Saturday, February 28, 2009
The parable of the pear tree
BWIII shared the parable of the pear tree (from a student at his school) awhile ago. I thought it was pretty good. I think I'm going to use it in my Lenten Breakfast sermon next Saturday. After eating pancakes and sausage, of course.
Dr. visit
I finally went to the doctor yesterday. For four weeks I've been having this recurring sinus/allergy/runny nose/sore throat/nausea thing cycling back and forth. Everybody and their brother has told me I needed to go get an antibiotic, so... since I also needed to get my yearly blood pressure med prescription redone, I thought I'd get an antibiotic too. The doctor had other plans.
To start with, my bp was 138/90, so he doubled my bp meds. I have taken 10 mg of lisiniprol for as long as I can remember. Now I'm on 20 mg. He said that is still a minimal dosage. I also got it in a 90-day prescription, so it will only be $10 every three months, instead of $4 every month.
He wouldn't give me any antibiotics though. He said it just sounds like an allergy thing. As long as what's coming out of my nose/throat is clear it's fine. If it turns yellow or green then I have an infection. Whatever. I suppose Advil will help too. He did write me a prescription for Allegra 180. He said that should be better than over-the-counter Clariton or Zyrtec that I have been taking.
While waiting for the doctor I jumped on the scale and I was 171. That's a little more than I would prefer, but I haven't been on the treadmill very much in the last month with everything else that's been going on. My temp was 98.5. I had to do that myself too.
I decided to take the prescriptions to Walgreens in Waynedale. I used to always go to Walmart in Bluffton, but now there should be no need for me to ever have to go to Bluffton again. That was basically the only thing I ever needed to go there for. Of course there was a little glitch getting my new prescription card to work. I guess this was the first time I'd used it since changing to Jane's insurance, and it said my birthday was invalid. I checked with Jane to make sure I was using the right birthday. The girl called in and finally got it straightened out.
To start with, my bp was 138/90, so he doubled my bp meds. I have taken 10 mg of lisiniprol for as long as I can remember. Now I'm on 20 mg. He said that is still a minimal dosage. I also got it in a 90-day prescription, so it will only be $10 every three months, instead of $4 every month.
He wouldn't give me any antibiotics though. He said it just sounds like an allergy thing. As long as what's coming out of my nose/throat is clear it's fine. If it turns yellow or green then I have an infection. Whatever. I suppose Advil will help too. He did write me a prescription for Allegra 180. He said that should be better than over-the-counter Clariton or Zyrtec that I have been taking.
While waiting for the doctor I jumped on the scale and I was 171. That's a little more than I would prefer, but I haven't been on the treadmill very much in the last month with everything else that's been going on. My temp was 98.5. I had to do that myself too.
I decided to take the prescriptions to Walgreens in Waynedale. I used to always go to Walmart in Bluffton, but now there should be no need for me to ever have to go to Bluffton again. That was basically the only thing I ever needed to go there for. Of course there was a little glitch getting my new prescription card to work. I guess this was the first time I'd used it since changing to Jane's insurance, and it said my birthday was invalid. I checked with Jane to make sure I was using the right birthday. The girl called in and finally got it straightened out.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday random
I guess I am back to blogging. I have a whole pile of posts accumulated in draft form... just not sure when and how to release them. Only one is from the last week; they rest are from before. Some are getting pretty old. There's been a lot going on recently, and at the same time it seems like nothing much. Weird how that works.
Today is Lady Jane's birthday. She has the day off work, and it is also conveniently my day off. That is nice. We learned last night that she is the same age as Sarah Palin. She's getting ready to go get her nails done, and I'm waiting for the doctors office to open. Pretty exciting. Though she does like getting her nails done, and I have always had a thing for nice fingernails too. I got her a Coldplay cd (the one she left in the Taurus when we traded it in), a couple boxes of those addicting little chocolate cherry things, and a picture frame with nine pictures of Bogie. She has already hung it by the door.
Son Isaac got second in his bid for President of the AU student body. He may be disappointed, but I am quite proud. And I actually think - given what I know of their platform - it might serve them better to NOT be in SGA. But what do I know. I still think it was a great experience.
I keep forgetting to check on Big Ten tournament tickets. Their basketball conference tournament is in Indy, and I've always wanted to go to that. I think it would be like the first level of heaven or something. But I have no idea how any of it works. I figure only being 100 miles away, I ought to at least try to check it out. But we'll see.
Well, the wind is blowing... it's Friday... I don't feel half bad today compared to the last month... but I'm still feeling real hesitant about jumping back into the blogosphere for some odd reason.
Here goes.
Today is Lady Jane's birthday. She has the day off work, and it is also conveniently my day off. That is nice. We learned last night that she is the same age as Sarah Palin. She's getting ready to go get her nails done, and I'm waiting for the doctors office to open. Pretty exciting. Though she does like getting her nails done, and I have always had a thing for nice fingernails too. I got her a Coldplay cd (the one she left in the Taurus when we traded it in), a couple boxes of those addicting little chocolate cherry things, and a picture frame with nine pictures of Bogie. She has already hung it by the door.
Son Isaac got second in his bid for President of the AU student body. He may be disappointed, but I am quite proud. And I actually think - given what I know of their platform - it might serve them better to NOT be in SGA. But what do I know. I still think it was a great experience.
I keep forgetting to check on Big Ten tournament tickets. Their basketball conference tournament is in Indy, and I've always wanted to go to that. I think it would be like the first level of heaven or something. But I have no idea how any of it works. I figure only being 100 miles away, I ought to at least try to check it out. But we'll see.
Well, the wind is blowing... it's Friday... I don't feel half bad today compared to the last month... but I'm still feeling real hesitant about jumping back into the blogosphere for some odd reason.
Here goes.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Advil is the answer
I've been writing in my paper journal lately, but the search capabilities in those things just aren't quite as nice as a blog. So this is kinda just for my own personal record-keeping type stuff.
I took m'lady to two different specialists this week. First it was the return visit to the arthritis doctor whom she had already seen, and who had her get the labs and x-rays last week. A nice guy, and he said she does not have rheumatoid arthritis. There are some spurs on her fingers (everybody knows these should only be worn with tennis shoes), and on some vertebra in her back. There isn't much you can do, and they are early signs of ortho-arthritis (the regular kind), but he said it's pretty normal for people her age. He also said her weight was "excellent" - which I already knew. As far as the pain in her back, it is most likely coming from some disc compression in the lower back. He gave her some exercises to do; told her swimming would be good (you know, if we had a pool); and said biking would be better than running. And, just take Advil three times a day.
On Wednesday we went to see the Cardiologist. She had a "stress-echo" test on the treadmill. I fell asleep in the waiting room, and when I woke up an hour and a half later and she still wasn't done, I thought maybe she went to the local track to take it. At any rate, he said her heart is fine. He thought the chest pain might be muscle spasms, and he recommended... Advil.
So I guess we should basically just take Advil for anything and everything. Which is probably what I need. I just looked back, and I have been sick on-and-off for the last four weeks. I've been out of it again since Sunday night. I finally called the doctor today, and, of course, they are closed today. I've been looking for a reason to find a new doctor. But I need to get my yearly blood pressure med subscription renewed by the middle of next week. Whatever. I'm tired of feeling like crap. Hopefully he won't tell me to just take Advil.
I took m'lady to two different specialists this week. First it was the return visit to the arthritis doctor whom she had already seen, and who had her get the labs and x-rays last week. A nice guy, and he said she does not have rheumatoid arthritis. There are some spurs on her fingers (everybody knows these should only be worn with tennis shoes), and on some vertebra in her back. There isn't much you can do, and they are early signs of ortho-arthritis (the regular kind), but he said it's pretty normal for people her age. He also said her weight was "excellent" - which I already knew. As far as the pain in her back, it is most likely coming from some disc compression in the lower back. He gave her some exercises to do; told her swimming would be good (you know, if we had a pool); and said biking would be better than running. And, just take Advil three times a day.
On Wednesday we went to see the Cardiologist. She had a "stress-echo" test on the treadmill. I fell asleep in the waiting room, and when I woke up an hour and a half later and she still wasn't done, I thought maybe she went to the local track to take it. At any rate, he said her heart is fine. He thought the chest pain might be muscle spasms, and he recommended... Advil.
So I guess we should basically just take Advil for anything and everything. Which is probably what I need. I just looked back, and I have been sick on-and-off for the last four weeks. I've been out of it again since Sunday night. I finally called the doctor today, and, of course, they are closed today. I've been looking for a reason to find a new doctor. But I need to get my yearly blood pressure med subscription renewed by the middle of next week. Whatever. I'm tired of feeling like crap. Hopefully he won't tell me to just take Advil.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
In awhile
Sorry for the lack of activity lately. For a variety of reasons I'm just not really in the mood to blog right now. My old posts are all still available under the archives. I just needed a little change of scenery.
Peace out; and in.
Peace out; and in.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Pictures of bogie
I dug out some old pictures of the Bogster. We don't have a scanner, so these are pictures I took of pictures, and the quality isn't very good. Still... here he is through the years.
This was in the living room of our apartment in Findlay, OH not too long after getting him. He was sound asleep. He also liked to chew his bone while on his back - right up to the end.
Taking a bath in Findlay - before his ears stood up.
He was always a ham for the camera. A stately sort.
Bono Bogie. One cool cat (or dog).
We could never take family pics without getting some of him. A model dog.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
He's not here
I miss my dog. I took him to the vet yesterday afternoon and had him put to sleep. I didn't think it would be this hard. I never imagined I would react this way. These pics are from his last day.Of course it was rainy and windy. Bogie always hated these days. He didn't like the noises, and he hated getting his feet dirty, much less his whole underside. Which is how it has been for him whenever he goes outside since his back legs quit working.
