Pair o' Dime Shift

Snow Day Activities (Test)

2012-01-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

Test Publish of Pictures

2012-01-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

Personent Hodie

2011-12-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

This one most have not heard. As a matter of fact, a few years ago, my son's choir teacher was givwn credit for writing it! Anyhow, it sticks with me and has become the one I want to hear during this time.

On this day earth shall ring
With a song children sing
To the Lord, Christ our king,
Born on earth to save us,
Him the Father gave us,
Ideo, gloria, in excelsis deo.

His the doom, ours the mirth
When he came down to earth
Bethlehem saw his birth,
Ox and ass beside him
From the cold would hide him.
Ideo, gloria, in excelsis deo.

Sing aloud on this day,
Children all raise the lay
Cheerfully we and they
Hasten to adore thee.
Sent from highest glory.
For us born on this morn
Of the Virgin Mary.

Magi three traveling,
Their gifts offering,
A star following
In the east was shining
Their pathways guiding
Frankincense, gold, and myrrh
Were the gifts they offered.

And since today is a celebration, here's another version:

How Great Our Joy

2011-12-24T12:30:00.000-05:00

While by the sheep we watched at night,
Glad tidings brought an angel bright!

Refrain:

How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!

There shall be born, so He did say,
In Bethlehem a Child today!

Refrain

There shall the Child lie in a stall,
This Child who shall redeem us all!

Refrain

This gift of God we'll cherish well,
That ever joy our hearts shall fill!

Refrain

Christmas: Now and Then

2011-12-24T07:03:00.001-05:00

A quick study in contrast...AdventNow, while commercialism invades every aspect of Christmas, we attend parties, sing carols, wish people well, and make/eat a lot of rich food.Then, Mary was in hiding, public shame was likely on both her and her husband, and nothing else in society had changed but this Roman requirement to go to your ancestor's home town for a census.Christmas EveNow, we celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas. We go to church, eat more rich food and begin opening gifts.Then, Mary and Joseph were traveling 80+ miles to Bethlehem, or sitting in a smelly cave while contractions were beginning. Christmas DayNow, for most a frenzy of activity of opening and receiving gifts, more rich food, (more acid reducers), lots of garbage and clutter in the house, and seem very exhausted people.Then, well there are some similarities here. A frenzy of activity, the pain came first, but then the smiles came. There was plenty of garbage and clutter, I'm sure. Shepherds were also freaking out and some folks from the east arere blown away at the sight of a new start in the west. They probably begin to look at manuscripts and begin wondering if they should follow the star somewhere.After Christmas DayNow, the celebration, sadly, is over. Everything begins to return to normal, except for perhaps some frenzied shoppers and returners in the stores. Virtually all Christmas music stops. And parents begin to put things back in their normal spots in the house.Then, I suspect more activity in the stall. Joseph is actively looking for a decent place for his family, and perhaps he's planning a circumcision ceremony as well. Magi are learning what the star means, packing up some gifts and getting a caravan ready for a very long trip. Shepherds are probably trying to convince others about what had happened the day before. Back then, what celebration there was probably just beginning.

Away in a Manger (in 4)

2011-12-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

I like this version mainly because it's not the way we always hear it. (The same reason I like "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name in 3)

Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

For Unto Us a Child is Born

2011-12-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

For unto us a Child is born
Unto us a Son is given
And the government
Shall be upon His shoulder
And his name shall be called
Wonderful
Counselor
The Mighty God
The Everlasting Father
The Prince of Peace.

Unto Us is Born a Son

2011-12-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Not exactly what you might think it is....

Unto us is born a son,
King of choirs supernal:
See on earth his life begun,
Of lords the Lord eternal.

Christ, from heav'n descending low,
Comes on earth a stranger;
Ox and ass their Owner know
Now cradled in a manger.

This did Herod sore affray,
And did him bewilder,
So he gave the word to slay,
And slew the little childer.

Of his love and mercy mild
Hear the Christmas story:
O that Mary's gentle Child
Might lead us up to glory!

O and A and A and O,
Cantemus in choro,
Voice and organ, sing we so,
Benedicamus Domino.

Once in David's Royal City

2011-12-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

Once in royal Davids city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.

For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He cares when we are sad,
And he shares when we are glad.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.

Celebrate the Child

2011-12-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

Another Contemporary Christmas song oft overlooked

Chorus
Celebrate the Child who is the Light
Now the darkness is over
No more wandering in the night
Celebrate the Child who is the Light

You know this is no fable
Godhead and manhood became one
We see He's more than able
And so we live to God the Son

Chorus

First born of creation
Lamb and Lion, God and Man
The Author of Salvation
Almighty rapped in swaddling bands

Chorus

In the First Light

2011-12-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

A more contemporary Favorite which puzzles me more that I don't hear this (and the one I will post tomorrow) on Christmas (and Christian) radio

In the first light of a new day
No one knew He had arrived
Things continued as they had been
While a new born softly cried.

But the heavens wrapped in wonder
Knew the meaning of His birth
In the weakness of a baby
They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely,
It was hard to understand
That her baby not yet speaking
Was the Word of God to man.

He would tell them of His kingdom,
But their hearts would not believe
They would hate Him and in anger
They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken
As the song of life arose
And the First born of creation
Would ascend and take his throne.

He has left it to redeem us,
But before His life began
He knew He´d come back not as a baby
But as The Lord of ev´ry man.

Hear the angels as they´re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again
When He comes again

Hear the angels as they´re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to Earth

Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming

2011-12-20T12:30:00.000-05:00

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jese's lineage coming,
As men of old have sung.
It came a flow'ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it,
The Virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright,
She bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

This Flow'r, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness ev'rywhere.
True man yet very God;
From sin and death He saves us,
And lightens ev'ry load.

Gesu Bambino

2011-12-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

I Absolutely Love this...

When blossoms flower e'er 'mid the snows,
Upon a winter night,
Was born The Child, the Christmas Rose,
The King of Love and Light.
The angels sang, the shepherds sang,
The grateful earth rejoiced;
And at his blessed birth the stars
Their exultation voiced.

Chorus:
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
Christ the lord.

Again the heart with rapture glows
To greet the holy night,
That gave the world it's Christmas Rose,
Its King of Love and Light
Let ev'ry voice acclaim his name,
The grateful chorus swell
From paradise to earth he came
That we with him might dwell.

Chorus

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

2011-12-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth
Our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six winged seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Lord Most High!

Sussex Carol (On Christmas Night)

2011-12-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

On Christmas night all Christians sing

To hear the news the angels bring

On Christmas night all Christians sing

To hear the news the angels bring

News of great joy news of great mirth

News of our merciful King's birth

Then why should men on earth be so sad

Since our Redeemer made us glad

Then why should men on earth be so sad

Since our Redeemer made us glad Chorus

When from our sin he set us free

All for to gain our liberty?

When sin departs before his grace

Then life and health come in its place

When sin departs before his grace

Then life and health come in its place

Angels and men with joy may sing

All for to see the new born King Chorus

All out of darkness we have light

Which made the angels sing this night

All out of darkness we have light

Which made the angels sing this night

Glory to God and peace to men

Now and forever more, Amen.

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

2011-12-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day;
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance;

Chorus

Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love,
This have I done for my true love.

Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance
Thus was I knit to man's nature
To call my true love to my dance.

Chorus

In a manger laid, and wrapped I was
So very poor, this was my chance
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass
To call my true love to my dance.

Chorus

From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

2011-12-12T12:30:00.000-05:00

Translation from German...

"From heaven above to earth I come
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:

"To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;2
This little child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all the earth.

"This is the Christ, our God and Lord,
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.

"He will on you the gifts bestow
Prepared by God for all below,
That in His kingdom, bright and fair,
You may with us His glory share.

"These are the tokens ye shall mark:
The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;
There ye shall find the Infant laid
By whom the heavens and earth were made."

Now let us all with gladsome cheer
Go with the shepherds and draw near
To see the precious gift of God,
Who hath His own dear Son bestowed.

Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes!
What is it in yon manger lies?
Who is this child, so young and fair?
The blessed Christ-child lieth there.

Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
Through whom the sinful world is blest!
Thou com'st to share my misery;
What thanks shall I return to Thee?

Ah, Lord, who hast created all,
How weak art Thou, how poor and small,
That Thou dost choose Thine infant bed
Where humble cattle lately fed!

Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
It yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

For velvets soft and silken stuff
Thou hast but hay and straw so rough,
Whereon Thou, King, so rich and great,
As 'twere Thy heaven, art throned in state.

And thus, dear Lord, it pleaseth Thee
To make this truth quite plain to me,
That all the world's wealth, honor, might,
Are naught and worthless in Thy sight.

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled, be
Within my heart, that it may
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep;
I, too, must sing with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle-song:

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto us His Son hath given!
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad new year to all the earth.

Of the Father's Love Begotten

2011-12-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

This is a "new" favorite for me. A friend of mine mentioned this as a good one, and now I know why:

Of the Father's love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

Oh, that birth forever blessed
When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heaven, adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

This is He whom Heaven-taught singers
Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the Scriptures of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the Long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.

Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.

Downe in Yon Forrest

2011-12-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

This is perhaps the most obscure one I have found yet. It's allegorical and the melody is haunting and beautiful. I've been listening to this gentleman, Kemper Crabb, and I wish I lived close to where he frequently gives concerts though...love his music.

Down in yon forest there stands a hall:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
It's covered all over with purple and pall
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.

In that hall there stands a bed:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
It's covered all over with scarlet so red:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.

At the bed-side there lies a stone:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
Which the sweet Virgin Mary knelt upon:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.

Under that bed there runs a flood:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
The one half runs water, the other runs blood:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.

At the bed's foot there grows a thorn:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
Which ever blows blossom since he was born:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.

Over that bed the moon shines bright:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
Denoting our Saviour was born this night:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.

The Holly and the Ivy

2011-12-08T12:30:00.000-05:00

Similar to Sans Day Carol, and perhaps more well known:

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.

Refrain:

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer,

The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our sweet saviour

Refrain

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good.

Refrain

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn.

Refrain

The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all.

Christmas in the Trenches

2011-12-07T12:30:00.000-05:00

Not a carol today. This is a great song that I heard first when John McCutcheon came to Wright State University in 1991. This is about the Christmas Truce of 1914. (Skip to 2:00 if you don't want the intro).

Oh my name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school
From Belgium and to Flanders, Germany to here
I fought for King and country I love dear.

'twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France were still no Christmas songs were sung
Our families back in England were toasting us that day
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.

I was lying with my mess mates on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound
Says I now listen up me boys, each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.

He's singing bloody well you know, my partner says to me
Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony
The cannons rested silent and the gas clouds rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.

As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen struck up some lads from Kent
The next they sang was Stille Nacht 'tis Silent Night says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky

There's someone coming towards us now the front line sentry cried
All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side
His truce flag like a Christmas Star shone on the plane so bright
As he bravely strode unarmed into the night.

Soon one by one on either side, walked in to No Mans Land
With neither gun nor bayonet, we met there hand to hand
We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well
And in a flare-lit football game we gave them hell.

We traded chocolates, cigarettes and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own
Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men.

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wonderous night
Whose family have I fixed within my sights.

Twas Christmas in the trenches and the frost so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France were warmed, the songs of peace were sung
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
had been crumbled and were gone forever more.
Oh my name is Francis Tolliver, from Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas comes since World War I have learned its lesson well
For the one who calls the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same

Il est né, le divin Enfant (He Is Born)

2011-12-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

Beautiful French Carol

He is born, the divine Christ child
Play on the oboe and bagpipes merrily
He is born, the divine Christ child
Sing we all of the Saviour's birth.

Through long ages of the past
Prophets have foretold his coming
Through long ages of the past
Now the time has come at last.

Oh, how lovely, oh, how pure
Is this perfect child of heaven
Oh, how lovely, oh, how pure
Gracious gift of God, to man.

Jesus, Lord of all the world
Coming as a child among us
Jesus, Lord of all the world
Grant to us Thy heav'nly peace.

Sans Day Carol

2011-12-05T12:29:00.000-05:00

That's not the title I knew it by, but after looking online, I learned more.

Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk,
And Mary bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk:

Chorus

And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be,
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross:

Chorus

Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all:

Chorus

Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red,
Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead:

Chorus

Sunday School: When Jesus Died

2011-12-05T08:53:00.001-05:00

Yesterday in the (3rd grade) Sunday school I assist in, I heard the following exchange:

Boy: I thought Jesus died on Christmas.

Teacher: No, Christmas is when we celebrate His birth. Jesus died on a Friday.

Boy: Oh yeah! He died on Black Friday!

I was amused by this...even more so when I saw the hint of truth in the child's statement.

Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light

2011-12-04T07:35:00.001-05:00

Short and Beautiful!

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with a fright,
But hear the angel’s warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking,
Our peace eternal making.

Wexford Carol

2011-12-03T07:36:00.001-05:00

I love the The King's Singers.

Good people all, this Christmas time,

Consider well and bear in mind

What our good God for us has done

In sending his beloved son

With Mary holy we should pray,

To God with love this Christmas Day

In Bethlehem upon that morn,

There was a blessed Messiah born

The night before that happy tide

The noble Virgin and her guide

Were long time seeking up and down

To find a lodging in the town

But mark right well what came to pass

From every door repelled, alas

As was foretold, their refuge all

Was but a humble ox's stall

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep

Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep

To whom God's angel did appear

Which put the shepherds in great fear

Arise and go, the angels said

To Bethlehem, be not afraid

For there you'll find, this happy morn

A princely babe, sweet Jesus, born

With thankful heart and joyful mind

The shepherds went the babe to find

And as God's angel had foretold

They did our Saviour Christ behold

Within a manger he was laid

And by his side a virgin maid

Attending on the Lord of Life

Who came on earth to end all strife

There were three wise men from afar

Directed by a glorious star

And on they wandered night and day

Until they came where Jesus lay

And when they came unto that place

Where our beloved Messiah lay

They humbly cast them at his feet

With gifts of gold and incense sweet.^[2]

Still, Still, Still

2011-12-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

While, I enjoy(ed) the Mannheim Steamroller version, I am on a decade (at least) sabbatical from listening to them. This version is nice even though it's not in the original German:

Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

2011-12-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Christmas Music

2011-12-01T09:50:00.001-05:00

I love Christmas music! As a matter of fact, it's during this time of the year that I miss my first career (music teacher) the most. The problem of course is that much of the "Good" Christmas music is never heard due to the schlock found on local radio stations. Many of my favorites will be posted on this site over the next month. You may not like it all, but hopefully you can appreciate some.

