The guggenheim grotto and tiger cooke @ c2g

Friday evening Lady Jane and I had a chance to see The Guggenheim Grotto at the C2G Music Hall in Fort Wayne. I have heard much about this Irish duo, but it was our first time seeing them live. We were not disappointed. And, what's more, we were completely blown away by opener Tiger (Tadhg) Cooke, another Irishman with soul. Unfortunately we were a little late arriving, and missed Megan King's opening set.

The Guggenheim Grotto are a folk-pop band from Dublin, and consist of Kevin May and Mick Lynch. Kevin plays keyboard, upside down guitar, and does perhaps the bulk of the singing and talking. Mick plays guitar, ukulele, viola (I think it was a viola; a big sorta violin), and does a good deal of singing himself. They are perhaps most well-known for providing some music for the television show One Tree Hill, but have created quite a cult-ish following too. Very nice tunes, very good rapport with the audience, and their vocal harmonies are simply superb. It's amazing how much sound they can create from an acoustic guitar and keyboard. I enjoyed them quite well, and would definitely see them again.

What surprised me most was Tiger Cooke though. I had honestly never heard of this Dublin-born singer/songwriter/guitarist. But he had a smooth-as-soul voice, his guitar work in alternative tunings created such depth and breadth, and he had a way of spacing with the mic that made for a simply fantastic opening set. I loved his sound and was so hoping for more. I didn't purchase a cd that night, but am absolutely going to buy some of his music online. And I talked with him briefly afterward, and he seemed a most gracious person as well. A very nice surprise on this snowy/cold Indiana night. By the way, if you're looking for his music, apparently his name is "Tadhg," but since it is such an oddly spelled name in the US he has started going by "Tiger." Either name will find him in a Google search.

Another interesting fact about this night, personally, is it was the first time we've been to C2G and noticed it called the "C2G Music Hall." For those who don't know, it is a church (or a ministry that has a church; or vice-versa). Apparently they now have "C2G Ministries" and "C2G Music Hall." Which might also explain why they had a bar tonight. It was the first time I've seen them serve alcohol. And, while it doesn't really surprise me that they did - as I have seen a few acts perform there who weren't used to performing in non-drinking establishments... what did make me do a double-take was the location of the bar. They have one big cross that hangs down off to one side, and the bar was located directly under the cross. It probably was the logical place to set it up considering the logistics of the room; it just looked a little odd under the cross. Whatever.

On a more personal note... the only real downer about the night - other than the blowing snow outside - was this terror of a child that was running around. We arrived a little late, and couldn't find a seat, so at first we just stood in back behind the boom camera. Brad Etter (who works there; and is the kindest man in the world) eventually brought us a couple of chairs, and so we just sat at a table that was against the back wall. After Tiger Cooke was done performing he actually came out and sat at the table with us. Pretty soon this kid - maybe 10 years old - was hanging all over him, asking him questions, grabbing onto him, trying to take his hat off. At first I thought maybe it was his kid. But he looked awful young to have a child that age; and then I noticed the kids mother sitting in front of us a ways. You know, obviously the kid had a hyperactivity problem (or something), but I wanted to smack his parents upside the head. Every now and then "mom" would turn around and shush him... But the kid was being totally obnoxious to Tiger, and basically all of us in the back. Later he disappeared for a moment, coming back with his "little men" and he sat at the table and fought with them. Ugh. It was a total distraction. And I felt so bad for Tiger. But he never said a word - just sat there and put up with it. On a few occasions I said a prayer - both for the kid, and Tiger. I usually try to pray for performers like this anyway. It has got to be such a grind to be in a constant state of travel, in a foreign land especially. And most of us probably don't think about how much they miss their family and friends - especially those who are married and have children. I think it's quite a sacrifice to share their gift with the world. So I hope my prayers are heard on their behalf.

At any rate... a grand night was had by me and m'lady. She'd had a long day at work, and it was the day before her birthday, and I think it was spent quite nicely digging some groovy tunes.

Peace out; and in.

Men's lenten breakfast

This morning our church hosted the Men's Lenten Breakfast. Each Saturday during Lent the six area churches that make up Tri-County Ministries (our combined benevolence group) gather at one of the churches and the men share breakfast and a brief devotion. It started last week at Tom's church, and they were kind enough to make biscuits and gravy. Our church usually has pancakes, sausage, fruit and rolls (which is what we had again this year). I do everyone a favor by staying out of the kitchen, and I provide the devotion when it's at our church. This year we had 26 guys altogether (13 from our church). Most of the guys from here arrived around 6:30 to start cooking, though some came later. I think I got here at 7:15. My devotion was based on Lamentations 3:40 - "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." I thought this fit well with the season of Lent, and is something that most men need reminded of from time to time. We also take up an offering for Tri-County Ministries at each breakfast, and this morning we collected $115 - which I thought was pretty good.

Every year when we do these I am torn, because on the one hand - before they happen - I always think it's a waste of time, and why do we keep doing these year after year. But then every year when they start, I think they are such a good time. You've got a variety of guys of different ages, from several different churches, and different denominations, and it's just nice to get together and hang out, and nobody gets too overly spiritual, but at the same time, I think everybody has the same hunger to be a man of God. So on the other hand there's a temptation to want to continue them throughout the year. But sometimes I think that's what makes these sorts of things last... the fact that we don't do them ALL THE TIME. So... maybe we should just keep it how it is and enjoy it for what it is. I wonder if maybe our church should start a men's group though. Maybe just once a month or something... I dunno.

Anyway, I had a good time this morning, and I look forward to next Saturday...

Happy birthday, dear

Today is my lovely wife's birthday. Unfortunately she has to work. She is one amazing woman. She works full-time, goes to college full-time, teaches a Sunday School class, plays the piano every Sunday, listens to me over-time, takes care of our household, is an excellent cook, and still manages to keep herself looking hot! Oh, and then there was daughter Carrie's wedding this past year too. Every mother's dream! And coming up this year will be son Isaac's college graduation, as well as JANE'S OWN COLLEGE GRADUATION!! It should be a very good year. Here are some past things I have written on her birthday in 2008, 2007, and 2006.

