Tattoos and christianity

There is an interesting article in Christian History that I've had saved for a long time. It is called "Tattoos of the Cross" by Jennifer A. Johnson, and highlights the place of tattoos throughout the history of Christianity, especially among the Coptics of Egypt. It's not too long and well worth a read.

I also found "Tattoo And The Bible" at Sacred Ink a fairly informative piece.

I have no desire to get a tattoo, and don't really feel one way or the other about people who have them. I suppose if I were to get one it might look something like the one pictured. Or maybe "return to sender"... or "save"... or... I dunno, I would always be afraid I would later regret whatever I got. They're not quite as easy to remove as blog posts. So... Tattoo you.

Brueggemann on prophets

A friend sent me a piece from Walter Brueggemann's 'The Prophetic Imagination, 2nd Edition'. I wish I could post the whole thing, but here's a blurb from ~p. 45...

The prophet does not scold or reprimand. The prophet brings to public expression the dread of endings, the collapse of our self-madeness, the barriers and pecking orders that secure us at each other's expense, and the fearful practice of eating off the table of a hungry brother or sister. It is the task of the prophet to invite the king to experience what he must experience, what he most needs to experience and most fears to experience, namely, that the end of the royal fantasy is very near. The end of the royal fantasy will permit a glimpse of the true king who is no fantasy, but we cannot see the real king until the fantasy is shown to be a fragile and perishing deception. Precisely in the year of the death of the so-called king does the prophet and the prophet's company see the real king lifted up (Isa 6:1).

I believe the proper idiom for the prophet in cutting through the royal numbness and denial is the language of grief, the rhetoric that engages the community in mourning for a funeral they do not want to admit. It is indeed their own funeral.

Hmm. For those of us with a prophetic slant this, well... yeah. Note to self: I put the 2-p. text of this on the pile of papers by the cheese and crackers on the east wall.

Reggie mcneal interview in next-wave

The April 2009 issue of the Next-Wave Ezine is pretty good. It has a really nice interview with Reggie McNeal dealing with his new book Missional Renaissance. I should probably read this book before he teaches at our regional conference sessions in June, but maybe it will be discounted at the conference; plus I have a million other ones to read. Anyway...

I like how Reggie says in the interview that "once everything becomes 'missional' it hardly has any punch left." That's one reason I have never liked the word - it is used by way too many people, to mean way too many things, and therefore it has way not enough meaning.

Reggie defines the missional church as "the people of God partnering with him in his redemptive mission in the world." He then goes on to explain what each part of that means. Good stuff.

I also liked what he had to say in regard to worship. He was asked to expound on his idea that "worship is seen as the extension of normal routines, not something that is a discontinuity with the rest of the week." He said this...

I think that in more incarnational ministries the stories we tell in worship are about God showing up and showing off all week as we play our role of being the blessing people of God... When we begin to see service as worship, and not just focusing on cranking out worship services, we allow many more people to find their own lives as part of that. In the attractional model, we invite people to observe a few people do what they are good at; in the missional approach we celebrate more of the spectrum of life pursuits of the participants.

There is also a good article by Steve Bowen "Creating God Space Where God Things Can Happen" that gives a glimpse of what this can look like in our worship gatherings (or, rather, outside of our gatherings). We started asking the questions "Where did you see God this week? Where did you join him? Where did you resist him?" in our Sunday gathering last Sunday. I hope to do so on a regular basis.

Good stuff. I am pumped to hear Reggie in June.

Peace out; and in.

Revelation and ritz lectures

Daughter Carrie left a copy of James Resseguie's new book, The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary, at our house the other day. He is the professor of New Testament where she works (Winebrenner Theological Seminary). I started reading through it and it looks pretty good. I must admit that I'm always hesitant to get in conversations about Revelation, because we've had a few problems in our church with "end-times fanatics." Maybe I should buy them all a copy, because it looks like this is just the thing they need. The Amazon blurb on the book says...

As the only book of its kind in the New Testament, Revelation can be difficult to understand, and for readers without specialized training, the historical-critical approach used in many commentaries can provide more complication than illumination. Here James Resseguie applies the easily understandable tools introduced in his primer on narrative criticism to this challenging book. He shows how Revelation uses such features as rhetoric, setting, character, point of view, plot, symbolism, style, and repertoire to construct its meaning. This literary approach draws out the theological and homiletical message of the book and highlights its major unifying themes: the need to listen well, an overwhelmingly God-centered perspective, and the exodus to a new promised land. Here is a valuable aid for pastor and serious lay reader alike.

I will also be hearing a lecture from Dr. Resseguie on the subject when I venture over to Winebrenner for their annual Ritz Lectures on May 13. If you live anywhere near Findlay, Ohio you should check it out. It's only $59. Registration information is HERE. At past Ritz Lectures I have had the privilege of hearing from the likes of Walter Bruggeman, Len Sweet, Gilbert Bilezikian, Scot McKnight, and many others. It should be a good time, and I'm looking forward to it.

Peace out; and in.

Telecaster, moe's, draft, bowling

A friend contacted me and asked if I'd like to buy his Fender Telecaster (with hard case) for a really reasonable price. Man, I would much rather have a Stratocaster, but I almost hate to pass this up. I've never really been into Tele's, but maybe it could be more like an investment. Not sure what to do. I've actually been trying to get RID of stuff, rather than acquiring more. Hmm.

The other night m'lady and I went to Moe's Southwest Grill. She goes there all the time because she works right next door, but it was my first trip. She warned me before we went in that when we walk through the door they will yell, "Welcome to Moe's!" They did. They do that for everybody. Kinda funny, I thought. It is basically just like Chipotle (or a Subway, with tacos, etc). I got two taco's (overachiever). And I didn't hear Jane say it came with free chips, and I thought she was ordering chips, so I told her to get the big container (which I also thought said 50 cents rather than 5 dollars). She wasn't ordering chips, but CHEESE dip. It was a total idiotic move on my part, and she went along with me, so we ended up with this $5 tub of cheese for our chips, even though salsa is free. Oops. Then we sat in a booth on the same side, because the sun was shining in her eyes on the other side. Anyway, I liked the taco's. I like them with black beans. We actually went back again last night. I think I'm addicted.

The NFL draft was this past weekend, and I didn't watch hardly any of it. This used to be like Christmas Day for me (and now it's two days). I guess a combination of having other people wanting to watch other stuff, and not really liking the Cowboys anymore, and the fact that they didn't have any picks on the first day, and... whatever. It is kind of sad to me in a number of ways, but life goes on (right?).

