The bedrooms

A pic of the newly painted guest bedroom (which will now be Carrie's room again for awhile). It looks much different than the gray with black stripes that it was before (from when it was Isaac's room). Nice job, dear. And this is the reason I am no longer running on the treadmill. The other bedroom is a little full of ..."stuff." You can't even tell the treadmill is in there!

Moving Carrie

I helped Carrie Jade move yesterday. She left her apartment of 2 years in Findlay and moved most of her stuff into storage at Southwest where Drew works. I picked up their moving truck (which was pretty nice, btw) shortly after 9 am and drove to Findlay. I got there about 11 and me, Drew, and Matt G. loaded most of the stuff. Carrie was cleaning; and later Kaitlyn (not Sarah) came over and helped (I hate it when I call someone the wrong name). The moving actually didn't go too bad considering it was a second floor apt. Much better than when we moved her in in the rain, and when Jane had just had foot surgery, and when everything had to go UP stairs. We got the couch out first, which was the worst thing to move. I think Drew and I left around 1 pm and dropped a dresser and his jeep at our house, then we went to the storage place and unloaded everything else. It is a really nice place (it's new), and only took us a half hour to unload. I put 25 gallons of gas in the truck when I filled it up. It was $61.50. Yikes. The truck rode much better when it was full than when it was empty. We came back to the house and Carrie was just getting done unloading her car and Drew's.

She left about an hour later to spend the rest of the week in Indianapolis for training for her new job. She has a couple weeks of work at WTS left, and she'll just stay with a friend during the week. Then she'll move back into the former black and gray room (which is now yellow and white) until her and Drew get a place.

I suppose I really have no reason to go to Findlay anymore. Though I would kinda like to get my masters sometime. And I think WTS is about as good as any seminary I know of. We'll see.

Mowing

Mowed today. East/west. Hadn't mowed for 2 weeks. I didn't even think about putting on the back brace or ear plugs.

Stuff like this

It's days like today that rip my guts out. I got an email that someone heard that someone was leaving the church. I really appreciated the email - letting me know what was going on. But when I hear that people are leaving the church - and our church specifically - it causes me to start shaking, and my legs get weak, and I think I'm going to throw up. Literally. I still feel like that several hours later. And... like that wasn't bad enough... not long after that someone involved in the situation came to the church building, and they wouldn't even speak to me. I have no idea what is going on, and they WOULD NOT EVEN SPEAK TO ME. I mean, I could understand if I had done something to them, but...

I knew something like this was going to happen. This coming Sunday a few people in the church decided to celebrate my 10th anniversary as pastor here by bringing in someone else to do the music and preaching. And it is a really nice thing to do. I appreciate it a lot. I'm just not sure if I can celebrate. This kinda thing makes my heart hurt. And, please, please, please, do not tell me I shouldn't worry about it. I know you mean well, but it really irritates me when people say things like that. Partly because I don't like people minimizing my pain, but also because I think not only should *I* worry about it, but I think OTHERS in the church body should care about it too. We take community way too lightly.

Right now I am sad, hurt, angry, and I don't know what all else.

Missional renaissance - pt 1

Some randomlies I picked up while reading chapters 1-3 of Reggie McNeal's Missional Renaissance:

• p. 19 "When you refer to 'a' missional church, you miss the point... The discussion should be about 'the' church. 'A' church is an institutional way of looking at church. 'The' church is a movement. 'The' church is people."
• p. 24 "...the missional church is the people of God participating with God in his redemptive mission in the world."
• p. 24 "We are to be the aroma of Jesus in the cemetery of decaying flesh" (not sure how I feel about this statement. I like the 'aroma of jesus' part, but the 'cemetery of decaying flesh'...?).
• p. 31-32 (Eph. 4:13) 'Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.' "This statement was made by the apostle Paul to demonstrate what spiritual maturity looks like and what it accomplishes... Missional followers of Jesus believe that both sides of this equation are important: truth and love. Mainline denominations and other ministries have been practicing a "social gospel" for decades, emphasizing love that involves ministries of justice and mercy and compassion. However, as one mainline leader confessed to me, 'We have just been too afraid to mention Jesus.' Evangelicals, on the other hand, have insisted on capital-T Truth and have sought to preserve and defend biblical truth against all comers. The trouble is that such devotion to being right has come off as self-righteousness to many people in our culture, especially in light of so little action on behalf of marginalized people in our society. Both approaches come up short. The missional movement understands that both truth and love must be present to reflect the whole heart of God for people. Not telling people the truth doesn't serve them fully even if you love them. Telling people the truth without loving them hardly encourages them to embrace it. Improving people's lives cannot just be seen as a prelude to evangelism. On the other hand, people need the truth of God's insights in order to be fully blessed." [A huge, huge, huge point. imho]
  
