Griot's Corner

Kool-Aid

2011-06-10T08:33:00.002-04:00

I remember with fondness drinking Kool-Aid at summer Vacation Bible Schools in Louisiana when I was a child.

As refreshments were served, the lady in charge would say, "drink the Kool-Aid" and we would hurriedly gulp down the Red-40 dye laced drinks and hurry on to the next activity.

"Drink the Kool-Aid" took on new meaning on a hot summer day in 1978 in Jonestown, Guyana as Jim Jones convinced his cult followers to drink Kool-Aid infused with potassium cyanide. On that day 913 of his 1100 followers "drank the Kool-Aid" and died. That experience introduced the phrase into the vernacular of modern conversations.

Recently the phrase has taken on a different and more positive nuance as marketers have used it to mean, "one who has embraced a particular philosophy or perspective."

For the last 20 years I have been a PC guy.

Earlier this week, "I drank the Kool-Aid" and today I am writing this blog from a MacBook Pro.

Please don't judge me. And please forgive me for all of the times I made fun of Mac users. The timing was right and my faithful PC began to grumble and complain about all of the things I was asking it to do. So, I decided to take the leap.

The salesman/geek/genius at Apple said as I completed my purchase, "welcome, you will never return to the dark side." Say what?

I didn't even know I was on the dark side, but today seems brighter. I feel smarter. I feel more tech savvy. My only fear is that people's expectations will rise exponentially as they read things that come from a MacBook Pro.

To be clear, I have a MacBook, but I am by no means a Pro. I'm just sayin'.

Thursdays

2011-06-09T10:32:00.000-04:00

Thursdays are my writing days.

I treasure them and look forward to the quietness they bring. There is something mystical about writing that allows a person to empty their minds and see their thoughts splashed on paper or screen. Sometimes the experience of writing is shaped by where you write.

Today I am sitting in the Flint Institute of Arts coffee shop and the museum is quiet as they prepare for the Flint Institute Arts Show over the weekend.

Somehow being in the presence of other creative works is a great impetus to be creative.

Pablo Picasso, the great artist, said..."Art is a Lie that makes us realize Truth."

Surrounded by works of art reminds me that there are still a wealth of ideas, projects and concepts waiting to be developed by those willing to pursue them.

I have been wondering what it would take to create art that has a transformative value?

Julia Cameron, writing in The Artists Way, challenges the serious writer to do two things that have helped me in my quest to be creative. First, she challenges the writer to commit to "Morning Pages." These are three pages of long hand stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning." She says, "there are no wrong ways to do Morning Pages-they are not high art. They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind-and they are for your eyes only."

Commit to this practice and you will have over a thousand pages of narrative at the end of one year.

Secondly, she says commit to an "Artist Date" weekly. This is a simple exercise of taking yourself to different places and different experiences out of the normal rhythms of your life. It is amazing what can happen when you go to experience other people's creativity.

So, Thursdays are my writing days. They are sacred days. They are "set aside" days to creatively write my way through life. Thursday mornings and early afternoons are given to the writing task in preparation to share powerful stories every Sunday with the community of faith.

So, gotta run...thepages are calling me, and I am ready to respond.

Technoslave

2011-06-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

Adbusters Magazine has a wealth of resources that capture the meaning of our fast moving culture in pictures and narrative. Although I do not subscribe to it, I often read it over coffee and my favorite book museum at the mall.

This morning I was reading through some old notes I had written in spring of 2008. I had forgotten about an article I read in the May/June 2008 issue of Adbusters.

The title of the article was Technoslave by Eric Slate. He writes....

"Once, while I was riding on a crowded bus, the man sitting next to me threw his cell phone out the window. When his phone rang, instead of dutifully answering it, he casually tossed it away. I was stunned. He looked at me, shrugged and looked away. I had no idea if it was his, if it was stolen or even if he knew what a cell phone was. But in one seemingly careless motion, he managed to liberate himself from something that has completely consumed me."

All of this has caused me to think. That is a haunting phrase..."He managed to liberate himself" from something that "completely consumed" him.

I wonder what would happen if we were "liberated" from things that completely "consume" us? I wonder what our lives would look like if we were not consumed by our calendars, clocks, commitments and confusion?

What would happen if our lives were not "consumed" by our kids sports schedules, the sales at the mall, coupons, appointments and busy-ness?

What would happen if we "threw away" all of those things that ensnare us and lived "liberated" lives?

Back to the story...

Imagine walking along the sidewalk and seeing a cell phone hurtling toward you from an open bus window. If that ever happens to you, I am hoping that it is someone being set free from the "tyranny of the ought" rather than someone who is angry with you and wants to settle it by throwing a cell phone.

Either way, the person is "liberated!"

Judge

2011-06-06T22:44:00.000-04:00

This morning I spent two hours in the court room of one of the finest judges in our community. He is known for his fairness, his faith and his fast wit. The reason I was there was to be supportive of a young person who has had a difficult life and who was faced with a series of serious criminal charges.

One by one other people appeared before the judge. Some appeared in person and others appeared via closed circuit television. Each had their story and each made a plea before the judge.

After several of the cases, the judge asked questions from some of those who appeared before him

I marveled at the judge's candor and the way it disarmed those before the bar. I was amazed as he inquired about people's educational and family backgrounds. I was stunned by how easily and honestly the people responded to the judge's inquiries.

Finally, he paused as he concluded his questions of one of those who had been charged. It looked like the accused was heading toward a prison sentence.

The judge looked at the young man and asked him, "Do you know the five factors I take into consideration when I prepare to sentence people who are guilty of crimes? The young man stood silent.

The judge spoke as he pointed to each finger on his left hand. What he said next was stunning. He said, "I consider a person's education, their employment, father involvement, drug usage, and mother involvement."

It was amazing to me that the majority of those who appeared before the judge today were under-educated, had no job or prospect of a job, there was little or no involvement of a father, there was drug addiction yet there was involvement of a mother.

It was just like the judge said.

As I walked out of the court, I met an attorney who is a part of our community of faith. He asked me what I was doing in court. I told him why I was there and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. We laughed and parted ways.

But I was still thinking about all of the people who stood before the judge. I wondered how the trajectory of their life story may have been different if they would have taken advantage of educational opportunities, if they were busy working, if they had both parents active in their life and if there were no drug or alcohol issues.

Something to think about....

Emma

2011-06-05T18:02:00.001-04:00

Emma is a local hero who is a part of our community of faith....

She has exemplified courage and faith in the midst of adverse circumstances caused by leukemia. It has been my privilege to visit her in the hospital during her many stays. Each time I visit her I go to be an encouragement to her, but I walk out encouraged.

We salute you Emma as you continue to wage a courageous battle. Thanks for being an example of courage!

Thanks for your story!

Deep Change

2011-06-03T10:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had lunch with a trusted friend.

We discussed everything from A to Z. We solved problems. We strategically thought through complex issues.

Then we paid our bill and left the restaurant.

Except, my mind kept on going after we left the restaurant. We are living in a demanding time and it is not easy to lead in a changing culture. Then I remembered something I read recently.

As a stark reminder to those facing the shifting forces of culture, Robert E. Quinn writing in Deep ChangeDeep says we are faced with two options...Change of Slow Death. He doesn't suggest any middle ground. He doesn't provide a half way point, rather he calls for "deep change" that ushers in new realities personally and organizationally.

"The land of excellence is safely

guarded from unworthy intruders.

At the gates stand two fearsome

sentries - risk and learning.

The keys to entrance are faith and courage."

Deep Change, p.165

There are few people who lead with their heads and their hearts. There are many who think they do, but few have mastered the craft of head and heart leadership. For those who lead with both, they have experienced the "deep change" necessary to knock on the gates of the "land of excellence."

No longer living as "people pleasers," they have centered on the hard work of principled leadership that casts vision and articulates mission. They are willing to make tough choices even when it might be unsettling to those whom they lead. They do what is right because it's the "right thing to do" and people follow them.

They are familiar with risk and learning...they are comfortable with faith and courage even though circumstances try their resolve.

Watching leaders over the last twenty five years, I have seen "head and heart" leaders who re-shaped organizations and recaptured fragments left behind by lack of leadership. I have marveled as these leaders "storied" their way through a myriad of competing cultures and clashing expectations and in so doing have ushered in a vibrancy to the organizations they lead.

Reflecting on my conversation over lunch, I have again been reminded that change is difficult. It is often resisted and "excused" away.

Quinn says, "the price of not making deep change is...slow death, a meaningless and frustrating experience enmeshed in fear, anger, and helplessness, while moving surely toward what is most feared."

That is a frightening prospect to consider. Looks like "deep change" is on the horizon for all of us. I wonder if we will embrace it and see transformation or resist it and experience organizational paralysis.

I have a great friend who is a leader...The organization he leads has embraced a "Deep Change" mission statement. It is..."Moving with God Now!" I like that...it doesn't leave any room for mediocrity or apathy.

So....I am headed off today to "keep in step with God" (and embrace change)!

Hunch

2011-06-02T08:41:00.000-04:00

I wonder how many people who regularly attend church have a basic "working knowledge" of the Old Testament stories in the Bible? I have a hunch...that number is diminishing...

I am not talking about an all out proficiency and expertise in being able to rehearse the stories in vivid detail at a moments notice. I am talking about a basic understanding of the narratives in the Old Testament and their relevance.

All of this has got me thinking about the people around me who have been a part of the church all of their life. I wonder if there is an imperceptible biblical illiteracy slowly creeping into the church?

Last night I received an interesting article entitled, "Squaring Off with Biblical Illiteracy: 7 Bricks for a Solid Foundation" by Mark Steiner. In the brief article he addresses my suspicion that there is a drifting that could lead the church adrift unless we recover the lost stories in the arc of Scripture.

With clarity, I remember the family Bible Story book from my childhood. I recall hearing the stories and seeing the pictures of characters from the pages of Scripture. I remember hearing the stories on vinyl 33's played on the hi-fi. I remember hot Sunday School classrooms and teachers using flannel-graph to communicate the stories.

I remember with fondness reading the stories to my kids from "The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes" by Kenneth Taylor.

I am not traveling down "memory lane" for the purpose of recalling the "good old days" rather I am thinking about the future of the church and her mission in the world. I am asking myself hard questions about my role in communicating these stories in compelling ways so that future generations will be able to tell them in relevant ways.

Mark Steiner writing in his article says,

"20 years from now, the churches across

America that pulsate with life and show signs

of vibrant health will be those that address

the crisis of biblical illiteracy. Churches with

anemia or those that have collapsed will be among

those that have failed to come to grips

with this issue."

In preparation for a series of messages, I have been exploring lists of "core" Old Testament Bible Stories that every person should be familiar with. I though it would be an easier task. But there are a lot of stories embedded in God's Story that have not surfaced in my preaching and teaching recently. Stories many have relegated to the bin of irrelevance or improbability.

So, I am going to begin a series this summer that will unwrap these "core" stories. I am not doing this series because I can't think of anything else to do. I am going to be intentional. I am going to be patient. I am going to be be a storyteller rehearsing the Great Story of God over the next several months. It is with great joy and anticipation that I embark on this "story-journey."

By the way...what Old Testament stories do you think should be included in the series?

Holy Worldliness

2011-05-31T08:23:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I took myself out to dinner. It was Life Group meeting at the house and I was not the right gender to be a part of the evening of conversation among Mom's, so I took myself out to dinner.

I went to a restaurant normally I would not patronize because my family refuses to eat there. They have good food even though it will not make the Health Departments "hit list" for the cleanest restaurant in the county, but they have good food so I went.

Before going I stopped by the local "Christian Gifts and Trinkets" outlet and purchased a copy of one of my favorite magazines to read while eating dinner alone.

Sitting down I flipped open Relevant Magazine. On the inside cover there were three splashy words...Engage Pop Culture.

It was an advertisement for Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

There were two words in smaller block print that caught my attention...

Holy Worldliness

Underneath the words was a brief paragraph...

Should you reject popular culture or embrace it?

Consider Calvin's alternative: Holy Worldliness.

Using the lens of our Christian faith, Calvin helps

students piece together the positives and negatives

of popular culture-to be in the world, but not of it.

It's a bold path, but we accept the challenge.

That is an amazing paragraph whether you agree with it or not. It is a provocative way of looking at the world in a time of incredible change and upheaval.

To be sure there are people who fully embrace this paragraph and there are those that would cite a paragraph like this as evidence that the church is on a "slippery slope" from which there is little chance of catching ourselves.

Now, I could have avoided all of this by not eating at the restaurant, not purchasing a magazine and just staying home. But that doesn't negate the realities around me.

Holy Worldliness

All of this has caused me to think.There is a culture that needs redeeming for His Kingdom's sake, and "using the lens of our Christian Faith" is the place to start. I am keeping my eyes open to see "Holy Worldliness" opportunities today. I think Calvin College may be on to something as they seek to Engage Pop Culture.

What do you think?

Motivation

2011-05-26T09:39:00.000-04:00

This morning I overheard the following conversation between two people in their mid-80's

"There is one of them big motivational conferences downtown."

He said, "A what?"

"A motivational conference."

"Humph."

"Wait, you haven't heard who is speaking?"

"Yeah, who's speaking?"

Now at this point I was interested in hearing the slate of speakers.

She continued, "Rudolph Guiliani, Robert Schuller, Colin Powell, some football player and a couple of other people I don't know...Sounds interesting. Wanna go?"

The old man mumbled something that I couldn't understand, but I am pretty sure he wasn't interested in going to a motivational conference.

Now that isn't the best part of the story...What the old lady said next floored me.

She said, "yeah, I am to old to think about being motivated anyway, what would I do if I got motivated?"

I can't remember anything else, but that is a haunting question. Can you ever be to old to be motivated? Is there a point in your life where you just give up and say, "well, I am just going to go through life on automatic pilot?"

I got up and left, but I am still thinking about two things. First, I am thinking about the old man who mumbled and secondly, I am thinking about a lady who thinks she is to old to be motivated. Sad.

George Eliot was right when he said, "It's never to late to be who you might have been."

I wonder if he ever went to a motivational conference?

Future

2011-05-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

Thomas Aquinas College is a liberal arts institution located outside the town of Santa Paula, California. It is Catholic in its educational orientation.

It has several distinctive features which makes it unique. Flowing out of the Catholic intellectual tradition there are no textbooks and no formal lectures. There are no majors or specializations. It is rooted firmly in the historical traditions of the church and her history.

"It is the truth that sets men free" is the guiding principle which charts the course for students, faculty and administration. It is a unique oases in the debates over contemporary texts, trends and tenure.

Not long ago I was reading one of my favorite journals entitled First Things. According to their website, they are an "interreligious, non-partisan, research and education institute whose purpose is to advance a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society."

That being said, the real purpose of citing First Things is because they advertise educational institutions in the Catholic Tradition.

St. Thomas Aquinas' advertisement caught my eye. The print ad simply had a picture of the school and in a basic text the following words appeared over the picture.

'The future never needed the past

more than it does today."

Those eleven words are powerful words. The leadership of St. Thomas Aquinas is using those words to advertise a classical education. But I have been thinking about what those words might mean if we seriously applied them to other situations we face on a daily basis.

The future can inform the present in innovative ways, but it can profoundly shape the future of serious organizations that are interested in making a difference in people and communities. I am living in the present because I have the benefit of the past. But I am oriented toward the future. My prayer is that I will bring the best of the past and present into my efforts to shape the future.

Just think of it....a college with no textbooks or lectures...One would think they wouldn't need to advertise for that kind of education...

Bureaucracy

2011-05-24T07:09:00.000-04:00

Bureaucracy.

It is the death knell for many worthy projects. Needs constantly present themselves and resources are committed to meet the needs. Why are not more needs easily met when the resources stand ready and available?

Bureaucracy.

I remember FEMA trailers bogged down in muddy fields in the greater New Orleans metropolis during Katrina. Even though trailers were shipped to address the growing needs, numbers of families displaced by the waters of the hurricane still remained in shelters or with families. The trailers were close, but not close enough to meet the needs of the needy. Why?

Bureaucracy.

It seems simple...you have a need and a resource is committed to meeting the need. But the need continues even though the resources are at hand. Blame is shifted, fingers are pointed and decisions are on hold because turf battles are being fought in some distant office. All the while, people remain homeless even though temporary housing is available.

After serving in disaster response in Slidell, Pearl River, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Wapello, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Houston, Galveston, Jasper and Cordova, Alabama, I have seen my fair share of bureaucratic tangles and tie-ups.

As "hurricane season" approaches and as tornadoes continue to steal lives and damage property, Joplin Missouri will now be in the spotlight. Resources are being stretched thin and often the needs outpace the funding streams.

My prayer is that all resources will flow to meet the needs and none will be hampered by crippling bureaucracies. This is why churches and non-profits are often the first to respond to disasters. They are are not encumbered like government agencies.

Standing on the streets of Slidell Louisiana in the aftermath of Katrina, I was talking with a local resident. He said, "look around...do you see any government officials? Do you see anybody from the city, the parish, the state?" While I was looking around he answered his own question. "Nope! The only people you see are people from churches working in our community." Then he said, "Thanks for coming!"

I love when bureaucratic knots are untangled and people with genuine needs find and are able to restore their lives. I love being part of a church that responds to needs with all of her resources. Today I will respond to needs with all of the resources that God has given me right here where I live.

