Random thoughts to end the year on...
One of the most vivid recollections I have of being in my room during high school is listening to The Doors self-titled album with "The End" on it. For some reason I can remember sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed, listening to that over and over. And there was a plate under my bed with the remains of a beef pot pie for a long, long time.
I really get no kick from Champagne - never much liked the stuff. But for some odd reason I have always liked the city of Champaign. I don't know why. I've been there for concerts, and U of I games, and went to football camp there. I dunno....
My fondest memory from 2008 would definitely have to be our trip to Punta Cana, DR. I doubt there will ever be another vacation like it.
My biggest battle as this year comes to an end is loneliness. And it has nothing to do with being around people necessarily. I can feel totally alone in the midst of a group of people, and sometimes I feel totally unalone when no one is around. I think it has more to do with not feeling like I'm a part of anything. And every time I try to be, it seems to get even worse. Monday's are getting especially bad.
I've got a lot to be thankful for, but 2008 has been a looooong year. And this last week, while being a pretty good week, has left me more depressed than usual. I don't know if it's because I've only run one time in the past two weeks, if it's because we didn't go "home" for Christmas, if it's because my normal routine has been disrupted, or what, but I feel like I'm carrying a heavy weight.
It didn't help when we went to Wendy's for supper the other night - I had to wear my hat in because my hair was weirded out - and the girl at the counter looked up and said I looked like the singer for Blues Traveller. Nothing against John Popper, but... it didn't really make my night.
Whatever. It's just the normal noises. I hope everyone has a nice new year's eve.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Seeding missional communities (non)conference
I will likely be attending this event. I completely copied everything here from Ben. (thanks!)
Saturday, January 3rd from 8am-4pm Christ Community will be hosting a missional (non)conference thing called "Seeding Missional Communities: A Learning Commons" at Heartland Church (1025 Vance Ave).
Saturday, January 3rd from 8am-4pm Christ Community will be hosting a missional (non)conference thing called "Seeding Missional Communities: A Learning Commons" at Heartland Church (1025 Vance Ave).
Dave Fitch (a pastor at Life on the Vine in Chicago) as well as other missional leaders from the area will be in Fort Wayne to discuss an array of issues including:
- The merits of missional orders as a community-forming missional/evangelistic discipline.
- The Sunday gathering as missional.
- The need for a missional evangelistic tool to nurture new conversions in our communities.
It won't be anything fancy, we'll just gather, have different presenters and open discussion, and some time for decompression. THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE. No one will be selling books. We're just getting together to encourage and commiserate for the gospel.
If you plan to come, email me so we know how much coffee to make! If you'd like to present, email Dave. If you need a hotel room, the Holiday Inn IPFW will give you an $89 rate if you reference the "Seeding Missional Communities" conference.
The day will look like this:
8:00am: Introductions and prayer
8:45am: First presentation (20 minutes)
9:15am: Discussion- questions - prayer
10:00am: Break - coffee - chat - decompression.
10:30am: Second Presentation (20 minutes)
10:50am: Discussion - questions - prayer
12:00pm: Lunch
1:30pm: Third presentation (20 minutes)
1:50pm: Discussion - questions - prayer
2:45pm: Fourth presentation (20 minutes)
3:05pm: Discussion - questions - prayer
4:00pm: Dismissal - benediction - sent out for mission
To give you a taste of what an informal presentation looks like, take a look at Dave Fitch's 15 minute presentation below at Canada's Cultivate gathering last year. It's short and it's goal is to get the discussion going. This is the kind of presentation we'll be shooting for.
Dave Fitch - the Cultivate Talk on Missional Orders from Bill Kinnon on Vimeo.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Giving high, giving low
I was reviewing our weekly giving for the year and I thought this was interesting: Our lowest and highest offerings of the year were on back to back Sundays, and they were the last two Sundays of the year. Dec. 21 was $1009.00, and Dec. 28 was $3497.00. Every other Sunday was somewhere in between. Weird.
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
From The 2009 Abingdon Preaching Annual, cd, p. 445-446.
Monday, December 29, 2008
2008 books, etc.
It is a blue Monday. One of those days when I shouldn't write anything. So... I've been working on year-end stuff.
Here is the list of books I read in 2008 (though it seems like I'm forgetting something):
Here is the list of books I read in 2008 (though it seems like I'm forgetting something):
- Down To Earth Discipling: Essential Principles to Guide Your Personal Ministry, by Scott Morton
- Simple Church, by Thom Rainer & Eric Geiger
- The Mind of God, by James Emery White
- Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
- On The Road, by Jack Kerouac
- The Shaping of Things To Come, by Michael Frost & Alan Hirsch
- Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis
- The Organic God, by Margaret Feinberg
- The Tangible Kingdom, by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay
- Beyond Smells and Bells, by Mark Galli
- The Myth of A Christian Nation, by Greg Boyd
- Invitation To A Journey, by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
- Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way, by Walter Wink
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas supper
I wasn't going to blog about this, but we had some disagreement last night over the details of these suppers in years past.... so now we will know about 2008 for sure.
There is a nice couple in our church who give us money every Christmas, and we use it to take someone out to supper to a place we wouldn't normally go to. This year we took Carrie & Drew, and Laura & Isaac. We went to Granite City in FW. It was a beautiful night when we arrived, and I didn't mind the half hour wait standing outside with no coat on. But then the wind kinda picked up, so we moved inside the entryway (between the doors). Then, all of a sudden, it started raining cats and dogs and all kinds of other animals (minus the animals). It was a good thing we were inside. We finally got a seat and had a nice supper. I had the pork chops, with garlic mashed potatoes, slaw, and a diet pepsi. They have some mighty fine pork chops there.
After stuffing ourselves, we came home with Drew Carrie in tow, and Isaac and Laura went to a movie. Drew Carrie left for somewhere as soon as we got home. I spent the rest of the night trying to get the camera memory card to work in the computer again. One of the little tines got bent over, but I think I straightened it out.
Before we left to eat we opened the remainder of the presents since all six of us were here. Isaac & Laura got me Warren Zevon's "The Wind" cd. It has a killer version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" on it. And it was funny, 'cause Isaac and Laura got Jane a scarf from Ten Thousand Villages, and that's what we got Laura. Then they got Drew a pair of slippers, and that's what Drew Carrie got Laura. We gave Carrie another shirt, and Isaac a nerf basketball hoop, and Drew a shirt. Carrie got Jane this really nifty hand-made silver bracelet with the life of Christ on it. It was made by a guy who lives on a reservation in New Mexico where we have a church. Then we all watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special on dvd before heading out to eat.
I think a good night was had by all. It was, and still is, windy as all get-out.
This should just about end our Christmas festivities for the year.
There is a nice couple in our church who give us money every Christmas, and we use it to take someone out to supper to a place we wouldn't normally go to. This year we took Carrie & Drew, and Laura & Isaac. We went to Granite City in FW. It was a beautiful night when we arrived, and I didn't mind the half hour wait standing outside with no coat on. But then the wind kinda picked up, so we moved inside the entryway (between the doors). Then, all of a sudden, it started raining cats and dogs and all kinds of other animals (minus the animals). It was a good thing we were inside. We finally got a seat and had a nice supper. I had the pork chops, with garlic mashed potatoes, slaw, and a diet pepsi. They have some mighty fine pork chops there.
After stuffing ourselves, we came home with Drew Carrie in tow, and Isaac and Laura went to a movie. Drew Carrie left for somewhere as soon as we got home. I spent the rest of the night trying to get the camera memory card to work in the computer again. One of the little tines got bent over, but I think I straightened it out.
Before we left to eat we opened the remainder of the presents since all six of us were here. Isaac & Laura got me Warren Zevon's "The Wind" cd. It has a killer version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" on it. And it was funny, 'cause Isaac and Laura got Jane a scarf from Ten Thousand Villages, and that's what we got Laura. Then they got Drew a pair of slippers, and that's what Drew Carrie got Laura. We gave Carrie another shirt, and Isaac a nerf basketball hoop, and Drew a shirt. Carrie got Jane this really nifty hand-made silver bracelet with the life of Christ on it. It was made by a guy who lives on a reservation in New Mexico where we have a church. Then we all watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special on dvd before heading out to eat.
I think a good night was had by all. It was, and still is, windy as all get-out.
This should just about end our Christmas festivities for the year.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Strange weather
It is 61 degrees F right now (reportedly reached 65 today), and it's supposed to be a high of 33 tomorrow. Weird stuff.
And while I'm on the subject, I have never understood when the tv shows those "wind advisories." Like, do they think we don't know the wind is blowing or something? I think they're just trying anything they can to get people to freak out.
And while I'm on the subject, I have never understood when the tv shows those "wind advisories." Like, do they think we don't know the wind is blowing or something? I think they're just trying anything they can to get people to freak out.
Christmas: the missional holiday?
While trying to decide what to say before we shared communion on Christmas Eve I had this idea pop into my head: Doesn't it seem like Easter is the "big" Evangelical holiday, and Christmas is more the "big" Missional/Emerging holiday? Not that both aren't important in each camp, but Easter centers around the fact that Jesus came to DIE for us, and Christmas is more that Jesus came into the world to LIVE for us.I realize I am seriously stereotyping, but part of the problem some evangelicals have is they can lean too far towards Easter and only thinking about the implications of what Jesus' death and resurrection meant (atonement for sin; going to heaven when we die). I think it is just as important that God chose to COME INTO the world in the first place... to live among us; as one of us; being 'incarnate.'
I like the idea that God chooses to do things "with" us, and not just "for" us.
I dunno... I haven't really thought this through... but it was a thought.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Waiting in vain (a review of marley & me)
[extra credit for artist and album the title is from - which happens to be my favorite album from said artist]
What do you do on Christmas evening after the kids have gone their separate ways? The lovely lady and I decided on movie popcorn for supper. We weren't really up for a concentration camp caper or anything too intense, so it was Marley and Me. Yep, the chick-flick comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.
Now, mind you, I am no movie critic. I have never been a real big fan of either of the stars either. Not that Jen isn't easy enough to look at, or that I don't like Owen... they fit well into the roles they usually play. Let's just say most of their movies are not at the top of my must-see list. And I wouldn't rate this movie any differently, but... it had it's good points.
The dog (Marley), of course, had a big role in the film. And, yes, his name comes from Bob. A little more reggae wouldn't have done the evening any harm. But it wasn't entirely about the dog. There WAS a pretty good message... about the choices we face in our lives, and the importance of those choices. As well as the fact that life isn't always what we make it, but often what we allow to happen. Sometimes the best things in life are NOT those things we plan, but the things that "come up." And these unplanned surprises don't ruin our lives, but rather, help to make us who we are. I liked that part.
Without spoiling the movie for you, though, let me just say that if you have an old dog - especially one that can no longer walk (Bogie) - you might want to wait for it to come out on video. It was a full theater, and I have never seen and heard more people crying at a movie in my life. I was a blubbering fool for the last 45 minutes, and that was nothing compared to the hot little number clinging to my shoulder.
Throughout the movie I mostly had two main thoughts: I am getting old. Which isn't so bad really, and it's helped my priorities change. Things that used to be important aren't that important anymore, and things I didn't used to care about are now some of my biggest concerns. Secondly though, I kept wondering... how is it that this guy can make a living doing basically the same thing I do every day on my dang blog? :) Yes, I know I am not a writer. I'm just a liver. And I know why I make no money at it. I also know why I pastor a small church. And both of those things are okay with me. This is who I am. The older I get, the more comfortable I am becoming with that.
So, while I don't know that I can recommend a tear-jerking, chick-flick in good conscience... I'm glad we went to this movie. It made me glad to see Bogie-boy when we got home, and I was happier still to be with the one I love.
Peace out; and in.
What do you do on Christmas evening after the kids have gone their separate ways? The lovely lady and I decided on movie popcorn for supper. We weren't really up for a concentration camp caper or anything too intense, so it was Marley and Me. Yep, the chick-flick comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.
