that I keep at home. I believe I also got it at Rosewood Music in Finday, OH in 1997. I used to use it to lead worship, but the electronics need some work. (Bogie wanted to be in a picture - he's such a ham).

This is my pink/red Yamaha 4-string bass guitar and Gallien-Krueger bass amp that Graham used for many years at our church (and Isaac before him). I bought it around 1998 from Bob Baratta (who used to own Rosewood Music) in Findlay, OH. Those are some of my office bookshelves in the background.

This is Isaac's red Tradition electric guitar that he used in his first few bands. It has a really nice metal sound. We bought it at Studio One Music in Huntington, IN probably around 2001.

The black metal flake electic guitar is Isaac's Danelectro that he bought in Fort Wayne at Guitar Exchange. I was actually going to buy it (because of the name) but he bought it instead. And now it lives in my house. :)
This Crate amp (with foot pedal) was bought at Studio One in Huntington in 2000, and was Isaac's first amp. It makes a nice practice amp.

Classic sermons

I listened to these two sermons yesterday. I had never heard this one by Rev. Wright (that had something to do with inspiring Obama's book), and it is good. I've heard "When God Was At His Best" several times, and it gets me every time. It is by far my favorite sermon of all time. It's funny, because I prefer listening to this "style" of preaching, but I don't preach like this at all. I wish I could. These are two of the best (in my humble opinion) though. Good stuff.

• Rev. Jeremiah Wright - "The Audacity to Hope"
• Rev. E.V. Hill - "When Was God At His Best"

Food habit

I'm kind of a creature of habit, especially when it comes to eating. My daily routine almost always consists of the following:

• I start the day with 2 cups of coffee and a bowl of Quaker Instant Oatmeal: Maple and Brown Sugar (low sodium), made with skim milk (2 minutes in the microwave) - while reading news, email, and blogs on the computer. We buy the Walmart Fair Trade coffee (I know, seems like a contradiction).
• When I head to the office I take another coffee in a to-go cup - which I will sip from until 11 am or so.
• Around 10 am I eat a banana, and maybe a breakfast bar (I just recently bought some of these - blueberry, low fat fruit and gran bars).
• At lunch I have a bowl of cereal with skim milk (unless there are leftovers in the fridge that I'm capable of heating up). Currently in the cupboard: Raisin Bran, Frosted Spoon-size Shredded Wheat, Crispex, and Golden Grahams.
  
• In the afternoon I might have a little package of cheese & crackers (reduced fat), and maybe a can of diet pepsi, or water.
• I usually have a couple of glasses of water at various points during the day, and sometimes a can of v8 vegetable juice.
• For supper I eat whatever Jane sets in front of me. Which is always most excellent. We eat lots of chicken, and usually some kind of green veggy; often rice, and all kinds of other good stuff. Along with a glass of water.
• At night I almost always have a glass of cranberry juice (100%), and maybe some triscuits, or carrots, or cheese, or something like that.
• In the winter I almost always have a cup of hot tea with a hall's cough drop in it before bed.

There ya go. That's my day. The only regular variation is that Friday nights Lady Jane and I always go out to eat somewhere, and we almost always go out for lunch after church on Sunday. Sometimes there will be other occasional glitches, but for the most part... this is it. Every day.

Moments with andrea

I was looking for a reading today and looked through Andrea's poems. Incredible stuff. These three really stuck out to me.

Anonymous Moment
"I screamed at God for all the starving children,
and then I realized
that all of the starving children
were God screaming at me." -
Anonymous

Withdrawing Moment
many times
Jesus withdrew from the crowds
so they would not be able to
force their agenda upon Him

how often
I wonder
does He withdraw Himself
from our churches today
for the very same reason

A Moment
fishermen
who do not fish
fight

A task from god?

Man, I am so out of touch with the news. I just heard about the Focus on the Family video asking people to pray that it would rain when Obama gave his speech at the Democratic National Convention, and then I stumbled onto the news that Gov. Sarah Palin thinks the Iraq war is a "task from God." What!?! Don't believe me? Here's the youtube, and a news story HERE, and HERE (as well as a bunch of other places). Wow.