This year I got her a box of chocolates, an assortment of different colored roses, and tickets for us to see Willie Nelson at the Embassy in March. Not that she's a real big fan of Willie, but I think we both like him well enough, and we both like to do pretty much anything as long as it's together. Also, last night we went to see The Guggenheim Grotto in concert (more on this later). It was a really nice show, and we were blown away by opener Tadhg (Tiger) Cooke! Tonight we will have a supper 'out' somewhere; and Sunday the boy will be home and we will all do lunch after church. I love you, dear.

For some reason I have always liked this picture from right after we moved here - re-doing the bathroom.

More of less (link, link)

Yessir, I do realize this blog has lacked substance for some time now. Uhhhh... I could give you this stapler if it will make you feel any better. Otherwise... it's just another random thoughts day... with a few nice links added for good measure... (and, yes, I like ellipses too)...

• There is a nice post by Scott Bessenecker at Sustainable Traditions (and a nice site): Why The Church is Full of Sickies. Why is it that anyone expects the church to be anything close to perfect? As Scott says, "What is missing from the Church sometimes is our ability to admit that we are all broken beggars clinging to a mysterious Savior whom we understand imperfectly and follow even less perfectly."
• Ben Sternke is finally blogging again, and has a GREAT post "Missional Shmissional." Not only quoting Inigo Montoya, but making some really good points along the way. For instance, "For some, being missional means sitting at home and reading the right kind of blogs, and nothing else." Yeah... as Ben says later, "If living missionally is not rooted in humble worship of and consistent discipleship to Jesus, it's just the United Way with a cross in the logo." Really good post.
• There is also an innaresting Gallup poll detailing church attendance by state (in the United States). Apparently Mississippians go to church the most (63%), and Vermontians the least (23%). Indiana is at 44%.
• In other exciting news, I have started using Egg Beaters. Just when I learned to make scrambled eggs, the doctor told me I should stop eating them (cholesterol). So this is my alternative. They're actually not too bad.
• I am still planning to migrate my blog at some point, but I don't know when. Maybe when somebody adds a few extra hours to the day; or when I'm feeling totally better.
• I don't know why I still have a Twitter account. I used it for awhile to tweet a daily prayer; and it was good, because it helped give me a short, focused prayer to recall throughout the day. But now it pretty much just sits there taking up space on the interwebs. I still just don't really 'get' twitter. And I have no idea what to do when someone direct messages me, or anything else for that matter.
• I do think it's been interesting how even Facebook has changed my blogging. I seem to put more personal stuff on FB, and it's left the blog a little dry (I think). I actually miss the old days when I would just pour out whatever was on my mind on this blog. But, I also said a lot of really stupid things too. Sometimes I try to convince myself that maybe I've matured, but I've really probably just become more guarded. And I hardly ever seem to comment on anyone else's blog anymore. For one thing, I don't read very many blogs anymore, but I also think the sense of community that many used to experience through blogging has disappeared. Not for everyone, but I think it has for me. And I miss it. Plus I just feel stupid in a lot of blogersations (blog conversations), because I am not up on all the latest gossip and all the theologians and whatnot. So... whatever. Life is too short, ya know.
  
• And... for those of you who think I use ellipses way too much (and way too inappropriately)... Check this out.
• Okay kiddles... get out there and break some legs. It's another gray day and m'lady has to work all day, and I don't; and I don't really feel like trying on any pants today. My Dyson, Tyson, is calling my name; and I should probably clean the bathrooms. Exciting times to be alive!!!

peace out; and in.

Random is as random does

I'm in one of those frames of mind where... I don't really know what to say. So here are some random randomlies...

• Before writing this I had 1962 posts on this blog. That's the year I was born (or so I've always been told; even though one year my dad got me a silver dollar for Christmas and it was from 1963 - the year he thought I was born).
• I think the emerging church is having a hard time dealing with the fact that nobody really cares about it anymore. If you can't fight with evangelicals, then I guess you have to fight with each another.
• As far as the Olympics... I have to say... I am with Julia Mancuso. I am sick of Lindsay Vonn. I was sick of hearing about her even before the opening ceremonies. And the sob-drama after her first win was enough to put me way over the top. Go Julia!
• I may be in the minority, but I actually like the Olympics this year for some reason. I like some of the new events. Especially the Ski-Cross (and snowboard-cross). That is one of the best events as far as I'm concerned. I also like downhill skiing; but I'm not so into the slalom stuff. I also like speedskating, and some other things I can't remember now. I really didn't care much for the snowboarders where they just go back and forth. That is, until Shaun White went! Man, he was awesome. And I loved how he took his second run even when he didn't have to. That's what the Olympics ought to be about, imo.
• I am feeling quite a bit better than I was earlier in the week. I still have a bit of a weirdness to me, but I'm hoping it will disappear little by little each day. I suppose there will always be a little weirdness, otherwise it wouldn't be normal.
  
• Well, I guess it is Thursday. That's always good. And Saturday is m'Lady's birthday.
  

I feel rotten

I don't feel so good. This past Saturday morning I felt a little odd when I got up. But then I felt better, and Sunday morning I seemed to be fine. Then I started feeling weird Sunday afternoon again; and yesterday was weirder still. Today I just feel plain ol' rotten. My eyes have weights on them, my legs hurt, I feel like I have a hat on (and I don't). Uck. Feels like somebody ran me over with a truck. I don't remember the last time I took a sick day, but I am thinking of taking to the couch the rest of today. We'll see.

The thing I am most bummed about was that I was going to go to Anderson U. today to take in a chapel service with son Isaac. I was looking forward to chapel - as it's been way too long since I've attended one - but also just seeing the boy. Have seen way too little of him lately. And I can't believe this is his last semester of college. At least he will be home this Sunday. He is speaking at our worship gathering, and I am looking forward to that.

Until then... if you need anything, you might want to call someone else. I am out.