Now, mind you, I am no movie critic. I have never been a real big fan of either of the stars either. Not that Jen isn't easy enough to look at, or that I don't like Owen... they fit well into the roles they usually play. Let's just say most of their movies are not at the top of my must-see list. And I wouldn't rate this movie any differently, but... it had it's good points.
The dog (Marley), of course, had a big role in the film. And, yes, his name comes from Bob. A little more reggae wouldn't have done the evening any harm. But it wasn't entirely about the dog. There WAS a pretty good message... about the choices we face in our lives, and the importance of those choices. As well as the fact that life isn't always what we make it, but often what we allow to happen. Sometimes the best things in life are NOT those things we plan, but the things that "come up." And these unplanned surprises don't ruin our lives, but rather, help to make us who we are. I liked that part.
Without spoiling the movie for you, though, let me just say that if you have an old dog - especially one that can no longer walk (Bogie) - you might want to wait for it to come out on video. It was a full theater, and I have never seen and heard more people crying at a movie in my life. I was a blubbering fool for the last 45 minutes, and that was nothing compared to the hot little number clinging to my shoulder.
Throughout the movie I mostly had two main thoughts: I am getting old. Which isn't so bad really, and it's helped my priorities change. Things that used to be important aren't that important anymore, and things I didn't used to care about are now some of my biggest concerns. Secondly though, I kept wondering... how is it that this guy can make a living doing basically the same thing I do every day on my dang blog? :) Yes, I know I am not a writer. I'm just a liver. And I know why I make no money at it. I also know why I pastor a small church. And both of those things are okay with me. This is who I am. The older I get, the more comfortable I am becoming with that.
So, while I don't know that I can recommend a tear-jerking, chick-flick in good conscience... I'm glad we went to this movie. It made me glad to see Bogie-boy when we got home, and I was happier still to be with the one I love.
Peace out; and in.
The friday after christmas
Here it is, the day after Christmas, and it's also my scheduled day off for the week. I was up at 6 am. Lady Jane has to work 8-5 today, and daughter Carrie was off at 7 to go see her two best middle school friends in Columbus, Ohio (via Findlay). Drew has departed. I think son Isaac is here - apparently in his bed for a change - sleeping. The dog has been carried out and back in for his morning potty. And here I sit.
There must have been a bit of precipitation during the night, as the ground doesn't *look* wet, but it's a bit slick. They said we were supposed to have freezing drizzle, turning to rain. It's about 28 F, but is to warm up to 45 during the day. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 60's. This weather is wacked out.
I guess I could clean the house, but I just did that before Christmas day. I could probably go shopping. I have to admit, I actually like shopping. Must be the feminine side in me. I don't care to buy so much, but I like being around the people. Especially when I am unnoticed. But... I dunno... the day after Christmas could be a bit much. And there is nothing I need to buy. I suppose I could go to work. It is right *there.* There's also plenty I could do. But... sometimes I think the hardest part is NOT doing what needs done, rather than doing it. It will still be there tomorrow.
I will likely go visit a nursing home at some point today. Other than that, I have a feeling I'm going to be sitting with a nervous dog. It is already thundering and lightninging (how do you say that? I guess it's all singular).
Well, I guess it's the Friday after Christmas. That's what it is. Here I sit. I could brush my teeth. That'll take a couple minutes. You know... one of the neatest things I've learned in the past few years - and I think I learned it from my son, who learned it from his girlfriend - is to dry off my toothbrush after using it. I used to just use it, rinse it off, and leave it sit (or hang). It would eventually always get all crusty-white. But if you rinse it, AND THEN DRY IT, it stays looking like new forever! I can't believe I never knew this. I now look at my toothbrush every time I walk in the bathroom, just to see it sparkly and clean. It makes me feel good for some reason.
Okay... I will go brush my teeth now.
Peace out; and in.
There must have been a bit of precipitation during the night, as the ground doesn't *look* wet, but it's a bit slick. They said we were supposed to have freezing drizzle, turning to rain. It's about 28 F, but is to warm up to 45 during the day. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 60's. This weather is wacked out.
I guess I could clean the house, but I just did that before Christmas day. I could probably go shopping. I have to admit, I actually like shopping. Must be the feminine side in me. I don't care to buy so much, but I like being around the people. Especially when I am unnoticed. But... I dunno... the day after Christmas could be a bit much. And there is nothing I need to buy. I suppose I could go to work. It is right *there.* There's also plenty I could do. But... sometimes I think the hardest part is NOT doing what needs done, rather than doing it. It will still be there tomorrow.
I will likely go visit a nursing home at some point today. Other than that, I have a feeling I'm going to be sitting with a nervous dog. It is already thundering and lightninging (how do you say that? I guess it's all singular).
Well, I guess it's the Friday after Christmas. That's what it is. Here I sit. I could brush my teeth. That'll take a couple minutes. You know... one of the neatest things I've learned in the past few years - and I think I learned it from my son, who learned it from his girlfriend - is to dry off my toothbrush after using it. I used to just use it, rinse it off, and leave it sit (or hang). It would eventually always get all crusty-white. But if you rinse it, AND THEN DRY IT, it stays looking like new forever! I can't believe I never knew this. I now look at my toothbrush every time I walk in the bathroom, just to see it sparkly and clean. It makes me feel good for some reason.
Okay... I will go brush my teeth now.
Peace out; and in.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008
We had a nice Christmas morning at our house. It was a bit weird not being at my parents' this year, but I have to admit that it really cut down on the stress not having to travel. We had Christmas at my parents the first weekend in December because that was the only time all four of us could be there. So it was just us at our house on Christmas day, and we had the pleasure of having Drew here too since his dad's pipes burst from freezing from losing power last weekend.
We all kinda slept in (I think I got up about 9) and lazed around drinking coffee. Then Jane made us a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, and french toast. We watched "Little People In A Big World" for awhile, then we opened presents. Saturday the six of us will get together for our tradition of going out to eat together (Jane & I, Drew & Carrie, and Isaac & Laura). This year we're going to Granite City.
Here is a pic of what I got for Christmas this year: An 'Easy Monday Crosswords' book and Neil Young's 'Sugar Mountain - Live at Canterbury House 1968' cd from Jane; Drew Carrie got me this nifty JBL On Stage Micro Portable Ipod Music Dock so I can play my ipod anywhere in the house. Very cool. It even has a remote; and Isaac & Laura got me Warren Zevon's The Wind cd. It was actually the only thing on my wish list. I wanted it for his version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but the whole thing is pretty good.
I got Jane a little Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, along with some chocolates. We got Isaac some books, Dylan's 'Desire' cd, season 5 of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' and a Nerf basketball hoop. We got Carrie some clothes, a tea pot, and a card table. Drew got a Domino's set and a shirt. Laura got a scarf from Ten Thousand Villages.
A nice Christmas day. It's a bit cold (about 10 F in the morning), but the sun is shining brightly.
Peace out; and in.
[This post was edited on 12/27 when we opened the rest of the gifts and went out to eat].
We all kinda slept in (I think I got up about 9) and lazed around drinking coffee. Then Jane made us a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, and french toast. We watched "Little People In A Big World" for awhile, then we opened presents. Saturday the six of us will get together for our tradition of going out to eat together (Jane & I, Drew & Carrie, and Isaac & Laura). This year we're going to Granite City.
Here is a pic of what I got for Christmas this year: An 'Easy Monday Crosswords' book and Neil Young's 'Sugar Mountain - Live at Canterbury House 1968' cd from Jane; Drew Carrie got me this nifty JBL On Stage Micro Portable Ipod Music Dock so I can play my ipod anywhere in the house. Very cool. It even has a remote; and Isaac & Laura got me Warren Zevon's The Wind cd. It was actually the only thing on my wish list. I wanted it for his version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but the whole thing is pretty good.
I got Jane a little Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, along with some chocolates. We got Isaac some books, Dylan's 'Desire' cd, season 5 of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' and a Nerf basketball hoop. We got Carrie some clothes, a tea pot, and a card table. Drew got a Domino's set and a shirt. Laura got a scarf from Ten Thousand Villages.
A nice Christmas day. It's a bit cold (about 10 F in the morning), but the sun is shining brightly.
Peace out; and in.
[This post was edited on 12/27 when we opened the rest of the gifts and went out to eat].
Christmas eve '08 pics
This is what it looked like around 8:30 am on Christmas Eve 2008, looking from the front door of the church towards our house. It was foggy and raining, and at this time the parking lot was a sheet of ice. It ended up getting to around 45 F, melting the ice, but then turned colder again.
And this is what my office looks like on Christmas Eve. I took the chair out so you could see. I wish I could say it was messy like this because I was so busy with Christmas stuff, but even though I have been busy, it kinda looks like this most of the time. I need to do something about that. Maybe that will be an '09 resolution.
This is the lovely Lady Jane playing the piano at our Christmas Eve service. It was a nice night. Probably had 80 or so there. Lots of guests. I only had 8 communion cups left over, so I cut that pretty close. We sang 2 carols, read the Christmas story from Luke 2, Drew did a solo, I read Paul Harvey's story about the geese, we had communion, got in a circle and lit our candles, and sang Silent Night.
Merry Christmas.
And this is what my office looks like on Christmas Eve. I took the chair out so you could see. I wish I could say it was messy like this because I was so busy with Christmas stuff, but even though I have been busy, it kinda looks like this most of the time. I need to do something about that. Maybe that will be an '09 resolution.
This is the lovely Lady Jane playing the piano at our Christmas Eve service. It was a nice night. Probably had 80 or so there. Lots of guests. I only had 8 communion cups left over, so I cut that pretty close. We sang 2 carols, read the Christmas story from Luke 2, Drew did a solo, I read Paul Harvey's story about the geese, we had communion, got in a circle and lit our candles, and sang Silent Night.
Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas in the trenches
A couple versions of 'Christmas In The Trenches' by John McCutcheon, a reading from a service on Ben W's site, a nice write-up from TSK, and God's Politics. It all deals with the Christmas Eve truce of 1914 (ww1).
Christmas in the trenches - with story intro.
Christmas in the trenches - with recent war photos.
A reading of it (via BW3).
Andrew Jones' 'The Most Famous Christmas Eve.'
God's Politics article.
Christmas in the trenches - with story intro.
Christmas in the trenches - with recent war photos.
A reading of it (via BW3).
Andrew Jones' 'The Most Famous Christmas Eve.'
God's Politics article.
Here's a tip
I don't really have any advice, but yesterday I was sitting in my office frantically working on a sermon for this Sunday, and I noticed a van pull in front of the church doors. No one got out, and I finally saw that it was the local undertaker. Every Christmas he comes around and gives me a gift of some sort, you know, hoping I'll kill off some of my congregants and give him some business, I guess. So... I figured he was wondering if anyone was inside, so I got up and went out to greet him. He jumped out of the van with my gift, and kind of looked at me funny. He's a really nice guy, and we usually have good chats, but this was a quick one. I took the gift, thanked him, and he went his way and I went back inside. It was then that it occurred to me that I still had a Q-tip sticking out of my right ear. Doh!
I use a lot of Q-tips... something is wrong with my one ear and I don't know what it is. It's like it leaks, and it's always sore, and... well, I doubt that there are any doctors reading so I'll spare you. Heck, even my doctor doesn't know what's wrong with it. I think it has bothered me since I was about 5 when the older neighbor kid hit me with a snowball right in that ear. So it's bothered me for a good many years. And, I know you're not supposed to stick Q-tips in your ears like that and leave them... it's dangerous. But I like living on the edge, you know. So you will quite often find me with a little white stick hanging out of my head. Usually I remove it before I go outside or when people come around though.
Anyway... on to more exciting things...
I actually got quite a bit of work done yesterday. We had full power and water at home. However, when I got to the church the water was froze there. That was weird because it was much warmer yesterday than the day before and it was fine the day before. I suppose the bulb burned out in the well pit. I didn't feel like checking that, so I just turned the furnace on, and pretty soon we had water again.