• p. 33 "...when the people of God act like the people of God, we actually help people see God." (salt of the earth. mt. 5.13-15)
  
• p. 37 "The biblical record often observes that when the people of God mistakenly think they are God's only or primary concern, they become callous to the very people God is wooing."
• p. 45 "The church is wherever followers of Jesus are. People don't GO TO church; they ARE the church. They don't bring people to church; they bring the church to people."
• p. 46 "What's the point of being the people of God if the people of God are not the point? The role of the church is simply this: to bless the world. In doing this, the people of God reveal God's heart for the world." (Abraham - Gen. 12)
  
• p. 47 "Instead of having an evangelism strategy, I urge congregations and people to develop a blessing strategy."
• p. 48 'Blessing People': Ask "How can I ask God to bless you?" If they agree to prayer, say, "I'll ask God to help you."
• p. 49 "To practice the blessing life, you will need to believe God, not just believe IN God. There's a huge difference between the two."

Comments

Those of you who read here regularly have probably noticed that I haven't been responding to comments like I used to. I don't want anyone to think that I don't appreciate when someone leaves a comment (as long as it's not a stupid one). I really love to get comments. But for a variety of reasons I probably won't be interacting with them much anymore. Not that I never will - especially if someone asks a question or something - but I probably won't acknowledge each and every one. So please don't take it personally.

I always used to hate it when I would leave a comment on someone's blog and they didn't respond to it. So I always tried to do so. But... it just seems like it's maybe not the thing to do anymore. Maybe it was just a problem I had. But I think blogging has changed somewhat with the growing popularity of Facebook and Twitter, and responding to comments doesn't seem as important. I also think they have made blogland much less "community-oriented" or something too. Plus I just don't spend the amount of time on my blog as I used to.

So I say all that to say that I still welcome your comments, but please don't be offended if I don't respond to them. I hope that's ok.

Because of me

People can do a lot of things because of us. They can get frustrated, irritated, angry; they can be tempted into sin; they can want to do anything to not be like us or around us; and on and on and on.

My daily Bible reading yesterday was Galatians 1, and the very last verse of that chapter seems to have lodged itself in my brain. Paul was telling about his visit to some of the churches, and in verse 24 he simply says, "And they praised God because of me."

Isn't that a beautiful thought? To think that after having been with people their response was to praise God. Wow. That's the kind of person I want to be. I'm not sure exactly what that would look like, but I would think I would need to be someone who was sincere, but also fun to be around; someone who was full of the love, joy, peace, patience, etc. of Galatians 5:22-23; someone who was in touch with their creator/sustainer; someone who wasn't all about themselves, but was about helping people see God FOR themselves. Someone who was a blessing to others. Yeah... and there are probably other things I'm not even thinking of. Perhaps you have an idea. Feel free to share it.

It's certainly something to think about as you visit with friends, family, co-workers, people who wait on you in stores and restaurants, and... basically anytime you're around people. "And they praised God because of me."

A good day of worship

While on vacation yesterday Jane and I decided to hop over to Findlay, OH and attend a worship gathering where a friend of mine pastors. He's the guy I bought a boatload of musical equipment from several years ago. I'm always leery of attending other people's services, and it seems it's been awhile since I've attended one that was actually a good experience - maybe since the last time I was at Willowcreek - but yesterday was really good. And I even got good reports about our own church when I returned home too, so it was good all over.

Things didn't start so well while visiting this church service. We arrived about 10 minutes early, went in, found a seat at a table, got some coffee, then sat and read through the bulletin... and not ONE SINGLE PERSON spoke to us. That seemed odd, but not necessarily surprising. Finally a young couple came and asked if they could sit at our table, and that was the only interaction we had with anyone until we talked with some people after the service.

But once the service started... it was nice. The pastor of the church wasn't preaching this day - he was leading worship - but the guy giving the message was someone we knew from when we used to live here, and I always liked his preaching. The worship service itself was so Christ-centered, and the music was so... just sooooo cool. The pastor didn't actually "lead" the singing, but he led the service. He played electric guitar in the band... and it was just the kind of sound I have always wished for in our band. Subtle little riffs and runs, and a lead solo at just the right time, and with just the right touch. In my opinion it was a superbly organized service - mellow, meaningful, and it flowed ever so smoothly. The song selection was good - and almost all songs I knew. They even did "Lord I Lift Your Name on High"... but they did this long, slow rendition of it, and it was good. And when they did this old Keith Green song... that's when it hit me that this would be a holy-moment morning. It was also kinda cool to see the son of another friend of mine - who, the last I knew was a chubby little kid, but is now a first-year seminary student - leading the singing and playing guitar. Then the visiting speaker gave a superb message on Psalm 139. It was an almost-perfect morning of worship for me.

