So consider this a note from the bottom of the pile.
It's a busy time of year for a diocesan youth minister. Camp/summer programs are at the top of our lists. There has to be about 10 gazillion details that have to be handled.
Add into that my trip to the provincial network meeting and I'm trailing the curve rather than ahead of it. Last week I blew off a couple personal options to make time to get a little closer. I have to admit it worked and I can at least see the break even line again. Of course it keeps moving on me.
On the weight loss side after weeks of being stalled I've started losing again. Spent a session with a personal trainer who kicked my workout intensity up. So I'm only 2 pounds away from the 20 pounds lost level and need only 1 more than that to hit the 10% weight loss. Both very exciting. 3 pounds beyond those 3 pounds and I drop below another milestone. But I don't want to start thinking about that yet. I need these first three.
Speaking of milestones I crushed one on Friday. I've been swimming on Friday and making good progress. A couple weeks ago I managed 36 lengths (18 laps) which is just over a half mile. I couldn't swim last week so I wasn't sure how I'd do when I got back in the water. My plan was to try for 3 sets of 12 lengths. That's a pretty easy prospect for me at the moment. At the end of the first 12 I felt good so I did two more. And two more. And two more. Now my personal best of 20 was in sight so I decided to go for it. At the end of 20 I still felt good and thought "Set a new best". Two more. And two more. And two more. Now 30 is in reach. Once I hit 30, still feeling pretty good I knew I had to go for it all. 36 lengths in approximately 34 minutes. Best of all I felt like I could have done more.
I "read" two really neat books during my drive to and from the network meeting. Normally I hate being read to but on long drives books on CD are great.
The Greatest Player Who Never Lived by J. Michael Veron. If you love golf (as I do. I do terrible things to my love but that's the way of it. She does terrible things in return) this is a book that will grab you. Veron clearly understands the passionate attachment so many of us have for the game. It's a great story and well told. And you don't have to know squat about the game (though you'll know more when you're done) to enjoy the story. Might make a neat movie.
The Quiet American by Graham Green. This is one of the great novels to come out of the Viet Nam era. It's not particularly flattering to the American mind set in the foreign policy arena but that doesn't mean it's not pretty close to the truth. It is sad and cynical as it explores naivete, and culture clash. I found the characters to be disturbing and enthralling. This one's been made into a movie twice.
So still lots to do. I have several faith related ideas for posts kicking around in my head and I really need to get them down. I feel like I'm neglecting that part of this blog.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
April 4, Shot rings out in the Memphis sky...
April 3, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech that includes on of the most stirring paragraphs I've ever heard. Add to it just a frisson of foreshadowing:
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
The nation lost a great leader.
Peace
BOGO Jesus
This is my column from the April issue of our diocesan newspaper
Sometimes I lean back in my chair and close my eyes (just to rest for minute) and I have the strangest dreams:
The Marketing Man burst into my office, filled with great ideas.
“I've got some great ideas about getting out your message about faith and ministry and all that other stuff”.
He seemed really excited as he paced back and forth across my office. His eyes were focused on some far distant place and his hands cut great swathes through the air as he gestured grandly.
“You gotta grab their attention. Hit 'em where they live, really slide right into what they're already thinking about. I'm thinking we make this whole church thing sexier. Some hot models in church shaking their...”
“Whoa”, I cried, “We really try to avoid the whole 'shaking' thing. Faith is about the fruits of the spirit, not being bootilicious”.
He paused a moment to ponder that idea. With a shrug of his shoulders he went on.
“Well if you insist. Then maybe we need to go high tech. Yeah, that's it. Lasers and big screens and speakers pumping out the 'bompa-bompa-bom-bom' till the windows rattle.”
“Well,” I responded, shaking my head , “I love the high tech toys as much as anyone. But lasers and big screens don't translate well into everyday life. We need to make sure they can carry their faith with them everywhere.”
A smile appeared on the Marketing Man's face.
“You're a tough one my friend. You're tough. OK, I've got it the perfect pitch for today. It's all about the price point. We go with a buy one get one offer. It can't miss!”
I almost felt like I was letting him down. The Marketing Man was trying so hard, working up all these ideas just for me. I stood up and putting my hands on his shoulders I looked the Marketing Man straight in the eye.
“I know you want to help but you don't seem to get the concept. A life in faith is about treating other with respect, caring for the individuals around you. Sometimes it happens alone, sometimes it happens in big groups. Sometimes it's flashy and colorful and sometimes it's just you all by yourself. It's not about some marketable event or product. It's about how you live your entire life. And the buy one get one thing? There is only one. And we give it away.”
The Marketing Man looked stunned and then he looked sad.
“I'm not the one who doesn't get it my friend. Taking care of OTHER people? Being respectful? Long term thinking over short term gratification? And giving it away?!?!?! That'll never fly”
He muttered sadly to himself as he gathered his briefcase and walked out the door.
I opened my eyes with a realization.
It's not about what program or curriculum we use. It's not about the latest music or video or podcast. It's not about being “hot” or “relevant” or “high tech”. It's about the love of God that surrounds us and warms us. It's about how we share that love with everyone around us. It's about how we live our lives as an expression of that love.
And then I turned to my computer and I began to write.
Peace
Sometimes I lean back in my chair and close my eyes (just to rest for minute) and I have the strangest dreams:
The Marketing Man burst into my office, filled with great ideas.
“I've got some great ideas about getting out your message about faith and ministry and all that other stuff”.
He seemed really excited as he paced back and forth across my office. His eyes were focused on some far distant place and his hands cut great swathes through the air as he gestured grandly.
“You gotta grab their attention. Hit 'em where they live, really slide right into what they're already thinking about. I'm thinking we make this whole church thing sexier. Some hot models in church shaking their...”
“Whoa”, I cried, “We really try to avoid the whole 'shaking' thing. Faith is about the fruits of the spirit, not being bootilicious”.
He paused a moment to ponder that idea. With a shrug of his shoulders he went on.
“Well if you insist. Then maybe we need to go high tech. Yeah, that's it. Lasers and big screens and speakers pumping out the 'bompa-bompa-bom-bom' till the windows rattle.”
“Well,” I responded, shaking my head , “I love the high tech toys as much as anyone. But lasers and big screens don't translate well into everyday life. We need to make sure they can carry their faith with them everywhere.”
A smile appeared on the Marketing Man's face.
“You're a tough one my friend. You're tough. OK, I've got it the perfect pitch for today. It's all about the price point. We go with a buy one get one offer. It can't miss!”
I almost felt like I was letting him down. The Marketing Man was trying so hard, working up all these ideas just for me. I stood up and putting my hands on his shoulders I looked the Marketing Man straight in the eye.
“I know you want to help but you don't seem to get the concept. A life in faith is about treating other with respect, caring for the individuals around you. Sometimes it happens alone, sometimes it happens in big groups. Sometimes it's flashy and colorful and sometimes it's just you all by yourself. It's not about some marketable event or product. It's about how you live your entire life. And the buy one get one thing? There is only one. And we give it away.”
The Marketing Man looked stunned and then he looked sad.
“I'm not the one who doesn't get it my friend. Taking care of OTHER people? Being respectful? Long term thinking over short term gratification? And giving it away?!?!?! That'll never fly”
He muttered sadly to himself as he gathered his briefcase and walked out the door.
I opened my eyes with a realization.
It's not about what program or curriculum we use. It's not about the latest music or video or podcast. It's not about being “hot” or “relevant” or “high tech”. It's about the love of God that surrounds us and warms us. It's about how we share that love with everyone around us. It's about how we live our lives as an expression of that love.
And then I turned to my computer and I began to write.
Peace
The Movie List
Saw this first at Mindi's then at McNutt's and thought - Gotta do it. I'm surprised at the ones they HAVEN'T seen but then I'm a movie geek. This is the American Film Institute’s 2007 list of the top 100 American movies; I’ve put the ones I’ve seen in bold. I've included only those movies that I've seen the whole way through. There's a bunch here of which I've seen part or most of but I don't count those:
1. Citizen Kane, 1941.
2. The Godfather, 1972.
3. Casablanca, 1942.
4. Raging Bull, 1980.
5. Singin’ in the Rain, 1952.
6. Gone With the Wind, 1939.
7. Lawrence of Arabia, 1962.
8. Schindler’s List, 1993.
9. Vertigo, 1958.
10. The Wizard of Oz, 1939.
11. City Lights, 1931.
12. The Searchers, 1956.
13. Star Wars, 1977.
14. Psycho, 1960.
15. 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968.
16. Sunset Blvd., 1950.
17. The Graduate, 1967.
18. The General, 1927.
19. On the Waterfront, 1954.
20. It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946.
21. Chinatown, 1974.
22. Some Like It Hot, 1959.
23. The Grapes of Wrath, 1940.
24. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982.
25. To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962.
26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939.
27. High Noon, 1952.
28. All About Eve, 1950.
29. Double Indemnity, 1944.
30. Apocalypse Now, 1979.
31. The Maltese Falcon, 1941.
32. The Godfather Part II, 1974.
33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1975.
34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937.
35. Annie Hall, 1977.
36. The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957.
37. The Best Years of Our Lives, 1946.
38. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 1948.
39. Dr. Strangelove, 1964.
40. The Sound of Music, 1965.
41. King Kong, 1933.
42. Bonnie and Clyde, 1967.
43. Midnight Cowboy, 1969.
44. The Philadelphia Story, 1940.
45. Shane, 1953.
46. It Happened One Night, 1934.
47. A Streetcar Named Desire, 1951.
48. Rear Window, 1954.
49. Intolerance, 1916.
50. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001.
51. West Side Story, 1961.
52. Taxi Driver, 1976.
53. The Deer Hunter, 1978.
54. M-A-S-H, 1970.
55. North by Northwest, 1959.
56. Jaws, 1975.
57. Rocky, 1976.
58. The Gold Rush, 1925.
59. Nashville, 1975.
60. Duck Soup, 1933.
61. Sullivan’s Travels, 1941.
62. American Graffiti, 1973.
63. Cabaret, 1972.
64. Network, 1976.
65. The African Queen, 1951.
66. Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981.
67. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1966.
68. Unforgiven, 1992.
69. Tootsie, 1982.
70. A Clockwork Orange, 1971.
71. Saving Private Ryan, 1998.
72. The Shawshank Redemption, 1994.
73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969.
74. The Silence of the Lambs, 1991.
75. In the Heat of the Night, 1967.
76. Forrest Gump, 1994.
77. All the President’s Men, 1976.
78. Modern Times, 1936.
79. The Wild Bunch, 1969.
80. The Apartment, 1960.
81. Spartacus, 1960.
82. Sunrise, 1927.
83. Titanic, 1997.
84. Easy Rider, 1969.
85. A Night at the Opera, 1935.
86. Platoon, 1986.
87. 12 Angry Men, 1957.
88. Bringing Up Baby, 1938.
89. The Sixth Sense, 1999.
90. Swing Time, 1936.
91. Sophie’s Choice, 1982.
92. Goodfellas, 1990.
93. The French Connection, 1971.
94. Pulp Fiction, 1994.
95. The Last Picture Show, 1971.
96. Do the Right Thing, 1989.
97. Blade Runner, 1982.
98. Yankee Doodle Dandy, 1942.
99. Toy Story, 1995.
100. Ben-Hur, 1959.
Hmmm, that's only about 60%. Now I need to get the rest of these. A couple will be tough because they're so old (Intolerance, The General).
1. Citizen Kane, 1941.
2. The Godfather, 1972.
3. Casablanca, 1942.
4. Raging Bull, 1980.
5. Singin’ in the Rain, 1952.
6. Gone With the Wind, 1939.
7. Lawrence of Arabia, 1962.
8. Schindler’s List, 1993.
9. Vertigo, 1958.
10. The Wizard of Oz, 1939.
11. City Lights, 1931.
12. The Searchers, 1956.
13. Star Wars, 1977.
14. Psycho, 1960.
15. 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968.
16. Sunset Blvd., 1950.
17. The Graduate, 1967.
18. The General, 1927.
19. On the Waterfront, 1954.
20. It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946.
21. Chinatown, 1974.
22. Some Like It Hot, 1959.
23. The Grapes of Wrath, 1940.
24. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982.
25. To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962.
26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939.
27. High Noon, 1952.
28. All About Eve, 1950.
29. Double Indemnity, 1944.
30. Apocalypse Now, 1979.
31. The Maltese Falcon, 1941.
32. The Godfather Part II, 1974.
33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1975.
34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937.
35. Annie Hall, 1977.
36. The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957.
37. The Best Years of Our Lives, 1946.
38. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 1948.
39. Dr. Strangelove, 1964.
40. The Sound of Music, 1965.
41. King Kong, 1933.
42. Bonnie and Clyde, 1967.
43. Midnight Cowboy, 1969.
44. The Philadelphia Story, 1940.
45. Shane, 1953.
46. It Happened One Night, 1934.
47. A Streetcar Named Desire, 1951.
48. Rear Window, 1954.
49. Intolerance, 1916.
50. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001.
51. West Side Story, 1961.
52. Taxi Driver, 1976.
53. The Deer Hunter, 1978.
54. M-A-S-H, 1970.
55. North by Northwest, 1959.
56. Jaws, 1975.
57. Rocky, 1976.
58. The Gold Rush, 1925.
59. Nashville, 1975.
60. Duck Soup, 1933.
61. Sullivan’s Travels, 1941.
62. American Graffiti, 1973.
63. Cabaret, 1972.
64. Network, 1976.
65. The African Queen, 1951.
66. Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981.
67. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1966.
68. Unforgiven, 1992.
69. Tootsie, 1982.
70. A Clockwork Orange, 1971.
71. Saving Private Ryan, 1998.
72. The Shawshank Redemption, 1994.
73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969.
74. The Silence of the Lambs, 1991.
75. In the Heat of the Night, 1967.
76. Forrest Gump, 1994.
77. All the President’s Men, 1976.
78. Modern Times, 1936.
79. The Wild Bunch, 1969.
80. The Apartment, 1960.
81. Spartacus, 1960.
82. Sunrise, 1927.
83. Titanic, 1997.
84. Easy Rider, 1969.
85. A Night at the Opera, 1935.
86. Platoon, 1986.
87. 12 Angry Men, 1957.