I think I'm almost set for the Christmas Eve service tonight. I still need to find someone to hand out bulletins, hand out candles, read the Christmas Story, lead the songs, figure out how to serve communion, and get the communion stuff ready. But other than that I think I'm set.
Isaac was looking for a turntable for some reason, and I had an old stereo on top of one of my shelves in my office that has a turntable on it. While getting that down for him I found my diplomas from the U. of Findlay, Winebrenner Seminary, and my ordination certificate. Apparently they must have sat on top of that bookshelf at some point, and had fallen down behind it.
Yesterday was another weird weather day. It started to warm up a little, but then started to rain in the afternoon. It was just below freezing still, and when I walked home I could hardly walk on the road - it was a sheet of ice. It rained most of the night, and now it is just above freezing, so hopefully the ice will melt as the day goes on.
I was supposed to pick up Carrie's car at the mechanic yesterday afternoon, but I told them I would wait until morning. One less stupid driver on the road is good for everybody. Of course we were just having the oil and transmission fluid changed in Carrie's car, and they called early on and said some stuff I didn't understand, but basically resulted in also needing a new radiator. That was no merry Christmas. At least it was at our regular mechanics shop, and not some oil monkey quick lube. So as soon as I can get a ride I will drive her car home with a shiny new radiator. I'm excited.
Today is supposed to bring maybe an inch of rain, so of course now flooding will be an issue in Fort Wayne. Then it's supposed to cool down again and turn to snow. I imagine it will be a mess for the Christmas Eve service. I hate having to try to decide whether to cancel or not. It would help if we weren't out in the freaking middle of nowhere.
Anyway, happy Christmas Eve to ya. I should probably get dressed, brush my teeth, and take the Q-tip outta my ear. Golda my ear. Remember her (or was it a him)?
Peace out; and in.
I use a lot of Q-tips... something is wrong with my one ear and I don't know what it is. It's like it leaks, and it's always sore, and... well, I doubt that there are any doctors reading so I'll spare you. Heck, even my doctor doesn't know what's wrong with it. I think it has bothered me since I was about 5 when the older neighbor kid hit me with a snowball right in that ear. So it's bothered me for a good many years. And, I know you're not supposed to stick Q-tips in your ears like that and leave them... it's dangerous. But I like living on the edge, you know. So you will quite often find me with a little white stick hanging out of my head. Usually I remove it before I go outside or when people come around though.
Anyway... on to more exciting things...
I actually got quite a bit of work done yesterday. We had full power and water at home. However, when I got to the church the water was froze there. That was weird because it was much warmer yesterday than the day before and it was fine the day before. I suppose the bulb burned out in the well pit. I didn't feel like checking that, so I just turned the furnace on, and pretty soon we had water again.
I think I'm almost set for the Christmas Eve service tonight. I still need to find someone to hand out bulletins, hand out candles, read the Christmas Story, lead the songs, figure out how to serve communion, and get the communion stuff ready. But other than that I think I'm set.
Isaac was looking for a turntable for some reason, and I had an old stereo on top of one of my shelves in my office that has a turntable on it. While getting that down for him I found my diplomas from the U. of Findlay, Winebrenner Seminary, and my ordination certificate. Apparently they must have sat on top of that bookshelf at some point, and had fallen down behind it.
Yesterday was another weird weather day. It started to warm up a little, but then started to rain in the afternoon. It was just below freezing still, and when I walked home I could hardly walk on the road - it was a sheet of ice. It rained most of the night, and now it is just above freezing, so hopefully the ice will melt as the day goes on.
I was supposed to pick up Carrie's car at the mechanic yesterday afternoon, but I told them I would wait until morning. One less stupid driver on the road is good for everybody. Of course we were just having the oil and transmission fluid changed in Carrie's car, and they called early on and said some stuff I didn't understand, but basically resulted in also needing a new radiator. That was no merry Christmas. At least it was at our regular mechanics shop, and not some oil monkey quick lube. So as soon as I can get a ride I will drive her car home with a shiny new radiator. I'm excited.
Today is supposed to bring maybe an inch of rain, so of course now flooding will be an issue in Fort Wayne. Then it's supposed to cool down again and turn to snow. I imagine it will be a mess for the Christmas Eve service. I hate having to try to decide whether to cancel or not. It would help if we weren't out in the freaking middle of nowhere.
Anyway, happy Christmas Eve to ya. I should probably get dressed, brush my teeth, and take the Q-tip outta my ear. Golda my ear. Remember her (or was it a him)?
Peace out; and in.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Cold as ice
We finally got our hot water back around 5:30 yesterday evening. Did you know that hot water (and hot water pipes) freeze easier than cold water? Yep. Just like diet pop freezes quicker than regular.
Anyway, our hot water line was frozen somewhere under the house - after it came out of the water heater. So originally it was frozen there and ALSO at the water tank - which is in the unheated garage.
In the morning when all the water was frozen I put the kerosene heater by the water tank in the garage, and I also used the hair dryer to blow hot air on the lines coming out of the water tank. It unfroze after an hour or so. I couldn't understand, then, why we still didn't have hot water. But it finally dawned on me that our water heater sits right on the west wall of the house, and the pipes go down into the floor from it right where the dryer vent makes its way outside. So it probably didn't help having cold air piping in through the dryer vent.
Around noon I blew a fan from the kerosene heater into the crawl space towards the under-house pipes, and also got the bright idea to do some laundry (the dryer vent uses the same crawl space). After about the third load of heating clothes in the dryer... kaboom... the ice was broken and we had a nice warm relationship with our water heater again.
I also built a temporary little enclosure around the water tank. I keep a heat lamp shining on the fittings coming out the bottom (2 when it's really cold), and I replaced the 60 watt bulbs with 150 watt flood lamps. Then I built a 36x36x70 frame and covered it with a tarp to keep the heat from the lamps around the tank. That should help a bundle. I've been going to do that for as long as it's been there. Once it gets a little warmer I'll make it a little sturdier (yeah, right). Maybe even make something permanent. I wasn't real sure the car was still going to fit in the garage, but it did. And boy was it cold out in the back shed cutting boards. My arms are sore something fierce too. Not just from the sawing, but from being cold, then sweating, then being cold again. I am not the world's greatest handyman either, but sometimes you've just gotta do what you've gotta do.
Interestingly enough, the hot water came on while I was in the midst of working up a sweat making the enclosure. I was really glad to be able to take a nice warm shower afterwards.
I also think it's interesting that the Foreigner song 'Cold As Ice' originally appeared on the back side of the 'Feels Like The First Time' 45. That seems about right. You know, just when you think you know someone, or just when you're feeling all good about something... BAM... you realize you're an idiot. At least sometimes it seems like that. But the problem with stuff like this is... sometimes they're just stupid songs too. Not that they're stupid. I mean, I was never a big Foreigner fan, but it was my "era." They were trying to make a living just like everybody else. Those songs sell to teenagers. Or at least they used to. Sometimes we forget that people do things like that just to make a living too. It doesn't always have to mean something. But, then, sometimes we can find great meaning in doing those things that make up the average ordinary day. Heck, Sienfeld made a killing out of it. So, 'Cold As Ice' is the b side of 'Feels Like the First Time' (from a male perspective, of course)... and I really have no idea what I'm trying to say.
Aaaanyway... it is Tuesday. It's the day before the day before Christmas. Yesterday I spaced out and wore my slippers to the office. This morning I'm taking Carrie's car to the mechanic for an oil change and tranny fluid flush. It's still cold, but supposed to warm up a bit. And now it's snowing again.
Peace out; and in.
Anyway, our hot water line was frozen somewhere under the house - after it came out of the water heater. So originally it was frozen there and ALSO at the water tank - which is in the unheated garage.
In the morning when all the water was frozen I put the kerosene heater by the water tank in the garage, and I also used the hair dryer to blow hot air on the lines coming out of the water tank. It unfroze after an hour or so. I couldn't understand, then, why we still didn't have hot water. But it finally dawned on me that our water heater sits right on the west wall of the house, and the pipes go down into the floor from it right where the dryer vent makes its way outside. So it probably didn't help having cold air piping in through the dryer vent.
Around noon I blew a fan from the kerosene heater into the crawl space towards the under-house pipes, and also got the bright idea to do some laundry (the dryer vent uses the same crawl space). After about the third load of heating clothes in the dryer... kaboom... the ice was broken and we had a nice warm relationship with our water heater again.
I also built a temporary little enclosure around the water tank. I keep a heat lamp shining on the fittings coming out the bottom (2 when it's really cold), and I replaced the 60 watt bulbs with 150 watt flood lamps. Then I built a 36x36x70 frame and covered it with a tarp to keep the heat from the lamps around the tank. That should help a bundle. I've been going to do that for as long as it's been there. Once it gets a little warmer I'll make it a little sturdier (yeah, right). Maybe even make something permanent. I wasn't real sure the car was still going to fit in the garage, but it did. And boy was it cold out in the back shed cutting boards. My arms are sore something fierce too. Not just from the sawing, but from being cold, then sweating, then being cold again. I am not the world's greatest handyman either, but sometimes you've just gotta do what you've gotta do.
Interestingly enough, the hot water came on while I was in the midst of working up a sweat making the enclosure. I was really glad to be able to take a nice warm shower afterwards.
I also think it's interesting that the Foreigner song 'Cold As Ice' originally appeared on the back side of the 'Feels Like The First Time' 45. That seems about right. You know, just when you think you know someone, or just when you're feeling all good about something... BAM... you realize you're an idiot. At least sometimes it seems like that. But the problem with stuff like this is... sometimes they're just stupid songs too. Not that they're stupid. I mean, I was never a big Foreigner fan, but it was my "era." They were trying to make a living just like everybody else. Those songs sell to teenagers. Or at least they used to. Sometimes we forget that people do things like that just to make a living too. It doesn't always have to mean something. But, then, sometimes we can find great meaning in doing those things that make up the average ordinary day. Heck, Sienfeld made a killing out of it. So, 'Cold As Ice' is the b side of 'Feels Like the First Time' (from a male perspective, of course)... and I really have no idea what I'm trying to say.
Aaaanyway... it is Tuesday. It's the day before the day before Christmas. Yesterday I spaced out and wore my slippers to the office. This morning I'm taking Carrie's car to the mechanic for an oil change and tranny fluid flush. It's still cold, but supposed to warm up a bit. And now it's snowing again.
Peace out; and in.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Joyeux monday
Well, I survived the shortest day of the year this weekend. Other than that, I hate winter.
We had a housefull for the weekend. Isaac is home on Christmas break (and Laura), Carrie and Drew were here (it was Drew's birthday Friday, and he didn't have electricity because of the ice storm), and Jane's brother came for a visit (he arrived Saturday afternoon and left this morning). So we had a cozy little house.
Fort Wayne still has 50-some-thousand people without electricity, so we were lucky to never lose power at our house. Probably half of our church people lost it, but most had it back by Sunday morning (most lost it on Friday). Although, with the sub-zero (f) temps yesterday and this morning, the 40 mph wind gusts, and ice still covering everything, none of us are out of the woods yet. At least the sun was shining yesterday, and it appears it's going to today as well, for awhile anyway. And the wind has finally died down. When I got up yesterday morning it was 17F at 5 am. By 9 am it was 5, and it went downhill from there. I think it only went down to -2f last night, with -25 wind chills. It's not supposed to get to double digits today though.
Jane's brother arrived a little later than anticipated on Saturday. He wanted to do some shopping, so we ventured into the Fort, and by the time we got supper and ate and fought traffic, we didn't make the Christmas party (sorry MR).
Sunday morning we were to perform our Christmas Cantata for church. There were actually more people there than I was expecting. Basically most of the regulars. It never got above 64 F in the sanctuary, but we sang the cantata quite well, if I do say so myself. On the spur of the moment I decided against giving any of the four mini-sermons I had prepared, and we did a spiritual reading (Lectio Divina). We read, pondered, and prayed over Matthew 1:18-25. It was quite good - I thought - with good participation. Then we sang some carols, and everyone hung around for quite some time afterwards at the coffee/cookie table.