Sunday afternoon Jane and I went bowling. Someone invited us from her work. It was some kind of fund-raiser (maybe Junior Achievement). It was at Rainbow Lanes in Huntington, and wasn't too gay at all. I hadn't bowled in probably 5 years, and I've probably only done it about 5-10 times in my life, but I surprised myself and did a 131 in the first game and 115 in the second. Probably the best two games I have ever bowled in my life. I even won a chocolate bar the first game for having high score in our foursome. Jane did good as well, and she got better the second game. Not too bad of a way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I kept wanting to wash my hands though. I don't know when I got like that.

Hopefully we will get the grill going this week. We've been going to cook pork chops on it since last week but the wind never stops blowing. I hope the chops don't give us the flu.

I'm looking for people to preach for me several times this summer. Not having much luck. And I just recently realized I've been asking people to preach on a date that I already have filled. Oops.

Peace out; and in.

Not counting

Well, the Regional Office called the other day and left me a message. Something like, "We were looking at your statistical report, and apparently you forgot to fill in the attendance figures for last year. Could you call and let us know what they were."

I don't remember if I've blogged this or not, but there was no forgetting involved. I didn't fill in the attendance figures for last year... because we quit keeping track of attendance last year. I actually wasn't even going to fill out my report, but I felt bad, so I ended up doing the other parts of it.

I really do feel bad about this. Especially for the secretary. And I really don't know what to even suggest. I know it puts the denominational people in a bind. I suppose I could just guess and tell them that. Or, I also suggested they could kick us out of the denomination. Which I hope they won't do, but... whatever.

I will say this, though... I wish I had quit keeping attendance records a LOOOOONG time ago. It has been the best thing to happen to me since I don't know what. It makes Sundays so much better for me, and has completely changed my focus and thoughts about church. It's maybe not shown directly in what I do, but it's more of a mental/emotional thing.

I'm sure someone will suggest that I just find someone else to do it. Well, to me that would defeat the whole purpose of why we quit keeping attendance figures in the first place. I actually think it was someone we had speak at our regional conference last year that suggested we needed to start counting those who were NOT church attenders, rather than counting those that did show up. If the church is about serving others (blessed to be a blessing), then why are we so concerned with those who are already there? And, yes, I know we need to minister to one another. But I don't know why it matters how many show up to our Sunday gatherings.

Anyway, I still feel bad that someone won't be able to do their job because I didn't keep my records. But maybe *I* am not the problem here. Maybe it's what we're counting that is the problem. I dunno... I could be wrong too.

Peace out; and in.

A random friday

On my day off last week I made my way into Fort Wayne to walk around some stores. I often do something like this, more just as a way to force myself to enter civilization. You know, I don't get a lot of human interaction during the week, and as weird as it is, and for a guy, I really don't mind shopping. I hardly ever buy anything, but I just like to walk around and look at stuff.

Anyway, first I went to Menards to check lumber prices. I'm hoping we can put a permanent ramp on the shed for the mower. I didn't know if a wood ramp or gravel would be better. Wood is kind of expensive. I ended up buying some Roundup to kill the weeds. Geez, that stuff is expensive too.

After Menards I headed to Lowe's. I checked wood prices there too, and found a thing to put on a step so you don't slip. We need one for the step into the recycling shed. So I bought that.

It was funny, because while at Lowe's I stood in line behind this lady, and as I went from Lowe's to Best Buy, I noticed that she followed me and pulled into the BB parking lot right beside me. So when I got out I asked her if she was following me. She smiled and asked if I was going to Kohl's next. I said I didn't think so, even though I actually WAS going to, but I decided against it because I didn't want her to think I was following her. Anyway, I went to Best Buy because the warranty on my laptop runs out next week, and it says I am entitled to 1 free battery replacement. So I went to the Geek Squad desk and asked for one. Of course they don't have them. They told me the number to call. So I called and ordered that for free when I got home.

Next I headed north and thought I would stop by Guitar Center just for kicks. I always hate going in that store, because there are usually sales people crawling all over you, and there's that desk right inside the door and all. Anyway, I saw that they have guitar wall hangers, and we need a couple more, so I got one. There was no one at the cash register, so I looked at guitars. They have some cool "old looking" fender strats that are like $900. I would like to have one, but it would have to be free; plus I would feel weird buying something new that looked old. I would prefer to just have an OLD strat. Anyway, sure enough, I was ready to check out and there was still nobody to check me out. This was after like 3 people asked if they could help me. I said I wanted to check out, but none of them could help me do that. Finally the little girl at the entry desk called someone and he checked me out. Of course then you have to stop at the entry desk so the little girl can stamp your receipt. I don't understand that, and I don't like it either. I should never go back there again.

Next I walked around the mall and looked at shoes at like 3 stores. They were all the same shoes I've seen before, but it's something to do. It was funny though, because when I walked through JC Penney, I must have had 6 sales people ask me how I was doing. And they were nice about it too. One lady just said, "hey," but even that was very friendly (and kinda funny at the time). They must have just had a training thing where they told all their sales people to be nice. It was nice. I didn't buy anything there on this trip, but I will later. I'm a sucker if someone is nice to me.

I decided then it would be safe to go to Kohl's. Surely that woman would be gone from there now. So I went there and walked around. I found a hat for $1.80. It's one of those squarish hats with a short bill (like an engineers cap). I kinda like those, but they look weird on me. But this one didn't look quite as weird, and I liked it, and it fit good, and how can you not buy something for $1.80. So I bought a hat.

Then I went to Walmart. I was planning to buy milk, but then I forgot to get it. I saw these organic t-shirts, and one had a big earth with a peace sign in the middle of it, and it was only $3. I have been wanting some peace sign shirts, so I bought a white one. I didn't really even care that it was organic.

I finally decided I better get home. Plus I was hot. For some reason I wore a long sleeve shirt with a t-shirt underneath... and it was 83 degrees F. So I went home. I realized I forgot to eat lunch, so I had some Ritz crackers with canned cheddar cheese on them. Mmmm.

Peace out; and in.

The first mowing

I mowed the yard yesterday for the first time this summer. I thought maybe I better start a category for mowing, because sometimes I forget to write it down. Of course, that means I can just as easily forget to blog about it. But maybe this way I can double-check myself. Or at least bore you with more meaningless information.

