Words from the Wick...

spoken word > religion?

2012-01-13T09:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I posted the status "seems everyone and their mother has discovered the Jesus>Religion video today. I understand what he's saying, and agree with some of what he says...but something doesn't feel right..."

If you haven't seen the video, check it out here.

But what followed was quite a few comments, and I think there are some good words here. I'm posting them straight up, and have removed the names to keep their privacy:

"#1 - I totally agree with the video.

#2 - I think that it is missing the fact that God came to us while we were yet sinners......so that we wouldn't stay that way

#3 - I think it is right, but it words things in a way that could be misleading at times. For instance, when it says "Religion says Do...Jesus says Done." yes, Jesus did accomplish/conquer sin and death - he has done all we need for salvation. But Jesus ALSO says DO. Go out and make disciples of all nations - spread my word...my name....So for this particular piece in the video, it is misleading. It should say "Religion says Do....Jesus said it's Done, but still DO!" I'm glad at least more people will hear His name!

#4 - how can I like this status a few more times?!?!?! (He's "throwing the baby [AKA The Church] out with the bathwater)

#3 - Actually, I think he is trying to wake the church up with this video. The church is one of his intended audiences, if I'm guessing right. He does say that he loves the church. But I get some of that same vibe as you do for sure. I think he is a little disgruntled with the church.

#2 - It seems to be trendy to put down the church... We have to remember that the church is the vehicle God chose to bring the news of Jesus into the world. Also, I disagree when he says that religion causes wars... The fact is, sin bring about conflict and fighting...we are Christs bride after all

#3 - When Christ chose the "church" to spread His word, he was referring to his followers - not a building with walls, so I think this guy is unhappy with what we humans have done with the "organization" part of the church. I may be wrong though.

#5 - It doesn't feel right, I think, because it's chock full of generalizations, and yes, tosses the baby out with the bathwater.

"If religion is so great, why has it started so many wars?"

--We're talking about the same God who gave governments and nations the responsibility to wield the sword, right? Serving the same God who prepared and sent his own people to war, which annihilated entire people groups? War, while never pleasant and often unjustified, isn't always so.

"Why does it build huge churches, but fail to feed the poor?"

So, the millions of dollars raised by organizations like WorldVision and denominational mission programs like we have in the Church of the Nazarene are a failure, then, because hunger and poverty aren't eliminated? "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." --Matthew 26:13

"Tells single moms God doesn't love them if they've ever had a divorce..."

I don't know what churches this fellow's been in, but around here, our churches are chock full of single moms who have found God's grace, His love, and an awesome support system within the church. Again, generalization.

Ultimately, he seems to be focusing on the church as an institution in need of reform. In that respect, he's correct, and there are people who take on the name of "Christianity" while either living the opposite of Christlike or attempting to be so through behavior modification rather than Christ's saving grace. However, the church as the true gathering of Christ's body is another story.

He's right on about some things and just off about others, which is why it doesn't feel right to me. It follows the trend of using "religion" as a buzzword and assuming that God hates it, and that it's the opposite of Christianity in all aspects--which, by the way, is another generalization. If we take scripture seriously, then everything the video talks about being the opposite of religion--feeding the poor and loving the widow--is exactly what religion is.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." --James 1:27
16 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 1

#2 - I'll say one more thing and I am done. I think when many say that God did not intend for the church to become institutionalized...they don't always know what they are saying. Perhaps they read it in some book or heard someone say it and they agree in principle.

An institution is merely a group in relationship to further a purpose or cause. As humans we naturally begin to organize these groups because this is our nature to do so. Granted... It's the political aspect that is the sin here but if we are throwing out the concept of an institution then we are also throwing out marriage and the gifts and talents that God gave humans to reason and implement.

If we are called to further the Gospel then we as humans, taking Him seriously, would then find the most efficient way to do so...

Of course the church needs reform...but let's not just reform to a trendy version of current societies definition.

#6 - Thank You Wick! I appreciate you calling attention this.

#7 - Wick, I too appreciate your status here. Totally agree with previous comments that it has become trendy to point out faults of the church and overgeneralize them. Jesus loved the church and gave himself up for her, so I should as well. Also, why have so many pitted Jesus against religion? Jesus didn't come to destroy religion, he came to destroy sin, evil and death. Another thought, Jesus accepts us as the broken sinners we are, but he does fix things...he wants to renew and restore us. I'm becoming less and less comfortable with the whole, "oh we're all just a bunch of jacked up sinners" stuff.

#8 - This is a great conversation and I'm just butting in (i haven't seen the video but will look it up)... Jesus died a Jew- there was no Church!

#9 - love this conversation. After all, I believe we all have been frustrated at one time or another at "church", but you still have to love her. That's why I love the quote from St. Augustine, "the church is a whore, but she's my mother."

#10 - Wick- I'm anxiously awaiting your thoughts...just sayin'....

Wick Anderson - Wow...just got on and read through this. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. Good stuff. This is me high-fiving many of your statements. I think along the lines of receiving the gift and style of "spoken word" he's given, it's an intimate portrait of his experience. As such, even though it rubs me the wrong way, I think it's an honest expression of where he is in his journey - and glad he shared it.

It's obviously connecting with many...it's being shared all over the place...which should break our hearts. What this man speaks of, should not be anyone's experience of the bride of Christ. There are many places she is beautiful...may we seek to celebrate, and be ready for... our bridegroom.

#11 - Agreed. This is where he is and how he feels. It would be wrong to hear his beautiful rhyming and say "yea, down with religion." Yes we are the body..the church, but we also meet in a building that people refer to the church...where different religions are housed. Through those houses, many people have come to Christ. If you view religion as different sects, yes it can get ugly and uncomfortable, but when viewed as a way of telling others about Christ, it works. By the way, great quote #9. I never heard that before.

a minute of thanks.

2011-12-16T13:59:00.000-06:00

(wrote this to read to my church after pastor appreciation month, was supposed to stay 60 seconds or less)

60 seconds to drop a few words on the spot
about the love I got for my Moundford Fam
For the care they've shown as my children have grown
And they've known more about who I am.

For the cards, and the cookies, the smiles and the calls
But most of all for the love overflowing
For the fact that God's only still beginning to sprout
The fruit from the seeds that we're sewing.

A Michigander I am, and I'll always be,
But Decatur I surely call home.
You've seen me be goofy, make you proud on TV,
And love my family like one of your own.

I've seen you give of your time and your money,
'Til backs ache and sweat pours off your brows.
I've seen a city transformed by your love,
Without anyone taking credit with bows.

And so after a month of receiving your thanks,
Your cards and appreciation.
It seems a short poem is like using a squirt gun
To fill a Semi at a gas station.

So I hope you will know throughout the whole year
Just how much my family you are.
And together with Christ as our center and source,
I look forward to Him taking us far. (-ther)

:)

sore loser.

2011-12-14T15:04:00.000-06:00

Mr. Ramsey - are you listening?

Dave Ramsey gave away $10,000 today. It was incredible.

The winner said he entered 600 times. Dave laughed. Gave him an audible "high five". Congratulated him. Encouraged others that we too could be winners like this guy.

It seems Dave Ramsey would advocate better use of time than that. Gambling is addictive.

He said about a million people entered his contest?
Let's figure each entry took a minute to complete.
That's over 16,600 HOURS of time donated to entering this contest.

Is taking away 16,600 hours of time people could be spending with family, friends, work, etc.....worth the 10,000 bucks?

Probably not.

Let's say the winner was fast, and was able to do 3 entries per minute...he still spent over 3 hours sitting at his computer doing nothing but clicking your website. Are you advocating millions of people should waste away their holiday moments like this?

I could just be a sore loser too. :)

Rant over.

(full discloser: My wife and I took FPU, and benefited from it. I'm currently finishing up teaching "Generation Change" to our church's youth group. It's not perfect - but tweaked a bit to touch all the resources we can honor God with - it's a great conversation/small group starter.)

Outdoor Nativity Sets

2011-11-25T20:04:00.001-06:00

I've been given the opportunity to share my thoughts/experiences on "Outdoor Nativity Sets" with you!! Be sure and watch the video, that shows how easy the set-up is, even for the average Joe who doesn't read the directions much at all for as OCD as he usually is.

It looks a little wobbly in the video, but rest assured, after attaching the brackets to the back of it, sliding the metal poles into both sides and into the ground....this thing isn't going anywhere!!!

As much as I would really love a giant glowing plastic Santa, or a huge inflatable snowman to frighten children with and reduce the value of our neighborhood listings......I'm stuck with this. A dignified, simple, elegant way to say "We've decorated our yard with Jesus."

And really, who doesn't wanna say that? :) Check out OutdoorNativitySets.com for more info!!

glad you asked...

2011-09-20T08:48:00.000-06:00

In the final chapter of my book, I talk about God making us in His image – as creative beings. Along those lines, a poem that came from a combination of reading a great book on the history of Heaven, and some time in prayer:

I was captured late one evening, watching Leno with my wife.
Feeling fine, and looking forward to his guest.
I remember getting lost in admiration as she yawned,
and I knew my wife was needing to get some rest.

I would never again tell her, that I was filled with love,
For her presence, for her comfort, and her heart.
As I was captured somewhere else, no moments to look back-
No telling her that I was to depart.

But sadness wasn’t pressing in on me, no mourning tears in my eyes.
The rush of “other-ness” was close at hand.
In all my years of praying, reading scripture, and imagining,
Nothing prepared me for how I left this land.

From dreaming into consciousness – I was born again, again.
Like going underwater, or emerging from a tent.
From darkness into light, and from parched land into flooded-
I didn’t so much as “go” as I was “sent”.

The atmosphere was buzzing like I had never seen,
My eyes struggled to bring images into sight.
Slowly from the haze, clouded warmth, and all the “other”,
There began to make some sense of overwhelming light.

I was being led by someone, who knew my name quite well.
I tried to look, but they moved like rushing wind.
In an instant, I felt assured of forgiveness-
Granted release and pardon for my sins.

We arrived somewhere I’d never seen in all my years of thinking,
Of dreaming and of wondering what comes next-
Surrounded by what I somehow knew were 72 virgins,
In the midst of a giant gardening complex.

He saw my confused and surprised facial expression, as I took in my surroundings
I was forced to change position into sitting.
I saw a grin sneak up upon his face,
He pulled my hand with a wink, and said, “I’m only kidding!”

In an instant we were surrounded by a giant grassy field,
Guitar was strumming somewhere distantly.
I was guided to top of the largest mountain around,
And at the top, a simple Bodhi Tree.

But once again, he saw my face had not expected this
He asked me to describe what I was thinking.
I found myself at a loss for words, I looked back and saw Him smile,
As the tree and the mountains started shrinking.

The physical world I was used to began to disappear from sight,
And I wondered what might still remain in store.
When suddenly we were reclined sipping Arnold Palmers
As the ocean waves crashed upon the shore.

“Is this Heaven?” I asked him. First, He took a sip,
And looked over his sunglasses silently.
He gestured up the beach at my ancestors lounging
As a sailboat passed us by He said, “You tell me.”

“I guess I didn’t know what to expect exactly”
I said to him not knowing what to say.
“I just figured as long as I was in your presence
Whatever that was like, I’d want to stay.”

He nodded his approval, like he’d heard it all before,
And grabbed my hand gently one more time-
We ascended and ascended until my head was spinning wildly,
And I didn’t think there was much more we could climb.

He sat me down upon a cloud, the curb of golden highways-
Angels strumming in the distant shining sky.
I looked to see a mansion with my nameplate on the mailbox,
He looked at me, as if expecting a reply.

I wept without preparing, I worshiped at his feet.
I sang every song that I had ever heard.
At several points I thought of telling him what I was thinking,
But every time I found myself absurd.

Finally when time had passed, he gently dried my tears,
And gave me time to rest my tired eyes.
Letting go of what I wanted to say, I found some words,
And waiting for me to speak, he helped me rise…

“I have a lot of things” I said, “That I think Heaven should be,
Most come from books, and pictures and stories told.
Still some are things that I want to experience, but now that I’m here,
I’m not sure that I’m buying what I’ve been sold.”

He flashed a loving smile at me, as a Father would his child
With a look that assured me I was up to the task.
As I looked at Him, all I could say was “What did you have planned?”
His smile growing large, he said, “I’m glad you asked…”

1 Corinthians 2:9 “However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”

placing Jesus.

2011-09-19T10:06:00.000-06:00

"We were left to believe that Jesus was physically raised from the dead but no longer present in any particular place." - Ken Wilson, Mystically Wired

In chapter 4 of his book, Wilson talks about prayer as a location. As something we participate in by "going somewhere". I find metaphorical hungers being fed in this chapter, that have been grumbling for quite sometime now. So much so, that even as I begin chapter 5, I highly recommend this book to anyone launching into new realms of prayer. (note: my entire local church family) :)

In his book, he is gradually re-introducing Christianity as a religion with roots in Eastern/Middle-Eastern traditions, while remaining very scripture/experience/reason centered as well. He begins with the frustrations that I'm well familiar with, and would venture to say many others would be as well. Wilson reminds us of what prayer truly can be, and that our frustrations with prayer generally stem from our attempts to make it something else.

Later in the book, it seems, he introduces many prayer techniques that may be new to many people. These techniques and prayers find their sources in ancient practices that have been used by Christ-followers and God-seekers for a very long time. I remember being introduced to many of these back in college, while reading The Sacred Way, by Tony Jones.

What I hadn't received with Jones' book, was the much on the theology of space/place. The words from Wilson's book here, as quoted above, help to fill a gap that has existed for quite sometime. It's something that is simultaneously quite complex and mysterious, and yet simple for us to grasp:

1. We pray in the resurrected Jesus, and in His name. We believe He stands as the bridge between the world/creation as it is (broken and dying from sin), and the New Heavens and New Earth God desires to bring about. (Colossians 1:18)
2. We believe Jesus has been bodily/physically resurrected, and exists somewhere/somehow as the resurrected Christ. Scripture tells us He has gone to be with the Father (John 16:28)
3. So it follows, when we pray in Jesus, we are connecting/participating in that place where God is. We cannot explain/rationalize this away, and probably cannot grasp just how important it may be.

Wilson reminds us that for ages, "heaven" was believed to be "up there" somewhere. At some point, science allowed us to see/travel much further than eyes had previously seen. We discovered there was no "up there" besides the seemingly infinite "space". When that happened, heaven took the form of an "idea" and became spiritually intangible. Prayer became more and more an introspective "what happens inside of me" journey, and the focus became more and more within...even though we still believed we were connecting with a very real God.

That same realm of science is discovering there are things we cannot know/explain. There are atomic and quantum levels of existence that we cannot know or predict, and some things seem to point toward parallel universes/dimensions. So what exactly does prayer accomplish in regard to our relationship to a God who may be "located" more fully in another "dimension"? What does that even mean? :)

I don't know. :)

But it certainly increases my urge/desire to spend more time going before that God, and praying in Jesus' name. Not because I believe in some gnostic magical passage I'll discover, but because I believe in the bodily resurrected Christ who has called us to pray in His name...perhaps I'll even take my family with me. :)

i am an author.

2011-08-23T22:24:00.000-06:00

I remember in college, I was determined to prove that a certain “Poetry” contest was a scam. I had too many people who’d bragged about writing a piece of poetry that was “chosen to be included” or “won a spot within” a volume of selected writings (available for a large fee). So I found a brownie recipe, and went to work. I copied that recipe, word for word, even including some of the numbers. I snickered a bit, thinking there’s no way this would actually work.

A short while later, I received my “Congrats!” letter in the mail. Sure enough, my “poem” had been chosen above many entries to be included in a collection of poetry by new authors just like me! So did I call my mom and excitedly announce my dreams as a creative author had finally become actualized?? Nope. I smiled a bit, thankful I wasn’t going to shell out the money to purchase my poem within a book. Though the wooden plaque with my poem mounted upon it might be handy in the kitchen someday….I decided against it. The cost of a joke should never outweigh it’s value in humor. And this was more sad, than funny. I became skeptical of anyone saying they’d been published in a book, if it didn’t involve a contract.

I may have not mentioned it before, but my daughters are professional artists. Seriously. You should see them draw my likeness: Giant round head, and arms that stick out like twigs from a dying bush. They’ve been offered contracts at museums in New York and Chicago, but we really want to keep them well-grounded. So for now, it’s the giant rolls of paper from IKEA on our mini-easel.

Okay, so they may not be able to sell much to even our local art auctions…but when you watch my daughter lean into that paper with a half-crayon with no paper left to pick away…you know artistic genius is at work. I love watching her, and I pray she continues to feel the creative freedom she exhibits in that moment. As she creates on paper, she is reflecting God into a world that needs His image.

It also challenges me.

Since March, I’ve been sitting on a fully written book about how God can use parenting to transform us. I’ve been waiting for a publisher to take a chance on me, and move toward publication. I’ve always subconsciously felt that self-published books were a sign that the material inside wasn’t worth a publisher’s attention. So I continued to wait.

But why did I write? Because God has used parenting to change who I am, and I believe He’s only begun. Because I wanted to put some of that into words, so that others may realize what He could already be doing in their lives as well, and offer new hope to those expectant parents learning Lamaze, still eating bad cookies and punch. But my daughters won’t wait to show people they love, a drawing they’re proud of – they’ll grab it and place it on the highest mountain (or fridge) they can reach!

So here we are. I don’t have a physical book published (yet?). But I’ve written words that I believe are only possible because of God’s work in my life. I’m proud/thankful for them, and believe they can offer much to those beginning this journey of parenthood. It’s available for $2.99 via electronic download (you don’t need a Kindle, you can use your computer using the free software they offer!!) until some publisher decides it’s worth putting into a larger market. But in the words of Lamar Burton, “You don’t have to take my word for it…”

a nu thang.

2011-08-17T11:14:00.000-06:00

You may have heard by now, I've written a manuscript that I hope becomes a book. I've been e-mailing back and forth with editors for Beacon Hill Publishing since October 2010. Honestly, it takes quite a bit longer to hear from them than I'd anticipated. At one point, they responded favorably, even asking if I'd change a few things in the first few chapters. They liked what I'd written, and told me I would hear back from them.

So here we are, several months from that point, and I've yet to hear what they're planning/not planning. Maybe they're working hard to figure out how to best market/push the book, and what sorts of speaking engagements I might be good for. Maybe they're figuring out how to let me down easily, not wanting to bruise my tender ego. Maybe the manuscript got shoved down in someone's bookbag, and they've received 30 other books since then. It's got some coffee on it, and it may have been thrown out with the soggy napkins weeks ago.

In any case, I feel strongly enough that the words I've written have helped me as a parent, and I want to share them with other young parents, and those who will soon have children. I'm currently going back through what I've written, doing some cleaning up and editing. My plan is to finish editing, create an attractive book cover, and upload my manuscript as an "Amazon Kindle" book for now. I realize that may aim for a smaller market, but the good news is, you can use Kindle's software on your computer, laptop, iPod touch, or iPad to read books as well. Hopefully I can get the word out once it's released. If you would invite me to post something on your blog at that point - I would LOVE to be a guest of yours.

I've also created a new webpage/blog, "www.differentparent.com" (The working title of the book is: "Different: How God Uses Parenting to Transform Us Wholly"). I intend to use that website to focus on God using parenting, and other parenting type posts/etc. I realize my personal blog here has too many other topics/ramblings to attract the attention of my books' primary audience.

All that to say, watch for updates! If you can help me get the word out about my blog in any way for now, I'd love the help! I will let you know if I hear from Beacon Hill, or if I'm going through Amazon as soon as I know anything! Thanks for reading!!!

foncusion

2011-08-16T14:23:00.001-06:00

"You need to look out for you. You are your number one concern. Look out for yourself, and what you need, and you will succeed. If you find anyone in your crew who is looking out for themselves, kick 'em out, because they're not going to help you." - paraphrased quote from today's rally

Whoa. I was confused. Seriously. Here are gathered a couple hundred people under the theme of "Pump up the Pride - Uniform Rally". It's true, they talked about uniforms, and how it's a positive change. People clapped. They gave away some free pop. It was delicious. But honestly, many were there simply to pick up their school schedules. The main speaker was a judge from the County Courthouse, who spoke largely in quotes and idioms.

But I understand the heart and desire. There are large numbers of our high schoolers who serve social/worldly pressures. We say "give into peer pressure", but the pressure doesn't usually come from a peer anymore, it's bigger than that. As evidenced by today's rally:

Beneath the uniforms, call to responsible living, and promise that you can end up being an author, professional dancer, or professional musician if you simply work hard enough...there was a quiet undertone. The undertone that says, "We're not sure if you'll like us if we ask you to grow up, so we'll try to make it sound/look attractive."

There were words against drugs. Against having sex. Against drinking, and committing crimes. All sponsored by our local radio "rap" station that plays songs depicting drugs, sex, drinking, and criminal mindsets. There was a short "catwalk" of high school models wearing acceptable uniforms for the year ahead, and after their walk they were asked to do dances ("Dougie", and "Cat Daddy" to be specific...warning: those links contain offensive language) to compete for a free backpack. I felt awkward for them, and sad for our community that this is our display of how we take pride in young men and women growing up.

All that to say, how do we expect the next generation to grow into becoming men and women who respect themselves and know how to make wise decisions/difficult choices even if they're not accepted well by others...if we don't know how to model that?

May we begin with prayer...from repentance, to restoration, to renewal...

Homeschool Expo Father

2011-08-05T05:06:00.000-06:00

They said the pool was open at 5am. Sure, the workout room was open. But the little red light from the pool door told me I was rejected. Thankfully, Paula from the front desk was awake enough to find the maintenance key and let me in. A great way to wake up. But as I sit in the lobby now, refreshed and ready for day 2, some thoughts hit me from day 1.

We're in the midst of attending our first "Chicago Homeschool Expo" as a couple. Sarah attended last year, and returned very excited that I might come with her this year. So glad it worked out. This time, we even paid the extra money to attend the Thursday before the event begins, for "Homeschool 101". Intended for those just beginning. My advice? Definitely come early. It's great to get settled in. But save that money for IKEA, and read some articles online instead.

The two women that presented were great people. Lots of experience there. But one of the 3 sessions even ended with the statement, "Oh, and don't come to _______ (a seminar) tomorrow, what I just told you was the same thing." Really? We paid quite a bit extra to hear what we could have heard tomorrow?

I'm discovering some interesting things in Homeschooling. Primarily, that there are as many ways of doing it as there are homes. Here are a couple (rephrased) quotes from yesterday:

"I believe in 7-up. No children allowed out of their rooms until after 7am, so that the parents can have time to themselves before the day begins. Before you start your school day, be sure to shower/dress as if your family were leaving the house. It helps to separate school from home, and communicates what we're doing here matters."

(the other speaker) "Be sure to make sure your household chores are done before homeschooling. Also, you may want to sleep in until 11am sometimes, that's fine. In fact, you may even want to just keep everyone's pajamas on. That's just one of the many benefits of homeschooling! Heck, you should probably just take the entire month of December off also, because it'll be quite busy anyways."

Wow. I couldn't believe it. I can see the importance now of finding like-minded homeschooling families to rub shoulders with. I can also understand what must go through some people's minds when they discover we're homeschooling our children. Perhaps their experience has been either ridiculously conservative approaches, or the second quote from above. I think we find ourselves connecting more with the first speaker quoted above, though I'm sure there will be more relaxed days. I look forward to the family time this path will allow for our home.

There were some other great things I learned also. One being simply, to be involved with my wife, because it is a decision WE have made, even if she's the primary "teacher" (though I hope to be involved in what teaching I can also). She needs to know I'm not only behind her 100%, but standing shoulder to shoulder with her in the education/development of our children. I have also attained the title of "Principal" of our school. Mrs. Anderson will have the children report to me if they become disruptive or unruly in class....(snicker). Seriously though..thinking of myself in that role certainly communicates a more involved role in everything going on. I like that.

Finally, the reminder that the decision to home school is made on a yearly basis. It's daunting when someone asks "Are you doing this through graduation from HS?" to answer them "Yup." Even though that is our goal at this point, we will decide annually, and re-evaluate in the summers. One year at a time, making sure this is a healthy decision and beneficial for what God is doing in our family/home. In fear and trembling..

