baptism

I just found a bunch of old pictures. Here's one of me baptizing my neighbor last year or the year before. Note: I should probably take the mic off before doing this.

I'm sorry, Cindy

“Casey died for a country which cares more about who will be the next American Idol than how many people will be killed in the next few months while Democrats and Republicans play politics with human lives.” So says Cindy Sheehan, the 'former' war protester, about her son. She has given up and is going home.

Say what you want about war protesters, say what you want about people who start demonstrations. I am sorry that I never really even knew what she was protesting. I didn't know her cause. I barely recognized her name. Say what you want about her, but I say, "I am sorry." I am sorry I didn't know you; I am sorry no one listens or cares. I am sorry that your son was killed in a war. I really am sorry. I can't imagine the hurt you must feel. I pray you will find some healing, some comfort, somehow... somewhere. I'm sorry there are people who make fun of your pain. American Idol couldn't be more appropriately named.

Some quotes

I finally finished Darryl Tippen's book "Pilgrim Heart." A good book, but it took me forever to get it done. I don't have much to say right now, but here are a few quotes I liked towards the end:

"I think there is no suffering greater than what is caused by the doubts of those who want to believe. I know what torment this is, but I can only see it, in myself anyway, as the process by which faith is deepened... What people don't realize is how much religion costs. They think faith is a big electric blanket, when of course it is the cross... If you can't believe, you must at least do this: keep an open mind. Keep it open toward faith, keep wanting it, keep asking for it, and leave the rest to God."
- Flannery O'Conner

"Don't expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty..."
- Flannery O'Conner

"The only whole heart is a broken one."
- Kotzke Rebbe

"Tell me the story of Jesus. Write on my heart ev'ry word."
- Fanny Crosby

Are you a hugger?

Someone in my church sent me this today. I laughed out loud. Mostly because there is a lady in my church who is currently mad at me because I stated that I'm "not really a hugger." What's odd is... I have said this on many occasions. I don't know why she just now heard it. Whatever.


And it's not that I am anti-hugging so much... but I'm just not a natural hugger, you know. That doesn't mean I won't do it if it seems appropriate. But a lotta times it just doesn't seem appropriate. And, honestly, there are some people who shouldn't be doing it - at least not the way they do it. But whaddya say without making them mad, you know?

So, how 'bout you... are you a hugger or not???

Just waiting...

I believe Backporch Mary has been added Friday night; and Stacie Collins opens Saturday. This is a benefit concert with all profits earmarked to help pay the medical expenses for Perry Baggs. Perry is courageously fighting diabetes and kidney failure, and is on dialysis 3 days/wk. He is the original Scorcher's drummer, harmony singer, and songwriter of some of the band's biggest songs (as well as one nice guy).

Memorial day at the mercy house

We had a really good time going to Anderson today and helping our son's church (actually the summer interns) with a community cookout at their building (and his home for the summer). I cooked - if you can believe that! I did all the hot dogs. Here are some pics from my phone.

The top pic is the lovely lady Jane looking surprised, with Caleb's dad (Mark) behind her, and Graham's dad and mom (Lewis and Joan) behind him. At right you see son Isaac (in gray shirt w/hand on hip), and daughter Carrie (in white muscle shirt).

I think I counted a little over 100 people. The weather was great. I got to meet Isaac's pastor. He seemed like a great guy; A real people-person (unlike me), and just super nice. The living arrangements looked much better than last time I was here. Seems like things are going well. Not that there won't be problems with communal-type living, but... I dunno... pretty cool, I think.

All in all it was a good day - topped off by the fine travelling music Carrie provided. I need to get me some Kings of Leon, and the Lions, and Wilco (I can't remember the rest, but there is so much good music out there that I've not heard. Where have I been?).

Random thoughts...

It is memorial day and Jane is cooking us breakfast on the grill. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day. I am t-i-r-e-d though. I was pretty well worn out after yesterday morning, then we stayed up and watch Castaway until 2 am (that Tom Hanks movie where he's stranded on a desert island). So... just some thoughts:

• I should not have meetings right before or after church on Sundays. Actually, I really hate it when people want to talk "business" before church especially - because my mind is full at that point and trying to put something else in means something needs to be transferred out. After church I am emotionally spent and my thinking is not clear. Yesterday I was impatient and just didn't deal the best with some situations/people. Our church "back home" used to (and still does) have their council meetings on Sunday night. I never liked it then, and now, as a pastor, that seems just cruel. Maybe Sunday's take more out of me than other pastors, but I don't think it's in anybody's best interest.
  
• I need an attitude adjustment. I am a little too far on the 'task-oriented' side anyway, but trying to deal with non-task-oriented people lately is wearing on me. And it's not their fault. It's mine. Or... even if they are at fault, it's not their responsibility to deal with it. It's mine.
  
• We're going to Anderson today to have a memorial day party at the mercy house with son Isaac. That should be fun. Nice to have something to do.
• I remember when we used to do stuff with the people at our church. I feel really disconnected from everyone anymore. I don't think it's even anything that has happened recently so much, but rather a series of events that began a few years ago, and just little by little things keep happening that, unless something changes... I dunno.
• I watched perhaps my first Indy car race yesterday (The Indy 500). Earlier this year I watched a Nascar race. Yesterday's race was kinda fun even. Oh, I didn't watch the whole thing, but enough of it. Couldn't tell you who won, but I've always kinda had a thing for his wife.
• For anyone who thinks being a pastor is a prestigious job - you could have held the ladder for me as I cleaned the bird crap off the cross yesterday. We have a cross above our entryway door that has a neon-like bulb behind it, and birds must like the warmth or something, because they like to sit on the cross and crap right down the entryway wall. I dug out the old owl I used to hang up there when we had problems before.
• No preaching the the next two Sundays. But I'll be working all this week, and part of next. Believe me, there is plenty to do. There is always plenty to do. I have so many stinkin' to-do lists that I think I need a list to keep track of my lists. Not that everybody doesn't have plenty to do, but, you know... I'm just sayin'.
• My coffee cup is empty. Must be God's way of telling me I should end this post, huh?

A full day...

Today was another work day at church... and more. It started out around 8 am getting stuff ready - taking the ladders and a few other things next door to the pavilion/playground. It was supposed to start at 9, but there were already people there at 8 when I got there. Around 9 we gathered together to pray, and it started raining during the prayer. This didn't make for a very good work day, but it sure made the farmer among us happy. In spite of a moderate downpour for several hours we still got a lot done today. We also got soaked.