88. Bringing Up Baby, 1938.
89. The Sixth Sense, 1999.
90. Swing Time, 1936.
91. Sophie’s Choice, 1982.
92. Goodfellas, 1990.
93. The French Connection, 1971.
94. Pulp Fiction, 1994.
95. The Last Picture Show, 1971.
96. Do the Right Thing, 1989.
97. Blade Runner, 1982.
98. Yankee Doodle Dandy, 1942.
99. Toy Story, 1995.
100. Ben-Hur, 1959.
Hmmm, that's only about 60%. Now I need to get the rest of these. A couple will be tough because they're so old (Intolerance, The General).
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
From the sublime to the ridiculous
This is from Lark News:
Inner-city ministry trip confirms youths’ worst impressions
CHESTERFIELD — A youth group from a suburban mega-church traveled to inner-city St. Louis for a ministry trip which confirmed their preconceptions about urban poverty.
Full Story
Before anyone has a coronary Lark News is a parody news site.
And don't miss THIS:
Episcopal Church named official denomination of Major League Baseball
Here's some exciting news that's breaking this first day in April:
baseball
(by email)
As a part of opening week festivities, Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori announced today that the Episcopal Church has been designated the Official Denomination of Major League Baseball. The move was announced today in a teleconference with reporters.
Full Story from Episcopal Cafe
What day is it again?
Inner-city ministry trip confirms youths’ worst impressions
CHESTERFIELD — A youth group from a suburban mega-church traveled to inner-city St. Louis for a ministry trip which confirmed their preconceptions about urban poverty.
Full Story
Before anyone has a coronary Lark News is a parody news site.
And don't miss THIS:
Episcopal Church named official denomination of Major League Baseball
Here's some exciting news that's breaking this first day in April:
baseball
(by email)
As a part of opening week festivities, Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori announced today that the Episcopal Church has been designated the Official Denomination of Major League Baseball. The move was announced today in a teleconference with reporters.
Full Story from Episcopal Cafe
What day is it again?
What a tribute!
I've mentioned my friend G-man before. Well just recently he heard God's call to move on from his ministry job. At the moment he's kind of in limbo since where God wanted him to go next wasn't clear (yet). I applaud his courage.
He recently posted this tribute video done for him by his church. What a great tribute to the work he did there. Wouldn't we all like to be remembered this way.
Congrats!
Peace
He recently posted this tribute video done for him by his church. What a great tribute to the work he did there. Wouldn't we all like to be remembered this way.
Congrats!
Peace
Monday, March 24, 2008
And then there were two (at least)
Got an e-mail last week that was something new and interesting.
You see I heard from DaYouthGuy.
After some 7 years of doing this blog my "clever" (and it has been pointed out grammatically incorrect) title has popped up somewhere else.
Youth Ministry author Josh Coverett got in touch with me after launching his new website www.dayouthguy.com. Seems that if you google dayouthguy you get all these links to some lunatic youth minister in western New York. Josh and I exchanged a couple very nice e-mails and have agreed to just march along side by side. Dayouthguys have to stick together.
Take a look at Josh's book "God's Nobody". The excerpt from the book shows a great touch and a real feel for talking with youth. Take a look at his comments and see reviews from youth and adults who've read the book from Washington to Wales (yeah, THE Wales).
So I'll be adding a link over on the right hand side here for the latest DaYouthGuy. Check out Josh and God's Nobody.
Peace
You see I heard from DaYouthGuy.
After some 7 years of doing this blog my "clever" (and it has been pointed out grammatically incorrect) title has popped up somewhere else.
Youth Ministry author Josh Coverett got in touch with me after launching his new website www.dayouthguy.com. Seems that if you google dayouthguy you get all these links to some lunatic youth minister in western New York. Josh and I exchanged a couple very nice e-mails and have agreed to just march along side by side. Dayouthguys have to stick together.
Take a look at Josh's book "God's Nobody". The excerpt from the book shows a great touch and a real feel for talking with youth. Take a look at his comments and see reviews from youth and adults who've read the book from Washington to Wales (yeah, THE Wales).
So I'll be adding a link over on the right hand side here for the latest DaYouthGuy. Check out Josh and God's Nobody.
Peace
Thursday, March 20, 2008
For the Record
Because it comes up so much this time of year:
I do not like basketball.
I do not watch basketball.
There are only a few things about which I care less in American culture than who is in, out, on the bubble or is going to win the NCAA basketball championship.
March Madness is something I simply endure.
Tight lipped.
Go on, get it out of your systems and come back when you're rational again.
I hate this time of year.
I do not like basketball.
I do not watch basketball.
There are only a few things about which I care less in American culture than who is in, out, on the bubble or is going to win the NCAA basketball championship.
March Madness is something I simply endure.
Tight lipped.
Go on, get it out of your systems and come back when you're rational again.
I hate this time of year.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
R.I.P. Arthur C Clarke
Scientist, author, visionary, scuba diver, Oscar nominee, President of the International Space University and knight of the realm. Only a few of the words to describe the man best known for writing "2001 - A Space Odyssey".As a science fiction fan Clarke stood among the elite, the very top echelon of the genre. Isaac Asimov certainly out produced him (of course Asimov wrote more books than some countries), Robert Heinlein probably out sold him. It's hard to imagine anyone else at this level. (I can hear the SciFi fans getting wound up. Bring me anyone else that had this level of production, this kind of sweeping vision and who profoundly altered the landscape of the genre and we'll talk)
Clarke came up with the idea of communication satellites at a time when no one would even consider such ideas (he was turned down by at least one publication because the idea was considered too "fanciful"). Geo-synchronous orbits are referred to as Clarke orbits.
My favorite books of his include - 2001, Rendezvous with Rama, Tales from the White Hart(sci-fi and mystery and wordplay!)and Childhood's End.
A great loss.
Clarke was undecided on the subject of God in his lifetime but not a fan of religion. I hope that God will take Clarke's good sense about religion into consideration when they meet.
Rest in Peace and thank you for the adventures you led me on.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thoughts on the Cart and the Horse
Periodically I'm invited to preach/speak at the time of the sermon. It's something I truly enjoy and for which I believe God has given me some gifts. The challenging part is that I'm restricted to a single subject - youth ministry. Finding a way to connect the readings to the subject is sometimes difficult!
I've never shared a sermon before because I'm not sure how interested anyone would be in what a diocesan youth missioner in a small diocese has to say. I've recorded several of them mostly as a check on how I did just like the old days on the radio.
With this one from earlier this month I think I pulled together some ideas that have been rattling around for some time. The worst that can happen is that no one listens (and unless you tell me I'll never know). My hope is that folks will feel free to let me know what they think so I can continue to refine my thoughts and ideas. This one is a little long by my standards. I try to keep in the 12-15 minute range and this one is just shy of 20.
I'm trained as an actor and have 19.5 years experience as a radio personality so I'm fairly confident in telling you that I'm not a bad speaker by most standards. Whether or not I know what I'm talking about is something else.
Listen to sermon
If you'd prefer to read the copy it can be found here.
Peace
I've never shared a sermon before because I'm not sure how interested anyone would be in what a diocesan youth missioner in a small diocese has to say. I've recorded several of them mostly as a check on how I did just like the old days on the radio.
With this one from earlier this month I think I pulled together some ideas that have been rattling around for some time. The worst that can happen is that no one listens (and unless you tell me I'll never know). My hope is that folks will feel free to let me know what they think so I can continue to refine my thoughts and ideas. This one is a little long by my standards. I try to keep in the 12-15 minute range and this one is just shy of 20.
I'm trained as an actor and have 19.5 years experience as a radio personality so I'm fairly confident in telling you that I'm not a bad speaker by most standards. Whether or not I know what I'm talking about is something else.
Listen to sermon
If you'd prefer to read the copy it can be found here.
Peace
Monday, March 17, 2008
Ummm, well, I guess...
Saw this over at Marko's blog and thought "Gotta try this one!". Then like Marko I got an answer that isn't quite what I was expecting. In the spirit of transparency I offer the answer (but PLEASE don't read too much into it! It's just a silly web thing)
What Book Are You?
What Book Are You?
You're Love in the Time of Cholera!
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Like Odysseus in a work of Homer, you demonstrate undying loyalty by sleeping with as many people as you possibly can. But in your heart you never give consent! This creates a strange quandary of what love really means to you.
On the one hand, you've loved the same person your whole life, but on the other, your actions barely speak to this fact.
Whatever you do, stick to bottled water. The other stuff
could get you killed.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
What a Weekend!
I'm so tired from this weekend I'm looking forward to going to work tomorrow!
Seriously.
Thursday we went and saw the taping of "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" from NPR
The tickets were a birthday present to me from my lady wife. Great fun, good show. The guest for the "It's not my job" segment was PA governor Ed Rendell. Amazingly the category for him was "Madonna's movies" and he knew a LOT about them. I'm sure you won't be surprised to discover that New York's governor was the topic of much conversation during the show. 'Nuff sed.
Stayed in a great hotel just south of Pittsburgh which was very relaxing. Then went to see the "Bodies" exhibition at the Science Center. This exhibit is a bit controversial I know and to be honest this was more my lady wife's idea than mine. I'll say this while I found the exhibit a little disturbing I also found it fascinating and educational. The really great part were the several high school groups there on field trips. The kids were really into the educational aspects of what they were watching. Their attitude was focused and respectful. Listening to their teachers and them interact made the trip well worth it for me.
A quick visit with the in-laws which went fairly well. (My father in law has a habit of trying to get an argument started - he's very conservative and I'm, well, not. But I've gotten pretty good at dodging that. Just no profit there) Then back home in the evening.
Up the next morning to go deal with one of the more annoying aspects of my daughter's university. Easter break begins, dorms close at noon. So the cafeteria was only open for about an hour on Saturday. They do this all the time close the food service at very inconvenient times. Since the kid is on crew (follow spot) for the a play which had its last performance that evening at 7:30 we couldn't just go home.
So my lady wife got her ears pierced. Call it her mid-life crisis.
Then we went to Canada and gambled at the Niagara Falls Casino. It was kind of weird having my 20 year old daughter explain the way the casino works but we had fun, lost a little money and wandered through the shops.
Back for dinner, then saw the show ("Life is a Dream" by Pedro Calderon de la Barca) The set was fabulous and the student actors did some very nice work. We finally packed up and came home arriving at 12:30 AM on Sunday.
That would be PALM Sunday. So we were up and going to church this morning.
I'm so glad this weekend is over.
Seriously.
Thursday we went and saw the taping of "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" from NPR
The tickets were a birthday present to me from my lady wife. Great fun, good show. The guest for the "It's not my job" segment was PA governor Ed Rendell. Amazingly the category for him was "Madonna's movies" and he knew a LOT about them. I'm sure you won't be surprised to discover that New York's governor was the topic of much conversation during the show. 'Nuff sed.Stayed in a great hotel just south of Pittsburgh which was very relaxing. Then went to see the "Bodies" exhibition at the Science Center. This exhibit is a bit controversial I know and to be honest this was more my lady wife's idea than mine. I'll say this while I found the exhibit a little disturbing I also found it fascinating and educational. The really great part were the several high school groups there on field trips. The kids were really into the educational aspects of what they were watching. Their attitude was focused and respectful. Listening to their teachers and them interact made the trip well worth it for me.
A quick visit with the in-laws which went fairly well. (My father in law has a habit of trying to get an argument started - he's very conservative and I'm, well, not. But I've gotten pretty good at dodging that. Just no profit there) Then back home in the evening.
Up the next morning to go deal with one of the more annoying aspects of my daughter's university. Easter break begins, dorms close at noon. So the cafeteria was only open for about an hour on Saturday. They do this all the time close the food service at very inconvenient times. Since the kid is on crew (follow spot) for the a play which had its last performance that evening at 7:30 we couldn't just go home.
So my lady wife got her ears pierced. Call it her mid-life crisis.
Then we went to Canada and gambled at the Niagara Falls Casino. It was kind of weird having my 20 year old daughter explain the way the casino works but we had fun, lost a little money and wandered through the shops.
Back for dinner, then saw the show ("Life is a Dream" by Pedro Calderon de la Barca) The set was fabulous and the student actors did some very nice work. We finally packed up and came home arriving at 12:30 AM on Sunday.
That would be PALM Sunday. So we were up and going to church this morning.
I'm so glad this weekend is over.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A big milestone
As I continue to try and whip myself back into shape I keep looking for new goals to achieve. In my swimming I've actually managed to do it.
Last week I'd hit 30 lengths and then realized that I'd been very close to a half mile swim. So this week I decided to go for it. Because I'm still not a competition class swimmer I knew I wasn't ready to do the whole thing non-stop so I broke it down. I needed to make 36 lengths so I decided on 4 sets of 9. I knew that 9 was doable (I did 20 last week at one point)so I felt pretty confident.
Well what I actually did was 3 sets of 10 (so that I could take my breather in the shallow end)and one set of 6. It was a challenge but didn't feel overwhelming.
So what's next? I'd like to get the time it takes to do this down some (took most of 40 minutes)and to try and stretch the number of lengths I do in a set till maybe I CAN do the whole thing in one long session. Heck I can drop it to only three sets by just doing two lengths more per set! So 12s and then 15s ought to come pretty quickly.
Hard to imagine that just a short time ago (18 months) I could barely do a single length.
Peace
Last week I'd hit 30 lengths and then realized that I'd been very close to a half mile swim. So this week I decided to go for it. Because I'm still not a competition class swimmer I knew I wasn't ready to do the whole thing non-stop so I broke it down. I needed to make 36 lengths so I decided on 4 sets of 9. I knew that 9 was doable (I did 20 last week at one point)so I felt pretty confident.
Well what I actually did was 3 sets of 10 (so that I could take my breather in the shallow end)and one set of 6. It was a challenge but didn't feel overwhelming.