Loss

2011-05-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

It has happened again. Devastation and loss of life has become part of the DNA of Joplin, Missouri. Nearly a hundred people have lost their lives as a result of the tornado activity overnight.

The images are reminiscent of those we have seen in the Southeast United States.What is happening?

It will take a few hours to begin to assess the damage and to consider the steps to recovery. I have seen these kinds of devastation and it never gets easier.

My heart goes out to the residents of Joplin, Missouri. Seated in the comfort of my home this morning, I am reminded of how events like this can seem far removed from where we live. It is easy to compartmentalize our lives and think that events like this will never touch our world. But, disasters are not necessarily limited to tornadoes and hurricanes.

My prayers are with the people of the central United States this morning.

Lemonade

2011-05-20T10:59:00.000-04:00

On Sunday morning, following the morning worship service, I was greeting people.

A mom and her two daughters were patiently waiting to talk while others were milling around the lobby. After a few minutes I realized they were waiting to talk with me.

Pausing, I spoke to them and one of the little girls handed me a white envelope with scribbling on the outside. Her face beamed as she handed the envelope to me. Now, I get a lot of things handed to me as people walk through each Sunday, so I wasn't sure what was inside.

I was not prepared for what I saw.

Her mom encouraged her to explain the envelope and its contents.

Quietly, she said that she and her sister had opened a lemonade stand in her neighborhood the previous week. The purpose was to raise money for people affected by the tornadoes in Alabama.

The need is great. It will take millions and millions and millions of dollars to address the great needs of the people from that region.

Nobody told them how much it would cost. They thought that they would sell lemonade and give the proceeds to people who were suffering.

I opened the envelope and peeked inside in front of them.

There were seven one dollar bills. Seven dollars. That's right...seven dollars.

Probably you are thinking..."what can be done with seven dollars?" The answer is really simple. If everyone gave seven dollars, the needs of people in the southeast United States would be met.

I am thankful for the simple faith of young children that enables them to see themselves as part of the solution to the pressing needs around us. Thanks Emily and Ashley for have sensitive hearts and realizing that a "cup of cool lemonade" in His name can make a huge difference.

I am scheduled to return to Alabama for an assessment trip to look at a project that will require lots of people to make financial commitments. I can't wait to go back and present this envelope as the "lead gift" to this project. Stay tuned.

Perspective

2011-05-19T10:46:00.000-04:00

Enough is enough.

OK, I get it.

Osama bin Ladin is dead and has arrived at his final destination

Arnold Swarzenegger had a son out of wedlock that results in him

no longer being in wedlock.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted a woman in a posh

New York City hotel that landed him in a jail cell on Rykers Island.

Donald Trump is no longer running for President of the United States.

These stories dominate the headlines and airwaves. Continually. Each portion of the story is meticulously dissected by authorities, specialists and "talking heads."

I know what you are thinking...."just turn the TV off...stop reading periodicals and newspapers." You are probably right.

But, I am wondering what it is about the networks and news groups that makes them think the American public is interested in these stories 24/7? My real question is, "why do these stories dominate the news cycle?"

I am also wondering about the other stories that should be aired.

What about the family that has worked all of their lives on the Mississippi Delta and now leave their home knowing the waters that provided them a living will now destroy all they have worked for?

What about churches that struggle to care for their communities in the midst of times of adversity?

What about communities that are re-building after facing incredible trauma?

What about the pastor who has a vision for a Compassionate Ministries Center in his community that has the possibility of the changing the lives of people who have looked fear in the face?

Somehow, these questions seem far more important than the story of Arnold's "love child"...more important than Donald Trump's presidential aspirations...and way more important than who will head the International Monetary Fund now that Strauss-Kahn has resigned.

Growing up we received a newspaper that was filled with human interest stories and encouraging news. The name of the newspaper was Grit. Strange name for a newspaper, but it chronicled stories that warmed your heart and challenged neighbors to be neighbor-ly.

There are some things that I am not sure of, but one thing I am sure of is that Grit wouldn't be much concerned with Arnold, Donald, Strauss-Kahn or Osama...To be sure, there would be plenty of coverage on ways to help people, encourage people and make a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate. In a chaotic world, we need more encouragement and inspiration to be people of grace.

Perspective.

Quips

2011-05-18T07:46:00.000-04:00

I have always been amused by Winston Churchill and his sharp wit. History is replete with examples of his acerbic tongue and ability to craft words in ways that are entertaining.

Last evening I was reading and ran across another of Churchill's quips.

George Bernard Shaw, playwright and writer, sent a note to Winston Churchill inviting him to an opening night of his newest play.

"I am enclosing two tickets to the the first night of

my new play, bring a friend...if you have one."

Churchill was not amused with Shaw's innuendo. So he replied...

"Cannot possibly attend the first night,

will attend second...if there is one."

In the words of someone wiser than me..."some things are left better unsaid."

Yeah, but you've gotta love the quick wit of Churchill and his ability to communicate how he felt about Shaw's insult.

All of this makes me wonder. I think that "some things are left better unsaid" in a world where opinions and comments are readily offered.

There is an old adage that says, "you don't have to attend every argument you are invited to." In other words, you don't have to respond to every comment which comes your way.

Churchill never seemed to master that art. Most of us will struggle with mastering that as well. Today the challenge will be to "watch our words" so that we can pray the prayer, "may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight."

Adages

2011-05-17T08:24:00.000-04:00

Last week I was sitting in a meeting of pastors. This is not unusual, however the meeting was for young pastors who were beginning their ministry.

A seasoned pastor was speaking and challenging the new pastors to think about their future as agents of change and renewal. With expertise forged on the anvil of experience, he made a statement that applies to everyone, not just pastors.

My mind was jolted when he made the statement...

He said,

"At the end of your life you will be remembered

for one of two things."

I would like to be remembered for more than that. I sat in reflection as the rest of his words finished the sentence. How many things would you like to remembered for? What would you like to be remembered for? Are you doing anything right now that is memorable and will be recalled by future generations? Will you do anything day that is commendable to those who follow you?

Poignant questions.

He said,

"At the end of your life you will be remembered

for one of two things. You will be remembered for the

problems you created or the problems that you solved."

He is right.

The more I think about what he said, the more I realize that my memories of people are closely tied to those two observations. I remember people who "caused problems" and those who "solved problems."

To be sure, if you are a "problem solver" it will be necessary to have "problem causers" otherwise you won't have much work.

I would like to be remembered for the problems I solved rather than the problems I caused. Time will tell. However, I want to be faithful to solve problems that come across my path.

I am grateful for those who have gone before me and for all of the problems they solved so that I can have a place of service. I want to face life with a "no problem" attitude.

Thanks Ron Blake, pastor of Detroit First Church for your words last week.

Either/Or

2011-05-15T07:43:00.000-04:00

John Huffman, a Presbyterian Pastor, mastered the art of pithy sayings that carried weighty meanings.With poignancy he called his congregation to meaningful service and mission with these timely words...

Either you are a minister or you need one

Either you are a missionary or your need one

Even I get the meaning in his words.

As long as I can remember, we have been told that "everyone is a minister...everybody is a missionary" in the world we live in. Deception creeps in and reminds us that "ministering" and "mission-aring" are for trained professionals and most of us should avoid these.

John Huffman is right.

We need to rise above popular notions which prevent us from serving God by serving others. We all have blind spots that prevent us from taking the first step. Yet, we are called to do the very thing that most people try to avoid.

Nudging its way into the Christian faith is the notion that we can follow Christ and not serve others. We convince ourselves it is OK to have a private faith that works for us but does not impact the lives of those we meet daily.

Either you are a minister or you need one

Either you are a missionary or your need one

There are days when I need a minister or a missionary to point me in the right direction, but once I get my bearings and know His direction I am called to point others in His direction. The Christian faith does not lead people to "sit and soak" in their faith. We are called to something much different.

I am headed out this morning to declare His Glory and remind the people I serve that Pastor John Huffman's words are powerful but His Word is more powerful. Both can transform us into pilgrims on the journey.

Between

2011-05-14T10:40:00.000-04:00

All of us live "between" alternatives. "Between a rock and a hard place" is familiar territory for many in today's culture. We are well accustomed to living in an "either/or" world that forces us to make choices.

I am caught right now "between" two haunting stewardship questions.

The first question is "what can I spare?" and the second is, "what will it take?"

It is easy to think these questions are relegated to money and pass them off because we think we are already stretched financially. It is another to consider these questions in light of the commodity of time.

When faced with need, my first response is often "what can I spare?" It is seldom "what will it take?" I am no busier than the next person, but my first response is similar to that of many others. Often we see how little effort is required to address a need. It is sorta like giving leftovers or scraps when a great need is expressed.

I am wondering what my life would look like if I learned to ask, "what will it take?" when a great need arises.

Here are a couple of quick observations from my experience...

"What can I spare?" is an easy way of letting me off the hook when a compelling need surfaces.

"What can I spare?" doesn't require great sacrifice.

"What can I spare?" silently says, "somebody else will take care of the need."

"What can I spare?" means my needs are more important than anyone elses.

"What will it take?"...now, that's a whole other question. I can only ask that question when I realize that time and finances ultimately belong to Him. He is the source of all of the things that I have. When I get to that point in my life I can no longer ask, "what can I spare?" but I will ask "what will it take?"

So, today I choose to live in the "what will it take?" world and trust that He will provide the necessary resources.

Mission Trip

2011-05-12T07:02:00.000-04:00

The needs are great all around us and summer is approaching. Youth groups are preparing for summer mission trips, churches are preparing to take mission trips to disaster zones and college students will serve in needy areas.

Since returning from the tornado damaged areas of St. Louis area and Alabama, I have been repeatedly asked, "when are we going?"

This is a genuine question arising out of people's real desire to serve those whose lives have been affected by natural disasters.

All of this has caused me to think more deeply about "mission trips." Leonard Sweet, writing in So Beautiful, says, "We don't need more mission trips but more people for whom all of life is a mission trip."

In a world where it is easy to live a segmented life, one can easily think about "going on a mission trip" and then returning home. It is easy to think that the "mission field" is the place of service and home is the place where we prepare for mission trips.

Recently I read a startling statement that puts all of this in perspective..."Just because God sent you doesn't mean God told anyone else you were coming!"

My prayer is that my life will be a "sent" one that follows where He leads, rather than a life that depends on "mission trips" to get a ministry fix.

This summer there will be lots of "mission trips" for students, churches and other groups. Many of them will be somewhere "over there." Don't forget that today is a "mission trip! Enjoy the journey!

Breathe

2011-05-11T07:23:00.000-04:00

I have finally caught my breath after spending a week in Alabama helping those whose lives were re-arranged by the devastating tornadoes.

It has taken me longer than I anticipated to re-acclimate to my schedule and life. It sounds funny to say that, but it was overwhelming to work in the destruction knowing that I would get in my car and head home. Although I have been back for several days, my heart continues to be heavy over what I have seen and experienced.

As I ease back into the rhythms of my life I continue to think about those who labor in their efforts to restore order to the chaos.

As I reflect on all that I have seen, my mind is again challenged to think about flooding on the Mississippi and the downriver communities that will experience similar devastation.

It is one thing to see damage caused by a physical tornado and it is another thing to watch the aftermath caused by emotional tornadoes in people's lives. Either are painful.

My prayers are with the people who suffer today.

Unimaginable

2011-05-04T07:42:00.000-04:00

Unimaginable horror and destruction...

I have seen a lot of disasters over the last several years, but nothing compares to the things that have happened in Alabama.

At the same time, I have never witnessed the outpouring of support and appreciation for the work that is being done.

I have not written for the last couple of days due to the intensity of our work schedule.

Here are the stories that will come in next several days...

...the Doctor who lost his entire office building has a brand new mobile medical clinic for the community

...the four year old girl who barely escaped her bedroom when a 48" tree fell and split her bedroom in half

...the pastor who lost several of his closest friends who perished in the tornado

...the sight of a tract of land that used to be a community, but now no longer exists.

...the evidence left by the result of 265 miles per hour tornado winds

...a family of 11 who lost nearly everything now living in a small travel trailer and underneath a small tent

...a woman who narrowly escaped death when a storefront building collapsed on her car

...the scores of people who lost co-workers, friends and neighbors as a result of the tornado.

...family members who are still waiting for word on their missing loved ones.

There are more stories to be told, but finding the right words to describe them remains a challenge.

The team is doing incredible work and I am grateful for their contribution.

Please continue to pray for the people of the communities of Cordova, Hackleburg and Phil Campbell. These communities have incredible needs. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Stay tuned for the stories....

Excited

2011-04-29T22:32:00.000-04:00

Well, the Royal Wedding has come and gone. Life has returned to normal. The pomp and circumstance surrounding the event rivaled the pageantry from other royal wedding events.

I was shocked to see the major coverage from around the world and to see the continual follow up coverage.

Not everyone was excited and thrilled by the happenings.

I love this picture of one of the youngest members of the bridal party. She was excited at the beginning of the festivities, but by the time the kiss took place on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, she had experienced enough excitement for one day.

Life is sorta like that.....to much of a good thing can be a bad thing. I am not sure how I feel about all of the events of today, but one thing for sure, I can identify with the little girls perspective

It all makes sense when you see the big picture....

Help

2011-04-26T08:55:00.000-04:00

I recognized both the number and voice on my voice mail yesterday afternoon. I have heard and seen both before. Every time I see them I cringe and think about the reason for the call.

The call was from Steve who for several years has been a friend and colleague.

I first met him in the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina. Although we never met, he and I became immediate friends.

Since that time we have worked in Disaster Response in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Galveston, and Iowa. We have waded through mud, debris and devastation that defies description. We have listened to stories from those who have lost everything and God has allowed us to be a part of helping people find ways to begin to put their lives back together.

Back to the phone call. Steve called yesterday.

Bridgeton, Missouri faced a devastating tornado on Friday evening that destroyed a community.

Last evening I spoke with a person who is trying to coordinate the recovery efforts in Bridgeton and she described the devastation and sense of despair from those who have lost everything. "People don't know what to do, and they are just waiting for someone to come and help."

I listened with a heavy heart. I have heard these stories before. It never gets easier, it just seems the needs get greater.

So...

I am planning to take a team to Bridgeton, Missouri to do what we have done in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Galveston and Iowa. We will cut trees, remove debris, and tarp houses to minimize further damage.I am not sure of all of the details yet, but I will know more later this morning.

There is more to this effort than what I have described. I always go with the intention of being a help and ministering to those who have lost everything, but I walk away helped and ministered to by those I meet.

Bridgeton, Missouri....you are in our prayers.

As I am writing this, there are additional reports coming in from other parts of the country that have faced tornadoes and the loss of life and property. We are also on the edge of "hurricane season" and the projections are that this is going to be a very "active" season.

His resources are adequate...my prayer is that mine will be as well.

Instruments

2011-04-25T07:57:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago while in Nashville, Tennessee we took a tour of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown. It is an incredible facility beautifully adorned with architectural details gleaned from many of the finest concert halls from across Europe.

While on the tour, the guide told us about the "petting zoo" that was a part of the Schermerhorn. I was interested by her description and immediately my mind began to think about animals. My thoughts were interrupted by the guides words, "the petting zoo was on the lower floor of the symphony hall and was destroyed by the most recent flooding in Nashville."

I was having difficulty reconciling the idea of animals on the lower level of a concert hall. I was trying to figure out why a beautiful facility like this would need animals.

My mind was jolted back to the tour. The guide went on to describe the "petting zoo." She was referring to a large group of musical instruments that are taken to public schools so children can be introduced to them. They refer to these instruments as the "petting zoo." Kids can actually touch, hold, play and experiment with the sounds of each instrument. The hope is that children will take an interest in music and eventually end up on the stage of the Schermerhorn.

Imagine the instruments in the hands of little children. Imagine when the teacher says "we are going to be having a petting zoo on Thursday of next week," and instead of animals, instruments show up. I guess I wasn't to far off in my expectations when I heard the tour guides description.

St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote a Latin phrase that has my attention this morning....instrumentum conjunctum cum Deo. Translated it means..."an instrument shaped to the contours of the hand of God."

I want to be an "instrument" that is formed and fashioned by the shape of His hands. To many times I try to shape God's hand into an instrument that I can use to find and get my way in this world.

A "petting zoo." What would happen if the world saw me and you today as "an instrument shaped to the contours of the hand of God?"

Do you think that peace would have a better chance? Could it be that those who are hungry might be fed? What is the possibility that angst in our communities would subside?" I am just wondering...

By the way the Nashville floods destroyed a "petting zoo" of about thirty musical instruments. Since the flood, the community has responded and now the Schermerhorn has over a thousand in their "petting zoo." Think of it...instruments waiting to be used to bring music and harmony to the world. That's what I want to be about today...

Resurrection

2011-04-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

The band was rockin'...

The voices were raised...

The celebration was on...

It was Easter Celebration at our house of worship.

The words we sang together were powerful. Matt Maher wrote..

O death! Where is your sting?

O hell! Where is your victory?

O church! Come stand in the light!

The glory of God has defeated the night!

This morning our church came and stood in the light! It was incredible! Voices were raised, hands were raised, and we celebrated the empty tomb.

In the middle of the message this morning, I shared the story of West Covina church in California. In the early 1990's it was coming into its own and making a significant impact on the community. I was interested in what God was doing in that church so on a trip to the west coast I made my way to the church.

It was a very simple building, but a very powerful place of worship and service. After studying the church, I fell in love with the motto that described the church.