All that to say....here we go....day 2..

youth ministry as failed experiment.

2011-08-01T14:48:00.000-06:00

You don't have to look far these days, to find young adults & adults who were once involved in a Church community, and no longer see any need to be. Many of these have also let go of any felt "need" for Christ/God/etc. But some feel they're satisfied Spiritually even without being involved in "the institutional church".

Often it seems, we graduate teens who then look for an experience of church that is similar to the addictive product we've called "youth ministry". Instead of moving into adulthood, many times they leave their churches to find alternative "young adult" or "relevant" ministries. Sometimes these are connected to larger churches, where relationships can occur. But often, these are simply islands of ministry, offering to "serve" the unchurched, or de-churched. It's easy to point a finger. It's more humbling to realize what that means for the ministry/church I'm pouring my life into.

Recently a book has been published, and documentary created (view it for free until Sept. 15th) that point out the problem with much of our modern Youth Ministry. There are some extreme beliefs in the movie (haven't read the book yet, it's on its' way), such as "not believing in literal 6 day creation = evil". But if you can keep watching past that, there is a great call to family/home/cross-generational/Christ-centered Church. A calling to parents (although they focus on the men usually here - a subject for another blog) to reclaim their role as the primary source of discipleship for their children. A calling to pastors to sound that call to parents, and become a champion for them. A calling to the entire church body to become the family for those children/youth who need fathers, mothers, grandparents, etc...who will lead them towards Christ.

Both in ministry, and as a father of 3 little girls, I want to take these truths to heart and practice. I want these young people that I love, to be drawn to the Family of Christ, both now and in a way that grows roots for a lifetime. These are all things we've been praying/working toward as a pastoral staff, ever since before attending the D6 Conference last year in Texas. To not create a "family/home ministry", but to raise what we've built, and lay a renewed foundation throughout all we do. A foundation connecting all that we do and are, that resources families/parents/homes to be the places of discipleship/growth. As a youth pastor, I want to come alongside parents and support them as they raise children and teens who look forward to continuing a life-long journey of being part of the "Family of God", and raising their own children in the same vein, toward multi-generational faithfulness and global/local transformation/Kingdom of God proclaiming.

That may begin with a repentance of worshiping the gods of modern youth ministry. It's not about big events, being fun or hip or energetic. It's not about emotional worship. It's not even about being ambiguously "relevant/genuine", as if that's all people are thirsty for. But it's also not about denying all these things. It's about being the body of Christ.

I'm a youth pastor. But I am also a pastor. I love the people of my family, nursery to nursing home. I am called to serve all of them. Called to figure out what changes may need to happen, as with any structure what you change the foundation of - certain things may break/fall. That may mean a very small "youth group" at times. But that might be a great place to start...

sacred.

2011-07-28T14:58:00.001-06:00

"What is love, but a word with a meaning?" - Agent Smith

A while back I purchased a book called "Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces" by Jon Pahl. I was looking for a good book on spacial theology, and thought this might be one. By spacial theology, I simply mean the presence of God as located in space (opposed to simply time/events)...along similar lines as the Celtic belief in "thin places". Where the veil between God's space and ours is a bit more thin than usual.

The book ends up being a lot more of a man pointing out the places we manufacture as "sacred", and why/what that looks like. Which leads also to some great words about how we "clothe" God, and even define "sacred". Unfortunately, what we call "sacred" is often a bit further from the presence of God and His Spirit than the word might seem.

Pahl points out that "sacred" in our current popular usage carries a meaning of "not wanting anything else to mess with us while we're there." Building a protected space/experience, and digging our trenches or having others dig them for us so that while we're living in "sacred" space, we will not be disturbed. He gives examples of our home life, our shopping malls, and our Disney Worlds. Places where a fabricated experience exists, often simply "assumed" to be sacred, even if sometimes it's only in our minds.

I've not finished the book yet, mainly because it's one that I'm only reading sporadically...but this first half gives plenty of food for thought. In reading Bishop Kendall's blog this past week, he brings up a similar issue lamenting a reply he received from a congressman about his concern over the debt crisis. Kendall says of the congressman's response, "nothing was sacred—not even persons, if a crisis became severe enough."

But there's another definition of "sacred" that I'm searching for. Not simply for my home/family, but for the space I invite others into - both as pastor and as follower of Christ. So what would we consider "sacred" in our own lives? By this I do not mean "unalterable or protected" as the locations mentioned previously. I mean, where in our lives (both time and space) is the presence of God so fully real/realized that it is palpable?

I've probably not said what I wanted to say well, so I'll offer a quick summary: Are we defining "sacred" this week by how "controlled/unchangeable" our events/spaces are? Or by being dedicated to/filled with the living presence of God and His Kingdom?

Because it seems that how we define/relate to "sacred" may be rubbing off on what we consider "Holy" as well...

Kayakin...

2011-07-22T00:10:00.002-06:00

guilt and justice.

2011-07-05T13:27:00.000-06:00

It's been an interesting week in the realm of pop court cases. By which I mean, two completely separate trials - one of an ex-Governor of the State of Illinois, and one of a mother in Florida. In this past week, there has been arm-pumping by Illinois residents, even by many who admit the punishment for Rod Blagojevich will probably not be adequate. There has more recently been an outpouring of complaints over the "not guilty" verdict of Casey Anthony, a Florida mother accused of murdering her daughter. I didn't follow either case closely, with the pop-court-media-circus extending the entertainment value far beyond what was necessary. But it seems both were guilty, even though the prosecutors for Ms. Anthony could not provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

It seems much of the work in these cases, and many more like them, is focusing the attention and desire for "Justice" onto a single person/act/verdict/punishment. There is very little desire/pleading/mourning for the fact that things like this happen. Crimes like these are committed. We live in a broken world, one where we very much need for God to move, and move completely/fully/wholly.

So what of our response as citizens of the Kingdom of God? There are plenty of verses that admonish us to "seek Justice". We are created by a Just God, and in His image. Even though that image needs repairing, His fingerprint of what is "just" is among us. Even as young children, fighting over a toy, there is a desire for someone to come and make things "just" once again. Of course, we may respond differently if we're the ones acting in an unjust manner. Not quite as exciting.

I believe we are called to remind the world around us that it's not as much about these individual cases as the media sometimes wants us to believe. Of course these individual instances matter. It's horrible that Caylee Anthony was killed, and our prayer is that whoever was involved will experience the "setting things right" and justice that God offers. But to limit our weeping to the Anthony family, or our own when we experience such horrors, is to miss out on connecting with the heart of God.

A heart that weeps just as much that someone would commit such an act, as for the victim of it. A desire for a world to be set right. To be made whole. To experience restoration and renewal in a way that we can experience in small ways here and now, but look forward to being flooded by, someday.

There are many looking at each other this week, asking the question "Where is Justice?" May we, as followers of God - the author of what is "Just", and who has promised to set all things right once again - speak as believers of that promise. Justice is coming. Not simply as punishment for those who murder and walk away. Not simply as a supernatural "nod" to the "justice" we've administered ourselves. But as a complete and cosmic renewal/restoration toward the Lord we've already begun to serve/declare to a universe in need of healing.

separation anxiety...

2011-06-30T04:42:00.000-06:00

Recently Addison (our 4 year old) was playing with action figure Jesus among many other toys along with her younger sister, Sophie. I enjoy watching them play, though usually it's hard not to get invited in. They were beginning to play with several "dolls" at the same time, and setting up what was happening. That's when it happened.

Addie stood up from where they were playing, and carried action figure Jesus all the way across the room, setting him down on a chair. "Jesus is all the way over here, because he is far far away from all of us in the real world."

Yikes. All of a sudden, this topic about what God has in store for us, which has fundamental roots in "Where Heaven is" seems like much more central than previously thought. We know that where the Son resides presently is not in some far off location, that only if we had a telescope powerful enough, we could spot. Yet, without thinking about it, that is precisely the theology many Christians subscribe to. That Jesus is somewhere "up there", and that someday he will come "down here" to take those who love him to a portion of the galaxy somehow untouched by sin for all these years.

How is that conveying the fact that many times in the New Testament, we find words describing our savior such as "Immanuel", "God With Us", or even bluntly "I am with you..."?

I've talked before, and better interpreters and theologians have said with better language, where Jesus is presently seems much more another dimension of the physical space as we understand it right here. In the resurrected Christ, we see the marriage of these dimensions, and the possibilities of moving between these dimensions in our future "resurrection bodies". But at the moment, our connection to this ultimate "reality" is veiled until God determines to lift that veil, revealing and pouring Himself out completely. Calling our present existence a veiled reality is not escapism. For this is the very physical world that God desires to lift the veil, revealing Himself as Lord and pouring out his resurrection life, bringing about the complete restoration of. We live here and now as citizens of that now and future Kingdom...announcing Jesus as Lord by our very lives.

He is not crouched behind a dimensional rock, hiding in wait for "someday", either. He has given us His Spirit, so that we might actually be involved/freed here and now, to live in the way we will exist when the veil is lifted completely. He actually IS Immanuel - God With Us.

So how to communicate that to our 4 year old? No, actually, you don't have to move Jesus across the room. But she's not slow enough to think he's physically standing right next to her, albeit invisibly. I suppose this is why we don't depend upon one lesson, one moment of salvation, one explanation of Christ that forever exists in the mind of our children. For now, perhaps we'll buy a wedding veil, and throw that over Jesus....

My girls.

2011-06-28T18:40:00.000-06:00

They're generally pretty cute, and get along well.

Sometimes they retain their cuteness, even when tired.

Other times, the tiredness overpowers the cuteness, although not completely.

Still other times, we milk that cuteness for all it's worth...

family prayer..

2011-06-22T08:46:00.000-06:00

In a time of prayer yesterday, I was struck once again by how similar my prayers are for my family, my local church family, and the family of God. Motivated both by a desire to connect with these prayers, and admittedly a desire to create something...I came up with a long list of passages from scripture that captured such prayers. Obviously, I couldn't use all of them in one fell swoop. But here are some that made the cut:

Deuteronomy 6:2-4

Zephaniah 3:17

Matthew 22:37-39

Mark 10:15

Luke 14:13

Luke 22:19

2 Corinthians 5:17

1 John 4:16

Revelation 21:5

I began by writing out some of the prayers with finger-painting, and then covered the canvas by hand...with the word "Love" through the image. While that dried, I wrote out the scriptures, and tried to see what words or phrases would capture them well, to fit on one canvas. Finally, I attempted to fit those phrases, with my horrible penmanship...onto the painting.

I enjoyed it. I think I might even hang it somewheres.

Words and Ashes: Prologue

2011-06-20T05:27:00.000-06:00

So I have this fiction book I was writing. Then I stopped, partially due to writers' block, and partially so I could work on a "Parenting" book. Well, now I've finished the book on parenting (not a "how to"...SOOO not qualified there. It's more of a "God wants to use parenting to transform you" type book). Now, I wanted accountability to finish this story that has already begun. It also fills the need of "I'm wanting to write, but can't think of anything incredibly profound or worth saying at the moment." When I have those moments, I will try to move forward with the book.

In any case, the end result is this. An entire fictional story, dished out one blog post at a time. I make no claims to schedule, but if you follow this blog, eventually you'll find the rest of the story. Much of it is already written. Kind of...

PROLOGUE: An Event

December 3rd,

Life was everything he could have ever asked for. Adam was at the top of his game at work. He had a great house, beautiful wife, and a son who would probably play professional hockey someday. The drive home from work that day was perfectly normal. That is, it was perfectly normal except for one small issue. He died.
He didn’t choose to die, the way one would choose to eat a cracker. It was more like the way someone chooses to fall when they trip going down the stairs. He realized he was a goner way before it even happened. He saw the guy coming before their vehicles even made contact. He thought to himself, “Anyone who drives a sporty yellow car in the middle of winter probably doesn’t know much about driving in snow.”

He was right.

A loud crash, a flash of pain everywhere in his body, and then, nothing. Not nothing like when you open a closet door you thought your friend was hiding behind only to reveal he’s not in there. But nothing like opening a door and finding the end of the galaxy. All was quiet and still. So what happens now? He felt fine. Well, fine other than the fact that he felt nothing. This was kind of weird.
All of a sudden, something came from the nothing. It was the world he had just left, going on without him. But not without him as if there had never been a him. More like, without him…having just lost him. And for some cosmic reason, he was being allowed to watch it…

Saint Louified

2011-06-14T05:49:00.000-06:00

Last week my family went on a vacation. It wasn't a holiday, we weren't traveling to meet other family, and it wasn't a trip for work that we called "vacation". It was a true, me taking a few days off, and us getting a hotel for no other reason than to get away as "The Anderson's". It was beautiful.

THURSDAY: The girls had swim lessons in Decatur, then we packed up for the Gateway City. Checking into our hotel (thanks Orbitz!), we took the girls for their promised swim in the hotel pool...on the roof! Then we changed, and went out for dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and a leisurely stroll through the park around the arch & along the flooded riverbank. Bedtime around 9:30pm.

FRIDAY: We got up early so we could be at the (free!) zoo by 8am. Between 8-9am, there is free access to usually admission-costing exhibits. We were able to pet stingrays and sharks, then head over the children's zoo/play areas/exhibits. Our kids had a blast! The weather was hot, but we spaced it out with visits to indoor animals (LOVE the Penguins, of course!), and did quite well. We took a train ride after lunch, and left still feeling great.

Next we headed over to the (free!) Science Center, where our kids enjoyed a few exhibits for younger kids. Most of the (free sections of the) museum is for an older age group, but we still enjoyed a solid couple hours there. We returned to our hotel for another long swim on the roof, soaking up the sun and scenery. Then it was dinner at the hotel (we had a giftcard!!), and a seemingly early bedtime of 9-ish-pm after an extensive family reading/playtime. (Bedtime with 3 toddlers in a hotel is always "ish")

SATURDAY: We awoke at a relaxed pace, and headed over to Park Avenue Coffee (LaFayette Square location) to try a few of their 73 flavors of "Oooey Gooey Butter Cake". It was all that I imagined butter cake could be, and then some. Our girls loved it, and they had a great outdoor patio area to enjoy. We walked around a bit near there, enjoying the weather and throwing a few pennies in the fountain. Then we drove around the city a bit, being rerouted due to a "For the Cure" 5k Walk.

Next we ended up at Union Station, where our girls loved the "Fudgery", complete with vocal entertainment, crowd interaction, and fresh fudge samples. We walked around a bit, got flattened souvenir pennies, and mommy got to grab a quick "salad-to-go" from Houlihans before we went back to the hotel. After a quick lunch of stuff we brought, Sarah laid Ruby down for a nap while I took the older two out exploring the city. We went under the arch to the museum and old-timed snack shop, and then walked deep into the downtown area to visit Schnucks and be in awe of all the all buildings!!!

We went for a quick swim in a pool that was jumping with people (many celebrating something or something else with a bit of 21-and-older beverages), and decided to go out for dinner. We wanted to check out President Obama's favorite pizza place, "Pi Pizza", famous for their cornbread crust. It was, indeed, great pizza, no matter your opinion on the man. It was even better topped off with some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard!

We ended the day by walking from the hotel down to the "City Garden", where our girls LOVED playing in the colored lights and spraying waters of the fountains! They played until well past sundown, and we walked back to put our soaking wet kids to bed.

SUNDAY: We began with a light in-room breakfast purchased from the Arch store on Saturday, sausage and cheese, and crackers...mmm. We did a short Bible story in honor of the Sabbath, of when Jesus "went on vacation" with his family, and his parents lost track of Him. Then we changed into our suits, and headed back over to the CityGarden for some more playing in the fountain while the sun was up! Our kids SERIOUSLY loved these fountains! And during the day hours, you're allowed to swim IN the actual fountains! Gotta love that, and we really think Decatur, Illinois NEEDS something similar!

After a quick change, we checked out of the hotel, and went over to a SONIC (mom's favorite) for lunch. Then it was off to the "Magic House", which is a children's museum on steroids! We spent the first couple hours in a building apparently for older kids, but found quite a bit our girls loved. Then we realized an entirely different building meant for kids our girls' age, and began to explore that!! We definitely could have stayed, alas they closed at 5:30. So after a TON of exploring, pretending, learning, and playing, we headed out to meet family from the area for a quick dinner at Fazoli's, before our girls passed out on the way home.

Altogether an INCREDIBLE time away with family. A very good reminder that a vacation with 3 toddlers CAN be done, done well, and done inexpensively!! And Saint Louis is a great city to take such a trip!!!!

Dispatch 2011

2011-06-13T09:46:00.000-06:00

Last week I had the privilege of attending a concert over 10 years in the making. I was introduced to "Dispatch" back in college by a few close friends I traveled in a band with. Their incredible music, and faith-infused lyrics caught my attention. Unfortunately it's also when the band stopped playing together. They went off to do their own solo stuff. My attention was drawn to Brad, who went off to form "Braddigan", with songs that touched more deeply into faith elements, and even actively involved his shows with bringing light to places in the world that were dark. He connected with established ministries and offered hope to people living in the garbage dumps of Nicaragua.

I have to say, the music was incredible, as expected. But I got a lot more than I'd imagined/expected along with it.

Mind you, I haven't really attended a large concert that wasn't labeled "Christian" in a long time (Hootie & the Blowfish), unless you count walking past one at Decatur Celebration. I realize this concert probably isn't what all shows are like, but it reveals quite a bit about how we are wired/created as humans.

Thousands of people, standing shoulder to shoulder, filled to the brim with emotions (or hormones? or drugs/beer?), singing the lyrics loudly...many moving to the rhythms. Let's just say the entire venue began to smell like burned palm branches, and it was not anywhere near Ash Wednesday. So how can so many people fill themselves with so much alcohol and weed, and be shouting out introspective lyrics about grand themes like forgiveness, God, Love, Jesus, hope, etc.?

I found a small clue, in one of their most popular songs "Elias". The very first line, sung in an Eastern Zimbabwe tribal language, says "If I could meet my Jesus I would be very happy with him". The song goes on, with a great message about community, helping out those in need, and being stronger when they are stronger. Dispatch has even created ways to help communities in Zimbabwe, because of the story that inspired the song.

But as the woman behind me cried "This is the most high I've ever been!!!", and a few minutes later, through the same tears, "Did you know that guy helps people who live in TRASH!! I can't believe it! People live in garbage!!"....I wondered if something may be lost in the translation of God's love for His people.

The lyrics focus on humanity being very happy with Jesus...and with each other...but neglect any mention of what God desires for His creation. I found myself, in the midst of enjoying great music; burdened to prayer for the crowds that were right on the edge of experiencing a bit of who God is....but deciding only to go as far as it benefits me and mine.

I have no doubt that God is at work, both in those moments and through their music beyond. But the concert experience reminds me there are other forces who would love to masquerade as a meaningful faith experience...

May we carry the light this week...

5 years and counting...

2011-06-02T05:02:00.000-06:00

I think five years of anything in particular can prompt a bit of a reflection. June 1st of 2006, I was officially hired by Moundford Free Methodist Church in Decatur, IL. Sarah and I had spent over a year in Decatur, waiting on God, believing He had called us here. Not only to be near family, but to be deeply involved in a ministry that held family in high regard.

Spending some time in prayer this morning, the picture above seemed to capture exactly what I wanted to convey. I feel as if the sun has only begun to rise on what God has for us here. It's hard to express just how thankful I am for where we are, and the ministry we're enabled to live out. The relationships we've built, and continue to build on.

Family has definitely been a focus of our life and ministry ever since coming to Moundford. After all, for most of our tenure so far, we've added a child every year or so to our own. We began here with no kids, and now our home contains so much cuteness that we should probably charge admission. It's a tremendous blessing to have a church that acknowledges the sacrifices of having a youth pastor at my stage in life. They could have a younger, "pre-child"-stage youth pastor with unlimited time and resources to give. They could have an older, "grown-child" stage youth pastor, who can pack up the kids or leave them at home and knows how to navigate parenting with professional life. Instead they've been enduring a youth pastor who is still learning how to balance a hugely demanding family role with a job that he never clocks out of.

I like to believe my family is a HUGE part of my life as a minister. It seems my church family agrees. We continue to experience God's "Yes!" to this path of raising a family and ministering among the people of the greater Decatur area.

There's another side to this coin. I'm almost 30, and there's that overly-quoted statistic about the short tenures of most youth pastors. Any youth pastor with a balding spot gets asked, "so when do you think you'll become a senior pastor?" My response, this morning at least, would be something like:

I get to preach often. Sometimes to the whole congregation. I get to lead worship on occasion. I get to teach/discuss/study scripture. I get to visit people in the hospital, and pray with people in their homes. I carry a burden for our church's needs in a way that drives me to prayer as one of their pastors. I also have a special love for the youth, and this stage of life that is so ridiculously fluid and foundational. I get to focus much of my energy/efforts towards calling these young adults and their families to the revelation/transformation of Jesus Christ and His Spirit. I get to help feed the hungry. I get to minister in a city that is marginalized, and actively working to reach out to the marginalized...in a congregation that is increasingly globally-burdened and active. I am in the midst of God freeing captives, bringing redemption, and giving New Life. And that's an abbreviated list.

I think this is a pretty good place to be. And we have only begun...

ascenscial words...

2011-05-31T14:58:00.000-06:00

I know "ascenscial" is probably not a word. But there is an assumption within the "ascension" that can lead to all sorts of other messes, if we don't sort it out ahead of time. Of course, it could also simply be interesting speculation...

In Luke 24:51, "While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven."

and in Acts 1:9-10, "When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them."

The word used in the Luke passage for "taken up" does not automatically mean "up" as a direction. Anymore than when my 2 year old "swallows up" her food, does it mean she took it in a direction opposite the floor.

In Acts, we find a similar situation, with Jesus being taken out of their sight as literally "a cloud received him".

These are human attempts to describe something that doesn't occur on a regular basis. Something "science fiction" authors hadn't yet developed easily-grasped modes of describing yet (if we can consider todays common sci-fi terminology "easily-grasped").

To put it simply, if Jesus went "up" from one spot on the world into "heaven", that means he went "down" from another spot on the world. We have seen the galaxies and solar systems beyond our own a bit more than they had in the early Church, enough to understand "heaven" is probably not simply "up there somewhere".

It seems more likely, especially with things like Christ entering the locked room after the resurrection, that "paradise" as Christ called it on the cross, is a realm that is not far from our own. The resurrected Christ seems to be physically going in between "paradise" and our world in a way no one else can. Recent science fiction might even refer to it as "another dimension" occupying a space very near to ours.

So what does all of this mean for us? Why does it matter?

It may not be a big deal. But it definitely offers to give us hope, as we look forward to a New Heaven and New Earth being married together. Perhaps someday we will all share in the resurrected existence we see in Christ, crossing back and forth between the two dimensions. We do not have to believe in a moment where Jesus, like Superman, looks up and thrusts his fist into the air - blasting off from the surface of the earth.

Is it any less fantastic to believe that Jesus is simply "taken into" another dimension? I suppose not. But at least I don't feel as silly. I guess it also makes me feel like God is a bit less removed than some would believe Him to be.

a new badge.

2011-05-30T09:26:00.000-06:00

It was one of those experiences that seem to define you as a parent. One of those long, perspiration and prayer filled moments that other seasoned parents watch you go through and smile, saying something like "ahh, NOW you know what parenting involves.". One that you would rather fast-forward through, but at the same time can't help but realize God wants to use this to help you grow.

I was knee-deep in a youth group graduation party, when our Childrens' Pastor came downstairs. "Your wife is taking your daughter to the ER, and you need to go. I don't know what's wrong." It was a blur from there until arriving at the ER before they even got there. Waiting to see what could be wrong. Finally they pulled up, and Sarah handed me Ruby. A faint smile as she recognized me, and no blood. But it was around 7pm, and this one year old that usually bounced off the walls was laying heavily across my arms.