In the afternoon we all sprawled in the living room and watched movies. We watched The Family Stone, and it was pretty good. Then last night, after the kids dispersed, we watched Joyeux Noel. I had heard the story, but never seen the movie. Pretty good. According to the back of the dvd it... "tells the true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French and German troops in the trenches of World War I. Enemies leave their weapons behind for one night as they band together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities of war." I highly recommend it. And yes, there is an agenda.
This morning I woke up thankful that we still had not lost power. However, we had no water. The pipes were froze. Our water tank is in the garage, and even though I have two heat lamps on it all winter, it still freezes when it's this cold. I got the kerosene heater out, and eventually we had cold water. For some reason we still do not have hot water. I don't understand that, as the water heater is IN the house. It's a mystery.
I am ready for some warm weather. I can't believe Christmas is Thursday. Now I need to get the water working right, get the Christmas Eve service planned, get something arranged for Sunday, and.... yep, it's just another Monday.
Peace.
We had a housefull for the weekend. Isaac is home on Christmas break (and Laura), Carrie and Drew were here (it was Drew's birthday Friday, and he didn't have electricity because of the ice storm), and Jane's brother came for a visit (he arrived Saturday afternoon and left this morning). So we had a cozy little house.
Fort Wayne still has 50-some-thousand people without electricity, so we were lucky to never lose power at our house. Probably half of our church people lost it, but most had it back by Sunday morning (most lost it on Friday). Although, with the sub-zero (f) temps yesterday and this morning, the 40 mph wind gusts, and ice still covering everything, none of us are out of the woods yet. At least the sun was shining yesterday, and it appears it's going to today as well, for awhile anyway. And the wind has finally died down. When I got up yesterday morning it was 17F at 5 am. By 9 am it was 5, and it went downhill from there. I think it only went down to -2f last night, with -25 wind chills. It's not supposed to get to double digits today though.
Jane's brother arrived a little later than anticipated on Saturday. He wanted to do some shopping, so we ventured into the Fort, and by the time we got supper and ate and fought traffic, we didn't make the Christmas party (sorry MR).
Sunday morning we were to perform our Christmas Cantata for church. There were actually more people there than I was expecting. Basically most of the regulars. It never got above 64 F in the sanctuary, but we sang the cantata quite well, if I do say so myself. On the spur of the moment I decided against giving any of the four mini-sermons I had prepared, and we did a spiritual reading (Lectio Divina). We read, pondered, and prayed over Matthew 1:18-25. It was quite good - I thought - with good participation. Then we sang some carols, and everyone hung around for quite some time afterwards at the coffee/cookie table.
In the afternoon we all sprawled in the living room and watched movies. We watched The Family Stone, and it was pretty good. Then last night, after the kids dispersed, we watched Joyeux Noel. I had heard the story, but never seen the movie. Pretty good. According to the back of the dvd it... "tells the true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French and German troops in the trenches of World War I. Enemies leave their weapons behind for one night as they band together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities of war." I highly recommend it. And yes, there is an agenda.
This morning I woke up thankful that we still had not lost power. However, we had no water. The pipes were froze. Our water tank is in the garage, and even though I have two heat lamps on it all winter, it still freezes when it's this cold. I got the kerosene heater out, and eventually we had cold water. For some reason we still do not have hot water. I don't understand that, as the water heater is IN the house. It's a mystery.
I am ready for some warm weather. I can't believe Christmas is Thursday. Now I need to get the water working right, get the Christmas Eve service planned, get something arranged for Sunday, and.... yep, it's just another Monday.
Peace.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wrapping presence
Last night a small group of people from our church helped out at a local women's shelter by wrapping some Christmas presents for the residents there. It was mostly people from Jane's Sunday School class, and some were unable to make it because of the icestorm and power outages (someone said something like 100,000 people in Fort Wayne were still without power). At any rate, here is a pic of us. Jane is in the brown sweater, and that's Carrie Jade to her right. Shelly is the one in the cool hat on the other side of Carrie. Apparently one woman did all of the wrapping last year and it took her 2 weeks. Several of these people arrived at 4 pm, and some more of us at 6, and we left a little before 8 pm.Afterward all of us except Carrie (who had someone's birthday party to attend) went to a mexican restaurant on Calhoun. We were scurrying across the street because a city bus was coming, and I slipped, and then Jane slipped and fell flat on her back. Ouch. The bus did not run us over, so it was kinda funny, but my back hurts this morning. Payback for laughing at Jane, I suppose.
It was so weird driving through Fort Wayne in the dark. There would be huge neighborhoods without power, then a little area would have lights. It was kinda freaky driving around with no stoplights and in the darkness. I would guess the weekend before Christmas is not a real good time for businesses to be without power. They say some won't have it back until tomorrow night. It's going to make driving in the Fort a real trip this weekend.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ice storm
We got hit with an ice storm last night and this morning. They said about a half an inch. It is still raining now. I took Jane to work around 7:30 this morning, and it took about a half hour to get there. About twice as long as usual. We were tooling up I-69 at a blistering 40 mph. The roads weren't as bad as I thought they might be though. I think there was enough ice that it slushed up somewhat, so it wasn't like a solid ice rink. Driving home along West Jefferson I had to use the left lane because of all the tree limbs that had broken off and were in the right lane.
I put some salt out in front of the bank, and I'll be darned if there wasn't thunder and lightning cracking through. Weird. I just hope the wind doesn't start blowing, or there are going to be massive power outages. There already are in many spots. So far, so good, here.
Here are some random pics I snapped in the back yard:
I put some salt out in front of the bank, and I'll be darned if there wasn't thunder and lightning cracking through. Weird. I just hope the wind doesn't start blowing, or there are going to be massive power outages. There already are in many spots. So far, so good, here.
Here are some random pics I snapped in the back yard:
This is our little tree we planted several years ago to mark our spot.
This is NOT a weeping willow, but rather a sobbing oak (I think it's an oak). The branches are normally well above my head. It's between our house and the church.
This is NOT a weeping willow, but rather a sobbing oak (I think it's an oak). The branches are normally well above my head. It's between our house and the church.
A bush along the fence in the back yard.
The fence - looking north. With Isaac's car in the background.
The fence - looking north. With Isaac's car in the background.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Bah humbucker
So, I heard today was Keith Richards' 65th birthday. A guy on the radio said something like 'you know the world's not fair when Keith Richards outlives Karen Carpenter.' Ha. That's for sure.
My cold is not too awful bad today, but I'm wearing down now. It helped that I kept busy all day.
A lady from the local newspaper left a message earlier this week that they want to do a "pastors profile" interview with me. I haven't called back. I doubt that I will.
This Sunday I was only planning to do a short "mini-sermon"... since we'll also be doing the Christmas musical. I think I've written 4 complete sermon's so far, and I don't like any of them. Shorter is much harder than longer. I'm just going to have to pick one that I don't like and live with it. It's not like anybody cares anyway. And we'll probably get a foot of snow Sunday morning, so what's the difference.
I hosted the weekly pastors group this morning. 1 out of 3 showed up. At least we fit easily into my office. When we're all four there we need to use a different room.
I got an email last night from another couple that has decided to leave our church. I think the only reason they told me is because I'd written them a note earlier in the week. You know, I can totally understand their reasoning... But what I don't get is how people think it should be 'no big deal' when they leave a church. This was a couple I counseled; I did their wedding; I dedicated their child. I thought we were friends. Am I just not supposed to care? I think the problem for most people is there is just no sense of community to church. And I think that's wrong. It should be no different than a family member moving out. Sure, sometimes there are legitimate reasons, but that doesn't mean it's no big deal. I don't understand how people think it shouldn't matter, or they don't feel the need to even tell me about it. It's not just my job... it's my damn life!
I do not like living in the country. Especially in the winter time. I hate winter. I hate snow and ice. Just in case you wondered.
I feel like Jim Zorn. He made some comment the other day about being the worst football coach in the world. I feel like the worst pastor in the world.
We ended our latest Wednesday Night B.S. series this week. We did a 6-week series from a PBS special called "Walking The Bible." I thought it was pretty good. But it ended just about like every other study or small group we try to do. There were four people besides Jane and me. And two of them live across the street, so I'm sure they feel obligated. I am so tired of trying to build a core group; trying to give people things to help them grow; trying to create community. And, yes, I know... "I'm" not supposed to create it. Whatever.
We're supposed to get sleet and freezing rain tonight. I hope Jane makes it home from class before it starts. It's her last Algebra class. She does not like Algebra. She is a wonderful wife though.
Isaac got home for Christmas break last night and he has a cold too.
Today he took me to the mechanic shop to get our car. We have the nicest mechanics in the world. I suppose they'll be the next ones to leave the church.
The funny thing is... I understand why humbuckers don't hum, but I don't know how Keith Richards can live longer than Karen Carpenter.
It's a good thing "only gypsies are made in a day." That's one of my favorite quotes (from Jason Ringenberg).
I don't need cheering up. It's just one of those days. You can log your journey how you want. Please don't try to tell me how to do mine.
Peace out; and in.
My cold is not too awful bad today, but I'm wearing down now. It helped that I kept busy all day.
A lady from the local newspaper left a message earlier this week that they want to do a "pastors profile" interview with me. I haven't called back. I doubt that I will.
This Sunday I was only planning to do a short "mini-sermon"... since we'll also be doing the Christmas musical. I think I've written 4 complete sermon's so far, and I don't like any of them. Shorter is much harder than longer. I'm just going to have to pick one that I don't like and live with it. It's not like anybody cares anyway. And we'll probably get a foot of snow Sunday morning, so what's the difference.
I hosted the weekly pastors group this morning. 1 out of 3 showed up. At least we fit easily into my office. When we're all four there we need to use a different room.
I got an email last night from another couple that has decided to leave our church. I think the only reason they told me is because I'd written them a note earlier in the week. You know, I can totally understand their reasoning... But what I don't get is how people think it should be 'no big deal' when they leave a church. This was a couple I counseled; I did their wedding; I dedicated their child. I thought we were friends. Am I just not supposed to care? I think the problem for most people is there is just no sense of community to church. And I think that's wrong. It should be no different than a family member moving out. Sure, sometimes there are legitimate reasons, but that doesn't mean it's no big deal. I don't understand how people think it shouldn't matter, or they don't feel the need to even tell me about it. It's not just my job... it's my damn life!
I do not like living in the country. Especially in the winter time. I hate winter. I hate snow and ice. Just in case you wondered.
I feel like Jim Zorn. He made some comment the other day about being the worst football coach in the world. I feel like the worst pastor in the world.
We ended our latest Wednesday Night B.S. series this week. We did a 6-week series from a PBS special called "Walking The Bible." I thought it was pretty good. But it ended just about like every other study or small group we try to do. There were four people besides Jane and me. And two of them live across the street, so I'm sure they feel obligated. I am so tired of trying to build a core group; trying to give people things to help them grow; trying to create community. And, yes, I know... "I'm" not supposed to create it. Whatever.
We're supposed to get sleet and freezing rain tonight. I hope Jane makes it home from class before it starts. It's her last Algebra class. She does not like Algebra. She is a wonderful wife though.
Isaac got home for Christmas break last night and he has a cold too.
Today he took me to the mechanic shop to get our car. We have the nicest mechanics in the world. I suppose they'll be the next ones to leave the church.
The funny thing is... I understand why humbuckers don't hum, but I don't know how Keith Richards can live longer than Karen Carpenter.
It's a good thing "only gypsies are made in a day." That's one of my favorite quotes (from Jason Ringenberg).
I don't need cheering up. It's just one of those days. You can log your journey how you want. Please don't try to tell me how to do mine.