I left the inside front door open for him in the morning, because one of his favorite things to do was sit and watch cars go by. He liked to keep an eye on things. We have to keep the door shut in the winter, but yesterday was different. I didn't care how much heat was lost.
I was pretty much an emotional wreck the whole morning... even moreso afterward. I took him for his last ride in the car and let him sit up front. We arrived right on time for his 2:30 appointment. They took us into our room, but I had to stand and hold him on the metal table until 3 before the pregnant vet finally came in. Most of the time he hid his head under my left armpit while we waited. They did at least apologize for the delay. After that it went pretty quick. I was gone within 5 minutes - just me and his collar. I can't believe I'm saying it, but it was one of the saddest days of my life.
He would have been fine if not for the arthritis in his back hips and legs, and the knee damage on the left rear leg. He hadn't been able to walk on all fours since last summer. The back left leg really hadn't worked for some time, and he was just starting to not be able to even push with the back right leg. Forty five pounds is a lot of weight to pull around on two stubby front legs, and his underside and back feet were getting pretty raw. Plus, not being able to lift his back side made going potty difficult. He had a rash from having to sit in his pea, and it was a chore to arch his back for number two. It didn't help when there was snow on the ground, and now that it's getting muddy, that just made it all the worse. He never did like the mud, or dirt. So pulling himself through it to go to the bathroom was frustrating and probably a little humiliating. I think he was trying to hold it in lately, and Tuesday he had a major accident. He literally pooped all over the house. And he had diarrhea. I felt so bad for him when I walked in and saw it. He has only "went" in the house maybe 10 times in his 10+ years. Maybe. And that counts potty-training. He was such a good dog. You could tell he was embarrassed. I was already planning to call the vet this week, but I knew then it was time. I just hoped he didn't think it was because of that.He quit eating regularly several weeks ago. And now with the diarrhea we had to wipe him every time he went to the bathroom. He hated that and would give us the ol' Elvis lip. He had pretty much resigned himself to being carried around. Which, for a dog who had always been so very proud and distinguished was pretty amazing. Every time he needed to "go outside," and sometimes just to get to another room, we would lug him into our arms, flip him on his back, and he would look at the world upside down while his back legs just flopped to the side - useless.
We always had dogs, cats, and horses when I was growing up. All of them died eventually. But Bogie was different. He was the first pet I've had that was fully indoors. He was born in June of 1998 and we got him in August of that year, in Findlay, Ohio. He was a floppy-eared ball of fir. I don't think he ever did know he was a dog. He thought he was one of us. And he was. Every night he would go to bed with us; every morning he would mosey into the kitchen while the coffee was brewing. He sat with us while we read or watched tv, and always saw us off when we left and greeted us when we returned.
This is so much harder than I imagined it would be. In fact, I always used to think people were a little weird who got all upset when their dog died. Now I'm wondering if I will ever be the same. I literally cried harder yesterday than I ever have in my life. I must be nuts. I have had two people I referred to as my "best friend" die, yet here I am completely numb over Bogie's death. I have been present when humans have died, and I know it's not, but this seemed even sadder. I don't know. I just didn't know I would be like this. On the one hand I wish I hadn't been there when they put him to sleep. I don't know if I'll be able to remove it from my memory. But I didn't want him to have to go it alone, so I was glad I was there. He was such a good dog.
I keep thinking he should be coming around the corner any moment. Coming up to the chair for me to scratch his head. Eventually crawling under my feet to hide under the desk. Needing carried outside to go potty. And then barking incessantly when we leave the house. Just last week he laid with me while I was sick on the couch. And yesterday I had him killed...
I feel stupid. I probably shouldn't even be blogging this. I'm sure people who have no pets think this is insane. I don't care. I miss my little dog. Last night was the first time we've been in this house that he wasn't here. It is so quiet. The nest is completely empty now. I am sad.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The story we find ourselves in - question
I need help.If anyone has Brian McLaren's book 'The Story We Find Ourselves In' (the second in the trilogy)... I have apparently loaned my book out, and it was never returned, and I am bummed, because I had lots and lots of stuff underlined and page corners turned, and I loved that book. A new one just wouldn't be the same. So if you have it, I would appreciate if you would return it. No questions asked. Anyway... I have a question for anyone who may have the book, or read it:
I think it's in this book, at some point he is talking about how Neo does his worship gatherings. He reads from Scripture and then has people consider three questions. What are the questions???
I would be forever grateful if someone could be so kind as to let me know in a comment or by emailing me.
Thanks Tom. Answer (p. 14, 15):
1. What did you notice?
2. What struck you?
3. How does this relate to your life?
Slow going
Yesterday evening I started cleaning off the yard from the flood last week. I was told Sunday that I couldn't leave all that debris there or it would kill the grass. You know, because I *am* the pastor. I think the field around us was wheat straw last year, so there was quite the stubble all over the church lawn. I had to use my snow shovel, because I don't have a pitchfork - even though I can distinctly remember bringing one from my dad's at one time, but I don't have any idea where it might be. So I picked up four pick-up truck loads of dirty gunk off the lawn and dumped it on the pile Meredith started in the parking lot. I would guess there are about 10 more loads to go. It was basically like cleaning out the horse barn, only the manure was just dirt. This morning I am kinda sore.
We are up early so Jane can get some blood tests and x-rays before she goes in to work (and if we get done in time maybe we can do breakfast). They're still trying to determine if she has rheumatoid arthritis.
Yesterday afternoon we went to a nursing home and walked in on a lady sitting on the toilet. Ugh. At least it wasn't someone I knew. I need something to get that image out of my head...
We are up early so Jane can get some blood tests and x-rays before she goes in to work (and if we get done in time maybe we can do breakfast). They're still trying to determine if she has rheumatoid arthritis.
Yesterday afternoon we went to a nursing home and walked in on a lady sitting on the toilet. Ugh. At least it wasn't someone I knew. I need something to get that image out of my head...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Random monday thoughts
Some random things on my mind...
- Is the pastor's job to try to get people more involved in the church, or to encourage people to allow God to be more involved in their lives? I think the latter. I find myself thinking less and less about growing "our church," and more and more about helping people grow in their walk with Jesus. Does that make me a bad church pastor, or is that actually what my job should be? Jesus didn't come to give us church, but to give us life. I think that is found through the church, but maybe not in it.
- Is there a difference between being "called out" people, and "sent out" people? Are they the same, or is it the tension between, or their convergence, that makes the Christian what they are?
- Is church community supposed to be thought of in the same way as other forms of community? What if it is realizing the community of the trinity in our midst?
- Yesterday morning I approached 2 different people - both of whom are newer to our church - about coming over for a visit... to see if they had any questions about the church, and to get to know one another... and both said no. I didn't feel offended at all, but... I didn't really know what to think about it.
- There is a guy at the church working on our roof this morning. He is quiet for a construction guy. It's on the back side over the big storage room by the men's restroom. Where the newest new part connects to the less new part.
- I have had some really strange conversations lately. Weird stuff.
- Personally, I feel like something is about to happen. In a good way, I think. Not sure. And I have no idea what it might be.
- I got some new pants last week. They were on sale for $13 on Friday the 13th. I was looking for some new jeans, because all mine have holes in them, but decided on these dockers instead because they were way cheaper. And I actually like them.
- I have had this strange hankering to get a fitted suit, and maybe some fitted shirts. I've never had either. All my dress shirts look stupid, because I have to buy such a big neck, and then they are real baggy on me. What is most strange is why do I even care about this now? I would have no idea where to go to get fitted clothes. Or do you called that "tailored"?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Isaac for president
Son Isaac is running for president of the student body at Anderson University for next year (pictured at right with running mate Chris Hunt). The primary is this coming week.I just joined their Facebook group. I was going to post a link in case you wanted to join too, but I can't figure out how to mingle Facebook and blogger. I suppose if you searched Facebook for "Isaac Horwedel and Chris Hunt for President and Vice President" you might be able to find it. They have quite the spiel on their site.
At any rate, I wish them well. I believe the campaign is being managed by our former bass player, Graham Brown.
Here is an awesome campaign poster (made by Jordan Clark):
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine thoughts
Spending the day with my valentine. She went all out this year and got me some candy, and an AUTOGRAPHED copy of the new Tony Dungy book 'Uncommon.' I wondered why she was so worried when I said last week that I bought the book for the church. :) I was quite surprised.
I got her a card and flowers. We're thinking of seeing a movie today. Maybe 'The Wrestler.'
A couple of interesting tidbits on Christianity Today's 'Christian History' site:
There is also has a good article about Frederick Douglass (whom they call the 'Barack Obama of the early 19th century'), and this great quote by him:
Ha! He should have had a blog.
Peace out; and in.
I got her a card and flowers. We're thinking of seeing a movie today. Maybe 'The Wrestler.'
A couple of interesting tidbits on Christianity Today's 'Christian History' site:
According to tradition, Valentine, a priest in Rome during the reign of Claudius II, is beheaded along the Flaminian Way on Feb. 14, 270. One explanation for Valentine's subsequent relationship to the romantic holiday is this: Claudius, seeking to more easily recruit solders, removed family ties by forbidding marriage. Valentine ignored the order and performed secret marriages -- an act that led to his arrest and execution.
There is also has a good article about Frederick Douglass (whom they call the 'Barack Obama of the early 19th century'), and this great quote by him:
I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land.
Ha! He should have had a blog.
Peace out; and in.
Take no pleasure
Perhaps you've noticed I am sporting a new blog name. 'Take No Pleasure' was the brilliant suggestion of long-time friend, high school classmate, and occasional commenter, Patti (go Illini!). Many thanks, and I promise never to make you bring me water again (she was manager of my h.s. football team). :)
The phrase comes from a verse in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel (33:11)...