We put pea gravel in the 37'x65' play area (except the one end - we're waiting on the merry-go-round, the two spring horses, and 2 benches). That was the biggest job. It helped that someone loaned us their endloader (even though it had to be jumpstarted every time it died or was accidentally shut off).

We got the other 'corner' up on the pavilion. On opposite corners we put a permanent windbreak/backdrop. They still need to be stained.

We finished putting the white rock along the walkway to the pavilion. This was a cool part. Scott asked Matt if he would mind taking his pickup truck and getting a load of #8 rock. Matt says he actually has a whole truck load of it at his house, and his dad had just told him he should dump it in a pile because they didn't need anymore, but he said he thought he would leave it on the truck a little longer. How cool is that? So he went and got his truck and we had all the white rock we needed. It was like God knew we would be needing it. :)

The only thing we didn't get done that I wanted to get done (other than staining) was getting the tables for the basement. But there's no real hurry. I still can't decide if we should get the chairs too. They're just not in very good condition, and they're not stackable. I dunno. I also wish we could put some different lights in the basement (at least on the kitchen side). We have these brighter than bright flourescent lights everywhere. I would like something a little... less bright. I wish we could put some lights on dimmers even. And have candles on the tables. And get some thin carpet for the floor. But... yeah, there I go dreamin again. But, hey, who'da thought we'd ever be getting tables even. I just want to try to make the place a little more 'inviting', and maybe intimate at times.

Another cool thing today was receiving the color posters for Jason Ringenberg and Farmer Jason. I wish I could scan them in, but they're too big for my scanner. They got me pretty pumped for the show though. I wish it wasn't the end of July. I'm about as pumped for Sunny Taylor too - I love listening to her sing. But for some reason I have this bad feeling that something won't work out. I know, it's probably just me.

Anyway, so, I was laying in bed thinking about all of this stuff. I thought I would be dog tired tonight. And I was, until I went to bed. It's 11:05 and I'm wired for sound. So I made some hot tea with a Hall's cough drop in it. I'm thinking about wishing I could find some portable staging for the pavilion (this would be really cool. Now I WANT to find some portable staging. Do you know where I can get some?); also, how to set up the chairs (I think we should leave open space right in front of the stage/performance area - so people can sit on the floor, or dance - and then set up mostly chairs back almost all the way, with picnic tables at the way back and around the outside of the pavilion). A little riser would be really nice. Really nice. I've got a piece of 12x17 carpet. I also need to set up the lights. The track lights are mounted, but I have some spot lights I want to put in the corners. I also can't figure out how to fence things off so people can't just come in wherever they want. And how to section off the parking area in the field. And it would be awesome if we could get a trailer or nice tent to put just around the corner from the performance area, where the performers could be before and after (a place to wait for the encore, you know). Yeah... I know, I know... slow down. I've also been wondering what cd music to play during breaks. Maybe Isaac would like to be in charge of that(???). Something really good but not necessarily well-known.

Well, this is getting to be a long post. And 4:52 is going to come pretty dern early tomorrow. I haven't even looked at my sermon since Tuesday I don't think. It's crazy, but I only have to preach one time the whole month of June. And I don't know what I'm going to do in July yet. I feel pretty good about that. And... heck, I forgot... this time next week I will be rocking out at the Exit/In in Nashville, TN. Which is sold out for Jason & the Scorchers. I'm thinkin' it might just get a little crazy, folks. Good thing we're a bunch of old farts.

I need to sleep. I need to quit thinking. I need to sleep. One sheep, two sheep, three sheep...

That never works.

Maestro

I was going through pics from last year (2006) when son Isaac was drum major for the Norwell Marching Knights. I used to jokingly call him 'the maestro' - from the Sienfeld episode. Here he is in action .

And here he is carrying the state champion trophy down the street from the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Cool times.

Fair View Pavilion

Map to the Fair View Pavilion.

Schedule:

• June 16 - Community Cookout & Concert w/Dane Bailey (eat @ 6 pm; concert @ 7 pm)
  
• July 22 - Outdoor concert w/Ryan Hirschy (10 am)
• July 27 - Outdoor concert w/ Jason Ringenberg & Sunny Taylor (7 pm)
  
• July 28 - Kids Day w/ Farmer Jason, food, crafts, games, lesson (10 am - 1 pm)
  

Another andrea poem

I liked this one from Andrea:

we must learn to be still

and silent

so as not to miss

sacred moments

that nurture our soul

and fertilize the soil

of our hearts

to see

truly see

the sober solemnity

of simple dignified beauty

Deep message

Tippens quotes Madeleine L'Engle (163):

There is nothing so secular that it cannot be sacred, and that is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation.

Oh, baby, yeah. Redemption is the divinest of beauties.

A page from Reagan's journal

A friend (thanks, MR) is reading "The Reagan Diaries" and, though he probably doesn't want to be linked to, I thought this post on one of RR's diary entries was quite good. My hometown is only about 20 miles from Ronnie's birthplace (Tampico, IL). For whatever reason I never knew too much about him though. Here's the post:

Ronald Reagan had no reason to believe that his journal would ever be released to the public, no other President's private entries had been. In reading them, I find that Reagan is the very man he appeared to be. I think his charisma made people like him, and he in returned genuinely liked people and genuinely wanted to help. Reagan was criticized for not regularly attending a church when he was President, but after the assassination attempt, he wasn't allowed to go anywhere regularly. Instead, Priests would visit them in the White House and bring communion. It's ironic now that Presidents, like George W. Bush, are criticized for BEING religious. I'm sure presidents are used to the damned if you do, damned if you don't mentality.

Printed on the inside covers of the hardback is Reagan's entry for Monday, March 30th, 1981 in his own hand, clearly one of the longest entries from the day of the assassination attempt:

"My day to address the Bldg & Const. Trades Nat. Conf. A.F.L.-C.I.O. at the Hilton Ballroom-2.pm. Was all dressed to go & for some reason at the last min. took off my really good wrist watch & wore an older one. Speech not riotously received--still it was successful. Left the hotel at the usual side entrance and headed for the car--suddenly there was a burst of gun fire from the left. S.S. agent pushed me onto the floor of the car & jumped on top. I felt a blow in my upper back that was unbelievably painful. I was sure he'd broken my rib. The car took off. I sat up on the edge of the seat almost paralyzed by pain. Then I began coughing up blood which made both of us think--yes I had a broken rib & it had punctured a lung. He switched orders from W.H. to Geo. Wash. U. Hosp.

By the time we arrived I was having great trouble getting enough air. We did not know that Tim McCarthy (S.S.) had been shot in the chest, Jim Brady in the head & a policeman Tom Delahanty in the neck. I walked into the emergency room and was hoisted onto a cart where I was stripped of my clothes. it was then we learned I'd been shot & had a bullet in my lung.