West Covina Church

"....where the flock comes to rock!"

Today the "flock came to rock"

Today the flock left the shadows and stood in the light of His Resurrection

Today the flock learned that "looking for the living among the dead" will always lead you to the darkness.

I am still a little out of breath from this morning...but you know I am learning to live "breathless" in His Presence! Happy Resurrection Day!

Stations

2011-04-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

Today is Good Friday.

From 11 am to 8 pm the Stations of the Cross have been available to the families of our community. There has been a steady stream of people come through and walk the pathway Jesus walked on the way to the cross.

I have been able to observe the comings and goings of pilgrims as they have reflected on the Journey to the Cross.

For the last several years we have dimmed the lights, lit candles, offered communion and encouraged pilgrims to walk the Stations.

Today was different. The Stations of the Cross were the same, the music, communion and the moments were the same, but today was different.

Working in the balcony overlooking the sanctuary, I was able to see people slowly walk through the Stations of the Cross. There were people of all ages and families of every description.

The most beautiful sight was to watched parents with young children use this time worn practice as a way of teaching their children about the suffering and death of Jesus. Although I couldn't hear the conversations, I watch as parents read the scripture, pointed to the pictures and led their children through the events of Good Friday.

My guess is that today will be indelibly etched on the memories of young pilgrims who will day by day increase in their understanding of the significance of this day.

It made me want to be a child again and have the meaning and significance explained to me like parents did with their children today. And then it hit me...the only way to learn is to have the "faith of a child."

Although today is dark....there is a Light in the distance....

Slurping

2011-04-20T07:10:00.000-04:00

The sound of a water fountain was interrupted by a slurping noise. Not just once but over and over again. Slurping noises emanated from the person bent over drinking water from the fountain in Borders bookstore.

I thought one or two slurps would be adequate, but no! I lost count at nine slurps in rapid succession in the middle of the bookstore. Aren't cups and glasses supposed to prevent this primeval slurping in public?

By now I was fascinated to see what the "slurper" looked like after he had in "camel-like" fashion watered at the Border's oasis.

Imagine my surprise when I saw him. He was a short scrawny guy who looked like he needed to gain more nourishment than could be derived from slurping, but who am I to judge?

I was corrected as a child anytime I slurped even though I often did it to to attract attention. You know the type of person I am describing...they are the people who chase the last bit of milk shake around the bottom of an empty cup with a straw and a huge sucking sound.

Needless to say, I was distracted by the person hunched over the water fountain and his annoying sounds.

Then it hit me...

Slurping is a part of slowly savoring what you are drinking. The alternative is gulping. You can't slurp fast, it takes time. Slurping allows you enjoy the taste and the moments.

I wonder how often I "gulp" life in my hurried pace? I wonder how often I slake my thirst for life and fail to taste the moments?

Maybe I ought to learn to "slurp" life and slow down to experience the aroma and flavor of every moment. Perhaps the reason so many of us experience indigestion over life is because of how rapidly we take life in.

The man at Borders stood over the water fountain for nearly two minutes. And by the way, the water continued to flow while he was "slurping." There's a lesson somewhere in there. God says, "taste and see that the Lord is good..." Psalms 34:8

Elevators

2011-04-19T07:31:00.000-04:00

Years ago department stores, skyscrapers and downtown office buildings had elevator operators. Today we ride elevators and push the floor buttons ourselves, but years ago there was a person seated on a stool in the corner with the responsibility of "running" the elevator.

You would enter the elevator and the attendant would ask for the floor number. After announcing your floor the attendant would press that button and announce your arrival by opening the door.

What would it be like to work as an elevator operator? I am sure you would meet a lot of interesting people, have short conversations, and then head to the next floor.

Eugene Peterson writing in The Pastor: A Memoir, describes his early days in ministry. He says, "it seemed like being put in charge of one of those old fashioned elevators, spending all day with people in their ups and downs but with no view."

It would be easy to say that this description is limited to clergy, but anybody who tries to help people can easily identify with Peterson's description. Parents of teenagers can feel this, teachers in the classroom can identify with this, counselors, caregivers and "people" people are not exempt.

Helping others in their "ups and downs" even though we can't see the full picture shouldn't prevent us from helping.

What would happen if we made a commitment to assist those in their "ups and downs" even though we may not be able to see the full view? What would happen if our commitment extended to those who most needed help even though we may not know all of the reasons for why they are in their situation?

Helping people will always have its "ups and downs" but we are still called to help. When we face this reality, we may be tempted to wish we were elevator operators. "Floor number, please?"

Hospitality

2011-04-18T08:20:00.000-04:00

Hospitality is a lost art.

Few seem to have the desire or ability to be hospitable in ways that sweep people into moments of connection.

It may be even harder to define or describe, but one certainly knows when they are participating in hospitable moments. I have experienced people's hospitality in the simplest of ways and in some of the most unexpected places, both have been refreshing.

I have been reading Eugene Peterson's book entitled, The Pastor, A Memoir, over the last couple of days. In his writings he describes his wife and her hospitable ways. Even though he is a prolific writer who pens his ideas with precision, he seems to struggle to define "hospitality."

If Jan (his wife) had to give a name to what she was doing, it would probably be something on the order of "hanging around this intersection between and earth and seeing what there is to be done." p. 194.

Reading those words last night reminded me that his wife's words are not a bad way to live.

Flannery O'Connor writes similar words. "The writer operates at a similar crossroads where time and place and eternity somehow meet. His problem is to find that location." At the risk of scandalizing Flannery O'Connor's thoughts, I wonder if you can insert the word "hospitable person" in the place of "writer?" I wonder if you can insert the word, "pilgrim" into her phrase.

My assignment for the day is to explore this "intersection" between "heaven and earth." My task is to keep my eyes open for opportunities for "hospitality" and the place where "time and place and eternity" meet.

That shouldn't be difficult, because everywhere I go today and every person I meet will be at the vortex of his grace. I get to be another "extender of his grace" in an un-hospitable world.

I love how Eugene Peterson translates, 3 John 1:5..."Dear friends, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible."

Here is the bottom line...when we are "hospitable" we are "making the faith visible." Who knew it could be fun to make the faith visible by simply being hospitable?

Cheers

2011-04-17T07:09:00.000-04:00

The jingle was familiar...you recognized it when it came on television.

Making your way in the world today takes everything you got.

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your namee,

and they're always glad you came.

You wanna be where you can see,

our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows

Your name.

For eleven seasons, Cheers entertained America with a story set in a Boston tavern. There were the normal brand of everyday people who came through the doors of the bar bearing an untold story. The more familiar ones were greeted as they walked in while others were tolerated.

Last evening I was reading Eugene Peterson's new book entitled, The Pastor. In the book he traces his journey from his fathers' butcher shop through his days as a pastor and eventually his days back in his childhood home of Montana. It is a refreshing read.

He describes his understanding of "congregational" atmosphere and what it should feel like.

Congregation is composed of people, who, upon entering a church, leave behind what people on the street name them or call them. A church can never be reduced to a place where goods and services are exchanged. It must never be a place where people are labeled. It can never be a place where gossip is perpetuated. Before anything else, it is a place where a person is named and greeted, whether implicitly or explicitly, in Jesus' name. A place where dignity is conferred. p.40

Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo wrote the words to the Cheers intro song. Every time I hear them, I wonder if they should be played as people walk through the doors of churches everywhere.

Eugene Peterson is right...a church can never be reduced to a place where goods and services are exchanged. It must be a place where, "everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came."

Today is Palm Sunday and I am headed out to worship the One who "knows my name!" See you at the House!

Dancin'

2011-04-16T10:43:00.000-04:00

On Sunday April 3rd my wife and I were in Houston, Texas for the wedding reception of our nephew and his new wife.It was a great weekend to be with family and to enjoy their joy of a new life together. We celebrated and did all of the things that you do at a wedding reception.

Sunday morning we had the incredible opportunity to attend their church as a family. They attend the North Campus of Second Baptist Church in Houston. It is a great church making a powerful impact on greater Houston.

Reading the bulletin, there was an advertisement for an event called "Dance Your Shoes Off" to be held on Sunday, April 10th at Discovery Green at 3 pm.

I read with great interest the following..."hundreds of participants will dance to celebrate Christ's resurrection in downtown Houston. It's not to late to sign up and learn the routine on line." The pastor also encouraged people to stay after the morning service for more information if you were interested.

A person from the church had written the "dance music" for those who would participate.

Think of it....a church that wants to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by holding a dance party on the square in Houston. And they were going to "dance their shoes off" literally.

Well it happened...

2,000 people danced and donated their shoes....they literally "danced their shoes off."

Makes me feel like dancin' as I prepare for Palm Sunday and Holy Week...Thanks Second Baptist for telling the message of the season through dancin'!"

Do you think those who experienced the Resurrection news first hand "danced their shoes off?"

Suffixes

2011-04-14T11:47:00.000-04:00

I love the English language...It is not an easy language to learn and even more difficult to master. I am learning it daily and will never master it.

Consider the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy tried to teach her husband the different pronunciations to the following words;

Tough

Dough

Through

This language lesson nearly cost them their television marriage and provided laughs for those that have struggled with syntax, pronunciation and parts of speech.

This morning I was thinking about two simple suffixes that make a huge difference.

The first suffix is "-ed" and the second suffix is "-ing"

Here are some examples of the same word with each of the suffixes.

Lived or Living...there is a big difference between the two of these...One is on a gravestone the other isn't. We have a choice...Enough said.

Loved or Loving....there is a big difference between the two of these...Our families, friends and colleagues know which is which in our lives even though we may not. Ouch!

Served or Serving...there is a big difference between the two of these...watch the next time people get together for conversation and a meal. I like to be served, but that is upside down when I consider His call.

Saved or Saving....there is a big difference between the two of these...I know a lot of the first and I am seeing a lot of the second who authentically live out their faith commitments. I used to say, "I am saved,""saved." more and more I am convinced that I am being

There a thousand other words whose meanings change when different suffixes are added.

"-ed" indicates past tense and "-ing" means progressive or continuous action.

What would happen if our lives were "progressive" and lives of "continuous action" rather than lived in the "-ed" of past tense?

Consider words that describe your life and ask if they have a "-ed" or "-ing" suffix. It is never to late to make your life an "-ing" life in a world that values and treasures "-ed."

I am head-"ing" out to face the world...I am keeping my eyes open for "-ing" experiences!

Attention

2011-04-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

Recently someone said to me, "I think God is trying to get my attention. I think he wants me to do something specific, I just don't know what it is."

Admittedly, I have felt that frustrating feeling before.

All of this has made me think. I really believe God is trying to get our attention, however, I don't think he is always trying to get our attention to "do" something. I think sometimes he is trying to get our attention for the sake of having our attention.

Often times we think He is calling us for some specific task, so we labor over trying to discover what it is when maybe all He is trying to do is to call us and get our attention. Maybe he wants us to have "seeking hearts" and "be fully present" in his Presence.

Several years ago I had the privilege of attending graduation ceremonies for a young Marine at Parris Island, South Carolina. Young men marched onto the parade grounds and a tough drill instructor barked orders and called the Marines to attention. It was interesting to watch. The order was given...."Attention" and every Marine stood poised, facing forward, fully attentive awaiting the next order. It was obvious he had their attention.

I am not suggesting that God is a Marine Drill Instructor, although many people perceive God that way. I am offering that God wants our attention. Sometimes in the midst of trying to discern what God is saying or trying to figure out what God wants us to do, we can miss the simple fact that all He wants is our attention.

So today, I am going to give Him my full attention. I am not going to try to figure out what He wants me to "do" at the expense of failing to be attentive.

Marines know the opposite of "Attention" is "At Ease." That is what happens when He has our attention. We can be "At Ease." Try it today, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Lazy

2011-04-12T17:12:00.000-04:00

I just returned from the annual gathering of fellow pilgrims...pastors...saints...apprentices and seekers. In our tribe we call this event District Assembly. It is a two day gathering to rehearse the activity of God in our communities of faith, it is a time to explore the terrain of God's grace in our fields of service, and it is a time to think about the whisperings of God as we look to the future.

I have been attending these meetings for over twenty five years. They have had a similar rhythm for as long as I can remember and yet this year was different. Like bookends, the gathering opened with a challenging reminder to extend the borders of the Kingdom through planting house churches and congregations and concluded with a stirring concert of prayer to seek the face of God for the task that lies ahead of us.

In between there were reports, videos, reports, offerings, reports, voting, reports, financial appeals and reports. Did I mention "reports?"

One of the saddest reports from the whole gathering was made by a fellow pastor who had failed to meet the requirements of submitting a written report for his local vineyard. It seemed like we were nearing the end of the reporting and a final appeal was made for anyone who had not reported.

Someone pointed out the fact that "he" had not reported. So his name was called. Sheepishly he stumbled from his seat and mumbled under his breath, "I know, I know...I didn't turn a report in, I'm just a lazy pastor."

Say what?

It is one thing to be a "lazy pastor" and another thing to admit it under your breath to colleagues. I was saddened by his words and wonder about the circumstances surrounding his failure to submit a written report. The temptation is to judge and make sweeping generalizations about why he had not met his obligation.

Then I stopped.

Behind every sigh and idle word is a story. Could it be that there was a legitimate reason for his appeared negligence and the only way he knew how to diffuse his embarrassment was to make a humorous comment? Could it be that he allowed other things to get in the way? I don't know.

Here is what I learned in between the challenging opening message and the concert of prayer...if I am going to quickly judge another person without knowing the whole story, I may minimize my effectiveness to live out the Story that I am called to proclaim.

He gave his report and it seemed a little depressing. It probably wasn't, but I had difficulty hearing what he said, because of his opening comments under his breath. I pray that this year will be filled with the "applause of heaven" over his ministry efforts so he can report next year on time and with gusto. What I pray for him, I pray for myself and my fellow shepherds. See you next year at the Assembly.

Planning

2011-04-11T06:52:00.000-04:00

Most days I start out with a plan and a "to do list." I learned this strategy early and yet there are days when I don't even come close to completing the list.

Recently I was reading and ran across a Latin phrase that has been instructive and liberating.

"hominum confusione et dei providential"

Roughly translated it means, "according to man's confusion and God's providence." The modern expression is more familiar, "man plans and God laughs."

I am not against planning and preparing for the day, but I am wondering if our rigid plans sometimes crowd out His plan. I wonder if there are times when we plan and God looks over the edge of heaven and says, "go for it" knowing that our feeble plans pale in significance to His plans.

Today I head off to a gathering of fellow pilgrims on the journey. The plan for today is well laid out and all of the players are ready. I wonder if God's providence will break through our confusion. I sure hope so.

I am not praying about my fellow pilgrims as much as I am praying that "my confusion" will be replaced with "God's providence."

What would happen if we laid our plans at His feet and embraced His Providence and Plans? It's my plan to find out throughout the hours of this day. Why not look for His fingerprints today and resist the temptation to make an imprint on the lives of people we will meet today?

"hominum confusione et dei providential"

Beginners

2011-04-10T06:21:00.000-04:00

We live in an age of professionals, masters and experts. Little value is given to being a "beginner." More attention is given to those who have demonstrated proficiency in an area of study. I wonder why that is?

Watch television and you will find "talking heads" droning on about some area of their expertise. Whether they contribute to the conversation is often of little value, but more importantly they are the expert and so they opine on the issue.

It makes me wonder if there still room for beginners or do we place more value on those who have arrived and mastered the subject?

Thomas Merton, Trappist monk and Catholic writer said, "We do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners, all our life."

Being a "beginner" frees us from the tyranny of having to know everything. It rids us of the oppressive notion that we must always have all the answers for the questions we face. It allows us to be "fully present" in the moment and to realize that each moment is an opportunity to learn.

It would be tempting to think that a "beginner" always remains at a starting level and that is often what makes people so fearful to admit that they are a "beginner." The reality is we are always learning and yet never arriving in our journey. Sure we learn some lessons and can move on to other lessons, but as soon as we learn a lesson we realize that there are others to learn. That is the at the heart of every learner.

I think Merton is right when he says, "we don't want to be beginners." Why? Because it requires us to admit that we don't know some things, and when you do, people often will move on to others who do. Admitting we are "beginners" is to fully recognize our vulnerability and dependence on others.

The Scriptures open with these words, "In the beginning...." and that is not a bad place to start for "beginners." Are you ready to begin?

Thinking

2011-04-09T11:42:00.000-04:00

Culture is changing and expectations are changing with it.

Years ago, pastors, insurance salesmen, and doctors made "house calls." It was an easier time and life seemed to moved at a slower pace.

Fast forward to today and "house calls" are a thing of the past. Today's version of "house calls" are "mouse calls" as the computer provides an avenue into the homes of people.

All of this has caused me to wonder about how we impact the lives of people. Admittedly, I get a lot more "mouse calls" than "house calls" and that is OK for the most part. But every once in a while it is nice to meet with people face to face and to move from the exchange of information to the interchange of conversation.

I am thinking about ways to close the gap between "house calls" and "mouse calls." I recognize that most people do not want their privacy invaded by knocking on their front door, but I also realize that if people have a choice between a computer message or a face to face conversation, I think I know their choice.

Some messages have to be conveyed by email or text, but there are some messages that can only be conveyed personally whether it is in somebody's house or over a table in a coffee shop.

So, let me encourage you to resist the temptation to "shoot a quick text" and talk "face to face" with someone today.