I think the beauty of the name is, at first glance it seems to describe my sarcastically pessimistic bent toward life. Sometimes it probably seems like I am never happy. But that is not at all true if you really know me. In digging a little deeper you will find that I have great joy, peace, and contentment. But I am seriously distressed by certain injustices in the world - not the least of which involves people being judged unredeemable or having no value. That has always been my passion, and I believe is my calling in life: sticking up for the underdog, bringing hope to the hopeless, and that sort of thing. So there could perhaps be no more perfect name for my little blog. It's almost like it's a new day.
I take no pleasure in living just to die...
I take no pleasure in the judgment of anyone as unfit or disqualified...
I take no pleasure in politics, economic systems or the religions of man...
Peace out; and in.
The phrase comes from a verse in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel (33:11)...
"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in his conversion, that he may be saved."
I think the beauty of the name is, at first glance it seems to describe my sarcastically pessimistic bent toward life. Sometimes it probably seems like I am never happy. But that is not at all true if you really know me. In digging a little deeper you will find that I have great joy, peace, and contentment. But I am seriously distressed by certain injustices in the world - not the least of which involves people being judged unredeemable or having no value. That has always been my passion, and I believe is my calling in life: sticking up for the underdog, bringing hope to the hopeless, and that sort of thing. So there could perhaps be no more perfect name for my little blog. It's almost like it's a new day.
I take no pleasure in living just to die...
I take no pleasure in the judgment of anyone as unfit or disqualified...
I take no pleasure in politics, economic systems or the religions of man...
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Peace out; and in.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Twenty five thinks
I was tagged by several people on Facebook to do the "25 Things About You" thing. I didn't mean to not do it, but it came at a kinda bad time. The fad seems to have passed, so it would probably look silly to do it now. But lucky for you I have nothing to do at the moment, so maybe I can come up with something. Although, I don't know that there are 25 interesting things about me, so maybe I'll just write some stuff I'm thinking about. Or maybe I'll get to 4 and become distracted. We'll see.
1. Gee, this is harder than I thought. I can't think of anything.
2. I guess I didn't realize it was Friday the 13th. You know, that means absolutely nothing to me. I don't get it. The same with black cats and stuff. We have had tons of black cats in my life. They were cats. I dunno.
3. Bogie is laying at my feet under the desk, and he must be dreaming. Since he can't walk (or run) on all fours anymore, he often runs in his sleep. His back legs just get to going to town. Of course, it may not be that he's dreaming, and it has something to do with muscle reflex or something. I dunno.
4. I'm supposed to go pick up our taxes today. They called once and said they were done, but then I got another piece of information and they had to redo them. I dread seeing how much we owe more than I dread that it's Friday the 13th.
5. The water has gone down in the yard quite a bit. Now there are old corn stalks and all kinds of stuff all over our yard and the church yard and parking lot.
6. I finally slept for awhile last night. The night before I only slept for 2 hours. I don't know if the medicine was catching up with me or not. It was like I was wired out. I sat and watched movies with the sound off and captions on. For some odd reason I like doing that late at night. The only one I remember was 'The Weight of Water.' It was pretty good. Well, for a 4 am movie anyway.
7. Jane had to go to a rheumatologist this morning. I felt like a total cad, because I totally planned on going with her, and then I chose last night to sleep and I didn't wake up until 7:45. Anyway, she's been checked by her regular doctor for rheumatoid arthritis, and it was negative, but the doc wanted to be sure.
8. I'm feeling quite a bit better, but I still have some sinus issues. And my thermostat is messed up. I go from normal to sweating like a pig to cold. Maybe I'm becoming a middle-aged woman.
9. We just had our first person start tithing using automatic withdrawal (or bill-pay, or whatever you call it). It's funny because I had just been talking about this with some people a couple of weeks ago, and someone told me Sunday that they were going to start doing it. I got the first one in the mail yesterday. Geez, I hope I don't ever throw it away as junk mail. It kind of looks like it. And I throw quite a bit of mail away without opening it. Anyway, I don't really know how I feel about it. I don't mind in this person's case, because they have always been good about giving every week whether they are there or not. My concern is for people who do it so they don't have to think about it. I believe giving is to be an "act" of worship. I think it would be easy to lose sight of that, though not impossible. I suppose it's like anything else though... there are positives and negatives.
10. A good mail day is when I get nothing for the church - which is seldom, if ever. I don't think a lot of people realize the amount of crap that comes in the mail for churches. I get stuff addressed to me, to about four of the previous pastors, to several different people who attend or have attended the church, some is just addressed to the church, and some is just "business" or "resident." A lot of it is solicitations. A lot is from anyplace that anyone has ever ordered anything from. A lot of catalogs. I used to actually open all of it, but anymore I throw most of it away.
11. I no longer subscribe to any magazines. Not that I don't want to, but I refuse to. I got so tired of getting resubscription notices like every stinking week, starting the week I subscribed! Or if you re-up for multiple years you'll save "x" amount. Why can't I just subscribe to a dang magazine, and when it's time to renew they send me a notice? Screw 'em. That oughta show 'em.
12. I think I have a solution to the steroids problem in major league baseball: Get rid of professional sports. I could absolutely care less if these guys took this stuff. I am sick of all these over-paid, over-hyped pampered baby-ass prima donnas talking about how important all this stuff is to our world. And it infuriates me to think that politicians think they should be talking about this, or a college football playoff, or anything of the kind at a time like this. And I am not against sports. But there importance has gotten way out of hand. im(not so)ho.
13. Yeah... this is getting boring. I'll stop here since it's the thirteenth.
Peace out; and in.
1. Gee, this is harder than I thought. I can't think of anything.
2. I guess I didn't realize it was Friday the 13th. You know, that means absolutely nothing to me. I don't get it. The same with black cats and stuff. We have had tons of black cats in my life. They were cats. I dunno.
3. Bogie is laying at my feet under the desk, and he must be dreaming. Since he can't walk (or run) on all fours anymore, he often runs in his sleep. His back legs just get to going to town. Of course, it may not be that he's dreaming, and it has something to do with muscle reflex or something. I dunno.
4. I'm supposed to go pick up our taxes today. They called once and said they were done, but then I got another piece of information and they had to redo them. I dread seeing how much we owe more than I dread that it's Friday the 13th.
5. The water has gone down in the yard quite a bit. Now there are old corn stalks and all kinds of stuff all over our yard and the church yard and parking lot.
6. I finally slept for awhile last night. The night before I only slept for 2 hours. I don't know if the medicine was catching up with me or not. It was like I was wired out. I sat and watched movies with the sound off and captions on. For some odd reason I like doing that late at night. The only one I remember was 'The Weight of Water.' It was pretty good. Well, for a 4 am movie anyway.
7. Jane had to go to a rheumatologist this morning. I felt like a total cad, because I totally planned on going with her, and then I chose last night to sleep and I didn't wake up until 7:45. Anyway, she's been checked by her regular doctor for rheumatoid arthritis, and it was negative, but the doc wanted to be sure.
8. I'm feeling quite a bit better, but I still have some sinus issues. And my thermostat is messed up. I go from normal to sweating like a pig to cold. Maybe I'm becoming a middle-aged woman.
9. We just had our first person start tithing using automatic withdrawal (or bill-pay, or whatever you call it). It's funny because I had just been talking about this with some people a couple of weeks ago, and someone told me Sunday that they were going to start doing it. I got the first one in the mail yesterday. Geez, I hope I don't ever throw it away as junk mail. It kind of looks like it. And I throw quite a bit of mail away without opening it. Anyway, I don't really know how I feel about it. I don't mind in this person's case, because they have always been good about giving every week whether they are there or not. My concern is for people who do it so they don't have to think about it. I believe giving is to be an "act" of worship. I think it would be easy to lose sight of that, though not impossible. I suppose it's like anything else though... there are positives and negatives.
10. A good mail day is when I get nothing for the church - which is seldom, if ever. I don't think a lot of people realize the amount of crap that comes in the mail for churches. I get stuff addressed to me, to about four of the previous pastors, to several different people who attend or have attended the church, some is just addressed to the church, and some is just "business" or "resident." A lot of it is solicitations. A lot is from anyplace that anyone has ever ordered anything from. A lot of catalogs. I used to actually open all of it, but anymore I throw most of it away.
11. I no longer subscribe to any magazines. Not that I don't want to, but I refuse to. I got so tired of getting resubscription notices like every stinking week, starting the week I subscribed! Or if you re-up for multiple years you'll save "x" amount. Why can't I just subscribe to a dang magazine, and when it's time to renew they send me a notice? Screw 'em. That oughta show 'em.
12. I think I have a solution to the steroids problem in major league baseball: Get rid of professional sports. I could absolutely care less if these guys took this stuff. I am sick of all these over-paid, over-hyped pampered baby-ass prima donnas talking about how important all this stuff is to our world. And it infuriates me to think that politicians think they should be talking about this, or a college football playoff, or anything of the kind at a time like this. And I am not against sports. But there importance has gotten way out of hand. im(not so)ho.
13. Yeah... this is getting boring. I'll stop here since it's the thirteenth.
Peace out; and in.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Bogie gets a bath
I gave Bogie-boy a bath this evening. He seldom gets them, as he's a pretty clean old man. But his underbelly and back legs look so sore from dragging himself along. I thought the water might feel good. He's just a two-wheeler now. Sometimes he side-saddles, but lately he often just drags his back legs out behind him. It puts an incredible strain on his short front legs to lug his 50 pounds around. The vet told us there would come a day when he wouldn't want to move a lot. I think this is happening.