She continued to lay, on the edge of consciousness, as Doctors examined her. Poking and prodding, listening and asking questions, she disregarded them as if a gentle breeze. The list of tests was seemingly endless. Urine samples (who knew a little girl could pee on the nurse that far away?), cotton swabs, blood samples, CT Scan, Spinal Tap, and an EEG. The first tears rolled as they began the IV. Her bottom lip pouted out as if to catch every tear that traced her cheeks. In the midst of her cries, she looked up at me as if to ask "Why are you letting them do this?" As drops of blood stained the sheet beneath her, I asked myself the same thing. Her temperature had spiked to near 103 since arriving. I kissed her sweat-covered forehead with all the love I could convey, whispering it would be alright.

As every test came back healthy, we were glad she was fine in that regard, but confusion continued to mount. What was this?

Over the next couple days, she returned to us. Her temperature stayed down for longer periods. She grew restless, wanting to be held at first, and then wanting to walk a bit. We were stored neatly in a closet used as a room for infants in the pediatric hall. It was no small miracle that the tube emerging from her arm held to the tape that seemed just as painful as the needle itself. My wife volunteered (read "required") herself to stay with Ruby each night, sacrificing comfort to provide loving presence. Time passed with prayers, walks down a short hallway, and visits with love. It's hard to imagine someone enduring this in the midst of tornado damage, as some have done recently in other areas. We remain thankful for all we have.

About 3 days later, they'd tested everything possible. Still no idea. They determined it had been a virus of some sort, and that she had sufficiently fought it off. We could go home. A quick lunch, and then we laid all 3 girls down for the first "family nap time" in quite a while.

Waking slowly, we noticed our 2nd born had grown a fever during her nap. At least this time, we could skip the hospital involvement...

stones and flags

2011-05-23T09:51:00.001-06:00

1 Peter 2:4-5 "As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

We are told that Jesus is "THE living Stone". Peter continues to tell us that we, "like" living stones, are being built into a "spiritual house". This comes as an important reminder in a world of flag-like faith.

I believe we generally approach faith, and our lives, as if we were flags for the Kingdom. We will wave, often vigorously, advertising the Kingdom. Declaring it's existence. We will even allow ourselves to become so large, decorated, and adorned with all sorts of extra stitching, under the guise of becoming attractive to those looking for the flag. Parents, and grandparents will even invite the next generations to wave their flag along-side of us. But this analogy was never offered to us in scripture. Instead, we are given the connection of "stones", and not just any stones you find on the side of the road - but stones for BUILDING upon.

What if we truly lived as those who desire to be built upon? If life was less about what I can advertise and wave to those around me and those generations to come - and more about what foundations I can help lay for those who will be built upon me?

It's easy to become a flag. It's enjoyable. We can enjoy moment after moment of waving. Enjoying the pleasures of life as God's gifts, without much thought for what comes next. But to be a stone that will be built upon - this requires sacrifice and obedience. Words we tend to shy away from.

Maybe you have the ability to be a spiritual stone for others. Maybe an economic stone. Emotional stone. Relational stone. Creative stone. Maybe some sort of blend of gifts and abilities to offer the building WE are becoming (not only "we" pointing around the room, but "we" as in all who have come before, and those generations to come).

As we offer ourselves to others, recognizing Christ as the ultimate "cornerstone" (v.6), and giving our lives to the building...we are becoming the temple where God chooses to dwell. We carry His presence into a world parched and dry for this Living Water. We invite our grandparents. We actively lead our grandchildren. We join together...not in waving, but in becoming what those after us will need to continue building God's dwelling place...

the what of the when...

2011-05-20T07:14:00.000-06:00

Lately there has been a lot of focus on the "when" of God bringing His work to completion. Thanks to a small group of people (many of which who seem to be trying to follow Jesus) tomorrow has been advertised as a possible "beginning of the end". It hasn't received much credit in actual "Christian" realms, but atheist and other non-faith-oriented places have held it high as an example of the ludicrous ability of God-followers to believe in hooey.

So what do these believers declare will happen tomorrow? It seems to be "The Rapture". The basic belief that God's desire is to remove the "souls" of all who love Him to another place (usually this place is thought of as floating somewhere in the sky, and contains a lifestyle of golden streets and jeweled castles). From their website, "He will close the door to salvation on May 21, 2011 when He returns to take his elect children to heaven "

There are enough websites, youtube videos, and other scriptural explanations out there dispelling the May 21st deadline. But the entire topic hitting the media as it has, makes us think about how important the "what" of this "when" can be.

I recognize that there are people I love who believe God intends to do something similar to the "rapture" linked above. There are a few who hold this belief, and seem to still be actively working out the Kingdom on Earth, and inviting others to do the same. But even more popular are those who have gotten their rapture passport stamped, are waiting for the big trip...and maybe inviting a friend or two to get their passport stamped also.

I do believe God will move again to finish what He began at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible points us to God bringing together Heaven and Earth in a marriage that makes both completely new, joined by a New Jerusalem. A very physical existence in the full presence of God, someplace a lot more like "here" than a distant floating "somewhere up there". This will be mysteriously connected to the Kingdom work we are involved in even today. This isn't simply about "getting more people on the rescue boat while the world continues to sink". This is about a Love for God's creation (including humanity) that lives and acts out His Love and desire to bring about healing, righteousness and redemption. That includes living a life as revealed in Christ, not because "obedience = trip to heaven", but because living this way is how God will be revealed and move in a world already begun to be made new.

He will come to complete the works begun in Christ and the Church. But until then, we know He has given us His Spirit for a purpose that is much larger than "saving souls from hell after death". We are involved in freeing captives, sharing love, sacrificing, healing, creating beauty, caring for creation, bringing justice, etc., and declaring Jesus as Lord with our lives, in a creation that is heading that direction.

That purpose has begun, and will not end. May we join in the work of Christ in such a way that the day of His complete revealing will come as the natural celebration of what our lives are already directed toward...and not like a ship coming that we hope our tickets are good for.

(wait, that almost sounds like there's a purpose to "Church" beyond a motivating message and emotional worship each week...:)

See you there...

unhealthy church.

2011-05-18T13:27:00.000-06:00

Recently the "Harpers Index" included a statistic that more than caught my attention:

"Percentage by which young adults with high religious participation are more likely than their peers to become obese: 50 "

Yowsers. As someone in ministry to youth and young adults, I have to take some ownership of this statistic (full source here)...and call many of my readers to as well. Young people who are regularly involved in our churches are 50% more likely to become obese.

It's not the first time we've heard this. Anyone who's been in ministry to young people have heard the argument in regards to a young person justifying alcohol consumption or tobacco use: "But over-eating can be unhealthy too!" In fact, all the way back to the 4th Century, God's followers have acknowledged "Gluttony" as one of the primary origins of other sins.

But how do we approach "gluttony" in a culture that is gluttonous in itself?

One step at a time, for sure. It's not about "redesigning" everything we do as a church. It's not about canceling potlucks, pizza parties, and locking up the toddler snack cabinets (though we may change what's in them). Much of it could be changed from the very foundations by churches taking a more holistic approach to ministry. Many churches are starting garden co-ops, and educating families on improving nutritional intake/activity levels (yay Kara!). Here's a quick "high five" to our own Parish Nurse also, who regularly talks/educates on making healthy choices as important to our faith.

As youth pastors, how about throwing out that unlimited fountain soda machine, and getting a machine that you can put your own, stocked, limited supply that includes healthy choices? What if we made sandwiches instead of ordering pizza every time? (wow, that hurt to type)

I don't like vegetables...or exercise a whole lot beyond dancing with my girls and running from teens in dodge ball. I've probably actually gathered an invisible list of adjectives unfitting for a man who is thankful for the body God has given. I'm not jumping on the "all natural, etc." bandwagon, and I'm not too worried about how much corn syrup I take in....but I'm saying there's gotta be somewhere healthier than living comfortably with the above statistic.

It may even be connected to our churches actually being a healthier Church. Pun intended.

morning without her.

2011-05-16T09:44:00.001-06:00

I awoke as the natural alarm clock within me suggested, without offering a chance to press the snooze button. It was 5:15am, and the mental post-it note from the night before reminded me I'd not yet taken the garbage to the fence. I was still unsure what time the morning men came and gathered refuse, but I did not want to find out after it was too late. I quickly came to find myself with shorts and flip flops on, crossing the dewy grass toting a giant wheeled garbage can over a yard in need of mowing. Wiping my feet on the kitchen carpet, I patted myself on the back for a responsible use of morning, and paused to decide my next course of action.

Should I wake her?

I decided to make some coffee, and she continued to slumber. In our old house, the kids would have heard dad walking just outside their door, but here I had the privilege of tip-toeing around the first floor while they completed their sleep cycles in peace. A few roads waited passively ahead of me: I could enjoy a bit of uninterrupted reading, wake her up, or begin to prepare for the day; among other things. I chose to wait until just enough coffee was in the pot, to pour myself a tall hot mug of focus (You have to love a coffeemaker that will continue to brew patiently until you return the pot.) and find my book.

I was reminded briefly of important things I needed to get with her about today. But they could wait.

I've been reading a book on hiking the Appalachian Trail. This morning contained incredible views of nature, combined with interesting stories of locations off the beaten-path, but well worth a brochure - if not a movie. Then it happened - I heard the patter of feet above me. I listened as they quietly traveled the distance of the 2nd floor, down the stairs, and out into my area of the house. Thumb still in her mouth, our 2nd born smiled and mumbled an excited whisper, "daddy!" as she climbed into my lap.

I was thankful I'd chosen not to wake her still. Mornings with my daughters are much better without her. We cuddled, and Sophie willingly recorded a new ring-tone for daddy, before her sister joined us in the moment. It wasn't long before they returned upstairs to find something interesting from the previous night. Again, I chose not to wake her. Not just yet.

I went upstairs to find our 1 year old in need of changing, and sucking on a Ring-Pop her sisters had given her a moment before. Apparently they felt sorry she couldn't yet hoist herself from her sleeping prison, and knew a sucker would quiet her from interrupting their morning play.

Oh, the things I would've missed if I'd woken her earlier. Sure, there were enough compelling reasons to wake her. Important things. Unimportant things. We hadn't seen much of each other the day before, and no doubt she had plenty of updates for me.

But as my three girls and I climbed back into our giant, queen sized bed with mommy to talk about the day ahead, and laugh a bit together....I was thankful I'd not turned on the computer yet that morning.

Of course, I had to use her eventually....or I wouldn't have been able to tell the story of my morning without her. :)

Why faith?

2011-05-05T07:53:00.000-06:00

Recently I posted a few thoughts regarding "telos", a word with a rich background in the search for purpose/meaning of what we're doing here on this planet and life. The "purpose/outcome/result/goal" word has come up once again in this past week's Scripture, 1Peter 1:3-9.

This time, it is not the "end/result" of a specific path over against another. Verse 9 highlights the "telos" of our faith. This is a pretty important declaration, for several reasons. It's can also be a humbling/uncomfortable verse for us to read openly.

If we look at churches in Western Christianity, and asked "What is the perceived Goal of our faith?", we would probably get some answers that make us shift in our seats. Influence, power, financial well-being, name recognition, growth in numbers, self-preservation, and oh yes...saving us from hell, and tickets to heaven.

But I didn't intend to critique the Bride of Christ here, plenty of other sources/books out there currently can do that. Much of it is needed and helpful, as long as we are being pointed in a healthy/new direction. I think the only "goal" in the above list that we may hear embraced out loud would be the goal of "going to Heaven someday" as the purpose of our faith.

Verse 9 declares "..you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." It does not say "You will receive...", or even "You have received...". So what is being spoken of here? This entire chapter seems wrapped up in a few messages to encourage those believers being persecuted in Asia Minor:

1. God has some great and eternal things in store for us. (salvation)
2. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we share in a taste of those things even now. (salvation)
3. Sharing in these things now is not automatic/passive, but requires faith and obedience, resourced/enabled by the Spirit of Christ that we have received. (salvation)

On the path to a wedding, there are many celebrations that occur. Wedding showers are awesome, and any young couple that has traveled the aisles at Target with a laser gun knows how much fun it can be. But no matter how many showers you have, or how incredible the gifts you receive at them are, a wedding shower is nothing compared to a wedding reception.

We are the bride of Christ. We believe someday there will be a coming together of heaven and earth like never before. The celebration that will take place, and "inheritance" we will receive is indescribable. But while we wait, we have weekly "wedding showers". We journey toward that wedding day, reflecting two who desire to become one.

We are freed from the confines, powers and bindings of a selfish lover. The world that whispers how great things can be, and makes promises of wealth, security, happiness, and power...even when these things occur, they are found to be empty. We are receiving the goal of our faith - the salvation of our souls. The tastes of our ultimate inheritance.

The question is...do you wait for the wedding day to realize all of the shower gifts you could've opened? Will we live as someone who is receiving the salvation of our souls even today?

fairytale marriages

2011-04-29T10:05:00.000-06:00

I hope the best for the new royal couple, for sure. I whispered a quick prayer that this ceremony is not something they view as an "arrival", but rather a beginning. (I think that was actually in the message from Diana's wedding.) But looking through the transcripts of what was to be said, I realize how "traditional" the ceremony seemed. The name "Jesus" spoken many times, and credit given to God as creator, asking God to bless their marriage, and that they would live "through Jesus", etc. I suppose the main "non-traditional" element echoes the last royal wedding, in Princess Kate not wanting to promise to "obey" the Prince. All the religious talk is a bit surprising for a European "trendy wedding", unless you consider the throne is also the head of the Church of England.

But what we see in the royal couple is, unfortunately, a microcosm (10 points if you can use that word this week) of what weddings and marriages often become these days. As seen in a quick confirmation of Kate last month, and the fact that neither she nor her parent were actively involved in a church previously, it seems the role as head of the Church of England may hopefully be the catalyst that moves this marriage toward a foundation in Christ.

It seems like many of our weddings (and marriage relationships, for us already-weds) are a fancy/fairytale way of making the statement: "God, please bless this thing we've been doing, and we're going to do with or without you." Instead of saying: "God, please show up and move, because we cannot make two become one without you."

Prince William and Princess Kate had been living together since mid-2010. Minus the obligational references to God, this ceremony seems to simply be the beginning of their official economic and royal partnership. Many of us, similarly, go days, weeks, and sometimes longer in our marriage relationships without acknowledging the need for Jesus to be regularly present if this thing is going to be more than just two people making a family together.

It's no mistake that the relationship between husband and wife connects so deeply with the picture of Christ and the Church. God desires to reveal Himself to and through us. But just as the Church without the Holy Spirit can easily become simply an optimistic Jesus-club...a marriage without an active foundation in Christ can easily become two people who live together.

And so, as we high-five our friends across the seas and talk about how beautiful the ceremony was....we are at the same time challenged to invite Christ to be actively involved in our courtships, engagements, weddings, and marriages. May His presence bring transformation and new life in ways we could never accomplish on our own...

how do you look?

2011-04-25T14:17:00.000-06:00

This past week for Easter, we heard from John chapter 20. Mary has returned to find the tomb empty. She brings Peter and John back with her, and they leave after seeing what she has described. She remains, weeping.

She sees two angels, who ask her why she is weeping. She tells them, she doesn't know where "they" have taken the body of her Lord. As she continues to weep, Jesus enters the scene, and asks her why she weeps.

The scripture tells us she "turns" and sees Jesus, but doesn't realize it's him. She gives the same response as with the angels. We can imagine, knowing how someone sobbing with tears would respond to a curious onlooker behind her. A casual glance of acknowledgement, and she continues to weep. After all, what solace could this person offer?

But everything changes, when Jesus speaks her name. "Mary." No doubt spoken gently. Spoken in a way that communicates things like "I'm right here." in a loving, joy-filled, and gently spoken way. A way Jesus has spoken to her before, and called her by name. Immediately as her name is spoken, she knows this is no gardener. No random cemetery caretaker. No traveler wandering through. This is Jesus. Rabbi. Lord.

How often do we give Jesus the precursory "glance" over the shoulder? Assuming He can offer nothing to our current situation. Assuming this "Christianity", "Church", "Bible", "Worship", or whatever is just another thing going on in the background of a life that really matters. A life where genuine existence is painful. Where we experience loss. Mourning. Grief. Frustration. A world that too often, we don't actually bring before God expecting anything other than what we'd hope for from the gardener. Glancing at Jesus from the corner of our eyes, while we remain fixed on whatever pain, challenge, or even blessing and joy we've found ourselves in the midst of.

But to us, this week and beyond, Jesus remains present. Not silent. He calls out our name, waiting for us to turn completely to him, realizing just who this is beside us. For us to recognize and look to Him as Lord, Teacher, Savior, and receive all that the resurrection offers us and our world.

It seems to ask us the question - how are we looking at Jesus? It could radically transform what happens next...

Would you read this? (Pass it on)

2011-04-24T20:40:00.000-06:00

Trying to collect a few comments, or a few thousand, to twist the arm of a publisher to take notice of a book worth putting out there. Spread it to your friends like a toddler spreads snot.....:)

paradise.

2011-04-20T09:45:00.000-06:00

Luke 23:43 "Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

In our Good Friday service later this week, different people have been asked to give a 3 or 4 minute thought on the 7 last words of Jesus Christ. The verse here is what I've been asked to speak on. I'd love to do a fuller fleshing out of so much that is packed in here, but for time/worship purposes, will probably end up reading a poem-thing I'm writing from it.

I've posted on the topic before, mainly copying from an interview where NT Wright spoke on the difference between "heaven" as we think of it, and where we believe God is ultimately taking/directing all things toward. As seen in the above verse, we do not believe that "paradise" is the final resting place for either Jesus or the man hanging on the cross next to him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 reminds us that "the dead in Christ will rise", which means even those who have already passed from life as we know it, await further happenings. But the verse mentioned from Luke assures us they are not simply stored away somewhere, frozen in time. We believe, and scriptures point to an existence for those who have passed away, that is fully present with Christ, described as "paradise", and yet still waiting for God to complete His work fully. That is, the work of bringing a New Heaven and a New Earth together, married in a way that all things have become new. Those who have died, and those living, will receive new "resurrection" bodies (similar to the existence we see in the resurrected Christ).

So what is it like in paradise?

The word used here, denotes a place of rest and refreshing. A garden-like place. But we read this verse from a different vantage point than the man hanging next to Christ. He knew what "paradise" meant, but may not have known who Jesus was. We lack a first-hand knowledge of what Jesus means by "paradise", but we know who Jesus is. It is enough for us, to know what where we rest between death and resurrection, is in the full presence of Jesus Christ. Whether we play hockey and drink coffee, tend a garden, or float around in orbs of light - obviously I have opinions and preferences....but I'm not too worried...

It's kinda neat to know that whatever he's up to....great great great grandpa and I are both anxiously awaiting the full arrival of God's complete renewal of all things. (great great great grandma too, for that matter)

moved.

2011-04-18T09:30:00.000-06:00

Rewind the clock about 7 months. We've got a flat tire, and I'm looking around at options to see how much it'd cost to simply make the van "drivable". In the midst of this, my wife calls me to say a house she really loved has come down in price recently, and she wants to know if we could go look at it together. I will pause here to tell you - looking at houses is definitely NOT a hobby of mine. But I love my wife. She bears with me during playoff season, and I walk through a house once in a great while. I mustered up as much cynical love as possible to say, "Sure hun, let's find out how much we owe to get new tires, and if it's not too depressing, we'll go walk through a house with no expectations." :) I figured I was off the hook.

Through the kindness of a church friend, we had 2 used but good condition tires installed free of charge. His actual words - "Go take your family out for lunch." Yes sir. But little did he know the wheels he was used to set in motion.

We looked at the house. I'll admit, it was pretty sweet. Almost twice as much room. A dining room. Sidewalks for the girls. Neighbors that were extra neighborly. Closets as big as small rooms. A fireplace. But to try and sell our house in this market? To try and increase our mortgage even slightly on our fixed one-income budget? Again, with cynicism, I agreed we would put our house on the market, and see if this house might be work-out-able.

Time passed. Our contingency offer expired, and they wouldn't sign a second one. Someone else made an offer and they accepted. They were working toward closing.

That closing never happened, and the house was back on the market. Sarah was leaving for the Philippines. Maybe when she got back to the States, we'd figure out some way to put fliers up around town, you know, really ramp up our sales techniques. But while she was gone, someone wanted to walk through. Decided we may as well show even though it's probably another "no thanks". Then an offer came.

Picture taken in early Fall 2010

We began working it all out on paper, and honestly didn't know exactly where the dust would settle. But here we are, paying $10 less each month for our mortgage, for soooo much more house. (Interest rates CAN be your friend.) Still a lot of unpacking to do. Still quite a few things on our lists to make it "home". Definitely some projects around the house. But we still can't believe how it has all come together.

I hear stories like this, and people say "But we prayed, and then..." I will not claim to bend the heart of God that He should act in our favor. But I also cannot deny that we gave every step of this, including our financial frustrations from the very beginning, in His hands. If anything, maybe he's a bit taken by our kids. They are pretty stinkin' cute. Thanks God.

the end is not the end.

2011-04-05T14:10:00.000-06:00

This past week we heard from Romans 6:15-23, and Pastor brought a message focused on "Living in all that God has for us: Holiness". It was a great reminder that there are basically two paths ahead of us:

1. Living for ourselves (either selfishly (which includes the "who cares/whatever" realm), or even un-selfish humanism), which allows us to be free from "righteousness", but also leads ultimately to death. Obviously, whether due to selfish desires being unbalanced, or due to human efforts ultimately only being able to accomplish a limited amount.

2. Living obediently in Christ. This leads to righteousness (things being put right, and happening the way God designed), which leads to holiness (being set apart for God's use/purposes). Obviously we cannot expect for "all things" to be put right in our own time/effort, but as Christians we live toward the expectation that we join God in what He is actively doing and will bring to completion.

Ancient Greek philosophy isn't too far removed from what goes on in many hearts and minds today. The word "telos" means "goal, purpose, result/outcome". Many of ancient times, through today are giving thought to the goal, purpose, or intended result of our actions and lives.

So what is the "telos" of choice number one here? Death (Rom. 6:21). Not something simple, like being dead. Not the time-bound activity of dying. But death itself. Misery, brokenness, and separation from God. We mourn that many will actually choose this, either out of selfish desire for pleasure, or a chosen desire to deny any need for the existence of God as loving "other".

What of the "telos" for choice number two? Eternal Life. (Rom. 6:22). Not something simple, like life that becomes invincible. Not the time-bound activity of living forever from now on. But life itself. Stretching in more dimensions than linear time, and more powerful simply by definition than any walls or boundaries. We not only hope toward this, but are already being transformed by this life that is breaking through our world today.

So how does that impact our lives today?

We make decisions on a daily basis, both for what we will be about, and for what our families will be about. May we make choices obedient to the Truths revealed in the Word and the Living Word of Jesus Christ. It may not always be received well to a world built on choosing "death"...in fact, it may very well lead to our death (both literal and symbolic). But even if it ends in such a death, we believe in the promise that we share in the Resurrected Life of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

May our end be His end in the end...:)

Waiting for Easter...

2011-03-29T09:01:00.000-06:00

Moving toward Christmas, we have the season of Advent. Weeks marked by various themes and scripture, we share conversations with our family as we light the candles. We hope toward the birth of the Savior. We wait to celebrate. We anticipate all that God is and will do.

Moving toward Easter, we have the season of Lent. We don't get a wreath with candles. Sure, we have the lectionary, but it hardly gives themes unified around preparing for a celebration of Easter. There are many different resources out there, for ways to use Easter with your family. Learning the virtues, the fruits of the Spirit, activities to do with your children.

One of the main things we've been doing with our kids, is to ask the question: Why do we need Easter? Asking my daughters to name things that are wrong/broken/unjust/etc. in the world, and looking forward to God actively "making all things new", which begins in large way at the resurrection of Jesus.

Last night, my wife and I finally sat down to watch "Waiting for Superman". Wow. Seriously. There aren't many things that move me to tears, admittedly, which probably isn't a very healthy thing. I realize the movie doesn't depict ALL education systems, and has a few flaws here and there.

But seen as a testimony to the brokenness, and unjust-ness of many places we live in...and recognizing that even the most broken areas of the American education system are vastly beyond what many places in the world have for their children.