Just this morning I was reading in Greg Boyd's book The Myth of A Christian Nation (p. 48-49):

Our battle is "not against flesh and blood" (Eph. 6), whether they are right wing or left wing, gay or straight, pro-choice or pro-life, liberal or conservative, democratic or communist, American or Iraqi. Our battle is against the "cosmic powers" that hold these people, and all people, in bondage. Whatever our own opinions about how the kingdom of the world should run, whatever political or ethical views we may happen to embrace, our one task as kingdom-of-God disciples is to fight FOR people, and the way we do it is by doing exactly what Jesus did. He defeated the cosmic powers of darkness by living a countercultural life characterized by outrageous love and by laying down his life for his enemies. So too, we contribute to the demise of the "power over" principalities that hold people in bondage when we refrain from judgment of others and rather extend grace to them, when we let go of anger toward others and instead "come under" them in loving service.

I know some people think the war in Iraq actually is a way of fighting "for" people. But I think it was Shane Claiborne who said something to the effect... "When Jesus said to love our enemies, I think that included not killing them."

Peace out; and in.

Grass roots: creating kingdom outposts 1

I've had this little booklet called Creating Kingdom Outposts: Straightforward Thoughts On Church Planting for a month or so now. It was written by a friend of mine - Fran Leeman - and I've read it, and leafed back through it, and read it again, and set it on my desk, and the coffee table, and my other desk, and carried it around, and looked at it, and felt it looking back at me, and... I've just not known how to go about blogging about it. There is some really good stuff packed within 40 pages of 8 1/2 x 11 paper folded in half. Eventually it's supposed to be put into a pdf so everyone can see it, but until then... I thought maybe I'd just write out chapter 1 for ya'll (with Fran's approval). My only complaint is that it's all written in regard to church planting, and I believe it's applicable to church of any stripe (and I think Fran would agree). So I just kinda gloss over the "planting" parts. Here is Chapter 1: "The Point of It All"...

Anyone watching church planting over the last twenty years would conclude that the whole point is just to get butts in the seats of the church. After all the effort we have expended to that end, we have megachurches (which have mostly scooped up sheep from the smaller pens), but few "Christians" who seem to know the secrets Jesus came to tell, or whose lives seem much different or more centered than those of the "non-Christians" around them. In my opinion, although those of us who have lived the "church growth movement" often did so from good motives, we often valued the wrong things. We measured success in terms of attendance numbers, rather than transformed lives and lives that caught the vision of the kingdom mission.

Our efforts to reach out were admirable, to be sure, but we saw getting people into church, rather than discipleship, as the goal. Jesus said, "Come follow me". In the Sermon on the Mount, he speaks of those who build their lives on the words he has spoken. There is a reason the early believers were called "The Way" - it's not just a belief system, it's a path. And the path is the one that leads us into a new life ("I came that they might have life" - John 10:10). When Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world," he is saying, "You are the true human beings"... "but if the salt loses its saltinesss, how can it be made salty again?" In other words, losing our humanity is serious business, and it is the restoration of our very human hearts and lives with which our Creator is concerned. A few years ago, I read only the Gospels for one whole year (and mostly the red letters). What I encountered was a Jesus more concerned with what kind of human being I am becoming than with religious externals or merely keeping me out of hell (I say "merely" not because heaven and hell are not serious considerations, but because those destinations themselves are about the very kind of creatures we will be forever).

So you want to start a new church community? Why? What's the point? If it's for anything less than to make disciples, to see people find restoration and life, then don't start a church. And don't start a church because you're mad at your old church, or to be in the limelight, or to be successful. The invitation from Jesus to start a new Jesus-community is the invitation to join him in dying so that others may live. It's a great adventure with many joys, but it will cost you... It's worth it, but don't enter in without counting the cost.

Fran and another friend - Brian Miller - are starting Grass Roots. It is "...a network of churches and leaders helping each other live out the call to follow Jesus Christ by knowing God deeply, making disciples, living incarnationally in our culture, and living missionally in the world." They say if you "want to play" to contact them. They have a facebook page HERE (at least I think I can link to it - I'm never sure with facebook). You can also click through the links to Fran or Brian's blogs, or drop a comment here. I'm playing, or at least trying to.

Sunday morning surprise, and stuff

Yesterday was a surprising day in many respects. I was kind of dreading it because... 1) We were going back to our early start time - with a breakfast at 9 am and the worship service at 10; 2) there were a bunch of people that I knew were going to be gone; 3) I was preaching on a topic that is a bit of a struggle for me, and to be honest, it's often hard to do without sounding either like a hypocrite or like I have no idea what I'm talking about; and, 4) I just had this kind of 'lack of intensity' or something about me. I wasn't happy with the sermon, or the order of service, or anything. I was in a weird sorta mood.