Please don't hold your breath hoping I will post links to Burl Ives, The Beach Boys or Karen Carpenter.

Spiritual Disciplines

2011-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

Followers of Jesus struggle not only with their work but also with their prayers, with their meditations, with attempting to open spaces at the depths where the Spirit of God may descend and dwell. The spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, meditation, confession) look as if they would be a pain; and they are. But they are also a joy. They look as if they would bind us. They do, but they bind our own internal constraints - the desires that lead us around if we do not bind them. So the disciplines actually open a door to freedom. The discipline of study can feel like a burden. It is a burden, but the Christian person yokes up with Jesus Chris to haul the burden, and the joy and freedom of fellowship with Christ make the burden light. In short, the disciplines help make us prime citizens of the kingdom because they help to make us strong and deep

-Cornelius Plantinga Jr., Engaging God's World: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning, and Living

NPR story on Latinos and Christianity

2011-10-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

This morning I listened to an interesting article regarding Hispanics and the "American Church." There is after a closer read some perspective issues.

"The Rev. Wilfredo de Jesus is leading the movement to give a little color to the mostly white Pentecostal faith. He says — and statistics bear him out — that Latinos are saving American Christianity."

Looking past "American Christianity" which sort of makes me shudder, is the statement that a certain culture/demographic is "saving it." Equally wrong would be a statement like this:

"The American Church is saving a a disproportionately large number of Hispanic Americans."

I think the first quote wouldn't bother me as much if it wasn't from a Christian leader. I can't expect NPR to acknowledge where the Holy Spirit works and Who actually does the saving (and from what). I hope the statement has been brought out of context as well as the final statement of the piece:

"Which is why de Jesus is traveling the country, telling other pastors how to expand their churches, Latino-style."

For a Christian, salvation does not come through a church but through Christ. For a church, the purpose is not to increase their "gate" but to usher congregants to the Savior.

Which church do you go to?

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

A literal translation of common dialog:

Person 1: Which Church do you go to?
Person 2: We go to (insert pleasant name) (insert well-known denomination) Church. It's the church my spouse was raised in.

Translation: I really don't like this church or the denomination, but we go there anyhow.

Question for Worship Pastors

2011-09-08T07:54:00.000-04:00

Actually two...

Does the volume during worship exceed decibel level standards set by OSHA?
Should it?

A new way to choose a team in the NFL

2011-09-07T09:20:00.000-04:00

For years, I have tried to shed my allegiance to the Cincinnati Bengals. Growing up in the area, they were respectable. Actually, they were respectable until the passing of their founder and first head coach, Paul Brown. They have been consistently bad since, and the common thread through those years of badness, has been the teams front office and ownership. (In this case the apple DOES fall far from the tree).

Anyhow, the saying you often hear is, "If you want to know where someone's heart is, look at their checkbook." I'm going to follow that statement in to the NFL. I have decided that I will cheer for the team who has spent the most on their payroll. Not because they likely have the best players, but because I refuse to be more concerned about winning than the owners/millionaires that own the team.

Craig's List

2011-09-05T18:17:00.003-04:00

Son (re: selling something through craigslist): "But what if they guy who says he wants to buy them, has a machine gun?"
Mom: "I don't think he is going to have a machine gun."
Son: "I know. If he has a machine gun, I will just give him the matchbox cars."
Mom: "That's a very good idea!"

Ironies in Facebook

2011-08-29T14:36:00.000-04:00

We "friend" people we might otherwise consider acquaintances, coworkers, etc.

We "like" things not because we really like them but because it might win us something.

We "poke" people....which we learned at an early age not to do.

Surely there are others...

Objectivism/Ayn Rand

2011-08-26T07:45:00.000-04:00

Growing up I was a huge fan of Rush, (and still am a fan). Consequently, it was cool to think Ayn Rand is cool. Mainly because she had one novel that influenced the the writing of "2112." I read that novel, which in and of itself was thought provoking.

Ayn Rand is best known for a Philosophy called Objectivism. The summation of this philosphy, from an ethical point of view is characterized by a statement of one of her Characters in "Atlas Shrugged:"

"I swear -- by my life and my love of it -- that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine."

While Ms. Rand may have influenced prominent people such as Alan Greenspan, I personally find this philosophy, or the creator of it a bit whacked.

You can find many interviews with her on youtube.

"Making Out"

2011-08-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

10 Year Old Son: "Dad, what is 'making out?'"
Dad: "Uh,...it's when you kiss your wife multiple times."
Son: "Yeah, or someone you're in love with, right?"
Dad: "Uh...let's just leave it at 'wife.'"

See if you can swim...

2011-08-24T10:11:00.000-04:00

This week I figuratively threw my sons in to the deep end. Yesterday was their first day of 6th and 3rd grade, in a new school where they knew less than five people vaguely. Today the 6th grader left for Windy Gap for a three day spiritual retreat with the middle school.

I'm very happy about their new school, while being both thrilled and petrified that they are gaining more independence through the process....especially the 6th grader. Here he is leaving the parking lot this morning. He's the one in the bus. ;-)

Dare I dust this thing off?

2011-08-24T09:59:00.001-04:00

Is it because I am neglectful or less egocentric that I haven't posted in a while? You can decide in due time I suppose. I'm seriously thinking about a full decommissioning of this blog or perhaps I lower my standards and post any and everything that comes to mind. People can take or leave it. I'm beginning to think the latter would be better. Doing so will help me be less selective and allow the writing outlet I want. Considering that it is implied that people take or leave blog entries, I shouldn't be so hard on myself and should just do it.

I suppose if I'm going to do this I should perhaps change the name of this blog too.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

2011-02-18T10:11:00.001-05:00

Often we find we are not putting our faith into action. That what we do seems temporal or lacks potential eternal significance. Max Lucado addresses such thoughts and concerns in Outlive your life. After reading Fearless, I felt this would be a good second Max Lucado book to read. Lucado remains extremely readable. The words flow well and the stories can be heart-wrenching/warming. In this Book, Lucado takes the first 12 chapters of Acts and uses them to speak on the need for us, as followers of Christ, to engage the world and make a difference.

In this book, Lucado strikes his pastoral tones and each chapter comes out like a sermon…a good sermon. Max pulls at your emotions while grounding you in the text of scripture, albeit at a high level. I found myself emotionally moved to further take on our call to live according to the ways that were reflected in our savior and the early disciples. Mr. Lucado writes at a high level. His writings are grounded in sound theology, but theology is not what you will get in this book. This book focuses on application which is consistent with the author’s style. The book was enjoyable and moving.

One hundred percent of the author royalties from Outlive Your Life products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

More and Less

2010-12-31T08:08:00.000-05:00

Thoughts for the new year (in no specific order):

Write more, tweet less
Move more, eat less
Pray more, surf less
Listen more, talk less
Serve more, judge less
Love more, complain less
Play more, sit less
Give more, spend less

I do not resolve anything, but I do hope to improve.

Eating healthy and guilt free during the holiday season

2010-12-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

Your basic salad, by layer is as follows:
1. Vegetables and maybe a little meat
2. Cheese
3. Dressing
4. Bread (Croutons)
You now have a guilt free healthy dish.

Turn it upside down:
1. Bread
2. Dressing
3. Cheese
4. Vegetables and maybe a little meat
If your dressing is tomato based and you reduce the fat/oil a little, you essentially have a pizza.

Conclusion: Pizza is better for you than salad....Happy Holidays!!!

Fearless by Max Lucado

2010-08-20T12:09:00.005-04:00

Fear of Insignificance? Upsetting God? Financial Upheaval? Losing Your Job? Death? In Max Lucado’s book Fearless, the author looks to word pictures, analogies and most importantly, scripture, to address these and many other common fears. Fear constrains us from what God wants us to be. It limits our service, worship, witness and joy.

This was the first Max Lucado book I had ever read, I wasn’t disappointed. I found the author easy to read and his writing style has a familiar tone. His pastoral nature comes through in his word pictures and analogies as well as references to both the old and new testaments make reading this book very was not the least bit intimidating, which reflects the tone you would expect when someone tells us not to be afraid. While reading this book, I felt like I was sitting in a room with Max, while he was providing encouragement and conviction where needed. I found Fearless very appropriate and timely, not only from a national or international perspective, but from a personal one. The book reads like a series of sermons, which brings additional value to the book since I can reference it when needed during times of anxiety. With each topic, Max makes a compelling case, to consider scripture and our God when anxiousness and fear constrain us. And in the end, he helps us realize that the only healthy fear is in God and His limitless power.

How would Jesus Vote?

2010-08-13T13:37:00.003-04:00

From Max Lucado's book, Fearless:

"Politicians pull box-sized versions of Jesus off the shelf asserting that Jesus would most certainly vote green; conservative; often; never; like a hawk, dove or eagle. The Jesus-of-my-politics comes in handy during elections."

I appreciate his facetiousness. He goes on to talk about how you cannot put God in a box.

Celebrating "Yes" 19 years later

2010-07-23T10:46:00.001-04:00

Warning: Recycled Post. Originally posted on 7/23/07

Nineteen years ago, I had the privilege of participating in a short term mission project. My girlfriend Tina and I had been actively involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and this was where we had essentially met and built our relationship. Tina and I had been dating for about a year and a half when we felt led to go with Operation Mobilization to Birmingham and Bradford, England. The trip was life-changing in so many ways. Seeing people learn about Jesus and grow in their faith as well as being able to serve alongside other believers from every corner of the globe was an experience I will not soon forget. But I have to say the biggest part of this trip; the part that has changed my life the most, (and for the better), was the evening of July 23rd, 1991. Seventeen years ago today.

After spending the day doing direct/assertive evangelism in Birmingham, the large group of international missionaries were to go back to the Elim church where we were having evening meetings. This usually consisted of dinner, worship and a message. Well, Tina and I were on different teams and hadn't seen each other all day so I had asked my team leader, Ian, for a place I could go in the evening with my girlfriend. So when we got to the church, I told Tina that we were playing "hookie" from the meetings and going out to dinner.

The day was typical of England in mid-July. A light drizzle and temperature in the 50-60 degree range. Not ideal I suppose but there is something about an English rain that makes it a little less of a downer. (I was amazed by how little the weather affects the English. I suppose when it's something you're used to, it doesn't bother you). Well, I took Ian's advice and we headed to a local street where there were a number of restaurants. There was even one touted as "American Cuisine," but we opted to pass on that. We settled on a place appropriately called "Valentino's." It being a Tuesday, the place was empty and quiet. I asked if what we were wearing was acceptable and he told us to come on in. After 10 days or so in Europe, it was really nice to get away by ourselves and not have to think about everything going on around us. We sat by candlelight and I think we talked about the future and probably talked about the mission trip we were on, but it's hard to recall. I can't remember much of the conversation, but being in love, I'm sure it was good. Tina and I shared our dinners: Chicken Marsala and Spaghetti Bolognese. Afterwards, I asked the host if we could take the candle with us for memorabilia. He probably thought we were being silly, but of course he said "yes." A half-burned candle isn't something you keep on a table anyhow but it was a nice reminder for us. When we left, I noticed that the rain had finally stopped. This was an incredible blessing because I was hoping we could find a nice place to sit after dinner before heading back. We walked up the hill we had come down earlier and stopped at a BP "Petrol" station to ask for directions/advice. This being "pre-blackberry," we were at the mercy of a local in order to find some place to go. We asked the lady at the counter if there was a park or something nearby to walk to and she mentioned there was one but wasn't sure if it was walking distance from there. Just then a local cab driver came in and he told us about Grove Park and said it was a little far to walk. He offered to take us as a courtesy! What are the chances that the rain would stop and a cab driver would take us there for no charge? We thanked the man profusely and Tina gave him some Smarties as a "thank you." (Smarties are not American smarties...they're like M&M's).

The park had a nice pond and the sun was just behind the trees from where we sat. Again we continued our conversation and enjoyed the serenity of the evening. Very few people were out, and we felt like we had the place to ourselves. With the rain stopped it had turned into a pleasant evening. I was pleased with how the evening had turned out. In some ways it was how I had hoped it would be when I proposed to my wife. So with my heart in my throat and my knees on the ground, I slipped a ring on Tina's finger and asked her to marry me. I don't know what possessed her to do so, but after a moment of disbelief, she said "yes."

Engagement is often overlooked as far as a milestone. However when you think about this, engagement is a huge commitment! It is my belief that engagement is where the real commitment is and the ceremony follows later. The man is essentially saying, "I'm all in," and for a moment which seems like eternity, waits to hear the response. In my case, Tina said she was "all in" too. Once this is done, it's extremely difficult for a couple to turn back. I have a hard time seeing how a once-spurned proposal could turn into a happy marriage. I'm sure it's done, but I suspect that it's not a point of fond memories and I'm guessing a lot of folks go their separate ways after such an occasion. For me, I was incredibly blessed. Tina is as close to a perfect complement to me as there can be. It is hard, and virtually unthinkable for me to think of life without her. She's an incredible wife and mother of our two boys.

Like many, when you participate in a short term mission project, you experience things that alter your perception of life. You become a more open-minded and loving person and you have experiences that you will never forget. Although this was one of the many memories from the trip, it was also the one that made the most impact on me. Anyone who knows Tina, knows how loving and caring she is and I have the honor and privilege to spend virtually every day of my life with her. What more could I ask for?

Tina,
thanks for saying "yes" 19 years ago and for loving me "no matter what" since then. I love you.

Perfect Game - not

2010-06-03T11:08:00.003-04:00

If you missed it, Armando Galarraga pitched a perfect game, but due to terrible call by umpire Jim Joyce, it was lost after 8 and 2/3 innings. The call wasn't even close. The umpire blew it. To put this in to perspective, prior to this year, 18 perfect games had been thrown in the entire history of Major League Baseball. Those who have done it join an elite group. Galarraga will not be one of them do to an errant decision by the umpire.

However, there are larger messages to be learned from last night's perfect game that wasn't. If I were watching it with my son, I would hope to point out the following after the bad call:

Nobody is perfect.
Life is not fair. Never think it is.