I might be moving

I am toying with the idea of moving my blog to another address, so if something should go horribly wrong and everything disappears... that's what happened. Geez, that would be a drag if that happened too. That's why I'm taking my time and dragging my feet and all that. I was freaked out enough this morning when I opened the door into my blog and all my drafts appeared to be gone. Apparently I hit a wrong button or something, but all appears to be well again. It is not so well with me though. I have not felt good the past couple days, and still feel pretty crappy today. My mind is a little fuzzy and all that. So... I may or may not be doing anything at the moment. If and when it comes, it will still be a blogger blog, because, frankly, blogger has always been good to me, and I like it. But 12ddm is just an odd blog address. I don't know why I ever chose that. So I will keep you posted and put a link to the new address should anything happen.

Dog tired

Drew Carrie sent me this pic of their lovely dog, Lady, sleeping across two chairs the other day. Check out the arm hanging down between the chairs. I guess when a basset hound needs to sleep, she needs to sleep. :) We had a good time with her at our house yesterday too.

Help me walk with you

A portion of a prayer from Henri Nouwen on p. 213-214 of 'The Only Necessary Thing':

I trust in you, Lord, but keep helping me in my many moments of distrust and doubt. They are there and will be there every time I turn my eyes, ears, or hands away from you. Please, Lord, keep calling me back to you, by day and by night, in joy and in sadness, during moments of success and moments of failure. Never let me leave you. I know you walk with me. Help me walk with you today, tomorrow, and always.

Doctor, haircut, pants

On my day off today I had a doctor visit, then got a haircut, then looked for some tan pants.

It was just my regular 3-month doctor visit (who else has to go to the doctor every 3 months? I still don't know what's up with that). Anyway, I always start off by jumping on the scale. I thought I might have lost a few pounds, but I actually gained 3 since my last visit. I was back to 176. My blood pressure was 112/90. The doctor said he wished I could even that out a little, but he didn't say how. Then he said he would like me to get another lipid profile (cholesterol check) and see him in 3 months. Argh. He said, "No cheese or eggs, but eat all the carrots you want!" Funny guy.

After that I decided to get a haircut. I headed to my usual Great Clips on W. Jefferson. They were actually having a $5.99 special today, so with the tip it was only $8. And that's about what I got. I think the girls name was Anastasia. She was from Garrett. She did alright, but it only took about 5 minutes. I would have liked a little more thorough of a job, but it's ok.

I stopped at the hospital and visited someone, then headed for the indoor mall to try to find some tan pants. I don't really know what it is with tan pants either (Seinfeld), but I don't have any that fit me and I suppose it would be nice to have some. I went to Penney's and tried on 9 different pair... and still don't have any tan pants. I'm in that weird size where a 34 is a little too snug and a 36 just falls off of me; plus I don't like them too high, or too low; too tight, or too baggy; yada, yada, yada. Although I did find a pair of Haggar Cool 18 Flat Front pants that were almost perfect. Then I looked at the price tag... SIXTY bucks!! It was buy 1, get 1 half off. Well, I didn't want TWO pairs of pants. I just wanted one. So I will have to wait until they go on sale as a single pair, or try to find this kind of pants somewhere else. Remember that: Haggar Cool 18 Flat Front.

Now I'm thinking about a nap, since I did the treadmill this morning.

How then do you pray?

The Afterward in 'The Only Necessary Thing,' various writings from Henri Nouwen, contains this little story about "The Three Monks of Tolstoy":

Three Russian monks lived in a faraway island. Nobody ever went there, but one day their bishop decided to make a pastoral visit. When he arrived he discovered that the monks didn't even know the Lord's Prayer. So he spent all his time and energy teaching them the "Our Father" and then left, satisfied with his pastoral work. But when his ship had left the island and was back in the open sea, he suddenly noticed the three hermits walking on the water - in fact, they were running after the ship! When they reached it they cried, "Dear Father, we have forgotten the prayer you taught us." The bishop, overwhelmed by what he was seeing and hearing, said, "But, dear brothers, how then do you pray?" They answered, "Well, we just say, 'Dear God, there are three of us and there are three of you, have mercy on us!" The bishop, awestruck by their sanctity and simplicity, said, "God back to your island and be at peace."

Goodbye to you, my trusted friend

It was one year ago today that I said goodbye to our little dog, Bogey. You can read all the gory details HERE. I still feel rotten about the whole thing. And... I don't know that I ever want another dog... but I miss him.

I knew it had happened sometime in February, and the other day I heard 'Seasons in the Sun' on the radio, and it made me think about Bogey, so I looked back in my archives to see exactly when it was. I wish I hadn't re-read the post. So, to change the subject, I remember hearing that song all the time on WLS while growing up; listening to it on a transistor radio. I guess I never really knew the story behind it, or that Terry Jacks actually got it from somebody else. Which doesn't really matter to me...

As another aside... I'm getting really tired of reading about people defending emergent as NOT being dead. You know, if you have to try to convince people that you're alive...

I really don't care. I just miss my dog.

Ash wednesday service

Tonight we had our Ash Wednesday service. I can't remember if we've had one before or not. I don't think so, but it's just as possible that we have and I've forgotten about it. Anyway... I hope it provided a chance for us to interact with God through the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and prayer.

If you don't know, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Some believe different things about it, but this is what I told people tonight. Its name comes from the ancient practice of placing ashes on the worshipers forehead as a sign of humility before God. It not only reminds us of the mourning at the death of Jesus, but also to remind us of the consequences of our sin. This is a somber day of reflection on what needs to change in our lives as we learn to be followers of Jesus. Ashes are symbolic of the attitude of reflecting on our own sinfulness and on God's gift of forgiveness which comes through his Son, Jesus Christ.

This is a time of self-examination; a time to ponder the depth of God's love and the lengths to which he has gone to bring his transforming love into the world. And finally, it is a time to ponder what God calls US to do. How we are to live; how we are to treat the earth, ourselves, and our neighbors.

We had four "meditation stations" set up as a way of opening ourselves to God's presence and allowing him to speak to us.

The first station was a table with sheets of paper containing the Scripture readings for the night (Joel 2:1-2; 12-17; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; and Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21). People could take one and have a seat as they read over them to themselves. There were also candles on the table which you were welcome to light as a sign of your openness to God.

At another station was a table set up for communion. People were encouraged to sit for a time and examine the bread and the cup. Then they were free to take communion by breaking off a piece of bread and dipping it in the cup.