I didn't think I was going to be able to mow yesterday. I had planned to do it in the afternoon, and after I put my overalls on, and back brace, and ear plugs... I started up the mower and it died right away. I monkeyed with it for awhile, and finally determined that it was the gas line that I'd replaced last week. Remember, one of them was a formed piece and the guy in Murray told me to just use regular hose. Nope, it kinked. So I headed to Mutton's in FW (you ain't got nutton on this mutton). They didn't have the hose in stock, but they at least acknowledged that that is what I needed. So I ordered it.

I was going to just wait until the new hose came in (should be 2 or 3 days - on top of the weekend), but the grass was looking so long. So I tried to move the hose, hoping there was a way to unkink it. No luck. They have it so it runs almost directly into the air cleaner cannister surrounding the carburator. So I took the old piece that was leaking and wrapped it up good with electrical tape. I put it back on, started the mower, and gas spurted out all over. So I wrapped some more tape around it and tried again... and it worked. I thought I would at least mow around the playground. After that it was still holding, so I mowed around the church. Then I mowed between the church and the house. And then I just finished mowing. It never did leak.

I also think I may have set a personal best mowing time. I did it in 2 hours and 10 minutes. And I checked today to see how much land we have. It is 4.73 acres. So whatever that is minus the parking lot and buildings... that's still a hunk-a-hunk-a lawn. I'm sure it will take me the usual 2 1/2 hours once the grass fills in everywhere. But it's much easier without the fence in the back yard.

One other thing I did when I was working on the gas line was finally figure out how to shut off the stupid kill switch on the seat. Those things are so impractical. Every time you get up, or lean sideways, the mower shuts off. How are you supposed to work on it when that happens? I had tried to splice the wires together before, but apparently I had the wrong wires. Turns out it was way easier than I thought. The thing is just screwed into the bottom of the seat. So I unscrewed it, wrapped some electrical tape around it so it's permanently closed, and there ya go. However, if I would happen to run over myself, would someone delete this post from my blog so Jane can still sue Simplicity. Thanks.

Peace out; and in.

Pencil sketches

Last night while looking for something else I stumbled across one of the sketch pads from my Intro. to Drawing class 12 years ago. I was only taking the class to fill an art requirement, but it turned out to be one of my favorite college classes ever (even better than Rock Music Styles). I remember I really hit it off with the teacher. He and his wife spent a lot of time in Nepal, and I don't know if he was an atheist or just not a Christian, but we had some innaresting conversations (in a good way). I would always show up early for class so we could chat. I even visited his personal studio, where I remember he had a rather large mural of his wife, nude and hanging on a cross (just a tad awkward). If I remember correctly they both taught at the university and lived in a cabin in the woods with no electricity or running water. Anyway, these are a few of my drawings. Nothing spectacular, but I've looked for them before and never knew where they were. We don't have a scanner, so I just took pictures of them with my camera. I believe the top two were shading exercises, and the bottom one was my final. I assume if you click on the pic it will enlarge.

Blood pressure

Checked it tonight in Bluffton. First time - 140/75; second - 124/79. It seems to be consistently higher in Bluffton than Fort Wayne (the top number anyway).

Jane's new bike

Here is a pic of Jane's snazzy new bike. It is a Rollfast, and even has the original tag on the front. There is a little info on Rollfast bikes HERE. It has a new seat, and has been repainted, but it's fairly original and is in excellent condition. Son Isaac has the matching man's bike that goes with it (also in excellent shape). I trust he is wise enough to not let it get stolen or damaged. My parents bought these bikes at a yard sale probably 20 years ago, and they've been hanging in the barn ever since (other than the time or two I rode one when I was home visiting). Jane's brother brought them out when he was here last week. Maybe for Mother's Day I'll get m'lady a basket for the front.

Fixing the truck and the trees

I got the old truck back this morning. I had my neighbor, Ken, fix it. The piece that hooks onto the frame that holds the top of the shock and spring had rusted out (on the right side). He found a replacement at the junk yard. Now that you can actually drive it down the road again I need to look into some new used tires. The tires I have on it are in bad shape; cracked all the way around on 2 of them.

I also straightened out the two new trees by the playground. The day we planted them it was cold as all get-out, and we set them in the ground slightly askew. Greg came and helped this morning, and we had to dig out around the one and pull it straight with ratchet straps, then tie it down. The other one wasn't quite as crooked, so we just pulled it straight with the straps and tied it down. It was kind of muddy, as it rained all day yesterday, and kind of sprinkled on us off and on this morning. But that made it easier to adjust the trees. It only took about an hour. I'm glad that's done.

Mystagogy for the missional church

David Fitch has a nice little post, A Mystagogy For the Missional Church, that I want to remember. Mystagogy is basically the post-Easter teaching for those who had been baptized (at Easter). As Dave says, it is learning "how to live the life of the resurrection. We learn how to enter into the mysteries of the faith." I wish I had seen this before preparing my sermon for last Sunday on the difference between an "empty-tomb faith" and a "resurrection faith" (when the disciples had actually seen the resurrected Christ - John 20:19-31).

Anyway, Fitch says the missional church could use a mystagogy of its own. It is essential for discipleship. I will just list his 7 main headings, but you should click the link above and read about them (if you're interested in such talk). Here is his top seven for his church:

1. The Mystery of God Working Around Our Life Rhythms.
2. The Mystery of Meeting in Homes.
3. The Mystery of Worship as Liturgy.
4. The Mystery of Practicing Spiritual Disciplines.
5. The Mystery of the Eucharist and Baptism.
6. The Mystery of Local Politics.
7. The Mystery of Seeding New Communities.

Basically, I like these seven - though, personally, I would be leery of using the word "politics," and I would substitute "communion" for "eucharist," and I have no interest in the missional moniker (again, that's just me; I understand what he means and why he's using it). Innaresting stuff.

Peace out; and in.

Photos that changed the world

Very cool site of pictures that marked memorable moments throughout history. Check them out: Photos that Changed the World.

This was the first picture ever posted on the internet.

Optimism

Last night I was laying in bed trying to remember this quote, or saying, from Cameron Crowe: "Optimism is a revolutionary act." I first used it in this post from Dec. 9, 2005. I wish I were an optimist. I would even settle for being more optimistic. I really, really, really wish I were. Help me, Lord.

Started the mower

While trying to pass the time with the brother-in-law I started up the Simplicity lawn tractor yesterday. I got new gas, filled it up, and the mower started right off. There was a little black smoke, but nothing serious. Fortunately we opened the hood, because we saw gas just running out. Two pieces of gas line were leaking badly. One was a formed piece going into the carburator, and one was a straight piece coming off the filter. We drove to the Simplicity place in Murray, and he just sold me a piece of straight hose - said he didn't have any formed pieces. It seemed to work okay, but it kinks a little. We'll see.