As I said, this so rarely happens. And, not only that, but this was a church I think I could actually be a part of too (you know... attend). In fact, it's one of the few existing churches that I would possibly consider joining their staff. Not that I am going to pursue it or anything like that; and not that it's likely that it would ever be an option... but I don't know of too many other churches (if any) that I've ever thought that about. So... it was good. When the service was over we chatted with a few people we kinda knew, then we headed for home.

It was almost as good when we got home. Daughter Carrie told us about the worship gathering here, and it sounded like we missed a good one. Apparently the time of sharing went really well; and the guest speaker was really good. And then I got on facebook and read from several different people how the service effected them... and I was really happy. I always worry about how things will go in my absence, and sometimes I think they actually go much better - like yesterday.

Of course then I started worrying about certain people and wondering if they were there or not, and... you know. But anyway, it was a nice day.

Today I start back after a week off, and I don't really feel too bad. I am often really stressed, or really dread going back, or am anxious... but I feel ok. I'm kind of relaxed even.

Patio carpet and umbrella

Now that my vacation is almost over the new back patio is looking pretty good - if I do say so myself. We found the umbrella on closeout the other day, and this indoor/outdoor carpet was on sale... so this afternoon I cut it to fit and Jane potted some flowers to strategically place in hold-down spots and... there ya go. I like it.

The new old lawn chair

I re-webbed this lawn chair Friday. The new green and white doesn't match the yellow armrests too well, but at least it's usable. This was actually my grandfather's (or grandmothers - I'm not sure) lawn chair that they used to sit and rock in on their front porch. I'm not sure how I ended up with it, but I imagine some family members might recognize it and remember seeing Grandma and Grandpa rocking away on the porch. It seemed that's always where Grandpa was every time we came to visit in the summers.

I had a heck of a time finding the webbing too. About the only places that seem to carry it anymore are smaller, older hardware stores (other than online). First I went to the hardware store in Ossian, and they had one package left. The guy said it was enough to do "one regular-sized lawn chair." After I got home I noticed that it actually said, "Enough to do one regular-sized lawn chair IN ONE DIRECTION." Now why on earth would they sell you lawn chair webbing just to do one direction? So, anyway, I ran to the hardware store in Waynedale, and they had several packages of it. However they didn't have the same color that I already had. So, while the green and white does look good together, I didn't plan for it to be that way. And I was one strap shy on the green, so it's kind of mismatched. Whatever. It works.

I finally found some eyelets at Menards to attach the ends, and had to kind of improvise to get a hole punched through. I needed an awl, but I didn't want to invest too much money. A large nail sufficed.

So now I have a practically new old lawn chair... and it rocks! Very cool.

Before...

After...

Mush brain off impact

My brain is in full vacation mode. I hope I can switch it back on at some point, but it's kinda nice for right now.

Thursday night I made a swing over to Findlay, Ohio and spent the night at daughter Carrie's apartment (interestingly enough, she was staying at our house). It's a nice enough place, but she has no television, no telephone, and no internet connection. So it was a quiet night. Friday I got up and went to the last Impact of my life. Impact is a conference/camp sorta thing for people of all ages in our denomination. I have attended it sporadically from time to time, and apparently they are not going to have it anymore after this year. I hear it sucks a lot of money, and I'm not surprised. So it's kinda sad.

The main reason I dropped by Impact (which is held at daughter Carrie's current place of employment, btw) was to see old friends - most notably the person who runs the show, who is also going to do the premarital counseling for me with Drew Carrie. I was going to pay him, but I actually never even saw him in my 5 hours on campus. So I'll send you a check, Lance.

I spend some time walking around my old alma mater, and did run into many friends while there. I also took in a couple of breakout sessions led by good friends Brian and Bill. I felt bad attending the sessions, since I didn't pay to attend the conference. But what can they do - ban me from future Impacts? Besides, I was given unofficial clearance by several people, so... whatever. I was originally just going to attend the 11-12 session, but ended up staying for lunch and attending the 2-3 session also. The one's I attended were on Reggie McNeal's book Missional Renaissance. I am currently reading said book, and have already heard much of the material contained in it. I always think I can perhaps add to conversations like this, but I pretty much just listened. The first session was good; the second one... not so much. I know I am hard to please, and it's really hard to keep my attention, but I really, really, really get tired of having to sit through the same old conversations time and time again. That kinda happened in the second session. It digressed into the exact same conversation that was had in the very same room last year. I know I should be more patient, and I know it's good that there are new people joining the conversation and whatnot, but... geez. I dunno... I guess I just have too little patience. So I made a paper airplane. I was surprised to see our denominational director in these breakouts, even though I was once again snubbed by him. In fact, he almost ran into me on the stairs and still didn't speak to me. It doesn't piss me off anymore, but discourages the hell out of me. Whatever.