In one of the side rooms in the back was a station for artistic expression. There were paper and pencils for those who wished to draw, or write - either poetry, or writing out what they were feeling, or whatever. It's just another way of processing what God may be speaking to us.

I was in the other side room, and people were welcome to come in if they wanted me to pray for them. I was going to offer to place ashes on their forehead, but I couldn't find any, and my homemade batch didn't turn out. So I just prayed. If I had administered ashes I probably would have said something like, "With these ashes may you repent and hear the good news of God's love for you"... and then pray for the person.

There was soft instrumental music playing the whole time, as well as incense burning. We started at 7 pm by gathering in the hallway. I explained things to everyone, then we entered the sanctuary together. We just used the lights over the altar, and I had a lamp on the left side, in the back, so people could read Scripture. Otherwise it was all candlelight (the window candles, at the Scripture table, the communion table, on the old piano, and in the two rooms in the back). At 7:55 I stopped the music and we gathered together, and a few shared their thoughts; then we gathered in a circle and I dismissed us in prayer. There were 13 of us - which was more than I anticipated. Although 2 had to leave because it was a mother and young child, and the child had lots of energy. I should have had someone for the nursery, but didn't even think about it. I called them right afterward and they were okay with it.

I always seem to put way too much time and energy into these kinds of services - and I did for this one too. But I really like doing things like this. I'm not sure what everyone thought, but it seemed to go over well for most people. I was pleased.

A prayer before lent

This is a prayer from Henri Nouwen for the day before Ash Wednesday, on p. 211 of 'The Only Necessary Thing':

Dear Lord Jesus,

Tomorrow the Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.

I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are no times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life which you have prepared for me.

Amen.

Where I feel poorest

This prayer from Henri Nouwen on p. 209 of 'The Only Necessary Thing' is called "A Christmas Prayer," but it seems pretty relevant all year round:

O Lord, how hard it is to accept your way. You come to me as a small, powerless child born away from home. You live for me as a stranger in your own land. You die for me as a criminal outside the walls of the city, rejected by your own people, misunderstood by your friends, and feeling abandoned by your God.

As I prepare to celebrate your birth, I am trying to feel loved, accepted, and at home in this world, and I am trying to overcome the feelings of alienation and separation which continue to assail me. But I wonder now if my deep sense of homelessness does not bring me closer to you than my occasional feelings of belonging. Where do I truly celebrate your birth: in a cozy home or in an unfamiliar house, among welcoming friends or among unknown strangers, with feelings of well-being or with feelings of loneliness?

I do not have to run away from those experiences that are closest to yours. Just as you do not belong to this world, so I do not belong to this world. Every time I feel this way I have an occasion to be grateful and to embrace you better and taste more fully your joy and peace.

Come, Lord Jesus, and be with me where I feel poorest. I trust that this is the place where you will find your manger and bring your light. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Amen.

Scrambled eggs and a new doctor

Jane went to a new doctor Thursday. I can't remember her name, but the office is right next to the ortho parking garage at Lutheran. She really liked her. She also liked her old doctor, but she was in Bluffton, and she only worked like 2 days a week or something so it was hard for her to get there, especially from work. This will be much more convenient as it is right down the street from Jane's work, just off the exit from the interstate, and right in the Lutheran Hospital campus. I think there is a guy doctor there too, so I may see about switching myself. I found this doctor on the internet... Jane had been looking for a new doctor, so I googled Fort Wayne family practice doctors, searched for a female in that area of the city, read some reviews, and this one seemed to be well-liked. I'm glad it turned out. Finding a new doctor can be nerve-wracking.

As for other new news... I made scrambled eggs for the first time yesterday. And, I know, for most people this means roll-your-eyes nothing at all. But for someone like me who who has so few practical talents this was quite an accomplishment. It's just a little embarrassing and humiliating to know how to do so little. Of course Jane had to walk me through it. Here's what I did so I will remember, the next time I try to be a human being: Put two eggs in a cereal bowl (minus the shells) with a table spoon of milk, and whip with a fork (I also added a shake of worcestershire sauce). Spray the small round pan with cooking spray (Pam) and let it get hot on the stove. Once it's hot, put the eggs into the pan and continue whipping. Once they started to set a little I also added some chopped up pieces of ham and continued to stir until the ham was hot. Put the eggs on a plate; add some pepper; make toast; and eat.

Last night we had a nice time at Henry's, and then watched the opening ceremonies for the olympics (when we weren't nodding off). I thought it was pretty cool. Nicely done, Canada! And I liked what the one rap guy said: "We're known for simple things like 'Thank you' and 'please.'" I wish we were known for things like that. Anyway...

peace out; and in.

Speak gently in my silence

A prayer from Henri Nouwen on p. 207 of 'The Only Necessary Thing':

Dear God,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there
even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:
"Come to me, you who are overburdened,
and I will give you rest...
for I am gentle and humble of heart."
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen.

How to read the bible

John Schwarz has a nice little paperback called 'Living Faith: A Guide to the Christian Life.' On p. 21 he has some "helps" in reading the Bible:

• The Bible should be read with an open mind and with the view and expectation that God will speak to us through his Word. It is said that the Bible is God's "telephone line" to us.
• The Bible is one continuous story, from Genesis to Revelation. The biblical story of salvation begins with God's call of Abraham and his covenants with Moses and David; it reaches its fulfillment in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• The Bible was written several thousand years ago and is, in places, hard to understand. Don't be discouraged. Someone once asked William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, what he did when he came across something in the Bible he did not understand. Booth said, "I do the same thing I do when eating a fish: I put the bones on the side of the plate and get on with the good meat."
• The Bible should be read in its plain or natural sense, without veering off into extreme literalism. Also, be conscious that the Bible is really a "library," with books of history (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Acts), prophecy, poetry (like the Psalms), wisdom literature (Proverbs and James) and lots of letters.
• The Bible is its own commentary. This means that the New Testament interprets the Old Testament. When Jesus "declared all foods clean" in Mark 7:19, he overruled the laws regarding clean and unclean food in Leviticus 11.