Getting shot hurts. Still my fear was growing because no matter how hard I tried to breathe it seemed I was getting less and less air. I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn't ask for Gods help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed up young man who had shot me. Isn't that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all God's children & therefore equally beloved by him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold.

I opened my eyes once to find Nancy there. I pray I'll never face a day when she isn't there. Of all the ways God has blessed me giving her to me is the greatest and beyond anything I can ever hope to deserve.

All the kids arrived and the hours ran together in a blur during which I was operated on. I know it's going to be a long recovery but there has been such an outpouring of love from all over.

The days of therapy, transfusion, intravenous etc. have gone by--now it is Sat. April 11 and this morning I left the hospital and am here at the W.H. with Nancy and Patti. The treatment, the warmth, the skill of those at G.W. has been magnificent but it's great to be here at home.

Whatever happens now I owe my life to God and will try to serve him in every way I can."

I know it's not funny, but... that line "Getting shot hurts" is classic.

A sad story

Jane's brother (the one in the pic who walked her down the aisle) called the other night. Pretty unusual for any of her brothers to call. This particular one has just never had any luck whatsoever. He dated a girl for a long time, then suddenly broke up and moved away. When their dad died, he moved back around home, met a girl in a bar, and was married 3 weeks later (or something like that). They moved out west, but eventually got divorced. He met another and got married again. They split up a few years ago, but had just never got around to getting a divorce. So... a couple of weeks ago she dropped in for a visit. They had a nice chat, and he finally gives her the papers to sign - which she did. That night she died of a heart attack. Apparently he is still responsible for all her medical bills, funeral expenses, and whatever else - even though they hadn't lived together for quite some time. And of course he feels totally responsible for her death. Man, I feel sorry for him. If you are the praying type, or if you'd like to start, he could sure use all the help he can get. Jane too. What do you say to someone in those circumstances? One of the nicest guys in the world... just can't get a break. And I can't believe he waited 2 weeks to tell anybody in the family. But, what do you say...

Singing as spiritual discipline

Chapter 12 of Tippen's book 'Pilgrim Heart' is about singing - as a spiritual discipline. Very interesting. I don't know that I've heard it referred to as such before, but I believe it.

He begins the chapter quoting from Anne Lamott's book 'Traveling Mercies,' in which she tells the story of how she came to faith. One day while at a flea market she heard music coming from a "small, sad, ramshackle church," and it drew her in. She couldn't bear to hear the sermon, but of the singing she said it was...

"furry and resonant, coming from everyone's heart. There was no sense of performance or judgment, only that the music was breath and food. Something inside me that was stiff and rotting would feel soft and tender. Somehow the singing wore down all the boundaries and distinctions that kept me so isolated. Sitting there, standing with them to sing, sometimes so shaky and sick that I felt like I might tip over, I felt bigger than myself, like I was being taken care of, tricked into coming back to life."

She went back to the little church, and wrote of one Sunday in April 1984:

"The last song was so deep and raw and pure that I could not escape. It was as if the people were singing in between the notes, weeping and joyful at the same time, and I felt like their voices or something was rocking me in its bosom, holding me like a scared kid, and I opened up to that feeling -- and it washed over me."

I can relate to this. When I am not leading worship, it is often hard for me to even sing audibly. Something about it stirs my soul, and creates this emotional vortex that is hard to describe. It's like I'm there, but I'm not; the world is a flutter but I am still; I am full but empty; impassioned but helpless. And even on the rare occasion when I am leading worship, and I let myself look out into the audience (I know, this is my biggest drawback as a worship leader - I am so tied to the music/lyrics), there is this one particular couple who can't sing for crap... but boy do they get into it. THAT can make a whole morning for me. Just seeing someone lost in their love for God... It's nice.

Tippens ends the chapter with two quotes:

"The singing that pleases God is the melody in the heart, not the tune on one's lips."

"Words of faith set to music convert us, encourage us, console us, sustain us, and take us to heaven's door. There would be little discipleship or spiritual formation without songs, hymns, and spiritual songs."

Amen. This is another one of those things that creates unrest for me though. We only do 3, maybe 4 songs each Sunday morning. We're just not a "musical" church. I sense that a lot of people don't care for the singing. And, personally, while I like a lot of new songs, and I also like a good band... there are many times when I wish we could just use the hymnal, and sing the songs slow, and I don't care if there's just a piano, or organ, or anything at all. I can lose myself in the words and the melody. But, you know... whatever.

End.

Is this the emerging church

I caught this little sentence in Scott's blog today: "the emerging church is little better, replete with it's own superstars and branding, infatuated with criticism and "cool"."

Eek. I know it's not true of everyone "emerging"... but, I have to admit, there seems to be a bit of truth there.

Forgive us, Lord. I don't wanna be an emerging wanna be. I just wanna be.

Driving into the ditch

I am discouraged. Yes, I’m depressed too. That’s a given; that I know; but the discouragement is driving me crazy. It’s like I’m angry, and I don’t know how I got here. I’m pretty sure I’m holding the steering wheel though. I’m getting further from where I was, and I don’t know if I need to turn around, or if I need to get further away.

I don’t know how much longer I can preach. It’s not so difficult to write a message, but I am losing energy, and passion, and even concern during delivery. I can see them, you know. I’m not a mind reader, but… body language is discernible. Although… now that I think about it, that’s not even it. It is not the fault of the listeners – or even those who are not listening. It is me. I am tired. I am uncertain. I am… well, it just cannot be good when a speaker feels they are glazing over. And I can blame it on someone or something else, but… I know it’s not true. The wheel is in my hand.

And perhaps that’s the problem. Perhaps it’s time to give up. I have tried; I have given it my best shot. I simply cannot create community. I cannot build a church. I cannot develop leaders. I cannot lead. Crash-test dummy.

In Darryl Tippens’ book “Pilgrim Heart” he quotes Bonhoeffer who reminds us, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Then Tippens says,

“True discipleship is costly – both to pocketbook and ego. Jesus’ way leads downward, to the place of the poor, the marginalized, and the dispossessed.” He goes on to write (140): “Nouwen confesses in The Road To Daybreak, ‘Everything in me wants to move upward. Downward mobility with Jesus goes radically against my inclinations, against the advice of the world surrounding me, and against the culture of which I am a part.’ While there can and should be great joy in seeking one’s calling, one must be on guard when one’s apparent call turns out to be a mere expression of the American Dream – the promise of more money, more prestige, and more creature comforts.”