Both

2011-04-08T16:13:00.000-04:00

We live in the world of "either-or."

Either you are on the right side of the argument or you are wrong. Either you know someone or you don't. Either you are living "complex-ly" or simply.

Rarely do we entertain the world of "both." Occasionally we can tolerate a bit of paradox or ambiguity, but mostly we live in the world of "either-or."

It shows up in our conversations with glib frequency.

Recently I was reading and ran across a very provocative scripture that pushes me into the world of "both" when the culture sees things on an"either-or" fashion.

Hear these words of Isaiah..."God is both sanctuary and stumbling stone, Yahweh (God) is a rock that brings Israel down, the Lord is a trap and snare for the people." Isaiah 8:14.

I think I get the "sanctuary" part, but the "stumbling stone" part trips me up. Isaiah writes that God is "both". I have read this before and yet have never experienced it like that.

Think about it for a moment...when you have an "either" and an "or" you have "both." The more I think about it, the more I realize that my life is characterized by the recognition that God is a "sanctuary" to me when I face the turbulence of everyday existence and He is a "stumbling stone" I constantly trip over in an effort to be god of my own life.

Practically, I feel the tension between people trying to convince me that I am either "in" or "out" when it comes to thinking about theological issues, personal decisions, or perspectives about life. More and more I am learning to live with ambiguities, paradoxes and discontinuity.

Cyril Connolly, a frustrated English writer and literary critic of the 20th century understood this tension when he wrote, "god the either, god the or and God the Holy Both." His reflection causes me to think.

Either I am right or I am wrong...maybe both...?

South

2011-04-06T19:08:00.000-04:00

Here were the directions....

"Go down this road three curves, take a right....go across the bayou...take a right on the gravel road and follow that road for a ways...then you are there."

Those are not very definitive directions, but eventually we found our way to Griffin Hills Cemetery in Lone Pine, Louisiana.The reason for the journey was to locate the grave markers for members from my extended family.

Winding our way down a little path through a chain link fence gate, the cemetery opened before us.

We walked around looking for evidence of lives lived in the early part of the twentieth century. We found the markers. Walking among the tombstones I thought about the lady who had given me directions to get the cemetery.

Standing in the cemetery my mind was transformed to all of the stories of those who were laid to rest in Griffin Hills Cemetery.

Finally, I thought about the directions to the cemetery. The lady who pointed me in the direction of Griffin Hills was a prophetess...She described the journey of every serious pilgrim.

"Go down this road three curves, take a right....go across the bayou...take a right on the gravel road and follow that road for a ways...then you are there."

Do those directions sound familiar to you? Has your journey had some curves? Have you ever crossed muddy water? Any gravel roads on your journey? Ever feel like you have been on the road for a long ways...

Hang in there...

Her words were confusing to me when I stood on her porch and received directions. They were abundantly clear when I arrived at my destination...

"You are there..."

Saturday

2011-04-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

God be in my head, and in my understanding

God be in my eyes, and in my looking

God be in my mouth, and in my speaking

God be in my heart, and in my thinking

God be at my end, and in my departing.

From a 15th Century French Book of Hours

Praying a prayer like this requires honesty at every level. It encompasses the things we understand, the things we look at, the words we speak and the thoughts that come into our mind.

Frankly, it easy for me to pray for some of these things and think I have prayed. Rarely, do I pray prayers that ask God to direct my understanding, looking, speaking and thinking.

I want my life to be shaped by my prayer life.

Richard Rohr, writing in Everything Belongs, says..."Prayer is not primarily saying words or thinking thoughts. It is, rather, a stance, a way of being present. It's a way of living in the Presence, living in awareness of the Presence, and even of enjoying the Presence."

Prayer is what it means to be "fully present" in every moment.

So, I am praying that God will increase my understanding...open my eyes to see...guide the words I say today and assist my thinking.

What will shape your life today?

Simplicity

2011-04-01T12:22:00.001-04:00

Thomas a Kempis writing in The Imitation of Christ, wrote..."Simplicity...it is better to practice it, than to know how to define it."

Simplicity is in vogue these days. Books are being written and published at a pace making it difficult to keep up with the subject. Considering the voluminous rate of publication, it has become a complex task staying current on the topic. Seems paradoxical that simplicity could become complex-ical.

I have difficulty defining simplicity, but have no problem identifying it when I see it. Thomas a Kempis, a Christian author from the early 1400's had the same problem.

Here are some basic rules to help you recognize simplicity....

If a person has to explain it to you, it probably isn't simplicity

If it takes a handbook to help you understand it,
it probably isn't simplicity

and, If it is packaged with slick advertisements and publicity,
it probably isn't simplicity.

Today, I am going to enjoy the simplicity of life. I am not going to make it more difficult than it really is.I am going to relish the moments as they unfold.

If I do these things, I will not need to define simplicity in my life, people will see it. It works the same for you as well. Try it, you will enjoy it.

Simplicity...

Yesterday

2011-04-01T12:05:00.000-04:00

1350 miles....6 states...23 hours equals an incredible road trip.

The purpose of the trip is to be with family and enjoy the celebration of my nephew and his new bride's marriage. Several weeks ago they had a destination wedding in Jamaica and this weekend we will enjoy their reception with family and friends.

Every mile will be worth it, every meal on the road will provide necessary nourishment and every laugh will be its own reward for the journey.

There are startling contrasts...when we left the temperature was in the mid thirties, when we arrived the temperature was in the low eighties. People were bundled up when we left and people are wearing sandals when we arrived. Going out to eat when we left meant eating inside, when we arrived, "going out to eat" meant just that. There are many more contrasts, but I think you get the idea.

Family times are always worth the effort. Being with others who share your DNA always gives you a better picture of who you are and where you came from.

I am looking forward to taking family pictures during the wedding reception. I am going to try to get in an as many as I can, because...we are family.

As you can probably tell, we don't get a lot of opportunities to be with extended family, so when we do we take advantage of every opportunity.

I am headed out the door to begin the pre-reception activities. Stay tuned....

Respect

2011-03-30T06:43:00.000-04:00

The exchange was brusque. Words were said that will eventually need to be taken back although that is both improbable and difficult.

It happens all the time.

I have seen it again and again, and every time I see it, it is heartbreaking. It is prevalent among Christ followers who often impose their opinions on others who are seeking to find their way along the path.

It often sounds like..."Yeah, but God has a standard and he wants us to live up to it." I agree, but there are ways to communicate that doesn't alienate people and minimize their desire to follow God.

Over the years I have seen people who have been around the church for a long time make careless broad sweeping statements to "strugglers" about what they ought to do and how they ought to do it.I have witnessed the carnage of those who have felt like giving up because of the demanding demeanor.

Francois Fenelon says it best...."Uphold a Godly standard, but admit when you uphold it in an ungodly way."

I want to be extremely careful when I attempt to uphold a Godly standard that I don't do it in an ungodly way. I want to be "quick to listen and slow to speak" in my journey as a Christ-follower. I don't want to impose my understanding of what God is doing in my life on the life of others. I want to be able to reflect His glory and allow others along the journey to hear His voice.

I have been guilty of "upholding a Godly standard in an ungodly way" at times in my journey. It has usually been at times of frustration and at other times it has been when I wasn't sure what to say and so I reverted to cliches and familiar jargon tinged with judgment.

I have also been on the receiving end of people who have attempted to etch their faith understandings on mine. It was not attractive or appealing, rather it caused a distance between myself, them and God.

So today I am choosing to live my life according to His standards as I understand them. I plan to give people plenty of room to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling." My prayer is that I will resist the temptation to behave in "ungodly ways" when it comes to "upholding a Godly standard."

Come people call this civility...I call it living authentically....

I am heading out to face the day...God, please guide my words today....

Living

2011-03-29T07:01:00.000-04:00

"Don't live on the porch and think you in the house."

It is easy to go through life deceiving ourselves. Fenelon says it this way, "As you fool others, you fool yourself. You begin to believe the illusion you create."

Is there a difference between "porch living" and "house living?"

Today you are going to meet people who give you the impression that they are enjoying life, but just below the surface there is fear and anxiety. These are "porch dwellers." Somewhere along the line, they have become satisfied with living in the illusion they create. There is no longer a desire for authenticity, rather they have settled for a life of mediocrity.

Today you are going to meet people who are living out of the abundance of "the house." They have walked through the door and are enjoying what it means to live an abundant life.They are authentic pilgrims on the journey with a deep senses of who they are. In other words, they see themselves as God sees them.

As a child I can remember driving to my grandmothers house and pulling into the tree lined driveway. Jumping out of the car, I would run up the steps to the front door. She had a small enclosed porch and a door that opened into the kitchen and eating area. I still can smell the aromas, hear the sounds and remember her welcoming voice.

I just stayed on the porch and didn't go in.

Are you kidding me? I threw open the door, ran in the house, tasted her cooking, laughed around the table, listened to the tall tales of those older than myself and gladly sat at the kids end of the table at meal time.

Why? Because "house living" living is a lot better than "porch living."

Sadly, there are to many people who "live on the porch and think they are in the house." Don't be one of those people today. Come on in the house!

The psalmist understood the difference between "porch living" and "house living" when he penned these words, "Better is one day in your house, than a thousand elsewhere." Psalms 84:10

Quiet

2011-03-28T07:38:00.000-04:00

I am an early riser. I have not always been that way, but I am finding it easier to get up early and enjoy the quiet and stillness of the early morning. It is amazing to sit in the quiet and enjoy the peaceful moments before the day is unleashed.

Several years ago, a friend recommended a book to me. His description was, "this is the best devotional book I have ever read." (special thanks to Dr. Richard Wilson for your recommendation.) Now that is a heady recommendation with all of the books published to encourage spiritual growth.

The title of the book is, "The Seeking Heart" by Francois Fenelon. His writings reflect his work as a French Roman Catholic Archbishop, Missionary, Poet, and Spiritual Guide.

I have read it several times and each time I pick it up in the quiet early morning hours something happens to me. I am reminded that although his writings are 300 years old, they still speak with a timely relevance to my life.

This week I will be sharing some of the insights Fenelon has given to me and how they have searched the crevasses of my soul.

Fenelon says, "An active personality, accustomed to lots of activity, will faint in solitude. Only when you are completely exhausted will you seek a quieter life."

In an age of busy-ness and frenzied activity, solitude and quietness are foreign commodities. That is one of the reasons that I rise early. I have found a bonanza of blessings in the quietness of the morning. A quieter life throughout the day begins in solitude.

I agree with my friend, The Seeking Heart is the best devotional book I have ever read. I hope that my thoughts this week will whet your appetite to be "fully present in this moment." I hope you will rise a little earlier than you normally would and savor the quietness.

Keep your eyes open for Fenelon's thoughts early each day this week...

Forward

2011-03-27T06:52:00.000-04:00

I have several friends who generously forward all kinds of email to me. Usually it is in the form of pictures, funny videos, or some health saving idea. Generally, I don't mind getting forwards, but it has caused me to think about how easy it is to get an email and think, "wow, everybody I know needs to see this!" Immediately I go to the forward button on my email, load up my address book and hit send. In seconds I have forwarded the email to others.

Now before you judge me, I do not stoop to this practice. Why? Because I am the recipient of forwards requiring me to scroll through a plethora of email addresses before I get to the bottom only to discover it is something that I have no interest in.

10 years ago a movie entitled, Pay it Forward was based on a novel by the same title. Both the book and movie highlighted the obligation to do three good deeds for others in repayment for one good deed that one has experienced. The purpose is to do something for another person which they do not expect or could not do on their own. The movie shows what happens as "paying it forward" becomes normative. The end result?" A society that becomes generous and ultimately a better place for people to live.

Which is easier? Pushing a button and forwarding an email to your entire address book, or forwarding a good deed? Sadly, in a world where it is easier to push a button, many good deeds go undone.

Recently, I was waiting in line at McDonalds. A disheveled guy walked in and ordered breakfast. Fumbling in his pocket he finally retrieved enough money to pay for his meal. While he was searching, I thought to myself, "pay for his meal, pay for his meal." All of a sudden a well dressed elderly couple got in line and ordered their breakfast in front of me. The gentleman reached for his wallet.

My disheveled friend quietly held up his hand and motioned to the girl behind the counter. What happened next floored me. I heard the guy say to the elderly couple, "breakfast is on me, I have parents that are about your age that I seldom ever get to see. I never get to buy their breakfast, so breakfast is on me this morning."

Time stood still. I was breathless. The elderly couple stood their in shock. The counter girl didn't know what to do. The disheveled guy reached in his greasy pants pocket and took out a large bill and said to the couple, "enjoy your breakfast" and turned and walked away.

Pay it forward.

Interestingly enough, I can't imagine either the payer or the payee hitting "forward" on their email, but they certainly understand what "forward" means in real life.

Keep your eyes open today, you may have an opportunity to "pay it forward." And by the way, if you forward emails to me, I will still scroll through the sea of email addresses and read them. Maybe....

Tightrope

2011-03-26T06:46:00.000-04:00

As a kid I was amazed by my first trip to the circus. There were animals, jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists and clowns under the big top. But perhaps the most entertaining were the high wire walkers. Even though they had safety nets below them, my eyes were riveted to their tentative steps high above the floor of the tent.

I could only imagine the danger of walking on the thin wire above the breathless crowd. My imagination ran wild as I considered the fearless high wire artist and his trek across the spotlight bathed expanse.

Walking the tightrope is something we do everyday. We walk a narrow path between right and wrong, between integrity and expediency, between different shades of gray, yet we still are on the tightrope. There are moments when we fear we will lose our balance and fall off of the tightrope because of making wrong decisions.

Sometimes the fear of falling is enough to cause us to fall. Tightrope walkers often talk about the width of the rope rather than the air on either side. They are so focused on the destination they don't look down at the thin wire.

All of this has caused me to wonder about the "tightrope" that we walk on. I have met Christ followers who were so paralyzed by fear of failure that they are unable to walk. They were petrified at the thought they might fall off of the tightrope. Every step was so carefully measured out, that they took few steps.

Recently I read that "being a Christ follower is less about cautiously avoiding sin than courageously and actively doing God's will."

St. Augustine, an influential Christ follower of the fourth century understood the "tightrope" when he said, "Love God and do as you please." In an age when we like to hear "do as you please" Augustine was able to frame it by saying, "Love God" is the starting point.

Today I commit to walking on the "tightrope" because of my intense love for God and the desire to pursue His will. Am I worried about falling? Not so much. Augustine says, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." The tightope is calling....

Strength

2011-03-25T08:55:00.000-04:00

Have you ever met people who were strong? I am not talking about a physical strength derived from long hours in the gym. I am thinking about people who have strength of character, people who are strong in their ability to do what they say they are going to do. I am even thinking about people who possess an inner strength which sees them through difficult times.

I have always felt like a strong person. I have felt like I came from "strong stock"and a heritage of strength derived from the generations who have gone before me.

Until recently.

Recently I have experienced moments of weakness causing me to rely on others and God.During this time I received a card from a friend with words that were a great encouragement to me. In recognizable writing, my friend wrote...

I am praying that God will use these redirected

moments to draw you closer to Him and help

you see the future clearer than every before.

With stunning precision his words pierced my heart and reminded me of familiar words, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9

I like the words of my friend...."redirected moments."

Have you ever had any of those? What did you do when the path led somewhere other than where you planned? What did you do when your moments were redirected?

I have done a lot of reading over the last two weeks. I have drunk from the wells of authors who have satisfied the thirst of my soul. My mind, heart and soul have been nourished in ways that would not have been possible unless my "paths had been re-oriented."

Several weeks ago I purchased Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: A Righteous Gentile vs. The Third Reich by Eric Metaxas. Because I direct most of the moments of my life, I have not had the time to read this book about one of my favorite characters from Christendom. Bonhoeffer's life was a series of "re-directed moments" eventually leading to his death in a concentration camp in Flossenburg.

Metaxas describes Bonhoeffer in a powerful way, he says..."(Bonhoeffer's) strength was borrowed from God and lent to others." p.463.

My prayer is, that in the words of my friend, I will "see the future clearer than ever before" because my "strength is borrowed from God and lent to others."

God, give me your strength and I will lend it to others...

Stories

2011-03-24T11:10:00.000-04:00

I cannot wait. After not being able to be with fellow pilgrims and journeyers for the last two weeks, I am excited about returning this Sunday. The absence is a result of pneumonia, a fall I suffered which required four days in the hospital and a two week time of rest at home.

There are some imposed limitations to what I can and cannot do on Sunday, but I am able to return to what I love doing more than anything else...telling stories based on The Story.

Leonard Sweet says, "The church’s failure to tell stories in a culture that talks in stories is a story in its own right." With that in mind, I am already thinking about all of the stories that have unfolded in the last two weeks in my life. Through all of them I have seen and heard the words of the Master Storyteller reminding me that there are still more narratives to unpack.

I guess the reason that I love stories so much is best captured in the words of Eugene Peterson..."We live in narrative, we live in story. Existence has a story shape to it. We have a beginning and an end, we have a plot, we have characters."

The thought occurred to me recently...What would happen if we cared for each others stories? What would it look like for us to honor the stories in people's lives? What would happen if we did more listening to people's stories and less trying to get their story to look like ours?

So, I return this Sunday. Words are not adequate to describe my excitement and anticipation for Sunday morning at 10:45.

Here is the prayer that I am praying as I prepare for the gathering of pilgirms...

Oh, God, don't let my story get in the way of yours.