So, there ya go. Personally, I would add, get a readable translation - like the New Living Translation, or New International Version, or something. Stay away from the King James Version. Read away, my friends.

Let me mullit over

Here is another old picture I scanned. Me and the kids. I think this must have been from one of Grandma Powell's great Easter egg hunts in Rushville, IL. This was the house my mom's mom and dad lived in. Every Easter Grandma would have a huge egg hunt for all the grandkids. Though I'm not sure where everyone else is. I'm not sure where all my hair is either.

Earthquakes, internets, snow and rain

What a day today, eh? So there was a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in Illinois. Even though it was centered just west of Chicago I heard from my cousin near Peoria that they had cups knocked off of shelves. Geez, like being buried in snow wasn't bad enough. I didn't notice a thing here, and I talked to my mom and she didn't notice anything. But at 5 am neither one of us usually notice too much.

And it was another day with internet problems. It went out Monday night, and I called Tuesday and they fixed it. Then it went out again Tuesday evening, so I called about 10:20 pm and left a message. They called me this morning to tell me that the thing in Ossian had been knocked over. Apparently it feeds the thing on top of the Yoder Grain bin, which is where I get my signal from. It wasn't out completely for too long, but it's been kind of intermittent all day (and still is). I tried using dial-up internet, but man... dial-up just doesn't work too well anymore. Then, when I got home from the office I noticed that we had no signal at home. I had to go out and knock some snow down. When the church parking lot was plowed it piled up high enough to block the signal between the router in my office and our home computer. A little digging in the snow and it was back to normal.

Anyway, as far as the weather, I don't think we got the blizzard that some were predicting. Jane actually got a ride to work today from a co-worker whose husband was taking her in their four-wheel-drive truck. They both get done working at the same time, but Jane didn't need to be there until 30 minutes after the other lady. At least there's a Dunkin' Donuts right next to the bank. And I was glad she got a ride even though she didn't really need one. It did start blowing this afternoon. And around 4:30 there must have been an accident on highway 1, because there was all of a sudden a ton of traffic going by our house. Apparently the road was closed. Now it is apparently freezing rain. Geez, I am ready for spring.

Sarah palin uses a hand-o-prompter

File this under: I don't know if it's hilariously funny, or incredibly sad. I can't believe anyone still considers Sarah a serious Presidential contender. We certainly wouldn't want anyone offering any hope, or changing things. Anyway... check this out: http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/264042/february-08-2010/sarah-palin-uses-a-hand-o-prompter

The really real

A prayer from Henri Nouwen on p. 204-205 of 'The Only Necessary Thing':

Dear Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear. I know there is a light in the darkness that makes everything new. I know there is new life in suffering that opens a new earth to me. I know there is joy beyond sorrow that rejuvenates my heart. Yes, Lord, I know that you are, that you act, that you love, that you indeed are Light, Life, and Truth. People, work, plans, projects, ideas, meetings, buildings, paintings, music, and literature all can only give me real joy and peace when I can see and hear them as reflections of your presence, your glory, your kingdom.

Let me then see and hear. Let me be so taken by what you show me and by what you say to me that your vision and hearing become my guide in life and impart meaning to all my concerns.

Let me see and hear what is really real, and let me have the courage to keep unmasking endless unrealities, which disturb my life every day. Now I see only in a mirror, but one day, O Lord, I hope to see you face to face. Amen.

Stick a fork in me

I don't like days like today. I just can't think; can't focus; my mind is all over the place unsettled.

I don't particularly care for country living in the first place, but especially when there are snow storms. Jane made it to work this morning, but from listening to the weather people I'm not all that confident in her being able to make it home tonight. But you know how they can exaggerate things, so that just leaves me with this big uneasy feeling. I would prefer the big easy.

One of the other things I hate about days like this are worrying that the power will go out. Not that it's all that cold, but when you rely on a well and the power goes out... then you no longer have any water. I have filled some buckets and stuff, which will be enough to flush the toilets for awhile.

And besides the weather people doing their best to freak us all out, yesterday was just not a good day all around. I actually had to hide a friend on facebook - only the second person I've done that to. What makes it difficult is that this was sort of one of my early mentors. He was a pastor long before I ever thought about it, and someone that I always looked up to and respected. We just reconnected not too awful long ago, and now I'm wondering if that was a good thing. I suppose if I could just 'let things go' it would be fine. Why can't I just let things go? I want to, but... there are just some things that really wrankle my feathers. I've always known this person was very conservative - spiritually and politically. And he is just so stinking vocal about it. Like, I don't care that he is - to each his own - but I don't like having my face rubbed in it all the time. Although I probably do the same thing from the other side. I don't know. I hope not. Anyway, yesterday he was talking about how non-bipartisan he is; how he is totally 'pro-life' and anything less is 'pro-choice.' And the way he says it makes it sound like you can't possibly be a Christian if you're pro-choice. I thought about commenting, but didn't think it would do anybody any good. But... I wonder... so does 'Pro-Life' mean that you are against abortion, the death penalty, and war... regardless of any circumstances??? Or does it just mean you're a republican? I think for most people it just means they are against abortion. And not that I am for it, but... I mean, for the life of me, I can't figure out how people can be so over-the-top 'Pro-Life' but at the same time support the death penalty and war. What they really mean is they are 'pro-unborn-life.' And that's fine, but don't make it out that you are pro LIFE then. And, I know, they say it's about "innocent" life. Well, so there have never been any people executed who were innocent? And who gets to decide who's innocent or guilty; who gets the death penalty or doesn't? And, geez, no innocents have ever been killed in war??? Get real. But, I know, they say it's about the "greater good." Well, so if the greater good works for war, why does it not work in cases of abortion? Or who gets to decide what the greater good is? And greater good for whom? And.... man, it gives me a frickin' headache. I am certainly FOR life... but I am pro-all-of-life. And I also know that it's not just an easy black-and-white answer in any circumstance. It's not always what's good vs. what's bad. Sometimes there are harder choices to make. And, yes, there are always choices. Anyway...

So, I was planning to write my sermon today. I know what text I would like to use; have a basic idea. I just can't calm my brain down enough to concentrate though. I keep seeing the snow out the window, and thinking about this, thinking about that...