But... for some odd reason it ended up being a really good morning. The breakfast went great - with more people than I expected. The worship service also had more people than I expected. And what was most interesting was just the "feel" - for lack of a better word. There was a certain "freeness" or "looseness" or something. Maybe no one else noticed it, but I did. Everybody seemed to be singing really loud, and people shared freely, and seemed more open and alive, and there just seemed to be a good 'vibe' in the air. Part of it might have been because the drummer decided to use the drum set instead of hand drums. I think the extra "noise" makes people feel more comfortable singing. Whatever it was, it was nice.

I also think it has been really good for me to quit taking attendance. I haven't done it for over a month now, and it really is freeing to me as a pastor. I still worry about the possibility of people being able to "slip through the cracks," but it keeps my mind from going off in the wrong direction. It keeps me from thinking about who's not there, and how many are there, and how if we only had a few more we would have had "this many," and wondering who was sleeping in, and who was probably too hung over, and who was... whatever. I don't like it when I do that, but it's hard not too in a small church like ours. Anyway, it's nice to finally just be happy with whoever shows up and not worry about those who don't. But I admit that that is still hard for me to do. You know, I don't want to "not care" about those who aren't there. But at the same time I simply cannot own other people's problems for them anymore. It really wears me down and makes me very unhealthy. Which isn't good for anybody.

I tried to explain to the church council about why I quit taking attendance. I didn't do a very good job. I think many of them thought it was because it was too hard to "take a count" or something. Counting is not the problem. In fact, it's hard for me still to not take a mental count. The hard part is keeping things in perspective. Keeping my mind focused. I don't know. I still can't explain it very well.

Today I am tired though. I started reading Greg Boyd's book The Myth of a Christian Nation. I've been thinking about doing a preaching series on religion and politics. But... I dunno. I'm sure it would create some controversy, and I don't want it to be seen as endorsing one candidate over another. We'll see.

Peace out folks; and in.

Preaching

Frederick Buechner has been one of my favorite writers since my seminary days when I discovered him. Yesterday I ran across this gem from his book Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy & Fairy Tale on Jim Martin's blog. Great stuff for me to be reminded of. This isn't exactly how things work at my church, but still, sometimes we tend to forget things like this. I think I should get this book.

…Fresh from breakfast with his wife and children and a quick run through of the Sunday papers, the preacher climbs the steps to the pulpit with his sermon in his hand. He hikes his black robe up at the knee so that he will not trip over it on the way up. His mouth is a little dry. He has cut himself shaving. He feels as if he has swallowed an anchor. If it weren’t for he honor of the thing, he would just as soon be somewhere else.

In the front pews the old ladies turn up their hearing aids, and a young lady slips her six-year old a Lifesaver and a Magic Marker. A college sophomore home for vacation, who is there because he was dragged there, slumps forward with his chin in his hand. The vice-president of a bank who twice that week has seriously contemplated suicide places his hymnal in the rack. A pregnant girl feels the life stir inside her. A high-school math teacher, who for twenty years has managed to keep his homosexuality a secret for the most part even from himself, creases his order of service down the center with his thumbnail and tucks it under his knee…

…The preacher pulls the little cord that turns on the lectern light and deals out his note cards like a riverboat gambler. The stakes have never been higher. Two minutes from now he may have lost his listeners completely to their own thoughts, but at this minute he has them in the palm of his hand. The silence in the shabby church is deafening because everybody is listening even himself. Everybody knows the kind of things he has told them before and not told them, but who knows what this time, out of the silence, he will tell them? (Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy & Fairy Tale, pp. 22-23)

Soul-audio

Last night we went down and checked out son Isaac's new apartment, and he told me about a new web venture called Soul-Audio. It's full of news, reviews, features and other good stuff (including tunes) in the Christian music and arts realm. His pastor (Matt Conner) is one of the writers, and it looks pretty good.

The Soul-Audio "about" page says:

The Idea:

If the calling we believe in is to be salt and light, then that should be loud and clear in the artistry Christians produce. We believe that should be the same for a media outlet as well.

Introducing Soul-Audio: where excellent design meets intelligent content in a format intended to draw an audience and keep it with the same pursuit of quality we expect from the artists and musicians we cover.

You should check it out.

Not much

There's a John Prine song where he says "...not much..." and I can't remember anything else from it... But that part is swimming around in my head this morning. I'm sure that makes sense.