We parents want so much for our children. One part of this is education. But that is only one pixel of the big picture. It will not happen by waiting for the "Superman", or anything that promises to be what we need. It will not happen by humanity "getting it right" on their own.

But in the celebration of Easter, we get a glimpse of what "it happening" will be like...

We Like to Sing...

2011-03-21T20:25:00.000-06:00

Yup. Songs we know, songs we make up, and songs that don't even require English. See if you can guess what Sophie's favorite color was tonight...

Euchre and The Weakness of God

2011-03-14T08:54:00.000-06:00

Sorry Caputo fans, no references/quotes here.

This past Sunday we spend some time in Romans 5, where some important verses about sin/death entering the world through one man, and Grace entering "all the more" (v.20) The illustration of card games containing "Trump" cards, like Euchre or Rook was made. I'm unfamiliar with Rook (gasp, I know...a horrible Midwest Free Methodist), so I'll stick to what I know of God's favorite card game - Euchre.

(If you know how to play Euchre, you may skip this paragraph.)
In Euchre, each of 4 players has 5 cards in hand (numbers 9 through Ace). Using one card each, they basically play 5 miniature rounds of "WAR" (each called a "trick"), wherein the best card wins all the others. Card values are generally obvious, except an ace is the highest card of any given suit, as opposed to being a "1". But with each set of 5 "tricks", one of the 4 suits is considered "trump". The trump-suited cards are the highest value, and the highest "trump" card is for some reason the Jack of that suit, other values remaining obvious. For complete rules, check out a site like this.

The illustration was made that God's grace in many ways "trumps" what has entered the world due to sin. As seen in chapter 5, verse 20, "..where sin increased (from the Greek "pleonazo"), grace abounded all the more (from the Greek "hyperperisseuo"). Basically as if sin had played the highest card in the required suit, but Jesus comes in whopping down his Jack of Trump (right bower/bauer), sending satan back to his chair shaking his fist at the trump-rich Son of God.

As a Christian, and as a Euchre player, I enjoy this analogy. But I wanted to take it even further. It may be possible that only actual Euchre fans may enjoy following me down this rabbit hole...sorry.

You know the feeling well. It's in the middle of the game, and you're pretty sure you can defeat your opponents. A card is played, and you're 3rd in the order. You look at your hands, and realize you're holding the Ace in the suit being played. You hide your excitement well. Proudly, when it's your turn, you lay your Ace down, possibly even keeping your hand near to collect all the cards once the 4th person has given theirs.

But what is this? The 4th player lays down a 9. A pitiful, powerless, 9. Not worth much of anything in normal card play, and certainly nothing in compared to an almighty Ace. But in this particular round, the suit of their nine happens to be Trump. As the card rests lightly on the 3 below it, your Ace is effectively crushed, and all power and authority you had previously given it become instantly sucked out, removed, and cast away. Your Ace is nothing, and is collected to never be seen again. By who? By this pitiful, powerless, 9.

It's not about grace being "more powerful" than sin. It's about the grace of God being completely and wholly "other" than the substance and products of sin. There is no battle between the powers of sin and the authority of God's grace. Sin and it's impact may increase in it's amount, but the Grace of God literally "has no bounds", is "overflowing measure". Death may have "exercised dominion" (v. 14) at one point, but no longer. Verse 17 reminds us that "those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through one man, Jesus Christ."

May we live as people who are freed, not to slam down our giant powerful trump card, depending on the size, strength, or sincerity of our faith. But may we live as people who are freed to depend on the complete "other-ness" of God, and the promise that His grace does more than save us from Hell, but offers us a completely new way of existing. We are made alive like never before, and walk away from chains that could never hold us if they tried...toward Christ and His Kingdom today, and into tomorrow.

More than okay...

2011-03-07T10:53:00.000-06:00

I often find myself in the position parents all throughout time have been in, explaining a large word or concept to my 4 year old in ways she can grasp. The word we were discussing was the word "patience". A word her daddy needs to work on every bit as much as she does. The phrase I came up with to help her understand was simply, "patience means it's okay to wait".

But we were reminded by God's word yesterday, there's much more to it than that. In Exodus 24, God calls Moses to the mountain to meet with him. Moses goes, and ends up having to wait 6 days before God reveals himself. As they're meeting together on the mountain, the people of God find themselves waiting 40 days and 40 nights, and they grow impatient. It seems not only here, but throughout scripture, God's people should be those who not only "know how" to wait well, but look forward to those times of waiting.

This seems to be appropriately against the normal pace of an instant gratification world. The culture of hurry, and filled schedules. It also seems like a very important/beneficial time to embrace the concept of "waiting", as we begin the season of Lent this week. We wait, and deny ourselves certain things until the celebrations of Easter week. We know there will be much to celebrate, and what we will celebrate together gives us strength and reason to remain faithful today.

The people of God in Exodus 24 lost sight of that. In chapter 32, we read a disappointing scene where God's people have lost patience in waiting for Moses. In their impatience, they've created an idol to give them spiritual gratification immediately. I don't think it's much of a stretch to say, many times we Jesus-loving church goers find ourselves with the same desire for instant spiritual gratification.

But what about the faithfulness of God that comes after a period of waiting? All of creation waited for Christ to come, and oh how things have changed! The people of God wandered in the wilderness, waiting to enter the promised land. Jesus spent his time in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan and spending time apart with God - preparing him for his earthly ministry. Noah and his family waited through the storms, and waited even beyond that for the water to recede, in order to experience the covenant living of God. Abraham and Sarah waited quite longer than they expected, to experience the beginning of God's faithfulness to His word.

In each of these, the wait was much more than "okay".

May we be people who are not only experienced in, but filled with anticipation by...waiting on the Lord.

Celebrate Good Times...(video)

2011-03-02T06:49:00.000-06:00

We did it. Thanks in large part to all of the family and friends who helped out throughout the past 16 days - we survived. Things have not been the same, for sure, and we can't wait for mommy to come home! But there's definitely a sense of accomplishment at being able to say to your wife "Sure hun, go ahead on that 16 day mission trip on the other side of the world...we got this."

We knew it was important. Not simply for Sarah's sake, but for that of our family. This experience is only the beginning of wrapping our family around a larger purpose, a larger story. God will continue to use this.

One of the things Sarah did, the creative mom that she is, to help our girls with the time she's away; involved a paper ring chain. Each link had something written on it, communicating love to her family, and suggesting some fun endeavor for that day. They loved each one, and got excited as the chain got smaller and smaller, knowing mommy was coming home on the last one!!

One of the links said "Make a dance video". Now, we dance around the house on a regular basis. These girls love to dress up, start the music, and spin around. So here's what we captured...(spliced in some footage of Sophie's birthday at Chuck E. Cheese also, where her response to the big mouse is PRICELESS!)

21 and over.

2011-02-17T10:32:00.001-06:00

Yup. I went there. A topic that seems easily swallow-able to some, and completely taboo to others. Black and white to many, and quite gray to their friends. I've got friends both Nazarene and Free Methodist (and other too, for that matter..but most of my connections run in the Free/Wesley/Metho/Naza/Luther-type doctrines.

There are some both in occupational ministry, and outside it who believe Christians should advocate abstaining from alcohol. There are others who are in ministry or members in denominations that hold the stance of advocating abstinence, who have a drink once in a while. I think most of my readers can agree on the point that alcohol can be a very damaging substance, and the openness to it in someone's life can lead them and those they love down paths of brokenness and pain. The question then becomes, as a church (small "c") that desires to help members both old and new toward following Christ in a way that life doesn't naturally want to on it's own....what do we say, and what do we not say?

I've heard the arguments against "legalism", and I agree - we do not want to make a list of "do's" and a list of "don'ts" and reduce all of faith down to that. But I also believe that following Christ includes quite a bit of sacrificial obedience in ways we do not "naturally" feel like doing. Many these days do not want to "seem fake" and make seemingly "Holy" decisions when they don't actually feel like it. In His book "Small Faith, Great God", NT Wright calls this "hypocrisy" that Christians should be glad to be labeled with. He points out that many times we raise "authenticity" above obedience to God. That when we follow Jesus, and experience His Spirit, we are transformed but we are still human. We need the constant work of His Spirit to continue in us because left on our own, we have selfish and unhealthy desires. If there was no need for the Spirit beyond an initial work, we'd merely be satiated animals, not humans choosing to follow Christ toward completion and Kingdom. We are called to be different, and made free to celebrate life unlike the world's patterns of celebration/enjoyment.

But Jesus drank alcohol, even in a day where drunkenness was popular. The ill effects of alcohol existed even then, and are spoken of/against throughout scripture. As many are quick to point out, the Bible does not say the words "don't drink alcohol". What if my family or close friends own a winery/brewery? What if having a beer with someone might make them feel you're easier to relate to? What if I actually enjoy unwinding to a smelly glass of fermented liquid? I don't want to seem "fake" and pretend to be Holy when I'm not.

While still many people, having read this far into the post will be thinking either, "sheesh...just throw it out already", or "man, just swallow it down and get on with it." After all, there are much more important matters than worrying about what words we write on paper about what choices a member of our part of the body of Christ should make. Feel free to close this window now.

Current Free Methodist wording states: "As concerned Christians, we advocate abstinence for the sake of health, family and neighbors. Moreover, we see the adverse social consequences as so pervasive that we seek by advocating abstinence to make a united social witness to the freedom Christ gives." Here is a proposed change that offers new wording (not abstinence, but "consider the effects") to this year's General Conference.

And current Nazarene wording: "In light of the Holy Scriptures and human experience concerning the ruinous consequences of the use of alcohol as a beverage, and in light of the findings of medical science regarding the detrimental effect of both alcohol and tobacco to the body and mind, as a community of faith committed to the pursuit of a holy life, our position and practice is abstinence rather than moderation."

So what do you think? What does your glass say?

I do believe that what we confess, and what we pour, should probably move toward alignment.

Lives Transformed

2011-02-08T14:47:00.001-06:00

When is the last time you were involved in "evangelism"? When we hear this, most of us think about a program through our church. Maybe Vacation Bible School, or a mission trip, or that one time we happened to invite a friend to church, and hope they kept coming. We may even think about the small group we're a part of, and hope to "envelope" people into the larger church by the relationships built in the small group we've invited others to.

In Neil Cole's, "Cultivating a Life for God", he presents the simple idea he calls "Life Transformation Groups". He calls people who love Jesus, and want the good news of freedom from sin, and New Creation to spread, to be purposefully involved in evangelism. Cole points out that a healthy church, perhaps even a church that is actually "being" the church, will have this type of thing happening. Too often we rely on pastoral staff, or discipleship "programs", or "step by step" introduction to the faith type classes, that often start a few months from now, etc. Even in our own church, there was an instance of a woman who wanted to "come to Jesus", but had to wait because of scheduling difficulties. That probably shouldn't happen.

The idea is simple, and seems like an exciting proposal: 1. Find someone of the same gender who desperately wants to change the direction they're life is going, and is open to Christ. 2. Meet with them on a regular basis doing three things: confessing sin, discussing scripture read the previous week (20-30 chapters a week), and praying for others who need to experience Christ by name. 3. Eventually you'll invite another to join you, but when you have 4 people meeting regularly for a few weeks, split into two groups, and continue the pattern.

This seems like an easy thing, but I believe many of us will be faced with some realizations early on in the process. First, many of us have relegated our experience of God to a "what He did in my life once upon a time". The regular meeting and accountability questions found in such conversations forces us to either confess our inactive faith in an Active God, or name what we believe God is working through our lives. Second, most of us wouldn't hide the fact that our usual diet of scripture (read as the Word from God, not as something to be studied) is much less than 20 chapters a week. But to challenge ourselves to read more than we think we can handle (but can actually be accomplished in about 30 minutes a day or less), forces us to be open to full-context Words from God that can actually apply to our lives without needing a commentary or even a pastor to always explain it to us.

The potential for these intimate, self-sustaining, Spirit-led, naturally multiplying groups targeting actual life-transformation, and encouraging the continued life-transformation of those "already on board" seems like a pretty sweet thing. The idea is that there is a world-wide church, with local bodies, with ministries/small groups, made up of life transformation groups. If you're interested, I'd definitely recommend giving the book a read, and maybe even throwing a few at others who want something more intimate than their small group currently provides.

Now I just need to find a guy who really really wants God to change his life alongside me...my guess is he doesn't read my blog. :)

a forced Sabbath.

2011-02-05T13:09:00.000-06:00

I know there were quite a few things that people could have done without this week. Power losses. Parents frustrated at finding places for their kids while school was off, but work was on. Shoveling snow. Slipping on the ice. Injuries both minor and major. Sorry to anyone who experienced this past week as a burden. But for me, it was great. :)

It's been a busy month. I generally feel I do an okay job of balancing family life with work life with social life with personal life, etc. Okay, maybe not always. But this past couple months especially included quite a few things that couldn't be changed/rescheduled/denied. From the get togethers', parties, and programs of celebrating Christmas/New Years, through the loaded January of 2011, culminating with the annual "Frostbite Senior High Retreat" (which went GREAT, thanks to all of Gods' incredible volunteers/workers)...I entered this week needing to breathe slower.

It really wasn't that bad here in Decatur, especially when looking at pictures from Chicago, and hearing amounts of accumulation from cities not too far from us. 7 inches of snowfall, give or take, with a few inches of icy snow at the bottom. Sure, it's been slippery. Yeah, many of us have gotten stuck or had to help someone else out who got stuck. But in the midst of it all, great things happened.

I'm my neighborhood, and possibly yours, there's an unspoken assumption of relationship. Kinda like being "Facebook Friends" with a vague acquaintance, many of us assume we're friends simply because we live in the same neighborhood. But nothing breaks the ice and develops actual friendship like walking down the street with your shovel...having time and ability to offer. It was great to connect with a few people who normally pass like ships on a mission.

But even greater were the moments at home. Nothing spectacular was created. We didn't use the time to work on a specific project that needed done. The bathroom faucet still leaks. But we threw pillows and blankets on the floor to enjoy a movie or two. I got to stomp my wife in Scrabble (okay, it was "Upwords", and it was pretty much neck and neck all the way). We made food and ate together. We danced to Veggietales, and realized Ruby is already mouthing/singing the words as best as she can. I even read a little bit with some freshly roasted coffee. It was beautiful.

May we make effort in the next month, to assist "Sabbath moments" in breaking through. They are needed, both in relationships with those around us, and especially with those we share a home with. God can do great things, when we slow down a bit more...(or are slowed down). :)

give the reason...

2011-01-29T06:47:00.000-06:00

Many of us have in our "living as New Creations" comes in the form of an inability to speak about what God has done/is doing in our lives. I see this often in my teens, whose usual high decibel level drops significantly at the question, "What is God doing in your life?" For whatever reason, we kind of approach the topic as this picture might suggest:

When we share something vulnerable about ourselves, it usually involves a risk. This is just one of the tons of benefits of marriage that can fight the usual "ball and chain" metaphor. Within marriage we find a safe covenant context for sharing a "living vulnerability". But I'm not talking about marriage here today.

To share what God is doing in our lives involves putting ourselves "out there" in a way that we usually don't feel is guaranteed to produce great results. Even in a faith setting, often Christians are quick to smile and love their neighbor, and less anxious to say "this past week, God has been working on my heart toward....". We know that if we give a bit of ourselves away like this, we may not receive anything in return.

Lately in reading Neil Cole's "Cultivating a Life for God", I've not only been reminded of the importance of doing this for our own sake, but also for the sake of the living, breathing, transformational message of the gospel that has so much to offer TODAY, not to mention into the infinite. Many of us have realized how much "getting people saved in order to avoid hell" kinda rubs us the wrong way. We want to offer people more than that, but in my experience the conversations end there. At least the "avoid hell" people are talking.

We need to be people who are not only transformed by, and experiencing the NEW LIFE of Jesus Christ in our life today - we must SPEAK OF IT. Be involved in God's Kingdom-proclaiming/bringing work and share the stories with each other and with people who have yet to realize Christ as Lord!! This is definitely worth "putting ourselves out there"...and not because of the line "Because Jesus put himself out there for you."....but because to keep God's bondage-breaking, sin-forgiving, new-life-offering presence to ourselves - seems sinful.

Are you different today because of Christ? Tell someone. Is God doing something in your heart and life right now? Talk about it. Do you desire God to move in your life in a new way? Confess that desire, and pray with someone.

1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

Step 1 from this verses seems to be "have hope". Obviously this is the same source of hope for everyone, but the verse here doesn't say "say _____________" when people ask you the reason for the hope that you have. Why not? Because it's YOUR story. What God has done/is doing in your life.

A good place to start may be asking the question - "What is the story I would tell someone else right now?"

Mi Taqueria

2011-01-26T14:49:00.001-06:00

If you live in or near Decatur, IL - you NEED to try this place. Her dad used to cook at/own the Korn Krib, and she's passionate about good food. Her portions are huge, the food is always cooked AFTER you order it, and she uses ingredients that even the local "Mexican Restaurants" don't worry about providing. It's located near the corner of Woodford and Mound road, in the shopping plaza, where the "White Hen" convenience store used to be. In fact, it still looks like the old store, except for a few picnic tables in the middle and a couple large TV's. They may worry about ambiance eventually - but for now the focus is on providing great authentic fresh Mexican food at a very nice price.

Open Mon-Sat, 11am-8pm - 3715 N Woodford Street
217-521-5389
So here you go - support your local business!!!

They offer 3 different kinds of in-house made salsa's, fresh cilantro, and incredible Mexican cheese, as well as high-quality fresh corn and flour tortillas.

(Meats: Beef Tongue, Steak, Ground beef, Chicken, Marinated Pork, Chorizo)
Tacos - 1.95
Mexican Torta - 4.95
Kay's Torta - 4.95
Burrito (HUGE) - 5.95
Taco Salad - 5.95
Quesadilla (HUGE) - 5.95
Nachos - 5.95

Mini-Nachos - 1.75
Mini burrito - .99
Mini quesadilla - 2.95
Mini Taco Salad - 2.95
Cheese Quesadilla - 2.25
Beans - 1.75

Chicken Gizzards - 4.95
Chicken Livers - 4.95
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich - 4.95
Wings (8) - 5.95
Homemade Chips or Onion Rings added - 1.75

KIDS: (served w/beans or homemade chips) Taco - 2.95, Cheese Quesadilla - 2.95, Hot Dog - 3.25, Chicken Nuggets - 3.95

Drinks: Bottled Water - 1.00, Juices - 1.50, Bottled Soda - 1.75, Gatorade - 2.25

Daily Specials: Monday - Burrito's 4.50, Tuesday - .99 Ground beef tacos, Wednesday - Wings just .50 each, Thursday - Buy 2 tacos, get 1 free, Friday - Nachos 4.25, Saturday - Gizzards/Livers 3.50

TRY THEM TODAY!!!!! SEND THIS LINK TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

expectations.

2011-01-20T23:32:00.000-06:00

Quick sidenote: I just realized I haven't blogged in like 2 weeks. No complaints, so I'm not worried. But in case you were wondering, I'm spending some of my free writing time working on some other stuff. Stuff that I'd love to get published someday. Pipedream or solid shot....who knows. Enjoying it anyway, and one way or another, it'll be available eventually. :) So if you notice me being silent blog-wise, you know why that might be. Yell at me to post, and I probably will.

Been thinking lately about the story of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee who both went to pray, found in Luke 18. The Pharisee thanks God that he's not wicked like other people. The tax collector won't even look up, beats his breast, and prays for mercy - confessing his sinful and undeserving state. Jesus tells his listeners that the tax collector goes home "justified" here.

Usually when we hear this story, it's a reminder that we need to approach God with more humility, recognizing our need for His mercy, etc. It's true, even in our daily walk, those of us who have grown up in Church-life automatically "look down" on others bound by certain sins - usually without even realizing it.

Recently, God's been using the same story in a new way. I think those of us familiar with this story, may be experiencing lukewarm prayer-lives. Wanting to model ourselves after the tax collector, we approach God with all the appropriate humility, and like the tax collector - "not even look up to heaven". These words seem to speak of expectation.We pray, but who are we to ask something of God? He'll choose whether or not to do it, and "your Will be done" is our "get out of expectation free" card.

But this story is open-ended. We don't hear of the tax collector getting hit by a donkey cart on his way home. He's not dead. He went home justified. Different. The next time he approaches God in prayer, it is as a new person. Not that he becomes like the Pharisee, but perhaps next time he will actually "look up" in expectation. Still humbled before God, aware of his sinful estate, but also knowing He has been justified and stands in the presence of a God who invites His prayers. Maybe that's a big "perhaps". (I recognize that Jesus' story was not actually an illustration regarding prayer.)

But still...I believe, and have been reminded that God desires his people to be "of prayer". Not in a way that brags "I prayed for ___ hours this past week."...but in a way that honestly says "Praying is like breathing or eating to me...it's necessary for my life." For us to pray with expectation that we speak in the presence of a God who hears and is with us. A God who's nature and will is New Life and transformation.

For us to be silent, with the expectation that the presence we are silent with, will respond where we give room. May he continue to reveal how we should pray...and may we respond as people who are receiving His nature...

Technology and Child Safety

2010-12-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

If you've got internet at home, chances are you've thought about using a filter. Whether you've got kids or not, the internet throws images in advertising at us on a regular basis that most of us would agree - we don't need to see. Even more urgent, however, are the many homes where children and teenagers access the internet, learning and growing in their communication, but also surfing - oftentimes unaware of where some links may lead.

There are many choices when it comes to software you can install on your computers and laptops. This covers the computers you have at home, and can sometimes come with a hefty "annual subscription fee" for every computer you use! But when someone brings their own laptop, or their own iPod touch, smart phone, or other wireless device...they can access whatever they want, unfiltered.

Recently, we've begun using "Pandora's Hope" at our church. It's a wireless router, with internet filtering built in. We installed the router where the internet enters the church, and connecting the existing network from there. Now, every access point in the church, both wired and wireless, can only access filtered internet! Their web-based account maintenance program is easy to use. If we ever discover a site we need, we can add it immediately to the "White List", and if there's ever a site we want blocked, we can add it to the "Black List". But most inappropriate sites, and advertising is automatically blocked already!

After the initial purchase fee, it's a subscription of only $20/year for your router. That includes protection for any device that accesses the internet from your home! Protection like this is definitely worth that amount. I recommend getting protection like this for anyone who has internet, but especially those with teens and young people who have access on a regular basis.

But I will also add a caution - this is not the magic pill that will keep your teens from danger. Be an ACTIVE parent when it comes to your children/teens getting online. Know who is online, and what they're doing. Have access to their accounts, and regularly check on their activities. I know my teens may not appreciate my opinion on this, but still. With teens accessing the internet and texting at all hours of the day and night, you cannot depend on their morality keeping them safe from others who have learned their way around teenage morality. Even with the great filtering offered above, I still recommend:

1. NUMBER ONE - TALK AND PRAY WITH YOUR CHILD/TEEN about God-honoring use of technology and communication. Talk about the dangers possible, and remind them that you love them. Your active involvement as a parent is healthy, reasonable, warranted, and is meant for accountability.

2. Internet can only be used in a public room, when mom/dad are awake. (Including iPods/smartphones) Hard to enforce? Take the router's power cord to bed with you. :)

3. Have access to their e-mail, social network, and chat accounts. Once a week, unannounced, check-in on their activities. Keep a file where you have a list of all their accounts and passwords, and update as needed. The filtering software above also tracks every website visited/requested, so you can know what sites your child spends time on.

4. Choose a short time period, sporadically, every week, to possess your child's phone. You have the right, and responsibility to know who is saying what to your children.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-26T00:41:00.000-06:00

God with us.

2010-12-20T14:17:00.001-06:00

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

Here we have the first appearance of the word we're familiar with at Christmas. "Immanuel - which means 'God with us'". We hear it as part of the X-mas story, and smile inside. Warm fuzzies remind us that God is comforter, and brings peace, and desires good things for us. We align ourselves with our 4 year olds and remember "God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man". Only our boogie men no longer have teeth and claws. They now they have bills, pink slips, pipe bombs, criminal records, more success than us, and take our taxes.