I did finish the book of Nouwen's writings yesterday. Can't decide what to start on now. I just received 'Introverts In The Church'... and I've got '30 Days to Understanding the Bible' which might do me good... and 'Surprised By Hope' is still staring me down... and 'Jesus For President'... and 'New Light From Old Stories'... and, oh man, there is a whole pile of other books. Sometimes I think it's hopeless.

At least I did accomplish one thing today. Our internet went out last night, and I called it in this morning and I was actually the guinnea pig for them to get things up and running again. I spent more time on the phone than I wanted, but was glad to have it back. I would really be going nuts if I was snowed in alone and didn't have internet either.

Well, I've cancelled our council meeting for tonight. And the Illini are on tv again tonight, but they play at Wisconsin. I was actually thinking it would be good that I had a meeting so I had an excuse not to watch it. I have a feeling it will not be good. But, you know, I can't 'not' watch it if it's on. That would be insane.

Maybe some tomato soup for lunch will help. Thank God for these individual microwavable cans too. I can dig it.

Oh yes, and I have a new blog title again. Yeah... whatever.

Peace out; and in.

My love as a desire

One of Henri Nouwen's prayers, on p. 203 of 'The Only Necessary Thing':

I know, Lord, that I think about many things which keep my mind from you, look at many things which do no lend me to you, and do many things which do not bring me closer to you. I know that on the surface I am restless and distracted. But I also know that the center of my being cries out to you, even though this cry has not yet permeated all my senses.

Accept, O Lord, my love, even when my ears and eyes, my lips and hands are not fully disciplined yet in the service of love. Accept my love as a desire to love you more every day. Amen.

Super bowl thoughts: game, half-time, ads

So Super Bowl 44 has come and gone. The Saints took it to the Colts 31-17; The Who did the half-time; and, yes, there were even commercials.

As far as the game... I suppose most people are always happy to see an underdog win. Even as an Indiana-ite, I didn't really care who won this game. I like the Colts ok, but they are not really "my team." They are just too generic; too bland; too lifeless. Nice people, but nothing much to write home about. And the Saints are ok too, but I didn't really buy into all the hype. I don't know that a SB win is really going to turn anything around in New Orleans, and it certainly won't keep another flood from happening. And, did they really need another reason to party in New Orleans? I do like Drew Brees though. You can find him talking about his faith in Jesus HERE.

I did actually like the half-time show by The Who. I have always been a "Who" fan, so that helps, but I also thought they did well to simply come out, play a medley of their hits, and leave. They didn't try to steal the spotlight away from the game with any wardrobe malfunctions; they didn't mistakenly think they were twenty again and look like a Springsteen fool; and they didn't get up on a high horse and try to sell an agenda. They just did their part and were who they are: some old guys who wrote some of the most well-known rock music of all time. And I would venture to guess the light show had to be simply awesome in person. One thing I think a lot of tv viewers forget is that these half-time shows are 'LIVE' events, they are not made-for-tv specials. I thought the stage, the lights, and the lack of fake stage-side groupies was all very well done. Hooray for The Who.

And, of course, what would a Super Bowl be without the commercials. First off, let me just say, I cannot understand the hoopla over the Tim Tebow commercial. I thought maybe there was going to be more later on. But... that was it? And that offended people? Get real. I don't particularly care for Focus on the Family myself, but if that commercial offended you... it might just be because you're a moron. Sorry.

As for the rest of the commercials - those with content which maybe should be controversial, but never is - well, I wasn't all that impressed. Maybe the anticipation is too much anymore, or my expectations are too high. I could personally care less about all the Budweiser or GoDaddy commercials (yes, those are things that offend me, but I don't have to go all ballistic about it). A few that I did like...

• My favorite was probably one of the early ones - the Snickers commercial with Betty White and Abe Vigoda.
  
• I also liked the Bridgestone commercial where the fancy car dumps the girl out and the bad guy says, "I said 'life,' not 'wife.'"
• The Careerbuilder "Casual Friday" commercial, where everyone wears their underwear, was kind of funny too. I don't know that I really care to see it again though.
  
• I also liked the Letterman commercial with Dave, Jay and Oprah, and the Google commercial. Both were simple, but funny.

All in all it was a quiet night around our house. At least it was a good game. Now it's on to real life again.

Peace out; and in.

Trusting in the catcher (dying well)

In chapter 14 of Wendy Wilson Greer's book of writings from Henri Nouwen, The Only Necessary Thing, Nouwen writes on death and eternal life. He shares a story about some trapeze artists, and how dying should be to us like the flyer... trusting in the Catcher.

The Flying Rodleighs are trapeze artists who perform in the German circus Simoneit-Barum. When the circus came to Freiburg two years ago, my friends Franz and Reny invited me and my father to see the show. I will never forget how enraptured I became when I first saw the Rodleighs move through the air, flying and catching as elegant dancers. The next day, I returned to the circus to see them again and introduced myself to them as one of their great fans. They invited me to attend their practice sessions, gave me free tickets, asked me to dinner, and suggested I travel with them for a week in the near future. I did, and we became good friends.

One day, I was sitting with Rodleigh, the leader of the troupe, in his caravan, talking about flying. He said, "As a flyer, I must have complete trust in my catcher. The public might think that I am the great star of the trapeze, but the real star is Joe, my catcher. He has to be there for me with split-second precision and grab me out of the air as I come to him in the long jump." "How does it work?" I asked. "The secret," Rodleigh said, "is that the flyer does nothing and the catcher does everything. When I fly to Joe, I have simply to stretch out my arms and hands and wait for him to catch me and pull me safely over the apron behind the catcher."

"You do nothing!" I said, surprised. "Nothing," Rodleigh repeated. "The worst thing the flyer can do is to try to catch the catcher. I am not supposed to catch Joe. It's Joe's task to catch me. If I grabbed Joe's wrists, I might break them, or he might break mine, and that would be the end for both of us. A flyer must fly, and a catcher must catch, and the flyer must trust, with outstretched arms, that his catcher will be there for him."