Interestingly I had lunch with some guys who... let me see if I can tell this story... When I got done with seminary this church was looking for a pastor. The one they had (one of the guys at lunch) was leaving, and they contacted me to candidate there. I agreed, but never got the letter telling me what day I was to preach. So the day came, and there was no one there to preach. So they ended up hiring a friend of mine (the other guy at lunch) instead, and I ended up in Indiana. So it seemed odd to me that the three of us ended up eating lunch together. Kinda funny. I think things worked out ok though.

I am probably leaving out some important details from this brief trip (like the fact that I ran Carrie's air conditioner all night long - and didn't realize I hadn't closed the windows. Sorry), but anyway, I came home last night and lady Jane and I went on our date. We ate at one of our favorite restaurants and then went to the $3 theater and saw the new Star Trek movie. It was actually better than I was expecting. I'm not a big "Trekky" or anything, but I did grow up watching it on tv (with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy). I like it better than Star Wars. So it was good.

Now it's Saturday. I was going to put the carpet down on the new patio, but it's raining. And our garage is full of bedroom furniture - as Drew Carrie are painting our old bedroom set (that's been in the spare room), and they will use it when they get a place of their own. It was actually handed down to us from my parents, and is the good old kind of furniture. Solid. Jane is busy painting the guest room at the moment. She painted over the black stripes, and it will no longer be black and gray, but will now be yellow and white (I think). I try to avoid any type of painting. I do everyone a favor by just staying out of the way.

So... that's about it. I think.

Mowing

I mowed today - on my first day of vacation - because it's supposed to rain the entire rest of the week. Although if they say it is going to rain now, that just means it's 100% sure NOT to. But just in case... The tops of the weeds needed lopped off, and who knows what the rest of my week might hold. There is still not really any grass to speak of. I mowed north/south today. I have to keep track, because there is no other way to tell with no grass. And I wouldn't want to mow it the same direction two times in a row... or the world would be all out of whack!

I don't know exactly how long it took, because I had to stop partway through and swap cars at the mechanics place. It was likely rather quick - maybe 2 hours and 15 minutes. And I was very ungreen - mowing right during the middle of the day. Sorry.

I do have a bike; and a project

A few weeks ago I was lamenting the fact I don't have a bicycle, and therefore cannot be in a bicycle gang. However, I forgot about Isaac's old bike that was hanging in the garage (it looks brand new). We got it out last weekend when we had some kids around the house. Shoot... I can ride this thing! And I decided that's one of the things I'm going to accomplish on my vacation this week: to learn a few tricks on this bike. Last night I tried wheelies and standing on the front end. This may take some time. The first trick I need to learn, though, is to make sure I keep all my "parts" where they belong; and don't kill myself.

Random minus zero

I've got nothin' but a bunch of jumbled thoughts, and they might not even be thoughts per se, but fragments of free-flow that I might happen to catch with some keystrokes. We'll see...

• Jane starts another class today. This semester she goes straight from work to school on Monday nights. Son Isaac started his Greek classes today too. Four hours a day, five days a week. Whew.
  
• I think I might be on vacation now. I worked today, but I think I'm off the rest of the week. My "year" ends July 31, and I have a week of vacation left to use. I don't have anywhere to go though. I don't travel too well by myself and Jane is saving her vacation for the wedding. If anything I may go stay in daughter Carrie's apartment for a few days. She will actually be in Indiana. But I have four vehicles to get serviced to varying degrees this week, so we'll see how that goes.
• Next year I will actually have four weeks of vacation (starting in August). What in the heck am I going to do with four weeks?
• I go back and forth on vacations. I remember my first year - I didn't take ANY vacation at all. I was afraid if I missed a Sunday the place would fall apart. I have finally discovered that that doesn't happen (or that maybe it falls apart worse when I am never gone). I almost think me being gone is better for the church than for me sometimes. But I don't know. I just take what I get. It probably doesn't matter much one way or the other.
• I just started four Sundays in a row where I won't preach. This past Sunday we had friends of ours - missionaries - who were here, and they spoke instead of a sermon by me. I still led worship and whatnot. Next Sunday I will be on vacation and we have a lady coming from the local women's shelter to preach. The following Sunday is my 10th anniversary as the pastor here, so I guess they're giving me the day off. I still need to be here, but son Isaac will be taking care of worship/music, and our former denominiational director is coming all the way from Pennsylvania to preach. That's pretty cool. I think we're also having a lunch afterward. The following week I am going back to my home church for their 150th anniversary, and someone else from our church is going to preach.
• I was fairly excited about the 10th anniversary thing. Although now I'm worried that I'll be bummed if no one is here on that day. I remember once, for Pastor Appreciation Month, they asked what they could do for me, and I said what would be nice is if everybody could just show up for church for that month. I realize now that was a stupid thing to ask for. I actually had people tell me that they would, in fact, NOT show up for that entire month - just because I said I wanted them to. People are strange. So I'm not getting my hopes up about anything.
  