But looking at the first instances of the word "Immanuel", (Isaiah 7:14, 8:8) we find something other than encouragement to be comforted. King Ahaz is not a very good king at all. (2 Kings 16) Disregarding the God of Israel, and even making sacrifices of his own children at the altar of pagan gods...Ahaz was pimping out Israel to whatever he thought might help.

Then in Isaiah, the Lord speaks to Ahaz. He basically offers to help make things right again, and wants to reveal himself as God to Ahaz. He even tells Ahaz to ask for a sign...anything at all. Ahaz knows his entire existence has been built up against the God of Israel, and pretends he doesn't want to "put God to the test", refusing to ask for a sign. Then God responds that He will give a sign anyway, and the center of it will be "Immanuel" which means "God with us." This sounds like a good thing, as God says Ahaz no longer needs to worry about the two kings from the north. But then comes 7:17 - "he will bring the king of Assyria". Judah is conquered by the Assyrians and eventually from that, the Babylonians. They experience many years of pain, suffering, oppression, and want. God uses those many years to remind His people of what it means to be a child of God.

Fast forward to the next time we see "Immanuel" in scripture..Matthew 1:23. The hearers of this word would not have immediately responded with joy alone. Imagine the intense fear and reverence, deferring whatever may come into the hands of God. Celebrating God's coming, but knowing that it may mean letting go of life as we know it...ESPECIALLY the comfortable bits.

May we be challenged this week, just as Mary was, to bear Jesus into our worlds. May we respond "I am the Lords' servant", and be willing to carry His presence into our daily lives, knowing full well that it may change things entirely. May His Love, His forgiveness and grace, His Holiness & Spirit give source to new life within us...life that swallows up what once was. May Immanuel come, and may He begin here and now...

joy.

2010-12-13T10:58:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 35:5-8 "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray."

There is this discussion on holiness, and holy living. A response to God, a transformation God works in our hearts, a way of living that proclaims Jesus as Lord and no other. A Spirit-sourced life bringing thing, from which we draw our identities and toward which we lean our lives.

There is sometimes the unspoken assumption that things will be completely different when God completes what has begun. Indeed things will be entirely different. But what will remain is the way of Holiness we catch mere glimpses of today. And not just "present", but celebrated and traveled by God's people. It won't be stumbled on accidentally, as seen in the scripture above. It will be "for him who walks that way" literally.

We have joy that this "way of walking" that we are learning, is not temporary. It is not a way of existing we train ourselves toward, in order to "earn" eternity with God, or to "prove" we can make the cut, or that we're sincere enough, etc. We learn this way of walking, because it is the way we will walk when Heaven and Earth are joined as one, and God is poured out - transforming the very nature of everything. We are given the Holy Spirit to enable us to walk today in the way we will walk forever.

May that give us joy, as the decisions we make and our life is transformed...sometimes in ways that seem uncomfortable in the moment. We know it's not about this moment, or even tomorrow. It is about the way we will be existing forever in the presence. May we live in a way that invites others to join in walking a life responding to God. A life that joins Peter on the water. That joins John and Paul in their cells. That joins the disciples in welcoming the resurrected Christ, and receiving His Spirit that transforms us and begins something that will never end...

Advent Haiku (repost from 2009)

2010-12-08T09:51:00.000-06:00

christmas comes, seemingly
with shouts at shopping mall sales
buying for children

becoming children
while children sleep and wonder
"Santa doesn't stress"

because why would he
all of the elves to help him
while we cover it

quietly happens
spreading like deadly virus
where death brings new life

Community: New
brought to life by a baby
who cried, lived, and died

now we exist: Free
from prices, credit, pressure
gifting has been done

our gift comes daily
hello, or conversation
relating from love

So wrap your presents
But remember this also:
"Jesus is coming"

Anderson VLOG #3

2010-12-07T14:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas, from the Andersons :)

political aspirations

2010-12-02T06:52:00.001-06:00

The Book of Revelation. The words of God and His desire to make all things new, a marriage of Heaven and Earth that we will enjoy forever. This will do more than simply "obliterate" the need for government and leadership. Jesus will be recognized as Lord by all and in all. God will continue to call on His people to be those who will live and make decisions based on Kingdom living.

John chapter 18. The words of Jesus before Pilate, standing as King of a Kingdom of Truth, not based in this world. Standing as one who has been brought before the Roman government for the proclaimed reason that Jews cannot execute anyone, yet not begging for his life or retreating from the foundational Truth He lives to proclaim. The "powers" of this world have no power in the Kingdom, except where they can join in what He is already accomplishing.

Isaiah chapter 11. The words of prophecy about Jesus as a man whom the Spirit of God rests on. This Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, counsel and "gravity", knowledge and fear (reverence) of the Lord. If ever there was a passage for a politician to be in prayer over, here is one. The Spirit brings the ability to make judgments that are right. Leads to decisions that bring justice for the poor. Shuts down the wicked.

I've talked about wanting to become Mayor. Our city has a "weak mayoral system", and it's not unrealistic to think a youth pastor who loves his community could serve in that capacity. It's kinda like saying "I'd like to serve on the city council." I'll admit, when I first began talking about it, it was very similar to a Junior in high school who says "When I'm a senior, I'm totally gonna run for student council." More about being able to do it, say I've done it, etc.

But there is something else within me. Something that says perhaps there's more to it than that. Something that desires to be a living testimony to the passages mentioned above.

It's still not something I want to pursue in the next few years, beyond learning and praying. I'm already strapped for time between ministry and raising our young girls. I will settle for serving on the Traffic and Parking Commission for now.

But I don't have to wait until I run for some sort of local office, or need to ever run, to begin striving for these things. We each exist as a miniature "Kingdom" within the Kingdom of God. Who do we proclaim is Lord in our life? Do our decisions proclaim his ultimate reign and rule in our home? Do we have a wisdom and understanding, counsel and "gravity", knowledge and "fear" of the Lord that enables us to live and make choices according to Kingdom standards and principles? Not only that, but do we actively "kill" and shut down the wicked?

We are men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. We have homes and families that we are involved in leading forward. If we value things of this world, and wrap ourselves around them...our homes will be as limited and broken as the world they are based in. But if we will decide to proclaim Jesus as Lord, and His Kingdom as our residency, then we are moving as a family toward something eternal. Not simply "living forever", but something full, whole, true, and already begun.

Not simply "eyes on the skies" living...or figuring everything can be fixed by bowing our heads and closing our eyes. The Spirit of God, alive and moving. Making decisions that bring Justice. Communicating Love and offering healing. Proclaiming freedom & releasing those who are bound. Bringing redemption to places that are broken. Giving voice and ear to those who have none. Not separated from this world, but rather living more genuinely connected to this cosmos and where it is moving. Lord....may my family move this way together...

Anderson VLOG #2

2010-12-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

Last night the girls decided they wanted to make a video. It began with the desire to talk about "Tinkerbell" the movie...and, well...

A Walk in My Shoes

2010-11-30T13:30:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, the "cable you shouldn't have been getting anyway because you're not paying for it" is slowly becoming fewer and fewer channels. Stupid digital transition. Thankfully, the basics are still around. But Friday nights on major networks are not known for having great television...especially if you grew up on TGIF (remember the good ole' days?)

Never fear...this Friday, it appears a decent movie will be on NBC, "A Walk in My Shoes". Yes, if you click on that link, it will take you to the site where you can watch a quick preview. Yes, if I get the most people to click on it, I could win my wife a pair of TOMS Shoes. But I'd actually recommend this, even if you simply went to the site via Google on your own.

It's being advertised as "Family Movie Night". I doubt Wal-Mart or Proctor & Gamble as companies care much of anything beyond making money off advertising and sales. But I'm in support of a family deciding a watch a movie together that lends itself to some good discussion/prayer time.

In the movie, a teacher who judges a mother for not being able to get her teen to perform well academically a bit harshly. Through a dramatic circumstance, it seems an angel has been sent to "teach a lesson" or "reveal a truth", by allowing that teacher to "walk in the shoes" of that mother. I think it'd be a lot more interesting to have her walk in the shoes of that teenage boy...but that'd be an entirely different movie.

In any case, I figured I would throw out a few family discussion questions, in case any of my parents with teenagers decide to make a family night out of it:

1. If this type of thing could happen in your life, who do you think God would want you to "walk in the shoes of" in order to see life from their point of view?

2. How might that change how you relate to them right now?

3. How can this relate to the Christmas Story?

4. What prayers might we offer up as a family, with all we've talked about tonight?

Tangled - Review

2010-11-29T09:52:00.000-06:00

This past week, a bunch from my family went to see the movie "Tangled", featuring the popular story of the Princess Rapunzel, and her long blond hair. I'll sum it up briefly and say, the movie was the best recent cartoon anyone has put out, and definitely trumps Princess Tiana by far. (Don't get me started on why Tiana's movie smelled like swamp water...I'll just point out that she's a FROG for 80% of the movie.)

It's rated "PG", and stays out of the raunchy innuendo humor that makes movies like Shrek so popular. There is still enough sarcasm, creativity, and wit to make "Tangled" fun for any adult who pretends they're there because the kids really wanted to see it. There are even some scenes that will make your eyes water just a bit (From what I've heard at least. Mine were totally dry throughout. Grunt.)

If you're unfamiliar with the storyline, here's a brief introduction. (not really "spoilers", it's the first 2 minutes of the film). A drop of sunshine falls to earth, and becomes a flower. The magical flower has powers to heal and bring life, and it's kept secret by a woman who wants to hoard it's magic to herself for many years. One day, the pregnant Queen seems like she won't last long, and the people go searching for the mythical flower. It's discovered, and by drinking a solution made from it, she survives. Her daughter is born, and it seems the flowers' powers are now carried in the child's hair. She is kidnapped by the selfish woman, and she vows to keep the girl hidden forever, just as she had the flower. Once a year, the entire Kingdom releases small lanterns into the air, hoping that wherever she is...she knows she is missed and loved. They want her to return.

I'll admit, there was a moment in the movie where I got kind of emotional. A beautiful illustration of an entire Kingdom who yearns for their royalty to return, not out of desire for their power, but presence, and out of love for them. A scene where hundreds on hundreds of lanterns are lit, a few at a time and then spreading throughout the Kingdom. They release them into the air together, making a giant communal statement of their love and desire for the return of the princess.

Sure, the illustration falls short if you take it much further. There are also definite faults in the movie, and things that other groups will probably yell about. But in that moment, the connection was made to a church that lights its' collective lanterns on a regular basis, releasing acts of worship as a communal statement of our love and desire for the return of Christ and completion of what began in Him.

I'm thankful that He does more than gaze at what we've released, and feel good, knowing He's loved. He has promised that the work we do in His name is now and forever connected with the Kingdom that is, and is to come...

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Needed: Marriages.

2010-11-23T05:00:00.002-06:00

Time magazine's recent article on "Marriage: What's it Good For?", reveals how much our world needs Marriage. Not simply people who will get married for happiness, economic partnerships, equal rights, or to procreate, have families and chase an ambiguous dream. But men and women who pray together, "May our relationship reveal the nature of Christ's relationship with the Church."

In the article, Belinda Luscombe writes about PEW Research Center's new findings on changes in marriage statistics. She makes some sweeping general statements like "we found is that marriage, whatever its social, spiritual or symbolic appeal, is in purely practical terms just not as necessary as it used to be." I believe those same statistics are actually a testimony and renewed call for Marriages that reflect Christ to exist. How does that happen? By recognizing the false measurements and foundations used by this exact study.

She seems confused, "Neither men nor women need to be married to have sex or companionship or professional success or respect or even children--yet marriage remains revered and desired." Amen! What a testimony that a marriage relationship is more than simply a means to an end!!

Then she jumps into other stats, "The Pew survey reveals nearly 40% of us think marriage is obsolete." She quotes a sociologist Andrew Cherlin, saying "Getting married is a way to show family and friends that you have a successful personal life. It's like the ultimate merit badge." The progression there is, with more people choosing to live together before marriage (mostly in low income situations), there is less inherent "value" in such a badge.

It's disappointing that in the entire article, there is not one mention of "covenant". The closest she gets is quoting a Marriage educator that, "Marriage is like glue. You can build something with it. Living together is like Velcro."

We believe we have been designed to live in relationship with others. Each of us is incomplete as an individual. This leads many of us to marry. Marriage is given to us as a gift, a covenant relationship where God's relationship with humanity can be revealed. He offers Covenant with us, His Love and Forgiveness, and desiring to spend time drawing closer to each other toward what He has revealed will come. We enter into marriage with that same Love and covenant...not simply an economic, romantic partnership where we strive to achieve "happiness" and feel like we've failed or we should move on during days where we feel like less than mountain-top experiences. Luscombe closes with the statement, "Yet marriage is still the best avenue most people have for making their dreams come true."

Nope. Marriage is not healthy when it is viewed primarily as a path to making our "dreams" come true. As romantic and desirable and marketable as that seems, it can still quickly lead to brokenness without a context for healing.

There is Love. There is romance. There are all sorts of things with the gift of marriage that offer to make it an amazing and enjoyable life-long experience. But we receive it as covenant, it is a window into the heart God has for His bride, the Church. When we do, it reveals Him to a world that needs to hear God's covenant Love for us, and offers a reminder to others who are caught up pursuing other reasons to marry/be married.

Here in the (Church/marriage relationship), is a place we can be broken, genuine, honest, imperfect, and released from burdens of performance and measurement...and still incredibly loved, valued, and pursued...together.

the discipline of routine.

2010-11-22T06:54:00.001-06:00

On the mens' retreat last month, we had a morning conversation outside. I thought I'd be the smart one, and wore swim trunks and an undershirt while everyone else wore layers of warmth. Thunderclouds were nearby, and I smiled, hoping we'd get drenched and these "men" would try to tough it out in their layers. Well, the rain came. The circle of guys moved under shelter. I was just cold.

But good conversation was still had. The discussion prompt was asked by our host, "When during your day do you "become Christian" for that day?" Despite sensing some bit of theology I didn't like there...I understood what he was really asking. "When do you spend time with Jesus in a way that matters to how you live?" We went around the circle. It was obvious that our host believed this should be done early in the day, so that it offers something for the rest of your hours. I answered honestly.

I'm a morning person. I can get up whenever the alarm goes off, usually. But when we began having kids, it began to change. If I get up early, it often wakes others up, as they're curious of the noise. So I began sleeping until our kids woke us up, and the morning was with them. I find my time usually later in the day, at work (as a pastor, I can usually carve out a moment), or in the car, etc.

Then he pointed out...wouldn't I rather my daughters grew up learning their dad spent his first moments of each day with Jesus, preparing for whatever may come? Yes, actually, I'd love that.

I came back from the retreat, and set my alarm for 6am. My wife has joined me as well. I'll be honest, it hasn't happened every morning. But most mornings, it's been a great way to begin the day. I've tried different things: prayer, scripture reading, writing, reading other things, silence, etc. I've found no matter the avenue, God blesses those moments for the day ahead. On occasion, a daughter does hear the noise and come out. "What are you doing?" she'll ask. "Spending some time with Jesus" we say. Then they'll usually cuddle up on the couch and rest, or grab a book themselves.

This is a good discipline. :)

Christmas & other idols..

2010-11-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Luke 21:8 "And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he! and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them."

We've probably heard these words before, but I believe we usually limit their impact on our lives. We zoom in on the literal translation, and miss out on what Jesus is actually offering us here. He was speaking to 1st Century Jews about the coming destruction of the temple, etc. But His words also carry much into our lives as well.

"..many will come in my name..." We've lost some of what Jesus is saying here, simply because we usually reduce "name" to that which a person is called by or responds to. The word here (onoma) means so much more than simply someone coming and saying the name "Jesus". As I've posted before to help understand similar texts in the New Testament, we can think of the word "name" in the same sense as "nature". Think about the nature of Jesus. His nature is to bring healing, restoration, forgiveness, right-ness, and to reveal Truth. To be something we can put our eternal Hope in. Jesus is saying here, "many will come saying this is also their nature". We see this on a daily basis, in advertising and other areas. Products, people, powers, situations and systems, and "get rich quick" ideas that all offer/promise to be something it makes sense to put our hope or fear in, and receive life from/be anxious over..

May we not be led "off the path" by these things.

Then he ads an extra blow. "..and say, 'I am he!' " Most of our translations say "I am he!" But the actual word here (eimi) does not actually include "he". It was added to reinforce the "come in my name" statement. The word here is the same used in 1 Corinthians 1:28, "God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are (eimi)."

The literal translation of these words, then, is "come in my name and say, 'I am'..", which says much more that our first glance. It's not just warning us against people who come and say "I'm Jesus", or "I'm with Jesus". It's warning us against everything that comes and pretends to BE something to worry/concern/live for/give priority and place in our life.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are on us once again. We can fly right past being thankful and into the deals, ads, and shopping for gifts, because the Christmas shopping season proclaims "I AM". Many of us will spend time with family and friends, and there may be relationship issues and brokenness in our midst that needs forgiveness and healing. We need freedom from these things in our life that are shouting "I AM!!". Jesus offers us that freedom...and community with others who are living as people made free.

In your life this week, what is shouting "I AM!!"? Jesus offers freedom even now. May God free us, and may we live as thank-filled...

Life Discipler - Product Review

2010-11-17T10:56:00.000-06:00

Recently I was given this "Life Discipler" (follow link for site) to review, along with a letter from its' creator, Tony Guard. I was kind of excited at first, to actually receive a small electronic trendy looking device for free, simply for promising to write a review online.

Then I opened it. I took their advice and used it for at least 5 days. I even gave it extra time...a whole week.

I agree that some of the goals are being met here: It's cheap, retailing at $29.99. But it should be, for basically being a calculator that displays Bible verses and has an alarm. The simplicity of design is nice, with just one central button, and one outer button for navigation. But the amounts of clicking down and up make me really wish the outside button would spin for a scrolling feature. I found myself thinking "it'd be nice to read a verse on another topic, but I really don't want to do all that clicking." Yup...I'm thumb lazy.

Being someone that is fond of lamps in my office, the first thing I noticed was the display is very dimly lit. You need a bright sun, or a very well lit room to use it. But it is small, and has a ring to be clipped to a keyring or something. So the presentation is nice. But with so many teens having iPods and similar gadgets these days, this product seems to be superfluous and uses outdated technology. Perhaps make them more rugged, and ship them to 3rd world countries? Although his letter states an elderly woman "over 80" was able to use it...so maybe give some to the local nursing homes too.

Let me quickly go through of the "Important Details" they gave us:
1. Never before seen tool for Christians. (Okay, ice cream cones with Bible verses would be too. Doesn't make them necessary, even though they'd obviously be cooler.)

2. You can get God's guidance immediately, like never before. (Never before? I found it much easier to pray, or even open a Bible, than take the time to click through this to find a single scripture out of context.)

3. No searching/No remembering, it feeds you verses using an audible alarm. (Really? An alarm to remind you not to memorize scripture?)

4. Keeps you focused on God instead of your problem or the world. (I could write a lot about this one. But I will simply say - no it doesn't.)

In closing, if you're looking for a gift for your Jesus loving teenager/young adult, or one that you want to encourage in their pursuit of Jesus....this doesn't seem like the gift.

But if you read this, and still really wanna buy one for that special person in your life...I've been authorized to give you a code "GROW20" that will get you 20% off. Which is really nothing special, since the website has a similar discount offered to anyone. I will say, Tony's letter sounds like he cares a lot about "getting Christians into the Word more". I just don't see how this product will encourage that, beyond encouraging an "a la cart" approach to scripture and frustrating those of us with dim rooms and lazy thumbs.

Homeless for the Holidays - Movie Review

2010-11-11T11:18:00.002-06:00

Recently I received a copy of "Homeless for the Holidays" to view and write a review on. If you know me, you know I'm not a big fan of movies made by Christians for Christians. So I invited my wife to sit and watch it with me, because she, admittedly, "loves cheesy movies".

One of the main points throughout the story is that God can take immense suffering in our lives, and use it for His purposes. That point is brilliantly illustrated by the simple act of watching the movie. As expected, there are major reasons this movie was never in theaters, and won't sell well to the general market. A whole bunch of cheese, and scenes you just wish would move on because the acting feels way too unbelievable. In the words of the advertising I received, "This film was made on a much lower budget than originally planned and many of the actors involved even worked for free in order to make the film possible." I hope so.

But bad script and acting aside, we find God at work even through the immense suffering of this movie if we allow. It is, after all, based on a true story. So while watching, perhaps it's helpful to imagine one person telling us his testimony. Less as entertainment, and more as a story of God in a man's life...it's worth hearing in a world that emphasizes things like "success" and "material wealth/comforts" over humanity and family.

He loses his job for some pretty unjust reasons, and savings only keeps them going a few months before the bills begin stacking up beyond their ability to pay. They lose services, power, and finally even gas before ultimately being evicted from their home. If you can get past the moments in the movie that make you groan, there are some good questions to discuss:

- How can this movie be a reminder to change my natural inclinations this Holiday season?
- How do I model "what is important" to my family? My children specifically? My spouse?
- Where have I shown compassion on someone in need in a new or creative way recently, recognizing we are all children of God?
- How can I live my daily life more simply, so that when unexpected crises' occur, it's easier to continue with what matters?
- Am I thankful for the things I often take for granted? Electricity, water, heat, food, etc?

So yeah, over all a movie worth existing. Get it for your church library. Of course, those of us who need to watch it are probably renting movies, or watching them on Hulu....while the people who live simply without cable/internet will be the ones who watch a movie like this, for lack of other options.

But who knows..."Fireproof" seems to have been a big hit. :) This definitely competes, and you don't have to deal with Kirk Cameron.

the fall of parenting.

2010-11-10T10:04:00.000-06:00

"Look, the trees are naked!" my daughter yells with glee

As nature sheds it's colored hues they love to look and see

In spring we'll walk through paths of green, and wake their sleeping buds

But for now we'll play in piles of leaves, then wash our hands with suds.

It's jacket weather once again

The arms they've figured out

But trying to understand the complexity of a zipper

Makes them scream and shout.

Some days we keep the windows open, taking in the breeze

Other days the tissues run lower with every snotty sneeze.

The colors red, and gold, and orange filling up the skies -

To drive around and drink it in with thirsty pairs of eyes

Is more fun than moments with a rake and paper sacks

They remind mom and dad that's it's okay to relax.

They teach us this throughout the day, and hope we've listened well

I think they smile themselves to sleep when warm drinks they smell.

"Mom and dad are taking time to enjoy the seasons' weather,

They're in the kitchen making hot drinks and sipping them together."

Maybe not, and they've no clue the lessons that they teach

Like asking us for something that they need that's out of reach.

Reminding us to pray to God for things, from Heaven sent.

Just another season to give thanks for being a parent.

(Yup, it rhymes regularly. Deal with it, poet hippies.)

a walk in the park.

2010-11-08T13:23:00.000-06:00

This morning I took advantage of good weather colliding with planned prayer-time, and ventured into Rock Springs park here in Decatur. God and I took a walk...

Here was a giant fiery white tree in the midst of regulars...

God said, "If you wanna see something really cool, you gotta get off the paved path."

A picture of faith...

We took a break to watch the stream.

We laid back by a large tree, to watch the birds a bit.

Flood plains. A place you can tell used to be saturated, and expects to be again...

When ice blocks the sun, fish can die due to plants not producing oxygen. Called "Winter Kill".

The fields were waving their praises...

As I was sitting near the path, watching the nature around me, I imagined actually sitting beside Christ. I told him what was on my heart, and He listened as I talked about things that have impacted my life recently. But like any good pastor will tell you, we need to give room to God to speak as well. There were several times of silence in our time together, and I prayed He would guide my thoughts.

I said to God, "You've been around a while. You've seen pretty much everything. What is something new that has made your heart glad recently?" At that moment, a jogger came out of nowhere, and we waved at each other as he went on his way. May we take it as a compliment and a challenge...God continues to find pleasure in us...