So what's next? I'd like to get the time it takes to do this down some (took most of 40 minutes)and to try and stretch the number of lengths I do in a set till maybe I CAN do the whole thing in one long session. Heck I can drop it to only three sets by just doing two lengths more per set! So 12s and then 15s ought to come pretty quickly.
Hard to imagine that just a short time ago (18 months) I could barely do a single length.
Peace
Mary Ann in drug bust
This is just really sad. I will confess that in the great "Ginger or Mary Ann" debate I was ALWAYS a Mary Ann guy. It's hard for me to imagine that she's almost 70 now.
I'll hope she gets through her probation without any trouble.
Here's the Mary Ann of my boyhood dreams.
(Sigh)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Feeling Stupid
Just got back from a lightning trip down the hill to my bank. Earlier today I'd run down to take out some money and to get a couple rolls of quarters. I have no idea what the quarters are for, my lady wife requested them and I, her humble servant merely do as he is told. As I walked back out the door I thought, "I forgot to grab my ATM receipt!"
So veered over and grabbed it.
Completely overlooking the fact that my ATM card was ALSO still in the machine!
That was at 12:30. The dawn of realization (a harsh, critical light I might add)rose at 4 PM. So after a quick moment of mental self flagellation I walked quickly down the block and a half to my bank.
As it turns out I was one of TWO folks who managed to get their cards swallowed by the machine (apparently the default position for the machine is if you leave the card there long enough it assumes you're stupid and puts the card somewhere safe)
My card has been restored to its proper place.
My ego is sulking in the corner.
Peace
So veered over and grabbed it.
Completely overlooking the fact that my ATM card was ALSO still in the machine!
That was at 12:30. The dawn of realization (a harsh, critical light I might add)rose at 4 PM. So after a quick moment of mental self flagellation I walked quickly down the block and a half to my bank.
As it turns out I was one of TWO folks who managed to get their cards swallowed by the machine (apparently the default position for the machine is if you leave the card there long enough it assumes you're stupid and puts the card somewhere safe)
My card has been restored to its proper place.
My ego is sulking in the corner.
Peace
Monday, March 10, 2008
Yes it was utterly amazing. We were just five rows behind the stage (which are GREAT seats for a Springsteen concert) I won't rant and rave too much more. Here's the set list, it's the longest on the tour so far. If you enjoy a great rock show you'd have loved this. Songs in bold are ones that were especially goodSetlist:
The Ties That Bind
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
Be True
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Reason to Believe
Night
Because the Night
She's the One
Livin' in the Future
The Promised Land
I'll Work for Your Love
Working on the Highway
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
* * *
Buffalo Gals
Girls in Their Summer Clothes
Thunder Road
Detroit Medley
Born to Run
Dancing in the Dark
American Land
On the weight loss front I lost just a single pound. But that's actually not too bad considering I went out to eat and had a couple beers before and after the concert. Hope to kick that up this week. I'm about half way through the contest but less than half way to my goal. Down 15 pounds out of about 35.
In other news apparently my governor is an idiot. You can decide for yourself. Need to check and see who the next person in the line of succession is. I'm not sure how you survive when you're supposed to be "Mr Clean" and then do this. Moron.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
I am SO excited!
For the Springsteen fanatic (How did I ever not know about this site?)
Check out Backstreets
Here's the encore set from Monday's show in Hamilton
Girls in Their Summer Clothes
Thunder Road
Kitty's Back
Born to Run
Dancing in the Dark
American Land
I've got chills just thinking about it.
Some catching up
I'll toot my own horn and recommend that you check out the next post down too. I think it's one of my better ones.
Busy, busy, busy.
I had the chance to preach again last Sunday. I must admit I enjoy the chances I get (with a background in theater and radio I guess that's hardly surprising). Based on the reactions I get I'm not too bad at it. I don't usually post the scripts (I write out the full sermon. It's helpful in shaping exactly what I want to say. Then I go over it several times till I'm very familiar with the copy. I do NOT read the script. I've tried other ways and I'm just not happy with them. I try to be a bit of a "wordsmith" and that great phrase of two days ago too often slips my mind on Sunday)but I did a digital recording of this one. I think the message is important enough that I may post the file. Still debating on that one.
My weight loss contest is kind of stuck but in a good place. For the first time in probably close to 20 years I looked down at the scale and it did NOT tell me I weighed 200 some pounds! There was a 1 leading the way. Very nice. Add in an absolutely great workout today (I swam 750 yards, 30 25 yard lengths - a new personal record) and I'm feeling pretty good.
Oh yes and then a plug for the world's two best brothers (your siblings are probably wonderful people but I got the best). Tomorrow I cash in my Christmas present from the other "boys" a pair of tix to see Bruce Springsteen! This is going to be just amazing!
Peace
Busy, busy, busy.
I had the chance to preach again last Sunday. I must admit I enjoy the chances I get (with a background in theater and radio I guess that's hardly surprising). Based on the reactions I get I'm not too bad at it. I don't usually post the scripts (I write out the full sermon. It's helpful in shaping exactly what I want to say. Then I go over it several times till I'm very familiar with the copy. I do NOT read the script. I've tried other ways and I'm just not happy with them. I try to be a bit of a "wordsmith" and that great phrase of two days ago too often slips my mind on Sunday)but I did a digital recording of this one. I think the message is important enough that I may post the file. Still debating on that one.
My weight loss contest is kind of stuck but in a good place. For the first time in probably close to 20 years I looked down at the scale and it did NOT tell me I weighed 200 some pounds! There was a 1 leading the way. Very nice. Add in an absolutely great workout today (I swam 750 yards, 30 25 yard lengths - a new personal record) and I'm feeling pretty good.
Oh yes and then a plug for the world's two best brothers (your siblings are probably wonderful people but I got the best). Tomorrow I cash in my Christmas present from the other "boys" a pair of tix to see Bruce Springsteen! This is going to be just amazing!
Peace
Are You Ready?
This is my column from the March issue of our diocesan newspaper
When I was in college a group of us discussed “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. There was one answer that puzzled me. A young lady in the group said she wanted to be a “star”. That puzzled me then and it puzzles me now. Based on the lives of some of our current generation of “stars” the concept looks greatly overrated. Then and now what I hope for IF I ever grow up is that I'll be good enough at what I do to earn the respect of the people around me. Maybe someday I'll get a shot at being a star (I'd do it right of course) but if I don't that's OK too. I want to be ready to do the right thing when the moment arrives.
I was thinking about that concept after this year's Super Bowl. Going into the game we knew who the “stars” were. Brady, Moss, Manning, Strahan. We expected them to do their star thing, to lead the way, to be the “story” of the Super Bowl. Instead we got David Tyree. Caught the first of the two Giants' touchdowns and made that incredible, holding-the-ball-against-his-helmet catch. David Tyree is going to be on NFL highlight films for the next 20 years.
Coming into that game David Tyree was about as far from a “star” as you can get.
For the season Tyree was the 12th most productive receiver on the team. He caught 4 passes. Four. None of them for touchdowns. He played in 12 games out 16 in the regular season and caught four passes. Two rookies caught more passes than he did.
But at the moment when he was needed, David Tyree was ready.
Sometimes it feels like the “star” game works its way into Christianity. We hear Christians who talk about being “Prayer warriors”, how strong in the faith they are, about what great mission work they're doing, how many souls they brought to Jesus. I'll admit that I even buy into sometimes. I look at them and think “Wow, I can't do that. They're accomplishing so much more.” It makes me feel bad. On really bad days it makes me wonder if I shouldn't just pack it in. I can never be a “star”. Sainthood is beyond my grasp. Besides St. Jay of Jamestown just sounds silly.
When I stop and think about it I realize I don't need to be a star. I need to work on being the best possible me I can. David Tyree showed up for practice every day. He worked hard. Most days no one other than his teammates looked at him twice. Until Super Bowl Sunday.
I don't know when my Super Bowl Sunday of faith may arrive. So I have to prepare every day, work on being the best child of God I can be at the moment. It's possible I'll never be a “star”. The day may come when I get the chance to show what a life in faith should look like. The day may come when I need to be a vehicle for Christ in the world. In fact those days probably come a lot more often than we realize.
Are you ready?
Peace.
When I was in college a group of us discussed “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. There was one answer that puzzled me. A young lady in the group said she wanted to be a “star”. That puzzled me then and it puzzles me now. Based on the lives of some of our current generation of “stars” the concept looks greatly overrated. Then and now what I hope for IF I ever grow up is that I'll be good enough at what I do to earn the respect of the people around me. Maybe someday I'll get a shot at being a star (I'd do it right of course) but if I don't that's OK too. I want to be ready to do the right thing when the moment arrives.
I was thinking about that concept after this year's Super Bowl. Going into the game we knew who the “stars” were. Brady, Moss, Manning, Strahan. We expected them to do their star thing, to lead the way, to be the “story” of the Super Bowl. Instead we got David Tyree. Caught the first of the two Giants' touchdowns and made that incredible, holding-the-ball-against-his-helmet catch. David Tyree is going to be on NFL highlight films for the next 20 years.
Coming into that game David Tyree was about as far from a “star” as you can get.
For the season Tyree was the 12th most productive receiver on the team. He caught 4 passes. Four. None of them for touchdowns. He played in 12 games out 16 in the regular season and caught four passes. Two rookies caught more passes than he did.
But at the moment when he was needed, David Tyree was ready.
Sometimes it feels like the “star” game works its way into Christianity. We hear Christians who talk about being “Prayer warriors”, how strong in the faith they are, about what great mission work they're doing, how many souls they brought to Jesus. I'll admit that I even buy into sometimes. I look at them and think “Wow, I can't do that. They're accomplishing so much more.” It makes me feel bad. On really bad days it makes me wonder if I shouldn't just pack it in. I can never be a “star”. Sainthood is beyond my grasp. Besides St. Jay of Jamestown just sounds silly.
When I stop and think about it I realize I don't need to be a star. I need to work on being the best possible me I can. David Tyree showed up for practice every day. He worked hard. Most days no one other than his teammates looked at him twice. Until Super Bowl Sunday.
I don't know when my Super Bowl Sunday of faith may arrive. So I have to prepare every day, work on being the best child of God I can be at the moment. It's possible I'll never be a “star”. The day may come when I get the chance to show what a life in faith should look like. The day may come when I need to be a vehicle for Christ in the world. In fact those days probably come a lot more often than we realize.
Are you ready?
Peace.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Yoinks!
R.I.P. Myron Cope.
There are just some things that say Pittsburgh if you're of a certain generation. The nasal tones of Myron Cope do the color commentary of Steelers games is one of them. I remember people at college talking about what a terrible voice Howard Cosell had and saying "You've never heard Myron Cope!"
Like Cosell Cope began as a writer. It's easy to forget what a fine practioner of that art he was. His voice made it so easy to think of him only as comic relief. Add in Myron's own vocabulary like "Yoinks" (an all purpose word for anything big, good or bad. If was really big it might get a "Double Yoinks") and it was easy to overlook the fact that Myron also knew what he was talking about.
Cope served as broadcaster for the Steelers longer than any other broadcaster has served a single team. He's won awards and been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. The first pro football announcer to get that honor. Heck, he even got a full segment on SportsCenter this morning. What greater honor do we have in this day and age? Myron also invented the "Terrible Towel".
Myron Cope was 79. He retired from Steeler broadcasts in 2004. I can't believe I'll never hear that voice again.
Yoinks!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Yet another Monday
Wow, where did my weekend go?
Saturday I met with the group that's working on some preliminary work for the group that will look at ministries with children, youth and young adults as part of the revitalization process in the diocese. I know that sounds absurd when you type it all out but I think it has the potential to be a positive force in the diocese. Good meeting but it ran a little long.
Then Sunday it looked like someone had broken our DVD recorder. We video the 10 AM service and play it back on local cable access. Turns out the recorder was just a little out of whack and appears to be fine now. Too late to record the service though.
Then it was CROP Walk. Which despite everything went exceptionally well. We did something new this year and had it in February at the local ice arena. Some folks walked the track others skated. Very cool(no pun intended) and we raised around $3500. But it was exhausting so I went home and collapsed.
Watched a movie! That's actually a big deal recently. We've been doing something most movie nights.
A Man For All Seasons Winner of 6 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director. Paul Scofield does a great job in this rather cleaned up version of the life of St. Thomas More. More was a great man but the movie skips over his less savory moments (like burning Lutherans. I like Lutherans.) Again if you're going to the movies to learn history you're in for a rotten education. But as a movie it was wonderful. Orson Welles, Leo McKern, Robert Shaw, John Hurt, Susannah York,and Vanessa Redgrave. Lotsa fun.
Also enjoying a podcast series for a while now. "Speaking of Faith" with Krista Tippett from American Public Radio. She ranges quite widely in her topics, interviewing Rick and Kay Warren, looking at diplomacy and religion, Mormonism, Mathematics, purpose and truth and much more. It's very interesting and comes from no particular theological point of view. It's also a great way to take my mind off of the workouts!
Speaking of which! Last week was not a great success. I lost a grand total of 5 pounds but only one of them counts. Yeah, the laziness caught up with me and I put a couple pounds back on. So I had to re-lose them. Sigh. So that next big hurdle - 200 pounds is still taunting me. Seems like a lot of others in the contest had the same kind of week, including Marko. Time to kick up the intensity.
Last week I visited with the local chapter of Intervarsity. First time ever. Felt like a good visit and they seemed to enjoy my visit so that went well. Later this week I'm visiting with a Middle school group. Out of the frying pan...
So that's where we stand at the moment.
Peace
Saturday I met with the group that's working on some preliminary work for the group that will look at ministries with children, youth and young adults as part of the revitalization process in the diocese. I know that sounds absurd when you type it all out but I think it has the potential to be a positive force in the diocese. Good meeting but it ran a little long.
Then Sunday it looked like someone had broken our DVD recorder. We video the 10 AM service and play it back on local cable access. Turns out the recorder was just a little out of whack and appears to be fine now. Too late to record the service though.