Hmm. Just so you know, I am not writing this for your reading pleasure. I am not giving advice or suggesting this is true of anyone – please, just let me work out my own stuff, okay. But maybe this is my problem: Maybe I’ve been driving when I should be riding. Yes, I know it sounds cliché. I’m sure many of you are shaking your head saying, “Well, duh, Dan.” Screw you!

I dunno… maybe that’s where the anger comes from. I see the ditch, and I want someone to take the wheel from me; to warn me. I want someone to holler from the back seat. Perhaps I’m waiting for someone else to be God; and I forgot that He doesn’t take the wheel from us… Until we give it to Him. Surrender. I. All.

I’m so tired. Here. Take the wheel… please.

I just remembered one way I used to practice patience. I would force myself to ride with other people – let them drive instead of me.

Yeah. I dunno.

The graduate

I got this pic of Carrie Jade on my phone yesterday. That's her on the left.

So let it begin

Oops, I slept until 8:45 this morning! Geez, I haven't slept that late in I don't know how long. And I went to bed at 11 last night. It would be no big deal except today is when the whirlwind takes off.

Isaac just walked in the door back from the florida race, with stops in Terre Haute and Muncie. I need to mow the rest of the yard; vacuum the house; clean the bathrooms; and help Carrie move the rest of her stuff this afternoon. Then sometime this afternoon my parents will be arriving, and niece & nephew Joe & Laura, and this evening we're all going to Biaggi's for Carrie's "graduation party." At least college graduation parties aren't quite as involved as high school open houses. Then... tomorrow is a breakfast, baccalaureate, graduation, get the rest of Carrie's stuff out of her apartment, and.... yeah, we'll have all 8 of us living in the house. :)

Anyway, I pray that time will begin to slow down. This is a big thing that our little girl is graduating from college - in four years no less. She survived, she thrived, she has changed in so many ways... all for the better. I'm sure she'll have a job in no time (other than Casa). :)

Now it's time to go...

Summer schedule (so far)

I think I just need to write some of this stuff down. I'm starting to freak out (again).

Saturday, May 19 - Carrie Jade graduates from Huntington University!!!

Sunday, May 20 - Isaac starts internship at the Mercy House.

Sunday, June 3 - In Nashville, TN for Jason & the Scorchers reunion/fundraiser. Showing "Who Is Jesus?" video (IBS) for Sunday message.

Sunday, June 10 - 50th Wedding anniversary party for parents. Jim Wilder - guest speaker - Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Saturday, June 16 - Community Cookout & Concert with Dane Bailey, the 'Singing Auctioneer'.

June 18-20 - CGGC General Conference in Findlay, OH

Sunday, June 24 - Scott Kling - guest speaker.

June 27 - Jane has her foot broken (no esp, the doctor is doing it)

Sunday, July 1 - Full Circle band 10 am

Sunday, July 8 - Ben Laatsch 10 am

July 18-20 - Midwest Region Conference Convention, Decatur, IL

Sunday, July 22 - Ryan Hirschy outdoor concert 10 am

Friday, July 27 - Jason Ringenberg concert (w/Sunny Taylor) outdoors 7 pm

Saturday, July 28 - Kids Day w/Farmer Jason 10 am - 1 pm

Let's see... Isaac & Joel are planning to play a Sunday in July; another band 'says' they will; and, um... nervous breakdown - where can I schedule that???

I think I'd like to have an evening concert outside in both August and September. Full Circle would be a definite possibility, and probably try to find a souther gospel group. Okay, gotta mow.

Checking the scanner

So here's a pic of me from probably 1982 or so. Aren't I cool? Dig the glasses. :) I'm just trying to figure out my ancient old scanner. Haven't used it in a long time.

This is the lady and her brother Keith before he walked her down the aisle on our wedding day.

And me again in my bearded days.

Just thinking...

This morning I started the day humming The Doors song, 'The End' for no apparent reason. Then I saw the below quote from Martin Luther King Jr. Just seemed odd.

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

A broken garage-door spring

From the garage came a clatter
So I ran to see what was the matter
The door spring lay on the floor
Broken, it could pull its weight no more
As I stood above it in wonder

At what had stolen its thunder

Inside me rose this fear
That I might be looking in a mirror.

Our wedding anniversary

Today the lovely lady Jane and I celebrate 24 years of marriage. I remember waking up on a couch on this date in 1983; It was a rainy day for the most part, but cleared off later that night; My mom talked me into letting my sister trim my hair; I had a huge mustache... and me lady was simply STUNNING (and still is). The ceremony itself was standing room only. I can't say that I was ever particularly aware of anything that took place, but I do recall that when we walked down the aisle to exit there were people standing on the stairs and in the foyer - so there was no place for us to go. We left the church in our old brown '71 Chevy Malibu/Chevelle (four door). The reception was also pretty packed. We had a live band (everybody hired live bands back then - and should still!). The only person I remember was the drummer - Mark Lee - whom I had worked with one summer. A friend from college - Bill Zimmerman - played 'Southern Cross' by CSN for us on guitar. We spent the night at a hotel in nearby Princeton, IL, and departed for a honeymoon at Kentucky Lake the next morning. The one thing I'll never forget about our honeymoon is when we took a horse ride. They'd had a lot of rain, and these horses just followed the same trail every time. The trail was flooded, and sure enough, we went into the water to the point that the horses were SWIMMING. We were soaked from the waist down, and I only had one pair of shoes with me.

According to this site the customary gift for the 24th anniversary is musical instruments. So it's only fitting that our gift to one another is a weekend trip in June to Nashvegas to see one of our favorite old bands Jason & the Scorchers.

Some interesting tidbits on this day in history:

• Top Songs were: Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler; All Night Long by Lionel Richie; Flashdance by Irene Cara; Billie Jean & Beat It by Michael Jackson; Every Breath You Take by The Police; and Say, Say, Say by Paul McCartney.
• Best Picture was Terms of Endearment (never saw it).
• On TV: Hill Street Blues, Family Ties, Remington Steele, Magnum PI, Knight Rider, Dallas, Cheers, Cagney & Lacey, and Taxi.
• Hot Toys: Cabbage Patch Kids, and Nintendo Entertainment Systems.
• President - Ronald Reagan; Vice-President - George Bush
• A gallon of gas was $1.23, and minimum wage was $3.35/hr. (which was how much I was making).

It's been quite a ride, dear... but I wouldn't trade it for anything. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I love you.

Mothers for peace

I had never heard this before, but saw this info about Mother's Day HERE. According to them...

Mother's Day was originally designated as a day to inspire people to work for peace. It was conceived after wars at home and abroad by American abolitionist and suffragist Julia Ward Howe.