I didn't start the push mower. I imagine the B & S engine will take off on the first pull, just like every other year.

I should probably have mowed, but there are still some wet spots in the yard. And I just don't know that I'm ready to start that quite yet.

We are getting ready to drive down to Anderson now and get some pancakes at The Flop.

Even richard nixon has got soul

Yes, that's another Neil Young line. It is also why I cannot be trusted.

Several weeks ago Lady Jane and I went to the $3 theater and saw the movie Frost/Nixon. I thought it was pretty good, even though one of the other 5 people in the theater thought he needed to give us a running commentary throughout. I don't know how accurate it was, because I'm sure it had the typical Hollywood bias; and I was surprised it painted Nixon the way it did. But it was good.

I was also surprised by the memories and thoughts it brought to mind. I was born in 1962, and being on the front end of having a tv babysitter, I remember seeing a lot about Nixon, and Watergate, and Vietnam on the tube every day. Even though I didn't understand everything going on, these were my impressionable years. No generation was probably effected more in their feelings towards government by Nixon's actions than mine. Yet... I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Tricky Dick. And it occurred to me while watching this flick, that maybe this has played a part in making me the sap that I am.

See, I am not to be trusted in judging people's character. I am a lousy judge. It doesn't matter what someone has done; and, in fact, I sometimes often have a softer spot for those who have committed some of the worst atrocities. That's why I was so touched by friend Patti's blog title suggestion of 'Take No Pleasure' (from Ezekiel 33:11 "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in his conversion..."). That almost perfectly describes my thoughts towards the world. Which may come as a surprise to some people who only hear my negative, cynical side... but I think that is more of a coping mechanism than an actual rendering of who I really am.

I don't know that I look at everyone as a victim, but I think it's more that I see everyone as redeemable. I have always sided with the underdogs, rejects, and outcasts of the world. I don't know that this is what was meant by Jesus as a "friend of sinners," but I would rather befriend someone who had done wrong and try to help them back up, than kick them while they were down. That's how I read the Golden Rule. But... that is also part of my weakness. I can be taken advantage of; I can be duped; I make a terrible jury member. I am biased by my heart.

I also see a lot of similarities between myself and the way Nixon was portrayed in this movie. We want to be liked so bad by others and that is often what ends up driving people away. A sort of social clumsiness. Very misunderstood. And very lonely. There were a lot of shots of him looking out windows. That's how I usually picture myself. I am stuck inside, watching everyone else playing outside.

Anyway... that's why you can't trust me. Because I happen to believe that even Richard Nixon has got soul (or had it).

Gig economy

I heard about this on NPR one afternoon awhile ago. The idea is, our American society is shifting from having single-job careers (working a 9-to-5), to a workforce of freelancers who have several different jobs, maybe in several different career paths (at the same time). Interesting. And I actually know quite a few people in this boat. I don't think I would do very well with this though. I mean, I'm sure I would do "whatever," but I kind of like things a little more cut and dried. But I can see it happening. Anyway, HERE is the article in The Daily Beast by the lady I heard on the radio (Tina Brown).

Vote for the sign

What do you think of these two sign sketches? Do either of them look good to you; do they look out of place; any suggestions or comments at all? I would appreciate any input anyone might have. (Anonymous votes and/or suggestions are welcome)

Too-sday

• I seem to be thinking in bullet points lately.
• My lower back is killing me. It's been kind of sore for a few weeks, but last night after I did my usual 4+ miles it got worse. I don't know that it's the running, but not sure what. I've been trying Jane's exercises, but they don't seem to work for me.
• Yesterday I put out 3 garbage cans at the church, and I watched the truck come and dump them, and one went right into the back of the truck. I called and the lady said that happens sometimes.
  
• I refiled the ST-200, and found out I had to file an NP-20 for EACH year from 2003-2008. They weren't long forms, but I had to list the church officers for each year, so I had to go back and figure that out.
• I started N.T. Wright's 'Surprised By Hope' yesterday, but... I dunno... I'm just not in a reading mood. We'll see. It might just be the back pain.
• I ironed the new set of cloth napkins last night; and my shirt.
• The only t.v. shows we really watch with any kind of regularity are Life, 24, and Chuck. Life is my favorite, and they had their season-ending show last week. Chuck and 24 seem to be fading a bit, for me at least. I don't get into the reality shows... especially Dancing With The Stars and American Idol.
  
• Rainy dreary days at this time of year are depressing. I kinda like them sometimes in the summer and fall, but... not now.
• I will head to the post office today and mail our taxes. I don't understand how some people get refunds. We seem to always have to pay. And this year was worse than usual.
• I can't decide whether to book this comedian/singer guy for July 12 or 26. Stuff like this is where a staff would come in handy. Even a secretary. The answering machine just gives me the same old response every time.
• My gray sweatshirt that I'm wearing today is fraying around the neck.
• I actually like wearing button shirts - as long as I don't have to tuck them in - but I don't like to have to iron them. I generally wear an undershirt under almost all my shirts - sometimes even t-shirts. Though when it gets hot I will just wear t-shirts.
• I don't seem to be as hot as I used to be. I used to always be way hot. Now I think I'm getting more normal.
• When my dad was here this weekend he asked about a couple of guns he gave me. Though I never know if he's given them to me, or if he's just storing them here. Sometimes he comes and pulls out guns that I didn't even know were here. He is a collector, but he just sold 45 of his guns at auction. Some from the Civil War. He still has plenty more. I would have liked some of the antique guns, but... you know, they aren't mine. Anyway, he asked about a pistol he gave me. I had forgotten all about it, and I couldn't find it when he was here. I found it last night, but it doesn't have the pin and the round thing that holds the bullets in it. I must have hidden that in a different location. It's a cool gun. I think it's chrome plated (or maybe it's nickel. I dunno). I don't like to shoot guns though.
  
• Maybe I should take the week off from running. I was already going to have to take off Thursday through Sunday, because we'll have to put a mattress in the treadmill room for guests. The worst part about taking time off is that, as I get older, it takes longer and longer for me to get back in shape. Even taking a week off will take me a month to get back up to speed. And, actually, I am yet to get back up to the 5 miles a day that I was doing awhile back. Ugh.
  