Then it was CROP Walk. Which despite everything went exceptionally well. We did something new this year and had it in February at the local ice arena. Some folks walked the track others skated. Very cool(no pun intended) and we raised around $3500. But it was exhausting so I went home and collapsed.
Watched a movie! That's actually a big deal recently. We've been doing something most movie nights.
A Man For All Seasons Winner of 6 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director. Paul Scofield does a great job in this rather cleaned up version of the life of St. Thomas More. More was a great man but the movie skips over his less savory moments (like burning Lutherans. I like Lutherans.) Again if you're going to the movies to learn history you're in for a rotten education. But as a movie it was wonderful. Orson Welles, Leo McKern, Robert Shaw, John Hurt, Susannah York,and Vanessa Redgrave. Lotsa fun.
Also enjoying a podcast series for a while now. "Speaking of Faith" with Krista Tippett from American Public Radio. She ranges quite widely in her topics, interviewing Rick and Kay Warren, looking at diplomacy and religion, Mormonism, Mathematics, purpose and truth and much more. It's very interesting and comes from no particular theological point of view. It's also a great way to take my mind off of the workouts!
Speaking of which! Last week was not a great success. I lost a grand total of 5 pounds but only one of them counts. Yeah, the laziness caught up with me and I put a couple pounds back on. So I had to re-lose them. Sigh. So that next big hurdle - 200 pounds is still taunting me. Seems like a lot of others in the contest had the same kind of week, including Marko. Time to kick up the intensity.
Last week I visited with the local chapter of Intervarsity. First time ever. Felt like a good visit and they seemed to enjoy my visit so that went well. Later this week I'm visiting with a Middle school group. Out of the frying pan...
So that's where we stand at the moment.
Peace
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Blogger Down
Over the course of 6 years or so that I've really been a "citizen" of the blogosphere I've only been able to meet about 5 people in real life that I've come to know on line. One of the very first was Lee. If memory serves I met him right around the time of (maybe even on) the worst day of his life. He has been diagnosed with cancer.
His life since then has been something none of us can even imagine. He's an intelligent guy, a fine writer, father, husband and staunch 'Piskie.
And he could use some company right now. Pop over to his blog and check out what's happening and leave a note if you would. I know he loves hearing from people.
Thanks.
His life since then has been something none of us can even imagine. He's an intelligent guy, a fine writer, father, husband and staunch 'Piskie.
And he could use some company right now. Pop over to his blog and check out what's happening and leave a note if you would. I know he loves hearing from people.
Thanks.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Some serious if conflicted thoughts
I am seriously conflicted about this post.
You see I was raised to be a nice Episcopal boy. We don't say bad things about other people. You just put a strained smile on your face and make sure never to invite them over for drinks or dinner again.
It's the Episcopal form of shunning.
At the same time I am just so disturbed by this that I need to comment. And for you to understand you probably need to see at least some of the video. So here it is.
This is a Baptist preacher doing what he believes is right. He believes his congregation needs to hear this word. It is important for him to spend the time to preach on this passage and to share this conclusion. That's clearly what he believes in his heart of hearts. And I'm sure that he believes that the Holy Spirit is moving him to do it.
And I believe he's wrong.
I don't believe this is an important portion of scripture that needs to be brought before the church. Beyond that I believe the conclusion he draws is (sigh, this is SO un-Episcopalian) ridiculous. This is a waste of his skills, his intellect and his faith. I can't believe that his congregation sat there without thinking "Pastor's slipped a cog".
In the end it did get me thinking. It got me thinking that THIS is EXACTLY the reason why we need to spend more time teaching our kids what the Bible is all about.
Because if we don't they'll think that this kind of thinking IS what the Bible's all about. That's there's nothing more important for us as people of faith to worry about than this kind of silly rule making.
I do NOT want our kids thinking that God particularly cares about whether a guy takes a wee standing or sitting.
I do NOT want our kids presented with this kind of preaching and teaching and not have it challenged clearly and compassionately.
I DO want our kids to know and love the Bible for the wonderful gift and resource that it is.
I DO want our kids to be able to think clearly about their faith and its basis. And to know when someone is wasting their time with nonsense.
So I have no choice. I have to write this post. I have to say that I believe this brother in Christ is seriously off base. And I'd like to say the following as well to all my brothers and sisters in faith, young and old:
Spend some time reading your Bible. Do yourself a favor and get more than one translation. Compare how they interpret the ancient languages in which Scripture was originally written. Think about what it says. Be prepared to be challenged by what you read. That means some of it is going to sound wrong, funny, strange, troubling. Some of it is going to say things you don't like. Good. You need to read all of it, not just the bits that you like. Learn it so people can't twist and distort it for their own ends. Some people are trying to con you with the Bible. If you don't know it then you make it easy for them. Ask questions. If the answers aren't clear or don't make sense keep asking questions. Don't let anyone make you feel "dumb". The disciples had to have Jesus repeat things to them too.
The Bible carries God's message to all of us. It's a message about love and hope and caring for one another. It's a message of peace and joy and being welcomed home. If you hear people telling you it's a message of anger and violence of any kind (mental, physical or spiritual) they're leading you astray.
Let me say this in clear, un-Episcopal fashion:
They're wrong. They're lying to you. They're wasting your time. They are dishonoring God.
Peace
You see I was raised to be a nice Episcopal boy. We don't say bad things about other people. You just put a strained smile on your face and make sure never to invite them over for drinks or dinner again.
It's the Episcopal form of shunning.
At the same time I am just so disturbed by this that I need to comment. And for you to understand you probably need to see at least some of the video. So here it is.
This is a Baptist preacher doing what he believes is right. He believes his congregation needs to hear this word. It is important for him to spend the time to preach on this passage and to share this conclusion. That's clearly what he believes in his heart of hearts. And I'm sure that he believes that the Holy Spirit is moving him to do it.
And I believe he's wrong.
I don't believe this is an important portion of scripture that needs to be brought before the church. Beyond that I believe the conclusion he draws is (sigh, this is SO un-Episcopalian) ridiculous. This is a waste of his skills, his intellect and his faith. I can't believe that his congregation sat there without thinking "Pastor's slipped a cog".
In the end it did get me thinking. It got me thinking that THIS is EXACTLY the reason why we need to spend more time teaching our kids what the Bible is all about.
Because if we don't they'll think that this kind of thinking IS what the Bible's all about. That's there's nothing more important for us as people of faith to worry about than this kind of silly rule making.
I do NOT want our kids thinking that God particularly cares about whether a guy takes a wee standing or sitting.
I do NOT want our kids presented with this kind of preaching and teaching and not have it challenged clearly and compassionately.
I DO want our kids to know and love the Bible for the wonderful gift and resource that it is.
I DO want our kids to be able to think clearly about their faith and its basis. And to know when someone is wasting their time with nonsense.
So I have no choice. I have to write this post. I have to say that I believe this brother in Christ is seriously off base. And I'd like to say the following as well to all my brothers and sisters in faith, young and old:
Spend some time reading your Bible. Do yourself a favor and get more than one translation. Compare how they interpret the ancient languages in which Scripture was originally written. Think about what it says. Be prepared to be challenged by what you read. That means some of it is going to sound wrong, funny, strange, troubling. Some of it is going to say things you don't like. Good. You need to read all of it, not just the bits that you like. Learn it so people can't twist and distort it for their own ends. Some people are trying to con you with the Bible. If you don't know it then you make it easy for them. Ask questions. If the answers aren't clear or don't make sense keep asking questions. Don't let anyone make you feel "dumb". The disciples had to have Jesus repeat things to them too.
The Bible carries God's message to all of us. It's a message about love and hope and caring for one another. It's a message of peace and joy and being welcomed home. If you hear people telling you it's a message of anger and violence of any kind (mental, physical or spiritual) they're leading you astray.
Let me say this in clear, un-Episcopal fashion:
They're wrong. They're lying to you. They're wasting your time. They are dishonoring God.
Peace
Couldn't resist
I promised something serious and that's still coming but I had to hit this. Thanks to Matthew for pointing me this way. I didn't know this site existed. So very cool for us Trekkies.
So true, so true...
Find more at Star Trek Inspirational Posters
Peace
So true, so true...
Find more at Star Trek Inspirational Posters
Peace
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Quick update
Well I continue to progress in my "Biggest Loser" contest. I still haven't broken into the top 10 yet but it's early. People are dropping easy pounds. My plan has been to be slow and steady so I can (hopefully) maintain a steady consistent loss.
So far that plan is working. I dropped about 2% of my initial weight the first week and I dropped an additional 2% this past week. That's right on target!
If I can maintain that this week it will put me below 200 pounds for the first time in at least a decade. That is a HUGE milestone for me. I've gotten close a couple times and fallen back each time. I'm determined that it will change this time.
I've now lost about 30% of my overall goal. Boy that seems like a big percentage when I've only lost so little weight. But I've checked my math twice. Wow.
As for the mustache - the polls aren't closed yet and the vote is still rolling in. We've heard from some of the west coast polling places and they're overwhelmingly in favor of the clean shaven look. We will not be calling this vote any time soon.
I'm working on something serious for later this week.
Peace
So far that plan is working. I dropped about 2% of my initial weight the first week and I dropped an additional 2% this past week. That's right on target!
If I can maintain that this week it will put me below 200 pounds for the first time in at least a decade. That is a HUGE milestone for me. I've gotten close a couple times and fallen back each time. I'm determined that it will change this time.
I've now lost about 30% of my overall goal. Boy that seems like a big percentage when I've only lost so little weight. But I've checked my math twice. Wow.
As for the mustache - the polls aren't closed yet and the vote is still rolling in. We've heard from some of the west coast polling places and they're overwhelmingly in favor of the clean shaven look. We will not be calling this vote any time soon.
I'm working on something serious for later this week.
Peace
Friday, February 15, 2008
So what's romantic?
A good many years ago I got some serious static (mostly genial) from folks when they found out that I'd given my wife a rolling pin for Christmas. Between the idea that I was "arming" my wife and the idea that buying something so common place, so utilitarian for a Christmas present was just awful. We were relatively newly married and it was seen as just so un-romantic.
On the other hand my wife loved it. It was just what she wanted and she was very excited when she unwrapped it.
So was it romantic or not?
I vote romantic.
But just yesterday, Valentine's Day, I didn't get her a card, I didn't get her flowers, I didn't take her out to dinner.
Some of you are shaking your heads. The romantic failure. The cad.
Let me tell you what I did do yesterday. I ran the snowblower and cleared both of our driveways. I got down on my knees and scrubbed the dirtiest floor in the house. I did a quick clean of the bathroom. I cooked dinner. A favorite meal that I make from scratch.
My wife thinks I'm pretty romantic. You see she doesn't enjoy cooking dinner. So I do it. She was going to scrub that floor but she's working three jobs right now and she's tired when she gets home.
Yes, I buy her flowers. And I buy her cards. And I take her to dinner. The flowers wilt and the cards get thrown away and dinner out is nice. Dinner made for you every day, a help with the jobs around the house, making sure that she has what she needs before I go do my stuff.
That's a far more valuable kind of romance. The flowers and dinner are nice and flashy. But it lacks substance. It lacks staying power.
(In case you're worried I'm taking her away from it all for three days on a second honeymoon later this year.)
Peace
On the other hand my wife loved it. It was just what she wanted and she was very excited when she unwrapped it.
So was it romantic or not?
I vote romantic.
But just yesterday, Valentine's Day, I didn't get her a card, I didn't get her flowers, I didn't take her out to dinner.
Some of you are shaking your heads. The romantic failure. The cad.
Let me tell you what I did do yesterday. I ran the snowblower and cleared both of our driveways. I got down on my knees and scrubbed the dirtiest floor in the house. I did a quick clean of the bathroom. I cooked dinner. A favorite meal that I make from scratch.
My wife thinks I'm pretty romantic. You see she doesn't enjoy cooking dinner. So I do it. She was going to scrub that floor but she's working three jobs right now and she's tired when she gets home.
Yes, I buy her flowers. And I buy her cards. And I take her to dinner. The flowers wilt and the cards get thrown away and dinner out is nice. Dinner made for you every day, a help with the jobs around the house, making sure that she has what she needs before I go do my stuff.
That's a far more valuable kind of romance. The flowers and dinner are nice and flashy. But it lacks substance. It lacks staying power.
(In case you're worried I'm taking her away from it all for three days on a second honeymoon later this year.)
Peace
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Lenten Discipline?
I'm not sure this counts. Although I am giving something up for Lent (basically).
Well, actually I just happen to be giving it up at the same time as Lent so it really doesn't count that way.
You see on Friday, February 8 2008 I did something that I have not done in 30 years. And did it with some trepidation.
I shaved my upper lip.
No one has seen that lip since my junior year at college. No one. Not once. It has resided safely ensconced under a mustache for all these years.
And it's gone.
The mustache, not the lip.
It feels rather strange really. I get this sensation of a draft when I inhale through my nose. I keep going to play with the mustache and it's not there. I have to remind myself to shave there each morning!
We(meaning me and she who has the only relevant opinion)are giving it till Easter to decide if we like it. My daughter has already cast her vote (bring back the lip hair!). So we'll see.
As to my weight loss plans they hit a small bump. I dropped some weight, then gained some of it back during my birthday weekend. I'll dispatch those pounds again quickly.
In the first week I lost just over 10% of my total goal. Not bad. Let's see if we can keep it going.
Peace
Well, actually I just happen to be giving it up at the same time as Lent so it really doesn't count that way.
You see on Friday, February 8 2008 I did something that I have not done in 30 years. And did it with some trepidation.
I shaved my upper lip.
No one has seen that lip since my junior year at college. No one. Not once. It has resided safely ensconced under a mustache for all these years.
And it's gone.
The mustache, not the lip.
It feels rather strange really. I get this sensation of a draft when I inhale through my nose. I keep going to play with the mustache and it's not there. I have to remind myself to shave there each morning!
We(meaning me and she who has the only relevant opinion)are giving it till Easter to decide if we like it. My daughter has already cast her vote (bring back the lip hair!). So we'll see.