• It was kinda nice just leading worship Sunday. I tell you, on those days when I either just lead worship, or just preach, it seems like I have so much more energy - it's almost like I haven't done anything at all. But it wipes me out to do both. I think most of the people in my church have forgotten that when I came here the pastor just preached and prayed. Sometimes I think that would be really nice again, and if I could find a worship guy and musicians that would be great. But I'm probably too much of a control freak, so I dunno. I think it would be better for everyone if I did just preach though. Because I'm probably a better preacher than worship leader. At least I think so. But I'm probably not a very good judge, so who knows.
• I am really, really, really tired today. And kinda down. I don't know why. Must be the weather.
• For some reason I've had the Rolling Stone's album 'emotional rescue' stuck in my head today. I can remember buying the vinyl like it was yesterday (though I no longer have any of my records). I was going through a bad time when I bought that album. It didn't help at all.
• I just got the spare tire out from under the Ford Ranger. It is worthless, and with the amount of rust I broke loose underneath and the bolts that snapped off, I'll be surprised if the thing will even go down the road now. I just hate to get rid of it though, because it's such a nice lawn ornament.
  
• Eh... whatever.
  

The new patio

We finally got our back patio done. Jane and I took up the old blocks on the last day of June. Then Les and I formed it up July 3rd; and put the wire down and set up the mixer on the 9th. We finally poured the concrete on July 14. We used Les's concrete mixer (the beast), and it almost did me in. Meredith ran the mixer, Matt poured concrete in the wheelbarrow for an hour and a half before he had to leave, Les did all the leveling, troweling and detail work, and lucky me got to shovel somewhere between 4.5 and 5 ton of rock. First I shoveled it into the yellow buckets, and then I'd put 5 buckets and a half bag of mix in the mixer for each load. It's been a long time since I've done any kind of work like that. I had trouble standing upright the next day, and my hands still hurt, but it will be worth it. We haven't decided for sure where to put everything yet, and we need some color (maybe some flower pots, and a firepot thingy). It's almost like adding a room to the house though. Here are some pics of the old, and now the new 12x24 patio...

Three rivers instead of tin caps

Last night was an odd sorta night. We had steaks on the grill (delmonico's), and they were good. I don't even remember the last time we had steaks at home. Then we headed to Fort Wayne for a Tincaps game. We were a little late, and we couldn't find a stinking parking place anywhere (why do they close off all the free parking for these games?), so we finally ended up parking in the Parkview Field garage. So, of course, we had to use the back entrance; and we stood in line for 45 freaking minutes to get tickets. We actually weren't too far from the window when these younger guys starting being jerks. They had a friend at the front of the line and they were having him buy all their tickets and they kept walking from back to front and saying stupid stuff and it was making me MAAAAD; plus the fact that there were a billion people there (I forgot it was dollar beer night); plus the fact that the lawn seats were sold out, and someone said all they had left were $10.50 seats... so Jane and I bolted and left. I hated eating the $4 we paid to park, but it wasn't going to be worth it.

So then we decided this would probably be our only opportunity to take in the Three Rivers Festival anyway, so we headed there. And we got a really great parking spot (free, btw) at Friemann Square. We walked through food alley and absorbed some fried food smell into our skin, then debated whether we wanted to spend the $8 to go into the tent. We finally figured we would have spent that at the game, so we went in. And it ended up only costing us 7.50, plus we got free buttons (to use later; except we won't be able to). Anyway, there was a pretty smallish crowd. But the band was pretty happenin'. I had heard *of* Good Night Gracie, but had never heard them. They were good. Kind of a party/dance band. They had a wild set-list of all covers. I liked their variety. They went from "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash, to "I Like Big Butts" to "Fulsom Prison Blues." They actually did a lot of rap - and, you know, I don't really mind rap music; I just don't care for thug music. But anyway, they were fun. I liked how they went straight from song to song to song without stopping or much talking. And I think I actually used to know their guitar player. I think he gave lessons where Isaac took them (but not to Isaac). By the time they were done the crowd was growing. I suppose the baseball game had let out. And then Hairbangers Ball took the stage. Ha. It was hilarious. They opened with "Jump" by Van Halen, and people started running for the stage. I couldn't believe how the crowd just like "turned on." And it was funny. These people had this big fake hair (at least it LOOKED fake). I'm sure it was supposed to be a joke (like hair-metal itself was intended to be). But I suppose they were an ok band. I saw the girl in the band on my way to the bathroom, and she is tiny, and she had this short, short, short skirt, and as much makeup as a clown. People were getting their pictures taken with her. Anyway, we left during the first song.

We briefly thought about hopping over to Columbia Street to see Drew's band (swimming into view). They were playing in round two of the battle of the bands, but they didn't start until 10:30 - which is when we left Headwaters - and Jane had to work early today; plus I never know if that's a cool thing to do or not - you know, popping in unexpectedly on the soon-to-be son-in-law's band. So we headed home.