Amen.

Not a bad prayer to pray daily...

Distance

2011-03-23T07:10:00.000-04:00

Imagine a high school student whose family is a part of a Christian Church. She belongs to a Christian youth group, has only Christian friends, reads only Christian books, and has to attend Christian chapel services, because it is mandatory at the Christian high school she attends. That student can potentially become so anesthetized to Jesus that she is unable to see Jesus as the stunning, dangerous, compelling, subversive, dynamic reality that He is. She has simply sung so many songs about Jesus that the Name has lost its power to provoke and inspire. Her "nearness" can actually produce "distance"...

We must be able to speak about our faith so that hands will be stretched out toward us faster than we can fill them. Do not try to make the Bible relevant. It's relevance is axiomatic...Do not defend God's word, but testify to it...Trust to the Word. It is a ship loaded to the very limits of its capacity...

The first paragraph is from Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins and the second paragraph is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings.

We always skate on the thin ice of being so familiar with the things of God that we take them for granted. Our "nearness" can produce "distance" if we are not careful. Unchecked this familiarity can produce lethargy. Unbridled familiarity can produce a casual attitude toward the things of God.

As serious pilgrims on the journey we must speak about our faith in such a way that people will stretch their hands out faster than we have the ability to fill them. It seems in an age when we strive for relevance, perhaps we should strive for authenticity.

I have met lots of young adults raised in the church that fit Bell's description of the young woman. I have also witnessed a "distance" produced by "nearness" in people of all ages. There are many things I do not know, but I am certain that when we speak of our faith in compelling authentic ways, people of all ages will stretch forth their hands. Distance will be replaced by nearness and true community will be established.

My prayer is simple...let your Kingdom come!

Purpose

2011-03-22T11:09:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered if you were on the right path? Have you ever wondered if you are effectively fulfilling the purpose for which you were intended? Have you ever felt like you were "going against the flow" in your daily efforts?

These are questions that honest people ask themselves occasionally and there is nothing wrong with reflecting on where we are in our journey.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian, pastor and martyr, has been shaping my thinking recently in some profound ways. He was a part of the Confessing Church in the throes of Hitler's persecution of Jews and Germans during the Third Reich's destruction of Germany.

Bonhoeffer says, "If you board the wrong train, it's no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction."

All of us at one time or another have been on the wrong train. How we respond when we find ourselves on the wrong train says a lot about where we are on our personal journey.

Some are smart enough to admit they are on the wrong train and get off at the next train stop and make a course correction. Others run in the opposite direction along the corridor as if this will change the direction they are headed. Some just sit down on the train and give up.

Which one are you?

It's never to late to change direction if you are headed on the wrong path...He is the God of "second chances" and "new beginnings."

Reflection

2011-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday March 1st I posted a blog entitled "Judgment" in which I explored the "dust-up" surrounding the publication of Rob Bell's new book entitled, Love Wins: Heaven and Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.

The pre-publication hype caused the blogosphere to explode as people made sweeping accusations before reading the book. It is disappointing when a person rushes to judgment and in so doing compromise their integrity.

Thanks to Kindle, I have read the book.

This is not the place to fully explore Bell's writings, but I wanted to share a couple of brief reflections.

First, you might be surprised by Bell's candor throughout the book. He writes with passion and persistent purpose as he reflects on the meaning of heaven and hell. Unfortunately, the kerfuffle about this book was limited to his treatment of hell. He explores heaven and hell from a biblical perspective and challenges the reader to examine what the Bible says about both. He intimates that often we know more about heaven and hell than what is contained in the Bible itself.

Second, the accusations made prior to the book's publication wither after one reads Bell's writings. His treatment of the historical church's understanding of heaven and hell may be surprising to some readers, however he traces their origin through sacred scripture and historical tradition.

The Preface is a masterful introduction to what Bell says in the remainder of the book. In my opinion it's worth the price of the book.

There are two quotes that grabbed my attention as I finished the book yesterday afternoon...

"...and I as well have a hard time believing that somewhere down below the earth's crust is a really crafty figure in red tights holding a three-pointed spear, playing Pink Floyd records, backward, and enjoying the hidden messages."

And...

"Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death."

There is much to think about from Bell's writings. I do not agree with all that he says and there are some things that I resonate with. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, Rob Bell has presented a gift to the church. It is the gift of challenging us to think about our faith and ask big questions of a God who is bigger than us,the church and our questions.

My faith has not been rocked by Bell's writings, but it has given me pause to consider what I really believe. The God I serve is able to stand up to my puny inquiries and questions and still be God. I am not going to shock Him by what I think.

I am thankful to be a part of a faith that allows questions, inquiry, dialog and doubt. None of these daunt or dent the faith, but they allow me to be strengthened in my resolve to join in the One who says, "the Kingdom of God is at hand."

Watch for an invitation to a theological discussion with others on the journey!

Charlie

2011-03-11T06:04:00.000-05:00

I am considering inviting Charlie Sheen to church. It kinda came to me at lunch today. I am not sure he will come or not, but it is worth a shot. (some of you that are reading this may never get to the rest of this blog)

Fast forward.

Imagine what would happen in your church if Charlie Sheen showed up. After wild looks, puzzled faces, sideways glances, he would probably take his seat to the horrored gasps of the faithful. I wonder what he would think?

Now before you get your exercise "jumping to conclusions," don't you think it would tell a lot about the DNA of your church if Charlie Sheen were to show up.

You see it is one thing to talk about "loving all people" and "hate the sin and love the sinner" and "our church is open to everybody," but it is another thing when that "everybody" comes in the person of Charlie Sheen.

We have seen the parodies, heard the quick one liners and have watched the seemingly downward trajectory of Sheen's life over the last several weeks. Nothing seems surprising anymore. Television news shows slurp up every sound bite, reality shows run outrageous video clips and serious newscasts have their "Charlie segment" nightly.

Fast Forward.

Charlie Sheen is sitting in my church....Now what?

Should he have an opportunity to "share his story" and if he did would we wince at the words he uses?

Should he be expected to "sit and soak" all that takes place in worship?

Or would his arrival in worship cause such a kerfuffle that all hope of having worship would be lost?

I guess I better figure out the answers to those questions or should I just go ahead and invite him?

One thing I do know for sure...If Charlie Sheen showed up in your church next Sunday it would reveal who you really are as a church. It would clearly define whether your mission and values are more than a plaque and bulletin filler.

Charlie Sheen sitting in my church....wonder what God would think?

Reading

2011-03-10T06:17:00.000-05:00

My light was blinking on my phone about three weeks ago when I walked in to the office. I am always a little apprehensive about who has left a message, I was especially so when I didn't recognize the number. The voice sounded familiar but I wasn't sure why the person on the other end would be calling.

I returned the call. To my relief, I received an invitation to return to the local elementary school to read to a kindergarten class that I read to a year ago. You never know how well you do when you read to a kindergarten class. They seemed appreciative but I think it had more to do with getting out of their regular kindergarten routine and having someone read to them.

There is nothing more I enjoy more than reading to kids. I read to my son and my daughter before bed when they were young. They had their favorite books and I enjoyed reading to them before they slumbered off to dreamland.

I miss reading to my kids before bed. It was always a special time. Realizing that they were growing past Dad reading to them at bedtime, I made a decision.

For Christmas, I went into a studio here in town and read my kids 10 favorite books. My friend took my readings and mixed them with intro music and closing music and put them in a jewel case with the book covers on the insert.

Christmas morning came and I gave my kids the CD with their favorite stories. Of course they burned them onto their IPods and listened to them. It brought me such delight to see the joy of hearing my voice reading familiar stories from their childhood.

Back to the phone call. Today I am heading to the local elementary school to read to a group of kindergarten students. I am reading one of my kids favorite books. I hope that they love being read to half as much as I love reading to them. I have made a commitment....I am never going to pass up an opportunity to read to kids. So, off I go...

Lent

2011-03-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

The streets have been cleared in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Fat Tuesday is over and Ash Wednesday is upon us. Lent is the season of "giving up" or "fasting" as we anticipate the season of Easter.

In a culture rife with consuming and amassing things, Lent seems like a foreign language. Denying ourselves is not a value that comes naturally, but Lent gives pilgrims on the journey an opportunity to pause and focus on this season of the year.

Here is the prayer that I will be praying over the Lenten season:

God of second chances and new beginnings

I am always amazed

that you choose to use me for

your kingdom purposes

you use me as I am

Imperfect

Flawed

Ordinary

Tending sometimes not to do my best

Prone to error

And very inclined to trip and fall

Always your grace

is greater than my mistakes and stumblings

Thank you, O God

For using me in spite of myself!

Unfailing God

Remind me often that,

in your sight

failure is never final.

By your grace, enable me to deal with

my own failures constructively

and with the failures of others patiently.

Let it be so.

Amen

Gradual

2011-03-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

I am always interested in people's faith journeys and how they find their way along the spiritual path.

I was caught by surprise while watching an interview of Newt Gingrich conducted by Greta VanSusteren, as he traced the steps of his journey into Catholicism.

"You have now converted to Catholicism-when was that, how long ago and why?" was VanSusteren's opening question.

Gingrich responded..."It was a long process. Calista was born into the Catholic church and is very very devout...she sings in the choir at The Basilica at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

As a spouse I went in a supportive way and over time being there, participating, experiencing the mass....

I tell people it wasn't so much that I converted as it was that

I gradually became Catholic and one morning realized

what had happened to me.

My task is not to critique Gingrich's personal life, his political stances or his future in government, but I would like to think for a moment about his "gradual" entrance into the Catholic church.

Across many faith traditions there are "indicators" of one's entrance in the faith. Sure, there may be moments of transformation, but these are usually in response to a persons awareness of their need. When I listened to Gingrich describe his "gradual conversion" it causes me to wonder if this is the new norm. I wonder if people are phased into the faith or if there is still a declarative statement necessary to affirm ones desire.

I wonder if more people are being "gradually converted" into the faith than those who would simply make a declaration to enter into the faith?

And I wonder if it is possible to be drawn into the faith in such a way that one day you wake up and realize that you are in the faith? Almost like a dawning awareness that supersedes any individual affirmations made along the way.

I am just wondering about all of this....it used to be that you declared your faith, now it seems like more and more we are seeing people finding their way into faith and "one morning realizing what had happened."

Gingrich closes the interview with an insightful line...I wish it could be said of more churches and more faiths

I find that it (Catholicism) is a very nurturing and comforting experience and one which has made me feel more at peace than I have at any point in my life."

Whatever you think about the "entrance requirements" the results experienced by Gingrich are encouraging to me.

Sloth

2011-03-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

Sloth, one of the seven deadly sins, is a general sense of spiritual apathy or lethargy. It is not opposition, rather it is a passivity leading to "wasted time." Acedia, the Latin word translated into Greek means a general "carelessness."

Time is a valuable commodity in today's economy. As we become busier and busier, it seems like wasted time is still a malady in our everyday lives. I am not talking about being constantly busy without any "down time" but I am wondering if we use our time wisely.

Donald Miller, writing in Blue Like Jazz, says..."I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil, but rather have us wasting time. This is why the devil tries so hard to get Christians to be religious. If he can sink a man's mind into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God."

Trying to be religious may be the biggest time waster most people face. Giving more effort to "image" rather than "substance" is another time waster. Pretending to be somebody that we really aren't? Time Waster.

Today there will be a lot of opportunities. Someone said it this way..."we don't really waste time, we waste ourselves." I don't want to do either. Enjoy every moment....and use them wisely.

Preaching

2011-03-06T06:18:00.000-05:00

There are many things I don't understand about preaching...It is one of the most mysterious parts of my journey as a leader. I am under no illusion about my preaching ability or my capacity to put together meaningful sentences and narratives.

Recently I read about a retired preacher who was cleaning out the dresser when he found 5 eggs and $1000 in $20 bills.

Calling his wife he inquired about what it all meant.

"I saved one egg for every bad sermon."

"Whew, five eggs in all those years.

Not bad, what's the money for?

"Every time I got a dozen eggs, I sold them."

Helmut Thielicke, a German Protestant theologian, insighfully pointed out, "The Gospel must be preached afresh and told in new ways to every generation, since every generation has its own unique questions. The Gospel must be constantly forwarded to a new address, because the recipient is repeatedly changing his place of residence."

Today I am going to try to "preach afresh...in new ways" in an effort to forward His Message to "new addresses" and new "places of residence."

When I read scriptures like I Corinthians 12:1, I shake my head....

"For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."

And then in Romans 10:14...

"How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

John Wesley's brother Charles encountered opposition because of his preaching and singing. Wesley's account reveals their dissatisfaction..."the day following at St. Ives, the service was broken up by the mob throwing eggs and stones..."

I am not sure which is worse...eggs stored in a dresser or eggs stored in a coat pocket waiting to be thrown. Hopefully I will not encounter either as I head off to the "safe place to hear a dangerous message."

It is humbling to declare His words. My prayer is that my words will not get in the way of His this morning.

See you at the House!

Home

2011-03-05T10:33:00.000-05:00

Richard Foster has written widely on the topic of prayer and spiritual formation and is a reputable thinker who has provided insights for many on their spiritual pilgrimage.

Although I have read a lot of his writings, I am still stunned by the simplicity of his brief prayer...

"God...free me to be at home with you."

These nine words profoundly shape the desire of my heart. These nine words express my authentic longing for His presence.

When I pray this prayer, it frees me from what Brennan Manning calls, "functional atheism" - the belief that nothing is happening unless we are making it happen. When I pray, "God...free me to be at home with you," then I have the joy of waiting for His presence and voice, and that is a safe place.

God's response to our prayer? Welcome Home!

In-Between

2011-03-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

What does it mean to live in the "in-between" times?

Howard Hendricks, writing in Color Outside the Lines, says people either live in "the past with a museum of memories" or "in the future with an encyclopedia of expectations."

Leading in times like these can be challenging.

We are living at a very unique time in our culture as we have the benefit of memories and technologies beckoning us into the future.

Navigating through these "in-between" times requires unique leadership. Scripture is full of examples of "in-between" leaders. The public sector is replete with examples. Church and government have their share.

After observing leaders, "In-Between" leaders possess unique characteristics..

They have a road map embedded in their heart
They are brokers of resources
They are 'constant encouragers'
They are multi-taskers who are singularly focused
They are an original 'piece of work'

I can identify with these characteristics and the need to demonstrate them in our culture. At my "ages and stage" I feel the need to demonstrate these leadership patterns now more than ever.

Brennan Manning is a mentor to me. He says it better than I can say it, "The second journey (in life) begins when we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the morning program."

God's Word says..
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them. Hebrews 11:13-16

Near

2011-03-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

Occasionally I get a glimpse of heaven. Yesterday I glimpsed the gates through the eyes of a person who nears her eternal reward.

The phone call came into the office yesterday and the message was passed on to me. Hearing the words of the message saddened and gladdened my heart at the same time

I was sad because we are going to lose a saint of the church, a real pillar of the faith. Gladdened because she will soon hear the words, "well done good and faithful servant."

I went over to her house and her 95 year old husband took me back to the bedroom where she was laying in the bed. Unable to respond, I called her by name and she opened her eyes. I tried to encourage her and even though she was unable to talk, I could tell that she was hearing the words I was sharing.

For several years she has affirmed her desire to "go home." She is very near to getting her wish. Holding her frail hand, I realized that she would soon touch the hand of God. It reminded me that God is faithful.

Walking out of the house I was reminded that what was happening in that home was of eternal consequence. I realized that she was getting ready to "go home." It also reminded me that she didn't need to make any last minute preparations, everything was ready.

Morgan Freeman's line in Shawshank Redemption says it all..."Get busy living or get busy dying..." My dying friend was "busy living" her entire life, now she is "busy dying" and heaven will be a better place when she gets home.

Non-Essential

2011-03-02T06:40:00.000-05:00

Non-Essential is an interesting adjectival phrase.

The US Government is battling over budgets, taxes and cuts, all under the threat of a possible governmental shutdown later this weekend. Watching the news, the reporter said that Social Security, Protective Services and several other agencies would not be affected by this shutdown.

The only people it would directly affect is "non-essential" workers.

How would you like to be classified as a "non-essential" worker? I wonder what that would feel like knowing the work you do is "non-essential?"

I have heard this same descriptor used when snow days make travel, work or school impossible. The announcement is made..."non-essential employees need not report."

All of this makes me wonder. Can the job be done with just "essential" employees or is it necessary to add on those "non-essential" types? Could it be that many of our budget woes would be solved if we didn't make these delineations?

In the place where I work, all people are "essential" to the ongoing work that we do together. I am not sure I want to work at a place that has "non-essential" workers.

I have been thinking about a culture that would say, "you are a non-essential worker." I am also trying to imagine what would happen if we could turn "non-essentials" into "essentials."

The ancient Romans had a tradition: whenever one of their engineers constructed an arch, as the capstone was hoisted into place, the engineer assumed accountability for his work in the most profound way possible: he stood under the arch. It's hard to see the difference between "essential workers" and "non essential" workers when standing under an arch.

Judgment

2011-03-01T06:55:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend a pastor posted his thoughts on the March 29th release of a book by another pastor. The topic of the book is a controversial one in today's theological discussions.

Please remember that the book has not been published, and will not be until the end of this month...28 days from now. That did not stop the scathing comments or the interaction on blogs and other social media.

The most amazing comment was a brief tweet by a well known pastor who simply said "farewell" to the author.