Peace out; and in.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I feel rotten
Yesterday I went from feeling groovy-great to having a stinking, rotten head cold in a matter of seconds. Nothing serious, just your normal runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, feel-rotten-all-over stuff. I don't remember the last time I was sick.
I should have known something was up because Monday I actually did 5 miles again on the treadmill. After taking a week off awhile back I've been having a hard time getting back up to speed. I've only been doing 3-4 miles a day. And after doing the 5 on Monday I was kinda sore afterward, which I'm usually not. Then, yesterday morning though, I felt GREAT. In fact, I almost wrote about it, but I knew if I did I would regret it. Yep. I went home for lunch, and it's like as soon as I got up from eating I went from feeling great, to not being able to stop sneezing and blowing my nose. I probably went through half a box of kleenex in the afternoon. I managed a nice and easy 3 miles on the treadmill before supper, and strangely enough my nose didn't run at all. But the minute I was done it was back to snot-faucet city. I took a shower and I was toast the rest of the night. I caked myself with vicks, took some drugs, and slept on the couch. I actually slept pretty good though.
Today I'm not as bad as yesterday afternoon, but I'm kinda tired and achy and feel all glossed over. Isaac will probably wish he wasn't coming home from school today. I sprayed everything down with lysol, so hopefully I can keep my germs to myself.
I should have known something was up because Monday I actually did 5 miles again on the treadmill. After taking a week off awhile back I've been having a hard time getting back up to speed. I've only been doing 3-4 miles a day. And after doing the 5 on Monday I was kinda sore afterward, which I'm usually not. Then, yesterday morning though, I felt GREAT. In fact, I almost wrote about it, but I knew if I did I would regret it. Yep. I went home for lunch, and it's like as soon as I got up from eating I went from feeling great, to not being able to stop sneezing and blowing my nose. I probably went through half a box of kleenex in the afternoon. I managed a nice and easy 3 miles on the treadmill before supper, and strangely enough my nose didn't run at all. But the minute I was done it was back to snot-faucet city. I took a shower and I was toast the rest of the night. I caked myself with vicks, took some drugs, and slept on the couch. I actually slept pretty good though.
Today I'm not as bad as yesterday afternoon, but I'm kinda tired and achy and feel all glossed over. Isaac will probably wish he wasn't coming home from school today. I sprayed everything down with lysol, so hopefully I can keep my germs to myself.
flop-flippers
A nice little post from Scot McKnight on Fundamentalist Flop-flipping. I hardly read Scot's blog anymore since he switched over to beliefnet (it's mostly just the look, but I don't like the ads and stuff either), but this is one I need to keep on hand. See, I am a former fundy; and even now that I am not, I can sometimes be a flop-flipper too. I know many others who are as well. What is a flop-flipper, you ask? He sums it up in this paragraph:
But there is hope... and this I like:
And I thought Keith Schooley was right on with this comment:
Good stuff, indeed. I need to be reminded of this often. Thanks Scot!
These anti-fundamentalists (and anti-evangelicals) can be just as confident and cocky that they've got it all figured out. That they stand high above the rest in their perceptions of truth. They can be just as zealous for their new convictions, some of them petty. Once they saw all non-fundamentalists in danger of perdition, now they find everyone who doesn't fight for the cause they believe in as hopeless or apathetic or non-Christian. I call this fundamentalist flop-flipping, from being a pro-fundamentalist fundamentalist to being an anti-fundamentalist fundamentalist.
But there is hope... and this I like:
At the bottom of the problem many of us have with fundamentalists is the lack of grace or mercy or -- and I'd prefer this term the best -- love. Jesus taught his followers something that can reshape anyone from zeal-spirited fundamentalism, whether on the rebound or not. He taught them that the whole law hung from two basic commands:
Love God with your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
I call this The Jesus Creedand the discovery of the importance of this Creed to Jesus can reshape more how we live and relate to others than what we believe. Love has the power to reshape fundamentalists from the inside out. I've met plenty of them.
Fundamentalist or not, this is what Jesus wants of us: to love God and to love others. No one who loves God and loves others lives in that angry spiritedness, flop-flipper or not.
And I thought Keith Schooley was right on with this comment:
the fundamentalistic impulse--which I might define in this context as love for an idea or position to the exclusion of love toward people who may be in opposition to that idea or position-
Good stuff, indeed. I need to be reminded of this often. Thanks Scot!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
JATS on conan o'brien
Okay, so I'm in one of those moods. Jason & the Scorchers on the Conan O'Brien show - probably around 1999: White Lies.
JATS in no depression (farm aid)
A nice article by Don McLeese about Jason & the Scorchers in No Depression magazine: Alt-Country Roads from Burritos to Scorchers.
The article also contains the youtube of them playing the 1986 Farm Aid concert. I remember Jason telling me afterward how cool it was - especially since Neil Young was playing not long before or after them (I can't remember which). The only problem was... they opened with Neil's song "Are You Ready For The Country"... and he played it too! Oops.
Jane and I attended the very first Farm Aid concert in Champaign, IL. We were not in attendance for this one. I think it was in Texas, maybe.
The article also contains the youtube of them playing the 1986 Farm Aid concert. I remember Jason telling me afterward how cool it was - especially since Neil Young was playing not long before or after them (I can't remember which). The only problem was... they opened with Neil's song "Are You Ready For The Country"... and he played it too! Oops.
Jane and I attended the very first Farm Aid concert in Champaign, IL. We were not in attendance for this one. I think it was in Texas, maybe.
Redneck top ten for 2008
Ben W. has some hilarious pics from the 2008 Redneck Top Ten Awards. Below is the Redneck Wedding Cake (which doesn't really look all that bad to me). Click the link to see all ten.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Random monday morning
I'm glad it's Monday and not Sunday. The parking lot is a sheet of ice, and it's windy and cold and nasty out.
For some odd reason I've not to set my alarm clock the last two days. It's a good thing I use two alarms for Sundays.
Yesterday Drew (of Drew Carrie) was our worship song leader for the first time. He did great. Now if I could just find some musicians... like a guitarist, bass player, drummer, keyboardist... Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
I got a note this morning from someone who attended church here years ago - I think they're in college now. They thanked me for a card I had sent them like 5 years ago. Said they still keep it in their Bible. Monday's so rarely start off well for me. That was nice.
I don't send out notes like I used to. I used to make time each week to send out thank-you's, and get-well cards, and miss-you cards, and stuff. Now I pretty much just send out birthday cards to everyone. I never knew if it was worthwhile or not.
I bought gingerbread scented candles to burn in the sanctuary for yesterday.... and I was hungry all morning. That's another one of those things that I'm not sure anyone notices or not, but I know I don't like that dusty old church smell that so many places have.
Man... it seems like I was supposed to do something on Dec. 15th, but I can't for the life of me remember what it was. It's been driving me crazy since yesterday.
Some of the things I have to do this week: Take Lady Jane to the eye doctor, the last episode of 'Walking The Bible' at church, go with Jane's class to wrap presents at the women's shelter, son Isaac will be coming home for Christmas break, Jane's brother is coming for the weekend, a Christmas party Saturday (it's up in the air depending on the brother-in-law), we perform our Christmas Cantata Sunday morning, I need to get the oil changed in the Buick, and I need "C", "AA", "AAA" batteries, and batteries for the powerpresenter 'clickers' to advance our slides (we've had to use the computer the last two times). Well, and all the usual stuff too. Plus plan the Christmas Eve service, and... whatever.
Peace out; and in.
For some odd reason I've not to set my alarm clock the last two days. It's a good thing I use two alarms for Sundays.
Yesterday Drew (of Drew Carrie) was our worship song leader for the first time. He did great. Now if I could just find some musicians... like a guitarist, bass player, drummer, keyboardist... Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
I got a note this morning from someone who attended church here years ago - I think they're in college now. They thanked me for a card I had sent them like 5 years ago. Said they still keep it in their Bible. Monday's so rarely start off well for me. That was nice.
I don't send out notes like I used to. I used to make time each week to send out thank-you's, and get-well cards, and miss-you cards, and stuff. Now I pretty much just send out birthday cards to everyone. I never knew if it was worthwhile or not.
I bought gingerbread scented candles to burn in the sanctuary for yesterday.... and I was hungry all morning. That's another one of those things that I'm not sure anyone notices or not, but I know I don't like that dusty old church smell that so many places have.
Man... it seems like I was supposed to do something on Dec. 15th, but I can't for the life of me remember what it was. It's been driving me crazy since yesterday.
Some of the things I have to do this week: Take Lady Jane to the eye doctor, the last episode of 'Walking The Bible' at church, go with Jane's class to wrap presents at the women's shelter, son Isaac will be coming home for Christmas break, Jane's brother is coming for the weekend, a Christmas party Saturday (it's up in the air depending on the brother-in-law), we perform our Christmas Cantata Sunday morning, I need to get the oil changed in the Buick, and I need "C", "AA", "AAA" batteries, and batteries for the powerpresenter 'clickers' to advance our slides (we've had to use the computer the last two times). Well, and all the usual stuff too. Plus plan the Christmas Eve service, and... whatever.
Peace out; and in.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
This and that
Some random nonsense swimming in and out of view in my mind...
- Bogie walked all the way around the outside of the house the other day. Well, it was actually more of a shuffle... but still, it's the furthest he's drug his butt around at one time in awhile.
- Last night was the first Christmas party for Jane's new job. People from all the banks were there. It was quite fun. It was held at Timber Ridge Country Club in Bluffton. I'd say there were about 100 people there. I was quite surprised when we walked in and the president greeted us both by name! I'd never met him, and Jane has worked there less than two months. She says he is a real servant leader - not afraid to do anything that needs doing. He seemed like a swell guy. I was also suprised that we prayed before we ate, and then, before we left, the president prayed a blessing on everyone. Interesting. Anyway, I won a 2 dollar bill, and the table centerpiece.
- I wore a button shirt (and even tucked it in) one day this week. I was trying to see if I could be a real pastor. I survived the day, but just don't think I could do it on a regular basis.
- I was standing in line at the new Target in FW the other day, and TWO people were nice to me. The lady in front offered to let me go ahead of her. I declined though, because I had nothing else to do, and standing in line was better than sitting at home. Then a moment later, the lady behind me told me another register just opened and I could be first in line there. Hmm... I wonder if I smelled or something.
- I went to the new Gordman's store. You know, I don't get that place at all. I walked in and almost tipped over. They have stuff hung waaaay up on the walls. And unless I'm just stupid, there are NO AISLES in that store! It's like as soon as you walk in the door you're in the middle of a department, and you can't tell where one department starts and another stops. I don't like that. I like WIIIIIDE aisles. I have no reason to go back in that store.
- On a more serious note... I'm really thinking of breaking off my relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. All kidding aside. I have been a Cowboys fan since 1969. I've been through losing seasons, winning seasons. And, even though I didn't like how Jerry Jones took control of the team, I stuck with them still. But it's just getting to be way too much of a circus. I'm much too old to find a new team, so I don't know if it's time to just shelf the whole thing, or... I don't know... can fans become free agents too? Maybe I should offer my loyalty to the highest bidder. Nah, that wouldn't be right. I dunno... it's depressing.
- A guy across the way from us is building a new barn (pictured below). It looks much bigger in real life than this picture shows. Every time I look at it I think, "Man, that would make one cool church building." I really think it would.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sharing the warmth
A small group of 7 from our church took another bundle of items to the homeless of Fort Wayne this morning. It was downright freezing cold. I didn't get there in time to get a picture of the pile before it was unsorted, but here is how it looked before loading up the van. I've probably told before how everything has to be taken out of the package and all tags removed. That way it gets used, rather than taken back to a store for money.
There always seem to be a few first-timers every time they go. This time our entire Middle School Sunday School class went. It's only 2 kids and their teacher. But still. They put together little packets with a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a wash cloth, and some other stuff as a class project, and wanted to help deliver them too. Nice.