The day after, here is one article that puts things in an even better perspective. In light of that article, I would note the following to my son:

The umpire acknowledged his mistake: "I just cost that kid a perfect game," he said.
The umpire approached the pitcher and expressed remorse and apologized. Apparently he had tears in his eyes and apologized multiple times the story above said.
Immediately after the call, Galarraga was smiling while many were wanting the umps head. Galarraga offered forgiveness. In reference to the situation, he even said to reporters, "What am I going to do?" and "Nobody's Perfect." Classy.

So while the rest of us are screaming, the pitcher and umpire are making things right. They are showing us how to handle the fact that we are not perfect and that life is NOT fair. They are showing us not perfection, but perhaps human nature at it's best. In the grand scheme of things, I'd rather observe these actions over 27 batters not reaching first base.

Another parting thought...

Here's another upside... Galarraga will not be on the growing list of those who have pitched perfect games. But how many can you name on that list? I've got two. Don Larsen who did it in a World Series, and Tom Browning who did it for the Reds, (and I listened to it while it happened). So I can remember two, but I also know of two games that were "almost perfect." Babe Ruth got thrown out of a game after walking the first batter he faced and Ernie Shore picked the runner off of first and then retired the next 26 batters. Shore was perfect, but since a runner reached first, it is only considered a combined no-hitter. And now I will remember this game where Armando Galarraga retired, in reality, 28 batters...with one really bad call. Ironically, and fortunately, he will likely be remembered more because of this than if he had pitched a perfect game.

Good Friday: Despised

2010-04-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

Unashamedly reposted from last year:

I believe last year at this time I was also thinking about Isaiah 53. What a wonderful chapter it is! I find great encouragement in the words that were written prior to the Sacrifice that our Lord made for us on the cross. Today we remember that day.

I consider the following:

Jesus, in the Garden with the weight of the following day on his heart and mind. He had such dread of the following day he asked the Father if there was another way.
His closest friends in their weakness sleeping while he laments the pain and burden forthcoming. Imagine how alone he must have felt!
A disciple kissing him, as a sign of complete betrayal, greed and evil.
Another disciple, who Jesus himself said he would build his church on, denying he even knew Jesus...three times.
The mockery, the hate, the thorns, the cursing, laughing, striking, spitting, nailing, hanging and piercing...

I can't truly imagine it completely. But it was done. And it was done by people like you and me. And he suffered it for people like you and me.

Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?
The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed.
We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.
We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,
on him, on him.
He was beaten, he was tortured,
but he didn't say a word.
Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered
and like a sheep being sheared,
he took it all in silence.
Justice miscarried, and he was led off—
and did anyone really know what was happening?
He died without a thought for his own welfare,
beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
They buried him with the wicked,
threw him in a grave with a rich man,
Even though he'd never hurt a soul
or said one word that wasn't true.
Still, it's what God had in mind all along,
to crush him with pain.
The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.
Out of that terrible travail of soul,
he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
will make many "righteous ones,"
as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly—
the best of everything, the highest honors—
Because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch,
because he embraced the company of the lowest.
He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,
he took up the cause of all the black sheep.
-Isaiah 53 (The Message)

The Missional Church

2010-02-08T14:08:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Paul Walker at Out of the Cocoon for pointing me to this video. One of the terms I hear frequently these days is “the Missional Church.” Okay so what does that mean? The following video is brilliant. When watching this I asked myself, “How well do churches in America do this?” Or more importantly, “How well am I modeling this within my church?” I’ve got a long way to go, I’m afraid. If this is the definition of a MIssional Church, is there any church that shouldn’t be missional? How about you? Do you take the “missional” approach in your daily actions?

Praying for Prayer

2009-12-31T08:27:00.006-05:00

It occurred to me yesterday that there are two general ways in which we come to God in prayer:

We come willingly and thankful. Praise comes easy when we are thrilled with how God is working in and around us. Some would say this happens with the mountaintop experiences of our lives. I would agree although I'm not sure it has to be a mountaintop. It can happen with small things. We can go there quickly and often. When we see a child studying the wonders of God's creation, or when we meet someone that you know God sent your way for encouragement. There are many reasons and ways to come willingly, and it's good to find them.

We also come with a needful heart. Our health is in question or the health of others is. When we see others hurting or in need of understanding what God has already done for them. We come then asking, yearning and even begging for God's will to be the same as yours. (Of course, I think it's more the converse. We should come praying that we are joining His will in this situation). We come in states of grief.

Here's one other thing I've noticed. As one might expect with the ups and downs of life, there is a space in between. A time when our knees are not tired and sore. They're "fine." Which is what we're thinking as well. That everything is "fine." Of course there are "prayer warriors" who are exceptional in avoiding this area, but I think for most of us there's this cruise control gap where we don't think of praying and praising our Creator.

What should we make of this? Or, more humbly, what should I make of this? Well, I see two goals in here for me personally. One is an intermediate goal and then there's a subsequent goal to progress to afterwards. My first goal is to shorten the gap. I should desire a more intimate relationship with God when things are "fine" and I believe God desires this too. There's a lot of area between the mountains and valleys and I should maintain my fellowship with Him. Secondly, after shortening the gap, I should work on motive. The second reason to go to God in prayer, (during the "downs" of life), should be fueled with an altered motive. In my opinion, I should go with a less selfish heart. Less, "I hurt so make it better," and more, "God, you are sovereign, and I ask for understanding and the ability to Glorify You through these trials regardless of whether my desires and Your will are the same." Does that make sense? That we seek to Glorify God and submit to His Will for His working?

So How do we get there? I mean, how do I get there? Well, I can try to obtain these goals. But I think I need to think differently. Try as I might, much of what needs to be done here I should also leave to God. For the new year, I pray for prayer. That God would yield in me a desire to communicate with him frequently, if not constantly. Much like is written in verses 16-18 (in bold) of the scripture below:

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
-1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (NIV)

Christmas Eve Service thoughts

2009-12-24T20:37:00.004-05:00

We visited a different church tonight for Christmas Eve. It's actually a good night to visit since the services at virtually any church are packed, everyone seems like visitors, even in your own church. With all that goes on during a Christmas Eve service, I come home with two various but to me, moving points.

At this church a special offering was taken tonight to help many who are struggling with housing costs, unemployment etc. Nearby, I watched a child no older than 10 scrounging through his Bible case. Starbursts, suckers, gum were coming out, but he was obviously looking for money before the plate got to him. He was unprovoked to do this and I could help but be moved by the generous heart I was watching. Wow!
Not unrelated, the pastor also asked the question of who we believe has shared the Gospel around the world more than any other person. Apparently a study has been done, and it isn't Paul, Billy Graham, Brother Andrew or some other well-known evangelist. Nope, they say it's Linus van Pelt. Linus apparently "got it" at a very young age and wasn't afraid to let others know. Another thing the pastor said tonight that I hadn't realized is that this is the one time where Linus drops his security blanket. Considering that public speaking is one of the greater fears in life, he clearly had all of his hope and security in the One whose birth we celebrate tomorrow. So without further ado, let's let Linus "Lay Down" the blanket and the Good News and tell us again what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas!

A two minute challenge I can't get out of my head

2009-12-18T12:41:00.004-05:00

A short post today. Perhaps these are "baby steps" into me beginning to post more regularly again. I saw this video on someone else's blog, but the level of challenge is profound if you think about it. Watch this and then consider your church:

OK, now you've probably made an assessment about your church, and that's fine. You probably also made an assessment about "Soul City Church" too. Fine again. So now watch it again and do the same for yourself. I'm trying to think about what this means to ME...not my church. It's really easy for me to post this. To say in my head and my heart "YES!" Moving that feeling from my head and heart to my hands and feet is a different matter. I pray this haunts me until I do something about it seven days a week. And that when I do, that the Glory goes to Him and not me.

5th graders win! Theeeee 5th graders win!!!

2009-11-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

So, the other day my son comes home and tells me he didn’t enjoy playing football at recess. I asked him why and he said his team didn’t do well. I dug deeper and this is what I found. It seems that in typical class order, the 5th graders decided the teams. In particular, all the 5th grade “studs” decided the teams. They essentially said, “OK, how about all of you 3rd and 4th graders on one team and the rest of us will do our best to give you guys a fight.” Well, being an “underclassman” the younger kids agreed. I mean, hey, there were more of them, right, so it should be fair. And besides, the 5th graders are older than them and it is a class system, so what were there choices? Well, needless to say the bigger faster and older kids took care of them. I’m sure there were plenty of interceptions, fumble recoveries and long runs and passes for touchdowns. Who doesn’t like to be on the winning side of that? Well needless to say it wasn’t much fun for the younger ones. I told my son that he DID have an option though. He could choose not to play and/or speak up about the lack of parity. Lesson learned.

On a completely unrelated note <wink wink>, I’d like to congratulate the New York Yankees on another World Series championship. I know a lot of Yankees fans who are very happy about this. I’m happy for them. For the rest of the fourth-graders out there….well, maybe next year. :-)

Effective Meetings

2009-09-21T14:32:00.001-04:00

I have written previously about facilitating meetings. Somewhat akin to that post would be the “effective” meeting I was in today. My boss had asked me about a month ago to attend in her absence in which I of course said yes. In doing so, I missed a team meeting of which I am the co-chair. But hey, when your boss asks you to do something, you make arrangements to do it. Since I was going in her place, I also was sure to wear a tie. For those of you who know me, you know that’s serious. Whenever I go to one of these high-powered meetings as a proxy I am sure to send notes to my boss. Below is a slightly altered version of what I sent her today:

Meeting began with attendees discussing whether we had an agenda or facilitator. After about 5 minutes of small talk it was determined that we had neither. Mary asked Jake about H1N1 cases on campus. Jake said we have had approximately 60 cumulative cases in which about 35 are active. Meeting adjourned.

Please Note: H1N1 cases on campus has nothing to do with the purpose of this committee.

The Scar

2009-09-11T12:34:00.001-04:00

Sunny late summer mornings in Northern New Jersey are beautiful and this day was no exception. The sky was clear and the sun was bright. The air was already saying it was early fall. Living west of my workplace meant that sun glare would cause delays and make for a longer commute to work. Thankfully, my job didn’t start until 9am. Nevertheless, I was running behind which was often the case, especially with an 18 month boy at home with my wife, Tina. While traveling Route 10 in Morris county, I listened to the local Christian station for a while and figuratively rolled my eyes at the annoying traffic. Many of the schools were starting back and that made the traffic even worse. I didn’t like being late although it happened fairly frequently. I was just over halfway to work when I grew tired of the radio station, so a few minutes before 9 I switched the radio to the local (NYC) Top 40 station. It didn’t take long before I realized by the tone of Scott Shannon’s voice that something was wrong. He said something along the lines of, “We’re not sure exactly what has happened, but it is something horrible.” I woke up a little more and switched to news radio at WABC in New York. It was then I found out that what appeared to be a plane had flown into one of the towers of the World Trade Center. They went to the phones where an eyewitness on the streets in Manhattan began to recount what he had seen. I was amazed…and shocked! I imagined in my head a small private plane and an explosion as I listened intently to what this guy was describing…but it wasn’t over. Just then, the caller exclaimed, “Oh my God, another one!. The other tower is hit! The heat!…” My jaw dropped and my hand covered my mouth- a gesture I had never remembered making before and hope to never make again. I was completely shocked as I moved over a couple lanes to exit off route 10 in Parsippany to make the last few turns into my work. I wondered if the cars around me had heard what I had heard. And were they were struggling to drive because of it. Thoughts rushed through my head as I continue to listened. I remember WABC having an “expert” on soon after who said, “Well, it’s too early to determine whether this was a true act of terrorism or not.” That remains the most ridiculous thing I remember hearing on that day. Everybody knew. It wasn’t wondering whether it was terrorism, it was wondering who the terrorists were.

I arrived at work and went to the row where my desk was and asked if anyone had heard what had happened. I can’t remember who had or hadn’t, but I do remember telling one of the managers about it as well. Later, before I left New Jersey for North Carolina, he told me he would never forget me, because I was the one who told him about what had happened that morning. I don’t know how I feel about being remembered this way. I wasn’t the scar, but I was telling Frank he was about to have one. I did the same, I’m sure, when I told my wife over the phone to “Turn on the news.” News travelled quickly in the office of course, and with it feelings of shock and adrenaline. My boss actually told us to keep working. Really? Work? There was no way to concentrate. We were paralyzed. But work? Not anytime soon, I’m sure. You need focus for that. About an hour later, someone got wind of the Pentagon, but that was further away and my head couldn’t digest that now that the numbness had set in. Someone then heard that the first tower had collapsed. I thought perhaps a few hundred people would be killed at impact and that those below would simply walk down the stairs and out into the street, and those above would be rescued by helicopters. I remembered thinking that if it collapsed straight downward that couldn’t be too bad because surely everyone was out of the tower by then. It was a naive thought, but it’s still in my head. We were numb. We would be for, not hours, but days. By late morning, we were leaving for home. Traffic was heavy again with everyone thinking the same thing; “I just want to be home with my family.” I remember hugging my wife and then watching the news…all day. It was ironic to see my 18 month old play while this was all unfolding. He had no idea. Actually, I still don’t know if he has an idea. It might be a discussion tonight…

Time becomes hazy and you don’t remember all of your thoughts, but you remember some. I didn’t know any one who worked in the Trade Center towers, but I knew plenty of people who could have been there that morning “on business.” I worried about them. I lived within the commuting distance to Manhattan, and some people within our borough were lost, but I didn’t know any of them. Newscasters spoke of 20,000 estimated deaths in the towers. There was a sense of irony and relief each time the estimate was lowered. Sometime during that day I recall thinking how grateful I was for the first day of school and sun glare. Surely less people had made it to the WTC on time for work due to the change in traffic patterns.