Then we had some wicked storms last night. A downpour, and thunder, and lightning. I didn't even know it was supposed to rain. I looked out the window once, and I swear it looked like lightning hit a pole at the neighbor across the streets house. Sure enough, later there was a utility truck over there.

So... there ya go. Now I need to vacuum, and then get a hotel room for our guests this weekend. Old friends, and missionaries to the Philippines, are coming in; plus I think both kids will be home this weekend. Of course, since it hasn't rained in forever, it's naturally supposed to rain all weekend now. Oh well.

Peace.

Community cookout and concert

We had a nice evening for the community concert and cookout last Sunday night. The weather was beautiful, the food and music were good, there was a nice crowd of 90+, and it was extra nice that one of the guys in the church invited some members of his car club to join us and let us look their cars over.

We ate at 6; then the car club guys introduced themselves and their cars; then Greg Strange entertained us with his comedy and singing.

Here are some pics (click on the pic to enlarge)...

The row of old cars.

I think I was contemplating whether or not I wanted this guy for a son-in-law. Good thing a Christian comedian was coming up the walk to set me straight.

Robin & Jane smiling pretty.

Drew sitting with all his friends. Actually, he was first in the food line and got the choice seat. In the background is Dr. Binckley and his wife. They have a medical practice in Haiti.

Notice Drew is almost done and the line is still long. We need a double line or put condiments on a separate table.

Rie Ann in the sky.Me and Greg.

Greg doing his Elvis bit.

Big boys don't cry

A couple weeks ago I was flippin' through the radio and heard the old 10cc song, "I'm Not In Love" again (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIiWBPdhPH8). It's from 1975, and I've always liked it. It's one of those songs that once you hear it, you can't seem to get it out of your head. Which is apparently the only reason it ever got released in the first place. I guess the group played it while recording an album, and everyone thought it was a stupid song, so they didn't include it on the record. However, after the album was completed they noticed the studio staff were still walking around singing lines from "I'm Not In Love." It was stuck in their heads. So they released it as a single and it ended up being the song that launched their careers; and undoubtedly their most popular song.

There's a neat story about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Not_in_Love - including the fact that it 's the studio receptionist who repeats the line, "Be quiet, big boys don't cry."

That's kinda how things work sometimes, isn't it? Something we think is crap can actually turn out to be quite meaningful (of course the opposite is often true too). That's kind of what happened this past week with my sermon. I've probably had more people comment on it than maybe any other sermon I've preached. And, to be honest, it was one of those sermons that I didn't think was very good. In fact, I had even told Jane at one point, "It's just going to have to do, because I don't have any time to work on it." And maybe that's the beautiful thing about preaching God's word... It's not really about what *I* do, but maybe it's more about what He does. And I'm pretty darn cool with that. It seems this always happens. When I think I've got a bad sermon, it seems to be rather meaningful to people. But when I think I've got a good one, it's a dud. Hmm.

Anyway... none of that probably has anything to do with what this song is about. But these two thoughts were occupying space in my brain at the same time. I do think it's true, though, that sometimes what we say isn't really what we mean; and what we mean doesn't always come out like we want it to; and sometimes we say things we don't mean to try to convince ourselves of something; and... sometimes we're just messed up and stupid... and it's a good thing God loves us in spite of it all.

Or something.

Forgiveness (amish for homeland security)

From Jesus For President, p. 275-6:

Do you remember how the Amish responded to the act of terror in their school, when a gunman killed five Amish children in 2006? Our friend Diana Butler Bass wrote an article pontificating what the world would look like if the Amish had led us after September 11. Consider their response to the murders, a response that fascinated the world. Within the first week after the shootings, the Amish families who had suffered such terror responded in four ways that captured the world's attention. First, some elders visited Marie Roberts, the wife of the murderer, to offer forgiveness. Then, the families of the slain girls invited the widow to their own children's funerals. Next, they requested that all relief money intended for the Amish families be shared with Ms. Roberts and her children. And finally, in an astonishing act of reconciliation, dozens of Amish families attended the funeral of the killer.

Diana goes on to share that she talked with her husband about the spiritual power of these actions, commenting, "It is an amazing witness to the peace tradition." And her husband looked at her and said passionately, "Witness? I don't think so. This went well past witnessing. They weren't witnessing to anything. They were actively making peace." Her article ends with these words, as she reflected on that truth:

Their actions not only witness that the Christian God is a God of forgiveness, but they actively created the conditions in which forgiveness could happen. In the most straightforward way, they embarked on imitating Christ: "Father, forgive them; they know not what they do." In acting as Christ, they did not speculate on forgiveness. They forgave. And forgiveness is, as Christianity teaches, the prerequisite to peace. We forgive because God forgave us; in forgiving, we participate in God's dream of reconciliation and shalom.