I don't know how many dogs, cats, horses, and different animals we had put out of their misery when I was growing up. Of course, usually my dad just shot them. I don't think I could do it. But it's tough seeing a pet suffer. Anyway, here are some pics I took right after I dried him off.
I don't know how many dogs, cats, horses, and different animals we had put out of their misery when I was growing up. Of course, usually my dad just shot them. I don't think I could do it. But it's tough seeing a pet suffer. Anyway, here are some pics I took right after I dried him off.
Ministry of authority
From Dietrich Bonhoeffer's 'Life Together' -- principle #7 under "Seven principles for eradicating selfish ambition in the fellowship:"
I think submission to authority is perhaps the biggest problem the church may have. Both in the submission aspect, and from those in authority. There is a fine line between the two; that ties the two together. Maybe it can only be walked in balance with one another. That's why - while I agree with the Five-Fold leadership ideal - I wonder if it's really possible to separate them so neatly as we would like.
Tough stuff. Good stuff.
THE MINISTRY OF AUTHORITY
Jesus made authority in the fellowship dependent upon brotherly service (Mark 10:43). Genuine spiritual authority is to be found only where the ministry of hearing, helping, bearing, and proclaiming is carried out. Every cult of personality that emphasizes the distinguished qualities, virtues, and talents of another person, even though these be of an altogether spiritual nature, is worldly and has no place in the Christian community; indeed, it poisons the Christian community...
Genuine authority realizes that it can exist only in the service of Him who alone has authority... The Church does not need brilliant personalities but faithful servants of Jesus and the brethren...
Pastoral authority can be attained only by the servant of Jesus who seeks no power of his own, who himself is a brother among brothers to the authority of the Word. h/t
I think submission to authority is perhaps the biggest problem the church may have. Both in the submission aspect, and from those in authority. There is a fine line between the two; that ties the two together. Maybe it can only be walked in balance with one another. That's why - while I agree with the Five-Fold leadership ideal - I wonder if it's really possible to separate them so neatly as we would like.
Tough stuff. Good stuff.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hello, it's me
Yesterday seems like such a long time ago. I hope tomorrow gets here soon. I remember thinking that to myself.
I missed a whole day being sick. Oh, nothing serious. Just a cold and sinus thing. But I was pretty much incapacitated. Never to the point that I thought Todd was God, but I basically didn't get off the couch all of Tuesday (other than checking messages and a bit of paperwork).
I tried to read a bit. First from Willards 'The Divine Conspiracy.' It was much too heavy. So I picked up Scot McKnight's 'The Blue Parakeet.' I read the front and back cover and some of the intro stuff. It looks like just my kind of book, but I couldn't focus enough. I might place this ahead of TDC though.
About 10 am I turned on the boob tube. American Beauty was just coming on. I had never seen it, but have always liked Kevin Spacey, and since I was able to see it from the beginning, it was at that point I decided it was going to be a couch day. It was an interesting movie. I liked it.
After that I needed to take my glasses off. That's the worst thing about colds and eyeglasses, they aggravate the nasal passages and cause one to sneeze way too much. So I took some of the night-time cold medicine and me and Bogie napped. The next thing I know it's almost 5:30 and Jane is coming home. Nice nap.
I was pretty well shot the rest of the night too. I blew my nose and sneezed so many times I thought I was about to launch. I had a mighty face-ache and some serious eye drainage going on too. I took some kind of mucus pills, some robitussin cough and sinus syrup, some nyquil, tylenol, and it seems like something else (not all at once). And loads of water, seven up, and hot tea with honey-lemon halls.
Today was much better. My head seems to be shrinking some. I didn't blow my nose or sneeze near as much. I worked a nine to five, and was actually able to get quite a bit done. I had to stay focused though. Distractions seemed to let the headache back in.
Of course yesterday was 61 F and sunny, and today - while it has been warm - was a torrential downpour all day. Almost all the snow is now gone (even the piles), but now the yard and parking lot are all under water.
I've been lysolling the heck out of doorknobs, keypads, handles, remotes, and whatnot. I hope m'lady can stay germfree.
So... that's basically ...something/anything? (hint).
Btw, the title was originally released by the band Nazz.
Peace out; and in.
I missed a whole day being sick. Oh, nothing serious. Just a cold and sinus thing. But I was pretty much incapacitated. Never to the point that I thought Todd was God, but I basically didn't get off the couch all of Tuesday (other than checking messages and a bit of paperwork).
I tried to read a bit. First from Willards 'The Divine Conspiracy.' It was much too heavy. So I picked up Scot McKnight's 'The Blue Parakeet.' I read the front and back cover and some of the intro stuff. It looks like just my kind of book, but I couldn't focus enough. I might place this ahead of TDC though.
About 10 am I turned on the boob tube. American Beauty was just coming on. I had never seen it, but have always liked Kevin Spacey, and since I was able to see it from the beginning, it was at that point I decided it was going to be a couch day. It was an interesting movie. I liked it.
After that I needed to take my glasses off. That's the worst thing about colds and eyeglasses, they aggravate the nasal passages and cause one to sneeze way too much. So I took some of the night-time cold medicine and me and Bogie napped. The next thing I know it's almost 5:30 and Jane is coming home. Nice nap.
I was pretty well shot the rest of the night too. I blew my nose and sneezed so many times I thought I was about to launch. I had a mighty face-ache and some serious eye drainage going on too. I took some kind of mucus pills, some robitussin cough and sinus syrup, some nyquil, tylenol, and it seems like something else (not all at once). And loads of water, seven up, and hot tea with honey-lemon halls.
Today was much better. My head seems to be shrinking some. I didn't blow my nose or sneeze near as much. I worked a nine to five, and was actually able to get quite a bit done. I had to stay focused though. Distractions seemed to let the headache back in.
Of course yesterday was 61 F and sunny, and today - while it has been warm - was a torrential downpour all day. Almost all the snow is now gone (even the piles), but now the yard and parking lot are all under water.
I've been lysolling the heck out of doorknobs, keypads, handles, remotes, and whatnot. I hope m'lady can stay germfree.
So... that's basically ...something/anything? (hint).
Btw, the title was originally released by the band Nazz.
Peace out; and in.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sick sunday singing supper and sitting on my lap
Yesterday was not one of my better days, and today is shaping up to be even worse. I've had a rotten sore throat and sinus thing going on since Thursday night. We skipped a supper out with friends Saturday night so I could get a good night's sleep, and it seemed to help when I awoke yesterday morning. I felt pretty good, but I just couldn't talk very well. Sort of a cross between Bob Seeger and Gollum I suppose.
SINGING
Of course this was a Sunday the normal singer for our worship gatherings was gone. I was going to ask Drew to lead singing, but he and Carrie were greeters, and Jane said they were also not feeling well, so I just scrapped everything I had planned, cut it back to four songs out of the hymnal, and told everybody they would have to sing loud. I didn't play the guitar either because I knew that would wear me out, plus I didn't want to be encumbered by it in case I hacked up a loogy and needed to make a quick exit. So I just stood and sang from the hymnal through my lapel mic, and I felt bad. The last thing I want the song leader to do is draw attention to themselves, and I'm afraid that's all I was doing with my sqeaky, rasping voice. My preaching wasn't much better. It wasn't one of my better sermons to begin with, and I just got drained really quickly. I didn't even bother to talk with people afterwards. For one thing I didn't want to spread any germs, but I also just kinda wanted it to be over with. God love everyone for sticking with me yesterday.
SERVING SUPPER
This also happened to be the Sunday Jane's class was preparing a meal for a transitional living center for women in Fort Wayne. So we went out for lunch with several people from her class. Then at 2:30 we left to deliver the food, set up, and get ready to serve the ladies and kids supper at 4 pm. We had never been inside the facility before, so we didn't know what to expect. There were 10 of us - which was about 5 too many - and it was a pretty small kitchen. So I kinda just tried to stay out of the way. Once the people started coming in to eat I helped get drinks for some of the kids, then I stood out in the hallway with a couple of the other guys. We didn't want to just stand around and watch them eat. But everyone was super nice, and I think it went really well. I felt pretty good up until the end when I started wearing down again. I think they learned that now they can take turns and not near so many people need to be involved each time. Hopefully this will become a regular thing.
SITTING ON MY LAP
When we got back home my nose started running like a faucet again and I was sneezing my head off. I went from not feeling well to feeling downright rotten. And... we had noticed that the last several days Bogie-boy has been acting strange. He was being particularly weird last night. He seems so tense, like maybe he's in a lot of pain; and he barks at just about everything or sometimes for no reason at all now. Finally we laid down on the kitchen floor with him and Jane petted him. I actually thought he sighed his last breath at one point. We finally went back in the living room, and he kept coming up to my chair. So I finally tugged him up into the chair with me. He hadn't sat on furniture in a looong time. He sat on my lap for a while - which looked totally uncomfortable for him - but before long he was snoring away. I don't know... he has sores all over his back legs and underside; His face looks pained; He seems to not be eating very regularly; And it seems he's having a hard time going to the bathroom. We're wondering if it isn't about time to give Dr. Kevorkian a call. The question of putting an animal to sleep and a human are not at all the same to me. There are distinct soul issues. I hate to see the poor guy in such a miserable state. There are no immediate plans, but I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if he were gone when we got up this morning. Which reminds me, he has also started barking during the night and wanting to go outside. He's never done that before. And he's been sleeping in unusual places. Hmm.
Well, today is starting off slow. My left eye is watering non-stop. I am sneezing about every 2 minutes. I've probably gone through half a box of puffs already. Yep... gotta love life on a day like today.
Peace out; and in.