Humility Remix

2010-11-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

So here's a 3 minute remix of a 30 minute sermon I was able to preach a couple weeks ago. :)

Meet Zacchaeus - Part Three

2010-11-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

One final word stands out about the story of Zacchaeus. A word from the story that I'd never paid much attention to before. After all, the song ends on the statement "for I'm going to your house today", and that's all we get. The emphasis, when we usually hear it told, is on the fact that Jesus would even desire to go into such a mans house.

It hits harder when we read the literal translation from the Greek of verse 5, "..come down, for today in the house of you it is necessary for me to remain." In verse 9, Jesus doesn't simply announce that Zacchaeus has experienced salvation. He announces that "salvation has come to this house". This entire story offers a vital reminder and encouragement for our homes and families.

We hear that Zacchaeus was "happy to welcome him". Next, we hear that "all who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." From there, it jumps right into Zacchaeus living as a transformed (made new) creation. Giving half of his possessions to the poor, and paying back what was stolen 4-fold. But that leaves us with a very important unknown:

What happened in the home? What did Jesus say/do that led to such a change?

Pastor Gerry pointed out, not having this in the story could be the work of God's Spirit. After all, if we knew what Jesus said, it would lead to: 1. us making an equation/method out of it. Basically we could say _____ brings about salvation. 2. Us being able to say, "well, those words were meant for Zacchaeus specifically...not for me and my life."

Instead, we are left with this: God desires what happens in our homes to be about Jesus bringing transformation and announcing our identity as His children. The words of Jesus come to us just as clearly as to Zacchaeus, "in the house of you it is necessary for me to remain." Our homes need to be places where our children receive their identity as God has given. Where they experience the presence of Jesus, and are changed in a way that brings a genuine difference in how they relate to others and to the poor. Extend that out, knowing that homes in those days often held multiple generations under one roof. God desires an experience where Grandpas and Grandmas, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and Siblings, all become part of receiving God's identity/calling as a family that is "made new". In a way that says "God wants what has happened here, to continue happening in places where He is unknown".

How is that happening in our homes this week???

Meet Zacchaeus - Part Two

2010-11-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

A second word that comes from the story of Zacchaeus, if we're willing to listen, is one of "salvation". Toward the close of this passage, we hear Jesus announce something pretty important. Verse 9 says "Jesus said to him..." but he speaks in a way that suggests even though his face was turned toward Zacchaeus, he was saying it to the benefit of everyone around him.

This moment contrasts the first few verses completely. Yesterday we talked about how Zacchaeus saw himself. The identity that he claimed as he ran, and climbed a sycamore tree. Today we hear the identity Jesus announces over him.

"Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."

Here we have Jesus, actually talking specifically about this thing we often get confused and grapple with, "salvation". He talks about salvation, and doesn't say anything about "from hell", or "going to heaven". What has happened here?

We see Zacchaeus offering to give half of his possession to the poor, and paying back those he stole from, 4 times as much as he'd taken. But Jesus doesn't say, "salvation has come to this house because this man is giving back a whole lot of stuff, and experiencing a healed relationship to the poor and those he'd previously taken advantage of."

What reason does Jesus give for the salvation that is being experienced? "..because he too is a son of Abraham." It has to do with being claimed as a child of God. An identity that is offered not just to those who have grown up in church, or have never made mistakes...but to all. An identity, that when embraced, transforms who we are and how we live in relationship to Jesus AND humanity.

Zacchaeus has been saved from a life of neglecting God, and taking advantage of his fellow man. A life focused on self, that treats others with little value, and aims to please Rome (a power/principality...remember, "our struggle is not with flesh and blood"), only leads to death and brokenness. Jesus announces freedom from these things, and finishes the entire section in verse 10 by saying this is what He is all about. To find people like this, who have been pushed to the side and forgotten; who the religious world finds no value in...and announce their own True identity to and about them.

Besides "not going to hell", and "going to heaven when you die", it asks the question in our life..."what would my verse 8 say?" What has changed, or changes about my life that would make Jesus announce that these are the result of salvation having arrived? Am I living as the "child of Abraham" that God proclaims me to be?

Meet Zacchaeus - Part One

2010-11-01T09:08:00.000-06:00

In Luke 19:1-10, we read an all too familiar story about Zacchaeus. Even someone unfamiliar with much of the Bible has probably heard this story of a "wee little man...who climbed up in a Sycamore tree...etc". But in studying the scripture this past week, 3 new words from the story emerged that I've not paid much attention to in the past. The first word (words) I want to flesh out a bit are the words of Jesus in verse 5, "come down".

Jesus is looking up into the tree at Zacchaeus. The description we have of Zacchaeus includes: Chief Tax Collector, rich (wealthy), and short. Being a tax collector in general, he was viewed as a "traitor" by his Jewish community, for tax collectors were employees of Rome. They could add amounts to the taxes they were required to collect, and they were allowed to keep that extra funding for themselves. He was not simply any tax collector either, he was a Chief tax collector. Which meant, he had several collectors working under him. Let's just say, he was not a welcome guest at very many parties.

The scripture tells us he was "trying to see who Jesus was", but how he was trying to do so tells us a lot about how he viewed himself. Verse 4 tells us that he "ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree". Imagine a short man running in what was most likely a long tunic. Yes, "ἀναξυρίδες" (trousers) had been invented by then, but were often seen as clothing of the barbarians. So tunic it was. Probably having to "hike up" the edges as he ran, it was not the way a dignified man would carry himself. Then he goes right into climbing a tree. Men who wear tunics should not climb trees in the first place. But this isn't just any tree. This is a tree that was guaranteed to be empty in that area. A sycamore fig tree bore fruit that was most often fed to the pigs, and so the tree itself was even considered to be "unclean".

Zacchaeus knew how people saw him. A tax collector didn't have confusion as to how the consensus felt about him. He figured, they couldn't think anything worse of him for running, and climbing a sycamore tree, eh? Jesus approaches this man who has revealed his self-claimed identity through his actions, and begins by saying "hurry and come down".

How often do we approach Jesus, already holding onto our identity firmly? We know who we are. We know how people think of us, and how we think of ourselves. Maybe we're the complete opposite of Zaccchaeus, feeling pretty good about ourselves and proud of what we've accomplished. Perhaps we find ourselves climbing the sycamore right beside him, desperate to know more about this Jesus.

Wherever we find ourselves receiving our identities from this week, Jesus begins his words to us with "Hurry, come down..."

Faith in Home.

2010-10-29T10:10:00.001-06:00

Quite literally.

This past month has been a journey, one that has offered us growth and revealed more about who we are as individuals, as well as a family.

It begins with the regular hobby of my wife (and some other women too?) of exploring open houses. Dreaming about what it'd be like to have a bit more elbow room, closets in each bedroom, and sidewalks to teach our girls how to ride their bikes. It's not about being unsatisfied with our current home, realizing there are areas of the world, and even the U.S. where to have a home like ours is beyond the largest dream.

Which highlights one of the first major differences. One of the things I've loved about my wife ever since we began dating in college, was her desire to change things. She does not become complacent easily, and always asks the question "What could be?". Usually, for a guy with the personality that would be quite fine surviving in a house of any size as long as the dishes are done (my OCD coming through)...I haven't traditionally responded well immediately.

But a few weeks ago, she was "ooooh"-ing over a particularly nice house in the historic end of town. She even convinced me to come with her. I went through the motions, and tried to "do" what was asked, without quite taking the endeavor seriously. The house, after all, was beyond our "budget", and it was a pipe dream. I don't enjoy looking at a car unless I'm going to drive it...that sort of thing.

Later that week, the price of the house was reduced in such a way that it became a possibility. I caught my wife's vision for "What could be?", and we immediately transformed life into that of house-selling/buying. Had a contingency offer accepted, based on selling our current home. Then the waiting began. We heard all sorts of advice, from "claim the property in prayer, and it's yours", to "if it's God's will, it'll happen", to the much more preferred by me - "guess you can just pray, and wait, and see if it happens".

But these range of responses, along with a recently renewed practice of praying together regularly, added to the recent study of Luke 18:1-8, and we've had some good times. What is the will of God, in regard to my home? I teach that God cares about the smallest detail, and encourage teens to pray about anything their hearts are impacted by, no matter how silly. All of this points to the fact that God hears our hearts when we pray for this move to happen.

Perhaps He will still actively move in a way that opens the door to this move. It seems the door is closing, however, tempting us to ask the question - what was/is God up to?

In moments like this, we cling to the fact that God continues to be faithful. Even the passage in Luke 18 doesn't emphasize the widow "got her way" eventually. It points to the fact that that faith was found, God's complete Justice is coming, and encourages the disciples to not lose heart. To keep praying, and that is the point. We continue to be incredibly blessed, not simply because we have a home and other material comforts...but because we have a God who hears when we pray.

Like I said...maybe it'll still happen. But no matter what, I look forward to continuing to pray often with my family toward whatever may come....God with us. :)

man.

2010-10-28T04:54:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I attended "Wild At Heart", a 24-hour retreat designed to help men re-capture their God-given masculinity...and have fun while doing it. I have to admit, I'm not the first to raise their hand when it comes to "Who wants to come to this manly man of a man thing, where we'll do manly stuff, and discover how God made men different from women?" So when this opportunity presented itself, I didn't exactly race to the table.

I was raised by my mom for a good portion of the "growin' up" years. As captured pretty good in Donald Miller's book "To Own A Dragon", he talks about growing up without a father as always feeling like the rest of the world knew something you didn't. Now, my mom did a pretty spectacular job raising 5 kids by herself for a while. And if I would've allowed my dad now, to be my dad when he married my mom....well, I wish I would have. :)

I realize by now, there's nothing actually missing. In fact, through life's difficulties I've probably grown a lot more, and added to the characteristics I would have otherwise naturally acquired. I'm thankful for what God can use, even if it wasn't what He desired for our lives.

But even with all that, when it comes to "typical" man categories (women, sit down...don't get offended....I realize there are plenty of you who are "into" this stuff...much more than me.) like fixin' cars, shooting animals, and knowing every sports statistic that is currently and historically relevant....I'm generally uninterested/inexperienced. But I still love the guys in my life, who do naturally enjoy these things for some reason.

That was my main reason for going, and the same reason I've been attending "Mens' Fraternity" here in Decatur every Thursday morning. There is a HUGE group of men out there who relate really well to sport and hunting analogies. And in the midst of analogies I'm not a big fan of (Emphasizing over and over again how much we need to utilize humility as some type of tool/weapon in order to "win", etc.) there are definitely things worth hearing/talking about.

Guys being vulnerable, and pursuing the heart of God. Recognizing it's not about dominating the home or workplace, but serving it as Christ. Discovering what risks/adventure God is calling in your life specifically, and having faith to step forward. Surrounding yourself with a "band of brothers" who can support each other in these things.

Not sure these are specifically "manly" callings....but it sure helps for men to be honest about them when they're separated by gender for a bit. Good relationships being built, and God is receiving glory. :)

Beyond the Lions

2010-10-26T05:47:00.000-06:00

This week's Old Testament reading comes from the book of Daniel. I'd confess that beyond the popular story of the Lions' Den, and short passages here & there in my studies of Revelation and other apocalyptic writings, I've not spent much time with Daniel.

The readings are short (7:1-3, 15-18), and just enough to get a dream and its' interpretation. Daniel sees four great winds "churning up the great sea", and four great unique beasts coming from that sea. In the 2nd section we get the interpretation: "The four great beasts are the four (kings) that will rise from the earth."

Before we get caught up in wondering which current or future governments will rise from the earth, we recognize there were four primary oppressive governing bodies over the Jews. This isn't news, as we can find this interpretation in several commentaries, and it definitely fits with the message of Daniel/scripture.

1. Chaldeans
2. Persian Monarchy
3. Grecian Monarchy
4. Rome? Turkish Empire? Syria? (the jury seems out, but sure seems like Rome)

But the primary focus, even beyond these debates, seems to be found in verses 13-14, and verse 18:

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed....But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever - yes, for ever and ever."

A good reminder, for sure. :)

How Many Minutes Do You Have?

2010-10-19T05:00:00.001-06:00

Recently I was given a copy of "The Seven Minute Difference", along with a soon-to-be-released companion daily planner. I smiled, automatically relegating these things into the "won't really impact me, but I'm forced to write something about 'em so I'll give it a go" category. I was somewhat wrong.

Turns out, the "7 Minute Difference" is simply using a few short moments a day to make sure what you're doing with your day is connected to what you ultimately hope to do in life...both short and long term. The planner itself is organized in such a way as to remind you to be taking those small steps on a daily basis, and staying on task with them on your mind. Being honest, the planner was too much for my ADD. Anytime you need 11 pages to explain HOW to use a planner, you're over my head. Turns out, it's easy to use...if you use planners. Maybe there will be an app for it someday...I might try that. For more information, I encourage you to check out the Seven Minute Life System yourself.

One of the things that frustrated my wife over the past several years, is my lack of "dreaming" when it comes to our home. Sure, I would agree when she asked me, I want a house where our girls can have closets. I would like a house with sidewalks so we can teach them how to ride a bicycle. I'd love a street with less traffic...etc.

But none of my actions/words ever conveyed that I intended to do anything other than live where we were for the rest of our lives.

This book pointed out to me, I may be doing the exact same thing in other areas of my life. Allyson Lewis points out the importance of putting our "Life Purpose" into words, and then making lists of Goals and Micro-goals that move toward that purpose. Although I will confess, I had a hard time coming up with a "Life Purpose". Mainly I think I was trying to see through her lens, which seemed optimistically too much about the vague notions of "success", "security", and "growth"...all business-oriented phrases that I'm not really motivated much by.

My "Life Purpose" would probably sound something like "My purpose in life is New Creation. To experience being made new by God, & to be involved in His making all things new in Christ. Desiring the same for my wife, our marriage, my children, my family, my relationships with those I love, and those I need to be reminded to love. I pray the ministry God allows me to be a part of to be actively growing New disciples of Christ, and connecting believers in relationship across families and generations...toward the coming of God's Kingdom."

Now...that's always been there in the background. But not really in words. And even now that it's in words, I find myself critiquing and wanting to reword it. Yet, there is a solid beginning. A purpose that my daily actions, large and small, should be united by and part of.

I love the ministry God allows me to be a part of. But I'll be honest - I would probably be just fine if it looked very similar 10 years down the road. Just as I'd be just fine if I lived in the same house. But "just fine" doesn't imply that's what I want. I want stronger relationships with my volunteers. I want to be more connected with the families, and see teenagers deeper connected to the discipleship happening at home.

I think that often because I fight the mentality seen throughout this book of professional "success", "growth", and "security", I forget that "content" doesn't necessarily mean things have to remain the same. I am thoroughly content, and thankful for where I am in so many areas of my life. But I desire what can be...

My Fantasy Hockey Writers Application Sample. :)

2010-10-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

And so it begins. We've kicked off the last bit of off-season dust, and have begun the journey toward awarding the 2011 Stanley Cup. Maybe you're new to this fanatical experience of the NHL. Perhaps you're a long-time fan with records of every Gordie Howe Hat Trick ever made. And possibly, you think a “hat trick” is probably something the goalie does involving taking off his protective head gear.

But what you all may have in common? Fantasy Hockey.

Personally, I've grown up watching hockey as far back as I can remember. I love it. So did most of the people I grew up around. But then I moved to the middle of Illinois. Now I find myself surrounded by basketball, football, and even a few baseball fans, many of whom have never watched a full NHL game, unless you count Chicago's win last season.

So what do I do? I trick as many local guys as I can to put their ego's to the test in the realm of Fantasy Hockey. Sure, sometimes I do alright. But overall, my “win” comes in the form of having a group of guys I can talk hockey with...both online, and in person.

And what a season it's already turning out to be.

In the West, the 2010 Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks are fighting to make a statement. What statement? “Even though we lost some great players due to salary cap issues, we are still as much a team to be reckoned with.” Watch for Marian Hossa to continue gaining productivity as the season moves forward. He may have finally won a Stanley Cup after an emotional chase, but now he's tasted victory and has more time on the ice than last season.

But that's not all the West has to offer. This week saw the match up between the “Old” and “New” regimes of hockey, and it was VERY close. The Detroit Redwings took on the Colorado Avelanche in Detroit. The team captains age at 40 and 39, respectively, but only one truly represents the age of the men behind him. Nicklas Lidstrom, backed by a Detroit team aged mainly 25-40, and isn't available in your fantasy league for a reason. He's solid.

Adam Foote on the other hand, is surrounded by so many young whipper snappers starting at age 19, you wonder if Colorado will keep him around for another season? Yet even with much less experience, the Colorado Kids gave Detroit a pummeling on Tuesday night, tallying 38 shots to the Wings total of 28.

Any team that can give a performance like that in Hockeytown USA, is worth checking into. You might take a chance on David Jones if you've got a deeper league, with an open RW position. Ousted by an injury mid-season last year, it's hard to know what he would have accomplished. But the 20 minutes a game he's playing right now says Colorado has confidence in his ability to produce, and they were rewarded for that confidence Tuesday night.

After "After You Believe"

2010-10-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

Whether due to a busy summer, a large amount of books I've taken on all at once, or simply wanting to spend more time working through it....I've finally completed "After You Believe" by NT Wright. I don't think I'll surprise my 2 readers by saying.....I enjoyed just about every page of it.

As a quick side note, I found myself wondering if people around me (because the world revolves around me, right?) notice the title of my book, and think perhaps I've just recently become a "believer" in whatever the topic is. Sometimes I'd purposefully flash the book, in hopes that an energetic evangelical would strike up a conversation about how great Jesus is. No such luck, this time at least.

I've already posted some thoughts while reading the book, and it's important call to reclaim the activity of Jesus in our world as the Church. So much of what Wright has said, is painted wonderfully in such a context that to remove it from, would be like taking a single star from "Starry Night", and wanting you to see how beautiful it is. I encourage you...if you've ever found, or find yourself in a place where you want "more" from Christianity, and church shopping isn't quite filling what you thought it would.....or whatever method you've explored to bring personal revival.....allow God to use this book in your journey.

God is doing some pretty incredible things, and I want the language, song, and dance of my life to be something that I've practiced so often when it felt unnatural - that when moments requiring the response of someone genuinely following Jesus to bear God's presence into the world in a transforming way....I am able, by the Spirit's presence in my life. That my very mind would be transformed/renewed, so that Faith, Hope, and Love would be virtues I've not only practiced in the grace of God...but are also becoming my very "New" nature. That the fruit of the Spirit (all 9 aspects of it) would be obvious both as difficult decisions, as reflex actions, and as truly supernatural gifting as my life seeks the coming together of heaven and earth.

I'm thankful for Wright's words on the work of humanity that has begun, and will continue into New Creation. The gathering of creations' praises to present before God, and the bearing God's image and nature into that same creation. I pray that God will be with me, as I desire these things not only for myself, but for my marriage, my family/children, and the church community I've been blessed to be called to serve God among.

Yes...it's a bit dense at parts. The fact that he talks about Aristotelian themes of virtue, etc...can be intimidating and discouraging to some of us who would prefer an easier-to-swallow pill. But just as the spiritual "disciplines" can lead to some pretty amazing transformations toward New Life.....taking the time to invest in the words on these pages...can open the Word and Life that Jesus Christ has inaugurated...may you be blessed as well....and if you wanna borrow my copy - just let me know. :)

Holiness - Mark Van Valin

2010-10-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

The 2nd primary speaker mentioned in yesterdays' post was Mark Van Valin, from Spring Arbor, Michigan. Whereas Barna talked to us mainly as ministers and churches, VanValin spoke to us as children of God; and offered new insight in our conversations on "Holiness".

He began by offering 3 main "traditions" of salvation:
- Proposition - we believe the right things
- Behavioral - we do the right things
- Relational - we know the right person.

Obviously, his desire for us was the third understanding. That we might come to know an intimate experience of Jesus Christ. From John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." We see the trinity relating to each other in places like Jesus' baptism, exhibiting Love and Joy and Family.

Many of us have been asked the question "If God is complete, in need of nothing, why did he make us?" Mark reminded us it was out of His fullness, not loneliness, that God created. A fullness that He desires to share with us.

Van Valin compared our approach to our lives in regard to holiness like an island with overgrown plant life. That holiness is not simply "weed-wacking" around our island, taking care of the small manifestations of outward sin. Sin generally comes from some sort of "self" focus:

- Self-promotion - "what about me?" mentality
- Self-protection - "always being safe", "not me!" mentality, disguised as humility
- Self-indulgence - "please me" mentality, easier to spot this one, seeking pleasure/avoiding pain, addictions
- Self-sufficiency - shies away from mystery, "let me" mentality, not willing to be broken/vulnerable

These fear-based "larger issues", destroy relationships and our ability to relate well...to God, or others. All of this pointing to the real enemy often not being satan, but ultimately myself. Van Valin offered reminders to yield ourselves to Christ for each of these areas, in order:

- Humility
- Obedience
- Suffering/Intimacy/Self-control
- Trust

These 4 things not only deepen, enrich, and help build relationships...they also REQUIRE community. Church is much more than an hour on the weekend that you can choose whether or not you're interested in attending this week. It's a community experiencing life-transformation together, and transforming their world as those lives are lived out together in mission and God's presence.

May we invite those around us to participate in the intimacy of genuine life together in the same way we've been invited to participate in what the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are actively doing...

Journey to Wholeness - George Barna

2010-10-13T05:00:00.002-06:00

Last month I was privileged to attend conversations on the topic of holiness at the pastors' day hosted by the "Wesleyan Holiness Consortium". The two primary speakers were George Barna, and Mark Van Valin. Today's post will focus on the message from Barna.

He was speaking on the topic of "How to partner with God more effectively toward genuinely transformed lives." Toward lives that naturally bring about the virtues of faith, hope, and love...and yield the 9-fold fruit of the Spirit. Statistically speaking (which is Barna's forte), we currently have some very unhealthy churches.

Barna gave us the important reminder, that no matter gifted we are...no matter how well prepared the sermon is, and no matter how tight/seamless the service goes....WE cannot transform lives. We need the Spirit of God to move in New ways.

He talked to us about his current research journey, that will be released as a new book, focusing on the "Journey" most believers (or communities of believers) experience. He found 10 primary stages, or "stops" on that journey:

1. Ignorance (of sin)
2. Indifference (skeptics, etc.)
3. Concern (so what do I do about this?)
4. Ask for initial forgiveness. (often "fire insurance" type decision)
5. Involved (developmental, service, "what's next" questions begin to be asked)
6. Spiritual Discontent (been involved a while, but realize the change is outward, wanting more)
7. Recognize the need to be broken (by sinful nature - need for God's work)
8. Healing (once we've surrendered to God, restoration & growth can come)
9. Love (from and for God)
10. LOVE (for others - a very distinct step apart from #9)

Some important notes on the above:
- These are not always sequential...especially the first 5.
- Most people stay within the first 5 stops.
- #6 is often the place where people want to "change environment" (go church shopping), but retain the issue at heart. Often seen in young adults who are used to age-segregated "youth group" mentality consumer-driven church experiences...and now find themselves without a section on the menu for them specifically.
- #7 is crucial, and often missed. Majority of believers say they accepted Christ without brokenness. The consumer-driven (avoid hell, or gain better life) models of salvation miss out on what Jesus is up to!

Barna then gave 4 important "next steps" for us as churches/ministries:
1. Recognize that EVERYONE is on this journey somewhere. Where are you?
2. Reflect on what "transformational ministry" means? We are reminded the "endgame" is NOT "heaven".
3. We need to invest more church resources in steps 1-4 than we do currently.
4. We are called to be vulnerable in realizing these things. To partner together, and find fellowship with others seeking a better understanding as well.

May we find ourselves on the journey, and locate those we love as well....as we seek the Wholeness that Jesus Christ is offering even now...

"The" Session - Final D6 Post

2010-10-11T09:50:00.000-06:00

The final speaker of the conference was, in my opinion, the one that provided the vision/framework/calling that the other sessions made you thirsty for. Rob Rienow, of "Visionary Parenting", spoke to us on "How to change the DNA of our church?"