When Rodleigh said this with so much conviction, the words of Jesus flashed through my mind: "Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit." Dying is trusting in the catcher. To care for the dying is to say, "Don't be afraid. Remember that you are the beloved child of God. He will be there when you make your long jump. Don't try to grab him; he will grab you. Just stretch out your arms and hands and trust, trust, trust."

I have been with several people at their death. It is interesting how different it can be. For some it's very peaceful; yet with some it looks terrifying. I wonder if this "trust factor" may have something to do with it (though it would be hard for anyone to say with certainty). And I wonder too if... the more we "live in the Spirit," the easier it is to "die in the Spirit." I dunno. Yet.

Peace out; and in.

Getting the mission part right

Last weekend Reggie McNeal made a statement, and apparently I didn't write it down, but it was something like... "God did not make us to do a mission; he created a mission to make us." I love that.

I think sometimes we can get in our heads - even in the "missional" church (or maybe ESPECIALLY in the "missional" church - that God has this mission, and our role on earth is to carry it out for him. I think what Reggie was trying to get across is that... we have this loving God who created US, and participating in his mission of redeeming all things, is how we are made whole. God didn't create us to "use" us; he created us out of love, and he wants to redeem us, to bless us. This comes by giving ourselves to him, by being transformed by him, and it is through being a blessing to others that we become who/what he had in mind.

I dunno. I may have missed what he was saying. And I'm not sure I'm saying what I mean to. Just tossing this around in my head.

MLI weekend 1 pictures

Some pictures from our first Missional Leadership Initiative weekend, taken by our denominational director, Ed. (click on the pics to enlarge)

The entrance to the park.

View of the lodge from the south.

Reggie giving it to us.

"The Man"... Lance. The one responsible for all this.

Everybody eating.

Reggie McNeal.

One of the stations during our Sunday worship.

A view of the room during our worship time.

Leadership interview with rob bell

Leadership interviewed Rob Bell and he gives some advice on preaching: Tying the Clouds Together. I really do need to work on my preaching again. I feel like it used to be better when I first started. Honestly though, most weeks it's a chore just to get a sermon of any kind. One of these days.

Senior prom

Here is another wayback pic of me and the Lady Jane. I believe this was for our Junior/Senior prom. Jane was a junior and I the senior (though we both graduated at the end of this year because she's such a quick learner). I am told that I was late picking her up on this night, but I don't recall. Anyway, can you dig my glasses? Geesh.

Monday prayer thing

I've been thinking about starting up a "prayer thing" again at our church, and this weekend gave me an idea: Prayer stations.

We used to open the sanctuary on Monday nights and a small group of us would gather to pray from 7-8 pm. We would just spread out in the sanctuary (or throughout the building) and pray silently, while some soft instrumental music played (so you don't hear our stomach's growling and stuff). I usually had a list of things people could pray about, or for, but you could basically pray however you wanted.

After our worship time at the Missional Leadership Initiative it dawned on me that maybe we needed to make it a little more... interactive. Something like what we did there.

We could meet together in the sanctuary and have some instrumental music playing. We would be free to sit wherever and pray as we liked, but I would also have four stations available:

• In the front on the one side we would have a table with the Scripture passage for the night (although you would be welcome to use whatever Scripture you like). You could read that, and there would also be candles, so you could light a candle as a way to commemorate your prayer, or "send it up," or whatever.
• On the other side in the front we could have a table with bread and a cup for communion. You would be welcome to sit there and meditate for awhile as well.
• In the room to the back on the south side we could set up some paper and pens/pencils, so if people wanted to write or draw they were welcome to there.
• In the room to the back on the north side I would be available if anyone wanted me to pray for/with them.

This would be easy to set up and do. The only thing I'm not sure about is whether to do it EVERY Monday, or maybe just once a month... like the first Monday of every month. Then there is the whole thing of what to call it too. So... anyway... that's what I was thinking. I'm open for suggestions.

Toothbrush and a pain in the butt

No, my toothbrush did not cause me a pain in the butt. They are two separate items.

First, I bought a new, old, toothbrush. For the past several years I had been using this battery-operated "spin" toothbrush from Oral B (pictured). It was nice, and used to really make me feel like I was getting my teeth clean. However, I never did like how it had a rounded bottom. So it wouldn't stand up, but it was also too big to fit in a toothbrush holder. That must be why it was the cheapest of the "spin" toothbrushes, and I believe it has now been discontinued. I found a little jar that it fit into, so when I traveled I had to take the little jar along too. But a couple weeks ago I got a wild hair and decided to buy one of the cheapo $1.50 regular Oral B toothbrushes again. I have since been using it, and it just feels better. It's easier to get into my mouth than this big whopper was. And this morning I was thinking... does anyone brush their teeth the way we were taught in grade school? I mean, didn't you have some nurse or dental hygenist come to school and show you how you're supposed to brush up and down, and make sure you "spray it out"? I don't know of anybody who really brushes like that. Don't most people just go back and forth? I would be mad if someone was spraying toothpaste all over my bathroom mirror. Whatever.

As for the pain in the butt... I think I must have pulled a butt muscle on the treadmill last night. I felt the belt slip a little, and when it did I felt like I pulled a little something on my right side (right butt cheek). I didn't think much of it, but after taking a shower it started to hurt to walk. This morning it is still sore. Bummer. Nothing like having a pulled butt muscle when I have to sit all day.

That's about all the excitement around here. Peace out; and in.

Interview with dr. binkley

Channel 15 news did an interview with Dr. Vic Binkley Monday: Doctor's Last Wish To Return To Haiti. He is a missionary with our denomination (cggc), and he and his wife have spent their lives between living and practicing in Haiti and here in Wells County, Indiana. They attend the small church that my friend Steve pastors just down the road from us. I think people often overlook the impact small (like 20-30 people), traditional churches like this have on the world.

Interestingly enough, Dr. Binkley's twin brothers were actually born in the back of my wife Jane's grandfather's car. Their mom and dad used to pastor the church in our old hometown, and when the twins were ready to deliver they had Jane's grandpa drive them to the hospital. He didn't make it in time, and they were born in his car.