After praying, the group just drives around town looking for people who look like they're homeless (and, yes, most of the time they either are, or they're poor enough that they take something). There are a couple of spots where they know people hang out. When it gets around noon they head to the Rescue Mission and there is usually a nice crowd of people there.
This doesn't solve homelessness or anything, but there will be a few people in our area who will be a little warmer today. Hopefully they will know someone cares about them too.
There always seem to be a few first-timers every time they go. This time our entire Middle School Sunday School class went. It's only 2 kids and their teacher. But still. They put together little packets with a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a wash cloth, and some other stuff as a class project, and wanted to help deliver them too. Nice.
After praying, the group just drives around town looking for people who look like they're homeless (and, yes, most of the time they either are, or they're poor enough that they take something). There are a couple of spots where they know people hang out. When it gets around noon they head to the Rescue Mission and there is usually a nice crowd of people there.
This doesn't solve homelessness or anything, but there will be a few people in our area who will be a little warmer today. Hopefully they will know someone cares about them too.
Friday, December 12, 2008
It's not a business
I feel like Steve Nash.I was reading an article about a recent trade made by the Phoenix Suns (that's an NBA team, in case you didn't know). His best friend had just been traded to another team, he played rather poorly that night, and people wanted to know why. He said...
"I have a hard time committing to this as a business... I take it personally, and I take my career home with me. I care about my teammates. When you lose two of your best friends, it's hard."
I could write at length about how we have taken what is supposed to be a *game* and turned it into a business. Why can't we understand that's what is wrong with professional sports? But what bothers me is we've done the exact same thing with the church.
I don't know how many times I've been told (by some very well-meaning people), "You need to develop thicker skin to be a pastor"; or "You can't take it so personal"; or "It just goes with the job."
We don't have trades in church, but the fact is... it HURTS when people leave. As a pastor I hope I never reach a point where I don't take it personally; I hope I never get to the place where I don't take my work home with me; I hope I never stop caring about the people who come and go. My mind and emotions just don't work that way.
Now, I do realize how people can look at things in that manner. I am fully aware of the need for a certain institutional element to the church, and I realize there is a sort of consumer mindset for many people in regard to church. In the back of my mind I know it makes perfectly logical sense to not get too wrapped up in the whole "community" thing, and the "love" thing, and the "relationship" stuff...
...Is your sarcasm sensor going off yet? THERE SHOULD BE NOTHING PERFECTLY LOGICAL ABOUT OUR FAITH. God is the ultimate mystery; people are emotionally-charged and complex beings; love is not a commodity.
I don't know... I suppose I should probably just not think about it. And it's not even that people come and go from churches. I know enough to know that sometimes it happens for very legitimate reasons, and there's nothing behind it. But I'm talking about all the bad "breakups." I have had too many friends walk away, and it hurts. And it hurts even more when people tell me I shouldn't "let it" hurt.
I have a hard time committing to this as a business. I take it personally, and I take my career home with me. I care about my teammates. I hope I always do.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Late for "church"
Philip Yancey shared this story he heard from a friend in his 'What's So Amazing About Grace' video series:When I'm late to church, people turn around and stare at me with frowns of disapproval. I get the clear message that I'm not as responsible as they are. When I'm late to Alcoholics Anonymous, the meeting comes to a halt, and everyone jumps up to hug and welcome me. They realize that my lateness may be a sign that I almost didn't make it. When I show up, it proves that my desperate need for them won out over my desperate need for alcohol.
I have to admit, I sometimes get irritated when people are late for our Sunday worship gatherings (or Small Groups, dinners or whatever). For some it seems like a lack of discipline or concern for others. But Yancey makes a good point.
I often fail to recognize just how much of a struggle it is for some people to overcome their brokenness and seek out help through the church. And if anyone ought to be welcoming, it should be the followers of Jesus.
This reminds me of the parable in Luke 18: 9-14 where two men prayed very different prayers. One was confident of his righteousness and looked down on everyone else. He prayed that he not become "like them." The other could not even raise his eyes for shame. He simply asked for mercy. Jesus said it was this second man who went home justified.
Sunday worship gatherings (or "services") are odd things. On the one hand, they are meant to be FOR God. It is a time for people of faith to come together to worship and praise Him. Yet, could it be that the greatest form of praise we can give is to bow before him in our awkward brokenness and ask for mercy? Is God impressed by our 'dressing up and doing something for him'; or is it our humble confession that we desperately need him and his church, and that sometimes we don't even know how to go about proper worship, that is more pleasing in His eyes?
I think we have a fairly welcoming church, but I pray that we might become even moreso. May we celebrate the late-arrivals, and most of all, the One who welcomes all of us as we ask, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Jesus and nonviolence - conclusion
The final chapter of Walter Wink's fine little book 'Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way' is rather short. I will conclude my posts on this book with its final two paragraphs:
I had wanted to read this book for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did. I don't know that it was exactly what I was expecting, but then, I'm not sure what I was expecting. At any rate, I think I learned a great deal through its 103 pages.
I have always considered myself a pacifist, so to be sure I looked it up in the dictionary. It says...
There seems to be a fine line between the Third Way and strict pacifism. At any rate, this gives one much to think about.
Peace out; and in.
Many people have not aspired to Jesus' Third Way because it has been presented to them as absolute pacifism, a life-commitment to nonviolence in principle, with no exceptions. They are neither sure that they can hold fast to its principles in every situation nor sure that they have the saintliness to overcome their own inner violence. Perhaps a more traditional Christian approach would make more sense. We know that nonviolence is the New Testament pattern. We can commit ourselves to following Jesus' way as best we can. We know we are weak and will probably fail. But we also know that God loves and forgives us and sets us back on our feet after every failure and defeat.
Seen in this light, Jesus' Third Way is not an insuperable counsel to perfection attainable only by the few. It is simply the right way to live, and can be pursued by many. The more who attempt it, the more mutual support there will be in following it.
I had wanted to read this book for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did. I don't know that it was exactly what I was expecting, but then, I'm not sure what I was expecting. At any rate, I think I learned a great deal through its 103 pages.
I have always considered myself a pacifist, so to be sure I looked it up in the dictionary. It says...
Pacifism = Belief in peaceful resolution of conflicts: the belief that violence, war, and the taking of lives are unacceptable ways of resolving conflicts; Refusal to participate in war: the refusal to take up arms or participate in war because of moral or religious beliefs; and Belief in diplomacy over war: the belief that international conflicts should be settled by negotiation rather than war.
There seems to be a fine line between the Third Way and strict pacifism. At any rate, this gives one much to think about.
Peace out; and in.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Jesus and nonviolence - pt. 3
Chapter 5 in Walter Wink's little book 'Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way' is pretty long. He moves beyond the simply pragmatic reasons for the use of nonviolence in political and social struggles, and gives six reasons which "For the Christian... are deeper and finally [the] ultimate grounds for opting for Jesus' way." They are:
1. The Love of Enemies.
2. The Means Are Commensurate With the New Order.
3. Respect for the Rule of Law.
4. Rooting Out the Violence.
5. Not A Law But A Gift.
6. The Way of the Cross.
THE LOVE OF ENEMIES
Number 1 is pretty heavy. He starts off with a piece from an MLK speech on p. 58 about the need to love our enemies. He then lays out some pretty darn good stuff...
Whew. That could stand to be reiterated in a few thousand churches. He goes on with the provocation...
Just in case you missed it, go back and read that paragraph again...
He continues...
This was by far the longest section, and there's much more I could include. Three random sentences help to keep perspective:
THE MEANS ARE COMMENSURATE WITH THE NEW ORDER
On 71...
And on. 72...
RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW
on 73...
He also points out on 75-76 that Romans 13:1-7 - about not resisting the authorities God has established - isn't referring to all forms of resistance to an unjust regime, but only to 'armed' resistance.
ROOTING OUT THE VIOLENCE
Part four is integral. It deals with "rooting out the violence within our own souls." He sums it up on p. 78: "It means abandoning one of the greatest and oldest lies: that the world is made up of good people and bad people." (There is good and evil within us all).
NOT A LAW BUT A GIFT
He points out that this is "something we are not required to do, but enabled to do."
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
And I've heard this before, but it still amazes me... "More Christians were martyred in the twentieth century than in all the previous years since the founding of the church COMBINED."
This was one of those "hard but good" chapters. Section one especially blew me away. And I was reminded again of the fact that this isn't only applicable in the political realm. We could apply this to our view of terrorists, or school bullies, or people we work with... anyone we consider an "enemy."
What do you think about his assertion in section one: "...love of enemies has, for our time, become the litmus test of authentic Christian faith"? Pretty wild, huh?
1. The Love of Enemies.
2. The Means Are Commensurate With the New Order.
3. Respect for the Rule of Law.
4. Rooting Out the Violence.
5. Not A Law But A Gift.
6. The Way of the Cross.
THE LOVE OF ENEMIES
Number 1 is pretty heavy. He starts off with a piece from an MLK speech on p. 58 about the need to love our enemies. He then lays out some pretty darn good stuff...
It cannot be stressed too much: love of enemies has, for our time, become the litmus test of authentic Christian faith. Commitment to justice, liberation, or the overthrow of oppression is not enough, for all too often the means used have brought in their wake new injustices and oppressions. Love of enemies is the recognition that the enemy, too, is a child of God. The enemy too believes he or she is in the right, and fears us because we represent a threat against his or her values, lifestyle, or affluence. When we demonize our enemies, calling them names and identifying them with absolute evil, we deny that they have that of God within them that makes transformation possible. Instead, we play God. We write them out of the Book of Life. We conclude that our enemy has drifted beyond the redemptive hand of God.
Whew. That could stand to be reiterated in a few thousand churches. He goes on with the provocation...
I submit that the ultimate religious question today is no longer the Reformation's "How can I find a gracious God?" It is instead, "How can I find God in my enemy?"... What has formerly been a purely private affair - justification by faith through grace - has now, in our age, grown to embrace the world... There is, in fact, no other way to God for our time but through the enemy, for loving the enemy has become the key both to human survival in the age of terror and to personal transformation. Either we find the God who causes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, or we may have no more sunrises.
Just in case you missed it, go back and read that paragraph again...
He continues...
It is our very inability to love our enemies that throws us into the arms of grace. What law was for Luther, the enemy has become for us. It is precisely here, in the midst of persecution, that many will find themselves overtaken by the miraculous power of divine forgiveness. God's forgiving love can burst like a flare even in the night of our grief and hatred, and free us to love. It is in just such times as these, when forgiveness seems impossible, that the power of God most mightily manifests itself.
This was by far the longest section, and there's much more I could include. Three random sentences help to keep perspective:
We are not just fighting for our rights... but for the good of the whole society (58. Rev. James Bevel).
Faith in God means believing that ANYONE can be transformed, regardless of the past.
In the final analysis, then, love of enemies is trusting God for the miracle of divine forgiveness.
THE MEANS ARE COMMENSURATE WITH THE NEW ORDER
On 71...
In John Swomley's words, violence is "not conducive for teaching the respect for persons on which democracy depends."
By contrast, nonviolent revolution is not a program for seizing power. It is, says Gandhi, a program for transforming relationships, ending in a peaceful transfer of power.
And on. 72...
Violence simply is not radical enough, since it generally changes only the rulers but not the rules. What use is a revolution that fails to address the fundamental problem: the existence of domination in all its forms, and the myth of redemptive violence that perpetuates it?
RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW
on 73...
Violent revolutionaries are involved in a contradiction that jeopardizes the very order they wish to establish. They plan to gain power by the very means that they will declare illegal when they gain power. But they will have established a precedent that legitimates the use of violence by those who disagree with them and wish to replace them.
He also points out on 75-76 that Romans 13:1-7 - about not resisting the authorities God has established - isn't referring to all forms of resistance to an unjust regime, but only to 'armed' resistance.
ROOTING OUT THE VIOLENCE
Part four is integral. It deals with "rooting out the violence within our own souls." He sums it up on p. 78: "It means abandoning one of the greatest and oldest lies: that the world is made up of good people and bad people." (There is good and evil within us all).