The monday moan

I suppose it's only fitting that it's a cold, rainy, dreary day. I thought I was doing pretty good yesterday, but last night I hit a wall, and this morning I feel like I've been run through the wringer. I also have a serious case of brain cloud going on. So far this morning I've just been going through mail & messages, putting stuff away from yesterday, and re-organizing the basement. I don't know that I can do anything requiring thinking today. So... here are some ramblings from the mush melon:

• Daughter Carrie is heading to Pittsburgh this week for some training. I think I've been by Pittsburgh, but never actually in the city. I preached my first sermon in Latrobe, Pa. That's the home of Arnold Palmer, and some kind of beer is brewed there.
• As I mentioned in the previous post, Jane's brother and his son are coming for a visit this week. They will arrive Wednesday during the night, and of course Jane works all day Thursday and then goes straight to school - not getting home until about 10 pm. Then she works until 7 pm on Friday. So I guess I will be entertaining the brother-in-law. At least we get along, and he's an elder at our old home church, so we can always gripe about church stuff.
• Our nephew that's coming is a doctor. He was also the first baby I ever remember holding, and the first wedding I officiated for a family member. He's coming out to spend a few days with son Isaac to check out his prison mentoring program. Cousin wants to start doing something like that - which I think is pretty cool that this guy is an actual medical doctor, but wants to do mentoring in a prison too. It's also pretty neat that the one cousin will be mentoring another cousin in how to mentor juveniles. That's probably how things ought to be. Anyway, he will go with Isaac to their Thursday night session, and hopefully go back for a tour and some more info later.
• We are thinking of maybe trying to go to Anderson early Saturday morning to check out the Flop House. It's a business venture of Isaac's roommate, and sounds pretty cool. A good article HERE.
• I am having a heck of a time finding a sign sketch that I like. I've been working with this company and the first one they gave me was the EXACT thing I said I did NOT want. So I tried to explain that we wanted something bright, contemporary, yet simple and understated. I received two more sketches this morning that are bright, and a little contemporary, but... argh... I must not be explaining myself well. And I even sent them a picture of what I wanted. Why...
• Sometime this week I also need to get back to work on some of our government forms. I applied for one particular ST-109, and was denied because it says we haven't filed an NP-20 from 2003-2008. I have no idea what these things even are, and why or why they weren't filed, or ever were filed in the first place. I've been doing this since 1999, and I don't know that I've ever not done something I was supposed to. I hate this kinda stuff. It seems every person you call tells you something else. At least I think I finally figured out the difference between our Taxpayer Identification Number and our Federal Identification Number. Not that I know what they mean, but I know what they are now.
• Jane and I were in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at this time last year. The vacation of a lifetime. Man I wish I were there now.

Easter weekend

All in all it was a pretty nice Easter weekend. We've had guests in the house since Carrie arrived Thursday night. Isaac and the parents left this afternoon, and I'm thinking Drew Carrie will be leaving sometime tonight. It's been nice having everyone here, but by Sunday evening I need to veg.

I always dread the Easter Egg Hunt (not that I'm against Easter Egg Hunts; I just don't like them the day before Easter). But we ended up having a beautiful day, and we had WAYYYY more kids than I anticipated. I think there were something like 35. Which is amazing considering we did NO advertising. And they were able to go outside and hunt for eggs too. Of course, someone always shows up late. I mean, don't people know that if you're not there for the beginning of an egg hunt you're kind of going to lose out? Anyway, I think a good time was had by all. Isaac showed up right after the egg hunt, and then my parents right after that. Saturday night Jane made a great supper for all of us, then we (minus Isaac) set up for Easter breakfast.

Sunday we had breakfast at 9 and worship at 10. I wasn't really expecting anything special, but I did make some extra bulletins just in case. Man, I was totally blown away by the crowd we had. There must have been just over 80 for breakfast judging by the number of chairs set up. And we had just about the perfect amount of food. Good thing Jane got extra biscuits, and had Drew get an extra can of gravy Saturday night. We ran out of fruit, had just a dribbling of biscuits and gravy, and one tin of egg casserole left. Then for the worship service we actually ran out of bulletins. And we were basically out of seats - other than the front one by the computer, which no one seems to want to sit in anymore. Someone said there were 21 kids in Jr. Worship (which is supposed to be for kids K-4th grade); and the nursery was packed. Just guessing I would say there were probably in excess of 120. It's been awhile since we've had that many. We went to Applebees for lunch, and were about the only people there.

It was a nice day, but I'm glad it's over. I don't think I got stressed about anything all day either. But now I'll be glad to get things back to normal. This week Jane's brother and his son, the doctor, are coming for a visit from Wednesday night through Sunday. Just enough time to catch my breath.

Peace out; and in.

Good

Not much to say today, but I've had this quote from the good folks at cqod laying around for awhile now. It seems appropriate.

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at the creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today.

...Bishop Handley Moule (1841-1920)

Peace.

It's friday but maundy was here

I meant to blog about our Mandy Thursday service before it happened, but it's been a crazy busy week, especially yesterday. Anyway, we had a nice service last night. It was different than any other ones we've had, but I always enjoy this service no matter what we do or how many people are or are not there.

I actually think the Maundy Thursday service is my favorite of all the ones we do. It must have to do with the fact that I believe nothing contains the mystery and intrigue like MT. It's the night we commemorate the Last Supper, where Jesus puts a whole new twist on the Passover celebration. And then there's the whole washing the disciples feet, and Judas getting nuts, and Peter being his usual overzealous self. I imagine there being a lot of confusion and "what in the world is going on" at that first one. It's a very disarming service, to me. I think it's good for us to every now and then have to step back and say, "I really don't know if I know anything at all, but here I am."

Lately we have been having a meal to celebrate MT. We would gather in the basement for soup and bread, with grape juice and water to drink. The bread and juice were then used for communion. We would read Scripture, pray, then anyone wishing to wash feet could go do that, and upstairs in the sanctuary we had the Stations of the Cross set up, and you could walk through that at your leisure. I always thought that was pretty powerful, and that the whole night was.