Then an odd thought occurred to me: What if the Amish were in charge of the war on terror? What if, on the evening of Sept. 12, 2001, we had gone to Osama bin Laden's house (metaphorically, of course, since we didn't know where he lived!) and offered him forgiveness? What if we had invited the families of the hijackers to the funerals of the victims of 9/11? What if a portion of the September 11th Fund had been dedicated to relieving poverty in a Muslim country? What if we dignified the burial of their dead by our respectful grief? What if, instead of seeking vengeance, we had stood together in human pain, looking honestly at the shared sin and sadness we suffered? What if we had tried to make peace? So, here's my modest proposal. We're five years too late for an Amish response to 9/11. But maybe we should ask them to take over the Department of Homeland Security. After all, actively practicing forgiveness and making peace are the only real alternatives to perpetual fear and a multi-generational global religious war. I can't imagine any other path to true security. And nobody else can figure out what to do to end this insane war. Why not try the Christian practice of forgiveness? If it worked in Lancaster, maybe it will work in Baghdad, too.

I realize this is a little dated. But the practice of forgiveness and the seeking of peace is such a needed thing. I think.

There's an article here which quotes the pastor for the Roberts family - who happens to pastor a church in my tribe, and was actually somewhat involved in me attending seminary.

A nice article here too, 'Forgiveness is Possible.'

A good person

An excellent post by Alan Hitt that he calls "A Fool's Defense" at http://www.alanhitt.com/2009/07/i-am-good-person.html. I highly recommend you read it. Especially if you think you're a good person.

ht

Sunday worship outside

Jane took some pics before and during our worship gathering July 5. We were outside under our pavilion, and although the crowd was pretty small, it was nice. Note to self: It took 45 minutes to set up sound and 45 chairs; all the picnic tables but 1 fit under the roof.

Jane and the gang

I took this pic of Jane and her brothers this past Saturday at the funeral dinner for their cousin Kathie. I'm glad I married the one without the mustache.

Funerals and travels and such

This was a long week. I was kinda sorta involved in one funeral earlier in the week, and I can't really say anything about it at the moment. Then Jane's cousin passed away and we had her funeral in Dixon, IL on Friday/Saturday. Dixon is, of course, the hometown of former President Ronald Reagan, but we didn't do any Reagonomics while there.

I will say this about the second funeral though... and I hate to be one to make cynical statements about funeral services, or pastors for that matter... but it was perhaps THE WORST funeral I have ever been to. The guy was totally detached; never even acknowledged the family; told stories - almost exclusively about himself; and that had nothing to do with anything; and just went on and on and on spewing Bible verses but never saying anything about how they applied to anything. It was horrid. I sat there with my head down wondering what in the world this guy was doing, and I almost jumped out of my seat and screamed "SHUT UP" several times. I looked around at everyone else, and it was like everyone was just sitting there. Nothing. It was the most emotionless situation I think I've ever been in. Very sad, because the person it was for was the total opposite of that. The only bright spot was that Jane's brother did a really nice job with the eulogy.

Traveling wasn't too bad. We went straight to Dixon from home, and we went on route 24, to I-39, to route 52. It took about 6 hours. We stopped for gas in Monticello, IN, and I've had this cut on my hand; I must have broken it open at the gas station because when I went up to pay I had blood all over my shirt. Fortunately I was just wearing the undershirt and hadn't put my nice shirt on yet (because of the drive). I just switched shirts in the parking lot. Unlike Jane who changed clothes while driving down the road. Oh, and after we left the gas station I looked in the rearview mirror and I also must have unlatched the trunk, because the trunk lid was flopping up and down.

After the visitation we went with 3 of Jane's brothers to the Candlelight Inn (or something) in Rock Falls. It was $12 just for chicken strips! It was a nice time though. Then we went out to her mom's old house and saw her other brother who had just gotten in from Colorado and was staying there. We stayed at my dad's, but we were just there to sleep. Which is good, because I looked at the thermostat and it was set on SEVENTY SEVEN DEGREES! I was sweating the whole time. Mom was gone to a family reunion or something.

After the funeral we left straight from the funeral dinner. I snapped some pics of Jane and her four brothers in the parking lot. It's not often that they're all together. They all kinda look alike now - except for Jane. We decided to come home on I-80. It CAN be quicker, but if traffic is bad and we get stuck it can be a lot longer. So we usually never take it. Traffic was actually quite good. We never had to stop once. We took 52 to I-39 to I-80 to I-65 to route 30. It took about 5 hours and 5 minutes. It was just over 2 hours from Valporaiso to home. There is an Applebees right along 30 (for future reference). Or, Merrilville has an Olive Garden right along 30, at that mall. Anyway, the worst part about this trip - other than all the stoplights on 30 - is that stretch between Joliet, IL and Gary, IN. And I didn't realize they were having the Michael Jackson tribute in Gary right when we went through. I especially hate that part in Joliet where it's a 45 mph speed limit, and everyone is doing 75. Not that I mind the speed, it's just so stinking curvy and there are so many stinking cars and semi's. But I always think of the Blues Brothers in that stretch, so that passes time. And... we only had to pay one 60 cent toll. I thought we used to have to pay more tolls. Unless I'm thinking of going further into Indiana on 80. I dunno.