Besides initiating the tradition of Mother’s Day, Howe is best known as the author of the words to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. As a pacifist during the Civil War, she witnessed the devastating effects of the conflict through her work with widows and orphans. In 1870 she wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to women to oppose war and to convene to promote peace and be the architects of their family’s — and their own — political futures. She presented it at international peace conferences in London and Paris , where she lamented the atrocities of not only the American Civil War, but also the Franco-Prussian War.

Howe envisioned the first “Mother’s Day” as a time for women to gather, grieve and determine a peaceful solution to war. In 1873, women in 18 American cities held Mother’s Day for Peace gatherings. During Howe’s lifetime there was never any formal recognition of Mother’s Day, but Howe’s efforts influenced Anna Jarvis, whose mother, also named Anna, had organized women during the Civil War to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides, calling for Mothers’ Work Days.

After the death of her mother, daughter Anna Jarvis was determined to found a memorial day for women. She celebrated her first Mother’s Day on May 10, 1908 , at the Methodist church where her mother had taught Sunday school. West Virginia Governor William E. Glasscock issued the first state-recognized Mother’s Day proclamation on April 26, 1910 . Two years later, Anna was recognized as the founder of Mother’s Day by the General Methodist Conference.

President Woodrow Wilson declared an official national Mother’s Day in 1914, approving the Congressional resolution to celebrate the day every year on the second Sunday in May.

Football in may

Last night's date took us to Memorial Coliseum for a Fort Wayne Fusion AF2 football game. AF2 is Arena Football's minor league, and the Fusion are a new team this year in the Midwest Division of the American Conference. We used to have an United Indoor Football franchise, known as the 'Freedom', but this league is apparently a step up.

Anyway, it was a fun time. They have a 50-yard field, 8 guys on a side, it's enclosed like a hockey rink - with player's tackled into (and sometimes over) the boards, and if a football goes into the stands... you get to keep it!

Our original seats were in the nosebleed section, right behind a series of railings, and in the middle of a group of karate kids. We eventually moved to one of the end zones in the 200 section, and they were quite nice seats. That's the good thing about a 50-yard field: end zone seats still offer a good view.

I think this league would be more popular if they could somehow figure out a way to have more fan interaction. I mean, I know they're trying - it's nice that they let you keep the footballs, and it's nice that they have the cheerleaders throw stuff into the stands - but if you're not in one of the first few rows, you're not getting anything! I also wish they had a few less dance teams run on the field (nothing against dance teams, Carrie was in plenty, but they must have had about 20 different groups), and maybe invest in some big tv monitors for the Coliseum. Crowd shots are always a hit. I think it would do wonders for fanticipation. We did enjoy the frisbee dogs though.

All in all, a good night. Now I wish I wasn't getting ready for a church work day, and that Jane wasn't getting ready to drive back to Illinois (or that I was going with her). Ah... if life was only like arena football...

A new sign

I was outside all morning and early afternoon - mowing, spraying weeds, etc. - and when I got back from filling up the gas cans this sign was up on our pavilion. Cool! I couldn't have been gone 10 minutes even. I'm assuming Sign City from Bluffton did it. I believe they actually made the sign, and installed it, for FREE. It's a lengthy story as to why - but it's not just because we're a church. They are darn nice folks though, and do good work (Reminder: send 'thank you' note). At any rate... there it is. Now we need to get some serious work done tomorrow. Hard to believe that's 4'x8'.

Mama, take this badge off of me

If you know your Bob Dylan, you know the title of this post is from his classic "Knockin On Heaven's Door." One of the first songs I ever learned to sing and play on the guitar, and probably the song I play the most still today if I'm just playing (which isn't often).

The song was written by Dylan for the soundtrack to the 1973 movie "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" - which Dylan acted in as well. According to Wikipedia, the lyrics consist of a story surrounding the death of the Russian Orthodox bishop Jonah of Manchuria using the backdrop of the American Western frontier. I do not know if that is true or not. I had always thought it had to do with growing tired of "fighting the good fight." When you're burned out from trying to do the right thing and make the world a better place (and getting nowhere) you wanna take the badge off, put your guns in the ground, you can't shoot them anymore... the fight is gone, it hurts too much to care. And the only hope left is... heaven.

Hmm. Mama...

My day

Yesterday was one of those days. Not bad, but not normal. What I thought was going to be just a few hours for the funeral ended up being a whole lot more. They brought the flowers and body before 8 am, and I had to leave to take Jane to a doctor's appointment at 3 pm and it was still going strong. I took some stuff by their house around 7 and spent a little time talking with the husband and son-in-law. The funeral service itself was jam-packed. We had to set up chairs in every available space. Then, after it was over, people wouldn't leave.

Regarding Jane's doctor visit - yep, she needs surgery on her foot. The surgery shouldn't be bad (outpatient), but she'll need to miss at least four weeks of work. Not that it will be bad for her to have a month off, but she doesn't get paid for it.

Also, yesterday Isaac left for Florida. It's some kind of crazy trip where a whole bunch of them are going down and they're having a "race." But the rules are: no interstates, and you can't go over the speed limit. Also, no one knows their destination in Florida. They'll find out when they get to the state line. Whatever. I guess I'm just too practical to know what fun is. All I know is he better be back for his sister's graduation next Saturday.

Speaking of which, I also got a call yesterday from someone looking for Carrie. A place she'd done an internship is apparently interested in hiring her. It's not exactly in the locale she was hoping for, but I'm sure it's nice just knowing someone wants you. I've known that feeling a couple times. Today she's off to a Cubs game. I dunno.

Well, I am so stinking way behind this week that it almost IS funny. And Jane's going to be gone this weekend; and there's a work day at church Saturday; and they left all these flowers yesterday - which are really pretty - but I don't know how much longer I can handle the smell. Oh well, it's just a day, right? I should probably be happy. And maybe I am. I just don't know it yet.

Peace, peeps. Have a good one.

They like Jesus: sum-up

I finished Dan Kimball's "They Like Jesus But Not The Church" the other day, and it was good. It's funny, because he actually addressed my initial concerns several times throughout the book. In fact, on p. 259 he uses the question, "I don't find people like this in my community. Isn't your opinion skewed because you live in California and interviewed people there?" He answers this well - and, yes, the book applies to anywhere, not just California. I guess I should learn to read before I speak. What's new.