This year I changed it up. Partly because I felt I was putting way too much work into the other for only a handful of people, and partly because I like to change things around every now and then (plus Jane wasn't able to be there to help). So this year we had a very liturgical service. It was nothing but readings, meditation, and communion. I'll probably be kicked out of my denomination because we didn't wash feet (I hardly doubt I'll be kicked out, but feetwashing IS an ordinance in our denom). I decided to not do it because I wanted us to concentrate on what it symbolized, rather than the mere act of washing feet. And even though it was very different, I think it was still a very nice service. Almost all of the 12 (adults) who were there commented that they liked it. I was glad to get through it, because for being as "liturgical" as it was, I was having a hard time getting through it earlier in the evening just reading through everything. I kept getting choked up. There's something about MT that just "gets to me." Anyway, here is the order of service:

Welcome & directions

Scripture Reading (together): Psalm 116:1-4; 12-19

Call to Worship (responsively)

Scripture Reading (Scott): Exodus 12:1-4; 11-14

Prayer by me

Hymn #186 "Have Thine Own Way" (acappella)

Scripture Reading (Carrie Jade): John 13:1-17; 31b-35

Meditation on Feetwashing (imagine Jesus coming and bowing before us - what with our feet so dirty from all the muck and mire we've trod through; all the people we've walked over; all the things we've done - and he says, "Let me make you clean." And imagine who we might bow before, and how we might help them feel cleansed by his Spirit as well).

Prayer of Confession (together)
Words of Assurance (Pastor)
Response to the Word (together)

Sharing our thoughts from meditation...

Scripture Reading (Rose): 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Invitation to Communion (responsive reading)

Communion by intinction (pita bread and sparkling grape juice)

Hymn #252 "I Surrender All"

Benediction (responsively)

Three questions for spiritual formation

I found this nice article on spiritual formation at Renew Community (via). They say, "Spiritual formation happens each week when we choose to join God more and resist him less." They also suggest we get together with some other folks on a regular basis and ask ourselves these Three Questions for Spiritual Formation:

• Where did we see God at work this week?
• How did we join God this week?
• How did we resist God this week?
  

Sounds good to me.

Peace out; and in.

Blood pressure

Checked it tonight at jpwm. First time - 128/76; second time - 120/78. Yes!

The bishop and abortion/capital punishment

I have nothing against the local RC bishop - he may be a nice guy for all I know - but I've been thinking about this all day. Last night he did an "exclusive" interview on the local news about why he is boycotting Notre Dame's graduation ceremony this year. It's because Barack Obama is speaking - even though they apparently have a tradition of asking the President to speak every year. Anyway, in the interview the bishop said he was not going in protest of Obama's stance on abortion. He felt his presence there would mean he approved of it. Then he was asked about attending when George W. Bush spoke there, and how that might conflict with his stance on capital punishment. The bishop said, "You can still be a good catholic and not agree with the church on capital punishment" (I believe those were his exact words). I thought that was odd. I was surprised the bishop would say you could be a "good" catholic, and not agree with the church. Plus the fact that that seems a contradiction with the abortion thing. Not that I think abortion is right; but I don't think capital punishment is right either. And I don't know that I would have boycotted over either one. So, is the bishop setting precedent that anytime someone doesn't agree with the church, then it's ok to boycott?

I dunno. I thought it was an odd interview. And I could be wrong, but personally... he seemed kinda like he was drunk to me.

Why i blog

I suppose everyone has their own reason for blogging. I was thinking the other day about why I do. I haven't thought this through real well, but I think this is basically it:

1. There are things I want to remember. For the most part I treat this as a personal journal. It's not as private as a written one, but it's a lot easier to search for items later. The categories also help me when it's time to visit the doctor, or buy shoes, when I last had a vacation, changed guitar strings or microphone batteries, and all sorts of other stuff that just doesn't stay in my mind very well. I find it very helpful in this regard.
   
2. There are things I think others might find helpful. I don't claim a huge readership, but I know there are many who read here regularly who rarely or never comment. Which is fine with me. There are times I will run across something, or actually think of or do something myself, and if it can help someone else, then I'm all for that. I like to be helpful. I also know I have a few friends and relatives who read here, and it's a good way to keep you up to date on what's happening in my world (though it's hard, because I've found I can't really talk much about work-related stuff).
   
3. This is part of my ministry. Some would argue that I don't push the Bible or theology or Christianity enough for this to be a ministry blog. Some say I push it too much. I don't think it needs to be like that either way. I think it's ministry because of the incarnational quality. Like, "here is my life - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and you're free to learn from it what you will." Not that this is everything about me, and not that I'm always a good example for others, but I'm a fairly shy person, and this is a way for me to "be real" with people.
   

Eh... there are probably other reasons, but I think that's the gist of it. There have been times I've thought blogging was a way to form community, but I pretty much suck at that. Plus, you know, I don't think most people take anything I say too seriously. That's kinda discouraging to me. Originally I thought I would use the blog as a way for me to work through my own "stuff", but... criticism has pretty much won out on that, and I find it hard to really do that anymore. So... whatever. It is what it is.

Not controversial, but faithful

Sunday morning before our worship gathering I was praying about different things, and at one point I found myself saying something like, "Lord, I don't want to be controversial, but I want to be faithful." The thing is, I had some things to say that I knew were fairly controversial - in regard to nationalism, patriotism, and war - and I hoped I wasn't saying them just to create controversy. Not that I would do that knowingly, but I think the truth is... some people do like to just create controversy, for the sake of being controversial. I don't want to be like that. But, at the same time, I want to be faithful to what I believe God does want me to speak about. And I am fairly confident that I was merely speaking what the text was saying Sunday. But it struck me at the time that that is probably a good thing to remind myself of: don't try to be controversial, but do be faithful. You can create controversy without being faithful to God, but sometimes you can't be faithful without creating controversy. I don't want to create controversy just for the sake of controversy. There will be enough merely in being faithful. And, personally, I am glad for those times I can be faithful and there is little or no controversy. But I want to be faithful to God no matter what.

Peace out; and in.

Fresh expressions church

This is a very interesting little (or not so little) website: Share - A Guide to Fresh Expressions of Church. I haven't checked it out in-depth, but this looks like something I could use.

According to their site:

A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church. It will come into being through principles of listening, service, incarnational mission and making disciples...

Lots and lots of good stuff here, and more to come it would appear.

Via

Snow in april, and other random stuff

So it rained all day yesterday and we have water standing in the yard. Then at some point during the night it turned to snow. The ground was covered this morning, but it's pretty much melted away already. Unlike some poor souls who still have gobs of it on the ground.

This is Easter week. That means it will be a busy one. We also have a church council meeting tomorrow night, in addition to a Maundy Thursday service, a community Good Friday service, an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, and Easter breakfast on Sunday (but it's not until 9, and then we just have a regular worship service from 10-11). To top it off, not only will Carrie be here from Thursday night on, and Isaac sometime this weekend, I think my parents may be coming for the weekend too. Not that I'm complaining... it will just be busy. Probably do Jane and I good to get out of our routine.