We didn't know about this until, when we first moved here, Jane's first job was as the secretary at the church the Binkley's attend. So Vic's mom and dad filled her in on their connection. What a small world.

Anyway, what a testimony Dr. Binkley is to living missionally, at home and abroad.

Why we need theological terms (and big church words)

On another blog I sometimes participate in - that is predominantly about church stuff - someone dropped in an anonymous comment one day stating how silly they thought it was for people to converse about theological concepts and big church words and whatnot. They wondered why we couldn't all just believe in Jesus and the Bible and leave it at that. I have to admit, I have often wondered this myself - especially since our conversations about 'evangelical' or 'emerging' or 'missional' seem to create such controversy. However, Bill wrote this response to anonymous, and I thought it was quite insightful. The post this came from can be found here, and this is a portion of Bill's comment:

As far as your questions about studying theology v. studying the Bible: terms like Arminian are like abbreviations. They denote a whole universe of thinking--in this case about issues such as predestination, election the meaning of the death of Jesus on the cross, to what extent a person can freely chose to follow Jesus and whether or not it is possible for a person to lose salvation.

When one of us uses that term, we are writing paragraphs with one word. It's an 17th century version of abbreviating to do a text message.

Should you study theology or the Bible? Of course, you should study the Bible.

One small benefit in being familiar with basic theological terms is that to do so facilitates your engagement with the Body of Christ in discussing matters of truth. You can say more things in fewer words when you are able to use the terms with knowledge. (Of course, you can only use those terms with other people who are familiar with those terms.)

A second small benefit of being familiar with theological terms is that they connect you to believers in other times and places. We are a part of a movement that extends over more than two millenia and all of the continents on the earth. There is some some value in understanding that people in other times and places have thought the same thoughts you think and have reached conclusions that may edify you in your own struggle for truth.

What we are discussing here is something that few of us would bring up in a Sunday School class. But, I believe that there is value in these discussions, among those who know the technical terms, because when we are using terms such as Arminian and Calvinist we are struggling with the most profound issues of our salvation and how we come into relationship with our Lord and remain His followers-and even how we take the Truth to the people who do follow it.

Good stuff (imho).

Picture pages

I don't recall off the top of my head what show "Picture Pages" used to be on, but I can sing the little ditty (well, part of it). Anyway, here is another scan of an old picture from the closet. This is a picture from the great snow of '79. This is the driveway of the farm where Jane grew up. There were other pictures that gave a better view of just how much snow we had that winter, but I like this one with the dog. If you were to look about half a mile to the southeast of this pic you would see the 39 acres that we now own.

Missional leadership initiative - retreat #1

I spent the weekend in east central Ohio with about 40 or so other pastors at a little something called the Missional Leadership Initiative. It was put together by our denomination (cggc), under the direction of Reggie McNeal (author of a bunch of great books). It will consist of six three-day retreats over a two year period, as well as monthly cohort meetings with a peer group, and various homework and reading throughout. The focus of the initiative is to help our pastors in their spiritual formation and leadership development in hopes that it will help our churches and the kingdom as a whole.

I will probably blog more about it later, but to be honest, I'm still processing a lot of it. This was not a conference or seminar... and this first retreat dealt largely with our own "self-awareness." So there wasn't a lot of fun and games (other than Jane and I playing ping pong and Ms. PacMan in the game room). While I wouldn't describe it as a "good time," I will say that it was a very valuable experience, and I enjoyed it a great deal (even though some of it was quite painful internally). I am looking forward to seeing how things develop over the next couple of years.

Logistically, it took us about 4 hours and 15 minutes to get to the Salt Fork State Park Lodge. Of course the last 15 minutes were meandering the 7 miles from the park entrance to the lodge (at 35 mph). It is a beautiful place; with deer everywhere - right around the lodge even. It was funny too, because when we checked in they thanked me for mentioning them on my blog. Ha! That was a nice touch to note that. :)

The weekend consisted of: arriving Friday for a 6:30 pm supper upstairs, then an introduction to the process with Reggie until 9 pm. Then we hung out and chatted with some friends. On Saturday we had breakfast together at 8:30 am, then a devotion at 9:30 from Reggie, then we started going over the Success Style Profile that we filled out before the weekend. We had lunch from 1 to 2, then more meeting until we got assigned to our cohort group at 3:45 pm. We met in groups for awhile, then those of us with spouses were free for a "date night" the rest of the night. Sunday started with group breakfast at 8:30 am, a worship time at 9:30, debriefing, and meeting with our cohort group until noon, at which time we had a final lunch together and started for home.

My Success Style Profile shows that my cognitive style of processing things is: conception, logic, and internal (CLI), but I have a low flex score, so it means I'm fairly versatile. According to my "Cognitive Mode Profile" this lends itself to: "Studying concepts and theories, forming hypothesis, analyzing and solving problems, making logical judgments, and planning the future." I haven't really looked through the whole thing, so maybe I'll post more on this later.

Perhaps the thing I was most worried about was the cohort group. I was actually hoping that since Tom, Steve, and I - who already meet together each week - were all three involved, then maybe we could be our own cohort. But not so. I am in a group with people from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. So meeting personally may be a challenge. However I do actually like all the people in my group (other than one person I don't know, who wasn't there), and I am glad I got the cohort leader that I did. I don't know who the other ones are, but I think mine will work out well.

The book we read for this retreat was Reggie's, Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders. For the next time we're supposed to read, Missional Renaissance, which I have already read (yes!).

Below is a picture I took of Reggie, with Bill & Evelyn. Bill was one of my seminary professors, who now leads a church community in Pennsylvania. He also writes quite a bit on this blog. This was before the worship time on Sunday morning (which I loved, btw). It consisted of six stations where you could either: read Scripture and light a prayer candle; take communion; draw, write or make something artistic; pray with others; meditate and take a stone either as a memory piece or to toss; and Reggie was in the corner if anyone wanted him to pray for them. Btw, Reggie is a great guy too. I really "get" his humor, and he keeps me engaged well. He ate lunch with us on Saturday, and he's the same up front as he is off to the side. I can't think of a better person to do this.


All in all, a very worthwhile time. I am really glad I signed up for this.