SINGING
Of course this was a Sunday the normal singer for our worship gatherings was gone. I was going to ask Drew to lead singing, but he and Carrie were greeters, and Jane said they were also not feeling well, so I just scrapped everything I had planned, cut it back to four songs out of the hymnal, and told everybody they would have to sing loud. I didn't play the guitar either because I knew that would wear me out, plus I didn't want to be encumbered by it in case I hacked up a loogy and needed to make a quick exit. So I just stood and sang from the hymnal through my lapel mic, and I felt bad. The last thing I want the song leader to do is draw attention to themselves, and I'm afraid that's all I was doing with my sqeaky, rasping voice. My preaching wasn't much better. It wasn't one of my better sermons to begin with, and I just got drained really quickly. I didn't even bother to talk with people afterwards. For one thing I didn't want to spread any germs, but I also just kinda wanted it to be over with. God love everyone for sticking with me yesterday.
SERVING SUPPER
This also happened to be the Sunday Jane's class was preparing a meal for a transitional living center for women in Fort Wayne. So we went out for lunch with several people from her class. Then at 2:30 we left to deliver the food, set up, and get ready to serve the ladies and kids supper at 4 pm. We had never been inside the facility before, so we didn't know what to expect. There were 10 of us - which was about 5 too many - and it was a pretty small kitchen. So I kinda just tried to stay out of the way. Once the people started coming in to eat I helped get drinks for some of the kids, then I stood out in the hallway with a couple of the other guys. We didn't want to just stand around and watch them eat. But everyone was super nice, and I think it went really well. I felt pretty good up until the end when I started wearing down again. I think they learned that now they can take turns and not near so many people need to be involved each time. Hopefully this will become a regular thing.
SITTING ON MY LAP
When we got back home my nose started running like a faucet again and I was sneezing my head off. I went from not feeling well to feeling downright rotten. And... we had noticed that the last several days Bogie-boy has been acting strange. He was being particularly weird last night. He seems so tense, like maybe he's in a lot of pain; and he barks at just about everything or sometimes for no reason at all now. Finally we laid down on the kitchen floor with him and Jane petted him. I actually thought he sighed his last breath at one point. We finally went back in the living room, and he kept coming up to my chair. So I finally tugged him up into the chair with me. He hadn't sat on furniture in a looong time. He sat on my lap for a while - which looked totally uncomfortable for him - but before long he was snoring away. I don't know... he has sores all over his back legs and underside; His face looks pained; He seems to not be eating very regularly; And it seems he's having a hard time going to the bathroom. We're wondering if it isn't about time to give Dr. Kevorkian a call. The question of putting an animal to sleep and a human are not at all the same to me. There are distinct soul issues. I hate to see the poor guy in such a miserable state. There are no immediate plans, but I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if he were gone when we got up this morning. Which reminds me, he has also started barking during the night and wanting to go outside. He's never done that before. And he's been sleeping in unusual places. Hmm.
Well, today is starting off slow. My left eye is watering non-stop. I am sneezing about every 2 minutes. I've probably gone through half a box of puffs already. Yep... gotta love life on a day like today.
Peace out; and in.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
The shack
I was out of commission yesterday with a rotten sore throat, so I was able to get through Wm. Paul Young's book The Shack. I won't say it was worth being sick, but it seemed a good use of my time. I am always leery of reading books that have been overly hyped - unless I read it first and am the one doing the hyping. But I wasn't disappointed. I highly recommend it. I thought of several people I am going to buy a copy for. I would think it would be good for someone who has had a significant loss in their life.I read very few fiction books, so I have no idea how well written it is. But it was a real easy read. And it just had a "feel" to it. I liked how it made me feel. I know there are some who think that's a dangerous way to rate things. Whatever. So sue me. But I was able to read this while the tv was on, and it didn't bother me at all. I can never do that. I almost always have to read in silence.
I guess I was expecting it to be much more controversial than it was. Which is maybe why I didn't find it so controversial (because of my expectations). I mean, I can see why some people are freaked out by it, but... I don't get a lot of the controversy. I mean, to me it's like looking at a piece of art. I've never been into looking at, say, a painting, and trying to dissect what the artist was trying to say or what they must have been thinking or anything like that. And even if it is obvious, who the heck am I to question what someone conveys in their artwork?! Sometimes you just need to look at it and ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS. That's kinda how I looked at this book. It was like a painting, and it was nice.
One of my pet peeves are those people that, no matter what they read, they can always find something they don't like about it. And THAT is what they get out of it. This may come as a surprise to some of you, but I actually do try to find what I LIKE about a book when I read it. I figure I can learn something from just about everybody. That doesn't mean I swallow everything everyone throws my way. But it's kinda like my friend who used to say, "I can find something I like about any woman; they're all beautiful in some way." I think he meant it in a rather sexist way, but I also think there's a certain pure innocence at having an attitude like that towards all of God's creation.
I will always remember my theology professor telling us we need to write out our beliefs in pencil, because no one can come up with a perfect theology. It is impossible for the human mind to know everything there is to know about God. All we can do is try to line up all our beliefs as best we can, because they're all going to break down at some point. Otherwise there would be no point in faith. I know some people had a really hard time with this, but who among us can say we have the mind of God? So, I try to not let myself get too freaked out about things like some are freaked out about over this book. Who am I to say. Does that make me a heretic? I probably am. But it's not my beef. God doesn't need me to defend him. She's a big boy. ;)
I only have a few pages with the corner turned:
On p. 92... "Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship."
P. 155... "So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the KNOWING that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing."
The area around p. 169, where he says, "...judgment is not about destruction, but about setting things right."
I liked the section starting on p. 202 about "Why God gave us the Ten Commandments."
Around 224 where he talks about, "Forgiveness is not about forgetting... It is about letting go of another person's throat."
I also liked the deal about the difference between expecting and expectation and response and responsibility, but I can't remember where that is. That was good.
Okay, well, this was more than I planned to write. I thought it was really good. It didn't effect me like Blue Like Jazz or A New Kind of Christian, but it was good.
Peace out; and in.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Generation jones
Jonathan Pontell has a nice article in USA TODAY, "Stuck In the Middle," that helped clear some things up for me. Being born in 1962 I have never felt like I fit in with the baby boomers. I'm glad to hear I now have a group to identify with. A little blurb from the article says:
I coined the term "Generation Jones" for this large cohort born between 1954 and 1965. It's a generation that includes the new president, me and 53 million other Americans. Jonesers have long been lumped with Boomers simply because we arrived during the same long post-World War II spike in births. But generations arise from shared formative experiences, not head counts, and the two groups evolved with dramatic differences. Our background is just as distant from Generation Xers'. We fill the space between Woodstock and Lollapalooza, between "Turn on, tune in, drop out" and "Just Say No," and between Dylan going electric and Nirvana going unplugged. Jonesers have a unique identity separate from Boomers and GenXers. An avalanche of attitudinal and behavioral data corroborates this distinction. Generational self-identification is particularly compelling. When polled, those in this age group identify not with Boomers or GenXers, but overwhelmingly with this generation in between.So who are we? We are practical idealists, forged in the fires of social upheaval while too young to play a part. The name "Generation Jones" derives from a number of sources, including our historical anonymity, the "keeping up with the Joneses" competition of our populous birth years, and sensibilities coupling the mainstream with ironic cool. But above all, the name borrows from the slang term "jonesin' " that we as teens popularized to broadly convey any intense craving.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
What are we communicating
I am thinking of putting this on a blog affiliated with our denomination. It's much more generic than I would like, but it will be seen by denominational leaders and people across our denom. I think I'm pretty much seen as a disgruntled, idiot-fool by most of them, so I didn't want to be too specific. I needed a place to park it. You can let me know what you think if you like.
In the previous thread a couple people shared their personal pet peeves. One of mine is communication (or lack of it). I get irritated by the fact that, for people who have the greatest message in the world, communicating with one another seems to be such a problem for many of us (myself included). I am not just talking about stating facts, but actually getting across to people what they need to know and/or what is going on.
As Christians we are urged to "be prepared in season and out of season," to "always be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have," to "go and make disciples..." and a whole host of other verses calling for us to communicate with others. So why is it so hard for us to do that within the church? Whether we're talking about the denominational office, regional offices, local church leaders, or Christians in general, I think it does us good to occasionally ask ourselves how well we are doing, and is there anything we can do to improve.
I certainly don't want this to be a political post, but the new President of the United States took office with a very high approval rating. I think this was in large part due to his communication skills. Perhaps there is a thing or four we can learn from him.
OPPORTUNITY OVER TRADITION
President Obama utilized new technology and social networking tools like no politician before him. Some would even say he was emailed, facebooked, and twittered right into the oval office. He was downloaded, linked, quoted, advertised, and funded in ways some candidates don't even know exist. And this was just to become president of one country in one part of the world. As Christians we have the Good News of Jesus Christ that is for all people all over the world. Why would we not take advantage of every opportunity we can to get that message out? As the Apostle Paul said, "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." How about, 'To those who facebook I will facebook, so as to win those who facebook. To those who twitter I will twitter, so as to win those who twitter. To those who email I will email, so as to win those who email.' You get the idea.
These are not the ONLY means of communicating, but if you want to reach the world, these are ways the world is communicating. I am glad that our denomination has a nice website. Many of our churches do too. However, are we teaching our people the importance of outreach and keeping in touch through some of these other social networking tools? With websites, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and the like, it would seem the only thing that can keep us from communicating with others is our lack of trying.