NOT A LAW BUT A GIFT
He points out that this is "something we are not required to do, but enabled to do."
It is not something we do in order to secure our own righteousness before God. It is rather something that we are made capable of when we know that the power of God is greater than the powers of death.
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
The cross was not just Jesus' identification with the victims of oppression; it was, as Rob Robertson remarks, also his way of dealing with these evils.
The cross means that death is not the greatest evil one can suffer.
And I've heard this before, but it still amazes me... "More Christians were martyred in the twentieth century than in all the previous years since the founding of the church COMBINED."
This was one of those "hard but good" chapters. Section one especially blew me away. And I was reminded again of the fact that this isn't only applicable in the political realm. We could apply this to our view of terrorists, or school bullies, or people we work with... anyone we consider an "enemy."
What do you think about his assertion in section one: "...love of enemies has, for our time, become the litmus test of authentic Christian faith"? Pretty wild, huh?
Monday, December 08, 2008
Jesus and nonviolence - pt. 2
Chapters 3 & 4 of Walter Wink's 'Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way' were fairly short. In chapter three he juxtaposes Jesus' teachings with Saul Alinsky's principles for nonviolent community action, which he developed in his attempts to organize American workers and minority communities. I originally listed Alinsky's thirteen principles, but have removed them because they're not really the point.
I just have one quote from chapter 3. On p. 45-6:
In chapter 4 he compares the differences in some examples of violent and non-violent takeovers. However, he points out that it is much more than that. He says "...Jesus' Third Way is not a perfectionistic avoidance of violence but a creative struggle to restore the humanity of all parties in a dispute..." A rather key point to it all, I say.
The only thing I underlined in ch. 4 was:
This sent me to wondering just how an evangelical Christian can feel any kind of war (or killing) can be justified. If we kill a non-believer, are we not damning them to hell (and how is that not worse than the killing of an innocent unborn child covered by the grace of God?)? But that's not what this section was about. It is simply more about how violence is not the best way to bring about change. The next chapter (ch. 5) will likely be pretty lengthy, so I'll stop with this.
Peace out; and in.
I just have one quote from chapter 3. On p. 45-6:
Jesus was not content merely to empower the powerless... and here his teachings fundamentally transcend Alinsky's. Jesus' sayings about nonretaliation are of one piece with his challenge to love our enemies. Here it is enough to remark that Jesus did not advocate nonviolence merely as a technique for outwitting the enemy, but as a just means of opposing the enemy in such a way as to hold open the possibility of the enemy's becoming just as well. Both sides must win. We are summoned to pray for our enemies' transformation, and to respond to ill-treatment with a love that not only is godly but also, I am convinced, can only be found in God.
In chapter 4 he compares the differences in some examples of violent and non-violent takeovers. However, he points out that it is much more than that. He says "...Jesus' Third Way is not a perfectionistic avoidance of violence but a creative struggle to restore the humanity of all parties in a dispute..." A rather key point to it all, I say.
The only thing I underlined in ch. 4 was:
I do not believe that the churches can adequately atone for their past inaction simply by baptizing revolutionary violence under the pretext of just war theory. No war today could be called just, given the inevitable level of casualties and atrocities.
This sent me to wondering just how an evangelical Christian can feel any kind of war (or killing) can be justified. If we kill a non-believer, are we not damning them to hell (and how is that not worse than the killing of an innocent unborn child covered by the grace of God?)? But that's not what this section was about. It is simply more about how violence is not the best way to bring about change. The next chapter (ch. 5) will likely be pretty lengthy, so I'll stop with this.
Peace out; and in.
Back home
I don't know anymore if I am back home now that I'm in Indiana, or if I was back home this weekend when I was in Illinois. In any event, we had a nice (though short) trip back to Illinois over the weekend. We did Christmas with my parents (and the first time all four of us were there with our significant others), and we got to attend the surprise 60th birthday party for Jane's oldest brother and his wife.
We didn't leave until 7:20 pm Friday night, because Jane had to close at the bank. So me, Carrie and Drew picked her up from work and we left with the car pre-loaded with a Burger King meal. I was worried about the weather but it was clear all the way until about an hour and a half from my parents. Then the wind picked up and was blowing the snow they already had on the ground, and when it started snowing about midnight it got a little hairy, but we made it with no problems about 1 am EST.
Isaac and Laura came from Anderson on Saturday morning, and they had it a little worse. There was snow and freezing drizzle, but they made pretty good time anyway. They got there plenty before lunch, and we had our Christmas meal a little after noon on Saturday. Then we opened presents... sort of. My mom had given us money and told us we were supposed to buy our own present and bring it wrapped so we could open it. Jane got a coat and just wore it. Carrie didn't receive all of hers in the mail yet, but brought the cd (unwrapped). Isaac used his money to buy presents for other people, so I wrapped my old digital camera and gave it to him. Because what I brought for myself was the first camera we bought for my parents, but I decided to keep it when we found them another one that was a little easier to use. I think I'm more excited to have a new camera than my parents were to receive their first digital. My dad didn't even look at it. He still uses the kind with film. My mom will probably use it though. At least my dad didn't try to give his gift from us away this year. Last year we got him some candy and he tried to give it to my sister when she was leaving. He did appreciate the Tony Dungy book the kids got him. Of course he had to explain who Tony was to me; you know, because since we don't live in Illinois anymore we obviously don't hear news or sports or anything like that.
After a hum-dinger game of domino's we went to a little bar in the nearby village of Sheffield to help surprise Jane's brother that night. His three kids rented out the bar and it was free drinks and free food the entire night. That was pretty cool. I think her brother and his wife were pretty surprised. We had a pretty good time visiting with family on Jane's side, and we also ran into some old friends who just happened into the bar. One of the first people I saw was a guy who was a few years older than me - who always called me "Space Cadet" in high school (which I didn't really care for) - and he is now a county cop. He was pretty drunk when we got there, and he was still there when we left. I also had two other long conversations with people that I don't remember ever having talked to before in my life (though I did know them). One of them claimed she used to babysit me when I was young. I don't remember it at all. It was a good time nonetheless, and I enjoyed talking with them, and I'm glad we got to be there.
It was zero degrees f when we woke up Sunday morning. We all went to early church at our old church, then we hit the road about 10 am CST. It was clear all the way home. We got home around 4:30 EST, and I had someone from church drop something off before I even went in the house and unpacked. I scooped the front step, unpacked, then headed to the church at 5 to get ready for our Christmas tree decorating and supper. All indications are that we had an excellent speaker in my absence (Josh Arthur from Urban Light in Muncie). I was glad to hear that. They need to hear good preaching every now and then.
The Tree Decorating went really well this year. There were 46 people (I only know because we used every chair that was set up for the meal). We sang "The First Noel" - and as usual I messed up the words/verses. Everyone brought an ornament from home, and by family we had people come up and share why they chose the ornament they did, or a special memory or thought from Christmas, and then they hung their ornament on the tree. Of course about half the lights on the tree went out while we were singing. Oh well. That took about a half hour, then we went downstairs and ate. We had baked potatoes and soup and veggies and ice cream and stuff. A good time.
We were cleaned up and home by about 8:30 pm. I sat in my chair and did some crossword puzzles and just vegged for a while. Bogie was happy to have some people back home. Went to bed at 11.
Now... it's back to the grind. Peace out; and in.
We didn't leave until 7:20 pm Friday night, because Jane had to close at the bank. So me, Carrie and Drew picked her up from work and we left with the car pre-loaded with a Burger King meal. I was worried about the weather but it was clear all the way until about an hour and a half from my parents. Then the wind picked up and was blowing the snow they already had on the ground, and when it started snowing about midnight it got a little hairy, but we made it with no problems about 1 am EST.
Isaac and Laura came from Anderson on Saturday morning, and they had it a little worse. There was snow and freezing drizzle, but they made pretty good time anyway. They got there plenty before lunch, and we had our Christmas meal a little after noon on Saturday. Then we opened presents... sort of. My mom had given us money and told us we were supposed to buy our own present and bring it wrapped so we could open it. Jane got a coat and just wore it. Carrie didn't receive all of hers in the mail yet, but brought the cd (unwrapped). Isaac used his money to buy presents for other people, so I wrapped my old digital camera and gave it to him. Because what I brought for myself was the first camera we bought for my parents, but I decided to keep it when we found them another one that was a little easier to use. I think I'm more excited to have a new camera than my parents were to receive their first digital. My dad didn't even look at it. He still uses the kind with film. My mom will probably use it though. At least my dad didn't try to give his gift from us away this year. Last year we got him some candy and he tried to give it to my sister when she was leaving. He did appreciate the Tony Dungy book the kids got him. Of course he had to explain who Tony was to me; you know, because since we don't live in Illinois anymore we obviously don't hear news or sports or anything like that.
After a hum-dinger game of domino's we went to a little bar in the nearby village of Sheffield to help surprise Jane's brother that night. His three kids rented out the bar and it was free drinks and free food the entire night. That was pretty cool. I think her brother and his wife were pretty surprised. We had a pretty good time visiting with family on Jane's side, and we also ran into some old friends who just happened into the bar. One of the first people I saw was a guy who was a few years older than me - who always called me "Space Cadet" in high school (which I didn't really care for) - and he is now a county cop. He was pretty drunk when we got there, and he was still there when we left. I also had two other long conversations with people that I don't remember ever having talked to before in my life (though I did know them). One of them claimed she used to babysit me when I was young. I don't remember it at all. It was a good time nonetheless, and I enjoyed talking with them, and I'm glad we got to be there.
It was zero degrees f when we woke up Sunday morning. We all went to early church at our old church, then we hit the road about 10 am CST. It was clear all the way home. We got home around 4:30 EST, and I had someone from church drop something off before I even went in the house and unpacked. I scooped the front step, unpacked, then headed to the church at 5 to get ready for our Christmas tree decorating and supper. All indications are that we had an excellent speaker in my absence (Josh Arthur from Urban Light in Muncie). I was glad to hear that. They need to hear good preaching every now and then.
The Tree Decorating went really well this year. There were 46 people (I only know because we used every chair that was set up for the meal). We sang "The First Noel" - and as usual I messed up the words/verses. Everyone brought an ornament from home, and by family we had people come up and share why they chose the ornament they did, or a special memory or thought from Christmas, and then they hung their ornament on the tree. Of course about half the lights on the tree went out while we were singing. Oh well. That took about a half hour, then we went downstairs and ate. We had baked potatoes and soup and veggies and ice cream and stuff. A good time.
We were cleaned up and home by about 8:30 pm. I sat in my chair and did some crossword puzzles and just vegged for a while. Bogie was happy to have some people back home. Went to bed at 11.
Now... it's back to the grind. Peace out; and in.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
White man video
Not sure where it got the name, but this is the video Fran mentioned in a comment the other day: "White Man" by Michael Gungor. It is absolutely fantabulous.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Jesus and nonviolence - pt. 1
I began reading Walter Wink's good little book 'Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way.' Already it has been quite eye-opening. I think I have been guilty of believing non-violence to mean "lack of conflict"... and that is not really the way Jesus teaches us to live. As Wink says on p. 4:
He really sums up the Christian life (IMHO) at the end of chapter 1:
Ouch.
In chapter 2 he explains how the term for "Do not resist" in Matthew 5:38-41 has been poorly translated in the King James Version of the Bible.
King James languaged this in such a way that there seemed to be only two ways of dealing with conflict: fight or flight; resist or resist not. But Wink says when properly translating what Jesus was saying, we have a third way. He says there are three general responses to evil: (1) passivity, (2) violent opposition, and (3) the third way of militant non-violence articulated by Jesus.
In the above text, Jesus wasn't promoting passivity - we aren't just to be doormats - but he was saying, "Don't strike back at evil (or, one who has done you evil) in kind." "Do not retaliate against violence with violence." There is another way to respond to evil actions and deeds. Jesus is proposing a response that will create a change of heart in the evil-doer. Wink gives some good examples (you should read the book to find out what they are), and gives a list of Jesus' Third Way ideas on pp.27-8:
This has covered chapters 1 & 2.