He gave a great presentation, beginning with Genesis and going through both Old and New Testaments, on how the Bible is not just "meat" for great messages, but is also full of "method". (at this point, we Methodists smile a bit at our cleverness) Rienow called us, as churches and in our own families, to "reclaim" the connection between the Great Commission and the institution of the family. He gave us 3 main points in the midst of it:

1. God created FAMILIES to be discipleship centers. Not speaking about a mom, dad, 2.5 kids and a dog, either. Talking about great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, parents, cousins, kids, etc. The automatic expectation throughout scripture was the impact a transformation had on not just one person, but on the direction of their family's lineage/heritage.

2. The biblical purpose of parenting & grand-parenting is to impress hearts of children with the love for God. This purpose never fades or is reduced simply because they "move out" or seem to stop paying attention, which leads to point number 3:

3. God created family as an essential engine of world evangelism/cosmos transformation through the power of multi-generational faithfulness!!! We see God's vision for Abraham and his family in Genesis 18:18-19. That multi-generational faithfulness begins with NOW. Regardless of what has happened in the past, and what you've inherited, you can begin a LEGACY of several generations all transformed by New Life, and impacting the world with your own home/family/preparations for family.

The calling of much of this comes down to Deuteronomy 6:5, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." To impress this upon the hearts of our children, to model it as we walk together, and to talk about it in a way that reveals how important it is to the very fabric of our lives. But it can be hard to achieve, if we don't understand/think about what it means ourselves.

To love the Lord with all our heart, means to Love God in regard to "What I Love". What captures my heart? What has the power to tug on my emotional strings? How are we helping the "heart" of our family to be directed toward the God who has given us His Love?

To love the Lord with all our soul, means to Love God in regard to "Who I Am". Where does our identity come from? Our confidence and reason for getting up every morning? Do we humbly give thanks to a God who gives us an identity as sons and daughters of the Most High? How are we helping our family receive it's identity not from finances, social status, or culture...but from the Word of God?

To love the Lord with all our strength, means to Love God in regard to "What I Do". What have we accomplished recently? What work have we done? What have we created, and where have we joined with God in "making all things new"? How are we helping our family to be involved in things that matter to the Kingdom of God more than things that will fade in a few years?

Malachi 2:15 reminds us that God has given us marriage for a purpose. He makes two into one, and hates divorce, because he desires "Godly offspring". And no, this is not a call toward parenting "Duggar-style". This is simply the Truth...that God desires that following Him would be a multi-generational family together thing, and in/through this....His purposes continue to be accomplished. How hope-filling and exciting...to anticipate together with many generations..the completion that God promises, and that we have all been living toward together!!

Whether this simply means we continue what we've been doing, or calls us to allow ourselves and our families to be changed...may God bless the generations and extensions of each of our homes/families this week....and may He begin with you and yours...

Matthew 25:14-30

2010-10-05T08:55:00.000-06:00

Last night we talked a bit about this passage, and the insight felt like something very worth sharing. Many of us have heard this story before. It's an illustration of the Kingdom of God....a parable that points to what Jesus is bringing about.

There are two main messages we often hear, associated with this story. Both miss the point by quite a bit. Usually, when these verses are quoted or read, we hear one of two messages:

1. "Well done, good and faithful servant.." Usually it's only these words we hear. Often as the goal of their life...a romanticized notion of arriving at the pearly gates, and to have Jesus with a long flowing white robe (kinda like a Snuggy, actually), offering us our own Heavenly Snuggy, and ushering us into a giant cloud-themed living room saying "Well DONE, good and faithful servant." God finds that we've accomplished His "work" well in this lifetime, and we've proven ourselves faithful despite all of the temptation we had to work to avoid during our days on earth. Our emphasis is on being "done", and now being able to get on with what all Christians really want to do, which is to say lounging around drinking coffee and chai, and playing musical instruments from the 2nd Century....basking in the sunshine (which is actually the light radiating off of Jesus), and working on our son-tan. :)

2. "You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things!" When we hear these words, many times today it's in relation to a "prosperity gospel" type message. That if we are faithful with the few bucks we make right now, by giving tithes/offerings sacrificially, donating to worthy causes, and managing our affairs with Jesus at the center....God will no doubt increase our wealth, our success, and our empire of sorts. This is very popular. We with little money would love to believe this, because it's an easy path to success and financial peace (right?). Those with lots of money love to believe it, because then it's easier to rest easy with lots of money, as it is God's reward for the sacrifices already made and done with. But the truth is, you could be incredibly faithful with the little bit of money you have right now....and a tornado could still hit your home, and insurance refuse to pay for much. But don't tell Joel Osteen. :)

The Truth is, the story remains a parable about the Kingdom of God. The words "Well done, good and faithful servant..." do come at THE END OF THIS LIFE, and are immediately followed by the next phrase "You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things!"

We will be given tasks/work in the Kingdom of God, just as we have many tasks at hand right now. If we are found faithful with what we've been given in this life, God will respond to that in the coming Kingdom! Not by giving us a large crown or mansion, or a "time off" couch and Snuggy....but with more responsibilities!!! A word given negative connotation by an earthly existence that is often way too imbalanced....but how glorious will be our responsibilities when God has been revealed fully, and made all things New!!!! Our tasks as priests and rulers will continue, and take New forms in the ages to come....I look forward to it all....and pray that God finds I've been faithful with what I've been given here and now....

Main Session - Carey Casey

2010-10-03T05:00:00.005-06:00

One of our speakers was Carey Casey, from the National Center for Fathering. Seemed like a very nice/fun guy, with an impressive arsenal with which to name drop. One of the "real life" members of the "Remember the Titans" final game. He's met with President Obama, and several other famous people I didn't write down.

He talked about an obvious dilemma for any of us who want to engage an entire family that attends our church. Many times, the father takes a "back seat" to the spiritual development of the children, and often parenting altogether. In recent days, I'm hearing more and more of these statistics, as I've attended the local "Men's Fraternity", and will be heading on a "Wild At Heart" weekend later in October. I've not had a huge interest in these types of things before. I was raised much of my life by just my mom, and don't really enjoy hunting, playing sports, or working on cars as perhaps I should. I usually end up cringing at statements like "Real Men enjoy/are wired to ________"...usually because it puts me out of the group. But as much as I poke fun at some of the overly macho enthusiasm, and apparent need to associate every analogy with sports, hunting, or some other obviously masculine endeavor...I recognize there is truth in some of what they're saying....men need to be called on differently than women. We need to be reminded that it's not about money, strength, "success" as defined by the world, and it's not something that happens automatically. Being a father, a husband, and a man God is using....takes effort, practice, Love, humility, etc., and dependence on/seeking God. Ministries like this ARE reaching men across the country...and God can use that.

So, once we've gotten their attention, how do we engage fathers (myself included) in the spiritual development of their families and children?

By reminding them, there is a purpose to being where they are. By ministering to their marriages as a top priority. By helping dads to pursue unconditional love. Teaching/guiding fathers to "coach" their children. He used the illustration of asking a father, "Suppose you were asked to be assistant coach for your child's team? Think of the energy and enthusiasm you would put into preparing your child, and how they interact with the team as a whole...etc. Now...how much energy/enthusiasm do you put into your child's eternity (which has already begun)?"

Good point.

To model the life we want to guide other men toward, in Christ. To encourage a fatherless child ourselves...he reminded us of the words in James 1:27...the call to look after orphans and widows, for this is religion God accepts as pure and faultless. He reminded us to enlist other dads in all of this as well...referring to the well-known proverb about iron sharpening iron.

I look forward to connecting with other young fathers in the next years specifically.....on purpose...and without having to grunt or shoot an animal to do it. But if they wanna shoot something near me....that's cool. I'll bring a book.

Main Session - John Cannon & Ryan Rush

2010-10-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Cannon and Rush came out to do a tandem interview on the topic of "Yeah, but...", offering practical ways the "D6" concept was happening in actual churches. Because of the back and forth, and the difference between their churches and ours....I didn't take a ton of notes.

They reminded us to be intentional about involving children in God's worship, Word, and work each week. I can more than get down with that. Something about children being visible during worship motivates coming before God with more humility/childlike-ness. At one of the worship services, a motion song was done, that I honestly had very little motivation to wave my arms around during. However, the same song was done at another time with a small group of children on stage, and I jumped right in. Not because one service was more "genuine" or whatever than the other....but simply seeing children enjoying the physical expressions of the song...led to a more natural involvement in those expressions myself. And that's not even scratching the surface on what it offers both the Christ-community and those children involved. :)

They gave the acronym "HOME" as we ask ourselves how we can realistically start to see changes/movements in our approach to ministry. To begin and desire "Healthy Homes". To pursue and instruct "Ongoing Obedience". To provide and resource for "Meaningful Milestones" in the lives of those moving from child to adulthood. Finally, to be "Engaging Everyone", connecting our ministries and efforts to and between every generation/background present.

Much of this goes against popular thoughts (at least thoughts that I've heard) that are content to label as "healthy" churches that are growing in number....when all the growth is happening with young adults, making friends with more young adults, who are inviting their young adult friends. (seriously, young adults, did you know you were a hot commodity among churches? I say demand a gift card and free babysitting, at least. ;) ) On the flip side, I've also heard some speak of churches filled to the brim with only elderly, content to let those churches fade quietly into the sunset. I think both sides of this coin are unhealthy, and at worst damaging to a community seeking all that God has for us.

At this point in the conference, I was getting just a little weary of all the bragging about how "God is at work through a movement called D6", and wanted to say that D6 was just our latest (pretty good) attempt to join God in what He is already moving toward and desiring to accomplish. I think it had something to do with the sales pitches for all things D6, and the relentless advertising by this publication or that must-have ministry tool.

Nevertheless....good things. :)

Main Session - Doug Fields

2010-10-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

I've heard Doug speak a number of times, and read several of his books both in preparation for, and in the midst of ministry. You probably have too. What I haven't heard him speak on much until this, was the aspect of parenting...other than talking about "boundaries" he has to protect his wife and family, and other random stories from his podcasts.

That seemed to be a large part of his focus here as well. When we think of the question "Okay, so now that we're all on board as pastors, desiring for more to be happening in the homes of our church members in the way of making disciples and living out faith throughout the week.....what do we do next?", Doug brings the not-so-obvious answer - "Start in our own homes."

I'd confess that prior to this conference, praying with my spouse had not been something we thought about fitting in somewhere. Sure, we'd pray together at meals. We'd pray as a family during the girls' bedtime ritual often. But to actually pray together, apart from our kids/meals....and not just because there's an emergency?

It's already been a nice change...and reminds us, sometimes through desire, and sometimes through ritual...that our marriage is a priority. Both for us...and for the God who made two become one...and continues to hold us.

The fact that our families as Christians can be examples for those who are seeking a "New" way of being a family. A path apart from the destruction and self-motivated maneuvering found in the world. That a family can also exhibit how the church body can exist...freed from self and positioning, practicing self-less Love, Hoping together toward what comes next, and sharing common Faith in the God who is making all things New.

Although I'd have to say I was a little disappointed in one of his main points ("Focus on Your Own D$&* Family"), that seemed to be popular with much of the crowd...simply for it's crudeness. Nevertheless, the point was...before we begin trying to "fix" other homes in our church, we need to be aware of how much priority our own family has. As pastors, we need to change the expectations that we're overworked and present at every single event our church has. When "off" or "on vacation", or even home after work...to "unplug", and disconnect from communication avenues to focus on family.

He called us to "serve ice cream" at home, putting as much energy into making your home attractive as you do your church/ministry. Which, as someone not too particularly motivated to make our youth ministry "attractive"...I still get what he's saying. And finally, he asked the question of us as pastors, "What are you doing to make sure it's a privilege that mom/dad is a pastor?" Offering stories of things he's done...kinda "all-access" type, movie night, friends lock-in, swim in baptistery, etc. :)

named.

2010-09-30T04:26:00.000-06:00

Main Session - Dr. Kevin Leman

2010-09-29T05:00:00.001-06:00

I'll admit, this was my first experience of Dr.Leman. Which probably automatically tells many of you, I haven't paid nearly as much attention to parenting literature as I should. This guy has been on news shows all over the world, including Oprah AND anyone remember Donahue back in the day? Yup...he was on there.

Just check out his bibliography on Wikipedia, to realize the full extent of my ignorance. In any case....he was an awesome speaker. Humble, yet well informed, and humorously experienced in parenting and giving guidance to other parents for years. Dr.Leman spoke on instilling the authority of parents AND scripture in the home. Authority is something often avoided and talked about in somewhat "shushed" tones these days. It's usually about freedoms, allowances, and how to make your kids happy. But as Dr.Leman said more than once, "An unhappy child is a healthy child.", for obvious reasons.

He spoke of the value of a little "Vitamin N" (the word "no"), and reminded parents to respond as a parent during teachable moments, as opposed to responding from high emotions in the midst of a conflict. I really felt like I gained as much or more from this session as a parent than as a pastor. I can't speak to his books, and I can't say I'd go with all of his tactics (locking a child outside when she wouldn't stop crying)....but he's a captivating and witty speaker worth listening to. I'll end with some quotes of his, that would be tough to weave into a short blog post...:)

"If you bring up your kids to think they're the center of the universe, what room is there for God?"

(speaking of today's families being too busy) "Activities are not good for children. :) They're not good for families, marriages, and definitely not good for your sex life."

"So often parents work very hard to keep their children from experiencing any type of "failure", but failure is usually where we meet Jesus. How many people do you know who discovered their need for Jesus during an average or even successful moment?"

"Rules without relationship lead to rebellion. We need to be parents who strive to be an authority, without being authoritarian."

"Actively parent your children as individuals. What works for one will not always work for the whole clan. Different bedtimes, & different times for learning."

"Fighting with your child is an act of cooperation."

"Train your children respectfully up into maturity/character, not down into submission."

"It's important to establish that if ____ doesn't happen, ____ will not happen. Don't use warnings. Establish authority in their lives, in hopes/prayers that they will understand authority when it comes to the Word of God in their home and life as well. If solid authority (without being authoritarian) isn't experienced, it will remain foreign to them."

Main Session - Jim Burns

2010-09-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Jim Burns focused on the issue of helping parents with spiritual formation and discipleship. Once again, a speaker who had 3 daughters. I suppose I should listen to all of the speakers neutrally, especially knowing how many faults my own speaking is prone to, even though I've 3 daughters also. Nevertheless, when one of these people says "My 3 girls", it's like they've said the magic words, and I listen attentively as if they know the secret knowledge my life will require in the next 20+ years.

Burns reminded us of the "big/macro picture", that when we focus more on reaching the family, we truly equip ourselves to reach the world....which is made up of naturally replenishing family systems. In all of the fuss about church growth, and "seeker-sensitive" churches, attractive programs targeting youth, college, young adult, singles, etc...we can often lose track that one of the primary foci of the Church is on mentoring parents.

He also emphasized a point we've come to realize more and more as parents of infants/toddlers. That the Sunday morning worship service mindset often has little room for kids like ours. They make people uncomfortable, annoyed, and desire to build things like "crying rooms", and announce from the pulpit reminders that nursery/toddler rooms are provided in case your kids don't know how to be quiet and sit still like the 70 year olds around them.

To any parents reading at this point who think "Yes! That's how I feel!", or a pastor who thinks perhaps we're guilty of that too often - I would recommend a book that was recommended to use recently. "Parenting in the Pew" talks about how to allow our children to participate in worship on Sunday's, to the benefit both of our family, and the church family who needs the reminder from Christ in Mark 9:36-37...when we welcome a child, we welcome Jesus. We've very thankful/blessed to be part of a worshiping community where this is happening more and more. :)

He finished by ringing a few more important alarms, such as reminding pastors and parents in general to ask ourselves the question, "Am I only giving my family my emotional/energy scraps?", to be caring for our children and our spouses first. He recommended 3 major paradigm shifts:
1. Discipleship BEGINS in the home. We need to facilitate, invite, and encourage this.
2. Teach parents to become "students" of the culture.
3. Our job is to set the pace with our own home/family lives. Integrity/Authenticity, and plenty of margin.

Main Session 4 - Brian Haynes

2010-09-27T05:00:00.002-06:00

By this point in the D6 Conference, we'd met several speakers who were parents of 3 daughters. I enjoyed listening to these particularly for obvious reasons. Haynes spoke specifically on the topic of "What is Family Ministry, and what does it look like?" The question of how do we encourage parents as they pour into their children intentionally, leading to multi-generational discipleship naturally occurring in our church families.

He focused quite a bit on the concept of "Milestones", which seemed to serve several purposes. Both to give a sort of "rite of passage" quality to maturing in Christ, but also to remind parents/youth that they are on a journey to something "next". Haynes called parents to remember the importance of "Blessing" their children, and celebrating things as a family.

He offered a common path of "Milestones" to be celebrated both by church AND family:

- Parent/Baby Dedication
- Faith Commitment
- Preparing for adolescence
- Purity for life
- Right of passage (i.e. being blessed by parents)
- High School Graduation
- Life in Christ

In actual homes, he emphasized what practical actions were useful to focus on across the board. Things for families to make sure they practice regularly are:

- Faith Talks - crazy how low a percentage of families actually talk/pray in regards to God and Spirituality.
- God Moments - the whole "home and away, when you walk and when u rise". Watch for the everyday moments where God can be pointed out/revealed.
- Celebrate Milestones - especially the ones listed above!!!
- Abide - John 15:5 :)

Haynes talked a bit about small groups catching onto these concepts as one of the few ways to bring the exact message to homes around the community. To be purposeful, as: "the purpose of small groups is to create adult disciples in order to have parents who can disciple children." Now obviously that cannot apply across the board, and I wouldn't put that on a small group advertisement.

By this point in the week, I was getting hungry for more of the "Why" to actually be spoken of. Something beyond simply growing more and more homes full of more and more/deeper disciples. Something beyond simply finding a more effective way of making sure young adults feel like they can be connected to God's purposes here.

..and that was on it's way. :)

Main Session 3 - Vicki Courtney

2010-09-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

Vicki was going to speak on "Reaching Families without Sacrificing Spiritual Orphans in Youth Ministry", or at least that was the suggested title within the notebook we were all given to contain our scribblings. As to the topic, I think she touched on it here and there.

What it felt more like was a session titled, "Here are some really good points, with some compelling filler from a woman who cares a lot." :)

The points were all over the map:

- She read from the now-very-popular and often-linked story from CNN about the massive amounts of teenagers who "fake" being a Christian due to the life situations they find themselves in....but as they grow find other interests. Some good stuff there, I'd recommend it to all parents, for sure.

- She commented on how ridiculous amounts of parenting books exist for expecting parents, parents of newborns...etc. They are among the top sellers nationwide. But the list of parenting books for discipling teenagers, and young adults? Very few. And even fewer the parents who take advantage of such resources.

- At one point, she read some "Letters to the Editor" from "Seventeen Magazine" from the mid-1940's. Surprising to hear parents thank the publication for their fine attention to moral standards, and for being such a positive influence on young women. I don't suppose they receive too many of those messages these days.

- Courtney emphasized 3 common parental traits among youth raised in the church who leave religion:
          1. Parents model something OTHER than the Love of God as their primary affection.
          2. Parents fail to acknowledge their role as the primary discipler of their child.
          3. Parents/leaders can often focus more on behavior modification than heart inhabitation.

As she moved toward closing, she reminded the audience that her words were not meant only for parents of children/teens, and youth pastors. That being "primary source" of discipling doesn't end when they move out of the house. Sure, it'll take on different forms, but at no point in the life do we find ourselves smacking our left knee saying, "I messed up."

I like that. And it's a good reminder/Hope for parents who hear all of this late in the child's life...you're not done! Encourage them into relationship with other Godly adults, and seek to live toward Christ and His bride yourself. And pray....pray.....pray. :)

it's offical - my kids are cute.

2010-09-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

K, I know...I spelled "official" wrong. I figured it was an appropriate way to begin a post about myself. There's a car dealership across from an intersection I sit at often. It was painted "It's Offical, We've Moved!" like 4 years ago on the glass...and since no one has purchased the old dealership yet....it's remained misspelled indefinitely. Someday that window will be broken by vandals. And I will smile.

Speaking of me smiling, I absolutely had to share about how ridiculously cute my children are with two brief stories to encourage you today:

This past Sunday, after being gone 5 days to a conference in Dallas, I was at the breakfast table with my girls before church. Sarah had made some homemade apple muffins that morning, and they were just about ready to eat. Just then, Addie dramatically put her hand on her side/belly, and said, "My tummy hurts..." To which Sarah and I, not really worried but wanting her to know we love her...asked her why her tummy hurt, and if she was just hungry for breakfast. But before Addie could reply, a voice came from across the table...Sophie wasn't waiting to hear anything:

"Dear God, please help Addie's tummy to feel better. Aaaaa-Mennn!! (then turning to Addie) Now your tummy don't hurt anymore!!"

Which would be the cutest event this week, until Childrens' Church. I went with Addie, because as a 4 year old, she still wasn't quite comfortable being left alone in a new class of older kids. So we sat/listened together. They talked about Jesus "paying the price" for our sin, and enacted a scene to illustrate. Each child stood before the "Judge" (a nice older lady, who couldn't help but smile as she pretended) and read a card handed to them. The card told them what they were guilty of (bad words, stealing, etc.), and the judge told them how much they owed. No one could pay, so all had to head to the "Jail" (row of chairs), from which Jesus rescued them all later on.

Addie and I were last. I didn't know how she'd respond, but figured it was good to find out anyway. We walked up to the judge and were handed our card. "Lying to your parents" was our offense. I looked at Addie with a wink to let her know we were just pretending and said, "Uh oh Addie, we lied to our parents."

It didn't take long for the fun smile to leave her face and her eyes to get larger. But instead of the tears I thought may come from such an accusation, she didn't miss a beat before defending herself: "No I didn't, dad, it was Sophie!!"

Needless to say, me and the judge were cracking up. :)

I love my girls. :)

Main Session 2 - Mark Holmen

2010-09-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

The reason cited for so many young adults who are leaving the church? Hypocrisy. Not even simply Christians who go out and "do something bad". But Christians who talk about a life of faith, and experience of God on Sunday, and live like the rest of the world throughout the week.

Mark Holmen has written books, and spoken/ministered for years on the topics of faith development/growth at home. Pretty solid stuff here. He brought out a great question for us to be thinking/praying about:

"How do we equip the home to be the primary place faith is lived, expressed, and nurtured, using existing ministry structures?"

One thing they talked about over and over so far in this conference was this: Being a church that partners with what God desires of our church's homes doesn't mean simply hiring someone with the title "Family Pastor". Or even tagging "Family Ministries" onto another job description of an assistance pastor.

In fact, he discouraged using the word "Family" in whatever we go back and do. For several years, his church tried a new "Family" initiative, and got very little buy in. They realized saying that, isolated and turned away people who didn't view themselves as needing family development (i.e. usually view that as "young married with small children"). So they changed to "FAITH AT HOME", and are still continuing to grow in response. Everyone has a home, and everyone is a part of a family, especially the family of God.

Such a thing doesn't come from a new ministry, but a new set of ministry "lenses" that goes across the entire gamut of what we are involved in. It generally will take 5-10 years to see a large change occur, often even a full generation. We must build and grow on successes/health.

He gave 3 important "Next Steps" for what to do:
1. Personal Evaluation & Change - What do I need to do?
2. Your Ministry Evaluation & Change - What can I do there?
3. Your Church Strategy Evaluation & Change

So here we go....

Main Session 1 - Ed Stetzer

2010-09-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Ed Stetzer serves as President of Lifeway (Baptist publisher) Research. He admitted that because of this, he's very into statistics and information. Although I disagreed with how many of his results were gathered, and what conclusions he came to....he presented some still valid encouragement toward faith in the home.

He quoted (but didn't give credit to) the term "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism". The fact that many people (not just teens) are pursuing a god that doesn't exist. One that desires us to just generally be "good people". That wants to make us feel better all the time, and put band-aids on our wounds. That such a god must exist "somewhere out there, somehow", but not quite giving it a name, or open to what god may mean in our reality today.

If that's the god we serve, that's the god our teens will pretend to serve while church services are entertaining enough, and then opt out when they realize the hypocrisy of declaring one thing, and living something quite different.