I really didn't feel bad physically when we got home, but I was tired last night. Now... it's another week.

Mowing

I mowed again tonight. First time in 2 weeks. There wasn't really any grass, but I needed to cut the weeds down since we're having a picnic and show Sunday night. Took 2 hours and 15 minutes, which included stopping to talk with some folks. Mowed east/west. Had to mow around the cement mixer, and hopefully Les and I can get the patio poured in the morning before I need to head out to my second funeral this week.

The new bird bath

Here is a pic of our new bird bath on the west side of the house. The flowers are not in the prettiest of states right now, but we thought we better start taking a little better care of our bird friends, lest they fly the coup like our playboy bunny. Haven't seen him in a week or so. Actually, though, I've been wanting a bath for this area for some time. This one was a little more reasonably priced than some we'd seen, so on a cold July 1 evening we took the plunge.

One of the most difficult things

Yesterday was an interesting day. It started off well. Tom and I had a really good discussion about churches sharing buildings. It was mostly his ideas, but what if, rather than each individual church building a building for themselves - and to be used mostly just one day a week - churches went together and instead built "community centers"? They could all share the building for use for their services and whatever else they did, but they could also provide a place for other activities and businesses to be run. Each church could still have their own separate "gathering", but it would be just like a church that had multiple services. And, rather than everybody having their own, say, youth group... you just offered the building to the local Youth For Christ, and that would be the youth group for everyone. Or else you just combined stuff like that. Leadership training for combined staffs and leaders; teacher training for everyone's teachers; etc. Stuff like that. We talked about a place like the former Ossian Furniture building (which does have parking out back, btw). Anyway, it was all just pipe-dreaming, but... it was fun.

After that I tried to frantically catch-up with myself and get ready to have our worship gathering outside this Sunday. It's probably not that there's that much to do, but it's just a different routine from usual. And there are so many people that are going to be gone that I'm not at all sure who might even be there. Maybe it will just be me, so then none of it will really matter anyway.

It was after lunch that things went terribly, terribly bad though. I got a call from a woman in the church and she just said she "needed help." I blew the cobs out of the Buick and went to her house, because it's rare that anyone ever needs my help. I ended up driving her to the hospital in Marion, where her daughter had just been pronounced dead. Ugh. That has to be one of the worst things in the world - to see your children die. There were a lot of unanswerable questions, lots and lots of tension, and not just a few cops around (news story here: http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local_wane_wabash_wabash_county_death_investigation_200907021430_rev1). Very sad. She has a 17-ish son, who was there. What do you say to someone who has just lost their mother, or daughter? Man... that is humbling stuff.

Today there is a chance I might start on the back patio. We removed the old bricks the other night. I *think* a guy may be coming sometime today to frame it up, but I'm not sure. At this point it doesn't really matter much.

I have an egg sandwich to eat now.

Reading

Yesterday I finished Practicing His Presence by Frank Laubach and Brother Lawrence. I thought it was good. But I think I preferred the parts by Laubach over the edited works of Lawrence.

Now I don't know what to start on. I will probably jump into Reggie McNeal's Missional Renaissance. I imagine I've heard large parts of it, since I just heard him speak, but it looks good.

I also bought an older book by Reggie, A Work of Heart, that looks good. So if Missional Renaissance bogs down I may switch.

I also recently picked up Day By Day: The Notre Dame Prayer Book for Students. I've been looking through it off and on. Just a bunch prayers, but I like this sort of thing.

Or, I've had a desire to start in on Jesus For President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw too. Jane has been reading it and it sounds pretty good.

And there's a whole pile behind these just staring me in the face... ugh.

Church planting fears

David Fitch has an excellent post on The Three Biggest Fears We Must Face When Planting A Church / I.E. Seeding A Missional Community. I don't know that these would necessarily be my three biggest, but this is good; and the comments contain some heavy relevance. This is worth keeping around, and sharing. I think Fitch has some of the best stuff out there at the moment.

Speaking of which, Reggie McNeal also shared some brief thoughts on planting at our conference a couple weeks ago... stuff I've been thinking. I'm hoping he has more about it in his new book that I bought. It's along the lines of... it's time we started thinking about planting differently. Maybe we've created all the churches that are going to look like what we think of as church. Anyhew... happy July.