VISION OVER WONDERING
As someone who followed President Obama's campaign, I never had to wonder what he was talking about or what he was going to do next. I got emails every day (and still do), his web site listed his stance on everything under the sun, every time I got on Facebook or Myspace there was another message from him. Now, granted, some of that was to gain notoriety, and I don't know that we need to be trying to make celebrities out of our church leaders. However, I think the writer of Proverbs has a warning that applies here: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Vision needs communicated. And if we're not sharing it, then we're going to leave people wondering, and eventually perishing.
If you take a look at the CGGC Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_of_God_General_Conference_(Winebrenner)) it says we are a fundamentalist group. Yet I have been told by those in leadership that we are not. It has left me wondering. As pastors and church leaders, are we taking every opportunity to share vision, or do we think it will just be 'caught'? Poor communication leaves a better chance of catching a cold, and that is nothing compared to missing out on life in the way of Jesus.
Contrary to church growth principles from yesterday, I don't believe we need nice little vision and mission statements. I believe we need to be sharing our hearts, and our dreams, and what is on our minds... let alone sharing what the Bible says, or God's love for the world. By not communicating these things, we leave too many wondering and risk their perishing.
INCLUSION OVER EXCLUSION
I believe a big reason President Obama has rallied people around his vision is his ability to make people feel like they are a part of what is happening. By not communicating with people, it leaves them feeling like they don't count, like they're not important, like they are excluded.
I shared in a comment on another post that when I first became a pastor I had a church executive tell me something along the lines of "You should never tell anyone any more than you have to. It cuts down on complaints and ammunition they can use against you later." I immediately lost all respect for this person as a church leader. That kind of arrogance conveys an "us vs. them" attitude that I have seen too much of in the church. Either we ARE the body of Christ (together), or we are NOT. I know we can't always share everything with everyone, but consistently withholding information from people - whether it is in the local church, region, or denomination - leaves people feeling unimportant and excluded to the point that they eventually just don't care. And then we church leaders wonder why we can never get anyone to do anything!
On the other hand, I once had an older gentleman in my church who knew I was planning to make changes. He said he might not like all of them, but he would be much more apt to support them if I would at least have the decency and respect to let everyone know what I planned to do beforehand. I believe that is not only fair, but smart. Sure, people will complain from time to time. But I would rather have some complaints than leave people feeling excluded and watch them give up and not care. Is our communication (or lack of it) leaving people feeling included, or excluded?
HOPE OVER FEAR
A constant message throughout President Obama's campaign has been the idea of 'hope over fear.' This is a great political slogan, but it should be much more than that for followers of Jesus. Do we really believe in the hope Jesus offers, or are we more afraid of what people are going to think or say? If we truly believe that Jesus is THE WAY, then we need to stand like Joshua with the message "Be not afraid!" Taking advantage of every opportunity, sharing God's vision with our churches and the world, seeking to include people in the kingdom rather than exclude them. Shying away from communicating with others often leads them to think we are driven more by fear than hope. It also raises the question of what it is we are afraid of.
I certainly understand that communication can and does happen in a variety of ways. Not everyone is going to be able to utilize every mode available. That doesn't mean we can't encourage the use of internet technology and social networking tools by others though. I was deeply saddened when I heard a church leader had referred to bloggers as "nothing but whiners and complainers." To me this communicated an attitude of traditionalism, exclusion, and fear.
I didn't write this because I think the internet is the answer. But I get the feeling some people just don't believe communication - or a lack of it - matters all that much. Consistently not making information available, or only giving out the minimum, says a lot. It creates an aura of secrecy and deceit, and I believe this does a great deal of damage not only within our churches and denominations, but in the minds of people toward the church in general. I believe it is important for our denominational leaders to be communicating with our church leaders, and our church leaders to be communicating with our congregations, and our congregations communicating with the world at large. Not to do this seems contrary to our evangelical roots and the word of God.
Certainly we do have people in our denomination who do a fine job of communicating... But I think some of us could do a whole lot better. This is important stuff. After all, we have the Good News of Jesus to share! So, in the words of Paul (2 Thess. 2:16-17), "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed AND WORD." Amen.
In the previous thread a couple people shared their personal pet peeves. One of mine is communication (or lack of it). I get irritated by the fact that, for people who have the greatest message in the world, communicating with one another seems to be such a problem for many of us (myself included). I am not just talking about stating facts, but actually getting across to people what they need to know and/or what is going on.
As Christians we are urged to "be prepared in season and out of season," to "always be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have," to "go and make disciples..." and a whole host of other verses calling for us to communicate with others. So why is it so hard for us to do that within the church? Whether we're talking about the denominational office, regional offices, local church leaders, or Christians in general, I think it does us good to occasionally ask ourselves how well we are doing, and is there anything we can do to improve.
I certainly don't want this to be a political post, but the new President of the United States took office with a very high approval rating. I think this was in large part due to his communication skills. Perhaps there is a thing or four we can learn from him.
OPPORTUNITY OVER TRADITION
President Obama utilized new technology and social networking tools like no politician before him. Some would even say he was emailed, facebooked, and twittered right into the oval office. He was downloaded, linked, quoted, advertised, and funded in ways some candidates don't even know exist. And this was just to become president of one country in one part of the world. As Christians we have the Good News of Jesus Christ that is for all people all over the world. Why would we not take advantage of every opportunity we can to get that message out? As the Apostle Paul said, "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." How about, 'To those who facebook I will facebook, so as to win those who facebook. To those who twitter I will twitter, so as to win those who twitter. To those who email I will email, so as to win those who email.' You get the idea.
These are not the ONLY means of communicating, but if you want to reach the world, these are ways the world is communicating. I am glad that our denomination has a nice website. Many of our churches do too. However, are we teaching our people the importance of outreach and keeping in touch through some of these other social networking tools? With websites, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and the like, it would seem the only thing that can keep us from communicating with others is our lack of trying.
VISION OVER WONDERING
As someone who followed President Obama's campaign, I never had to wonder what he was talking about or what he was going to do next. I got emails every day (and still do), his web site listed his stance on everything under the sun, every time I got on Facebook or Myspace there was another message from him. Now, granted, some of that was to gain notoriety, and I don't know that we need to be trying to make celebrities out of our church leaders. However, I think the writer of Proverbs has a warning that applies here: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Vision needs communicated. And if we're not sharing it, then we're going to leave people wondering, and eventually perishing.
If you take a look at the CGGC Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_of_God_General_Conference_(Winebrenner)) it says we are a fundamentalist group. Yet I have been told by those in leadership that we are not. It has left me wondering. As pastors and church leaders, are we taking every opportunity to share vision, or do we think it will just be 'caught'? Poor communication leaves a better chance of catching a cold, and that is nothing compared to missing out on life in the way of Jesus.
Contrary to church growth principles from yesterday, I don't believe we need nice little vision and mission statements. I believe we need to be sharing our hearts, and our dreams, and what is on our minds... let alone sharing what the Bible says, or God's love for the world. By not communicating these things, we leave too many wondering and risk their perishing.
INCLUSION OVER EXCLUSION
I believe a big reason President Obama has rallied people around his vision is his ability to make people feel like they are a part of what is happening. By not communicating with people, it leaves them feeling like they don't count, like they're not important, like they are excluded.
I shared in a comment on another post that when I first became a pastor I had a church executive tell me something along the lines of "You should never tell anyone any more than you have to. It cuts down on complaints and ammunition they can use against you later." I immediately lost all respect for this person as a church leader. That kind of arrogance conveys an "us vs. them" attitude that I have seen too much of in the church. Either we ARE the body of Christ (together), or we are NOT. I know we can't always share everything with everyone, but consistently withholding information from people - whether it is in the local church, region, or denomination - leaves people feeling unimportant and excluded to the point that they eventually just don't care. And then we church leaders wonder why we can never get anyone to do anything!
On the other hand, I once had an older gentleman in my church who knew I was planning to make changes. He said he might not like all of them, but he would be much more apt to support them if I would at least have the decency and respect to let everyone know what I planned to do beforehand. I believe that is not only fair, but smart. Sure, people will complain from time to time. But I would rather have some complaints than leave people feeling excluded and watch them give up and not care. Is our communication (or lack of it) leaving people feeling included, or excluded?
HOPE OVER FEAR
A constant message throughout President Obama's campaign has been the idea of 'hope over fear.' This is a great political slogan, but it should be much more than that for followers of Jesus. Do we really believe in the hope Jesus offers, or are we more afraid of what people are going to think or say? If we truly believe that Jesus is THE WAY, then we need to stand like Joshua with the message "Be not afraid!" Taking advantage of every opportunity, sharing God's vision with our churches and the world, seeking to include people in the kingdom rather than exclude them. Shying away from communicating with others often leads them to think we are driven more by fear than hope. It also raises the question of what it is we are afraid of.
I certainly understand that communication can and does happen in a variety of ways. Not everyone is going to be able to utilize every mode available. That doesn't mean we can't encourage the use of internet technology and social networking tools by others though. I was deeply saddened when I heard a church leader had referred to bloggers as "nothing but whiners and complainers." To me this communicated an attitude of traditionalism, exclusion, and fear.
I didn't write this because I think the internet is the answer. But I get the feeling some people just don't believe communication - or a lack of it - matters all that much. Consistently not making information available, or only giving out the minimum, says a lot. It creates an aura of secrecy and deceit, and I believe this does a great deal of damage not only within our churches and denominations, but in the minds of people toward the church in general. I believe it is important for our denominational leaders to be communicating with our church leaders, and our church leaders to be communicating with our congregations, and our congregations communicating with the world at large. Not to do this seems contrary to our evangelical roots and the word of God.
Certainly we do have people in our denomination who do a fine job of communicating... But I think some of us could do a whole lot better. This is important stuff. After all, we have the Good News of Jesus to share! So, in the words of Paul (2 Thess. 2:16-17), "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed AND WORD." Amen.