Really?

I know that often promotional copies of books are sent ahead for people to read and review. The purpose is to create a "stir" so people will purchase the book when it is released. Book tours are scheduled so the author can briefly talk about his writings and autograph the book.

But the book has not even been released and vitriolic comments are flying around the internet and accusations are being made. Judgments are even being pronounced on the author and his ministry.

And, remember, the book has not even been released.

I just finished a book last night entitled, To Change the World, by James Davison Hunter. In the book he talks about some of the reasons Christians are not more effective in changing the world. When I read all of the comments about the book to be released on March 29th, it confirms what Hunter says in his book.

He says, "If Christians cannot extend grace through faithful presence, within the body of believers, they will not be able to extend grace to those outside."

What would happen if we waited for the release of the book and then read the book? What would happen if after we read the book, we were charitable in our comments and thoughts? What would happen if we extended grace through "faithful presence" to the author of this book as well as others?

By now you are wondering about the title of the book and its author...Love Wins: A Book About Heaven and Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell. March 29th the book will be released and I will read it. Until then, the words of Dr. Bill McCumber, my former New Testament professor, are appropriate to all who have weighed in on the books content..."you might as well save your breath to cool your coffee." That's not a judgment...that's a fact.

Awards

2011-02-28T07:32:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched the Academy Awards.

I sort feel like the American Indian chief who attended church for the first time. At the conclusion of the service, someone asked him what he thought. Simple..."Big wind...lotta dust...no rain."

Now I am no movie critic or cinematographical afficionado, but I do know a good movie when I see one. Last nights award ceremony left something to be desired. It may be because it is the first time I have ever watched the Academy Awards from beginning to end.

Allow me a couple of observations...

King's Speech took home their share of honors

Melissa Leo's speech had to be 'bleeped"

Social Network did well

The Fighter fought its way to several honors

Celine Dion paid tribute to those who had the opportunity to see their life on the big screen on the other side

Inception won, but I am not sure if the award was real or if it was part of a dream

All of the recipients said in one way or another..."thanks Mom and thanks to the academy."

Billy Crystal and Bob Hope both showed up.

However the highlight of the night was a a brief tribute of Lena Horne by Halle Berry. Pictures of the film star rolled behind Berry as she shared a few short words.

"It's not the load that breaks you down,

it's how you carry it."

The Academy Awards felt like attending a conference and sitting through lots of presentations that were mediocre and then finally hearing the one "take away" comment that has the power to transform your thinking and catapult you forward. Lena Horne's comment did that for me.

It reminded me that everyone including Academy award winners, those not selected, and you and I carry a load of some kind. There is something that wears us down. The temptation is to focus on the load and not give attention to how we carry it.

Suffering is an interesting thing...there is no valor in suffering if we have to announce it to everyone. There is the subtle temptation to think we are the only one who has ever carried a heavy load. Horne reminds us that "how we carry" our suffering may be as important or more important than the suffering itself.

I did not have high expectations of the show, but I was looking forward to the PS22 School kids performance. I thought it would be somewhere toward the middle of the show, but sure enough it was the very last performance on the nearly four hour show. It was worth the wait.

It seemed like the perfect illustration of what Lena Horne tried to say. I am sure that adversity, difficulty and challenges could have easily derailed the dream that the kids from PS22 had of performing on the large stage. They made it.

Shutting off the TV, the music from "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" continued to play in my head. In the words of Bob Hope, "thanks for the memories."

Dashboard

2011-02-27T07:03:00.000-05:00

We have an automobile that has served us well for over 10 years. It has run flawlessly with minimal repairs and has delivered on the promises made by the salesman when we purchased it. Approaching 225,000 miles it still starts and rides smoothly providing dependable transportation for us.

I was driving it several years ago and without any warning the "check engine" light began to glow on the dashboard. Immediately I made a call to the dealer and described my plight. He instructed me to bring it in at "my convenience." Not knowing about these kind of things, I told him I would bring it right over.

Lifting the hood, he connected a diagnostic device and told me that my "exhaust fuel sensor reducer capacitor metric overhead cam axle on board computer" was not functioning properly. Well, that is not exactly what he said, but that's what I heard.

He reached under the dashboard and fumbled around, a few seconds later the "check engine" light was off. He said "if the car is not causing you any problem, just ignore the light." Say what?

Now I am no rocket scientist, but that light means something when it is lit on the dashboard. Please don't send me all of your diagnoses because I have done everything the mechanic has said to do. I am pretty sure now it is just a malfunction of the light that leaves a faint glow on the dashboard of the car.

All of this has caused me to wonder....Did you ever have a "check engine" light glow on the dashboard of your soul? Have you ever had a warning that something was wrong on your faith journey? What has been your response?

For many people they ignore these "warning signals" and go on about life as though nothing is wrong. Others take the time to "diagnose" the problem and see what needs to be done. Just because we ignore these warnings does not mean they will eventually go away, often times it means that the matter will only become more serious.

Here is what I have learned from driving a car with a "check engine" light on.

First, something is wrong and it is always important to find out what it is. Sometimes it is easy to find out by ourselves, but often it is something that requires others to help us discover. That's why life lived apart from community will leave us feeling alone and lonely.

Second, when we discover what is wrong, we must make the commitment to get it fixed. To often, people will discover the glitch causing problems in their life but will continue to live with it even though it can be painful and cause them to live life in lesser ways than God intended.

Thirdly, when we make the commitment to get it fixed, it can be costly. The cost may mean that we need to make radical changes in the way we are living. But the costs may be less than the cost of continuing living the way we are presently living.

Is there a "check engine" light glowing on the dashboard of your life? If so, what are you doing about it?

Risks

2011-02-26T11:28:00.000-05:00

I am going to go out on a limb for a minute...

Recently I was listening to a pastor who had served his congregation for over twenty years and who has had a remarkable ministry. From the outside looking in, it appears that he has done a lot of innovative things and has reached out in a variety of ways that most churches would find uncomfortable.

He was sharing from his heart about his years of ministry and he said something that struck me...

He said, "I wish I would have taken more risks."

Pausing I thought about his statement and wondered how many risks people take everyday. I wonder how many people take the "risky route" or the "safe way?"

All of this got me to thinking. I wonder what a "risky life" looks like? I think I have a pretty good idea of a "safe" existence because I have seen its anesthetizing effect on people. But "taking a risk" is another thing.

Here are my thoughts on "taking risks."

A person who takes risks usually does not look back with regrets. They have lived in the world of "I wonder what would happen if we did this or did that?" I am not talking about doing foolish things or being unwise, but I am talking about living in such a way that we are always living in "God dependent ways."

A person who takes a risk usually experiences new resources that are never available to those who "play it safe." I am not talking about taking a risk to see what resources may materialize, but I am talking about stepping out and doing it in such a way that unless God shows up you are going to fall flat on your face.

A person who takes a risk usually experiences an incredible life of joy because they are never satisfied to simply go through the motions. I am not talking about doing crazy things just to see what kind of reaction it may create, but I am talking about living a life outside of the rut.

One of the reasons we are reluctant to take risks is because we become vulnerable to failure and its effects. That often prevents us from thinking about risks much less taking them.

I do not want to get near the end of my leadership or my life and stand up in front of young leaders and say, "I wish I would have taken more risks."

Tim McMahon said it best..."Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking."

Take a leap today...take a risk...enjoy the journey! Get out on the limb!

Words

2011-02-25T07:25:00.000-05:00

I love doing crossword puzzles. I love words. I love fitting letters into the boxes and making certain that each word intersects with other words. I inherited the joy of doing crossword puzzles from my mother who neatly completes her crossword puzzles in ink.

She does not write a word down until she is absolutely certain that it is the right word. When finished, her crossword puzzles look like they could be the solution page that you find in the back of crossword puzzle books.

Some puzzles are harder than others. Every morning I complete the USA Today puzzle on line. Mondays are the easiest day of the week and by the weekend they become more challenging. Sorta the opposite how we live life.

I enjoy doing crossword puzzles in airplane magazines when I travel. I enjoy doing the puzzles in used newspapers I find in restaurants. I enjoy the Detroit Free Press newspaper because there are usually three puzzles in each days paper. Why? I love words.

In the book entitled, The Lie That Tells a Truth, John Dufresne says, "the limits of your language are the limits of your world." I think he is right. I think many people live their life with a limited number of words in their vocabulary and thus live in a limited world.

Recently I ran across a quote from a person who said, "I was reading the dictionary, I thought it was a poem about everything." I am not advocating that we read the dictionary cover to cover, but I am suggesting it wouldn't hurt us to go back to the days in school when we had "vocab" lessons and we learned new words every week.

Crosswords puzzles are the way I learn new words. And yes, sometimes when I near the end of a puzzle and I am still missing a couple of words, I yield to the temptation to just fill in the blanks neatly so I can say, "finished." And by the way, I didn't learn that from my mom. But when I succumb to the temptation to do this, I learn a new word even though its not a real word. Know what I mean?

Gotta go...USA Today crossword puzzle is calling...

Cruciverbalist...new word for the day...Meaning? Person who designs or solves crossword puzzles.

Days

2011-02-24T07:37:00.000-05:00

Annie Dillard writes with pathos and power. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is a highly descriptive work on nature and its surroundings in the Roanoke, Virginia area.

She traces the meaning of life throughout the pages of her writings and nudges the reader to examine their life and its unfolding story. My favorite quote from her writings simply says...

"How we spend our days, is of course,

how we spend our lives."

To many people live "practice lives." They are posturing and preening in preparation for the real life they want to live someday. Everyday seems to be a "preparation" for the life they will one day live, but it seems like they never get around to living the life they want to live.

Dillard is so right, "how we spend our days, is of course, how we spend our lives."

Oscar Wilde penned similar thoughts...."one's real life is often the life that one does not lead."

There are times when it seems like people I meet are trying to get through today because, "tomorrow will be better." There is always a longing for a better day when today is adequate if only they could see it.

It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to live past today in order to get to tomorrow. It's never to late to stop and be "fully present" in this day. It's never to early to resolve to "inhabit today."

Are you going to experience today or will you squander it because you are waiting for another day to pass? Why not try being a good steward of each moment? Why not treasure each segment of your day and resist the temptation to hurry the day along in an effort to get to a better day ahead? Who knows how many opportunities we have missed because we failed to live in the day that God has given us?

I wonder how many days living like this before it becomes our pattern of existence? It also makes me wonder if this is the reason so many people are unhappy?

I resolve to live out every moment today. I am not going to wish away any of them. I want to make each day count rather than counting my days. What's on your agenda today?

Seeing

2011-02-23T06:04:00.000-05:00

"Too often, we look when we should see,

we glance when we should gaze."

In a world that is moving at a dizzying pace, the temptation is to snatch glances at the passing scenery and be satisfied with what we have seen. Admittedly, it takes time to move from "looking" to "seeing," time that we often do not have to give.

Interestingly enough there are some things we miss when we "look," there are some things we pass over when we "glance." It's not because of negligence, rather it is because we are so busy and do not have time to "gaze" at life. We do not take the time to explore.

In The Lie That Tells the Truth, John Dufresne has a section entitled, The Meaning of Life is to See. In that chapter he explores the meaning of "seeing" as opposed to "looking." Reading it, my mind races ahead and thinks about all of the things I will see today.

I wonder what my busy-ness today will prevent me from "seeing?" I wonder if there are some things today that God wants me to "see" but I will be satisfied with "looking?" I wonder if I will be content to "glance" when He says"gaze."

Salvador Dali, the great artist, said, "to gaze is to think."

The psalmist David wrote, One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Here is my prayer as I start my day....Forgive me when I "glance" and you call me to "gaze."

Today is an "Eyes Wide Open" kind of day...can't wait to "see!" How about you?

Everydayness

2011-02-22T08:13:00.000-05:00

Walker Percy, writing in The Moviegoer tells the story of Binx Bolling and his quest for a life of meaning. Percy is a brilliant southern writer who tells a compelling story that drags the reader into every word and every page..

Bolling tries to escape the humdrum of life by going to the movies which provide him with "treasurable moments" which are absent from his every day life. While at the movies he is able to withdraw from life and attach to the story on the big screen.

Movies have that effect.

William Willimon, Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Northern Alabama, describes his experience with the "moving picture show" in an article in Christian Century on October 22, 1986.

"Though I could not have known it at the time, a momentous event in my faith journey occurred on a Sunday evening in 1963 in Greenville, South Carolina, when, in defiance of the state's archaic Blue Laws, the Fox Theatre opened on Sunday evening. Seven of us--regular attenders at the Methodist Youth Fellowship at Buncombe Street Church--made a pact to enter the front door of the church, be seen, then quietly slip out the back door and join John Wayne at the Fox.

Only lately have I come to see how that evening symbolizes a watershed in the history of Christianity in the United States. On that night, Greenville, South Carolina--the last pocket of resistance to secularity in the Western world--gave in and served notice that it would not longer be a prop for the church. If Christians were going to be made in Greenville, the church must do it alone. There would be no more free passes for the church, no more free rides. The Fox Theatre went head-to-head with the church to see who would provide the ultimate values for the young. That night in 1963, the Fox Theatre would the opening skirmish.

In taking me to church, my parents were affirming everything that was American. Church was, in a sense, the only show in town. Everybody was doing it. Church, home and state formed a vast consortium working together to instill Christian values. People grew up Christian, simply by growing up American. All that ended the night that the Fox Theatre opened on Sunday."

Back to Binx Bolling....

Toward the end of the novel, he laments that every morning he awakes in the "grip of everydayness...and everydayness is the enemy."

I am wondering if the church has anything to say today that breaks the cycle of "everydayness?" I wonder if the church has lost her voice to speak into the lives of people or has surrendered it to the movies, music, entertainment and the like?

My goal in my journey today is to move beyond the "everdayness" of life to "treasurable moments."

Monday

2011-02-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

It's that day again where we think about what lies ahead in the coming week. Appointments, meetings, dates, schedules and arrangements to be made all face us as we prepare for the next seven days.

Many people play it safe...some take a few risks...others lay it all on the line.

There is an old poem that says it far better than I. Actually there are several different wordings of the same poem, but this one says it best. I am not sure of the author, but I am certain whoever wrote it wouldn't mind its wider distribution.

Life is not a journey to the grave
With the intention of
Arriving safely in a pretty
And well preserved body,
But rather to skid in broadside,
Thoroughly used up,
Totally worn out,
And loudly proclaiming,

WOW !!!! What a ride!

What would your life look like this week if you realized that "life is not a journey to the grave" but a life that is to be "thoroughly used up and totally worn out?"

What would happen if you didn't play it safe this week? What would happen if you "went for it" and enjoyed the ride?

Life is not a beauty contest, but it is a contest to bring beauty to life...I'm just sayin'....Enjoy the ride!

Saved

2011-02-20T07:15:00.000-05:00

All of my life I have heard about the importance of being "saved." Growing up in the church the idea of being "saved" was a matter of ultimate importance as it determined where you were going to spend eternity.

Today I am going to think about the idea of "saved" with the congregation I share life with. I am going to pose the question that has been posed by others in a variety of ways. The question is simply this, "if you only had the Bible to answer, how to get saved, what would the answer be?"

All of this began in Sermon Lab on Wednesday evening...Sermon Lab is an opportunity for people to gather and think out loud about the Sunday morning message that will be shared. I offer the scripture and then we have conversation about it. Quite simple, yet the results have been profound and have shaped my preaching and teaching in ways that I will forever be grateful for.

Anyway, here is the scripture for today...

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—

and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s

handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10

In my preparation for today, I have been re-thinking some of what I have thought for a long time. What if it is easier to get "saved" than we have made it? What if it really is a gift we accept and not something that we have to get ready to receive? What if we just receive it and then begin to live as forgiven people?

Here is what I discover as I read the pages of Scripture. People come to Jesus in a variety of ways and every time they do, he forgives their sins.

My prayer is that people will come to Jesus and experience His forgiveness as they receive the Gift. Thanks to my friends in Sermon Lab for helping me to see the power of His Word!

You can join us for Worship and the Word by going to www.nexuslife.org and click on the Online Worship section. See you at His House or online!

Forecast

2011-02-19T17:49:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again when speculation turns toward spring and warmer temperatures. In our neck of the woods, we are expecting more snow and cold weather even though this week has teased us with a hint of spring.

It's always amazing to hear people talk about the weather. Some do not make any plans for the day until they have consulted the Weather Channel or the local morning report. They check in as if doing so will somehow alter the weather.

Kin Hubbard said it well, "Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation."

Discussing the weather and the forecast is often relegated to old men sitting around coffee shops or barber shops. They discuss the depth of the snow, the depth of snow drifts and the fact that it all had to be shoveled.

Better get ready....the snow is coming and so are the senior snow plowers. Watch for them in a neighborhood near you.

Artists

2011-02-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

I am not an artist, although I would love to be able to paint creatively.

As a child I received a Paint by Number set for Christmas or a birthday. I remember looking at the cardboard canvas and seeing faint blue lines with numbers inside the lines. Each number corresponded to a small container of paint lodged in a cardboard palette. I can still remember the aroma of the paint even though it is over 40 years ago.

Admonished to "stay in the lines," I embarked on a career as a "paint by number" artist. Do you know how hard it is to "stay in the lines?" Kinda takes all of the fun out of being creative.

My finished project didn't even come close to resembling the photograph on the outside of the box. It more closely resembled the work of Salvador Dali or Andy Warhol.