So I would encourage this book for church leaders. But I'm more looking forward to the follow-up "I Like Jesus But Not The Church." He says of this book,

Don't let the title mislead you. I Like Jesus but Not the Church is a very pro-church book, giving an apologetic for the church and encouraging people who like Jesus to understand why the local church is a necessary part of the life of anyone who desires to follow Jesus. The church may make mistakes, but Jesus loves the church, and it's possible to be part of the church without being a part of "organized religion."

The new book is different because it is for:

• those in the church who are looking for ways to answer the criticisms and negative perceptions of the church and Christianity.
• those outside the church who are struggling with church and Christianity.

Cool. Can't wait. Thanks, Dan. All that.

Funeral "service" today

This morning we're having a funeral service at our church facilities. It's for a neighbor lady who passed away early Sunday morning. Those sirens I heard at 2 am were for her. And, no, no one in the family attends our church, but they asked if they could hold the funeral here. It's close to their home, and the couple was married in this building. I said "sure"... and we're serving them lunch too.

They have asked several times what our "fee" is. I tell them each time that their is no fee, this is what the church is here for - to serve the community. They seem quite baffled by this, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they pay us something anyway (which is not necessary).

What's worse though, are the people of the church who don't understand why we're "allowing them" to use "OUR" building. Hmm. Yeah.... the last time we hosted a funeral for someone who didn't attend our worship services (and a meal), apparently some of those serving the food were having quite the discussion about this. I was glad one lady finally spoke up and told them they were being crass and that this is what the church is supposed to do at a time like this. I have my speech for today mentally prepared.

Because I believe this IS what the church is supposed to be about: serving the community we live in, and the world at large. And if we can't even reach out to people at a time like this, man... we just might be missing the point completely. Offering to help people when there is a death in the family is the LEAST we should be doing. I consider this to be a prime ministry time, and hope to give my best today. And it works out well, because I'm not actually "doing" the funeral. They have two other pastors that the deceased knew well who will be taking care of the service. So I'm just running the sound board, making coffee, setting up the family room, the fellowship area, the sanctuary, and I can then take care of any needs that may arise.

So, I guess I better get at it. Peace & blessings, peeps. This is a revolution.

Church every night

I don't remember where I saw the link for this church, but it is a pretty cool idea. 7 @ 7 is seven nights of worship at 7 pm each night. I believe they have a different type of service, and a different pastor, each night. Check it out HERE.

Michigan music

Last night we were priviliged to see Daisy May and Seth Bernard (at right), along with Laura Bates and Brandon Foote (below). I'd never heard of any of them, but was most pleasantly surprised. My gosh, Laura has THE most beautiful voice - and talented musically (all of them were); and Brandon was quite the mandolin/guitar player. Miss May is a combination flower/songbird - who also plays a sweet fiddle and guitar (when it stays plugged in). For me personally, Seth stole the show. He plays this ooooold acoustic guitar that's wired in such a cool way - gives it this deep, deep hollow-body electric grungy sorta sound - and... I dunno... he just knows how to get emotion outta that box.

It was a fun evening. Laura & Brandon opened, but the four of them played quite a bit together, and mixed and matched at various times. It was almost as fun to feel the vibe of their friendship as to listen to their music.

Evenings like this always bring me to the realization that - while I am able to make music - I am NOT a musician. These people have music in their blood. I could have listened to them forever.

God provides... tables

Remember how I was just saying I wish we had cafe-type tables for our church basement? And then I made reference to God providing the beds for Isaac and his friends? Well... last night I mentioned the table thing at a meeting, and one of the guys says, "Why don't you come down to my building and see what I've got." So this morning I did, and... there were about 20 of the below tables in various sizes (and chairs). Some are 30x24, some 30x42, some 30x48, and some 36x36. I brought this one to the church to give people a glimpse.


I don't know how the council can not approve this. Especially when I tell them how much he wants for them: NOTHING! Is that cool or what?! Thanks, God.

Forgiving the church

Chapter 13 of Kimball's 'They Like Jesus But Not The Church' is maybe the best, even as the shortest. He begins with this classic quote from Henri Nouwen:

When we say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the church," we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too. The challenge is to forgive the Church. This challenge is especially great because the Church seldom asks us for forgiveness."

Absolutely. I admit that I often get tired of people whining about the church. But then I remember that I do as much as anyone. And it's not that I am not sympathetic, or that I don't understand, but it is exactly what Nouwen is saying... I don't believe you can be a follower of Jesus and not be a part of THE Church, or "a" church. I know not everyone agrees with me on that, but I think it's the truth. However, we in the church need to learn a thing or two. Like what D.K. says on p.250:

People today are open to Jesus, but the church needs to rethink how we come across to people on the outside. While we need to stand strong on what we believe and need not be ashamed of the gospel in any way, we need to make sure we are presenting a biblical picture of the church and not perpetuating negative stereotypes. We need to offer an apologetic to correct misperceptions.

We also need to offer an apology when the church hurts people in the name of Jesus. We need to offer an apology for arrogant and shameful things we've said and for presenting as truth our fallible opinions. We need to offer an apology for straying from the mission of the church and becoming self-absorbed citizens of the bubble. We need to apologize whenever the beautiful bride of Christ is prostituted for a church leader's or a politician's agenda. We need to apologize when we aren't honest with people and become so seeker-friendly that we don't tell them the hard truth about sin and repentance. We need to apologize when we say that we are all sinners saved by grace but show contempt for those who are still in sin.

I think the thing I liked best in this chapter (and maybe the book) was D.K.'s admission that their church doesn't do everything right either. They have their share of problems too. THAT gave me hope as much as anything. And I agree with his statement on 250, "I don't believe people are looking for churches that are all together. They are looking for churches that care about Jesus and will care about them." That's what I am most sorry about - the fact that I/we are not so good about that. We're too often concerned about looking like we have it all together - which is self-centered - and we're not concerned enough about Christ, and others.

I do want to include the whole quote from Nouwen though; because I know a lot of people who have been wounded by the church, and I don't really know how to help, but I like what he had to say:

When we have been wounded by the Church, our temptation is to reject it. But when we reject the Church, it becomes very hard for us to keep in touch with the living Christ. When we say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the Church," we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too. The challenge is to forgive the Church.

This challenge is especially great because the Church seldom asks us for forgiveness, at least not officially. But the Church as an often fallible human organization needs our forgiveness, while the Church as the living Christ among us continues to offer us forgiveness.

It is important to think about the Church not as "over there" but as a community of struggling, weak people of whom we are part and in whom we meet our Lord and Redeemer.

Yeah... and I am sorry. I don't really know who I'm saying that too - I have no one in mind. But it needs to be said. Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me. Help me to be more forgiving, and to be aware of when I need to ask it of others. Amen.