As to my weight loss plans they hit a small bump. I dropped some weight, then gained some of it back during my birthday weekend. I'll dispatch those pounds again quickly.
In the first week I lost just over 10% of my total goal. Not bad. Let's see if we can keep it going.
Peace
Monday, February 11, 2008
I am the Victim of a Conspiracy!
It involved my wife, my daughter, my oldest friends in the world, trusted members of my church, EVEN MY PRIESTS!!!!!
And I've never been so happy in my life.
My daughter, wife and several friends conspired to throw me a surprise birthday party over the weekend. To be honest I'm only lukewarm on birthdays anyway and as this one was a milestone (millstone) one I was perfectly fine with ignoring it.
The ladies in my life would not hear of it.
As usual, they were right.
I was utterly oblivious. My daughter's insistence on coming home for my birthday even though she was coming home on break from college just three days later. Their insistence on going to church on a day when the weather was wretched. (Blowing snow, whiteouts, wind chills in the minus 10 range). The line of cars parked along our friends street. Nothing tipped me. Till I walked in the door and they all yelled surprise.
I hate surprise parties. But I loved this one. Good friends, good food, PRESENTS! Also my friend of longest standing (since third grade), two of my best friends from high school, and my best friend from college all sent e-mails that alternately made me laugh and cry.
IT WAS WONDERFUL!
Now can I share a little something here? I'm amazed, astounded and perplexed that anyone would bother going to such lengths (this thing has been in the planning for months apparently) for me.
I find myself utterly unexceptional. A bit boring really. Can't imagine why anyone takes second notice of me. I count each day as lucky that my lady wife hasn't come to her senses and gently (because that is her nature) kicked me to the curb. I'm astounded that such an amazing young woman shares any DNA with me (obviously the superiority of her mother's genetics over balance mine). I can't fathom why people would willingly come out on such a wretched day just to wish me well,and give me some very nice presents to boot!
That's not false modesty. I can't explain it. Haven't got a clue.
They like me. They really like me.
Astonishing.
Peace
And I've never been so happy in my life.
My daughter, wife and several friends conspired to throw me a surprise birthday party over the weekend. To be honest I'm only lukewarm on birthdays anyway and as this one was a milestone (millstone) one I was perfectly fine with ignoring it.
The ladies in my life would not hear of it.
As usual, they were right.
I was utterly oblivious. My daughter's insistence on coming home for my birthday even though she was coming home on break from college just three days later. Their insistence on going to church on a day when the weather was wretched. (Blowing snow, whiteouts, wind chills in the minus 10 range). The line of cars parked along our friends street. Nothing tipped me. Till I walked in the door and they all yelled surprise.
I hate surprise parties. But I loved this one. Good friends, good food, PRESENTS! Also my friend of longest standing (since third grade), two of my best friends from high school, and my best friend from college all sent e-mails that alternately made me laugh and cry.
IT WAS WONDERFUL!
Now can I share a little something here? I'm amazed, astounded and perplexed that anyone would bother going to such lengths (this thing has been in the planning for months apparently) for me.
I find myself utterly unexceptional. A bit boring really. Can't imagine why anyone takes second notice of me. I count each day as lucky that my lady wife hasn't come to her senses and gently (because that is her nature) kicked me to the curb. I'm astounded that such an amazing young woman shares any DNA with me (obviously the superiority of her mother's genetics over balance mine). I can't fathom why people would willingly come out on such a wretched day just to wish me well,and give me some very nice presents to boot!
That's not false modesty. I can't explain it. Haven't got a clue.
They like me. They really like me.
Astonishing.
Peace
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
And now for something completely different...
Yes, I'm a huge Monty Python fan.
That probably says something about my character.
Kindly keep it to yourself.
No, the something different is a challenge I've taken on in my life. A challenge to seriously work at losing weight.
I've been above what my doctor considers a healthy weight for about 20 years. I've never liked being this heavy but like many of us I just couldn't really buckle down and do something about it.
And I was stubborn in that resistance.
High blood pressure couldn't make me change.
The threat of diabetes kind of got my attention.
Add to that my 50th birthday (which is mere days away) and I was finally coming around.
In the spring my lady wife and I are planning a little bit of a second honeymoon. That really started me thinking about making a change. But I was just missing that last little push.
Then Marko from Youth Specialties announced that he was going to lose weight and opened up a challenge for other youth workers to compete with him. He put up some nice prizes and sat back expecting a couple dozen folks to take him on.
Other than me there are only about 271 others who are in. Probably a few more than that actually.
So now I have a little competition thing to add to the list.
Did I just feel a little push?
I know myself well enough to know I need to be accountable. So this is it. I promise to keep my progress updated here.
My goal is to lose 40 pounds. How much of that I can reasonably do in 12 weeks is the question. I see no reason why half of that isn't a perfectly achievable goal. That would be just shy of 20% of my current body weight. As they say on the show "Biggest Loser", those are big numbers.
My plan is simple. Eat smart, eat less, exercise.
Repeat for 12 weeks.
Keep me in your prayers.
Peace
That probably says something about my character.
Kindly keep it to yourself.
No, the something different is a challenge I've taken on in my life. A challenge to seriously work at losing weight.
I've been above what my doctor considers a healthy weight for about 20 years. I've never liked being this heavy but like many of us I just couldn't really buckle down and do something about it.
And I was stubborn in that resistance.
High blood pressure couldn't make me change.
The threat of diabetes kind of got my attention.
Add to that my 50th birthday (which is mere days away) and I was finally coming around.
In the spring my lady wife and I are planning a little bit of a second honeymoon. That really started me thinking about making a change. But I was just missing that last little push.
Then Marko from Youth Specialties announced that he was going to lose weight and opened up a challenge for other youth workers to compete with him. He put up some nice prizes and sat back expecting a couple dozen folks to take him on.
Other than me there are only about 271 others who are in. Probably a few more than that actually.
So now I have a little competition thing to add to the list.
Did I just feel a little push?
I know myself well enough to know I need to be accountable. So this is it. I promise to keep my progress updated here.
My goal is to lose 40 pounds. How much of that I can reasonably do in 12 weeks is the question. I see no reason why half of that isn't a perfectly achievable goal. That would be just shy of 20% of my current body weight. As they say on the show "Biggest Loser", those are big numbers.
My plan is simple. Eat smart, eat less, exercise.
Repeat for 12 weeks.
Keep me in your prayers.
Peace
Friday, February 01, 2008
Leaving MySpace
This is my opinion and mine only.
I'm deleting my MySpace account later today.
To be honest I've always been a little iffy about MySpace. The glut of tacky ads, the regular porn spams in my mailbox, the poor security have all made me feel uncomfortable with this online social site. But I knew that some of our youth were to be found there and I need to be where they are.
Not any more. And I'm urging all our young people, adult leaders and groups to depart MySpace. Here's why:
MySpace Deletes Atheists
An online group with almost 35,000 members was deleted. For no apparent reason other than a group of alleged Christians who put an online "hit" on a group that they disliked.
They hacked the site, destroyed forums, deleted members, banned them (which apparently is a permanent, non-repairable action)and re-named the site "Jesus is Love". (The story from the former moderator of the group is HERE.)
I detest and reject all the actions of these supposed Christians but that last one makes me want to vomit. A more un-loving, un-Christ like act on the web is hard to imagine. It is deeply, profoundly repulsive to me.
These actions are profoundly un-American in my opinion. They are a blow against one of our most cherished concepts. A "Freedom of Religion" must necessarily also be a "Freedom From Religion".
Don't get me wrong. I AM a theist. I AM a believer. I DO believe that they are wrong. Deeply, sadly wrong. But that does not give me the right to attempt this kind of persecution and oppression. The Gospel does not support that in any way.
These actions are also in my opinion deeply un-Christian. Jesus is shown to regularly speak and reach out to the outsider. His harshest words, over and over and over again, are directed at those INSIDE the faith community of his time. Those people who oppress and reject their fellow man and woman. Certainly he calls all to a life in faith. How on earth anyone expects actions like these to lead anyone into a life in faith is beyond me. They are perfect exemplars of why so many people have rejected the church.
Because we can be judgmental,dictatorial and unwilling to allow any thought process not perfectly in line with whatever arbitrary standards are chosen.
I looked into the Episcopal groups at MySpace. The largest I found was under 1,000. Given the opinion of many folks out there about The Episcopal Church (you will find many who believe we are apostate at best, heretic or atheist at "worst")I am concerned that we could very easily be next. I do not believe that such a thought is particularly hysterical at all.
I have sent a bulletin to all my friends on MySpace outlining my concerns, directing them towards this blog, and urging them to delete their membership with MySpace. Some may see this as retreat in the face of the enemy. I see no way to confront the enemy directly but do see a way to bring pressure on MySpace to live up to its earlier commitment to protect this community. And by extension all communities.
It's funny how often this phrase of Martin Luther's has popped up for me over the last couple years. I have looked at my alternatives and I have decided:
"Here I stand. I can do no other".
Peace
I'm deleting my MySpace account later today.
To be honest I've always been a little iffy about MySpace. The glut of tacky ads, the regular porn spams in my mailbox, the poor security have all made me feel uncomfortable with this online social site. But I knew that some of our youth were to be found there and I need to be where they are.
Not any more. And I'm urging all our young people, adult leaders and groups to depart MySpace. Here's why:
MySpace Deletes Atheists
An online group with almost 35,000 members was deleted. For no apparent reason other than a group of alleged Christians who put an online "hit" on a group that they disliked.
They hacked the site, destroyed forums, deleted members, banned them (which apparently is a permanent, non-repairable action)and re-named the site "Jesus is Love". (The story from the former moderator of the group is HERE.)
I detest and reject all the actions of these supposed Christians but that last one makes me want to vomit. A more un-loving, un-Christ like act on the web is hard to imagine. It is deeply, profoundly repulsive to me.
These actions are profoundly un-American in my opinion. They are a blow against one of our most cherished concepts. A "Freedom of Religion" must necessarily also be a "Freedom From Religion".
Don't get me wrong. I AM a theist. I AM a believer. I DO believe that they are wrong. Deeply, sadly wrong. But that does not give me the right to attempt this kind of persecution and oppression. The Gospel does not support that in any way.
These actions are also in my opinion deeply un-Christian. Jesus is shown to regularly speak and reach out to the outsider. His harshest words, over and over and over again, are directed at those INSIDE the faith community of his time. Those people who oppress and reject their fellow man and woman. Certainly he calls all to a life in faith. How on earth anyone expects actions like these to lead anyone into a life in faith is beyond me. They are perfect exemplars of why so many people have rejected the church.
Because we can be judgmental,dictatorial and unwilling to allow any thought process not perfectly in line with whatever arbitrary standards are chosen.
I looked into the Episcopal groups at MySpace. The largest I found was under 1,000. Given the opinion of many folks out there about The Episcopal Church (you will find many who believe we are apostate at best, heretic or atheist at "worst")I am concerned that we could very easily be next. I do not believe that such a thought is particularly hysterical at all.
I have sent a bulletin to all my friends on MySpace outlining my concerns, directing them towards this blog, and urging them to delete their membership with MySpace. Some may see this as retreat in the face of the enemy. I see no way to confront the enemy directly but do see a way to bring pressure on MySpace to live up to its earlier commitment to protect this community. And by extension all communities.
It's funny how often this phrase of Martin Luther's has popped up for me over the last couple years. I have looked at my alternatives and I have decided:
"Here I stand. I can do no other".
Peace
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
OH, YES I WOULD!!!!
This is exactly my kind of humor. (h/t to Marko)The missiles are balloons. Attach them to your car then drive like...well like you've got missiles on your butt! I can only imagine the looks you'd get.
Parking lot politics
As I walked back to my car outside the Wal of Marts the other day I saw this bumper sticker:
And I thought "Hell no. I don't want ANYONE legislating morality"
The history of morality legislation stinks. The biggest example, and likewise the biggest failure, was the Volstead Act otherwise known as the National Prohibition Act of 1919. Prohibition was a complete flop as is virtually all morality legislation. You can make all the laws you want and man will still act immorally. In fact there's one school of thought that says banning something out right makes it more attractive.
Curiously, Jesus seems to have known this. But his church manages to forget it.
Which leads me to another thought that has wandered across my mind recently. I remember distinctly being taught that Emperor Constantine's conversion and adoption of Christianity as the state religion of Rome was a great thing. A pivotal, important moment in western history.
As the years have passed I've come to completely disagree with that teaching. The connection of the church with the state is important but in a completely negative way. It was and is a catastrophe for the church.
First of all because it gave the church pretensions. It made us believe that we are entitled to rule in this world, that it is right for the church to rule in this world. Clearly this is what many of Jesus' followers expected and what Jesus himself rejected. Again that amazing ability to not listen to what the Savior taught.
Second, it has weakened the church's belief that it can change the world on its own. Instead of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, fighting for justice and peace and living out a Christ-like life we try to make the law in our own image. Why do we need the law when we have Christ? Because we've stopped believing in the power of Christ in the world.
This is not to say that people of faith shouldn't be involved in politics. But we should be involved in politics to achieve the ends of faith, not power. We should live out our political lives doing everything we can to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and fighting for justice and peace.
THAT would result in a more moral world.
THAT would result in our Lord being held in honor and praise.
THAT would result in people seeing Christianity as wise and loving and respected.
Constantine screwed up.
But it's not too late to fix it.
Peace
Do you want Politicians legislating morality?
And I thought "Hell no. I don't want ANYONE legislating morality"
The history of morality legislation stinks. The biggest example, and likewise the biggest failure, was the Volstead Act otherwise known as the National Prohibition Act of 1919. Prohibition was a complete flop as is virtually all morality legislation. You can make all the laws you want and man will still act immorally. In fact there's one school of thought that says banning something out right makes it more attractive.
Curiously, Jesus seems to have known this. But his church manages to forget it.
Which leads me to another thought that has wandered across my mind recently. I remember distinctly being taught that Emperor Constantine's conversion and adoption of Christianity as the state religion of Rome was a great thing. A pivotal, important moment in western history.