All of this got me thinking about creativity. Although I did not know what to do with the colors in the cardboard palette, I intuitively knew they could be assembled into a masterpiece by the right artist.

Many of us live our lives in a "paint by number" world and miss incredible opportunities to paint outside the lines creatively.

One of my favorite books is by Gordon MacKenzie entitled, Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace." He closes the book with a stunning statement...

You have a masterpiece, inside you, too, you know.

One unlike any that has ever been created, or ever will be.

And remember,

If you go to your grave

without painting

your masterpiece,

it will not

get painted.

No one else

can paint it.

Only you.

So go ahead, hang some signs that say, "Wet Paint" and be creative. After all, you're an Artist!

Autobiography

2011-02-17T07:17:00.000-05:00

Recently I shared the following with a group of friends who wanted to strengthen their marriages and relationships with others. Often times people say things like, "I want to change,but it's so hard." Or "this is just the way I am."

Portia Nelson has written the following, Autobiography in Five Short Chapters.

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.

There is a big hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in.

I am lost. I am helpless, It isn't my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in.

I can't believe I am in the same place, but

It isn't my fault,

It takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is still there.

I fall in...It's a habit.

My eyes are open.

I know where I am. It's my fault.

I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I walk around it.

Chapter 5.

I go down another street.

I have always liked this short narrative. What street are you headed down today? Watch out for holes in the sidewalk. If you continue to fall in holes in sidewalks, it's never to late to change streets. Enjoy your steps on the journey today!

Snapshot

2011-02-16T05:25:00.000-05:00

I am trying to commit the story and life of the church I serve to a few well turned phrases...It is harder than I realized. It's sorta like a snapshot so people looking for a church will know who we are.

Taking a video is a lot more fun than shooting snapshots. Recording a video means you press the button, point the camera and record the action. Shooting a snapshot requires you to frame the shot, hold the camera still, hold your breath, pray the subject remains still and shoot the picture.

Writing sometimes allows you to record scenery (video) and other times it demands you record fixed subjects (snapshots.)

I am trying to commit the story and life of the church I serve to a well turned phrases...a snapshot.

Here is what I got...

Welcome to West Flint Church of the Nazarene....

A Simple Church

We are a Simple Church made up of people committed to working, playing, living and serving together as pilgrims on the Journey. Our Mission field is Greater Flint and its surrounding communities. We meet together on Sunday mornings to practice our faith and experience His Presence. We meet throughout the week to experience what it means to be a "community of faith."

In all of this we seek to live out our faith in ordinary and extraordinary ways as we remain faithful to our past, fully present in the moment and preparing for the future.

As a Simple Church...We Worship

We are a Worshiping Community of people who gather weekly to rehearse the narratives of His Story through music and Scripture.

As a Simple Church...We Value the Word and the Story it Portrays

We are a Word Community of people who long to know what it means to be an authentic Christ follower in this world today.

As a Simple Church...We are Called to Serve Others

We are a Community of People who are committed to serving others and using the gifts God has given to improve the story of those around us.

As I said, it is more difficult to do than I thought.... Feedback is welcome...Eventually this will be on the church's website along with a "what we believe" section. If you want to provide input, but are reluctant to do so in a public forum, feel free to send your responses to dwbowser@aol.com. I need all the help I can get.

Jeopardy

2011-02-15T07:59:00.000-05:00

It has been hyped as the Ultimate Battle between man & machine. Following Monday night's Jeopardy's episode, the two were tied.

The premise is based on a contest between Jeopardy's two most successful contestants, Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings and a supercomputer named Watson. Rutter, in his career has won nearly 3 1/2 million dollars and Jennings has won 74 games in a row. Seems like they have the right candidates for this showdown.

The computer Watson is named for IBM founder and is powered by 10 racks of computer servers. It is touted as the ultimate answering machine and its designers intend to prove that it is more intelligent than humans.

The result? At the end of round one on Monday evening, Rutter and Watson ended with $5,000 each. Jennings didn't fare so well and lagged behind by $2,000.

Tune in on Tuesday and Wednesday to see how all of this unfolds...

All of this got me to thinking...I battle a computer everyday....Some days I win...Some days the computer wins. The Jeopardy prize is $1 million. My daily prize is to hit "save" and get a document "saved." A highlight is when I hit "print" and a document comes out of the printer. If I can get on the internet at a WiFi hotspot, it feels like I have hit the jackpot.

I am not sure what all of the hype is with Watson, Rutter and Jennings.

My prayer is that I will get this post saved before it evaporates into ether space. Wait a minute, I wonder if all of the documents I have ever lost are somewhere inside of Watson.

Come to think of it...here's the question I think should appear on Jeopardy. Where are all of my documents, email and pictures I have lost over the years?

Watson...answer that please, because I am sure that Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings don't have a clue.

Calories

2011-02-14T07:58:00.002-05:00

I love good BBQ...that will not surprise you I'm sure. I have eaten at some of the finest BBQ establishments in America...Arthur Bryant's, Gates & Sons, Fiorella's Jack Stack, Corkys, Sonny's, Haywards, Butts on the Creek, Smokey Bones, Gold Rush, Smokestack, Famous Dave's, and Jack's in Nashville.

Late last week I received an email advertisement from the BBQ restaurant I frequent, proudly announcing 6 meals under 600 calories in addition to their regular menu. I read the fine print of the advertisement and it said, when you order from our new menu "get a free 30 day pass to (local gym) and assessment with personal trainer when you order any Citrus Grill platter."

Kinda defeats the purpose of enjoying good BBQ if you have to count calories, points or fat grams, if you know what I mean. Kinda defeats to the purpose of licking the BBQ sauce off your fingers if you get a gym and trainer recommendation with your bill at the end of the meal.

For a carnivorous BBQ lover, calories are not on the diet radar. It doesn't bring joy to your taste buds when you have to calculate the amount of calories you are consuming with each bite of mouth watering BBQ.

So I have made a decision. I will continue to eat BBQ and leave the calorie counting to my favorite restaurant. I am grateful that they are willing to do that for me. When they bring my bill and gym and personal trainer offer, I am not going to take it personal.

All of this conversation makes me hungry for BBQ. Do you think it's too early? I really do need to get back to the gym. Eating good BBQ will give me a good excuse...If I order the right item from the menu.

Thinking

2011-02-13T06:52:00.000-05:00

You don't hear it as often as you used to...You would hear it at the beginning of a meeting. Somebody would say, "let's think outside the box," which literally meant "let's explore alternative solutions to longstanding problems or challenges."

It was the standard operating procedure in meetings where creativity was valued. Often people would come up with solutions requiring massive changes to conventional and approved ways of doing things. That's what made "outside the box" thinking such a scary proposition for some people.

I have been to lots of meetings and have heard lots of "outside the box" thinking. I have seen a lot of great ideas shot down because "we have never done it that way before." I have watched "outside the box" thinkers persist and eventually have a hearing on their thoughts.

We are where we are today because someone thought "outside the box." We didn't just drift to where we are in our technologies.Someone did some deep level thinking that prompted them to say, "what would happen if we....?"

That's my question today. What would happen if we thought long and hard about problems and challenges we face in our culture. What if we resisted the temptation to yield to simplistic answers that on the surface may appear to work and give ourselves to "outside the box" thinking which may catapult us forward into new arenas of effectiveness.

What would happen if I allowed myself to think "outside the box" in matters of faith? What would my life look like as a pilgrim if this happened?

The problem with "outside the box" thinking is once the idea is out of the box its sorta hard to get it back in....Let the creative thinking begin! Kinda exciting! What do you think?

Grippe

2011-02-12T13:02:00.000-05:00

My grandmother used this word to describe any type of illness that had flu-like symptoms. The word has its origins in the French languages and is translated "claw" or to "seize" or "grab."

However you translate it, I have been "gripped" over the last 24 hours...Not a pleasant feeling.

My grandmother had all kinds of tonics and curative remedies that sounded like they could make you worse than the disease they were designed to cure. I have been sick enough that I am willing to try some of those cures. Well, not really, but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Tomorrow will be better and I am already looking forward to it.

Overheard

2011-02-11T06:05:00.000-05:00

This has been a great week It is hard to believe that the weekend is right around the corner. I have been in a lot of conversations this week, some that I was directly involved in and several that I overheard.

Before you think that I am being nosy and trying to intentionally overhear the conversations around me, let me assure you that the following comments were said loud enough for everyone around to hear.

Here are the big three from this week...

The Setting: Barnes & Noble.
The Conversation: A Person talking on a cell phone.
The Subject: It was tough to tell but it seemed like some inspectors were at a local business and there were some shortcomings in their findings.
The Quote: "Do what you have to do to comply and then as soon as the inspectors leave we can go back to business as usual."
Reflection: I hope they are not inspecting airplane parts on my next flight. I hope they are not inspecting the kitchen in one of my favorite restaurants.

The Setting: Book Store
The Conversation: A Person talking on a cell phone
The Subject: A Person trying to scam his employer and the insurance company
The Quote: "Yeah, I slipped and fell this morning on my way to work, I don't think I am hurt, but you never know, so I am going to the doctor and see if he can find anything.
Reflection: I am guessing the doctor will not be successful in finding anything as I watched the guy get up and laugh as he walked out of the bookstore. Now I know why insurance rates are so high and lawyers are wealthy.

The Setting: Borders Book Store
The Conversation: A Person reading a magazine about opulent lifestyles.
The Subject: A Person who is lamenting the fact why he doesn't have a bigger share of the American Dream.
The Quote: "This trailer park has ruined by work ethic."
Reflection: I am not even sure where to go with a comment like that...

It is tough to keep up with the conversations that I am a part of, but when I overhear things like these it is tough to keep focused.

I am going to pay careful attention to my conversations today, how about you?

Integrity

2011-02-10T06:20:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while I run across a part of the Bible that seems like it was just inserted in the most recent edition. It is as though I have never seen it. Oh, its been there all along, I just missed it. That's probably true of anyone that reads the sacred story on a regular basis, but for me it was a startling discovery.

The Psalmist David prayed all kinds of prayers throughout the 150 psalms he composed. They are magnificent examples of honesty and transparency. They are beacons shedding light into the crevasses of our heart, lasers searching the contours of our soul.

Here is what I have missed until yesterday afternoon.

May those who hope in you

not be disgraced because of me,

O Lord, the Almighty;

may those who seek you

not be put to shame

because of me,

O God of Israel.

Psalm 69:6

A word of caution...don't pray this prayer. Really, don't pray this prayer.

Why?

Because God might answer it and then your life will become an open book before Him and others. Not a safe place if you ask me. But it is a place of relief and honesty.

Here is another way of hearing the same scripture...

Don't let those who look to you in hope

be discouraged by what happens to me,

Dear Lord! God of the armies!

Don't let those out looking for you,

come to a dead end by following me-

Please, dear God of Israel

Psalm 69:6 The Message

Today is a day of "being real...no pretending." In our own strength we can't do this, but with His help He can take the drama out of our stories and help us live out His Story. When that happens, we are "follow-able."

Someone is watching you...Live a life worth watching and following!

Chesterton

2011-02-09T06:09:00.000-05:00

"With every step of our lives we enter into the middle of some story which we are certain to misunderstand." --G. K. Chesterton.

Aren't those encouraging words to start the day with? Isn't it interesting to think how easy it is to misunderstand people and situations?

As you start the day let me suggest some things to keep in mind as you face the day...

1. Every person that you meet today has a story unfolding in their lives.Watch diligently!

2. Pay careful attention to people's stories and you might learn what makes them tick.Listen carefully!

3. Before you share your story, let the other person share theirs. Wait patiently!

Recognize that what you see is not always what you get.

Today you will face many different people and situations. Some you will understand and others will be perplexing, and that's OK. Every step you take leads you into the middle of someone else's story.

G.K. Chesterton writing later in his life said it well..."I had always felt life first as a story and if there is a story there is a storyteller."

Get acquainted with the Storyteller today...let Him shape your life story so that you will be a "hope bearer" and "mercy giver." Keep your eyes and heart open today!

Illusion

2011-02-08T06:45:00.000-05:00

Sir Christopher Wren, one of the world's most famous architects, was responsible for the design of over fifty churches in a career spanning the late 1600's. But it was the design of Windsor Town Hall near London in 1689 that is the most interesting.

Asked by the city fathers to design the town hall the famous church architect designed an interior ceiling supported by pillars.

The local officials who knew little about architecture upon inspection announced the pillars did not seem sufficient support for the massive ceiling. Wren argued with them and insisted the massive pillars would support the ceiling. The inspectors disagreed and insisted that additional columns be constructed.

Finally, Wren conceded and designed additional pillars. What the inspectors did not know was that the pillars Wren designed when constructed did not reach all the way to the ceiling. They were 1 inch short of reaching the ceiling.

From the floor it appeared the newly constructed reached all the way to the ceiling but it was an illusion. They supported nothing, they were an illusion.

The inspectors came in and were satisfied their additional requirements had been met. Wren knew nothing had changed in his original design. The town fathers were satisfied.

I am not sure what this story means, but I am sure there are lots of applications if you think about it.

Wren designed beautiful sanctuaries and cathedrals across Europe. When he died his son etched these words on his tombstone.

Lector, Si Monumentum, Requiris, Circumspice.

I love the translation of those words...

Reader, If You Seek His Memorial-Look Around You

What memorials are we leaving to those who will follow us? After we are gone, will others be able to look around and see evidence of our faithfulness?

Relocation

2011-02-07T07:44:00.000-05:00

In 1911 a cathedral named St. Gerards was constructed by German Catholic immigrants in Buffalo, New York. Carrying visions from their continent, it was modeled after a basilica in Rome, St. Paul's Outside the Walls. It was inhabited by worshippers until 2008 when a decision was made to close it due to declining numbers of Catholics in the Buffalo area.

At the time of St. Gerards closing, a growing congregation in the small Georgia community of Norcross was considering the construction of a new worship facility. Fr. David Dye led his congregation through the process of planning and thinking about the new facilities. The result? They were looking to build a new church that looked like an old one.

"I don't mean to offend people who build those [modern] churches, but some of them look like Pizza Huts."

A plan was developed to move St. Gerards stone by stone, with the approval of the Buffalo Diocese, nearly a 1000 miles to Norcross and reassemble it to house the growing congregation. The Diocese officials said in an interview, "Why should a church become a restaurant, or a nightclub?"

St. Gerards former pastor agreed, "Let's use it for it's intention. It's a holy place, a sacred space."

The relocation plan is in the early stages of fund raising. The projected cost is $15 million. If it were built from scratch the projected cost would be $40 million.

Yesterday afternoon I was in Barnes & Noble reading and relaxing. I picked up the newest edition of First Things and skimmed through its pages. Tucked in the back of the magazine was a couple of paragraphs about the relocation project.

Writing on a napkin, I wrote the last sentence of the brief article....

"A note to those building new churches: No one will ever move a Pizza Hut from Buffalo to Atlanta."

Nuf' said....

Sci-FiHi-FiWi-Fi

2011-02-06T06:54:00.000-05:00

Culture is rapidly changing, I don't need to tell you that. Although time is moving at the same pace it always has, it seems like it is moving more rapidly. A five year old waiting for a birthday party has a different understanding of the passing of time than a family on a weekend getaway trip.

Looking back fifty years, several forces and stages have shaped our understanding of time.

Sci-Fi (Science Fiction) Stage - The simplicity of a story told on a black and white television Saturday evenings challenged the imaginations of couch potatos. Although the story lines may have been complex, the presentation was simple. The world was limited to one speaker and a screen with its images. The world was small.

Hi-Fi (High Fidelity) Stage - I remember clearly the day my dad brought a Hi-Fi stereo into the living room of the house. No longer was sound coming through one speaker, now two speakers filled the room with high fidelity sound. The world was expanding.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Stage - An invisible signal is everywhere. Instant connections make it possible to get information in a split second. The internet expanded the world again.

What does all this mean?

I am not sure, but I can go into wireless "hot spots" and watch science fiction and listen to high fidelity music on the wireless fidelity signal. Pretty cool if you ask me.

What is the next technology that will expand the world again? I am sure somewhere in a laboratory someone is working on a project that will shrink the size of the world again and make information more rapidly available.

Here are some possibilities that I have been thinking about...

Di-Fi (Distraction Fidelity) Stage - A sophisticated technology for those suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. It provides a steady flow of information enabling the user to multitask more effectively.

Gi-Fi (Gift Fidelity) Stage -This is an incredible technology for those who are difficult to shop for. It is a gallery of "virtual gifts." There is no wrapping, shipping or the worry of sending thank you's. They don't actually exist in reality, they are more of a thought in the giver and receivers mind.

Fi-Fi Stage - This is not a technological advance, but it makes a great name for a poodle.

Well, I think you get the picture...

Until then, I am going to take time to enjoy the benefits of the technology which opens the world to its users. I am thankful for the flow of information available to me. My prayer is that I am faithful in its use.

"Gotta go and check my email."

Spontaneous

2011-02-05T06:47:00.000-05:00

Last night we had the privilege of having dinner with a young couple that just adopted a baby boy. It was a special time to hold the little baby and to enjoy a meal together. There were stories about how he came to be a part of their family and their hopes and dreams for him as he grows up. It was all spontaneous (except for the meal prep). Incredible!

Just as we were about to eat, my phone rang. It was friends calling us spontaneously asking if we had dinner plans. I apologized and told them what we were doing. "No problem. We'll catch you next time."