I did attend the Northrup vs. South Side freshman football game last night. Jane had class so I sat by myself in the rain. It didn't start raining until I got there. Fortunately I took a poncho. It was fun though. I was thinking throughout that maybe I would make a better freshman football coach than a pastor. And for most of the game I watched the interaction between the players and coaches on the sideline instead of the game. I briefly thought about offering to be a volunteer assistant. Maybe I could fill the water bottles or something, I dunno. It was also interesting to see the kids who had talent oozing from their bones, and how hard they worked to "look cool." But there were a couple of kids that were like 5'3" and 100 lbs. who were actually better "players" than them because of their hustle and heart. I suppose there's a church illustration there. Like, some people *know* a lot about the Bible and Jesus and whatnot, but that doesn't necessarily translate into... whatever.

I came home and ran my 5 miles much later than I should have, and watched some really bad speeches. I think somebody must have slipped Cindy McMahon some downers - or she dipped into some of her Anheiser-Busch stock before speaking. I felt bad for a couple of the speakers - and not just because they had to watch all the dancing going on. Reminded me of Elaine Benis. In general, John-Boy's speech was ok. Probably better than most of the other speakers at the rnc. The best thing I heard throughout this convention was him saying, "I hate war." I believe him too. But I don't think he plays that out the same way I do. Our faith is in totally different things/people.

Other than that... I feel weird today. Not sure why. Quiet. And I don't know what to do. I guess I haven't dusted in awhile. And the dog hasn't been out to the bathroom yet. I should probably carry him outside.

Oh... I did have one thought last night. Is it just me, or does Hank Hill's dad (Cotton) kind of remind you of John? Instead of no shins, he just can't raise his arms. That's what I kept thinking as I watched him talk last night.

Ok. Carry on. Peace out; and in.

Random #br549

Some random thoughts...

• Why do I keep thinking I watched Fargo last night?
• So far the rnc has been pretty predictable: a lot of muscle-flexing and mud-slinging. The same traits used by insecure middle-schoolers (boys and girls). And Rudy Guiliani is a joke.
  
• Some of you are aware that my contract with my church had run out in July, and there had been some question about a new one. That was finally taken care of.
  
• I ran on the treadmill 22 out of the 31 days in August, for a total of 87.7 miles. I think that averages out to about 4 miles per day. I'd never added it up like that before. Probably the most I've ever ran in a month's time.
  
• Lady Jane had an MRI last week. Fortunately she doesn't need back surgery just yet.
• I kind of rather liked when we were having communion every Sunday. I liked how it seemed to impact our group. So I don't know why I get the idea from people that they didn't really like doing it. Not sure what to do about it.
  
• It seems I'm the only one in my family or church that is blogging anymore. I suppose the kiddles do more stuff on facebook and whatnot.
  
• Driving a 5-speed makes me feel like I'm racing. And the new car is deceptively roomy. Though it's short on driver leg room - that's about the only drawback I've noticed. I did discover last night that you can actually 'pump up' the drivers seat. So it's kind of like I'm tall when I drive it.
  
• Tonight I think I'm going to a freshman football game at southside h.s. to watch the neighbor kid - unless it rains. I want to go to the game, but we could sure use some rain.
• This is my 1,200th post on this blog.
  
• Yep.
  

Warning: political rant

Okay, so I've not said much about the presidential race. Read this at your own risk. I am not responsible for raised blood pressure (other than my own).

I have to say, I don't know that I've ever watched a political convention before, but I thought the democratic national convention was pretty darn inspiring. I especially liked Obama's speech, and John Kerry's (didn't he used to be boring?). But since the republican's wanted to steal all the thunder from that... I'll veer in their direction...

Has anybody else noticed how WHITE the republican national convention is? I mean... it just seems like everybody's white.

And... now I see that the republicans want the press to leave sister Sarah alone. Hey, I've got nothing against her, but they do realize she is a vice presidential candidate, don't they? Pretty naive to think no one should know anything about her background if you ask me. According to this article, "Palin went through a rigorous process that included a three-hour interview and a survey with some 70 questions" (before being picked as vp candidate). Geezaroo... you've got to do that much to get a job at McDonald's flipping burgers. That's supposed to suffice for someone living in the white house!?! I don't blame republicans for not wanting to talk about her. I honestly think some of them thought it would be enough for us to just look at her. Ha!

And, you know, it's just like the conservative/republican/christian right to praise her (and her daughter) for not having abortions, but then not give a rip about what they do AFTER the kids are born. I mean, I kinda wonder if it might not even be 'un' christian to vote this republican ticket. What kind of parent would take a job like this when they've just had a child with downs syndrome and they just found out their unwed teenage daughter is pregnant? And what kind of person would wish that on anyone? Just having a newborn in itself is a full-time job, let alone everything else. I would think the Christian thing to do would be to attend to these extenuating family matters now, and devote yourself to your career later on if you want. "Aren't you kids glad mommy didn't abort you? But now I've got more important things to do, so... run along now."