As the years have passed I've come to completely disagree with that teaching. The connection of the church with the state is important but in a completely negative way. It was and is a catastrophe for the church.
First of all because it gave the church pretensions. It made us believe that we are entitled to rule in this world, that it is right for the church to rule in this world. Clearly this is what many of Jesus' followers expected and what Jesus himself rejected. Again that amazing ability to not listen to what the Savior taught.
Second, it has weakened the church's belief that it can change the world on its own. Instead of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, fighting for justice and peace and living out a Christ-like life we try to make the law in our own image. Why do we need the law when we have Christ? Because we've stopped believing in the power of Christ in the world.
This is not to say that people of faith shouldn't be involved in politics. But we should be involved in politics to achieve the ends of faith, not power. We should live out our political lives doing everything we can to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and fighting for justice and peace.
THAT would result in a more moral world.
THAT would result in our Lord being held in honor and praise.
THAT would result in people seeing Christianity as wise and loving and respected.
Constantine screwed up.
But it's not too late to fix it.
Peace
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
A video for your consideration
I do not like chain letters.
I do not forward chain letters.
This includes ALL letters that say I don't love Jesus, or I'll die or whatever if I don't forward this to 5, 10, 15, 200 of my friends.
What follows is a chain letter video. The ONLY reason why I'm including it here is that prior to it's dopey chain letter ending I think it raises some very real and challenging questions.
So DON'T feel compelled to forward this to anyone. Just watch and think.
Peace
I do not forward chain letters.
This includes ALL letters that say I don't love Jesus, or I'll die or whatever if I don't forward this to 5, 10, 15, 200 of my friends.
What follows is a chain letter video. The ONLY reason why I'm including it here is that prior to it's dopey chain letter ending I think it raises some very real and challenging questions.
So DON'T feel compelled to forward this to anyone. Just watch and think.
Peace
Friday, January 25, 2008
A theological moment on my way to lunch
I decided to walk down a couple blocks from my office to grab a sandwich for lunch. The walk makes me feel virtuous enough to get away eating a half sub for lunch, LOL.
On my way I was approached by two young men wearing identical dark winter jackets. They were well groomed, bright eyed and I knew they were Mormons before I saw their name tags reading Elder so and so.
I must admit I'm conflicted on the subject of Mormons. In my experience they are some of the nicest, politest, hardest working folk I've ever known. They seem to have a commitment to their faith that goes beyond what most Christians seem to have. By and large they are just likable folks. Back in the day when they were the hot pop stars I'll even admit to a small crush on Marie Osmond.
But I think their theology is rubbish. I feel bad saying that. There's enough trash talking and slagging on one another's theology in the Episcopal church over the last 5-10 years to make me never want to be around it again. But the fact remains. I know enough about LDS theology to know that it doesn't work for me at all. As a Christian I believe in a bunch of stuff that is just so obviously delusional to the secular world view that I avoid mocking other folks for believing in things that I just can't wrap my mind around. In the end I'm still left with my complete rejection of the basis of their faith.
No doubt some will point out that I should be "counter-evangelizing" them. To save them from this incorrect theological stance. Sorry can't go there. It would waste my time and theirs. That's my personal decision and I can live with it.
But it doesn't relieve me of the tension I feel between my personal like of them as people and my theological dislike of what they teach. And that's the tension of the moment standing on a cold, breezy corner in January, all of hunched against the cold.
So I do what I always do. Tell them I've spoken with LDS missionaries before (true), that I'm familiar with their beliefs (true), and that I own a copy of the Book of Mormon (true). I tell them that I'm a youth minister in the Episcopal church nearby and that I'm on my way somewhere (all true). Then I chat with them for a moment. Ask how long they've been in town, how they're bearing up with the weather (without going into details these guys were obviously from warmer parts of the country). I listened to a little bit of their pitch, made it clear I wasn't interested in a longer conversation on the subject, shook hands with them both and said good bye.
That's probably more time than most folks gave them this afternoon as they wandered through downtown. I hope it's at least as polite or more so than average. In that I think I responded in a Christ like manner.
Should I have done a little theological wrestling to try and turn them? I don't know but there wasn't a call in my heart to do so in that time and moment. They're so very serious and I don't feel the need to open up a new frontier of serious religious issues. I have enough of my own. Maybe being greeted cordially by a person of a different faith (yes, I think the LDS understanding of Christ is different enough to warrant calling it a different faith)on a cold wintry corner is what was needed at that moment. I don't know. In the moment I went with what felt right.
They were a nice couple of guys and I wish them well on their journey in faith. My prayer is that God will continue to work on their hearts and bring them to where it is He has planned for them.
And the sub was really good!
Peace
On my way I was approached by two young men wearing identical dark winter jackets. They were well groomed, bright eyed and I knew they were Mormons before I saw their name tags reading Elder so and so.
I must admit I'm conflicted on the subject of Mormons. In my experience they are some of the nicest, politest, hardest working folk I've ever known. They seem to have a commitment to their faith that goes beyond what most Christians seem to have. By and large they are just likable folks. Back in the day when they were the hot pop stars I'll even admit to a small crush on Marie Osmond.
But I think their theology is rubbish. I feel bad saying that. There's enough trash talking and slagging on one another's theology in the Episcopal church over the last 5-10 years to make me never want to be around it again. But the fact remains. I know enough about LDS theology to know that it doesn't work for me at all. As a Christian I believe in a bunch of stuff that is just so obviously delusional to the secular world view that I avoid mocking other folks for believing in things that I just can't wrap my mind around. In the end I'm still left with my complete rejection of the basis of their faith.
No doubt some will point out that I should be "counter-evangelizing" them. To save them from this incorrect theological stance. Sorry can't go there. It would waste my time and theirs. That's my personal decision and I can live with it.
But it doesn't relieve me of the tension I feel between my personal like of them as people and my theological dislike of what they teach. And that's the tension of the moment standing on a cold, breezy corner in January, all of hunched against the cold.
So I do what I always do. Tell them I've spoken with LDS missionaries before (true), that I'm familiar with their beliefs (true), and that I own a copy of the Book of Mormon (true). I tell them that I'm a youth minister in the Episcopal church nearby and that I'm on my way somewhere (all true). Then I chat with them for a moment. Ask how long they've been in town, how they're bearing up with the weather (without going into details these guys were obviously from warmer parts of the country). I listened to a little bit of their pitch, made it clear I wasn't interested in a longer conversation on the subject, shook hands with them both and said good bye.
That's probably more time than most folks gave them this afternoon as they wandered through downtown. I hope it's at least as polite or more so than average. In that I think I responded in a Christ like manner.
Should I have done a little theological wrestling to try and turn them? I don't know but there wasn't a call in my heart to do so in that time and moment. They're so very serious and I don't feel the need to open up a new frontier of serious religious issues. I have enough of my own. Maybe being greeted cordially by a person of a different faith (yes, I think the LDS understanding of Christ is different enough to warrant calling it a different faith)on a cold wintry corner is what was needed at that moment. I don't know. In the moment I went with what felt right.
They were a nice couple of guys and I wish them well on their journey in faith. My prayer is that God will continue to work on their hearts and bring them to where it is He has planned for them.
And the sub was really good!
Peace
Thursday, January 17, 2008
And now some other stuff
Just some odds and ends lying around the place:
Haven't been watching a lot of movies lately. But here are the latest:
Happy Feet - This is a fun little movie that I really enjoyed. But I remember people making a really big deal out of it and I don't quite see that. Some funny stuff but not all that.
Robin Williams Live on Broadway 2002 Now THIS was funny! The world's most popular Episcopal comedian was just fall down funny. Great concert film.
North by Northwest- I'm a huge Hitchcock fan and this was one of the "big" movies I'd never seen. I didn't realize how funny it is as well. And the scenes when Grant gets buzzed by the plane? The special effects are incredible. I was amazed when I checked out the special features to see how much of that was done in studio. Eva Marie Saint was wonderful in a nastier role than she usually got and James Mason was his usual wonderful slick and sleazy character. You should definitely check it out.
Jerry Maguire_ Yes a lot of this movie is over the top. But I loved it! Yes, "You had me at hello". As much as I like Renee Zellwegger (and I do) this movie is all about Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. Their scenery chewing, outrageous characters make the movie worth watching. Besides how many movies get two catch phrases as deeply into popular culture (the one above and "SHOW ME THE MONEY!")
Space Cowboys - got this forgetting that I'd seen most of it on TV already. Is this a great classic film like the Hitchcock above? Nope. But back in theater school we learned Goethe's three rules of criticism -
What was the artist trying to do - make a fun, senior citizen "buddy" movie.
Did they succeed? Yep
Was it worth doing? Movies really are PRIMARILY about entertainment. This was a fun little piece of entertainment. Fun cast having some fun. Worth the time to watch it.
Other stuff:
I'm in love with a new computer application. Google Reader. I check a bunch of blogs, friends, ministry, faith based, sports. And it was a hassle trying to page through finding new updates. I'd tried a Firefox extension or whatever they're called and it was OK. But only OK. Google Reader is great. Simple, clear and only shows me the blogs that have updated. Love it.
Finally this is just cool. Love the song plus I had to learn to juggle a little back at theater school. So I'm in total awe of this guy - Chris Bliss (h/t to Marko) What he does here is hard and requires immense concentration. The video is about 4 minutes long but worth it I think.
Peace
Haven't been watching a lot of movies lately. But here are the latest:
Happy Feet - This is a fun little movie that I really enjoyed. But I remember people making a really big deal out of it and I don't quite see that. Some funny stuff but not all that.
Robin Williams Live on Broadway 2002 Now THIS was funny! The world's most popular Episcopal comedian was just fall down funny. Great concert film.
North by Northwest- I'm a huge Hitchcock fan and this was one of the "big" movies I'd never seen. I didn't realize how funny it is as well. And the scenes when Grant gets buzzed by the plane? The special effects are incredible. I was amazed when I checked out the special features to see how much of that was done in studio. Eva Marie Saint was wonderful in a nastier role than she usually got and James Mason was his usual wonderful slick and sleazy character. You should definitely check it out.
Jerry Maguire_ Yes a lot of this movie is over the top. But I loved it! Yes, "You had me at hello". As much as I like Renee Zellwegger (and I do) this movie is all about Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. Their scenery chewing, outrageous characters make the movie worth watching. Besides how many movies get two catch phrases as deeply into popular culture (the one above and "SHOW ME THE MONEY!")
Space Cowboys - got this forgetting that I'd seen most of it on TV already. Is this a great classic film like the Hitchcock above? Nope. But back in theater school we learned Goethe's three rules of criticism -
What was the artist trying to do - make a fun, senior citizen "buddy" movie.
Did they succeed? Yep
Was it worth doing? Movies really are PRIMARILY about entertainment. This was a fun little piece of entertainment. Fun cast having some fun. Worth the time to watch it.
Other stuff:
I'm in love with a new computer application. Google Reader. I check a bunch of blogs, friends, ministry, faith based, sports. And it was a hassle trying to page through finding new updates. I'd tried a Firefox extension or whatever they're called and it was OK. But only OK. Google Reader is great. Simple, clear and only shows me the blogs that have updated. Love it.
Finally this is just cool. Love the song plus I had to learn to juggle a little back at theater school. So I'm in total awe of this guy - Chris Bliss (h/t to Marko) What he does here is hard and requires immense concentration. The video is about 4 minutes long but worth it I think.
Peace
Monday, January 14, 2008
On being passionate
For any of you who found the title titillating I'm afraid you're in for a disappointment. I'm talking about being passionate about faith and ministry.
My last post was a rant about folks who, if I'm being honest, I thought gored my ox. As it turned out it was mostly mis-communication with one of them(but not the other). A wise lady friend and former youth minister sent me a long but profound note about youth ministry. It got me thinking.
And here's what I thought:
I've known for years that I'm really only interested in things that I can dive fully into. That's when I'm fully engaged and I tend to throw myself into it. I was that way for a long time in my previous career in radio. It's how I am about youth ministry. One of my catch phrases is "Good enough isn't good enough". I have a perfectionist streak in me. When things aren't perfect I tend to get down about it. I could have done more, I could have done it better.
You can not imagine how many times my lady wife has watched me beat myself up this way. It's what I do.
But it's also what makes me good at what I do. I can get fully engaged because I BELIEVE in what I'm doing. And it bugs the heck out of me when I see people who aren't willing to go that far. I used to drive people crazy in my last career because I'd say "I only expect you to work as hard as I do. I accept that you may be better at some things than I am and that I'm better at somethings than you are. Final results are whatever they turn out to be. But I expect you to work as hard as I do. And I work very hard".
I expect that when a diocese or congregation tells me that youth ministry is important that they are going to WORK HARD at it. Too often youth programs are just that, programs designed to keep the kids busy and out of the adults hair. It's about the lecture hall vision of teaching and the "We have relationship with our youth for two hours every Sunday". It's "Oh that Bob and Mary's daughter" instead of learning the kid's name.
I have a confession (you're going to think I'm nuts). I hate what I'm about to do. It feels like cheating, like I can't do my own thinking and writing. It feels like I'm slacking.
I told you, I'm nuts. But it's how I feel.
I'm going to quote somebody else (see, see!!!! Nuts!). Martin Saunders is the Editor of Youthwork Magazine and Chair of Youthwork the Partnership, a huge youth ministry movement in the UK. I saw this interview at a great website run by the amazing Len Evans (Youth Ministry Interviews) and it just spoke to me. Len asked him "How would you like to see youth ministry change":
"I’d like to see every member of our churches start to take responsibility for young people – starting with the ‘adult’ leaders. The biggest problem for youth workers here is that many churches employ them to ‘take care of the problem’ of young people, instead of trying to understand and engage with them at every level. Unless young people get integrated into the hearts of our churches, then our churches are not long for this world. And of course, it’s the adult church leaders who hold the keys. So I’d love to see us move towards a model where the whole church takes some responsibility for young people – even if that just means praying for and mentoring them."
(Lazy. Slacker. You disgust me.)(I'm JOKING people!)