Leaving the young families' house, even though it was well past dinner time, I called my friend and said, "we just finished dinner and we can meet you for coffee and desert." Spontaneously, he said, "my wife just put brownies in the oven, why don't you come over here?" Without hesitation, I told him we were on our way.

Spontaneous. No pre-planning. No checking a calendar to see if that date and time were open. No advanced conversations about where to go. No discussion about the time. Spontaneous.

Have we lost the art of being spontaneous? Have we lost the art of simply inviting others to get together or do we think that we have to have a spotless house and exquisite menu?

Several weeks ago my wife and I were in Boston to visit our son. He is the King of Spontaneous. Even though we have been to Boston many times, he took us down side streets and through areas of town we had never seen.

Destination? None in particular. We were just spontaneously taking a drive. How refreshing.

Turning a corner in Jamaica Plain he pointed out a community center that he and many of his friends frequent. It is the hub of all community activities in that area of the city. Going in the front door you could feel the energy of our son and his friends as they prepared meals for Boston's homeless and helpless.

I immediately fell in love with the name of the center...Spontaneous Celebrations.

How's that for a name for a center? What would it look like if that sign hung over the front door of your home? What would happen if that was the name of your church?

Last night my wife and I went to two homes. Both could have easily had that sign hung over the entrance to their homes. And, I felt right at home.

Most of us are to busy to be spontaneous.

In the words from an old TV commercial..."Try it, you'll like it."

Spontaneous!

Bookstores

2011-02-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

I love bookstores. Every opportunity I get to go into a bookstore I take it. Sometimes I am thrilled with what I find and other times I walk away disappointed. I have my preferences.

I like Borders...great atmosphere,
computers make it easy to access their collections

Barnes & Noble is OK...more like a museum rather than an actual vendor of books.

Jelly Beans...a local book store selling used books,
vinyl and posters...great smell inside the store.

Schulers...an incredible independent bookstore in Michigan that
combines great books, coffee and vibe.

Did I mention that I like bookstores?

Jerry Seinfeld says that, "a bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking." I agree.

It is amazing how a best seller applauded by critics can find its way onto the 99 cent clearance table within a short time after its publication. Books are being written everyday and some stand the test of time and others are relegated to obscurity.

"Have you read a good book lately? Who do you read?

Recently I was reading an article by a voracious reader who was asked for book recommendations. His response intrigued me. He said, "I only read dead people." Upon more careful investigation I learned that he meant that his favorite authors were dead. He felt that books that continued to be published after an author dies must have something to say.

Back to the bookstores mentioned above....I checked it out and I think he is right. The shelves are full of books by authors that have died. The clearance rack is full of books from people who are still alive.

Check it out next time you are in a bookstore.

Here a some books by dead people that have brought life to my mind.

The Kingdom of God is Within You, Leo Tolstoy

To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Orbiting the Giant Hairball, Gordon Mackenzie

Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens

My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers

Living Reminder, Henri Nouwen

By the way, when was the last time you were in a bookstore?

Scarecrow

2011-02-02T17:47:00.029-05:00

I have incredibly vivid memories of going to visit relatives in the bayou country of Louisiana. Life was large when we went to the country. My black and white view of life turned into technicolor when I sat on the porch with Uncle Chester, Aunt Annie and the rest of the family.

Pulling off the black top, it was like walking into a whole different world when we arrived at the big house along the dusty road.

There was a huge garden, there were chickens running wild in the yard, there were empty Prince Albert cans of tobacco strewn in the front yard and there was a huge kitchen.

After getting settled in and exchanging pleasantries I waited for the invitation to go out into the garden to collect vegetables for the noon meal. It felt like I was walking in Cheneyville, Louisiana's version of the Garden of Eden. On a side note, there were always two less chickens in the yard after we left. We sorta took a part of them with us if you know what I mean.

The meal was incredible...it was plenteous and tasty. I can still remember the smells, tastes and joy of sitting around the large table.

Now all of these memories may not have unfolded exactly as I have remembered, but to the best of my memory that is the way it was.

One thing about the garden was that it had a scarecrow. Not just your Wizard of Oz variety of scarecrow. This was a scarecrow intended to frighten would be scavengers dropping by for a vegetable buffet. Not only did it frighten birds, but it was very frightening to a young kid unaccustomed to things like that.

Who makes scarecrows anymore? Probably they are a thing of the past. There is not really a big market for scarecrows these days.

Jeremiah writing in the tenth chapter uses a "scarecrow metaphor."

"Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,

their idols cannot speak; they

must be carried because they cannot walk." v. 16.

Look for yourself, this scripture is in an obscure section of the book of Jeremiah. Some say the scriptures before verse 16 have been used by people of faith to resist the urge to buy Christmas trees, but I my mind is not on that aspect.

"Scarecrows in a cucumber field" is one thing, but "idols cannot speak" is another. Jeremiah speaks of "idols that must be carried because they cannot walk."

All of this is very interesting to me this morning. It makes me wonder if some of the things we worship (idols) are like a "scarecrow in a cucumber field." It causes me to stop and think.

If only the birds circling my Aunt Annies garden realized that although the scarecrow looked scary, it had no ability to hurt, harm or hinder the birds from gathering to feast on the cucumbers, corn and snap peas.

I am not sure what all of this means, however have you ever felt like a scarecrow in a cucumber field?

Steward

2011-02-02T08:34:00.000-05:00

Time...Talent...Treasure... that's the stuff that Steward-ship is often associated with.

But being a "Story Steward" is another thing.

In my reading yesterday I ran across a thought that sharpened the focus for me.

"If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive."

Barry Lopez

Story opportunities come to us everyday, sometimes we recognize them and sometimes we miss them. Often times the best solutions to problems lie in the telling of a story. Some of life's most challenging problems do not easily lend themselves to quick solutions, but do lend themselves to a story.

David M. Armstrong has written a powerful book entitled, Managing by Storying Around that sits on the shelf in my library. The premise of his work is that the best leaders tell stories. His last section of the book is entitled, Stories About How To Tell Stories and it is worth the price of the book.

Over the years I have discovered lots and lots of great stories. I collect them. I have a file of great stories. I pray that I will remember them at the right time and like the rabbi who was asked for advice, I will be able to say, "let me tell you a story."

Here are few words of advice...keep your eyes open for stories. When you find them, save them. Make them your own. Nurture them. Look for opportunities to share them. The world can become a better place because of the stories you tell.

I think Barry Lopez is right..."Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive."

I am always hungry for a great story. Do you know any?

Ish

2011-02-01T07:02:00.000-05:00

I am hearing it more and more everyday. I see it everywhere. I hear it all over. It sounds like this.

"See you at 7-ish." This morning one of the web sites I visit said, "we will publish a pod cast every other week, Thursday-ish."

"Ish"

It's not very precise. Matter of fact, it gives a person a lot of leeway and room for being late or early for an appointment.

There are already some people that live by "ish." I can think of several. Have you ever waited for the cable company to come to your house? They usually say, "we will be there between noon and five." That's an "ish" moment. Doctor's offices? "Ish" moments. "How old is she? Oh, she is 50-ish."

"Ish"

It makes me wonder if it easier to use "ish" than it is to be precise and then hold ourselves accountable to what we commit to? It causes me to wonder if people that live in the land of "ish" are undisciplined. It even causes me to question whether some people use the word "ish" because they are hesitant to commit?

Have you ever met people who are habitually late for appointments and meetings? They often live in the world of "ish." They say, "let's meet at 4-ish" which enables them to be free from the tyranny of being on time.

I just checked my calendar and it is still blocked out in hour segments. No room for "ish."

I gotta get going, time's a wastin'. Some people would look at my calendar and say, "You have a 9-ish, 10-30-ish, Noon-ish and a 4-ish appointments today." But I am taking the "ish" out and I will be on time today. How about you?

Poise

2011-01-31T07:28:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched the Pro Bowl football game on Fox TV.

It's a showcase of pro football talent in Hawaii. The winners take home $40,000 and the 2nd place team receives $20,000.

There were lots of antics and laughter and the players obviously enjoyed being together. It sorta reminded me of Pop Warner football for grown-ups.

Perhaps the funniest part of the game was the commentary by Terry Bradshaw and the sideline interviews by Tony Sirigusa and Jay Glazer

Here were the highlights...Jay Glazer as a TV commentator, after being turned down by one coach finally found another coach who allowed him to call an offensive play. Alex Mack, as an offensive center scored a touchdown in the final seconds. And finally, Terry Bradshaw told some hilarious stories as only he can.

Bradshaw interspersed his commentary with stories from his college days, stories from his early days as a pro and made a few predictions about what next week's Super Bowl will bring.

The man from Shreveport, Louisiana spun tales during the entire telecast. But perhaps the most profound thing he said was in response to a question from his broadcast partner in the booth.

"What's the most important quality a quarterback can possess?"

There was a pause and Bradshaw answered, "Poise. Yeah, ya can have talent, ability and people tellin' ya that your great, but poise, that's the most important thing. Ya can't teach poise, either ya have it or ya don't."

Poise means being "calm under pressure." It means, "never let' em see ya sweat." It's being "cool when the heat is on."

Poise is a trait in short supply in our culture. It seems like people say and do what they want. It seems like no one has the tenacity to be calm when life is pressure filled.

I know a few people who are poised, and it's obvious when you are around them. I have never personally met Terry Bradshaw, but I watched him lead the Pittsburgh Steelers with poise and a powerful passing arm. He says, "Ya can't teach poise."

I'm not so sure...if Terry Bradshaw can be poised, my guess is you can as well...

Do you know anybody who possesses poise? Who?

Egypt

2011-01-30T07:42:00.000-05:00

Thousands and thousands of protesters...

1000's injured...

100 or more have lost their lives...

Widespread looting...

Inmates escaped or released...

50,000 Americans wait to be evacuated...

All media coverage banned...

Cairo and its environs are in chaos. Egypt is in the throes of upheaval with an uncertain future.It is difficult to know what and who to believe.

The American government seems stymied in their ability to take a definitive stand on this critical matter.

What is the answer?

In Obama's speech recently, he said, "When I was in Cairo, shortly after I was elected, I said that all governments must maintain power through consent not coercion. That is the single standard by which the people of Egypt will achieve the future they deserve."

Consent not coercion...

I am praying that whatever ultimately unfolds in Egypt as well as other parts of the world will take place as a result of consent and not coercion.

St. Ignatius of Loyola said it well, "Pray as if it all depends upon God, for it does. But work as if it all depends upon us, for it does."

I am praying, "let your kingdom come, let your will be done."

Infophobia

2011-01-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and you hear those words, "Do you know...?" The moment that you hear that your heart begins to race and a sense of uneasiness comes over you.

In a world that is out of control with information and its immediate availability we often try to "keep up." Yet there are moments when somebody says, "do you know?" and panic grips you.

Infophobia. That's your problem, and its in epidemic proportions in our culture. The symptoms are painfully obvious. There is the sense of being incompletely informed. There is the feeling of being completely uninformed. And there is the symptom of "knowing a little about everything and not a lot of anything."

All three are dangerous.

Here is the piece that no one wants to talk about. We will never catch up with the increasing glut of information exponentially increasing every day. It is interesting in a time when we can acquire more and more we are going to have to eventually resign ourselves to knowing less and less.

That is not a bad thing. The question is, what are you doing with what you know?

Douglas Coupland, a Canadian author of postmodern stories, writes in J-Pod, "I think people in the year 2020 are going to be nostalgic for the sensation of feeling clueless."

Hey, why wait to 2020, get a head start on it now. Stop trying to gain more and more information and start trying to master what you already know.

I am not suggesting that you stop learning. But I am thinking what life would be like if I started using what I already know.

I know it sounds like I am clueless but try it. Hey, you never know what'll happen. And, by the way, its OK to not know everything. After all, nobody likes a "know it all." Know what I mean?

Events

2011-01-28T06:45:00.000-05:00

Where were you when you heard the news of the Challenger explosion?

Where were you when you heard the news of John F. Kennedy's assassination?

Where were you when you heard the news of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan?

Where were you when you heard the OJ Simpson verdict?

Where were you when the events of 9/11 occur?

It is interesting that not only do we remember these events, we can remember where we were when we heard the news. Why is that?

The answer lies in the fact we often associate places with events. Receiving bad news freezes us in time for a moment. Where we hear the news is etched in our minds as well. It's a strange thing.

Challenger explosion...I was in a hotel lobby in Venezuela and the news was streaming in Spanish. The images told the story.

John F. Kennedy assassination....I was released from first grade and my mother picked me up and stopped to do some shopping at K-Mart. In the television department every TV was telling the story.

Ronald Reagan assassination attempt...I was in front of Wimpy Burgers on Troost in Kansas City.

The OJ Verdict....I was in Pizzeria Uno in Manchester, Connecticut eating lunch with staff.

9/11...I was in staff meeting and my wife called and said that an airplane crashed into a building in NYC.

All of these events seem like they took place yesterday, yet they have taken place over the span of several decades.

My memories are fresh of each of these events. The emotions I felt are fresh as well. I am not pretending to understand why all of these events unfolded as they did. I am wondering though what lessons can be gleaned from them.

Where were you when these things happened and what have you learned?

Mystery

2011-01-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

"We live in mystery...yet believe everything is known."

--British Playwright, Christopher Fry

I have watched people for a long time. It is amazing how people wander through life and give the appearance they have everything figured out. Watching people also reminds me that there are times when we think we know more than at other times in our life.

I have a theory that high school students are probably at the apex of their intellectual life as they near graduation. Younger people often act like they know more than their elders. People who aren't parents know more about raising children than people who have kids. We often look at situations and have opinions even though we don't have all of the facts.

19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer said, "The first forty years of life gives us the text: the next thirty years supply the commentary."

I am now living in the "commentary" phase of my life.

The things that I used to "know" now seem to be more of a "mystery."

And, by the way, I'm OK with that.

Distance

2011-01-26T08:05:00.000-05:00

"The shortest distance between two people is a story."

- Anonymous

I have the privilege everyday of living in this "shortest distance." Stories have ways of reminding us of what is important. The best way to learn about people is to learn about their story. Everybody has one.

Mitch Albom, master storyteller, writing in The Five People You Meet in Heaven, says "The world is full of stories, but they are all one."

Many people are reluctant to tell their story for fear that others will judge them or fail to understand. Sadly, people walk through life without ever experiencing the joy of telling their story and being known deeply by others.

Maya Angelou, poet and storyteller says, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you."

Often times people are reluctant to share their story because they feel like others will ridicule them or make them feel like they are the only one who have a story like theirs.

Quid rides? Mutato nomine, de te fibula narrator. From the writings of Horace, translated: Why do you laugh? Change the name, and the story is told of you.

When was the last time you told your story? What stories will future generations wish we had told? What holds you back from telling your story?

Stories connect us with others in ways that no other strategy can.

Today I am going to live in the "shortest distance." After all, that is where stories connect us to others.

Entitled

2011-01-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

We are entitled to nothing!

Poverty

2011-01-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

I can't remember the exact quote.

Flying back from a trip to New Orleans several years ago I was reading USA Today and the author was reflecting on the simple life. He described the incredible losses suffered by poor people in the wards of New Orleans. He described the simple ways people were living as a result of their losses.

Referring to the effects of Hurricane Katrina, the author said, "It's one thing to simplify on our terms, but it's another to simply on Mother Nature's terms."

It made me think of the poverty often left in the wake of catastrophes.

Poverty.

There are many other examples of people living a simple life as a result of poverty. Shane Claiborne, families in Appalachia, forgotten people in Harlem, and countless other pockets of humanity throughout the US.

Dorothy Day, an American journalist and social activist, wrote, "It (is) expensive to be poor, and it (is) especially expensive to practice voluntary poverty."

There are those who have resisted the heavy influences of capitalism and have resolved to live a life of simplicity, but it's costly.

Consumption.

There are two definitions....The first is another name for the disease Tuberculosis. The second is another name for the disease afflicting Americans in epidemic proportions. Tuberculosis can be cured with a palette of medications that arrest the infection. Consumerism can be cured by addressing the patterns prompting out of control spending.

So, today is another day to choose whether I am going to pursue things and suffer from consumption that leads to poverty, or whether I will resist the urge and break free.

Listening

2011-01-23T07:31:00.000-05:00

Dilbert appears in the comic section of nearly 2000 newspapers around the world. It is the brainchild of Scott Adams who regularly points out the foibles of white collar offices and micro-managers.

I love reading it.

I always see other people I know in his comic strips. Often times I laugh out loud and then realize that I am the subject of his drawings.

Several weeks ago I saw this cartoon and laughed.

Adams highlights two very important aspects of contemporary culture. "Nothing I say in meetings actually means anything." And, then in response to, "Why do you talk?" these words..."I tried listening once. It was awful."

More words are spoken everyday than in any other time in the history of the world, yet there is little "added value" in most cases. Meetings are held, summits are called and cohorts meet. The result? Well, you judge for yourself.

The question is real. "Why do you talk?

The answer is even more frightening, "I tried listening once. It was awful."

Dilbert's cartoons are prophetic and pathetic assessments of where we are in our discourse as a community.

What if we are called to use quality words rather than quantity of words? What if there is no honor in wearing people down with our words? What if we believed that "words mean things?"

Today, I think I am going to be "slow to speak and quick to listen." If I am successful, I think I will have more time today than I did yesterday.