Random thursday thoughts
I feel like I'm getting a chest cold. My throat is sore and scratchy, and my eyes feel weird. I gooped a bunch of vicks on my throat last night. It might also have to do with switching allergy medicines this week. I just can't take the sleepy zyrtec feeling anymore, so I went with the generic clariton. I don't know.
Yesterday I went up to see if I could get Tony Dungy to sign the books I got for the church, and the line was clear back to the road (at the main Family Bookstore). I wasn't in the mood to stand and wait that long.
Lately I've been trying to think if there is a difference between open 'rebellion' and a 'protest.' I am doing something that is one or the other. I don't like doing it, but... I'm getting more and more frustrated, and something is probably going to boil over very soon.
I have changed the way I prepare my sermons since the beginning of the year. People have actually made some positive comments even though I haven't said anything about it. It is much more time-consuming, but I like the effect it has had. I am going to have to change something though, because I don't have time to do everything else now.
I finally got my Amazon book order yesterday. Last night I was just going to look over The Shack, and I ended up reading the first 89 pages. I was shocked to see that one of my few Facebook friends, and someone who just commented on my blog awhile ago, is quoted on the back of the book (Mike Morrell). Cool.
I seem to have a lot of things I need to do at the moment, and I'm not sure how that came about. I need to make a list, because I know I will forget something.
I also need to do the "25 Things" thing on Facebook sometime. I've been tagged a few times, I just haven't had a chance to do it. Maybe if I keep typing, this will be it.
I should probably go wash the vicks off of my neck now.
Peace out; and in.
Yesterday I went up to see if I could get Tony Dungy to sign the books I got for the church, and the line was clear back to the road (at the main Family Bookstore). I wasn't in the mood to stand and wait that long.
Lately I've been trying to think if there is a difference between open 'rebellion' and a 'protest.' I am doing something that is one or the other. I don't like doing it, but... I'm getting more and more frustrated, and something is probably going to boil over very soon.
I have changed the way I prepare my sermons since the beginning of the year. People have actually made some positive comments even though I haven't said anything about it. It is much more time-consuming, but I like the effect it has had. I am going to have to change something though, because I don't have time to do everything else now.
I finally got my Amazon book order yesterday. Last night I was just going to look over The Shack, and I ended up reading the first 89 pages. I was shocked to see that one of my few Facebook friends, and someone who just commented on my blog awhile ago, is quoted on the back of the book (Mike Morrell). Cool.
I seem to have a lot of things I need to do at the moment, and I'm not sure how that came about. I need to make a list, because I know I will forget something.
I also need to do the "25 Things" thing on Facebook sometime. I've been tagged a few times, I just haven't had a chance to do it. Maybe if I keep typing, this will be it.
I should probably go wash the vicks off of my neck now.
Peace out; and in.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Blessed are the pure in heart
In chapter 4 of Dallas Willard's 'The Divine Conspiracy' he talks about the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12/ Luke 6:17-26). This is some interesting stuff he proposes. Some of it I was familiar with, but some of it took me by surprise. In a nice way.On p. 116 he says the key to understanding the Beatitudes is...
They serve to clarify Jesus' fundamental message: the free availability of God's rule and righteousness to all of humanity through reliance upon Jesus himself, the person now loose in the world among us. They do this simply by taking those who, from the human point of view, are regarded as most hopeless, most beyond all possibility of God's blessing or even interest, and exhibiting THEM as enjoying God's touch and abundant provision from the heavens.
I think many of us look at the Beatitudes and think that we have to be poor in spirit, or in mourning, or meek, etc. in order to be blessed by God. More like it's a warning. But Willard says that's not so. Jesus was trying to show that anyone and everyone could be blessed. And he goes down the list and shows how these traits aren't necessarily desirable. And the one that really got me was the "pure in heart." On p. 118 he says...
And then there are the pure in heart, the ones for whom nothing is good enough, not even themselves. ("Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.") These are the perfectionists. They are a pain to everyone, themselves most of all. In religion they will certainly find errors in your doctrine, your practice, and probably your heart and your attitude. They may be even harder on themselves. They endlessly pick over their own motivations. They wanted Jesus to wash his hands even though they were not dirty and called him a glutton and a winebibber.
Their food is never cooked right; their clothes and hair are always unsatisfactory; they can tell you what is wrong with everything. How miserable they are! And yet the kingdom is even open to them, and there at last they will find something that satisfies their pure heart. They will SEE GOD. And when they do they will find what they have been looking for, someone who is truly good enough.
I'm sorry, but I was blown away by that. Stunned silent. Because that is me!! I had always thought of the 'pure in heart' as those who were innocent and loved everyone and everything. But it does make sense that since Jesus was trying to show that God loves even the least of these, his list would probably not include those who were the best. I mean, this idea that the 'pure in heart' are those that really want to see everything as 'right'... yes... that's me. I don't ever *mean* to be a pain, and I certainly don't want to be, but... I am. And then I feel bad about it. But this is part of what makes God so incredibly good. He loves even me. In all my moodiness, and being difficult, and driving others nuts... his blessing can touch even me.
Sometimes I can't believe that I have spent so much of my life studying the Bible, and have been to seminary, and have even pastored a church for almost 10 years, yet on days like this I can still be completely blown away by something new I've learned.
Thank you, Lord.
This is the internet
I just now finally got back online. Our internet went out last night, and I called it in this morning. The guy finally called - it was funny... I answered the phone and he said, "This is the internet." I almost busted a gut, but I was able to maintain. Anyway, he said the tower was froze, or something. For all you city folk, I get my internet signal off the top of a grain bin. It does look cold up there.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Taxes, cards & books
I took our taxes in to have them done today. Jane found all the papers and filled everything out, and I just had to deliver the package. It used to be that Jane could do our taxes herself, but being a pastor makes it much too difficult. In some regards I am self-employed, and in some I am not. Plus we have the 40 acres of farmland now, so... someone else figures it all out. We always end up having to pay at the end of the year too, because I don't get taxes taken out of my check, and for some reason the quarterly estimates we pay never seen to work out. Whatever. I understand that someday I'm going to have to die too.
While I was out I decided to stop at the Family Bookstore and restock my supply of birthday cards. I got 6 12-packs. I try to send a birthday card to everyone in the church (as long as I know their birthday). Usually I will write out a month's worth at the beginning of the month, and yesterday I realized I missed a couple. Dang (somebody tell Graham happy birthday for me). It's always a trick to remember to mail them at the appropriate time too. I do what I can.
When I went into the store I noticed that they had the new Tony Dungy book. I had told the church I would buy it and Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope' for the church library. Of course the Family Bookstore didn't have Obama's, so I got both of Tony's books: 'Quiet Strength' and 'Uncommon.' I also found out he is going to be at the main Family Bookstore tomorrow from 3-5 to sign them. Cool. Then I went over the Barnes & Noble and got Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope' and also 'The Only Necessary Thing', a compilation of Henri Nouwen's writings on prayer and meditation by Wendy Wilson Greer. I thought it looked good.
I am still waiting on my latest order from Amazon with 'The Shack', 'The Blue Parakeet' and 'Surprised By Hope.' I see that I ordered them on Jan. 15. I got an email that it shipped last Saturday, but it hasn't made it yet. I guess that's what you get for free shipping.
Other than that... did you know that the Iron Butterfly psychedelic/metal song from the 60's "In-A-Gotta-Da-Vita" was actually supposed to be "In The Garden of Eden"? There are conflicting reports as to whether someone just didn't understand and wrote it down wrong, or someone was a tad slurry in their speech and couldn't say it properly. Anyway... that's what I hear.
Peace out, peeps. And in.
While I was out I decided to stop at the Family Bookstore and restock my supply of birthday cards. I got 6 12-packs. I try to send a birthday card to everyone in the church (as long as I know their birthday). Usually I will write out a month's worth at the beginning of the month, and yesterday I realized I missed a couple. Dang (somebody tell Graham happy birthday for me). It's always a trick to remember to mail them at the appropriate time too. I do what I can.
When I went into the store I noticed that they had the new Tony Dungy book. I had told the church I would buy it and Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope' for the church library. Of course the Family Bookstore didn't have Obama's, so I got both of Tony's books: 'Quiet Strength' and 'Uncommon.' I also found out he is going to be at the main Family Bookstore tomorrow from 3-5 to sign them. Cool. Then I went over the Barnes & Noble and got Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope' and also 'The Only Necessary Thing', a compilation of Henri Nouwen's writings on prayer and meditation by Wendy Wilson Greer. I thought it looked good.
I am still waiting on my latest order from Amazon with 'The Shack', 'The Blue Parakeet' and 'Surprised By Hope.' I see that I ordered them on Jan. 15. I got an email that it shipped last Saturday, but it hasn't made it yet. I guess that's what you get for free shipping.
Other than that... did you know that the Iron Butterfly psychedelic/metal song from the 60's "In-A-Gotta-Da-Vita" was actually supposed to be "In The Garden of Eden"? There are conflicting reports as to whether someone just didn't understand and wrote it down wrong, or someone was a tad slurry in their speech and couldn't say it properly. Anyway... that's what I hear.
Peace out, peeps. And in.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Happy candlemas, groundhog
I almost forgot that today is Groundhog Day. The little guy did see his shadow, by the way, so there will supposedly be six more weeks of winter.
Groundhog Day has taken on special meaning for me since I was invited into the Groundhog Club several years ago. My good friend, Frank, pastors a church in Punxsutawney, Pa., which is where the festivities take place every year in the United States. I think that's kinda neat.