The days that followed were a blur as well. It was back to work on the 12th but I don’t recall if I stayed the whole day. There is one part of the trip on Route 10 where you are up on a large hill and you can see out over New Jersey. That morning, there was a plume of smoke on the horizon. Living a good 45-60 minutes from the City, I couldn’t believe I saw what I saw, but I am all but positive that this it. When I was at work, I wondered if our building would be a target. It sounds irrational now, but that was the thought. I taught a class at a local community college. My first lecture after the attack, my students just stared at me. Their eyes were clearly saying, “Please don’t make us think. We can’t concentrate.” It was still too soon to resume “life” so I sent them home. Somewhere in the midst of it all, life began again, but thoughts remain. I remember more than one Sunday at church imagining some terrorist coming into the church in the middle of the service and firing on us. I had plans in my mind on how I would react if this happened. A few weeks later the anthrax attack, which originated in NJ, hit the news as well. Within a week, white powder had been sent to our church. We had a guest speaker that weekend and we ended up borrowing a local reservation hall and having our service their. Nothing became of the white powder, but it was still terrorism. A month later, I had a week of training in the CBS building in Manhattan. Taking the train in, there was one point where you could see the skyline. Looking at it without those buildings was like looking at someone for the first time after they had lost a limb. Your brain just didn’t want to compute the change and it hit me once again. During training, people were still talking about it. Those who live in the city would talk about the lingering smell from the rubble. Going home from training, I’d take the subway back to New York Penn and find armed military personnel throughout the station. I found myself thankful for their out-of-place presence. From then on, the memories faded. This was the deepest part of the wound. The most central part of the scar. But like scars, memories fade, especially around the edges. Above is what remains. Many have taken time over the past eight years to pause, remember and honor. I have never been too much for that. Of course I remember. I may even pause. I think now is the first time, I have truly tried to recall my thoughts from eight years ago. There were many of them that have been forgotten, but this is what remains of that time. Some scars fade and some disappear. Some remain and become part of who you are.

Oswald Chambers Quote on Prayer

2009-08-06T13:55:00.001-04:00

Sometimes short blog entries are the best. Here is the last statement in today’s devotional in “My Utmost for His Highest:”

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to place the blame on someone else. That is always a trap of Satan. When you seem to have no answer, there is always a reason— God uses these times to give you deep personal instruction, and it is not for anyone else but you.

Church Economics

2009-07-26T14:21:00.004-04:00

While getting ready for church, I asked myself this question. "How many families does it take to financially support a full time pastor?" Interesting question, especially for us western thinking Christians. Assuming that each household was self supporting and they tithe their "local storehouse" the answer is pretty easy. For the example, let's say each family makes $50,000 and that's what is required (minus tithe) to "make a living." With each family giving 10% or $5000, it takes 10 families to support a pastor and only 9 if the pastor doesn't tithe. (Not the kind of pastor I'd want). Just ten families! That's it! Of course, funds for a church are needed for ministry/outreach, but ten families? Really? Wow!

It brings a lot of other questions to my mind regarding how we "do church."

Encountering God

2009-07-24T21:11:00.003-04:00

This is what I read this week from John Piper in his book, “Don’t Waste Your Life:”

No one ever said they learned their deepest lessons of life, or had their sweetest encounters with God, on sunny days. People go deep with God when the drought comes. That is the way God designed it. Christ aims to be magnified in life most clearly by the way we experience him in our losses.

Laying it Down, Bono Style

2009-07-15T19:41:00.000-04:00

This morning, as I began the Epilogue in “The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller, he quoted a book/interview regarding U2 lead singer, Bono. The book is called Bono: Conversation with Michka Assayas. Many of us have heard or read the Lord, Liar or Lunatic argument before, but I’m encouraged to know that Bono has a pretty good grasp of it too. I loved this:

Assayas: …Christ has his rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?

Bono No, it's not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: "I'm the Messiah." I'm saying: "I am God incarnate." And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You're a bit eccentric. We've had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don't mention the "M" word! Because, you know, we're gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you're expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah. At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh, my God, he's gonna keep saying this. So what you're left with is: either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. I mean, we're talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. … I'm not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me, that's farfetched …

Later in Bono’s book he says the following:

Bono: … [I]f only we could be a bit more like Him, the world would be transformed. …When I look at the Cross of Christ, what I see up there is all my s--- and everybody else's. So I ask myself a question a lot of people have asked: Who is this man? And was He who He said He was, or was He just a religious nut? And there it is, and that's the question. And no one can talk you into it or out of it.

And there you have it. Preached by Bono himself.

Retirement: Addendum

2009-07-12T15:27:00.003-04:00

To follow up on my previous post, I would like to provide the following quote from the back of the book, "Don't Waste Your Life," by John Piper. I'll be starting this one later this week:

John Piper writes, "I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader's Digest: A couple 'took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler, play softball and collect shells. . . .' Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment: 'Look, Lord. See my shells.' That is a tragedy.

I'd like to tell you more about the book, but I haven't begun to read the inside of it. That being said, the cover alone will get you thinking.

Retirement? Bah!

2009-07-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

This morning, I was reading my Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Chambers wrote the following about 100 years ago:

“The real danger in spiritual laziness is that we do not want to be stirred up— all we want to hear about is a spiritual retirement from the world. Yet Jesus Christ never encourages the idea of retirement— He says, ‘Go and tell My brethren . . .’”

In this age of entitlement where we now live, something has been bouncing around in my head for some time. For my Christian friends, I’d like to suggest the following: There is nothing (that I know of) biblical about our modern day idea of retirement. I have discussed this a few times with some folks and the only thing that has been mentioned is that the Levites were to work in the temple from ages 25-50. Well, ok, fine. Did their service stop then? I’m doubting it. Besides, I personally do not know any Levites personally who work in the temple, so I think we shouldn’t necessarily consider this a good reference for those of us in secular vocations. As for those in “full time ministry,” I doubt this is a good example either. (On a personal note, my pastor is over 50 years old and I’d prefer he not retire any time soon). So, then, what is biblical about modern day retirement? Or more importantly what is it we should be asking God to do with us now and in the future? When Paul writes in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” I don’t think he means to go fishing without sunscreen. This life we live now, is no longer ours. We gave it up when we committed it to God. Does this mean we don’t save money for what we suspect will be our “retirement years?” No, but for me I think it is important to keep in mind that I can’t take it with me? I have my 401K from a previous job and money in other retirement accounts. It isn’t much and maybe even should consider putting more in, but, again, what for? I will slow down as I age. I may not be able to pull the same sort of paycheck to take care of things as I get older and that is what those funds should supplement. But should I stop? I hope not. That would be laziness which is what Chambers refers to in this morning’s devotional.

(Of course another matter for me is to be sure I’m not being lazy now, too!)

Renovations: Our new Screened in Porch

2009-07-09T14:37:00.002-04:00

This was my first post using an MS tool called Live Writer. I would love to know what people think about the format.

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Christian Fanatics

2009-07-02T12:45:00.003-04:00

We all, on occasion will say we're a fan of something. You could be a fan of baseball, a musical group, ice cream, etc. Everyone is comfortable with that. When we say fanatic, we get a little less comfortable with it, don't we? Although fan is short for fanatic, when we say the longer version, it implies a greater intensity. If you were to add "Christian" in front of that, then the implication becomes something even more concerning and definitely has a negative connotation to it. Well, Timothy Keller, in his book "The Reason for God" explains what the problem is with Christian Fanaticism. I love this excerpt:

Fanaticism
Perhaps the biggest deterrent to Christianity for the average person today is not so much violence and warfare but the shadow of fanaticism. Many nonbelievers have friends or relatives who have become “born again” and seem to have gone off the deep end. They soon begin to express loudly their disapproval of various groups and sectors of our society—especially movies and television, the Democratic Party, homosexuals, evolutionists, activist judges, members of other religions, and the values taught in public schools. When arguing for the truth of their faith they often appear intolerant and self-righteous. This is what many people would call fanaticism.

Many people try to understand Christians along a spectrum from "nominalism” at one end to “fanaticism” on the other. A nominal Christian is someone who is Christian in name only, who does not practice it and perhaps hardly believes it. A fanatic is someone who is thought to over-believe and over-practice Christianity. In this schematic, the best kind of Christian would be someone in the middle, someone who doesn’t go all the way with it. Who believes it but is not too devoted to it. The problem with this approach is that it assumes that the Christian faith is basically a form of moral improvement. Intense Christians would therefore be intense moralists or, as they were called in Jesus' time, Pharisee’s. Pharisaic people assume they are right with God because of their moral behavior and right doctrine. This leads naturally to feelings or superiority toward those who do not share their religiosity, and from there to various forms of abuse, exclusion, and oppression. This is the essence of what we think of as fanaticism.

What if, however, the essence of Christianity is salvation by grace, salvation not because of what we do but because of what Christ has done for us? Belief that you are accepted by God by sheer grace is profoundly humbling. The people who are fanatics, then, are so not because they are too committed to the gospel but because they're not committed to it enough.

Think of people you consider fanatical. They’re overbearing, self-righteous, opinionated, insensitive, and harsh. Why? It’s not because they are too Christian but because they are not Christian enough. They are fanatically zealous and courageous, but they are nor fanatically humble, sensitive, loving, empathetic, forgiving, or understanding—as Christ was. Because they think of Christianity as a self improvement program they emulate the Jesus of the whips in the temple, but not the Jesus who said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7) What strikes us as overly fanatical is actually a failure to be fully committed to Christ and his gospel.

When put this way, I feel much more comfortable saying I'm a fan of Jesus...or even a fanatic.

Father's Day Thoughts

2009-06-21T08:35:00.012-04:00

Disclaimer: Personally I try to refrain from being overly sentimental or "mushy" on this blog. This entry fails miserably in this area. If you're looking for humor, especially in the form of sarcasm, you might want to check back on another day.

Father's Day is an interesting time for me. Frankly, my dad was pretty much absent for most of my life. My folks divorced when I was still in preschool. I tell people who ask, that when he divorced my mom, he divorced me as well. Of course our divorce took longer. By the time I was 13, dad didn't really engage in my life. I'd see him at Christmas up until he moved to Florida after my senior year of High School. When he came back a few years later, it was even less frequent. Frankly, this stunk. I'm a pretty affectionate and emotional guy, especially now, and I find myself having to forgive my dad time and time again. The last time I remember my dad telling me he loved me, was the third day of my third year of college. It was right after he told me that he didn't have the money to pay for the school term I had just started. Him saying it then brought attention to the fact that he didn't say it at other times. I always wondered how much he meant it. Dad chose not to participate at a young age and as I got older, I probably didn't make much of an effort either. In 1992, he declined to come to my wedding. His widow doesn't remember why he made this decision. Dad died in 1997. I still love him and wish I could sit down and talk to him about things.

So, with Father's day on us, I ruminate. I think about these things. This isn't to say that all my time with my dad was bad. Actually the time I had with him was good...it just wasn't much time. When Tina and I were dating and both of us knew where things were going, she said one of the nicest things she has ever said to me. She said, "If we ever get married, I hope I can give you a son, so that you can do everything with him that you didn't have the opportunity to do with your dad." It was such a wonderful thing to hear and think about. The thought about having the opportunity to spend time with a son and love, guide, coach, and father him gave me hope and anticipation for healing in the future. Those words were forever engraved in my heart and mind.

I also think about the surrogate fathers from my past. These were guys in my past who in one way or another showed me many flavors of fatherhood. Most of them cared for me even though I didn't belong to them. Other's modeled fatherhood for me. I care a lot about them and today I think about them as well.

Presently, I'm in the middle of it all. I've had seventeen years of marriage and our two kids keep us active, stressed, and sometimes frazzled. Sometimes, it's hard to step back and think about what the family means to me or where we even are in this current stage of life. It occurred to me earlier today that our oldest child is halfway through his childhood. In nine years, he will likely be off to college with his brother joining him three years later. I don't think about this too often. Not because of any reason other than life is busy. Yesterday was busy as well. I spent more hours than I wish to admit working in the yard. It was hot and it took me the rest of the day to cool off. I was exhausted. After dinner, I was laying around the house and the boys were outside in the heat again! They haven't realized yet that you're not supposed to willingly go out in 90 degree heat. I guess that comes with age. Tina had joined them as well. I was alone inside where it was nice and cool. I had absolutely no desire to go out in the heat. I was spent. I got up and went over to our window to see what they were up to. My wife was working on setting up our grill on our new patio, and there was my oldest, Chris, pitching whiffle balls to Andrew. I saw smiles through the sweat and I felt something like a dawning on my heart. "Here it is," I thought. I was reminded of my incredible wife and her precious words before we were married, "I hope I can give you a son." And in my head I responded "There's two! God gave me a wonderful wife who in turn gave me two boys!" I quietly walked a little closer and sneaked out on the patio to watch Chris throw to his brother.
Andrew spots me, and asks as he has many times before, "Dad, can you pitch to us?" It's hot, humid, and miserable.
I respond, "I just want to watch for now." Chris throws to his brother again, as I continue to savor the moment. They were not going to let these last few minutes before bedtime slip away. After thinking about this site a moment or two more, I asked myself, "How could I pass up the opportunity to do with them what I had always wanted?" A moment longer I call out to the boys, "Just a minute. Let me get my shoes on." It was a day early, but it was already the best Father's Day I've ever had.

Pair o' Dime Props: Those with Imperfect Attendance

2009-06-11T11:45:00.002-04:00

Well, folks, it's that time of year again. Over the past few weeks, schools have been letting out for the summer and many have graduated. Awards ceremonies have taken place and some have received, in my sons' principal's words, "The most coveted award in school." That's right, the perfect attendance award. News stories in print, radio and television laud the ones who have 12 years of perfect attendance and some have even accomplished perfect attendance and no tardies! Wow!

But this post isn't about them. They got their recognition. This post is about those who didn't get it. Yes, the rest of us! Congratulations on not going to school everyday. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of education. Why, I spent 7 years in undergraduate school alone, (insert rim shot here), and an additional 2 years in grad school. I love school so much I got an education degree and currently work at a university. I'm a big fan of school and I highly recommend it. However I do remember bouts of tonsillitis, colds, sinus infections and one time even encephalitis that kept me from attending every minute of my courses. I survived and even graduated!

I raise a glass to you, imperfect attenders! For those of you who when you felt bad, took that as a sign you should lay low and recover. You knew that if you were sick, you should stay home and watch The Price is Right. (Or for you young folks out there, Sportscenter for four hours straight). Props go to your parents also! Your parents read the school's student handbook and complied with the part that said, "If your child has had a fever in the past 24 hours, he or she should not come to school." By doing this, you no doubt helped others stay well by not spreading your sickness to them. Because of this, you have a better understanding of following rules. That was very considerate of you and your parents. Perhaps even your folks let you go on vacation during the school year because they were confident you could make up the work and still do well. You also have a better understanding of what "real life" is about. As you get older, you're going to have sick days. Your coworkers will thank you for staying home and not getting them sick. As age sets in, you will need to take mental health days too. You know now that missing school, or work, isn't some sort of tragic occurrence. As a matter of fact, those days of missing school or work will lessen the likelihood of burnout. I contest that you graduates are more prepared to understand life as an adult! So, a tip of the cap to you, imperfect attenders! The world awaits you...when you're healthy and not on vacation.