Someone was supposed to come look at the old truck this morning to assess whether it had a terminal illness or not. The thing that holds the top of the front right shock and spring is all rusted out. I don't know if it's something that can be replaced, or if it's actually a part of the frame. If it's too serious I may just have to try to give it away for parts. It still runs good, but it needs lotsa work. I'm hoping it can be fixed so it will at least still make an occasional trip to town or can be used as an over-sized wheelbarrow.

I can't decide whether to stay up and watch the NCAA championship game tonight between Michigan State and North Carolina or not. It doesn't start until 9:21 pm. That's the thing I don't like about the dang Easter time zone. I wish we would have switched to Central like Mitch wanted us to. Anyway, I am rooting for the Big Ten, so go MSU! I am ecstatic that the supposed mighty Big East has ZERO teams in the finals. Hahahahaha. I have a Midwest bias, I know.

Yep... it's Monday.

Peace out; and in.

Note to self: an arrow pointing to heaven

1. I should include more Rich Mullins music in my daily diet.

2. I need to re-read James Bryan Smith's great (great) book, "Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven." I simply need to. I forgot how impactful this book was on me; on my faith. I also forgot I used to buy it for graduates at church. This ranks up there with Blue Like Jazz, New Kind of Christian and Messy Spirituality for me.

From p. 2...

It was more than a picture. It was the summation of a person's life, a symbol that said more about who he was than mere words can. Rich Mullins was a man who stood among the ruins - the ruins created by his own faults and failings, the ruins that result from the ravages of time. In the midst of the ruins he pointed to heaven, to the God who bundles our brokenness and heals our wounds. He felt the winds of heaven as he stood upon the stuff of earth and pointed, through his words and his music, to something larger than even our own dreams. Rich Mullins was an arrow pointing to heaven.

Blood pressure

Checked my blood pressure in Bluffton yesterday. First time - 135/71; second - 131/75. Not sure why the top number is higher than usual. I am feeling a little odd - like I'm getting a sore throat or something, and I've been a little tense about some other things. It's nice to see the bottom number down though. Whatever all that means.

Philharmonic queen

Last night Jane and I finally made it to the Embassy to see the Fort Wayne Philharmonic do the music of Queen. It was a great time. (article here)

I say "finally" because Jane was supposed to work until 7 pm, then I was to pick her up and we should have had plenty of time to toodle downtown on Jefferson for the 8 pm start. But... she had computer problems at work and we didn't leave until about 2 minutes to 8. Fortunately traffic was minimal, we found a good parking spot in the deck, and we were in our seats by 8:10.

We had excellent seats too: in the balcony, center stage (I mean *dead* center). I don't know about downstairs, but the place looked pretty much full to me. And it was *happenin'.* I don't know if the usual philharmonic crowd is used to the dancing, shouting, screaming, and singing along. It was good fun.

The band(s) sounded good too. There was a four piece band (guitar, bass, drums, keys) along with the philharmonic. The guitar wasn't quite loud enough for the first set, but they seemed to fix that. And I could always stand a little more bass sound - you know, if you can't feel it in your chest then you might as well be sittin home - but I had to remember where I was. As far as I could tell the philharmonic sounded good too, but what do I know. The highlight of this show was definitely the guy playing Freddie Mercury. Brody Dolyniuk can not only sing, but he is a true showman. He did well to not try to impersonate Freddie, but just belted out his tunes, did a few of his struts, and then went to work winning over the audience through humor, interaction, and several jaunts into the seats. He was superb. Kudos to arranger/composer Brent Havens for putting this show together. Having seen the music of Queen and Led Zeppelin in this format, I hope they someday bring back the Pink Floyd show. THAT would be special.

I suppose these shows are somewhat of a clash of cultures at the Embassy. Philharmonic regulars and rock n' rollers all rolled into one. But everyone seemed nice enough to those of us not quite so suave and sophisticated. I felt bad for a couple couples of "older" folks (like 70's or 80's) who sat two rows in front of us. They were obviously regulars (suits and dresses and old-money bling), and you could tell they didn't quite know what to think of some of the music and antics. But they were nice enough not to show any hints of disapproval other than covering their ears on occasion. I didn't think it was very polite of some of the other people around them to point and make fun of them though. I hope I can be as open-minded when I am that age.

We actually saw several people we knew there. I think we even saw Heather Herrin, of tv15, as we were making our way to the stairs. She is quite a looker in person. And it's funny, because just the night before we saw one of the reporters for channel 15 in Walmart. Oh, and the guy behind me said he stood at the urinal next the the mayor.

Even though it started off a little tense, it was a pretty darn good night.

Peace out; and in.

Out and about

Some random tidbits getting me out of the house...

• Last night I drove up to Auburn (45 min.) by myself and scouted a guy I will probably book for the pavilion in July. Jane had class, and this guy had called me earlier in the year about the possibility of playing at our place. I always think it's a little odd when people call *me* to ask about playing. I mean, it's one thing to get calls from all the Southern Gospel groups, because, well, because. But this guy is from Nashville, TN and supposedly travels all over the country. So, I heard he was playing in the area, I had nothing else to do and thought some social interaction would do me good, so I went. And it was weird, because he was playing at a Best Western (which I thought was odd), but this Best Western has to be THE COOLEST hotel like this I have ever been in. It has like a screened in porch all across the front, and it's decorated like an old-time Inn. Anyway, there were only about 30 people there, but he did a nice show. He seemed fairly "normal" - or at least he seemed kinda like me (maybe that's not so normal). He was about my age, did a comedy routine, played guitar and sang, and sorta preached a little, but it wasn't "preachy." I enjoyed it. He did an hour show, and asked for donations in a coffee can. And he sang a bunch of Christmas Carols, only he changed the words to them. I like a guy who can unapologetically sing Christmas Carols in April. I didn't stick around afterward, but I will contact him later and try to book him for sometime in July. I think he'll be great for the pavilion.
  
• Tonight m'lady and I will class it up and go down to the Embassy Theater as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic does the music of Queen (an article here). This oughta be good. We were there in 2005 when they did this with Led Zeppelin music and that was pretty awesome. I mean, it won't quite be like going to a full-fledged rock concert... and I could really stand to do one of those again soon, because it's just hard to beat that pre-concert anticipation/expectation feel. But I'm looking forward to this.
• I am also considering going downtown to the train station today to the Rally for Rail event to try to get passenger train service back in the Fort. I think that would be a grand idea. They're also supposed to have bands playing and such. We'll see how I feel later.
• And... just for the record, I think it was a GREAT idea to put the baseball stadium downtown. I am actually looking forward to attending some Pothead's games. I wouldn't even think about it if it were still out by the Coliseum, because I'm not that into baseball. But I like going downtown, and I will probably try to make a few games just because of that.
• Speaking of which, yesterday I came across the Parkitfortwayne website. It has lots of handy information about parking downtown. Those Downtown Improvement District people are doing a nice job, I think.
  