Stetzer reminded us the value of "owning your Faith" - as a parent AND as a family. In lieu of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, that these things would be a part of every area of our being, and that would be obvious to our children and visitors to our home and life. He gave 3 tips here:
1. Sharing Your Faith - Repeat them, vs. tell them. We connect what is, with what has been.
2. Living a Life - Daily walking from, and drenched in the life described in these verses.
3. Marking Your Home - not just decorating, but it being evident to anyone who "peeked in" on your life this past week.....was it evident who/what you were about?

Yes. I desire this....for myself....for my children...and for the homes in my church. Not because it'll help "retain members" now and in the future. But because God's Kingdom desires to be fully realized not only in our churches, but in our homes as well. May His Glory be known, and realized in our homes this week...

Session 5 - Beyond Take Home Papers

2010-09-22T05:00:00.012-06:00

This session had a lot of factual information you can find by checking out the Full Executive Summary of the Innovation Alliance. It was a conversation between many churches over the course of 2 years, seeking something new in partnering with what God desired in the homes of His people. Really some good stuff...you should check it out for yourself.

Then they talked quite a bit about the resources they use at their church here in Texas, and the benefits of how their stuff is set up, etc.

By this point, we've heard the staggering statistic that the Alliance discovered in their research several times. That less than 10% of Church-going Families experience ANY sort of Spiritual Conversation or activity during their week. That's a statistic that definitely compell something to be changed about the way we're encouraging faith to be developed in the homes/apartments of our local church body.

It also compels us to be honest about how often we find ourselves part of that 10%, and challenges us to break from that pattern. To hold each other accountable, not just as pastors, but as friends, parents, children, siblings, etc. God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 that we parents are the PRIMARY source of discipleship, and growing our children toward the body of Christ, and Kingdom-living transformed by His Spirit.

May we live that out, and as those in ministry may we be inviting/encouraging/keeping our adults accountable for it!!! :)

Session 4 - Family Based Youth Ministry

2010-09-21T05:00:00.032-06:00

Mark Devries is a pretty sweet guy, I won't lie. Hanging out before the session started, and his teaching throughout....there was evidence of a fruit-filled life, and a man who has been/is involved in Kingdom building deeply. He was talking about a working model for family based youth ministry.

First, he talked about the danger of "terminal vagueness" when we don't set goals/pay attention to facts in our ministries. He listed some "norms" from national studies of youth groups. Not recommendations, models, or problems...just simply what the averages were across the board. Here are a few:

1. Most churches spend around $1,000 per teen, including salary package for youth pastor.
2. Churches generally have 1 staff member for every 50 members.
3. Youth Groups usually run around 10% of the worshipping congregation attendance.
4. Often there is a ceiling around 20% of the worshipping congregation that youth groups cannot easily crack. Some that do are often the only youth group in town, or one of a few.
5. Usually 1 volunteer for every 5 kids.
6. 30 Teens are averaged when a youth group combines JR and SR highs. When divided, each of those groups will usually average 30 a piece.

He had a very well developed diagram, that described how youth ministry often removes teenagers from the natural flow from childhood to mature Christian adulthood...in order to meet them in today's culture, which is pushing them the opposite direction. God calls us to minister within the context of that flow. He talked about Kara Powell and "Sticky Faith".

Very important to remember from his session, was the fact that the #1 predictor of whether a teen continues with Christianity post high school to becoming a mature Christian adult = How many close relationships they have with Godly adults. Parents, grandparents, influential people at church, family friends, relatives, elders, etc.

A youth pastor, in regards to the above, must become a "relationship architect" of sorts. "Youth Ministry is always a veiled excuse to connect teens with Godly adults.", Devries says. Our jobs as youth pastors and as parents, is to call out the coming victory before any visible evidence appears. We need to connect the young with other older people who will relate to them in such a way, toward and with Jesus Christ.

Session 3 - Dekker and Kat Von D

2010-09-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

So the title of this session really threw me off. Turns out "Caught between Reading Ted Dekker and Searching for Kat Von D" had very little to do with current culture, and was actually taught by an Old Testament Scholar about people like Ezekiel ministering across cultural lines. He also emphasized Jeremiah 29, and the commands from God to settle down, build houses, and to seek the good of the culture. Nevertheless, Dr. Garnett Reid's presentation focused on 22 main areas of reaching out cross-culturally, that he sped through toward the end. These are:

1. We have 2 homes - Culture and Kingdom, we are called to engage and be faithful to God.
2. Look UP! - Ezekiel had a vision of God's GLORY, which is not simply a nebulous spiritual good thing. He had a great illustration of "glory" here, referring to Springfield, IL having some of Lincoln's glory everywhere. :)
3. It was their choice. - Ezekiel was reminded that some WILL NOT choose to listen/follow, but remain faithful.
4. No Fear. God is with us. Not about brute strength, but about peace no matter what comes.
5. Be Scripture Soaked - To understand challenges that come in the light of God's Word.
6. 4:20 (his illustration that we need to be aware of culturally relevant symbolism and language/mind-sets)
- We consider/hear the culture and aim to engage/respond
- Today has a large culture of "self", and is very fragmented, offering many opportunities for separate identities.
7. Avoid "Water-cooler Theology" - coined by Phyllis Tickle - Many people seek a validating God, and see many paths toward that goal.
8. He's Here! - God is with us, as we leave comfort.
9. Take it to the vet! (test, appraise, and discern in the name of Jesus)
10. Are you talkin' to me? - Community is important, but we answer to God individually.
11. Power of One - Ezekiel 22 - God sought ONE. Will you be that one?
12. Double Agents - Some may turn from God while in culture...be aware of that possibility.
13. What are you prepared to do? Ezekiel 16 - to lose his wife?
14. The Good, the Bad, and the Ungodly - We are tempted to please ourselves sometimes, as the leaders of Israel did early in Ezekiel.
15. Kitchen-Table Answers - We are invited/invite others to a gracious, forgiving, and truth family table.
16. Crowd-Sourcing Turned Ugly - Crowd pleasing brings only smiles, content for more smiling.
17. Semper Fi - we are called to be, as Christ, always faithful
18. Solus Christus - Jesus will do what no one else can. Ezekiel 34
19. "The biggest thing about you is the gospel" - John Piper..(yup, Baptist-sourced event yielded more than a couple Piper quotes.)
20. Immigrants ALL - We are ALL of other citizenship, and thus transcultural in our existence.
21. Over It! This culture will come to an end, and we Hope toward it being swallowed up by Life!
22. Total Glory - Ultimate Goal = His Glory among the nations.

So yeah....a bunch of bullet points, many with little explanation, though I'm sure he had it in his head. Plenty there to chew on anyway. He ended with quoting 1 Chronicles 12:32, and challenging us to "know what to do, and make Jesus King...."

Session 2 - singles.

2010-09-19T05:08:00.000-06:00

In context of such phrases as "Family Ministries", where do singles fit in? And not just those who aren't married, but also those who are divorced, widowed, or "spiritually single" (the only one in their family who is open to Christ). Randy Stinson brought some good words for those of us married with children and ministering to people from different home situations.

- No one comes to church without their family. We have all been adopted in Christ. Find ways to call people to relate as Mother/Father (as elders of children), or Brother/Sister (of each other), or Daughter/Son (of God). No one shows up and finds themselves an island....or shouldn't at least. Ministry to single people often comes in relating to them not as "single", but as a family member.

A good point was made that all of this "D6" talk was not about programs, but about a climate change.

We are called to help single (all of the above types) people anticipate what might be coming next as a son/daughter of Christ. What is likely? Marriage, kids, career, bringing justice, restoration, healing, relating, joining with God in making all things new. To create a "connectional climate" in our congregations, where relationships are being built.

Someone asked a question during the Q/A time, "What about a single who says they might change churches to find someone to date, because selection is limited here?"

There came the reminder that church services are not a dating arena, and definitely weren't historically either, with men and women always being separated in worship areas. Encourage extra-curricular activities, church events, mission trips, possibly even partnering with another church, and don't discourage them from joining a "single's" group from elsewhere. Obviously, many times...they won't ask. :)

Stinson closed lamenting the current "Generation Me" which he said included people in their mid to late 20's (me). That this is a generation all about themselves, and have that mindset "What's in it for me?" when attending a worship service. I don't think it's limited to my generation, but I would agree with his general point there. But pointing it out isn't helpful, unless we respond somehow to move those we love from a self-serving experience of God, to an "other"-oriented approach...as seen throughout scripture.

Session 1 - hero

2010-09-18T05:00:00.002-06:00

The general flow of the seminar "How to be a HERO to parents in (student) ministry". Steve Wright gave quite a bit of background and personal information, which ends up being par for course in the "pre-conference" labs we go to from the D6 Conference. Nevertheless, there are some pretty good highlights in his time.

He talked about 7 Moorings of Student Ministries, which sounded like "foundations", even though he never quite told us why he chose the word Moorings....or instruct us on how to spell it. The 7 are:

1. Support and lean on the Authority of Scripture
2. Stand on biblical conviction
3. Role of being a pastor - 1 Timothy 3
4. Priority of the 2 Institutions

I realize that's only 4, but that's all he gave us before moving on because time was limited. It's also quite possible that 5-7 were somehow in between those, and I was simply not a good enough note taker. At any rate, I really appreciated 2 and 3 specifically.

2. The biblical conviction, specifically, that PARENTS ARE THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF DISCIPLESHIP FOR THEIR CHILDREN. How much does my ministry reflect that? If that was the litmus test, I would probably lose my job pretty quick right now. I suppose that's why we're all here together, a collective "kick in the pants" for the areas we are missing out on what God desires for the home.

3. Role of being a pastor. Especially as a parent of very young children, who often feels guilty about how that impacts my ministry. I think it's safe to tell you I've actually had a parent, with good intentions I'm sure, say "I'll bet you look forward to when your kids are a bit older, when you can actually do your job, eh?" with a smiling face...thinking I'd laugh with them. I was stunned. But nevertheless...yes...my very young children require a different type of care than their teens. But in 1 Timothy 3, we hear words of encouragement. When God wants to give instruction on what type of leader He desires for His Church....He calls on those who have high priority on caring for their family at home. For if they can't care for the affairs of their own family, why call on them to lead in the Church?

A few practical ideas he gave also:
- Families need WORSHIP times at home, which can come in many types and names.
- Host events that REQUIRE parents come, for teens to attend.
- Encourage/foster written communication from parents TO teens.
- Resource PARENTS to be the "ministry" hero. (activities, family retreats, parties, etc.)
- Helping families to become MISSIONAL together. Not just doing a mission trip, but finding something that brings "mission" to the work a family is doing for the Kingdom TOGETHER. Prayer, raising money, working with hands, relating, whatever. Some echoes here of Donald Miller's most recent book about a million miles or somethin' like that.....crafting a story for our families worth living as part of.

The Schema

2010-09-17T05:27:00.001-06:00

"What is perhaps the largest obstacle that keeps you from being a church that reflects the concepts in Deuteronomy 6 of the home being the primary vehicle for developing disciples?"

And so began many of the thoughts, discussions, and internal dialogues with previous mind/hearts as we were literally "being made New" in regard to foundations of our ministries. I speak mainly for myself, but the D6 Conference (based on the concepts of Deuteronomy 6:4-9), even though it was not presenting something theologically radical, was definitely presenting an approach to discipleship that goes against the grain.

Several at our table summed up our "one main obstacle" in concepts like that of "Inertia". That even if we are a church that decides "wait a minute, let's hold still a sec and figure out what is going on", in order to begin moving in the other direction, we'll have to take "baby steps" and overall focus on changing the climate rather than simply beginning/launching new programming.

I've been both in ministry, and a parent long enough to know - this is not something that comes naturally. Whether on behalf of the church leadership, or as a parent, it is so much easier to go along with the flow of what we naturally do on a weekly basis.

As a church, it's easier and back-pattingly worthwhile for us as a church to say, either verbally or in how our church is wired, "step back parent/family, and allow us to do it...after all, we want to show you our degree and years of training are worthwhile...ish."

As parents, I've seen it over and over again that a parent is "at the end of their rope" in one way or another, and decides that being more faithful at dropping the kids off for a couple hours on Wednesday night will solve whatever has been ailing. Or possibly even, gasp, becoming more regular attenders on Sunday mornings...as long as it meets certain "worth my time investment/effort" criteria.....it should fix the few blemishes on our homefront....right?

But all of the research and experience point to no. No, an increased effort to ensure that our families participate in services on Sundays and Wednesdays does not automatically yield an overall improvement in our home reflecting God and bringing about His Kingdom. What we truly seek for our homes, families, and ultimately for our churches, will come only from a deepening and purposeful rediscovery of what God desires/envisions.

And so...the next few posts will probably focus a bit on the specific words from those who have begun that journey already....we'll see what God acccomplishes in and through us!

girls remix

2010-09-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

fruit.

2010-09-10T05:00:00.003-06:00

In Galatians chapter 5, we read a well-known passage. It's been memorized. It's been turned into more than one song for kids to remember it easily. It's a list many of us run through mentally to keep ourselves in check...

"By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things."

Often we are tempted casually to treat these things the same way we would the "gifts" of the Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-13. That we may have especially gifted in one or two of these areas, and the others are meant to carry the load where we are weak. I'm great at love and joy, so let someone else cover me in the area of generosity or gentleness. That's the balance of my fruit basket.

Until we look at the language used by Paul, and understand where he was coming from. Paul says "the fruit of the Spirit is...". He does not say "the fruits of the Spirit are...". As in the Greek concept of the cardinal virtues that Paul was very familiar with, to have one - the others must be present. Paul is saying here that a community that experiences the presence of the Spirit in their lives will have the complete "fruit" as listed. I suppose that's also worth noting, that Paul is speaking to a community. This fruit of the Spirit is the gift of God's grace, but also cultivated by an entire community, not an isolated individual.

It is also important to note the presence of "self-control" at the end. I posted a few thoughts recently on self-control. Often we can be lured into the false assumption that if I pray "Jesus come into my heart", and His Spirit is presently working in our lives, this is the fruit that will naturally begin to be harvested. If it was something that would come naturally, without effort on our part...then why add "self-control" to it all?

The truth is, much like tending an orchard, the fruit does begin to show up..often in supernatural ways. Giving our lives to God, after all, is an infinitely compelling life change. But it takes effort on our part as well. Pruning away branches, cultivating the soil, keeping away birds and squirrels, etc. Otherwise this would simply be another list talking about the "gifts" of the Spirit.

May we each seek to cultivate the Spirits' "love-joy-peace-patience-kindness-generosity-faithfulness-gentleness-self-control" in our lives this week....

the fruit of "no"

2010-09-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

For our recent vacation, I burned us an MP3 cd full of podcasts. Many of them were preaching or lecture/interviews with authors I enjoy. Many of them were on parenting, or specifically for dads or moms. Then there were a few in there just for fun...I think at least one old Fibber McGee and Molly episode. :)

One of the talks was by Susie Larson, who has recently written a book called "Growing Grateful Kids", which is also the title of her talk. She had some very good things to say (much better than her other message on the same cd about "Release" or something like that....whew). One of the things that stood out was something I've thought about in other areas lately also...the topic of self-discipline.

So many places in scripture talk about the important of "self-control". It's one of the fruits of the Spirit, and it's also one of the four Cardinal Virtues popular in Greek philosophy. Something that has been talked about and sought after for centuries.

But seems, even in circles of those following Christ, to be a very quietly pursued virtue/fruit.

Lately it seems like, and I'm sure it's nothing new really, we try to find more and more ways to make something permissible rather than to deny ourselves. Yet, if the only thing we ever deny ourselves is when a law or a commandment in scripture demands it of us....do we really experience self-control? When is the last time you told yourself no...but because of a rigid diet, not because you're committed to something else, and not because someone else imposed restrictions or recommendations on you....but simply to experience sacrifice?

In her talk, Susie brought up an older child who had been raised by his parent to make sure other "things" weren't in control of their life. At one point the young man tells his mom he's decided (not associated with Lent) to give up Computers for a while, because they were demanding too much of his life, and seemed to be "controlling" more than they should.

It seems like a good way to practice, develop, and strengthen our "self-control" would be to deny ourselves something on a regular basis. Not something we should say no to, either. But something we could very easily say yes to, and probably even want to say yes to. May we find and exercise some self-control today, in the name of Jesus...and may our decision bear His fruit. :)

a good catch.

2010-09-05T05:46:00.005-06:00

"So why do people go there?" My wife asked me, a long time ago...and again as we drove up to Northern Michigan. We were on our way to visit Mackinac Island (Used to be "Mackinaw" Island, until the French decided it was spelled wrong.). So what did I respond?

"Um...there's good fudge?"

It's hard to explain. Sure, there are quaint things about the place. No cars allowed. Horses and bike and yachts everywhere. Fudge and others small shops. Fresh whitefish everywhere. History surrounds you. The Grand Hotel, the setting of a movie people watch in order to make their island visit more meaningful, but probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. Thinking about it all as we enjoyed a "date night" on the island made me realize:

It's kinda like catching a cold. :) A good one, of course.

It starts with someone who's been there. Who has "caught" the bug. They take their kids. Their kids go with friends. And one day, kids grow up and have kids, and a husband turns to his wife and says, "Let's go to the island." She smiles. She loves him. So she goes. :) And guess what? She enjoys it too. We'll have to bring our kids again when they're a bit older to make sure the bug sticks with them.

And yes...we enjoyed other Northern Michigan traditions such as Petoskey Stone huntin', crossing the Mackinaw Bridge into the Upper Peninsula, and spent a couple nights in Traverse City. We toured several bays, and had our fill of quaint little shops, fresh fish smells, and homes/boats that cost WAY too much money. But altogether the same...a "bug" that's passed around. No Disney. No giant national monuments. Although Moomers was voted # 1 by Good Morning America. :)

Which brings up the question: What "bugs" have you caught? What experience or special spot to visit have you been to...that when someone asks you "Why do you love going there?", you have a hard time nailing down "the reason"?

wasting time...

2010-09-03T05:45:00.000-06:00

2 Peter 1:5-8 (paraphrase) - "That is why you must bring every bit of energy you have to bear on the task of supplementing your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patience, and patience with godliness, and godliness with "family" (or brotherly) affection, and family affection with love. If you have these things in plenty, you see, they will ensure that you are not wasting your time or bearing no fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

So often we find ourselves caught up, as individuals, but also in the things we do alongside other people, quite busy but not quite accomplishing much at all. Pursuing things like money, success (one or more of the infinite varieties being sold to us), power, achievements, or that "next level" where we'll be able to relax a bit more...because isn't being able to relax a bit more the ultimate goal? Even if we cover it up with the "Christian" notion of working really hard and sacrificing now, so that someday we'll kick back sipping Jesus-ade and playin' harps while the kids run around throwin' clouds at each other.

I look forward to more than this. And what I look forward to, the "goal" as it were, is something that offers to transform how I exist in the now. Offers to transform the direction of my family. Offers to transform the direction of how I spend time with those that I love. I don't always allow it to...yet there it is...offering wildly eternal things.

It was pointed out to me recently that as Paul is speaking of Love (and Faith and Hope) in 1 Corinthians 13, he's not talking about some sort of golden star seal of approval that "love" gives anything that we'd like to do...making it "worth" something. He's speaking to a world that knows of goals that have been set by philosophers and religious communities alike, that are incongruous with the eternity initiated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reminding them that not everything that smells good will last forever. Even some of the gifts of the Spirit will become a bit superfluous when God finishes what He began. Things like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and special gifts of "knowledge".

That only things done shaped in the virtues of Faith, Hope, and above all - Love....will stand the test of eternity. They will bear fruit not only in this world, but in the Kingdom that is coming (and is already begun). I will confess, when held up to this light...it is something I need to work on. Which is why I've been praying on the verse at the beginning of this post lately...for myself, for my family. In the name of Jesus...

new self

2010-09-01T05:36:00.000-06:00

Ephesians 4:24 "and to clothe yourself with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

I really like this verse. Particularly the phrase "new self". We desire to be made new, and it's not about shedding everything we've ever been through as if we could forget how this broken world has impacted us. How we've been hurt, cheated, lied to, offended. How we've hurt, cheated, lied to, and offended others. So many of those things, even after forgiveness comes, linger in the corners of our minds and the back of our soul...and we convince ourselves that a good Christian would be able to forget completely the ways of this world...so we pretend we have.

But this and other verses (2 Corinthians 5:4) remind us that it's not about destroying who we have been and building completely from the ground up. Any more than God is about scrapping the entire cosmos in order to rebuild things completely different. It's about God taking what exists, and "swallowing up by life".

God desires to take what has happened, and what is happening in our lives, and "clothe" these things with a new purpose. Not to ignore what it is, and pretend hearing words like these will automatically bring hope to those who have experienced immense pain. But approaching what is, genuinely and with a Love and Desire to make all things New. To redeem our entire lives, transforming not only our hearts and minds, but our history as well.

The words for "new self" continue to be very encouraging. The word "new" is "kainos", which can either mean new form (recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn), or new substance (of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of). I would think both translations could be quite Hope-filling.

It also helps that the verse directly before it uses the words "put away your former way of life, your old self". The word for old here is "palaios", which means old, ancient, no longer new, worn by use, comes from the root word for "former" or "long ago".

I think it's one of the reasons I love Youth Ministry. They understand the concept of acquiring a new identity, and letting go of an old one. Heck, many of them develop new identities on an annual basis as they go from 7th-12th grades. (usually just one in 6th or 7th, another in 9th, and another toward the end of 12th) :) So the task becomes, allowing them to see that can happen from God in a way that is quite supernaturally different from receiving it from their peers, culture, or family situations. Thank you, Jesus....

thinking and image bearing

2010-08-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've already said that no two books have ever gone together so well than NT Wright's “After You Believe” and Nicholas Carr's “The Shallows”. Carr presents an eye-opening case for us to be more aware of the changes happening not only within our brain, but actually TO our brain due to the informational web era we live in; the fact that our grey matter is constantly in flux, being wired and rewired according to our practices and thoughts. Wright presents a call to a renewed vision of Christian “Virtue”, reminding us that being made a New Creation involves practices and thoughts that we must work at in order that they become second nature over time. That our lives here and now can be practicing the language of the Kingdom to the point where we citizens begin to transform the world around us even now, as we ourselves are transformed.

One example Wright brings up are the Beatitudes. Most of us have heard this section of Matthew chapter 5, where Jesus says “Blessed are those...”, etc. Some translations actually translate the word “happy are those...”, which Wright quickly points out is fruit of a misunderstanding of what it means to follow Christ. As Wright states:

“one of the things that marks Jesus out over against Aristotle in terms of the source and driving energy of the “virtues” - is that this includes “happiness,” but it includes it as the result of something else – namely, the loving action of the creator God.”

He goes on to talk about the fact that these beatitudes are neither an exercise in legalism (a checklist of things to do if you're following Christ well), nor are the verses that follow (avoiding not just murder, but hatred, not just adultery but lust, etc.) a cry for “really meaning it, not just going through motions.”

In both cases, we hear a calling toward what Wright labels “eschatological authenticity”. That the language and natures of Kingdom living are opened up for us in Jesus Christ to participate in now. It will be a struggle, and we'll have to pray for grace and strength, but it “is at least now within reach.”

Wright point out: “You can't collapse the whole question of “how to behave” into the command “It must come naturally, otherwise it isn't authentic.” Jesus puts it the other way around: he says, in effect, “Follow me, and authenticity will begin to happen.”

When God created human in the garden, we believe He created in His own image. We are created to be the bearers of God's image into all creation. To reflect God's glory into the world. In every area of our life. In every season. In every time of day. As a husband, a father, a youth pastor, a friend, a teacher, a student, a brother, a son, etc. To carry the genuine humanity God is calling us to become into each area, and to live accordingly.

To carry faith into situations where others have let go long ago. To bring a solid hope to a world that has experienced far too many broken promises. And to Love in worlds where hurt, brokenness, and suffering have taken place for so long, genuine love is like an ancient myth.

As we do this in the name of Jesus, we bear the image of God in a world that was created for us to do so...and all things are becoming New...