I am certainly not opposed to a woman vice president (or president, for that matter). I just don't think Gov. Palin should be it. At least not right now. And given what we know about Johnny, it's entirely possible she would have to finish his term for him if he gets elected. This is not a sitcom, you know. It's kind of important.

And speaking of John... what does this say about his decision-making ability. Not that he isn't an upstanding dude and all that - I can admire his character and integrity - it's not that I don't like him. The truth is... I don't trust him. He's too prone to rash decisions, and I think this vp selection was nothing short of political shenanigans with little to no thought for the repercussions it might have later on ("nobody's going to tell me what to do").

Well, I could go on, but... I really don't care all that much. There is only one King, and I will serve him regardless of who gets elected president of the USA. For the record, there was plenty at the dnc that I didn't agree with too, and there's plenty I don't agree with Obama about. Electing a president in our country isn't about finding someone I agree with on every issue. But John-boy kinda scares me; and Obama kinda inspires me. Certainly inspiration isn't everything, but it's something. So... yeah.

Peace out; and in.

New josh garrels - jacaranda

Josh Garrels has a new album out. You can listen to it, and order, on his WEBSITE. There is a nice review HERE. I'm planning to get one, and still crossing my fingers for a show at our church sometime. Good stuff.

Smells and bells 7: patience

In Mark Galli's book Beyond Smells and Bells he has a chapter called "Drunken Sobriety" in which he talks about the difference between patience and impatience (among other things), and sorta how it's tied to the spiritual discipline of attending church worship services. I found it innaresting. He says on pp. 109-110:

The cure for impatience is not patience, as much as we might think it is. Impatience, after all, is the original sin: W.H. Auden said, "Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return." As such, impatience cannot be cured by will power, by just trying to be patient. We are no longer capable, by our own powers, of anything but impatience.

Instead we need to return again to the fountain of faith, the Spirit; for patience, along with love, joy, and peace, is a fruit of the Spirit. In practical terms what this means is simple: when we enter into liturgical worship, we look to the Spirit, who has been sent by the Father to manifest his Son. We do not look for a particular religious experience. We do not look to be edified. We do not look to be instructed.

We look to God. We worship him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We do this on weeks we feel the joy of the Lord. We do this on weeks we only feel despair. We do this on weeks we feel nothing. And if we do this for weeks and years, slowly we'll find that the soul is gaining its own sort of intelligence, that we're apprehending things the mind and heart cannot fathom, we're entering into the divine presence, and that divine presence is entering into us.

Yep. I like that. This is also the last post about this book - it's done. Good book.

The new car

Here's a pic of our new Hyundai Elantra. It is 'quicksilver gray'. Nothing fancy, but it sure is fun to drive. We get three months of free XM radio too! I could really dig having it longer - if it didn't cost money (which we will no longer have any of). There is also an auxiliary jack for the ipod (and a cd player). Our garage seems bigger now too.

New car

Well, we just bought a 2008 Hyundai Elantra. We're sitting in the showroom waiting on the finance guy. I finally won a game of solitaire, and am sick of eating the free popcorn, so thought I would blog about the purchase. A super nice salesman. We weren't planning to buy new, but just couldn't pass up the deal we got - even though we didn't get as much in trade on our '01 Taurus as I'd have liked. Maybe later I'll get a pic of the new car. I kinda liked the smaller Accent, but we went with the manual trans. Elantra because it comes with more stuff (like cruise control), and will be better on the highway. Anyway, once we get out of here I'll be excited. We've been waiting for about an hour now. Ugh.

Smells and bells 6: preaching

In Mark Galli's Beyond Smells and Bells he talks about the importance of preaching on p. 81:

Jesus also shows up in the preaching. "The one who hears you hears me," Jesus told his disciples as he sent them out (Luke 10:16a). And preachers since have understood that in one sense the preaching about the Word of God is the Word of God. It is not the revealed Word of Scripture, but it is a chief way by which Christ continues to speak to us.

What Richard Neuhaus wrote about "great" preaching applies to all preaching: "It is an Emmaus-like experience in which the Scriptures are opened up and you recognize Christ, and with him, with a fresh sense of discovery, you see the truth about yourself and your world."