Martin got it exactly right. This is my hope for youth ministry as well. I don't care if we do great programs, or any program at all. I don't care if we do Youth Sundays or whatever.
We need to stop taking care of our youth and begin caring about our youth.
And now if you'll excuse me I have to get back to work.
Peace
My last post was a rant about folks who, if I'm being honest, I thought gored my ox. As it turned out it was mostly mis-communication with one of them(but not the other). A wise lady friend and former youth minister sent me a long but profound note about youth ministry. It got me thinking.
And here's what I thought:
I've known for years that I'm really only interested in things that I can dive fully into. That's when I'm fully engaged and I tend to throw myself into it. I was that way for a long time in my previous career in radio. It's how I am about youth ministry. One of my catch phrases is "Good enough isn't good enough". I have a perfectionist streak in me. When things aren't perfect I tend to get down about it. I could have done more, I could have done it better.
You can not imagine how many times my lady wife has watched me beat myself up this way. It's what I do.
But it's also what makes me good at what I do. I can get fully engaged because I BELIEVE in what I'm doing. And it bugs the heck out of me when I see people who aren't willing to go that far. I used to drive people crazy in my last career because I'd say "I only expect you to work as hard as I do. I accept that you may be better at some things than I am and that I'm better at somethings than you are. Final results are whatever they turn out to be. But I expect you to work as hard as I do. And I work very hard".
I expect that when a diocese or congregation tells me that youth ministry is important that they are going to WORK HARD at it. Too often youth programs are just that, programs designed to keep the kids busy and out of the adults hair. It's about the lecture hall vision of teaching and the "We have relationship with our youth for two hours every Sunday". It's "Oh that Bob and Mary's daughter" instead of learning the kid's name.
I have a confession (you're going to think I'm nuts). I hate what I'm about to do. It feels like cheating, like I can't do my own thinking and writing. It feels like I'm slacking.
I told you, I'm nuts. But it's how I feel.
I'm going to quote somebody else (see, see!!!! Nuts!). Martin Saunders is the Editor of Youthwork Magazine and Chair of Youthwork the Partnership, a huge youth ministry movement in the UK. I saw this interview at a great website run by the amazing Len Evans (Youth Ministry Interviews) and it just spoke to me. Len asked him "How would you like to see youth ministry change":
"I’d like to see every member of our churches start to take responsibility for young people – starting with the ‘adult’ leaders. The biggest problem for youth workers here is that many churches employ them to ‘take care of the problem’ of young people, instead of trying to understand and engage with them at every level. Unless young people get integrated into the hearts of our churches, then our churches are not long for this world. And of course, it’s the adult church leaders who hold the keys. So I’d love to see us move towards a model where the whole church takes some responsibility for young people – even if that just means praying for and mentoring them."
(Lazy. Slacker. You disgust me.)(I'm JOKING people!)
Martin got it exactly right. This is my hope for youth ministry as well. I don't care if we do great programs, or any program at all. I don't care if we do Youth Sundays or whatever.
We need to stop taking care of our youth and begin caring about our youth.
And now if you'll excuse me I have to get back to work.
Peace
Friday, January 11, 2008
Youth Ministry Rant
I'm so...(well I can't really use the word here that I'm thinking so fill in the blank yourself). Let's just say I'm not a happy camper.
I spend a bit of time conversing with other folks on various blogs. By and large I get along pretty well, even with the folks with whom I disagree. But every once in a while...
The discussion that has gotten me cranked was started by a post referring to "unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity" by David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, and Gabe Lyons, founder of the Fermi Project. The book looks at the attitudes of 16-29 year olds toward the church, especially those who are outside the church. I don't think any youth minister would be surprised by the results. This led to a discussion on the comments thread about youth ministry, mostly the question of what are we doing wrong?
I believe we have been doing some things wrong. I also believe that a lot of us are working VERY hard to correct that. As always with youth ministry the fruits of our work may not be seen for a while.
But two responses astounded me. The first amounted to "Well youth ministry is probably a good idea but really it doesn't matter one way or the other. The kids either get it or they don't. We just need to leave it in God's hands". I don't know if this one makes me more angry or sad or frustrated. I do not deny the central role of the Divine in the process of growing in faith. I'm just here to try and water God's garden and provide some of the earthly things each plant needs to thrive. In real terms that's relationship, teaching and listening.
That brings me to the second poster. He sees teaching as a very limited tool, all the current models of youth ministry as completely failed and youth ministry simply as a tool of the institution to perpetuate itself. Sunday school, youth group, failures. Not worth discussing. The first poster mentioned her concern with "forcing Jesus down(the youth's) throat". I'm sure no one will be surprised that the second person has nothing positive to offer, just a dismissive attitude toward everything we try to do. Quite simply if we don't have something brand new to offer then it's just SSDD and therefore automatically bound to fail.
Needless to say my doctor would not approve of my blood pressure right now.
Don't get me wrong. I don't live in a fairy tale world. I'm well aware of the shortcomings of youth ministry. The spectre of ministries that rely on "magic box" programs, unimaginative teaching, lack of building relationships with the youth, lack of resources and/or dedication from the congregations make what we do almost impossible in some places. But more and more we are recognizing that and making changes. Sadly the most visible elements in the church too often make the rest of us look bad. Spending massive amounts of time and energy arguing the fine points of worship style or fine points of theology while the world is hungry and naked and in prison makes us all look like hypocrites.
But having to fight both the cynicism and defeatism embodied by these two folks just makes it so much harder.
Maybe I'm kidding myself. Maybe I'm just re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. The only problem is that when we do it right I see a difference being made in the lives of young people. Not as many youth as I'd like at any given moment but then I'm not supposed to be playing the numbers game.
And the numbers are betraying us. People forget that statistics only measure the past. They can be used as an indicator for the future but the accuracy of that indication relies, nay REQUIRES, that all conditions remain the same as before. If what we're doing now is right we won't know for at least a decade. It the curse of youth ministry. That the harvest almost always comes after they're gone. We plant the seed and we often get to see it bloom. But the full harvest, the fully developed person of faith, is truly a rare thing for us to see. And that's probably as it should be since when they leave our care they're still in the final stages of growth.
The recurring challenge was don't tell me about how kids show up or continue to go to church. Prove to me that they are growing in their faith, that they "get" it. I just want to scream "You're the idiots who don't get it!!! What you want isn't measurable. By your carping and defeatism you make this even harder than it is."
I have managed to refrain from actually calling anyone an idiot.
This really comes at a tough time (or maybe a good one). I'm struggling with the ideas in Loren Mead's book "The Once and Future Church". I'm struggling to find the wheat among the chaff. What is good and useful for my youth from that which is just "we've always done it that way". I think I'm making progress too.
I read what these people say and I wonder why should I worry about it? If they're right then I'm spinning my wheels. If they're wrong they represent a real voice in the church (which I've heard in other forms before) and if the church doesn't care any more than that then what do I owe it?
Yeah, yeah, I already know the answer to that one. I owe the institutional church a return on what they've invested in me, I owe the spiritual church a return on my gifts, and I just owe God. Period. Oh yeah and I owe my kids for the love and trust they put in me.
So I guess I can't pout and have a pity party or throw a tantrum.
As I said on the thread - youth ministry is harder than it looks.
(Editorial Note: After I posted this the first poster mentioned above and I had the chance to exchange some e-mails. I understand where her point of view grows from and know that she was not attacking me or youth ministry per se. Rather the frustrations we all feel about how hard it is to make a difference in the lives of young people had just taken her someplace I'm not ready to go. I hope that we've made our peace personally now. And I'll keep fighting the good fight knowing that while she hopes I'm right she reserves the right to wonder if I'm wrong)
Peace
I spend a bit of time conversing with other folks on various blogs. By and large I get along pretty well, even with the folks with whom I disagree. But every once in a while...
The discussion that has gotten me cranked was started by a post referring to "unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity" by David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, and Gabe Lyons, founder of the Fermi Project. The book looks at the attitudes of 16-29 year olds toward the church, especially those who are outside the church. I don't think any youth minister would be surprised by the results. This led to a discussion on the comments thread about youth ministry, mostly the question of what are we doing wrong?
I believe we have been doing some things wrong. I also believe that a lot of us are working VERY hard to correct that. As always with youth ministry the fruits of our work may not be seen for a while.
But two responses astounded me. The first amounted to "Well youth ministry is probably a good idea but really it doesn't matter one way or the other. The kids either get it or they don't. We just need to leave it in God's hands". I don't know if this one makes me more angry or sad or frustrated. I do not deny the central role of the Divine in the process of growing in faith. I'm just here to try and water God's garden and provide some of the earthly things each plant needs to thrive. In real terms that's relationship, teaching and listening.
That brings me to the second poster. He sees teaching as a very limited tool, all the current models of youth ministry as completely failed and youth ministry simply as a tool of the institution to perpetuate itself. Sunday school, youth group, failures. Not worth discussing. The first poster mentioned her concern with "forcing Jesus down(the youth's) throat". I'm sure no one will be surprised that the second person has nothing positive to offer, just a dismissive attitude toward everything we try to do. Quite simply if we don't have something brand new to offer then it's just SSDD and therefore automatically bound to fail.
Needless to say my doctor would not approve of my blood pressure right now.
Don't get me wrong. I don't live in a fairy tale world. I'm well aware of the shortcomings of youth ministry. The spectre of ministries that rely on "magic box" programs, unimaginative teaching, lack of building relationships with the youth, lack of resources and/or dedication from the congregations make what we do almost impossible in some places. But more and more we are recognizing that and making changes. Sadly the most visible elements in the church too often make the rest of us look bad. Spending massive amounts of time and energy arguing the fine points of worship style or fine points of theology while the world is hungry and naked and in prison makes us all look like hypocrites.
But having to fight both the cynicism and defeatism embodied by these two folks just makes it so much harder.
Maybe I'm kidding myself. Maybe I'm just re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. The only problem is that when we do it right I see a difference being made in the lives of young people. Not as many youth as I'd like at any given moment but then I'm not supposed to be playing the numbers game.
And the numbers are betraying us. People forget that statistics only measure the past. They can be used as an indicator for the future but the accuracy of that indication relies, nay REQUIRES, that all conditions remain the same as before. If what we're doing now is right we won't know for at least a decade. It the curse of youth ministry. That the harvest almost always comes after they're gone. We plant the seed and we often get to see it bloom. But the full harvest, the fully developed person of faith, is truly a rare thing for us to see. And that's probably as it should be since when they leave our care they're still in the final stages of growth.
The recurring challenge was don't tell me about how kids show up or continue to go to church. Prove to me that they are growing in their faith, that they "get" it. I just want to scream "You're the idiots who don't get it!!! What you want isn't measurable. By your carping and defeatism you make this even harder than it is."
I have managed to refrain from actually calling anyone an idiot.
This really comes at a tough time (or maybe a good one). I'm struggling with the ideas in Loren Mead's book "The Once and Future Church". I'm struggling to find the wheat among the chaff. What is good and useful for my youth from that which is just "we've always done it that way". I think I'm making progress too.
I read what these people say and I wonder why should I worry about it? If they're right then I'm spinning my wheels. If they're wrong they represent a real voice in the church (which I've heard in other forms before) and if the church doesn't care any more than that then what do I owe it?
Yeah, yeah, I already know the answer to that one. I owe the institutional church a return on what they've invested in me, I owe the spiritual church a return on my gifts, and I just owe God. Period. Oh yeah and I owe my kids for the love and trust they put in me.
So I guess I can't pout and have a pity party or throw a tantrum.
As I said on the thread - youth ministry is harder than it looks.
(Editorial Note: After I posted this the first poster mentioned above and I had the chance to exchange some e-mails. I understand where her point of view grows from and know that she was not attacking me or youth ministry per se. Rather the frustrations we all feel about how hard it is to make a difference in the lives of young people had just taken her someplace I'm not ready to go. I hope that we've made our peace personally now. And I'll keep fighting the good fight knowing that while she hopes I'm right she reserves the right to wonder if I'm wrong)
Peace
Monday, January 07, 2008
Are We Willing to Listen?
One of my favorite TV shows involves small companies that find themselves in terrible financial shape. If things don't change very soon they will have to close their doors. So they invite an internationally known expert in to help. He's run their kind of business successfully on two continents, has written books and starred on TV. The expert tells them what they need to do to survive and seems to really want them to succeed.
What amazes me week after week is how much resistance he gets from the people he's trying to help. Remember these are businesses that are on their last legs. If doing things their way had been a good idea they wouldn't have to call in this guy. But they stubbornly stick to what they “know” about how to run the businesses.
As I watched the show the other day I started to laugh because it struck me how much the situation is like our relationship with Christ. (I laughed because this is probably the ONLY time this expert will ever be compared to Christ. He's abrupt, he's insulting and he needs to be “bleeped” about every fourth word.) We may not be on our “last legs” spiritually (but maybe we are) but we aren't operating under ideal circumstances either. In church speak you hear the words sinful, fallen, broken, imperfect or even dysfunctional. Whatever term you choose it means we're not functioning at our best. We're not getting the maximum amount of joy out of our existence. (Quick note I believe there's a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness comes and goes with the winds of this world. Joy comes from much deeper and isn't as easily swayed by what goes on in the world. I believe that joy is what God wants for us.) Our outside expert is Jesus. He knows what it means to live this life, he understands what needs to be done and has some simple, straightforward answers on what needs to be done. Better yet he's willing to take the time to work it out, and he doesn't suffer from the potty mouth syndrome of the guy on TV!
Unfortunately all too often we act like the people on TV. Yes, we understand what we need to be doing. Yes, we understand that we'd be better off doing some parts of our lives differently. Yes, yes, yes. BUT. But I'm really more comfortable doing it this way. But it's not really hurting anyone. But no one else is doing THAT, everyone is doing THIS. As illogical as it seems from the outside once we start dealing with what goes on inside ourselves suddenly we find things that we just can't/won't/don't want to change. We will fight to cling to ideas and behaviors that will make us not only unhappy but that keep us from being joyful.