Praying in my sleep

Well, not really praying "in" my sleep. More like praying instead of sleeping. Sirens were blaring at 2 am and I was basically awake anyway. I still don't know what was going on 3 houses down, but I felt the urge to pray nonetheless. So I prayed that the person/people would find God in their midst. Not necessarily that they would be spared anything, but that they would be given strength, be given a sense of His presence, and that they would find the peace that only He can provide. I also prayed for each of my children.

I remember when I used to be moved to pray for others quite often. When the kids were young we saw the ambulance at our neighbors and we all gathered together to pray. Shoot, when Magic Johnson found out he had aids we prayed for him at the dinner table. I would pray for people as I passed them on the street, or stood next to them in line at the store; as we sat in worship services; in our living room; wherever.

Forgive me, Lord, for forgetting. For neglecting to seek You, and You first. Tune my heart, Lord, to Your will and Your ways; mold and make my heart to be moved by those things which touch Your heart. Envelope me in Your breath... to be known... to know... to Be.

Moving day for Isaac

We moved Isaac from his dorm to his soon-to-be-residence at the mercy house today. We brought a car load of clothes home, and amp and guitar. The rest we took to the mercy house for when he moves in there after the florida trip. It wasn't actually too bad. It was even an opportunity for him to realize he had a whole tub of new towels - other than the two he'd been using all semester. :)

And the Mercy House is cool. It's an old school building that their church bought. I wouldn't say it is in real good condition. A summer spent at camp would have nicer accomodations, but... it's still pretty neat. A bunch of great big rooms, a whole weight set, communal living, plenty of opportunity. The rest rooms might be the worst part, but if he sticks to the plan to utilize the AU exercise facilities he can utilize their shower facilities as well.

Apparently he's going to work at the school doing grounds work a couple days a week; mentoring with the pastor 3 mornings a week; take care of the garden; put on a vbs; maybe get another part-time job; take in some seminars and whatnot; and try to build some relationships in the neighborhood. I think it's a pretty awesome thing that they've got like 6 or 7 guys and 1 girl committed to this. What a plan.

It was also cool that they were looking for beds for all these people, and the college just happened to be planning to remodel one dorm, needing to get rid of all the beds. So me, Jane, Isaac, Ben and his mom, and Joel snagged 10 beds. God provides, you know... if we notice. I was disheartened to realize I didn't even notice. But I'm glad someone did.

All in all a good day. No rain doing dirt work at church; no rain moving Isaac. Thanks. Now if I could do something about softening up this heart o' mine...

Take me out to the ballgame

Last night Lady Jane and I utilized our free F.W. Wizards tickets (and it only cost $22 to park & eat) and watched them play the Peoria Chiefs. It wasn't the greatest night for a baseball game (a bit windy), but it wasn't bad either. We sat in our ticket seats at first. We almost saw a 2-year-old girl get mangled by a foul ball, but an alert youngster with his glove snagged it not inches from her head at the last minute. That kinda woke everyone in our section up. Later we moved to the other side - to get out of the wind - and we had TWO foul balls come within arms length of our seats. I shoulda had at least one of them, but... why? I have no need for a baseball. Anyway, it was funny, because after the first one, kids just flocked to our area. You know, if they hit one here, then that's where the next one comes, right? Sure enough it did. It was just wierd though, we had been sitting in this entire section by ourselves, and all of a sudden we're surrounded by 8-year-olds. Kinda brought back fond memories of our 1-year stint as peewee league coaches. I actually enjoyed being around the little nippers.

We ended up leaving during the seventh inning stretch. I was never much of a baseball fan, but it was fun to watch the crowd. I guess it did go to 11 innings. Oddly enough, even though I live in Fort Wayne, I read the Peoria newspaper every morning, so that's where I read the results of the game.

The Coliseum was c-r-o-w-d-e-d last night too. Minor league baseball, Vera Bradley sale, and Larry the Cable Guy concert all at once. Whew, and we made it out alive!

Today we're supposed to start moving dirt for our playground area. And wouldn't you know it looks like rain. This afternoon we're going to help Isaac move to his new place in Anderson. Should be a good day - though maybe a bit wet.

It's a new may

So I was sitting in a big round wicker chair in my daughter's apartment last night thinking... wow... this is a brand new May. Never before have I had a May like this one. Our little girl is getting ready to graduate from college and enter the workforce (the real one, rather than the one she's been in since she was 16 - Rave, EOC, Gap, WTS, Casa). Btw, she would really like to live/work in the INDIANAPOLIS area if anyone KNOWS OF ANY JOBS AVAILABLE for a bright, young, energetic, amazinly talented graduate of Huntington University with a BA in Public Relations, minor in Communication Studies, emphasis in marketing and journalism (I think that's what her blog said).

I was kinda just taken back for a moment - eating the lemon bars she made, seeing her bills on the table, checking out her furniture, the notes on the refrigerator, etc. It was like, 'Oh my gosh, this is real.' And she is so cool about everything. Amazing. That's what she is. It seems like only yesterday I was taking her with me to the Boondocks Saloon where she would climb up the stool and sip her orange juice. Or the time I chased her balloon across the cornfield, or put together her Barbie playhouse. She was the cutest girl in the world when she had her first dance with Anson Murray as the kindergarten attendant at Bureau Valley's Homecoming. All those tumbling practices where I sat with all the moms and waited for her jaunt down the mat. I can still remember the first time boys came knocking on our door at the start of middle school at Liberty Benton. Watching her pretend to play her trumpet during band. :) Volleyball, track, going to Jack 'n Do's. Then the move to FW - new boys calling, more volleyball games, proms and ponytails and car accidents, and trips to the school to bring her whatever she forgot... and I loved it all. And wasn't it just last week that she graduated from high school? That was perhaps the most emotional time of my life. Ahhh, I could go on, but it's almost too much. I could say she's the prettiest girl in the world, but that's not even the half of it. If I were going to run a company I would want her on the board of directors; if I needed to sell something she would be my top salesperson; if I needed to get something done she would be the one I'd depend on. Beauty, brains, charm, confidence, competence, and for such a teeny thing - not just a bit of brute strength to boot. She could whip most guys 3 times her size.

Well, I didn't intend for this post to be quite like this. But I am proud of you, sweetheart. The world is your stage. I love you.