DISCLAIMER: Pair o' Dime Shift is not in any way encouraging or condoning truancy in our children, nor does it accept any responsibility for any increase in a child's absences due to the legion of kids who read this blog. A good education is extremely valuable and every subject is pertinent to obtaining all of your necessary life skills. The author of Pair o' Dime Shift would not be nearly as intelligent as he is if it weren't for that introduction to film class he took in 1987. How does one survive without understanding the intricate philosophical undertones that come with the viewing of Last Year at Marienbad?If at all possible, children should be in school learning everything they can about every subject. Bottom line: KIDS, STAY IN SCHOOL!!!

Contagiousness

2009-05-17T20:39:00.007-04:00

This past week, I began reading The Tipping Point, by Malcom Gladwell. This book, is subtitled, "How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference." In the introduction, Gladwell discusses, contagiousness, but he wants us to look at it in a different light than just things like Swine Flu. I think we've become better at this. We now say someone may have a contagious laugh or attitude. It's a positive thing. Now, I'm not going to go all cerebral on you here, because even though the point in the excerpt below is well made, I couldn't help but laugh while reading it. See if you find humor in it...or perhaps it may just make you sleepy....

A world that follows the rules of epidemics is a very different place from the world we think we live in now. Think, for a moment, about the concept of contagiousness. If I say that word to you, you think of colds and the flu or perhaps something very dangerous like H.I.V. or Ebola. We have, in our minds, a very specific, biological, notion of what contagiousness means. But if there can be epidemics of crime or epidemics of fashion, there must be all kinds of things just as contagious as viruses. Have you ever thought about yawning, for instance? Yawning is a surprisingly powerful act. Just by reading the two yawns in the previous two sentences--and the two additional yawns in this sentence--a good number of you will probably yawn within the next few minutes. Even as I'm writing this I've yawned twice. If you're reading this in a public place, and you've just yawned, chances are that a good proportion of everyone who saw you yawn is now yawning too, and a good proportion of the people watching the people who watched you yawn are now yawning as well, and on and on, in a ever-widening, yawning circle.
Yawning is incredibly contagious. I made some of you reading this yawn simply by writing the word "yawn". The people who yawned when they saw you yawn, meanwhile, were infected by the sight of you yawning--which is a second kind of contagion. They might even have yawned if they only heard you yawn, because yawning is also aurally contagious: if you play an audio-tape of a yawn to blind people, they'll yawn too. And finally, if you yawned as you read this, did the thought cross your mind--however unconsciously and fleetingly--that you might be tired? I suspect that for some of you it did, which means that yawns can also be emotionally contagious. Simply by writing the word, I can plant a feeling in your mind. Can the flu virus do that? Contagiousness, in other words, is an unexpected property of all kinds of things, and we have to remember that if we are to recognize and diagnose epidemic change.

OK, maybe it's not that funny. As a matter of fact, I'm bushed. Goodnight.

Mountains and Valleys

2009-05-12T12:11:00.000-04:00

While reading this morning, I came across these words by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest: "If we continually try to bring back those exceptional moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want." (May 1)

This got me thinking. I LOVE those mountaintop experiences! I had one that lasted a while in the fall of '07. (Ironically because I was reading of all books, Ecclesiastes). I'm ready for another one soon! Actually the sooner the better. Of course the analogy goes one step further when it comes to human nature. If all of life was a mountaintop experiences we would feel as if we were on a plateau. But back to the point that Chambers makes above. The Joy we get from these experiences are a great source of fuel and encouragement but they should not be our goal.

Like I mentioned above, these experiences cannot last forever, so what is it that we should make of the valley experiences? Well, here are a few passages regarding this:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
-James 1:2-5

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
-Hebrews 12:11

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
-1 Peter 1:6-7

So clearly, the valley is well worth it. The mountaintop experience as well as our desire to persevere fuels us for these occasions. What is interesting though is when I see my son struggling with something I feel the pain he is feeling. He is my boy and I dread that he has to go through it.

There are times when he is struggling and it's because he needs to learn something. I have to use every ounce of my energy to keep from intervening when he's frustrated. I have to wait for him to figure it out because once he does, he will be all the better for it.
There are other times when he if going through something and I know that he will be unable to do by himself. His pride often keeps him from asking for help, but I'm waiting...I want him to ask me. I am pleased when he does and very happy to help him figure it out. I also love the "thank you" I receive afterward.
Of course there are times when it is completely out of his control to even get close to getting through it without me. When this occurs, he leans on me completely, and I have the opportunity to lovingly push him through the struggle.

So I say all of this to ask/extrapolate the following. Does God feel similar to the way I feel when my boys work through an issue? Does he have compassion and sadness while he allows the issue to continue while I work through what I'm learning? Does he patiently wait for my appeal to him when I need his help? And does he lovingly intervene in the times when it is impossible for me to do it on my own? (I suspect he intervenes many times without me even realizing it). Watching my kids work through something provides me with the opportunity to help, to show love and to feel a sense of joy and encouragement when they take the right actions to overcome the trial. Is it possible that my valleys somehow encourage God when I work through them while leaning on him? It's almost like a spiritual give and take if it's true. The mountaintops encourage me and the valleys, perhaps encourage him.

Despised

2009-04-10T21:50:00.005-04:00

I believe last year at this time I was also thinking about Isaiah 53. What a wonderful chapter it is! I find great encouragement in the words that were written prior to the Sacrifice that our Lord made for us on the cross. Today we remember that day.

I consider the following:

Jesus, in the Garden with the weight of the following day on his heart and mind. He had such dread of the following day he asked the Father if there was another way.
His closest friends in their weakness sleeping while he laments the pain and burden forthcoming. Imagine how alone he must have felt!
A disciple kissing him, as a sign of complete betrayal, greed and evil.
Another disciple, who Jesus himself said he would build his church on, denying he even knew Jesus...three times.
The mockery, the hate, the thorns, the cursing, laughing, striking, spitting, nailing, hanging and piercing...

I can't truly imagine it completely. But it was done. And it was done by people like you and me. And he suffered it for people like you and me.

Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?
The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed.
We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.
We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,
on him, on him.
He was beaten, he was tortured,
but he didn't say a word.
Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered
and like a sheep being sheared,
he took it all in silence.
Justice miscarried, and he was led off—
and did anyone really know what was happening?
He died without a thought for his own welfare,
beaten bloody for the sins of my people.
They buried him with the wicked,
threw him in a grave with a rich man,
Even though he'd never hurt a soul
or said one word that wasn't true.
Still, it's what God had in mind all along,
to crush him with pain.
The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.
Out of that terrible travail of soul,
he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
will make many "righteous ones,"
as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly—
the best of everything, the highest honors—
Because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch,
because he embraced the company of the lowest.
He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,
he took up the cause of all the black sheep.
-Isaiah 53 (The Message)

Pair o' Dime Props: Jackie Andrade

2009-03-12T17:28:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I was in a Faculty Council meeting here at the university. The agenda for this meeting included a briefing from the Chancellor, the Provost as well as the President of the Faculty. Since I am administrative staff, I am considered a guest of the meeting and I sit in the very back; sort of like a second class citizen. Well, as is often the case with these things, they tend to go on for some time. So I was back there with my paper, drawing away. Loops, boxes, faces, sometimes even the back of someone's head. It looks terrible, but it's what I do. Finally, one of my associates leaned over and whispered, "What is this, Art 101?" As for the quality of my drawing, I think she gave me too much credit, but more importantly, she caught me doodling. Immediately, I had that same wave of shame come over me that has happened times before. I remember being in church about 10 years ago, when during the message, my bible study leader who was a row in front of me looked back at me while I was busy illustrating and scowled. Seriously, I felt like I was about 7. I shamefully covered my sketches and tried to focus on the pastor. However, sitting still staring at a speaker doesn't help me very much. What a slacker I was!

So here's my confession: I doodle. Yes, I use an actual pen and paper and draw nonsensical shapes, and scribbles. If I'm daring I may try to draw someone's face. I tend to cover up what I'm doing when I can, but I'm frequently found out. You can sometimes make daydreaming look like you're listening, but it's hard to keep doodling a secret.

Well about a week ago, I was in a meeting again with the same associate mentioned above. This time I was asking her questions and essentially writing down my action items from the meeting. At the end I looked at my notes, which could be found with asterisks, arrows, and other meaningless scribbles and laughed. I showed her the page and mentioned the "Art 101" statement she had made before. She went on to tell me that she had read an article talking about how doodling isn't really a bad thing. She didn't remember the reference so I went and did a doodle google. (Yeah, I know…I couldn't resist). Here is a sample of what I had found. Thanks to the research of Jackie Andrade, it appears by doodling, one is able to retain more information than those who look like they're listening! All of this time, people were looking down their nose at me thinking, "How pathetic! A grown man can't even pay attention," while I was busy retaining the information they were missing while scoffing at me! Ha! I believe I may have to carry around a few copies of the actual abstract of the article so that I can pass them out to anyone who judges my scribblings as juvenile!

So thank you Dr. Andrade, for vindicating my years of drawing while listening.

NOTE: The doodle above is not mine but belongs to a friend who is quite the sketcher! If you click on the picture, you can see some much more impressive drawings.

Also, here is a link regarding this from Morning Edition as well.

Speaking of Hypocrisy

2009-03-03T08:39:00.003-05:00

Since I just recently posted on hypocrisy, I just had to bring an observation from my drive in to work this morning. I try not to be overtly negative in my posts, but this morning I can't help myself. While traveling in to work this morning, A Ford Focus chose to make a U-turn and cut me and one other driver off on a large highway. The back of the car had a specialized "FP" license plate. (Meaning the owner paid extra money for the plate in support of the Fraternal Order of Police and are an active member of this organization). They also had a bumper sticker that said, "Have You Thanked a Police Officer Today?" So, after cutting us off, I couldn't help but notice as I drove in the lane next to the driver she had a cell phone in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. In case you're wondering, North Carolina does indeed have a cell phone law where you must use a hands free device while driving. Ha! Interesting. Well, it get's a little "better." Just before turning into the university, I watched as this driver, while still talking on the phone, flicked her cigarette butt out the window! Amazing! She obviously doesn't think cigarette butts are litter too. Hmmmm. Cutting off drivers traveling at high speeds while talking without a "hands free" on her cell phone and later throwing litter out the window. Too bad there wasn't a police officer nearby. I'm sure if she were cited, she would have thanked him for it.

The best I could do is grab the license plate and fill out this form. She'll get a letter asking her to stop.

There! It was finally said

2009-02-23T19:57:00.001-05:00

Yesterday in church, our executive pastor spoke. I love when he has the opportunity to speak because he is very good at making himself and the congregation vulnerable. Meaning he is willing to show us some of his issues as well as some of ours. Well yesterday in passing he mentioned that those who do not go to church look at us as irrelevant, irreverent, and hypocritical. Okay, I think all Christians have heard this before, especially that last term, right? After a pause, he went on to basically say they’re right. Here’s the thing. For as long as I have known, people have said they won’t go to church because it’s full of a bunch of hypocrites. And for years, I or someone else has either provided a defenseless shrug at that statement or have gotten defensive that this was even suggested!

Hypocrisy (n.) – the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense.

But Christians, isn’t this true? Don’t we proclaim the Christian faith and live to reflect Christ and obey our God? Absolutely! So, with that in mind, who among our faith can claim that our thoughts and behavior wholly conform to what it is we proclaim to live by? I think we have stumbled upon our own hypocrisy. When my pastor, Mark, said this yesterday, it was good to hear. I am now asking myself how I should respond when those who don’t go to church say they don’t go because of me. I suppose I shouldn’t just shyly smile and hope they come around anyhow. I definitely shouldn’t get defensive; that hints at arrogance or at least denial. Perhaps I should let them know they are right in that assessment. I should tell them I go to church because I don’t have it figured out yet and neither do the other folks in attendance. That we are trying, and sometimes struggling, to follow the faith we proclaim. But by going I learn more about the God I serve and find great encouragement from the others there knowing that we’re growing together and that with God’s help becoming less and less of a hypocrite as we continue.

Narnia: I Love This Dialogue!

2009-02-19T12:09:00.000-05:00

I'm over 40 years old and I'm finally reading The Chronicles of Narnia. I finished Prince Caspian last night (which means I can see the movie now), and this is by far my favorite quote/exchange. Those who know the allegorical aspects of the book will appreciate the following:

"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"

"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

As I continue to grow in the faith, I see how much "bigger" God is. We can't box him in, or understand his mind at this time. The good news is that I get to spend eternity growing in this aspect.

Dual Relationships

2009-01-15T07:26:00.000-05:00

A relatively verbatim transcript of last night's dinner conversation...
-------------
Dad: Hey Chris, you know my friend Tim?
Chris: (Puzzled look) Who?
Dad: You know, Tim and Sandee, in Germany?
Chris: Oh, yeah!
Dad: Well he is sort of like the principal of the school where he works, (actually he's more like a superintendent but I'm talking to an 8 year old here). But, he also teaches a class in the high school. And do you know who's in his class now?
Chris: Who?
Dad: His own son!
Chris: (Really puzzled look! Like this is abnormal)
...
Dad: Hey Chris, what would you think if I was your teacher?
(At this point, Chris attempts to evade the question and somehow redirects the conversation. Perhaps on purpose?)
Mom: (smiling...or rather smirking) Daddy, I don't think Chris answered your question.
Dad: I think you're right. Chris, how would you feel if daddy was your teacher?
Chris: (Mentally processing....clearly looking for the most politically acceptable response. This "transcriber" believes he's looking for the answer that won't offend dad.)
Chris: Weird.
(Laughter)
Dad: (With a smile) Weird?
Chris: Yeah, but, well, weird could mean two different things. Like, when I say "weird" I sort of mean "nasty." But sometimes I say "weird" like when something is "cool!" (Side note: Dad needs to work on getting Chris to stop saying "like" so much).
Mom: So weird could mean "nasty" or "cool?"
Chris: Yeah
Mom: So if dad was your teacher, that would be cool then?
Chris: No.
(More laughter, including dad who now redirects the question to his 6 year old.
Dad: Hey Andrew, how would you like it if dad was your teacher in school?
Andrew: I think I would want to snuggle with him!
(Smiles)
Dad: You would, huh?
Andrew: Yeah, and I would want to be the teacher too!
Dad: Hey Andrew, how would you like some dessert? Chris, it's time for bed.
-------------

OK, that last line isn't true. :-)

It amazes me though that an 8 year old can already recognize the complexities of dual relationships. This conversation was definitely worth some laughs.