The funny thing is that Jesus managed to sum up everything pretty neatly. He points out (Matthew 22:36-40) that everything grows out of just two concepts. It's not a long shopping list of dozens of things to do, it's just two ideas long.
Love God completely, and love your neighbors the way you'd like to be loved. Simple. Not easy mind you but not all that complicated.
So let's make our goal to not live our lives like those people on TV. Let's listen to the expert and see what our lives could look like.
Peace
What amazes me week after week is how much resistance he gets from the people he's trying to help. Remember these are businesses that are on their last legs. If doing things their way had been a good idea they wouldn't have to call in this guy. But they stubbornly stick to what they “know” about how to run the businesses.
As I watched the show the other day I started to laugh because it struck me how much the situation is like our relationship with Christ. (I laughed because this is probably the ONLY time this expert will ever be compared to Christ. He's abrupt, he's insulting and he needs to be “bleeped” about every fourth word.) We may not be on our “last legs” spiritually (but maybe we are) but we aren't operating under ideal circumstances either. In church speak you hear the words sinful, fallen, broken, imperfect or even dysfunctional. Whatever term you choose it means we're not functioning at our best. We're not getting the maximum amount of joy out of our existence. (Quick note I believe there's a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness comes and goes with the winds of this world. Joy comes from much deeper and isn't as easily swayed by what goes on in the world. I believe that joy is what God wants for us.) Our outside expert is Jesus. He knows what it means to live this life, he understands what needs to be done and has some simple, straightforward answers on what needs to be done. Better yet he's willing to take the time to work it out, and he doesn't suffer from the potty mouth syndrome of the guy on TV!
Unfortunately all too often we act like the people on TV. Yes, we understand what we need to be doing. Yes, we understand that we'd be better off doing some parts of our lives differently. Yes, yes, yes. BUT. But I'm really more comfortable doing it this way. But it's not really hurting anyone. But no one else is doing THAT, everyone is doing THIS. As illogical as it seems from the outside once we start dealing with what goes on inside ourselves suddenly we find things that we just can't/won't/don't want to change. We will fight to cling to ideas and behaviors that will make us not only unhappy but that keep us from being joyful.
The funny thing is that Jesus managed to sum up everything pretty neatly. He points out (Matthew 22:36-40) that everything grows out of just two concepts. It's not a long shopping list of dozens of things to do, it's just two ideas long.
Love God completely, and love your neighbors the way you'd like to be loved. Simple. Not easy mind you but not all that complicated.
So let's make our goal to not live our lives like those people on TV. Let's listen to the expert and see what our lives could look like.
Peace
Friday, January 04, 2008
Happy 2008!
I know everyone else in the blogosphere is way ahead of me on this one but I really took the end of last year off from most of my usual activities. So let's get caught up.
Christmas was lovely. Best presents were the circular saw from the in laws and two tickets to a March Bruce Springsteen concert from my brothers. Have I mentioned recently what a wonderful pair of brothers God has blessed me with? Primo times two.
The weather has been fine. It snowed lightly on Christmas Eve so we had a white Christmas.
My football pool. I never really recovered from my bad start but did finish in the top 50% of the pool. So I wasn't utterly humiliated. The next to last week was very good. I finished #8 for the week and #2 in the points per pick category. The last week of the season was a disaster. Too many teams resting starters and playoff implications and just bad football. Bleah. Still thinking about whether to try the playoff pool too. I'm just very leery of my Steelers prospects.
Watched the "Winter Classic" hockey game. From the comfort of my living room, natch. Yes, it was every bit as cold and snowy as it looked. And yes I was perfectly happy that the Pens won. I would have been almost as happy if the Sabres had. Almost.
New Year's Day some idiot backed into my car
and drove away. That's about a two foot crack in the high tech plastic door panel on my Saturn. Which will cost a mere $900 to repair and paint to match.
Sigh.
I'm struggling with some very un-Christian thoughts about whoever did this.
Beyond that I'm looking forward to the New Year. It has the potential for some really good things this year I believe.
I'll try and get more caught up next week.
Peace!
Christmas was lovely. Best presents were the circular saw from the in laws and two tickets to a March Bruce Springsteen concert from my brothers. Have I mentioned recently what a wonderful pair of brothers God has blessed me with? Primo times two.
The weather has been fine. It snowed lightly on Christmas Eve so we had a white Christmas.
My football pool. I never really recovered from my bad start but did finish in the top 50% of the pool. So I wasn't utterly humiliated. The next to last week was very good. I finished #8 for the week and #2 in the points per pick category. The last week of the season was a disaster. Too many teams resting starters and playoff implications and just bad football. Bleah. Still thinking about whether to try the playoff pool too. I'm just very leery of my Steelers prospects.
Watched the "Winter Classic" hockey game. From the comfort of my living room, natch. Yes, it was every bit as cold and snowy as it looked. And yes I was perfectly happy that the Pens won. I would have been almost as happy if the Sabres had. Almost.
New Year's Day some idiot backed into my car
and drove away. That's about a two foot crack in the high tech plastic door panel on my Saturn. Which will cost a mere $900 to repair and paint to match.Sigh.
I'm struggling with some very un-Christian thoughts about whoever did this.
Beyond that I'm looking forward to the New Year. It has the potential for some really good things this year I believe.
I'll try and get more caught up next week.
Peace!
Friday, December 21, 2007
A little (a very little) Friday cat blogging
I've owned cats all my life.
I like cats.
I own a cat.
But some of this cat blogging stuff just gets silly to my way of thinking.
But it's Christmas and for the moment my cat is pretending like she tolerates me. I actually CHOSE this cat at the Humane society. She is utterly utterly worshipfully devoted to my wife. My daughter is second choice. If I'm the only person in the house she'll come sit on my lap. But she acts like it's a great personal strain on her.
This is Amidala. She's a very attractive cat but somehow she has never had a sense of kittenish whimsy. I've never had a cat like that.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Fun and a little bit tacky, yeah!
This is SO me!(Thanks to Pseudopiskie)
| You Are a Bright Christmas Tree |
 For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites. You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky. |
Monday, December 17, 2007
Even better than I could say it
Here's what I would have said in my rant about Christmas rants. Only said better. (h/t to Grandmere Mimi (Wounded Bird: Letter From Jesus About Christmas) who pointed me towards Ann)
Letter from Jesus about Christmas (slightly edited for Episcopalians)
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many you are upset that folks are removing My name from the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year -- it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually the time of pagan festival. Of course, I do appreciate being remembered at any time.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, here's how: GET ALONG WITH EACH AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on... If it bothers you that the town where you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen in your own front yard and put out your own Nativity scene. If all of My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for a display in the town square because there would already be so many all around your community.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made ALL trees. You can remember Me any time you see ANY tree. Decorate a grapevine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten what I said, look up John 15: 1- 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wishlist.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President to complain about the wording on the White House cards this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then do it! It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. People in your town will attempt to take their own lives this season because they feel so alone and hopeless. Since you don't know who they are, give everyone you meet a warm smile -- it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit-picking about what retailers call this holiday, be patient with the people who work for them. Give each a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support organizations like Episcopal Relief and Development, who are working for better lives for refugees, prisoners, people suffering from diseases that are easily curable with a small amount of money, giving tools and resources so people can support their families.
9. There are individuals and families in your town who will not only have no "Christmas" tree, but also no presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, take some food and gifts to a charity who will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do or say things that you wouldn't do or say in My presence. Remember -- When you speak badly of my children, you are speaking badly of Me; when you treat each other badly, you do the same to Me. Let people know by your words and actions that you are one of Mine.
Don't get so worked up about what you think are slights about me that occur in the material world. I am God and I can take care of Myself. I am not diminished by those things.
Instead, simply love Me and do what I have asked you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love.
AMEN.
Letter from Jesus about Christmas (slightly edited for Episcopalians)
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many you are upset that folks are removing My name from the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year -- it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually the time of pagan festival. Of course, I do appreciate being remembered at any time.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, here's how: GET ALONG WITH EACH AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on... If it bothers you that the town where you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen in your own front yard and put out your own Nativity scene. If all of My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for a display in the town square because there would already be so many all around your community.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made ALL trees. You can remember Me any time you see ANY tree. Decorate a grapevine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten what I said, look up John 15: 1- 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wishlist.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President to complain about the wording on the White House cards this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then do it! It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. People in your town will attempt to take their own lives this season because they feel so alone and hopeless. Since you don't know who they are, give everyone you meet a warm smile -- it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit-picking about what retailers call this holiday, be patient with the people who work for them. Give each a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support organizations like Episcopal Relief and Development, who are working for better lives for refugees, prisoners, people suffering from diseases that are easily curable with a small amount of money, giving tools and resources so people can support their families.
9. There are individuals and families in your town who will not only have no "Christmas" tree, but also no presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, take some food and gifts to a charity who will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do or say things that you wouldn't do or say in My presence. Remember -- When you speak badly of my children, you are speaking badly of Me; when you treat each other badly, you do the same to Me. Let people know by your words and actions that you are one of Mine.
Don't get so worked up about what you think are slights about me that occur in the material world. I am God and I can take care of Myself. I am not diminished by those things.
Instead, simply love Me and do what I have asked you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love.
AMEN.
Oh yeah bring on the super powers!
I know, I'm a total geek.
| Your Superpower Should Be Manipulating Electricity |
 You're highly reactive, energetic, and super charged. If the occasion calls for it, you can go from 0 to 60 in a split second. But you don't harness your energy unless you truly need to. And because of this, people are often surprised by what you are capable of. Why you would be a good superhero: You have the stamina to fight enemies for days Your biggest problem as a superhero: As with your normal life, people would continue to underestimate you |
And it's almost Christmas
The tree is about to go up at DaYouthGuy's house, the last presents are being prepared.
And the usual ranting about Christmas is well under way. The "Happy Holidays" rant, the "They've stolen Christmas" rant, all the usual suspects. I'm tempted to add a little rant of my own, mostly about how tired I am of the other rants. Instead let me offer this:
It's Christmas. Make of it what you will. Feel free to ignore those parts that don't work for you (really, any of them. To my friends and brothers and sisters of the atheist clan - revel in whatever brings you joy and ignore the rest. Seriously. I will not chide you or look askance. I only ask the same respect for my own choices. Same goes for everyone else. For God's sake (sorry atheists) relax and enjoy.) I intend to revel in the midnight mass at my home parish. Smells and bells, and a full choir and all the decorations. I will rejoice in the arrival of the Messiah and the miracle of it all. And I will wish a Merry Christmas to us all. God bless us everyone.
In the meantime I'm going to enjoy my favorite Christmas specials. I own a copy of just about all of them:
WKRP in Cincinnati Christmas episode - a great show about radio and a great riff on Dickens.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - If I only could have one this is it.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - love it.
The Homecoming - Christmas with the Waltons. A truly classic Christmas story
How The Grinch Stole Christmas - animated original only, don't bring that other one 'round here.
Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) - The Alistair Sims version or the Mr. Magoo version both classics
White Christmas - yeah, only nominally a true Christmas story but I love it.
A Wish for Wings that Work - OK my natural weirdness bubbles up on this one. This is the Bloom County animated special. It's very hard to find but my most excellent brother got it for me.
Miracle on 34th Street - the original only thank you very much.
And the usual ranting about Christmas is well under way. The "Happy Holidays" rant, the "They've stolen Christmas" rant, all the usual suspects. I'm tempted to add a little rant of my own, mostly about how tired I am of the other rants. Instead let me offer this:
It's Christmas. Make of it what you will. Feel free to ignore those parts that don't work for you (really, any of them. To my friends and brothers and sisters of the atheist clan - revel in whatever brings you joy and ignore the rest. Seriously. I will not chide you or look askance. I only ask the same respect for my own choices. Same goes for everyone else. For God's sake (sorry atheists) relax and enjoy.) I intend to revel in the midnight mass at my home parish. Smells and bells, and a full choir and all the decorations. I will rejoice in the arrival of the Messiah and the miracle of it all. And I will wish a Merry Christmas to us all. God bless us everyone.
In the meantime I'm going to enjoy my favorite Christmas specials. I own a copy of just about all of them:
WKRP in Cincinnati Christmas episode - a great show about radio and a great riff on Dickens.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - If I only could have one this is it.Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - love it.
The Homecoming - Christmas with the Waltons. A truly classic Christmas story
How The Grinch Stole Christmas - animated original only, don't bring that other one 'round here.
Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) - The Alistair Sims version or the Mr. Magoo version both classics
White Christmas - yeah, only nominally a true Christmas story but I love it.
A Wish for Wings that Work - OK my natural weirdness bubbles up on this one. This is the Bloom County animated special. It's very hard to find but my most excellent brother got it for me.
Miracle on 34th Street - the original only thank you very much.
Introducing Jesus
Interesting question. If you had Jesus physically here and wanted to introduce him to a friend of yours how would you do it? Steve Harvey (yeah, the comedian and TV star) offers this option (h/t to Stuart Delony):
Little flashy for day to day (I mean how often do you really get together with a couple thousand of your closest friends in a major auditorium?) This is just off the top of my head but I think I'd go much simpler.
I want you to meet someone who has really changed how I think and work and approach the world. And I can't even tell you how much of a comfort he's been when things have really gone in the dumper. He's laid back, never in your face but never plays games either. You'll always get the straight stuff from him. Just really comfortable to be around even when he's letting me know that he disagrees with me. He's cool, I really think you'll like him.
Peace
Little flashy for day to day (I mean how often do you really get together with a couple thousand of your closest friends in a major auditorium?) This is just off the top of my head but I think I'd go much simpler.
I want you to meet someone who has really changed how I think and work and approach the world. And I can't even tell you how much of a comfort he's been when things have really gone in the dumper. He's laid back, never in your face but never plays games either. You'll always get the straight stuff from him. Just really comfortable to be around even when he's letting me know that he disagrees with me. He's cool, I really think you'll like him.
Peace
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Just SOOOOOO Wrong!
No, no, no! Say it ain't so. This is a CHRISTMAS lawn decoration! (H/T to Marko)
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