And heck... I haven't even gotten around to Isaac, who completed his first year of college yesterday, built incredible relationships at AU, and with the homeless of Indy, and the boys at the prison he visits weekly. Tomorrow we're helping him move. But not back home. He's moving into an old school building to start an internship at his church. Of course first there is the trip to Florida. I could go on and on about him too, but this post is getting a bit long. Maybe when you graduate, bud. :)

At any rate, thank You, Lord, for blessing me with a wonderful wife, great kids, and a hope for tomorrow. This May will be like none I've ever faced before: watching my children move away, no one home for the summer, and who knows what else. I have a homesickness this morning like none I've had before. I'm not sure how to explain it, but maybe it's due to the fact that I'm not quite sure where home is right now. I was born a long way from this moment, and I can't tell if I'm getting closer or not. But I know You are here, and you will be there, wherever that may be.

Peace.

On my mind...

• I have no idea who Andrea is, and I don’t really want to know. But her poetry has been so good for my soul. (It's nothing personal Andrea. I just like your poems.)
  
• I wish I could speak less, but say more.
• I really appreciate those people who respond to inquiries. I’ve been struggling in dealing with musicians, artists, and agents lately… but the one’s who are quick to respond are such a joy.
• I DO NOT like long tables. You know, the potluck tables that most churches and schools used to have (or still have). That is all our church has. They are as ‘anti-community’ as church pews. They force people to sit all in a row, and minimize the ability to converse. I want to get all small, square tables for our church. Say, about 30”x30”. Like in a restaurant/coffee house. That way you could put them all together if you needed long-ass rows, but you could also separate them and allow people to ‘group’ more – thus enabling more intimate conversation and allowing people the freedom to ‘join from afar’ if they want. You know, a couple could attend something as a part of the group, but still sit by themselves. Anyway, I’m getting visions of redoing our church basement. Huge potential. Do I think it will ever fly… hmm. I also wish we had them for our pavilion.
  
• I think a lot of people go through life seeking the approval of their parents; but I never thought about those parents who go through life seeking the approval of their children. This isn’t so much about my children, as my parents. 2x4.
• Rhythm. I messaged with a friend yesterday about the importance of attaining or maintaining a ‘spiritual rhythm’ in life. I believe that’s what this relationship with God thing is all about: finding and staying in rhythm. I believe that's what life itself is all about: finding and staying in the rhythms ordained for us by our Creator. That’s why practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer, contemplation, silence, fasting, etc. are important. It’s not the “doing of them” that’s important; it’s the rhythm they help establish… what they draw us to. Sync.
• A line from Andrea’s “retreat moments”:

let my life be a poem that tells of your care
always ready to rise up on trusting wings
and risk the wind.

Amen, indeed. Peace, peeps.

Internet addict

Got this pic from Randy. Hmm, the captions that could go with this, huh?

Who cares about safe sex

Tom probably won't like me linking to him, but I thought this post he wrote was right on the money:

Unprotected Church

I'm convinced that most Christians in America are scared to death of unprotected church and that what North American churches have evolved into are nothing more than one big giant condom of protection so we can have safe church. We are so worried about sin tainted distractions that we have put up barriers between the church and the world to make sure we safely satisfy ourselves. And boy, are we satisfied.

We are so afraid of infection that we insist on having our own everything so that we can be in control. We won't join the community soup kitchen (unless of course it is run by a church) so we start our own. We won't join the community athletic leagues so we start our own. We won't send our kids to public schools so we start our own. We won't set foot in a bar so we start our own and call it a cafe, with no alcohol of course. We love safe church.

In the middle of all this we still talk about casting seed and hoping that some of it will land on fertile ground. Just so you know, those barriers work both ways.

Unprotected church, on the other hand, is wild and risky. You can end up battered, bruised, spat on, kicked around and betrayed not only by the world but even by those who you thought were your friends. It could kill you. Demographics are only used to find sinners so that you can live with them, not so you can avoid them. You don't root yourself to one location, you hit the streets. It is just not safe. But it is the only way you'll be able to plant a seed.

Fundamental but not a fundamentalist

I am loving Dan Kimball's book "They Like Jesus But Not The Church." I'm almost done, and can't wait for the companion book "I Like Jesus But Not The Church." The difference between the two is that "They" is more for church leaders, whereas "I" will be more for those who actually do like Jesus, but not the church.

At any rate... there are many reasons I have not been blogging much about this book. Believe me, it's not because it's not blog-worthy (not to be confused with sponge-worthy) - it's just... well... it's personal and I'd rather not discuss it - has nothing to do with the book. I like it, and I like Dan (not THAT way). I wish I had his patience, his ability to explain things, his knowledge, his relatability, etc., etc. (and certainly his hair).

Yesterday I read his chapter on the belief that people think the church is full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally. This is actually a beef of my own to some degree. But I liked how he dealt with it, and in fact, I have come to believe I am a bit of a fundamentalist meself - at least the way he explained it. He says on p. 188-

Christian fundamentalism began when Protestant church leaders in the nineteenth century reacted against the rise of what they felt were threats to the Christian faith, primarily the liberalizing trends of German biblical criticism and Darwinian theories of evolution. It's not known who first used the term fundamentalist in relation to Christian theology, but most agree that the word started being used when the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church met in 1910 and listed the "five fundamentals" of the faith: 1. The verbal inspiration (and inerrancy of Scripture). 2. The divinity of Jesus Christ. 3. The virgin birth of Christ. 4. Substitutionary atonement by Jesus. 5. The bodily resurrection and future return of Jesus.

He later goes on to say...

"If you believe there is only one God, then you have a fundamental belief. So most of us are fundamentalists to one degree or another. But most of us are not in agreement with or want to be associated with what fundamentalism has become known as....

He says being a fundamentalist today means going far beyond just having a few core fundamental beliefs. It's more concerned with things like your view of women in ministry, end times, the creation/evolution debate, baptism, cultural matters such as dress codes, alcohol, tattoos, worship styles, evangelistic methods, political involvement, etc.

Yeah... I could give a crap about most of that stuff. Well, not that I don't give a crap, but... I don't want included with THAT kind of fundamentalism. I do think it's important that we agree on certain "essentials," but I like a whole lotta freedom elsewhere. It's hard to put heart, and intent, and motive and stuff in a box. Maybe I'm an "essentialist"... but then deciding on the essentials would kick off a war of it's own too, so... hmm. Yip.

In regard to the literal interpretation of Scripture he says on p.192...

When at the beginning of the chapter I said that I"m one of those Christians who takes the Bible literally, I meant that I take literally the passages that are meant to be taken literally. I believe, of course, that there are passages that are metaphorical, such as the parables or sections of poetry. So taking the Bible literally doesn't mean ignoring the literary genre or grammatical and historical contexts.

So, yes, all in all, I agree with his statement on 206 that "We need to teach how to have fundamental beliefs without being a fundamentalist."

Amen and all that. Happy May 1 everyone.