Resolutions...not

2009-01-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have made one successful New Years resolution in my life. About three years ago, I resolved not to make any New Years resolutions. This is one could be in jeopardy, but I have determined that there is a better word than resolution. Perhaps we should call them goals or targets. This is better because if you miss the target, you just keep trying. With resolutions, you do things like resolve not to overeat. This is a common one and usually works pretty well by midday on January 1st when you've sat down with your Bowl Party snack. At this point you decide you've blown it and get up for your fourth plateful of chips. The only good that comes out of that is that the pressure is then off.

I hear of people who take the end of the year to reflect and take inventory and then plan for the upcoming year. After 40 years, I figured I'd give that a shot. (I've always been a little late to the dance). This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some goals I have for the upcoming year.

In 2009 I intend to

intentionally "carve out" time specifically for my wife and me.
continue spending an hour or so every morning reading scripture, praying and drinking coffee. :-)
read the following books: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands (P. David Tripp), The Reason for God (Timothy Keller), Surprised by Hope (N.T. Wright), Don't Waste Your Life (John Piper), The Chronicles of Narnia (Books 1 & 2 were finished on New Years eve and day...5 more to go), The Edge of the Tidal Pools (Michele Phoenix).
take at least one class at Reformed Theological Seminary.
continue to go to the gym 2 to 4 times a week.
eat after 7pm only one time per week. (I'm not doing too well int his area so far :-) )

I suppose there's more, but hey, when someone who reads this asks me in December how I did, I don't want them to see ALL of my missed targets. :-)

It's not that easy being green

2009-01-06T08:31:00.003-05:00

(I don't know if that's a good post title or not, but Kermie did a great job of singing it years ago)

This morning while driving to work I heard this story on The Market Place Morning Report. Now before you go reading or listening to the whole thing, let me recap what's sticking in my mind. Remember all of those plastic bottles you throw into recycling bins? You know, the ones that make you feel just a little better about the fact that they are going to somehow be used again. Well, these bottles often get shipped to China and South America to be processed and then shipped back! The person in the story says it's cheaper this way. Well, good thing shipping plastic across the world and back doesn't cause unneeded burning of greenhouse gasses and polluting of our environment. Otherwise, it wouldn't seem like an environmentally friendly thing to do.

Oh well, there goes any potential resolution of me not being cynical this year. :-)

Pair o' Dime Props: Joyce Theis

2008-12-09T08:02:00.002-05:00

As a kid, typically a group of friends seem to congregate at one house. This was the case for me and the house I spent a good portion of my high school and college years belonged to John and Joyce Theis. Their house was awesome! A nice stereo in the basement as well as a pool table, dart board, board games and a piano. It was a "party basement." My buddy Jim and his brother Bill had a few parties there too. It seemed that every day after school, we'd head over to Jim's house and shoot pool and listen to Rush, Styx, Boston or Jethro Tull. They'd even let me put on The Kinks from time to time. But this post really isn't about that. It's about the fact that when you spend a lot of time with a good childhood friend at his house, you become extended family. I found myself often calling Jim's folks mom and dad.

"Mom Theis" was a sweetheart! The mom of three of her own kids and adopted as a mom by others, she always seemed to have a nice smile for you. If you were lucky she'd even greet you with a kiss. Despite spending most of the time in the basement playing pool, I have some fond memories of Mrs. Theis. Twenty-five years ago I went to Christmas Eve service with the Theis family. It was the first time I ever took communion. She was kneeling next to me at the altar of their Lutheran church and I remember her uttering "Amen" as she received the elements. Mrs. Theis was completely deaf in one ear and had about 10% hearing in the other one. In church she sang out with gusto and you knew it sounded perfect to her heavenly father. Soon after this, Mr. and Mrs. Theis taught me and Jim how to play bridge and I had the privilege of spending many evenings playing cards with them. Mrs. Theis was from Georgia and had that wonderful Georgia drawl. She would occasionally say with the accent, "That makes me madder than a wet hen!" For some reason, I absolutely loved hearing her say that.

About six or seven years ago, Mrs. Theis was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Knowing the gravity of that particular form of cancer I know many of her friends were praying for Mrs. Theis. She was about 72 or 73 when she was diagnosed and that made things even more concerning. Thankfully, God gave those around her another six or seven years to enjoy her company until she passed away this past Friday. I've been told she was ready, willing and waiting, so the sadness is for those who knew her. I'll miss her smile, her greeting, her beef stew and her apple cake. She's a wonderful lady who can now can take deep breaths, hear everything around her and still sing with gusto. I hadn't seen Mrs. Theis for a few years, but I will still miss her. I will make her apple cake later this week and will think about her during Christmas when I have communion.

Choosing a Consulting Firm

2008-12-08T20:32:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to review over 900 pages of proposals from 9 consulting firms. As you may expect this was quite a delightful way to spend a week at work and at home. After much reading, skimming, meeting and discussing, the group responsible for determining which vendors to bring in for presentations came to a decision to bring in three firms for two hours a piece. All three presentations were today and thanks to my friend, the coffee bean, I made it through all three and retained consciousness. But now, after all this time, a decision must be made. Here are the "highlights" from today's meetings:

Consulting Firm A
This firm brought six people for the presentation. All but one of them was younger than me, (and I'm not that old). They all wore dark suits, used the cliché "Think outside the box" once and twice told us that they didn't want to just provide us a binder of findings as the final deliverable and it be put on the shelf. They wanted to be sure we found value in implementing what was in the binder. One person told one semi-funny joke twice and they provided one color 17"x11" color handout while we listened to a two hour Powerpoint presentation.

Consulting Firm B
This firm had two people considerably older than me. One person spoke the whole time, right after lunch and before my second round of coffee. No jokes were told and they also told us twice that they didn't want to deliver a binder that just gathered dust on a shelf. They wanted to be sure we found value in implementing what was in the binder. They provided a nice color folder/brochure and a printout of their Powerpoint presentation. They put six slides on a page, twelve total on both sides. You had to squint to read the slides on the page and there really wasn't room for notes. The speaker spoke for exactly two hours and no jokes were told. My eyes stayed open but not by much.

Consulting Firm C
This firm brought four people including the owner. They were all older than me by some degree. They did not tell us anything about binders or thinking outside the box. They provided a nice folder of information and a printout of the PowerPoint slides. Two slides on one side of the paper providing plenty of room to write. They had about one third the amount of slides that the other firms had. All four people spoke and they had plenty of energy which matched my alertness thanks to round two of my coffee. I do not remember any jokes but I do remember laughing on multiple occasions. Most importantly, they ended their presenation 20 minutes early.

Naturally and for strictly professional and pertinent reasons, my vote is for Firm C, hands down.

(Please note: If you find this post boring, I'm sorry. Just be thankful youdidn't have to sit through what I had to sit through today :-) )

NCAA Football is in upheaval

2008-12-05T19:43:00.000-05:00

In the past, I have offered up that sports are challenging my faith, but now I realize that something bigger is happening. Consider the following anomalies in college football. These facts will make your head spin and make you question if all is right in the universe:

Notre Dame continues to lose and will not go to a bowl game for the second year in a row.
Michigan has their first nine loss season in the school's history. They finished the season losing to Ohio State 42-7. (This one doesn't keep me up at night)
Jim Tressel called for a fake punt against Illinois while OSU was leading by 21 with less than 10 minutes left to play. This may not seem like a big deal, but anyone who knows Jim Tressel, knows his conservative in coaching is second only to his conservatism in wardrobe. He's the kind of guy who would stop at 42 against Michigan when it could have been 56.
The University of Cincinnati will be going to a BCS bowl game. Let me say that again. The University of Cincinnati will be going to a BCS game! The final four, yes; but a BCS bowl!?!

But the largest piece of evidence that College Football is in upheaval is this:

Florida State has produced a Rhodes Scholar! Yeah, you think all that other stuff is crazy. Myron Rolle, a safety for the 'Noles, is a Rhodes Scholar. The guy wants to be a neurosurgeon and now has the opportunity to study in Oxford. Unbelievable. I don't know what shocks me more; the fact that this guy would go to FSU, or the fact that Bobby Bowden would even consider recruiting someone who would put their studies before football. A fluke indeed, but regardless - hats off to Mr. Rolle.

The times, they are a changin'. I should have known when OSU recruited the top quarterback in the nation. My world is being rocked.

GPS Shortcomings

2008-11-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

Last Mother's day I gave the Mrs. a Garmin. It's great! I love the maps and it's fairly efficient in giving me directions to where I need to go. I love the technology too. It's like watching yourself on a map while you're driving. However, I do have a few suggestions for improvement.

Let's talk about the voice. Our's is pretty neat since you can give it an English or Australian accent. Or, if you're ambitious and bilingual, you could actually program it to give you directions in your second language. Honestly, though, after a while, you want something a little different. Perhaps some additional dialects could be added into the device. Take for instance some northeastern accents. We lived in Northern New Jersey prior to moving down here and nothing would be cooler than hearing a nice Jersey accent with the appropriate attitude while driving. The female voice even talk like she has a big piece of gum in her mouth or something. And to have the male voice, say something like "Hey! You missed the turn! Sheesh! Hold on while I recalculate..." Of course, I would wonder whether someone from New Jersey would be able to tell you to turn left at a major intersection. (If you don't get that joke, then you probably don't know what a jughandle intersection is either. :-) )

Now that I live in Charlotte, I think it would be great to have some southern accents as well. "Where do you want to go today sweetheart?" Or "Oops, well bless your heart, you just missed that last turn. Hold on honey while I recalculate that for you." It could even call me "sir" at the appropriate times - now who wouldn't like that? Or how about a little more familiarity in tone? "You want to go where? Oh, now you can't get there from here. You wanna head on down to the post office and then turn left right after the Bojangles..."

Of course the sky's the limit with this. A london cockney accent or a nice thick Yorkshire dialect. You name it, it shouldn't be that hard to add these.

But here's what I really want when it comes to the Garmin. I want the following dialogue:

"Turn left in .2 miles"
(No turn)
"Recalculating..."
"Make U-turn in 400 feet"
"Recalculating.....again...."
"Please turn right onto Main St."
(Volume increases)"Please adjust the volume on your GPS while I recalculate again"
"Please turn right onto 2nd street"
"Um, hello? Are you even paying attention to me? Let me recalculate again"
"Turn right onto 3rd Street"
"Do you even want my help! Why did you even buy me if you're not going to listen to my recommendations"
"Turn right on 6th Street"
"OK, now you're really lost....you are so clueless!!!!! Recalculating...."
"Arrive at Destination on left?!?! Wow! I never thought of going this way. I take back everything I said. Please accept my apologies. I bow to the one with superior directional knowledge. Let me file this route away so I won't suggest you go that long way again."

Now THAT would be cool.

Come on Folks, show a little compassion!!

2008-10-18T09:49:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, on the way to work, I was listening to the Marketplace Morning Report on my local Public Radio Station. This week, oil prices fell to their lowest levels in over a year, at less than $70 a barrel. This seems like good news but apparently this isn't so good for the OPEC nations. They need prices to be higher. According to Stephen Beard, Iran and Venezuela need the price per barrel to be around $95 in order to balance the budget for their respective countries. This is a concern and I think that in the American Tradition, we should all think long and hard on what we can do for these countries as they face these hardships. I suggest we pass a virtual offering plate around and send all proceeds directly to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad or Iran and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela to ensure their country had a balanced budget and suffer no hardships. Who's with me?

OSU at USC: The Good News Either Way

2008-09-13T07:10:00.006-04:00

Tonight, is a huge game for Ohio State! The Buckeyes are in Southern California to face the USC Trojans. I have to admit that my disdain for USC was born in the 1970s. At about the age of 8 I starting hanging around with a kid named Nick Jonson. His family was pretty rabid in their love for the Buckeyes and Nick and I were good friends for some time. The tradition became for me to watch all the OSU games (when the Jonson's didn't go to Columbus) with them. Anyhow, USC has faced OSU 5 times since I was old enough to know anything about football, and they are 5-0 since then. Moreover, they won the first match up 18-17 and denied OSU the 1980 National Championship game with a score of 17-16. (I still believe Charles White did not score on that last drive by USC. It was a beautiful goal-line stand and I think I'm still in denial because of it). USC is leading the series against the Buckeyes 11-9-1. I want OSU to win BAAAAAD tonight!

But here is what's interesting. As much as I'm looking forward to tonight's game, I'm even more excited for tomorrow morning. Why? Well, if the Buckeyes win, I can go to my OSU-saturated church and celebrate with all of the transplanted Buckeyes who live here in Charlotte. I can begin thinking about a third National Championship game in a row, and hope that every SEC team beats up on each other and that the final NC opponent is from any other conference but that one. Of course there are still a few games before then that will be nail-biters, but I will know the chances are still there. My blood pressure will go up every Saturday between now and the day after the Michigan game and have a month of build-up for the big game in January. It will be exciting and stressful.

Which brings me to why I am excited for tomorrow even if they lose. First it won't be against an SEC team, so I won't have to deal with that. As a matter of fact I think a good portion of the SEC would like to see the Bucks win. (They probably think their chances of winning another NC game is greater if OSU is their opponent, so of course they want them to win). More importantly though, if the Buckeyes lose, I can relax. I will still enjoy the Saturday games and suspect the Buckeyes will win most if not all of them, but I won't be wired. I usually don't say this, but every year I get hyped up for the Buckeyes and stress out because of it too. A loss tonight won't be the end of the world. As a matter of fact, it will likely make my football watching more detached but also collectively more enjoyable. Perhaps this is another sign that sports isn't quite as important as I thought it was.