Well, we actually have bacon in the house, so I think I'm going to have some bacon and eggs for Friday breakfast.

Peace out; and in.

Is jesus real

This is a link to a 34-minute video of Carl Medearis talking about his dealings with Al Jazeera tv; Hezbollah leaders; the place of politics in the world; the interaction between Christian and Islamic society; how Christians can show Christ to Muslims; and who Jesus was 2000 years ago and who he is today. Extremely informative, a little convicting, and a really good teaching. I would encourage anyone who stops by here to take a half hour and watch this. Thanks to Tom for the link (and I think his brother Dave is somehow connected with this guy).

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8840641224633551184

Some questions it raised for me (if I believe Jesus):

• Who is my worst enemy?
• How am I showing them love?
• How am I praying for them (or am I)?
• How can I bless them?
  

Is it a sin to be average

One mistake I think a lot of pastors and church leaders make is they think all people are supposed to be leaders. All their sermons are about making and developing leaders in the church; all their time is spent on leadership development; all their accolades go to those who grow and excel in those areas. The problem is... the church is made up of a lot of non-leaders too. And it's not a sin to not be a leader (unless you're supposed to be, but that's not my call).

Anyway, awhile ago Tom shared a nice article with me by Larry Osborne entitled, Is It A Sin To Be Average, and it brightened my day. In the first paragraph he says,

As a young pastor I had the idea that God calls every Christian to do great things. My faith heroes were all mountain-moving, charge-the-hill spiritual warriors. I assumed full submission to Jesus would transform anyone into a spiritual Braveheart; kicking-butt for Jesus and marshalling a battalion of others to do the same.

It sounded good. It was motivational. It was pure baloney.

Worse, it was spiritually dangerous. Not just for me, but for my flock. It filled me and the rest of our leaders with pride. It overwhelmed my congregation and non-leader types with unrealistic and unreachable standards of spirituality. And, I'm pretty sure, it ticked God off.

It's a good article, and I recommend you read the whole thing. He still seems to distinguish a bit between leaders and laypeople though, and I'm not sure what he would say about me - I don't think all leaders are the same. At least I hope not. Maybe we need some weak links like myself to hold things together - you know, like when all the great and mighty leaders are at a conference in California or off saving some poverty-stricken land or something. I wish I were like them. But I'm not. I am what I am. And I'm glad God doesn't expect me to be anybody else.

emerging churches: reasons and warnings

I received my May 2009 "Been Thinking About" from Mart De Haan, and it is on "Emerging Churches." It's really, really good (I think). Mart works for RBC Ministries, which is where our church gets the devotional Our Daily Bread which we give out for free. He also has a blog by the same name, and I don't know if the things I get in the mail eventually make it to the blog or not. I hope so, because I think it would be good for more people to see the entire thing. Hopefully he won't mind if I post a few tidbits here though.

I like how he points out the good things many emerging churches affirm (reasons for):

1. The triunity of God as a basis for valuing community rather than self-centered individualism.
2. Church as a mission, a conversation, and a movement of Jesus' people rather than just an organization.
3. Spiritual leaders who listen as well as teach, and who influence through example rather than authority and control.
4. A willingness to think through together the stories and mysteries of the Bible rather than just taking for granted inherited doctrinal statements.
5. Living and enjoying the Bible rather than just studying and defending it.

He also does a nice job of pointing out some issues in the traditional evangelical church that gave reason for the need to 'emerge':

1. Regarding ideas that are possible implications of the Bible as if they were necessary implications, absolutes, and tests of orthodoxy.
2. Emphasizing theology, favorite doctrines, and the letters of Paul rather than telling the stories of the Bible and of lives changed by Christ.
3. Giving the church a hypocritical reputation by politicizing homosexuality and abortion while ignoring sins of pride, racial prejudice, greed, and the abuse of women.
4. Interpreting and applying the Bible as if it were written to our generation rather than first trying to understand what it meant to the people living when it was written.
5. Seeing church authority as a matter of heirarchy and control rather than the example and servant attitudes of Jesus.

But he doesn't stop there. He also notes some of the opposite extremes the emerging church can go to as a sort of warning:

1. In an effort to honor the mystery of God and not go beyond what has been revealed, they may say less than the Bible makes clear.
2. In an attempt to live out Jesus' story of the good Samaritan, some emphasize social action at the expense of eternal considerations.
3. While talkng about a lifelone journey of faith, some are neglecting the decision that begins the journey.
4. In an effort to experience personally the way God can speak to us, some may forget that all of the New and Old Testament teaching is inspired by God for our spiritual growth.
5. While trying to avoid judgmental and condemning attitudes, some neglect what Jesus said about a coming judgment.

He wraps up by making a comparison to the churches in Revelation 2-3. I thought this was a very good, fair, and balanced look at the positives and negatives of not only the emerging church, but the traditional evangelical church as well. At least he expressed some views I have had (on both sides). I hope he makes this available online sometime. Very nicely done.

Carrie at curry night

Daughter Carrie has her pic, along with a nice article about Curry Night, on p. 19 of this edition of Findlay Now magazine. A good article, and an even better idea. It kind of takes a while to load on my computer.

This is something I would love to do - just get people together for some fun, food, and fellowship. I'm glad for these folks and hope it continues well.

Essential computer software for windows

Jordon Cooper was nice enough to list his Essential Windows Software for his computers. Looks good to me. I may be needing it sometime.

Caved in and filed my report

I can't even be a rebel right. I was not going to file my annual paperwork with the denomination or region this year to show my displeasure with things. But I went ahead and did it today because, who am I kidding, nobody cares. It's only a couple months past due, and I suppose it's only fitting that I did it on April Fool's day, since I am such a dag nabbit fool. Plus, I really don't want to be one of "those guys" anyway. If all I'm ever known for is being mad and/or against everything, then I'm really no different than the legalistic fundy's that I despise so much. So, there are zero's where our attendance figures and such are supposed to be, but at least they can't say I didn't do it. I hate the taste of crow. Dahdeedahdeedoh.