Most Christians desire nonviolence, yes; but they are not talking about a non-violent struggle for justice. They mean simply the absence of conflict. They would like the system to change without having to be involved in changing it.
He really sums up the Christian life (IMHO) at the end of chapter 1:
The issue is not, "What must I do in order to secure my salvation?" but rather, "What does God require of me in response to the needs of others?" It is not, "How can I be virtuous?" But "How can I participate in the struggle of the oppressed for a more just world?" Otherwise our nonviolence is premised on self-justifying attempts to establish our own purity in the eyes of God, others, and ourselves, and that is nothing less than a satanic temptation to die with clean hands and a dirty heart.
Ouch.
In chapter 2 he explains how the term for "Do not resist" in Matthew 5:38-41 has been poorly translated in the King James Version of the Bible.
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I say to you, Do not resist an evil-doer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile (Mt. 5:38-41 NRSV).
King James languaged this in such a way that there seemed to be only two ways of dealing with conflict: fight or flight; resist or resist not. But Wink says when properly translating what Jesus was saying, we have a third way. He says there are three general responses to evil: (1) passivity, (2) violent opposition, and (3) the third way of militant non-violence articulated by Jesus.
In the above text, Jesus wasn't promoting passivity - we aren't just to be doormats - but he was saying, "Don't strike back at evil (or, one who has done you evil) in kind." "Do not retaliate against violence with violence." There is another way to respond to evil actions and deeds. Jesus is proposing a response that will create a change of heart in the evil-doer. Wink gives some good examples (you should read the book to find out what they are), and gives a list of Jesus' Third Way ideas on pp.27-8:
- Seize the moral iniative
- Find a creative alternative to violence
- Assert your own humanity and dignity as a person
- Meet force with ridicule or humor
- Break the cycle of humiliation
- Refuse to submit or to accept the inferior position
- Expose the injustice of the system
- Take control of the power dynamic
- Shame the oppressor into repentance
- Stand your ground
- Force the Powers to make decisions for which they are not prepared
- Recognize your own power
- Be willing to suffer rather than to retaliate
- Cause the oppressor to see you in a new light
- Deprive the oppressor of a situation where a show of force is effective
- Be willing to undergo the penalty for breaking unjust laws
- Die to fear of the old order and its rules
Nonviolence is not the final objective. Nonviolence is a lifestyle. The final objective is humanity. It is life.
This has covered chapters 1 & 2.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Social spirituality
The final chapter of Mulholland's book 'Invitation to a Journey' is on Social Spirituality. He begins with this incredible prayer:
That right there, my friends, is a prayer of prayers; the prayer of my heart. Wow.
The author says "social spirituality designates our spiritual pilgrimage within and for the culture we live in." But he warns, "Just as there is no personal holiness without social holiness, so also there is no social holiness without personal holiness. The mistake we have made is to break the two apart. Some people emphasize personal holiness, others emphasize social holiness. The problem is that neither group ends up with ANY holiness." (both are needed)
He quotes Kenneth Leech: "In our day Christianity is widely seen as a religion of personal pronouns, a purely individual faith; and this understanding is felt to be traditional, though it is in fact of recent origin. The traditional social doctrine of orthodox Christianity has been largely forgotten and replaced by an individualistic theology." And Mulholland adds, "Privatization of faith is as damaging in the social arena as it is in the community of faith - individualized spirituality undercuts any vital witness in the social order we live in."
In speaking of Biblical tension he says on 160:
"Attempting to worship God while closing one's eyes to dehumanizing injustices in the social, political and economic realms - or, worse, while engaging in practices that contribute to injustice - is regularly denounced as totally unacceptable. Iniquity joined with solemn assembly is an abomination to God... The New Testament regularly conjoins love for God with love for one's neighbor, and indicates that the godliness that is pure and faultless is to look after marginalized and powerless people (Ja.1:27). As Leech puts it, 'To dissociate the divine justice from the struggle for justice within the human community is to make nonsense of the biblical record.'"
Two key paragraphs on 161-2:
"There must be a creative tension between our spiritual pilgrimage and the world in which it is lived out. If we attempt to undo this difficult tension, we move either in an 'unworldly' spirituality that isolates us from the world or into a 'worldly' spirituality that insulates us from the radical demands of a vital relationship with God. In the first resolution God becomes our private possession, in the second a domesticated support for the status quo. In neither instance is God allowed to be the One who calls us out of life in the world on its terms in order to thrust us back into the world on God's terms."
"Holistic spirituality is a situation of being never at home yet fully at home in the social order. We are never at home, for our lives are not shaped by the values, structures and dynamics of the world around us; yet we are fully at home, for in the midst of those destructive and dehumanizing values of the world we live out the values, structures and dynamics of God's new order of being in Christ."
Yowza. He does a nice job of putting this all into perspective using John's vision set forth in the book of Revelation. He says, "John's vision is not about the rapture, and it is not a blueprint of the future. Instead, it is a profound vision of what it means to be a citizen of New Jerusalem in the midst of a world that is shaped by the destructive values and dehumanizing powers of Fallen Babylon. This is what social spirituality is all about."
He then shows how it is played out in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation (the good, the bad, and the ugly). Nice stuff here.
On 164-5:
"Christian realism... is motivated not by a theology which seeks to baptize a current social order but by a theology of the God-inspired future which draws future vision into present reality. As our lives are increasingly shaped toward wholeness in the image of Christ by the values, dynamics and structures of God's order, we come into conflict with the dehumanizing and manipulative structures and dynamics of the fallen order within which we live. We begin to live holy lives in an unholy world."
And later... "Such a life - lived by the values and perspectives of God's new order of being in Christ in the midst of the destructive values of Fallen Babylon - is the essence of all social spirituality."
(166) "If we don't have a corporate spirituality of accountability to one another for our pilgrimage toward wholeness in the image of Christ, we are going to be subverted by the values and the perspectives of the fallen order around us. As a church we will fall captive to the culture... Now, this does not mean that the church sets itself against the culture. The church is not called primarily to be confrontive, but to be obedient and faithful to God's presence and purposes in the culture... Our purpose should be to live out the values and dynamics of New Jerusalem in the midst of the values and dynamics of Fallen Babylon."
He sums up with these two thoughts on the last page:
"We are being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others within the body of Christ AND for the sake of others outside the body of Christ. Corporate and social spirituality are inseperable elements of the wholeness of our journey in faith."
"Holistic spirituality is a pilgrimage of deepening responsiveness to God's control of our life and being."
This ends the series on this book. Sorry about the length of some of these posts, but this is one of my favorite books from my seminary days. Spiritual Formation is probably one of my favorite subjects. It seems odd that this book was written in 1993, because so much of it is still so true. I've only given a few glimpses here and there... I highly recommend the book for anyone serious about the journey of faith.
Peace out; and in.
O God of peoples, nations and history; you who became incarnate in the midst of economic, social and political injustice; you who call us to incarnate the reality of your kingdom in the midst of the world's destructive values, structures and dynamics: we confess that we would much rather limit our relationship with you to the comfortable confines of our own insulated world. We are prone to withdraw and to create islands of security within which we can live in some degree of peace and comfort without having to see the pain and anguish of the world outside. We are tempted to limit our spirituality to the narrow boundaries of our self-circumscribed world. O God of justice and mercy, help us see that to be conformed to the image of Christ is to be thrust out into the world as agents of your redeeming, healing, liberating, transforming grace. Help us to see that our growth toward wholeness in Christ cannot move toward its fruition apart from our life in the world. Guide us in our consideration of this reality in this chapter, and help us to be open and responsive to what you are saying to us.
That right there, my friends, is a prayer of prayers; the prayer of my heart. Wow.
The author says "social spirituality designates our spiritual pilgrimage within and for the culture we live in." But he warns, "Just as there is no personal holiness without social holiness, so also there is no social holiness without personal holiness. The mistake we have made is to break the two apart. Some people emphasize personal holiness, others emphasize social holiness. The problem is that neither group ends up with ANY holiness." (both are needed)
He quotes Kenneth Leech: "In our day Christianity is widely seen as a religion of personal pronouns, a purely individual faith; and this understanding is felt to be traditional, though it is in fact of recent origin. The traditional social doctrine of orthodox Christianity has been largely forgotten and replaced by an individualistic theology." And Mulholland adds, "Privatization of faith is as damaging in the social arena as it is in the community of faith - individualized spirituality undercuts any vital witness in the social order we live in."
In speaking of Biblical tension he says on 160:
"Attempting to worship God while closing one's eyes to dehumanizing injustices in the social, political and economic realms - or, worse, while engaging in practices that contribute to injustice - is regularly denounced as totally unacceptable. Iniquity joined with solemn assembly is an abomination to God... The New Testament regularly conjoins love for God with love for one's neighbor, and indicates that the godliness that is pure and faultless is to look after marginalized and powerless people (Ja.1:27). As Leech puts it, 'To dissociate the divine justice from the struggle for justice within the human community is to make nonsense of the biblical record.'"
Two key paragraphs on 161-2:
"There must be a creative tension between our spiritual pilgrimage and the world in which it is lived out. If we attempt to undo this difficult tension, we move either in an 'unworldly' spirituality that isolates us from the world or into a 'worldly' spirituality that insulates us from the radical demands of a vital relationship with God. In the first resolution God becomes our private possession, in the second a domesticated support for the status quo. In neither instance is God allowed to be the One who calls us out of life in the world on its terms in order to thrust us back into the world on God's terms."
"Holistic spirituality is a situation of being never at home yet fully at home in the social order. We are never at home, for our lives are not shaped by the values, structures and dynamics of the world around us; yet we are fully at home, for in the midst of those destructive and dehumanizing values of the world we live out the values, structures and dynamics of God's new order of being in Christ."
Yowza. He does a nice job of putting this all into perspective using John's vision set forth in the book of Revelation. He says, "John's vision is not about the rapture, and it is not a blueprint of the future. Instead, it is a profound vision of what it means to be a citizen of New Jerusalem in the midst of a world that is shaped by the destructive values and dehumanizing powers of Fallen Babylon. This is what social spirituality is all about."
He then shows how it is played out in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation (the good, the bad, and the ugly). Nice stuff here.
On 164-5:
"Christian realism... is motivated not by a theology which seeks to baptize a current social order but by a theology of the God-inspired future which draws future vision into present reality. As our lives are increasingly shaped toward wholeness in the image of Christ by the values, dynamics and structures of God's order, we come into conflict with the dehumanizing and manipulative structures and dynamics of the fallen order within which we live. We begin to live holy lives in an unholy world."
And later... "Such a life - lived by the values and perspectives of God's new order of being in Christ in the midst of the destructive values of Fallen Babylon - is the essence of all social spirituality."
(166) "If we don't have a corporate spirituality of accountability to one another for our pilgrimage toward wholeness in the image of Christ, we are going to be subverted by the values and the perspectives of the fallen order around us. As a church we will fall captive to the culture... Now, this does not mean that the church sets itself against the culture. The church is not called primarily to be confrontive, but to be obedient and faithful to God's presence and purposes in the culture... Our purpose should be to live out the values and dynamics of New Jerusalem in the midst of the values and dynamics of Fallen Babylon."
He sums up with these two thoughts on the last page:
"We are being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others within the body of Christ AND for the sake of others outside the body of Christ. Corporate and social spirituality are inseperable elements of the wholeness of our journey in faith."
"Holistic spirituality is a pilgrimage of deepening responsiveness to God's control of our life and being."
This ends the series on this book. Sorry about the length of some of these posts, but this is one of my favorite books from my seminary days. Spiritual Formation is probably one of my favorite subjects. It seems odd that this book was written in 1993, because so much of it is still so true. I've only given a few glimpses here and there... I highly recommend the book for anyone serious about the journey of faith.
Peace out; and in.
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