Sports are challenging my faith

2008-09-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

January 2008: At my church we had a "Men's Challenge" event to kick off the year. The challenge speaker was Walt Wiley who is a great guy and a Christian. It was an enjoyable event. Walt used to be the chaplain for the Atlanta Braves, so he shared some stories about some of the guys on the team. It was cool. At first it seemed hard to believe that a team like the Braves would even want a chaplain, but I figured baseball players are relatively decent guys and they get traded so often, there is no doubt that Christians would eventually land in Atlanta whether they wanted to or not. Later that night, I met this guy named Dan. A really nice guy who is married and has two adopted children. He seemed pretty strong in his faith too, but...well, I found out later he went to the University of Michigan! Unbelievable! Christians in Ann Arbor! There must be something wrong. I figured it was a fluke.

July 2008: The junior high youth pastor at my church is a great guy. I haven't met him personally, but I've enjoyed and have been challenged by his preaching on the occasions that I've heard him. Well his Facebook profile is open and I cam across it one day and couldn't help but notice that he's from the state of Michigan and is a big Wolverines fan! Could lightening strike twice?

September 2008: Well, anyone knows that Ohio State fans such as myself don't really have a soft spot for Florida. The Gators trounced the Bucks twice in one school year in National Championship games. It was disgusting. Well, I was on the elliptical at the Y Saturday morning, minding my own business and then the following story was played regarding Florida QB and Heisman winner Tim Tebow:

Could it be that the school you go to or cheer for has nothing to do with your faith!?!? I'm stunned.

Pair o' Dime Props: Glenn Dorsey

2008-09-03T08:21:00.004-04:00

OK, considering OSU is currently unable to beat an SEC team, I have to admit it's hard to give props to former LSU Tiger, Glenn Dorsey. But the latest Dick's Sporting Good's commercial is just funny. This weekend as college football started, I caught this during one of the games. Can Dorsey act? Well, no. But he poked fun at himself in this ad, and for that he's won some points in my book.

First Days and a New Chapter

2008-08-22T08:57:00.005-04:00

Well it has been an eventful week in our home. After having an open house at our kids' school on Monday, my wife has been working non-stop to prepare for a new school year. This was a big one, especially for my youngest who I dropped off at Kindergarten earlier today. Mr. Self-Confident had no problem with it. He eats up the idea of going to school, will eat up the social interaction, and if they aren't careful, will also eat up his teachers. :-) His charm is a bit blinding at times.

Tina and I remark frequently on how different our two boys are. The older son is reserved most of the time whereas the younger would just assume be center stage. The older is the thinker and the younger the doer. Both are blessings and we celebrate their differences. Our older one, being the thinker began 3rd grade on Wednesday. It's a "transition year" with a theme of "responsibility." They gave him a planner and there are rumors of hours of homework. I'm hoping he will teach me how to be organized and responsible some day. :-) We're very thankful for our small school and the enthusiasm and energy the staff has for these kids.

As for Tina and me, well we have a new chapter in front of us. Two "full time students" in the house which will bring us some challenges no doubt. We're grateful for these boys and consider ourselves incredibly blessed to have them in our lives for a season.

Rusty Hardin does it again!

2008-08-15T19:38:00.001-04:00

OK, I've posted it in the past, and here I go posting again. High Profile Attorney, Rusty Hardin has successfully defended the integrity of Victoria Osteen, wife of Joel Osteen who "co-pastor" Lakewood church in Houston. Allegedly, Mrs. Osteen was upset about a stain on the armrest of her first class seat on a flight from Houston to Vail, Colorado. Mr. Hardin who shares my childhood name of Rusty (and my adult surname of Hardin) has now successfully defended Mrs. Osteen as well as Wade Boggs, Warren Moon, Roger Clemons and many others has proven himself a very good attorney. However, due to the clientele he represents, I'm not necessarily disappointed that I shortened my name to Rus and I still receive the benefits that I mentioned in the previous post as well.

I do have something to ask the Osteen's though. If I could have their ear's for a few minutes, I would really like to know what exactly happened that would make a flight attendant think she could press charges? Surely Victoria was angry about something. I'm sure it was righteous anger at that....about that stain on her seat perhaps? I would be angry too if I were paying all that money for first class....as long as it didn't taint my witness.

Jim Borgman: The Blackberry/iPhone epidemic

2008-08-14T09:54:00.009-04:00

Every once in a while Jim Borgman posts an editorial cartoon that I can't help but "repost" on here. This was a recent offering of his. I can't help but smirk every time someone says they want a blackberry. This is what it does to you. Can anyone else relate to this cartoon? Can I get a witness?

Pair o' Dime Props: Jonadab and the Recabites

2008-07-31T11:56:00.000-04:00

Yeah, you heard right and it's not the name of a musical group. This morning, I was reading Jeremiah 35 which is an account of a tribe called the Recabites. During this time, God wasn't very pleased with how the Israelites were behaving and he asked Jeremiah (in verse 2) to

"Go to the Recabite family and invite them to come to one of the side rooms of the house of the LORD and give them wine to drink."

Jeremiah of course did this and when he asked the Recabites to drink the wine, the response he got was

"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine.....' We have obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab son of Recab commanded us..."

See what I mean? What's more is I did a quick study and apparently this tribe was about 200 years old. This is impressive. What hit me the hardest was the influence of a father. I mean, don't drink wine is one thing, but to basically say, that throughout history, I command you to never drink wine. That's huge! If Jonadab were here today, I'd say, "Hey thanks! You've set the bar pretty hard for us dads who are just trying to get our kids to do their homework and obey in school." I'd then follow that up with something along the lines of, "How did you do that?" I think with this alone he has set himself up as one of the best dads in the history of Man. Second, the Recabites had maintained a great respect for their previous generations. No doubt this was reinforced by each set of parents, but again, I'm impressed by the legacy of maintaining a certain behavior.

Oh, and God was impressed too:

"You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered. Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me."

So, for today, props go to Jonadab and his descendants. Well done!

Side Note: This in no way is some sort of endorsement of abstaining from wine. God used the Recabites' faithfulness to their forefather's commands as a way of exhorting the Israelites on how they should be behaving. He essentially said these people are following the commands of a man, and yet you will not follow the commands of Almighty God. It was not to tell the Israelites not to drink wine. Anyone who may think because of this we should abstain from wine should read the whole text where it says the Recabites also did not work the land and refused to build houses. This being said, I do not want to discourage anyone from being teetotaling tent-dwellers either.

Question of the Day: Teaching Double Standards

2008-07-29T12:00:00.001-04:00

Short post today, but perhaps it will get me back in the posting groove.

My sons have discovered burping. Yeah, and here's the problem: When half of you read this, you said, "eww, gross!" while the other half of you either laughed, or said, "heh, cool!" Do you see the problem? Everyone would likely agree that in a public setting, and specifically in the company of ladies, this is intolerable! However, when it's the guys, it's cool. Moreover, the level of coolness is directly proportional to volume and length of the belch in the company of guys and conversly, the volume and length is inderectly proportional to the acceptability in mixed company. This is a bit of a stumbling block for me as a parent and I am appealing to you for help.

During little sibs weekend in college, I put upon myself the task of tackling this double standard with my future wife's brother. He was there for the weekend and at age 8 or thereabouts, he needed to understand the complexity of social relationships and I felt called to explain it. When Tina wasn't around, I would let out a good one and tell him it was cool, but then continued by letting him know that it wasn't cool when his sister was around. "Belching is cool when you're with the guys, but not with girls present." I worked hard. It was a mantra of sorts and by the end of the weekend, I think he was able to repeat it easily.* However, I must admit, I don't know if I have ever heard him produce a thunderous belch in the 18 years I've known him, so I believe I still have more to learn in teaching the subtelties of this double standard. Any help in this area was appreciated.

*Tony and Elaine. Thank you for your tacet forgiveness on this. :-)

Seventeen Years Ago

2008-07-23T11:43:00.003-04:00

Warning: Recycled Post. Originally posted on 7/23/07

Seventeen years ago, I had the privilege of participating in a short term mission project. My girlfriend Tina and I had been actively involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and this was where we had essentially met and built our relationship. Tina and I had been dating for about a year and a half when we felt led to go with Operation Mobilization to Birmingham and Bradford, England. The trip was life-changing in so many ways. Seeing people learn about Jesus and grow in their faith as well as being able to serve alongside other believers from every corner of the globe was an experience I will not soon forget. But I have to say the biggest part of this trip; the part that has changed my life the most, (and for the better), was the evening of July 23rd, 1991. Seventeen years ago today.

After spending the day doing direct/assertive evangelism in Birmingham, the large group of international missionaries were to go back to the Elim church where we were having evening meetings. This usually consisted of dinner, worship and a message. Well, Tina and I were on different teams and hadn't seen each other all day so I had asked my team leader, Ian, for a place I could go in the evening with my girlfriend. So when we got to the church, I told Tina that we were playing "hookie" from the meetings and going out to dinner.

The day was typical of England in mid-July. A light drizzle and temperature in the 50-60 degree range. Not ideal I suppose but there is something about an English rain that makes it a little less of a downer. (I was amazed by how little the weather affects the English. I suppose when it's something you're used to, it doesn't bother you). Well, I took Ian's advice and we headed to a local street where there were a number of restaurants. There was even one touted as "American Cuisine," but we opted to pass on that. We settled on a place appropriately called "Valentino's." It being a Tuesday, the place was empty and quiet. I asked if what we were wearing was acceptable and he told us to come on in. After 10 days or so in Europe, it was really nice to get away by ourselves and not have to think about everything going on around us. We sat by candlelight and I think we talked about the future and probably talked about the mission trip we were on, but it's hard to recall. I can't remember much of the conversation, but being in love, I'm sure it was good. Tina and I shared our dinners: Chicken Marsala and Spaghetti Bolognese. Afterwards, I asked the host if we could take the candle with us for memorabilia. He probably thought we were being silly, but of course he said "yes." A half-burned candle isn't something you keep on a table anyhow but it was a nice reminder for us. When we left, I noticed that the rain had finally stopped. This was an incredible blessing because I was hoping we could find a nice place to sit after dinner before heading back. We walked up the hill we had come down earlier and stopped at a BP "Petrol" station to ask for directions/advice. This being "pre-blackberry," we were at the mercy of a local in order to find some place to go. We asked the lady at the counter if there was a park or something nearby to walk to and she mentioned there was one but wasn't sure if it was walking distance from there. Just then a local cab driver came in and he told us about Grove Park and said it was a little far to walk. He offered to take us as a courtesy! What are the chances that the rain would stop and a cab driver would take us there for no charge? We thanked the man profusely and Tina gave him some Smarties as a "thank you." (Smarties are not American smarties...they're like M&M's).

The park had a nice pond and the sun was just behind the trees from where we sat. Again we continued our conversation and enjoyed the serenity of the evening. Very few people were out, and we felt like we had the place to ourselves. With the rain stopped it had turned into a pleasant evening. I was pleased with how the evening had turned out. In some ways it was how I had hoped it would be when I proposed to my wife. So with my heart in my throat and my knees on the ground, I slipped a ring on Tina's finger and asked her to marry me. I don't know what possessed her to do so, but after a moment of disbelief, she said "yes."

Engagement is often overlooked as far as a milestone. However when you think about this, engagement is a huge commitment! It is my belief that engagement is where the real commitment is and the ceremony follows later. The man is essentially saying, "I'm all in," and for a moment which seems like eternity, waits to hear the response. In my case, Tina said she was "all in" too. Once this is done, it's extremely difficult for a couple to turn back. I have a hard time seeing how a once-spurned proposal could turn into a happy marriage. I'm sure it's done, but I suspect that it's not a point of fond memories and I'm guessing a lot of folks go their separate ways after such an occasion. For me, I was incredibly blessed. Tina is as close to a perfect complement to me as there can be. It is hard, and virtually unthinkable for me to think of life without her. She's an incredible wife and mother of our two boys.

Like many, when you participate in a short term mission project, you experience things that alter your perception of life. You become a more open-minded and loving person and you have experiences that you will never forget. Although this was one of the many memories from the trip, it was also the one that made the most impact on me. Anyone who knows Tina, knows how loving and caring she is and I have the honor and privilege to spend virtually every day of my life with her. What more could I ask for?

Tina,
thanks for saying "yes" 17 years ago and for loving me "no matter what" since then. I love you.

Hardin Family Tour 2008: Dayton, Ohio

2008-07-13T20:37:00.010-04:00

Last Thursday we arrived in Dayton, for the first time in over 10 years. Tina and I met at Wright State University and spent 8 years together in this town. We figured after a decade it was time to travel back to where our relationship began. While traveling I thought it might be good to blog about my observations along the way.

It only took me ten years to miss Dayton! That's less than expected, and it's good to be back.
I underestimated the joy I would feel when seeing the smiles of retiremnt home residents when they saw my boys. The elderly just love seeing life in young children.
About 20 years ago, during college an elderly couple "adopted" a bunch of college students. We were able to surprise Mrs. Ramsey and serve her Tea and sweets. This was the highlight of our Dayton leg.
I had forgotten how nice a good "cuppa" with some sweets were. It was a great time.
That brand new apartment building that we moved into in 1995 didn't look quite as nice. As a matter of fact it looked a lot like the one we moved out of in 1995.
We went by both of our old churches. The one we were married in and the one we went to after that. The second has a slogan/motto of "Love Grows Here."
Speaking of slogans, we also passed a church with the most peculiar slogan Ive ever seen. I don't like when churches brag on themselves, but this didn't suffer from that. It was "The Vineyard: A Pretty Good Church." That didn't necessarily make me want to jump out of bed yesterday and check this one out. :-)
I had a joke with Tina years ago. We would pass Solid Rock Church in Monroe and I would remark how big the portico was out front. It was quite extravagant and we would remark on how it had to cost a fortune and wondered whether it was good stewardship to build it. Since then, they've developed a little more but if you look closely at the picture, you can see the portico behind what many now call "Touchdown Jesus." I'm glad they self-regulate their stewardship and do such a great job of remaining tasteful with their building. (Click on the picture to enlarge). Additional Statue Information is here.