Today also happens to be the Christian holiday known as Candlemas - otherwise known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (from Luke 2:22-40). I am running late for a meeting, so I will just have to point to some great information at Churchyear.net, and wikipedia. Also a nice article by Stephen Douglas Wilson Groundhog Day's Christian Roots. I may come back and edit this later. Sorry.
Here is a Candlemas prayer for you:
Peace out; and in.
Groundhog Day has taken on special meaning for me since I was invited into the Groundhog Club several years ago. My good friend, Frank, pastors a church in Punxsutawney, Pa., which is where the festivities take place every year in the United States. I think that's kinda neat.
Today also happens to be the Christian holiday known as Candlemas - otherwise known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (from Luke 2:22-40). I am running late for a meeting, so I will just have to point to some great information at Churchyear.net, and wikipedia. Also a nice article by Stephen Douglas Wilson Groundhog Day's Christian Roots. I may come back and edit this later. Sorry.
Here is a Candlemas prayer for you:
Kontakion (First Tone) of the Presentation
Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb
and properly blessed the hands of Symeon.
Having now come and saved us O Christ our God,
give peace to your commonwealth
in troubled times
and strengthen those in authority,
whom you love, as only the loving one.
Peace out; and in.
Super bowl thoughts
So another Super Bowl has come and gone. The Steelers beat the Cardinals 27-23 by scoring with less than a minute to go, after the Cardinals had scored with under 3 minutes to go (in case you didn't know). I guess I can now say that I was really hoping the Cardinals would win. The Steelers are just kind of bland to me. But... whatever.
I guess I was wrong about Neil Rackers playing a part in deciding the game too. At least it was a really good game. My biggest complaint was that the officiating seemed to play too big of a factor. Not that it favored one team over the other necessarily, but there were several "questionable" calls, and some very key calls. And you always hope that the officials will go unnoticed in a game, especially a big game like this. Not so last night.
As for the rest of the Super Bowl activities...
I was not at all impressed with the commercials. The only one I can really even remember is the MacGruber Pepsi commercial, which I thought was kinda funny (as long as you can remember MacGyver). And I was glad to finally find out what in the heck "G" is (Gatorade). Otherwise... eh...
I had never heard of Jennifer Hudson until she had some family members get killed recently, but wowza... that was maybe the best National Anthem I have ever seen or heard. Even though it was taped, it was still pretty darn awesome. If the end of the game hadn't been so good this might have been the highlight.
Bruce Springsteen at halftime... Um, here's a guy who, even though he was from "my" era, I have never owned any of his music. I always thought I should have. There are some songs of his that weren't real popular that I liked, but I can't remember the names of them. And... I don't know... the half-time show just didn't do it for me. In fact, it was everything I thought it WASN'T going to be. He should have just played that telecaster and sung through gritted teeth and left it at that. The chatter and prancing around the stage seemed... weird. Almost creepy. I didn't think he was going to make it getting up on the piano. But I've never had a connection with The Boss for whatever reason. I don't know why.
M'lady and I had our own private Super Bowl party. I splurged and got Doritos, celery with that canned spray cheese, and Pizza Rolls.
At least Illinois won yesterday (beat Iowa). Now college basketball is all we have until the NFL draft in... what... April. Winter sets in.
I guess I was wrong about Neil Rackers playing a part in deciding the game too. At least it was a really good game. My biggest complaint was that the officiating seemed to play too big of a factor. Not that it favored one team over the other necessarily, but there were several "questionable" calls, and some very key calls. And you always hope that the officials will go unnoticed in a game, especially a big game like this. Not so last night.
As for the rest of the Super Bowl activities...
I was not at all impressed with the commercials. The only one I can really even remember is the MacGruber Pepsi commercial, which I thought was kinda funny (as long as you can remember MacGyver). And I was glad to finally find out what in the heck "G" is (Gatorade). Otherwise... eh...
I had never heard of Jennifer Hudson until she had some family members get killed recently, but wowza... that was maybe the best National Anthem I have ever seen or heard. Even though it was taped, it was still pretty darn awesome. If the end of the game hadn't been so good this might have been the highlight.
Bruce Springsteen at halftime... Um, here's a guy who, even though he was from "my" era, I have never owned any of his music. I always thought I should have. There are some songs of his that weren't real popular that I liked, but I can't remember the names of them. And... I don't know... the half-time show just didn't do it for me. In fact, it was everything I thought it WASN'T going to be. He should have just played that telecaster and sung through gritted teeth and left it at that. The chatter and prancing around the stage seemed... weird. Almost creepy. I didn't think he was going to make it getting up on the piano. But I've never had a connection with The Boss for whatever reason. I don't know why.
M'lady and I had our own private Super Bowl party. I splurged and got Doritos, celery with that canned spray cheese, and Pizza Rolls.
At least Illinois won yesterday (beat Iowa). Now college basketball is all we have until the NFL draft in... what... April. Winter sets in.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
To whom will I be a neighbor
In Dallas Willard's 'The Divine Conspiracy' he talks about the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37. You know, where an expert in the law asks Jesus how he can inherit eternal life; and it comes out that he needs to love God and love his neighbors. So the guy asks Jesus, "Who is my neighbor," and Jesus goes into the story of how a man was beaten and left on the road, and first a priest goes by and doesn't do anything, then a Levite goes by and doesn't do anything, and it finally takes a Samaritan (a low-life sorta person) to come by and take care of the man.
Willard asserts that asking "Who is my neighbor?" was the wrong question. On p. 111 he says,
This brought a lot of thoughts to my mind. I think ultimately it speaks to the issue of control. It's a hard thing for many of us to cope with (well, at least me). Who gets to choose their 'neighbor?' I think for many people we're like, "Okay, I'm going to love... these people." And we set off trying to do our best. Whether this is in a nationalistic sense ("I love Americans and everyone else can go to hell"), or "I will love only Christians", or "I will love only evangelicals", or "I will love only missional people", or "I will love only blue-eyed blonde-haired people", or "I will love only people who aren't mean", and the list could go on and on and on.
Oh, of course, we would never do this intentionally, or actually say that we do it. But don't you think we all do this somewhat naturally? I think we are drawn more to people who are *like us*, or like we want to be. And Jesus is saying, "Hey, why don't you let me determine this for you. Why don't you give me control of your life, and love the ones I put you among or bring your way?"
Just now the lyrics, "If you can't be... with the one you love... then love the one you're with" came to mind. And I don't know that the songwriter and Jesus were talking about the same exact type of love, but I suppose it could be similar. At any rate, it also reminds me of the 'Experiencing God' stuff by Henry Blackaby... where he asserts that God is at work all around us, and our place is to simply open our eyes and join him there. That's also one of the things I remember when I heard Bob Roberts speak. He said something like, "If you want to know what God is calling you to do, OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK AROUND. He's probably put it right in front of your face."
I think this is a bigger issue than many of us want to admit - or, again, maybe it's just me - but I think I often subconsciously long for certain things, or I want to be in control of how my life goes, or who is in my life... and God is constantly at work just wishing I would open my eyes and look at what's in front of my face. Rather than me trying to figure out who my neighbor is (or who I want it to be), I should just be more neighborly to those I am with. Something like that.
Wishing you all peace... out, and in.
Willard asserts that asking "Who is my neighbor?" was the wrong question. On p. 111 he says,
The story does not teach that we can have eternal life just by loving our neighbor. We cannot get away with that nice legalism either. The issue of our posture toward God still has to be taken into account. But in God's order nothing can substitute for loving people. And we define who our neighbor is by our love. We make a neighbor of someone by caring for him or her.
So we don't first define a class of people who will be our neighbors and then select only them as the objects of our love - leaving the rest to lie where they fall. Jesus deftly rejects the question "Who is my neighbor?" and substitutes the only question really relevant here: "To whom will I be a neighbor?" And he knows that we can only answer this question case by case as we go through our days. In the morning we cannot yet know who our neighbor will be that day. The condition of our hearts will determine who along our path turns out to be our neighbor, and our faith in God will largely determine whom we have strength enough to make our neighbor.
This brought a lot of thoughts to my mind. I think ultimately it speaks to the issue of control. It's a hard thing for many of us to cope with (well, at least me). Who gets to choose their 'neighbor?' I think for many people we're like, "Okay, I'm going to love... these people." And we set off trying to do our best. Whether this is in a nationalistic sense ("I love Americans and everyone else can go to hell"), or "I will love only Christians", or "I will love only evangelicals", or "I will love only missional people", or "I will love only blue-eyed blonde-haired people", or "I will love only people who aren't mean", and the list could go on and on and on.
Oh, of course, we would never do this intentionally, or actually say that we do it. But don't you think we all do this somewhat naturally? I think we are drawn more to people who are *like us*, or like we want to be. And Jesus is saying, "Hey, why don't you let me determine this for you. Why don't you give me control of your life, and love the ones I put you among or bring your way?"
Just now the lyrics, "If you can't be... with the one you love... then love the one you're with" came to mind. And I don't know that the songwriter and Jesus were talking about the same exact type of love, but I suppose it could be similar. At any rate, it also reminds me of the 'Experiencing God' stuff by Henry Blackaby... where he asserts that God is at work all around us, and our place is to simply open our eyes and join him there. That's also one of the things I remember when I heard Bob Roberts speak. He said something like, "If you want to know what God is calling you to do, OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK AROUND. He's probably put it right in front of your face."
I think this is a bigger issue than many of us want to admit - or, again, maybe it's just me - but I think I often subconsciously long for certain things, or I want to be in control of how my life goes, or who is in my life... and God is constantly at work just wishing I would open my eyes and look at what's in front of my face. Rather than me trying to figure out who my neighbor is (or who I want it to be), I should just be more neighborly to those I am with. Something like that.
Wishing you all peace... out, and in.
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