Pair o' Dime Props: Coach ------

2008-07-04T07:30:00.005-04:00

When I had just turned 15, I was playing my last year of organized baseball. My coach for that year was a good man. He had three boys of his own, (one of which broke my nose on a ground ball, but perhaps that is a story for another day). Anyhow, this guy was nice enough to take me to and from practices during the season because circumstances didn't allow for me to get to practice by other means. Today I want to (sort of) acknowledge my coach for one particular lesson he taught me. One Saturday after practice, I helped him get the equipment put away and he pulled out some tools and went back to the field. There was no one on the grounds, but he began working on the fence and the grass around the fence. Cutting the grass, pulling the fence back down and securing it so balls could not roll underneath, etc. Well, you may know how much I love yard work, so I was probably pretty impatient. I was ready to go. I remember asking him why he was doing it. I don't remember his answer exactly, but it was something along the lines of "it needs to be done." Near the end of the conversation, I remember asking him if he was going to let the youth organization know that he was the one who did this. His answer was along the lines of, "No. There isn't any need to let them know. It just needs to be fixed." That may seem like nothing when you read this now, but hearing this as a self-centered 15 year-old (I think that's redundant), I was blown away! Why on earth would anyone work on something out of charity and not want to be recognized!!?! Well years later I understood, and perhaps he did then too. This morning I was reminded of this coach when I read the following:

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
-Matthew 6:1-4

This gentleman is no longer around. As a matter of fact he died a couple of years after he coached me. Perhaps now, better than Pair o' Dime Props, he's received an infinitely better reward.

PoDS Tips for Successful Lawn Care

2008-07-03T13:47:00.002-04:00

Here at Pair o' Dime Shift we wish to provide our readers with 10 times more than our two cent's worth. Well leave it to me to bring you the best in tips for your lawn. (GET IT? "leave" it? HAHAHAH!!).

Let's get one thing straight before we continue. Yard work is one of the most time-consuming (read: time-wasting), annoying, dreadful endeavors one can choose to do. I truly believe that those who enjoy it must be masochists. If you're a masochist by this definition, please do not take offense to the term. I don’t agree with how you spend your time, but I respect you. And if you really enjoy it, I would like to invite you over to my home some sunny Saturday in the near future. I wouldn't want to discourage you enjoying lawn care.

The overall goal of lawn care is simply the following: Minimize the total amount of time, work and money you put into your yard while avoiding the sour looks of all of those on your block.

With this in mind I bring to you the following pointers:

Never mind keeping up with the Jones'. The goal is to be slightly better than the Smith's. Who are the Smith's you ask? Well they are the ones with the worst looking yard on the block. By being slightly better than the Smith's you will avoid the sour looks given by Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
The frequency in which you fertilize should be the same as the frequency of neighborhood social gatherings. The goal here is to be sure to fertilize the morning of said gatherings. That way when the subject of lawn car comes up at the event you can mention that you had just dropped fertilizer that morning. You can even consider rolling your eyes when speaking about the Smith's lawn and claim that the reason you have weeds is because Mr. Smith doesn't fertilize his lawn and the wind blows all of the seeds into you yard.
You should fertilize with the least amount of fertilizer possible. Everybody knows that these chemicals are not good for the environment and you don't want to be labeled as a earth-scorcher like the Jones family down the street do you?
Minimal frequency and amount of fertilizer will ensure that you will have plenty of nice green weeds in your yard. The goal then is to cut them low. If you cut off all of the leaves, blooms, pods, etc. the stem will look remarkably similar to a blade of grass. Be sure to edge your lawn for the same reason. Grass tends to grow straight up. Weeds often grow sideways. By edging your yard, you again give the illusion of grass.
Do NOT water your lawn. We have been in a drought here in Charlotte for over a year and water restrictions are in place. Of course the obsessive masochists in my neighborhood have better lawns than me, but barely. I'd like to compare fertilizer and water bills with them. While they're busy watering and fertilizing to make their yard look decent, I'm spending time with my family and making my yard look fair. It's not worth the payoff. Also, when a drought hits, since you have done minimal fertilizing, the obsessive yard-workers now have brown lawns, and your weeds are green and if trimmed nicely might even make your yard look even better.
When doing yard work, keep the following things in mind. Doing it on a nice cool day, if you have one, is the easiest way to go. However, nice cool days are perfect days to spend doing something fun with your family. You're wasting valuable time by doing it then. You should consider doing it when it's extremely hot and humid. That doesn't seem right, does it? But doing it on an oppressive day is likely to invoke the most pity from your family. After a couple of hours sweating and exhausting every ounce of energy, your significant other is likely going to want you to take it easy for some time. They may bring you drinks, and let you sit down in a cool place for a looooong time. It's counterintuitive I know, but your return will be greater. Trust me. One note of caution though: Wear sunscreen. You could have sweat gallons of water, incurred scrapes and cuts and perhaps even lost blood, but if you have a sunburn and you didn't wear sunscreen, expect no pity. Trust me on this one.

Okay, so there you have it. It's not exhaustive, but these are sound tips that should help you in maximizing your quality of life. Since my neighbors don't read my blog and my wife only does occasionally, I think this post should be safe.

One brief glimpse of power

2008-06-23T21:15:00.004-04:00

This weekend we had quite the storm. I love thunderstorms. There is something neat about watching sheets of rain come down while feeling the house shake from the occasional crack of thunder. It's awesome! My son, Chris, loves all precipitation. He is infatuated with the radar and we are all but convinced he will be a meteorologist. He loves it more than I do.

Saturday and Sunday both had some impressive storm activity, but Saturday was the most intense when it comes to lightening. As the storm rolled in we sat on the front porch and counted between the lightning flashes to see how far the lightening was from us; four seconds, three seconds, four seconds, five seconds...all of them very intense. I marveled at the power of the storm. It was enjoyable to watch the intensity and strength. Then it happened. The almost simultaneous flash and crack! My adrenaline rapidly increased, and I said, "OK buddy, let's watch the rest of this from inside!" This was probably less than a mile from the house. I had been closer to strikes before, but I don't know if I had ever seen such a crisp bright bolt as the one I saw Saturday, and the thunder crack shook the house - and me. Wow!

All this just to say, that as I stood in the window looking out at the intense power of the storm and the jump I had just had, I realized that I very much take for granted the power of God. That at one moment I could be thankful for the opportunity to watch a wonderful storm. To marvel at the power God has in nature and then in the next moment be completely awestruck to the point of fear. This is just a fraction of what the Almighty can do! I think I understand better what it means to praise and fear God at the same time from that one storm this weekend.

Technology isn't all it's cracked up to be

2008-06-21T12:24:00.005-04:00

What with email, texting, wireless technology, text editors and DVRs, you'd think we were set, right? Well, I'm a little disappointed. Lately, I've been listening to my radio and when I miss something there isn't an option to rewind and listen to it again. Sheesh! Why is this the case. I have it on my VCR, DVD, DVR, CD and even old Cassette players. This is ridiculous!

Oh, and another thing. Why is it when I write in my journal in the morning and make a typo, there is no red line under the misspelled word? Intolerable!!!

There is no excuse for these things not being available. I'm entitled to this!

Once these minor advances take place, THEN I might be impressed. I'm looking forward to this. Oh, and when someone cuts me off while I'm driving, I really think I should be able to fire a red shell at them to knock them off the road. Then we'd really be getting somewhere!!!

First Love

2008-06-19T11:13:00.003-04:00

A common feature here on Pair o' Dime Shift, is the "second hand" sermon point* from my weekend church service. This past week my pastor preached on Revelation 2:1-7 where Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus. He had some good things to say about this church, however, what he was most concerned about was that they had lost their "First Love." In this case, it appears that the Ephesian Christians were good at discernment and intolerance for evil, but had lost sight of their First Love, which is Jesus.

Essentially, we can get so caught up in "doing" that we forget the "why" behind the actions. It's quite the challenge really. It's so easy to say, "Hey, today I'm going to go work at a homeless shelter or sing carols at a retirement home because that's what I'm suppose to do." You don't have to be a Christian to do that. Our "First Love" wants us to desire Him and as a byproduct serve others. It can be easy to go through the motions of our earthly relationships. The kiss hello, the time spent together, etc. can become routine and essentially meaningless. Jesus challenged, well, essentially threatened to take away the Ephesian Church's "lamp stand" if they did not return to their First Love.

My pastor went on to ask the question of what a "first love" looks like. Perhaps we should look at what we would do for someone we are in love with. This is what Jesus wants. It's not the busyness of serving or ministry. It's the passion and desire to know him better. We do this through actions, but not in actions alone. When we're in love we would drop everything for that person. We would forsake many responsibilities for their sake. We would take risks to the point of death. We would be completely content just to be present with them. This is where the challenge lies. It's easy to see where the application is, but so extremely difficult to put it into action.

*You usually only get one point from me. It's typically all I hold on to on a Sunday morning. It's not my pastor's shortcoming...it's mine. So analogous to gossip, you only get part of the truth. I'm doing what I can but the sermons can be heard online as well.

Pair o' Dime Props: Fathers

2008-06-15T05:56:00.004-04:00

It's been a few days since I've posted, but I can't let this day go without acknowledging dad's. Father's who engage in the lives of both their children and the mothers of their children provide a stable environment for all. To me, there is something special about a male role model. I was not fortunate enough to grow up with my dad, and although there are things about him that were good, this post is to give thanks to men in my past who have mentored me in some way. Some of them aren't even old enough to be my dad, but they modeled behaviors and/or shared their heart in a way that impacted who I've become. (The positive bits of who I've become :-) ). So today, I raise a glass to the following people:

Tom Spittal
Ralph Small
Dave Bratton
Loren Freshwater
John Theis
Don Mechlem
Tony Bonacci
George Jonson
David Ziels
LeMont Jacobs

These men have shown me how they raise their children, treated me like their son, or shared with me godly wisdom that has helped mold my spiritual life. All of which I count as treasures and today, I am thankful that I have known them.

Hallway Etiquette

2008-06-11T15:26:00.005-04:00

Recently I moved across campus to a building near some different "clients" of mine. These are people I support or associate with who now see me when I step out of my office. Now I don't know if this is just me, but I'm beginning to get annoyed with what appears to be a lack of Hallway etiquette. Let me explain. I don't have a large number of subordinates in a closed space where my job is such that I manage by walking around. Therefore, if I am walking in the halls, it's for a purpose other than to casually ask clients how things are going. I'm on a mission of some sort. So allow me to enlighten and express myself at the same time:

If I am coming in to my office with a bag of hot fast food around lunch time, it is not an invitation to say hello, walk in with me and proceed to talk to me for 30 minutes. My office is cold and the food is initially warm. I would like for it to stay that way all the way down my throat!
If I am leaving my office and passing your office towards the men's room, please do me a favor and at the very least, wait until I'm coming back out of the men's room! I still don't care for being stopped and asked work-related questions, but have a little compassion.
If I walk by the window of your office while you are waiting to ambush me, well...just don't.

The rule of thumb is to either call or come knock on my door. At least meet me on my own turf. Otherwise I may be afraid to even leave my office, and I don't think the university will pay for my own personal restroom and Chick-Fil-A restaurant.

There, I'm done. Thank you for "listening."

Our first Dinner Debate

2008-06-10T20:19:00.002-04:00

With an 8 and 5 year old at the table, I think today we had our first family debate today. A friendly debate it was although my 8 year old and his mom found themselves on different sides of it. No insults were thrown but there has been no real resolution or even compromise. The debate rages on. The question: Is Clifford an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? I think I know the answer, but I don't want to take sides.

Pair o' Dime Props: Ken Griffey Jr.

2008-06-10T09:08:00.006-04:00

It's time to give credit to one of the best baseball players of our time. Yesterday, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th Home Run in a game against Florida Marlins. Griffey, is now the fourth, along with Willie Mays, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, NATURAL baseball player to reach this milestone. The guy loves his wife and kids and is nothing but class.

Congratulations Ken!

Watch the video while listening to Hall of Fame announcer, Marty Brennaman, make the call.

Read more about Ken Griffey's accomplishment.

Ivy League Whiners

2008-06-06T22:35:00.002-04:00

I can't help but share this. This was on Morning Edition (NPR) this morning. I'm less than encouraged that some of these future leaders of the free world were disappointed that J. K. Rowling was their commencement speaker. I'm not a Potter fan, but goodness...

Your choice, you can read it, or click on the listen link on the article page. I'd opt for the second if possible.

Pair o' Dime Shift

Snow Day Activities (Test)

Test Publish of Pictures

Personent Hodie

How Great Our Joy

Christmas: Now and Then

Away in a Manger (in 4)

For Unto Us a Child is Born

Unto Us is Born a Son

Once in David's Royal City

Celebrate the Child

In the First Light

Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming

Gesu Bambino

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Sussex Carol (On Christmas Night)

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

Of the Father's Love Begotten

Downe in Yon Forrest

The Holly and the Ivy

Christmas in the Trenches

Il est né, le divin Enfant (He Is Born)

Sans Day Carol

Sunday School: When Jesus Died

Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light

Wexford Carol

Still, Still, Still

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

Christmas Music

Spiritual Disciplines

NPR story on Latinos and Christianity

Which church do you go to?

Question for Worship Pastors

A new way to choose a team in the NFL

Craig's List

Ironies in Facebook

Objectivism/Ayn Rand

"Making Out"

10 Year Old Son: "Dad, what is 'making out?'"Dad: "Uh,...it's when you kiss your wife multiple times."Son: "Yeah, or someone you're in love with, right?"Dad: "Uh...let's just leave it at 'wife.'"

See if you can swim...

Dare I dust this thing off?

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

More and Less

Eating healthy and guilt free during the holiday season

Fearless by Max Lucado

How would Jesus Vote?

Celebrating "Yes" 19 years later

Perfect Game - not

Good Friday: Despised

The Missional Church

Praying for Prayer

Christmas Eve Service thoughts

A two minute challenge I can't get out of my head

5th graders win! Theeeee 5th graders win!!!

Effective Meetings

The Scar

Oswald Chambers Quote on Prayer

Church Economics

Encountering God

Laying it Down, Bono Style

Retirement: Addendum

Retirement? Bah!

Renovations: Our new Screened in Porch

Christian Fanatics

Father's Day Thoughts

Pair o' Dime Props: Those with Imperfect Attendance

Contagiousness

Mountains and Valleys

Despised

Pair o' Dime Props: Jackie Andrade

Speaking of Hypocrisy

There! It was finally said

Narnia: I Love This Dialogue!

Dual Relationships

Resolutions...not

It's not that easy being green

Pair o' Dime Props: Joyce Theis

Choosing a Consulting Firm

NCAA Football is in upheaval

10 Year Old Son: "Dad, what is 'making out?'"
Dad: "Uh,...it's when you kiss your wife multiple times."
Son: "Yeah, or someone you're in love with, right?"
Dad: "Uh...let's just leave it at 'wife.'"